bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Nocturnal Leg Cramps and Affecting Factors in COPD Patients: Logistic Regression and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Çuvalci Burcu , Hintistan Sevilay , Bülbül Yilmaz
Published: September 2024

Although there are many sleep-related complaints in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, nocturnal leg cramps have not been adequately and extensively studied. This study fills a significant gap in the literature by determining the prevalence and influencing factors of nocturnal leg cramps in COPD patients. However, our findings also underscore the need for further research, inspiring future studies and interventions in this area. This study was conducted with a rigorous methodology, employing a comprehensive approach to evaluate the probability of experiencing nocturnal leg cramps in 215 COPD and 215 control group patients matched for age and gender. Logistic regression analysis was used, supplemented by artificial neural networks, to identify the influencing factors. This robust methodology ensures the reliability and validity of our findings. The findings of this study are not only significant but also enlightening, shedding light on the prevalence and influencing factors of nocturnal leg cramps in COPD patients. The frequency of experiencing these cramps was found to be 40.9% in chronic obstructive pulmonary patients and 21.9% in the control group ( p < .05). In COPD patients, factors such as milk group food consumption, blood erythrocyte level, the cover used while sleeping, blood creatinine level, the presence of coronary artery disease, the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, the upper mid-arm muscle area, and use of drugs with methylxanthine active ingredient methylxanthine were found to affect the occurrence of these cramps. Our findings not only call for further research but also have immediate practical implications. They highlight the crucial role of nurses in managing nocturnal leg cramps in COPD patients. By controlling patients’ cold stress, the bed covers they use, and their dairy product consumption, nurses can significantly contribute to managing these cramps, thereby improving the quality of life for these patients. This underscores the importance of their role in patient care and management.
Analyzing Mental Health Shifts Among Migrant Workers in Korea: A Comparative Study During and Post the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Acharya Shiva Raj , Shin Yong Chul , Moon Deog Hwan
Published: September 2024

In the midst of a pandemic like COVID-19, migrant workers are highly vulnerable to the risk of mental health challenges and disorders. This study aimed to examine the variations in mental health and associated factors among migrant workers in Korea during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 830 migrant workers were included in this quantitative population-based study across two distinct COVID-19 periods: 415 from August 15, 2020 to January 20, 2021 (termed “during COVID-19” post-WHO pandemic declaration) and 415 from June 10 to September 18, 2023 (termed “after COVID-19” post-WHO and Korean Government announcement of the end COVID-19 as a global health emergency). The mental health of migrants was assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 for anxiety, and compared between the two defined COVID-19 periods. Migrant workers exhibited higher means of depression (15.99 ± 5.16 vs. 8.78 ± 5.77) and anxiety (11.02 ± 4.45 vs. 6.97 ± 4.42) during the COVID-19 compared to after the COVID-19. The prevalence of severe depression (30.4% vs. 8.2%, p = .038) and severe anxiety (24.1% vs. 5.3%, p = .047) was significantly higher during the COVID-19 than after the pandemic. Changes in the mean depression scores among migrants were significantly influenced by living status (0.12 ± 11.10, p = .030) and employment status (0.44 ± 10.33, p = .043), while changes in mean anxiety scores were influenced by social relief funds (2.88 ± 8.61, p = .046) and employment status (1.13 ± 8.39, p = .012). This study highlights the increased susceptibility of migrant workers to depression and anxiety during COVID-19 compared to after the pandemic. Thus, it is imperative to prioritize the expansion of social support funds, ensure employment stability, and implement regular health check-up services to reduce mental health disorders among migrants.
The Cancer Incidence and Trends From 2011 to 2018 in Ma’anshan, China: A Registry-Based Observational Study
Authors: Qin Qirong , Min Yuxin , Xie Yijing , Wang Chun , Zhang Yan , Wu Dandan , Xu Jiahua , Meng Na , Suo Chen
Published: September 2024

Background

The cancer burden in China has been increasing over the decades. However, the cancer incidence remains unknown in Ma’anshan, which is one of the central cities in the Yangtze River Delta in Eastern China. The study was designed to describe the cancer incidence and trends in Ma’anshan from 2011 to 2018, providing information about cancer etiology that is useful for prevention programs.

Methods

The cancer incidence rate and age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) were calculated using the cancer registry data in Ma’anshan during 2011-2018. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) of the ASIR was analyzed by the Joinpoint regression analysis. Age, period, and cohort effects on cancer incidence were estimated through the age-period-cohort model.

Results

There were 13,508 newly diagnosed cancer cases in males and 9558 in females in Ma’anshan during 2011-2018. The ASIR maintained a steady trend in both males and females. Age effects showed that cancer risk increased with age in both genders; no visible period effects were detected during this study period. Cohort effects changed slowly until the end of the 1950s, then started decreasing in males while increasing in females after 1960. Lung, gastric, female breast, colorectal, cervical, esophageal, liver, thyroid, lymphoma, and pancreatic cancer were the most common cancers in Ma’anshan during the study period. The ASIR of gastric cancer (AAPC: −3.72%), esophageal cancer (AAPC: −8.30%), and liver cancer (AAPC: −5.55%) declined, while that of female breast cancer (AAPC: 3.91%), colorectal cancer (AAPC: 3.23%), and thyroid cancer (AAPC: 22.38%) rose.

Conclusion

During 2011-2018, the cancer incidence in Ma’anshan was lower than that in China, nation-wide. The incidence of upper gastrointestinal cancer decreased gradually while female breast, colorectal, and thyroid cancers showed an upward trend, consistent with the changes in the cancer spectrum in China. Further studies should be designed to discover the underlying causes of these findings.
Feasibility and Preliminary Evaluation of Theory-Based Training Program on Daily Living Skills Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Findings From Rural Regions in Egypt
Authors: El-Monshed Ahmed Hashem , Loutfy Ahmed , El-Boraie Haitham , Eweida Rasha Salah , Fayed Sara Mohamed , El-Gazar Heba Emad , Ali Zoromba Mohamed
Published: September 2024

Background:

One of the most crucial objectives in the education and treatment of young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is independence in daily living skills (DLS). Therefore, as a child with ASD condition grows, measures of everyday functioning including adaptive behaviors should be more regularly monitored and regulated.

Aim:

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a developed theory-based training program and its preliminary effectiveness on the acquisition of DLS among school-age children with ASD.

Methods:

A preliminary experimental research design (pre- and post-evaluation) was conducted from the beginning of May to the end of July 2023 on 31 children with ASD. The socio-economic status scale, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, and Gilliam Autism Rating Scale were administered before and after a theory-based DLS training program.

Results:

There was a significant difference in the DLS and motor functioning before and after the implementation of the training program ( p < .001 and p = .021, respectively). In addition, there was a significant difference in the total score of autistic severity before and after the implementation of the training program ( p < .001).

Conclusion:

The promising outcomes of the study indicate the need for further testing and expansion of this intervention. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence highlighting the significance of DLS training program in the comprehensive treatment approach for children with ASD. Consequently, proposing DLS training programs as a cost-effective and efficient nursing intervention is warranted.
Household Water Treatment Practice and Associated Factors in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Atalay Yibeltal Assefa , Gebeyehu Natnael Atnafu , Gelaw Kelemu Abebe
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

Household water treatment practices, also known as point-of-use water management, offer means to enhance the overall drinking water quality and reduce the prevalence of diarrheal diseases. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of information on household water treatment practices and related factors in sub-Saharan Africa.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of water treatment practices and associated factors in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods:

We conducted a search of eligible primary studies in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Hinari, as well as gray literature available in online repositories. The Stata v.17 software was utilized to extract and analyze the data obtained from these studies. To determine the overall pooled prevalence of water treatment practices and their predictors, a weighted inverse-variance random-effects model was employed. We assessed variations across the included studies using forest plots, funnel plots, I2 statistics, and Egger’s tests.

Results:

In this study, we reviewed a total of 927 articles, 28 of which were eligible for inclusion. The overall pooled prevalence of water treatment practices in sub-Saharan Africa was 36.31(95% CI: 27.64, 44.98). The factors associated with water treatment practices included having formal education (AOR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.70, 3.34), being male (AOR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.39, 2.29), having a higher income (AOR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.39, 3.25), and having received training in water treatment (AOR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.59, 3.18).

Conclusions:

In this review, the pooled prevalence of water treatment practices in sub-Saharan Africa was found to be considerably low. Therefore, we recommend that household heads receive enhanced information on water treatment practices through strengthened health education and intensive training in small-scale water treatment practices.
Assessment of Voiding Dysfunction and Nocturnal Enuresis Rates in Primary School Children in Nablus, Palestine: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hamshari Suha , Salman Dima , Jaber Dina , Dweik Raghad , Abualwafa Rola , Ktaifan Mahfouz , Zyoud Sa’ed H. , Akkawi Maha , Abushamma Faris
Published: September 2024

Background:

Voiding dysfunction (VD) is a frequent reason for primary care referrals to urologists and pediatric urologists. VD symptoms include urine incontinence (UI), urinary tract infection (UTI), hyperactive bladder, and constipation. Early detection of Nocturnal enuresis is critical due to its high frequency and the consequences for families and children regarding psychological and behavioral aspects.

Objectives:

This study aims to determine the prevalence of voiding disorder in Palestine and its relationship to demographic, family, and behavioral risk factors.

Design:

A cross-sectional study.

Methods:

This study administered a 2-part validated questionnaire to the mothers of primary school-age children who had no history of urological disease between December 2022 and March 2023.

Results:

Out of 169 children; daytime incontinence was found in 39 (23.2%) of the sample, whereas nocturnal enuresis was found in 49 (28.4%). Age was significantly correlated with voiding dysfunction, in which 25 (55.6%) were under the age of 7 years ( P = .025).

Conclusion:

According to our data, VD is a widespread health issue in primary school. Expanding our understanding of voiding dysfunction is important to eliminate the social stigma associated with voiding disorder and encourage parents and children to seek treatments and therapies. Furthermore, raising awareness will aid in early diagnosis, resulting in fewer long-term problems and earlier treatments. Raising awareness can be accomplished through educational programs focusing on primary care screening.
Integrating Chinese cultural elements in senior high school English textbooks: A comparative study
Authors: Lu Bin , Zhang Feigang
Published: September 2024

This article investigates the presentation strategies of cultural elements in the construction of cultural knowledge systems, comparing Yutang Lin’s Kaiming English Books (KEB) and Senior High English (SHE). The study addresses the integration of Chinese culture within the framework of cultural and educational orientation, using an adapted textbook evaluation theory. This framework encompasses both internal and external evaluation methods. Internal evaluation involves a statistical analysis of Chinese cultural elements within the textbooks, while external evaluation compares the inclusion and role of these elements in the two-textbook series. The research employs content analysis and comparative analysis, alongside a survey of attitudes among 303 English teachers from 10 senior high schools in Luoyang City, China. Key findings indicate that a thoughtfully designed presentation of Chinese cultural elements enhances cultural education in English teaching. Teachers favor integrating Chinese cultural themes and digital technology within the curriculum, supporting a more cohesive approach to incorporating Chinese culture in English learning. The study highlights the need for improved textbook design and thematic content to bolster students’ cognitive competence and cultural awareness.
Intercept evidence from foreign language communications: Reliability and minimum standards in the interests of justice
Authors: Capus Nadja , Gilbert David
Published: September 2024

This paper explores the role of Intercept Interpreters/Translators (IITs) in law enforcement communication surveillance efforts. It focuses on the production and reliability of Translated Intercept Records (TIR), which are comprehensive written records in the target language that may be produced for intelligence purposes or for use in court as Translated Intercept Evidence (TIE). The paper underscores the critical importance of reliable TIR for both evidentiary use and operational decision-making. The authors emphasise the need to establish minimal standards in the quest for reliability and dispel the misconception that literal translations fulfil evidentiary requirements. The standards proposed in this paper aim to minimise interpretation errors to enhance the overall effectiveness of investigations and safeguard the interests of justice. The paper concludes by highlighting the need to align judicial expectations with sound translation practices.
Platform speech: Journalists and political campaigners reflect on Facebook and disintermediation in three UK general elections
Authors: Walsh Matt , Singer Jane B
Published: September 2024

Through interviews with top-level British political journalists and communications strategists, this article explores the use of Facebook as a campaign tool in the UK General Elections of 2015, 2017, and 2019. Findings demonstrate increasing sophistication in political actors’ use of Facebook as a disintermediation device, bypassing the media to speak directly to voters. However, both sets of interviewees also expressed concern about the effects of removing political gatekeepers on the verification of information and accountability of information providers.
Effectiveness of Father-Focused Interventions to Prevent or Reduce Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy and Early Parenthood: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wynter Karen , Francis Lauren M. , Borgkvist Ashlee , Dixson Barnaby , D’Souza Levita , Duursma Elisabeth , May Chris , Sher Louisa , George Jennifer St
Published: September 2024

During pregnancy and the early parenting period, women are especially vulnerable to intimate partner violence (IPV), with devastating impacts on women, children, and families. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of father-focused interventions to prevent or reduce IPV during pregnancy and early parenthood. Six databases were searched, using a combination of the concepts “fathers,” “pregnancy/early parenthood,” “IPV” and “intervention.” Articles were double screened by title and abstract, and then full-text. Methodological and reporting quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies tool. Fifteen papers were eligible for inclusion; these articles were mostly of poor-to-moderate quality. Only three of the articles reported on interventions in lower- and middle-income countries. The most common forms of IPV addressed in these interventions were physical (10), psychological (8), sexual (4), and economic/financial (3). Of 12 articles reporting on data from both intervention and control groups, only six indicated statistically significant results; among these, only three reported robust analyses showing significantly greater reduction in IPV in intervention than in control groups. All three took place in lower- or middle-income countries. Two were underpinned by theoretical frameworks, which considered transforming traditional perceived gender norms. Therefore, interventions based on principles that address transformation of gender norms show promise but the success of such underlying principles needs to be confirmed, and better-quality evidence and reporting are needed for interventions targeting fathers to prevent or reduce IPV.
Politics As Fun: Countering Indian Digital Nationalism With Viral Videos
Authors: Mazumdar Suruchi
Published: September 2024

Through a study of mimetic political videos produced by civil society groups and mainstream political parties during state-level elections in the east Indian West Bengal in 2021, this paper explores how diverse actors evoked politics of fun as a strategy to resist and extend digital nationalism. Fun has been theorized as “a political matter”; and as an agent to undermine hegemony. Fun also remained an indelible feature of right wing mobilization and nationalism. Everyday digital practices are articulated through wit, parody, sarcasm, and “memification”; and translate to joyful conducts, spontaneity and lightness, or fun. Drawing from Lempert’s “mimetic practice,” this research argues that fun emerges as the site of “mimetic resistance” or ideological tension, as diverse political actors negotiate cultural identity through challenge to cultural purity and engagement with news.
“Every Time I Move My Arm, it Costs the Cartoon Network 42 Bucks”: Remixing Limited Animation in Space Ghost: Coast to Coast
Authors: Ristola Jacqueline
Published: September 2024

This article examines how media production is shaped under media conglomeration through a close analysis of Space Ghost: Coast to Coast (1994–2008), arguing that animation evinces the corporate strategy of archive reuse through its esthetics. It compares how the limited animation of Hanna-Barbera Productions transformed in the shift to cable and greater media conglomeration under Turner Broadcasting System. Using a thick description of the production process, the chapter illustrates how Cartoon Network programmers remixed the corporate archive to create Space Ghost: Coast to Coast. Through this remixed production process, channel programmers used limited animation esthetics to disclose on their own labor as programmers and producers within Turner’s media empire. It ends by examining how Space Ghost: Coast to Coast’s unique production techniques and esthetics shaped Cartoon Network’s adult programing block, [adult swim].
Endoscopic Robotic Mitral Operating Room as a Microsystem for Safety and Sustainability
Authors: Murphy Douglas A. , Psarev Sergey , Jonnson Amalia A. , Halkos Michael E.
Published: September 2024

Objective:

Safety and sustainability are key elements of a robotic mitral valve (MV) program at any stage of development. Challenges include the positioning of the surgeon at the robotic console, increasing patient complexity, and upstream administrative staffing difficulties. We instituted a systems approach to maximize patient safety and maintain robotic service viability.

Methods:

A single dedicated robotic operating room (OR) was equipped as a microsystem with team training in the operative steps, ergonomics, digital tools, and an explicit culture of safety. Outcomes of all robotic mitral procedures including concomitant procedures in the microsystem OR by a single surgeon were retrospectively reviewed.

Results:

From January 2014 through December 2023, 1,529 consecutive MV patients were operated with an endoscopic robotic approach. Ten patients (0.65%) were converted to conventional approaches. Overall, 1,300 MV repairs (85%) were performed with residual MV regurgitation of none to trace in 1,205 patients (92.7%), mild in 92 patients (7.1%), and moderate in 3 patients (0.23%). MV replacements were performed in 229 patients (15%) with no paravalvular leaks. Mortality was 0.08% in the repair group and 0.87% in the replacement group. No deaths have occurred in the last 38 months. Stroke occurred in 0.31% of repair patients and 1.3% of replacement patients. One patient developed transient renal failure.

Conclusions:

Organization of the robotic OR as a microsystem is associated with surgical efficacy and very low morbidity and mortality. A comparable microsystem approach using all or select components may promote safety and sustainability for robotic MV programs at all levels.
Effects of locally available burlap fiber on the mechanical and microstructural properties of concrete, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebreegziabher Yohannes E , Hareru Werku Koshe , Mulugeta Solomon
Published: September 2024

Innovative researches are increasingly becoming very important in construction industry in order to enhance concrete performance, reduce cost or/and contributing to environmental sustainability. This paper aims to experimentally investigate the effect of burlap fiber on mechanical and micro structural properties of concrete. Five levels of Burlap fiber contents: 0.1, 0.35, 0.60, 0.85%, and 1.1 (% wt) selected and investigated for their effect on concrete the properties of C25 concrete. The experiment was designed in completely randomized design with three replications for compressive strength, tensile strength, and water absorption of the concrete. Whereas descriptive statistics for workability and permeability tests and qualitative assessment for microstructural properties were employed. All the required tests for mechanical and microstructural properties were carried out according to AASHTO and ASTM procedures. It is found that all the burlap fiber content in the range 0.1%–0.85% (wt) can produce workable fresh concrete. In this range of burlap fiber, the fiber contents have showed no statistically significant effect on compressive strength but have showed statistically significant effect on tensile strength and water absorption. Among the different levels, 0.6% (wt) burlap fiber of has shown superior performance. At 0.6% (wt) burlap fiber, the compressive strength equivalent to control mix (0% fiber) is achieved but for tensile strength and water absorption statistically significant and highest improvement relative to the control mix are achieved. The results from the permeability test and microstructural analysis of images also further confirm that the fiber content of 0.6% (wt) can ensure more strong and durable concrete. Therefore, it is recommended to use 0.6% burlap fiber to enhance the tensile strength significantly (by about +3.8% relative to the control), yet maintaining similar compressive strength and water absorption with conventional C25 concrete.
Comparison Between Surgical Techniques for Correction of Congenital Syndactyly: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis
Authors: Schirlo João Matheus , Saad Cleto André , Beltrame Danilo , Beltrame Mayara , Scortegagna Thais , Marinelli Martins Camila
Published: September 2024

This review aimed to assess which surgical technique has better outcomes to correct one of the most common congenital anomalies of the upper limb: syndactyly. The following databases were used in the search: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane (CENTRAL), LILACS, SciELO, Scopus and Web of Science, on October 27, 2022. Studies that described a surgical technique for correcting syndactyly and evaluated surgical complications were included. Studies about noncongenital or foot syndactyly were excluded. The risk of bias was assessed using a specific method for case reports. For synthesis of results, the characteristics of the studies and techniques were demonstrated by a qualitative analysis. Meta-analysis models were applied for complications, functionality, and aesthetic. 73 studies were included, of which 70 were series or case reports, 27 studies did not use skin grafts and 7 studies used external fixators. To evaluate functional results, 42 studies used only the surgeon’s opinion. Meta-analyses showed a higher incidence of scar defects when using skin grafts and of infection when using external fixators. There was no difference for web creep and readmission. Few studies evaluated results using the VSS scale, showing worse scar pigmentation when skin grafts were used, but there was no difference in other parameters (PROSPERO CRD42022368930).
‘Connection Rather Than Output’: Reflections on the Role of Art Workshops in Qualitative Research With Women in Prison
Authors: Power Erin , Adams Maria , Harman Vicki , Garland Jon , McCarthy Daniel
Published: September 2024

This paper offers a reflective account of delivering art workshops in women’s prisons in England, as one method in a larger, qualitative study around the role of food in prisons. We present reflections around the role of art workshops in building relationships and community between the researcher and the participants, and the participants themselves. We found that building connection through art workshops, in a hostile and challenging environment like prison, enabled us to gather richer and deeper data during the qualitive interviews that succeeded the art workshops. We propose that attention from researchers to the ‘unintended consequences’ can contribute to research projects which are impactful for both the participants and researchers. This paper addresses gaps in literature around the use of visual art as method in women’s prisons and the role of arts-based methods in larger qualitative research projects in secure settings.
Different Paradigm Conceptions and Their Implications for Qualitative Research
Authors: Chafe Roger
Published: September 2024

Paradigms have been often presented as fundamental to how we should conceive of and conduct qualitative research. Some writers even hold that defining a researcher’s own paradigm, i.e., including defining their own ontology and epistemology, should be the starting point for conducting any qualitative project. Yet there appears to be little recognition of the uniqueness of the researcher-defined paradigm model often promoted within qualitative research or the existence of alternative paradigm conceptions. Based on an analysis of the original texts, I compare the researcher-defined paradigms proposed by Guba and Lincoln with paradigm conceptions proposed by Kuhn (1970) and Burrell and Morgan (1979), highlighting fundamental differences in their rationale, definition, who or what has a paradigm, how they arise, the positions that researchers can adopt, the scope of their ontological claims, their relation to specific research projects, examples of paradigm positions, and their tenets. The analysis shows that while the three sets of authors all refer to their constructions as paradigms, they present distinct, unrelated paradigm models. Recognizing the potential of distinct paradigm conceptions opens a space for qualitative researchers to reexamine their own commitments. Given the potential alternatives, qualitative researchers who continue to appeal to researcher-defined paradigms at the very least should be able to justify both their choice of paradigm conception and the position they have chosen within it. That there are viable alternatives should allow qualitative researchers to reconsider whether the researcher-defined paradigm model remains the best approach for presenting their assumptions related to a project.
Estimation of the clutch pressure basing on reduced order model of the hydraulic actuator system
Authors: Jian Hongchao , Ren Yanfei , Gu Hongtao
Published: September 2024

The precise control of corresponding clutch pressures is essential to the gearshift quality of vehicle transmissions. The electro-hydraulic clutch-actuator system is widely utilized by vehicle transmissions because of the character of fast response and accurate pressure regulating capability. However, due to the structure of vehicle transmissions, pressure sensors are hard to be mounted to measure the clutch pressure during the shifting process directly. An observer method basing on the reduced order dynamic model of the hydraulic clutch actuator system and the Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) method is proposed in this paper to ensure a stable and precise control of the clutch actuator system. The reduced order non-linear dynamic model of the clutch actuator system is established basing on the flow distribution character and coupling motion of the valve spool in the system. A state observer is proposed to estimate the clutch pressure online using the output pressure signal of the pressure control valve based on the UKF method. Simulations and experiments are carried out to verify the proposed clutch pressure observe method. The results reveal that the reduced order dynamic model can predict the pressure dynamics inside the hydraulic system accurately and the observer can ensure the estimate accuracy of clutch pressure during the shifting process.
Gay as cute: Unpacking cuteness in contemporary gay teen drama series
Authors: Dhaenens Frederik , De Smet Ben
Published: September 2024

Since the late 2010s, there has been a surge in gay teen drama series that portray their gay male protagonists as cute. This article focuses on four series ( Heartstopper, Young Royals, Love, Victor, and wtFOCK) and examines which formal and narrative practices are used to convey cuteness. It argues that, first, each series participates in the creation of the cute gay boy archetype; second, each series represents cuteness as vulnerable in an ambiguous and, at times, resistant manner; third, cute aesthetics are used to soften the blow when tackling heavy or disturbing issues or to amplify positive emotions.
A multicenter observational study assessing the safety, feasibility, and complications of Bonastent in central airway obstruction
Authors: Madisi Nagendra Y. , Ali Sana , Greenberg Daniel , Kobbari Gowthami , Salick Muhammad , Parimi Anoosh , Boujaoude Ziad , Abouzgheib Wissam
Published: September 2024

Background:

Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) are increasingly used in the management of both malignant and nonmalignant airway stenosis. There are multiple stents available in the market; however, the current literature on the efficacy and safety of newly available 3rd generation SEMS (Bonastent) is extremely limited and only has data from single center studies.

Objectives:

To report the efficacy and early (<7 days) and late (⩾7 days) complications in patients with central airway obstruction (CAO) treated with Bonastent placement at two institutions.

Design:

We performed a retrospective analysis of data of consecutive patients who underwent therapeutic bronchoscopy and Bonastent placement at two tertiary care university hospitals between January 2019 and November 2023.

Methods:

Bonastent deployment was performed in the operating room. Stents were deployed using rigid or flexible bronchoscopy under direct visualization with a flexible bronchoscope and in conjunction with fluoroscopic guidance. We then analyzed the effectiveness, short-term, and long-term complications of Bonastent placement.

Results:

A total of 107 Bonastents® were placed in 96 patients. The most common etiology of CAO was malignancy, 92.7% ( n = 89), followed by excessive dynamic airway collapse (EDAC) and post-intubation tracheal stenosis. Seventy-three patients (76%) had improvement in symptoms or imaging within 7 days of stent placement, including successful liberation from mechanical ventilation in a patient with CAO. Early complications occurred in seven patients (two-airway bleeding, two-mucus plugging that improved with airway clearance, two-stent migrations, and one-cough). Late complications occurred in 23 patients (1-stent migration requiring revision bronchoscopy and replacement of airway stent, 11-mucus plugging, 6-granulation tissue, 2-pneumonia, 1-cough, 1-tumor ingrowth/stent fracture, 1-airway emergency due to excessive granulation tissue obstructing the distal end of the stent and had a failed cricothyroidotomy leading to death). Overall, the early complication rate was 7.3% (7/96) and late complication rate was 23.9% (23/96).

Conclusion:

Our study is the first multicenter study that found a good safety profile with a low complication rate after tracheobronchial Bonastent placement with improvement in symptoms soon after stent placement.
Can legacy firms digitally transform?
Authors: Milton Datta Pratim , Acton Thomas
Published: September 2024

Traditional firms need to digitally transform but carry legacy baggage as constraints—their legacy customer orientation and legacy operational capabilities. So, under these constraining dimensions, how can executives in legacy firms strategize their digital transformations? Based on field research and action research with firms in the United Kingdom, United States, Ireland, and Italy, the paper offers a “Lifting Legacy Anchors” framework to denote useful digital transformation strategies for legacy firms—highlighting opportunities, challenges, and downstream spillover benefits beyond the quotidian.
Timbre Space: On the Flat History of a Multidimensional Metaphor
Authors: Morrison Landon
Published: September 2024

This article reflects on the “flat” history of timbre space, tracking its emergence as a technical inscription in psychoacoustic experiments and its rise to become a dominant conceptual metaphor in timbre studies. Drawing on Bruno Latour's notion of “immutable mobiles,” the author shows how the idea of a multidimensional timbre space has been propagated through the circulation of diagrams, which make perceptual data on listeners accessible to remote viewers. After surveying laboratory tools and techniques required for the production of these diagrams, the article considers how models of timbre space have been built into new technologies for music composition, performance, and listening, as well as into audio classification schemes and metadata formatting standards like MPEG-7. Mapping connections between psychoacoustic discourses and design practices, the article sheds light on the technoscientific origins of timbre space, examining its articulation to research labs at Bell, CCRMA, and IRCAM, and interrogating its role in determining what counts as sound knowledge.
Ethical Issues Related to the Use of Technology in Social Work Practice. A Systematic Review
Authors: Rodríguez-Martínez Antonia , Amezcua Aguilar María Teresa , Cortés Moreno Javier , Jiménez-Delgado Juan José
Published: September 2024

A systematic review of the literature (up to September 2023) has been conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and following the checklist for reporting systematic reviews of PRISMA 2020. The research objective is related to the ethical issues of the Social Work profession associated with the use of digital technologies in professional practice. Increasing ethical challenges arising from the integration of digital technologies in Social Work practice underscore the necessity of this study. Thematic Synthesis Analysis was used to analyze the studies ( n = 15), extracted from five databases: Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, EBSCOhost, and Dialnet Plus. The analysis of documents was carried out with the support of the CADIMA web tool. The results have been grouped into three categories: the effects of digitization on professional practice; education, research and engagement; and ethical challenges in digital professional practice. This article evidences the need to adopt ethical principles and regulatory standards that support the application framework of the profession, and within this framework the right to the protection of digital personal data and the regulation in which they converge.
The Ripple Effects of Bullying: Impact on Employees and Their Performance
Authors: Tiwari Mansi , Mathur Garima , Narula Sumit , Verma Manish
Published: September 2024

For strongly securing the employer–employee relationship, it is important to have a desirable and positive working environment. This study investigates the impact of workplace bullying on self-concept, employee cynicism and life satisfaction, which effect employees’ performances. The survey has been conducted through the adaptation of standard tools among 200 employees working in various banks like ICICI and Axis to name a few. The analysis of data will be done through G*power software and SmartPLS4 software to apply structural equation modelling. Results revealed that the relationship between workplace and personal bullying on employee cynicism, self-concept and job performance of employees is significant which effect the employee’s satisfaction with life. It develops the turnover intention among employees. This study has very strong and valid implications for management for the employees of the banking sector. It will help in energizing and motivating their workforce more towards effective performances, which will make their well-being stronger. It will be effectively helpful in maintaining a productive working environment by prioritizing their daily role at the workplace. This study validates the relationship among the variables used in the study. It invites more research from a different perspective to identify the impact in understanding the role of workplace bullying which creates deviance among employees.
Food Insecurity and Its Associated Factors Among Lactating Mothers in Yirgalem Town, South Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Endeshaw Fikremariam , W/kidan Haregwa Asnake , Zeleke Fentahun Tamene , Tefera Daniel Tsega , Tadesse Abebe Shimelis , Muhamed Ahmed Nuru , Kasahun Esuyawkal Mislu
Published: September 2024

Background

Food insecurity is a state in which people do not have both physical and economic access to sufficient food to meet their dietary needs. Food insecurity affects all nations despite that it is high in Africa, particularly in Ethiopia. There is limited information on the magnitude of food insecurity and its associated factors among lactating mothers in Ethiopia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the magnitude of food insecurity and associated factors among lactating mothers in Yirgalem Town, South Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted on five randomly selected Kebeles and 557 lactating mothers who were selected using a simple random sampling technique from January 10 to April 30, 2022. The data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaires. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used in the analysis. Family folder documentation was used to know the number of lactating mothers found in each Kebeles. Food insecurity was measured by household food insecurity access scale (version 3). Dietary diversity was assessed by the 24-hour dietary recall method.

Results

The magnitude of food insecurity among lactating mothers was 58.2%. Low minimum dietary diversity score, mothers with two and below antenatal care, mothers who had more than two children under 5 years, no home gardening practice, and having meals two and below were significantly associated with food insecurity.

Conclusion

The magnitude of food insecurity was 58.2% in the study area. Therefore, the agricultural and health sectors should work collaboratively to improve home gardening practices, dietary diversity practices and maternal health services are highly recommended to reduce food insecurity.
From Private Prisons to Private Detention: Visualizing the Business of Immigration Enforcement
Authors: Burkhardt Brett C.
Published: September 2024

The United States runs the largest immigrant detention system in the world, and it relies on private companies to do so. This visualization considers how private prison companies have made immigrant detention a central part of their business. I compile and report 20 years of revenues for the two dominant private prison firms in the United States. The revenues are disaggregated by customer and presented as proportional stacked area graphs, which show changes in the composition of companies’ revenues. The graphs reveal that revenues from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have increased, respectively, fourfold and sevenfold for CoreCivic and The GEO Group, and they now account for 30 percent and 43 percent, respectively, of corporate revenues. These firms’ growing reliance on ICE revenue coupled with ICE’s reliance on private contractors raises questions about democracy, governance, and punishment.
Evolution of unexpected diversity in a putative mating type locus and its correlation with genome variability reveals likely asexuality in the model mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis
Authors: Lee Soon-Jae , Risse Eric , Mateus Ivan D. , Sanders Ian R.
Published: September 2024

Background

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form mutualistic partnerships with approximately 80% of plant species. AMF, and their diversity, play a fundamental role in plant growth, driving plant diversity, and global carbon cycles. Knowing whether AMF are sexual or asexual has fundamental consequences for how they can be used in agricultural applications. Evidence for and against sexuality in the model AMF, Rhizophagus irregularis, has been proposed. The discovery of a putative mating-type locus (MAT locus) in R. irregularis, and the previously suggested recombination among nuclei of a dikaryon R. irregularis isolate, potentially suggested sexuality. Unless undergoing frequent sexual reproduction, evolution of MAT-locus diversity is expected to be very low. Additionally, in sexual species, MAT-locus evolution is decoupled from the evolution of arbitrary genome-wide loci.

Results

We studied MAT-locus diversity of R. irregularis. This was then compared to diversification in a phosphate transporter gene (PTG), that is not involved in sex, and to genome-wide divergence, defined by 47,378 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Strikingly, we found unexpectedly high MAT-locus diversity indicating that either it is not involved in sex, or that AMF are highly active in sex. However, a strongly congruent evolutionary history of the MAT-locus, PTG and genome-wide arbitrary loci allows us to reject both the hypothesis that the MAT-locus is involved in mating and that the R. irregularis lineage is sexual.

Conclusion

Our finding shapes the approach to developing more effective AMF strains and is highly informative as it suggests that introduced strains applied in agriculture will not exchange DNA with native populations.
Relationship between p16/ki67 immunoscores and PAX1/ZNF582 methylation status in precancerous and cancerous cervical lesions in high-risk HPV-positive women
Authors: Luo Haijun , Lian Yixiang , Tao Hong , Zhao Yan , Wang Zhigan , Zhou Jing , Zhang Zirong , Jiang Shali
Published: September 2024

Background

The risk of cervical cancer progression in high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV)-positive women is associated with cervical lesion severity and molecular heterogeneity. Classification systems based on p16 and Ki67 expression cumulative scores (0–3 each)—p16/Ki67 collectively known as an immunoscore [IS]—are an accurate and reproducible method for grading cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) lesions. Meanwhile, DNA methylation is an early event in the development of cervical cancer. Hence, this study evaluated the relationship among CIN, p16/Ki-67 IS, and PAX1/ZNF582 methylation.

Methods

In this study, 414 HPV-positive paraffin-embedded specimens were collected, and PAX1/ZNF582 methylation and the p16/ki67 IS were determined. A total of 43 invalid samples were excluded and 371 were included in the statistical analyses. There were 103 cervicitis, 95 CIN1, 71 CIN2, 89 CIN3, and 13 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases. The association between PAX1/ZNF582 methylation and p16/Ki6 immunohistochemical staining scores was analyzed.

Results

The ΔCp of PAX1m (PAX1 methylation) and ZNF582m (ZNF582 methylation) decreased with cervical lesion severity (Cuzick trend test, all P < 0.001). The severity of the cervical lesions and p16, Ki67, and p16/Ki67 IS showed an increasing trend (Multinomial Cochran-Armitage trend test, all P < 0.001). The prevalence of PAX1m/ZNF582m increased with an increase in the IS of p16, Ki67, and p16/Ki67 (Cochran-Armitage trend test, all P < 0.001). In cervical SCC, the IS was 5–6, and the PAX1m/ZNF582m was positive. Meanwhile, heterogeneity was observed in CIN lesions: 10 cases had an IS of 3–4 and were PAX1m/ZNF582m-positive in ≤ CIN1; 1 case had an IS of 0–2 and was PAX1m/ZNF582m-positive in CIN2/3.

Conclusions

Significant heterogeneity was observed in CIN lesions for p16 and Ki67 immunohistochemical staining scores and PAX1/ZNF582 methylation. This may help clinicians personalize the management of CIN based on the predicted short-term risk of cancer progression, minimizing the rate of missed CIN1 diagnoses and incorrect treatment of CIN2/3.