bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Will My Start-up Survive? The Effect of Entrepreneurs’ Manipulative Narcissism and Cultural Factors on Start-ups’ Survival
Authors: Leonelli Simona , Jalal Raja Nabeel-Ud-Din
Published: March 2024

Start-ups in countries increase people’s well-being and help solve social and environmental issues. However, these firms need to grow and survive to produce these advantages. Entrepreneurs sometimes underestimate the difficulty of creating and running start-ups, even if their personality traits can help or harm them in managing start-ups. This article aims to explore the impact of entrepreneurs’ manipulative narcissism on start-ups’ survival and whether the impact of some cultural factors (i.e., uncertainty avoidance and indulgence) can moderate the relationship between entrepreneurs’ manipulative narcissism and the survival of start-ups. The article analyses 343 start-up entrepreneurs located in Italy, France, China, the United States and Denmark using a stepwise ordinary least squares method. Results show that entrepreneurs’ manipulative narcissism negatively affects start-ups’ survival and that uncertainty avoidance acts as a moderator in the above relationship. The article makes important theoretical contributions to the literature on entrepreneurship and cultural dimensions, highlighting even practical contributions for entrepreneurs and policymakers.
Clinical Profile of Acute Methotrexate Toxicity in Rheumatic Diseases: A Series of 15 Cases
Authors: Mruthyunjaya Prakashini , Maikap Debashis , Bhuyan Biswajit , Ahmed Sakir , Misra Ramnath , Tripathy Ratikanta , Padhan Prasanta
Published: March 2024

Background:

Methotrexate (MTX) at a dose of ≤25 mg/week is one of the most prescribed disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in a variety of rheumatic diseases. It can potentially cause life-threatening neutropenic sepsis, and acute renal and hepatotoxicity when taken inadvertently at high doses. We aim to analyse the clinical profile and risk factors of patients who presented with acute MTX toxicity.

Methods:

All patients presenting to the Rheumatology department with a history of inadvertent consumption of higher doses of MTX (>25 mg/week), from July 2021 to May 2023 were included. Additional data was extracted from hospital electronic medical health records. The clinical profile, risk factors, and outcome of patients with MTX toxicity were analysed.

Results:

The median age of the patients in our cohort was 52 IQR (40–62.5) years, with 80% females. The median cumulative dose of MTX was 120 mg (IQR 95–150). The reason for overdose in our cohort was medication error in comprehending once-weekly dosing. The most common major adverse event was neutropenia (80%). All our patients had stomatitis, with half of them having oral bleeding. Gastrointestinal adverse events like vomiting and diarrhoea were seen in 60% and 13% of the patients, respectively. Our cohort had two patients who succumbed to the complications due to neutropenic sepsis. The dose of MTX did not correlate with the severity of the disease or duration of hospital stay; however, the latter was significantly influenced by lower absolute neutrophil count (ANC).

Conclusion:

Acute MTX toxicity is one of the severe rheumatological emergencies and the toxicity profile includes haematological, gastrointestinal, hepatic, and renal adverse events. Severe neutropenia leading to sepsis can be fatal if not intervened early.
Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Persistent Low-grade In-flammation May be an Impediment Needing Attention
Authors: Malaviya Anand N. , Bondge Babita , Prasad Shiv
Published: March 2024

Objective:

To determine the status of ‘residual inflammatory risk’ (RIR) and ‘residual cholesterol risk’ (RCR) in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in remission with the aim of estimating their atheroscle-rotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk.

Methods:

The study included patients with RA in remission during their last two clinic visits on treatment with disease- mod-ifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Using the QRISK-3 calculator, participants were stratified into four risk categories for ASCVD: ‘Very high’, ‘High’, ‘Moderate’, and ‘Low’. Patients were prescribed lipid-lowering drugs targeting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels to <50 mg/dl, <70 mg/dl, <100 mg/dl or <130 mg/dl, respectively. Those with a history of ASCVD before or during the follow-up period was excluded from the study. Multimorbidity were also recorded in all the patients.

Results:

The study included 130 patients with RA in remission. The results showed that despite being in remission and taking treatment for lipid control, 81 (62%) and 91 (70%) patients still had ‘RIR’ and ‘RCR’, respectively. Hypertension, hypothyroidism, type-2 diabetes mellitus and obesity were the common multimorbidity.

Conclusions:

Persistent RIR in 62% of patients despite being in remission, could possibly be due to the current ‘liberal’ definition of RA permitting hs-CRP level up to <10 mg/l, which is five-fold higher than the recommended <2 mg/l for ASCVD prevention. Hence it may be necessary to revise the definition of ‘remission’ in RA factoring in the suggested lower level of hs-CRP. Additionally, rheumatologists might need to be more vigilant in lipid management with appropriate patient education regarding RCR.
Translation and Validation of Tamil Version of Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) in Individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Dhanish J , Kanthanathan Subbiah , Rajeswari S. , Aseer P. Antony Leo
Published: March 2024

Background:

Fatigue has a significant negative impact on individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) is the most widely used tool to assess fatigue severity which is a common problem in RA. Availability of FSS in local vernacular language could add more value and the study aims to construct the Tamil version of the FSS and validate it among patients with RA.

Methodology:

The study was conducted in 2 phases. In phase I, the English version of FSS was translated into Tamil by following the Linguistic Guidelines by mapi eprovide. In Phase II – Validation of Tamil version of FSS was carried out in 50 patients of RA by establishing; Test-retest reliability, Internal consistency, Content validity; and Convergent validity in comparison with HAQ-DI and SF-12

Results:

The initial testing between Tamil FSS with English version revealed an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (0.821) and α(0.902). The content validity was established by Cohen’ kappa agreement k which is >80% with a significance <0.004, which shows Good substantial agreement between raters. FSS showed strong positive correlation with HAQ-DI (>0.0005) and negative correlation with SF-12 (>0.0005). The scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency ( α = 0.972) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.93).

Conclusions:

The validated Tamil version demonstrated excellent content validity as well as good internal consistency and test-retest reliability, would be a useful instrument for clinical practice and research. It can be recommended for the assessment of Fatigue severity among Tamil-speaking population with RA.
Time to Diagnosis and Treatment Initiation During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Rural Patients With Cancer
Authors: Okado Izumi , Liu Michelle , Elhajj Carry , Hernandez Brenda Y. , Wilkens Lynne , Holcombe Randall F.
Published: March 2024

Time to diagnosis (TTD) and treatment initiation (TTI) are important measures of access to and quality of cancer care. This study addressed the knowledge gap on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TTD and TTI for rural cancer patients. Sixty-three cancer patients residing in rural areas of the state of Hawaii were surveyed in 2020 to 2021. Overall, 67.5% of participants reported TTD within one month of reporting symptoms to a health care provider. Mean TTI for the overall sample was 55.3 days, and among breast cancer patients, 57.9 days. Compared with pre-pandemic state registry data, mean TTI for the overall sample and breast cancer patients were significantly longer than the state registry null value of 40 days ( P = .02 and P =.05, respectively). During the COVID-19 pandemic, cancer patients in rural Hawaii experienced substantial delays in TTI compared with pre-pandemic years.
A Survey of Jewish Attitudes and Experiences Relating to End-of-Life Care and the “Right to Die”
Authors: Moreman Christopher M. , Chatterjee Ayona
Published: March 2024

We conducted a survey of Jewish attitudes towards, and experiences with, end-of-life care. Questions fell into three areas: (1) Expectations for Jewish end-of-life care; (2) Experiences with such care; and (3) Attitudes toward the “right to die.” Examining denominational differences in belief in, and adherence to, Halakha (Jewish law), we confirm many expectations described in the literature. We find notable nuances in specific areas of need across Jewish denomination, and in terms of acceptance of the withdrawal of life support vs assisted suicide. Care for the nuances of Jewish belief is indicated for effective and satisfying Jewish end-of-life care.
Calibration of multiple shunted piezoelectric transducers with correction for residual modes and shunt interactions
Authors: Richardt Jens D , Lossouarn Boris , Høgsberg Jan , Deü Jean-François
Published: March 2024

Piezoelectric shunt damping can be used for efficient vibration mitigation of a single or multiple vibration modes of a structure. Several analytical tuning expressions have been derived for numerous circuit topologies for a single shunt. However, when multiple shunted piezoelectric transducers are attached to a flexible structure, their individual interactions alongside the spill-over from residual modes affect the calibration accuracy. In this paper, explicit correction terms that represent these effects are presented for multiple shunted piezoelectric transducers targeting a single vibration mode. The correction terms are obtained from the evaluation of effective electromechanical coupling factors, while proper balancing between shunts follows from an assumed proportionality between shunt forces. The proposed correction method is applicable to general shunt architectures, for which tuning is available when targeting a single-degree-of-freedom structure. Its ability to regain nearby optimal damping properties is illustrated numerically for the classic series RL shunt.
Engaging Paradoxical Tensions in Cross-Sectoral Collaborative Business Model Development for Sustainability: A Case Study in the Urban Energy Transition
Authors: Tschiedel Christian , Feiter Tim , Kock Alexander
Published: March 2024

This article presents an in-depth case study on cross-sectoral collaborative business model development (CBMD) that is pressured to produce systemic sustainability transformations. Drawing on paradox theory, we identify three paradoxical tensions—value, creativity, and consumer tensions. While engaging these tensions offers synergy and creativity potential, engagement barriers limit stakeholders’ ability to harness this potential. Stakeholder networks can access synergy potential by engaging meso-level tensions through increased trust and collaboration. Yet, macro-level engagement barriers posed by governments and society lead to a reliance on incumbent patterns and reduce creativity. This research advocates for reconsidering CBMD processes and regulatory frameworks to enable engagement with these paradoxical tensions. Our implications offer insights for industries transitioning from centralized models to more individualized, decentralized approaches. The findings underscore the necessity of promoting reciprocal interactions and engagement across different levels and the early integration and strategic orchestration of stakeholders to cultivate trust and align objectives.
Historical figures on Instagram: A typology of themes and modes of representation
Authors: Schreiber Maria , Schwarzenegger Christian , Lohmeier Christine
Published: March 2024

Following the notion that a greater variety of actors can engage in practices of memory work, the aim of our study is to understand how the polyphony of memory evolves in social media networks. We thus conducted an explorative study of accounts for historical figures on Instagram. The accounts were analysed regarding their thematic accentuations, the kind of material employed and presented, the level of professionalism and the social media authenticity they exuded. The result of the study is a typology of accounts for historical personalities on Instagram. We can distinguish between the following six types: virtual exhibition, social media autobiography, artist’s portfolio, inspirational quotes, iconic figure and meme.
The social reality of working overseas in the ‘Chinese Internationalised School’: Exploring cliques as a precarity and insecurity coping strategy
Authors: Bunnell Tristan , Poole Adam
Published: March 2024

The number of international schools hit the 6,000-mark in 2012, and the 13,000-mark in 2022. In spite of continuous growth and diversity of provision, paradoxically some literature continues to paint a largely negative sociological imagination, associating the arena with micro-politics, high turnover, and increasing precarity. At the same time, the social reality of working in the arena remains under-reported and under-theorised. The largest number of international schools are now in China, where two-thirds are of the ‘non-traditional’ type. Our paper focuses on the experiences of two expatriate teachers in that relatively new field. In order to address the questions of ‘how do teachers cope?’, and ‘what strategies do they adopt?’, our paper delves into the under-reported social reality of ‘cliques’. By adopting a ‘positive sociology’ lens of inquiry, we begin to address the role that cliques-formation might have in dealing with precarity and insecurity, especially that of ‘friendship precarity’ caused by constant transitions and short-term contracts. It can be seen that cliques offer a natural, quick, and practical solution to addressing precarity, helping over time to create resilience, and should not be viewed solely within a negative sociological imagination.
The acceptability, practicality, implementation and efficacy of a physical and social activity intervention ‘BreatheHappy’ for people with long-term respiratory conditions: A feasibility study
Authors: Lewis A , Turner LA , Fryer S , Smith R , Dillarstone H , Patrick YW , Bevan-Smith E
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the feasibility of a group-based pilot programme of low-to-moderate physical activity training, education and social activities, by investigating acceptability, practicality, implementation and efficacy testing. We offer suggestions on programme adaptions for future study.

Methods

People with a range of chronic respiratory diseases were invited to participate in a pilot 12 week group activity programme. Activities included outdoor walking, tai-chi, education and a range of social activities. Acceptability was determined by participant experiences determined during interviews. Practicality was determined by programme and outcome measure completion, cost and adverse events. Implementation was determined according to whether the programme ran as planned. Efficacy was determined by statistical analyses of outcomes including hand grip strength, timed up and go test, COPD Helplessness Index, COPD Assessment Test, and measures of physical activity via accelerometry.

Results

Thematic analysis indicated that the “BreatheHappy” programme was acceptable. Seven of nine participants completed eight out of 10 sessions and the majority completed all outcome measures. “BreatheHappy” was therefore considered practical. The programme was not implemented as planned, with only 10 sessions running rather than the 12 intended. There was a significant increase in daily step counts (MD: 1284 95% CI: 240-2329 p: 0.024 effect size: 0.988), stepping time (MD: 16 min 95% CI: 5-27 min p: 0.011 effect size: 1.36) and daily minutes completing light physical activity (MD: 23 95% CI: 6-38 p: 0.006 effect size: 1.6). However, time spent sitting for ≥30 min but ≤60 min significantly increased (MD: 26 95% CI: 0.2-52 min p: 0.049 effect size: 0.931), showing signs of efficacy and changing physical activity behaviour patterns.

Discussion

A 10-week programme of low-moderate physical activity training, education and social activities shows signs of feasibility for future research. Suggested adaptions for future study include using physical activity measures such as daily step count or light physical activity for a primary outcome, and mental health and social health related outcome measures relatable to participant's beneficial experiences of the programme. Recruitment in future studies will try and reach both those less socially active and possibly those who have completed pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Venues should be close to efficient transport links whilst different frequencies and durations of programme delivery should be trialled. Adequate funding should be provided for both staff running the programme and blinded research staff for outcome measurement.
Expanding the Public Health Pipeline Through the Public Health Influencers Summer Institute
Authors: Fifolt Matthew , Chambliss Jessica , Nabavi Meena , Holt Paulisha , McCormick Lisa C.
Published: March 2024

The need for a robust public health system in the United States is critical for safeguarding population health. However, current data suggest an insufficient number of individuals entering or staying in the governmental public health workforce. Expanding the public health pipeline requires creative thinking about recruitment and training activities. To attract students to public health and other health-related fields, including medicine, one institution in the Southeast recently initiated the Public Health Influencers Summer Institute (PHISI), a program that addresses the beginning of the career development continuum: recruitment of high school students. For this investigation, we reviewed evaluation data of the PHISI and provided descriptive analyses and selected quotes to reflect student learning. Participants reported increased familiarity with all public health topics after participating in the program, with the greatest increases in public health policy and social determinants of health. In addition, all participants reported increased or significantly increased understanding of public health after participating in the program. While interest in the field of public health increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are not enough individuals entering or staying in the public health workforce, leaving a critical shortfall. Introducing high school students to the field of public health may increase their interest in entering the public health workforce in the future, thereby strengthening the overall public health infrastructure. We propose that the PHISI may be an innovative strategy for increasing both the number and diversity of students interested in pursuing a career in public health.
Failures in Driving Automation Systems: Definitions, Taxonomy, and Prevention Mechanisms
Authors: Roberts Shannon C.
Published: March 2024

Skraaning and Jamieson’s (2023) article defines, provides examples, and offers a taxonomy for automation failures. They also invite others to apply their concepts to other domains. Driving automation systems along with their myriad of failures provide the perfect test case. This article defines, characterizes, and discusses prevention mechanisms for driving automation system failures. By combining Skraaning and Jamieson’s (2023) original taxonomy with characterizations and prevention mechanisms of driving automation system failures, their work is extended and substantiated.
Strengthening Neuroplasticity in Substance Use Recovery Through Lifestyle Intervention
Authors: Sugden Steven G , Merlo Gia , Manger Sam
Published: March 2024

The incidence of substance use and behavioral addictions continues to increase throughout the world. The Global Burden of Disease Study shows a growing impact in disability-adjusted life years due to substance use. Substance use impacts families, communities, health care, and legal systems; yet, the vast majority of individuals with substance use disorders do not seek treatment. Within the United States, new legislation has attempted to increase the availability of buprenorphine, but the impact of substance use continues. Although medications and group support therapy have been the mainstay of treatment for substance use, lifestyle medicine offers a valuable adjunct therapy that may help strengthen substance use recovery through healthy neuroplastic changes.
Outcomes of standard EVAR for juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm in patients unsuitable for fenestrated EVAR and open repair
Authors: Wang Mingshan , Liu Zhen , Cai Huoying , Wang Jinsong , Zhou Yu , Hu Zuojun
Published: March 2024

Objective

To evaluate the long-term outcomes of standard endovascular aneurysm repair (S-EVAR) of juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (JAAAs).

Methods

Data of patients with JAAAs who were unsuitable for fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (F-EVAR) and open repair (OR) and underwent treatment from January 2015 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Computed tomography angiography and ultrasonography of the aorta were performed before discharge, at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, and annually thereafter. The main outcome measures were mortality, type Ia endoleaks, and reintervention.

Results

A total of 62 patients (mean age, 72.1 ± 7.3 years) underwent S-EVAR. The mean aneurysm length and diameter and the proximal neck length and diameter were 110.4 ± 30.9 mm, 57.2 ± 15.9 mm, 8.09 ± 0.97 mm, and 26.05 ± 0.49 mm, respectively. The mean suprarenal and infrarenal aortic angles were 162.9 ± 26° and 144.1 ± 31°, respectively. The mean follow-up duration was 40.6 ± 23.4 months and the 5-year survival rate was 62.2%. Six (9.8%) patients experienced type Ia endoleaks, of whom three underwent endovascular repair at 12, 18, and 24 months, one underwent conversion to OR for AAA rupture at 7 days and died, two had minor endoleaks and were kept under observation, and one declined reintervention at 36 months. The 5-year freedom from reintervention rate was 84.4%. The aneurysm diameter shrank in 50 cases (81%), remained stable in 5 cases (8%), and increased in 7 cases (11.3%). A suprarenal aortic angle <114° was associated with type Ia endoleak ( p = .005).

Conclusions

In patients unsuitable for F-EVAR and OR and with a suprarenal aortic angle >114°, the use of S-EVAR for JAAAs can be considered safe and effective. In this study, early and long-term postoperative outcomes demonstrated that S-EVAR achieved satisfactory results in the prevention of aneurysm rupture and associated mortality.
Maternal mortality and COVID-19: A nationwide ecological analysis from Ecuador
Authors: Ortiz-Prado Esteban , Izquierdo-Condoy Juan S , Fernández-Naranjo Raúl , Vásconez-González Jorge , Izquierdo-Condoy Nathaly , Checa-Jaramillo Diana , Yanchapaxi-Silva Pablo , Asmal-Iturralde Tatiana , Dávila Rosero María Gabriela , Carrington Sarah J , Sanchez-SanMiguel Hugo
Published: March 2024

Background:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, distinct population subsets, including pregnant women, have been differentially affected. While over 90% of COVID-19-infected pregnant women experience a benign course, a subset demonstrates marked clinical exacerbation. Symptomatic pregnant individuals, in particular, present a heightened risk of severe disease in comparison to their non-pregnant counterparts.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to systematically evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in pregnant women, assess related maternal mortalities, ascertain the case fatality rate, and delineate associated risk factors.

Design:

This is a comprehensive population-based ecological study.

Methodology:

A population-based study was conducted to investigate the epidemiological patterns of COVID-19-associated morbidity and mortality in pregnant women in Ecuador from 27 February 2020 to 14 May 2021.

Results:

A total of 3274 positive COVID-19 cases were identified among pregnant women, with 22 official fatalities, yielding a case fatality rate of 0.67%. The majority of cases were of Mestizo ethnicity (92.66%); however, the highest case fatality rate was noted among indigenous pregnant women (case fatality rate = 1.25%), those aged between 40 and 44 years (case fatality rate = 2.68%), and those with a history of comorbidities (2.08%). Pregnant women residing at lower altitudes (<2500 m) exhibited a higher incidence rate (0.20/100,000) compared to those at higher altitudes (>2500 m), which stood at 0.17/100,000.

Conclusion:

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted pregnant women in Ecuador during the first 14 months, particularly those with comorbidities, older age, and of indigenous ethnicity. These factors have heightened their vulnerability and susceptibility to severe COVID-19 infection and subsequent mortality. This underscores the urgency for comprehensive protective measures, including prioritization for vaccination. Further studies are needed to inform tailored prevention strategies and therapeutic interventions for these high-risk groups.
“For men, by men”: Menstrual victimization and the weaponization of period products in carceral settings
Authors: Tapp Kathryn , Henson Abigail
Published: March 2024

Background:

The literature on menstruation defines period poverty as the inability to access sufficient period products, education, and sanitary facilities needed to manage menstruation healthily and effectively. While research has identified shortcomings of healthcare in the carceral setting, period poverty behind bars has remained largely absent from criminal legal discourse.

Objectives:

The current study examines the interplay of period poverty and carceral control to introduce the novel concept of menstrual victimization, defined as the physical, emotional, and financial victimization that results from period poverty perpetuated through carceral control.

Methods:

The study uses qualitative content analysis to systematically gather and code journalistic accounts pertaining to the menstrual experiences of incarcerated and previously incarcerated females, criminal justice practitioners, and journalists. The analysis uses literary pieces ( n = 99), which were coded deductively and guided by concepts related to structural violence and radical feminist criminology.

Results:

The findings shed light on the unique structural harms incarcerated menstruators face and reveal the dearth of needed empirical research on period poverty in carceral spaces. The narratives in the sample revealed how manufactured scarcity of period products within carceral spaces is used as a means of oppression by institutional agents. The emergent themes highlight how the intersection of period poverty and carceral control led to menstrual victimization characterized through shame, humiliation, control, and coercion.

Conclusion:

Potential outcomes associated with understanding menstrual victimization in the carceral setting are discussed, including reducing menstrual stigma, disseminating health education, minimizing health disparities, and ultimately, shifting modes of holding accountability away from oppressive, retributive, and controlling tactics.
From vulnerable subjects to research partners: a critical policy analysis of biomedical research ethics guidelines and regulations
Authors: Murano Maria Cristina
Published: March 2024

Over the last three quarters of a century, international guidelines and regulations have undergone significant changes in how children are problematised as participants in biomedical research. While early guidelines enacted children as vulnerable subjects with diminished autonomy and in need of special protection, beginning in the early 2000s, international regulatory frameworks defined the paediatric population as vulnerable due to unaddressed public health needs. More recently, ethical recommendations have promoted the active engagement of minors as research partners. In this paper, I adopt a post-structuralist approach to policy analysis to examine deep-seated assumptions and presuppositions underlying the changes in the problematisation of children as biomedical research participants over time. While biomedical research ethics focuses on the autonomy and vulnerability of minors, ethical guidelines are situated in specific sociocultural contexts, shaped, among other things, by contingent public health needs and changing conceptions of the value of research and science for society. In the process, I demonstrate the challenge of moving away from an approach that in taking adults as the model overshadows the complexity of children’s lived experiences as well as their personal, cultural, and social lives. The lack of acknowledgement of this complexity makes children vulnerable to epistemic injustice, which is particularly crucial to address in public involvement initiatives.
Representation of the fall of Kabul in Pakistani and Afghan media
Authors: Marwan Amir Hamza , Naz Madeeha
Published: March 2024

The fall of Kabul signified the termination of the democratically elected government in Afghanistan and reinstated the Taliban as the prevailing authority in the country. The ascension of the Taliban in Afghanistan holds significant importance considering the profound suffering experienced by both Afghanistan and Pakistan. This study looks at how well-known Pakistani and Afghan television channels, specifically Geo News, PTV News and TOLO News, covered the fall of Kabul in 2021 for eight days. The study utilizes content analysis as a research methodology. The authors’ primary aim was to determine if the selected television channels offered their viewers coverage of the event from a counterterrorism perspective, besides knowing if they covered it through the lens of high-ranking officials or from the perspective of local residents. The results indicate that the three chosen television channels did not prioritize the counterterrorism perspective in their coverage. Additionally, it is noteworthy that Pakistani TV channels covered the event from the standpoint of elite officials. Conversely, TOLO News, an Afghan media outlet, provided coverage from the vantage point of local individuals. The extensive coverage of such events carries significant implications for a nation such as Pakistan, where a substantial number of individuals lost their lives and the country incurred substantial economic losses amounting to billions of dollars in its efforts to combat terrorism. Furthermore, attaining public support is consistently pursued as a crucial component of a productive counterterrorism strategy aimed at eradicating militancy, extremism and acts of violence. This research study is informed by the theory of ‘priming’.
Global justice must be seen to be done—A defense of integrated pluralism
Authors: Culp Julian
Published: March 2024

Over the past two decades the academic literature on global distributive justice has generated a proliferation of positions regarding the question of how to conceive a globally just distribution of goods. One important development within this global justice debate is the emergence and increasing influence of several Pluralist theorists of global justice—including, perhaps most prominently, Fraser, R. Miller, and Risse. This article argues that Pluralists have not yet sufficiently engaged with the difficulty of how their conceptions of global justice could satisfy the publicity condition. This condition requires that the demands of justice must be publicly known to be recognized and fulfilled. This article explains why meeting this condition is especially difficult for the Pluralists. Then, it outlines an Integrated Pluralist position which, by placing special emphasis on global background justice, can meet the publicity condition. This position “integrates” concerns of justice emerging from a plurality of sites of justice. Thereby it follows “Integrationist” approaches to global justice—like those of Caney and Walton—which claim that the contents of justice of a given site of justice must not be determined in isolation from contents of other sites of justice.
Perioperative and palliative systemic treatments for biliary tract cancer
Authors: Taghizadeh Hossein , Dong Yawen , Gruenberger Thomas , Prager Gerald W.
Published: March 2024

Due to the fact biliary tract cancer (BTC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, thus, not eligible for resection, and due to the aggressive tumor biology, it is considered as one of the cancer types with the worst prognosis. Advances in diagnosis, surgical techniques, and molecular characterization have led to an improvement of the prognosis of BTC patients, recently. Although neoadjuvant therapy is expected to improve surgical outcomes by reducing tumor size, its routine is not well established. The application of neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced disease may be indicated, the routine use of systemic therapy prior to surgery for cholangiocarcinoma patients with an upfront resectable disease is less well established, but discussed and performed in selected cases. In advanced disease, only combination chemotherapy regimens have been demonstrated to achieve disease control in untreated patients. Molecular profiling of the tumor has demonstrated that many BTC might bear actionable targets, which might be addressed by biological treatments, thus improving the prognosis of the patients. Furthermore, the addition of the immunotherapy to standard chemotherapy might improve the prognosis in a subset of patients. This review seeks to give a comprehensive overview about the role of neoadjuvant as well as palliative systemic treatment approaches and an outlook about novel systemic treatment concept in BTC.
Stepping on Toes? Role Dynamics between Journalists and Lobbyists Regarding Big Tech’s Accountability Agenda
Authors: Schwinges Alexandra , Lock Irina , van der Meer Toni G. L. A. , Vliegenthart Rens
Published: March 2024

The expanding political role of Big Tech(nology) corporations has triggered concerns about the role of the media in holding corporate power to account. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of role dynamics between journalists and lobbyists toward the agenda for Big Tech’s responsibilities. Based on semi-structured interviews with European journalists ( n = 15) and lobbyists representing large technology corporations ( n = 15), we use professional role perceptions as a heuristic for examining the relationship of both actor groups in tandem. Journalists, who report an overlap of audience-focused with passive watchdog role ideals geared toward legislative accountability, interact with lobbyists, who assert a more concrete and active role perception. Journalists cautiously appropriate their normative watchdog role in accordance with the ideals of detachment and balance to maintain their own media legitimacy and access to an oligopolistic information environment. Remaining strategically sovereign over information, lobbyists perceive a strong mandate to establish Big Tech as a relevant stakeholder in the agenda on their regulatory accountability, but in mid of a perceived techlash, the majority of corporations avoid public attention. Both actor groups’ limited and off-the-record interaction reflects a defensive corporate stance, keeping their negotiation of Big Tech’s accountability off-stage. The technological and regulatory complexity of the information environment might render these corporations unfit for soft regulation by news media. We discuss implications for their co-dependence in the context of fast technological advancement and disruption of (corporate) mediatization processes.
Annexin A2 antibodies in post-treatment Lyme disease
Authors: Miller John B. , Rebman Alison W. , de Flores Marcia Daniela Villegas , Wang Hong , Darrah Erika , Aucott John N.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Anti-annexin A2 (AA2) antibodies have been described in Lyme arthritis and erythema migrans, although they have not been described in post-treatment Lyme disease (PTLD).

Objectives:

Determine whether anti-AA2 antibodies are present among patients with PTLD and determine the clinical relevance of these antibodies.

Design and methods:

Anti-AA2 levels were tested serially in a longitudinal cohort of 44 patients with acute Lyme disease, 22 with a return to health (EM RTH), and 22 with PTLD. Anti-AA2 antibodies were also assessed in a cross-sectional group of 281 patients with PTLD.

Results:

Anti-AA2 antibodies were highest after antimicrobial therapy in both the EM RTH and PTLD cohorts. By 6 months, there was no difference between EM RTH and healthy controls. Anti-AA2 antibodies were higher in the cross-sectional PTLD group (79.69 versus 48.22 units, p < 0.0001), though with no difference in total symptom burden.

Conclusion:

Anti-AA2 persists in PTLD, though did not identify a clinical phenotype.
AI and discriminative decisions in recruitment: Challenging the core assumptions
Authors: Seppälä Päivi , Małecka Magdalena
Published: March 2024

In this article, we engage critically with the idea of promoting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in recruitment as tools to eliminate discrimination in decision-making. We show that the arguments for using AI technologies to eliminate discrimination in personnel selection depend on presuming specific meanings of the concepts of rationality, bias, fairness, objectivity and AI, which the AI industry and other proponents of AI-based recruitment accept as self-evident. Our critical analysis of the arguments for relying on AI to decrease discrimination in recruitment is informed by insights gleaned from philosophy and methodology of science, legal and political philosophy, and critical discussions on AI, discrimination and recruitment. We scrutinize the role of the research on cognitive biases and implicit bias in justifying these arguments – a topic overlooked thus far in the debates about practical applications of AI. Furthermore, we argue that the recent use of AI in personnel selection can be understood as the latest trend in the long history of psychometric-based recruitment. This historical continuum has not been fully recognized in current debates either, as they focus mainly on the seemingly novel and disruptive character of AI technologies.
Under Pressure? Longitudinal Relationships between Different Types of Social Media Use, Digital Pressure, and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Stevic Anja
Published: March 2024

Social media became the predominant medium for communicating, sharing updates, and monitoring other users. However, due to increasing use of social media, individuals might feel availability pressure to be online and production pressure to post content, which might result in negative consequences. The present study aims to disentangle the relationships between active social media use (private interactions), active public social media use (broadcasting), and passive social media use (monitoring) in relation to digital pressure and life satisfaction. The results of a two-wave panel survey with N = 415 late adolescents and young adults ( Mage = 19.08, SD = 1.57, 58.31% female) reveal a longitudinal reciprocal relationship between active public use and production pressure. However, availability pressure positively predicts active social media use over time, suggesting increase in private interactions due to perceived peer’s expectations to be reachable over social media. In contrast, production pressure is related to lower active social media use, thus placing focus on active public broadcasting instead. Notwithstanding the reciprocal interplay between social media use and digital pressure, the present study does not demonstrate harmful consequences of digital pressure on life satisfaction.
Integrated Care Model by the Village Health Volunteers to Prevent and Slow down Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease in a Rural Community, Thailand
Authors: Theeranut Ampornpan , Methakanjanasak Nonglak , Lertsinudom Sunee , Surit Pattama , Panyaek Nichanun , Leeladapattarakul Saisamon , Nilpetch Peangtikumporn , Kessomboon Pattapong , Chalermwat Chalongchai , Rintara Watcharapong , Khongtong Wudipong , Paktipat Pawich , Banchonhattakit Pannee , Chunlertrith Darunee , Sharma Amod , Cha’on Ubon , Anutrakulchai Sirirat
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health problem in Thailand and health behaviors are central to its risk and progression. Because of the shortage of healthcare personnel, village health volunteers (VHVs) have been collaborating in the primary health care system. However, the contribution of VHVs to CKD reduction has not been evaluated yet. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the VHV-integrated model in preventing and slowing down CKD and its risk factors.

Methods:

The population-based cohort study was conducted in a rural community of Thailand between 2017 and 2019. Baseline clinical and behavioral characteristics including CKD, diabetes, hypertension, and other high-risk factors of the participants were collected. The integrated care model was initiated by the multidisciplinary care team that facilitated, empowered, and trained VHVs targeting risk factors of CKD, health literacy, and health promotion. Then the participants were educated and trained for lifestyle modification and were monitored continuously for 18 months by VHVs. Changes in the CKD risk factors, and kidney functions before and after the application of integrated care model were compared.

Results:

A total of 831 subjects participated in the study with an average age of 57.5 years, and 69.5% were female. Among them, 222 participants (26.7%) were diagnosed as having CKD, the vast majority (95%) of which were in the early stages (G1-G3 and A1-A2). CKD risk factors such as high salt intake, smoking, alcohol consumption, self-NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) use were significantly decreased after application of the care model. Also, hemoglobin A1c was significantly reduced in diabetic patients, and blood pressure was controlled better than before in the hypertensive patients. Most importantly, a decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate of the CKD group was improved and lower than the non-CKD group.

Conclusion:

The integrated care model through VHV significantly attenuated the risk factors associated with CKD in the general and high-risk population and effectively slowed down the progression of CKD.
Analysis of the Moderating Roles of Human and Physical Capital on the Impact of Foreign Aid on Economic Growth in Nigeria
Authors: Ehigiamusoe Kizito Uyi , Ramakrishnan Suresh , Babalola Sikiru Jimoh , Samsurijan Mohamad Shaharudin , Rahmat Siti Rahyla
Published: March 2024

Though the impact of foreign aid on economic growth has been examined in several studies, the roles of human and physical capital in aid-growth nexus has not been investigated. This is important because the effectiveness of foreign aid could be contingent upon the absorption capacity of the recipient country. We fill this research gap by examining the moderating roles of human and physical capital on aid-growth nexus in Nigeria during 1980 to 2020. Our study deploys the Autoregressive Distributed Lag approach on the interaction models. It shows that the variables are cointegrated. Though aid has a positive impact on growth, human and physical capital have significant moderating roles on the impact of aid on growth. Precisely, the marginal effect of aid on growth varies with the levels of human and physical capital. However, if human and physical capital surpass the threshold levels of 55% and 65%, respectively, an increase in aid cannot accelerate growth. These findings are robust to alternative proxies, structural breaks as well as diagnostic tests. This research implies that, given the requisite levels of human and physical capital, foreign aid can complement domestic capital to enhance growth. Hence, for nations to obtain the long-term benefits of aid, they should create the enabling environment by adequately investing in human and physical capital to attain sustainable economic development.

JEL Classification: O47; F35; E22; J24
Research on Influencing Factors and Mechanisms of Human-Machine Safety Collaboration Behavior in Coal Mines Based on DEMATEL-ISM
Authors: Yang Xue , Xing Qiyu , Yang Juan , Yao Yujia , Tian Kang , Cai Hao
Published: March 2024

To manage the process of human-machine safety collaboration in the context of intelligent construction of coal mines and prevent the occurrence of human-machine interaction accidents. This study explores the variables affecting human-machine safety collaboration in coal mines and analyzes the causal relationships and mechanisms of action among the variables. This study adopts DEMATEL-ISM method to analyze the causal relationship between factors affecting human-machine safety collaboration. In addition, the research further identifies key influencing factors from a series of factors, establishes a hierarchical structure model among factors, and understands the interaction mechanism between factors. We reviewed the existing research and found that the Delphi method is used to construct a system of influencing factors of human-machine safety collaboration in coal mines, including miners, intelligent systems, management, group, and the environment. According to the calculation results of DEMATEL, the key factors affecting human-machine safety collaboration behavior are determined as follows: safety education and training, human-machine interaction experience, ease of use, and safety leadership. The ISM method divides the influencing factors into five levels, and the direct and indirect factors affecting human-computer interaction are determined. This study constructs a system of influencing factors of human-machine safety collaboration in coal mines. It uses the DEMATEL-ISM method to determine the key factors affecting human-machine safety collaboration in coal mines and the interaction mechanism between the factors. The research results can provide a theoretical basis and methods for preventing coal mine safety accidents and improving human-machine safety collaboration in coal mines.
Educating for wisdom, love, and eco-cosmic Ubuntu: Toward an equitable planet
Authors: Lin Jing
Published: March 2024

This article discusses the formidable challenges facing humanity, including wars, conflicts, climate change, species extinction, social divisiveness, and moral breakdown. The article critiques that contemporary education has fallen short in providing effective solutions to address these challenges, often directing learners to seek external answers while neglecting their inner wisdom. Self discovery and fostering a profound connection not only with ourselves but also with one another and Mother Nature would lead to peace and stewardship of the Earth. The article explores how we can harness the transformative power of love and compassion through contemplative practices deeply rooted in world wisdom traditions. These practices enable us to nurture the vital life force that sustains people, nature, and the entire universe. By cultivating our life energy and virtues, we expand our awareness to connect with all beings and existence and expand our capacity to drive social change.
Cosmopolitanism, Politics and Regionalism: Calcutta and India’s Struggle for Independence
Authors: Bhattacharjee Kingshuk
Published: March 2024

This article has been written to offer an account of the history of Calcutta’s urban politics and society. By revolving around the evolution of Calcutta Corporation and BPCC, the article intends to show that Calcutta, once the pioneer of anti-colonialist movements, concentrated so much on its urban politics in later colonial period that it not only caused a division within the national political field, but also betrayed India during its struggle for independence. The regionalism that developed in this period, along with the narrow interests of its leaders, undermined Gandhian ‘countervailing hegemony’, opposed to colonialism.