bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Olfactory Ensheathing Cell Ameliorate Neuroinflammation Following Spinal Cord Injury Through Upregulating REV-ERBα in Microglia
Authors: Zhang Lijian , Wang Luxuan , Tan Yanli , Li Chunhui , Fang Chuan
Published: July 2024

Circadian dysregulation involved in the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI). Modulation of circadian rhythms hold promise for the SCI treatment. Here, we aim to investigated the mechanism of olfactory ensheathing cells (OEC) in alleviating neuroinflammation via modulating clock gene expression in microglia. In this study, SCI rats were randomly divided into OEC group and vehicle group. At 1 day after the surgery, OECs were intravenously transplanted into OEC group SCI rat, while the rats in vehicle group received culture medium. After 7 days post of OEC transplantation, tissues were collected from the brain (prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus, spinal cord) for PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay at zeitgeber time (ZT) 6, ZT 12, ZT 18, and ZT 24. The roles of OEC in modulating REV-ERBα in microglia were studied by experimental inhibition of gene expression and the co-culture experiment. In the vehicle group, IHC showed a significant increase of Iba-1 expression in the cerebral white matter and spinal cord compared with control group ( P < 0.0001 for all comparisons). The expression of Iba-1 was significantly decreased ( P < 0.0001 for all comparisons). In the OEC group, the expression of PER 1, PER 2, CLOCK, and REV-ERBα was in a rhythmical manner in both spinal cord and brain regions. SCI disrupted their typical rhythms. And OECs transplantation could modulate those dysregulations by upregulating REV-ERBα. In vitro study showed that OECs couldn’t reduce the activation of REV-ERBα inhibited microglia. The intravenous transplantation of OECs can mediate cerebral and spinal microglia activation through upregulation REV-ERBα after SCI.
Electroacupuncture ameliorates senile osteoporosis by promoting bone remodeling and regulating autophagy
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhou Jun , Wang Jinlin , Huang Xiarong , Qu Mengjian , Liao Ying , Sun Guanghua , Zhong Peirui , Tan Jinqu , Sun Zhilu
Published: July 2024

Objectives:

Osteoporosis is widely regarded as a typical aged-related disease caused by impaired bone remodeling. This research was designed to explore the protective effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on senile osteoporosis in a rat model and investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods:

Three-month-old rats were randomly selected as the youth group, and 24-month-old rats were randomly assigned to the elderly and EA groups. Rats in the EA group received 30 min of EA at bilateral SP10, ST36, K13 and GB34 daily, 5 days a week for 8 weeks. Bone mineral density (BMD), microstructure of the bone tissue, bone turnover biomarkers and expression level of autophagy-related proteins were detected.

Results:

Compared with the elderly group, EA treatment significantly increased BMD of the femur and ameliorated the microstructure. EA treatment increased trabecular bone volume ratio (= bone volume / total volume [﻿BV/TV]) and trabecular number (Tb.N) and decreased trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) in senile osteoporosis rats. Compared with the elderly group, the serum N-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX1) level in the EA group was lower, and the serum procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) concentration was higher. In addition, the expression of Beclin 1, microtubule-associated protein I light chain 3 (LC3B) and P62 was inhibited in the senile osteoporosis rats after EA treatment.

Conclusions:

EA can effectively alleviate aging-related bone loss and improve the microstructure of bone tissue in senile osteoporosis rats, and the regulation of autophagy might be one of the important mechanisms.
Book review: Jayapadma R. V., Neelima Khetan and Vikram Singh Mehta (Eds.), Anchoring Change: Seventy-Five Years of Grassroots Interventions That Made a Difference, Harper Collins India
Authors: Bordia Devika
Published: July 2024

Jayapadma R. V., Neelima Khetan and Vikram Singh Mehta (Eds.), Anchoring Change: Seventy-Five Years of Grassroots Interventions That Made a Difference, Harper Collins India, 2022, 380 pp., ₹469, (Paperback). ISBN: 93562918X.
Migrant South Asian Women in the Basque Country, Spain: Processes of Empowerment
Authors: Sokolovska Simona , Cabrera María Silvestre
Published: July 2024

This work describes the personal and social empowerment of migrant women from South Asia in the Basque Country 1 , Spain, through the life history method. Gender roles, cultural identity and the migratory process as a transformative instrument are discussed. Based on in-depth interviews, and individual and group analysis of life histories, the findings indicated that migration had a positive effect on women in terms of self-development. Clearly, migration was a tool for transformation and empowerment.
Book review: Ajay Bisaria, Anger Management: The Troubled Diplomatic Relationship Between India and Pakistan
Authors: Shah Mubashir Ahmad
Published: July 2024

Ajay Bisaria, Anger Management: The Troubled Diplomatic Relationship Between India and Pakistan (Delhi: Aleph Book Company, 2024), 560 pp. ₹999, ISBN: 9393852758 (Hardback).
Pursuing Equitable Implementation of State Paid Family Leave Policies: A Case Study From Washington State on the Role of Tribal Engagement and Sovereignty
Authors: (Tess) Abrahamson-Richards Teresa
Published: July 2024

This Policy Brief describes implementation of a state-level paid family and medical leave policy in the context of Tribal government engagement and participation and American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) paid leave access. The author presents a case study analysis from Washington state using an emerging Washington State Tribal PFML Policy Implementation Framework. Current gaps in State-Tribal engagement have significant implications for equitable policy access given the state’s obligations to meaningfully consult with Tribes surrounding policy-making that affects their nations and citizens, the large number of Tribal employees in the state, and the stark inequities facing AIAN people. Practice recommendations are offered for state and Tribal leaders to advance equitable AIAN access to paid leave in the future.
Mastering Life Chances and Choices: A Metasynthesis of How Disadvantaged Young People Navigate Between Self-Identity and Stigma
Authors: Aussems Karijn , Isarin Jet , Niemeijer Alistair , Dedding Christine
Published: July 2024

Care-dependent people are increasingly expected to actively participate in an accelerating society. This metasynthesis provides insight into how contemporary society complicates the pathways to self-actualization for disadvantaged young people. Giddens’ concept of self-identity was used to analyze the experiences of disadvantaged young people in three participatory projects. These initiatives enable network governance where young people and professionals work together, to better match their care needs and support. Participants often feel that they need to magnify their capabilities to get opportunities for self-actualization and to magnify their disadvantages so they can be acknowledged as “care dependent”, a prerequisite to receive professional support. They call upon professionals and policymakers to recognize their multilayered self-identities and to provide a supportive environment that is adjusted to their own pace, so that they can belong and genuinely participate as their true selves.
Using Simulation to Train Service Providers in Responding to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Trauma
Authors: Tarshis Sarah , McQuaid Jennifer H. , Diallo Mariama , Baird Stephanie L. , Asakura Kenta
Published: July 2024

This study used simulation-based research (SBR) to gain a better understanding of how intimate partner violence (IPV) service providers engage in trauma-informed practice in a simulated session with a standardized patient. Our qualitative study recruited 18 IPV service providers from Canada and the United States. Each participant engaged in a virtual 30-minute case-based simulated session with an actor portraying a survivor of IPV experiencing vulnerabilities related to violence and immigration status. Following each simulation, IPV service providers participated in a 30- to 45-minute reflective dialogue. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Identified themes included: (a) simulation builds trauma-informed responses that recognize intersecting identities (e.g., race, immigration status, culture) and (b) simulation helps train service providers in responding to IPV. Implications for social work research and practice, including the benefits of using simulation for training IPV service providers, will be discussed.
Untangling the Web: A Phenomenological Analysis of Social Workers’ Critical Reflections on Racism in Social Work and Antiracism Efforts in Contemporary Practice
Authors: Benedict Melody , Quezada-Horne Nelia M , Bender Destiny A , Campbell Timothy
Published: July 2024

Racism has been deemed a public health crisis in the United States, which has often led to racial trauma, warranting a need for adequate support within social work settings. Using critical reflection and a phenomenological approach, seven frontline social workers shared their lived experiences with antiracism in their practice and how racism impacts social work. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Findings indicate the ways institutional and systemic racism continue to operate in social work organizations and identify barriers in social work organizations that impede antiracism efforts. The participants’ introspective reflections explore their coming into the awareness stage in their antiracism journey. Social workers expose the discriminatory behaviors toward Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) service users in their organizations. Social workers expressed that racism impedes BIPOC from getting equitable mental health care.
Hey Mama, We Hear You: An Analysis of Online Parenting Support Conversations on Reddit
Authors: Francisco Sara C.
Published: July 2024

The transition to motherhood brings many challenges as women simultaneously adjust to several changes. Understanding the common themes, social support, and conversations that take place within online peer groups is critical in our technologically driven society. The study utilizes both machine learning and qualitative approaches to analyze 796 threads related to support written by Reddit users. Common themes found related to pressure on baby care/visitation during COVID-19, child care, child health/development, self-identity/self-esteem, and challenges related to the prenatal/postpartum period. In addition, mothers sought both emotional and informational support across all subreddits. These results suggest that online peer groups in which mothers can disclose events, challenges, and emotions may help reduce feelings of isolation and enable the exchange of support between new mothers.
Magnetic-temperature coupling analysis of a multi-drum dual-coil magnetorheological fluid brake
Authors: Wu Jie , Xie Hongyang , Huang Hao , Deng Bingbing
Published: July 2024

The coupling analysis of the magnetic field and temperature field of a multi-drum dual-coil magnetorheological (MR) brake is presented in this article. Firstly, the structure of the multi-drum dual-coil MR brake is introduced, and a prototype is manufactured. Thermal analysis of the designed brake is carried out, and a torque correction factor is proposed in order to reduce the error between simulation and experimental results. Then, a coupling analysis model of the magnetic field and temperature is established to study the temperature analysis of the brake under steady-state and transient condition. Simulation results show that the allowable slip power in steady state is 23.68 W. The highest temperature occurs in the fluid gap, and the lowest temperature occurs at the shaft. Under the transient state, the brake can work for about 1200 s under 75.08 W slip power. Furthermore, the temperature characteristics of MR brake under the normal braking, emergency braking, and intermittent braking have been studied. An experimental platform is built to study the torque and temperature characteristics. Results show that the simulated temperature is in good agreement with the experiments, indicating that the proposed magnetic-temperature coupling model can accurately simulate the temperature characteristics of the MR brake.
Normalizing Open Science Practice: Understandings, Evaluations, and Implementations of Open Science Practices in the Field of Communication
Authors: Perreault Gregory P. , Dienlin Tobias
Published: July 2024

Communication research has recently entered the discussion on open science. Through the lens of Normalization Process Theory, this preregistered qualitative study addresses how open science has been normalized within the field of mass communication. Through 19 semistructured in-depth interviews with communication scholars from across the globe and different career stages, the results reflect that scholars are driven to implement open science for idealistic, research-oriented, and political reasons. Yet, scholars have reservations regarding open science’s feasibility and concerns for participant privacy. In particular, this study identifies issues of coherence in open science that are key to its implementation.
Cyberbullying and Bullying Reports Among Youth in a Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit: Insights From Youth and Parent Intake Surveys
Authors: Drouin Michelle , Kardys Kelley , Flanagan Mindy , Pater Jessica , Kerrigan Connie
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Limited studies have examined the extent to which cyberbullying and offline bullying are factors related to youth admissions to behavioral health inpatient units. However, considering the rising use of technology and prevalence of youth bullying, intake procedures require adaptation to account for modern-day psychological pressures facing youth. AIMS: Our aims were to pilot and analyze results from a novel intake form, assessing offline bullying and cyberbullying, in a youth inpatient behavioral health facility. METHODS: Upon admission at an inpatient behavioral health facility in the Midwestern United States, 622 youth (ages 10 and older) and their parent/guardian completed intake forms including questions about their experience of bullying, cyberbullying, and feelings of safety in different environments, and feelings about whether bullying contributed to their inpatient admission. RESULTS: Overall, 21.50% (134/622) of youth self-reported being a cybervictim, 6.10% (38/622) reported being an offline bully victim, and 8.04% (50/622) reported mixed bullying. Bullied youth felt significantly less safe in all environments than non-bullied youth, and bullied youth who felt unsafe were more likely to attribute their hospitalization to bullying. Troublingly, only about one-third of parents were aware of cyberbullying. CONCLUSION: Using traditional standards of care that do not address offline bullying/cyberbullying, mental health care workers may be missing critical factors that contribute to youth inpatient hospitalization for mental health issues. Behavioral health units should consider adapting intake forms to include offline bullying/cyberbullying questions and developing programming for parents and adults to address issues of online and offline safety.
Mode-III fracture of four cracks emanating from an elliptical hole in one-dimensional orthorhombic quasicrystals with piezoelectric effect
Authors: Gao Yuanyuan , Liu Guanting , Sun Zhenping , Zhang Yuxin
Published: July 2024

In this study, a new generalized conformal mapping is introduced using the generalized complex variable method, focusing on the investigation of the anti-plane problem of an elliptical hole with four cracks in one-dimensional (1D) orthogonal piezoelectric quasicrystals. Under the consideration of electrically impermeable and electrically permeable boundary conditions, the governing equations of the anti-plane problem in 1D orthogonal piezoelectric quasicrystals are successfully simplified into an eighth-order partial differential equation and a fourth-order partial differential equation by introducing a potential function. Based on this, analytical solutions for the stress field and electric field are obtained, and the exact solution for the stress intensity factor (SIF) is derived. In addition, formulas for the electric displacement intensity factor (EDIF) and energy release rate are provided. Subsequently, the influence of geometric parameters and external loads on the field intensity factors and energy release rate is analyzed through numerical examples, providing a theoretical basis for engineering mechanics analysis.
A Solid Foundation But What Will Be Built on It? Reviews of the Management, Organizations, and Environmental Sustainability Field
Authors: Russo Michael V. , Louche Céline , Wagner Marcus
Published: July 2024

In this conceptual essay, we integrate broader insights into the state of research on management, organizations, and environmental sustainability, enabling a clearer view of where the field stands and the directions in which it should best grow. To this end, we first review the findings and insights of the articles published within this special review issue. Then, we define a set of emerging themes from viewing the set of articles collectively, highlighting the communalities and trends within the field but also rising concerns. Based on this assessment, we propose several remedies and a future agenda that would help our field to become more inclusive and impactful. In this final section, we specifically and critically expand on (a) the imperative of interdisciplinarity; (b) the need to avoid being trapped in the mainstream; and (c) a corresponding institutionalized intent to develop further novel approaches for research in our field.
Intergenerational Storytelling and Positive Psychosocial Development: Stories as Developmental Resources for Marginalized Groups
Authors: Weststrate Nic M. , McLean Kate C. , Fivush Robyn
Published: July 2024

Academic Abstract

We articulate an intergenerational model of positive psychosocial development that centers storytelling in an ecological framework and is motivated by an orientation toward social justice. We bring together diverse literature (e.g., racial-ethnic socialization, family storytelling, narrative psychology) to argue that the intergenerational transmission of stories about one’s group is equally important for elders and youth, and especially important for groups who are marginalized, because stories provide a developmental resource for resistance and resilience in the face of injustice. We describe how storytelling activities can support positive psychosocial development in culturally dynamic contexts and illustrate our model with a case study involving LGBTQ+ communities, arguing that intergenerational storytelling is uniquely important for this group given issues of access to stories. We argue that harnessing the power of intergenerational storytelling could provide a culturally safe and sustaining practice for fostering psychosocial development among LGBTQ+ people and other equity-seeking populations.

Public Abstract

Understanding one’s identity as part of a group with shared history and culture that has existed through time is important for positive psychological functioning. This is especially true for marginalized communities for whom identity-relevant knowledge is often erased, silenced, or distorted in mainstream public discourses (e.g., school curricula, news media, television, and film). To compensate for these limitations around access, one channel for the transmission of this knowledge is through oral storytelling between generations of elders and youth. Contemporary psychological science has often assumed that such storytelling occurs within families, but when families cannot or would not share such knowledge, youth suffer. We present a model of intergenerational storytelling that expands our ideas around who counts as “family” and how knowledge can be transmitted through alternative channels, using LGBTQ+ communities as a case example.
On (Im)Patience: A New Approach to an Old Virtue
Authors: Sweeny Kate
Published: July 2024

Academic Abstract

Patience has been of great interest to religious scholars, philosophers, and psychological scientists. Their efforts have produced numerous insights but no cohesive theoretical approach to understanding the broad set of experiences people label as patience. I propose a novel view of patience, one that departs from but ties together existing approaches. Grounded in theories of emotion and emotion regulation, I propose impatience as a discrete emotion triggered by an objectionable delay of some sort, and patience (as a state or process rather than a virtue) as a form of emotion regulation that targets the subjective experience and outward expression of impatience. I propose a number of predictors and consequences of patience and impatience and provide initial evidence for many of the theory’s tenets. This theoretical approach, the process model of patience, reveals coherence across varied fields and methodologies and generates novel, testable, and timely questions for future patience scholars.

Public Abstract

“Patience is a virtue” is a familiar exhortation, and patience has been of great interest to religious scholars, philosophers, and psychological scientists. Their efforts have produced numerous insights but no cohesive theoretical approach to understanding the broad set of experiences people label as patience. This paper proposes an entirely novel view of patience, one that departs from but ties together existing approaches. I propose that impatience is an emotion, triggered by a frustrating delay of some sort, and patience captures the various ways people try to deal with their experience of impatience. I also propose that various aspects of the situation and the person combine to determine the intensity of impatience and the effectiveness of patience. Finally, I discuss the implications of a theoretical model, the process model of patience, for both scientific inquiry and issues of social justice, which are often fueled by appropriate experiences of impatience.
The Development and Reliability of an Updated Dance-Specific Star Excursion Balance Test Protocol
Authors: Beckman Samantha , Brouner James
Published: July 2024

Background: While the previous research has made crucial developments in a dance-specific version of the SEBT, current modifications to the SEBT have not conclusively produced a valid dance-specific dynamic balance test. Purpose: The aim of this paper was to utilize the most practical dance-specific variations from previous research and incorporate them into a reliable test to be considered for future screenings for dancers. Methods: Twenty-one female dancers voluntarily took part in the research (age: 20.86 ± 3.68 years). This protocol consists of 3 stages, each increasing in difficulty; stage one: dsSEBT Average Tempo, stage two: dsSEBT Block, and stage three: a combination of stage 1 and stage 2, the dsSEBT Average Tempo on Block. Reach distance (% of limb length), error scores, and average time to complete each stage were recorded. A stage completion criteria was developed to move from one stage to the next wherein certain reach distance and error score standards needed to be met. Results: Between previous research using the same participants and the current study, each reach direction exhibits a statistically significant correlation ( P < .05) with good to excellent ICC values ranging from .750 to .918, suggesting that test-retest reliability is high. Overall, 90.48% of participants succeeded in passing stage one, 19.05% of total participants passed stage two, and only 4.76% of the 21 participants passed all 3 stages with statistically significant differences detected for reach distance and incomplete trials between stages ( P < .05). Conclusion: This data suggests that the test is challenging enough to show dancers weaknesses and push the limits of their balance capabilities. With a clear increase in difficulty from stage to stage, the test adds layers of demanding tasks designed to test the dancer proprioceptively.
Policing the police: Why it is so hard to reform police departments in the United States?
Authors: Banerjee Vasabjit , Willison Charley , Greer Scott L
Published: July 2024

Why has it been so difficult to reform U.S. policing? We provide a theoretical argument that understanding of the entrenched militarisation and accountability problems of U.S. police departments would benefit from using theory in comparative research on civil–military relations. American police forces undermine local democracy by encroaching upon the decision-making powers of city officials in ways that resemble militaries in fragile democracies. Applying historical and contemporary evidence and existing scholarly research on policing, we explain police militarisation was initiated by civilian leaders of city governments to garner governmental legitimacy, and by-proxy police support, in racialised contexts. Trading off city governments’ institutional strength in order to maintain legitimacy produced opportunities for police insubordination or subversion of city government oversight of police activity. Consequently, cities with low public legitimacy and/or weak municipal institutions, faced with high demands by militarised police departments, may be more likely to experience police subversion of democratic accountability over police activity.
3DGEN: a framework for generating custom-made synthetic 3D datasets for civil structure health monitoring
Authors: Shao Yanda , Li Ling , Li Jun , Li Qilin , An Senjian , Hao Hong
Published: July 2024

The availability of high-quality datasets is increasingly critical in the field of computer vision-based civil structural health monitoring, where deep learning approaches have gained prominence. However, the lack of specialized datasets for such tasks poses a significant challenge for training a reliable model. To address this challenge, a framework, 3DGEN, is proposed to swiftly generate realistic synthetic 3D datasets which can be targeted for specific tasks. The framework is based on diverse 3D civil structural models, rendering them from various angles and providing depth information and camera parameters for training neural networks. By employing mathematical methods, such as analytical solutions and/or numerical simulations, deformation of civil engineering structures can be generated, ensuring a reliable representation of their real-world shapes and characteristics in the 3D datasets. For texture generation, a generative 3D texturing method enables users to specify desired textures using plain English sentences. Two successful experiments are conducted to (1) assess the efficiency of generating the 3D datasets using two distinct structures, (2) train a monocular depth estimation network to perform 3D surface reconstruction with the generated dataset. Notably, 3DGEN is not limited to 3D surface reconstruction; it can also be used for training neural networks for various other tasks. The code and dataset are available at: https://github.com/YANDA-SHAO/Beam-Dataset-SE
Genre in Transnational Television: A Case of Netflix Originals Korean Dramas
Authors: Yoon Hyunsun , Lee Jongsoo
Published: July 2024

Recently, South Korea has become one of the largest content providers for Netflix. We analyze the textual characteristics of five Netflix Originals K-dramas – Sweet Home (2020), My Name (2021), Squid Game (2021), Hellbound (2021), and All of Us Are Dead (2022) – to unfold the existing genre conventions and uniquely local factors in the context of transnational television. In the process of transnationalization, genres are continuously and simultaneously evolving in the directions of homogenization and heterogenization. Universal values such as humanism, altruism, and family-oriented solidarity, as expected in the existing genre conventions, were homogenizing factors. However, these homogenizing factors were accompanied by uniquely local, heterogenizing factors arising from traumatic collective memories, political, and economic situations in South Korea. We also found that webtoons played a significant role in the transnationalization of the K-dramas genre. This study contributes to genre studies and transnational television research.
Blepharitis and tear duct problems
Authors: Ali Haider
Published: July 2024

Ophthalmological problems make up approximately 2% of all consultations in primary care. The majority of problems are minor, encompassing ailments such as conjunctivitis, foreign bodies, blepharitis, subconjunctival hemorrhage, corneal abrasions, chalazions, and ectropions. However, more complex presentations, including ptosis and cataracts require accurate diagnosis, and may need referral to secondary care. General practitioners and members of the broader practice team, including advanced nurse practitioners and GP registrars, are likely to encounter such cases at least once every week. This article considers blepharitis and associated tear duct problems, providing a review of the simple and more complex presentations and their management. It will cover assessment in primary care, triggers, pathogenesis, epidemiology, typical presentations, clinical features, differential diagnoses, prevention, management strategies, and when referral to secondary care is necessary.
Early psoriatic arthritis: when is the right time to start advanced therapy?
Authors: Hen Or , Harrison Stephanie R. , De Marco Gabriele , Marzo-Ortega Helena
Published: July 2024

Despite significant advances in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in the last two decades, remission remains elusive and there is no cure. Evidence from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) confirming enhanced response and outcome from earlier treatment intervention suggests the plausibility of the window of opportunity in the pathogenesis of RA. Yet, data are lacking in PsA. Although treatment response may be enhanced in shorter disease duration, it is unknown how this early intervention may impact long-term outcomes. Furthermore, it remains to be demonstrated whether there is a best treatment strategy and time of intervention. Crucially, the main hurdle when aiming for early treatment intervention is the ability to achieve a timely diagnosis that highlights the need to focus research efforts on characterizing the very early disease stages including the transition to PsA in the at-risk psoriasis population.
Alternative Sources of Cautery in Thyroid Surgery and the Risk of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury: A Retrospective, Risk-Adjusted Analysis From the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program
Authors: Best Corliss A. E. , Hussain Jumana , Johnson-Obaseki Stephanie
Published: July 2024

Objectives

A risk-adjusted analysis was completed using data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) to compare the rates of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in thyroid surgery using traditional versus alternative sources of cautery (defined as Harmonic Scalpel© and LigaSure©).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was completed using the NSQIP database on adult patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, subtotal thyroidectomy, or completion thyroidectomy between 2016 and 2018. The primary outcome measure was recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. The exposure variable was use of conventional or alternative sources of cautery. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to control for potentially confounding variables.

Results

A total of 13,961 cases were analyzed; 9450 used alternative sources of cautery compared to 4511 where traditional cautery was used. There was no significant difference in rates of postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve injury between the 2 sources of cautery compared.

Conclusions

Risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury should not be a factor when choosing method of cautery for thyroid surgery. Therefore, other factors like cost-effectiveness can be considered.
Outcomes of type 1 versus type 2 papillary renal cell carcinoma following surgery: A 20-year experience
Authors: Black Morgan , Yong Courtney , Slaven James E , Ebare Kingsley , Idrees Muhammad T , Boris Ronald , Sundaram Chandru P
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

Papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) is the second most common type of renal cell carcinoma. Although studies have explored the connection between PRCC subtype and disease prognosis, the evidence is conflicting. We compared oncologic outcomes of type 1 and 2 PRCCs following surgical management.

Methods:

A single-centre, retrospective review identified patients undergoing surgery for PRCC from 2000 to 2022. Demographic, imaging, staging pathology, and follow-up data were collected. Recurrence-free, cancer-specific, and overall survival (RFS, CSS, OS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard ratio.

Results:

A total of 249 patients were identified. Of the total, 177 patients had type 1 PRCC, and 72 had type 2. The average age was 62 years and was similar between groups ( p = 0.66). The median RENAL score was 7 for both groups ( p = 0.12). Type 2 had a higher pathologic T-stage with fewer pT1 (58% vs 86%) and more pT3 masses (32% vs 7%) than type 1 ( p < 0.01). RFS, CSS, and OS were significantly worse in type 2 PRCC. However, this difference was not evident after adjusting for T-stage (Figure 1). Median follow-up duration was 16 months (interquartile range (IQR) 1–52).

Conclusions:

Type 2 PRCC is diagnosed at a higher stage than type 1. The difference between type 1 and 2 PRCC in RFS, OS, and CSS can be accounted for after correcting for staging. These findings suggest that surveillance and follow-up schedule for patients with papillary RCC should be based on pT-stage and not papillary subtype.
Perceived Impact of Lecturers’ Digital Literacy Skills in Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Mardiana Harisa
Published: July 2024

This research investigates the impact of lecturers’ digital literacy skills on higher education institutions. It explores how technology integration influences teaching, learning, and research while proposing strategies to enhance educational outcomes. The central issue is how lecturers’ digital literacy skills directly affect higher education institutions’ teaching, learning, research, and overall educational experience. Many lecturers need to improve using technology tools, resources, and platforms, which can hinder tertiary institutions’ educational experience and academic outcomes. Employing a mixed-method approach and utilizing t-test analysis and two-way ANOVA, this study aligns with the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework, emphasizing the integration of technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge for effective technology use in education. The research highlights the importance of equipping lecturers with robust digital literacy skills, enabling them to integrate technology effectively into higher education. It underscores the significance of digital literacy in reshaping the educational landscape. This study contributes to advancing knowledge, information practices, and the sustainable evolution of higher education institutions in the digital age. The findings also have practical implications for tailored professional development and curriculum design. It is important to note that this study acknowledges limitations related to sample size and qualitative focus. Future longitudinal studies can enhance our understanding of the evolving landscape of digital literacy in higher education.
Performance Analysis of Vietnamese Provinces’ FDI Attractiveness: An Application of DEA and Malmquist Indexes
Authors: Le Thi-Nham , Dang Thanh-Tuan
Published: July 2024

Vietnam has emerged as a highly promising destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, experiencing a commendable and consistent influx of FDI in recent years. However, this surge is not uniformly distributed across provinces. This study applies the data envelopment analysis (DEA) and Malmquist index measurement to evaluate FDI attractiveness of provinces in Vietnam from 2012 to 2020. Based on DEA, the analysis takes the provinces’ five indicators (Labor Force, Gross Regional Domestic Product, Provincial Competitiveness Index, FDI by capital, and FDI by cases) into account in order to identify provinces ripe for targeted improvement as well as those that can serve as exemplars for others. Next, Malmquist indexes are derived from DEA assessment to observe the evolution of each province during 2012 to 2020, and then decomposed to uncover the cause of performance change. We find that only four provinces are able to achieve perfect efficiency in attracting FDI, including three provinces from South East region: Vung Tau, Binh Duong, Ho Chi Minh, and Ha Tinh. Nevertheless, nearly 80% of the provinces improve their performance. The methodology and findings in this paper can provide significant insights for policymakers to devise mechanisms to attract FDI in their locality.
Research on Modeling of China’s Current Mathematics Textbooks in Grade 3 to 6
Authors: Wei Lijun , Xiu Qianqian , Zhou Danhua , Wang Zhonghou , Wang Jingying , Yang Huijuan
Published: July 2024

Mathematical modeling plays an important role in improving students’ interests and attitudes in reasoning, communicating and solving problems. In order to understand modeling in the popular mathematics textbooks for primary schools in China, this study developed a modeling framework for K-12 mathematics textbooks, and used content analysis method to analyze China’s current textbooks of primary mathematics in grades 3 to 6. The results showed that the samples follow a gradual development principle in terms of “content level,”“appearing location,” and “representation mode,” but the scientificity of model content level needs to be enhanced. In the four stages of modeling, the contents for cultivating students’ high-order thinking ability need to be further enriched. It is also suggested that more mathematical background knowledge should be covered in future textbook compilations.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Vulnerable Populations for Achieving Sustainable Dietary Practices in India
Authors: Ravula Padmaja , Kasala Kavitha , Das Abhishek
Published: July 2024

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) studies offer valuable insights into the socio-cultural, psychological, and behavioral determinants of nutrition. This study aims to assess nutrition KAP during pregnancy and lactation in selected areas of Adilabad and Kumaram Bheem Asifabad districts, Telangana, India. A cross-sectional KAP survey was conducted on 536 individuals from February to March 2020, employing tablet-based data collection for pregnant women, lactating mothers, young mothers, and frontline staff. Departing from the standard equal-weight approach, we assigned different weights to responses based on existing literature and stakeholder consultation, acknowledging the varying significance of each response. This novel approach aims to mitigate the risk of overestimating or underestimating factors, thereby designing more effective policy interventions tailored to societal complexities. The results reveal that regarding the three micronutrients (Iron, vitamin A, and Iodine), the knowledge levels of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and young mothers were low, that is, less than 50% when compared with the functionaries/frontline staff. Pregnant women scored low on attitudes regarding micronutrients compared to lactating mothers, young mothers, and functionaries/frontline staff. Attitudes translate into practices; however, the data revealed that pregnant women, lactating mothers, and young mothers were not adopting appropriate dietary and nutrition practices except for the micronutrient iodine. The inadequate knowledge of all categories of respondents indicates a gap in nutrition literacy and education. The results point to the urgent need for policy action for nutrition education interventions among the vulnerable population.
The Variables Associated with Burnout Among Korean Early Childhood Teachers: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Xiuhong , Jiang Yuxin , Chen Lei , Chen Yuanyuan
Published: July 2024

Researchers have done a great deal of research on the variables associated with early childhood teacher burnout, but the findings are numerous and inconsistent. Therefore, this study explored the variables most associated with burnout among early childhood teachers through meta-analysis. The National Assembly Electronic Library in Korea, Riss, the National Electronic Library, and DBpia databases were all thoroughly searched by researchers. Strict inclusion criteria resulted in the inclusion of 201 studies, and 35 variables total—divided into 5 variable groups—were analyzed. The results showed that the most correlated variable group with burnout was the psychological personality protective variable, and the largest effect size variables among the variable groups were age ( r = −.3052), resilience ( r = −.5415), calling ( r = −.526), turnover intention ( r = .5021), and interpersonal relationships ( r = −.4552). However, the variables in the psychological personality risk variable were not statistically significant. Although more thorough validation by follow-up studies is still required, these findings offer a more scientific data reference for the prevention and improvement of burnout among early childhood teachers in Korea and suggest a direction for future research.
How Sweet It Is: The Future of Gay Bars in Hospitality Contexts
Authors: Olson Eric D. , Minten Randy , Maglasang Ken
Published: July 2024

Gay bars are traditionally where members of the gay/LGBTQ+ community gather to socialize, entertain, and relax in a safe and hospitable environment. Often, gay bars focus on creating an environment specifically for a subsection of the overall LGBTQ+ community, such as the bear, lesbian, leather, and other microcommunities. However, many gay bars have been closing at historic rates for numerous reasons such as a competitive marketplace, the impact of COVID-19, and urban gentrification. Drawing on servicescape and neotribal theory, this case study examines how DENVER SWEET, a “bear-inspired LGBTQ friendly” bar located in Denver, Colorado, stays relevant among fierce competition with changing consumer preferences. This case study contributes to the bar servicescape literature by drawing recognition on the physical spaces utilized by the LGBTQ+ community. This case study further sheds light on an underserved community in the hospitality literature by focusing on the importance of gay space to the LGBTQ+ community.
The Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Brand Portfolio and Brand Extension
Authors: Lin Ingrid , Sakamoto Chassidy
Published: July 2024

Emerging from the need for mid-scale properties in Waikiki, the Hawaii-founded hotel brand, Outrigger was born. The Outrigger hotel company’s brand portfolio quickly grew alongside Hawaii’s tourism. As the company continued to grow, the need for brand differentiation within the company arose. Today, the company has three distinct segments in its portfolio defining its economically priced, premier, and long-stay accommodations. As the company continues to grow and strive to achieve its current mission of becoming “The Premier Beach Resort Brand in the World,” it may signal a time to reevaluate its product offerings, positioning, and branding strategy.
Buying Behavior of Indian Females Toward Natural Personal Care Products: The Moderating Role of Buying Frequency
Authors: Minocha Sonia , Singh Animesh , Banerji Rashi
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this article is to investigate whether consumer values (appearance consciousness, health consciousness, and environmental consciousness), openness to change, and perceived benefits influence purchase intentions and buying behavior of natural personal care products. Furthermore, the article also investigates the moderating role of consumer buying frequency on purchase intention and buying behavior. This article is based on the argument that consumer values (appearance consciousness, health consciousness, and environmental consciousness) are likely to be reflected in purchase intention and buying behavior if consumers are open to change and perceive the benefits of natural personal care products. The theoretical framework is derived from the Stimulus–Organism–Behavior–Consequence framework. The study proposes consumer values act as a stimulus, openness to change and perceived benefits as an organismic internal state, purchase intention as behavior, and buying preferences as a consequence. The study’s findings reveal some interesting insights. First, all three consumer values exhibit a positive influence on openness to change among consumers. However, when it comes to influencing perceived benefits, it is primarily the environmental and appearance consciousness that showed effective influence on perceived benefits. We believe that marketing strategies for natural personal care products should consider consumer values and effectively communicate how natural products enhance appearance and are environment-friendly. Consumers have increasingly become concerned about the harmful effects of conventional personal care products and are willing to adopt safer alternatives. Unlike the organic food industry in natural personal care products, consumers’ health consciousness does not significantly affect the perceived benefits. We also found that purchase frequency substantially moderates the relationship between perceived benefits-purchase intentions and purchase intention-buying behavior. The association is stronger for high purchase frequency than low and medium.
Cefepime Neurotoxicity in Patients With Normal Renal Function: An Overlooked Cause of Encephalopathy in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Alagha Zakaria , Crow Samuel , Abdeen Abdul Muhsen Z. , Alastal Maha , Alastal Amro
Published: July 2024

Cefepime is a fourth-generation cephalosporin with extended antimicrobial coverage. Concerns have been raised about the side effects of cefepime including myoclonus, encephalopathy, and seizures, especially when renal impairment is present. There have been reports of cases of adverse neurological consequences despite appropriate renal adjustment. Here, we present a case of a 69-year-old patient initially diagnosed with pneumonia and treated with cefepime. The patient later developed altered mental status, leading to differential diagnoses including stroke, drug overdose, or non-convulsive seizures. Following a comprehensive workup, it was determined that she had cefepime-induced encephalopathy, despite having normal kidney function, which resolved completely after discontinuing the medication. In addition, we include similar cases retrieved from PubMed up to the present date, to the best of our knowledge.