bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainability of Evidence-Based Practices: Risk-Need-Responsivity in Probation 7 Years Later
Authors: Vincent Gina M. , Drawbridge Dara C. , Lawson Spencer G. , Todorovic Kristina , Perrault Rachael T.
Published: February 2024

This quasi-experimental, pre-post study investigated the sustainability of risk-needs assessment (RNA) and the risk-need-responsivity (RNR) practices in five juvenile probation offices across two states 7 years after rigorous implementation. The study evaluated adherence to practices and facilitators of sustainability via interviews with leadership ( N = 10) and probation officers ( N = 84) and a seventh-year cohort of youth propensity score matched to a cohort from the first year of implementation ( n = 730 per state cohort). Probation officers in both states reported relatively high adherence to RNR-based practices, and one state significantly improved adherence to its RNA administration policies and the risk principle. Adherence to the risk principle in placement and service referral decisions regressed in the other state. Essential ingredients for sustainment included maintaining staff training and monitoring, evolving RNR practices through the adoption of complementary evidence-based practices, and having court personnel who enable best practices.
Vacuum Pyrolysis of Brazilian coal, peat and biomass – Results on characterization of feedstock, solid residues, pyrolysis liquids and conversion rates
Authors: Kalkreuth W. , Ruaro Peralba M. , Barrionuevo S. , Hinrichs R. , Silva T. , Maman Anzolin H. , Osório E. , Pohlmann J. , De Caumia B. , Pakdel H. , Roy C.
Published: February 2024

Pyrolysis of solid fuels such as coal, peat and biomass enables conversion into solid and liquid products, with noncondensable gas being a by-product. The present study evaluates conversion characteristics of Brazilian coal, peat and biomass samples using vacuum pyrolysis techniques. Feedstock and their respective solid residues (chars) and pyrolytic liquids obtained under vacuum pyrolysis conditions were characterized by proximate and ultimate analyses, gross calorific value, petrographic analyses, reactivity to CO2, Raman spectroscopy and organic geochemical methods (extraction, liquid chromatography). Chemical and physical properties in the feedstock samples and solid residues are highly variable. In the coals mean vitrinite reflectances ranged from 0.44% to 1.18% Rrandom indicating a rank range from subbituminous to high volatile/medium volatile bituminous coal. Reflectance measurements obtained from vitrinoid particles identified in solid residues from coal, peat and biomass varied from 2.10% to 10.64% Rrandom. Analyses of the liquid products indicate a tendency of the aliphatic fraction to increase in most of the samples during the pyrolysis process, as well as the predominant formation of polar compounds in the condensable liquids. The results of this study suggest that among the coal samples investigated major conversion to liquids and gases (29.7%–33.2%) occurs in the high volatile bituminous coals from Santa Catarina, whereas in the biomass samples Mamona (Castor Beans), wood chips (Eucalyptus), wooden bars (pinus) and signal grass have all conversion rates > 60%. The conversion rates for the peat samples varied between 32.5 and 46.6%. Reflectance values determined on vitrinoid biomass chars indicate a potential use in soil amendment.
More than keyboard heroes? #ichoosefish, disaster framing, and environmental protests in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Van Quoc Thai , Trell Elen-Maarja , Mallon Gunnar
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the role of social media in mobilizing environmentalism amid authoritarian restrictions, focusing on the Vietnam coastal pollution of 2016. It contributes to current academic debates by showing how elements that are apparently mundane and irrelevant become the stage for political action within social media. We examined the interface of connective actions (social media activism) – collective actions (protests) and the role of food symbolism in translating digital activism into physical resistance that bridges the distance between rural and urban areas. Data were collected from Facebook and Twitter, as well as semi-structured interviews, policy documents, and national newspapers and broadcasts. Food symbolism, exemplified by #ichoosefish, helped personalize grievances and materialize protest actions amid the government’s countermeasures. The results further show that by using social media, especially Facebook, the activists managed to rationalize their political engagement in a non-participatory context and mobilize protests during political restrictions by arguing that their ‘apolitical’ actions were motivated by food-based grievances associated with personal, environmentalist and nationalist concerns. Food symbolism is thus essential in transitioning from connective actions to collective actions.
Judith Butler and future generations: Transtemporal relationality, generational trouble and future-oriented ruthless critique
Authors: Reder Michael , Faets Simon
Published: February 2024

Radical theories of democracy deal only marginally with climate impacts. Judith Butler is part of this tradition and has worked on ecological issues in recent years. She might help contribute to beginning to close this gap. In this article, some of her theoretical elements will be explored in order to critically discuss whether and how climate impacts can be understood philosophically within the framework of radical democracy. These reflections include Butler’s interpretation of relationality, vulnerability, critique and resistance. By combining these theoretical elements and applying them to future generations, which Butler only touches on to some extent, we outline how radical democracy may contribute to the philosophical discourse on climate change, thereby significantly broadening the overall philosophical debate. Furthermore, the article puts forward a critique of radical democratic theory for neglecting the issue of future generations thus far and suggests a direction in which it could be developed further.
Is infrastructure a critical aspect of self-organized entrepreneurial activity?
Authors: Chronopoulou Aimilia , Papangelopoulos Antonis , Papageorgiou Theofanis
Published: February 2024

The limitation of capitalist principles and ethics has long been an issue for self-organized enterprises. Even though capitalist modes of labor organization, administration, and management are expelled from the workplace, issues of growth, investment, production, and circulation remain exposed to dominant forms of production. Nevertheless, communities of solidarity, along with spatial and techno-material settings, constitute the infrastructure of commoning practices in those endeavors. We compare the cases of the factory occupation movement in Argentina and the occupation of the Vio.Me. factory in Greece (2010), where a shift to self-organization emerged in the context of the Argentinian and Greek economic crises. We focus on struggles revolving around the use and ownership of spatial-material infrastructure and the production of use-values, highlighting the emancipatory potential of self-organization. Space and objects appear as a contested terrain, while at the same time, material settings are transformed, through the collectives’ participation in networks of distribution and solidarity.
Delayed sternal Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection after left ventricular assist device implantation: A case report
Authors: Wang Zhihua , Hu Junlong , Zhao Zeyuan , Sun Junjie , Li Jianchao , Qian Xiaoliang , Cheng Zhaoyun
Published: February 2024

The incidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection in patients with mechanical circulatory support devices is extremely rare. We present a case involving a 38-year-old male who experienced a delayed sternal Mtb infection following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. More than 5 months post-surgery, the patient was readmitted to the hospital presenting a subxiphoid abscess. The incision site displayed an unsatisfactory healing process after the incision and drainage of the abscess. Despite engaging in a rigorous treatment protocol, which included anti-infective therapy, vacuum-assisted closure, and surgical debridement, the patient’s wound remained unhealed. Ultimately, after pus gene sequencing confirmed the diagnosis, the patient was administered a regimen combining anti-tuberculosis and anti-infective therapy, which culminated in the successful healing of the wound. This singular case study not only reveals the clinical progression of an unexpected Mtb infection post-implantation but also emphasizes the challenges encountered in diagnosis and management.
Brachytherapy: The urologist opinion
Authors: Pinto Francesco , Russo Pierluigi
Published: February 2024

Prostate cancer remains a prevalent concern worldwide, necessitating continual advancements in treatment modalities. This abstract explores the role of brachytherapy as a viable and effective option in the management of prostate cancer. Brachytherapy involves the implantation of radioactive sources directly into the prostate, providing a localized dose of radiation. n recent studies and clinical trials, brachytherapy has demonstrated promising outcomes, particularly in terms of disease control and patient outcomes. The treatment’s ability to deliver a concentrated intraprostatic dose, often in combination with external beam radiotherapy, has shown favorable results. Furthermore, brachytherapy’s impact on disease-free survival and its potential in reducing urinary and bowel toxicity have been subjects of investigation. This abstract delves into the technical aspects, patient outcomes, and emerging trends in brachytherapy for prostate cancer. By examining the current literature and research findings, we aim to shed light on the evolving role of brachytherapy in the comprehensive management of prostate cancer, emphasizing its potential as a valuable therapeutic option.
The Virtual Reality Radiology Workstation: Current Technology and Future Applications
Authors: Gamba Iain A.D. , Hartery Angus
Published: February 2024

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology hold potential across many disciplines in medicine to expand the delivery of education and healthcare. VR-AR applications in radiology, in particular, have gained prominence and have demonstrated advantages in many areas within the field. Recently, VR software has emerged to redesign the physical radiology workstation (ie, reading room) to expand the possibilities of diagnostic interpretation. Given the novelty of this technology, there is limited research investigating the potential applications of a simulated radiology workstation. In this review article, we explore VR-simulated reading room technology in its current form and illustrate the practical applications this technology will bring to future radiologists and learners. We also discuss the limitations and barriers to adopting this technology that must be overcome to truly understand its potential benefits. VR reading room technology offers great potential in radiology, but further research is needed to appreciate its benefits and identify areas for improvement. The findings and insights presented in this review contribute to the ongoing discourse on future technological advancements in radiology and healthcare, offering valuable recommendations for further research and practical implementation.
Comparison of different peritoneal dialysis catheters on complications and catheter survival: A network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Zhao Lijuan , Yu Zixian , Li Xiayin , Zhao Jin , Qin Yunlong , Zhou Meilan , Bai Ming , Xu Guoshuang , Sun Shiren
Published: February 2024

Background:

This network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to compare the clinical advantage of four commonly used peritoneal dialysis catheters (PDCs) including the Swan neck segment with straight tip (Swan neck + S), Tenckhoff segment with straight tip (Tenckhoff + S), Swan neck segment with coiled tip (Swan neck + C) and Tenckhoff segment with coiled tip (Tenckhoff + C).

Methods:

Randomised clinical trials were searched from PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Register of clinical trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and ChinaInfo from their inception until July 31, 2022. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 14.0 and RevMan 5.3.5 software to evaluate the four commonly used PDCs.

Results:

Seventeen studies involved 1578 participants were included. NMA showed that compared with Swan neck + C, Swan neck + S significantly reduced catheter tip migration (OR 0.47 95% CI 0.22–0.99). Tenckhoff + S was more effective in reducing catheter dysfunction (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.23–0.79), catheter tip migration with dysfunction (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.05–0.78) and catheter removal (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.34–0.93) which were consistent with the pairwise meta-analysis. According to the surface under the cumulative ranking curve, Swan neck + S emerged as the best PDC in the reduction of catheter tip migration (83.3%), followed by Tenckhoff + S (79.4%). Moreover, Tenckhoff + S (86.5%, 76.3%) and Swan neck + S (72.3, 86.9%) ranked as the first and second PDC for 1 and 2-year technique survival which was significantly higher than those of the other two PDCs.

Conclusion:

Our NMA showed Swan neck + S and Tenckhoff + S tended to be more efficacious than Swan neck + C and Tenckhoff + C in lowering the mechanical dysfunction and prolonging the technique survival, which may contribute to better clinical decisions. More randomised controlled trials with larger scales and higher quality are needed in order to obtain more credible evidence.
Event-triggered error-constrained switching guidance-based marine surface vessel path-following control and collision avoidance
Authors: Li Ang , Shen Zhipeng , Bi Hongbo , Yu Haomiao
Published: February 2024

For marine surface vessel with input saturation, model uncertainties, and unknown disturbances, this article proposes a path-following control and collision avoidance method based on error-constrained event-triggered switching line-of-sight guidance. This method can autonomously switch between path-following and collision avoidance modes, constrain the position and heading errors to satisfy safe navigation in confined waters, and reduce the computational frequency of the controller and the mechanical wear of the actuator. In the path-following mode, we construct an asymmetric modified barrier Lyapunov function to constrain the position errors and use the relative threshold event-triggered mechanism to reduce the update frequency of the guidance heading angle. In the collision avoidance mode, static or dynamic obstacles are avoided through the response of collision avoidance radius. In the heading and velocity control design, asymmetric modified barrier Lyapunov function and event-triggered mechanism are also applied, so that the marine surface vessel can track the guided heading angle and meet the heading error-constrained while reducing the update frequency of the controller. The adaptive auxiliary systems are used to compensate for the input saturation, and radial basis function neural networks and adaptive laws are used to approximate the model uncertainties and composite disturbances. According to the Lyapunov stability theory, all signals are semi-globally uniformly ultimately bounded and the Zeno phenomenon is avoided. Finally, the comparative experiment shows the superiority of the designed control strategy.
Development and analytical characteristics of a quantitative real-time PCR assay for detection of spheniscid alphaherpesvirus 1 in penguins
Authors: Daleo Maris J. , Adamovicz Laura A. , Allender Matthew C.
Published: February 2024

Herpesviruses are associated with disease in many penguin species. Herpesvirus-associated lesions can cause significant morbidity and mortality in penguins and have been identified in African penguins ( Spheniscus demersus), Humboldt penguins ( Spheniscus humboldti), and a little blue penguin ( Eudyptula minor) infected with spheniscid alphaherpesvirus 1 (SpAHV1). Further investigation is necessary to understand the impact of herpesviruses on penguin health, but there are no rapid, sensitive, and specific methods for detecting and quantifying herpesviral load. We therefore developed a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay for the detection of SpAHV1 in penguins. TaqMan primer-probes targeting the DNA polymerase gene were designed using a commercial software program. Inter- and intra-assay variability, dynamic range, limit of detection, and analytical specificity were assessed. We used our assay to analyze previously collected field samples from Punta San Juan, Peru, in which conventional consensus PCR had detected one SpAHV1-positive penguin sample. Our qPCR assay was highly specific for SpAHV1. It had a dynamic range of 107–101 target copies per reaction and performed with high efficiency and low intra- and inter-assay variability. Reaction efficiency was not impacted by penguin DNA from SpAHV1-negative tracheal swabs. We detected an additional field sample as positive with our newly developed qPCR assay, and although this likely represents detection of another infected penguin, the true disease status of this population is currently uncharacterized given that no gold-standard test exists for SpAHV1. Our qPCR assay may provide a valuable tool in the surveillance and characterization of SpAHV1 in penguins.
Outbreaks of bovine mastitis caused by specific Mycoplasma bovis strains recurring at multi-year intervals
Authors: Suzuki Kenta , Kaneko Fumihiro , Matsushita Aya , Hata Eiji
Published: February 2024

Mycoplasma bovis is a major cause of bovine mastitis. Intermittent shedding of the organism for many months is a feature of cows with intramammary infection. A dairy farm in Japan experienced a mastitis outbreak caused by M. bovis in 2016, as well as 2 additional outbreaks and 1 case in 2020–2021. The causative strains in the 3 outbreaks shared a common and identical genetic feature, the insertion of a transposase gene at the same site within the phosphate acetyltransferase-2 gene. Additionally, all isolates were genotyped to closely related sequence types (ST21 and ST141) by multilocus sequence typing, and had similar pulsopatterns by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Our results indicate that infection with the same causative strain remained in this herd and environment for 4 y. Treatment with fluoroquinolones, guided by antimicrobial susceptibility test results, eliminated M. bovis from 16 of 20 M. bovis–infected cows, as confirmed by culture and somatic cell counts. However, mastitis caused by other bacteria occurred in 9 M. bovis–free cows within 2 mo of the last treatment.
The NIMH Task Force on Social Work Research Report: Past Accomplishments and Current Challenges
Authors: Feldman Ronald A.
Published: February 2024

Following the publication of the groundbreaking report by the National Institute of Mental Health Task Force on Social Work Research in 1991, major gains have been made in building a potent infrastructure for social work research. Since then, however, progress has faltered in key areas and complex new challenges have emerged. These developments are examined and suggestions are set forth regarding how best to address the most serious challenges.
Exploring the Interrelationships Between Physical Function, Functional Exercise Capacity, and Exercise Self-Efficacy in Persons Living with HIV
Authors: Nokes Kathleen M. , Sokhela Dudu G. , Orton Penelope M. , Samuels William Ellery , Phillips J. Craig , Tufts Kimberly Adams , Perazzo Joseph D. , Chaiphibalsarisdi Puangtip , Portillo Carmen , Schnall Rebecca , Hamilton Mary Jane , Dawson-Rose Carol , Webel Allison R.
Published: February 2024

While physical activity can mitigate the metabolic effects of HIV disease and HIV medications, many HIV-infected persons report low levels of physical activity.

Purpose:

To determine if there were differences between the subjective and objective assessments of physical activity while controlling for sociodemographic, anthropometric, and clinical characteristics.

Setting/sample:

A total of 810 participants across eight sites located in three countries.

Measures:

Subjective instruments were the two subscales of Self-efficacy for Exercise Behaviors Scale: Making Time for Exercise and Resisting Relapse and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, which measured physical function. The objective measure of functional exercise capacity was the 6-minute Walk Test.

Analysis:

Both univariate and multivariant analyses were used.

Results:

Physical function was significantly associated with Making Time for Exercise (β = 1.76, p = .039) but not with Resisting Relapse (β = 1.16, p = .168). Age (β = −1.88, p = .001), being employed (β = 16.19, p < .001) and race (βs = 13.84–31.98, p < .001), hip–waist ratio (β = −2.18, p < .001), and comorbidities (β = 7.31, p < .001) were significant predictors of physical functioning. The model predicting physical function accounted for a large amount of variance (adjusted R2 = .938). The patterns of results predicting functional exercise capacity were similar. Making Time for Exercise self-efficacy scores significantly predicted functional exercise capacity (β = 0.14, p = .029), and Resisting Relapse scores again did not (β = −0.10, p = .120). Among the covariates, age (β = −0.16, p < .001), gender (β = −0.43, p < .001), education (β = 0.08, p = .026), and hip–waist ratio (β = 0.09, p = .034) were significant. This model did not account for much of the overall variance in the data (adjusted R2 = .081). We found a modest significant relationship between physical function and functional exercise capacity ( r = 0.27).

Conclusions:

Making Time for Exercise Self-efficacy was more significant than Resisting Relapse for both physical function and functional exercise capacity. Interventions to promote achievement of physical activity need to use multiple measurement strategies.
Crowdlending Behaviors in the Aftermath of a Crisis: Evidence From a Natural Experiment
Authors: Wang Zhiyi , Yang Lusi , Karamshetty Varun , Hahn Jungpil
Published: February 2024

Natural disasters and disease outbreaks cause substantial social turbulence and economic damage. The survival and continued operation of local small businesses and entrepreneurs are critical to the development activities in post-disaster recovery. However, these small businesses and entrepreneurs face greater challenges in accessing funding through traditional channels during a crisis. Crowdlending, also known as peer-to-peer microfinancing, has been successfully used to bypass traditional channels and raise funds directly from crowd lenders. However, it is unclear if such platforms can also be effectively used in the aftermath of crises, given that disasters induce both prosocial motivations and risk considerations in lender responses. To understand the operational implications of crowdlending for small businesses, we examine how crowdlenders respond to loan requests during a crisis and what factors moderate their responses. Drawing on the literature on disaster management and crowdlending, we hypothesize that lenders respond positively to loan requests from crisis-affected areas, and such responses are moderated by fundraising objectives and the lender's national culture. With observational data from an influential crowdlending platform and the 2014 Ebola outbreak as the treatment in a natural experiment design, we find that, on average, lenders respond positively to loan requests from crisis-affected areas, and they tend to favor loan requests emphasizing economic rather than social objectives. Furthermore, lenders from collectivistic cultures are more likely to respond positively during a crisis than lenders from individualistic ones. Our study contributes to research and practice in disaster management, particularly small business operations management during crises, by showing that crowdlending can be a useful fundraising channel for small businesses, which is meaningful for post-disaster economic development and recovery. We also offer implications for the recent conversation on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by analyzing and discussing the similarities and differences between the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Procurement for Empowerment: The Impact of Female Decision-Makers in Reproductive Health Supply Chains
Authors: Karimi Amir , Roy Dwaipayan
Published: February 2024

Access to contraceptives empowers women to not only exercise their reproductive rights and avert unintended pregnancies, but also to prevent a spectrum of adverse societal and health outcomes (e.g., unfulfilled career aspirations, unsafe abortions, maternal deaths.) However, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where resources are limited and women are under-represented as decision-makers in national governments, reproductive health has not traditionally been prioritized. Motivated by past research showing that female decision-makers tend to prioritize issues in ways that align more closely with women's needs and preferences, we examine the relationship between female decision-makers in national governments and contraceptive procurement. Specifically, we focus on female decision-makers at two levels, as health ministers and parliamentarians, and examine their impact on the procurement quantity of contraceptives by LMICs. Our empirical analysis, based on a comprehensive compilation of data across six distinct sources, shows that a female (vs. male) health minister is associated with an average 66% increase in the procurement quantity of contraceptives. Notably, this relationship is strengthened with an increase in the proportion of female representatives in national parliaments. Together, these findings demonstrate that female (vs. male) decision-makers exhibit greater commitment to contraceptive procurement, an issue that has a disproportionate impact on women's health and well-being. As ensuring good health and well-being for all and increasing gender parity in leadership positions are two of the key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, our study on examining the relationship between female decision-makers and contraceptive procurement constitutes a timely and consequential line of inquiry.
Midterm Donor Site Morbidity After Vascularized Free Fibula Flap Harvesting
Authors: Büyüktopçu Ömer , Baysal Özgür , Ağırdil Yücel , Şahbat Yavuz , Shammadli Ziya , Şirin Evrim , Erol Bülent
Published: February 2024

Background:

Vascularized fibula grafts (VFGs) have become one of the most preferred grafts for the reconstruction of bone defects. However, despite the many advantages over other graft options, recipient and donor site morbidities are also common. Donor site morbidity has been reported at rates ranging from 5% to 67%. The aim of this study was to present a single-center series examining the clinical, functional, and radiologic aspects of donor site morbidity following VFG harvesting.

Methods:

The study included 69 patients who underwent biological reconstruction with VFG for bone tumors, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, or bone defects after trauma. Patients were evaluated functionally, clinically, and radiologically for donor site morbidity.

Results:

Donor site morbidity was observed in 33 of 69 patients (48%). The most complications were sensation deficits around the feet and ankles (20 of 69; 29%). Knee laxity was more common in patients who underwent osteoarticular fibular resection ( P = .006).

Conclusion:

We found VFG to be an effective method for the reconstruction of large bone defects, but associated with a relatively high rate of complications. Complications requiring surgical intervention were rare and the majority of patients did not have long-term functional limitations.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Arthroscopic Modified Lasso-Loop Stitch Technique for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability in Skeletally Immature vs Mature Patients
Authors: Takao Masato , Jujo Yasuyuki , Iwashita Kosui , Inagawa Miyu , Chua Erika Nicole , Lee Keong Joo , Watanabe Takashi , Shimozono Yoshiharu
Published: February 2024

Background:

In recent years, arthroscopic lateral ankle ligament repair has become increasingly popular. However, reports on the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic ankle stabilization for skeletally immature patients remain scarce. This study investigated the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic lateral ankle ligaments repair in skeletally immature patients compared to skeletally mature patients.

Methods:

Our retrospective analysis compared skeletally immature patients and skeletally mature adults who underwent arthroscopic repair of the ankle lateral ligaments with a modified lasso-loop stitch using a suture anchor. Skeletal immaturity was defined as patients whose epiphyseal line of the distal fibula remained open on plain radiography. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q) at 2 years after surgery. The time to postoperative walking, jogging, and return to full sports activities were also evaluated.

Results:

Sixty-four skeletally immature patients (IM group) and 103 skeletally mature adults (M group) were included. No significant differences were observed during both walking and jogging after surgery between the groups; however, return to full athletic activities was significantly earlier in IM group ( P = .05). The mean scores in all SAFE-Q subscales significantly improved in both groups after surgery ( P < .001). There were also no statistically significant differences between the groups in the mean postoperative SAFE-Q scores for all subscales. All patients in the IM group returned to playing sports at their preinjury levels postoperatively.

Conclusion:

We found that skeletally immature patients with chronic lateral ankle instability had generally similar responses to arthroscopic lateral ankle as skeletally mature adult patients at minimally 2 years’ follow-up with a high rate of successful return to sport.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective case control study.
One Score to Rule Them All? Comparing the Predictive and Concurrent Validity of 30 Hearts and Flowers Scoring Approaches
Authors: Wu Tiffany , Weiland Christina , McCormick Meghan , Hsueh JoAnn , Snow Catherine , Sachs Jason
Published: February 2024

The Hearts and Flowers (H&F) task is a computerized executive functioning (EF) assessment that has been used to measure EF from early childhood to adulthood. It provides data on accuracy and reaction time (RT) across three different task blocks (hearts, flowers, and mixed). However, there is a lack of consensus in the field on how to score the task that makes it difficult to interpret findings across studies. The current study, which includes a demographically diverse population of kindergarteners from Boston Public Schools ( N = 946), compares the predictive and concurrent validity of 30 ways of scoring H&F, each with a different combination of accuracy, RT, and task block(s). Our exploratory results provide evidence supporting the use of a two-vector average score based on Zelazo et al.’s approach of adding accuracy and RT scores together only after individuals pass a certain accuracy threshold. Findings have implications for scoring future tablet-based developmental assessments.
Clinical outcome of percutaneous angioplasty and covered stent placement for treatment of left brachiocephalic vein obstruction in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Wan Ziming , Lai Qiquan , Zhou Yu , Chen Bo , Gan Hua
Published: February 2024

Background:

Left brachiocephalic vein (LBV) obstruction is a common complication in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with LBV obstruction who underwent percutaneous angioplasty or stenting.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective study of 67 hemodialysis patients with LBV stenosis or occlusion who underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA; n = 25) or percutaneous transluminal stenting (PTS; n = 42). We compared the clinical characteristics, lesion features, and patency between the two groups of patients.

Results:

The average age, sex, smoking history, body mass index, obstruction period, comorbidities, and clinical manifestations were comparable between the PTA and PTS groups. Prior ipsilateral catheterization was less common in the PTS group than in the PTA group (14.3% vs 36.0%, p < 0.05). Smaller sized balloons were used in the PTS group than in the PTA group ( p < 0.05). The overall primary patency rates were similar between the two groups, whereas the secondary patency rate in the PTS group was higher than that in the PTA group ( p < 0.05). The average age, sex, smoking history, body mass index, obstruction period, prior ipsilateral catheterization, comorbidities, and types of lesions were comparable between patients with or without restenosis, while patients with restenosis had a higher percentage of high venous pressure than those without restenosis (87.5% vs 60.5%, p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The primary patency rates were similar in the angioplasty and the stenting groups. Stenting has a significantly higher secondary patency rate than angioplasty alone for treating LBV obstruction and is required more commonly in patients without prior ipsilateral catheterization.
A reexamination of inbound tourism performance
Authors: Corne Aurélie , Giannoni Sauveur , Peypoch Nicolas
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes to investigate tourism performance by employing fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis. International tourist destinations are examined to identify the different paths leading to high levels of tourism arrivals and tourism receipts. The findings demonstrate that tourism performance is complex and requires specific combinations of conditions to succeed. The research identifies two types of destinations that rely on different factors to achieve success: Type 1 focuses on price competitiveness, while Type 2 emphasises the quality of the experience. Furthermore, it shows that a peculiar destination performs well in terms of receipts, relying on both price competitiveness and quality of the experience despite a lack of attractions. Type 1 and Type 2 destinations have good predictive validity in a pandemic context.
Macau hotel industry’s response to global shocks
Authors: Man Wai Leong Aliana , Kocak Emrah , Bai Jingyi , Okumus Fevzi
Published: February 2024

This study examines the Macau hotel industry’s response to global shocks using vector autoregression analysis. According to the findings, the hotel occupancy rate reacts negatively to a one-standard-deviation shock in global geopolitical risk. However, this reaction decreases after the second period and completely loses its effect after the fourth period. Hotel occupancy rate responds weakly and short term negatively to the shock of global economic policy uncertainty. The hotel industry reacts short term, weakly, and positively to a shock in US monetary policy uncertainty. According to the variance decomposition results, at the end of the tenth term (long-term), 96.25% of the change in hotel occupancy rates is explained by their own dynamics. The rest is 3.00% geopolitical risk, 0.5% US monetary policy uncertainty, and 0.25% economic policy uncertainty.
Contributions of group identification and emotional synchrony in understanding collective gatherings: A meta-analysis of 13 studies
Authors: Bouchat Pierre , Pizarro José J. , Páez Dario , Zumeta Larraitz N. , Basabe Nekane , Włodarczyk Anna , Hatibovic Fuad , Rimé Bernard
Published: February 2024

The present research aims to explore the relationship between group identification and emotional synchronization in a series of collective gatherings and evaluate their respective effects on key social-psychological variables. Thirteen studies were conducted in highly varied contexts, studying naturally happening phenomena, and focusing on a wide range of collective gatherings ( N = 2,260 participants). The results of factor analyses and a random-model meta-analysis strongly support the idea that group identification and emotional synchronization constitute two differentiated constructs that are systematically positively associated. At the aggregate level, results of multilevel models show that both group identification and emotional synchronization are significant predictors of key social-psychological variables. These findings suggest that an integrative approach is most needed to capture the experience of collective gatherings.
Visual representations of community in scholastic photojournalism: A thematic analysis of award-winning photographs from the national scholastic press association’s photo of the year contest
Authors: Klein Leslie
Published: February 2024

While journalism awards can enhance social capital and signify quality, they often reinforce a limited, negative perspective of what is newsworthy. This study builds on existing research examining award-winning photojournalism by focusing on the understudied population of student photojournalists. Via a qualitative analysis of 229 photographs from the National Scholastic Press Association’s Photo of the Year Contest, this research analyzes major visual themes and prevalent news values in award-winning scholastic photojournalism. The results from this exploratory study indicate that student journalists visually represent high school as a place for connection, collaboration, and citizenship and present a uniquely positive portrayal of their world. The findings also suggest that conventionalization of topics, tone, and techniques is present in student photojournalism award contests although the themes that are reinforced by this conventionalization are dissimilar to what has been observed in professional photojournalism contests.
Do mobile money services enhance business performance? An empirical analysis of Kenyan businesses
Authors: Tiwasing Pattanapong , Addae John Agyekum , Naab Francis Zana , Naab Gilbert Zana
Published: February 2024

This study examines the impact of mobile money services on business performance by comparing the performance between businesses that use and do not use mobile money. The analysis empirically draws on cross-sectional data of 1001 Kenyan businesses from the 2018 World Bank Enterprise Survey. Propensity Score Matching is used to control for selection bias and variations in business characteristics. The results reveal that businesses that use mobile money services are more likely to be innovative in products and processes than non-users. However, they perform as well as businesses that do not use mobile money. The results also show that differences in business-specific characteristics such as business size, sector, location, and business obstacles significantly influence the adoption of mobile money by Kenyan businesses. Therefore, these results highlight the importance of mobile money services for Kenyan businesses with effective digital tools and support. Policy recommendations to enhance the financial mobile ecosystem and financial inclusion are discussed.
Social networking, environmental awareness and sustainable tourism development in Da Nang, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thi Quynh Trang , Nguyen Viet Thai , Hoang Thi Thu Huong , Tran Thi Huyen Trang , Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao
Published: February 2024

Networking facilitates stakeholder collaboration and partnerships and a richer understanding between stakeholders, benefiting the achievement of sustainable tourism development. This research examines how a network contributes to the success of a shared goal related to environmental sustainability at a local destination. A case study based on social network theory is conducted in Da Nang City – a popular tourist destination in central Vietnam. This research reveals a network of various tourism stakeholders in Da Nang working to protect the natural environment throughout the city. The networking properties are conceptualised, including actors and activities like approaching, connecting, sharing, and coordinating. These interactions create linkages and platforms for information flow and environmental messages travelling from initial actors to a broader set of actors, which encourages community involvement in environmental activities, more environmentally friendly behaviour, and an emotional bond with the destination. With these findings, this research has made a crucial contribution to tourism network research by exploring how stakeholders build sustainability awareness and place attachment through social networking. The study has practical implications regarding the use of networking to facilitate stakeholder involvement in sustainable tourism development.
From religious citizen to multicultural citizen: Changing conceptualizations of citizenship and belonging in Canada
Authors: Beaman Lori G
Published: February 2024

The religious landscape in Canada has shifted dramatically during the past 50 years, from a country whose population and social institutions were inextricably entangled with Christianity to one which has an increasing number of people who do not identify with a religion at all. Citizenship in this context has shifted from a nation whose imaginary was predominantly Christian, with diversity conceptualized in rather limited ways to one characterized by (non)religious diversity and a multicultural reality. Yet, there are growing pains as majoritarian religion confronts a changing power dynamic and the new diversity. These growing pains have potentially negative implications for education. This article considers the new diversity, the articulation of religious symbols and practices as culture, and the implications of these for citizenship and living well together.
The effectiveness and safety of octocog alfa in patients with hemophilia A: up to 7-year follow-up of the real-world AHEAD international study
Authors: Ozelo Margareth C. , Hermans Cedric , Carcao Manuel , Guillet Benoît , Gu Joan , Guerra Randy , Tang Leilei , Khair Kate
Published: February 2024

Background:

Real-world data assessing treatment outcomes in patients with hemophilia A in routine clinical practice are limited.

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of octocog alfa in patients with moderate/severe hemophilia A receiving treatment in clinical practice.

Design:

The international Antihemophilic Factor Hemophilia A Outcome Database study is an observational, noninterventional, prospective, multicenter study.

Methods:

This planned interim data read-out was conducted following 7 years of observation of patients receiving octocog alfa (cut-off, 30 June 2020). The primary endpoint was joint health status, assessed by the Gilbert Score. Secondary endpoints included annualized bleeding rates (ABRs), Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS), health-related quality of life, consumption, and safety. This post hoc analysis stratified data by hemophilia severity at baseline [moderate, factor VIII (FVIII) 1–5%; severe, FVIII <1%].

Results:

Of the 711 patients in this analysis, 582 (82%) were receiving prophylaxis with octocog alfa at enrollment, and 498 (70%) had severe disease. Median Gilbert Scores were higher with on-demand therapy versus prophylaxis and scores were comparable in moderate and severe disease. In patients receiving prophylaxis, there was an improvement in HJHS Global Gait Score over 7 years of follow-up overall and in patients with severe disease. ABRs and annualized joint bleeding rates were low across all 7 years. An ABR of zero was reported in 34–56% of prophylaxis patients versus 20–40% in the on-demand group. ABRs were similar in severe and moderate disease. In total, 13/702 (1.9%) patients experienced 18 treatment-related adverse events.

Conclusion:

These data demonstrate the long-term effectiveness and safety of octocog alfa in patients with moderate and severe hemophilia A, especially in those receiving prophylaxis. The high number of patients receiving on-demand treatment experiencing zero bleeds could be due to selection bias within the study, with patients with less severe disease more likely to be receiving on-demand treatment.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02078427.
Battling a rarity: A case of kindler syndrome from a developing country
Authors: Ahmed Alina , Zehra Tasheen , Moin Alina , Rehman Usmani Shajie Ur
Published: February 2024

Kindler syndrome, a rare branching of inherited epidermolysis bullosa, is an autosomal recessive condition characterized by the eruption of painful blisters and hemorrhagic vesicles in infancy. With age, the eruption of blisters are seen to decline leaving behind fibrosed, scarred, and paper-like skin, and poikilodermic features. To this date, about 400 cases have been reported worldwide for this disease only. This report aims to discuss the presence and diagnosis of Kindler Syndrome using limited resources in developing countries. It describes the presence of clinically diagnosed Kindler Syndrome in a young male of Pakistani descent that started in infancy and presented with a variety of clinical features over the years. Even though genetic analysis remains the gold standard diagnostic for Kindler syndrome, for third world countries, relying on Diagnostic clinical criteria remains helpful in establishing a diagnosis of Kindler syndrome for further management, as seen in our patient.
Inequalities in privacy cynicism: An intersectional analysis of agency constraints
Authors: Hoffmann Christian Pieter , Lutz Christoph , Ranzini Giulia
Published: February 2024

A growing body of research highlights a trend toward widespread attitudes of privacy cynicism, apathy and resignation among Internet users. In this work, we extend these discussions by concentrating on the concept of user agency. Specifically, we examine how five types of structural constraints—interpersonal, cultural, technological, economic and political—restrict user agency and contribute to the prevalence of privacy cynicism as a common response. Drawing on critical data studies and adopting an intersectional lens, we demonstrate how these constraints disproportionately impact various social groups unequally, leading to a disparate distribution of agency and privacy cynicism. Furthermore, we contend that the sense of powerlessness engendered by excessive constraints on user agency can, in turn, exacerbate user vulnerability to such constraints, potentially initiating a vicious cycle of disempowerment. The article enriches the field of privacy research by linking the traditionally individual-focused and psychological dimensions of privacy with critical surveillance studies and by proposing potential interventions to mitigate privacy cynicism.