bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between dietary creatine and visuospatial short-term memory in older adults
Authors: Oliveira Edimar F , Forbes Scott C , Borges Elvis Q , Machado Lacy F , Candow Darren G , Machado Marco
Published: May 2022

Aims: The purpose was to examine the relationship between habitual dietary creatine intake obtained in food and visuospatial short-term memory (VSSM). Methods: Forty-two participants (32 females, 10 males; > 60 yrs of age) completed a 5-day dietary recall to estimate creatine intake and performed a cognitive assessment which included a visuospatial short-term memory test (forward and reverse corsi block test) and a mini-mental state examination (MMSE). Pearson correlation coefficients were determined. Further, cohorts were derived based on the median creatine intake. Results: There was a significant correlation between the forward Corsi ( r   =  0.703, P < 0.001), reverse Corsi ( r   =  0.715, P < 0.001), and the memory sub-component of the MMSE ( r   =  0.406, P = 0.004). A median creatine intake of 0.382 g/day was found. Participants consuming greater than the median had a significantly higher Corsi (P = 0.005) and reverse Corsi (P < 0.001) scores compared to participants ingesting less than the median. Conclusions: Dietary creatine intake is positively associated with measures of memory in older adults. Clinical Implications: Older adults should consider food sources containing creatine (i.e. red meat, seafood) due to the positive association with visuospatial short-term memory.
The relationship of prognostic nutritional index with prognosis and inflammation in patient with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Davran Gul Busra , Davran Ahmet Çetin , Karabag Turgut
Published: May 2022

Background: Malnutrition is closely associated with heart failure, and known to be closely associated with mortality and morbidity in these patients. Aims: We investigated the relationship of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), which is a criterion of nutritional status in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), with prognosis and parameters indicating inflammation. Methods: 139 patients admitted to the coronary intensive care unit with symptoms of decompensated congestive heart failure were included to the study. Patients were with heart failure with ejection fraction <%40 and decompensated for any reason. Patients who died within 1 year in hospital or follow-up were considered to have reached the endpoint. Groups were divided into 2 groups as Group 1, the exitus; (23 patients, 7 M, mean age; 69.2 ± 15.0 years) and group 2, the non-exitus; (116 patients, 57 M, mean age; 69.3 ± 11.5 years). PNI was calculated with the formula ALB(g/L) + 5 × Total lymphocyte count(109/L). Results: PNI was significantly lower in group 1. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and systemic inflamatory index values were significantly higher in group 1. PNI was significantly associated with these parameters. Conclusion: Low PNI scores in HFrEF patients may be associated with a worse prognosis and hematological parameters indicating more negative inflammation. PNI was found to be an independent predictor of mortality.
Decreased Serum zinc, selenium, and vitamin E as possible risk factors of hepatic fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Abdallah Ahmed Alamir Mahmoud , Abdelrahman Mona Mohammed , Attia Haitham Mohammad Al-Amir Shahat , Hafez Alshimaa , Anwar Rashed Shimaa , Amin Yasser Abdelkarim , Hemdan Shimaa Badawy
Published: May 2022

Backgrounds

The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been significantly growing in recent years. Although the pathophysiology of fibrosis progression in NAFLD is not yet known, oxidative stress and inflammation have been known to have a major role in the development of NASH. Understanding the impact of micronutrients in NAFLD could potentially help us better understand NAFLD pathogenesis.

Aims

Assessing the serum levels of Zn, Se, and Vitamin E and their relation to the development of hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD patients.

Methods

This study included 80 NAFLD patients and 40 healthy controls. All of the patients were subjected to abdominal ultrasound and FibroScan examination (to estimate hepatic fibrosis and steatosis degree), and the serum levels of Zn, Se, and vitamin E were evaluated.

Results

A statistically significant difference in the serum levels of Zn and Se was observed between the NAFLD group and the control group (P-value = 0.04 and 0.05, respectively). The serum levels of Zn and Se were independently related to the presence of hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD. However, serum vitamin E was not related to the severity of NAFLD. Furthermore, no significant difference in the levels of Zn, Se, and vitamin E was observed between the different groups of NAFLD patients categorized according to the degree of steatosis and the control group.

Conclusions

Reduced serum levels of Zn and Se can be considered a possible risk factor for hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD. Deficiency in these micronutrients could play a role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.
The spatiality of collective action and organization among platform workers in Spain and Chile
Authors: Morales-Muñoz Karol , Roca Beltran
Published: May 2022

The expansion of the platform economy has altered the spatial organization of work and employment relations, leading to deregulation and eroding workers’ social power. However, despite the radical individualization and precarization of platform work, workers demonstrate agency. This article explores the political strategies employed by place-based platform workers, with a particular focus on the spatiality of their collective action. Using an ethnographic methodology, the article analyses the case studies of drivers’ trade associations in Chile and the couriers’ organization in Spain. The results show significant similarities between the two groups: (a) non-conventional forms of labour activism; (b) using social media to share experiences, foster solidarity and organize collectively; (c) organizing in large cities; (d) starting locally and progressing to higher scales, and (e) building national and international alliances. The article concludes that workers respond to the spatial organization of work by platforms in a multi-scalar way that is strongly influenced by both their imaginaries and the political and regulatory context.
Autonomous Vehicles in Urban Networks: A Simulation-Based Assessment
Authors: Tympakianaki Athina , Nogues Leyre , Casas Jordi , Brackstone Mark , Oikonomou Maria G. , Vlahogianni Eleni I. , Djukic Tamara , Yannis George
Published: May 2022

The paper proposes a general framework for the assessment of the impacts of the introduction of Connected and Automated Transport Systems (CATS) on traffic. The main objective is to address the question of scalability and transferability of the identified impacts of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) in particular, focusing on network performance of urban areas. A combination of microscopic and macroscopic simulations as well as statistical methods are applied. Microscopic simulation is conducted to measure the changes in network capacities by utilizing the concept of the Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram (MFD), under different AV penetration rates. The resulting capacities are used to estimate the effects on the Passenger Car Units (PCU) under different AV penetration rates and derive functional relationships, which are further introduced to travel demand models to forecast the macroscopic impacts on network performance. The results indicate a positive impact in relation to capacity changes resulting from the presence of AVs which vary with penetration rate. Analysis of three different urban networks, Barcelona, Bilbao (Spain), and Athens (Greece), reveals consistent trends. However, notable differences are observed on the estimated PCUs for Athens, potentially because of the different mixed-traffic composition. Further exploration of the critical AV modeling specifications and network characteristics is therefore required for deriving transferable PCU functional relationships across networks. Nevertheless, the static assignment results verify the expected trends in network performance impacts in relation to the applied PCU relationships. Finally, the transferability of the proposed methodology across networks is demonstrated.
Evaluating Pelvis Rotation Style at Foot Contact: A Propensity Scored Biomechanical Analysis in High School and Professional Pitchers
Authors: Manzi Joseph E. , Zeitlin Jacob H. , Dowling Brittany , Roberts Nicholas , Ruzbarsky Joseph J. , Ciccotti Michael C. , Dines Joshua S.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Early pelvis rotation has been associated with decreased throwing arm kinetics and conventionally was considered a component of proper pitching form in baseball throwers. However, previous assessments of pelvis rotation style have not accounted for confounders such as playing level, anthropometric characteristics, or ball velocity and have not evaluated sufficient sample sizes.

Purpose:

To compare kinetic and kinematic parameters based on pelvis rotation style in high school and professional pitchers.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

High school and professional baseball pitchers threw 8 to 12 fastball pitches while being evaluated using 3-dimensional motion capture (480 Hz). These pitchers were 1:1 propensity score matched by age, height, weight, handedness, and ball velocity based on early (<60°) versus late (≥60°) pelvis rotation style at foot contact. A total of 26 kinematic and 10 kinetic parameters were compared between groups. The kinematic parameters were used to conduct a linear regression between early and late pelvis rotation at foot contact.

Results:

Pelvis rotation at foot contact was not significantly associated with ball velocity for either high school ( P = .243) or professional pitchers ( P = .075). No difference was found in elbow varus torque between high school early rotators (57.5 ± 14.9 N·m) and late rotators (51.3 ± 14.7 N·m; P = .036) and between professional early rotators (80.1 ± 11.8 N·m) and late rotators (79.0 ± 11.2 N·m; P = .663). At foot contact in high school pitchers, stride length increased by 2.1% of body height (B = −0.205; β = −0.470; P < .001), trunk rotation increased by 4.2° (B = −0.417; β = −0.488; P < .001), and trunk flexion at foot contact decreased by 4.4° (B = 0.442; β = 0.476; P < .001) with every 10° increase in pelvis rotation. At foot contact in professional pitchers, stride length increased by 2.3% of body height (B = –0.229; β = –0.478; P < .001), trunk rotation increased by 4.3° (B = –0.431; β = –0.515; P < .001), and trunk flexion decreased by 4.0° (B = 0.404; β = 0.373; P < .001) with every 10° increase in pelvis rotation.

Conclusion:

Pelvis rotation at foot contact was associated with several kinematic parameters in both groups and may influence mechanics further along the kinetic chain. Landing open or closed was not significantly associated with throwing arm kinetics or ball velocity for both high school and professional baseball pitchers, contrary to previous thought.

Clinical Relevance:

Coaches and players may better focus their efforts on refining other kinematic parameters for enhanced performance outcomes and safe pitching mechanics.
Disagreement in Pass Rates Between Strength and Performance Tests in Patients Recovering From Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Thompson Xavier D. , Bruce Amelia S. , Kaur Mandeep , Diduch David R. , Brockmeier Stephen F. , Miller Mark D. , Gwathmey F. Winston , Werner Brian C. , Hart Joe M.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Performance on strength and functional tests is often used to guide postoperative rehabilitation progress and return to activity decisions after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Clinicians may have difficulty in determining which criteria to follow if there is disagreement in performance outcomes among the tests.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to compare pass rates between strength tests and single-leg hop (SLHOP) tests among men and women and between patients with lower and higher preinjury activity levels recovering from ACLR. We hypothesized that pass rates would be nonuniformly distributed among test types, sex, and activity level and that more participants would pass hop tests than strength tests.

Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 299 participants (146 men; 153 women)—at a mean of 6.8 ± 1.4 months after primary, unilateral, and uncomplicated ACLR (mean age, 23 ± 9.7 years; mean height, 172 ± 10.5 cm; mean mass, 75.8 ± 18.4 kg)—completed testing. Quadri.tif strength was evaluated using peak torque during isokinetic knee extension at 90 deg/s and 180 deg/s. Jump distance during the SLHOP and triple hop tests was measured (in cm). Strength and hop test measures were evaluated based on the limb symmetry index ((LSI) = (ACLR / contralateral side) × 100). We operationally defined “pass” as >90% on the LSI.

Results:

Pass rates were nonuniformly distributed between isokinetic knee extension at 90 deg/s and the SLHOP test ( χ2 = 18.64; P < .001). Disagreements between isokinetic testing at 90 deg/s and the SLHOP test occurred in 36.5% (109/299) of the participants. Among those who failed strength testing and passed hop testing, a greater portion reported higher activity levels before their injury ( χ2 = 6.90; P = .01); however, there was no difference in pass rates between men and women. Similar patterns of disagreement were observed between all strength test and hop test outcomes.

Conclusion:

ACLR patients with higher activity levels may be more likely to pass hop testing despite failing quadri.tif strength testing. This may be an indicator of movement compensations to achieve jump symmetry in the presence of quadri.tif weakness.
Interaction Between Altered Gut Microbiota and Sepsis: A Hypothesis or an Authentic Fact?
Authors: Nabizadeh Edris , Sadeghi Javid , Ahangarzadeh Rezaee Mohammad , Hasani Alka , Samadi Kafil Hossein , Ghotaslou Anahita , Kadkhoda Hiva , Ghotaslou Reza
Published: May 2022

Sepsis, as an important public health concern, is one of the leading causes of death in hospitals around the world, accounting for 25% of all deaths. Nowadays, several factors contribute to the development of sepsis. The role of the gut microbiota and the response state of the aberrant immune system is dominant. The effect of the human microbiome on health is undeniable, and gut microbiota is even considered a body organ. It is now clear that the alteration in the normal balance of the microbiota (dysbiosis) is associated with a change in the status of immune system responses. Owing to the strong association between the gut microbiota and its metabolites particularly short-chain fatty acids with many illnesses, the gut microbiota has a unique position in the research of microbiologists and even clinicians. This review aimed to analyze studies’ results on the association between microbiota and sepsis, with a substantial understanding of their relationship. As a result, an extensive and comprehensive search was conducted on this issue in existing databases.
Testing an Extended Social Cognitive Model of Occupational Turnover Intentions
Authors: Salzmann Patrizia , Berweger Simone , Bührer Zippora
Published: May 2022

Workforce shortages in the health and social care sectors are a relevant issue worldwide. One measure to mitigate workforce shortages is to improve working conditions and workers’ future prospects in order to encourage worker retention. Although studies have examined factors related to organizational turnover, less is known about the factors that lead to occupational turnover intentions. Drawing upon social cognitive career theory, this study examines the reasons behind health and social care workers’ occupational turnover intentions considering emotional exhaustion as an explanatory variable. The participants were 403 health and social care workers who responded to a questionnaire about 4 years after completing their vocational education and training at the upper-secondary level. Structural equation analyses revealed that affective occupational commitment showed the highest negative correlation with occupational turnover intentions. Furthermore, the results suggest that career-related outcome expectations, wellbeing, and supportive working conditions are crucial for designing effective interventions.
Objective comparison of numerical spin study with aircraft model free-flight spin tests
Authors: Malik Bilal , Masud Jehanzeb , Akhtar Suhail
Published: May 2022

This paper reports on the results of a research project that investigated the spin and recovery characteristics of a multirole fighter aircraft. In the first phase, numerical/computational methods were used to predict full scale aircraft spin and recovery characteristics. The aerodynamic data used in the numerical study was obtained from rotary balance steady coning and oscillatory coning motion dynamic wind tunnel tests conducted on 1/13th scale aircraft dynamic model. All the possible steady spin modes were numerically computed, a complete set of dynamic modes of the spinning aircraft were evaluated and six degree of freedom simulations of predicted flat spins were performed to investigate their dynamic stability and recovery characteristics. In the second phase, free-flight spin trials were conducted using 1/5th scale dynamic model of the understudy aircraft to validate the results of the analytical spin studies. Dynamic characteristics of the analytically predicted flat spins were objectively compared with flat spins found in free-flight spin trials as a validation process. Our results reveal that the numerically predicted full scale aircraft spin and recovery dynamic characteristics correlate well with those estimated from model test flights. The present study is an important step toward objective comparison of numerical spin studies based on dynamic wind tunnel tests data with free-flight spin trials, yielding important guidelines and results for future aircraft spin studies.
Experimental studies of mechanical behavior and damage mechanisms of recycled flax/Elium thermoplastic composite
Authors: Allagui Sami , El Mahi Abderrahim , Rebiere Jean-Luc , Beyaoui Moez , Bouguecha Anas , Haddar Mohamed
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of recycling on the mechanical properties of Elium resin reinforced by flax fibers. A thermocompression recycling process is investigated and applied to production waste of thermoplastic composites. Five recycling operations are carried out on the initial material. Specimens are tested under static and fatigue tensile tests. In addition, the acoustic emission technique is used to identify damage mechanisms evolution during mechanical tests. Recorded events are post processed by the k-means unsupervised pattern recognition algorithm. The classes of acoustic emissions obtained are correlated with scanning electron microscopy observations to justify the existence of damage mechanisms detected. Results of static tests show that the ultimate tensile properties of the composites studied decrease with recycling operations. However, an increase in the elastic modulus is reported. In the fatigue tests, results show that stiffness, hysteresis loop and loss factor are affected by recycling operations. Also, a decrease in the life time with reprocessing conditions is observed. In acoustic tests, depending on the recycling operations, two or three classes of events are detected. The acoustic characteristics of these classes are compared. Then, a correlation between these AE classes of events and damage mechanisms observed is proposed.
Ask depressed patients about brain fog to ensure melancholia is not mist
Authors: Parker Gordon
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study aims to highlight cognitive ‘brain fog’ as a key depression sub-typing symptom, being weighted to melancholic (as against non-melancholic) depression and note its common persistence after episode remission.

Method

This paper weights clinical observation but considers several salient overview papers and research findings.

Results

While ‘brain fog’ is intrinsically non-specific in that it has multiple causes, when assessed as a second-order depressive sub-typing symptom, it has seemingly distinctive specificity to the melancholic sub-type, with many patients with melancholia resonating with such a descriptor question. As it may persist (albeit attenuated) after episode remission, psychostimulant medication may be of benefit in some patients.

Conclusion

In the clinical assessment and differential diagnosis of those with a depressive disorder, inquiring into ‘brain fog’ can have distinct diagnostic benefit in differentiating melancholic and non-melancholic depression.
Weather to Vote: How Natural Disasters Shape Turnout Decisions
Authors: Zelin William A. , Smith Daniel A.
Published: May 2022

Natural disasters can uproot peoples’ lives in a matter of minutes, leaving behind immeasurable hardships on the people and places that they strike. We examine the impact on voter turnout of one such force majeure in the days leading up to a midterm election. Leveraging the randomness of a rapidly developing, unpredictable Category 5 hurricane, we assemble an original dataset to examine the effects of Hurricane Michael on voting in Florida in the 2018 General Election. Our study assesses whether counties damaged by Hurricane Michael—as determined by relief policies administered by local election officials—affected voter behavior in 2018. Utilizing Difference-in-Difference (DID) models, we test whether voters registered in counties that were affected by Michael voted at rates comparable to their neighbors that were not directly impacted by the Category 5 hurricane. We also test whether voters in affected counties were more likely to alter their usual methods of voting. Our findings—that turnout was lower among those directly impacted by the storm but that early in-person voting helped to mitigate the effects—lend insight into how election administration decisions can offset the deleterious effects of a catastrophic event.
Essential services, public education workers, and the right to strike
Authors: Pérez-Muñoz Cristian
Published: May 2022

Essential services are commonly defined as those services whose interruption might inflict substantial harm on the population at large. Police, firefighters, and emergency medical professionals are paradigmatic examples of essential service providers. In recent years, some governments have resolved that formal primary education should be added to this list of essential services. The immediate practical implication of designating education as an essential service is that workers tasked with providing this service will face new limitations or even outright prohibitions on their freedom to strike. This paper analyzes the harm-based justification for declaring formal primary public education an essential service—that is, to consider if education is one service whose interruption might inflict substantial harm on the population at large. I argue that there is no compelling case to be made for changing the status of primary education from non-essential to essential and discuss why teachers' right to strike should be protected. On the one hand, it is unclear to what extent educators’ participation in strikes can produce a type of harm that justifies limiting their right to strike. On the other hand, restricting that right has costs that must be weighed in any plausible harm-based account.
The Exponentially Weighted Moving Average Procedure for Detecting Changes in Intensive Longitudinal Data in Psychological Research in Real-Time: A Tutorial Showcasing Potential Applications
Authors: Smit Arnout C. , Schat Evelien , Ceulemans Eva
Published: May 2022

Affect, behavior, and severity of psychopathological symptoms do not remain static throughout the life of an individual, but rather they change over time. Since the rise of the smartphone, longitudinal data can be obtained at higher frequencies than ever before, providing new opportunities for investigating these person-specific changes in real-time. Since 2019, researchers have started using the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) procedure, as a statistically sound method to reach this goal. Real-time, person-specific change detection could allow (a) researchers to adapt assessment intensity and strategy when a change occurs to obtain the most useful data at the most useful time and (b) clinicians to provide care to patients during periods in which this is most needed. The current paper provides a tutorial on how to use the EWMA procedure in psychology, as well as demonstrates its added value in a range of potential applications.
Clinical Efficacy of Soluble Thrombomodulin, Tissue Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor complex, Thrombin-Antithrombin complex,α2-Plasmininhibitor-Plasmin complex in Pediatric Sepsis
Authors: Li Juanzhen , Zhou Jingyi , Ren Hong , Teng Teng , Li Biru , Wang Ying , Xiang Long
Published: May 2022

Objective

To investigated the clinical efficacy of Soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor complex (t-PAI·C),thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT),α2-plasmininhibitor-plasmin complex (PIC) in pediatric sepsis and pediatrics sepsis-induced coagulopathy (pSIC).

Methods

We prospectively collected patient data with sepsis diagnosed in the PICU of Shanghai Children's Medical Center from June 2019 to June 2021. sTM,t-PAI·C, TAT,PIC and classical coagulation laboratory tests (CCTs) were evaluated on the day of sepsis diagnosis.

Results

Fifty-nine children were enrolled, There were significant differences in t-PAI·C (P = 0.001), Plt (P < 0.001), PT (P < 0.001), INR (P < 0.001), aPTT (P < 0.001), and TT (P = 0.048) between the pSIC and non-pSIC groups, logistic regression analysis showed that Plt (P = 0.032) was an independent risk factor for pSIC. Logistic regression analysis showed that sTM (P = 0.007) and Plt (P = 0.016) were independent risk factors for the outcome in pediatrics sepsis following discharge. The AUC of sTM combined with Plt on the mortality outcome of children with sepsis at discharge was 0.889 (95%CI: 0.781,0.956). which was better than that for PRISM III (AUC, 0.723), pSOFA (AUC, 0.764), and blood Lac (AUC, 0.717) when sepsis was diagnosed in the PICU.

Conclusions

The t-PAI·C increased in children with pSIC. The prediction of sepsis outcome using sTM combined with Plt was better than with PRISM III, pSOFA, or Lac.Further research is still needed in the future to explore the clinical value of sTM, TAT, PIC, and t-PAI·C in diagnosis and outcome of pediatrics sepsis and pSIC.
Municipal Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services in an Age of Migration and Superdiversity
Authors: Tossutti Livianna
Published: May 2022

The goals of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion have gained currency in planning practice, and institutions are increasingly expected to address structural inequalities related to race, ethnicity and other forms of marginalization. This article examines how six Canadian municipalities have adapted their parks, recreation and culture strategic plans, policies, programs and services in response to international migration and racial diversity. The analysis of official documents and interviews with municipal officials and community representatives reveals that municipalities have adopted de facto multicultural planning practices aligned with the state paradigm of immigrant integration and national identity, even when the term “multiculturalism” is rarely employed in official discourse. They have also incorporated some aspects of mainstreaming into the planning repertoire. In Canada, mainstreaming is not an alternative to group-specific programing, but an additional mechanism for the recognition of difference in public institutions.
Natural rubber components fatigue life estimation through an extreme learning machine
Authors: Liu Xiangnan , Wang Xiao-Li
Published: May 2022

In engineering applications, natural rubber components are subjected to continuous alternating loads, resulting in fatigue failure. Although some theoretical models are used for the fatigue life estimation of rubber materials, they do not comprehensively consider the influence of multiple factors. In the present study, a model based on the extreme learning machine is established to estimate the fatigue life of natural rubber specimens. The mechanical load, peak engineering strain, ambient temperature, and shore hardness of natural rubber specimens are used as the input variables while the measured average fatigue life is used as the output variable of the extreme learning machine model. The performed analyses reveal that the regression results and predicted life of the established extreme learning machine model are encouraging. The backpropagation neural network model and the support vector machine model are implemented to evaluate the performance of the established model. It is concluded that the extreme learning machine model is superior to the backpropagation neural network and support vector machine models in accuracy and efficiency. The extreme learning machine model provides an effective means for accurately predicting the fatigue life of natural rubber components.
Balaton Lake (virtual) projected and perceived destination image amid Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Dimitrovski Darko , Sulyok Judit , Papp Zsofia
Published: May 2022

In days gone by, Balaton Lake predominately attracted domestic tourists, without focusing on the countries which neighbour Hungary and their respective markets. However, as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, domestic and regional tourism flows have been stimulated, as travel restrictions resulted in a tendency towards travel to local and neighbouring destinations. In line with these trends, the research investigates the congruence of both Balaton Lake’s projected and perceived (virtual) destination image in the era of Covid-19, with Serbia being considered as a neighbouring and emitting market. The study deployed a sequential exploratory mixed-method approach (qualitative and then quantitative). The study contributes to the existing knowledge by addressing the gap between the visual and textual content of a projected (virtual) destination image and by acknowledging non-visitor perception of destination image in the context of pronounced regional international travel.
Just-in-Time, but Still Planned: Lessons Learned From Speeding up the Development and Implementation of an Intervention to Promote COVID-19 Vaccination in University Students
Authors: ten Hoor Gill A. , Varol Tugce , Mesters Ilse , Schneider Francine , Kok Gerjo , Ruiter Robert A. C.
Published: May 2022

The process of developing a behavior change intervention can cover a long time period. However, in times of need, this development process has to be more efficient and without losing the scientific rigor. In this article, we describe the just-in-time, planned development of an online intervention in the field of higher education, promoting COVID-19 vaccination among university students, just before they were eligible for being vaccinated. We demonstrate how intervention development can happen fast but with sufficient empirical and theoretical support. In the developmental process, Intervention Mapping (IM) helped with decision-making in every step. We learned that the whole process is primarily depending on the trust of those in charge in the quality of the program developers. Moreover, it is about applying theory, not about theory-testing. As there was no COVID-19-related evidence available, evidence from related fields helped as did theoretical knowledge about change processes, next to having easy access to the target population and important stakeholders for informed qualitative and quantitative research. This project was executed under unavoidable time pressure. IM helped us with systematically developing an intervention, just-in-time to positively affect vaccine acceptance among university students.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Corticosteroid Injections for the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Markov Cost-Effectiveness Decision Analysis
Authors: Klifto Kevin M. , Klifto Christopher S. , Pidgeon Tyler S. , Richard Marc J. , Ruch David S. , Colbert Stephen H.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or corticosteroid injections may be used to conservatively treat mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of PRP injections versus corticosteroid injections for the treatment of mild-to-moderate CTS.

Methods:

Markov modeling was used to analyze the base-case 45-year-old patient with mild-to-moderate CTS, unresponsive to conservative treatments, never previously treated with an injection or surgery, treated with a single injection of PRP, or methylprednisolone/triamcinolone 40 mg/mL. Transition probabilities were derived from level-I/II studies, utility values from the Tufts University Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry reported using visual analog scale (VAS), Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom severity (BCTQ-S), and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Functional status (BCTQ-F), and costs from Medicare, published studies, and industry. Analyses were performed from healthcare/societal perspectives. Outcomes were incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) and net monetary benefits (NMB). Willingness-to-pay thresholds were $50 000 and $100 000. Deterministic/probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results:

From a healthcare perspective, compared to PRP injections, the ICER for corticosteroid injections measured by VAS: -$13.52/quality-adjusted-life-years (QALY), BCTQ-S: -$11.88/QALY, and BCTQ-F: -$16.04/QALY. PRP versus corticosteroid injections provided a NMB measured by VAS: $428 941.12 versus $375 788.21, BCTQ-S: $417 115.09 versus $356 614.18, and BCTQ-F: $421 706.44 versus $376 908.45. From a societal perspective, compared to PRP injections, the ICER for corticosteroid injections measured by VAS: -$1024.40/QALY, BCTQ-S: -$899.95/QALY, and BCTQ-F: -$1215.51/QALY. PRP versus corticosteroid injections provided a NMB measured by VAS: $428 171.63 versus $373 944.39, BCTQ-S: $416 345.61 versus $354 770.36, and BCTQ-F: $420 936.95 versus $375 064.63.

Conclusions:

PRP injections were more cost-effective than methylprednisolone/triamcinolone injections from healthcare and societal perspectives for mild-to-moderate CTS.
Impact of tobacco usage on readmission and complication rates following shoulder replacement surgery: A study of 164,527 patients
Authors: White Christopher A , Dominy Calista L , Tang Justin E , Pitaro Nicholas L , Patel Akshar V , Wang Kevin C , Kim Jun S , Cho Samuel K , Cagle Paul J
Published: May 2022

Background

Tobacco carcinogens have adverse effects on bone health and are associated with inferior outcomes following orthopedic procedures. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact tobacco use has on readmission and complication rates following shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods

The 2016–2018 National Readmissions Database was queried to identify patients who underwent anatomical, reverse, and hemi-shoulder arthroplasty. ICD-10 codes Z72.0 ×  (tobacco use disorder) and F17.2 ×  (nicotine dependence) were used to define “tobacco-users.” Demographic, 30-/90-day readmission, surgical complication, and medical complication data were collected. Inferential statistics were used to analyze complications for both the cohort as a whole and for each procedure separately (i.e. anatomical, reverse, and hemiarthroplasty).

Results

164,527 patients were identified (92% nontobacco users). Tobacco users necessitated replacement seven years sooner than nonusers ( p < 0.01) and were more likely to be male (52% vs. 43%; p < 0.01). Univariate analysis showed that tobacco users had higher rates of readmission, revisions, shoulder complications, and medical complications overall. In the multivariate analysis for the entire cohort, readmission, revision, and complication rates did not differ based on tobacco usage; however, smokers who underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty in particular were found to have higher 90-day readmission, dislocation, and prosthetic complication rates compared to nonsmokers.

Conclusion

Comparatively, tobacco users required surgical correction earlier in life and had higher rates of readmission, revision, and complications in the short term following their shoulder replacement. However, when controlling for tobacco usage as an independent predictor of adverse outcomes, these aforementioned findings were lost for the cohort as a whole. Overall, these findings indicate that shoulder replacement in general is a viable treatment option regardless of patient tobacco usage at short-term follow-up, but this conclusion may vary depending on the replacement type used.
Troublemakers in the Streets? A Framing Analysis of Newspaper Coverage of Protests in the UK 1992–2017
Authors: Gruber Johannes B.
Published: May 2022

Research indicates that when mainstream news media report about demonstrations, protesters often face delegitimizing coverage. This phenomenon, known as the “(journalistic) protest paradigm,” is thought to be a default mindset that leads journalists to emphasize the method of protesters over their message. However, empirical work has so far limited itself to specific protest movements or events and only covers brief periods. This study first identifies and then codes the main frames in all reports about domestic protest in the United Kingdom. Analysing data that covers eight national newspapers during a 26 year period ( N = 27,496), I provide a more systematic understanding of how the mainstream news media in liberal democracies report about protests. The analysis shows that a stable majority of articles uses frames linked to the protest paradigm throughout the time period. However, a substantial and growing number of articles employ legitimizing frames—either on their own or co-existing with delegitimizing framing.
Analysis of harmony between color and fragrance in lighting environments by the reaction of the orbitofrontal area
Authors: Yamashita Gaku , Tanaka Midori , Horiuchi Takahiko
Published: May 2022

This study focuses on the analysis of the cross-modal effects between sight (color) and smell (fragrance). While most previous researches have studied the harmony of color and fragrance using small-field colors such as patches and display stimuli, this study analyzes harmony in lighting environments. In our experiments, we focused on the finding that emotional states manifest themselves in responses in the orbitofrontal cortex and used near-infrared spectroscopy to evaluate orbitofrontal responses. Five different aromas were prepared for fragmentation. Initially, the observers were asked to select the most pleasant and least unpleasant aromas. The two selected aromas were soaked in non-fat cotton cloth and placed in a light-shielding brown bottle, which was used as a scent stimulus. For the lighting environment, 36 different lighting colors were designed using a luminaire consisting of 14 LEDs. The results of the experiment showed that the lighting color that the observers judged to be harmonious by actually smelling the fragrance (sensory color) activated the orbitofrontal cortex more than the lighting color that they judged to be harmonious by recalling the name of the fragrance (imagery color).
Trend and correlates of under-5 mortality in Ethiopia: A multilevel model comparison of 2000–2016 EDHS data
Authors: Wolde Kibrealem Sisay , Bacha Reta Habtamu
Published: May 2022

Objectives:

The main objectives of this article were to answer (1) what is the trend of under-5 mortality from 2000 to 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey? (2) What are the correlates that contribute to under-5 mortality in Ethiopia?

Methods:

The data used in this study were obtained from 2000, 2005, 2011, and 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data. We used multivariable three-level logistic regression model to predict under-5 mortality, with sex of a child, preceding birth interval, birth order, place of delivery, weight of child at birth, and plurality as first-level variables; mother’s education level, wealth index, mother’s age at first birth, and sex of household head as second-level variables; and residence and survey time as third-level variables.

Results:

The under-5 mortality declined from 166 deaths per 1000 live birth in 2000 to 67 deaths per 1000 live births in 2016. The odds of under-5 mortality among children with rural residence were 2.81 times greater than among children with urban residence. Moreover, the odds of under-5 mortality were higher among mothers who gave birth with preceding birth intervals of less than 24 months. A child whose preceding birth interval was less than 24 months had a 0.235, 0.174, 0.143, and 0.107 predicted probability of dying in the years 2000, 2005, 2011, and 2016, respectively.

Conclusion:

Child mortality varied across time in Ethiopia. Understanding both the time-varying nature of the correlates and changes in the type of their associations can help to explain some of the decreases in child mortality rates. Direction and/or presence of a relationship between these correlates and child mortality significantly interacted with time. Therefore, to mitigate the burden of under-5 mortality, the concerned body should provide awareness to the community.
“Who needs an app? Fertility patients’ use of a novel mobile health app”
Authors: Miner Skye A , Gelgoot Eden N , Lahuec Alix , Wunderlich Samantha , Safo Darryl , Brochu Felicia , Dawadi Shrinkhala , Robins Stephanie , Bernadette Siobhan , O’Connell Laura , Chan Peter , Ells Carolyn , Holzer Hananel , Lo Kirk , Mahutte Neal , Ouhilal Sophia , Rosberger Zeev , Tulandi Togas , Zelkowitz Phyllis
Published: May 2022

Objective

The number of couples experiencing infertility treatment has increased, as has the number of women and men experiencing infertility treatment-related stress and anxiety. Therefore, there is a need to provide information and support to both men and women facing fertility concerns. To achieve this goal, we designed a mhealth app, Infotility, that provided men and women with tailored medical, psychosocial, lifestyle, and legal information.

Methods

This study specifically examined how fertility factors (e.g. time in infertility treatment, parity), socio-demographic characteristics (e.g. gender, education, immigrant status), and mental health characteristics (e.g. stress, depression, anxiety, fertility-related quality of life) were related to male and female fertility patients’ patterns of use of the Infotility app.

Results

Overall, the lifestyle section of the app was the most highly used section by both men and women. In addition, women without children and highly educated women were more likely to use Infotility. No demographic, mental health or fertility characteristics were significantly associated with app use for men.

Conclusion

This study shows the feasibility of a mhealth app to address the psychosocial and informational needs of fertility patients.
Educating Community Health Professionals About the Health-Related Effects of Climate Change Through ECHO Telementoring
Authors: Katzman Joanna G. , Tomedi Laura E. , Herring David , Jones Hunter , Groves Ralph , Norsworthy Kent , Martin Chamron , Liu Jinyang , Kazhe-Dominguez Briana , Arora Sanjeev
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

Climate change is a global public health emergency causing extensive morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although most large medical organizations endorse the need to train health care professionals in climate change, such trainings are not readily available.

Methods:

This article describes the results of an 8-week, 75-min per week, Climate Change and Human Health ECHO (CCHH ECHO) synchronous telementoring course for post-licensure health professionals. The primary goals were: to increase knowledge, self-efficacy, and communication skills. Participants were eligible to receive up to 10 h of no-cost continuing education credits and a certificate for completing the program.

Results:

The 8-week course included 625 unique participants from 25 countries. An interprofessional group of clinicians, health professionals, and educators included: 130/28% PhD, 92/20% MD/DO, 52/12% RN/NP/PA, 50/11% MPH. The prospective survey demonstrated a significant improvement in knowledge, confidence, attitudes ( P < .001) and communication skills ( P = .029) at 3 months post course.

Conclusions:

The climate crisis is a public health emergency, and health professionals worldwide are considered the most trusted source of health information. Training current and future health professionals regarding the health-related effects of global warming is vital. The CCHH ECHO may be a successful model to facilitate knowledge transfer and promote communication skills between subject matter experts and course participants.
Protecting Farmers and Workers in Socialist Market Transitions: Mass Attitudes Toward Imports in Asia
Authors: Tsai Ming-Chang , Pan Hsin-Hsin
Published: May 2022

After decades of market liberalization in Asian countries, how do people see trade, mainly imports, as potentially hurting domestic production? Do they consider them a threat to their societies’ less privileged groups? Using survey data of China, Vietnam, and Cambodia, and citing Thailand as a comparative case representing a liberal economy in the Southeast Asian region, we examine the effect of economic interests, collectivist ideology, and political trust on trade preferences. Empirical results indicate that economic optimism is only weakly related to attitudinal openness to imports, while income has a mixed effect. Collectivism and political trust in the central government and the elite stimulate antipathy against imports. The findings shed light on the sources of protectionist attitudes in Asian authoritarian regimes undergoing socialist market transition among the general public.
Elevating English Language Learners’ Speaking Fluency and Listening Skill Through a Learning Management System
Authors: Terzioğlu Yıldız , Kurt Mustafa
Published: May 2022

It is significant to immerse tech-savvy English language learners in interactive learning environments in order to maximize their comprehension and verbal communication. This quasi-experimental study set out to elucidate the effect of a learning management system (LMS) on speaking fluency and listening skill development among intermediate students. A total of 50 Turkish-speaking students from two intact classes were assigned into a control and an experimental group that utilized an interactive platform for learning English in 8 weeks. The study adopted a pre and posttest design. The mean listening and speaking posttest scores of both groups were compared according to effect size, analysis of covariance, paired sample t-test, and independent samples t-test. In addition, students’ perceptions regarding the impact of LMS on these two skills were investigated with a questionnaire and an interview. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups as the experimental group surpassed the control group in both speaking fluency and listening posttest. Participants also reported from the questionnaire and the interviews that they held positive evaluations of LMS as a result of elevating both language skills. The contribution of the study lies in providing an innovative solution to promote learners’ speaking fluency and listening skill.