bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Textual Data to Theoretical Insights: Introducing and Applying the Word-Text-Topic Extraction Approach
Authors: Jung Jaewoo , Zhou Wenjun , Smith Anne D.
Published: January 2024

Text analysis, particularly custom dictionaries and topic modeling, has helped advance management and organization theory. Custom dictionaries involve creating word lists to quantify patterns and infer constructs, while topic modeling extracts themes from textual documents to help understand a theoretical domain. Building on these two approaches, we propose another text analysis approach called word-text-topic extraction (WTT), which enhances the efficiency and relevance of text analysis for the sake of theoretical advancement. Specifically, we first identify relevant words for a researcher's theoretical area of interest using word-embedding algorithms. That step is followed by extracting text segments from the textual corpus using a collocation process. Finally, topic modeling is applied to capture themes relevant to the specific theoretical area of interest. To illustrate the WTT approach, we explored one research area needing further theory development—innovation. Using 841 CEOs’ letters to shareholders, we found that our WTT approach provides nuanced features of innovation that differ across industry contexts. We guide researchers on decisions and considerations related to the WTT approach in order to facilitate its use in future studies.
Progressive retinoschisis and retinal detachment after uncomplicated macular hole repair surgery
Authors: Prabhu Vishma , Yadav Naresh Kumar , Bavaskar Snehal , Chhablani Jay , Venkatesh Ramesh
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To report a rare case of progressive retinoschisis and retinal detachment after uncomplicated macular hole (MH) surgery.

Case description

A 67-year-old man with recent onset vision complaints in the right eye (visual acuity – 20/30), was diagnosed with a small idiopathic full-thickness MH. He underwent a 3-port 25G pars plana vitrectomy surgery with internal limiting membrane peeling and air endotamponade.

Results

MH closed with a normal foveal contour and intact retinal layers by the 1st post operative week and vision improved to 20/20. At the 7th week follow-up period, the patient complained of visual disturbances in his right eye for 2 days. Optical coherence tomography scans revealed development of peripheral retinoschisis which progressed towards the macula over the next 4 weeks. At the 13th week following the retinal surgery, patient developed sudden profound vision loss to hand motions and a total retinal detachment was noted. He underwent a second retinal surgery with retinectomy to the stiff retina and silicone oil endotamponade. At the last follow-up visit 8 weeks after the second surgery, the visual acuity had improved to 20/120 and the retina was well-attached with silicone oil in place.

Conclusion

We present a rare case of progressive retinoschisis and retinal detachment caused by residual ILM contraction after MH repair surgery. To the best of our knowledge, no such complication after MH repair surgery has been reported in the literature.
Prevalence of strabismus in premature infants in an age-related perspective
Authors: Anastasiia Adakhovska , Sergii Katsan
Published: January 2024

The aim

was to investigate the prevalence of strabismus in premature infants; to identify diagnostic indicators for predicting strabismus at the age of 3–8 years.

Methods

The material was the data of 84 premature infants who underwent ophthalmological examination at the age of 6 months - 3 years and again – at 3–8 years. All children underwent ophthalmic examination for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infancy.

Results

An increase in the frequency of strabismus occurrence among preterm infants was observed in 3–8 years compared to the data from 6 months – 3 years – from 13.3% to 20.0% in children without ROP, from 5.9% to 23.5% in children with self-resolving ROP, from 22.7% to 45.5% in children with ROP after laser retinal photocoagulation. The presence of strabismus and structural changes of eye at ages 6 months – 3 years increase the risk of strabismus at ages 3–8 years, OR = 6.5 (95% CI 3.8–11.3), (p < 0.001); OR = 4.2 (95% CI 2.8–6.2), (p = 0.005). The increase in the risk of developing strabismus at ages 3–8 years is associated with the presence of anisometropia, (p = 0.047), amblyopia, (p < 0.05). Children with higher visual acuity at ages 3–8 years have a decreased risk of strabismus, (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The frequency of strabismus occurrence among preterm infants has increased by ages 3–8 years. Strabismus, structural changes of eye at ages 6 months – 3 years increases the risk of strabismus at ages 3–8 years. Anisometropia and amblyopia increase in the risk of strabismus, higher visual acuity decreases risk of strabismus.
Numerical simulation of the dynamic fluid–solid coupling in journal bearing with the effect of surface topography in consideration
Authors: Zhang Di , Wei Haijun , Gu Chunxing
Published: January 2024

In the case of the journal-bearing system under a mixed or boundary lubrication regime, the deformation of the bearing, the flow of the lubricating medium, and the contact of the asperities should be taken into account. The lubrication problem at the journal-shaft interface is a complicated fluid–solid coupling problem. In this study, a new approach is proposed to analyze the dynamic fluid–solid coupling problem of journal bearings. The dynamic fluid–solid coupling problem is solved by the presented non-linear hybrid conjugate gradient method, which is based on the principle of pressure balance in the lubrication zone. One transient mixed lubrication model was developed to analyze the journal-bearing performance by considering the effects of skewness and kurtosis and the mass-conserving cavitation. According to the simulated results from the journal-bearing systems under the start-up condition, it can be found that the bearing performance is sensitive to the value of skewness or kurtosis and the degree of misalignment. Within a certain range, these cases with more negative skewness or lower kurtosis are conducive to decreasing friction loss and lift-off time. The developed model can be effectively used to track the performance of journal bearings.
Class differences in precarity and welfare priorities within Europe’s center-left coalitions
Authors: Garigliano Jack
Published: January 2024

Mainstream European left-wing parties have seen their traditional class base evolve in postindustrial economies. In response, these parties have adjusted their platforms to adopt policies that aim to secure positions for workers in a more volatile labor market through education and training. But how does the electoral appeal of this “social investment” paradigm compare to that of the older welfare paradigm that passively distributes benefits to the poor and inactive? Using cross-country data from two surveys, I find that the policy preferences of industrial workers respond differently to labor market precarity than do those of service sector workers, particularly sociocultural professionals. Further, industrial workers who prefer traditional welfare policies are less likely to vote for the center-left than professionals, even if those professionals hold similar policy priorities. These results help explain the center-left’s recent electoral trends while also highlighting current limitations on building cross-class political coalitions in postindustrial economies.
Examining EFL learners’ comprehension of derivational forms: The role of overlap with base word knowledge, word frequency, and contextual support
Authors: Milliner Brett , Lange Kriss , Matthews Joshua , Umeki Riko
Published: January 2024

This study examines the degree to which low and high proficiency English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ knowledge of base words (e.g. develop) overlaps with knowledge of their derivational forms (e.g. developer, redevelop) when reading. Low and high proficiency learners’ comprehension of derivational forms is also explored in relation to the frequency of occurrence of derivational forms and whether the derivational forms are presented with or without semantic context. A battery of meaning-recall tests measuring knowledge of base words and their derivational forms of varying frequencies of occurrence (high, mid, and low) in semantically contextualized and non-contextualized conditions were administered to 150 Japanese EFL learners. Results showed that learner knowledge of base words was not strongly indicative of equivalent knowledge of those base word’s derivational forms (i.e. low knowledge overlap). The analysis of knowledge overlap (Jaccard’s Index) showed that when participants knew a base word, they were likely to know its derivational form on average a little over 50% of the time. Mixed-effects ANOVA indicated that derivational forms’ frequency of occurrence in a written corpus strongly moderated their meaning recall. Learners’ lexical knowledge, however, only provided a negligible effect. Further, for both low and high proficiency learners, test items containing semantic context did not enhance learners’ meaning recall of derivational forms when reading.
Linguistic variation in supreme court oral arguments by legal professionals: A novel multi-dimensional analysis
Authors: Huang Yingqi , Sang Zhonggang
Published: January 2024

This study uses the method of novel Multi-Dimensional Analysis to compare the discourses of justices, appellant’s attorneys, and respondent’s attorneys to provide a corpus-based description of linguistic co-occurrence patterns in their registers during oral arguments based on the extracted seven functional dimensions: (1) Instructive argumentation versus Informational production; (2) Elaborative exposition; (3) Concern with degree; (4) Concern with projection; (5) Narrative versus Non-narrative expression; (6) Impersonal expression; and (7) Stance-focused expression. Three profession-based legal corpora, totaling 32,107,839 words, were built using case transcripts from oral arguments between 1979 and 2014. The results show that justices are more argumentative, concerned with degrees, projection-, and stance-focused than attorneys. Attorneys are more informative, elaborative, narrative, and impersonal than justices. Among attorneys, appellant’s attorneys are relatively more informative, elaborative and impersonal, and less projection-concerned than respondent’s attorneys. This study has implications for MD analysis, courtroom discourse analysis, language pedagogy, and accounting research.
Development of biocomposites using novel green pea pod lignin and hybridized pod sheath fibre-bamboo epoxy composite for human prosthetic application
Authors: Sujithra R , Saritha D
Published: January 2024

In this research epoxy-based biocomposites were developed using novel green pea pod lignin and hybridized pod sheath fibre-bamboo epoxy composite for human prosthetic applications. The outcomes of this investigation demonstrates that the inclusion of lignin, up to 1.0 vol. % yields a tensile strength of 159 MPa, flexural strength of 202 MPa, interlaminar shear strength of 28.6 Mpa, and Izod impact toughness of 5.93 J. In terms of wear resistance, the composite designation with 2.0 vol. % of lignin exhibited lower wear loss of 0.01 g and 0.38 of coefficient of friction. Both the mechanical and wear results are statistically significant with P < 0.05), confirmed by analysis of variance. Additionally, the highest fatigue life counts were recorded for composite with 1 vol. % of lignin with counts of 34,632 cycles for 30% of the ultimate tensile strength. Furthermore, the addition of lignin up to 2.0 vol. % resulted in the lowest contact angle of 82° and water absorption percentage of 0.16%. Scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated that the incorporation of surface-treated fibres and lignin uniformly dispersed and adhered more. Based on these findings, it is evident that the composite containing 40 vol. % of sheath/bamboo hybridized fibre with 1.0 vol. % of lignin in the epoxy matrix represents the most favourable outcome for prosthetic applications.
Effect of graphene content and induction hot pressing on tribological and mechanical behavior of Al6061-based composites
Authors: Şenel Mahmut Can , Demir Mehmethan
Published: January 2024

This work intends to fabricate Al6061 alloy and Al6061-graphene composites via powder metallurgy and induction hot pressing techniques. This study also investigates the effect of graphene content (0.15, 0.30, and 0.45 wt.%), heat-treatment process (sintering, hot-pressing process), and applied load (5 and 10 N) on the compressive strength, hardness, density, mass loss, friction coefficient, wear rate, and microstructure. Tribological test results showed that minimum mass loss (0.0011 g), wear rate (8.5 × 10−8 mm3/(Nm)), and friction coefficient (0.23) were obtained at sintered and hot-pressed Al6061–0.15 wt.%graphene composite for a 5 N load. Hardness and compressive strength increased from 95 HV, 253 MPa (Al6061 alloy) to 151 HV, 395 MPa (Al6061–0.15 wt.%graphene) with sintering and induction hot pressing process, respectively. Compared to Al6061 alloy, the wear rate and compressive strength of Al6061–0.15 wt.%graphene improved by 30% and 33% for sintered and hot-pressed specimens, respectively. It has been determined that the tribological and mechanical properties of sintered and hot-pressed specimens are ∼15% better than those of only sintered samples. As a result of the paper, it was concluded that the addition of uniformly dispersed graphene and the induction hot-pressing process enhanced the mechanical and tribological behavior of aluminum-based composites.
Aid Unchained: Examining Development Project Management Practices at Aid Chain Interfaces
Authors: Gutheil Lena , Koch Dirk-Jan
Published: January 2024

By analysing a comparative case study investigating a development project implemented in Uganda and Vietnam, the article aims to understand how donor directives travel and translate into actual practices in aid chains. Making use of Norman Long’s concept of the interface, we focus on the interfaces between organizations to examine the negotiation of everyday project practices. Based on practice theory, our analysis unpacks how directives are filtered through the power relationships that shape practices at the various interfaces. We find that organizational relations between southern organizations are just as power-laden as north–south relations. Our analysis also shows that neither the management directives nor the freedoms that were granted to the participating organizations resulted in uniform practices and that practices did not have the same implications for organizations. Hence, the aid chain concept tends to simplify the complexities inherent in project systems comprising a multiplicity of vertical and horizontal organizational relations.
Epitomizing an emerging category: Effects of entrepreneurial firms and influential stakeholders on the entrepreneurial firms’ status attainment
Authors: Kim Bo Kyung , Shin Donghoon , Rhee Mooweon
Published: January 2024

This article explores the status-attainment process of entrepreneurial firms in emerging categories. Previous literature emphasizes that in emerging categories, being perceived as the exemplars is important to attain status. We emphasize that clear symbolic boundaries around emerging categories can increase the possibility of exemplar perception and argue that entrepreneurial firms and influential stakeholders of existing categories can affect the status-attainment process by changing such perception. Specifically, contrast and distinctiveness rhetorical claims employed by entrepreneurial firms and negative responses from influential stakeholders differently affect status by delineating symbolic boundaries around the emerging category to varying degrees. We find support for our arguments in Korean online newspapers. The utilization of contrast claims compared with print media or receiving conciliations from print media’s influential stakeholders increased the status of online newspapers, measured by news-source citations. However, distinctiveness claims compared with other online newspapers negatively affect status, albeit mitigated by negative responses from influential stakeholders.
Rip It Up and Start Again: Creative Labor and the Industrialization of Remix
Authors: Delfanti Alessandro , Phan Michelle
Published: January 2024

Creative industries rely on workers who use sampling and remix to produce new content assembled from existing materials. In the process, remix cultures are commodified and reshaped by industrial logics. Rip-o-matic videos provide an example. These scissor reels are used as visual storyboards for television commercials. They are produced by video editors who cut and paste clips found on video sharing platforms. Interviews with rip-o-matic producers show the impact of the industrialization of remix on creative workers who face challenges to their ability to assert their creativity, content ownership, and reputation. Other examples, such as social media and fast fashion, nuance the picture. Industrialization also paves the way for automation by generative “AI.” These software tools are based on processes of appropriation and remix that mirror those used by rip-o-matic producers. Remix is in sum at the center of today’s corporate cultural production.
Are Published Cancer Care Trial Protocols With Traditional Chinese Medicine Interventions Concordant With SPIRIT-TCM Extension 2018? A Scoping Review on Published Trial Protocols Between 2019 and 2022
Authors: Lai Hezheng , Yang Peiying , Wang Xin Shelley , Lim David , Lam Anderson , Shi Yucong , Huang Yishi , Zhu Xiaoshu
Published: January 2024

Background:

The SPIRIT-TCM Extension 2018 was created to guide the design and reporting of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinical trial protocols. This study aims to investigate the extent of concordance with this guideline in the relevant field of cancer care research.

Methods:

A scoping review of TCM cancer trial protocols published in English and Chinese since January 2019 was conducted. Five major academic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched. Concordance with the SPIRIT-TCM Extension 2018 was assessed by descriptive analysis.

Results:

Fifty-three TCM cancer care trial protocols were identified, comprising 23 acupuncture, 26 Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), and 4 Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) interventions. The majority of the checklist items had a low rate of concordance, especially in the reporting of quality control and safety, dosage, TCM diagnostic patterns, possible interactions between Western Medicine and TCM interventions, and TCM-related outcome assessments.

Conclusions:

Although the SPIRIT-TCM Extension 2018 guideline was established through extensive Delphi consultation, there are low rates of concordance between published TCM cancer care clinical trial protocols with the guideline. Further research is necessary to understand the low rate of concordance and how scientific rigors of reporting can be improved in TCM cancer care research.
Does Decreased Parental Support/Bonding or Increased Peer Deviance Lead to a Rise in Delinquency in Early Adolescence? Investigating the Left Side of the Age-Crime Curve
Authors: Walters Glenn D. , Kremser Jonathan , Runell Lindsey
Published: January 2024

The gap in the literature this study sought to fill was whether a reduction in parental support or an increase in peer deviance during early adolescence explains the left or ascending side of the age-crime curve. Employing the control and social learning components of interactional theory as a guide and assessing longitudinal data provided by 845 early adolescent youth (406 boys, 439 girls) followed from a mean age of 11 (Wave 1) to a mean age of 13 (Wave 3), we assessed within-person change in perceived parental support/bonding, perceived peer deviance, and child delinquency using a random intercepts cross-lagged panel design. Results showed that decrements in perceived parental support but not increments in peer deviance between Waves 1 and 2 predicted a rise in delinquency from Wave 2 to Wave 3. Although there were no signs of a peer influence effect, there was evidence of a peer selection effect. As predicted, bidirectional effects failed to surface in this study. These findings support the social control aspects of interactional theory but not the bidirectional aspects and suggest that a criminogenic environment marked by a weakened parental bond may, in part, explain the left side of the age-crime curve.
When is an Authoritarian Leader Perceived as More Abusive: Investigations of the Effect of Subordinates’ Ideal and Typical Leadership Schema
Authors: Zhang Wen , Wang Lei , Jiang Jing , Zhang Xiaolong , Zhang Huan , Zhang Xichao
Published: January 2024

Despite the extensive interest in abusive supervision, there remains conceptual ambiguity surrounding it, specifically concerning the overlap between leaders’ actions and subordinates’ perceptions. Drawing from leadership categorization theory, we propose that authoritarian leadership activates subordinates’ anti-prototype of leaders and perceptions of more abusive supervision. Moreover, such a relationship is moderated by subordinates’ ideal and typical leadership schema, with the former representing individual preference and the latter representing the social norm. Using an experiment ( N = 344) and a multi-wave field study ( N = 249), we found that subordinates holding high ideal leadership prototypicality (e.g., my ideal leader is sensitive) and low typical leadership anti-prototypicality (e.g., other leaders are domineering) perceive more leadership anti-prototypicality and more abusive supervision when faced with authoritarian leadership. Our research enriches the existing literature on leadership by providing a cognitive perspective that explains how subordinates’ implicit leadership schemas play a role in the leadership perception process.
Gamification is not Working: Why?
Authors: Dah John , Hussin Norhayati , Zaini Muhamad Khairulnizam , Isaac Helda Linda , Senanu Ametefe Divine , Adozuka Aliu Abdulmalik
Published: January 2024

Gamification is a trending topic in the scientific community. It is the art of incorporating game elements and game design principles into non-game context. The phenomenon has garnered tremendous attention especially in the field of education and academics. Yet, since it appeared a decade ago, its ascension both in education and other domains hasn’t been uniform, with several failed and inconclusive results. Consequently, scholars have, over the years, made several efforts to probe why gamification isn’t succeeding as hoped. We attempt, therefore, to contribute to this effort by reviewing and discussing some of the core reasons why gamification seems to be faltering in the field of learning and education. Our findings revealed four (4) factors why gamification could be failing. Shallow gamification which is the simplistic and surficial application of game elements on a learning system or activity without transforming the core experience is one determinant. Overjustification effect, the excessive and arbitral use of rewards (extrinsic motivators), which hampers intrinsic motivation is another success determinant. The ‘badges, points, and leaderboards (BPL) gamification’ (or BPL triad) which refers to the use of basic game elements such as the badges, points, and leaderboards is also one reason gamification is still struggling. Lastly, the overreliance on narrow models and theories to explain or design gamified experiences is identified as a factor for gamification haziness. Our study suggests several antidotes to these highlighted challenges, such as deep intentional designs that transcend surface-level implementation of game elements (what is called ‘deep gamification’). Amidst the spree of excessive extrinsic rewards anyhow, we propose a careful consideration of implementing reward-based game elements, especially in multiple learning settings. Again, a move-away from the narrow and overly used models such as the self-determination theory, and flow theory could open success pathways. As we believe, narrow theoretical lens through which gamification is often viewed serves as a limiting factor, impeding the field's progression and obscuring the full potential of gamification as an approach.
Markedly elevated liver enzymes in pregnancy: A 10-year review of cases in a tertiary maternal hospital in Brisbane, Australia
Authors: Morton Adam
Published: January 2024

Abnormalities of liver function are common during pregnancy. This retrospective study examined the incidence, aetiology and adequacy of investigation of pregnant women with markedly elevated aspartate aminotransferase and/or alanine transaminase levels (more than 10-fold of the upper limit of normal) over a ten-year period at a tertiary referral maternity hospital in Brisbane, Australia. Three hundred and twenty-three women were found to have markedly elevated liver enzymes, representing 0.56% of pregnancies with known delivery outcomes. Two hundred and sixty-four cases (82%) were due to pregnancy-specific causes. No cause was identified in 12 women (3.8%) despite investigation. No adverse maternal, fetal or neonatal outcome occurred in these pregnancies where no cause was identified for markedly elevated liver enzymes. A further six women (1.9%) did not have comprehensive investigation into underlying aetiologies of elevated liver enzymes.
Screw fixation versus suture-button fixation for the Latarjet procedure—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rossi Luciano A , Pasqualini Ignacio , Frangiamore Salvatore J , Anakwenze Oke , Dickens Jonathan , Klifto Christopher , Hurley Eoghan
Published: January 2024

Objective

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the results of the Latarjet procedure performed using screws (S) or suture-button for coracoid graft fixation.

Methods

A systematic search in Pubmed, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library databases was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Cohort studies comparing outcomes in the Latarjet procedure with screw fixation versus the Latarjet procedure with suture-button fixation were included.

Results

Five studies with 877 patients were included. There was a significantly lower rate of recurrent instability in those with S fixation compared to the suture-button fixation (1.5% vs 5%, p = 0.001). There was a significantly higher rate of reoperations with S fixation compared to suture-button fixation (4.3% vs 0%, p = 0.001). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding total complications (S: 7.5% vs suture-button: 3.6% p = 0.12) graft fracture (S: 0.8% vs suture-button: 0.5% p = 0.62) and symptomatic hardware (S: 2.7% vs suture-button: 0% p = 0.12).

Conclusion

The Latarjet surgery was associated with favorable results and a low rate of complications regardless of the type of fixation used. Screw fixation was associated with a significantly lower rate of recurrences, but greater reoperations due to irritation or pain after surgery.

Level of evidence

Systematic review and meta-analysis, level III.
Emerging Biomarkers in the Laboratory and in Practice: A Novel Approach to Diagnosing Heart Failure in Diabetes
Authors: Aaron Rachel E. , Tian Tiffany , Fleming G. Alexander , Sacks David B. , Januzzi James L. , FACC MD , Pop-Busui Rodica , Hashim Ibrahim A. , Wu Alan H. B. , Pandey Ambarish , Klonoff David C.
Published: January 2024

The Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Heart Failure in Diabetes webinar was hosted by Diabetes Technology Society on September 20, 2023, with the objective to review current evidence and management practices of biomarker screening for heart failure in people with diabetes. The webinar discussed (1) the four stages of heart failure, (2) diabetes and heart failure, (3) natriuretic peptide and troponin for diagnosing heart failure in diabetes, (4) emerging composite and investigational biomarkers for diagnosing heart failure, and (5) prevention of heart failure progression. Experts in heart failure from the fields of clinical chemistry, cardiology, and diabetology presented data about the importance of screening for heart failure as an often-unnoticed complication of people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Switching gears: How teams co-construct adaptive leadership style transitions in dynamic contexts
Authors: Thommes Marie S. , Uitdewilligen Sjir , Rico Ramón , Waller Mary J.
Published: January 2024

Despite agreement among leadership scholars that the effectiveness of a leadership style is situationally dependent, little is known about the process of effectively switching among different leadership styles as situations unexpectedly change. Organizations rely heavily on teams to quickly and accurately adapt in dynamic contexts, and we focus here on clarifying the process of adaptive leadership style transitions in teams as they cope with situations unexpectedly shifting from requiring process efficiency to requiring collective sensemaking. We review and build on pertinent literature to develop a process model depicting switching among leadership styles not as an isolated act of a team leader, but as interdependent behaviors of a leader and team members in co-constructing the adaptive switching process. We offer testable propositions derived from the model that delineate variables influencing the adaptive leadership process and team adaptive performance. Finally, we discuss future research and practical implications based on the model's exploration.
Recent advances in tissue repair of the blood-brain barrier after stroke
Authors: Qi Liujie , Wang Fei , Sun Xiaojing , Li Hang , Zhang Kun , Li Jingan
Published: January 2024

The selective permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) enables the necessary exchange of substances between the brain parenchyma and circulating blood and is important for the normal functioning of the central nervous system. Ischemic stroke inflicts damage upon the BBB, triggering adverse stroke outcomes such as cerebral edema, hemorrhagic transformation, and aggravated neuroinflammation. Therefore, effective repair of the damaged BBB after stroke and neovascularization that allows for the unique selective transfer of substances from the BBB after stroke is necessary and important for the recovery of brain function. This review focuses on four important therapies that have effects of BBB tissue repair after stroke in the last seven years. Most of these new therapies show increased expression of BBB tight-junction proteins, and some show beneficial results in terms of enhanced pericyte coverage at the injured vessels. This review also briefly outlines three effective classes of approaches and their mechanisms for promoting neoangiogenesis following a stroke.
B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia associated with hypereosinophilia: a case report and brief literature review
Authors: Khosravi Sahar , Mousavi-Fatemi Khatereh , Ebrahimi Pouyan , Barary Mohammad , sio Terence T. , Pirzaman Ali Tavakoli
Published: January 2024

Few cases of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)-eosinophilia (ALL-eo) association have been reported. The lack or absence of blasts in the peripheral blood smear (PBS) along with urticarial rash, fever, arthralgia, myalgia, sweating, and dyspnea are common features of this condition. Herein, we report a 16-year-old male patient admitted to the emergency department with urticaria and generalized itching. PBS was examined, and eosinophils (90%) were seen in different fields. However, blast cells were not seen in PBS. In a bone marrow examination, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-positive and CD20-positive lymphoid blasts were reported along with eosinophilia. Eventually, the B-ALL diagnosis was confirmed for the patient, and he was started on the Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster chemotherapy regimen. The association of B-ALL with hypereosinophilia is a rare condition. We hope this case report and literature review can help clinicians to manage this rare condition properly.
Algorithmic decision-making: The right to explanation and the significance of stakes
Authors: Munch Lauritz Aastrup , Bjerring Jens Christian , Mainz Jakob Thrane
Published: January 2024

The stakes associated with an algorithmic decision are often said to play a role in determining whether the decision engenders a right to an explanation. More specifically, “high stakes” decisions are often said to engender such a right to explanation whereas “low stakes” or “non-high” stakes decisions do not. While the overall gist of these ideas is clear enough, the details are lacking. In this paper, we aim to provide these details through a detailed investigation of what we will call the “Simple Stakes Thesis.” The Simple Stakes Thesis, as it will turn out, is too simple. For even if the stakes associated with a specific one-off decision are low—and hence does not engender a right to an explanation—such decisions may nevertheless form part of a high stakes pattern or aggregate of decisions. In such cases, we argue, even a low stakes decision may engender a right to explanation. Not only does this show that the right to explanation is more demanding than so far recognized but it also shows that the stakes thesis is significantly harder to apply in practice.
Analyzing the Contribution of School Climate to Academic Achievement Using Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Amsalu Alem , Belay Sintayehu
Published: January 2024

The main goal of the current paper was to determine the effects of perceived school climate dimensions (leadership, relationships, professional learning-teaching climate, safety, and physical environment) on students’ learning performance in upper primary schools. Correlational design consisted of structural equation modeling with mediation analysis was applied. Three hundred twenty-eight randomly chosen teachers and pupils from upper primary schools of Injibara and Chagni, Awi zone of Ethiopia participated. The 16-item school climate scale that was employed had an internal consistency score of 0.91 according to Cronbach’s alpha. To create a well-fitting measurement model, as well as to ascertain the convergent and discriminant validities and the composite reliability of school climate domains, confirmatory factor analysis was carried out. Together, the five school climate factors explained 19% variation on student academic performance. Academic achievement of students was directly and significantly influenced by school leadership and the professional learning-teaching environment. Pupils’ academic success was significantly and favorably directly impacted by the overall perceived favorable school climate. Positive professional learning-teaching environment fully mediated effect of physical setting and safety on learning achievement, even though it partially mediated the effect of leadership practice of school. Contribution of positive school climate elements to student’s learning achievement should also be further investigated using longitudinal multilevel structural equation models.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Unraveling the Determinants of FinTech Adoption in Rural Communities
Authors: Wu Guo , Peng Qinglin
Published: January 2024

Bridging the digital divide between urban and rural communities is critical for expanding financial inclusion. The purpose of this study is to understand the key factors driving the adoption of financial technology (FinTech) applications among rural residents. A conceptual framework is built on the basis of the technology acceptance model, along with the incorporation of innovation awareness and financial awareness. The relationships between factors are empirically validated using a structural equation modeling approach based on survey data from a sample of 386 respondents in rural communities. The results indicate that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, innovation awareness, and financial awareness can positively and significantly affect the intention to adopt FinTech applications. In addition, perceived usefulness mediates the relationship between perceived ease of use and behavioral intention. Practical implications for promoting FinTech adoption in rural areas are discussed.
Teaching Law Subjects by Using Educational Robots: Does the Use of Robots Lead to the Development of Legal Skills Among Law Staudents?
Authors: Al-Billeh Tareq
Published: January 2024

The article analyses the mechanism of teaching law subjects using educational robots by showing the role that robots play in developing legal skills among law students and faculty members in universities. Educational robots enhance and develop higher-order thinking skills among law students, such as creative and critical thinking and the skill of solving legal problems, through managing and organizing time and identifying legal and judicial sources. Today, educational robots are increasingly being used to develop legal skills in classrooms as a means of teaching legal science concepts. The use of virtual and augmented reality in educational robots in legal fields is also widely accepted, allowing law students to interact with robotic systems within a simulated environment among law students. The study reached several results and recommendations, the most important of which is that educational robots. In particular, robots teaching law subjects are one of the most important technical developments in the field of e-learning, which are widely spread in the educational community because of the possibilities they provide in obtaining legal information with infinite high accuracy. The study also recommended the need to allow the introduction of educational robots officially by official authorities in the classrooms to teach law subjects and to consider them an integral part of the educational process in law faculties in public and private universities.
Comparison of Anterior Center-Edge Angle Measured From the Acetabular Sourcil Versus the Anterior Bone-Edge of the Acetabulum: A Descriptive Laboratory Study
Authors: Cheng Hui , Ren Ningtao , Gu Wang , Zhang Zhendong , Li Yong , Sun Wei , Chai Wei , Luo Dianzhong , Zhang Hong
Published: January 2024

Background:

Measuring anterior hip coverage on false-profile (FP) radiographs is important for judging anterior hip coverage. Conventionally, the anterior center-edge angle (ACEA) is measured from the anterior edge of the acetabular sourcil (sourcil ACEA); however, the anterior bone edge is also used as the anterior landmark.

Purpose:

To determine whether the sourcil ACEA or the bone-edge ACEA better represents the anterior coverage of the hip joint.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

We retrospectively observed 49 hips in 49 patients who underwent isolated periacetabular osteotomy. The sourcil ACEA was measured according to the standard procedure. Then, 3-dimensional (3D) volumetric models were made from computed tomographic data. The acetabular surface of the 3D model was labeled and projected onto a simulated FP radiograph, enabling the edge of the acetabulum to be identified. This simulated FP radiograph was used to measure the “true ACEA,” as well as the sourcil ACEA and the bone-edge ACEA, and the 3 measurements were compared. Statistical analysis was performed—including testing for normal distribution, measuring interobserver agreement, evaluating differences between measurements, and validating correlation.

Results:

The mean sourcil ACEA was 8.6° (range, –3.9° to 31.7°) smaller than that of the true ACEA ( P < .001); there was a strong correlation ( r = 0.81; P < .001) between the 2. The mean bone-edge ACEA was 16.8° (range, –1.7° to 45.4°) greater than that of the true ACEA ( P < .001); there was a moderate correlation ( r = 0.57; P < 0.001) between the 2.

Conclusion:

Both the sourcil ACEA and bone-edge ACEA differed from the true ACEA. However, compared with the bone-edge ACEA, the sourcil ACEA was numerically closer to the true ACEA and had a stronger correlation with it .

Clinical Relevance:

While the exact edge of the true bearing surface of the articular cartilage may not be visible on the FP radiograph, the sourcil ACEA can be effectively utilized as a reliable surrogate when evaluating the anterior acetabular coverage in hip preservation surgery.
Prolonged School Closure and Pediatric Respiratory Hospitalization: The Silver Lining of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bazzi Ali J. , Sallman Zahur Fatima , Greenwell Alyssa M. , Manolis Alexandra T. , Khanafer Rasha , Haidar-Elatrache Sara
Published: January 2024

Objective. This is a single-center retrospective cohort study that aimed to quantitatively assess the association between prolonged school closure (>2 weeks) and pediatric respiratory hospitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. Subjects included 1243 patients presenting to Children’s Hospital of Michigan during the winters of 2019, 2020, and 2021. The primary outcome measures were total respiratory hospitalizations and respiratory diagnoses. Results. Data was analyzed using a 2-sample z-test for proportions. We found that pediatric patients in the setting of prolonged school closure had significantly fewer hospitalizations in 2020 compared to 2019 (9% vs 47%; P < .001) and 2021 (9% vs 45%; P < .001). There were decreases in bronchiolitis, asthma/reactive airway disease (RAD), and pneumonia hospitalizations compared to 2019 and 2021. Conclusions. Our study showed that during prolonged school closure, there was a significant decrease in pediatric respiratory hospitalization. As such, it should be considered when creating a pandemic response strategy.
Why Do You Make It About Race? Epistemic Disobedience of a Public Health Doctoral Trainee
Authors: Istiko Satrio Nindyo
Published: January 2024

In Australia, racism remains a challenge to dismantle within public health institutions. This paper examines the pressures I experienced from some public health scholars and practitioners to conform to colonial and positivist approaches in knowledge production that still dominate the field. To challenge this hegemony, my research practices turned into what Mignolo calls “epistemic disobedience,” an approach to delink from Western ways of producing knowledge. Based on this experiential learning process, I argue epistemic disobedience should not be overlooked in the discussion of decolonizing research and antiracist pedagogy in the context of doctoral training.
Genesis of the rare metals mineralisation in Um Safi acidic volcanics, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt
Authors: Abdel-Azeem Marwa M.
Published: January 2024

The rare metals mineralisation in Um Safi area occurs in the acidic volcanics (mainly rhyolite and volcanogenic tuffs). The microscopic investigation revealed that they are highly altered and subjected to several alteration processes where the hydrothermal solution played the master role in redistribution of the rare metals. The mineralogical study configured three groups of rare metals mineralisation including: (a) rare metals of the radio-elements (thorite), (b) rare metals of the trace elements and REEs (zircon, xenotime, chernovite, ferro-columite, allanite, bastnäsite and cerianite) and (c) rare metals of the base metals (tungsten minerals and cassiterite). The assemblage of Wolframite–Heubnerite–cassiterite–copper and fluorite associated with sulfides indicating magmatic to hydrothermal transition mineralisation. The hydrothermal fluids rich in F and As cause the alteration of some primary minerals such as xenotime, allanite and wolframite into the secondary chernovite, bastnäsite and schellite, respectively. The study also clarified that the emplacement of granitic offshoots into rhyolite played an important role in the re-distribution of some rare elements.
The existential value and challenge of intellectual humility
Authors: Van Tongeren Daryl R.
Published: January 2024

Streib provides a compelling account for the role of wisdom in transforming the view of the “other” from a threat to a source of growth and self-expansion. By moving from a purely self-focus toward an other-focus, people can shift from prejudicial xenophobia toward xenosophia or xenocentrism. Such a transformation requires the perspective-taking of intellectual humility. I briefly describe how intellectual humility can facilitate this wise response toward others and discuss its limitations in the area where it is needed the most—existential concerns. Finally, I suggest ways possible ways in which intellectual humility may offer solutions for othering.
The Role of Telepharmacy in the Delivery of Clinical Pharmacy Services Following the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Report
Authors: Hursman Allison , Vang Chapleur , Thooft Taylor , Stone Kirsten
Published: January 2024

Background: Telepharmacy, which utilizes telecommunication technology to provide pharmaceutical care remotely, has gained significance in expanding access to pharmacists, particularly in areas with limited health care facility access. The COVID-19 pandemic, with its restrictions on in-person interactions, underscored the importance of telepharmacy in ensuring continuity of care. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the impact of telepharmacy on the delivery of clinical pharmacy services before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study explores the use of telepharmacy in delivering medication therapy management (MTM), chronic disease management (CDM), chronic opioid analgesic therapy (COAT), and transitions of care (TCM) visits. Data from electronic health records (EHRs) was collected to analyze the number referrals, number and type of visits, mode of visits, and locations served using correlations and descriptive statistics. Results: The findings indicate an increase in the number of referrals and visits following the pandemic, with a shift toward telepharmacy visits. The study highlights the convenience and accessibility provided by telepharmacy, resulting in improved patient access to clinical pharmacy services at 1 Midwest health system following the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: The continued use of telepharmacy is important to ensure that patients, especially those in rural locations, have access to health care services and can be a positive factor in growing clinical pharmacy services.