bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Lifting Straps on the Relationship Between Maximum Repetitions to Failure and Lifting Velocity During the Prone Bench Pull Exercise
Authors: Miras-Moreno Sergio , García-Ramos Amador , Rojas-Ruiz Francisco J. , Pérez-Castilla Alejandro
Published: March 2024

Background:

Fastest mean (MVfastest) and peak (PVfastest) velocity of the set have been proposed to predict the maximum number of repetitions to failure (RTF) during the Smith machine prone bench pull (PBP) exercise.

Hypothesis:

Goodness-of-fit would be higher for individualized compared with generalized RTF-velocity relationships and comparable for both execution equipment conditions (with or without straps), and the MVfastest and PVfastest associated with each RTF would be comparable between execution equipment and prediction methods (multiple- vs 2-point method).

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

After determining the PBP 1-repetition maximum (1RM), 20 resistance-trained male athletes performed 2 sessions randomly, with and without lifting straps, consisting of single sets to failure against the same load sequence (60% to 80% to 70% 1RM). Generalized (pooling data from all subjects) and individualized (separately for each subject using multiple-point or 2-point methods) RTF-velocity relationships were constructed.

Results:

Individualized RTF-velocity relationships were always stronger than generalized RFT-velocity relationships, but comparable with (MVfastest: r2 = 0.87-0.99]; PVfastest: r2 = 0.88-1.00]) and without (MVfastest: r2 = 0.82-1.00; PVfastest: r2 = 0.89-0.99]) lifting straps. The velocity values associated with each RTF were comparable between execution equipment ( P ≥ 0.22), but higher for the multiple-point compared with the 2-point method ( P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

The use of lifting straps during the Smith machine PBP exercise does not affect the goodness-of-fit of the RTF-velocity relationships or the velocity values associated with different RTFs. However, caution should be exercised when using different methods.

Clinical Relevance:

The benefits of the RTF-velocity relationships can be extrapolated when using lifting straps, and the 2-point method can also be used as a quick and more fatigue-free procedure. Nevertheless, it is imperative for coaches to ensure that these relationships are reflective of fatigue experienced during training.
Customized Landing Task for ACL Injury Risk Assessment: Kinematic Sex-Related Differences
Authors: Brunetti Claudia , Rabello Rodrigo , Adragna Federico , Silva Zandonato Lucas , Zucchetti Alessandro , Bertozzi Filippo , Galli Manuela , Sforza Chiarella
Published: March 2024

Background:

Women present a higher anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rate than men, suggesting sex-related biomechanical differences. Task characteristics are often fixed for both sexes, possibly affecting the perceived difficulty. We investigated kinematic sex differences across landing tasks for ACL injury risk assessment, adjusted to participants’ anthropometrics/performance, and whether different tasks affect kinematic sex comparisons.

Hypothesis:

Female subjects would exhibit motion patterns more associated with ACL injury risk, and sex-related differences may depend on task type.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

A total of 27 female and 29 male amateur players (18-30 years) executed horizontal hop, drop jump (DJ), and DJ followed by vertical or forward jump (length, proportional to maximal forward jump; box, 20% participant’s height). An optoelectronic system provided lower limb kinematics at initial contact and peaks until maximum knee flexion (KF), analyzed separately by multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) (α = 0.05).

Results:

At initial contact, the interaction term had significant effects on hip adduction ( P < 0.01) and knee abduction (KAb) ( P = 0.04); female participants demonstrated higher KAb ( P < 0.01) and knee internal rotation ( P = 0.05). For peaks analysis, the interaction term had no significant effects on any individual variable, although significant in MANOVA; female participants had higher KAb ( P = 0.01) and lower KF ( P = 0.04). Task type affected hip flexion and knee angles in both analyses.

Conclusion:

All variables in which significant sex-related differences were found are potential ACL injury risk factors, and all findings indicate that the analyzed female sample exhibited higher injury-related patterns. Although customized, male and female participants showed different landing strategies depending on the task.

Clinical Relevance:

The findings underline how female participants adopted potentially harmful kinematics while executing customized landing tasks (adjusted by subject’s anthropometrics/performance), which may enhance risk of ACL injury.
Multi-Institutional Analysis of Insurance Denial Patterns Within Rhinology
Authors: Janz Tyler A. , Khan Najm S. , Dhanda Aatin K. , Takashima Masayoshi , Wu Arthur W. , Tang Dennis M. , Higgins Thomas S. , Ramanathan Murugappan , Ahmed Omar G.
Published: March 2024

Background

Obtaining insurance approval is a necessary component of healthcare in the United States and denials of these claims have been estimated to result in a loss of 3% to 5% of revenue.

Objective

Examine the trends in insurance denials for rhinological procedures.

Methods

A retrospective review of deidentified financial data of patients who were treated by participating physicians across 3 institutions from January 1, 2021, to June 30, 2023. The data was queried for rhinological and non-rhinological procedures via CPT codes. Cumulative insurance denials were calculated and stratified by procedure and insurance type. Write-offs were dollar amounts associated with final denials.

Results

A sample of 102,984 procedures and visits revealed a final denial rate between 2.2% and 2.9% across institutions ( p = .72). The top three rhinological procedures for final write-offs were: nasal endoscopy (16.24%, $111,836.87), nasal debridement or polypectomy (6.48%, $79,457.51), and destruction of intranasal lesion (2.11%, $56,932.20). The write-off percentage for each procedure was highest among commercial insurance payers as opposed to Medicare or Medicaid.

Conclusion

Final denial rates of rhinology procedures ranged between 2% and 3%. Common procedures such as nasal endoscopy and nasal debridement are among the highest written-off procedures. Insurance denials can lead to notable revenue loss. Rhinology practices must continue to remain knowledgeable of the changes and effects of insurance reimbursement on their practice.
“I Just Don’t Fit There!” Anticipated Cultural Mismatch and Social Disparities in Students’ Intention to Enter Higher Education
Authors: Stark Johannes , Daniel Annabell , Twardawski Mathias
Published: March 2024

Despite political and societal efforts to reduce social inequality in education, students from nonacademic households (no parent holds a university degree) are less likely to enter higher education than their peers from academic households. Drawing on Cultural Mismatch Theory, we tested whether social disparities in enrollment intentions are related to students’ anticipated mismatch between their self-construal and expected higher education culture. Experimental data ( N = 264) revealed a corresponding mismatch effect between students’ self-construal and expected culture on their anticipated fit in a higher education program. In addition, field data ( N = 574) from upper secondary school students revealed that students from nonacademic households more strongly anticipate a mismatch and, in turn, have a lower intention to enter higher education. Corroborating our theorizing, these social disparities are contingent on the expected culture in higher education. These findings highlight the role of students’ self-construal and anticipated fit for higher education enrollment.
Treatment of basilar artery aneurysms with two braided stents: Two centers experience of low-profile visualized intraluminal support stents versus Pipeline flow diverters
Authors: Luo Bin , Wang Chao , Liu Jian , Zhang Yisen , Wang Kun , Li Wenqiang , Zhang Ying
Published: March 2024

Background

Both low-profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS)stents and Pipeline flow diverters (FDs) are therapeutic strategies for basilar artery (BA) aneurysms, but they have not been directly compared.

Methods

A total of 132 consecutive patients with 139 BA aneurysms treated with either LVIS stent or Pipeline FDs were analyzed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to control for age, sex, hypertension, aneurysm size, shape, location, and duration of follow-up. The treatment results of these two braided stents were compared.

Results

LVIS stent was placed in 88 (63.3%) and Pipeline FDs in 51 (36.7%) procedures. Patients with Pipeline FDs tended to be younger and have less hypertension, whereas aneurysms had larger aneurysm size. After PSM, similar complete or near-complete occlusion rates (76.7% vs 73.3%, p = .766) and favorable functional outcomes (86.7% vs 90.0%, p = 1) were achieved in patients treated with LVIS stents and Pipeline FDs, respectively. Further comparisons were conducted at three different locations (basilar apex/basilar trunk/vertebrobasilar artery junction [VBJ]) separately, and the results showed a higher complete or near-complete aneurysm occlusion rate after Pipeline FD treatment than LVIS treatment (86.7% vs 59.2%, p = .012) only at VBJ, where a particularly high proportion of non-saccular shape (70.9%) and a male preponderance were noted.

Conclusion

Both braided stents were effective in the treatment of BA aneurysms, with good occlusion rates and favorable functional outcomes. Pipeline FD achieved a particularly higher aneurysm occlusion rate than LVIS stent at VBJ, where lesions often require reconstruction of the diseased vessel.
Social conditionality: An adequate legal response to challenges faced by agricultural workers in the EU, or an example of redwashing within the Common Agricultural Policy?
Authors: Lyngs Thomas Bangsgaard
Published: March 2024

This article provides a doctrinal legal analysis of the ‘social conditionality’ mechanism introduced in the latest reform of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Building on that analysis, the article proceeds to assess the likelihood of social conditionality improving the conditions of agricultural workers in the EU, thereby achieving the objectives set out for it by the EU legislator. The article concludes that due to numerous issues regarding its legal architecture, including limitations in its scope, the absence of novel requirements imposed on farmers, and the rather limited dissuasive effect of its enforcement mechanism, social conditionality is unlikely to improve the conditions for agricultural workers in the EU. Therefore, it is ultimately proposed that social conditionality might more appropriately be considered as an example of ‘redwashing’ within the CAP rather than an adequate legal response to the challenges faced by agricultural workers in the EU.
Extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumour of the lesser omentum presenting as a massive intra-abdominal swelling: A case report and literature review
Authors: Ashindoitiang John Adi , Nwagbara Victor Ikechukwu Canice , Ugbem Theophilus Ipeh , Enya Nkami Joseph , Aniebo Ikechimka Ogbugbanduchi , Ekong Joseph Christopher , Obinna Sidney Esotu , Asuquo Maurice Efana
Published: March 2024

Extra gastrointestinal stromal tumour(EGIST) is rare and is regarded as gastrointestinal stromal tumour(GIST) that originates outside of the gastrointestinal tract. They originate from other intraabdominal tissues such as the omentum, mesentery and peritoneum. The cell of origin is the interstitial cell of Cajal(ICC), a pacemaker cell that controls gastrointestinal peristalsis and the tumor is characterized by the expression of KIT(CD117) a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor. Here, a 49-year-old female who presented with a 6 month history of abdominal pain, progressive abdominal swelling and the presence of an upper abdominal mass. She had surgical resection and adjuvant imatinib for the intraabdominal mass diagnosed on histology and immunohistochemistry as EGIST of the lesser omentum. Serial CT 14 months after surgery revealed no evidence of recurrence or metastasis. Clinicians should consider EGIST in the differential diagnosis of abdominal masses.
Trends in vacuum and forceps delivery in teaching hospitals and academic health systems in West Java, Indonesia: A retrospective study
Authors: Hayati Khishotul , Ritonga Mulyanusa Amarullah , Djuwantono Tono
Published: March 2024

Objectives:

Recently, there has been a decline in the use of vacuums and forceps. This is due to complications that occur in the mother and baby as well as the operator’s ability to operate the instruments. Concerning Professional Education Standards for Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists, the minimum skill that must be achieved by vacuum extraction and forceps is a minimum of five cases. This is difficult to achieve with the number of obstetrics and gynecology residents in West Java.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted using medical records based on the International Classification of Disease 10th Revision from 1 to 28 February 2023 at teaching hospitals and Academic Health System in West Java, namely Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Al-Ihsan Hospital Bandung, and Cikalong Wetan Hospital West Bandung, in the period 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2022. The main outcome was vacuum and forceps extraction with consecutive sampling. The relationship between maternal characteristics such as maternal age, parity, gestational age, and indication for delivery with vaginal operative delivery was descriptive statistics analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.

Results:

Trends indicate that the percentage of vaginal operative deliveries tends to be low, below 5%. Vacuum deliveries decreased from 0.75% in 2018 to 0.68% in 2022, while forceps deliveries decreased from 2.77% to 0.98% over the same period.

Conclusion:

This study concludes that there was an insufficiency of vacuum extraction and forceps delivery cases at the teaching hospital and Academic Health System in West Java to achieve a minimum case of vacuum and forceps. Further research studying how educational interventions improve operative delivery skills might be considered.
Successful outcome in a case of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease with atypical lymphadenopathy and kidney injury: Diagnostic challenges and treatment approach—Case report
Authors: Yalikun Dilina , Zhuang Jing , Lei Wei , Wang Chun , Aierken Ailima , Qu Yue , Wang Junyan , Tian Xuefei , Jiang Hong
Published: March 2024

Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease is a rare and complex disease characterized by systemic inflammation, lymphadenopathy, and multiorgan involvement. This case report presents a 66-year-old Chinese man with idiopathic multicenter Castleman disease without significant lymphadenopathy and challenging diagnosis. Patients present with fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and acute kidney injury. Initially, a urinary tract infection was suspected, but despite anti-infective treatment, the patient’s symptoms persisted. Lymph node biopsy, although there is no significant lymphadenopathy, confirms idiopathic multicenter Castleman disease. Treatment includes thalidomide, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone, as well as supportive measures and infection control. After 8 months of follow-up, the patient’s clinical symptoms, inflammatory markers and renal function were significantly improved, and there was no symptomatic recurrence. This case underscores the importance of considering idiopathic multicenter Castleman’s disease in patients with persistent fever and systemic inflammation, even in the absence of significant lymphadenopathy. Early identification and accurate diagnosis of idiopathic multicenter Castleman’s disease can lead to the initiation of targeted therapy strategies that ultimately yield favorable outcomes.
RTC_TongueNet: An improved tongue image segmentation model based on DeepLabV3
Authors: Tang Yan , Tan Daiqing , Li Huixia , Zhu Muhua , Li Xiaohui , Wang Xuan , Wang JiaQi , Wang Zaijian , Gao Chenxi , Wang Ji , Han Aiqing
Published: March 2024

Objective

Tongue segmentation as a basis for automated tongue recognition studies in Chinese medicine, which has defects such as network degradation and inability to obtain global features, which seriously affects the segmentation effect. This article proposes an improved model RTC_TongueNet based on DeepLabV3, which combines the improved residual structure and transformer and integrates the ECA (Efficient Channel Attention Module) attention mechanism of multiscale atrous convolution to improve the effect of tongue image segmentation.

Methods

In this paper, we improve the backbone network based on DeepLabV3 by incorporating the transformer structure and an improved residual structure. The residual module is divided into two structures and uses different residual structures under different conditions to speed up the frequency of shallow information mapping to deep network, which can more effectively extract the underlying features of tongue image; introduces ECA attention mechanism after concat operation in ASPP (Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling) structure to strengthen information interaction and fusion, effectively extract local and global features, and enable the model to focus more on difficult-to-separate areas such as tongue edge, to obtain better segmentation effect.

Results

The RTC_TongueNet network model was compared with FCN (Fully Convolutional Networks), UNet, LRASPP (Lite Reduced ASPP), and DeepLabV3 models on two datasets. On the two datasets, the MIOU (Mean Intersection over Union) and MPA (Mean Pixel Accuracy) values of the classic model DeepLabV3 were higher than those of FCN, UNet, and LRASPP models, and the performance was better. Compared with the DeepLabV3 model, the RTC_TongueNet network model increased MIOU value by 0.9% and MPA value by 0.3% on the first dataset; MIOU increased by 1.0% and MPA increased by 1.1% on the second dataset. RTC_TongueNet model performed best on both datasets.

Conclusion

In this study, based on DeepLabV3, we apply the improved residual structure and transformer as a backbone to fully extract image features locally and globally. The ECA attention module is combined to enhance channel attention, strengthen useful information, and weaken the interference of useless information. RTC_TongueNet model can effectively segment tongue images. This study has practical application value and reference value for tongue image segmentation.
Predictive Machine Learning Models for Assessing Lebanese University Students’ Depression, Anxiety, and Stress During COVID-19
Authors: El Morr Christo , Jammal Manar , Bou-Hamad Imad , Hijazi Sahar , Ayna Dinah , Romani Maya , Hoteit Reem
Published: March 2024

University students are experiencing a mental health crisis. COVID-19 has exacerbated this situation. We have surveyed students in 2 universities in Lebanon to gauge their mental health challenges. We have constructed a machine learning (ML) approach to predict symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress based on demographics and self-rated health measures. Our approach involved developing 8 ML predictive models, including Logistic Regression (LR), multi-layer perceptron (MLP) neural network, support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF) and XGBoost, AdaBoost, Naïve Bayes (NB), and K-Nearest neighbors (KNN). Following their construction, we compared their respective performances. Our evaluation shows that RF (AUC = 78.27%), NB (AUC = 76.37%), and AdaBoost (AUC = 72.96%) have provided the highest-performing AUC scores for depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. Self-rated health is found to be the top feature in predicting depression, while age was the top feature in predicting anxiety and stress, followed by self-rated health. Future work will focus on using data augmentation approaches and extending to multi-class anxiety predictions.
Perspective of Created Value in Consumer Choice: Comparison of Economic and Ecological Dimensions
Authors: Kubiczek Jakub , Hadasik Bartłomiej , Krawczyńska Dominika , Przedworska Kornelia , Madarász Erika Zsuzsanna , Ryczko Aleksandra
Published: March 2024

This paper aims to identify and categorize the factors influencing consumer goods’ value into ecological and economic dimensions and subsequently compare them. The analysis employs the Allegro Reviews (AR) dataset, comprising post-purchase product reviews, with a focus on a sample of 1,400 randomly selected reviews from a pool of 10,615 comments. Through this examination, distinct influencing factors are identified, categorized as either ecological or economic, and their frequency of reference in online reviews was compared. The research findings show that consumers consistently address economic dimensions in their reviews. Notably, emphasis is placed on goods’ quality, pricing, and the price-quality relationship. On the other hand, ecological aspects receive limited attention in reviews, suggesting their lesser significance to consumers compared to economic considerations. This study’s implications for theory and practice indicate that companies should prioritize economic aspects in their value creation endeavors, relegating ecological factors to a secondary role. However, from a global standpoint, enterprises must incorporate ecological dimensions during the value creation process to avert environmental degradation, which could otherwise undermine overall societal quality of life. In terms of originality and value, this research diverges from typical consumer choice studies that rely on questionnaires. Instead, it analyzes actual post-purchase product reviews, providing insights into tangible elements contributing to goods’ value, thus bypassing reliance on mere declarations.

JEL Classification: D11, D12, L25, L26.
Contact or Contactless Payment: Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Consumer Decision Making in Money Domain
Authors: Li Yu , Park Sang-June , Li Hao , Choi Sungchul
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered consumer behavior. The significant influence of COVID-19 pandemic on consumption has been documented in an increasing amount of literature; however, limited focus has been placed on how consumer spending decisions differ depending on whether they employ contactless or contact payment methods under COVID-19 and normal conditions. The results of this study, which used a laboratory experiment carried out in the northern part of China, demonstrate that: (1) consumers’ intentions to spend more money when using contactless payments than when they use contact payments; (2) disgust and negative contamination act as mediating factors on the relationship between the degree of contact and consumer spending intention; and (3) COVID-19 moderates this mediating effect. This study concludes by discussing its theoretical contributions and managerial implications, alongside limitations and future research directions.
“I Just Learn a Single Phrase:” Language Acquisition and Cultural Fusion in Professional Baseball
Authors: Gentile Patrick C. , Skuratowicz Luke A. , Arth Zachary W.
Published: March 2024

This paper seeks to understand how Americans in the professional baseball community communicate with Spanish-speaking players. To further uncover how English-speaking players interact with their Spanish-speaking counterparts, 22 interviews were conducted with American members of the baseball community. Through the purview of cultural fusion theory, this article seeks to understand how English and Spanish-speaking baseball players accommodate each other. More specifically, the researchers interviewed ten current MiLB players, three former players, four current coaches who also played professionally, four team and league personnel, and one athletic trainer. It was concluded that baseball is a language that everyone can use to communicate through and players must be comfortable to immerse themselves in Spanish to learn and to be willing to fail. Interviewees also claim that language learning improves team chemistry which can impact wins and losses.
Randomized controlled trial on analgesic effect of pre-operative fascia iliaca compartment block in geriatric patients with hip fracture
Authors: Tze-Kit Wan , Yung-Chak Hsu , Kwok-Hang Lam , Kwok-Keung Chu , Lok-Ming Leung , Chi-Chung Tse , Chun-Kwan Wong
Published: March 2024

Objective

While most geriatric patients with hip fracture benefit from definitive operative treatment, pre-operative pain management is often overlooked. Conventional oral analgesics may provide suboptimal pain control, resulting in poor morbidity outcomes. Fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) provides a more consistent analgesic effect. This study aims to provide high level local evidence on the effect of FICB in pre-operative pain control for these patients in Hong Kong.

Materials and Methods

This study was a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Mentally competent geriatric patients with acute fracture hip, admitted to United Christian Hospital, were recruited to receive pre-operative FICB. The procedure was carried out by landmark approach with addition of ultrasonography-guidance. They were randomized into intervention group (receiving 0.25% levobupivacaine), and control group (receiving normal saline as placebo). Numeric Rating Scale of pain score (at rest, and on gentle movement) at different time intervals, timing of injection, systemic analgesic use, complications, and demographics were compared.

Results

Total 80 patients were recruited from July 2019 to September 2021 and randomized into intervention and control groups. Two patients in intervention group and 1 in control group were withdrawn due to development of delirium. Demographics of both groups were comparable. Pain score at rest was significantly lower at 12 h after injection in intervention group (41.4% reduction, p = 0.03). Pain score upon gentle movement was significantly lower in intervention group at 1 h (p = 0.01), 12 h (28.9% reduction, p = 0.003) and 24 h after injection (p = 0.01). There was no complication from the procedure documented. Total systemic analgesic use was similar in both groups.

Conclusion

FICB is an effective choice of pre-operative analgesia for geriatric hip fracture patients with good safety profile, especially in controlling pain induced by movement. It shall be considered as a routine practice for suitable patients.
Educational choices in China and the complex path to studying abroad: Reflection on social changes and methodological discussion
Authors: Doncel-Abad David , Mendes Carmen Amado
Published: March 2024

The Chinese leadership has little doubt that achieving China’s dream of becoming the world’s largest economy in the foreseeable future needs an increase in both the quality of its human capital, understood as increasing the average educational level of the population, and improving the quality of academic training. Due to this, the Government has introduced measures in the educational system, such as educational and professional guidance to encourage individuals to choose a satisfactory and successful educational track with which they can reach the highest level of education they can possibly achieve and promote to sending student abroad. At this point, if we bring together being the top country in the world regarding out-going students, and the freedom of Chinese families to choose what, and where their children study abroad, important questions arise, such as, who actually has the chance to study abroad? For these reasons, it is useful to know what factors influence the decision-making of Chinese students in relation to their educational trajectory. Therefore, this special issue exists in the context of the rapid and contradictory social changes that are occurring in Chinese society and proposes that they can be analysed through the educational trajectories of Chinese students.
Private Eyes, They See Your Every Move: Workplace Surveillance and Worker Well-Being
Authors: Glavin Paul , Bierman Alex , Schieman Scott
Published: March 2024

Despite a surge in the number of organizations using surveillance technology to monitor their workers, understanding of the health impacts of these technologies in the broader working population is limited. The current study addresses this omission using a novel measure of an individual’s overall perception of workplace surveillance, which enables it to be asked of all workers, rather than only those in specific occupations or work contexts that have historically been vulnerable to electronic performance monitoring. Structural equation modeling analyses based on a national sample of Canadian workers ( N = 3,508) reveal that surveillance perceptions are indirectly associated with increased psychological distress and lower job satisfaction through stress proliferation. Findings demonstrate that the negative consequences of surveillance are explained by its positive association with three secondary work stressors: job pressures, reduced autonomy, and privacy violations. In the case of psychological distress, these stressors fully mediate a positive association with surveillance. The relationship between surveillance and job satisfaction is more complex, however, with the indirect effects of stress proliferation balanced out by a positive direct effect of surveillance on satisfaction. These results support the use of a stress process framework to examine how surveillance impacts worker well-being through stress proliferation.
Sensitivity of Methods for Diagnosing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Cases of Exposures Including Intense Low-Frequency Noise
Authors: Moore Brian C.J. , Cox Graham
Published: March 2024

Exposure to intense low-frequency sounds, for example inside tanks and armoured vehicles, can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) with a variable audiometric pattern, including low- and mid-frequency hearing loss. It is not known how well existing methods for diagnosing NIHL apply in such cases. Here, the audiograms of 68 military personnel (mostly veterans) who had been exposed to intense low-frequency noise (together with other types of noise) and who had low-frequency hearing loss (defined as a pure-tone average loss at 0.25, 0.5 and 1 kHz ≥20 dB) were used to assess the sensitivity of three diagnostic methods: the method of Coles, Lutman and Buffin, denoted CLB, which depends on the identification of a notch or bulge in the audiogram near 4 kHz, and two methods specifically intended for diagnosing NIHL sustained during military service, the rM-NIHL method, which depends on the identification of a notch or bulge in the audiogram near 4 kHz and/or a hearing loss at high frequencies greater than expected from age alone, and the MLP(18) method based on a multi-layer perceptron. The proportion of individuals receiving a positive diagnosis for either or both ears, which provides an approximate measure of sensitivity, was 0.40 for the CLB method, 0.79 for the rM-NIHL method and 1.0 for the MLP(18) method. It is concluded that the MLP(18) method is suitable for diagnosing NIHL sustained during military service whether or not the exposure includes intense low-frequency sounds.
Augmented Reality Improves Pediatric Mask Induction: A Prospective, Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Yun Romy , He Emily M , Zuniga Michelle , Guo Nan , Wang Ellen Y , Ho Florence , Pearson Molly , Rodriguez Samuel T , Caruso Thomas J
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Pediatric perioperative anxiety is a significant problem during mask induction for general anesthesia. Immersive technologies, such as extended reality headsets, are a promising strategy for alleviating anxiety. Our primary aim was to investigate mask acceptance during inhalational induction utilizing augmented reality (AR). Methods: This was a prospective, matched case-control study at a quaternary academic hospital. Fifty pediatric patients using AR for mask induction were matched to 150 standard-of-care (SOC) controls. The primary outcome was measured with the Mask Acceptance Scale (MAS). Secondary outcomes of cooperation and emergent delirium (ED) were assessed. Results: MAS scores ≥2 occurred at 4% (95% CI [0, 9.4%]) with AR versus 19.3%, (95% CI [13%, 25.7%]) with SOC (RR 0.21, 95% CI [0.05, 0.84], P = .027). Ninety-eight percent of AR patients were cooperative versus 91.3% with SOC ( P = .457). Zero percent had ED with AR versus 0.7% with SOC ( P = 1.000). Conclusions: AR during mask induction improved mask acceptance compared to SOC. No relationship was observed between AR and cooperation or ED. Future research will investigate the integration of AR into clinical practice as a nonpharmacologic intervention.
Cellulose Nanofiber as Mask/Personal Protective Equipment Surface Agent for Enhanced Anti-Bacterial Performance
Authors: Jackson Sophia , Chen Jonathan
Published: March 2024

The utilization of face-covering masks as an extended form of personal protective equipment has led to exponential waste measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, with estimations of up to 7200 tons of medical-type waste daily. A primary cause of this waste is surgical layered disposable masks that are constructed by melt-blown nonwovens usually made of non-biodegradable thermoplastic polymers like polypropylene. To increase widespread sustainable options to the public, commercialized or do-it-yourself-based fabric masks serve as a solution, but their resistance to harmful molecules is less than that of the medical-grade masks due to the fabric structure that leaves space for penetration. This project examines a water-soluble dispersion composed of cellulose nanofiber and polyvinyl alcohol, as a spray agent capable of treating the mask fabric surface to promote protection and sustainability against harmful aerosol particles. Cellulose nanofiber spray is also low-cost and biocompatible and could allow multi-use through home laundering. Polyvinyl alcohol was chosen as the water-soluble bonding system and polymer matrix to effectively adhere cellulose nanofiber onto the mask surface. This project follows the biomimic concept of dragonfly wings having uneven nanopillar surfaces to trap and rip bacterial membranes, as the spray decreases the water droplet contact angle on fabric surface, resulting in an increase in adhesion for incident bacteria and/or viruses.
Globalized Tax Evasion and Corruption: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
Authors: Snider Laureen
Published: March 2024

This paper examines two classic crimes of the powerful, corruption and corporate tax evasion. It argues that tax avoidance/evasion is a type of corruption. Both are committed primarily by individuals and organizations with some combination of cultural, political and economic power, and this power means both sets of acts are difficult to trace, prosecute and punish. The paper begins with an analysis of corruption, as a behaviour, a label, and finally a set of legally proscribed acts. The focus then shifts to one type of corruption, corporate/elite tax evasion and avoidance. The goal of this article is to document the harm done by tax avoidance/evasion and assess possible remedies, while recognizing that “reforms” targeting the most powerful elites and corporations in the modern world will be heavily resisted at all stages of the legal process.
The Influence of Fostering an Innovative Organisation Culture on Employee Engagement
Authors: Kumar Parveen Chander
Published: March 2024

Innovation is an essential aspect in today’s business ecosystem. It has a direct and far-reaching impact on areas of business operations as well as results. One of the pertinent areas that needs a study is the aspect of employees, their behaviour and their engagement in the context of innovation culture. Thus, this study has addressed this research area by studying the drivers of employee’s cognitive and psychological system and their linkage to innovation culture in the organisation. Along with drawing academic foundations through cognitive and organisational theories, the industry practices have also been discussed. The study proposes a framework to bring out the linkage and implications for organisational leaders to further build those areas in the organisation that enhance employee engagement through the themes of innovation.
Implementation leadership and implementation climate in context: A single organization intrinsic case study for implementation of digital measurement-based care
Authors: Sklar Marisa , Ehrhart Mark G. , Ramirez Nallely , Carandang Kristine , Kuhn Nicolle , Day Ana , Aarons Gregory A. , Williams Nathaniel J.
Published: March 2024

Background

Although studies have demonstrated that implementation leadership and climate are important constructs in predicting evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation, concrete descriptions of how they operate during organizational implementation efforts are lacking. This case study fills that gap through an in-depth description of an organization with effective implementation leadership that successfully built a strong implementation climate. This case study provides an illustration of implementation leadership and climate in tangible, replicable terms to assist managers, practitioners, and researchers in addressing the organizational context in their own implementation projects.

Method

A single organization, intrinsic case study was employed to paint a multifaceted picture of how one organization leveraged implementation leadership to strengthen a climate for the successful implementation of digital measurement-based care. The case was drawn from a cluster-randomized trial designed to test the effects of a leadership-focused implementation strategy on youth-level fidelity and clinical outcomes of digital measurement-based care. Following the completion of the trial, case study activities commenced. Descriptive summaries of multiple data sources (including quantitative data on implementation leadership and climate, coaching call and organizational alignment meeting recordings and notes, and development plans) were produced and revised iteratively until consensus was reached. Leadership actions were analyzed for corresponding dimensions of implementation leadership and climate.

Results

Specific actions organizational leaders took, as well as the timing specific strategies were enacted, to create a climate for implementation are presented, along with lessons learned from this experience.

Conclusion

This case study offers concrete steps organizational leaders took to create a consistent and aligned message that the implementation of a specific EBP was a top priority in the agency. The general approach taken to create an implementation climate provides several lessons for leaders, especially for EBPs that have broad implications across an organization.
Cultivating Reciprocity Between People and Planet: Habit-Stacking Planetary Health Prescriptions Into Existing Nature RX Encounters During Integrative Health Visits
Authors: Victorson David
Published: March 2024

The reported benefits of nature contact on human health and well-being have prompted the rise of nature prescriptions with health professionals recommending nature exposure. Due to the success of nature prescriptions and calls for greater reciprocity between people and the planet, this essay proposes to leverage health behavior promotion strategies to integrate planetary health prescriptions (Earth RX) into existing nature prescription frameworks with a vision to counsel patients on both the health and well-being benefits of nature contact as well as earth-sustaining behaviors, all of which fosters a compassionate interdependence between personal and planetary well-being. The essay emphasizes the importance of co-designed stakeholder collaboration for program success, addressing factors such as trust, perceived benefits, and accessibility. Finally, this essay concludes that integrating Earth RX in nature prescription programs strategically aligns with the principles of integrative health, acknowledging the reciprocal relationship between human health and well-being and planetary well-being.
Not parts, but holistic totality. Comment on Streib’s “xenosophia”
Authors: Kallio Eeva K.
Published: March 2024

Recent research shows that there seems to be some preliminary agreement of the definition of wisdom. Two main strands of wisdom research can be identified. On the one hand, it is suggested that wisdom is attained through life experience and self-reflection as a deep self-understanding. On the other hand, multi-perspective openness, flexibility, and orientation toward others are signs of wisdom. Thus, both external and internal realms of the mind are included in the definitions. Streib (2024) emphasizes the latter, as perspective-taking, intellectual humility, moral concern for others are the characteristics of wisdom, and he calls it “xenosophia.” I argue that it is impossible to define wisdom in this way alone, since psychological self-understanding is necessarily required. If there is no inner human change, there can be no outer social change. Both dimensions are necessary in a holistic understanding of wisdom.
Which virtues work together to foster the xenocentric style?
Authors: Jayawickreme Eranda
Published: March 2024

Streib builds on the work of Waldenfels to provide a compelling account of how xenocentric (as opposed to xenophobic) responsiveness to members of out-groups can lead to wisdom. He further discusses how distinctive manifestations of characteristics such as perspective-taking and intellectual humility can facilitate the development of a xenocentric style. In this reflection, I discuss other characteristics that may play a role in facilitation style and offer some recommendations for studying manifestations of the xenocentric style in daily life. I question whether xenocentric responsiveness (a) has to always result in transformative change, and (b) be understood as a “type” rather than an individual difference. Finally, I point to one tension inherent in Streib’s argument—that embracing the xenocentric style can sometimes involve the “othering” of people who do not share one’s values.
Method Study to Compare a CAAHEP Accredited Advanced Cardiac Sonography Program With Two Pilot Advanced Sonography Programs
Authors: Guthrie Joy D.
Published: March 2024

Objective:

The aim was to review the value of advanced sonography programs and to quantitatively evaluate the educational outcomes of two pilot advanced sonography programs (e.g., vascular and perinatal) with a well-established Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited Advanced Cardiac Sonography Program.

Materials and Methods:

The first phase of this sequential mixed-method study was to conduct a document analysis and extracting themes from published literature to highlight the content, benefits, and development of advanced sonography programs. The second phase was to implement a one-group pre-test post-test design to address the population, intervention, control, and outcomes (PICO) question: Among a sample of 12 participants (P), what are the effects of advanced programs (I) in cardiac, vascular, and perinatal sonography (C) on students’ composite knowledge, across 12 course levels and one clinical internship (O)?

Results:

The document analysis identified four latent themes: (1) the benefits of sonographer certification; (2) the need for sonographers to continuously develop their knowledge and skills; (3) the need to develop sonographers in diverse specialties of medicine; and (4) the need to develop new credentials for advanced practice sonographers. The effects of the three advanced sonography programs on the composite knowledge of the graduates were impressive, indicated by Hedges’ g = 2.02 (moderate) to 2.71 (large) effect size. Triangulation of data revealed that the four latent themes were consistent with the evaluation of the content and outcomes of the advanced cardiac, perinatal, and vascular sonography programs.

Conclusion:

Consistency between theory and practice and similar educational outcomes were achieved when comparing a well-established Advanced Cardiac Sonography Program with two pilot programs in advanced perinatal sonography and advanced vascular sonography. As this is the first comparison of this type, distinct conclusions that apply to all allied health programs cannot be drawn. The data collection in this study is a set of outcome measures that fits into a larger picture of academic success for these programs.
Prenatal Detection of Mosaic Trisomy 14 Secondary to Sonographic Findings
Authors: Conley Lauren
Published: March 2024

Mosaic trisomy 14 or partial trisomy 14 is a rare genetic abnormality that occurs when only a portion of cells have an additional copy of chromosome 14. It has a female prevalence of 3:1 and is associated with a wide range of related disorders. In this case, severe polyhydramnios because of borderline micrognathia was correlated to the diagnosis of mosaic trisomy 14. Early sonographic detection of associated findings can prompt the genetic testing required for diagnosis. Combining sonography and genetic testing leads to an accurate diagnosis, proper management, and postnatal planning for the patient.
Machine learning to establish three sphingolipid metabolism genes signature to characterize the immune landscape and prognosis of patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Yan Jianing , Yu Xuan , Li Qier , Miao Min , Shao Yongfu
Published: March 2024

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Nevertheless, GC still lacks effective diagnosed and monitoring method and treating targets. This study used multi omics data to explore novel biomarkers and immune therapy targets around sphingolipids metabolism genes (SMGs).

Method

LASSO regression analysis was performed to filter prognostic and differently expression SMGs among TCGA and GTEx data. Risk score model and Kaplan-Meier were built to validate the prognostic SMG signature and prognostic nomogram was further constructed. The biological functions of SMG signature were annotated via multi omics. The heterogeneity landscape of immune microenvironment in GC was explored. qRT-PCR was performed to validate the expression level of SMG signature. Competing endogenous RNA regulatory network was established to explore the molecular regulatory mechanisms.

Result

3-SMGs prognostic signature (GLA, LAMC1, TRAF2) and related nomogram were constructed combing several clinical characterizes. The expression difference and diagnostic value were validated by PCR data. Multi omics data reveals 3-SMG signature affects cell cycle and death via several signaling pathways to regulate GC progression. Overexpression of 3-SMG signature influenced various immune cell infiltration in GC microenvironment. RBP-SMGs-miRNA-mRNAs/lncRNAs regulatory network was built to annotate regulatory system.

Conclusion

Upregulated 3-SMGs signature are excellent predictive diagnosed and prognostic biomarkers, providing a new perspective for future GC immunotherapy.