bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Older women migrants in Malaysia and their left-behind families
Authors: Zulueta Johanna O.
Published: November 2024

This paper looks at older Filipino female migrants in Malaysia. Based on semi-structured interviews and FGDs I conducted in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya from February to March 2018 and in August 2018, I found that women’s experiences of aging are linked to gender, social class and societal expectations of their familial roles. For them, family obligations as breadwinners meant working as domestic workers in Malaysia even way into their older years. While old age is not a hindrance to them to perform transnational care toward their left-behind families, tensions and ambivalence are present within their intergenerational relationships.
Copyright administration in academic libraries: Challenges of library patrons
Authors: Adu Theresa Larteley , Arthur Charles Kofi , Asare Comfort A. B.
Published: November 2024

The application of stricter copyright laws in academic libraries leaves users of reprographic materials at the mercy of rightsholders thereby inhibiting knowledge acquisition and dissemination. This study interrogated the copyright challenges faced by academic library users in Ghana using data from 530 postgraduate students in two private and two public universities. Among the major challenges faced by students were: (i) Digital technology has made it easier to access, reuse and share content (ii) Unintentionally exposing the institution or library to the risk of copyright infringement (iii) Piracy (iv) Undue concerns of authorities about copyright infringement, (v) Publishers and other intermediaries put impediments in the provision of learning resources, (vi) Difficulties in locating the rightsholder to seek permission for the use of material, (vii) Difficulties in supervising content use, (viii) Content is available from many different sources, including the open web, and (ix) Rights licensing are not always straightforward, easy or efficient. The support by some students (i.e., those at the Writing of findings/results or Discussion stage of their thesis writeup as well as fourth-year PhD students) of the commercial interests of publishers may be a positive contribution in promoting copyright compliance in academic libraries.
Cinema and Critique: Third World Imaginaries
Authors: Majumdar Rochona
Published: November 2024

This article considers examples of politically committed filmmaking in the erstwhile third world as a way of re-imagining histories of the international. As a medium whose dissemination was near simultaneous all over the world – thereby making it international from the moment of its birth – cinema, and moving images more generally, played a crucial role in generating and nourishing imaginations of the international. With particular reference to Mrinal Sen’s Padatik (The Foot Soldier, 1973) and Fernando Solanas and Octavio Gettino’s The Hour of the Furnaces (1968), I analyze the possibilities and barriers in imagining third-world solidarity.
A qualitative study exploring occupational therapist’s experiences of delivering interventions to patients in seclusion whilst working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
Authors: Bowser Anita , Harwood Beth , Wright Rachael , Donovan-Hall Maggie
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Although occupational therapists work within mental health settings, there is limited research regarding their role in seclusion. This study aims to explore occupational therapists’ experiences of delivering occupational therapy in seclusion whilst working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Method:

An exploratory qualitative approach using a semi-structured virtual interview approach was adopted. A convenience sample of six participants with experience of working in inpatient mental health seclusions settings were recruited at a national level. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Findings:

Four key themes were identified: (1) the perception of seclusion as a punitive approach, (2) the role of occupational therapy in improving the patient’s journey through seclusion, (3) grading and adapting occupations to manage risk and increase engagement, and (4) promoting the role of occupational therapy in seclusion.

Conclusion:

Occupational therapists can play an important role in improving the experience of patients in seclusion. They have unique skills that enable them to work in this challenging environment. It has also highlighted the lack of understanding about occupational therapy within the multi-disciplinary team and how important it is for occupational therapists to promote their role.
A Comparative Study of Adult Education in Tanzanian Newspapers: Analyzing Frequency and Depth
Authors: Mwita Samwel Gasuku , Kuhenga Dotto Paul
Published: November 2024

This study examines the coverage of adult education (AE) in Tanzania's print media between 2016 and 2021, focusing on four newspapers: Mwananchi, Habari Leo, The Citizen, and Daily News. These newspapers were selected for their diverse contents and national reach. The study adopted a mixed-method approach, combining the Agenda Setting theory with content analysis to examine news, features, editorials, and opinion articles related to AE. Moreover, an explanatory research design was employed, which involved engaging 50 key informants. AE coverage was event-driven, with 60.3% being news articles and 39.7% consisting of features, editorials, and opinions. This coverage contributes to a limited public comprehension of AE, hindering its recognition as an essential part of the national agenda. This study recommends enhancing awareness, providing specialized training and creating pull-outs for AE.
Crystallization and crystal morphology of polymers: A multiphase-field study
Authors: Afrasiabian Navid , Elmoghazy Ahmed , Blarr Juliane , Scheuring Benedikt , Prahs Andreas , Schneider Daniel , Liebig Wilfried V , Weidenmann Kay A , Denniston Colin , Nestler Britta
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we introduce a coarse-grained model of polymer crystallization using a multiphase-field approach. The model combines a multiphase-field method, Nakamura’s kinetic equation, and the equation of heat conduction for studying microstructural evolution of crystallization under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. The multiphase-field method provides flexibility in adding any number of phases with different properties making the model effective in studying blends or composite materials. We apply our model to systems of neat PA6 and study the impact of initial distribution of crystalline grains and cooling rate on the morphology of the system. The relative crystallinity (conversion) curves show qualitative agreement with experimental data. We also investigate the impact of including carbon fibers on the crystallization and grain morphology. We observe a more homogeneous crystal morphology around fibers. This is associated with the higher initial volume fraction of crystal grains and higher heat conductivity of the fiber (compared to the polymer matrix). Additionally, we observe that the crystalline grains at the fiber surface grow perpendicular to the surface. This indicates that the vertical growth observed in experiments is merely due to geometrical constraints imposed by the fiber surface and neighbouring crystalline regions.
Association among therapeutic adherence, health literacy, and engagement in care: How to increase health-conscious management of HIV disease
Authors: Massaroni Valentina , Delle Donne Valentina , Salvo Pierluigi Francesco , Farinacci Damiano , Iannone Valentina , Baldin Gianmaria , Ciccarelli Nicoletta , Di Giambenedetto Simona
Published: November 2024

Background

In the context of People Living with HIV (PLWH), poor health literacy (HL) seems to be linked to poorer health outcomes and reduced engagement in care. Additionally, the level of HL can affect HIV knowledge and may impact adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). This research explored the connection between ART adherence, HL, and engagement in care in a cohort of 250 PLWH receiving ART in Italy.

Methods

A questionnaire was given to PLWH at Policlinico Gemelli in Rome to assess their health literacy and adherence to therapy. The Brief Health Literacy Screening (BHLS) and the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) were used to evaluate subjective and objective HL. Adherence levels were self-reported as poor, good, or excellent, and the assessment included the Patient Health Engagement Scale (PHE-S).

Results

Notably, the majority of the sample comprised male individuals (67.9%), with 69.2% reporting a 10-years or longer duration between their HIV diagnosis and their initiation of ART. It was found that PLWH with poor adherence had low schooling, had been living with HIV for 1–5 years, were HCV co-infected, had a viremia >50 copies/mL, poor health status, poor engagement in care, and poor HL ( p = <0.001). They exhibited lower mean scores on the subjective HL scale and lower CD4 T-cell counts and nadir CD4 T-cell counts ( p < .001).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated a positive correlation between higher HL levels and improved disease management, treatment adherence, and overall physical and mental well-being. Enhanced HL capabilities are paramount in bolstering health management and treatment adherence.
Migrant swearing-in narratives at the Supreme Court of New South Wales
Authors: Zhou Catherine
Published: November 2024

While Australian swearing-in ceremonies have been analysed through feminist perspectives, there has been less of a focus on the swearing-in of racialised judges. In this article, I examine the swearing-in ceremonies of two migrant judges on the Supreme Court of New South Wales, Justice Dina Yehia and Justice Hament Dhanji. I find that both ceremonies involve migrant narratives which centre individualism and exceptionalism, perpetuating model minority myths and entrenching verticality between the judge and the judged.
“A New Way of Teaching and a New Way of Reaching Students”: Building Critical Awareness About Technology Through a Practitioner Inquiry Community
Authors: D’haem Kobrin Jennifer
Published: November 2024

The growing presence of technology in Adult Foundational Education (AFE) represents affordances as well as challenges for marginalized student populations. Utilizing technologies in ways that foster and support AFE students’ agency requires opportunities for practitioners to reflect on problems of practice in their classrooms and make connections to broader structural issues in the field. This qualitative study explored the experiences of AFE practitioners from a large Northeast U.S. city during an 18-month professional development initiative focused on technology integration. Findings explore the practitioners’ range of social practices during the project, including adaptiveness and vulnerability, re-framing students’ digital literacies, and questioning normative assumptions about technology platforms. Understanding how these social practices emerged over time can spark efforts in AFE and other adult education contexts to engage in critically oriented explorations of students’ engagements with technology, ultimately supporting more asset-based approaches to using digital platforms.
How Advocates Can Support Young Adults Living With Cancer and Their Transition to Palliative Care
Authors: Drake Emily K. , Weeks Lori E. , van Manen Michael , Taylor Dani , Ricci Ian , Curran Janet
Published: November 2024

While the cancer advocacy community has been pivotal in progressing oncology care, supporting young adults with advanced cancer transitioning to palliative care continues to be a complex challenge. Palliative care services may not be offered by healthcare providers or engaged by young people themselves. This is in the face of the recognized value that palliative care can provide young people and their families. The purpose of this study was to explore what cancer advocates can do to support young adults (18–39 years of age) with advanced cancer in their transition to palliative care. A community-based research perspective supported engagement with members of the #AYACSM (Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Societal Movement) from the United States and Canada through social media. Analysis was guided by a reflexive thematic analysis approach to articulate four action-oriented themes: advocate for advances in the delivery of care; support healthcare provider education; mobilize knowledge and share stories; and leverage technology for advocacy efforts. Young adult cancer advocacy must span the continuum of cancer care from prevention to end-of-life. There exist gaps in advocacy efforts surrounding support for young people in their transition to and the integration of palliative care services. Creative and innovative advocacy approaches are needed. This study also showed opportunities for conducting qualitative research through an existing online community as an approach conducive to community-based research.
Can We Learn From Trust in Simulation to Gain Trust in AI?
Authors: Tolk Andreas
Published: November 2024

This short feature article recommends learning from the M&S community and shifting from trust in the model towards trust in the result. Trust is not only gained by technically mature solutions but is predominantly shaped by the relationship between provider and customer.
Growing Up with an Absent Parent: A Mixed-Methods Approach on Parental Absence, Well-Being, and Romantic Relationship Processes
Authors: Langlais Michael R. , Chacón Veronica , Brazer Jordyn H.
Published: November 2024

The goal of this study is to understand the experiences of having an absent parent, meaning a parent who is not physically or psychologically involved in raising a biological child by choice, and test how having an absent parent contributes to mental well-being and romantic relationship quality. Using family systems theory as a foundational framework, this study applied a mixed-methods design, where participants completed an individual interview ( N = 28; 100% had an absent parent) or online survey ( N = 174; 30.4% had an absent parent). Reflexive thematic analyses revealed negative psychological consequences, such as feeling guilty, numb, and depressed, due to having an absent parent. Those with an absent parent reported attachment issues, avoiding relationships in general, and trust issues in their own romantic relationships. Regression analyses revealed that for those with an absent parent, having more abandonment issues predicted poorer mental well-being, even when controlling for family functioning, communication, and rapport with the single parent growing up. Having an absent parent was also associated with increased sexual behaviors. Generally, having an absent parent was associated with interpersonal and relational consequences for emerging adults.
Development and Validation of the Career Counseling Outcome Questionnaire in Two Clinical Settings
Authors: Milot-Lapointe Francis , Le Corff Yann
Published: November 2024

This study reports the development and initial validation of the Career Counseling Outcome Questionnaire (CCOQ) in two individual career counseling settings using a college sample ( n = 1,140) and a community sample ( n = 161). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed five correlated factors in both samples: (a) knowledge of the career decision-making process (4 items), (b) knowledge of the self (3 items), (c) knowledge of career information (3 items), (d) anxiety towards career decision-making (3 items), and (e) career undecidedness (2 items). The CCOQ scale scores changed in the expected theoretical direction during the career counseling interventions and did not change when clients were not receiving counseling. Except for anxiety, all CCOQ subscales predicted satisfaction with the career decision twelve months after counseling. The CCOQ total score predicted satisfaction with the decision twelve months after counseling, over and beyond a widely used instrument assessing sources of career decision difficulties (i.e. the Career Decision Difficulties Questionnaire; CDDQ). Career counselors could use the CCOQ to monitor the effectiveness of their interventions in complement to diagnostic measures such as the CDDQ.
Frequency and Association of Polymorphisms in F2, F7, and PROS1 Coagulation Genes with Disease Severity in Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Alshaya Dalal Sulaiman , Alzamil Lama A. , Alghamdi Alanoud S. , Alshammari Lolwah S. , Alhowaiti Saltana A. , Bohol Marie Fe F. , Abudouleh Esra’a , Alhamlan Fatimah , Al-Qahtani Arwa A. , Al Hazzani Amal , Owaidah Tarek , Al-Qahtani Ahmed A.
Published: November 2024

Abnormal transcriptomic profiles of coagulation genes have been linked to coagulopathies in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The objective of the present study was to explore the frequency of genotypes and potential association of polymorphisms in genes encoding coagulation factors with the disease severity in COVID-19 patients.

The patients were clinically categorized into four groups of COVID-19 disease severity (asymptomatic, mild, moderate, and severe). Three variants of genes, involving the coagulation genes rs3136516 (F2 gene), rs6042 (F7 gene), and rs6123 (PROS1 gene), were studied. Polymorphisms were genotyped by Sanger DNA sequencing.

Most of the subjects had moderate COVID-19 infection (n = 53, 62.4%), followed by mild (n = 16, 18.8%), and severe infections (n = 15, 17.6%). The frequency of the rs3136516 AG genotype was considerably higher in non-ICU patients compared to ICU patients (51.3% vs 34.1%, OR 3.167, 95% CI 1.094-9.170, P = .031). Furthermore, the dominant genetic model (AA + AG vs GG) was significantly associated with a decreased probability of admission to the ICU in COVID-19 patients (OR 0.340, 95% CI 0.127 - 0.905, and P = .028). No other variants of the coagulation genes studied were found to be associated with the severity of COVID-19 disease, admission to the ICU, and mortality ( P > .05).

The rs3136516 AG genotype could predispose COVID-19 patients to increased disease severity and therefore admission to the ICU, while the dominant genetic model (AA + AG vs GG) of rs3136516 exerts a protective role.
Seeing it in others versus doing it yourself: Social desirability judgements and conversation production data from autistic and non-autistic children
Authors: McGuinness Lauren , Abbot-Smith Kirsten , Gambi Chiara
Published: November 2024

On average, groups of autistic individuals are more likely than groups of non-autistic individuals to exhibit unconventional conversational behaviours. We examined autistic and non-autistic children’s social impressions of unconventional responding, as well as actual conversational behaviours in the same participants. Across two studies, 36 autistic and 36 non-autistic matched 9–13-year-olds listened to conversational vignettes which manipulated the relevance and timing of responses produced by the speaker. They then rated the speaker’s social desirability. We also measured the content and latency of the same children’s conversational responses. Autistic children aligned with their non-autistic peers in indicating that they were less likely to befriend, or enjoy interacting with, a speaker who provided off-topic or delayed responses. However, the same autistic children provided more off-topic, and fewer topic-continuing, conversational responses than their non-autistic counterparts. These findings suggest that displaying unconventional conversational behaviours may act as a barrier to friendship or inclusion for autistic children, even when socialising with other autistic peers.

Lay abstract

During a conversation, on average, autistic individuals are often more likely than non-autistic people to provide an off-topic comment and/or to pause for longer before providing a response. One possible explanation for this is that autistic individuals prefer, or are more tolerant of, unconventional communication styles. To explore this possibility, we investigated whether autistic and non-autistic 9–13-year-olds find off-topic or delayed responding a deterrent to friendship or interaction. Participants listened to scripted conversations and then rated social desirability statements, such as ‘I would enjoy chatting to the [target speaker]’. We also examined the prevalence of these behaviours in children’s own conversational responses. We found that autistic children were just as likely as non-autistic children to dis-prefer unconventional conversational responding. Both groups indicated that they were less likely to want to be friends with the speaker, or to chat with them, when they provided off-topic or delayed responses. However, despite their judgements of others, the same autistic children were more likely to provide off-topic responses themselves than their non-autistic peers, as well as giving fewer on-topic responses which facilitate back-and-forth conversation. Overall, this is problematic for autistic children, as our findings suggest that the tendency to exhibit unconventional conversational behaviours will have negative social consequences, even when interacting with other autistic peers.
Active noise control of refrigerator based on cascaded notch feedback algorithm
Authors: Gui Chaoping
Published: November 2024

Refrigerators bring convenience to people, but the noise they produce can also affect people’s lives. Refrigerator noise is dominated by low-frequency noise, and the active noise control method is more effective for this kind of noise. However, the existing active noise control methods for refrigerators do not take into account factors such as the limited space and complex structure of the refrigerator compressor room, and external interference signals will be introduced to affect the noise reduction performance during the error signal collection. Given that, this paper proposes the cascade notch feedback algorithm, which can well reduce the influence of external interference signals to better achieve the refrigerator noise reduction. The algorithm consists of the cascaded notch filtering algorithm and the feedback algorithm. The cascade notch filtering algorithm is formed by cascading the adaptive notch filtering algorithm, which is used to deal with the main frequency and harmonic noise generated by the refrigerator. The feedback algorithm consists of a robust algorithm for dealing with external interference signals introduced during error signal collection. The simulation experiment proves that the algorithm has advantages in terms of noise reduction and computational cost compared with the adaptive notch filtering algorithm and the improved algorithm. The experimental test platform is set up to carry out the actual refrigerator noise reduction experiments under different conditions. The algorithm has the effect of noise reduction under different robust algorithms.
Methodology for the disliked: a call for situated ethics in close-up research with anti-gender groups
Authors: Obst Marcel
Published: November 2024

The close-up study of far-right groups often involves an intense emotional burden for researchers working with participants they dislike or even feel threatened by. This article proposes to think of the ‘disliked’ as a category of participants whom the researcher finds ideologically or morally objectionable due to their exclusionary attitudes. It calls for an approach of situated ethics to account for the particularities and complexities of disliked groups that can remain uncharted if studied from a distance. Furthermore, the article addresses the need to understand ethics and safety as entangled when researching disliked groups, since researchers must cautiously examine and handle the overlap between them. To explore this topic, the article draws on in-depth fieldwork with anti-gender groups in Spain and engages with the experience of empathising with people whose discourse and beliefs challenge the researcher's own well-being.
Participatory data analysis in social change work: empowering, practical, or both?
Authors: Kogen Lauren
Published: November 2024

Participatory work with marginalized groups claims to bridge a divide between researchers or project implementers (outsiders) and those with whom they are working to create social change (insiders). A debate within this field is whether participation's primary function is to support participants taking ownership over social change in their communities (an empowerment approach) or to garner feedback, particularly during the evaluation stage, in order for implementers to more efficiently assess project goals and adjust project design (a so-called ‘practical’ approach). This paper makes the claim that a greater focus on theory building through participatory data analysis can help bridge the divide between the empowerment and practicality camps. It does so by simultaneously embracing the assumptions behind empowerment ideologies (that community members hold the key to understanding and changing policies and systems) and behind more ‘practical’ approaches (that participation is immensely useful and practical for creating and improving interventions). I discuss a participatory evaluation of a US intimate partner violence intervention in order to demonstrate how participation supports theory building, including the crucial findings that emerged which the researcher, as an outsider, had missed. I offer raw excerpt analysis as a method to support these goals, and I discuss best practices for those using the method.
Frequency and Characteristics of Integrative Oncology Referrals for Patients With Cancer Receiving Inpatient Rehabilitation
Authors: Gupta Ekta , Lopez Gabriel , Narayanan Santhosshi , Tennison Jegy M. , Elahi Imran , Rozman de Moraes Aline , Fellman Bryan M. , Bruera Eduardo
Published: November 2024

Background:

Integrative Oncology (IO) interventions may decrease physical, psychological, and social distress related to cancer and its treatments. Little is known about the frequency and predictors of IO referral for symptom management for cancer rehabilitation inpatients.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed of patients with cancer who underwent inpatient rehabilitation at a specialized tertiary cancer center from 5/2016 to 3/2020. Patient demographics and IO consultation details, including patient-reported outcome measures of symptom burden using ESAS-FS and functional status using the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care “6 clicks,” were extracted. Descriptive summary statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze the data.

Results:

Out of 1196 inpatient rehabilitation admissions, 100 (8.4%) were referred to IO. The Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care “6 clicks” basic mobility admission scores were significant at a 1-point difference between the intervention and control group (39.5 vs 40.8, P < .05); both scores equate to a ˃50% degree of functional impairment. Referred patients were younger (62, P = .02) and Hispanics or Latinos ( P = .02). The top symptoms for IO consultation included pain (N = 73), integrative approach (N = 41), relaxation (N = 38), and stress/anxiety (N = 33). Patients who reported a baseline symptom score ≥ 1 in the ESAS-FS, had both statistically ( P < .05) and clinically significant improvements (≥1 point change) for pain, fatigue, well-being, anxiety, and sleep after massage therapy.

Conclusion:

Cancer rehabilitation inpatients were commonly referred to IO to address pain, with observed improvements across multiple symptoms with massage therapy. Lower mobility scores and younger patients received significantly higher referrals to IO. Larger trials are needed to characterize the effects of IO interventions on the inpatient rehabilitation of patients with cancer.
Roles Caregivers Take on in Pediatric Rehabilitation Telehealth Services: A Scoping Review
Authors: Tkach Melanie Morriss , Earwood Juliana Hudson
Published: November 2024

Background:

Caregivers and children continue to use pediatric rehabilitation telehealth services (PRTS) post-pandemic. Understanding how caregivers support children during PRTS can help us fully integrate caregivers for positive outcomes. This scoping review describes the roles caregivers take on during PRTS.

Methods:

We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and ERIC for research published January 2005 to July 2023. We included English articles on the effect of PRTS. We excluded qualitative and non–peer-reviewed literature.

Results:

Thirty-four articles met inclusion criteria. Caregivers were gatekeepers, technicians, implementers, trainees, collaborators, telehealth consumers, and supervisors in PRTS. Caregivers took on roles throughout PRTS, and roles varied by type of PRTS delivered.

Conclusions:

Caregivers take on multiple roles to support children during PRTS. Our results can inform clinical decisions about how to integrate and support caregivers in PRTS. Future research should explore strategies that support caregiver role taking to maximize caregiver involvement and outcomes in PRTS.
Does relational context matter? Trust in principal as a moderator between distributed leadership and organisational citizenship behaviours in Turkish schools
Authors: Kavgacı Hasan
Published: November 2024

This study investigates how and under what conditions distributed leadership influences teachers’ organisational citizenship behaviours. Using survey data from a sample of 419 teachers working in primary and secondary schools across six provinces in Türkiye, the current study tested a moderation model of distributed leadership’s impacts on teachers’ organisational citizenship behaviours, with trust in principal as the moderator. A regression-based moderation analysis was performed to examine the relationships between the study variables. The results demonstrated that distributed leadership is significantly associated with organisational citizenship behaviours, and trust in principal significantly moderates this link. Furthermore, distributed leadership fails to exert a significant influence on organisational citizenship behaviours when trust in principal is relatively low, indicating the pivotal role of trust as a relational context factor in elucidating the leadership’s impact on organisational citizenship behaviours. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of how the relational aspects of the workplace influence the impact of distributed leadership practices on positive teacher behaviours. The study has several implications for theory, policy and practice.
‘I can literally change the world’: Longitudinal research on the impacts of the Champions of Caring Ambassadors Leadership Program
Authors: Goyette Kimberly , Rogers Nina V , Biakou Francisca Selase Afantchao , Rupp Beth Margolis
Published: November 2024

Few studies assess the long-term impacts of programs for teenagers designed to foster leadership and public service. Here we contact former participants in one such program, the Champions of Caring Ambassadors Leadership Program, to see how they may have been influenced in adulthood. We find that participants remember specific aspects of the program vividly, and they apply the lessons they learned as Ambassadors in their adult lives. Specifically, they have used the program as a launch pad into other leadership and service roles. They employ the practical and organization skills from the program, and they recall the sense of belonging and the value of meaningful interactions across race, social class, religion, and other social background characteristics. Finally, many saw the lessons learned during their time as Ambassadors a legacy they have incorporated into their adult lives. Many continue two decades later to be engaged in social justice activism.
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of some benzimidazole analogs as AMPK agonists
Authors: Tian Runtao , Zhang Jiajia , Zhang Yujia , Ding Huaiwei
Published: November 2024

AMP-activated protein kinase is a crucial regulator of cellular metabolism with potential therapeutic implications in various diseases. In this study, the benzimidazole scaffold was chosen for investigation with EX-229 as the lead compound. Modifications were made to the terminal carboxyl group, and the methylindole moiety was replaced with phenylpyrrolidinone to synthesize and assess the AMP-activated protein kinase-activating properties of 13 benzimidazole derivatives. In vitro studies have shown that most of the synthesized compounds have significant excitatory effects on AMP-activated protein kinase. Particularly, A11 demonstrated the most potent activity with an EC50 value of 39 nM. Combining activity data and molecular docking analysis revealed the necessity of end-molecule hydrogen bond donors for LYS29, and the importance of an appropriate torsion angle at the pyrrolidinone position to facilitate the formation of a crucial hydrogen bond with LYS31. These discoveries offer preliminary insights into the interaction of small-molecule drugs with the AMP-activated protein kinase protein and establish a foundation for the future development of AMP-activated protein kinase activators guided by structure–activity relationships.
Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine: Therapeutic Potential in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Shi Qian , Liu Xinan , Shengbu Meniga , Jiaqiu Suolang , Lai Xianrong
Published: November 2024

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent airflow obstruction and manifested by symptoms such as chronic cough, sputum, and dyspnea. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has long been used to treat COPD. This article summarizes potential Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) for COPD treatment through a literature review and collation. The findings highlight 14 kinds of effective CHM for COPD, including Scutellaria radix, Salvia miltiorrhiza radix et rhizoma, Hippophae fructus, Ginseng radix et rhizoma, and Astragali radix. Flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and volatile oil constituents are the main bioactive components for the treatment of COPD. They mainly inhibit the tumor necrosis factor alpha/nuclear factor kappa B (TNF-α/NF-κB) signaling pathway by reducing the production and release of inflammatory factors such as interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), TNF-α, and NF-κB, thereby reducing inflammation in lungs of rats with COPD and protect the lung tissues. Some active ingredients can inhibit toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt), Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathways to express anti-inflammatory activity. This work establishes a foundation for using CHM in COPD treatment and offers new insights and approaches for developing novel anti-COPD drugs.
Changes in the Elongation Pattern of the Medial Collateral Ligament During a Single-Leg Squat After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Agostinone Piero , Di Paolo Stefano , Lucidi Gian Andrea , Marchiori Gregorio , Bontempi Marco , Bragonzoni Laura , Davidoni Vittorio , Grassi Alberto , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: November 2024

Background:

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear impairs knee biomechanics in daily activities and potentially breaks the synergy among other knee ligaments. Previous studies have demonstrated that the biomechanics of collateral ligaments is influenced by ACL deficiency.

Purpose:

To investigate changes in the elongation patterns of the medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) during the execution of a single-leg squat before and after ACL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 16 patients (mean age, 24.9 ± 8.5 years) with ACL deficiency were enrolled in the study. Magnetic resonance imaging scans of the affected knees were used to produce 3-dimensional models of the tibia and femur and identify insertion sites of the MCL, LCL, and PCL. Motion capture of a single-leg squat was performed through a biplanar radiographic system. Data were acquired before ACL reconstruction and at a minimum of 18 months (mean, 22.9 ± 4.1 months) postoperatively. The centroids of the ligaments’ insertions were used to calculate the length of the investigated structures during the squat task. Absolute length ( L), absolute length increase from the orthostatic resting position (Δ L), and relative length increase (Δ L%) were computed for each ligament, and preoperative and postoperative data were compared using the paired Student t test. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to determine the reliability of the ligament insertion's identification and kinematics between 2 independent observers.

Results:

Significant differences were found for the MCL in absolute length increase ( P = .047; Cohen d = 0.60) and relative length increase ( P = .043; Cohen d = 0.61) from rest between preoperatively and postoperatively (Δ Lpre = 1.0 mm; Δ Lpost = −1.1 mm; difference = 2.1 mm) at 0° to 30° of knee flexion during the descending phase of the single-leg squat. No differences were seen in the elongation patterns of the LCL or PCL from before to after ACL reconstruction.

Conclusion:

The MCL was significantly longer between 0° and 30° in ACL-deficient knees compared with ACL-reconstructed knees during the descending phase of a single-leg squat. No differences were identified for the LCL or PCL.

Clinical Relevance:

Early ACL reconstruction could have a protective effect on the MCL in combined ACL and MCL lesions.
Understanding the Relationship Between Critical Care Nurses’ Perception of Patient Safety Culture and Adverse Events
Authors: Alkubati Sameer A. , Al-Qalah Talal , Salameh Basma , Alsabri Mohammed , Alrubaiee Gamil Ghaleb , Loutfy Ahmed , Alwesabi Sadeq A. , El-Monshed Ahmed H. , Elsayed Shimmaa M.
Published: November 2024

Background

Establishing a positive safety-culture environment is essential in healthcare settings to enhance patient care. This study aimed to determine the relationship between critical care nurses’ perceptions of patient safety culture and adverse events.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 nurses working in critical care units in the Damanhour Governorate in Egypt. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, including the Hospital Survey of Patients’ Safety Culture (HSOPSC) and information on adverse events (AEs).

Results

The study revealed areas for improvement in patient safety culture, with low positive response rates in staffing (26.6%), non-punitive response to errors (38%), handoffs and transitions (39.4%), teamwork across and within units (42.3%), and overall perception of patient safety (49.3%). The majority of critical care nurses had a moderate to high level of overall perception of patient safety at 42.5% and 42.0%, respectively. The most frequent adverse events reported daily were complaints from patients or their families (65.5%). Adverse drug events and patient falls occurred several times per week in 56.5% and 57.0% of patients, respectively. A significant association was found between low safety culture perception and higher rates of patient falls ( p = .008), adverse drug events (p = .005), and patient/family complaints (p = .030).

Conclusion

The findings of the study indicate that nurses’ perceptions of patient safety culture are moderate. Adverse medication responses, falls, and complaints from patients or their families were noted. Female nurses aged 31 to 40, especially divorced nurses, had more experience, worked fewer than 8 h daily, and had a higher education level, which appeared to influence overall safety culture perceptions. Furthermore, there was a correlation between the prevalence of adverse events and patient safety culture, with cooperation being the key factor.
A rapid review of supports for neurodivergent students in higher education. Implications for research and practice
Authors: McDowall Almuth , Kiseleva Meg
Published: November 2024

Inclusive education has recently increased focused on support for students with neurodivergent conditions including autism or dyslexia. A number of practice guidelines have been published. As neurodivergent students are more likely to drop out of higher education, it is tenable that environments, structures and processes may not address needs. This rapid review assessed robustness of evidence regarding adjustments and support in higher education and to identify priorities for future research and practice. Through a systematic process, we elicited studies summarised in 11 existing reviews. We found the evidence to be United States-centric and sample sizes small. We synthesised evidence for (a) examination adjustments, (b) explicit instruction, (c) strategy instruction, (d) technology-based interventions, (e) psychological supports, (f) mentoring and coaching, (g) comprehensive support programmes, (h) transition into university, and (i) transition into employment. Most studies focused on distinct conditions such as autism rather than taking a comprehensive approach. The evidence is overall modest and more focused on skills and learning, rather than educational outcomes (e.g. increasing successful completion) or life outcomes such as successful transition into work which we identify as a priority for future research alongside institutional neuroinclusion and curriculum design.
Are viral loads in the febrile phase a predictive factor of dengue disease severity?
Authors: Dayarathna Shashika , Kuruppu Heshan , Silva Tehani , Gomes Laksiri , Shyamali N. L. Ajantha , Jeewandara Chandima , Ariyaratne Dinuka , Ramu Shyrar Tanussiya , Wijewickrama Ananda , Ogg Graham S. , Malavige Gathsaurie Neelika
Published: November 2024

Background

As many studies have shown conflicting results regarding the extent of viraemia and clinical disease severity, we sought to investigate if viraemia during early dengue illness is associated with subsequent clinical disease severity.

Methods

Realtime PCR was carried out to identify the dengue virus (DENV serotype), in 362 patients, presenting within the first 4 days of illness, from 2017 to 2022, in Colombo Sri Lanka. To characterize subsequent clinical disease severity, all patients were followed throughout their illness daily and disease severity classified according to WHO 1997 and 2009 disease classification.

Results

263 patients had DF, 99 progressed to develop DHF, and 15/99 with DHF developed shock (DSS). Although the viral loads were higher in the febrile phase in patients who progressed to develop DHF than in patients with DF this was not significant (p = 0.5). Significant differences were observed in viral loads in patients infected with different DENV serotypes (p = 0.0009), with lowest viral loads detected in DENV2 and the highest viral loads in DENV3. Sub-analysis for association of viraemia with disease severity for each DENV serotype was again not significant. Although those infected with DENV2 had lower viral loads, infection with DENV2 was significantly associated with a higher risk of developing DHF (p = 0.011, Odds ratio 1.9; 95% CI 1.164 to 3.078). Based on the WHO 2009 disease classification, 233 had dengue with warning signs (DWW), 114 dengue without warning signs (DWoWS), and 15 had severe dengue (SD). No significant difference was observed in the viral loads between those with SD, DWW and DWoWS (p = 0.27).

Conclusions

Viral loads were significantly different in the febrile phase between different DENV serotypes, and do not appear to significantly associate with subsequent clinical disease severity in a large Sri Lankan cohort.
Continuous work-related sitting time and its association with perceived workplace support for health among workers in the Greater Accra Municipality: a cross-sectional analysis with sensitivity analyses
Authors: Danquah Emelia , Asiamah Nestor
Published: November 2024

Background

Research to date has shown that work-related sitting time can be a major occupational health risk. This understanding has encouraged several workplace health promotion efforts. Even so, some domains of work-related sitting time and their associations with Perceived Workplace Support for Health (PWSH) have not been considered in research. This study aims to compare domains of work-related sitting time between employee characteristics (e.g., gender and age) and assess their associations with PWSH.

Methods

This study adopted a cross-sectional design with a sensitivity analysis against confounding and measures against common methods bias. The study population was employees of private and public firms in Accra, Ghana. In all, 1000 employees participated in the study. The hierarchical linear regression analysis and the independent samples t-test were used to present the results.

Results

Employees working in service firms, compared with those working in manufacturing firms, reported longer sitting time for lunchtime. After adjusting for physical function, we found a negative association between PWSH and the sum of continuous sitting time as well as its domains (p < 0.001), except for ‘sitting with a desk’ (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Work-related sitting time was associated with employee characteristics and was lower at higher PWSH. This study reinforces the importance of workplace support for health and its role in work-related sitting.
Reflections on timing of motherhood - a qualitative online study with women of reproductive age
Authors: Temmesen Camilla Gry , Nielsen Henriette Svarre , Birch Petersen Kathrine , Clemensen Jane
Published: November 2024

Background

The age of Danish women giving birth to their first child has risen throughout the last 50 years, and the number of women and men who are having their first child when they are at advanced maternal or paternal age is increasing worldwide. Postponing parenthood is not unique to Denmark, as the same pattern is seen especially in other European and Western countries. The aim of this study was in a social media setting to explore reflections on the timing of motherhood among Danish women of reproductive age who not yet had children.

Method

This study was a qualitative study based on three online focus groups on Facebook. Twenty-six women of reproductive age discussed the timing of motherhood for three days in January 2020. Data were analyzed using Systematic Text Condensation.

Results

Three main themes were identified: ‘Life before parenthood’, ‘To plan for a child’ and ‘A life without children’. Several external and internal conditions influence whether and if so when women consider becoming mothers. Regarding the biological capacity for having children, women compare themselves with their female relatives and friends and colleagues regarding the social norms surrounding motherhood. Women with no children often experience either positive or negative pressure from family, friends, and colleagues regarding when to have children.

Conclusion

Several internal and external considerations influence when and if women become mothers. Social surroundings such as family, friends, and colleagues have an impact on women’s reproductive considerations in terms of pressure to have children in the future. Danish women tend to compare their reproductive capacity to their female relatives and compare the social norms surrounding motherhood to their female friends. Women in this study were positive towards discussing the timing of motherhood with other women of reproductive age on social media.