bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RVN's perceptions of confidence levels of veterinary professionals when assessing pain in rabbits
Authors: Barton Abigail , Harniman Suzannah
Published: September 2024

Background:

Despite the popularity of pet rabbits in the UK, recent research suggests limitations in veterinary professionals’ knowledge and experience regarding behaviour and pain assessment in these patients. There is also a lack of species-specific pain assessment scales for rabbits.

Methods:

An online questionnaire collected key data, followed by semi-structured, one-to-one interviews over Microsoft Teams with five registered veterinary nurses. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the qualitative data.

Results:

Five themes were identified. Participants with more experience with rabbits felt more confident assessing their pain. Some participants found it difficult to distinguish between stress and pain when assessing body language in rabbit patients using pain assessment scales.

Conclusions:

To improve the accuracy of pain assessment in rabbits, it is recommended that registered veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons receive more training and experience with the species. The potential impact could include more appropriate use of analgesia and improved welfare.
Bloom's Anxiety 50 Years Later: A Case for Creative Criticism
Authors: Minas Steven
Published: September 2024

Abstract: Harold Bloom's The Anxiety of Influence (1973) is now half a century old. Despite being one of the most important contributions to poetic theory in the twentieth century, its formal innovations remain understudied. This essay examines the legacy of The Anxiety of Influence through its relationship to the burgeoning genre of "creative criticism." It looks at the various formal genres that Anxiety draws on, including the fragment, parable, and manifesto, before providing a theory of creative criticism through a reading of Susan Howe's My Emily Dickinson .
Barbara Johns and Beyond: Black Male Youth Activists, School Desegregation, and the Black Freedom Struggle in Virginia, 1951–1970
Authors: Hyres Alexander
Published: September 2024

Abstract: The dominant narrative of youth activism and the Black freedom struggle in Virginia focuses on Barbara Johns and Prince Edward County. This article widens the dominant historiographical lens to include Black male youth and school desegregation and expands into other Virginia locales, moving the chronology beyond the immediate aftermath of the Brown decisions. Drawing upon archival materials, oral history interviews, newspapers, and reports, it focuses on Charles Alexander of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Owen Cardwell of Lynchburg, Virginia, to interrogate how race, class, and gender shaped their experiences as students and activists. On one hand, Alexander and Cardwell, due to their family’s independent socioeconomic status, could contest segregation, anti-Blackness, and white supremacy within and beyond the desegregated school. On the other hand, as Black male youth activists, they became subject to the emerging school-to-prison nexus.
State Spending on Higher Education: Testing the Balance Wheel over Time
Authors: Delaney Jennifer A. , Doyle William R.
Published: September 2024

This article considers the role of higher education in state budgets. It empirically models and tests the balance wheel hypothesis in a robust framework. The balance wheel model posits that in good economic times, higher education is an attractive area for states to fund and tends to be funded at a higher rate than other state budget categories. In bad economic times, the reverse is true. Higher education is often one of the first state budget categories to be cut, and it is cut more than other state budget categories due in part to its ability to raise outside revenue by charging tuition. This article expands upon previous work on the non-linear balance wheel model by including extensive controls for the economic, political, and higher education characteristics of each state. It finds evidence, robust to alternative specifications, of the balance wheel model over the time period from 1985–2004.
Maintenance of State Effort for Higher Education: "Barriers to Equal Educational Opportunity in Addressing the Rising Costs of a College Education"
Authors: Alexander F. King
Published: September 2024

A Maintenance of Effort (MOE) provision for higher education was first adopted in the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 and was included as a requirement for states to participate in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The information below was presented before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor on November 1, 2007 supporting the enactment of the maintenance of effort statutory language.
Constructing a Model of Lottery Tax Incidence Measurement: Revisiting the Illinois Lottery Tax for Education
Authors: Daberkow Kevin S. , Lin Wei
Published: September 2024

Nearly half a century of lottery scholarship has measured lottery tax incidence predominantly through either the Suits Index or regression analysis. The present study builds on historic lottery tax burden measurement to present a comprehensive set of tools to determine the tax incidence of individual games in addition to determining which lottery consumer demographic bears the burden of the Illinois lottery tax. Previous research has suggested that the Illinois lottery presents an ambiguous tax-burden determination, which prompts our selection of that state for this study. Results of Suits Index analysis with corresponding confidence intervals suggest that the Illinois lottery functions as a regressive tax on lottery consumers. Lottery games in Illinois were found to vary greatly in their degree of regressivity. Regression analysis provides a sequential model building illustration to suggest the importance of model justification and appropriateness in determining lottery tax incidence. Regression results reveal the impact of gender, education, race, age, and economic status on lottery burden determination. The significance of this study is in the presentation of a comprehensive set of metrics provided to educational policymakers as they determine which public finance tools to employ in raising funds to finance public schools.
Choosing Charters: Who Leaves Public School as an Alternative Sector Expands?
Authors: Cowen Joshua M. , Winters Marcus A.
Published: September 2024

In recent years, the number of charter schools in Florida has doubled. We examine five years of data on students moving into these schools from the traditional public sector. We consider student attributes and the school and district contexts that they are leaving. The better students are performing relative to their peers, the less likely they are to move into a charter. There are higher rates of minority students in the charter sector, and Hispanics appear especially likely to transfer. On the other hand, special-needs students are less likely to be in charters. White students are more likely to enter a charter school with more white students than minority students who are more likely to move into charters with more minority students. These findings suggest that charter schools do not “cream skim” the best students away from the traditional sector, although there is evidence that charters do not provide an educational home for all.
Is California Equitably Serving California Indian Students? A Comparison of Per-Pupil Funding and Family Wealth
Authors: Beaulieu Rodney
Published: September 2024

abstract: California introduced the local control funding formula (LCFF) in 2013–14 to provide more equitable educational funding for school districts that were historically underserved. LCFF established base, supplemental and concentration grants to replace the earlier streams of funding in communities that serve students who are English learners, qualify for free or reduced-priced school meals, live in foster care, or experience any combination of these factors. The goal of this study is to determine if California’s LCFF is equitably funding public schools in California Indian communities, communities that historically suffered from inadequate educational funding. How does educational funding at schools that serve predominately California Indians compare to districts that serve predominately White students, and how does family wealth for the two groups compare? To answer these questions, the per-pupil funding of school districts with the highest percentage of California Indian students was compared against districts with the highest percentage of White students. Poverty rates, median family income and home values were also compared to assess relative family wealth. Results revealed no statistical difference in per-pupil allocations, both groups had higher than the state average, and both were situated in rural areas. Comparisons also revealed that California Indian families had twice the poverty rate than White families, and their median family income and median home value was about half as much. Findings show that the LCFF does not allocate more per-pupil funding to California Indian communities than predominantly White communities, despite having higher poverty rates, lower family income and lower home values. These findings contradict the findings by Richwine (2011) who claimed that people of color get more educational funding than White students.
Critical Policy Analysis: NCAA Bylaw 12
Authors: Jackson Tommy E. , Smith Shanna E. , Varga Matt
Published: September 2024

abstract: This study used Critical Race Theory to examine the economic model of the NCAA, through Article 12 (amateurism), which prohibits student-athletes from economically benefitting from their own name, image, and likeness (NIL), and whether the aforementioned policy is equitable in regard to the Black male athletes participating in revenue sports. This critical case study analyzes the NCAA's implementation of Bylaw Article 12. Conducting this analysis from a critical perspective, we used tenets from Critical Race Theory (CRT), and also adopted components from a critical policy analysis approach (Young and Diem 2017) focusing on: (1) differences between NCAA policy rhetoric and practice (what policy "states" about NCAA athletics and how those policies are enforced) based on prior research and available NCAA data; (2) sources of the policy and how it developed over time; (3) distribution of power, resources, and knowledge in NCAA athletics; (4) inequality, power, and privilege (how students of color are [or are not] represented in the policy); and (5) resistance among NCAA athletes such that students of color become involved to self-advocate and make their voices heard (Antony-Newman 2019; Wright, Whitaker, Khalifa, and Briscoe 2020). The findings support differences between policy language and the implementation of the policy proves problematic, as it belies the true spirit of the policy and produces inequity within the treatment of student-athletes. Additionally, this paper makes recommendations as to how the NCAA can equitably compensate student-athletes.
School District Revenue and Student Poverty in California: A Decade through the Great Recession and School Finance Reform
Authors: Rose Heather
Published: September 2024

abstract: California state-level policies are responsible for allocating nearly 80 percent of the revenue received by its K-12 school districts. In 2013–14, the state implemented the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), which changed the allocation formula from one based primarily on equal revenue per pupil to an equity-focused allocation based primarily on a district’s share of students in poverty. This paper analyzes the relationship between revenue and poverty before and after the LCFF, focusing separately on state general purpose, state restricted, local, and federal funding. Although some special state revenue programs under the prior system led to an implicit positive relationship between revenue and poverty, the LCFF increased and strengthened that dramatically. Local revenue sources dampen this relationship, whereas federal sources augment it. Regression analyses suggest that prior to LCFF in 2007–08, districts with all students in poverty received $2,622 more per pupil in total than did districts with no students in poverty; after LCFF in 2017–18, high-poverty districts received $3,855 per pupil more in total. This paper also analyzes how high- and low-poverty districts changed their spending patterns over the decade punctuated by LCFF. Although revenue in both types of districts grew, and more so in high-poverty districts, low-poverty districts spent all additional revenue on staff compensation, but high-poverty districts allocated some to non-compensation areas. The more remarkable trend over this decade is the increase in spending on retirement and health benefits, which has the potential to curtail the potential effects of the LCFF.
Allocating Recovery Funding: A Survey of School Districts on Federal Resources
Authors: McCauley Carlas L.
Published: September 2024

abstract: As widely reported and documented, the coronavirus pandemic hit schools hard. To address challenges caused by COVID-19, the U.S. Congress created and funded the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), While educators and the field have learned much during the era of reforming high poverty schools, the challenge to improve systems remain. One important takeaway over the past decade has been the awareness and understanding of the role that leaders play. To better understand initiatives enacted with ESSERs funds that focus on leadership and equity, school districts and Charter Management Organizations were surveyed. The paper reports the results from a sample consisted of 359 survey respondents and the population sample consists of U.S. public school districts (approximately 13,000 districts). The analysis provided a glimpse of how federal funds were being utilized to enact an initiative focused on equity and leadership. As systemic inconsistencies and weaknesses, including political challenges, and a lack of uneven district support has been found to curtail past efforts, the paper highlights the opportunity as schools remain open throughout an ever changing pandemic which has had a significant impact on students in poverty.
Suppression of the hole trap for high-quality amino-phosphine based InP quantum dots
Authors: Wang Linfeng , Huang Xiaoyue , Zhang Tingting , Bai Jinke , Zhao Ting , Xu Bing , Li Qinghua , Jin Xiao , Wang Yuxiao , Zhang Xueru , Song Yinglin
Published: September 2024

InP quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials in various fields due to their exceptional optical properties. However, its wide emission linewidth limits further application. In this study, we synthesized high-quality InP/ZnSe/ZnS QDs by suppressing hole defects. The unreacted In precursors during nucleation easily enter ZnSe in the subsequent shelling process, forming a hole trapping center that adversely affects the photo-excitons radiative recombination. Our results demonstrate that the presence of In ions in ZnSe shell enhances exciton-phonon coupling, broadens the fluorescence emission spectrum, and weakens exciton binding energy. The optimized InP QDs exhibit a line width of 44 nm and 90% PLQY at 630 nm. Furthermore, our investigation into the interaction between shell hole defects and core exciton function provides valuable insights for designing and preparing another high-performance core-shell heterojunction QDs.
Metal-mesh-integrated lateral nanowire array solar cells for ultra-thin photovoltaic antennas
Authors: Li Yao , Yan Xin , Li Yuxi , Yuan Xueguang , Zhang Yang’an , Zhang Jinnan , Zhang Xia
Published: September 2024

An integrated photovoltaic antenna based on a lateral nanowire array solar cell and metal mesh is proposed and studied by three-dimensional electromagnetic simulation. The results show that the integration of the metal meshed antenna significantly enhances the absorption of the nanowire array due to the diffraction effects of the two-dimensional grating and the excitation of localized surface plasmons. By optimizing the nanowire diameter, antenna linewidth, and gap between them, the integrated solar cell achieves a maximum conversion efficiency of 11.1%, 38% higher than that before integration. The antenna exhibits an operational frequency range of 5.88-6.16 THz (S11 < 10 dB) and radiation efficiency of 59.617%, which are almost unaffected by the underlying solar cell due to the ultra-small thickness of nanowires. This study may pave the way for the development of ultra-thin flexible high-performance integrated photovoltaic antennas.
Experimental demonstration of coupling between cavity resonance and Tamm plasmons in photonic multilayers
Authors: Bo Shuwen , Lu Hua , Shi Shouhao , Li Dikun , Zhao Jianlin
Published: September 2024

Strong coupling in photonic microstructures attracts broad attention due to its promising applications in spectral control, optical sensing, and light-matter interactions. Herein, we demonstrate the coupling effect in the photonic multilayer with a planar nanocavity on a one-dimensional (1D) photonic crystal (PC). The experiment results show that the spectral profile of the coupling effect can be effectively controlled by adjusting the thickness of the dielectric layer in the nanocavity, which is in good accordance with the calculations. The coupled-oscillator theoretical analysis reveals that the coupling response exhibits a Rabi splitting of 36 meV with a distinct anticrossing behavior, which stems from the strong coupling interaction between the nanocavity resonance and Tamm plasmons (TPs) between the metallic film and PC. The coupling strength can be effectively tuned by adjusting the thickness of the metallic film on the PC. We find that the coupling between the cavity and TP modes locates in the strong coupling regime when the metallic film thickness is less than 36 nm. This work will offer a new pathway for realizing optical coupling and spectral control in photonic microstructures.
Quantum mechanical effects in plasmonic sub-nanometer cavities formed by a tip and substrate structure
Authors: Wei Yong , Yu Changjian , Zhang Jiale , Li Jing , Qi Jialu , Pei Huan
Published: September 2024

Enhancing local field intensity through light field compression is one of the core issues in surface plasmon-enhanced spectroscopy. The theoretical framework for the nanostructure composed of a tip and a substrate has predominantly relied on classical electromagnetic models, ignoring the electron tunneling effect. In this paper, we investigate the plasmonic near-field characteristics in the sub-nanometer cavity formed by the tip and the substrate using a quantum-corrected model. Additionally, we analyze the local electric field and Raman enhancement when hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) monolayer is used as a decoupling layer for the nanocavity. The results indicate that classical electromagnetic theory fails to accurately describe the plasmonic electric field in smaller sub-nanometer gaps. When the gap is reduced to 0.32 nm, the quantum-corrected model shows that the local electric field in the sub-nanometer cavity is significantly reduced due to the tunneling current, aligning more closely with experimental results. Moreover, adding a high-barrier h-BN layer effectively prevents the occurrence of tunneling current, allowing for a strong local electric field even when the gap is less than 0.32 nm. The calculated maximum Raman enhancement reaches up to 15 orders of magnitude. Our research results provide a deep understanding of quantum mechanical effects in tip-enhanced spectroscopy systems, enabling the potential applications based on quantum plasmons in nanocavity.
A hierarchy of metabolite exchanges in metabolic models of microbial species and communities
Authors: Wedmark Ylva Katarina , Vik Jon Olav , Øyås Ove
Published: September 2024

The metabolic network of an organism can be analyzed as a constraint-based model. This analysis can be biased, optimizing an objective such as growth rate, or unbiased, aiming to describe the full feasible space of metabolic fluxes through pathway analysis or random flux sampling. In particular, pathway analysis can decompose the flux space into fundamental and formally defined metabolic pathways. Unbiased methods scale poorly with network size due to combinatorial explosion, but a promising approach to improve scalability is to focus on metabolic subnetworks, e.g., cells’ metabolite exchanges with each other and the environment, rather than the full metabolic networks. Here, we applied pathway enumeration and flux sampling to metabolite exchanges in microbial species and a microbial community, using models ranging from central carbon metabolism to genome-scale and focusing on pathway definitions that allow direct targeting of subnetworks such as metabolite exchanges (elementary conversion modes, elementary flux patterns, and minimal pathways). Enumerating growth-supporting metabolite exchanges, we found that metabolite exchanges from different pathway definitions were related through a hierarchy, and we show that this hierarchical relationship between pathways holds for metabolic networks and subnetworks more generally. Metabolite exchange frequencies, defined as the fraction of pathways in which each metabolite was exchanged, were similar across pathway definitions, with a few specific exchanges explaining large differences in pathway counts. This indicates that biological interpretation of predicted metabolite exchanges is robust to the choice of pathway definition, and it suggests strategies for more scalable pathway analysis. Our results also signal wider biological implications, facilitating detailed and interpretable analysis of metabolite exchanges and other subnetworks in fields such as metabolic engineering and synthetic biology.
Levels and functionality of Pacific Islanders’ hybrid humoral immune response to BNT162b2 vaccination and delta/omicron infection: A cohort study in New Caledonia
Authors: Inizan Catherine , Courtot Adrien , Sturmach Chloé , Griffon Anne-Fleur , Biron Antoine , Bruel Timothée , Enouf Vincent , Demaneuf Thibaut , Munier Sandie , Schwartz Olivier , Gourinat Ann-Claire , Médevielle Georges , Jouan Marc , van der Werf Sylvie , Madec Yoann , Albert-Dunais Valérie , Dupont-Rouzeyrol Myrielle
Published: September 2024

Background

Pacific Islanders are underrepresented in vaccine efficacy trials. Few studies describe their immune response to COVID-19 vaccination. Yet, this characterization is crucial to re-enforce vaccination strategies adapted to Pacific Islanders singularities.

Methods and findings

We evaluated the humoral immune response of 585 adults, self-declaring as Melanesians, Europeans, Polynesians, or belonging to other communities, to the Pfizer BNT162b2 vaccine. Anti-spike and anti-nucleoprotein IgG levels, and their capacity to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants and to mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) were assessed across communities at 1 and 3 months post-second dose or 1 and 6 months post-third dose. All sera tested contained anti-spike antibodies and 61.3% contained anti-nucleoprotein antibodies, evidencing mostly a hybrid immunity resulting from vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection. At 1-month post-immunization, the 4 ethnic communities exhibited no significant differences in their anti-spike IgG levels (p value = 0.17, in an univariate linear regression model), in their capacity to mediate omicron neutralization (p value = 0.59 and 0.60, in an univariate logistic regression model at 1-month after the second and third dose, respectively) and in their capacity to mediate ADCC (p value = 0.069 in a multivariate linear regression model), regardless of the infection status. Anti-spike IgG levels and functionalities of the hybrid humoral immune response remained equivalent across the 4 ethnic communities during follow-up and at 6 months post-third dose.

Conclusions

Our study evidenced Pacific Islander’s robust humoral immune response to Pfizer BNT162b2 vaccine, which is pivotal to re-enforce vaccination deployment in a population at risk for severe COVID-19.

Trial registration

This trial has been register in ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT05135585).
Perception and barriers to access Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV/AIDS (PrEP) among the MSM (men who have sex with men) Brazilian Amazon: A qualitative study
Authors: Batista Diego Rafael , Dávila Rafaela Nunes , Santos Alicia Cacau dos , Rocha Felipe Queiroz , Araújo Jessica Albuquerque , Alencar Aline Côrte , Nascimento Loren Rebeca , Araújo Nilberto Dias de , Lopes Stefanie Costa Pinto , Araújo Patricia Saraiva , Filgueiras Rondienny Andrade , Saraiva Priscila Ferreira , Lacerda Marcus Vinicius Guimarães de , Baía-da-Silva Djane Clarys , Murta Felipe Leão Gomes
Published: September 2024

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention strategy that consists in the use of antiretroviral drugs by seronegative people at risk of HIV. Negative perceptions, inadequate understanding, and access barriers have been associated with decreased medication adherence. Manaus is the largest city in the Brazilian Amazon, where the incidence of HIV/AIDS is high, and the rates of adherence to the antiretroviral treatment for HIV and PrEP are low. In this qualitative study among PrEP users, mostly MSM, we explored perceptions, knowledge, and access barriers. We conducted 21 in-depth interviews with an intentionally sampled group of participants who had used PrEP at least once in their lifetime, selected through the snowball technique, between April and July 2022. A thematic analysis was conducted with a predominantly inductive approach. We highlight three relevant themes: (i) access to information about PrEP and its influences on users, (ii) access, monitoring, and barriers encountered, and (iii) facilitators for PrEP adherence and sexual behaviors. One of the negative perceptions identified in the study involves a misunderstanding of the association between PrEP users and the HIV/AIDS status. Participants revealed that some non-PrEP users suspect that individuals claiming PrEP usage are concealing an HIV-positive status to engage in unprotected sex. Lack of information by health professionals regarding HIV prevention methods poses significant barriers to PrEP access and adherence. Participants emphasized social media’s crucial role in PrEP awareness. The results suggest a need to increase digital outreach regarding PrEP, decentralize PrEP services, and provide comprehensive healthcare training to improve the effectiveness of the preventive measure.
Influence of social determinants of health on quality of life in patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy
Authors: Ruiz-Baena José María , Moreno-Juste Aida , Poblador-Plou Beatriz , Castillo-Jimena Marcos , Calderón-Larrañaga Amaia , Lozano-Hernández Cristina , Gimeno-Miguel Antonio , Gimeno-Feliú Luis A. ,   MULTIPAP GROUP
Published: September 2024

Background

Multimorbidity is one of the biggest challenges faced by modern medicine, especially when managing older patients who are also often taking multiple medications. Multimorbidity is influenced by social determinants of health, giving rise to health inequalities in the population. Here, we sought to determine the influence of social determinants of health on quality of life in patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy.

Methods and materials

This cross-sectional observational study included 573 patients aged 65–74 with multimorbidity (≥3 diseases) and polypharmacy (≥5 drugs). Corresponding data was taken drawn from the Spanish MULTIPAP study, and included social and demographic variables, and data on health-related quality of life and overall self-perceived health status, assessed using the 5-level version of the EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses with logistic regression models were performed.

Results

Mean patient age was 69.7 years, 55.8% of patients were female, 59.7% belonged to low social classes (V, VI), a monthly income of €1051–€1850 predominated, and the median number of diseases in the same patient was 6. Factors associated with higher quality of life were (odds ratio, OR) male gender (OR = 1.599, p = 0.013), a higher educational level (OR = 1.991, p = 0.036), an absence of urban vulnerability (OR = 1.605, p = 0.017), and the presence of medium social support (OR = 1.689, p = 0.017). Having a higher number of diseases was associated with poorer quality of life (OR = 0.912, p = 0.017).

Conclusions

Our findings describe associations between social determinants of health and quality of life in patients aged 65–74 years with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. More illnesses, female gender, a lower education level, urban vulnerability, and less social support are associated with poorer quality of life, underscoring the need for a biopsychosocial approach in patient care.
Use of volunteers in early years interventions for parents: A scoping review of roles and the extent of evaluation research in this area
Authors: Padgett Louise , Blower Sarah L. , Henderson Hollie , Bryant Maria
Published: September 2024

Early years interventions, particularly those supporting parents in the first 1001 days of their infants life, support healthy development of infants and prevent adverse experiences that can have long term negative impacts. Volunteers are often used to deliver such interventions. This scoping review aimed to explore the roles and characteristics of volunteers across early years interventions and map the evaluation in this field to identify gaps in the literature. A scoping review was conducted according to the Arksey and O’Malley Framework. Academic databases and grey literature sources were searched to identify literature evaluating volunteer-based interventions for parents in the first 1001 days of their infant’s life (conception to aged two). Research conducted in the UK or comparable high-income countries since the year 2000 were identified and data relating to the volunteer role, intervention design and evaluation methods were mapped. Sixty-six articles were eligible for inclusion in the review. Volunteers were commonly involved in interventions to provide peer support for a range of parenting related matters, support breastfeeding and the mental and emotional wellbeing of parents. Volunteer roles were categorised based on their background (peers or non-peer volunteers), their responsibilities (provider of peer support, educator or providers of practical support) and the delivery style of their role (in person one to one support, group leader or remote support). Research most often involved exploring the experiences of those involved in receiving or delivering the interventions and measuring outcomes in relation to breastfeeding and parent mental wellbeing. Volunteers play a large role in the provision of early years interventions. Their varied contribution is presented through a typology that will allow comparisons of roles in future research. Further research exploring the impact on the volunteers and the organisation will support decision making around choosing a volunteer led model within early years services.
Exploring barriers and facilitators, and their effectiveness in eye health promotion interventions: Protocol of a systematic review
Authors: Masemola Hlabje Carel , Nkambule Sphamandla Josias , Baloyi Olivia , Xulu-Kasaba Zamadonda Nokuthula
Published: September 2024

Background

The rising global prevalence of visual impairment attributed to population growth and ageing heightens the risk of increased vision problems for many. However, there is a limited understanding of factors influencing intervention implementation, and the degree to which participation is achieved in interventions for eye health promotion by eye care professionals is currently limited.

Aim

The purpose of this protocol is to review evidence on barriers and facilitators in eye health promotion, and their effectiveness on interventions employed in eye health promotion.

Methods and expected outputs

The Center for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD) guidance for conducting systematic reviews in healthcare and reporting in accordance with the PRISMA statement will serve as the basis for the implementation of the proposed systematic review. Systematic literature searches will be performed by searching three databases, as well as hand-searching articles eligible for inclusion. The searches will include peer-reviewed articles presenting evidence on eye health promotion intervention from the inception of the Vision 2020 Campaign to the present day. RevMan 5.3 software will be used to gather quantitative data, such as (Effectiveness), meta-analysis of such data will be performed. Two reviewers will conduct a quality appraisal of the included articles using the mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT) 2018 version. We expect to find relevant studies on health promotion interventions among health professionals at different levels of care. The synthesized evidence will help guide further implementation of research on health promotion interventions for eye health.
Exploring YouTube content creators’ perspectives on generative AI in language learning: Insights through opinion mining and sentiment analysis
Authors: Bal Mazhar , Kara Aydemir Ayşe Gül , Coşkun Mustafa
Published: September 2024

This study aims to capture the stance of YouTube video content creators regarding the use of generative AI for language learning. Opinion mining and sentiment analysis techniques were employed to analyse the content, comments, and transcriptions of 66 YouTube videos published from December 2022 to October 2023. The findings revealed that most videos focused on speaking (n = 40) and writing skills (n = 24), with fewer videos addressing listening (n = 3) and reading (n = 19) skills. Sentiment analysis showed that videos predominantly conveyed optimistic (n = 42) and analytical (n = 17) sentiments, indicating a generally positive stance towards generative AI for language learning. Clustering analysis identified four thematic clusters: "language development and practices" (n = 33), "basic expression skills" (n = 25), "intercultural communication skills" (n = 6), and "language structure and meaning" (n = 2), representing different approaches to language learning with generative AI. Cross-sectional analyses revealed fluctuations in video counts and sentiment scores over time, with higher expectations for generative AI in writing and speaking skills, and relatively lower interest in listening skills. The findings suggest that YouTube video creators generally view generative AI as a promising tool for language learning, with a focus on developing practical communication skills, fostering intercultural understanding, and facilitating language development. These insights can inform the design and implementation of AI-supported language learning materials and practices.
The pathway of social support in enhancing adolescents’ physical fitness: The mediating roles of physical activity and self-efficacy
Authors: Xu Zhiyong , Xu Jinwen , Liu Tianshu , Gu Zhiyang , Hu Donglin
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Utilising Welk’s Youth Physical Activity Promotion (YPAP) model as a foundational framework, this study investigates the intricate interplay of social support, physical activity (PA), and self-efficacy in relation to physical fitness within the context of Chinese culture. The primary objective is to identify the nuanced dynamics among social support, self-efficacy, PA, and physical fitness to enhance adolescent well-being and fitness.

Methodology

The study employed a convenience sampling method, engaging 123 adolescents aged 18–21, of which 67 were females (54.47%), and 56 were males (45.53%). Data were collected through structured questionnaires focusing on the identified variables.

Results

Our study revealed significant positive associations among social support, self-efficacy, PA, and physical fitness, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.282 to 0.419. Notably, a discernible gender disparity emerged, with females exhibiting higher levels of physical fitness. Among the key determinants of adolescent physical fitness, self-efficacy emerged as the most influential, followed by PA and gender. Utilising structural equation modelling and regression techniques, we discerned that social support indirectly influences physical fitness, primarily mediated by self-efficacy and the level of physical activity.

Discussion

This study provides insight into how social support impacts adolescent physical fitness. We found that social support strongly predicts both PA and self-efficacy, and self-efficacy significantly boosts PA, ultimately leading to improved physical fitness. Both self-efficacy and PA serve as mediators in the relationship between social support and fitness. Therefore, interventions should prioritise reinforcing social support, promoting PA, and nurturing self-efficacy to optimise adolescent physical fitness outcomes.
A window into the mind-brain-body interplay: Development of diagnostic, prognostic biomarkers, and rehabilitation strategies in functional motor disorders
Authors: Gandolfi Marialuisa , Sandri Angela , Mariotto Sara , Tamburin Stefano , Paolicelli Anna , Fiorio Mirta , Pedrotti Giulia , Barone Paolo , Pellecchia Maria Teresa , Erro Roberto , Cuoco Sofia , Carotenuto Immacolata , Vinciguerra Claudia , Botto Annibale , Zenere Lucia , Canu Elisa , Sibilla Elisa , Filippi Massimo , Sarasso Elisabetta , Agosta Federica , Tinazzi Michele ,   on behalf of the Group Collaborators Consortium
Published: September 2024

Background and aims

Functional motor disorders (FMD) present a prevalent, yet misunderstood spectrum of neurological conditions characterized by abnormal movements (i.e., functional limb weakness, tremor, dystonia, gait impairments), leading to substantial disability and diminished quality of life. Despite their high prevalence, FMD often face delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment, resulting in significant social and economic burdens. The old concept of psychological factors as the primary cause (conversion disorder) has been abandoned due to the need for more evidence about their causal role. According to a predictive coding account, the emerging idea is that symptoms and disability may depend on dysfunctions of a specific neural system integrating interoception, exteroception, and motor control. Consequently, symptoms are construed as perceptions of the body’s state. Besides the main pathophysiological features (abnormal attentional focus, beliefs/expectations, and sense of agency), the lived experience of symptoms and their resulting disability may depend on an altered integration at the neural level of interoception, exteroception, and motor control.

Methods and materials

Our proposal aims to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of FMD through a three-stage research approach. Initially, a large cohort study will collect behavioral, neurophysiological, and MRI biomarkers from patients with FMD and healthy controls, employing eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) to develop a diagnostic algorithm. Subsequently, validation will occur using patients with organic motor disorders. Finally, the algorithm’s prognostic value will be explored post-rehabilitation in one subgroup of patients with FMD.

Results

Data collection for the present study started in May 2023, and by May 2025, data collection will conclude.

Discussion

Our approach seeks to enhance early diagnosis and prognostication, improve FMD management, and reduce associated disability and socio-economic costs by identifying disease-specific biomarkers.

Trial registration

This trial was registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06328790).
How does the digital economy affect the green development of China’s industry?
Authors: Guo Xiujin , Wang Zhengming
Published: September 2024

Digital economy is an important force to promote industrial green development. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of digital economy on China’s industrial green development and its mechanism of action from 2011 to 2019, and further examines the spatial spillover effect of digital economy on industrial green development using the spatial Durbin model (SDM). The results show that the digital economy can significantly promote the improvement of IGTFP, and the development of the digital economy in the region can drive the green development of industry in the peripheral regions through the spatial spillover effect. Green technology innovation has a partial mediating role in the process of digital economy affecting IGTFP. Industries in central cities can gain greater green development from digital economy development relative to industries in peripheral cities. The above findings remain valid after a series of robustness tests.
Understandings of community participation and empowerment in primary health care in Emilia-Romagna, Italy: A qualitative interview study with practitioners and stakeholders
Authors: Luisi Daniela Rosalba , Hämel Kerstin
Published: September 2024

Community participation (CP) and empowerment (CE) have long been viewed internationally as cornerstones of comprehensive primary health care (PHC). Accordingly, policies for new PHC models in Italy, such as the Community Health Centres called “Case della Salute” in 2006 and “Case della Comunità” in 2022, highlight the importance of implementing participatory processes with communities and creating opportunities for CE. This study’s objective is to identify the understandings of CP and CE that emerge among practitioners and stakeholders who design participatory approaches in PHC practice and policy in the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy. Nineteen semistructured interviews were conducted with practitioners working on CP and CE processes in these Community Health Centres and with stakeholders involved in research on or the coordination of such processes in the context of these health centres. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis in light of the following two questions, which emerged inductively from the data: (1) How to support CP and CE processes in practical doing (how do CP/CE)? (2) With which function or aim to support CP and CE (why do CP/CE)? This study shows that the participating practitioners and stakeholders exhibited various understandings of CP and CE in the context of PHC. Four main themes were identified: CP and CE as (a) a variety of forms of dialogue and cooperation, (b) tools for service development, (c) levers for empowerment, collectivism, and democracy and (d) stimuli for institutional change and a new level of professionalism. Moreover, the participants defined “the community” in different ways and often chose specific subgroups within the community to promote CP and CE processes. This study elucidates different perspectives on CP and CE and highlights the opportunities and obstacles for policymaking, research and practice that result from these understandings.
Investigating the association of the effect of genetically proxied PCSK9i with mood disorders using cis-pQTLs: A drug-target Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Aman Alisha , Slob Eric A. W. , Ward Joey , Sattar Naveed , Strawbridge Rona J.
Published: September 2024

PCSK9-inhibitors (PCSK9i) are new drugs recently approved to lower LDL-cholesterol levels. However, due to the lack of long-term clinical data, the potential adverse effects of long-term use are still unknown. The PCSK9 genetic locus has been recently implicated in mood disorders and hence we wanted to assess if the effect of PCSK9i that block the PCSK9 protein can lead to an increase in the incidence of mood disorders. We used genetically-reduced PCSK9 protein levels (pQTLs) in plasma, serum, cerebrospinal fluid as a proxy for the effect of PCSK9i. We performed Mendelian randomization analyses using PCSK9 levels as exposure and mood disorder traits major depressive disorder, mood instability, and neuroticism score as outcomes. We find no association of PCSK9 levels with mood disorder traits in serum, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid. We can conclude that genetically proxied on-target effect of pharmacological PCSK9 inhibition is unlikely to contribute to mood disorders.
The susceptibility assessment of debris flow hazards based on the game theory combination weighting-normal cloud model
Authors: Yang Xiu-Tao , Gu Xin-Bao
Published: September 2024

The susceptibility evaluation of debris flow has excellent significance for people’s life and property safety. The game theory combination weighting-normal cloud model is applied to evaluate its susceptibility in the paper. Firstly, the length ratio of the supply segment (X1), the longitudinal slope of the main ditch (X2), the slope of the mountain (X3), watershed area (X4), the relative difference (X5), the vegetation coverage (X6), as well as the daily maximum rainfall (X7) are adopted as the assessment index; the game theory combination weighting-normal cloud model is introduced. Secondly, the normal cloud model of specific debris flow hazards is established; the weight coefficient of each index is calculated using the game theory combination weighting method, and the membership degree of each index is determined using the cloud model; finally, conclusions are drawn that the results obtained by the suggested method are consistent with the actual investigation for eight different gullies. Its accuracy reaches 100% for the proposed method, which is higher than the results from the gray extension model (62.5%); its assessment results predict the susceptibility level of debris flow hazards accurately and further determine the susceptibility grade ranking for different gullies at the same level. Therefore, it can provide a new method and thought for the susceptibility assessment of debris flow hazards in the future.