bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of cognitive control on the moral foreign language effect
Authors: Privitera Adam John
Published: November 2024

Purpose:

The Moral Foreign Language Effect (MFLE) is characterized by an increase in utilitarian responding when moral dilemmas are presented in a foreign language. Renewed interest in this psycholinguistic phenomenon has led to investigation of its boundary conditions and the modulatory influence of separable dimensions of foreign language experience. However, even when accounting for these additional differences, considerable variability in the MFLE is observed across participants. Recently, cognitive control, a set of mental processes that regulate thinking and behavior, has been identified as a potential modulator of the MFLE. To date, no studies have investigated whether differences in cognitive control influence the emergence of the MFLE. The present study aimed to directly explore this topic in a sample of Mandarin-English bilingual university students in Mainland China.

Methodology:

Participants responded to a set of moral dilemmas presented in either their native or foreign language and completed a Simon task to assess cognitive control.

Findings:

We report a dilemma and language context-specific modulatory role for cognitive control on the MFLE. Specifically, when presented in a foreign language, higher levels of cognitive control were associated with higher rates of utilitarian decisions on the classic Trolley dilemma.

Originality:

This study marks the first empirical investigation of the influence of cognitive control on the MFLE.

Significance:

Findings from this work highlight the role of cognitive control in moral decision-making and chart a course for future investigations on this topic.
The racialisation of AIDS in Denmark: Tabloid media scandals of sex, race and contagion
Authors: Eriksen Camilla Bruun , Petersen Michael Nebeling
Published: November 2024

In 1992, a Danish tabloid newspaper published the picture, name and address of a Black man on its front page under the title ‘He is the AIDS killer’. The outing marked the beginning of a controversial public scandal in Denmark directly leading to the introduction of a new law criminalising HIV in 1994. Centring questions of race and nationality in connection with HIV/AIDS, we examine in what ways the discursive framing of this, and two other public scandals, became tools of interpellation calling into existence ‘problematic’ and ‘dangerous’ groups like the racialised immigrant. Drawing on theories of race and racialisation through the work of Michel Foucault and Alexander G. Weheliye, we understand racism as structurally constituted within biopower and the violent expulsion of racialised people as a form of structural racism integrated in the state apparatus. Thinking about race in this way allows us to investigate how the figure of the racialised immigrant is represented vis-à-vis a racialised regime of representation as well as within a specific economy of fear and white paranoia. Our analysis shows that the racialisation of AIDS in Denmark, through which the control and disciplining of racialised bodies were made possible, worked in tandem with the cultural production of a national health crisis narrative that – put together – enabled, produced and pushed for particular political reactions and interventions culminating with the passing of the HIV Act in 1994.
Creating and implementing a medical consultation recording app: Improving health information recall and shared decision-making with My Care Conversations
Authors: Watson Linda , Anstruther Se’era May , Link Claire , Qi Siwei , DeIure Andrea , Ruether Dean
Published: November 2024

Research indicates that recording medical consultations benefits patients by helping them recall information pertinent to their care. Cancer Care Alberta set out to develop a mobile recording app to enable patients to safely and securely record appointments and take notes. Stakeholder engagement was conducted with patients, healthcare providers, and the Alberta Health Services Legal & Privacy team. App testing was completed with patient and family advisors. The app was piloted in a clinic to assess workflow impacts before moving to a public launch. The app launched in late November 2018 and continues to be used by patients in the cancer program and beyond. Earlier in 2024, the app underwent additional testing with advisors and user-friendly improvements were made based on feedback and previous user reviews. This article summarizes the development, implementation, and sustainment of the My Care Conversations app. Implementation challenges and effective strategies are highlighted.
Active bystanders in the forwarding of sexting messages: Applying a theory of planned behavior in youth
Authors: Maes Chelly , Van Ouytsel Joris , Vandenbosch Laura
Published: November 2024

This study explored youth’s intention to engage in active bystander behavior in response to non-consensual forwarding of sexts (NCFS). The study paid attention to the possible conditional boundaries of these suggested dynamics based on youth’s empathy levels and sex. An online survey was conducted among 1337 Belgian respondents, of which 78.4% were female ( Mage = 21.64 years, SD = 3.57 years). Structural equation modeling showed that positive attitude and injunctive norms, higher descriptive norms, and greater perceived behavioral control regarding active bystander behaviors in the context of NCFS were related to youth’s intention to engage in such active bystander behaviors, which in turn was related to actual active bystander behavior. Differences were found based on youth’s empathy levels, though no sex differences were found. The findings provide a critical foundation for highly needed intervention approaches and educational curricula seeking to diminish the occurrence of NCFS in youth.
Nanocrystalline NiTiB reinforced aluminum matrix composites: Synthesis, structural, mechanical and corrosion properties
Authors: Pul Muharrem , Dağ İlker Emin , Şimşek Tuncay , Avar Barış , Chattopadhyay Arun K.
Published: November 2024

In this study, aluminum composites were developed using a powder metallurgy route by incorporating varying amounts of nanocrystalline NiTiB into the Al2024 alloy. The effects of nanocrystalline NiTiB on the structural, morphological, corrosion, and mechanical properties of the aluminum composites were thoroughly investigated. The results showed that the base alloy and composites with 2% and 4% NiTiB exhibited the highest relative density. The composite with 4% NiTiB achieved the maximum hardness of 87.4 HV. Additionally, the inclusion of nanocrystalline NiTiB significantly improved the compressive strength, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance of the composites. Specifically, the compressive strength increased by approximately 2% with 2% NiTiB and by around 13% with 12% NiTiB. Corrosion resistance was highest in the composite with 4% NiTiB, as confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. In the wear-loss study, the wear loss of the composites was found to be reduced by 244% and 457% for those reinforced with 2% and 12% NiTiB, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of nanocrystalline NiTiB to enhance the performance of Al2024 composites in applications demanding superior corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and wear resistance.
Barbie Land as cyberfeminist utopia
Authors: Timothy Robyn
Published: November 2024

I explore Barbie (2023) through the lens of cyberfeminism to argue that Barbie Land can be conceptualised as a cyberfeminist utopia. I draw specifically on Donna Haraway's concept of the cyborg, and Sadie Plant's literature, to examine how Stereotypical Barbie herself is produced as a cyborg in the film and how Barbie Land draws parallels to utopian fantasies of cyberspace. Themes of glitching, boundary blurring and transgression are central to this discussion, and I apply these concepts to key moments in the film such as Stereotypical Barbie's existential crisis, her travels between the Real World and Barbie Land and the final scene with Barbie visiting her gynaecologist. By placing the film in conversation with cyberfeminist thinking, I demonstrate how Barbie sits within a tradition of texts that place transgression and subversion at the core of feminist politics.
Relationship between news overload and news avoidance: A meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Jinghong , He Ziyu , Guo Difan , Ding Ying
Published: November 2024

In the era of digital news, news overload and news avoidance represent novel crises confronting the field of journalism. However, most relevant studies are limited to case studies, and a clear understanding of the relationship between news overload and news avoidance has yet to be established. To address this gap, a meta-analysis of 17 papers (with 13,143 participants) was conducted. The results suggest that news avoidance is positively linked to news overload. Compared to developing countries (r = 0.282), the correlation between news overload and news avoidance is more significant in developed countries (r = 0.330). The correlation between news overload and news avoidance is more readily observable when using specific news topics (r = 0.425) and specified news platforms (r = 0.378) than general news topics (r = 0.236) and online/social media news platforms (r = 0.228). Behavioral measurement tools (r = 0.366) reveal a stronger correlation between news overload and news avoidance than psychological measurement tools (r = 0.194). The findings enhance the theoretical framework for crisis management in the news industry and offer valuable strategies for effectively addressing issues of news overload and news avoidance by audiences.
Maimonidean and Crescian: Spinoza on moral education and human perfection
Authors: Kisner Matthew J.
Published: November 2024

This article’s question is whether Spinoza understands the highest human perfection – which he equates with both our highest good and the love of God – as a theoretical state, consisting in having knowledge and the perfection of beliefs, or as a practical state, consisting in having virtue and the perfection of action. Consequently, the article is also partly about how Spinoza understands moral education, that is, whether the education necessary for achieving the highest human perfection is fundamentally theoretical or practical in nature. The article answers this question by considering Spinoza’s view of the highest good in the context of Maimonides and Crescas. The article argues that Spinoza adopts elements of both philosopher’s views, including Crescas’s view that the highest good must also be a practical state of virtue, which means that Spinoza must understand moral education as resulting in the perfection of action as well as knowledge.
News Subscription Motivation: Why Audiences Pay for News
Authors: Chen Weiyue , Thorson Esther
Published: November 2024

In the face of accelerated losses in advertising revenue, news organizations are increasingly interested in strategies to increase subscription sales. Previous studies have found several predictors of paywall success in obtaining and maintaining subscriptions, willingness to pay, and paying for news. But these factors have not been linked together into one clear conceptual framework. This monograph introduces a new construct, News Subscription Motivation, that theoretically links different predictors of paying for news. Mixed-method research was employed to conceptualize and operationalize this new construct. Results of in-depth interviews and online surveys revealed six underlying motivations that drive people to pay for news: support for journalism, journalism quality, triggering by the paywall, community attachment, affordability, and content utility. We conducted a confirmatory factor analysis to validate the News Subscription Motivation Scale and used multiple regressions to demonstrate statistically significant relationships between subscription motivations and both the number of news subscriptions people report paying for and the types of subscriptions people buy (local vs. national). We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of studying news subscription motivation.
Augmented Reality Versus Freehand Spinopelvic Fixation in Spinal Deformity: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Azad Tej D. , Alfonzo Horowitz Melanie , Tracz Jovanna A. , Khalifeh Jawad M. , Liu Connor J. , Hughes Liam P. , Judy Brendan F. , Khan Majid , Bydon Ali , Witham Timothy F.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study sought to compare screw placement accuracy and outcomes between freehand (FH) and AR-guided pelvic fixation. While pelvic fixation is a critical technique in spinal deformity surgery, S2-alar iliac (S2AI) screw placement poses challenges.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study of 50 consecutive patients who underwent spinopelvic fixation at a single institution. AR guidance was performed using a head-mounted display (Xvision, Augmedics). Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, spinopelvic parameters, and screw breach grade were compared using univariate and multivariate statistics.

Results

Pelvic fixation was performed FH in 21 patients (median age, 64; female, 38.1%; median BMI 32.3 kg/m2) and AR-guided in 29 patients (median age, 66; female, 51.7%; median BMI 28.4 kg/m2). Mean follow-up was longer in the FH group (28 mos vs 11 mos, P < 0.001). Pelvic fixation in the FH group was performed using either S2AI (90.5%) or dual S2AI (9.5%) screws. There were no significant differences in length of surgery (FH, 439 minutes; AR, 490 minutes; P = 0.1) or estimated blood loss (FH, 2.1L; AR, 1.9L; P = 0.7). Accuracy of FH pelvic fixation was 95.6% (43/45 screws) and accuracy of AR pelvic fixation was 96.5% (55/57 screws). Multivariable logistic regression for screw breach revealed no significant association with AR guidance when controlling for age, BMI, osteoporosis, and smoking.

Conclusions

We present the first case-control study of AR-guided spinopelvic fixation, with findings suggesting parity between FH and AR-guidance, serving as foundation for prospective controlled studies with longitudinal follow-up to interrogate the benefits of AR-guidance in spinal deformity surgery.
PAM: Research on posture alignment method for camera robot system
Authors: He Jingjie , Huang Jian , Zhang Wenjing , Xu Feng , Liu Qiang , Li He
Published: November 2024

By acquiring the posture information of the rigid body with markers, the camera motion on the robot end-effector can be controlled remotely. The essential step of posture alignment in teleoperation is to calibrate the transformation matrix of the world coordinate system of the optical motion capture system and the robot base coordinate system. It was necessary to change the position and attitude of the camera robot in the studio frequently. At the same time, the studio was complex with strong personnel mobility, thus the world coordinate system of the optical tracking system in the studio was needed to be re-established frequently. These two points asked the pose calibration scheme of the camera robot in the optical tracking system to be convenient and universal. In this paper, a novel posture alignment method (PAM) was proposed, which was an automatic, accurate and quick method to complete the posture alignment for related coordinate systems without non-systematic errors. PAM was applied to teleoperation for camera robot by inverse movement matrix. The comparative experiments prove that the proposed method is better than manual method, with higher precision and stability, more flexible physical setting for reference coordinate system, and shorter operation time consuming. Meanwhile, PAM is more suitable for camera robot teleoperation than existed automatic method, because it does not require paying attention to the calibration postures.
Exploring Netflix myths: Towards more media industry studies and empirical research in studying video-on-demand
Authors: van Es Karin
Published: November 2024

Using Netflix as a lens, this article identifies and unpacks three central interrelated myths – binge-watching, on-demand, and big data – surrounding global video-on-demand services. These myths are problematic because they make certain ideas about these services seem natural and self-evident, restricting our understanding of their role in culture and society. Moreover, these services provide little transparency and data access to evaluate their claims leading to a call for more media industry studies and empirical research. This article points to valuable avenues of inquiry, emerging from recent studies, that can serve as a source of inspiration for future research in this field.
Make the Right Call: formative evaluation for a water safety programme for adults in Western Australia
Authors: Leavy Justine E. , Abercromby Meg , Della Bona Malena , Nimmo Lauren , Crawford Gemma
Published: November 2024

Background:

Preventing drowning in adults is a complex, multifaceted injury prevention issue. The adult drowning rate in Australia is continuing to rise. In 2023, more than half of those who drowned were aged over 45 years. While there has been a call for robust, evidence-informed drowning prevention interventions across the life course, evidence of evaluated, drowning prevention programmes for adults is lacking. For more than a decade, drowning prevention researchers and practitioners in Western Australia (WA) have worked in partnership to design and evaluate evidence-informed programmes. This paper describes formative research to develop ‘Make the Right Call’ (MTRC), an adult water safety programme in WA.

Methods:

A staged, mixed-methods, formative evaluation was undertaken to inform the design of MTRC.

Stages:

The approach involved cluster analysis of coronial data 2008–2018 ( n = 93), interviews with adults aged 45–64 years ( n = 10) and 65 years and older ( n = 15), theory mapping, survey design, content and face validity testing of a baseline questionnaire with content experts ( n = 11) and a refined instrument to collect knowledge, and data on norms and water-based activity. The subsequent MTRC programme comprised a media campaign, community swimming and safety classes, lifejacket trade-in, subsidised first-aid training and community education.

Discussion:

The results of each stage informed the design and evaluation of a new evidence-informed and theory-driven drowning prevention programme for adults aged 45 years and older, delivered by the peak drowning prevention agency in WA, Royal Life Saving Western Australia. An investment in mixed-methods research by the partnership added rigour and credibility to the programme and evaluation design.

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first adult water safety programme to apply a theory-driven, evidence-informed approach to its development, implementation and evaluation. The partnership was vital in maximising and accelerating the acceptable transfer of results to enhance knowledge creation and, ultimately, the design of the MTRC drowning prevention programme.
Consensus Report on Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists as Adjunctive Treatment for Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes Using an Automated Insulin Delivery System
Authors: Shah Viral N. , Peters Anne L. , Umpierrez Guillermo E. , Sherr Jennifer L. , Akturk Halis Kaan , Aleppo Grazia , Bally Lia , Cengiz Eda , Cinar Ali , Dungan Kathleen , Fabris Chiara , Jacobs Peter G. , Lal Rayhan A. , Mader Julia K. , Masharani Umesh , Prahalad Priya , Schmidt Signe , Zijlstra Eric , Ho Cindy N. , Ayers Alessandra T. , Tian Tiffany , Aaron Rachel E. , Klonoff David C.
Published: November 2024

With increasing prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular diseases, there is a growing interest in the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) as an adjunct therapy in type 1 diabetes (T1D). The GLP-1RAs are currently not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of T1D in the absence of randomized controlled trials documenting efficacy and safety of these agents in this population. The Diabetes Technology Society convened a series of three consensus meetings of clinicians and researchers with expertise in diabetes technology, GLP-1RA therapy, and T1D management. The project was aimed at synthesizing current literature and providing conclusions on the use of GLP-1RA therapy as an adjunct to automated insulin delivery (AID) systems in adults with T1D. The expert panel members met virtually three times on January 17, 2024, and April 24, 2024, and August 14, 2024, to discuss topics ranging from physiology and outcomes of GLP-1RAs in T1D to limitations of current sensors, algorithms, and insulin for AID systems. The panelists also identified research gaps and future directions for research. The panelists voted to in favor of 31 recommendations. This report presents the consensus opinions of the participants that, in adults with T1D using AID systems, GLP-1RAs have the potential to (1) provide effective adjunct therapy and (2) improve glycemic and metabolic outcomes without increasing the risk of severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Predictive value of serum interleukin-6 for neonatal encephalopathy outcomes
Authors: Saito Junichi , Shibasaki Jun , Yamamoto Kouji , Fujita Maya , Toyoshima Katsuaki
Published: November 2024

Background: Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) may predict adverse outcomes of neonatal encephalopathy (NE); however, limited data regarding the predictive utility of IL-6 during neurodevelopmental follow-up are available. We aimed to determine the utility of IL-6 for predicting adverse outcomes at 18 to 22 months of age.

Methods: Eighty-seven patients with NE who received therapeutic hypothermia were enrolled in this study. Serial serum IL-6 levels during the first 3 postnatal days were collected. Patients were classified into three groups: (1) death, (2) survival with moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disability (NDD) at 18–22 months of age, and (3) survival without NDD (favorable outcome). The predictive ability of IL-6 was determined by the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results: Serial IL-6 data of 80 patients with NE were available and showed peak levels on postnatal day 1; these levels gradually decreased toward day 3. By 18–22 months of age, 13 and 17 patients died and experienced moderate to severe NDD without death, respectively. Fifty patients experienced favorable outcomes. Higher IL-6 levels on day 1 predicted the composite adverse outcome (including death and survival with NDD; n = 30; AUC, 0.648). Higher IL-6 levels on day 1 predicted death ( n = 13; AUC, 0.799), whereas higher IL-6 levels on day 1 predicted survival with NDD ( n = 17; AUC, 0.536).

Conclusions: The AUC of IL-6 that predicted survival with NDD was lower than the AUC of IL-6 that predicted death; therefore, IL-6 may have insufficient utility for predicting NDD without death.
The Role of Mediation in the Settlement of Family Disputes in Kazakhstan: A Sociological Study
Authors: Syzdykova Saule M. , Omarova Assem T. , Imanbekova Bibigul I. , Lyapbaeva Nurgul I.
Published: November 2024

The study aimed to examine the importance and necessity of using mediation in resolving family disputes in Kazakhstan. From February to August 2020, a sociological study was conducted in Kazakhstan to identify the main causes of modern family problems, the functions of mediation and mediators in dispute resolution. The study involved 1,200 respondents. Data collection methods included both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study was based on a survey of respondents in major cities of Kazakhstan. The study showed that factors such as lack of love and understanding, financial difficulties, and interference from relatives contribute to the escalation of family disputes leading to breakups. It also confirmed the important role of mediators in reaching appropriate and effective solutions, emphasizing the need to strengthen mediator training, legislative support for free mediation services for vulnerable groups, guaranteed payment for mediation services, and promotion of mediation through local media and service centers.
Sustainability Across the Status Spectrum: The S-Shaped Relationship Between Social Status and Green Consumption
Authors: Gladstone Joe J. , Bellezza Silvia
Published: November 2024

The relationship between social status and green consumption is pivotal in addressing the climate crisis, yet previous research reveals conflicting perspectives. We analyze a nationally representative panel survey of more than 63,000 British respondents, tracking their green consumption, attitudes, and behaviors across multiple years. The findings reveal a previously unidentified S-shaped relationship between social status and green consumption, challenging existing models that propose inverted U-shaped, negative linear, or positive linear associations. This S curve demonstrates a gradual increase in green consumption at lower levels of social status, followed by a steep rise in the middle range and then a leveling off among the highest-status individuals. Crucially, this pattern persists even when we control for income, with high-status individuals exhibiting stronger proenvironmental attitudes and engaging more in nonpecuniary green behaviors. These findings offer insights for policymakers and marketers aiming to promote eco-friendly behaviors across socioeconomic segments.
The hidden factor in COVID-19 rehabilitation: how does the microenvironment in mobile cabin hospitals impact patient recovery? An observational study
Authors: Cheng Yang , Wen Ru , Wang Yuxiao , Sun Xinxin , Jiang Shan , Chen Zhiqiang , Yu Qiwei , Tan Liang , Zhang Liqiang , Tao Zhuolin , Xu Peng , Chen Dongdong , Yu Hong , Su Zuqiang , Chen Kang , Liu Yunsheng , Liu Chen
Published: November 2024

Backgrounds:

Existing studies on the treatment of emergency infectious diseases have primarily focused on the pathogen and the human immune system. However, human health is intricately connected to environmental factors, and this interaction becomes particularly during large-scale public health emergencies. Few studies have examined the impact of spatial differences in the microenvironment on the rehabilitation rate of patients with the Omicron variant infection.

Objective:

This study employs causal inference statistical methods and spatial analysis to investigate how the hospital microenvironment affects the rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients in a mobile cabin hospital, so as to provide a scientific basis for the spatial arrangement of patients in mobile cabin hospitals.

Design:

Observational study.

Methods:

This study used the clinical information of 6291 patients admitted in a mobile cabin hospital in Shanghai, from April 9 to May 9, 2022, during the pandemic. Exploratory spatial data analysis and fixed-effects regression analysis were conducted to understand whether the microenvironment around the patients’ beds in the cabin impacted their rehabilitation.

Results:

The results indicate that the rehabilitation condition of patients is affected by spatial differences of microenvironment. Both the mean and minimum CT values of the surrounding patients show a significant positive correlation with the rehabilitation of patients. The further the distance from the vent is, the more the rehabilitation speed of the patients is affected by the CT values of the surrounding patients.

Conclusion:

These findings offer valuable insights for bed allocation, patients’ stratification and management, and ventilation management in the mobile cabin hospitals during public health emergencies.
Fertility desire and associated factors among antiretroviral therapy users in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Mitiku Assefa Kebie , Yirdaw Birhanu Wubale , Alem Hymanot , Ferede Wassie Yazie , Erega Besfat Berihun
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

There were approximately 38 million human immune deficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome cases worldwide in 2019, of which 36.2 million were adult cases, of these 25.4 million had access to antiretroviral therapy. The desire to have children among human immune virus-infected people has significant implications for the transmission of the human immune virus. In many developing countries such as Ethiopia, where the prevalence of the human immune virus is high, the risk of human immune virus transmission to the baby is inevitable.

Objective:

This study’s objective is to evaluate fertility desire and associated factors among antiretroviral therapy users at South Gondar public hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022.

Methods:

A multicenter institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among patients attending antiretrio viral therapy at South Gondar Zone public hospitals, from April 1 to May 30, 2022. A total of 551 study participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire. The data were entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 and then exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the outcome variable, and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to determine the level of significance.

Result:

The study included 551 participants with a 100% response rate. The prevalence of fertility desire among antiretroviral therapy users in South Gondar Zone public hospitals was 42.5% (95% confidence interval: 38.6, 46.8). Independent predictors of fertility desire included being a merchant (adjusted odds ratio = 0.06; 95% confidence interval: 0.01, 0.08), being a farmer (adjusted odds ratio = 0.21; 95% confidence interval: 0.09, 0.47), having no children (adjusted odds ratio = 20.04; 95% confidence interval: 4.7, 24.2), disclosing HIV status (adjusted odds ratio = 0.05; 95% confidence interval: 0.01, 0.30), and being diagnosed with HIV (adjusted odds ratio = 15.5; 95% confidence interval: 12.79, 20.54).

Conclusions:

The prevalence of fertility desire among antiretroviral therapy users is found to be high. It is important to improve the existing Information, Education, and Communication interventions on fertility desire among antiretroviral therapy attendants at the individual and community levels.
The lived experiences of mother’s caring for children with uncontrolled asthma: A qualitative study
Authors: Aldirawi Ali , Al Rawwad Tamara , Al-Qudimat Ahmad R , Jin Yan , Brooks Andrea , Eldeirawi Kamal
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Childhood-onset asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that profoundly impacts patients, their families, and healthcare systems. This study explores the lived experiences, challenges, and perceptions of mothers in managing asthma, controlling symptoms, and maintaining the quality of life for their children with asthma in Palestine.

Methods:

A qualitative descriptive design through semi-structured interviews was used in this study. Purposive sampling was used to identify mothers who have children with severe uncontrolled asthma in the four public hospitals with pediatric units in the West Bank, Palestine. Mothers of children with scored below 15 on the asthma control test were included in the study. The data were analyzed using an analytical framework following a thematic analysis through the NVivo 11.

Results:

A total of 20 mothers participated in interviews wherein they delineated the most important challenges negatively affecting asthma management from mothers’ perspectives. These challenges encompassed frequent emergency room visits, improper medication administration practices, and limitations in physical activity. The mothers expressed concerns regarding asthma control, including anxieties concerning the chronicity of the illness, adverse effects of medications, and susceptibility to weather fluctuations. The main themes that emerged from the data included reduced quality of life for the child, parental responsibility for monitoring triggers, symptoms, and medications, challenges in asthma management, apprehensions regarding asthma control, and strategies for enhancing asthma management.

Conclusion:

This study emphasizes the pressing need for targeted interventions to address asthma management, environmental triggers, and psychosocial disruptions related to asthma in children with asthma to enhance the quality of life and asthma control. This study highlights the importance of developing strategies that provide mothers with the appropriate information and tools to navigate the complexities of caring for a child with asthma.
Virtual neurology survey: Factors influencing virtual care use among Ontario neurologists
Authors: Campbell Sabrina , Ahluwalia Monish , Desai Jamsheed , Khosravani Houman , Mitchell Sara B , Kassardjian Charles D
Published: November 2024

Background and objectives:

Current virtual care guidance lacks specialty-specific considerations. Neurological care is unique due to its reliance on physical examination and complex patient population. Our aim was to determine which factors impact virtual care suitability in neurology, virtual care adoption patterns, and satisfaction with virtual care among neurologists.

Methods:

Surveys were sent to Ontario neurologists through a shared email from September to November 2021. The survey consisted of four parts: demographics, virtual care adoption patterns, factors influencing virtual care use, and physician satisfaction with virtual care.

Results:

Sixty-six of 380 (17.4%) neurologists completed the survey. The pandemic resulted in a substantial increase in virtual care use, from 1.6% of all ambulatory visits in 2019 to 70.6% in 2020. Video teleconferencing was considered more appropriate across a broader range of presentations than phone visits, with both methods more suited to follow-ups. Neurologists were largely satisfied with virtual care except for the virtual neurological examination. The neurological presentations identified as least amenable to virtual consultation were movement disorders, limb weakness, gait/balance changes, and vision changes. Four presentations were felt to be most amenable to virtual care: sleep disorders, seizure, headache, and dizziness/syncope. Factors that were felt to reduce virtual care suitability included discussion of sensitive topics and acute presentations.

Conclusion:

Neurologists were satisfied with virtual care as a means of providing outpatient care, though the specific reason for referral influenced perceived appropriateness. These results can inform the basis of the development of consensus guidelines for virtual care provision in neurology.
Beyond Barbie: Representations of whiteness in China’s digital advertising
Authors: Kefala Christina
Published: November 2024

This article examines how Western brands and white Western entrepreneurs employ representations of whiteness in advertising their products on China’s social media platforms. While research has effectively revealed the prevalence of white hegemony in advertising, few studies have addressed the representation of whiteness in non-Western contexts such as China. Focusing on the largest and highly digitized retailing industry in Asia, this article examines branding used by Western brands and white Western entrepreneurs in their advertising campaigns. The analysis delves into how Western products resonate with China’s Gen Z consumers, and how advertising campaigns respond to those consumer preferences by incorporating nationalist sentiments. This article examines the visual complexities through which whiteness is expressed in various campaigns on social media platforms, emphasizing the contested, reproduced, and performed nature of whiteness.
Are Fiscal Transfers and Bail-Outs the Perpetrators? A Study on Moral Hazard Problem in Indian Federal Finance
Authors: Bora Nitu Moni , Barua Nissar A.
Published: November 2024

The informational advantage of the sub-national governments in conjunction with central government’s involvement in bail-outs and financial assistance sometimes leads to negative incentives by relaxing the budget constraint. This produces moral hazard in terms of compromised fiscal behaviour; lower revenue effort, extravagance in expenditure, higher deficits and increased borrowings. At the same time, central assistance to low-performing states demotivates fiscally efficient states. The Indian fiscal federal structure and the fiscal transfer system are often criticized for prompting inefficiency and moral hazard in sub-national fiscal performance. Considering the issue of fiscal inefficiency in the Indian states, this study seeks to explore the fiscal mechanism of revenue effort, deficit, borrowing, capital outlay and revenue expenditure using a panel dataset of 28 states for the period 2000–2019. Accounting for the geographical and other disadvantages of the states, the findings of the panel-regression analysis confirm fiscal distress and the existence of soft-budget constraint and moral hazard in the Indian states.

JEL Classification: H, H2, H21, H3, H7
Unravelling the Factors of Acceptance of Violence in Marriage by Women: Insights on Deficit of Reporting Cases of Domestic Violence in Empowered Action Group (EAG) and States of South India
Authors: Tewari Deeksha Bajpai , Gautam Upma , Das Priya
Published: November 2024

Globally, 30% women, in a relationship, have been experiencing both physical and sexual violence by their intimate partners, particularly in the South-East Asian region. The grave reality of violence in marriage is the acceptance and justification of wife beating by women themselves. Recent cross-sectional studies have pointed out that a woman’s acceptance of wife abuse is related to her actual experience of being a victim, such that the victims of violence are perhaps more likely to justify the behaviour. This study analyses the role, if any, played by measures of women’s autonomy, access and freedom in impacting the acceptance of wife beating in marriage by women. This is undertaken in the background of different levels of human development attained in different groups of states in India. Two groups of states are identified: (a) one group of states represented by states of South India—scoring above national average figures in all parameters of human development including measures of gender empowerment. (b) Second group of states represented by the Empowered Action Group states—scoring lower than national average figures in all parameters of human development, including measures of gender empowerment. Indicators selected related to women’s access to microcredit, freedom of movement, ownership of assets, employment status and literacy levels. In addition, the proportion of households in a state in the lowest quintile also was selected as a factor of wealth. This study further analyses the role that acceptance of violence in marriage by women plays in explaining the deficit in reporting cases of domestic violence in the selected group of states.
Reimaging Music Education Through a Rhizomatic Approach Focusing on Performing, Creating, Responding, and Connecting
Authors: Yoo Hyesoo
Published: November 2024

In music educators’ endeavoring to integrate equity into our curriculum, adopting a rhizomatic approach could provide a valuable perspective for reassessing the Western classical tradition as the norm. From a philosophical perspective, the rhizome is perceived as an interconnected multiplicity, where various elements are intricately connected without a central or hierarchical control system. In essence, a rhizomatic approach is more expansive than top-down alternatives and inherently places greater emphasis on equity. Given a rhizome’s noncentered and nonhierarchical nature, the concept of a rhizome encourages engagement with music comparatively or relationally, fostering a broad perspective that recognizes the interconnectedness between musics. More importantly, lessons using a rhizomatic approach may promote teachers and students to view all forms of musics as equally significant, honoring diverse musical traditions rather than exclusively prioritizing Western classical heritage.
Transition of China’s global energy investment: Decarbonization, dispersion and denationalization
Authors: Xue Jiashun , Poon Jessie PH
Published: November 2024

China’s global energy investment (CGEI) plays a role in global energy transition. This paper uses a “3D” (decarbonization, denationalization, and dispersion) framework to analyze CGEI from 2005 to 2020 based on the China Global Investment Tracker (CGIT) database. Results indicate that significant decarbonization of CGEI has occurred, particularly after 2013, with the most pronounced effects observed in middle- and low-income countries. Dispersion is also significant as Chinas investment reached some 97 countries expanding across the globe to Africa and Latin America, led by solar and wind energy. On the other hand, a denationalization trend was less obvious. After a short period of expansion by private enterprises, denationalization stalled as central state-owned enterprises surged ahead in leading CGEI.
Mineralogy and petrology of the petalite-subtype Prof pegmatite, Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Breasley Catriona M. , Groat Lee A. , Martins Tânia , Linnen Robert L. , Larson Kyle P. , Henry Rhiana E.
Published: November 2024

The Prof pegmatite is located NW of Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada on Boulder Mountain. Due to the abundance of petalite, the pegmatite is classified as a petalite subtype Li-Cs-Ta pegmatite or a Group one pegmatite. The Prof pegmatite contains a suite of minerals indicative of a highly evolved pegmatite melt including petalite, elbaite, lepidolite and Nb–Ta oxides. Four textural zones are present: (1) border; (2) intermediate, including (2.1) graphic texture dominant and (2.2) overgrowth dominant, where diverse minerals form rims around one another; (3) central; and (4) quartz. The border zone has a similar mineralogy to the intermediate zone and is interpreted to represent a chilled margin. The intermediate zone has a feldspar, mica, garnet and dravite–schorl dominant composition. The central zone hosts an evolved pegmatite core, which contains the majority of the lithium mineralisation composed of petalite, elbaite and lepidolite. The tourmaline, Nb–Ta oxides and mica within the pegmatite record the geochemical evolution of the melt from more primitive Fe- and Mg-rich minerals to a Li-, Mn- and Nb-rich assemblage indicative of a highly evolved geochemical system. The various pegmatitic textures and extremely fractionated geochemical composition of the pegmatite indicate that the melt was undercooled and crystallised rapidly. Three phases of metasomatism are recognised in the Prof pegmatite: an albitisation event observed cutting primary orthoclase; followed by a transition to a Na–Li–F-rich event mostly containing secondary albite, trilithionite and elbaites; and a sericitisation event.

The Prof pegmatite has a similar mineralogy to known pegmatites at Mount Begbie, 15 km to the south, in particular the notable presence of the rare mineral qitianlingite, petalite, lepidolite and elbaite. Together, these pegmatite bodies form part of an extensive, poorly mapped pegmatite field. Additional work is required to assess the extent and nature of mineralisation within this field.
The therapeutic potential of Apigenin in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through ALDH1A2/Nrf2/ARE signaling
Authors: Liang Huiting , Zhou Xinhui , Zhang Jie , Xu Wenyuan , Liu Yi , Wang Xinxin , Hu Yushu , Xu Renshi , Li Xiaobing
Published: November 2024

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron loss leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. Apigenin (APG), known for its antioxidant properties, holds potential as a therapeutic compound in ALS.

Methods

We used the Tg(SOD1*G93A)1Gur/J transgenic mouse model of ALS to investigate the therapeutic effects of APG. Key measured included motor function via the ALSTDI score, molecular markers of oxidative stress (OS) and apoptosis in spinal cord tissues. Techniques used included pathological, Western blotting, flow cytometry, and qRT-PCR to assess the effect of ALDH1A2.

Results

APG treatment attenuated weight loss and improved motor function scores in ALS mice compared to untreated ALS models. Molecular analyses revealed a significant upregulation of ALDH1A2 in APG-treated groups, along with a reduction in markers of OS and apoptosis. In vitro studies in NSC34 cells further confirmed the protective effects of APG against SOD1*G93A mutation-induced cytotoxicity. In addition, suppression of ALDH1A2 by shRNA exacerbated disease markers that were ameliorated by APG treatment.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that APG attenuates the progression of ALS pathology by regulating OS and apoptosis through ALDH1A2. These results support further investigation of APG as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of ALS.

Graphical Abstract
Regulatory T cells require peripheral CCL2-CCR2 signaling to facilitate the resolution of medication overuse headache-related behavioral sensitization
Authors: Ryu Sun , Zhang Jintao , Simoes Roli , Liu Xuemei , Guo Zhaohua , Feng Li , Unsinger Jacqueline , Hotchkiss Richard S. , Cao Yu-Qing
Published: November 2024

Background

Medication overuse headache (MOH) is the most common secondary headache disorder, resulting from chronic and excessive use of medication to treat headaches, for example, sumatriptan. In a recent study, we have shown that the peripheral C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2), C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) and calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) signaling pathways interact with each other and play critical roles in the development of chronic migraine-related behavioral and cellular sensitization. In the present study, we investigated whether CCL2-CCR2 and CGRP signaling pathways play a role in the development of sumatriptan overuse-induced sensitization, and whether they are involved in its resolution by the low-dose interleukin-2 (LD-IL-2) treatment.

Methods

Mice received daily sumatriptan administration for 12 days. MOH-related behavioral sensitization was assessed by measuring changes of periorbital mechanical thresholds for 3 weeks. CCL2-CCR2 and CGRP signaling pathways were inhibited by targeted gene deletion or with an anti-CCL2 antibody. Ca2+-imaging was used to examine whether repetitive sumatriptan treatment enhances CGRP and pituitary adenylate cyclase–activating polypeptide (PACAP) signaling in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons. LD-IL-2 treatment was initiated after the establishment of sumatriptan-induced sensitization. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry analyses were used to examine whether CCL2-CCR2 signaling controls regulatory T (Treg) cell proliferation and/or trafficking.

Results

CCL2, CCR2 and CGRPα global KO mice exhibited robust sumatriptan-induced behavioral sensitization comparable to wild-type controls. Antibody neutralization of peripheral CCL2 did not affect sumatriptan-induced behaviors either. Repeated sumatriptan administration did not enhance the strength of CGRP or PACAP signaling in TG neurons. Nevertheless, LD-IL-2 treatment, which facilitated the resolution of sumatriptan-induced sensitization in wild-type and CGRPα KO mice, was completely ineffective in mice with compromised CCL2-CCR2 signaling. In CCL2 KO mice, we observed normal LD-IL-2-induced Treg expansion in peripheral blood, but the increase of Treg cells in dura and TG tissues was significantly reduced in LD-IL-2-treated CCL2 KO mice relative to wild-type controls.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the endogenous CCL2-CCR2 and CGRP signaling pathways are not involved in sumatriptan-induced behavioral sensitization, suggesting that distinct molecular mechanisms underlie chronic migraine and MOH. On the other hand, peripheral CCL2-CCR2 signaling is required for LD-IL-2 to reverse chronic headache-related sensitization.

Graphical abstract