bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An AI-based prognostic model for postoperative outcomes in non-cardiac surgical patients utilizing TEE: A conceptual study
Authors: Zhu Yu , Liang Renrui , Zhou Cheng-Mao
Published: August 2024

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to assess the potential of artificial intelligence techniques, in conjunction with transthoracic echocardiography (TEE) examinations, to forecast postoperative mortality outcomes in patients undergoing moderate-to-high-risk noncardiac surgeries.

Methods

This is a second retrospective analysis using the BioStudies public database. This dataset includes data from two medical centers. We partitioned the dataset utilizing a 7:3 ratio. This model seamlessly integrated diverse algorithms, encompassing both machine learning and deep learning methodologies such as logistic regression, gradient boosting decision tree, XGBoost, LightGBM, CatBoost, linear support vector classification, multilayer perceptron classifier, Gaussian Naive Bayes, Adaboost, recurrent neural network, convolutional neural network, Bayesian neural network, and probabilistic Bayesian neural network. To thoroughly evaluate the model's performance, we employed multiple metrics, including the receiver operating characteristic curve, accuracy, precision, F1 score, recall, calibration curve, and clinical decision curve.

Results

The present study included a total of 1453 patients. The Gbdt algorithm ranks the variable importance, and the top five important results are creatinine (Cr), creatinine exceeding twice the upper limit (Cr > 2), creatinine clearance, left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter, and hemoglobin. Among these algorithms, only Gbdt algorithm yielded satisfactory results both in the training and test groups. In the training group, Gbdt had an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.904, accuracy of 0.984, and precision of 1; In the testing group, Gbdt had an AUC value of 0.835, accuracy of 0.984, and precision of 0.5. However, the Gbdt algorithm demonstrated suboptimal performance in terms of recall rate and F1 score. Finally, we successfully developed an online intelligent prediction webpage that utilizes the Gbdt algorithm and TEE.

Conclusions

Gbdt represents an optimal approach for predicting postoperative mortality among patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery with moderate-to-high risk.
Co-designing a new digital mental health platform, ‘Momentum’, with caregivers of young people aged 7–17
Authors: Ludlow Kristiana , March Sonja , Russell Jeremy K , Ryan Brooke , Brown Renee L , Hides Leanne , Donovan Caroline , Spence Susan H , Saxby Joseph , Cobham Vanessa E
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) can offer affordable, accessible and anonymous delivery of mental health treatment as an alternative or complement to face-to-face services. To enhance acceptability of, and treatment engagement with, youth DMHIs, they should be co-designed with young people and their caregivers. This study focuses on co-design with caregivers.

Objective

To explore caregivers’ perspectives, preferences, and ideas to inform the co-design of a digital youth mental health platform for anxiety and depression: ‘Momentum’.

Methods and Measures

Six group discussions were conducted with 16 caregivers of young people aged 7–17 years. In relation to Momentum, and DMHIs more broadly, participants’ views were sought on purpose and acceptability, access, assessments and feedback, information sharing, caregiver involvement and engagement. Data were thematically analysed using an inductive codebook approach, guided by template analysis.

Results

Seven themes were identified: (1) providing therapeutic and educational resources; (2) promoting shared and positive communication about mental health; (3) enhancing user experience and understanding; (4) facilitating personalisation and offering customisation of platform features; (5) encouraging end-user engagement through interactivity, incentives, relatability and attracting and maintaining attention; (6) enabling caregivers to provide support while promoting young people's independence; and (7) reducing concerns about, and enhancing trust in, DMHIs.

Conclusions

Participants expressed favourable views towards DMHIs and Momentum. They shared design ideas for a user-friendly, engaging, interactive, trustworthy, personalised and transparent platform that offered educational resources and mental health treatment. Two sets of recommendations were derived from the study findings: (1) recommendations for co-designing DMHIs with caregivers and (2) recommendations for the design of youth DMHIs.
Comparing virtual reality vs. augmented reality in promoting COVID-19 self-testing, vaccination, and preventive behaviors
Authors: Xu Zhan , Dam Linda
Published: August 2024

Objective

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are innovative technologies that can serve as effective tools for creating health interventions by altering psychological distance. Based on construal level theory and the reality-virtuality continuum, we designed, tested, and compared VR and AR campaigns to encourage proactive measures against COVID-19.

Methods

143 participants were randomly assigned to one of three messages: VR, AR, and a CDC video, and completed surveys before, immediately, and one week following message exposure.

Results

VR and AR increased preventive intentions and behaviors against COVID-19 both in the short and long run. VR was particularly effective as it also increased risk perceptions, more preventive intentions in the short term, and more preventive behaviors, including social distancing and mask wearing, in the long term. VR was more efficient than AR in enhancing risk perceptions and preventive intentions right after being exposed to the messages as well as promoting behaviors such as avoiding crowds, maintaining social distance from others, and wearing a mask in indoor public areas one week later. Moreover, among the three conditions, VR was the only intervention that generated actual behavior change after one week, which indicated potential long-term advantages of VR compared to other mediums. VR decreased social, spatial, and hypothetical distances to a greater degree than AR. VR was more effective than video. However, AR was not more persuasive than video.

Conclusions

Insights gained from the findings extend beyond the pandemic phase, offering practical applications for employing VR and AR technologies in health campaigns.
Assistive technologies designed to support executive function impairments while promoting independence: A scoping review
Authors: Spalla Guillaume , Yaddaden Amel , Kenfack Ngankam Hubert , Gouin-Vallerand Charles , Bier Nathalie
Published: August 2024

Assistive technologies for cognition (ATC) can help alleviate some of the impacts of executive dysfunction and support independence. This article presents a scoping review to highlight the research gaps in this area. Search of scientific and gray literature was conducted in clinical and computer science databases, resulting in a selection of 27 papers. Traumatic brain injury and dementia were the disorders for which the most supports were available. Planning and carrying out tasks were the most supported executive function operations. Food preparation was the daily activity for which the most supports were developed. Diverse non-context-aware technologies were used to deliver primarily audio and visual prompts and cues. The performance of most of the technologies was tested among the target population to evaluate acceptability and effectiveness. This review showed that: (1) The goal formulation executive function operation needs to be the focus of more research; (2) the clinical context needs to be described in more be detail; (3) ATC development could benefit from the use of a wider range of user-centered methods, such as observational or ideation methods; (4) more evaluation of user outcomes is needed, such as impact on independence; and (5) a greater diversity of activities of daily living should be supported. Recommendations are presented.
Unpopular feminism: Popular culture and gender politics in digital China
Authors: Liao Sara
Published: August 2024

In this essay, I discuss feminist activism and gender politics in the #MeToo movement and post-MeToo environment in China. I situate feminism in the country’s increasingly digitalized, commercialized, and controlled media ecosystem, where unpopular feminism reflects the intentional control of feminist visibility and, therefore, the difficulty to access feminist content and the disidentification of the feminist label. Also evident is the grip of the state-market complex on the discursive rights for women’s emancipation and the struggle over meanings of feminism as only visibility or also as a form of politics that divides us while simultaneously reimagining and rebuilding various forms of communities. Feminism today is both a popular genre to be consumed and a minority political pursuit. I also document the interweaving of feminist politics in contemporary China through gendered, classed, racialized, and ethno-national discourses in transnational encounters.
Modelling the Mediating Role of Work-Life Balance on the Relationship Between Work Arrangement and Employee Performance in Higher Education
Authors: Eshun Eric Nana Kwesi , Segbenya Moses
Published: August 2024

This study modelled the Mediating Role of Work-Life Balance on the Relationship between Work Arrangement and Employee Performance in Higher Education. The explanatory research design was adopted for this study, and a sample of 316 was drawn from a study population of 2,045 administrative staff of a public university in Ghana. A questionnaire was used for the data collection, and data gathered were analyzed with Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling. The study found that flexible work arrangements and wellness programs are individually and significantly related to employee performance and work-life balance. Also, family responsibilities significantly influenced employee performance but had a non-significant relationship with work-life balance. It can also be concluded that work-life balance significantly mediated the relationship between flexible work arrangements and employee performance as well as wellness programs and employee performance. It is recommended that human resource managers in academia should take specific action to enhance work-life balance among their administrative staff to elicit higher performance from them.
Cooperative Promotion and Wholesale Price Discount Incentives in a Closed-Loop Supply Chain with Dynamic Returns
Authors: Cheng Wen , Li Qian , Wu Qunqi , Jiang Yahong , Ye Fei
Published: August 2024

The closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) focusing on product recycling is getting more and more attention. The question of how to motivate CLSC participants to implement product recycling effectively has come into focus. We study the optimal strategy of a two-echelon CLSC under different incentive mechanisms, characterize the return rate in the form of a state equation for its dynamic behavior and construct a closed-loop supply chain dynamic model. Subsequently, we discuss two incentives—the cooperative promotion incentive and wholesale price discount incentive—based on the no-incentive game and investigate the optimal strategy, steady-state return rate, and revenue of each CLSC player in the three scenarios. Then, the choice of incentives by manufacturers and retailers under different scenarios is determined by comparative analysis. The results indicate that retailers always favor the cooperative promotion incentive. For manufacturers, the wholesale price discount incentive is more advantageous only when the recycling efforts outperform retailers’ promotion efforts in unit cost. In most other cases, the cooperative promotional incentive is more popular since it will generate more revenue for each participant and the entire supply chain. Moreover, there is a Profit-Pareto-improvement region when the CLSC implements the cooperative promotion incentive.
The Effects of Strategic Orientation on Mass Customization Capacity in Iran: The Mediating Role of Intellectual Capital
Authors: Hosseinian Dastjerdi Abbasali , Tumer Mustafa
Published: August 2024

This study attempts to explore how Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO), Customer Orientation (CO), and Technology Orientation (TEO) affect Mass Customization Capacity (MCC) where the Intellectual Capital (IC) is considered as a mediating variable in this model. Considering that MCC equips companies with the agility, integration, and resource flexibility needed to thrive in a dynamic business landscape, this is the first study which aims to contribute to the dynamic capability theory and resource-based view by developing new conceptual model which incorporates IC as a competitive resource of the firms. This is also the first study that aims to develop a conceptual framework by adding TEO as a key dimension of strategic orientation in order to improve MCC. While prior studies have explored the independent effects of these elements, this work unveils how a firm’s strategic direction can influence the effectiveness of its intellectual capital in bolstering its ability to deliver customized products. This novel framework provides deeper insights into how firms can strategically leverage their intellectual assets to achieve success in the dynamic landscape of mass customization. Cross-sectional data were collected from 175 Iranian manufacturing firms. The Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) is used to check the validity of the multiple-item measures and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is applied to test the research hypothesis. The results indicated that EO, CO, and TEO have a positive and significant effect on MCC. It is also found that IC partially mediates the relationships among all dimensions of strategic orientation and MCC. Our findings suggest that a company with higher intellectual capital can improve MCC by choosing the best type of strategy according to the industry in which they are active. Insights from findings also enable policymakers to design policies that encourage innovation in production processes and technologies, investing on research & development in relevant technologies or infrastructure projects that support efficient MC logistics and create regulations that protect consumer data and encourage sustainable practices within MC processes.
Awareness and Utilisation of Natural and Mineral Resources in Selected Communities of Southwest Rural Communities of Nigeria
Authors: Olonade Olawale Y. , George Tayo O. , Rhodes-Ebetaleye Julius , Imhonopi David
Published: August 2024

Nigeria is often described as a land flowing with milk and honey in reflection of the rich endowment of natural and mineral resources embedded in the country. Sadly, few of its people have benefited from these abundant resources as a large percentage of its population remains poor, particularly in rural areas. Hence, this present study assessed the awareness and utilisation of the natural and mineral resources in 24 selected southwest rural communities. The study adopts the mixed method to elicit responses from rural and urban respondents in four of Nigeria’s southwest states. Findings from the study revealed a high level of awareness of available resources in rural communities but gross underutilisation of the resources. The study concludes that the available resources in the southwest rural communities if tapped into, could transform the rural economy and ameliorate the level of underdevelopment in those areas. The study recommends that the government at all levels needs to recognise the rural areas as the fulcrum of national economic development and should be given utmost priority regarding infrastructural provisions and adequate funding.
Uses of the Light Verb GET in Chinese EFL Learners’ and English L1 Undergraduates’ Writing: A Corpus-Pattern-Analysis-Based Investigation
Authors: Luo Qin , Ma Wulin
Published: August 2024

In order to facilitate the instruction and acquisition of EFL writing, this paper compares the uses of the light verb get in English writing by Chinese and L1 undergraduates by drawing on insights from the theory of norms and exploitations (TNE). Corpus pattern analysis (CPA) is conducted to analyze the data taken from two comparable corpora of Chinese EFL learners’ and L1 undergraduates’ writing, unveiling both similarities and disparities between the two groups in terms of the patterning of get. Regarding similarities, most of the prototypical patterns identified in the two target corpora are identical, and both corpora show innovative exploitations of norms. In terms of differences, Chinese undergraduates misuse get in their writing in a varied but recognizable way. In addition, Chinese undergraduates are more likely than L1 undergraduates to overuse high-frequency patterns and semantic roles but underuse low-frequency ones, which may result in a lack of diversity in the range of patterns and complements. Chinese undergraduates’ uncertainty of registers is another notable feature in their writing. Based on the findings, the paper further discusses the implications for the teaching and learning of writing in EFL contexts.
“Can’t Fight With My Fate”: Reasons Explaining Violence-Accepting Behavior of Women in Pakistan
Authors: Habib Nazia , Naveed Shaheryar , Akhtar Chaudhry Shoaib
Published: August 2024

Accepting physical, psychological, and economic violence is a very common practice in developing countries like Pakistan, which not only adds to the sufferings of women but also strengthens the taboos about violence in society. In this regard, a multimethod study was conducted to identify key socio-economic and legal reasons that lead to violence-accepting behavior among women in Pakistan. In the first phase, a survey of 308 women was conducted to identify 23 critical domestic violence cases. In the second phase, these critical cases were further explored using in-depth interviews to identify reasons that forced these women to accept physical, psychological, and economic violence throughout their marital life. Emerging themes included social taboos, trust deficit in legal authorities, financial dependency on parents, fear of losing children, the threat of divorce, sympathies for men, and concern for children’s rights and welfare as reasons that do not let women raise their voices against the violent behavior of their spouses. In the third phase, a focus group discussion with nine member legal and social experts was done to seek solutions to the identified reasons. Based on a detailed thematic analysis of the focus group discussion, six themes emerged, context-specific conflict resolution mechanisms, creating awareness about laws, strengthening socio-cultural and family institutions, educational reforms, awareness about rights and duties, and the role of government. The research provides indigenous reasons leading to violence-accepting behaviors and context-specific legal and social remedies to these for women in Pakistan, which is the contribution of the study.
Why Do Small Restaurant Operators Intend to Terminate Their Relationship with Food Delivery Apps During Covid-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Jang Yumi , Kim Seongcheol
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the factors influencing restaurant operators’ intention to terminate their relationship with food delivery apps. This research develops a model with key variables based on the loyalty theory and adds variables reflecting the specific context of the food delivery app market. The face-to-face survey of 128 restaurant managers was conducted in South Korea from Oct 1st to Oct 30th, 2020, and the data obtained were analyzed by SEM. The results showed that distrust is a direct antecedent of their intention to terminate. However, there is no significant relationship between dissatisfaction and that intention. Revenue increase is negatively associated with dissatisfaction, whereas exposure opportunities are positively associated with dissatisfaction. The fee paid for food delivery apps, lack of control of delivery service, goal incongruity, and transparency are shown to be the important determinants of distrust. Our findings will enhance the understanding of the food delivery app market in South Korea and the relationship between the food delivery app and the small restaurant. Based on the results, recommendations for prospect research and theoretical and practical implications are presented.
Comparison of Surgical Site Infection After Instrumented Spine Surgery in Patients With High Risk of Infection According to Different Antibiotic Prophylaxis Protocols: A Cohort Study of 132 Patients With a Minimum Follow-Up of 1 year
Authors: Ferrer Pomares Pierre , Duque Santana Pablo , Moreno Mateo Fernando , Mengis Palleck Charles L. , Tomé Bermejo Felix , Álvarez Galovich Luis
Published: August 2024

Study Design

Observational Study.

Objectives

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are one of the major complications in spine surgery. Numerous factors that increase the risk of SSI have been widely described. However, clinical guidelines on antibiotic prophylaxis are usually common for all patients. There are no specific guidelines for patients with a high risk of infection. The aim of this paper is to create a specific protocol for patients at high risk of SSI.

Methods

This is a three-cohort study using a prospective database. Risk patients are those who meet at least two of the following criteria: obesity, diabetes, reoperation and immunosuppression. Between October 2021 and April 2023, 132 patients were recruited. They were divided into three cohorts: cohort A, 46 patients, standard prophylaxis with cefazolin 2 g/8 h for 24 h; cohort B, 46 patients, cefazolin 2 g/8h and amikacin 500 mg/12 h for 24 h; cohort C, 40 patients, cefazolin 2 g/8h and amikacin 500 mg/12 h for 72 h.

Results

There was a significant decrease in the infection rate depending on the prophylaxis (23.9% in cohort A, 8.7% in cohort B, and 2.5% in cohort C). When logistic regression models were applied and cohorts B and C were compared with A, the following results were obtained: OR of 0.30 (CI: 0.08 – 0.97; P = 0.057) and 0.08 (IC: 0.00 – 0.45; P = 0.019), respectively.

Conclusions

Prophylaxis with prolonged double antibiotic therapy with cefazolin and amikacin is associated with a statistically significant decrease in the rate of SSI in patients with a high risk of infection.
A Meta-Analysis of Surgical Outcomes in 25727 Patients Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion or Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion for Cervical Deformity
Authors: Barot Karma , Ruiz-Cardozo Miguel A. , Singh Som , Trevino Gabriel , Kann Michael R. , Brehm Samuel , Bui Tim , Joseph Karan , Patel Rujvee , Hardi Angela , Yahanda Alexander T. , Jauregui Julio J. , Cadieux Magalie , Pennicooke Brenton , Molina Camilo A.
Published: August 2024

Study Design

Systematic Review.

Objectives

To evaluate which cervical deformity correction technique between anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) produces better clinical, radiographic, and operative outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis comparing studies involving ACDF and ACCF. Adult patients with either original or previously treated cervical spine deformities were included. Two independent reviewers categorized extracted data into clinical, radiographic, and operative outcomes, including complications. Clinical assessments included patient-reported outcomes; radiographic evaluations examined C2-C7 Cobb angle, T1 slope, T1-CL, C2-7 SVA, and graft stability. Surgical measures included surgery duration, blood loss, hospital stay, and complications.

Results

26 studies (25727 patients) met inclusion criteria and were extracted. Of these, 14 studies (19077 patients) with low risk of bias were included in meta-analysis. ACDF and ACCF similarly improve clinical outcomes in terms of JOA and NDI, but ACDF is significantly better at achieving lower VAS neck scores. ACDF is also more advantageous for improving cervical lordosis and minimizing the incidence of graft complications. While there is no significant difference between approaches for most surgical complications, ACDF is favorable for reducing operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and length of hospital stay.

Conclusions

While both techniques benefit cervical deformity patients, when both techniques are feasible, ACDF may be superior with respect to VAS neck scores, cervical lordosis, graft complications and certain perioperative outcomes. Further studies are recommended to address outcome variability and refine surgical approach selection.
From Modic to Disc Endplate Bone Marrow Complex - The Natural Course and Clinical Implication of Vertebral Endplate Changes
Authors: Rajasekaran Shanmuganathan , Ramachandran Karthik , K S Sri Vijay Anand , Kanna Rishi M. , Shetty Ajoy P.
Published: August 2024

Study Design

Review article.

Objectives

A review of literature on the epidemiology, natural course, pathobiology and clinical implications of vertebral endplate changes.

Methods

A literature search was performed using the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, and PubMed. Studies published over the last 10 years were analysed. The searches were performed using Medical Subject Headings terms, and the subheadings used were “Vertebral endplate changes”, “Modic changes”, “Disc Endplate Bone Marrow complex”.

Results

The disc, endplate (EP), and bone marrow region of the spine constitute a unified morphological and functional unit, with isolated degeneration of any one structure being uncommon. Disc degeneration causes endplate defects, which result in direct communication and a constant cross-talk between the disc and the vertebral body. This may result in a persistent inflammatory state of the vertebral bone marrow, serving as a major pain generator. This review article focuses on vertebral endplate changes and how the current understanding has progressed from the Modic classification to the Disc Endplate Bone Marrow complex classification. It provides a clear portrayal of the natural course of these alterations and their clinical implications in low back pain.

Conclusions

In light of the heightened interest and current prominence of vertebral endplate changes within the spine community, we must progress beyond the Modic changes to achieve a comprehensive understanding. The DEBM complex classification will play a major part in disc degeneration research and clinical care, representing a considerable advancement in our understanding of the vertebral endplate changes over the classical Modic changes.
Dynamic Capabilities of Environmentally Sustainable Enterprises: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Phalswal Suman , Bhardwaj Rohit , Sahay Arunaditya , Akbar M.
Published: August 2024

This article explores the shift towards environmentally sustainable innovation from a dynamic capabilities perspective, identifying key capabilities influencing sustainable enterprise development. Employing a multiple case study design, the study explores four sustainable enterprises. The findings reveal sensing capabilities driven by knowledge acquisition, an environmentally conscious mindset and market assessment. Seizing capabilities involve co-innovation, knowledge combination and network establishment. Reconfiguring capabilities encompass workforce and supply-chain restructuring. The research emphasizes the importance of dynamic capabilities in sustainable enterprise strategy, offering insights for practitioners and researchers. It underscores the significance of a holistic approach to value creation and continuous adaptation in sustainability. The study, focusing on micro-foundations in an emerging economy, provides unique insights into the dynamics of sustainable firms, contributing to a deeper understanding of their strategic foundations.
Integrating the Sustainable Development Goals into India’s Legal Education Landscape: The What, Why and How of a Reform Paradigm
Authors: Puthucherril Tony George , Sharma Charu , Shenoy Amritha V. , Sood Saurabh , Lal Stuti
Published: August 2024

In this era of the Anthropocene, where four of the nine planetary boundaries have been crossed, the need for environmental stewardship, social equity and sustainability cannot be over-emphasized. So critical is the sustainability discourse that it has transcended disciplinary boundaries, permeating various aspects and sectors of human endeavour. A critical area where sustainability, as evidenced by the sustainable development goals (SDGs) framework, exerts influence is higher education and, more importantly, legal education. This article examines the intersection between sustainability (SDGs), human rights and legal education. It makes a case that if legal education, like other disciplines, has to propel the pursuit of a more liveable and equitable future, it is imperative to embed sustainability (SDGs) within legal education’s academic landscape. This central theme is examined against India’s legal education scenario. While there are a few isolated attempts to foster a culture of sustainability within the realm of legal academia in India, among these, the efforts of Jindal Global University and its law school, namely, Jindal Global Law School, stand out due to their steadfast commitment to this ideal. Jindal Global University (JGU) and Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) have strategically positioned sustainability as a foundational tenet of their institutional ethos, and their endeavours serve as a compelling example for institutions in India and elsewhere seeking to elevate their commitment to sustainability. Accordingly, based on the proactive initiatives of JGU and JGLS, this article develops a reform paradigm centred on what, why and how to revamp India’s legal education sector to infuse it with a sustainable culture.
What We Do in the Shadows: Workplace Romance Nondisclosure and Employee Well-being
Authors: Doll Jessica L.
Published: August 2024

Research suggests that the nondisclosure of relationships may cause adverse psychological stress; however, no studies have empirically examined the impact of secret workplace romances (WRs) on employee well-being. This article uses the communication privacy management theory as a framework to test workplace romance nondisclosure on job and life satisfaction. Relationship nondisclosure predicted differences in both projected job and life satisfaction. Additionally, individual differences (i.e., gender, age, work experience, conscientiousnes and emotional stability) were tested as moderators of the relationship between WRs and job and life satisfaction. Implications for practitioners (e.g., communication training) about WRs on employee outcomes are discussed.
Affirming Blackness in a “Colorblind” Anti-Black Nation: How Brazilians Negotiate Police Killings of Afro-Brazilians
Authors: Murphy Demetrius Miles
Published: August 2024

The historically dominant ideology, racial ambiguity, has structured Brazilian beliefs, opinions, and worldviews. Its antithesis, racial affirmation, has gained wider acceptance on a national scale due to Brazil’s Black movement and affirmative action policies. Which racial ideology do Brazilians employ within the context of police killings of Afro-Brazilians? Do Brazilians emphasize racial stories and ethnoracial categories of ambiguity or affirmation? I use computational text analysis and qualitative interpretation of Twitter data in Portuguese from 2019 to 2021 to analyze five prominent Brazilian cases of racial violence—Pedro Gonzaga, Ágatha Félix, João Pedro, João Alberto, and Kathlen Romeu. These cases create opportunities to examine the contours and tensions of Brazilian racial ideologies on social media. Across the five cases, I find Brazilians primarily use the ethnoracial category negro and foreground stories of racial affirmation. These racial stories align with the frames and identities the Black movement has struggled to promote for generations. In contrast to earlier scholarship that notes the ineffectiveness of the Black movement in Brazil to create a mass movement or a popular negro identity, I find the Black movement’s framing and ethnoracial category resonate with urban Brazilian Twitter users.
Assessment of Ferritin and Lead Levels in Children Living in an Informal Urban Settlement in Kenya
Authors: Omuse Geoffrey , Maina Daniel , Ondayo Maureene , Sinuff Syama , Onyango Stanley , Mugo Alex , Samia Pauline , Macharia William
Published: August 2024

Background. Childhood lead exposure from recycling used lead-acid batteries (ULAB) in unregulated areas is a significant cause of lead toxicity, particularly in low and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the proportion of children with increased blood lead levels (BLLs) in an informal settlement where ULAB recycling occurs. Methodology. This was a descriptive study conducted in Nairobi county, Kenya. Children aged 6 months to 7 years were recruited after obtaining written informed consent, completion of a questionnaire and collection of samples for complete blood count, ferritin, and lead analysis. Results. Out of 215 children, 17 (8.0%) had BLLs ≥ 5 μg/dL. There was a weak negative correlation between BLLs and ferritin ( rs(211) = −0.147, P = .032). Conclusion. Our study confirms the presence of increased BLLs in children residing in the study area. Relevant authorities should legislate on safe ULAB disposal to protect the population from toxic effects.
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Predictors of Survival and Adverse Outcomes
Authors: Ali Kamal , Aljuaid Nemer , Algarni Saleh S. , Ghazwani Abadi , Alshreedah Saad , Alghamdi Nawaf , Alreefi Mohamad , Alsaif Abdurhman , Alotaibi Naif , Alzahrani Wejdan , Alsaif Saif
Published: August 2024

Objective. To examine the postnatal predictors of survival and adverse outcome among Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) infants. Method. Six-year retrospective review of CDH infants born at tertiary neonatal unit. Results. Forty infants with CDH were included; 27 (67.5%) survived to discharge. Non-survivors had a higher best, mean, and highest oxygenation index (OI) ( P < .001) on day 1 compared to survivors. Best (AUC = 0.917), mean (AUC = 0.945), and highest (AUC = 0.923) OI on day 1 were all predictive of mortality. The mean day-1 OI had a significant correlation with the duration of ventilation (DOV) (Spearman rho correlation coefficient ( rS) = .549, P = .004), TTS ( rS = .526, P = .007), and the length of hospital stay (LOS) ( rS = .497, P = .012). The best and highest day-1 OI also correlated significantly with DOV, TTS, and LOS. Conclusion. First day OIs were excellent predictors of survival and have a significant correlation with the DOV, LOS, and TTS in infants with CDH.
Eyewitness Confidence Does Not Necessarily Indicate Identification Accuracy
Authors: Moore Kara N. , Pennekamp Pia , Yu Chenxin , Zwemer Dara U.
Published: August 2024

Eyewitness identifications are prone to error. Scholars and legal stakeholders are exploring whether and when eyewitness confidence predicts identification accuracy. Scholars agree on a strong but imperfect relationship between initial confidence and accuracy under “pristine” (ideal) conditions. However, pristine conditions are not unfailingly present in criminal cases. Even when pristine conditions are present, high confidence is not always associated with high accuracy because other factors influence the confidence–accuracy relationship. Researchers have not yet reached a consensus about the many variables that may impact the confidence–accuracy relationship. Ultimately, legal practitioners should be cautious in using confidence as an indicator of accuracy.
Nursing Code of Ethics Practice and Associated Factors Among Nurses Working in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tolosa Mulugeta Hailu , Bekele Daniel Mengistu , Wake Addisu Dabi
Published: August 2024

Background

Codes of ethics provide essential guidance for nursing like those of other professions. This is because nurses are increasingly challenged by complex concerns in their practice. Ethical practice is the foundation for nurses because they deal with ethical issues on daily basis.

Objectives

This study was aimed to determine the nursing codes of ethics practice and associated factors among nurses working in selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa between mid-March and June 2022. Study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique.

Result

Of the 367 nurses, 334(91%) were aged ≤35 years. The majority 221(60.2%) of nurses were married. The level of a good “nursing code of ethics” practice among nurses was 48.8%. Having training on nursing ethics/code of ethics after school [AOR = 2.41, 95%CI: 1.24, 4.68, p-value = 0.009], good job satisfaction [AOR = 1.58, 95%CI: 1.25, 7.35, p-value = 0.022], good knowledge towards “nursing code of ethics” [AOR = 3.11, 95%CI: 1.59, 6.05, p-value = 0.001], and positive attitude towards “nursing code of ethics” [AOR = 8.56, 3.81, 18.25, p-value = 0.000] were factors significantly associated with “nursing code of ethics” practice.

Conclusion

The level of good “nursing code of ethics” practice among nurses was relatively low. Training in nursing ethics/code of ethics after school, job satisfaction, knowledge about “nursing code of ethics”, and attitude towards “nursing code of ethics” were factors significantly associated with “nursing code of ethics” practice. Health education and training on “nursing codes of ethics” need to be provided to improve nursing codes of ethics practice among nurses.
Estimating Utility Values for Health States of Nigerian Individuals with Stroke or Epilepsy Using the SF-36: A Brief Report on the Results of a Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Gebrye T. , Akosile C. O. , Okoye E. C. , Okoli U. V. , Fatoye F.
Published: August 2024

Background. Stroke and epilepsy are the most common neurologic conditions affecting individuals. The Short Form Six-Dimension Health Index (SF-6D) is a preference-based measure of health developed to estimate utility values from the SF-36. This study estimated utility values for health states of Nigerian individuals with stroke or epilepsy using the SF-36. Methods. SF-36 responses from 125 and 69 individuals with stroke and persons with epilepsy, respectively, were transformed into health state utility values using the SF-6D algorithm. The Excel program developed by Brazier and colleagues was used to generate the SF-6D utility score estimated using a set of parametric preference weights. The health state utility values were determined using ordinal health state and standard gamble valuation techniques. Results. Mean ( s) ages of the stroke and epilepsy participants were 63.1 (11) and 39.6 (16) y, respectively. The mean ( s) utility scores for stroke and epilepsy were 0.52 (0.10) and 0.65 (0.1) for standard gamble and 0.48 (0.13) and 0.68 (0.11), respectively, using the ordinal health state paradigm. The mean ( s) utility of stroke (female = 0.46 [0.15]; male = 0.50 [0.12]) and epilepsy (female = 0.65 [0.13], male = 0.69 [0.11]) participants were reported. The mean ( s) annual episodes of seizure was 18.7 (39). Conclusions. To our knowledge, this is the first study to suggest that females with stroke and those with epilepsy considered their health to be poorer than that of their male counterparts. The significance of our findings is that they may be helpful for researchers, policy makers, and clinicians by providing input into economic evaluations to facilitate resource allocation for stroke survivors and people living with epilepsy to improve their health outcomes and reduce the huge burden associated with the conditions.

Highlight

We estimated a health state utility value for stroke and epilepsy to aid researchers and public health policy makers in conducting health economic analysis and outcomes research.
Generative AI in Undergraduate Medical Education: A Rapid Review
Authors: Hale Joshua , Alexander Seth , Wright Sarah Towner , Gilliland Kurt
Published: August 2024

OBJECTIVES

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) models such as OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Bard have forced educators to consider how these tools will be efficiently utilized to improve medical education. This article investigates current literature on how generative AI is and could be used and implemented in undergraduate medical education (UME).

METHODS

A rapid review of the literature was performed utilizing a librarian-generated search strategy to identify articles published before June 30, 2023, in 6 databases (Pubmed, EMBASE.com, Scopus, ERIC via EBSCO, Computer Science Database via EBSCO, and CINAHL via EBSCO). Inclusion criteria were (1) a focus on osteopathic and/or allopathic UME and (2) a defined use or implementation strategy for generative AI. Two reviewers screened all articles, and data extraction was performed by 1 reviewer and confirmed by the other reviewer.

RESULTS

A total of 521 relevant articles were screened during this review. Forty-one articles underwent full-text review and data extraction. The majority of the articles were opinion pieces (9), case reports (8), letters to the editor (5), editorials (5), and commentaries (3) about the use of generative AI while 7 articles used qualitative and/or quantitative methods. The literature is best divided into 5 categories of uses for generative AI in UME: nonclinical learning assistant, content developer, virtual patient interaction, clinical decision-making tutor, and medical writing. The literature indicates generative AI tools’ greatest potential is for use as a virtual patient and clinical decision-making tutor.

CONCLUSIONS

While the possibilities proliferate for generative AI in UME, there remains a dearth of quantitative evidence of its use for improving learner outcomes. The majority of the literature opines the potential for utilization, but only 7 studies formally evaluated the results of using generative AI. Future research should focus on the effectiveness of incorporating generative AI into preclinical and clinical curricula in UME.
Ternary nanoparticles effect in rotating hydromagnetic Jeffery-Hamel flow of nanofluids
Authors: Lemouedda Badreddine , Kezzar Mohamed , Rafique Khuram , Sari Mohamed Rafik , Tabet Ismail , Khan Ilyas
Published: August 2024

This research-work aims to study the dynamic behavior in rotating ternary hybrid nanofluid. More exactly hydro-magnetic ternary hybrid nano-fluid ( Cu, Al2 O3, and Ag) flow through rotating converging/diverging channel has been investigated. The governing equations (PDEs) are converted to ODEs using the similarity transformations. In the next step, the problem has been solved numerically by using Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg 4th–5th order with shooting technique and analytically by using Duan–Rach Approach (DRA). The present results is compared with the HAM-based Mathematica package BVPh 2 and those available in the literature for several cases. The effects of parameters such as Reynolds number (Re), channel half-angle (α), rotational parameter (Ro), ternary hybrid nanoparticles ( Cu + Al2 O3 + Ag), and Hartmann number (Ha) on the evolution of ternary hybrid nano-fluid velocity and skin friction coefficient is considered.
Text mining public feedback on urban densification plan change in Hamilton, New Zealand
Authors: Fu Xinyu , Brinkley Catherine , Sanchez Thomas W , Li Chaosu
Published: August 2024

Cities worldwide are commonly aspiring to transition from inefficient urban sprawl patterns to more compact and sustainable urban forms. However, urban densification efforts often face significant public resistance or skepticism, hindering at-scale implementation. There is a scarcity of empirical studies identifying the rationale and mechanisms underpinning public opposition to urban density. This study aims to bridge this gap by leveraging novel natural language processing techniques (NLP), combined with mixed-methods analysis of a unique, highly detailed public dataset on urban intensification in Hamilton. This research stands out by proposing a transferable model for rapidly generating insights from large public feedback datasets, and also unveils the polarized and complex, self-interest-driven mechanisms, including NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard), behind public support or opposition to urban densification. NLP techniques, such as sentiment analysis, topic modeling, and ChatGPT, can be used to offer rapid insights into a large, unstructured public feedback dataset. When combined with submitters’ individual interest representation and identifies, these AI-generated summaries can offer important insights into the hidden rationales behind public opinions, and, more importantly, be used to design tailored public engagement activities to obtain community buy-in.
Corticosteroid Infiltration to Treat Shoulder Stiffness After Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Saade François , Liotard Jean-Pierre , ReSurg  , Agu Chinyelum , Van Rooij Floris , Saffarini Mo , Godenèche Arnaud
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To investigate whether the preoperative shoulder range of motion (ROM), would increase the risk of postoperative shoulder stiffness, or whether it would be associated with other preoperative patient characteristics.

Methods

The authors retrospectively analysed the 372 shoulders that underwent rotator cuff repair by 4 surgeons, between January 2010 and January 2011. All patients were followed up at 3 and 6 months by 2 independent observers to collect the ROM, including active forward elevation (AFE), passive forward elevation (PFE), and external rotation (ER), as well as subjective shoulder value (SSV).

Results

Of the initial cohort of 372 patients, 10 were lost to follow-up (2.7%), leaving a final cohort of 362 patients available for outcome assessment at a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Of the 362 patients, 281 did not require corticosteroid infiltration, 68 received corticosteroid infiltrations for shoulder stiffness with no apparent cause, and 13 received corticosteroid infiltrations for other reasons. None of the variables were associated with infiltration for shoulder stiffness. Older patients had greater SSV scores (β = 0.3; 95% CI [0.1, 0.6]; P = .015), while both manual and repetitive workers had lower SSV scores (β = −10.7; 95% CI [−15.8, −5.6]; P < .001, and β = −10.2; 95% CI [−15.1, −5.3]; P < .001).

Conclusion

Postoperative SSV was significantly associated with age, as well as manual or repetitive work. Furthermore, postoperative PFE, AFE, and ER were significantly associated with preoperative PFE. Finally, at 3 and 6 months postoperative, patients who required infiltration for shoulder stiffness had significantly lower PFE, AFE, and ER compared to patients who did not require infiltration.

Level of Evidence

IV, Case series.