bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lifespan trajectories of negative and positive affect: A coordinated analysis of 14 longitudinal studies
Authors: Pfund Gabrielle N , Bastarache Emily D , Willroth Emily C , Huisman Martijn , Spiro Avron , Luo Jing , Graham Eileen K , Mroczek Daniel K
Published: October 2024

Lifespan developmental theories suggest age-related shifts in motivation, cognition, emotion regulation, and stressor experience lead to changes in mean levels of negative and positive affect across the lifespan. The present research used coordinated data analysis to examine mean-level affective trajectories in 186,752 participants ranging from 11–104 years old across 14 longitudinal studies. Random-effects models were used to estimate meta-analytic effect sizes. On average, negative affect decreased until early older adulthood, and then remained stable throughout older adulthood. Meanwhile, positive affect remained stable across most of the younger and middle-aged adult lifespan, before starting its descent in later middle-aged adulthood and continuing to decline throughout older adulthood. Studies with older samples showed a clearer flattening effect of negative affect and steeper decline of positive affect in late-life relative to younger samples. These findings suggest that lifespan developmental affect trajectories are nuanced and not a direct inverse of each other.
Green synthesis of boehmite-reinforced cashew gum/polypyrrole biopolymer blend for advanced biomaterials
Authors: Kalladi Ayisha Jemshiya , Ramesan MT
Published: October 2024

Electrically conducting biopolymer blend nanocomposites based on different contents of boehmite (BHM) reinforced cashew gum (CG) /polypyrrole (PPy) blend is synthesized by an in situ polymerization technique using water as a green solvent. The resulting bio-blend nanocomposites underwent comprehensive analysis concerning their structural, morphology, thermal, and electrical properties, such as dielectric constant, dielectric loss, electric modulus, and AC conductivity. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra revealed the presence of metal oxide stretching in the blended nanocomposite at 512 cm−1. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) confirmed the attachment and uniform dispersion of BHM within the CG/PPy blend at 7 wt% loading, and beyond this loading, the nanoparticles get agglomerated in the biopolymer blend. The glass transition temperature and thermal stability of all the blended nanocomposites are higher than that of the pure CG/PPy blend and these thermal properties increase with the loading of nanoparticles. Conductivity experiments demonstrated that as the nanofiller content increases up to 7 wt%, there is a concurrent rise observed in AC conductivity, dielectric loss, and dielectric constant. There is a substantial difference of 1.21 Scm−1 between the maximum and minimum AC electrical conductivity, at 102 Hz. However, a decrease in electrical properties is observed at the highest loadings of BHM due to the agglomeration of nanoparticles in the polymer blend matrix. The lowest activation energy value (0.049 × 10−4 eV) is also exhibited by 7 wt% BHM nanocomposites. Furthermore, the electrical properties of both CG/PPy and CG/PPy/BHM nanocomposites exhibited a temperature-dependent behavior, progressively increasing until reaching maximum values. This study suggests that such bio-based polymer dielectrics could be promising materials for various applications, offering enhanced thermal and electrical properties through careful control of nanofiller content and dispersion.
Hydrothermal pretreatment with microwaves: A new strategy for ensuring the sustainability of biorefineries
Authors: Singh Anusuiya , Palma Toloza Carolyn , Singhania Reeta Rani , Carvajal Guevara Andrea
Published: October 2024

Lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) includes agricultural residues, crop wastes, and food wastes that are ubiquitously present and can be used as renewable resources to generate bioenergy or biofuels. Still, direct utilization of LCB to produce biofuel is not an easy task due to the recalcitrance property of LCB. The pretreatment strategy is an important step in a biorefinery to reduce biomass recalcitrance and to use it for bioenergy including value-added product generation. Microwave irradiation is procuring interest regarding LCB and waste material pretreatment over time before moving to biological transformation to biofuels. The coupling of microwave heating with water has made it the most effective treatment for biomass valorization to generate biofuel and other value-added products, turning it into the most cost-effective and eco-friendly approach. Despite its numerous advantages, scaling up microwave pretreatment from laboratory experiments to industrial applications faces several challenges. These limitations become significant hurdles in scaling up. As a result, it is necessary to focus research on cost evaluations and life cycle assessment (LCA) studies for commercialization that will benefit the bioeconomy and the environment. This review discusses microwave-assisted pretreatment significance in valorizing LCB for biofuel generation including the cost evaluation and LCA studies that have the most important role in commercializing the microwave-assisted pretreatment from lab scale to industrial scale.
Professional values, cultural competence, and moral sensitivity of surgical nurses: Mediation analysis and structural equation modeling
Authors: KANDEMİR Didem , YÜKSEL Serpil
Published: October 2024

Background

Developing a framework that illustrates causal relationships and an in-depth comprehension of contextual elements is essential for steering the development of ethical interventions to enhance nurses’ ethical decision-making.

Research aim

To examine the relationship between cultural competence, professional nursing values, and moral sensitivities of surgical nurses with a mediation analysis and structural equation model.

Research design

This study is descriptive and correlational.

Participants

and research context: This study was conducted with a total of 201 surgical nurses from two university hospitals in Konya, Türkiye. Data were gathered face-to-face between June and October 2023 with the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire (MSQ), Nurses Professional Values Scale-Revised (NPVS-R), and Nurse Cultural Competence Scale (NCCS).

Ethical considerations

Ethical approval from Necmettin Erbakan University Ethics Committee was obtained (Number: 2023/419).

Results

In this study, the mean scores for the surgical nurses were as follows: 89.3 ± 19.33 on the MSQ, 113.1 ± 20.74 on the NPVS-R, and 72.06 ± 18.61 on the NCCS. Nurses’ cultural competence level significantly affected their professional nursing values (β = 0.192; p = .007; R2 = 0.04), and their professional nursing values, in turn, had a significant effect on their moral sensitivities (β = −0.363; p < .001; R2 = 0.16). However, it was determined that the direct effect of nurses’ cultural competence level on their moral sensitivity was not statistically significant. In contrast, the indirect effect of nurses’ cultural competence level on their moral sensitivity, mediated by their professional nursing values was seen to be statistically significant (B = −0.070; p = .008).

Conclusions

This study showed that there is a significant positive relationship between the professional nursing values and cultural competence levels of surgical nurses and that as professional nursing values increase, their moral sensitivity also rises. Sensitivity with higher professional nursing values. Additionally, it was found that nurses’ professional values served as a mediating factor between their levels of cultural competence and moral sensitivity. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance the cultural competence, professional nursing values, and moral sensitivity of nursing students and registered surgical nurses and to improve their reasoning and decision-making skills in ethical dilemmas.
Employee participation at company level: institutions, articulation and challenges
Authors: Haipeter Thomas , Rosenbohm Sophie , Telljohann Volker
Published: October 2024

Employee participation at company level is one of the core institutions of what can be called the ‘European social model’, based on national regulations and regulations at EU level, such as the directives on European Works Councils (EWCs) and the Societas Europaea (SE). This process of institutionalisation coincides with fundamental changes in the current era of globalisation and transformation, which increase the importance of the company level for employee participation. We argue that this development highlights the problem of articulation within the multi-level system of employee participation. By comparing institutions of participation at national – we include the cases of France, Germany, Spain and Sweden – and at EU level we analyse whether and how these institutions create opportunities to influence company decisions by giving voice to workers’ representatives. In doing so we identify good practices and, on that basis, develop policy recommendations to strengthen the articulation of employee representation at company level.
The French Version of the Academic Major Satisfaction Scale: Structural, Convergent, and Divergent Validity
Authors: Christen Anne-Céline , Borges André , Massoudi Koorosh , Butera Fabrizio , Levin Nimrod
Published: October 2024

Satisfaction with academic studies is a subjective indicator of students’ well-being and experiences in the context of studies. However, evidence for the reliability and validity of academic satisfaction measures, particularly their French variants, is still limited, thus restricting the administration of evidence-based assessments of academic satisfaction in many regions. The present study aimed to adapt and validate a French version of the Academic Major Satisfaction Scale (AMSS-F), among the most widely used assessments of one’s overall satisfaction with academic studies. Analysis of the data of 530 French-speaking bachelor’s and master’s students supported the structural validity of the AMSS-F, with measurement invariance established across genders, academic levels, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Moreover, supporting its convergent validity, the AMSS-F was strongly associated with the satisfaction of autonomy needs and commitment to studies, as well as with the satisfaction of competence and relatedness needs. Divergent validity was demonstrated through negative and weaker associations with multiple career decision-making difficulties, as well as trait anxiety and self-esteem. Our findings support using the AMSS-F as a reliable and valid assessment in research and practice to measure academic satisfaction among French-speaking individuals.
Cooking and Cleaning: Exploratory Investigation of Users’ Perception of How Two Domestic Service Robots (DSRs) Should Collaborate
Authors: Oron-Gilad Tal , Parmet Yisrael
Published: October 2024

Interacting with domestic service robots (DSRs) will change from one-to-one to one-to-multiple, forming new possibilities for reciprocal relationships among DSRs and humans. We distributed an online questionnaire to collect preferences and stances regarding DSRs. Respondents were introduced to one of four use cases where a cooking robot and a cleaning robot were working simultaneously in the home. Data was obtained from 147 respondents who own a cleaning robot. General stances toward DSRs reflect concerns about usability, attitude, and effort. Competency and control concerns were further emphasized for the unfamiliar cooking robot. Trust corresponded with familiarity, understanding of robots’ competencies, and reliability. Respondents were reluctant to allow the cleaning and cooking robots to interact without their consent. Barriers to adopting multiple connected robots in the home need to be mapped and addressed in future studies.
Gender-Related Preferences for Learning by Tinkering: Updated Research is Needed
Authors: Newendorp Amanda K. , Gilbert Stephen B.
Published: October 2024

Imagine you open a new application on your computer for the first time, and a help wizard appears on the screen. Do you follow the step-by-step tutorial, or do you dismiss it and tinker with the interface? Previous studies show that designing for both types of users yields a more gender-inclusive design. This paper explores the question: if those studies were based on participants born several technology-generations earlier, does this research need an update? Children now have greater access to smartphones and STEM outreach opportunities than before, which may have shifted girls’ technology learning preferences. This research found that most studies about gender and tinkering were conducted before 2006, revealing a research gap about younger generations. Future work could explore whether preferences to learn by process or by tinkering are still disproportionately represented in different genders. This work has implications for how human factors professionals design gender-inclusive products and training.
A Bidirectional two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study of the Association Between Venous Thromboembolism and Ischaemic Stroke
Authors: Xiong Haibing , Tian Xinhong , He Aiwei , Chen Tingting , Li Yanlin , Leng Jiajie , Li Letai
Published: October 2024

Previous clinical and epidemiological studies have shown that patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) are comorbid with symptoms of ischaemic stroke (IS). Current understanding about increased risk of IS after VTE remain inconclusive. This study use a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to explore the causality of VTE, pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and IS. This study used pooled data from published genome-wide association studies (GWAS). GWAS statisics of IS (from EBI database, n = 484 121), VTE (from Finngen database, n = 218 792), PE (from Finngen database, n = 218 413), and DVT (from UK biobank database, n = 337 159) were assessed. Forward and reverse MR analysis were conducted to explore the causal relationship between three type of the exposure (VTE, PE, and DVT) and the outcome (IS). Our primary causal inference method was Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW). Secondary inference methods were Weighted Median and MR-Egger. For the sensitive analysis, MR-PRESSO, MR-Egger intercept, Cochran's Q, leave-one method were used to consolidate our findings. In the foward MR analysis, VTE increased the risk of IS (ORIVW = 1.034, PIVW = 0.021) and PE was also a risk factor for IS (OR = 1.055, PIVW = 0.009). There was no causality that DVT influenced on IS ( PIVW > 0.05). In the reverse MR analysis, IS came to be a risk factor for DVT (OR = 1.003, PIVW = 0.046). Meanwhile, IS took not any causal effect on VTE and PE. All the results passed the reasonable sensitive analysis. Our findings provided genetic evidence that PE and VTE can lead to an increased risk of IS, whereas increased IS promoted the risk of DVT further. Our findings provided novel insights about the risk factors and management for IS.
Incidence of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism in a Population-Based Cohort
Authors: Ruthström Tomas , Hägg Lovisa , Johansson Lars , Lind Marcus M , Johansson Magdalena
Published: October 2024

The incidence of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) changes over time from the first VTE event and depends on the presence of risk factors. In this study, we aimed to determine the yearly incidence of VTE recurrence during five years of follow-up after a first-ever VTE event. For this cohort study, we identified persons who experienced a validated first-ever VTE between 2006–2014 in northern Sweden. These patients’ medical records were reviewed to identify recurrent VTE events during five years of follow-up. The yearly incidence rates (IRs) of recurrent VTE per 100 person-years were calculated and stratified into three groups defined by characteristics at the first-ever VTE event: no risk factors, cancer, or other risk factors. A total of 1413 persons experienced a first-ever VTE during the study period, of whom 213 experienced a recurrent VTE. Among persons without risk factors, the IR was 4.2 during the first year of follow-up, and 4.1 during the fifth year. Among persons with cancer, the IR was 9.5 during the first year, and 5.4 during the fifth year. Among persons with other risk factors, the corresponding IRs were 6.1 and 2.3. In conclusion, after a first-ever VTE event, persons with cancer had the highest recurrence rate during the first years of follow-up. Among persons with cancer who were alive after five years, the incidence of recurrent VTE during the fifth year was similar to that in participants without risk factors.
Biased, Not Balanced Broadcaster! Deconstructing Bias Accusations Toward Public Service Media
Authors: Gravesteijn Emily , van Elsas Erika , Gattermann Katjana
Published: October 2024

Across Europe, Public Service Media (PSM) are increasingly subject to bias accusations in public debates. Excluding academic attention for actual bias in news content, research into the nature of bias accusations is limited. This article studies bias accusations against Dutch PSM in online discourse. Through a qualitative content analysis of tweets and blogs (2017–2022), our analysis develops a novel typology of bias accusations—positional, information, and framing bias—going beyond academic definitions. Bias accusations are diverse in nature, reflect strong perceived intentionality, and refer to heterogeneous social, political groups, yet are easily merged into singular political ideological divides.
Voluntary Victim Intoxication in Sexual Assault State Statutes: A Content Analysis
Authors: Fallik Seth , Branscum Caralin C. , Content Colette
Published: October 2024

Recent events, such as the #Metoo movement, have renewed sexual assault victims calls for change. Legal change has, unfortunately, been slow for sexual assault survivors who were voluntarily intoxicated during their victimization. To understand the legal remedies available for voluntarily intoxicated victims’, this study explored state sexual assault laws across the United States of America. The results indicate that there exist significant shortcomings in the interpretation of and evidentiary requirements in voluntary victim intoxication cases. Policy implications from these results are discussed in the hopes of providing voluntarily intoxicated sexual assault victims greater access to justice.
Efficacy of ultrasonographic diaphragmatic parameters in distinguishing diaphragmatic dysfunction in cats
Authors: Saisawart Phasamon , Sutthigran Somchin , Kasemsuwan Tanya , Sakulsirajit Run , Ritthikulprasert Sukullaya , Tachampa Kittipong , Thanaboonnipat Chutimon , Choisunirachon Nan
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Diaphragmatic dysfunction (DD) is often underdiagnosed in veterinary medicine. Various ultrasonographic diaphragmatic parameters, including diaphragmatic excursion (DE), diaphragmatic thickness (Tdi) and diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF), can be used to identify DD. We aimed to establish normal reference intervals in healthy cats, examine the effects of intrinsic factors on diaphragmatic parameters and evaluate the efficacy of these parameters in identifying DD in healthy and diseased cats.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted on 22 healthy cats and 12 diseased cats using ultrasonographic techniques to evaluate DE, Tdi and DTF. The correlation between diaphragmatic parameters and intrinsic factors, including sex, age, body weight and body condition score, was analysed using Pearson correlation analysis. Cut-off values for healthy and diseased cats were established using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

The mean DEs of the left and right hemidiaphragms were 0.66 ± 0.16 and 0.64 ± 0.18 cm, respectively. The mean Tdis in the end-inspiration phase were 0.13 ± 0.03 and 0.12 ± 0.03 cm for the left and right hemidiaphragms, respectively, whereas in the end-expiration phase the mean Tdi was 0.07 ± 0.03 cm for both hemidiaphragms. The DTF ranges for the left and right hemidiaphragms were 23.90–122.1% and 38.80–107%, respectively. Intrinsic factors had no significant impact on DE, Tdi and DTF. The DE measurements for the left hemidiaphragm were more accurate for evaluating diaphragmatic function. To distinguish between healthy and diseased cats, the cut-off value, sensitivity and specificity were 0.458 cm (area under the curve [AUC] 0.846), 75.00% and 86.36%, respectively, for the left hemidiaphragm and 0.423 cm (AUC 0.704), 41.67% and 100%, respectively, for the right hemidiaphragm.

Conclusions and relevance

Normal reference values for DE, Tdi and DTF were established for healthy cats. DE, particularly in the left hemidiaphragm, obtained using routine ultrasonography, improves the efficacy of identifying DD and assists clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of cats with cardiorespiratory disease.
Emotional awareness amplifies affective sensitivity to social support for women with breast cancer
Authors: Goldman Carter M , Chuning Anne E , Lane Richard D , Smith Ryan , Weihs Karen L
Published: October 2024

Emotional awareness (EA) is thought to facilitate psychological health by aiding emotion regulation in oneself and garnering social support from others. This study tested these potential relationships within a one-year longitudinal study of 460 women (age 23–91 years, mean 56.4 years) recently diagnosed with breast cancer (i.e., within four months). The women completed measures of emotional awareness, social support, social stress, affective symptoms, and well-being. Linear models tested EA as a moderator of social support and stress on affective symptoms and well-being. In those with higher EA, low social support was associated with greater depression and lower optimism. There was some evidence that higher EA predicted greater depression at baseline but lower depression at nine-month follow-up. These results support the idea that EA increases sensitivity to available social support and facilitates emotional adjustment over time, suggesting that assessment of EA could help guide clinicians in identifying those at greatest risk of adverse mental health outcomes in this population.
Adherence to recommended follow-up in opportunistic versus non-opportunistic cervical screening: a registry-based cohort study from Denmark
Authors: Jørgensen Susanne F , Nielsen Mathilde L , Njor Sisse H
Published: October 2024

Aim:

Organised cervical screening programmes often allow for opportunistic screening. Previous studies have shown that adherence to follow-up protocols after cervical screening is poor. This study aims to investigate if non-adherence to recommended screening intervals – that is, opportunistic screening, is associated with adherence to follow-up after non-negative cervical screening.

Methods:

Using national registries we included 42,399 Danish women with a non-negative screening result from 2015 to 2017. Non-adherence was divided into insufficient and excessive follow-up. We calculated relative risks (RRs) of adherence to follow-up among different groups of opportunistically screened women, representing both too frequent and delayed screening participation, compared with non-opportunistically screened women.

Results:

Compared with non-opportunistically screened women, opportunistically screened women who were delayed 1–3 years on their screening schedule had a higher risk of no follow-up (RR 1.99) and insufficient follow-up (RR 1.10). Women who were delayed 3–7 years on their screening also had a higher risk of no follow-up (RR 1.92). Women who attended screening up to 6 months too early had a higher risk of insufficient follow-up (RR 1.08) as well as excessive follow-up (RR 1.39). Finally, women screened more than 6 months too early had a higher risk of all deviations, but most pronounced was the risk of excessive follow-up (RR 1.67).

Conclusions:

We found a higher risk of insufficient follow-up among women delayed in their screening schedule, and a higher risk of excessive follow-up among those with frequent screening. Screening participation behaviour seems to transfer to follow-up adherence. This underscores the important role of general practitioners in acting as gatekeepers in cervical screening follow-up.
Investigation of the enhanced cavitation model considering turbulence effects of fuel flow in the injector nozzle holes
Authors: Liu Weilong , Zhao Jianhui , Markov Vladimir , Wu Han , Grekhov Leonid
Published: October 2024

The cavitation model is essential in simulating cavitation flow characteristics of injector nozzles, with its accuracy directly impacting simulation precision. This paper developed a quantitative relationship between critical cavitation pressure, turbulent kinetic energy, and shear stress, and introduced a modified cavitation model that considers turbulence effects. A simulation study was conducted on the fuel flow characteristics inside the nozzle of a high-pressure common rail diesel injector with seven nozzle holes. The results indicate that compared to the original model, the cavitation development calculated by the modified model is enhanced at different injection pressures. In terms of axial distribution, cavitation inside the nozzle hole increases, but the impact on cavitation of different intensities varies, with the development of moderate to low-intensity cavitation being promoted, while strong cavitation is inhibited. In terms of radial distribution, the intensity of cavitation on the upper wall inside the nozzle hole increases, which is caused by the higher mass transfer rate near the upper wall at the nozzle hole inlet. As the injection pressure increases from 120 to 240 MPa, the change rate of cavitation volume ratio inside the nozzle holes calculated by the original and modified models increases from 5.1% to 9.7%. It is necessary to use the modified model for the calculations of gas/liquid two-phase flow within the nozzle hole, especially at high injection pressure.
The need for translational bioethics within perinatal healthcare and policy making: A COVID-19 case study
Authors: Campbell Iain , Eaton Georgette , Peterson Jennifer
Published: October 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted many issues that can occur due to lack of translation between the spheres of bioethics and clinical practice. In this paper, we examine how mothers and newborn infants were inappropriately separated during the initial stages of the pandemic due to inconsistent application of ethical principles in determining policy. One of the significant challenges that translational bioethics face is the complexity regarding its implementation into the health service environment. As outlined in the literature, it may be postulated that responsibility for translating bioethics from philosophical concepts into practice is the duty of those training in philosophical theory and reasoning. However, the use of bioethics in informing clinical practice is not just the case of needing a translator but rather requires an interpreter in the widest sense: professionals attuned to both bioethics and clinical practice, who can communicate with both groups effectively. A two-way dialogue needs to be more cohesively established to ensure clinical practice is guided by ethical principles and to focus academic debate towards the pragmatic issues that require ethical exploration. Utilising the translational bioethics model described by Bærøe and applying it to our perinatal COVID case study, we examine how an integrated translational bioethics approach could have prevented the harm and disruption to mother–infant dyads during the initial phase of the pandemic in 2020.
Development, Implementation, and Formative Evaluation of a Social Needs Screening Tool
Authors: Acton Lillian W. , Lerner Natasha M. , White Katharine O. , Johns Sarah L. , Dill Deborah , Janiak Elizabeth
Published: October 2024

We aim to develop and formatively evaluate a brief social needs screening tool that adheres to Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) clinical service standards for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) agencies and is acceptable and feasible for use by staff during a clinical encounter. Through a multi-stage literature and expert review process, we developed an evidence-informed, two-page social needs screening tool, scoring form, and implementation guide. We piloted this tool at three SRH agencies in Massachusetts and recruited staff to provide quantitative and qualitative feedback through post-pilot test self-reported surveys and semi-structured interviews. Participants (n = 13) felt the social needs screening tool was easy to integrate into their clinical workflow and were comfortable using it with patients. All participants reported feeling comfortable administering the tool, scoring it, and referring patients to appropriate resources, if applicable. Most reported they would like to continue using the tool after the pilot implementation period, either with or without modifications. Our multi-stage tool development and formative evaluation process involving literature review, expert review, and pilot-testing in clinical settings enabled our team to create a brief, evidence-informed social needs screening tool that is acceptable to staff and feasible for use during a short clinic visit at SRH agencies in Massachusetts. Staff felt that there is value in using this tool, are comfortable using it, and are able to integrate it into their existing clinical workflows.
Addressing Conflicts and Role Responsibilities in the Special Education Service Delivery Process: Adult Sibling Involvement and Facilitation as Cultural and Linguistic Brokers
Authors: Jeong Jane Y. , Strassfeld Natasha
Published: October 2024

This case study explores the role of adult siblings in bridging and brokering cultural and linguistic gaps in special education on behalf of their sibling with a disability. Focusing on the Le family, the study explores how Eunice Le, an adult sibling, is navigating communication between their Vietnamese-speaking family and the school, and advocating for their brother Kai, a culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) student with autism. The case is premised on two key provisions within the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that center on the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team configuration and parent participation. This case reveals the difficulties that arise when schools and families have divergent approaches to supporting students with disabilities and their extended families from racialized and minoritized communities.
Decolonising Research for Justice: Ethical Imperatives and Practical Applications
Authors: Udah Hyacinth
Published: October 2024

This article examines coloniality of research and discusses the theoretical foundations, ethical imperatives, and practical ways for conducting decolonial research for justice. It emphasises the need to shift away from research paradigms and approaches that perpetuate coloniality to a commitment to embracing the complexities and challenges of conducting decolonial research. The article contributes to the broader discourse on decolonising knowledge production. Drawing on the works of scholars addressing disobedient and defiant research, the article advocates for transformative decolonial praxis, suggesting the need to reimagine research and displace the hegemony and dominance of Western knowledge systems, which marginalise and delegitimise other epistemological traditions. Beyond critiquing coloniality embedded within research, the article proposes practical ways to inform anti-colonial, anti-racist and anti-oppressive research practice. It argues that decolonial research requires defiance and resistance against non-relational, hierarchical, and extractive practices, involving critical examination of assumptions and values, centring non-Western voices and perspectives, dismantling coloniality and working towards social and epistemic justice in solidarity with Indigenous and other historically marginalised and oppressed groups. It calls researchers to integrate decolonial principles and frameworks into their research practices.
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin and atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Xu Zhili , Zhou Boyang , Wu Suhua , Yu Tianhang , Li Linfeng
Published: October 2024

Objective To comprehensively evaluate the association between Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP) and atopic dermatitis (AD). Methods Six databases were searched for relevant studies. For studies on TSLP levels, the standardized mean difference (SMD) was used. For studies involving gene polymorphisms, evaluation was performed using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Based on the between-study heterogeneity, a fixed- or random-effects model was chosen. Analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3 software and R 4.3.0 software. Trial sequential analysis was conducted to evaluate whether the number of cases was sufficient. Results A significant relationship between TSLP rs1898671 polymorphism and AD was found under homozygous (DD vs dd), and dominant contrasts (DD + Dd vs dd), with OR = 0.47 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.92) and 0.46 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.88), respectively ( p < 0.05). Whereas under allele (D vs d), heterozygous (Dd vs dd) and recessive contrasts (DD vs Dd + dd), no significant relationship was found. No significant relationship was found for rs1837253 or rs11466749. Serum TSLP levels were significantly higher in patients with AD, with the SMD = 1.45 (95% CI: 0.65, 2.25) ( p < 0.05). Conclusions TSLP gene rs1898671 polymorphism was associated with AD, and TSLP levels were elevated in patients with AD.
Exploring the moderator role of organisational ambidexterity in the relationship between instructional leadership and teacher instructional practices
Authors: Çoban Ömür , Yalçın Mehmet Tufan , Özdemir Nedim , Kılınç Ali Çağatay
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to explore schools’ ambidexterity profiles and examine how each profile influences the relationship between instructional leadership and teacher instructional practices. Using data from 1150 teachers across 108 schools in Turkey, we employed multilevel latent profile analysis to group schools into clusters based on aggregated teachers’ responses to organisational ambidexterity. We conducted moderation analyses with latent profile variables. Results revealed two distinct profiles: high explorative-exploitative and low explorative-exploitative schools. The study also provided evidence of the significant moderating role that school ambidexterity profiles played in the link between leadership and teaching. We discussed implications for policy and practice.
Materializing global academic mobility through the eyes of program coordinators: Comparative insights from a Romanian-U.S. institutional Erasmus+ agreement
Authors: Becker Anna , Salajan Florin D
Published: October 2024

Erasmus+, the European Union’s mobility program has been researched extensively (e.g., De Wit, 2020), yet mobility program coordinators at higher education institutions responsible for student, faculty, and staff exchanges remain under-researched. This comparative study showcases a Romanian-U.S. Erasmus + partnership established between Universitatea Babeş-Bolyai in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, and North Dakota State University in Fargo, United States. The study draws on (auto-)ethnographic explorations to investigate two coordinators’ roles, responsibilities, and experiences and explores the infrastructure and qualifications needed to facilitate mobility programs. It concludes that the materialization of mobility agreements relies on a combination of personal and institutional motivations, interests, and goals. High levels of individual initiative, linguistic/cultural knowledge, connections, and consistent involvement on the part of the coordinators facilitating the process are required. We advocate for more institutionalized incentives and recognition for coordinators to continue shaping the future of global mobility in higher education.
Phenomenological exploration of educational mentoring relationships and concerns for 21st century pedagogical praxis in Fitche pre-service primary school college of teacher education, Ethiopia
Authors: Geletu Girma Moti
Published: October 2024

Purpose: The study explored phenomenological experiences of educational mentoring relationships and concerns for 21st century pedagogical praxis in Fitche pre-service primary school college of teachers’ education. The study answered the central research question “What do the phenomenological experiences of educational mentoring relationships and concerns for 21st century pedagogical praxis in Fitche pre-service primary school teacher education looks like?” Methodology: The study explored the lived experiences of instructors and pre-service teacher candidates regarding mentoring relationships through phenomenological research design. I selected 47 participants using purposive sampling technique based on teaching experience, mentors-mentees’ performance, and academic position. Findings: The data were collected using semi-structured interview, focus group discussion, and researcher’s direct observation. The researcher observed educational relationship experiences between mentors and mentees, and caused vertical and lateral effects on professional development beyond engagements in classrooms. The researcher analyzed textual and contextual data qualitatively in themes. The finding indicated that cognizant to critical realistic approach to education, the study explored mechanisms of re-educating educators towards understanding of lived experiences through contentment, contention, conflict, and conciliation of emotional sates into positive mind-sets. I observed the existing phenomenon in educational mentoring based on inquiry, sharing, encouraging, and caring occurred between mentors and mentees. Educational relationship is stronger between students and grades than mentors and mentees. Implications: Educational mentoring should improve capacity of mentors and mentees’ professional and pedagogical development practices to improve quality of pre-service teacher education.
Clinical significance of upper arm motor nerve conduction velocity in cubital tunnel syndrome
Authors: Uehara Kazuya , Hashimoto Takahiro , Yukata Kiminori , Imajo Yasuaki , Funaba Masahiro , Fujii Kenzo , Sakai Takashi
Published: October 2024

Background

Retrograde denervation occurs in severe entrapment neuropathy. This study aimed to investigate changes in motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) at the upper arm, specifically proximal to the elbow, in cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) and to correlate these changes with preoperative severity and postoperative outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 95 elbows with 81 patients with CuTS for preoperative severity, and then 67 elbows with 60 of these patients who underwent anterior subcutaneous transposition surgery for postoperative outcome, classified into favorable and unfavorable groups according to Messina grade.

Results

The reduction of upper arm MNCV was correlated with aging, decreased compound muscle action potentials of abductor digiti minimi muscle, loss of sensory nerve action potentials, and modified McGowan grade. Postoperative assessment revealed lower MNCV values in the “unfavorable” group compared to the “favorable” group at 1 month, 6 months, and the last follow up. At each time point, the optimal cut-off value of upper arm MNCV for predicting postoperative outcomes was 54.1 m/s.

Discussion

Upper arm MNCV might be a useful predictor of poor surgical outcome. Ulnar nerve MNCV at the upper arm should be measured alongside routine assessment of MNCV at the elbow and forearm, especially in clinically severe cases considering surgery.
Validation of a parent-proxy, obesity-specific Health-Related Quality of Life measure - sizing them up - in Singaporean adolescents seeking obesity treatment
Authors: Ng Wang Chin Eileen , Khaider Khairunisa Binte , Fan Qiao , Chew Chu Shan Elaine
Published: October 2024

Background

Condition-specific measures of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) are more sensitive than generic tools. Sizing Them Up (STU) is a parent-proxy, obesity-specific HRQoL measure which was found to be reliable and valid internationally, but has yet to be utilised in Singapore.

Objectives

Our study aims to i) validate STU in adolescents seeking obesity therapy in KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH); and ii) determine demographic factors associated with STU scores.

Methods

We recruited 91 adolescents aged between 11 and 17 years old and their parents from KKH between June 2022 and January 2023. Parents completed STU and the generic Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) upon recruitment, and repeated STU at least 2 weeks later.

Results

65% of participants were males, with a mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 32.3 ± 5.1 kg/m2 and mean age of 13.6 ± 1.8 years old. STU demonstrated strong internal consistency (overall Cronbach’s α = 0.85) and moderate test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.30-0.70). There was high correlation between STU scores and i) the adolescents’ BMI; and ii) equivalent domains of PedsQL, suggesting moderate to strong construct and convergent validity respectively. Indian adolescents, lower parental education level and single parents were associated with poorer STU scores.

Conclusion

STU is a reliable, valid obesity-specific HRQoL measure in a local clinical population of adolescents undergoing obesity therapy, and can help clinicians to understand parents’ impression of the impact of obesity on their child. Knowing the demographic variables associated with STU can enable clinicians to identify adolescents whose HRQoL are disproportionately affected by obesity.
Biased Social Media Debates About Terrorism? A Content Analysis of Journalistic Coverage of and Audience Reactions to Terrorist Attacks on YouTube
Authors: Rothenberger Liane , Hase Valerie
Published: October 2024

Social media are an important source of news during crises such as terrorist attacks. However, how news media and their audiences make sense of terrorism on social media is subject to bias, for example, given their differential treatment of terrorism by right-wing versus Islamist extremist perpetrators. In this study, we analyze how incident- and perpetrator-related characteristics of terrorist attacks are associated with bias in public debates about terrorism on YouTube. We focus on selectiveness in which attacks are covered (gatekeeping bias), how attacks are covered (presentation bias), and how audiences react to coverage (audience bias). Methodologically, we employ a manual and an automated content analysis of terrorism coverage by five international broadcasters on YouTube ( N = 643, 2018–2020) and related user comments ( N = 193,721). Our findings illustrate how sociocultural contexts shape news bias in terrorism coverage, both in the form of gatekeeping bias and presentation bias—but we conclude with less evidence for audience bias in public reactions to terrorism, at least on social media. Consequently, journalists should critically question working routines in covering crises to avoid reinforcing power imbalances, especially those from Western contexts.
Who dominates? Multiple constructions of women's subjective social status and their cohort dynamics in transitional China
Authors: Wang Peng , Gan Yiqing
Published: October 2024

The way women construct their subjective social status has garnered significant attention. However, the roles of husbands and fathers in this process have been underexplored, with even less focus on how these roles have evolved across generations. This study aims to answer two important questions against the backdrop: First, which is the most dominant factor in shaping married women's subjective social status, their own objective class or those of their husband or father? Answers to this question reveal the impacts of assortative mating and intergenerational mobility. Second, how does the construction pattern change across birth cohorts? Cohort dynamics help reflect the evolution of gender roles and family values in China. Using pooled data from the Chinese General Social Survey in 2010–2017 and the diagonal reference model, our study finds that Chinese married women previously tended to construct their own social status based on the objective class of their husbands. However, this trend is reversed for younger cohorts. Father's objective class status carries roughly the same weight as women's own, but its impact becomes moderately stronger in younger cohorts. Taken together, the above findings reveal a unique pathway of family modernization in transitional China. Married women, although increasingly independent of their spouses, still remain closely connected with their natal families.
Contextual Factors Influencing Screening for Diabetic Eye Disease in Alabama: Provider Perspectives
Authors: Presley Caroline , Hubbard Demetria , Craft Macie , Zelada Henry , Wilson Bryan , Cherrington Andrea
Published: October 2024

Introduction/Objectives: Comprehensive eye exams are recommended at least every 2 years for people with diabetes for early identification and treatment of diabetic eye disease, but screening rates remain suboptimal. Our objective was to qualitatively assess barriers and facilitators to completing recommended eye exam screening for patients with diabetes among providers and practice staff. Methods: As part of a larger initiative, we conducted discussion groups with healthcare providers and practice staff to evaluate factors related to referral and screening for diabetic eye disease at 2 sites, a safety-net healthcare system and a specialty clinic. Discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed. Combined inductive, deductive thematic content analysis was conducted, applying the Practical Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model to organize themes and subthemes. Results: Two discussion groups with 28 participants were conducted in August 2023. Themes included existing processes for referrals, scheduling, and tracking; patient-level determinants including transportation and financial barriers and other competing demands to receiving recommended eye screening; clinic or system-related factors, and considerations for process improvement for eye exam referrals and appointments. Conclusions: These findings can be applied to determine the most effective strategies to improve the rates of recommended eye exam referral and screening rates in people with diabetes.