bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marx’s general rate of profit: How turnover time, accumulation and rate of surplus value affect the formation of prices of production
Authors: Marco Guido De
Published: August 2023

Most scholars interpret Marx’s prices of production as those which achieve simple reproduction assuming profit rates are equal and all capitals turn over completely each year. The dynamics of equalization, as circulation intertwines with production over the business cycle, is absent. The traditional ‘Marxist’ equation for the profit rate likewise considers only simple reproduction. This leaves a gap in our understanding of Marx, particularly regarding the impact of turnover time on the profit rate, one of Ricardo’s original problems which Marx claimed to solve. Starting from a critique of Veronese Passarella’s and Baron’s attempt to extend the traditional equation to expanded reproduction, I develop a more general equation showing how changes in turnover times, rate of surplus value and accumulation affect the equalization process, the formation of the general profit rate and hence of prices of production. Finally, considering Moseley’s introduction to the recently published translation of a 27-page excerpt from Marx’s Economic Manuscript of 1867–1868, I suggest an equation for decomposing the profit adjustment during equalization.

JEL Classification: B24, B51, E11.
Pedestrian Crossing Intention Prediction Model Considering Social Interaction between Multi-Pedestrians and Multi-Vehicles
Authors: Zhou Zhuping , Liu Yang , Liu Bowen , Ouyang Molan , Tang Ruiyao
Published: August 2023

Accurate pedestrian crossing intention prediction is critical for autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems. In multi-pedestrian and multi-vehicle interaction scenes, the social interaction between pedestrians and other traffic participants is ubiquitous, which affects pedestrian crossing decisions and the accuracy of prediction. However, previous studies on pedestrian crossing intention lack comprehensive consideration and mathematical modeling of the social interaction. We propose a “social interaction force” (SIF) to identify and quantify social interaction behaviors and combine the hidden Markov model (HMM) to predict pedestrian crossing intentions 1.0 s ahead. Firstly, a large dataset of pedestrian-vehicle interaction samples is collected from two views, and high-dimensional features are extracted for pedestrian intention prediction. Next, the concept of SIF is proposed to quantitatively characterize the influence of other pedestrians and vehicles on pedestrian crossing decisions, including “pedestrian interaction force” and “pedestrian-vehicle interaction force.” Finally, SIF, pedestrian features, and road structure features are input into HMM. Sliding time windows are applied to the HMM to achieve dynamic prediction of pedestrian intention sequences. Experimental results show that the recognition accuracy of the proposed model is 0.976, and the accuracy of 1.0 s ahead prediction is 0.932 with guaranteed prediction speed. The proposed model performance is superior to that of the most prevalent models developed thus far.
Evaluating Driving Safety of Road Alignment Conditions by Predicted Driver’s Psychophysiological Workload Using Vehicle Maneuvering Data
Authors: Jang Jiyong , Jung Aram , Oh Cheol , Park Jaehong , Yun Dukgeun
Published: August 2023

Evaluating driving safety according to road alignment conditions is a fundamental for safe road design and traffic operations to prevent traffic crashes. A significant intrinsic factor affecting driving safety is the driver’s psychophysiological workload generated in response to various external environmental changes during road driving. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a well-known measure to evaluate the driver workload resulting from the response to the internal and external stimuli experienced while driving vehicles. However, the use of EEG in research of the transportation engineering domain requires not only high-cost experiments but also great efforts in data analysis. To address these issues, this study developed a promising method to predict the psychophysiological workload affecting driving safety using vehicle maneuvering data. A total of 30 drivers participated in driving simulation experiments using a high-fidelity motion-based driving simulator to obtain both psychophysiological workload data and vehicle maneuvering data to be used for developing the methodology. The proposed methodology consists of two parts: the prediction of the level of psychophysiological workload using a K-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm and the derivation of the alertness risk index (ARI) based on the spatiotemporal aggregation of the prediction results. Additionally, evaluating driving safety by different road conditions is conducted based on the proposed methodology.
Writing Storybooks as Storytelling: A Case Study of Two Families with Refugee Backgrounds
Authors: Cun Aijuan
Published: August 2023

This article describes a qualitative study of how two ethnic Burmese families in the United States authored storybooks that included their children’s drawings and writings representing their families’ stories. The theoretical perspectives of storytelling and the social semiotics multimodal approach were utilized in this inquiry. The data included interviews, video recordings of the storybook-writing process, artifacts, and informal conversations. The data were collected when both families participated in the study together. The findings show that the children took the lead in authoring and composing their storybooks and carefully chose the topics for their drawings and writings and that the process was mediated through their mothers’ oral storytelling and conversations with siblings and friends. The findings suggest that schools and teachers need to incorporate multimodal storytelling into class activities and use storytelling to support children’s agency.
Comparative Performance of ChatGPT and Bard in a Text-Based Radiology Knowledge Assessment
Authors: Patil Nikhil S. , Huang Ryan S. , van der Pol Christian B. , Larocque Natasha
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Bard by Google, a direct competitor to ChatGPT, was recently released. Understanding the relative performance of these different chatbots can provide important insight into their strengths and weaknesses as well as which roles they are most suited to fill. In this project, we aimed to compare the most recent version of ChatGPT, ChatGPT-4, and Bard by Google, in their ability to accurately respond to radiology board examination practice questions.

Methods

Text-based questions were collected from the 2017-2021 American College of Radiology’s Diagnostic Radiology In-Training (DXIT) examinations. ChatGPT-4 and Bard were queried, and their comparative accuracies, response lengths, and response times were documented. Subspecialty-specific performance was analyzed as well.

Results

318 questions were included in our analysis. ChatGPT answered significantly more accurately than Bard (87.11% vs 70.44%, P < .0001). ChatGPT’s response length was significantly shorter than Bard’s (935.28 ± 440.88 characters vs 1437.52 ± 415.91 characters, P < .0001). ChatGPT’s response time was significantly longer than Bard’s (26.79 ± 3.27 seconds vs 7.55 ± 1.88 seconds, P < .0001). ChatGPT performed superiorly to Bard in neuroradiology, (100.00% vs 86.21%, P = .03), general & physics (85.39% vs 68.54%, P < .001), nuclear medicine (80.00% vs 56.67%, P < .01), pediatric radiology (93.75% vs 68.75%, P = .03), and ultrasound (100.00% vs 63.64%, P < .001). In the remaining subspecialties, there were no significant differences between ChatGPT and Bard’s performance.

Conclusion

ChatGPT displayed superior radiology knowledge compared to Bard. While both chatbots display reasonable radiology knowledge, they should be used with conscious knowledge of their limitations and fallibility. Both chatbots provided incorrect or illogical answer explanations and did not always address the educational content of the question.
Acquired Demyelinating Syndromes of the Central Nervous System in Children: The Importance of Regular Follow-up in the First Year After Onset
Authors: Canavese Carlotta , Favole Irene , D’Alessandro Rossella , Vercellino Fabiana , Papa Amanda , Podestà Barbara , Longaretti Francesca , Brustia Francesca , Rampone Sara , Benedini Francesca , Giraudo Mariachiara , Tocchet Aba
Published: August 2023

Aim

We reviewed the clinical features of a sample of pediatric acquired demyelinating syndromes with the purpose of determining the appropriate protocol for follow-up after the first episode.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective observational study was conducted on a cohort of 40 children diagnosed with a first episode of acquired demyelinating syndrome over the period 2012-2021. Patients were evaluated with clinical and neuroradiologic assessment after 3, 6, and 12 months, with a median follow-up of 4.0 years.

Results

At the first acquired demyelinating syndrome episode, 18 patients (45%) were diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, 18 (45%) with clinical isolated syndrome, and 4 (10%) with multiple sclerosis. By month 12, 12 patients (30%) had progressed from an initial diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (2) or clinical isolated syndrome (10) to multiple sclerosis. Of these, 6 had clinical relapse and 6 radiologic relapse only. The first relapse occurred after a median of 3 months. Among the patients who had evolved toward multiple sclerosis, there was a prevalence of females ( P = .014), higher oligoclonal bands positivity ( P = .009), and older median age ( P < .001) as compared with those who had remained stable.

Interpretation

Both clinical and radiologic follow-up of children with acquired demyelinating syndromes is crucial, especially during the first year after acute onset, for early identification of multiple sclerosis and prompt initiation of disease-modifying treatment to delay axonal damage and to limit disability.
Equity and inclusion: Finding strength through teacher diversity
Authors: Yip Sun Yee , Saito Eisuke
Published: August 2023

In many Western countries, the student populations are largely ethno-culturally diversified due to large inflow of migrants. Despite this, the teaching workforce in these countries tends to be predominantly white. The large disparity between students and teachers has implications for equity and inclusive education. In this paper, we argue that a more diverse teacher workforce – particularly migrant teachers – can help to strengthen inclusiveness in schools along with the increasing diversity of the students in those countries. This ensures that students from diverse backgrounds can have their needs and voices heard and understood in their schools. It also allows migrant students to find their role models in schools as well as in societies. Simultaneously, it is critical to retain highly skilled migrant teachers in the workforce through the creation of more inclusive school policies, systems and overall school culture.
Sustainable enhancement of biogas and methane yield of macroalgae biomass using different pretreatment techniques: A mini-review
Authors: Olatunji Kehinde O. , Madyira Daniel M. , Amos Jacob O.
Published: August 2023

Macroalgae can be grown without the use of fertilizer, fresh water, or arable land. These qualities support its use for biofuel production because it frees up land for other traditional energy sources and food crops. It has been investigated as biogas feedstock to substitute for fossil fuels burning with attendant effects on the ecosystem. The microstructural arrangement of macroalgae biomass is restricting their conversion to biogas. Therefore, application of pretreatment before anaerobic digestion is needed to enhance their availability to microbial degradation and subsequent increase in biogas yield. Pretreatment application for substrate catalysis is vital to recovering eco-friendly and economical energy from macroalgae. This study summarizes the state of the art of various pretreatment methods employed to enhance macroalgae biomass's anaerobic digestion process. These methods were categorized as thermal, biological, chemical, nanoparticle additives, mechanical, and combined. Merits and challenges associated with each of these methods were also considered. The study shows that all the pretreatment methods considered can improve the biogas yield if the appropriate method is selected based on the type of macroalgae species. Pilot-scale studies that will assist in assessing their feasibility on the full-scale implementation are still missing.
Coach Versus Goldlion: The Effect of Socially Versus Personally Oriented Motives on Consumer Preference for Foreign and Domestic Masstige Brands in Emerging Markets
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Yao Alex , Yang Zhiyong
Published: August 2023

The fast-growing middle class in emerging markets is leading luxury brands to adopt an affordable luxury (aka “masstige”) approach to reach the mass market. However, academic research in this promising area is scarce. Focusing on China, the world's largest emerging market, this research shows a novel pattern of masstige brand consumption: Instead of always preferring foreign masstige brands (e.g., Coach) as implied in previous international marketing literature, consumers in emerging markets prefer domestic masstige brands (e.g., Goldlion) when their personally oriented motives are made salient. In contrast, consumers prefer foreign masstige brands when their socially oriented motives are made salient. This stems from domestic masstige brands better manifesting self-focused intangible attributes (i.e., the actual value to please oneself), whereas foreign masstige brands are superior in other-focused intangible attributes (i.e., the symbolic value to impress others). Three studies using a multimethod approach provide converging results that support this phenomenon. The findings bring significant contributions to the literature and offer actionable implications for managers, including positioning and price promotion strategies for masstige brands in emerging markets.
A Retrospective Analysis of the Therapeutic Outcomes of 117 Neuroblastoma Patients Treated at a Single Pediatric Oncology Center in China
Authors: Yu Uet , Xu Huanli , Chen Senmin , Yi Meng , Liu Chao , Zhang Xiaoling , Wang Chunjing , Song Jianming , Gan Yungen , Wang Jianyao , Wang Yuanxiang , Zhang Qing , Sun Junjie , Xia Bei , Zhang Gongwei , Li Changgang , Wen Feiqiu , Liu Sixi , Yuan Xiuli
Published: August 2023

Objective

Recent therapeutic advances have greatly enhanced the survival rates of patients with neuroblastoma (NB). However, the outcomes of neuroblastoma patients in China, particularly those with high-risk (HR) NB, remain limited.

Method

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and outcomes of NB patients who were treated at a tertiary pediatric cancer facility in China between January 2013 and October 2021.

Results

A total of 117 NB patients were recruited. Patients with very low-risk (VLR), low-risk (LR), intermediate-risk (IR), and HR-NB patients made up 4%, 27%, 15%, and 54% of total patient population, respectively. Patients diagnosed between 2013 and 2018 were treated according to the protocol of Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center and those diagnosed between 2019 and 2021 were treated according to the COG ANBL0531 or ANBL0532 protocol with or without autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). The 5-year EFS and OS of all risk groups of patients were 67.29% and 77.90%, respectively. EFS and OS were significantly decreased in patients with higher risk classifications (EFS: VLR/LR vs IR vs HR: 97.22% vs 67.28% vs 51.83%; ***P = .001; OS: VLR/LR vs IR vs HR: 97.06% vs 94.12% vs 64.38%; *P = .046). In HR-NB patients treated according to the COG protocol between 2019 and 2021, the 3-year OS of patients who received tandem ASCT was significantly greater than those who did not receive ASCT (93.33% % vs 47.41%; *P = .046; log-rank test). EFS was not significantly different between patients with and without ASCT (72.16% vs 60.32%).

Conclusion

Our findings show that patients with lower risk classification have a positive prognosis for survival. The prognosis of patients with HR-NB remains in need of improvement. ASCT may enhance OS in HR-NB patients; however, protocol adjustment may be necessary to increase EFS in these patients.
Modelling, analysis, and numerical simulation of a spring-rods system with unilateral constraints
Authors: Ochal Anna , Prządka Wiktor , Sofonea Mircea , Tarzia Domingo A
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we consider a mathematical model which describes the equilibrium of two elastic rods attached to a nonlinear spring. We derive the variational formulation of the model which is in the form of an elliptic quasivariational inequality for the displacement field. We prove the unique weak solvability of the problem, then we state and prove some convergence results, for which we provide the corresponding mechanical interpretation. Next, we turn to the numerical approximation of the problem based on a finite element scheme. We use a relaxation method to solve the discrete problems that we implement on the computer. Using this method, we provide numerical simulations which validate our convergence results.
Effect of ozone treatment on microbial and quality alteration of onions during 2 months storage
Authors: Budiyono Budiyono , Nur Muhammad , Suhartono Suhartono , Kartini Apoina , Muh Fauzi , Susan Ade Ika , Sasmita Eva
Published: August 2023

Storing and preserving onion using pesticides is common in Brebes District. The study determined the use of ozone to reduce microorganisms and to maintain the onion quality during months of post-harvesting. There were three chambers with 2.5 m3 in size, and with a capacity of 20 kg onion used for this study. Each chamber received different treatment for 2 months; chamber I: no treatment; chamber II: pesticide; chamber III: ozone. The ozone treatment maintained better temperature and humidity for preservation. Ozone treatment was also observed to maintain low level of mass damage (1.8%) as compared to control and pesticide (6.5% and 2.4%). The protein, ash, fat and vit B1 of onions were remained high in ozone-treated chamber. Total Plate Count (CFU/mL) and the Mold Yeast Count (colonies/mL) decreased on day 30 and 60 after pesticides and ozone treatment. This study showed the importance of ozone treatment to maintain better quality of onion after months of storage as compared to pesticide treatment. Therefore, ozone can be a potential use to replace the pesticide for preservation at post-harvesting.
Differential Cortical Volume and Surface Morphometry in Youth With Chronic Health Conditions
Authors: Heyn Sara A. , Herringa Ryan J. , Ersig Anne L.
Published: August 2023

Up to 1 in 3 youth in the United States have a childhood-onset chronic health condition (CHC), which can lead to neurodevelopmental disruptions in cognitive functioning and brain structure. However, the nature and extent of structural neurobiomarkers that may be consistent across a broad spectrum of CHCs are unknown. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify potential differences in brain structure in youth with and without chronic physical health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hemophilia). Here, 49 T1 structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images were obtained from youth with ( n = 26) and without ( n = 23) CHCs. Images were preprocessed using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to generate whole-brain voxel-wise gray matter volume maps and whole-brain extracted estimates of cortical surface area and cortical thickness. Multi-scanner harmonization was implemented on surface-based estimates and linear models were used to estimate significant main effects of the group. We detected widespread decreases in brain structure in youth with CHCs as compared to controls in regions of the prefrontal, cingulate, and visual association areas. The insula exhibited the opposite effect, with cases having increased surface area as compared to controls. To our knowledge, these findings identify a novel structural biomarker of childhood-onset CHCs, with consistent alterations identified in gray matter of regions in the prefrontal cortex and insula involved in emotion regulation and executive function. These findings, while exploratory, may reflect an impact of chronic health stress in the adolescent brain, and suggest that more comprehensive assessment of stress and neurodevelopment in youth with CHCs may be appropriate.
Moderating mental health: Addressing the human–machine alignment problem through an adaptive logic of care
Authors: McCosker Anthony , Kamstra Peter , Farmer Jane
Published: August 2023

Covid-19 deepened the need for digital-based support for people experiencing mental ill-health. Discussion platforms have long filled gaps in health service provision and access, offering peer-based support usually maintained by a mix of professional and volunteer peer moderators. Even on dedicated support platforms, however, mental health content poses difficulties for human and machine moderation. While automated systems are considered essential for maintaining safety, research is lagging in understanding how human and machine moderation interacts when addressing mental health content. Working with three digital mental health services, we examine the interaction between human and automated moderation of discussion platforms, contrasting ‘reactive’ and ‘adaptive’ moderation practices. Presenting ways forward for improving digital mental health services, we argue that an integrated ‘adaptive logic of care’ can help manage the interaction between human and machine moderators as they address a tacit ‘risk matrix’ when dealing with sensitive mental health content.
The Importance of Evaluating Serum Levels of Tumor Markers M2-PK and Inhibin A in Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy
Authors: Khosravi Mahmood , Anoushirvani Ali Arash , Kheiri Zahedin , Rahbari Ali , Jadidi Ali
Published: August 2023

Despite the use of colonoscopy to detect colon cancer due to its aggressiveness, high cost, and lack of patient compliance, the use of laboratory tests with high accuracy and sensitivity, such as tumor marker M2-PK and Inhibin A is recommended and can be effective for early diagnosis and screening of patients in the early stages. We studied 46 patients admitted it the gastrointestinal ward of Amir al Momenin Hospital and 45 normal (age and sex-matched) subjects as a control group (case-control and retrospective studies). Before the colonoscopy, the level of tumor marker M2-PK in the stool sample and the serum level of Inhibin A were evaluated in patients and the control group. The level of tumor marker M2-PK was significantly higher in the group with hyperplastic polyps and colon cancer ( P < .001) than in the control group. At the same time, there was no significant difference in Inhibin A level ( P = .054). In the hyperplastic polyps group 73% and in the colorectal cancer group 27% had a positive immunochemical fecal occult blood (IFOBT) result, significantly higher than the control group ( P < .001). Evaluation of the level of tumor marker M2-PK in the stool sample in association with the three-time iFOBT test method may be suggested as a quick and noninvasive method for screening and diagnosis of polyps and early stages of colon cancer.
Novel Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Cancer Research
Authors: Tsuneki Masayuki , Zhang Yudong
Published: August 2023

Cutting-edge developments in machine learning and deep learning are improving all aspects of cancer research and treatment. Nowadays, the applications of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning to clinical aspects of cancer research have received more attention from scholars, with particular emphasis on diagnosis, prognosis, detection, and treatment.
An Act of Bravery
Authors: Ghaziani Amin
Published: August 2023

Amin Ghaziani interviews CBC journalist and producer Lien Yeung about maintaining local relevance and achieving global impact.
Imaginative, Extroverted Havana
Authors: Centner Ryan
Published: August 2023

Exploring an ever-dynamic, often-struggling city.
The Timeless Struggle to Find a Voice Among Others
Authors: Roberts Christopher N.J.
Published: August 2023

Christopher N.J. Roberts on The Aeneid, The Constitutionalization of Law, and The War in Court.
Brand advantage, risk mitigation, and the illusion of democracy: Approaches to school governance
Authors: Hetherington Janet E. , Forrester Gillian
Published: August 2023

This research explores the relationship between multi-academy trust (MAT) brand objectives, brand advantage and subsequent risk mitigation strategies utilised to position MATs in England in a notional hierarchy. This is exemplified through empirical case-study research: the Co-operative Academies Trust model of school governance; the roles and practices established for participants in decision-making within it, as well as its stated commitment to democracy. Brand objectives, the hive organisation and the reimagined roles of those members of the local governing body, as well as the illusion of democracy, reveal that accountability is cemented upward. Subsequently, parents and community members are secondary to the need to be perceived by the Regional Director and associated power structures as having high status in a hierarchicalised system of MATs. Thus, mitigating risk by control and power of ‘trusted’ individuals and practises which are deemed trustworthy by those who are determining the amenability of scrutiny. A conceptual framework was developed from the analysis of data and this exposes the complex interplay between three competing citizenries namely corporate, democratic and consumer citizenship all of which co-exist interdependently in relation to the notion of trust.
How the Complexity of Psychological Processes Reframes the Issue of Reproducibility in Psychological Science
Authors: Gernigon Christophe , Den Hartigh Ruud J. R. , Vallacher Robin R. , van Geert Paul L. C.
Published: August 2023

In the past decade, various recommendations have been published to enhance the methodological rigor and publication standards in psychological science. However, adhering to these recommendations may have limited impact on the reproducibility of causal effects as long as psychological phenomena continue to be viewed as decomposable into separate and additive statistical structures of causal relationships. In this article, we show that (a) psychological phenomena are patterns emerging from nondecomposable and nonisolable complex processes that obey idiosyncratic nonlinear dynamics, (b) these processual features jeopardize the chances of standard reproducibility of statistical results, and (c) these features call on researchers to reconsider what can and should be reproduced, that is, the psychological processes per se, and the signatures of their complexity and dynamics. Accordingly, we argue for a greater consideration of process causality of psychological phenomena reflected by key properties of complex dynamical systems (CDSs). This implies developing and testing formal models of psychological dynamics, which can be implemented by computer simulation. The scope of the CDS paradigm and its convergences with other paradigms are discussed regarding the reproducibility issue. Ironically, the CDS approach could account for both reproducibility and nonreproducibility of the statistical effects usually sought in mainstream psychological science.
Digital transnationalism in the era of China’s rise: WeChat, Chinese diaspora, misconceptions and future research
Authors: Sun Wanning , Xu Jian
Published: August 2023

In the dialogue, Professor Wanning Sun, an internationally renowned scholar on media and communication in the Chinese diaspora, first introduces her new book co-authored with Professor Haiqing Yu titled Digital Transnationalism: Chinese-language Media in Australia (Brill, 2023). Professor Sun then responds to a few misconceptions that have been dominant in public discourses in the global West on the diasporic Chinese media. She argues that diasporic Chinese people’s transnational citizenship practices will become increasingly bound up with geopolitics that has significantly impacted the operation, regulation and use of Chinese social media platforms in the West. She points out that future research in ‘digital transnationalism’ of the Chinese diaspora could further explore the changing relations between Chinese digital/social media and the formation of a new kind of transnational Chinese subjectivities with a comparative approach.
What Does It Mean to be an Adult? Adulthood Markers in the Perspective of Emerging Adults
Authors: Walczak Anna
Published: August 2023

Debate on the markers of adulthood reflects social and cultural changes shaping the socially constructed definitions of transition to the next life stages. These processes are particularly interesting in societies facing rapid changes in a relatively short period. The presented article explores definitions of adulthood of Polish emerging adults and relates dominating concepts to the classic Big Five. The study is based on a random, all-country sample of young adults (18–29 years old, n = 303). The most frequently described criteria of adulthood are related to responsibility and independence (decisive, financial, and residential). Three of five classic markers – finishing school, getting married, and having a child – have lessened in significance. Further analysis reveals that the fourth classic marker – independent housing – does not play a key role, albeit independence is significantly associated with financial autonomy.
Effect of High-Fidelity Simulation on Self-Satisfaction and Self-Confidence Among Nursing Students
Authors: Toqan Dalia , Ayed Ahmad , Khalaf Inaam A. , Alsadi Mohammad
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Newly graduating nurses should be able to enter clinical practice as safe, accurate, competent, and compassionate professionals in health care settings that necessitate them to be learners who can easily get familiar with a broad diversity of clinical practice settings.

Purposes

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of high-fidelity simulation experiences on self-satisfaction and self-confidence among the pediatric nursing students.

Methods

A quasi-experimental design, post-test, was carried out through the recruitment of a convenience sample of 150 nursing students from Arab American University. The students were randomly assigned to the study ( n  =  75) or control ( n  =  75) groups. Data were collected using learner satisfaction and self-confidence scales.

Results

The results of the post-test revealed that there was a significant difference between both groups in self-satisfaction ( t (148)  =  11.14, P < .001) and self-confidence ( t (148)  =  13.04, P < .001). The mean score of self-satisfaction for the study group (22.45  ±  2.27) was higher than control group (16.80  ±  3.76). Also, the study group’ mean self-confidence score (35.72  ±  3.49) was higher than the control group (27.28  ±  4.39).

Conclusion

High-fidelity simulation was confirmed to be an helpful tool to keep an effective and safe learning method for pediatric nursing students, thus increasing their satisfaction and confidence.
Psychological Factors Motivating Male Japanese Workers With Type 2 Diabetes to Engage in Dietary Modifications: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Morinishi Kanako , Chikada Ai , Ogura Masahito , Inagaki Nobuya , Nin Kazuko
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Japanese men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) usually encounter work-related difficulties when engaging in dietary modifications. Hence, healthcare providers must understand the psychological factors, such as the needs and goals, that motivate them to engage in dietary modifications.

Objective

We aimed to describe the psychological factors motivating male Japanese workers with T2DM to engage in dietary modifications.

Methods

Using a qualitative descriptive design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 male Japanese workers with T2DM and identified categories based on semantic differences using qualitative content analysis.

Results

The following eight categories emerged: (I want to) demonstrate my skills at work, be able to engage in dietary modifications on my own, avoid unpleasant symptoms caused by eating, avoid burdensome treatment, maintain my healthy life, get positive results in medical examinations, maintain my relationships with others, and enjoy healthy food.

Conclusion

The factors motivating the participants to engage in dietary modifications were realistic and sincere desires rooted in their ideal lives. Their desire to prioritize work emerged as an important factor. Healthcare providers should identify an individual's ideal daily life, including work aspects, and encourage individuals to set realistic and valuable goals.
Addressing the Burnout and Shortage of Nurses in the Philippines
Authors: Alibudbud Rowalt
Published: August 2023

Burnout among Filipino nurses poses a significant threat to an understaffed Philippine healthcare system, leading to resignations, change of profession, and migration to other countries, thereby exacerbating the shortage in the local nursing sector. While workplace mental health programs and interventions can help alleviate burnout, it is crucial to address the structural factors contributing to burnout among Filipino nurses, such as low salaries, delayed benefits, understaffing, overwork, and job insecurity. Therefore, mobilizing existing resources and improving policies are critical steps that need to be taken to effectively address burnout among nurses. Measures such as increasing salaries, timely provision of benefits, and filling vacant government regular positions can contribute to improving the working conditions for nurses in the Philippines. Moreover, by undertaking these measures, the Philippines can advance just working and living conditions for nurses, while also mitigating the challenges posed by the shortage of nurses within its healthcare system.
COVID-19: To the Rescue, the Self-Employed
Authors: Sharma Kirti , Dev Sachin
Published: August 2023

The government had circumscribed all the economic activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, this had a major impact on the self-employed. Using a structured questionnaire, this study intends to explore how self-employed people are rescued from detrimental situations. This is to assess the early impact of COVID-19 on self-employed people and their working hours. Most of these economic ventures operate on the borders between the formal and informal sectors. Those working in these sectors have generally been excluded from the discussion about the economic impact of this pandemic. This present study emphasised the after-effects of COVID-19 and how the self-employed community was rescued with or without government aid.
Canada and the pharmaceutical industry in the time of COVID-19
Authors: Lexchin Joel
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic showed the close relationship between the Canadian government and the pharmaceutical industry when it came to both domestic and international issues. Domestically, the government chose to prioritize advice about vaccine acquisition from a panel of heavily conflicted people; it signed contracts worth billions of dollars with companies for vaccines but the contents of contracts were largely kept secret. The government also committed over CAD$1 billion in funding for research on COVID-19 but without any requirement that any forthcoming intellectual property or diagnostic and therapeutic products had to be accessible and affordable in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). On the international stage, Canada did not support the COVID-19 Technology Access Pool that aimed to provide a one-stop shop for scientific knowledge, data, and intellectual property to be shared equitably by the global community. It delayed donating vaccines to LMICs and bought vaccines from a facility designed mainly to provide vaccines to that group of countries. The government did not dismantle roadblocks that prevented a Canadian company from sending vaccines to Bolivia. Finally, it was ambiguous about whether it supported a patent waiver for COVID-19 technologies at the World Trade Organization.
Mesomycoplasma ovipneumoniae from goats with respiratory infection: pathogenic characteristics, population structure, and genomic features
Authors: Ma Chunxia , Li Ming , Peng Hao , Lan Meiyi , Tao Li , Li Changting , Wu Cuilan , Bai Huili , Zhong Yawen , Zhong Shuhong , Qin Ruofu , Li Fengsheng , Li Jun , He Jiakang
Published: August 2023

Background

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is a critical pathogen that causes respiratory diseases that threaten Caprini health and cause economic damage. A genome-wide study of M. ovipneumoniae will help understand the pathogenic characteristics of this microorganism.

Results

Toxicological pathology and whole-genome sequencing of nine M. ovipneumoniae strains isolated from goats were performed using an epidemiological survey. These strains exhibited anterior ventral lung consolidation, typical of bronchopneumonia in goats. Average nucleotide identity and phylogenetic analysis based on whole-genome sequences showed that all M. ovipneumoniae strains clustered into two clades, largely in accordance with their geographical origins. The pan-genome of the 23 M. ovipneumoniae strains contained 5,596 genes, including 385 core, 210 soft core, and 5,001 accessory genes. Among these genes, two protein-coding genes were annotated as cilium adhesion and eight as paralog surface adhesins when annotated to VFDB, and no antibiotic resistance-related genes were predicted. Additionally, 23 strains carried glucosidase-related genes (ycjT and group_1595) and glucosidase-related genes (atpD_2), indicating that M. ovipneumoniae possesses a wide range of glycoside hydrolase activities.

Conclusions

The population structure and genomic features identified in this study will facilitate further investigations into the pathogenesis of M. ovipneumoniae and lay the foundation for the development of preventive and therapeutic methods.
Do animation videos increase participation in national health surveys? A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Christensen Anne Illemann , Lau Cathrine Juel , Poulsen Hanne Stald , Ekholm Ola
Published: August 2023

Background

Declining response proportions in surveys have been observed internationally. Improving response proportions is important for the generalizability of the outcome. The aim of this study was to examine the potential of animation videos to improve response proportions and sample composition in health surveys.

Methods

A randomized trial was embedded in the Danish National Health Survey 2021 (n = 186,113) where the use of animation videos in the digital invitation letter was tested as a mean to increase response proportion. The effect of both demographic-targeted videos and a general video was tested. The sample was stratified into four subsamples; (1) individuals with non-western background and a non-Danish citizenship (n = 9,956), (2) men aged 16–24 years (n = 12,481), (3) women aged 75 years or older (n = 7,815) and (4) the remaining individuals (n = 155,861). The fourth subsample was randomized into two equal sized groups; a group receiving the general video and a control group receiving no video. Each of the first three subsamples was subsequently randomized into three subgroups with 25% receiving the target group video, 25% receiving the general video and 50% receiving no video. A total of four reminders (one digital and three postal) were sent to the eligible population.

Results

The use of animation videos resulted in similar or slightly lower overall response proportion compared to the control group. The different animation videos were found to have heterogeneous effects on response proportions. A positive effect was found among men aged 16–24 years before the delivery of the postal reminder for the targeted animation video compared to no video (odds ratio: 1.13; 95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.26). Overall, the targeted animation videos tended to produce higher response proportions than the general animation video.

Conclusions

The heterogeneous effects of the videos suggest that there is some potential for the use of animation videos to improve response proportions and sample composition. The content, target group and timing of evaluation seem to be important for the animation videos to be successful. This warrants further research to better identify in which contexts, in which subgroups and under which circumstances, animation videos are useful to increase response proportions.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05520242, registered 08/26/2022.
Novel human lymph node-derived matrix supports the adhesion of metastatic oral carcinoma cells
Authors: Naakka Erika , Wahbi Wafa , Tiikkaja Riia , Juurikka Krista , Sandvik Toni , Koivunen Petri , Autio Timo , Tikanto Jukka , Väisänen Janne , Tuominen Hannu , Talvensaari-Mattila Anne , Al-Samadi Ahmed , Soliymani Rabah , Åström Pirjo , Risteli Maija , Salo Tuula
Published: August 2023

Background

3D culture is increasingly used in cancer research, as it allows the growth of cells in an environment that mimics in vivo conditions. Metastases are the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients, and solid tumour metastases are mostly located in lymph nodes. Currently, there are no techniques that model the pre-metastatic lymph node microenvironment in vitro. In this study, we prepared a novel extracellular matrix, Lymphogel, which is derived from lymph nodes, mimicking the tumour microenvironment (TME) of metastatic carcinoma cells. We tested the suitability of the new matrix in various functional experiments and compared the results with those obtained using existing matrices.

Methods

We used both commercial and patient-derived primary and metastatic oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) cell lines. We characterized the functional differences of these cells using three different matrices (human uterine leiomyoma-derived Myogel, human pre-metastatic neck lymph node-derived Lymphogel (h-LG), porcine normal neck lymph node-derived Lymphogel (p-LG) in proliferation, adhesion, migration and invasion assays. We also performed proteomic analyses to compare the different matrices in relation to their functional properties.

Results

OTSCC cells exhibited different adhesion and invasion patterns depending on the matrix. Metastatic cell lines showed improved ability to adhere to h-LG, but the effects of the matrices on cell invasion fluctuated non-significantly between the cell lines. Proteomic analyses showed that the protein composition between matrices was highly variable; Myogel contained 618, p-LG 1823 and h-LG 1520 different proteins. The comparison of all three matrices revealed only 120 common proteins. Analysis of cellular pathways and processes associated with proteomes of each matrix revealed similarities of Myogel with h-LG but less with p-LG. Similarly, p-LG contained the least adhesion-related proteins compared with Myogel and h-LG. The highest number of unique adhesion-related proteins was present in h-LG.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that human pre-metastatic neck lymph node-derived matrix is suitable for studying metastatic OTSCC cells. As a whole-protein extract, h-LG provides new opportunities for in vitro carcinoma cell culture experiments.
Correlation of social smile symmetry with facial symmetry
Authors: Abbasi Hoshyar , Golshah Amin , Seifodini Soraya
Published: August 2023

Background

This study aimed to assess the correlation of social smile symmetry with facial symmetry.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, frontal view photographs were obtained from 169 eligible patients at rest and smiling with a camera at the level of their nose tip. Several landmarks were selected for facial symmetry and measured at rest and social smiling at the two sides of the face. The respective formula was used to calculate the asymmetry index (AI). The mean values for each AI were calculated, and the correlation between the criteria for a symmetric smile in a social smile with the criteria for facial symmetry, and the correlation between the difference in symmetry criteria at rest and social smiling with facial symmetry criteria were analyzed.

Results

Significant correlations were noted between Oc-b AI (smile) and Sn-B (rest) facial AI (P = 0.046), An-a (smile) AI and Gn-a (rest) facial AI (P = 0.002), An-b (smile) AI and Sn-b (rest) facial AI (P < 0.001), Pog-a (smile) and Sn-a (rest) facial AI (P < 0.001), Nt-a (smile) and Sn-a (rest) facial AI (P < 0.001), Nt-b (smile) and Sn-b (rest) facial AI (P < 0.001), Ph-a (smile) and Sn-a (rest) facial AI (P < 0.001), Ph-b (smile) and Sn-b (smile) facial AI (P = 0.007), Oc-b AI (difference) and Gn-b (rest) facial AI (P = 0.031), Oc-Pog (difference) AI and Gn-b (rest) facial AI (P = 0.041), An-b (difference) AI and Sn-b (rest) facial AI (P < 0.001), Nt-a (difference) and Sn-a (rest) facial AI (P = 0.006), Nt-b (difference) and Sn-b (rest) facial AI (P < 0.001), and Ph-b (difference) and Sn-b (rest) facial AI (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A significant correlation exists between social smile symmetry and facial symmetry.
Exploring the experiences of people with urogynaecology conditions in the UK: a reflexive thematic analysis and conceptual model
Authors: Toye F , Dixon S , Izett-Kay M , Keating S , McNiven A
Published: August 2023

Background

Urogynaecological conditions, such as pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and urinary tract infection, can have a profound impact on people’s lives. The Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review highlights missed opportunities to prevent harm when patient voices are not incorporated into healthcare policy and practice. This resonates with the Women’s Health Strategy for England. The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Policy Research Programme funded this in-depth qualitative exploration of people’s experiences of living with urogynaecological conditions, and of seeking healthcare treatment, to inform health and social care improvements in the UK.

Methods

We conducted in-depth interviews online or by telephone (April 2021-December 2021) and used reflexive thematic analysis to develop themes that cut across urogynaecological conditions.

Results

We spoke to seventy-four adults aged 22–84 across a range of backgrounds and lived experiences of urogynaecological conditions, including pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence and persistent or recurring urinary tract infection. Eight themes were developed: [1] I get no respite from my own body; [2] I feel confined and separated; [3] I can no longer be ‘me’; [4] I am constrained by stigma, shame and silence; [5] I feel fragmented and lost in the healthcare system; [6] I need to be heard, believed, and valued; [7] I need respect as an equal partner in healthcare; and [8] (Re)connected to a more open community.

Conclusions

High quality care focuses on the whole person rather than their body parts. Openness and candour support a shared decision-making model of care. A culture of shame can have a negative impact on access to health care and recovery.