bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘A certain magic’ – autistic adults’ experiences of interacting with other autistic people and its relation to Quality of Life: A systematic review and thematic meta-synthesis
Authors: Watts Georgina , Crompton Catherine , Grainger Catherine , Long Joseph , Botha Monique , Somerville Mark , Cage Eilidh
Published: June 2024

There is an increasing focus on research exploring autistic communication and community. In this review, we systematically collate and analyse how autistic adults describe their experiences of other autistic people and the relationship this has with their Quality of Life (QoL). Fifty two qualitative papers were analysed using thematic meta-synthesis. Results found many experiences of other autistic people were positive and were associated with improved QoL across a range of domains. The heterogeneity of the autistic experiences described indicates a need for further research to explore which factors predict a positive impact on QoL. Analysis also highlighted a paucity of data on autistic people with co-occurring intellectual disability in relation to this phenomenon. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Lay abstract

Research has suggested that autistic people enjoy spending time with other autistic people and find them easier to talk to. We wanted to find out what autistic people say about spending time with other autistic people and whether this makes their life better. We found 52 papers which described this and reviewed what they found. We found that many autistic people had positive experiences of spending time with other autistic people and these experiences had positive impact on their lives in a range of different ways. The papers did not tell us whether this also happens for autistic people with a learning disability. More research is needed to find out more about why spending time with other autistic people helps some autistic people.
‘Everyday talk’ about working-from-home: How the affordances of Twitter enable ambient affiliation but constrain political talk
Authors: Handley Karen , Beck Shelley
Published: June 2024

How do the affordances of microblogging platforms, such as visibility to imagined audiences, shape the nature of ‘everyday talk’? Drawing on a qualitative study of tweets posted during the COVID-19 pandemic and containing the acronym WFH (working-from-home), we draw on Habermasian theorisation of deliberative democratic systems to show how Twitter (X) can act as a third space in which everyday talk about socio-political issues emerges alongside relational talk seeking ambient affiliation. Our analysis shows that tweets expressing already-established political positions that are amenable to reductive symbolism—using memes, images and shorthand stories—gain ‘likes’ and are amplified on Twitter. However, we argue that the desire for ambient affiliation combined with the imperative of reductive symbolism has a constraining effect on public debate, by encouraging the reproduction of established political tropes at the expense of ideas that are novel, controversial or require more complex exposition.
From hype to impact: How companies can leverage the metaverse technology for business models
Authors: Tomini Nino , Brenk Katharina , Kanbach Dominik K. , Stubner Stephan , Bernhard Fabian
Published: June 2024

This study explores the impact of metaverse technology on business models (BMs). Despite increasing academic and practical interest, the adoption and seamless integration of this technology poses substantial challenges for businesses. This study adopts a grounded-theory approach to explore how firms can incorporate this technological innovation within their existing BMs. Drawing upon insights from 20 interviews, the data were structured using the Gioia methodology, uncovering 5 dimensions that elucidate how companies can leverage metaverse technology to augment value creation, capture, and delivery, both internally and externally, within their BMs. These dimensions serve as a roadmap for firms seeking to embrace the metaverse, offering insights into potential adaptations to their existing BMs. This study contributes to the theoretical discourse surrounding the metaverse by delineating specific components within BMs that can be tailored to accommodate metaverse integration. Furthermore, our findings offer invaluable guidance and recommendations to firms and ventures, highlighting the diverse areas within the value creation process where metaverse integration can be strategically applied. This research lays the foundation for a more comprehensive understanding of metaverse technology's role in shaping the business landscape.
Numerical simulation of microstructural failure of natural fibre–hydrogel composites
Authors: Nian Xiangchuan , Huang Xiaohui , Rao Wei , Yang Qingsheng
Published: June 2024

In this article, we conduct a numerical simulation to investigate the failure mechanism of natural fibre–hydrogel composites under tensile deformation and swelling. Firstly, a physical-based constitutive model is chosen to describe the deformation of the hydrogel matrix. Concurrently, a macroscopic phenomenological hyperelastic constitutive model, incorporated into the material database of Abaqus, is employed to describe the mechanical responses of natural fibres. Then, we implement the model for a numerical analysis. The material parameters of the model for the hydrogel matrix and fibres are determined by a trial-and-error method from the experimental curves of pure hydrogel and fibres; the numerically simulated stress–strain curve of the composites is compared with the experimental one to verify the effectiveness of the simulation. Subsequently, several numerical analyses are performed to discuss the failure mechanism of hydrogel composites caused by the microstructural features of fibres. The findings revealed that fibre protrusion, fibre orientation deviation, and interface strength significantly affect the local failure of the composites during tensile deformation and swelling; the composites’ strength and toughness mainly depend on the cooperation of various microstructural features. These results provide valuable insights into the design of fibre–hydrogel composites.
Climate refugeehood: A counterargument
Authors: Bender Felix
Published: June 2024

This paper argues against the idea of climate change refugeehood. Drawing on political realism, it reconstructs the idea and function of refugeehood in international politics. Refugees are not the agencyless victims merely in search of rescue by states of the Global North, as the idea of climate refugeehood as a form of humanitarian refugeehood would have it. Nor are they simply a function of reparative justice, or of defending international state legitimacy. To liberal democracies, refugees are those fleeing political oppression. They hold an important political function in inter-state relations in undermining rival political systems and strengthening liberal democratic regimes, both ideally and materially. The idea of climate refugeehood collides with the role refugeehood plays in international politics, the reasons for their admission, and the conceptualization of their plight and function. It ought, hence, to be rejected.
Political competence of Croatian secondary school students 2010–2021
Authors: Šalaj Berto , Gvozdanović Anja , Horvat Martina
Published: June 2024

Political knowledge and democratic attitudes are recognized in contemporary studies as important dimensions of democratic political culture. Furthermore, knowledge and attitudes can be seen as integral parts of political competence. Unlike other dimensions of political culture such as, for example, political participation, political interest, etc., research on political knowledge and democratic attitudes are more an exception than a rule. This assessment is especially true for Croatia. In this paper, we attempt to address some of these gaps by focusing on the exploration of political competences of Croatian final-year secondary school students. The paper is divided into two major sections. In the first part, we discuss the meaning and importance of political competence for the functioning of democratic political systems. The second part consists of a presentation and discussion of the research results on political knowledge and democratic attitudes of Croatian final-year secondary school students conducted in three time points - 2010, 2015 and 2021. By doing so, we want to detect the levels of political knowledge and democratic attitudes, as well as the possible changes that occurred in these levels during the research period. Finally, we are also interested in the relationship between these two dimensions of political competence.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Policies and Interventions that Improve Health, Psychosocial, and Economic Outcomes for Young People Leaving the Out-of-Home Care System
Authors: Taylor David , Albers Bianca , Mann Georgina , Lewis Jane , Taylor Russell , Mendes Philip , Macdonald Geraldine , Shlonsky Aron
Published: June 2024

Young people who transition to adulthood from out-of-home care (OOHC) are more likely to experience a range of poorer outcomes relative to their same-age peers in the community. This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of policies or interventions (hereafter “interventions”) aimed at improving housing, health, education, economic, and psychosocial outcomes for youth leaving OOHC (hereafter “care leavers”). Eleven databases of published literature were reviewed along with gray literature. Eligible studies used randomized or quasi-experimental designs and assessed interventions that provided support to care leavers prior to, during, or after they left OOHC. Primary outcomes were housing and homelessness, health and well-being, education, economic and employment, criminal and delinquent behavior, and risky behavior, while secondary outcomes were supportive relationships and life skills. Where possible, results were pooled in a meta-analysis. Certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Fourteen studies published in 27 reports were identified that examined independent living programs (ILPs) ( n = 5), intensive support services ( n = 2), coaching and peer support (C&PSP) ( n = 2), transitional housing ( n = 1), health information or coaching ( n = 2), and extended care ( n = 2). All but one study was conducted in the United States. Twenty small meta-analyses were undertaken encompassing ILPs and C&PSP, with two showing results that favored the intervention with certainty. The level of confidence in each meta-analysis was considered very low. A significant risk of bias was identified in each of the included studies. While some interventions showed promise, particularly extended care, the scope and strength of included evidence is insufficient to recommend any included approach.
Endovascular Embolization for Idiopathic Serial Right Internal Mammary Artery Aneurysms
Authors: Deng Kaige , Xie Yiyun , Shao Jiang , Lai Zhichao , Zheng Yongchang , Liu Bao
Published: June 2024

Clinical Imapct

This article showed images of a patient with idiopathic serial right internal mammary artery true aneurysms treated by endovascular embolization, which is a rare diagnosis and should be considered in differential diagnosis of paratracheal mass.
Optimization of Al2O3 nanoparticle concentration and cutting parameters in hard milling under nanofluid MQL environment
Authors: Duc Tran Minh , Tuan Ngo Minh , Long Tran The
Published: June 2024

The high cutting heat and cutting forces are still the big obstacles in hard machining technology, which puts more pressure to find out the alternative solution for these problems. The work content presents an experimental study on the effect of nanoparticle concentration and cutting parameters on surface roughness and cutting force during hard milling under MQL environment using Al2O3 nano-cutting oil. The Box-Behnken experimental designs for response surface methodology was used to evaluate the influence of the input parameters and determine the optimal values. The obtained results show that the nanoparticle concentration, cutting speed, and feed rate all have the great influences on surface roughness R z and resultant cutting force F, so the study of the influence of these parameters on the efficiency of the hard milling process is very significant. The proposed reasonable value ranges will help technicians quickly choose to meet their demands for specific objective functions. Furthermore, the optimal parameter set of nanoparticle concentration of 1.27 wt%, cutting speed V c = 103 m/min, and feed rate [Formula: see text] = 0.09 mm/tooth was determined. It revealed that the use of MQL with nano-cutting oils contributed to improve the lubrication and cooling performance in the cutting zone.
Clinical outcomes of radiofrequency ablation using a radiofrequency needle device for varicose ulcer: A non-randomized controlled prospective study
Authors: Wang Huanwei , Guo Jianqin , Hua Guoyong , Qi Lina , Zhang Yuying , Ye Bin , Yan Jingxin , Zhang Lushun
Published: June 2024

Objective

To evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using a radiofrequency (RF) needle device for varicose ulcers.

Methods

From September 2020 to September 2021, a total of 80 patients with varicose ulcers were included in this study. Based on the different surgical methods, the patients were divided into RF group and control groups, with 40 cases in each group. In the RF group, RFA was performed using an RF needle device and foam sclerotherapy was used for superficial veins. The control group was treated with conventional high-ligation stripping. The surgical data, hospitalization data, clinical efficacy, and postoperative complications of two groups were compared. Meanwhile, the correlation between RBC, HB, HCT, and ulcer healing time was analyzed.

Results

Compared to the control group, RF group had shorter surgery time, duration in the hospital, and less intraoperative bleeding ( p < .05). The VCSS and CIVIQ scores in RF group were significantly higher than that in control group ( p < .05). The healing time of ulcers was shorter in the RF group ( x2 = 19.766, p = .000). The RF group had fewer postoperative complications. There was a positive correlation between RBC, HB, and HCT, and ulcer healing time ( p < .05).

Conclusion

The use of the RF needle device for RFA to treat patients with varicose ulcers showed acceptable short-term clinical outcomes with less incidence of trauma, faster recovery, and fewer complications.
Gas source localization using Dueling Deep Q-Network with an olfactory quadruped robot
Authors: He Yu , Cheng Lei , Pan YaDuo , Wang DuanChu , Li YuAo , Zheng Han
Published: June 2024

Gas source localization is one of the most common applications of a gas-sensitive mobile robot. However, most of the existing work focuses on rule-based algorithms for wheeled robots, which are difficult to apply in complex terrain with obstacles. In this article, we propose an olfactory quadruped robot to perform the gas source localization task using the Dueling Deep Q-Network (Dueling DQN) algorithm. For training, we designed a set of environments and imported gas dispersion data from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to construct a simulator. The olfactory quadruped robot was trained in this simulator using the Dueling DQN algorithm to learn how to find the gas source. The trained neural network was then deployed on the olfactory quadruped robot. Our method has been tested in both simulation and real environments. The olfactory quadruped robot can traverse rugged terrain in real experiments and efficiently find gas sources, demonstrating that our method is highly robust and has important practical value.
Covariate adjustment in randomized controlled trials: General concepts and practical considerations
Authors: Van Lancker Kelly , Bretz Frank , Dukes Oliver
Published: June 2024

There has been a growing interest in covariate adjustment in the analysis of randomized controlled trials in past years. For instance, the US Food and Drug Administration recently issued guidance that emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between conditional and marginal treatment effects. Although these effects may sometimes coincide in the context of linear models, this is not typically the case in other settings, and this distinction is often overlooked in clinical trial practice. Considering these developments, this article provides a review of when and how to use covariate adjustment to enhance precision in randomized controlled trials. We describe the differences between conditional and marginal estimands and stress the necessity of aligning statistical analysis methods with the chosen estimand. In addition, we highlight the potential misalignment of commonly used methods in estimating marginal treatment effects. We hereby advocate for the use of the standardization approach, as it can improve efficiency by leveraging the information contained in baseline covariates while remaining robust to model misspecification. Finally, we present practical considerations that have arisen in our respective consultations to further clarify the advantages and limitations of covariate adjustment.
Morphine acts in vitro to directly prime nociceptors
Authors: Khomula Eugen V. , Levine Jon D.
Published: June 2024

Hyperalgesic priming is a preclinical model of the transition from acute to chronic pain characterized by a leftward shift in the dose-response curve for and marked prolongation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-induced mechanical hyperalgesia, in vivo. In vitro, priming in nociceptors is characterized by a leftward shift in the concentration dependence for PGE2-induced nociceptor sensitization. In the present in vitro study we tested the hypothesis that a mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonist opioid analgesic, morphine, can produce priming by its direct action on nociceptors. We report that treatment of nociceptors with morphine, in vitro, produces a leftward shift in the concentration dependence for PGE2-induced nociceptor sensitization. Our findings support the suggestion that opioids act directly on nociceptors to induce priming.
Routine activities and fraud re-victimization among older adults: Do types of routine activities matter?
Authors: Xin Yanyu , Xia Yiwei , Chai Yu
Published: June 2024

Previous studies have established a link between prior victimization and subsequent victimization, although research in the context of fraud victimization, particularly among older adults, remains limited. To address this research gap, this study examines data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, a national survey of older Chinese adults, to explore the occurrence of re-victimization in fraud and the influence of routine activities on re-victimization. The findings of this study are threefold. First, a higher number of previous fraud victimizations significantly increases the likelihood of experiencing subsequent fraud exposure and loss. Second, the diversity and frequency of routine activities have a significant impact on fraud exposure and mitigate the effect of prior victimization on subsequent fraud loss. Third, both leisure and non-leisure routine activities contribute positively to fraud exposure, but the moderating effect is observed only in the case of leisure activities, instead of non-leisure activities. This research underscores the importance of considering the relationship between previous victimization and subsequent victimization in the context of fraud, specifically among older adults. These findings contribute to the understanding of re-victimization dynamics and offer insights for developing targeted prevention strategies to reduce fraud victimization among older adults.
Five historical innovations that have shaped modern otolaryngological surgery
Authors: Patel Ravi , Acharya Radhika , Shah Saumil , Desai Chaitya , Raveshia Dimit , Panesar Harrypal , Patel Neil , Mcconaghie Greg , Cain David Charles , Parmar Dilen , Banerjee Robin , Singh Rohit
Published: June 2024

Throughout history, many innovations have contributed to the development of modern otolaryngological surgery, improving patient outcomes and expanding the range of treatment options available to patients. This article explores five key historical innovations that have shaped modern otolaryngological surgery: Operative Microscope, Hopkins Rigid Endoscope, Laryngeal Nerve monitoring, Cochlear implants and Laser surgery. The selection of innovations for inclusion in this article was meticulously determined through expert consensus and an extensive literature review. We will review the development, impact and significance of each innovation, highlighting their contributions to the field of otolaryngological surgery and their ongoing relevance in contemporary and perioperative practice.
A systematic literature review of 74 Chinese blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm patients
Authors: Gong Chen , Liu Ying , Zhang Mingzhi
Published: June 2024

Background:

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare and aggressive hematological cancer. Due to its low incidence, researchers struggle to gather sufficient prospective data to inform clinical treatment.

Objectives:

We sought to summarize the clinical characteristics and current treatment methods of BPDCN and provide more specific guidance on treatment options.

Design:

A systematic literature review using data from 74 Chinese BPDCN patients.

Date resources and methods:

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical manifestations, treatment response, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors of six BPDCN patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and 68 patients described in 28 articles published in the China Knowledge Network database since 2019.

Results:

In Chinese patients, the disease occurred with a male-to-female ratio of 2.52 and a median age of onset of 50 years in adults and 10 years in pediatric patients. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed distinctive immune phenotypes of BPDCN cells, characterized by high expression levels of CD4, CD56, CD123, and HLA-DR, while showing minimal to no expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO), CD20, and CD79a. There was no significant difference in the initial complete remission (CR) rate, relapse rate, and the overall survival (OS) time of patients receiving acute myeloid leukemia-like, acute lymphocytic leukemia-like, or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma-like chemotherapy regimens. Univariate analysis identified CD3 expression, male gender, and central nervous system infiltration as hazardous factors. In multivariate analysis, age proved to be an independent prognostic indicator, indicating better prognosis and longer OS time in younger patients. Notably, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) emerged as a significant factor in improving the survival outcomes for individuals diagnosed with BPDCN. However, further investigation is needed to explore the role of HSCT and the best timing for its implementation in pediatric BPDCN patients.

Conclusion:

Administering HSCT during the initial CR state following inductive chemotherapy might extend the OS and improve the prognosis of patients with BPDCN.
Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis with chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis in an adolescent: A case report
Authors: Jari Mohsen , Alesaeidi Sogol
Published: June 2024

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis is a rare auto-inflammatory disease in children, with only a few reports of its association with other inflammatory diseases, such as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. A 15-year-old boy was admitted due to fever, skin rash, arthritis, and high inflammatory factors and was finally diagnosed with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. After 6 months of recovery from the disease, the patient was referred due to local pain and swelling in the arms and left thigh. In radiography, bone lesions were seen in the shoulders, left humerus, and left femoral diaphysis. A whole-body bone scan showed increased absorption in these areas, which suggested a tumor or osteomyelitis. A biopsy of the bone lesion of the left humerus confirmed sterile osteomyelitis. Although the co-incidence of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis is rare, it should be considered in differential diagnosis.
Eczema exacerbation following herpes zoster infection in an immunocompetent patient: A case report
Authors: Samman Luna , Bhullar Puneet , Malik Kundan , Rao Babar K.
Published: June 2024

This case report highlights a severe eczematous rash manifesting broadly across the scalp, face, and neck of a 54-year-old female following a resolved herpes zoster infection. Notably, such cutaneous reactions post-varicella zoster virus infection, which may present weeks to years after the acute phase, have been documented but remain poorly understood in their pathogenesis. This patient exhibited a blistering rash diagnosed as shingles with overlying cellulitis, initially treated with valacyclovir and cefalexin. Upon returning with a diffuse rash post-treatment, further examination and tests led to a differential diagnosis that most closely aligned with eczema exacerbation with superimposed bacterial infection, confirmed by the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Treatment encompassed intravenous vancomycin, ciprofloxacin eye drops, topical hydrocortisone, betamethasone lotion, and gabapentin, leading to substantial improvement. This case underscores the complexity of diagnosing and managing cutaneous reactions post-varicella zoster virus infection and suggests a multimodal treatment approach may yield favorable outcomes.
Medical data market platforms and medical data trade demands of medical device companies
Authors: Kim Myung-Gwan , Lee Inho , Han HyunWook , Yu Hyeong Won
Published: June 2024

Objective

The significance of big data is increasingly acknowledged across all sectors, including medicine. Moreover, the trend of data trading is on the rise, particularly in exchanging other data for medical data to rejuvenate the medical industry. This study aimed to discern the facilitating factors of healthcare data trade.

Methods

We assessed five medical data market platforms on October, 2022, based on three criteria: (a) clarity in articulating the data for sale; (b) transparency in specifying the data costs; and (c) explicit indication that payment grants data access. This helped identify the traded medical data types. Additionally, we anonymously surveyed 43 representatives from medical device companies about their demand for medical data trading, achieving a response rate of 66%.

Results

Of the medical data traded on these platforms, 93.34% was structured, while 5.66% was unstructured, indicating an imbalance. Although there was a higher demand for structured medical data, there was also interest in purchasing unstructured medical data.

Conclusion

Unstructured big data are crucial for medical device development, fueling the demand for trading such data. Many stakeholders view the data market as essential and are willing to procure medical data. Consequently, medical device companies will need methods to acquire unstructured medical data for developing innovative and enhanced medical devices.
Impacts of Different Internationalization Modes on the Global Competence of Chinese University Students
Authors: Yang (杨希) Xi , Li (李亭松) Tingsong
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study examines the impacts of two modes of internationalization on students’ global competence, namely, internationalization abroad and at home. This study divides global competence into five secondary dimensions to further explore the impacts of the different modes of internationalization on each dimension.

Design/Approach/Methods

This study uses a propensity score matching design to estimate the impacts of different modes of internationalization on university students’ global competence. Data were collected from high-level research universities in China.

Findings

Concerning experiences of internationalization abroad, overseas travel and visits were found to have no significant effect on university students’ global competence, whereas studying abroad significantly improved the latter. In terms of experiences of internationalization at home, engagement with international curricula and contact with foreigners had a significantly positive effect on university students’ global competence.

Originality/Value

The study results demonstrate that internationalization at home is an effective way to enhance students’ global competence and is of considerable theoretical and practical significance in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.
Storytelling in Dark Tourism: The Role of Flow Experience and National Identity
Authors: Lin Ze , Zhang Siyu , Yhang Wii-Joo
Published: June 2024

In the domain of dark tourism, storytelling serves a dual purpose: it preserves and interprets cultural and historical significance while providing a context that shapes tourists’ experiences. Flow experience is characterized as the optimal state of tourist engagement, deepening the connection between tourists and the content presented at dark tourism destinations. The notion of national identity sheds light on the interplay between tourists’ personal identities and dark tourism destinations, shaping their perception of such experiences. Within the framework of this study, four salient attributes of storytelling in dark tourism were highlighted: emotionality, uniqueness, descriptiveness, and educability. Subsequently, the interconnections among dark tourism storytelling, behavioral intention, flow experience, and national identity were explored using structural equation modeling. Empirical results underscored the pronounced influence of dark tourism storytelling on tourists’ behavioral intentions. Additionally, this research elucidated both the mediating role of flow experience and the moderating role of national identity in this relationship. These findings significantly enriched the theoretical comprehension of dark tourism and storytelling, offering valuable insights for management strategies in dark tourism destinations.
Effects of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome on Quality of Life Among Airline Crew
Authors: Kim Jung-Ha , Choi Seunghye
Published: June 2024

Background: Interest in post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) syndrome following COVID-19 infection has been increasing. Maintaining quality of life (QoL) is vital for airline crews because they work in a special environment, where they are responsible for the passengers’ safety. This study aims to closely investigate factors affecting the QoL of airline crews, including post-COVID-19 syndrome. Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional survey, comprising 167 crews. Findings: Age-specific significant differences were observed in social, overall, and total QoL scores. The physical domain QoL was significantly higher in the cockpit crews than that in the cabin crews. Significant differences were found in psychological and overall QoL depending on years of continuous service. Social domain and environmental QoL were lower in those who had no symptoms after being diagnosed with COVID-19 than in those who were symptomatic. Among the participants, 4.2% had post-COVID-19 syndrome, indicating significant differences in the physical domain, depending on whether they exhibit post-COVID-19 syndrome. Conclusion: It is urgent to develop measures to increase the QoL of airline crews, investigate post-COVID-19 syndrome before returning to work, and develop strategies to manage it. Application to practice: The QoL among airline crews differed not only by the demographic characteristics of the participants but also by the presence of symptoms during COVID-19 diagnosis and post-COVID-19 syndrome. Higher QoL among airline crews is associated with the safety of both airline crews and passengers. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a systematic management protocol for airline crews returning to work after following COVID-19 infection.
Hydraulic Polymethylmethacrylate Pressure Delivery System Versus Manual Balloon Tamp System in Balloon Kyphoplasty
Authors: Lotan Raphael , Lan Itzik , Sakhnini Mojahed , Klatzkin Lev , Hershkovich Oded
Published: June 2024

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are prevalent among the elderly population, and Balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) is a minimally invasive solution for these. However, Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) leakage is a significant complication with potentially severe consequences. This study compares the safety and efficacy of manual balloon tamp system (MTS) and hydraulic Polymethylmethacrylate pressure delivery system (HPDS) in BKP.

Methods

A retrospective study involving 160 patients, comparing MTS (2008-2014) and HPDS (2016-2020) cohorts, assessed PMMA leakage, radiation exposure, and surgery duration.

Results

PMMA leakage occurred in 52.8% of MTS and 62.5% of HPDS cases. Intradiscal leakage was the most common pattern in both groups. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that multilevel BKP and HPDS were associated with higher PMMA leakage rates. Radiation exposure was significantly lower with HPDS, while surgery duration was shorter.

Discussion

This study provides novel insights into PMMA leakage and radiation exposure in BKP. HPDS was associated with a higher PMMA leakage rate. HPDS, however, offers advantages in terms of reduced radiation exposure and shorter surgery duration. Multilevel BKP also increased the risk of leakage. Further investigation is needed to better understand the impact of HPDS on PMMA leakage.

Conclusion

This study underscores that while HPDS offers advantages regarding radiation exposure and surgery duration, it is associated with a higher PMMA leakage rate.
Gender Diversity and Inclusion on Indian Boards: Post the Introduction of the Mandate in 2015 and 2019
Authors: Vohra Neharika , Sud Kashika , Bhayana Chayanika
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of quota requirements on the proportion of women serving on corporate boards in India. By examining not just the numbers but also the composition of women directors, including their profiles—age, education and professional experience, directorship type, appointment nature, industry representation—as well as patterns in their participation in board committees, compensation, tenure, and reasons for leaving, the study aimed to understand the extent to which boards have leveraged the presence of women on boards. The study includes all 1944 National Stock Exchange (NSE)-listed companies to whom the mandate applies. The results show an increase in the number of women on boards after the quota mandate; however, there is also a rise in the same women serving on multiple boards around the date of compliance to the quota mandate, suggesting symbolic inclusion of women on boards. Symbolic management was also evidenced in a few women holding chairperson positions, and proportionately, women’s leadership in committees such as audit committees being lower than their board presence. This research offers insights into the actions of Indian corporates to comply with the mandate and yet uphold the status quo, thus being symbolic in meeting the mandate.
Hepatic Encephalopathy Secondary to Non-cirrhotic Portosystemic Shunt
Authors: Trivedi Bhavi , Parikh Amish , Botros Monica , Robles Alejandro , Laks Shaked , Zuckerman Marc
Published: June 2024

Hepatic encephalopathy is uncommon in the absence of cirrhosis. We report a 71-year-old woman who presented with altered mental status in the setting of hyperammonemia for the second time in 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen revealed an uncommon portosystemic shunt involving an enlarged posterior branch of the right portal vein and an accessory right hepatic vein, with no features of cirrhosis. Appropriate management of these patients with ammonia-lowering therapy can reduce repeat episodes and improve quality of life. This case demonstrates the importance of diagnosing non-cirrhotic hepatic encephalopathy in patients with altered mental status.
Blind Spots in Employee Communication Research Regarding LGBT+ and Guidance for Future Research: A Scoping Review of Quantitative Research
Authors: Wahl Ingrid , Siegel Magdalena , Einwiller Sabine
Published: June 2024

This paper aims to uncover blind spots in research on employee communication regarding LGBT+ to provide guidance for future research. To this end, we conducted a scoping review following the PRISMA-guidelines. A systematic literature search in four databases yielded 3,055 records. Our final sample included 164 publications reporting on 178 quantitative studies (207,181 participants and 3,740 organizations). We extracted information regarding publication details, the content of the record, and the sample from eligible records. Blind spots relate to lacking research (a) outside the U.S., (b) in communication journals, (c) from strong author networks, (d) regarding single LGBT+ dimensions and intersectionality, (e) regarding less obvious forms of employee communication, (f) regarding longitudinal, experimental, research synthesizing, and observational approaches, (g) on other variables than job satisfaction, well-being, or commitment, and (h) on communication theories including LGBT+. For research in the field to thrive, we provide guidance for tackling these blind spots.
Teachers’ Knowledge and Preparedness for Retirement: Results From a Nationally Representative Teacher Survey
Authors: Fuchsman Dillon , McGee Josh B. , Zamarro Gema
Published: June 2024

Adequately preparing for retirement requires planning and knowledge about available savings and investment options. Teachers participate in a complex set of plan designs, and many do not participate in Social Security. While teachers represent a large part of the public workforce, relatively little is known regarding their knowledge and preparation for retirement. We administered a survey to a nationally representative sample of teachers through RAND’s American Teacher Panel and asked teachers about their retirement planning and employer-sponsored retirement plans. We find that while most teachers are taking steps to prepare for retirement, many teachers do not currently possess the basic retirement knowledge necessary to plan effectively. Teachers struggled to identify their plan type, how much they contribute to their plans, retirement eligibility ages, and who contributes to Social Security. These results suggest that better education around teacher retirement plans has the potential to improve teachers’ retirement planning and preparation.
The Missionary Movement from the West: A Biography from Birth to Old Age
Authors: Hastings Thomas John
Published: June 2024

This review of the first posthumous volume by the late Andrew Walls, The Missionary Movement from the West: A Biography from Birth to Old Age, focuses on his account of the background, motives, progress, and theology of the missionary movement from the West and the unanticipated consequence of Christianity’s decline in the West and growth elsewhere. The golden thread Walls seeks to untangle is how and why Christianity, as in its inception, had once again become a non-Western religion by the end of the twentieth century. He portrays the missionary movement as a “despised, semidetached appendix” within the larger framework of European Christendom and its Great Migration and shows how missionaries played a significant role in the unforeseen shift of Christianity’s center from the Global North to the Global South.
Introductory Essay: Multiple Belongings in Transpacific Christianities
Authors: Chao David C. , Law Easten
Published: June 2024

This short article serves as an introduction to a special issue of the International Bulletin of Mission Research on the topic of multiple belongings in transpacific Christianities, focused on Asian migration to the United States. It summarizes the collection of articles included and their context within the work of the Center for Asian American Christianity and the Overseas Ministries Study Center, both based at Princeton Seminary.
Sanctification and Migration Across Generations: Expanding the Explicit Curriculum of Asian American Discipleship
Authors: Law Easten
Published: June 2024

How do migration experiences passed down across generations relate to God’s work of sanctification, and how might Asian American churches engage the stories of their ancestors as a form of Christian formation? Drawing from scripture, migration theologies, educational theory, literature in Asian American ministry, and personal experience, this article argues that Asian American churches must begin designing discipleship curriculum that explicitly honors, integrates, and embodies the stories of their families’ multiple migrations into their spiritual lives because it is through such remembrance and learning that God can render Christ-like transformation.
Monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease a spectrum? The treatment of an unusual biopsy presentation
Authors: Dumbrava Mihai , Leung Nelson , Sethi Sanjeev , Chowdhury Raad B
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) is characterized by clonal cell deposition of monoclonal immunoglobulin causing renal manifestations without overt malignancy. MIDD is a subtype of MGRS characterized by deposition of monoclonal light (LCDD), heavy chains (HCDD), or both (LHCDD) along the renal glomerular and tubular basement membranes. Virtually all organs can be involved, and if left untreated, MIDD can progress to MM and end stage renal disease. Although these patients classically did not receive treatment, current MIDD management is primarily focused on controlling the underlying clonal plasma cell disorder.

Case description:

We present a 56-year-old male with atypical MIDD treated successfully with plasma cell directed therapy consisting of daratumumab, cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (DARA-CYBOR-D). Despite a primary diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease, renal biopsy suggested myeloma-related MIDD based on linear immunofluorescent staining for IgG and kappa light chains along the tubular and glomerular basement membranes. Notably there were no electron dense deposits in the mesangium or tubular basement membranes typical to MIDD electron microscopy. Despite the presentation of MIDD on IF only, DARA-CYBOR-D treatment led to hematologic and renal improvement and remission from MIDD, with a GFR increase from 22 to 59 mL/min/BSA and a drop in urine protein from up to 9 to 0.6 g/dL.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, our case illustrates the efficacy of the DARA-CYBOR-D regimen in a patient with IF-only MIDD. We highlight the importance of obtaining a kidney biopsy when there are other potential causes for real decline and enhance our understanding of pathological and clinical spectrum of MIDD.
Campaign-style law enforcement in China: Causes and consequences
Authors: Wang Jingyi , Wang Peng
Published: June 2024

This article aims to address two primary research questions: first, why does the Chinese government consistently favour campaign-style law enforcement, and second, what are the consequences of this law enforcement approach for China's criminal justice system? Drawing on a review of the existing literature and official documents on anti-crime campaigns, as well as interview data concerning local policing problems, this article offers both top-down and bottom-up explanations regarding the government's persistent employment of campaign-style law enforcement to tackle serious and organised crime. The top-down approach perceives China's anti-crime campaigns as elite-engineered moral panics and the result of political elites’ long-standing tendency towards “heavy penaltyism.” The bottom-up approach focuses on the failure of routine law enforcement and collusion between local officials and gangsters, which necessitates anti-crime campaigns. To illustrate the consequences of campaign-style law enforcement on the criminal justice system, this article explores empirical data collected during China's latest “Sweep Away Black Societies and Eliminate Evil Forces” campaign and highlights the costs of campaign-style law enforcement, such as eroding the rule of law, generating a criminal justice pendulum and creating serious procedural injustices.
Examining How the States Advancing All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development (AHEAD) Model Improves Health Equity for Underserved Communities and Safety Net Hospitals in New York State
Authors: Gasperino James , de Germay de Cirfontaine Flavie , Galbokke Hewage Shanya
Published: June 2024

Safety net hospitals (SNHs) are essential to our healthcare ecosystem, providing quality healthcare to underserved communities. These institutions offer specialized services and acute medical care to populations facing structural or systemic healthcare barriers. However, for decades, the NYS Medicaid program reimbursed hospitals less than the cost of care, resulting in several independent SNHs becoming financially distressed, with many facing closure. Recently, the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Service Innovation Center (CMSI) introduced the State All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development (AHEAD) Model, which aims to support the financial needs of providers while also addressing the complex medical and social circumstances of underserved communities. This article will explore how the AHEAD model can be utilized as an alternative payment method for SNHs in New York State (NYS) to improve healthcare for underserved communities.
Clogauite, PbBi4Te4S3, a new member of the aleksite series
Authors: Cook Nigel J. , Ciobanu Cristiana L. , Yao Jie , Stanley Christopher J. , Liu Wenyuan , Slattery Ashley , Wade Benjamin
Published: June 2024

Clogauite, ideally PbBi4Te4S3 is the new n = 1 member of the aleksite series, PbnBi4Te4Sn+2, where n is the homologue number. Clogauite is named from the type locality, the Clogau gold mine, Dolgellau Gold belt, Gwynedd, North Wales, United Kingdom. The mineral and name have been approved by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association (IMA2023–062). The aleksite series is an accretional homologous series in which each member is derived from the same 5-atom tetradymite archetype. Clogauite crystallises in the trigonal crystal system (space group: P$\bar{3}$m1, #164). Three distinct polytypes of clogauite are recognised, corresponding to identical chemistry but different layer sequences, expressed as (57), (5559) and (557.559), respectively, in reference to the number of atoms in individual layer sequences. These are clogauite-12H, a = 4.277(4) Å, c = 23.46(14) Å, V = 371.598 Å3 and Z = 1; clogauite-24H, a = 4.278(4) Å, c = 46.88(31) Å, V = 743.053 Å3 and Z = 2; and clogauite-36H, a = 4.278(4) Å, c = 70.36(32) Å, V = 1115.283 Å3 and Z = 3. Clogauite is opaque, with a pale grey colour in reflected light. Reflectance is higher than tetradymite or galena. Bireflectance and anisotropy are strong. Structural data were determined from measurement of atomic-scale HAADF STEM imaging showing the internal arrangement of component atoms and characteristic selected area electron diffraction patterns for each polytype. The structures were then further constrained from ab initio total energy calculations and structure relaxation using density functional theory (DFT) using the measured parameters as input data. The relaxed crystal structure for each polytype was modelled to generate crystallographic information files (cif). STEM and electron diffraction simulations based on the crystallographic information data obtained from the DFT calculations show an excellent match to the empirical measurements.