bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supersonic inlet flow recognition by hybrid-mutation non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm with support vector machines
Authors: Yang Tian-Lin , Wu Huan , Zhao Yong-Ping , Tan Hui-Jun
Published: May 2022

The recognition of supersonic inlet flow pattern has become a research hotspot in recent years. In this paper, the dual external pressure supersonic inlet is taken as the research object. To explore the flow characteristics of the inlet, time-mean processing on the inlet pressure signal collected by sensors is conducted first, and the features of the inlet pressure data in time domain and frequency domain are extracted, respectively. As feature selection (FS) plays an important role in classification tasks and has been recently studied as a multi-objective optimization problem, two objectives of FS are considered and an improved non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm NSGA2 with hybrid mutation operators using support vector machines (SVM) as classifiers is proposed, aiming to simultaneously select feature subsets and optimize SVMs hyper-parameters. In addition, a way to deal with variation transgression is proposed to make the mutation operator of the single-objective evolution fit well in the multi-objective evolution algorithm. Experimental results on 31 sensor datasets demonstrate that our proposed algorithm can achieve competitive classification accuracy while obtaining a smaller size of feature subset compared with particle swarm optimization algorithm and some multi-objective optimization algorithms using single-objective evolution mutation operators.
Numerical study of the effect of hemodynamic variables on LDL concentration through the single layer of the Left Anterior Descending coronary artery (LAD) under the heart pulse
Authors: Biglarian Mohit , Seyedhossein Seyed Saeed , Firoozabadi Bahar , MomeniLarimi Morsal
Published: May 2022

Heart attack is one of the most common causes of death in the world. Coronary artery disease is the most recognized cause of heart attack whose onset and progression have been attributed to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) passing through the wall of the artery. In this paper, hemodynamic variables as well as the concentration of LDL through the coronary porous artery at the Left Anterior Descending coronary artery (LAD), and its first diagonal branch (D1) under the heart motion investigated using computational simulation. The geometry that has been studied in this paper is the first bifurcation of Left Anterior Descending (LAD) that has been placed on a perimeter of hypothetical sphere representative of the heart geometry. Sinusoidal variations of sphere radii, simulated pulsating movement of the heart. Blood has been considered as a Newtonian and incompressible flow with pulsatile flow rate and real physiological profile. The plasma filtration boundary condition used over the walls in order to simulate the concentration of LDL to a one-layer artery wall. Variations in the concentration of LDL on the artery wall and its relation to oscillation on shear stress on the artery wall under different conditions are presented. Moreover, the effects of the pulsating inlet flow and dynamic movement of the artery are explored. The results declared that minimum shear stress and maximum LDL concentration take place at the bifurcation and on the myocardial wall which is in complete agreement with clinical studies. Furthermore, it has been shown that the heart pulse has a slight effect on the average time of concentration (0.1% increase); however, by analyzing all time steps, one could observe that the maximum concentration rises in some time steps; where this increases the possibility of LDL presence and helps them diffuse inside the artery wall.
Exosomal miR-455-3p from BMMSCs prevents cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Wang Yue , Shen Yusi
Published: May 2022

Objective

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) exert protective effects against myocardial infarction (MI). Here, we focused on the function and mechanism of miR-455-3p from BMMSCs-derived exosomes (BMMSCs-Exo) in myocardial infarction.

Materials and methods

BMMSCs were isolated from rat bone marrow, and the exosomes from the culture medium of BMMSCs were separated, and administered to H9C2 cells under hypoxia-reperfusion (H/R) stimulation. MTT and TUNEL staining analyzed cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. RT-qPCR determined miR-455-3p expression. Apoptosis-related proteins, autophagy-associated proteins, and the MEKK1-MKK4-JNK signaling pathway were detected. The interaction between miR-455-3p and MEKK1 was confirmed through dual luciferase activity and RIP assay. An in vivo ischemia reperfusion (I/R) model was established in rats. 2, 3, 5 triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, Masson staining, and TUNEL staining evaluated the infarct volume and histopathological changes.

Results

miR-455-3p′s expression was down-regulated in BMMSCs-derived exosomes, I/R myocardial tissues, and H/R myocardial cells. miR-455-3p enriched by BMMSC exosomes reduced H/R-mediated cardiomyocyte damage and death-related autophagy. miR-455-3p upregulation suppressed MEKK1-MKK4-JNK. MEKK1 overexpression notably mitigated cell apoptosis, cramped cell viability, suppressed autophagy expansion, and attenuated Exo-miR-455-3p′s protection on H/R myocardial cells. In-vivo trials reflected that BMMSC exosomes enriched with miR-455-3p repressed ischemia reperfusion-induced myocardial damage and myocardial cell function.

Conclusion

miR-455-3p, shuttled by exosomes from MSCs, targets the MEKK1-MKK4-JNK signaling pathway to guard against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion damage.
Myrica salicifolia Hochst. ex A. Rich. suppress acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats by reducing TNF-alpha and interleukin-6, oxidative stress parameters and improving mucosal protection
Authors: Rehman NU , Ansari MN , Palla AH , Karim A , Imam F , Raish M , Hamad AM , Noman M
Published: May 2022

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with rising prevalence in developing countries, and limited success of current therapies, natural products have immense potential for therapy due to their “disease modifying and side-effect neutralizing” potential. Myrica salicifolia is traditionally used for gastrointestinal diseases and have reported antiinflammatory activities, but its use in IBD has not yet been studied. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of the root extract of M. salicifolia (Ms.Cr) were investigated using the acetic acid-induced UC model in rats. For 6 days, the rats were given either vehicle (10 mL/kg), lower (200 mg/kg), and higher (400 mg/kg) doses of Ms.Cr, or the positive control drug (prednisolone; 2 mg/kg) orally. A single dosage of 5% acetic acid (1.0 mL) was administered intrarectally to rats on day 6 to induce UC. Disease activity index (DAI), histological observations, the biochemical parameters related to oxidative stress, and specific cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined to assess the effect of Ms.Cr. In comparison to the AA-induced colitis rats, Ms.Cr’s pretreatment significantly decreased DAI, colonic ulceration, and inflammatory score. Total glutathione levels and catalase activity were considerably recovered in the colitis group treated with Ms.Cr, whereas enhanced lipid peroxidation in colon tissues was significantly decreased. Moreover, Ms.Cr pretreatment also caused inhibition of the activation of IL-6 and TNF-α in the colonic tissues of respective groups. Based on these findings, Ms.Cr might be developed to treat UC in the future.
Teriflunomide normalizes anti-anxiety effect in anti-ANXA2 APS mice model teriflunomide in anti-ANXA2 mice model
Authors: Zmira Ofir , Gofrit Shany Guly , Aharoni Shay Anat , Weiss Ronen , Shavit-Stein Efrat , Chapman Joab
Published: May 2022

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) affects the brain by both hypercoagulation and immunological mechanisms. APS is characterized by several autoantibodies binding to a thrombolytic complex including beta-2-glycoprotein I (β2-GPI) and annexin A2 (ANXA2). Teriflunomide, an oral drug for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), has a cytostatic effect on B cells and is therefore a potential antibody-targeting treatment for APS. In this study, we assessed the effect of teriflunomide in two APS mouse models by inducing autoantibody formation against β2-GPI and ANXA2 in female BALB/c mice. The ANXA2 model displayed a behavioral change suggesting an anti-anxiety effect in open field and forced swim tests, early in the course of the disease. This effect was normalized following teriflunomide treatment. Conversely, behavioral tests done later during the study demonstrated depression-like behavior in the ANXA2 model. No behavioral changes were seen in the β2-GPI model. Total brain IgG levels were significantly elevated in the ANXA2 model but not in the teriflunomide treated group. No such change was noted in the brains of the β2-GPI model. High levels of serum autoantibodies were induced in both models, and their levels were not lowered by teriflunomide treatment. Teriflunomide ameliorated behavioral changes in mice immunized with ANXA2 without a concomitant change in serum antibody levels. These findings are compatible with the effect of teriflunomide on neuroinflammation.

Teriflunomide ameliorated behavioral and brain IgG levels in mice immunized with ANXA2 without a concomitant change in serum antibody levels. These findings are compatible with an effect of teriflunomide on the IgG permeability to the brain and neuroinflammation.
Social media as source of information for Spanish-speaking patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Barahona-Correa Julián E , Romero-Alvernia Diana M , Rueda-Ortiz Camilo , Muñoz Oscar , Garcia Angel A , Fernández-Ávila Daniel G
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Although patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may benefit from health-care information in social media (SoMe), they may also be prone to misleading information. An assessment of the reliability, comprehensiveness, and quality of information uploaded to SoMe for Spanish-speaking patients with SLE is lacking.

Methods

This analytical observational study evaluates the videos uploaded to YouTube® in Spanish about SLE. Information about video length, engagement (i.e., views and likes), time on the internet, popularity index, and source was retrieved, and an evaluation on reliability, comprehensiveness, and quality was performed using standardized scores.

Results

One hundred eighty-six videos were included in the analysis. Most videos were considered as useful (87%) or useful patient opinion (8.1%), whereas only 2.2% were considered misleading and 2.7% as misleading patient opinion. The number of views (Median 7207 vs 113,877, p = .012), popularity index (Median 13.8 vs 168.7, p < .001), number of likes (Median 155 vs 3400, p < .001), and number of dislikes (Median 3 vs 138, p = .004) were higher for misleading videos. The videos uploaded by independent users had a higher engagement than those from government or news agencies, professional organizations or academic channels. Misleading videos and those uploaded by independent users had lower rates of reliability, comprehensiveness and quality ( p < .001).

Conclusions

Most of the information shown in YouTube® videos on SLE tends to be useful. However, audience engagement parameters are larger for misleading videos. Exploring the qualitative features of the most popular videos is necessary to establish what features are more engaging for the audiences and to improve the content and popularity of reliable videos on chronic diseases.
Intravenous immunoglobulin in the management of refractory lupus profundus
Authors: Namas Rajaie , Abdulla Fatima A , Elarabi Mohamed
Published: May 2022

Lupus profundus, often known as lupus panniculitis, is a rare form of persistent cutaneous lupus erythematosus. It usually manifests as painful plaques or nodules that can ulcerate and cause atrophy and scarring. It may respond to topical treatments and antimalarials, although treatment might be difficult at times, necessitating immunosuppressive medications. A 36-year-old woman from the United Arab Emirates presented with multiple painful disfiguring nodules involving the face and shoulders. The disfiguring skin nodules were resistant to systemic glucocorticoids, hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, and cyclosporine, but they significantly improved with monthly intravenous immunoglobulin over a 6-month period.
Role of interleukin-6 and interferon-α in systemic lupus erythematosus: A case–control study and meta-analysis
Authors: Pattanaik Sarit Sekhar , Panda Aditya K , Pati Abhijit , Padhi Sunali , Tripathy Rina , Tripathy Saumya Ranjan , Parida Manoj Kumar , Das Bidyut Kumar
Published: May 2022

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder affecting various organ systems with unknown etiology. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon-alpha (IFN-α) have been shown to have a major role in disease pathogenesis, and they correlate with SLE disease activity, but reports in the literature are conflicting. The present study aims to investigate the significance of IL-6 and IFN-α levels in SLE pathogenesis in an eastern Indian cohort.

Material and Methods

70 SLE patients fulfilled SLICC 2012 criteria, and 40 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. Baseline characteristics along with disease activity were recorded for all patients. Levels of IL-6 and IFN-α were measured by using ELISA. For the meta-analysis, published articles were searched through different databases. Two independent researchers extracted data, and the meta-analysis was performed with CMA v3.1.

Results

The plasma levels of IL-6 and IFN-α in SLE patients were significantly elevated compared to HC (IL-6: p < .0001, IFN-α: p = 0.01). SLEDAI score correlated positively with plasma IL-6 ( p < .0001, r = 0.46) and IFN-α levels ( p < .0001; r = 0.47). Meta-analysis of previous reports, including our case–control data, revealed higher IL-6 ( p < .0001) and IFN-α ( p = .005) in SLE patients compared to HC. Furthermore, IL-6 ( p < .0001, r = 0.526) and IFN-α ( p < .0001; r = 0.371) levels positively correlated with the disease activity.

Conclusion

IL-6 and IFN-α levels are elevated in SLE and they correlate with disease activity. Further studies with a larger sample size in different populations are required to validate our findings.
On estimating the area under the ROC curve in ranked set sampling
Authors: Mahdizadeh M. , Zamanzade Ehsan
Published: May 2022

In medical research, the receiver operating characteristic curve is widely used to evaluate accuracy of a continuous biomarker. The area under this curve is known as an index for overall performance of the biomarker. This article develops three new estimators of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in ranked set sampling. The first estimator is obtained under normality assumption. The two other estimators are constructed by applying a Box–Cox transformation on data, and then using either a parametric estimator or a kernel-density-based estimator. A simulation study is carried out to compare the proposed estimators with those available in the literature. It emerges that the new estimators offer some advantages in specific situations. Application of the methods is demonstrated using real data in the context of medicine.
Utility of Islet Cell Preparations From Donor Pancreases After Euthanasia
Authors: De Paep Diedert L. , Van Hulle Freya , Ling Zhidong , Vanhoeij Marian , Hilbrands Robert , Distelmans Wim , Gillard Pieter , Keymeulen Bart , Pipeleers Daniel , Jacobs-Tulleneers-Thevissen Daniel
Published: May 2022

Patients fulfilling criteria for euthanasia can choose to donate their organs after circulatory death [donors after euthanasia (DCD V)]. This study assesses the outcome of islet cell isolation from DCD V pancreases. A procedure for DCD V procurement provided 13 pancreases preserved in Institut Georges Lopez-1 preservation solution and following acirculatory warm ischemia time under 10 minutes. Islet cell isolation outcomes are compared with those from reference donors after brain death (DBD, n = 234) and a cohort of donors after controlled circulatory death (DCD III, n = 29) procured under the same conditions. Islet cell isolation from DCD V organs resulted in better in vitro outcome than for selected DCD III or reference DBD organs. A 50% higher average beta cell number before and after culture and a higher average beta cell purity (35% vs 24% and 25%) was observed, which led to more frequent selection for our clinical protocol (77% of isolates vs 50%). The functional capacity of a DCD V islet cell preparation was illustrated by its in vivo effect following intraportal transplantation in a type 1 diabetes patient: injection of 2 million beta cells/kg body weight (1,900 IEQ/kg body weight) at 39% insulin purity resulted in an implant with functional beta cell mass that represented 30% of that in non-diabetic controls. In conclusion, this study describes procurement and preservation conditions for donor organs after euthanasia, which allow preparation of cultured islet cells, that more frequently meet criteria for clinical use than those from DBD or DCD III organs.
Efficacy and safety of acupuncture as a complementary therapy for sepsis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xian Jin , Wang Ling , Zhang Changyun , Wang Jian , Zhu Yushuo , Yu Huijuan , Zhang Xin , Tan Qiwen
Published: May 2022

Background:

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulation of the host response to infection. Acupuncture is used for treatment of inflammatory diseases; however, its effectiveness and safety as a complementary therapy for sepsis has not been fully explored.

Methods:

Data were retrieved from eight databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared acupuncture plus conventional therapies versus conventional therapies alone were included. Pre-specified primary outcomes were mortality at 28 days and Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores.

Results:

A total of 17 studies with 1099 participants were included in this study. In terms of the primary outcomes, acupuncture plus routine therapy reduced mortality at 28 days (risk ratio (RR)): 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.52 to 0.91, p < 0.001) and APACHE II scores (mean difference (MD): −2.84, 95% CI: −4.09 to −1.58, p < 0.001) at day 7 after treatment compared with routine therapy alone. In terms of secondary outcomes, acupuncture plus routine therapy reduced white blood cell counts and levels of procalcitonin (PCT), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and lactic acid and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), and improved CD3+, CD4+ and monocytes of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR at day 7 after treatment compared with routine therapy alone. However, acupuncture plus routine therapy had no significant effects on levels of IL-10, C-reactive protein (CRP), CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+ ratios compared with routine therapy alone. Quality of evidence was low to very low for all parameters (GRADE).

Conclusion:

The available evidence showed that combination of acupuncture and routine therapy may have benefit for sepsis compared with use of routine therapy only. Due to the low degree of certainty regarding its effects, further research is required.

Trial registration number:

ICRD42019141491 (PROSPERO).
Worker Representation in the Regulation of Occupational Health: Explaining the Shift to Knowledge Activism
Authors: Hall Alan
Published: May 2022

This paper explains the origins, features and impacts of ‘knowledge activism’ as an emergent form of collective OHS resistance. Coupling labour process theory with Pierre Bourdieu‘s concepts of capital, the analysis connects transformations in production, management, technology, and neoliberal governance to shifts in labour/management power relations, both within the joint committee and the workplace more generally, as defined by the relative social, cultural and symbolic capital accumulated and mobilized by worker representatives.
“Gay Bashing” in Sacred Space: Lesbian Feminism and the Rise of Digital Violence
Authors: Eckeberger Laulie
Published: May 2022

What happens when our digital sacred spaces become violent and incite trauma or trigger reminders of traumatic experiences? This project will delve into these questions as we begin to think about trauma in digital spaces for the Lesbian-Feminist. For example, we scroll through Facebook and see that an uncle has posted a homophobic article. The logical response to this, the response that our spiritual selves tell us to follow through on, is to delete this person from our Facebook friends. Clicking the delete button is a virtual action, yet a very real and physical manifestation of losing family and friends because of their homophobia or sexism. In digital sacred spaces in particular, there is a tension between self-preservation and engaging so as to educate and bring about understanding. If we cannot even occupy the same digital spaces, how can we ever grow to occupy the same physical spaces?
Synthesis of chitosan graft poly (acrylic acid-co-2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid)/graphite oxide composite hydrogel and the study of its adsorption
Authors: Zhu Linhui , Liu Yu , Yaoji Tang Yangwenyi L,
Published: May 2022

Chitosan graft poly (acrylic acid-co-2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid)/graphite oxide (CTS-g-P(AA-co-AMPS)/GO) composite hydrogel is synthesized and used to remove rhodamine 6G (R6G) and methyl violet (MV) from aqueous solutions by adsorption. The composite is characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The effect of the adsorption conditions, including the amount of graphite oxide (GO), the initial concentration of dye solutions, the adsorption time, ionic strength, and the mass of the composite, on the adsorption capacities has been studied in detail. It can be seen that small amount of GO can improve the adsorption capacities of both dyes. It is found that the adsorption capacities of R6G and MV can be increased by 57.26% and 26.39%, respectively, compared with CTS-g-P(AA-co-AMPS graft copolymer. The maximal adsorption capacity of R6G and MV is 625.3 and 326.4 mg/g, respectively. The interaction between GO and dye molecules are speculated. GO acts as crosslinking points and combine with the CTS-g-P(AA-co-AMPS) graft copolymer through hydrogen bonds and electrostatic actions. The adsorption isotherms and thermodynamics are discussed. The Gibbs free energy of R6G and MV is that △GR6GӨ = −2.478 KJ/mol and △GMVӨ = −2.577 KJ/mol and it indicates that the adsorption of R6G and MV on CTS-g-P(AA-co-AMPS)/GO is spontaneous and satisfied the Redlich-Peterson equation. Kinetic studies show that the adsorption is in accordance with the Lagergren pseudo first-order kinetic model.
Anonymous gamete donation and Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights: The case for incompatibility
Authors: Mulligan Andrea
Published: May 2022

It has long been suggested that anonymous gamete donation may breach the rights of donor-conceived persons under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHRs). However, this has never been definitively addressed by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHRs). The purpose of this article is to comprehensively set out the argument that anonymous gamete donation constitutes an unjustifiable interference with Article 8 ECHR. The article analyses the rich jurisprudence of the ECtHR on the right to identity in the fields of paternity and anonymous birth, and argues that the right has a ‘tracing’ element and a ‘recognition’ element, both of which are engaged in the anonymous donation context. It is argued that despite the absence of consensus across the Member States, proper analysis of the application of Article 8 should conclude that regimes that permit anonymous donation fail to strike a fair balance between competing rights and interests.
One or two faecal immunochemical tests in an organised population-based colorectal cancer screening programme in Murcia (Spain)
Authors: Tourne-Garcia Carlos , Perez-Riquelme Francisco , Monteagudo-Piqueras Olga , Fraser Callum G , Yepes-Garcia Pedro
Published: May 2022

Objective

Roll-out of population-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is limited by availability of further investigations, particularly colonoscopy and examination of excised lesions. Our objective was to assess whether variation in number of faecal samples and threshold adjustment can optimise resource utilisation and CRC detection rate.

Methods

Three different screening strategies were compared for the same FIT threshold using a quantitative FIT system: one FIT, positive when >20 µg Hb/g faeces; two FIT, positive when either was >20 µg Hb/g faeces; and two FIT, positive when the mean was >20 µg Hb/g faeces. We calculated changes in the size of population the provider could invite to screening for an equal number of screening positive results, and CRC and adenoma detected.

Results

In our setting, Region of Murcia, south of Spain (not fully rolled out screening programme), changing the usual strategy of two FIT, positive when either to positive when the mean was >20 µg Hb/g faeces, would increase population invited by 37.81% with the same number of positive results (which would generate a CRC detection rate of 19.2%). In a fully rolled out programme, changing the strategy from one to two FIT (positive when the mean is >20 µg Hb/g faeces), would increase CRC detection rate by 4.64% with an increase of only 13.34% in positive FIT.

Conclusions

In a population-based CRC screening programme, smart use of number of FITs and positivity threshold can increase population invited and CRC detection without increasing the number of colonoscopies and pathological examinations needed.
Why are most colorectal cancers diagnosed outside of screening? A retrospective analysis of data from the English bowel screening programme
Authors: Kerrison Robert Stephen , Prentice Andrew , Marshall Sarah , von Wagner Christian
Published: May 2022

Objective

Despite several interventions to increase participation in England, most colorectal cancers (CRCs) are diagnosed outside of the screening programme. The aims of this study were to better understand why most CRCs are diagnosed externally, the extent to which this is due to suboptimal uptake of screening, and the extent to which it is due to other factors, such as false-negative test results.

Setting / Methods

We performed a clinical audit of 1011 patients diagnosed with CRC at St Mark's Hospital (Harrow, UK) between January 2017 and December 2020. Data on the diagnostic pathway and screening history of individuals were extracted from the bowel cancer screening system and assessed using descriptive statistics.

Results

446/1011 (44.1%) patients diagnosed with CRC were eligible for screening at the time of diagnosis. Of these, only 115/446 (25.8%) were diagnosed through screening. Among those diagnosed via non-screening pathways, 210/331 (63.4%) had never taken part in screening, 31/331 (9.4%) had taken part but were not up to date, and 89/331 (26.9%) had taken part and were up-to-date (of these, 82/89 [92.2%] had received a normal or weak positive test result, and 5/89 [5.6%] had received a positive result and declined colonoscopy).

Conclusion

Nearly two-thirds of screening eligible patients diagnosed through a non-screening pathway had never taken part in screening. This represents the single largest source of inefficiency within the screening programme, followed by missed findings and inconsistent participation. Given the improved outcomes associated with screen-detected cancers, there is a strong public health mandate to encourage participation.
Ethical dilemmas experienced by midwives working in the delivery room
Authors: Türken Hazal , Çalım Selda İldan
Published: May 2022

Background

Midwives frequently encounter ethical dilemmas in a critical unit such as a delivery room. Determining these ethical dilemmas is very important to prevent ethical problems and develop an ethical approach.

Aim

This study aims to identify the ethical dilemma experiences of midwives working in delivery rooms in Turkey.

Research design

This study follows a qualitative phenomenological research design.

Participants and research context

The sample comprised 13 midwives with at least two years working experience in delivery rooms, having completed the midwifery program of Manisa Celal Bayar University Health Sciences Institute in the 2017–2018 academic year. Data were collected through audio-recorded semi-structured interviews to reveal their experiences. Content analysis was done using the Nvivo software package program. All interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and transferred into NVivo for analysis.

Ethical considerations

Ethical approval was granted by Manisa Celal Bayar University University Health Sciences Ethics Committee (Date: 16.12.2016 No: 372). Participation in this study was voluntary. Written and verbal consent was gained. These consents include protecting midwives’ privacy, keeping information confidential, and/or allowing the participant to remain anonymous.

Findings

Four themes were identified: differences of approach to the birth process, hospital management, communication, and differences in ethical approach. Several factors explained these ethical dilemmas while the midwives adopted different approaches to ethical decision making.

Discussion

These midwives experienced various dilemmas while working in the delivery room and are aware of most of them. They also took responsibility in the decision-making process and experienced many intense emotions that they had to cope with.

Conclusion

The ethical dilemmas faced by these midwives while working in delivery rooms were mainly caused by hierarchy. Future studies could investigate clarifying job descriptions of midwives, who are authorized to manage normal births under their own responsibility, within the hospital management and the health care team.
Nurses' attitudes toward, perceptions of, and experiences with conscientious objection
Authors: Karabulut Seyhan Demir , Gül Şenay , Keleş Şükrü , Baykara Zehra Göçmen , Yalım Neyyire Yasemin
Published: May 2022

Background

Conscientious objection is a person’s refusal to fulfill a legal duty due to their ethical values, religious beliefs, or ideological affiliations. In nursing, it refers to a nurse’s refusal to perform an action or participate in a particular situation based on their conscience. Conscientious objection has become a highly contested topic in recent years.

Research objectives

This study had four objectives: (1) eliciting information on how Turkish nurses perceive conscientious objection, (2) revealing whether their moral beliefs affect the care they provide, (3) determining their experiences with conscientious objection, and (4) identifying existing or potential issues of conscientious objection.

Research design

This qualitative study collected data through semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Participants

The sample consisted of 21 nurses.

Ethical considerations

The study was approved by an ethics committee. Confidentiality and anonymity were guaranteed. Participation was voluntary.

Findings

The analysis revealed four themes: (1) universal values of nursing (professional values), (2) experiences with conscientious objection (refusing to provide care/not providing care), (3) possible effects of conscientious objection (positive and negative), and (4) scope of conscientious objection (grounded and groundless).

Conclusion

Participants did not want to provide care due to (1) patient characteristics or (2) their own religious and moral beliefs. Participants stated that conscientious objection should be limited in the case of moral dilemmas and accepted only if the healthcare team agreed on it. Further research is warranted to define conscientious objection and determine its possible effects, feasibility, and scope in Turkey.
Artificial Intelligence in Staffing
Authors: Nguyen Loi A. , Park Minjung
Published: May 2022

The interest in artificial intelligence (AI) has been burgeoning in the past few years. Among the different functions of human resource management, staffing is considered the most proactive in adopting AI. However, the usage of AI in staffing and our understanding of AI and its potential impacts are limited. This study aims to introduce AI, review what is known regarding its applications in AI and propose ways to prepare for it. Through a systematic literature review and content analysis to synthesize the literature, our review suggests a path model of AI adoption, its antecedents and outcomes. We also summarize emerging trends in the staffing industry and practices and offer a framework to harness AI potential. While other reviews on AI have been made, our study goes further by providing a path model and a systematic framework that connects organizational staffing practices with the staffing industry contexts and specificities of AI. It also discusses various essential issues in the future of AI-driven staffing.
Between People and the State: The Ambivalence of Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellowship in India
Authors: Tripathy Jyotirmaya , Mahaprashasta Jogasankar
Published: May 2022

The Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellowship (PMRDF), a flagship programme of the Ministry of Rural Development to facilitate development programme delivery in districts affected by Maoist violence, was introduced in 2011 and suspended in 2014. Though in a state of limbo at present, PMRDF created a complex template where binaries such as state/people, top-down/participatory and security/development were transcended and new ways of belonging generated, so as to make the developmental state an everyday reality in the lives of people. In this potential of PMRDF as a knowledge field to move beyond developmental platitudes, we encounter the limits of academic vocabulary to adequately capture how development matters on the ground. The article draws from critical literature on the postcolonial developmental state, secondary material on the experience of the PMRD Fellows as well as primary sources drawn from the authors’ interaction with a Fellow from Odisha. It is proposed that through PMRDF, the developmental state established its legitimacy by reaching out to people in underdeveloped regions even as it vernacularized its authority and undermined its own bureaucratic institutions. And the Fellows, far from being carriers of state power, and contrary to their representation in available literature, imagined themselves primarily as champions of people in need of development.
Beyond Morality: The Moral Economy Framework and the Fisheries in Mumbai
Authors: Nair Gayatri
Published: May 2022

The notion of the moral economy has shifted widely in interpretation over the years. Beginning as a concept to understand shifts in political economy, it has increasingly focused on the role that morality and values play in non-capitalist economies. Resource-dependent communities are viewed as exemplifying moral economies, embodying morals that are based on notions of equality and reciprocity and thus seen to be the anti-thesis of modern capitalist societies. Such a formulation shifts the focus from social change—the foundation of the earlier moral economy framework—to a focus on morality and participants in ‘moral’ economies. This article argues for a return to the older conceptualization of the ‘moral economy’ where class remains an important determinant of action such that different political economic regimes represent different kinds of moral economies. Based on a study of the Koli caste community of fishers in Mumbai, this article explores the messy ways in which community and class identities intersect in response to a capitalist transformation. A return to the older moral economy framework offers an opportunity to critically analyse community values and class politics and the role they play in shaping collective action without reducing capitalism as the ‘amoral’ other to older livelihood practices.
Revisiting Public Relations Profession in India: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Sahoo Sanjaya Kumar , Nayak Suresh Chandra
Published: May 2022

The public relations (PR) industry in India is a multi-billion industry, and various global and national players are part of it. This article, by analysing the existing literature in this field, aims to understand the current state of the profession in India and identify possible issues and challenges. Based on a systematic literature review, 95 published academic works were identified from academic databases. Of 95, 27 were selected for analysis to answer the research questions and identify research gaps in the field. The study finds that although PR practice had a firm footing in the pre-independence era, progress was seen after 1947, especially with initial support from the government and public sector organisations. The profession is still evolving and has much scope for development. Poor reputation of the profession, scarcity of talent, limited scope for professional education and training, lack of measurement methods to demonstrate its value and competing for public and private sector philosophies pose a serious challenge to its growth. The study offers valuable insights for the practitioners and researchers and suggests future research areas to improve the professional discipline.
Inequality and Inclusive Development: Evidence from Selected Indian States
Authors: Aggarwal Suresh Chand
Published: May 2022

The rise of protectionism, expansionary fiscal policies and antiglobalisation leading to Brexit and the strengthening of these sentiments due to COVID-19 is the expression of dissatisfaction towards existing growth strategies being adopted across different countries. The questions are being raised as to how the growth strategies have impacted poverty and inequalities—the two banes of the economies—and have put a spanner in the objective of inclusive growth. The voices of discontentment have become stronger in recent years when the growth has been ‘jobless’ growth. In view of the importance of the issues of poverty and inequality, and the increasing discontentment against the rising poverty and inequality and demand for a more inclusive growth, this article digs deeper into the available evidence on poverty and inequality in the selected Indian states to understand the status of inclusive growth. It shows a large divergence among the states on the inclusiveness score and rank. Further, the share of people living below poverty line has reduced in all the states corresponding to the high growth rates after the economic reforms. However, a large number of people still suffer from absolute and multidimensional poverty, while inequalities have also increased.
Responder or promoter? investigating the role of nation-state in globalization: The case of China’s strategies in the global wushu movement
Authors: Tzeng Chien-Chun , Tan Tien-Chin , Bairner Alan
Published: May 2022

This study examines how wushu, as a folk sport in China, has been promoted globally by a nation-state. Identifying the Global Wushu Movement (GWM) as an East-to-West diffusion and a political and cultural phenomenon, our analytical framework is based on that of globalization as proposed by Houlihan (1994 , 2016 ) and Held et al. (1999) . Our particular focus is on the ‘nation-state’, notably its role in activating the GWM and whether it is a responder to or a promoter of global sporting culture. Data was collected from both documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews involving a total of twenty key stakeholders. Findings reveal that some of China's strategies prove that it is a responder to the Olympic Movement. Other strategies demonstrate that China, as the promoter of the GWM, has its own agenda to influence the international sporting realm. More specifically, the state is indeed affected by globalization which can also be managed by the state. This is because, to some extent, while China accepted the Olympic value, it has also transformed a part of its own traditional culture (wushu) and exported it via the International Wushu Federation (IWUF) as the façade. Conceptually, the duality of China's strategies in the case of GWM implies the emergence of reverse globalization.
Changes in private psychiatric practice in Australia: An analysis of trends in claims for outpatient Medicare item numbers over 14 years
Authors: Forbes Malcolm , Sizer Holly , Khanna Rahul , Hopwood Malcolm , Green Jessica , Pring Bill
Published: May 2022

Objective

The Better Health Access Initiative added 32 Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item numbers in 2006 to increase the number of people with access to mental health care. We investigated trends in the provision of outpatient Medicare-subsidised psychiatric services since the introduction of these item numbers in 2006 through 2019.

Methods

Medicare Benefits Schedule aggregated item-number claims data were obtained from the Services Australia Medicare website, between January 2006 and December 2019 inclusive, for face-to-face psychiatrist consultations. Item number rates were collated and graphed per 100,000 population according to year and item number.

Results

There has been an increase in the number of claims for new patient assessments (291–296) and a reduction in most ongoing care Medicare item numbers, especially longer appointments that are often associated with psychotherapy provision (306–308).

Conclusion

There have been changes in private psychiatric practice in Australia over the past 14 years. There are several possible causes for these changes and further research is required to determine the impact on patient care.
Are Family Firms Doing More Innovation Output With Less Innovation Input? A Replication and Extension
Authors: Block Joern , Hansen Christopher , Steinmetz Holger
Published: May 2022

The role of family firms in innovation and the question of whether family firms show differences in innovation investments and outcomes are intensely debated. To address these issues, Duran, Kammerlander, van Essen, and Zellweger (2016) published a meta-analytic structural equation model showing that family firms produce more innovation output with less innovation input. In the present article, we present the results of two empirical studies. Study 1 replicates the original methodological approach and study 2 provides an extension by using an updated and enlarged sample of 290 papers, adopting a more advanced multilevel approach, and controlling for firm age. The results show that while we could successfully replicate the original results of DKEZ in study 1, study 2 revealed only a weak negative effect of family firm status on innovation input and no effect on innovation output. Our results suggest that family firms are not producing more innovation output with less innovation input and that further research should focus on the heterogeneity within the group of family firms rather than simply comparing family to nonfamily firms. We close with a discussion of the methodological implications for meta-analyses in entrepreneurship research and a call for future research on family firm innovation. Our dataset and analytical procedures are publicly available.
Law Enforcement Officers: A Call for Training and Awareness of Disabilities
Authors: Diamond Lindsay L. , Hogue Lindsey B.
Published: May 2022

Law enforcement officers (LEOs) are likely to encounter people with disabilities (PWD) during calls for service. These interactions sometimes escalate situations involving PWD and may result in arrest or death due to a lack of disability awareness among LEOs. The purpose of this study was to explore the current perspectives of LEOs regarding PWD and to identify the current training needs of LEOs regarding disability awareness and interactions with PWD. This study utilized two focus groups consisting of participants representing seven law enforcement agencies across a large, Western state. Results indicate that the perceptions and needs of the LEOs regarding PWD are shaped by four themes: (a) personal connections, (b) job experience, (c) training opportunities, and (d) training needs. Implications for policy and practice to enhance the rigor of disability awareness training for LEOs are described.
Using Simulation to Test Validity and Reliability of I-BIDS: A New Handoff Tool
Authors: Guido-Sanz Frank , Anderson Mindi , Talbert Steven , Diaz Desiree A. , Welch Gregory , Tanaka Alyssa
Published: May 2022

Background

Patient safety and improved outcomes are core priorities in healthcare, and effective handoffs are essential to these priorities. Validating handoff tools using simulation is a novel approach.

Methods

The construct validity and instrument reliability of the I-BIDS© tool were tested. In Phase I, construct validity was substantiated with a convenience sample of 21 healthcare providers through an electronic survey. Content Validity Ratio (CVR) was tabulated using Lawshe’s CVR. Interrater reliability was tested in a simulated handoff scenario, in Phase II, with graduate nursing students and two raters, and simulation effectiveness was assessed by students.

Results

Construct validity was evaluated, and 17 of the 25 items were found significant at the critical level (0.42). Items scoring below were removed, and the tool was reduced by one category. Weighted kappa (Kw) with quadratic weights was run from the scenario data to determine if there was an agreement between raters of handoff performance. There was a statistically significant agreement between the two raters, Kw = .627 (95% CI: .549–.705), p < .001) with good strength of the agreement. SET-M Total mean was 55.64 ( SD = 2.46).

Discussion

The tool showed beginning validity and interrater reliability. The SET-M Learning subscale showed the widest range of scores which suggests the most opportunity for improvement. Use of the tool in simulated scenarios may be one way to test the items further.

Conclusions

Simulation was effective in facilitating the evaluation of the tool.
Palliative Professionals’ Experiences of Receiving Gratitude: A Transformative and Protective Resource
Authors: Aparicio Maria , Centeno Carlos , Robinson Carole A. , Arantzamendi María
Published: May 2022

Providing palliative care can be both challenging and rewarding. It involves emotionally demanding work and yet research shows that burnout is lower than in other fields of health care. Spontaneous expressions of gratitude from patients and family members are not uncommon and are highly valued. This study explored the experience of Spanish palliative professionals who received expressions of gratitude from their patients and families. A phenomenological approach was used to better understand the role of receiving gratitude in participants’ lives. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and a phenomenological approach to analysis was undertaken using macro-thematic and micro-thematic reflection. Two team members independently engaged in this reflection with an inductive approach. The analysis was shared and discussed at periodic meetings to identify the key themes and sub-themes of the gratitude experience. Ten palliative professionals were interviewed. Participants engaged in a process of recognizing, internalizing, and treasuring the expressions of gratitude which they then used for reflection and growth. These expressions were a powerful and deeply meaningful resource that the palliative professionals revisited over time. Receiving expressions of gratitude invited a stronger sense of the value of one’s self and one’s work that was motivational and protective, particularly during challenging times.