bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Factors That Influence Physical Activity and Healthy Aging Among Older Latino Adults
Authors: Luna Elena , Springer Andrew , Herrera Denise , Garcia Maria Elena , Brown Louis , Kelder Steven H.
Published: February 2024

Background

For older Latinos, some benefits of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) include enhanced cognitive functioning, decreased loneliness, and reduced premature mortality. Despite LTPA benefits, adults ≥50 years are one of the most inactive age groups in the United States.

Methods

This qualitative study aimed to add to the limited evidence of LTPA in older Latino adults by exploring the barriers and facilitators for fitness class uptake and park use. Guided by a Social-Ecological Model of Health and Social Determinants of Health theoretical and a phenomenological research design, qualitative research data were collected via 27 personal interviews with Latino adults using a semistructured interview guide. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling strategies in collaboration with community partners. Bicultural data collectors conducted the semistructured interviews over Zoom. Thematic analysis was performed using Dedoose, following an inductive and deductive approach.

Results

The main barriers to fitness class attendance and park use were family and/or work commitments, perceived safety, and perceived discrimination. Conversely, the critical facilitators for participation were socialization into a group, social connectedness with group members, fitness instructor characteristics, and exercise history.

Conclusions

Findings from this study hold important implications for the design of fitness programming and park-based recreation, including the need to increase the cultural diversity of recreation staff and culturally relevant programming. Future research is needed on time poverty related to family/work commitments and whether discriminatory practices at fitness centers, like ageism and race/ethnicity, influence physical activity behavior.
Electrophysiological Changes in the Rabbit Ventricular Wedge and Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived (IPSC) Cardiomyocytes Translate to Severe Arrhythmia Observed in a Canine Toxicology Study, Not Predicted by Standard In Vitro Ion Channel Assays
Authors: Brown Alan P. , Friedrichs Gregory S. , Tang Hai-Ming , Traebert Martin , Weber Valerie , Yao Nancy , Yan Gan-Xin
Published: February 2024

During drug discovery, small molecules are typically assayed in vitro for secondary pharmacology effects, which include ion channels relevant to cardiac electrophysiology. Compound A was an irreversible inhibitor of myeloperoxidase investigated for the treatment of peripheral artery disease. Oral doses in dogs at ≥5 mg/kg resulted in cardiac arrhythmias in a dose-dependent manner (at Cmax, free ≥1.53 μM) that progressed in severity with time. Nevertheless, a panel of 13 different cardiac ion channel (K, Na, and Ca) assays, including hERG, failed to identify pharmacologic risks of the molecule. Compound A and a related Compound B were evaluated for electrophysiological effects in the isolated rabbit ventricular wedge assay. Compounds A and B prolonged QT and Tp-e intervals at ≥1 and ≥.3 μM, respectively, and both prolonged QRS at ≥5 μM. Compound A produced early after depolarizations and premature ventricular complexes at ≥5 μM. These data indicate both compounds may be modulating hERG (Ikr) and Nav1.5 ion channels. In human IPSC cardiomyocytes, Compounds A and B prolonged field potential duration at ≥3 μM and induced cellular dysrhythmia at ≥10 and ≥3 μM, respectively. In a rat toxicology study, heart tissue: plasma concentration ratios for Compound A were ≥19X at 24 hours post-dose, indicating significant tissue distribution. In conclusion, in vitro ion channel assays may not always identify cardiovascular electrophysiological risks observed in vivo, which can be affected by tissue drug distribution. Risk for arrhythmia may increase with a “trappable” ion channel inhibitor, particularly if cardiac tissue drug levels achieve a critical threshold for pharmacologic effects.
AI Patent Approvals in Service Firms, Patent Radicalness, and Stock Market Reaction
Authors: Patel Pankaj C. , Sahi Gurjeet Kaur
Published: February 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven automation is of growing interest in the service sector. Using practice theory in service innovation and recombinant uncertainty frameworks, we ask whether AI patent approval for service firms is received positively by the stock market and whether patent radicalness strengthens or exacerbates the stock market reaction. We draw on 650 service industry firms from the years 1976 to 2019 with 133,813 non-AI patents and AI patents, including 7,543 (AI machine learning), 33,804 (AI hardware), and 53,419 (AI planning/control). The results show that the stock market reaction is positive for machine learning AI patents, and increasing radicalness strengthens the positive relationship; however, the reaction is negative to AI-related planning and control patents and increasing radicalness exacerbates the negative reaction. In addition, stock market reaction is insignificant to AI-related hardware patents and increasing radicalness does not influence this relationship. The findings are robust to excluding large firms representing a significant portion of the AI patents. With increasing radicalness, the stock market reaction to machine learning patents is more positive for low temporal depth and exacerbates with higher patent pedigree. The findings have implications for AI patenting among firms in the service sector.
Later-Life Masculinities: (Re)forming the Gendered Lives of Older Men
Authors: Thomas Gareth M. , Thurnell-Read Thomas
Published: February 2024

Older men are often treated as homogenous, a-gendered, and unmasculine. Drawing on 52 interviews with older men who play walking football in the UK, we explore how their experiences can be understood through a lens of masculinity. Men claimed that walking football offers an outlet for both competition and displaying physical prowess. Their embodied performances were crucial for cultivating a masculine identity which, whilst threatened by the ageing process, sustained their privilege and status. Yet, men also described how modes of care, friendship, and interdependence became central to their experiences. As men aged, the constraints around expressing feelings of intimacy, on account of hegemonic norms recognised in their youth, were loosened. Via the empirical analysis presented, the article contributes to both the study of the lives of older men and the continued absence of older men in masculinity theory.
Computational Studies on 6-Pyruvoyl Tetrahydropterin Synthase (6-PTPS) of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Chinedu Shalom N , Bella-Omunagbe Mercy , Okafor Esther , Afolabi Rufus , Adebiyi Ezekiel
Published: February 2024

6-Pyruvoyl tetrahydropterin synthase (6-PTPS) is a lyase involved in the synthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin. In Plasmodium species where dihydroneopterin aldolase (DHNA) is absent, it acts in the folate biosynthetic pathway necessary for the growth and survival of the parasite. The 6-pyruvoyl tetrahydropterin synthase of Plasmodium falciparum ( PfPTPS) has been identified as a potential antimalarial drug target. This study identified potential inhibitors of PfPTPS using molecular docking techniques. Molecular docking and virtual screening of 62 compounds including the control to the deposited Protein Data Bank (PDB) structure was carried out using AutoDock Vina in PyRx. Five of the compounds, N,N-dimethyl- N’-[4-oxo-6-(2,2,5-trimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)-3H-pteridin-2-yl]methanimidamide (140296439), 2-amino-6-[(1R)-3-cyclohexyl-1-hydroxypropyl]-3H-pteridin-4-one (140296495), 2-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-8,9-dihydro-6H-pyrimido[2,1-b]pteridine-7,11-dione (144380406), 2-(dimethylamino)-6-[(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)-hydroxymethyl]-3H-pteridin-4-one (135573878), and [1-acetyloxy-1-(2-methyl-4-oxo-3H-pteridin-6-yl)propan-2-yl] acetate (136075207), showed better binding affinity than the control ligand, biopterin (135449517), and were selected and screened. Three conformers of 140296439 with the binding energy of −7.2, −7.1, and −7.0 kcal/mol along with 140296495 were better than the control at −5.7 kcal/mol. In silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) studies predicted good pharmacokinetic properties of all the compounds while reporting a high risk of irritant toxicity in 140296439 and 144380406. The study highlights the five compounds, 140296439, 140296495, 144380406, 135573878 and 136075207, as potential inhibitors of PfPTPS and possible compounds for antimalarial drug development.
Risk Models for Predicting the Recurrence and Survival in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Radio-Frequency Ablation
Authors: Yang Jilin , Cui Lifeng , Zhang Wenjian , Yin Zexin , Bao Shiyun , Liu Liping
Published: February 2024

Background:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients have a poor prognosis after radio-frequency ablation (RFA), and investigating the risk factors affecting RFA and establishing predictive models are important for improving the prognosis of HCC patients.

Methods:

Patients with HCC undergoing RFA in Shenzhen People’s Hospital between January 2011 and December 2021 were included in this study. Using the screened independent influences on recurrence and survival, predictive models were constructed and validated, and the predictive models were then used to classify patients into different risk categories and assess the prognosis of different categories.

Results:

Cox regression model indicated that cirrhosis (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.65), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ⩾400 ng/mL (HR = 2.03), tumor number (multiple) (HR = 2.11), tumor diameter ⩾20 mm (HR = 2.30), and platelets (PLT) ⩾ 244 (109/L) (HR = 2.37) were independent influences for recurrence of patients after RFA. On the contrary, AFP ⩾400 ng/mL (HR = 2.48), tumor number (multiple) (HR = 2.52), tumor diameter ⩾20 mm (HR = 2.25), PLT ⩾244 (109/L) (HR = 2.36), and hemoglobin (HGB) ⩾120 (g/L) (HR = 0.34) were regarded as independent influences for survival. The concordance index (C-index) of the nomograms for predicting disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was 0.727 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.770-0.684) and 0.770 (95% CI = 0.821-7.190), respectively. The prognostic performance of the nomograms was significantly better than other staging systems by analysis of the time-dependent C-index and decision curves. Each patient was scored using nomograms and influencing factors, and patients were categorized into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups based on their scores. In the Kaplan-Meier survival curve, DFS and OS were significantly better in the low-risk group than in the intermediate- and high-risk groups.

Conclusions:

The 2 prediction models created in this work can effectively predict the recurrence and survival rates of HCC patients following RFA.
Excellent Bowel Preparation Quality Is Not Superior to Good Bowel Preparation Quality for Improving Adenoma/Polyp Detection Rate
Authors: Li Yingchao , Meng Fanjun , Cao Rongrong , Gao Cong , Su Dongshuai , Wang Ke , Han Jie , Qi Xingshun
Published: February 2024

Background:

Adequate bowel preparation quality is essential for high-quality colonoscopy according to the current guidelines. However, the effect of excellent bowel preparation on adenoma/polyp detection rate (ADR/PDR) remained controversial.

Methods:

During the period from December 2020 to August 2022, a total of 1566 consecutive patients underwent colonoscopy by an endoscopist. Their medical records were reviewed. According to the Boston bowel preparation scale, patients were divided into excellent, good, and poor bowel preparation quality groups. ADR/PDR, diminutive ADR/PDR, small ADR/PDR, intermediate ADR/PDR, large ADR/PDR, and number of adenomas/polyps were compared among them. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors that were significantly associated with ADR/PDR.

Results:

Overall, 1232 patients were included, of whom 463, 636, and 133 were assigned to the excellent, good, and poor groups, respectively. The good group had a significantly higher ADR/PDR (66% vs 55%, P = .015) and a larger number of adenomas/polyps (2.5 ± 3.2 vs 2.0 ± 2.8, P = .030) than the poor group. Both ADR/PDR (63% vs 55%, P = .097) and number of adenomas/polyps (2.2 ± 2.8 vs 2.0 ± 2.8, P = .219) were not significantly different between excellent and poor groups. The excellent (9% vs 4%, P = .045) and good (9% vs 4%, P = .040) groups had a significantly higher intermediate ADR/PDR than the poor group. Logistic regression analyses showed that either good (odds ratio [OR] = 1.786, 95% CI = 1.046-3.047, P = .034) or excellent (OR = 2.179, 95% CI = 1.241-3.826, P = .007) bowel preparation quality was independently associated with a higher ADR/PDR compared with poor bowel preparation quality. Excellent (OR = 1.202, 95% CI = 0.848-1.704, P = .302) bowel preparation quality was not independently associated with a higher ADR/PDR compared with good bowel preparation quality.

Conclusions:

The pursuit of excellence in bowel preparation does not show an association with increased ADR/PDR and number of adenomas/polyps compared with a good level. In addition, our study further contributes to the existing evidence that poor bowel preparation compromises ADR/PDR and number of adenomas/polyps.
Reliable design rules for cold-formed ferritic stainless steel closed built-up beams
Authors: Karthik C , Anbarasu M , Dar Mohammad Adil
Published: February 2024

In the companion paper, test results were presented to explore the flexural performance of cold-formed ferritic stainless steel (FSS) closed built-up beams. Each specimen was fabricated by joining two lipped channels in a face-to-face configuration and securing them with spot welds at intermediate points along the beam span. Sectional aspect ratio, compression flange’s sectional slenderness and moment gradient were the key parameters varied to explore their influence on the flexural response of such members through tests. The current paper establishes a simplified finite element (FE) model of cold-formed FSS closed built-up beams and verifies it against the test results. Further, an extensive parametric study is carried out using the validated FE model to generate a large pool of data points. A wider database comprising of test results, numerical results obtained from this study and numerical results available in the companion paper were used to critically examine the adequacy of the current Australian Specifications (AS/NZ), American Standard (SEI/ASCE-8), European Code (EN 1993-1-4), Modified Eurocode approach suggested by Gardner and Theofanous, and Direct Strength Method (DSM) in North American Specification (AISI-S100: 2016), Modified DSM approach proposed by the authors in the literature and Continuous Strength Method (CSM) for cold-formed steel (CFS) flexural members. This makes the current study the first to extensively assess the accuracy of the various design guidelines available in the codes and other relevant literature, which explicitly highlighted their grave limitations. Accordingly, through suitable modifications and recommendations, new design rules are proposed to reliably and safely predict the flexural capacity of cold-formed FSS closed built-up beams.
Re-theorising namûs beyond ‘honour’: self-making, feminist agency and global epistemic justice
Authors: Cetinkaya Hasret
Published: February 2024

Namûs describes a ‘way of life’ integral to Kurdish sociality and to the sense of self for many Kurds who live it in a plurality of ways. Constituting a form of power over the subject which can potentially take the form of domination, namûs is also a social relation of care and power between subjects and is integral to its subject's ethical relationship of self-to-self and processes of self-making. Post-Enlightenment and liberal frameworks of ‘modern’ selfhood, however, have tended to render namûs equivalent to ‘honour’ and ‘honour-based violence’ (‘HBV’). Through this act of mistranslation, a life with namûs is constructed as violent, unworthy, racially inferior and harmful to women. Building upon multi-sited ethnographic fieldwork conducted in North Kurdistan, Turkey and Denmark, this article originally theorises namûs as a practice of ethical self-making that is epistemic, dignified and agentic in all its complexities. Women living with and through namûs actively work to cultivate this way of being, thereby interrupting the epistemic authority of liberal feminism. Namûs, this article argues, cannot be understood through blanket explanations of ‘crime’, ‘oppression’ and ‘patriarchy’, as the discourse on ‘honour’ would suggest. Breaking away from these injurious portrayals is, therefore, vital to realise global epistemological justice.
A multi-year longitudinal study exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ familiarity and perceptions of active learning
Authors: Craig Briana , Hsu Jeremy L
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic caused nearly ubiquitous emergency remote teaching in both secondary and post-secondary education. While there has been a plethora of work examining how instructors adjusted classes to incorporate active learning during emergency remote teaching, there has only been minimal work examining how such emergency remote teaching may have influenced students’ perceptions of active learning. Here, we conduct a longitudinal multi-cohort study at one institution across nine semesters before, during, and after emergency remote teaching due to the pandemic to explore how college students’ familiarity and perceptions of active learning have shifted over time because of the pandemic. Our results reveal decreases in familiarity with active learning during emergency remote teaching, with familiarity remaining lower than pre-COVID even after the end of emergency remote teaching. In addition, our results indicate shifts in students’ perceptions of active learning, leading to potentially higher student resistance to active learning following emergency remote teaching. We conclude by discussing implications for instructors to better support active learning and promote engagement in active learning classes following the end of emergency remote teaching.
Target strength analysis using reflection coefficient of a submarine with low-frequency anechoic coatings
Authors: Kim Jae-Yong , Hong Suk-Yoon , Song Jee-Hun , Kwon Hyun-Wung
Published: February 2024

As the technological development of modern weapons systems progresses, attack and defense against the weapons systems of the past can become useless. In the case of underwater weapon systems, improvements in sonar and torpedo technology necessitate enhancements in submarine stealth performance. The stealth performance of a submarine is analyzed through the acoustic target strength (TS), which is indicated by the degree of sound wave reflection in the sonar equation. Various methods have been researched to analyze the TS of submarines, but methods considering the Anechoic coating attached to submarines are rare. Coating-related research has mainly focused on the absorption characteristics of coatings attached to flat surfaces. Therefore, there is an increasing need for research to analyze the sound absorption performance of anechoic coatings considering the curved surface of a submarine. In this study, we propose a method to verify the stealth performance of a submarine by analyzing the TS according to the azimuth angle by applying periodic inclusion of anechoic coating (PIAC) to the submarine. The PIAC based on the meta-structure is designed to form a bandgap in the low-frequency region by considering the resonance of the cylindrical Inclusion and the air cavity, applying the Bloch Theorem and the Brillouin zone, as well as the periodic arrangement characteristics. The PIAC was attached to the submarine model and modeled, and the absorption and reflection coefficients according to the azimuth angle were calculated using the finite element equation. The TS analysis included the process of determining the effective area by combining Geometrical Optics (GO) based on ray tracing and Physical Optics (PO) using the Kirchhoff approximation. The stealth performance was verified by comparing the TS analysis results according to the azimuth angle of the submarine equipped with the existing Alberich coating and the submarine equipped with PIAC at the same frequency.
Determinants of Consumer Intention to Purchase Fair Trade Products in the Middle East: Does Gender Matter?
Authors: Haj-Salem Narjes
Published: February 2024

Background

Consumers are increasingly mindful of the influence of their consumption choices on the environment and society, leading to a significant increase in demand for fair trade products. However, while this trend has been rapidly growing in recent years, the market for fair trade products is still in its early stage in the Middle East, despite the region’s high per capita income.

Focus of the Article

This study investigates the motivations behind fair trade product consumption in the Middle East. By doing this, it aims to provide valuable insights and practical implications for developing effective and tailored marketing strategies to promote fair trade products in the region.

Research Question

This study addresses two main questions: (1) To what extent do environmental consciousness, social norms, moral obligation, and attitude influence Middle Eastern consumers’ intention to purchase fair trade products? (2) Does gender moderate the relationships between these variables and fair trade purchase intention?

Importance to the Social Marketing Field

By shedding light on the drivers of fair trade consumption in the Middle East, a largely under-researched region, this study expands the social marketing literature and informs advancements in the field. The findings equip marketers and policymakers with valuable insights for devising effective and tailored marketing strategies to promote fair trade products in the Middle East market.

Method

The data were collected through an online survey administered to 252 consumers in the United Arab Emirates using Qualtrics. Established scales were adopted from prior research to measure the constructs. The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling analysis and multi-group analysis.

Results

The results showed that attitude towards fair trade products had the highest impact on purchase intention, followed by environmental consciousness, social norms, and moral obligation. Notably, the moderating analysis revealed that while attitude and environmental consciousness had comparable effects across genders, the impact of social norms on the intention to purchase fair trade products was significantly higher for females than males. Moral obligation, on the other hand, only significantly affected males’ intention to buy fair trade products.

Recommendations for Research or Practice

The study offers valuable insights for marketers and policymakers seeking to promote fair trade products in the Middle East market and highlights the need for tailored marketing strategies that consider gender differences in fair trade consumption.

Limitations

The data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of the general public in the UAE based on voluntary participation. While this approach is commonly used in ethical consumption research, the potential for selection bias may limit the generalizability of the results.
A novel reliability analysis methodology based on IPSO-MCopula model for gears with multiple failure modes
Authors: ErDong Xia , FuPing Zhou , Kun-Chieh Wang , ChunRong Wang , Hao Gao
Published: February 2024

In order to accurately and quickly predict the failure probability of gears with multiple failure modes, a novel reliability analysis methodology based on the mixed Copula (MCopula) function model is proposed to deal with the complex correlation among different failure functions. Firstly, we construct a novel MCopula model based on three famous Copula functions: Gumbel Copula, Clayton Copula, and Frank Copula functions. Secondly, we use and improve the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method to optimally calculate the weight coefficients in the proposed MCopula model. Thirdly, the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method is adopted to estimate related parameters in the proposed MCopula model. Finally, we verify the proposed reliability analysis methodology with a standard life-prediction case of a strut system and a practical life-problem case of a gear pair system. Comparison results of both cases show that, by using the proposed methodology, the failure probability of a gear pair system with multiple failure correlations can be quickly calculated through a small number of samples and can be estimated as accurately as that by the Monte Carlo scheme. Consequently, our proposed novel methodology successfully analyzes the reliability problems for a gear pair system with multiple failure modes. The proposed methodology can be further applied to solve the reliability problem for other machine parts.
Analyzing the relationship between distributed leadership and instructional quality in Taiwan: The mediating roles of teacher autonomy and teacher innovation
Authors: Hsieh Chuan-Chung , Song Yurou , Li Hui-Chieh
Published: February 2024

Instructional quality is a hot topic in education. Among the possible factors that can influence instructional quality, distributed leadership has emerged as a particularly influential factor at the school level. This study argues that distributed leadership relies on teachers taking autonomous responsibility and engaging in innovative practices. However, few studies have investigated the impact of distributed leadership on instructional quality through teacher autonomy or innovativeness. As such, we developed and tested a multilevel mediation model to examine teacher autonomy and teacher innovativeness as mediators in the relationship between distributed leadership and instructional quality. We used hierarchical linear modeling to analyze data from the 2018 Teaching and Learning International Survey, which includes responses from 2451 senior high school teachers in Taiwan. The results indicate that distributed leadership negatively affected instructional quality but positively influenced teacher autonomy and teacher innovativeness. Teacher autonomy and teacher innovativeness directly contribute to instructional quality, acting as competitive partial mediators in the relationship between distributed leadership and instructional quality. This study's findings provide evidence for understanding the association between distributed leadership and instructional quality at the high school level in Taiwan. Moreover, this study suggests that teachers’ autonomy and innovativeness effectively enhance instructional quality.
A global perspective on school leadership: Evidence from a latent class analysis on OECD TALIS data
Authors: Soncin Mara , Bowers Alex J. , Agasisti Tommaso
Published: February 2024

Previous research highlighted the existence of multiple educational leadership styles; however, evidence on their multidimensional application is limited. The current study defines an innovative cross-national classification for school leaders along the two dimensions of instructional and distributed leadership. We apply a three-step Latent Class Analysis to transnationally generalizable Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's Teaching and Learning International Survey 2013 data, with N = 9384 school principals surveyed across 32 countries. From here, we identify four sub-groups of leaders: integrating leaders (64.9% of the sample), who adopt instructional and distributed leadership in an integrated way, participative leaders (22.2%) and supportive leaders (8.5%), who are respectively high only on distributed or instructional leadership, and contingent leaders (4.4%), without a specific a priori leadership approach. Features specific to the principals, the schools and the school context are significantly related to leadership sub-group membership and important moderators of the correlation between types of leadership and students’ test scores, as analyzed for a subset of countries. As implications for leadership policy and practice, the cross-country prevalence of integrating leaders might increase the level of organizational complexity, while the geographical distribution of leadership classes highlights the important role played by cultural aspects in influencing leadership practices.
International students’ burnout and self-efficacy profiles and their relation to writing conceptions
Authors: Yin Yufan , Parpala Anna , Toom Auli
Published: February 2024

International students are at risk of burnout during their studies and face challenges in their writing. This study explores the burnout and self-efficacy profiles of international students and how these profiles differ in writing conceptions. Participants were 162 international students at a research-intensive Finnish university. They completed the HowULearn Questionnaire and the Writing Process Questionnaire. Latent profile analysis identified three profiles combining students’ burnout and self-efficacy: high burned-out students (16.0%), moderate burned-out students (45.1%), and low burned-out students with high self-efficacy (38.9%). The profile membership was not significantly related to students’ demographic, linguistic, or writing-related characteristics. The results showed that the combination of a lower level of study-related burnout and relatively higher self-efficacy led to fewer blocks, less procrastination and perfectionism, and more positive conceptions of knowledge transforming and productivity in writing. Overall, the study indicated that study-related burnout and self-efficacy contributes to understanding international students’ writing processes.
Influence of Primary Personality Trait and Age on String Orchestra Music Preference
Authors: Barnes Gail V. , Pope David A.
Published: February 2024

Understanding the potential relationships between musicians’ different primary personality traits, ages, and their music preferences could be relevant in music teaching and learning. We surveyed participants ( N = 362) from four groups: middle school orchestra students, high school orchestra students, collegiate orchestra students, and in-service music teachers and examined if: (a) there was a relationship between musical preferences of the four age groups, (b) there was a relationship between musicians’ primary personality traits and their preferences of string orchestra repertoire, and (c) there was a relationship between musician’s ages and their primary personality traits. Evidence supported that middle and high school orchestra students prefer music in the Arousal music attribute dimension significantly more than collegiate orchestra students and in-service orchestra teachers. Participants with Extraversion as their primary personality trait preferred repertoire in the Arousal music attribute dimension significantly more than music in the Valence dimension. In addition, Extraversion was the most common primary personality trait for middle school orchestra and collegiate orchestra students, while Conscientiousness was most common for in-service orchestra teachers.
The Myth of Theologically “Neutral” Terms
Authors: Saleem Teyyeb
Published: February 2024

Opponents of Muslim-idiom translation typically object to the use of particular Islamic key terms which they feel distort the meaning. In doing so, they often fail to see that the traditional “Christian” alternatives are at least equally problematic. Bible translation projects may aspire to acceptability among both Christians and Muslims (usually with one audience considered “primary” and the other “secondary”), or they may hope that a translation’s high level of contextualisation can be offset by publishing it together with a more “neutral” interlinear text. However, even just glossing Greek words, term by term, may present a whole host of difficulties, as can be demonstrated in attempting to gloss Matthew 1–4 in Urdu.
KEeP ACTIVe Club Study: Kidney Transplant Recipients’ Experiences of a Physical Activity and Social Interaction Virtual Group
Authors: Malo Marie-Françoise , Janaudis-Ferreira Tania , Affdal Aliya , Ballesteros Gallego Fabián-Andrés , Boulianne-Gref Janie , Cantarovich Marcelo , Ingram Elizabeth , Mangahas Lloyd , Tansey Catherine M. , Sapir-Pichhadze Ruth , Fortin Marie-Chantal
Published: February 2024

Background:

It can be difficult for kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) to be physically active after their transplantation. Physical inactivity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, one of the leading cause of death among KTRs. To help KTRs start and maintain a physical activity routine, we developed the KEeP ACTIVe Club, a 6-month online intervention with access to a kinesiologist, a patient partner, and a private support group with an online platform (Facebook).

Objective:

The objective of this study was to capture the participants’ experiences of the KEeP ACTIVe Club.

Design:

Individual interviews.

Setting:

The Center hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) and the McGill University Health Center (MUHC) kidney transplant programs.

Participants:

Kidney transplant recipients who participated in the KEeP ACTIVe Club.

Methods:

Between October and December 2021, we conducted 11 individual semi-directed interviews with KTRs from 2 urban kidney transplant programs who participated in the KEeP ACTIVe Club. The interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was conducted.

Results:

Participants’ principal motivation to participate in the KEeP ACTIVe Club was to improve their physical fitness following their transplant in a pandemic period. One of the main benefits of the KEeP ACTIVe Club was the improvement of participant’s self-confidence and the knowledge gained regarding exercises adapted to their reality as KTRs. However, the small number of participants and the schedules of classes offered were viewed as a pitfall of the current intervention. Finally, the peer mentoring and support gained by other participants were important and viewed as highly impactful aspects of the KEeP ACTIVe Club.

Limitations:

Only 11 of the 18 patients who participated in the KEeP ACTIVe Club took part in the interviews.

Conclusion:

Participants reported a positive experience with the KEeP ACTIVe Club. Peer mentoring and support gained from other participants seem to be essential aspects of the experience within the KEeP ACTIVe Club. This program is a good avenue to offer in post-transplant care to help KTRs to be more active and to connect with other patients.
Fiberscope-Based Measurement of Coaptation Height for Intraoperative Assessment of Mitral Valve Repair
Authors: Recco Dominic P. , Kneier Nicholas E. , Earley Patrick D. , Kizilski Shannen B. , Hammer Peter E. , Hoganson David M.
Published: February 2024

Background

Restoring adequate coaptation height is a key principle of mitral valve (MV) repair. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of fiberscope (FS) technology to assess MV coaptation height for intraoperative use.

Methods

Ex-vivo testing was performed on five adult porcine hearts. The left atrium (LA) was resected, and the left ventricle (LV) was pressurized retrograde to 27 ± 1mm Hg. An endoscope was inserted into the LV apex, centered under the MV orifice. An FS system (Milliscope II camera, LED light source, and 0.7 mm diameter × 15 cm long) 90° semirigid scope with 1.2 mm focal length) was mounted above the MV annulus in a custom alignment and measuring fixture. Three blinded measurements were taken at two locations on each MV, A2 and P2 segment, from the top of coaptation to the leaflet edge identified by the FS. Accurate positioning was verified using the LV endoscope. A control (metal rod of similar thickness) was used for comparison, with coaptation height recorded when the control was seen via the endoscope.

Results

Coaptation heights were similar for the control and FS methods across all hearts at A2 (11.6 ± 2.6 mm control vs 11.8 ± 2.2 mm FS) and P2 (13.3 ± 2.6 mm control vs 13.4 ± 2.9 mm FS) segments, with similar measurement variability (control SD 0.1-1.0 mm; FS SD 0.1-0.9 mm). One outlier was excluded from analysis (n = 19/20). The maximum absolute difference and percent error between measurement methods were less than 1.1 mm (median [IQR], 0.6 [0.3-0.9] mm) and less than 14% (4.1 [2.2-7.6]%).

Conclusions

Utilization of a miniaturized FS enabled precise and accurate quantification of MV coaptation. This technique is promising for evaluating post-repair valve competence and coaptation height.
Mapping the Field: A Content Analysis of Marketable NCAA Athletes’ Social Media Self-Presentation
Authors: Wanzer Claire V. , Pfender Emily J. , Travis Nicole P. , Bleakley Amy
Published: February 2024

The following study applies the framework of self-presentation theory to examine one year of posts ( n = 1064) from the TikTok and Instagram accounts of 18 highly marketable NCAA athletes. A content analysis was used to examine differences by platform, gender, and content type following the approval of NIL compensation for collegiate athletes. Findings revealed significant differences between male and female athletes regarding the type of content posted, prevalent self-presentation themes, and engagement. Male athletes were found to post more frontstage athletic performance content and backstage marketable lifestyle content than female athletes. In contrast, female athletes posted more backstage content in the attractive appearance category, which also was the category with the highest engagement from audiences. Additionally frontstage content in athletic performance content categories was more prevalent on Instagram, while backstage content appeared more frequently on TikTok. These findings advance our understanding of athletes’ social media platform use and are in line with traditional media presentations of gender and sport.
Terrorism’s impact on low and middle-income countries’ healthcare services: A perspective
Authors: Adebusoye Favour Tope , Tenkorang Pearl Ohenewaa , Awuah Wireko Andrew , Roy Sakshi , Wellington Jack , Ahmad Amal Olabisi , Abdul-Rahman Toufik , Ovechkin Denys , Isik Arda
Published: February 2024

Terrorism has emerged as an increasingly pressing global issue, giving rise to escalating casualties and devastating implications for peace and security. The low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), already grappling with inadequate healthcare services and an estimated annual mortality toll ranging from 5.7 to 8.4 million, face further setbacks as terrorism exacerbates their prevailing healthcare deficiencies. Among the aspects of how terrorism affects healthcare in LMICs are high morbidity, mortality, and treatment wait times. The four principal areas of reverberation encompass amplified vulnerabilities in healthcare systems, financial shortfalls in LMIC healthcare systems, worsened personnel shortages in healthcare, and the devastating impact on healthcare facilities. In response to these challenges, international organizations and countries have played a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of terrorism on healthcare systems. Additionally, to improve healthcare in these regions, investing in infrastructure, supporting healthcare workers, and ensuring safety are paramount. Implementing mobile health interventions, traditional medicine, and mobile laboratories may enhance healthcare accessibility. Further, employing blockchain technology for data security and supply chain management may strengthen healthcare systems in these areas.
Implementation successes and lessons learnt from a randomised controlled trial of a complex school-based intervention
Authors: Kingsley Ellen , Biggs Katie , Solaiman Kiera , Packham Anna , Nekooi Roshanak , Bursnall Matthew , McKendrick Kirsty , Cooper Cindy L , Wright Barry
Published: February 2024

Background

The UK has seen a recent shift towards children’s mental health being supported and treated in school settings. Several current school-based interventions focus on autism and social skills, with education professional involvement in their delivery increasing. The study of these interventions poses specific implementation challenges. This paper discusses implementation successes and learnings from the I-SOCIALISE research study which delivered and evaluated efficacy of LEGO® based therapy (now Play Brick Therapy) for autistic children and young people delivered in schools. Detailed Methods and results of the trial are reported elsewhere.

Methods

The I-SOCIALISE study was a pragmatic large-scale NIHR-funded cluster randomised controlled trial. Children and young people, their parents/guardians, and schoolteachers or teaching assistants were recruited from mainstream schools in the UK. They completed outcome measures and were randomised to receive either 12-week of LEGO® based therapy and usual support or usual support only. Various methods to achieve successful recruitment and retention were used and learnings were documented.

Results

The study recruited to time and target with successful delivery of this complex intervention in schools. Several lessons were learnt about recruitment methods, data collection, participant burden and retention, blinding, and the importance of relationships with key school contacts. Main recommendations based on these learnings are provided.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that it is possible to undertake large scale, robust evaluation of pragmatically delivered complex school-based interventions. Recommendations are made to address the logistical challenges of undertaking research in this setting which are intended to facilitate future research.
Reversal of cylindrical bronchial dilatations in a subset of adults with cystic fibrosis treated with elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor
Authors: Cazier Paul , Chassagnon Guillaume , Dhote Théo , Da Silva Jennifer , Kanaan Reem , Honoré Isabelle , Carlier Nicolas , Revel Marie-Pierre , Canniff Emma , Martin Clémence , Burgel Pierre-Régis
Published: February 2024

Background

This study sought to evaluate the impact of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) on lung structural abnormalities in adults with cystic fibrosis (awCF) with a specific focus on the reversal of bronchial dilatations.

Methods

Chest computed tomography (CT) scans performed prior to and 12 months after initiation of ETI were visually reviewed for possible reversal of bronchial dilatations. AwCF with and without reversal of bronchial dilatations (the latter served as controls, with three controls per case) were selected. Visual Brody score, bronchial and arterial diameters, and lung volume were measured on CT.

Results

Reversal of bronchial dilatations was found in 12/235 (5%) awCF treated with ETI. 12 awCF with and 36 without reversal of bronchial dilatations were further analysed (male 56%, mean±sdage 31.6±8.5 years, F508del/F508delCFTR54% and mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s 58.8±22.3% predicted). The Brody score improved overall from 79.4±29.8 to 54.8±32.3 (p<0.001). Reversal of bronchial dilatations was confirmed by a decrease in bronchial lumen diameter in cases from 3.9±0.9 to 3.2±1.1 mm (p<0.001), whereas it increased in awCF without reversal of bronchial dilatations (from 3.5±1.1 to 3.6±1.2 mm; p=0.002). Reversal of bronchial dilatations occurred in cylindrical (not varicose or saccular) bronchial dilatations. Lung volumes decreased by −6.6±10.7% in awCF with reversal of bronchial dilatations but increased by +2.3±9.6% in controls (p=0.007).

Conclusions

Although bronchial dilatations are generally considered irreversible, ETI was associated with reversal, which was limited to the cylindrical bronchial dilatation subtype, and occurred in a small subset of awCF. Initiating ETI earlier in life may reverse early bronchial dilatations.
Genomic diversity and clinical relevance ofMycobacterium simiae
Authors: Wetzstein Nils , Diricks Margo , Andres Sönke , Kuhns Martin , Marschall Lisa , Biciusca Teodora , Smaczny Christina , Friesen Inna , Niemann Stefan , Wichelhaus Thomas A.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Mycobacterium simiaeis a slow-growing non-tuberculous mycobacterium that can cause non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) pulmonary disease and extrapulmonary infections. Until now, detailed genomic and clinical characteristics, as well as possible transmission routes of this rare pathogen remain largely unknown.

Methods

We conducted whole genome sequencing of availableM. simiaeisolates collected at a tertiary care centre in Central Germany from 2006 to 2020 and set them into context with publicly availableM. simiaecomplex sequences through phylogenetic analysis. Resistance, virulence and stress genes, as well as known Mycobacteriaceae plasmid sequences were detected in whole genome raw reads. Clinical data and course were retrieved and correlated with genomic data.

Results

We included 33M. simiae sensu strictoisolates from seven patients.M. simiaeshowed low clinical relevance with only two patients fulfilling American Thoracic Society (ATS) criteria in our cohort and three receiving NTM-effective therapy. The bacterial populations were highly stable over time periods of up to 14 years, and no instances of mixed or re-infections with other strains ofM. simiaewere observed. Clustering with <12 single nucleotide polymorphisms distance was evident among isolates from different patients; however, proof for human-to-human transmission could not be established from epidemiological data.

Conclusion

Overall, the available sequence data forM. simiaecomplex was significantly extended and new insights into its pathogenomic traits were obtained. We demonstrate high longitudinal genomic stability within single patients. Although we cannot exclude human-to-human transmission, we consider it unlikely in the light of available epidemiological data.
Multiple-breath washout to detect lung disease in patients with inborn errors of immunity
Authors: Busack Leonie M. , Thee Stephanie , Liu Yvonne , Allomba Christine , Ziegahn Niklas , Tosolini Apolline , Pioch Charlotte O. , Schnorr Alexandra N. , Fuhlrott Bent R. , Staudacher Olga , Völler Mirjam , Steinke Eva , Hanitsch Leif G. , Röhmel Jobst , Wahn Volker , Krüger Renate , Mall Marcus A. , von Bernuth Horst , Stahl Mirjam
Published: February 2024

Background

Pulmonary manifestations are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI). New and more sensitive diagnostic methods can potentially lead to earlier recognition and treatment of IEI lung disease and improve outcome. The aim of this study was to compare multiple-breath washout (MBW) and spirometry in patients with IEI and cystic fibrosis (CF) as well as healthy controls (HC) and to evaluate the sensitivity of lung clearance index (LCI) to assess lung disease in IEI.

Methods

IEI patients (n=114) were recruited from our paediatric and adult immunodeficiency outpatient clinics and compared to age-matched CF patients (n=114) and HC (n=114). MBW measurements and spirometry were performed in the study participants, and MBW testing was repeated after 63–707 days in IEI patients (n=70).

Results

The LCI was significantly higher in IEI patients than in HC (p<0.001) and significantly lower than in CF patients (p<0.001). The forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) z-score was significantly lower in IEI patients than in HC (p<0.01) and significantly higher than in CF patients (p<0.01). LCI and FEV1z-score correlated moderately negatively in the total cohort, the IEI group and the CF group. Nineteen (20.7%) of 92 IEI patients and 35 (33.3%) of 105 CF patients had an elevated LCI but a normal FEV1z-score. After a median of 364 days, the median LCI of 70 IEI patients increased significantly by 0.2.

Conclusion

MBW is useful to detect lung disease in IEI and is more sensitive than spirometry.