bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do different interventions impact stair climbing? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Caputo Eduardo Lucia , Feter Natan , Alt Ricardo , da Silva Marcelo C.
Published: June 2022

Objectives:

This study aimed to analyze the effect of interventions to increase stair use.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

An online search was conducted in January 2021 in five databases (Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, MedLine/PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL). Experimental studies (randomized and non-randomized) conducted in adults, which provided stair use measures with pre- and post-intervention periods were included. A random-effect meta-analysis, as well as subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the quantitative effect of interventions on stair use.

Results:

Overall, 34 studies were included in qualitative analyses, and 15 in the meta-analysis. Most of the studies were conducted in Europe and private settings (e.g., office buildings). Overall, interventions increased stair use in adults (odds ratio (OR) 1.48; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.38–1.58; I2 = 99.6%). Subgroup analyses showed that interventions increased stair use regardless of the continent and observer type (manual or electronic). However, different settings (shopping malls and office buildings), as well as studies (time of intervention) and intervention characteristics (sign size and location, message characters) were associated with increased stair use.

Conclusions:

Different interventions can increase stair use in several continents and settings. Sign and message characteristics should be considered when designing interventions or policies to promote physical activity by increasing stair use.
Ergostane-Type Sterols From Several Cordyceps Strains
Authors: Yoneyama Tatsuro , Takahashi Hiroki , Grudniewska Aleksandra , Ban Sayaka , Umeyama Akemi , Noji Masaaki
Published: June 2022

Ergosterol is an essential component for fungi, including entomopathogenic fungi like Cordyceps. Cordyceps has been used as a traditional medicine in Japan and China and possesses various unique ergostane-type sterols, those exhibit bioactivities. In this manuscript, we reported the isolation of 2 new ergostane-type sterols, 1 and 2 along with ten sterols (3-12) from 7 strains of Cordyceps related fungal strains, Cordyceps takaomontana NBRC 101754, Metarhizium owariense NBRC 33258, Polycephalomyces formosus NBRC 109994, Cordyceps tuberculata NBRC 106948, Cordyceps tenuipes NBRC 108997, Cordyceps sp. NBRC 106954, and Tolypocladium paradoxum NBRC 106958 collected fruiting bodies of Ophiocordyceps heteropoda. In addition, the antitrypanosomal activity and antimicrobial activity of isolates were tested to find 6 showed the antitrypanosomal activity, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value was confirmed as 1.41 µg/mL. In the antimicrobial assay, the MIC value of 8 against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was determined to be 3.1 µg/mL.
Analysis on the Structure of Phlorethols Isolated From the Warm-Temperate Brown Seaweed Sargassum carpophyllum and Their Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Taniguchi Ryosuke , Ito Chihiro , Keitoku Saki , Miyake Yoshiaki , Itoigawa Masataka , Matsui Takuya , Shibata Toshiyuki
Published: June 2022

The brown seaweed Sargassum carpophyllum J. Agardh is an unused warm-temperate species in the family Sargassaceae that has been expanding its distribution along the coastal areas of Japan in recent years. In this study, 3 types of phlorotannins were identified from the EtOAc fraction of the 80% MeOH extract of S. carpophyllum. From the spectroscopic (1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HMBC) and ESI/MS data and comparison with those of prior literature, it was demonstrated that the compounds are oligomers of phlorethol, which is one of the subclasses of phlorotannins, that is triphlorethol B (phloroglucinol trimer), tetraphlorethol C (phloroglucinol tetramer), and pentaphlorethol A (phloroglucinol pentamer). Among the phlorethols, tetraphlorethol C and pentaphlorethol A were isolated and identified for the first time from a brown seaweed collected from the East China Sea, including the coastal areas of Japan. The identified phlorethols were tested for their antioxidant properties. In the antioxidant assay using liposomes, the phlorethols showed comparable inhibitory effects to epigallocatechin gallate (tea polyphenol) and α-tocopherol (liposoluble vitamin) on lipid peroxidation by 4 mM 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride. In addition, it was revealed that pentaphlorethol A has a superoxide anion scavenging activity (50% effective concentration: 21 μM) higher than that (50% effective concentration: 46 μM) of ascorbic acid (hydrosoluble vitamin).
The Healthcare Workspace: Understanding the Role of Decentralized Nursing Stations, Corridors, and Huddle Spaces as Locations for Teamwork in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Fay Lindsey , Real Kevin , Haynes Shannon
Published: June 2022

Objective:

The goal of this research was to understand the use of decentralized nursing stations (DNS), corridors, and huddle stations as places for teamwork and multidisciplinary care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Background:

This article shares outcomes from a pre- and post-occupancy evaluation that assessed a NICU moving from an open-bay model to a new single-family room (SFR) unit comprised of six, 12-bed neighborhoods. This interdisciplinary research team draws upon the practical expertise of a NICU Patient Care Manager and researchers in Design and Communication to illuminate the research process, results, and lessons learned.

Methods:

A multi-methodological design, approved by the institutional review board, was employed that utilized an electronically distributed pre- and post-move survey of staff and observational counts of face-to-face interactions.

Results:

Survey results indicate NICU staff have statistically significant higher perceptions of job satisfaction, stress and well-being, and design satisfaction among a variety of professionals after moving to a SFR, decentralized unit design. Consistent with the literature, staff did not have significantly higher perceptions of the decentralized NICU relative to teamwork. Observations revealed frequency of conversations primarily at DNS followed by corridors and huddle stations. When examining the multidisciplinary makeup, outcomes were reversed with huddle spaces holding the largest percentage of conversations. On average, there were 2.72 individuals involved in these interactions, with the corridor seeing the largest average of group sizes.

Conclusion:

The outcomes of this study demonstrate that neutral spaces such as corridors and centralized huddle stations should be considered as locations for strategic collaboration and multidisciplinary care.
Sports Imaging of COVID-19: A Multi-Organ System Review of Indications and Imaging Findings
Authors: Rashidi Ali , Fritz Jan
Published: June 2022

Background:

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Although coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) affects every population group, the sports community and athletes require special consideration of the effects on cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurologic, and respiratory systems. A comprehensive understanding of imaging indications, findings, and features of COVID-19 supports appropriate imaging utilization and effective patient management and treatment.

Purpose:

To review the spectrum of sports imaging in COVID-19 infection, organ system manifestations, vaccine effects, and complications in recreational and competitive athletes.

Study Design:

Narrative review.

Level of Evidence:

Levels 4 and 5.

Methods:

Based on a PubMed database search, studies describing the imaging findings of COVID-19 infection, organ system manifestations, vaccine effects, and complications in recreational and competitive athletes were included.

Results:

On March 11, 2020, World Health Organization officially declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. As of May 9, 2022, more than 515 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported globally. While the multisystem effects of COVID-19 are incompletely understood, the role of imaging in diagnosing, monitoring, and prognosticating active disease, long-term effects, and complications is evolving. In the respiratory system, imaging plays an important role in diagnosing, characterizing, and monitoring pulmonary COVID-19 infections, barotrauma, and COVID-19-associated chronic pulmonary opacities and fibrotic-like lung changes. Ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging aid in the timely diagnosis of ischemic, embolic, and thrombotic peripheral and central cardiovascular events, including deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocarditis, and stroke. COVID-19-associated musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous system manifestations include rhabdomyolysis and myonecrosis, plexus and peripheral neuropathies, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and shoulder injury related to vaccine administration.

Conclusion:

In athletes, COVID-19 infections and associated effects on cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurologic, and respiratory systems require special consideration. With the increasing understanding of the multisystem effects of COVID-19, the role of imaging in diagnosing, monitoring, and prognosticating active disease, long-term effects, and complications is evolving. A comprehensive understanding of imaging indications, COVID-19 imaging features, and organ system effects aids in appropriate imaging utilization and effective patient management and treatments.
Colonic schwannoma: A case of unusual presentation and outcome
Authors: NASRI Salsabil , Hedi MRAIDHA Mohamed , ABDELKRIM Mehdi BEN , YOUSSEF Sabri , HAMILA Fehmi , Amine ELGHALI Mohamed
Published: June 2022

Background: Schwannomas are mesenchymal tumors arising from neural sheath cells and whose diagnosis is based on immunohistochemistery. The digestive and especially colonic location of this tumor is rare. Commonly described in elderly patient, their malignancy is unusual. Case report: We report the case of a 23-year-old girl, with learning disability, operated in emergency for acute peritonitis. Peroperatively, we discovered a peritonitis secondary to a bulky perforated cecal tumor. We performed a right colectomy and an ileostomy. The posterior margin of the resection was macroscopically involved. The diagnosis of colonic schwannoma was confirmed with immunopathological examination of the surgical specimen. Surgical exploration 4 months later and morphological investigations during 2 years showed stability of the tumoral residue in the right iliac fossa. However, we noticed, on CT scanning control 2 years postoperatively, the appearance of a mesenteric recurrence. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed the unresectability of this mesenteric mass and showed the presence of multiple parietal nodules whose biopsies revealed their neurofibromatous nature. The 4 year follow-up of the patient didn’t reveal any complication rather than need to right nephrostomy due to ureter compression by the primary tumoral residue. Discussion: Colonic schwannoma is a rare disease, commonly described in uncomplicated stages. The learning disability of our patient had favorized the absence of declared symptoms and promoted the evolution of the cecal swhannoma until its perforation. This complication was not described before. Local recurrence has been also rarely reported in the literature. Association with neurofibroma may be hereditary in a context of neurofibromatosis or sporadic. Conclusion: Colonic schwannoma may have polymorphic presentation mimicking malignant tumor in such cases. Not treated in time, it can lead to severe complications, such as tumoral perforation. Surgical resection remains the mainstay treatment. The slow evolutionary genius of schwannoma, even when incompletely resected by necessity, confirms its good prognosis.
Relationship between total testosterone, sex hormone–binding globulin levels and the severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in males: a meta-analysis
Authors: Mo Man-Qiu , Huang Zi-Chun , Yang Zhen-Hua , Liao Yun-Hua , Xia Ning , Pan Ling
Published: June 2022

Background:

In recent years, many studies have reported the relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and sex hormones, especially total testosterone (TT) and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG). However, the relationship between sex hormones and the severity of NAFLD is still unclear.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, WanFang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and VIP databases were searched for relevant studies from inception to 31 August 2021. Values of weighted mean differences (WMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined by Stata 12.0 software to evaluate the relationship between TT, SHBG and the severity of NAFLD in males.

Results:

A total of 2995 patients with NAFLD from 10 published cross-sectional studies were included for further analysis. The meta-analysis indicated that the moderate-severe group had a lower TT than the mild group in males with NAFLD (WMD: −0.35 ng/ml, 95% CI = −0.50 to −0.20). TT and SHBG were important risk factors of moderate-severe NAFLD in males (ORTT = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.73 to 0.86; ORSHBG = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.12 to 0.39; p < 0.001). Moreover, when the analysis was limited to men older than age 50, SHBG levels were lower in those with moderate-severe disease (WMD: −11.32 nmol/l, 95% CI = −14.23 to −8.40); while for men with body mass index (BMI) >27 kg/m2, moderate-severe NAFLD had higher SHBG levels than those with mild disease (WMD: 1.20 nmol/l, 95% CI = −2.01 to 4.42).

Conclusion:

The present meta-analysis shows that lower TT is associated with the severity of NAFLD in males, while the relationship between SHBG and severity of NAFLD is still to be further verified.
From disruption to ransomware: Lessons From hackers
Authors: Datta Pratim Milton , Acton Thomas
Published: June 2022

Since 2020, SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) has forced organizations to pivot towards digital transformation. Yet, the same period has seen a dramatic rise in hacking and ransomware attacks, especially from internationally malicious actors attempting to simultaneously disrupt and profit. Although a knee-jerk reaction has been the adoption of new-fangled technologies as the only way to prevent, detect, and mitigate attacks, this case study highlights how imperative it is for organizations to proactively review and re-engineer their process inefficiencies and human errors as a systematic counter-strategy. Using fictitious characters reflecting real-world hacking processes and outfits, this case projects the need for a new cybersecurity order, where cybersecure process reengineering and human training deserve greater attention than simply investing in newer cybersecurity technologies.
Opening spaces for researching feminism and public relations: Perspectives from Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia
Authors: Fitch Kate , Clark Treena , Kaur Kiranjit , Simorangkir Deborah N. , Souket Rizwanah
Published: June 2022

Drawing on communication, feminist studies and public relations scholarship, this interdisciplinary paper contributes to feminist perspectives on public relations in order to draw attention to the disciplinary implications of the ongoing exclusion of diverse women’s voices and the ways gendered exclusion is exacerbated by the marginalisation of voices from Global South, Indigenous and settler colonial contexts. Writing from three countries located in the Asia-Pacific region, the authors interrogate the field as feminist public relations scholars and highlight the need for more inclusive practices in academic processes that shape disciplinary knowledge. The paper challenges liberal feminist and postfeminist perspectives, arguing these have significant implications for the production of public relations knowledge. Instead, it argues that feminist public relations scholarship needs to foreground intersectionality and social justice and embrace perspectives and research outside the US and Europe. It calls for greater awareness of the ways power is associated with privilege and determines ‘legitimate’ disciplinary knowledge within public relations in order to challenge structural and institutional inequalities. In advocating for critical, intersectional and transnational feminist public relations, the paper argues for greater reflexivity and vigilance in opening up the field to new and diverse perspectives and improving disciplinary processes.
Uncontrolled hypertension and associated factors among adult hypertensive patients on follow-up at public hospitals, Eastern Ethiopia: A multicenter study
Authors: Abdisa Lemesa , Girma Sagni , Lami Magarsa , Hiko Ahmed , Yadeta Elias , Geneti Yomilan , Balcha Tegenu , Assefa Nega , Letta Shiferaw
Published: June 2022

Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of uncontrolled hypertension and associated factors among adult hypertensive patients on follow-up at public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 415 hypertensive patients in Eastern Ethiopia from June 15 to July 15, 2021. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and reviewing patients’ charts. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension.

Results:

This study revealed that magnitude of uncontrolled hypertension was 48% (95% confidence interval = 43.1%−52.8%). Being male (adjusted odds ratio = 2.05, 95% confidence interval = 1.29–3.26), age ⩾55 years (adjusted odds ratio = 3.16, 95% confidence interval = 1.96–5.08), non-adherence to medication (adjusted odds ratio = 1.83, 95% confidence interval = 1.14–2.94), low diet quality (adjusted odds ratio = 4.04, 95% confidence interval = 2.44–8.44), physically inactive (adjusted odds ratio = 3.20, 95% confidence interval = 1.84–5.56), and having comorbidity (adjusted odds ratio = 3.04, 95% confidence interval = 1.90–4.85) were significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension.

Conclusions:

In our sample of hypertensive patients on follow-up at public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia, half had uncontrolled hypertension. Older age, male sex, non-adherence to antihypertensive medication, low diet quality, physically inactive, and having comorbidity were found to be predictors of uncontrolled hypertension. Therefore, sustained health education on self-care practices with special emphasis on older, males, and patients with comorbid conditions.
A rare triad of appendiceal diverticula, appendiceal carcinoid, and colonic diverticula
Authors: Kim Sunyoung , Makkapati Shreya , Modukuru Venkat , Wallack Marc
Published: June 2022

Appendiceal diverticulosis is a rare finding associated with appendiceal neoplasms. Both can masquerade as appendicitis in patients and are overlooked in differentials of right upper quadrant pain. A 37-year-old African American female presented with appendicitis-like symptoms to the emergency room with fever and leukocytosis. Appendectomy was performed with pathological evaluation revealing coexisting appendiceal diverticula and carcinoid of the appendix with lymphovascular invasion and mesoappendiceal involvement. In line with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, right hemicolectomy with lymph node dissection was performed which was negative for neoplastic invasion but positive for colonic diverticulosis. While there have been many case reports of appendiceal diverticula with coexisting appendiceal carcinoid, a concurrent colonic diverticulum in the right hemicolectomy specimen during the oncologic resection of the appendiceal carcinoid has not been previously reported. We propose colonic diverticula as another possible feature that may be associated with appendiceal diverticula especially with an underlying appendiceal neoplasm.
Everolimus in poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary: A case report
Authors: Bou Zerdan Maroun , Hamouche Ramzi , Bouferraa Youssef , Chouairy Camil , Gholam Dany
Published: June 2022

Malignancies with unknown primaries contribute to a small yet significant percentage of overall tumors. Neuroendocrine carcinomas, a rare disease with a poor prognosis, have been known to present as an unknown primary. Treatment consists of cytotoxic chemotherapy but given the latter’s high toxicity profile new treatment options are being explored. In this case report, we describe a case of a patient with poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary treated with compassionate oral everolimus after his refusal of intravenous chemotherapy.
Smart campus communication, Internet of Things, and data governance: Understanding student tensions and imaginaries
Authors: Cheong Pauline Hope , Nyaupane Pratik
Published: June 2022

In recent years, universities have been urged to restructure and re-evaluate their ability to trace and monitor their students as the “smart campus” is being built upon datafication, while networked apps and sensors serve as the means through which its constituents are connected and governed. This paper advances a dialectical and communication-centered approach to the Internet of Things campus ecosystem and provides an empirical investigation into (a) the tensions experienced by students and (b) the ways that these students envision alternative practices that support their digital engagement. Drawing upon student focus group interviews in a large American research and innovation intensive university, dialectical tensions identified include convenience–annoyance, integration–independence, and safety–insecurity, brought upon by students’ ongoing and prospective negotiations with Internet of Things. Furthermore, in a bid to understand students’ alternative data imaginaries, this project examined students’ preferred Internet of Things-related communication practices with campus digital application platforms, analog and older forms of digital media, as well as in-person interactions with traditional authorities within classroom and group settings. Finally, this contribution presents a discussion of the findings for theory and praxis, particularly for smart campus innovation and social data governance, in terms of potential growing challenges involving complexifying student privacy concerns, data normalization and coercion, and tertiary digital divides and inequalities.
Perceived Barriers to Peritoneal Dialysis Among Kenyan Nephrologists: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study
Authors: Sokwala Saleem Abdul Karim , Odhiambo John Otieno , Sokwala Ahmed Parwizali
Published: June 2022

Background:

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a well-recognized technique of renal replacement therapy (RRT), with similar efficacy as well as survival outcomes as hemodialysis (HD). Despite its advantages including prolonged preservation of residual renal function, potentially lower cost and advances with automated techniques, and commercialization of more biocompatible solutions, the overall prevalence of patients treated with PD is still very low in developed countries and even more so in Africa and low-middle income countries like Kenya. According to our knowledge, no local studies have been done on prevalence of peritoneal dialysis or on potential barriers to utilization of PD as an RRT modality.

Objective:

To explore perceptive barriers of nephrologists to PD utilization.

Methodology:

A computer-base, 22-question questionnaire was formulated using the Delphi technique and sent out to all the nephrologists via emails. There were 30 nephrologists, in clinical practice in Kenya, at the time when the study was conducted. This is according to the registry maintained by the Kenya Renal Association (KRA). Their contacts were obtained from the registry.

Design:

A cross-sectional descriptive study

Setting:

A computer based 22-question questionnaire was administered to 23 nephrologists in Kenya.

Results:

Among the total number of 23 nephrologists, 39% reported to be looking after patients maintained on PD despite 59% of them reporting that they think patients should be maintained on PD. Only 21% of respondents felt limited training in PD limited their use of PD and only 23% felt poor personal experience contributed to limited use. Other barriers that came up with a relative majority of the respondents included lack of nursing expertise, concerns with PD catheter placement, concerns about long-term viability of continuous peritoneal dialysis, concerns about technique failure and peritonitis, lack of facility support for PD, and lack of dialysis education programs.

Conclusion:

A significant proportion of nephrologists in this survey felt PD, as a modality of RRT, was underutilized and reported systemic and technical factors as being potential barriers.
Successful treatment of local anaesthetic toxicity using intralipid 20% emulsion following intrathoracic bupivacaine overdose in a cat
Authors: Caulfield Sarah , Tinson Erica , Birkbeck Rachael
Published: June 2022

Case summary

An 8.75-year-old male neutered Burmese cat was referred for treatment of pyothorax. The cat was responsive, cardiovascularly stable and tachypnoeic (40 breaths/min) on arrival. Medical management of pyothorax was initiated, bilateral thoracic drains were placed and thoracic lavage using aliquots of saline 0.9% was performed every 4 h. Regional analgesia was provided using 1 mg/kg of intrapleural bupivacaine divided equally between the left and right hemithoraxes every 6 h. On the second day of hospitalisation, the cat developed hypersalivation, mydriasis and tonic–clonic seizure activity 25 mins after accidental intrapleural administration of a 10 mg/kg bupivacaine overdose. Cardiovascular compromise was also noted; the cat became bradycardic (120 beats/min) and blood pressure decreased to 110 mmHg. Clinical signs resolved after administration of intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) as an intravenous (IV) bolus (1.5 ml/kg over 5 mins), followed by a continuous rate infusion (0.25 ml/kg/min over 25 mins). Local anaesthetic intrapleural anaesthesia was discontinued. There was recrudescence of clinical signs 10 h post-overdose and repeat ILE 20% infusion was required. The cat was discharged with no ongoing complications.

Relevance and novel information

Treatment of IV local anaesthetic systemic toxicity with ILE has been reported in cats. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of intrapleural bupivacaine overdose with initial response and resolution of clinical signs followed by recrudescence and subsequent successful treatment using ILE.
The Extended Reach of Game Engine Companies: How Companies Like Epic Games and Unity Technologies Provide Platforms for Extended Reality Applications and the Metaverse
Authors: Jungherr Andreas , Schlarb Damien B.
Published: June 2022

Game engines have come to feature in areas well beyond gaming—such as architecture, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, public planning, and film and television production. Accordingly, companies developing, providing, and maintaining game engines—such as Epic Games or Unity Technologies—are set to become influential actors in all social and economic arenas that start to rely on game engines for the provision of software or services. This makes them an important subject to the study of platforms as they provide increasingly crucial building blocks in the digitization of economic, political, and social life. In this article, we present three dimensions demonstrating platform functions of game engines beyond gaming. We rely on the example of two important game engine developers: Epic Games and Unity Technologies. The dimensions are (1) the growing area of extended reality applications, (2) cross-platform and cross-media story- and brand worlds, and (3) the management of user payments, identities, and social graphs. The article shows how companies providing game engines challenge the current balance of power between established platform companies, demonstrating that game engines have emerged as an important new type of platform that demands academic and public attention.
Instagram Photo Sharing and Its Relationships With Social Connectedness, Loneliness, and Well-Being
Authors: Maclean Julie , Al-Saggaf Yeslam , Hogg Rachel
Published: June 2022

Photo sharing is one of the most popular online social media activities and has been associated with changes in mental health. Research investigating the effect of sharing photos on a social media user’s social connectedness, loneliness, and well-being has generated conflicting results. This study analyzed the effect of Instagram photo sharing on the relationships among social connectedness, loneliness, and well-being. The study focused on photos sharing separate to viewing photos to understand the specific effect of photo sharing. The research measured how those with transient and chronic levels of loneliness respond differently to photo sharing, which has not been previously considered. Well-being and loneliness are conceptualized as dependent variables that have a relationship with social connectedness as an independent variable, which is moderated by the number of photos shared. Results from an online survey of 373 participants found Instagram photo sharing does significantly moderate relationships among social connectedness, loneliness, and well-being. Highest levels of photo sharing were found to have the largest moderating effect. Levels of well-being decreased as social connectedness and photo sharing increased. Differences were found for types of loneliness where photo sharing was most beneficial at low levels of social connectedness for transient loneliness. In contrast, for those experiencing chronic trait loneliness, high levels of photo sharing were associated with highest levels of loneliness when social connectedness was high. One obvious implication for social media and policy may lie in education for users and technology enhancement for optimal photo sharing levels that minimize loneliness and maximize well-being.
Hypoglossal nerve palsy due to internal carotid artery dissection with pseudoaneurysm formation: An unusual presentation
Authors: Abukeshek Tawfiq , Gbande Pihou , Hamed Raed
Published: June 2022

Internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection is a dangerous condition that results from disruption of the intimal part of the wall of the internal carotid artery. It is a rare disease that may occur spontaneously or as a result of a trauma. Spontaneous dissections of the carotid artery are rare but important causes of ischemic stroke because they usually affect young and middle-aged patients. Up to date, only a few cases were described in the literature about ICA dissection causing isolated cranial nerve palsies, with the Hypoglossal nerve being the most affected. Here, we report a case of a 56-year-old man presenting with progressive dysarthria, dysphagia to liquid diet, and difficult mastication. He was diagnosed as a case of cervical internal carotid dissection with pseudoaneurysm formation causing mass effect resulting in a compressive ipsilateral Hypoglossal nerve palsy based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Angiography confirmed the presence of dissecting pseudoaneurysm which was eventually managed by stenting. This case was reported to highlight and emphasize the importance of radiology, whether diagnostic or interventional, in managing rare and challenging cases such as ICA dissection.
From Big Data Analytics to Organizational Agility: What Is the Mechanism?
Authors: Al-Darras Osama Musa Ali , Tanova Cem
Published: June 2022

In the age of digitalization, big data analytics capabilities are considered one of the most critical organizational resources. Many organizations make considerable investments in these resources with an intention to improve their agility. However, the mechanism to reap agility from big data analytics still requires extensive empirical research and analysis. This study extends the big data analytics model by examining the mediating effects of entrepreneurial orientation between big data analytics capabilities and organizational agility. Partial least squares-structured equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the responses collected from 104 firms in Jordan. Results demonstrate that entrepreneurial orientation explains the relationship between big data analytics capabilities and agility. This finding contributes to the management literature by showing that big data analytics capabilities may enhance firm entrepreneurial orientation. While much of the prior research conceptualized the entrepreneurial orientation of the firm as a static characteristic, the current study argues that big data analytic capabilities play a key role in developing organizational agility through its role in improving entrepreneurial orientation, which subsequently creates value for firms, their customers, and the other stakeholders. Finally, challenges and future scope pertaining to this study are discussed. Recommendations for future studies on this promising topic include the use of longitudinal designs and mixed methods (quantitative with qualitative) approaches to provide researchers with new insights.
The Value of Systems Thinking for and in Regulatory Governance: An Evidence Synthesis
Authors: van der Heijden Jeroen
Published: June 2022

Systems thinking has often been suggested (and sometimes been applied) to improve the development and implementation of regulation (“regulatory governance”). But what are the pros and cons of this approach to regulatory governance? Following the logic of meta-research, a systematic and replicable process of synthesizing research findings across a body of original research, this article presents an evidence synthesis of academic literature on systems thinking for and in regulatory governance. Through a staged approach, an initial body of 757 articles are analyzed. The article presents the main findings from the evidence synthesis, presents the gaps in our knowledge, and suggests a future agenda for research on systems thinking for and in regulatory governance.
Analysis of Worldwide Research on Craft Beer
Authors: Durán-Sánchez Amador , de la Cruz del Río-Rama María , Álvarez-García José , Oliveira Cristiana
Published: June 2022

Beer is popular worldwide and it is considered the oldest and most consumed alcoholic beverage in the world. At the global production level, most of the market is dominated by a few multinational companies, but in recent years, craft beers have gained market share. In addition to being independent and produced on a smaller scale, the main characteristic of craft breweries is their broad differentiation capacity, attracting consumers who demand products that are more committed to sustainability and the environment, as well as being willing to pay higher prices for goods in line with their life philosophy. Their great popularity aroused the interest of researchers throughout the world, leading to the proliferation of a large number of scientific articles that address the production and consumption of craft beer. This research aims to identify and analyze the scientific production that addresses Craft Beer. A bibliometric analysis is used as the methodology to obtain the following information regarding the subject over the years: growth and coverage, article citations (quality indicator), the most relevant authors, etc., which will be useful information for researchers. The two main international databases, WoS and Scopus are used for document tracking and 137 articles are identified. The results show that this is a recent area of study, since researchers only started showing interest in the subject in 2015; 90% of the documents have been published in the last 5 years. Most of the authors are transient with a single authorship, so the production is low (productivity index 1.18). Therefore, the study area is incipient and is considered of great potential for researchers.
A Techno-Economic Analysis of Solar Energy Developmental Under Competing Technologies: A Case Study in Jiangxi, China
Authors: Rafiq Muhammad Aftab , Zhang Liguo , Kung Chih-Chun
Published: June 2022

Energy sustainability, as well as climate change mitigation, is an immediate challenge facing the world, especially for large developing countries such as China and India. This study analyses the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential of Jiangxi, China, using three dominant technologies including conventional PV, PV/PCM (Phase Change Material), and PV/T-PCM (Thermal-Phase Change Material). We employ a lifecycle assessment by investigating the spatial differences of radiation conversion rates across major cities. Two sets of scenario analyses are also examined: (1) fixed installation capacity; and (2) fixed government investment. Each set has three alternative scenarios to distinguish the power generation potential, investment requirement. The results show that under the “fixed capacity” scenarios, the conventional PV can generate 313 GWh/year, and the PV/T-PCM can yield more than 340 GWh/year. The result would change substantially under the “fixed investment” scenarios, in which the annual solar power from conventional PV is more than 1,736 GWh. The scenario analysis points out that if the total investment rather than total capacity is fixed, the power generation from solar PV systems can be maximized, but the total cost would increase considerably as well. Amortization of the installation costs that would potentially alleviate the firms’ fiscal burden is also discussed.
Valued living among veterans in breath-based meditation treatment or cognitive processing therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: Exploratory outcome of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Schulz-Heik R Jay , Lazzeroni Laura C , Hernandez Beatriz , Avery Timothy J , Mathersul Danielle C , Tang Julia S , Hugo Emily , Bayley Peter J
Published: June 2022

Background

Valued living is the extent to which an individual’s behavior is consistent with what they believe is important or good. It is unknown whether many complementary and integrative treatments and psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder enhance valued living, and for whom.

Objectives

Measure within- and between-group changes in valued living in Veterans who completed cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and sudarshan kriya yoga (SKY) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); evaluate moderators of improvement.

Methods

Participants with clinically significant symptoms of PTSD were assigned to CPT, a first line, evidence-based psychotherapy for PTSD or SKY, an emerging breath-based meditation with strong preliminary empirical support in a parallel-groups randomized controlled trial at a single Veterans Affairs healthcare center. The Valuing Questionnaire subscales for progress in valued living (VQ-P) and obstruction in valued living (VQ-O) were exploratory outcome measures. Assessors were blind to treatment assignment.

Results

59 participants completed treatment (29 CPT, 30 SKY). Participants in the CPT group improved from baseline to end of treatment in both VQ-Progress ( d=0.55, p=0.02) and VQ–Obstruction ( d=-0.51, p=0.03), while the SKY group did not improve on either subscale ( d=0.08, p=0.69; d=0.00, p=1.00). However, differences between treatments were not statistically significant ( p=0.16, 0.11, respectively). Participants reporting less valued living and more depression symptoms at baseline reported greater improvements in valued living following treatment.

Conclusion

CPT may have a positive effect on valued living. Individuals lower in valued living and with more depression may derive relatively more benefit.
Nature and Composition of Earnings Reported by Health Economists and Related Professionals: Gender, Education, and job Characteristics Matter
Authors: Popovici Ioana , Carvajal Manuel J. , Peeples Patti , Rabionet Silvia E.
Published: June 2022

Background

Despite the fast growth of the workforce comprising health economics (HE), outcomes research (OR), and market access (MA) professionals, little is known about their earnings determination. Only three studies have examined their earnings and none has considered the number of hours worked, traditionally a critical component of income determination models.

Objectives

(i) Estimate an indicator of annual earnings of HE/OR/MA professionals, comparing male versus female and U.S. versus non-U.S. earnings levels, and (ii) assess the magnitude of the effect of selected human-capital and job-related covariates on their annual earnings determination.

Methods

The study used 2019 self-reported survey data from a sample of 304 HE/OR/MA professionals registered in the HealthEconomics.com global subscriber list. A two-way classification model with multiple replications was used to identify and test earnings variations of HE/OR/MA professionals across genders and locations. An earnings determination function using ordinary least squares was used to identify disparities in response to covariates including average workweek, human-capital stock, and job-related variables by gender and location.

Results

Substantial earning disparities were observed between HE/OR/MA professionals living in the U.S. and those living in other countries. Non-U.S. respondents exhibited earnings gaps of 44.7% in wages/salaries and 46.8% in total earnings relative to their U.S. counterparts with greater gaps for women than men. The female earnings gap outside the U.S. was considerably greater than in the U.S. Holding a graduate degree; working in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology firm; age, a proxy for experience; and working remotely impacted earnings differentials across different subgroups.

Conclusions

The findings of this paper shed light into the nature and composition of earnings of HE/OR/MA professionals across genders and locations. Exploring the dynamics of earning disparities by gender and location has increased in relevance given the rapidly-changing and uncertain job market environment driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Patient Perspectives on Anti-spike Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for Mild to Moderate Coronavirus Disease-2019
Authors: Razonable Raymund R , Ganesh Ravindra , Bishop Rachel K , Culbertson Tracy L , Destro Borgen Molly , Hedin Michelle C , Hopkins Laura H , Jackson Tammy A , Larsen Jennifer J , Matoush Jennifer A , Moehnke Darcie E , Olson Shelly M , Peterson Kellie M , Rosedahl Jordan , Philpot Lindsey M
Published: June 2022

Anti-spike monoclonal antibodies emerged as effective early treatment of high-risk individuals with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Although their clinical and safety outcomes have been reported, patient perspectives of these experimental therapies have not been evaluated. In this survey participated by 644/2412 (26.7% response) individuals evaluated for anti-spike monoclonal antibody therapies, the majority of 523 patients who received the antibody infusion were very satisfied with their overall patient experience, the quality of care provided, and various aspects of medical care. They voiced satisfaction with the communication with providers before and during treatment, including education provided about monoclonal antibody treatment, the potential benefits and adverse effects, detailed instructions on the process of infusion, and safety protocols employed at the infusion facilities. Nearly a quarter (23.6%) of 121 patients who declined therapy indicated they would accept treatment should it be offered again. These patient perspectives may be used to guide healthcare facilities and providers in optimizing the care provided to high-risk outpatients with COVID-19.
Relationship Between Psychosocial Stress and Blood Pressure: The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Family Heart Study
Authors: Nwanaji-Enwerem Uzoji , Onsomu Elijah O. , Roberts Dionne , Singh Abanish , Brummett Beverly H. , Williams Redford B. , Dungan Jennifer R.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Various domains of psychosocial stress have been significantly related to blood pressure. However, ambiguity is present in how these relationships are defined in the literature.

Objective

To add to the existing literature and examine the relationship between psychosocial stress (financial strain and job strain) and other cofactors on blood pressure.

Methods

This secondary analysis is designed to analyze the relationship between levels of job and financial stress and blood pressure outcomes among participants in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Family Heart Study 2004–2008. The descriptive, cross-sectional design uses data from a subset of study participants, 350 White and 195 Black (n = 545), 338 female (62%), and all aged 18–56 years. Psychosocial stress was measured using the Singh Stress Scale. Resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure values obtained on a stress reactivity protocol day in the primary study, as well as calculated mean arterial pressure (MAP) were used for this analysis. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to explore the relationship between psychosocial stress and blood pressure.

Results

In this young cohort, self-report of either financial strain or job strain was associated with lower blood pressure levels than those of participants who reported neither stressor. Differential sex and race effects appear to contribute to these results. Blood pressure levels were not significantly associated with self-report of both stressors.

Conclusion

Understanding the effects of various forms of stress on blood pressure may inform more precise HTN risk-factor screening and interventions to improve BP management.
California Consumers’ Beliefs and Trust in Electric Utilities
Authors: Horne Christine , Familia Thomas , Huddart Kennedy Emily
Published: June 2022

The authors use survey and interview data from California homeowners to understand customers’ trust in their utility company. The authors find that customers’ beliefs about the reliability of electricity do not predict trust. Instead, what matters are beliefs that the utility company does a bad job managing customer service, costs, and wildfires. Distrust among survey respondents aligns with interview participants’ descriptions of utility companies as powerful, greedy monopolies that benefit themselves at the expense of helpless consumers. These results have implications for the energy transition and, more generally, understanding potential challenges experienced by technocratic institutions.