bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analytical-Based Lightning-Induced Damage Model for an Aircraft Wing Exposed to Pressure Loading of Lightning
Authors: Soysal Aysun , Ozkol Ibrahim , Uzal Erol
Published: January 2024

Lightning is one of the natural hazards that any aircraft may encounter while navigating. If adequate precautions are not taken against lightning, structural damage, operational disruptions, and loss of life and property can occur. Thus, studying the mechanism of damage caused by lightning strikes in an aircraft’s structural material is necessary to optimize the structure, minimize the damage, and reduce the cost caused by lightning. In the present article, the lightning-induced damage behavior of an aircraft structural material was investigated from an analytical perspective. For this purpose, two analytical-based models were developed: an improved electromagnetic pressure impact model (IEPIM) and the damage model in an aircraft wing. For the IEPIM, the findings of the article showed that the proposed pressure model is in good agreement with the experimental studies, borrowed from the open literature, for 100 and 200 kA lightning current. For the damage model, the findings of the article indicated that (i) even though lightning strikes to the regions with the same characteristics on an aircraft wing in terms of the lightning strike zone, the amount of deflection in the wing increases as the impact point approaches the wing tip and decreases as it approaches the wing root, (ii) without changing the lightning strike point (x0), when the damping coefficient (ξ) is increased in the range of 0,2ξ, the amount of deflection decreases as the amount of damping coefficient increases, and (iii) when lightning with a current of 100 kA hits to the wing root of an aircraft, the pressure impact of the lightning causes more torsion deflection than bending deflection at the wing root; however, when it hits to the mid-wing or wing tip of an aircraft, the pressure impact of the lightning causes more bending deflection than torsion deflection at the mid-wing or wing tip.
A Scoping Review on Fungus and Mycotoxin Studies in the Building’s Environment: Mycotoxin Analysis by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Abdul Rahman Salina , Ahmad Nurul Izzah , Mohd Salim Roshan Jahn , Muhamad Nur Jannaim , Omar Hamdan Anis Syuhada , Leong Yin-Hui
Published: January 2024

It has been well-established that mycotoxins are poisonous chemical metabolites secreted by certain molds. Some of them significantly affect the health of humans and livestock. Increasing attention is now being paid to uncovering and identifying mycotoxins’ presence in the building’s environment. However, the main challenge remains in suitable and reliable analytical methods for their identification and detection in infected structures. GC-MS and LC-MS/MS techniques have been used extensively for mycotoxin analysis, and advancement in these techniques enabled a more comprehensive range of mycotoxins to be detected. As such, this study aimed to address a brief overview of various phenomena of existing sample collection, preparation, and analysis to detect mycotoxins in the building’s environment. This scoping review includes articles from 2010 to 2020 available from PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Wiley, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Duplicate articles were removed, and exclusion criteria were applied to eliminate unrelated studies, resulting in 14 eligible articles. The present study provides an overview of mycotoxin analysis by GC-MS and LC-MS/MS in buildings. Many techniques are available for analyzing and detecting multiple mycotoxins using these methods. Future efforts would focus on rapid assays and tools enabling measuring a broader range of mycotoxins in a single matrix and lower detection limits. In addition, it would assist future findings on new techniques and mycotoxins that existed in the building’s environment.
Beta-HCG Secretion by a Pulmonary Choriocarcinoma in a Male Patient
Authors: Devos Brecht , Willemse Cedric , Sterckx Mira , Debruyne Johan , Stappaerts Inge , Van den Mooter Tom , Hertoghs Marjan , Abrams Pascale
Published: January 2024

Background. Paraneoplastic secretion of beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) in pulmonary carcinoma is rare. Case Presentation. A 65-year-old man presented with bilateral gynaecomastia with abnormally high levels of β-hCG and elevated oestradiol, progesterone, and testosterone levels on April 7, 2023. After excluding testicular malignancy, CT scan of the chest and abdomen revealed bilateral pulmonary lesions. Transthoracic biopsy confirmed malignancy with choriocarcinoma. MRI of the brain showed a solitary brain metastasis, while on a subsequent 18F-FDG PET/CT, no other metastatic lesions were seen. The patient was treated with chemoimmunotherapy carboplatin-etoposide-pembrolizumab with good partial response. Conclusion. Our case of a presumably stage IV dedifferentiated mNSCLC presenting as an extragonadal β-hCG secreting pulmonary choriocarcinoma is a very rare tumor with a poor prognosis. Its biology, origin, and treatment remain to be elucidated. Cancer genome sequencing is necessary for the identification of the origin and seeking treatment.
Effects of Dietary Sodium Propionate on Growth Performance, Fillet Texture, Hematologic and Plasma Biochemical Parameter, Immune Responses, and Intestine Histology of Juvenile Trachinotus ovatus
Authors: Xun Pengwei , Huang Qianqian , Feng Dexiang , Yu Wei , Yang Yukai , Guo Xusheng , Lin Heizhao
Published: January 2024

Seven graded levels of sodium propionate (SP) diets with 0 (SP1), 0.2% (SP2), 0.4% (SP3), 0.6% (SP4), 0.8% (SP5), 1.0% (SP6), and 1.2% (SP7) were prepared to feed Trachinotus ovatus (initial body weight: 8.64 ± 0.08 g) for 56 days. The results showed that increasing dietary SP levels quadratically increased significantly final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), and specific growth rate (SGR) of T. ovatus but linearly and quadratically decreased significantly viscerosomatic index (VSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) of T. ovatus (P < 0.05). In the SP4 treatment, FBW, WGR, and SGR presented the highest values. Both positive linear and quadratic trends were detected between crude lipid content of whole fish, adhesiveness of dorsal muscle, white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), blood performance, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c), intestinal villus height, and dietary SP level, while negative linear and quadratic trends were found between firmness of dorsal muscle, triglyceride (TG), glucose (GLU), and dietary SP level (P < 0.05). The increasing SP led to quadratic increases in lymphocyte (Lym), complement 3 (C3), chymotrypsin, villus number, and muscle layer thickness, and a quadratic decrease in hepatic malondialdehyde (MDAP < 0.05). A significant negative linear trend was found between the content of glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and dietary SP level, while significant positive linear trends were presented between C4, immunoglobulin M (IgM), α‐amylase and dietary SP level (P < 0.05). The increasing SP resulted in linear and quadratic increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) of livers and C3, C4, IgM of head kidney (P < 0.05). The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin‐8 (IL-8) were linearly and quadratically decreased, while the mRNA levels of growth factor beta (TGF-β) were linearly and quadratically increased with the increasing SP level (P < 0.05). In conclusion, SP could be considered as a beneficial feed additive for enhancing growth and immunity of fish. And dietary SP level at 0.6% is optimal for the growth of Trachinotus ovatus based on a quadratic regression model of WGR.
Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: Long‐Term Follow‐Up
Authors: Vukovic-Cvetkovic Vlasta , Schytz Henrik W. , Smilkov Emil Andonov , Jensen Rigmor H.
Published: January 2024

The outcome of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) years after onset is largely unknown. The objective of our study was to describe our clinical experience and long‐term outcomes in a case series of patients with SIH. From March 2007 to March 2022, demographic variables, clinical symptoms, neuroimaging findings, and response to treatment were retrospectively analyzed in patients with confirmed SIH and in a subgroup of patients with clinical symptoms but not confirmed by MR or LP, probable SIH (pSIH). We have included 37 SIH and 13 pSIH patients. The average age at onset was 44 years, and 59% (pSIH 46%) were women. All patients presented with a new‐onset orthostatic headache. In the SIH group, brain MRI showed signs of intracranial hypotension in all patients, spinal MR was performed in 70%, and pathological findings were identified in 73%. The range of EBP was 1‐8 (average 2.2). Good outcome after single or 2 EBPs had 42% (pSIH 46%) of patients. At follow‐up, 81% (pSIH 54%) of patients had a favorable outcome. Relapse occurred in 16% of patients in the SIH group and none in the pSIH group. The mean follow‐up time was 60 months. EBP is an effective and minimally invasive treatment, and efficacy seems independent of disease duration. The long‐term prognosis is favorable in 80% of SIH patients and in half of pSIH patients. Despite the lack of MRI signs of low intracranial pressure on neuroimaging, pSIH patients should also be offered EBP, and more awareness of SIH is needed.
Rehabilitation of Ectodermal Dysplasia Using CAD/CAM Mandibular Complete Denture and Maxillary Overdenture: A Clinical Report
Authors: Alqarni Hatem , Alzeghaibi Faisal , Alotaibi Sahar , Alamri Raghad , Aljohani Raghad , Altoman Majed S. , Alfaifi Mohammed A.
Published: January 2024

Ectodermal dysplasia is a genetic disorder characterized by the abnormal development of two or more ectodermally driven structures, leading to various clinical manifestations such as sparse hair, dry skin, and hypodontia or anodontia. The absence of teeth significantly impacts the quality of life for individuals affected by this condition. This article presents a clinical case report of a patient with ectodermal dysplasia who underwent full mouth rehabilitation using computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology to fabricate a mandibular complete denture and a maxillary overdenture.
Lucretius’ Allegoresis and Invective
Authors: Domaradzki Mikolaj
Published: January 2024

The present paper suggests that Lucretius’ Magna Mater interpretation (2.598-660) can fruitfully be approached through the lens of invective oratory. While this difficult passage of De rerum natura has long puzzled scholars, this article argues that in his interpretation Lucretius masterfully transforms the encomiastic topos of allegoresis into a powerful means of blame: the poet allegorically interprets various aspects of the cult of Cybele with a view to showing how religious convictions and customs go awry. When thus exposing the cult as impious, Lucretius ingeniously exploits several topoi of rhetorical hymns (nurture, propitiation, etc.) for the purpose of making his vituperation all the more compelling. Hence, on the reading advocated here, the Magna Mater interpretation is a carefully constructed invective against those aspects of the cult (of Cybele) which an Epicurean is bound to frown upon (providential illusion, divine punishment, etc.).
Virtue Ethics as Animal Ethics in Philosophy of the Islamic World
Authors: Adamson Peter , Somma Bligh
Published: January 2024

Virtue ethics may seem to be a less useful paradigm for ethical thinking than utilitarianism and deontology, insofar as it seems rather vacuous to be told to act as a virtuous person would act. But the topic considered here shows that this need not be true. Since virtue ethicists (and virtuous persons, according to this ethical approach) value the features that make human lives (more) excellent, they also value the features that make other lives (more) excellent, by way of the virtues of mercy, generosity, and justice. And this is true whether or not the lives in question are human or animal. To put it another way, a good agent will be one who shows goodness towards beings who are capable of having good lives. While that phrasing again sounds close to tautologous, it becomes substantive when we spell out which beings have such a capacity, and in what ways things can go well or badly for them. Virtue ethicists from the Islamic world were especially well placed to do that, since they also inherited from Aristotle (d. 322 BCE) a teleological conception of nature. In light of this, it comes to seem almost inevitable that philosophers in this tradition would endorse compassionate treatment of animals. In cases where they fail to do so, the failure is bound up with a tendency to downgrade the value of practical virtue as a whole. Rigorously intellectualist ascetics are unlikely to show much interest in the welfare of animals, being disinterested even in their own animal souls.
Mechanical and Antibacterial Properties of Bone Cement Composites Containing Silver Nanoparticles Compounded with Various Types of Chitosan
Authors: Li Zhuoyang , Yang Xin , Cao Yongping , Meng Zhichao , Liu Heng , Wang Rui , Wu Hao
Published: January 2024

To analyze the mechanical and antibacterial properties of bone cement composites that contain silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) compounded with chitosan (CS) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS). An oxidation-reduction reaction was performed under sonic oscillation to prepare ten percent wt%
AgNPs, CS-AgNPs and CMCS-AgNPs, which were subsequently mixed with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The compressive and bending strengths of these nanoparticles were measured before and after the samples were soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF). The Kirby-Bauer (K-B) method and flask oscillation
method were used to evaluate the antibacterial effects of the composites. The compressive and bending strengths of the AgNP, CS-AgNP, and CMCS-AgNP groups were significantly improved (P < 0.001). After the AgNP, CS-AgNP, and CMCS-AgNP groups were soaked in SBF, their bending strengths
were significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.001). The K-B test showed that only the 5 wt% and 10 wt% CMCS-AgNP groups exhibited bacteriostatic rings for Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Flask oscillation analyses
revealed that the 5 wt% and 10 wt% CMCS-AgNP exhibited good bacteriostatic activity against S. aureus, but good activity against MRSA was only observed for the 10 wt% CMCS-AgNP group. We developed CS/CMCS-AgNP bone cement composites that show good mechanical properties and antibacterial
activity.
Influence of Finishing Procedures on the Color Stability and Surface Roughness of Lithium Disilicate and Monolithic Zirconia Oxide
Authors: Alnassar Talal M.
Published: January 2024

Aim: This study aimed at evaluating the impact of different adjustments and artificial aging on the color change (ΔE) and surface roughness (Ra) of monolithic zirconia (MLZ) and lithium disilicate (LD) ceramics. Materials and methods: Forty discs were prepared from
two types of MLZs, including ceramill monolithic Zr (CM-Zr) and Prettau PSZ Zr (PP-Zr), and one LD (IPS e.max-LD, IPS-LD). After different clinical adjustments (performed with glazing, bur, bur + glazing, and bur + polishing) and artificial aging (in-vitro coffee immersion), the ΔE
was assessed using a spectrophotometer. The roughness (Ra) was also evaluated after these adjustments. The ANOVA and multiple com-parisons test were used to compare the groups statisitcally and the level of significance was set at 5%. Results: In the CM-Zr group, the greatest ΔE
was observed after bur adjustment (3.32, p < 0.05) while the lowest ΔE was seen after the glaze treatment (2.11, p < 0.05). In the PP-Zr group, the highest ΔE was observed after bur treatment (2.70, p < 0.05) while the lowest ΔE was seen after
the glaze treatment (1.25, p < 0.05). Lastly, for the IPS-LD group, the highest ΔE was again observed after bur treatment (2.91, p < 0.05) while the lowest ΔE was seen after glaze treatment (1.0, p < 0.05). After coffee immersion, it was observed that
the highest overall ΔE was observed for CM-Zr after the bur and polish treatment (3.45), while the lowest overall ΔE was observed in IPS-LD after the glaze treatment (2.10). All the ΔE values were within the clinical acceptable range. The highest overall Ra was witnessed
for CM-Zr after bur adjustment (1.64), while the lowest overall Ra was seen for IPS-LD after glaze treatment (0.26). Different clinical adjustments and artificial aging influence the colour stability of different ceramic materials (CM-Zr, PP-Zr, and IPS-LD). Compared to the MLZ, IPS-LD ceramics
were more stable as they presented with lower ΔE after surface adjustments and coffee immersion. Conclusions: The surface adjustment that minimally affected the colour of these ceramics was glaze treatment, while the ceramics were most affected by bur adjustments. Coffee aging
affected colour stability of all ceramic materials. IPS-LD ceramics presented the lowest Ra values after different clinical adjustments.
An In Vitro Surface Characterization and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy Analysis to Examine the Impact of Y-TZP Ceramic Pretreatment with Hot H2SO4, Nd: YAP Laser, and Al2O3 on Both Surface Texture and Bond Integrity
Authors: Alshadidi Abdulkhaliq Ali F.
Published: January 2024

Aim: Pretreatment techniques i.e., Hydrofluoric acid (HF) acid, hot Sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and Nd: YAP laser on the surface roughness (Ra) and shear bond strength (SBS) of Y-TZP ceramics. Materials and Methods: Eighty Y-TZP ceramic discs were allocated
into four different groups based on the conditioning (n = 20) Group 1: SB, Group 2:40% HF acid, Group 3: Hot H2SO4 and Group 4: Nd: YAP laser. Forty discs (n = 10 each) were subjected to Ra measurements using a profilometer. The dual-cure resin cement was
applied to forty conditioned zirconia discs (10 from each group) for SBS. SBS and failure mode were assessed utilizing a universal testing machine (UTM) and stereomicroscope. To analyze the average values of Ra and SBS among the different groups, one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test were
used. Results: The maximum Ra scores and SBS were displayed by Group 3 samples. Group 2 specimens in which HF acid was used as a Y-TZP ceramics conditioner displayed minimum Ra and bond integrity. Comparison among different tested groups exhibited that Group 1, Group 4, and Group 3
displayed comparable outcomes of Ra and bond strength. Conclusions: Hot H2SO4 and Nd: YAP laser can be used as a suitable alternative to sandblasting as a surface pretreatment regime for Y-TZP ceramics.
Efficacy of Digital Occlusal Splint Technology in the Treatment of Irreducible Anterior Displacement of Temporomandibular Joint Disc
Authors: Yang Baobing
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the efficacy of digital occlusal splint technology in treating irreducible anterior displacement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc and assesses its impact on clinical symptoms and TMJ function. A total of 36 patients treated for irreducible anterior displacement
of the TMJ disc at our hospital from January to December 2022 were enrolled and randomized either into the digital occlusal splint group (digital group) or the traditional occlusal splint group (traditional group), with 18 patients in each group. The treatment duration for all patients was
12 weeks. Clinical adjustment time for occlusion was compared between the two groups. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) recorded and evaluated pain intensity and patient comfort at initial wear, 1 week, and 4 weeks after splint usage. Maximum active mouth opening was measured before treatment
and at 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-treatment. The Fricton TMJ Dysfunction Index evaluated clinical efficacy based on parameters such as mandibular movement, joint noise, joint palpation, muscle palpation, dysfunction index, muscle tenderness index, and joint dysfunction index. Patient satisfaction
with treatment was compared between the two groups. The clinical adjustment time for the digital occlusal splint was significantly shorter than that for the traditional occlusal splint (P < 0.05). At 4 weeks, the digital group exhibited significantly lower pain scores than the traditional
group (P < 0.05). At 1 and 4 weeks, the digital group demonstrated significantly better comfort scores than the traditional group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in maximum active mouth opening between the two groups before treatment and at 1 week after
treatment (P > 0.05). However, at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, the digital group displayed significantly greater maximum active mouth opening than the traditional group (P < 0.05). The Fricton indices for the digital group were significantly lower than those for the traditional
group after treatment (P < 0.05). The patient satisfaction survey revealed a 100% satisfaction rate for the digital group and 88.9% for the traditional group (P < 0.05). The application of digital occlusal splint technology in treating irreducible anterior displacement
of the TMJ disc demonstrates excellent efficacy. It effectively shortens clinical adjustment time for the splint and significantly improves clinical symptoms and TMJ function in patients. This technology is worth promoting in clinical practice.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Outcomes and Municipal Credit Risk
Authors: Bruno Christopher C. , Henisz Witold J.
Published: January 2024

We investigate the association between a wide range of community-level environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes and the credit risk of U.S. municipal finance fixed-income securities. We develop a novel dataset of multiple ESG outcomes for U.S. counties and connect it to a 2001-2020 panel of municipal bonds issued within those counties. Overall, we find supportive evidence that collective increases in community-level ESG factors (i.e., ESG outcomes) are associated with reductions in credit risk for U.S. municipal finance instruments over time. We theorize that these associations arise from variations in investor perceptions and manifested changes in fiscal health over time as a function of changing ESG outcomes. Post hoc analyses leveraging quasi-exogenous shocks to uncertainty, as well as connecting ESG outcomes to various measures of fiscal health at the county-year level, and credit ratings at the bond-year level, help validate this theory. Our research suggests that even socially agnostic investors should investigate the environmental and social performance of a municipality as part of their credit due diligence.
Expectations Meet Reality: Leader Sensemaking and Enactment of Stakeholder Engagement in Multistakeholder Social Enterprises
Authors: Radoynovska Nevena
Published: January 2024

Given the urgency of global crises, interest abounds in alternative organizational forms (e.g., multistakeholder social enterprises, MSEs), promising structural solutions to engage diverse stakeholders in the creation of joint social, economic, and democratic values. Yet, studies of the who, how, and why of stakeholder engagement are predominantly rooted in for-profit contexts, assuming objective boundaries between insider/outsider stakeholders and engagement as a means to an end. The context of MSEs challenges both of these assumptions. Based on interviews with leaders of 28 French MSEs, I show how the latter made sense of their expectations versus the reality of stakeholder engagement. Leader sensemaking strategies informed the enactment of (revised) stakeholder engagement strategies to maintain coherence, or address misalignment, between expectations and reality. The article contributes to the literature by challenging assumptions of stakeholder engagement in for-profit firms. It also cautions against an overreliance on designated organizational forms to enable substantive stakeholder engagement.
Further Exploring the Relationship Between Virtual Socializing and Adolescent Vaping Activity
Authors: Boccio Cashen M. , Jackson Dylan B. , Leal Wanda E.
Published: January 2024

Previous research suggests that virtual socializing is associated with adolescent substance use and vaping activity. However, at present, very little research has explored the functional form of this relationship. This study extends the current research by testing for nonlinearity in the relationship between virtual socializing and adolescent vaping activity using data from the 2018 eighth and tenth grade cohorts of Monitoring the Future (MTF). Our findings indicate that virtual socializing appears to demonstrate a nonlinear relationship with the likelihood and frequency of adolescent vaping activities. Specifically, our findings reveal a nonlinear relationship wherein virtual socializing is initially associated with increased vaping activity, however after reaching a point, additional virtual socializing is no longer associated with increases in vaping activity.
The effects of economic globalization on fertility in developing countries, 1990–2018
Authors: Mejia Steven A.
Published: January 2024

Social scientists have long queried the socio-structural determinants of fertility rates. Drawing on the insights of dependency theory, this research investigates the impact of trade openness, exports to high-income countries, foreign direct investment, and debt dependence on fertility rates in developing countries. Results from generalized least squares (GLS) random effects (RE) panel regression models suggest that trade openness has a null effect, while exports to high-income countries is positively associated with fertility. Foreign direct investment is inversely associated with fertility, while debt dependence is positively associated with fertility. This study calls attention to the global–economic processes shaping national-level demographic outcomes.
Ethics between two worlds: The moral significance of Italian places in Henry James’s literature
Authors: Abbate Fabrizia
Published: January 2024

This article questions the ethical profile of some of the characters in Henry James’s literature in relation to concrete life places and situations. It refers first to the Diary of a Man of Fifty, because this short tale anticipates the themes that would dominate James's later works. It focuses in particular on Portrait of a Lady, not without mentioning Daisy Miller, because the descriptions of Italy in those pages help to flesh out the themes that the article wishes to highlight: the encounter between America and Europe (Italy in particular, with Florence and Rome), and the way circumstances determine the moral development of James’s characters. Self-consciousness through conflict with the surrounding world is one of the most vivid topics in James's literature. The personal condition of those who left the USA to settle in Europe became the subject of many of his novels, with all the baggage of incomplete experiences, anxieties and the pain of an integration never fully realized.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of internalised stigma and stigma resistance in patients with psychosis: The impact of individualism-collectivism culture and other individual factors
Authors: Sum Min Yi , Wong Charmaine Tsz Wing , Chu Sin Ting , Li Angel , Lee Athena Hoi Ting , Chen Eric Yu Hai , Chan Sherry Kit Wa
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

This study aimed to meta-analysis the level of internalised stigma experienced by individuals with psychosis worldwide, and the impact of cultural differences, economic status of the studied regions and duration of illness on their levels of internalised stigma. Clinical and individual level factors associated with internalised stigma and stigma resistance were also systematically reviewed.

Methods:

A systematic search of keywords on two scholarly databases were conducted. The individualism index of the countries or regions where the studies were conducted was retrieved from Hofstede’s updated measurement of individualism. Economic status of regions was categorised based on their per capita gross national income. Meta-analysis and meta-regression were conducted using the ‘metafor’ package in R. Factors associated with internalised stigma and stigma resistance were also systematically consolidated.

Results:

Seventy-three articles were included in the meta-analysis and the pooled score of both internalised stigma and stigma resistance of individuals with psychosis were within the mild range (2.20 and 2.44, respectively). The meta-regression analysis found high collectivism culture is significantly related to a higher level of internalised stigma. Economic status was not significant. Thirty-five articles were included in the systematic review and clinical, psychological, psychosocial variables, cognition and sociodemographic factors were found to be associated with internalised stigma.

Conclusion:

Internalised stigma in psychosis is ubiquitous worldwide and high collectivism culture may be related with high internalised stigma. With the presence of multiple individual factors related to internalised stigma, intervention programmes to reduce internalised stigma should consider focussing on both macro- and micro-level factors.
The relationship between climate change anxiety and psychotic experiences is mediated by death anxiety
Authors: Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Malaeb Diana , Postigo Alvaro , Sakr Fouad , Dabbous Mariam , Khatib Sami El , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Souheil
Published: January 2024

Background:

As climate change persists, accelerates, and intensifies, and since mitigating factors are absent, mental health impacts are expected to follow the same patterns. Therefore, it appears of utmost importance to deepen and broaden the knowledge and understanding of how and through which mechanisms climate change anxiety (CCA) may interplay with mental health outcomes. Based on the stress-vulnerability model of psychosis, the present study proposed to examine the relationship between CCA and psychotic experiences (PEs), and to test the theoretically-driven hypothesis that death anxiety acts as a mediator in this relationship.

Method:

This study adopted a cross-sectional approach involving a sample of young adults aged 18 to 35 years (mean age = 24.56 ± 22.49 years; 63.9% females) originating from, and residing in Lebanon.

Results:

The results of the mediation analysis showed that death anxiety partially mediated the association between CCA and PEs. Higher CCA was significantly associated with higher death anxiety; higher death anxiety was significantly associated with more PEs. Finally, higher CCA was directly and significantly associated with more PEs.

Conclusion:

Drawing from the present preliminary findings, the key tentative recommendation is that addressing death anxiety might alleviate the association between CCA and PEs. In addition, government decision-makers need to recognize the necessity of considering climate change implications on mental health in policy and decision-making.
Comparing stigma between French people experiencing schizophrenia versus bipolar disorders
Authors: Villani M. , Kovess–Masféty V.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Among the multiple challenges that people experiencing mental illness in general, and schizophrenia or bipolar disorders in particular, have to face, stigma appears to be one of the most difficult to tackle. In France, the body of research about stigma regarding people experiencing schizophrenia or bipolar disorders is growing, but not as much as in other western countries.

Aims:

In this context, our study aims to explore and compare stigma in French people experiencing schizophrenia or bipolar disorders, along with their respective mental healthcare system experience, in order to better address them within public health policies.

Methods:

20 French mental health service users experiencing schizophrenia and 20 experiencing bipolar disorders answered the Stigma Scale, which assesses three dimensions of stigma (discrimination, difficulties of divulgation and lack of positive aspects). A semi-structured interview was used to collect information about the experience of the mental healthcare system (level of information, access to diagnosis, treatment, access to psychoeducation, etc.).

Results:

People experiencing schizophrenia and people experiencing bipolar disorders are different populations in terms of social impairment. However, they share a comparable negative experience of the mental healthcare system and a comparable level of information about their illness, to the exception of diagnosis divulgation, as people experiencing bipolar disorders have a better access to their diagnosis. People experiencing schizophrenia perceive a higher actual discrimination than people experiencing bipolar disorders.

Conclusions:

Public health policies should take into account the strong perception of actual discrimination of people experiencing schizophrenia, with capitalizing on what seems beneficial for people experiencing bipolar disorders.
Network analysis of pandemic fatigue symptoms in samples from five South American countries
Authors: Caycho-Rodríguez Tomás , Torales Julio , Ventura-León José , Barrios Iván , Waisman-Campos Marcela , Terrazas-Landivar Alexandra , Viola Laura , Vilca Lindsey W. , Muñoz-del-Carpio-Toia Agueda
Published: January 2024

Background:

Pandemic fatigue generates low motivation or the ability to comply with protective behaviors to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Aims:

This study aimed to analyze the symptoms of pandemic fatigue through network analysis in individuals from five South American countries.

Method:

A total of 1,444 individuals from Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay participated and were evaluated using the Pandemic Fatigue Scale. The networks were estimated using the ggmModSelect estimation method and a polychoric correlation matrix was used. Stability assessment of the five networks was performed using the nonparametric resampling method based on the case bootstrap type. For the estimation of network centrality, a metric based on node strength was used, whereas network comparison was performed using a permutation-based approach.

Results:

The results showed that the relationships between pandemic fatigue symptoms were strongest in the demotivation dimension. Variability in the centrality of pandemic fatigue symptoms was observed among participating countries. Finally, symptom networks were invariant and almost identical across participating countries.

Conclusions:

This study is the first to provide information on how pandemic fatigue symptoms were related during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effect of Integrated Yoga as an add-on therapy in adults with clinical depression – A randomized controlled trial
Authors: James Vibin Anu , Niharika Niharika , Valliappan Varun , Lamo Pasang , Parajuli Niranjan , Jat Mansingh , Lama Sudha , Agarwal Aman , Sagar Rajesh , Sharma Gautam
Published: January 2024

Background:

Depression is a leading cause of disability and the conventional management has several limitations. Recent studies demonstrated the benefits of yoga in psychological disorders.

Aims:

To evaluate the efficacy of the Integrated Yoga Module (IYM) to standard care with added yogic education on lifestyle modification (YELM) in patients with clinical depression.

Methods:

A PROBE trial was conducted at a single tertiary care hospital in India. Adults aged 18 to 64 with clinical depression were randomized to either an IYM or an active control group using a computer-generated mixed block randomization sequence. Both groups received YELM in addition to standard care and the intervention group practiced IYM, for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the reduction in depression symptoms assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and secondary outcomes involved self-compassion, brief resilience, positive and negative experiences, and quality of life, evaluated at 8 weeks.

Results:

The mean ± SD age of participants was 32.2 ± 10.0 and 54.3% were females. The IYM group showed statistically significant improvements in BDI-II scores β = −6.7 (95% CI [−10.8, −2.5]; p = .001), resilience β = 0.4 (95% CI [0.02, 0.80]; p = .037), physical health domain of WHOQOL - BREF β = 10.1 (95% CI [0.7, 19.5]; p = .035) and negative emotions (SPANE-N) β = 2.8 (95% CI [0.1, 5.4]; p = .037). However, no significant differences were found in SCS-SF β = −0.3 (95% CI [−0.7, 0.0]; p = .053).

Conclusions:

IYM as an adjunct is superior to conventional medical management in reducing symptoms and improving positive psychological resources in clinical depression.
Sleep quality and mental health differences following Syria-Turkey earthquakes: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ataya Jamal , Soqia Jameel , Ataya Jawdat , AlMhasneh Rama , Batesh Duaa , Alkhadraa Doaa , Albokaai Hani , Morjan Mohamad
Published: January 2024

Background:

This study explores the lasting mental health impact of the Syria-Turkey earthquakes in 2023 on a population affected by conflict and trauma. It analyzes pre- and post-event mental health and sleep quality differences, identifying predictors of outcomes.

Aims:

Studying the 2023 Syria-Turkey earthquakes’ enduring mental health impact on conflict-affected individuals, this research informs better support and interventions for disaster survivors.

Methods:

This longitudinal, cross-sectional study examined the enduring mental health impact of the Syria-Turkey earthquakes. The present study involved N = 1,413 Syrian survivors, aged 18 years or older, who actively participated by contributing both pre- and post-earthquake data. A meticulously designed digital questionnaire with established metrics assessed sleep disturbances, depressive symptoms, and anxiety levels. Stratification variables (age, gender, education, marital status) were used for subgroup analysis. Arabic versions of PHQ-9, PSQI, and GAD-2 proved reliable for measuring depression, sleep quality, and anxiety.

Results:

The majority of participants were female (73.6%) with tertiary education (83.3%). Post-earthquake, a higher percentage reported poor sleep quality (67.7% vs. 59.7%, p < .001) and increased prevalence of MDE (66.1% vs. 56%, p < .001). GAD did not differ significantly. Post-earthquake, women had a higher likelihood of poor sleep quality (OR: 1.58, 95% CI [1.19, 2.10], p < .001) and MDE (OR: 1.55, 95% CI [1.18 to 2.04], p = .003). Predictors varied before and after earthquakes; age and education were significant predictors of poor sleep quality, MDE, and GAD.

Conclusion:

This study reveals higher rates of poor sleep quality and major depressive episodes among earthquake-affected individuals, especially women. Age, education, and gender contribute to these outcomes. Targeted interventions and comprehensive mental health support are crucial for post-earthquake recovery.
Mental health literacy as a barrier and facilitator for service use: Qualitative inquiry among Palestinian Bedouins in Israel
Authors: Abo-Rass Fareeda , Abu-Kaf Sarah , Nakash Ora , Braun-Lewensohn Orna
Published: January 2024

Background:

Mental health literacy (MHL) has been related to health behaviors and outcomes. However, studies examining MHL as a barrier and facilitator to service use are limited, especially among minority groups.

Aims:

This study examined MHL as a barrier and facilitator to mental health service use among the Palestinian Bedouin minority in Israel.

Methods:

Twenty-five Bedouins (15 women) from southern Israel participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The participants were recruited by publishing an ad on social media about the study, then through a snowball technique. The data were analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti.9, and the intercoder reliability was 92%.

Results:

We identified four major themes in the interviews: (1) MHL as a barrier to service use, due to lack of knowledge about professionals in the field, mental health services, or reasons and risk factors for mental health problems; (2) traditional attitudes that acted as barriers to service use, including a preference for informal treatment, a lack of faith in mental health treatment, aversion to discussing private feelings, and the perception that mental health is a luxury; (3) MHL as a facilitator to service use by enabling accurate identification of mental distress and suggesting practical avenues for seeking help; and (4) ways to improve MHL that should be culturally sensitive and under the government agencies’ responsibility.

Conclusions:

Interventions aimed at increasing the use of mental health services among Bedouins and reducing racial/ethnic disparities should increase knowledge in culturally adapted ways, especially regarding professionals and services, and change negative attitudes such as mental health treatment as ineffective or bonus.
Evolution of values in China: Disembedding factors and structural transformation
Authors: Wang Geng , Xu Limin , Cheung Monit , Leung Patrick
Published: January 2024

This study, guided by Taylor’s Great Disembedding Theory, examines global and Chinese societal values through the World Values Survey’s four-wave data from 1994 to 2014. Factor analysis shows six core values as disembedding factors (friends, leisure, politics) and embedding factors (family, work, religion). These data collected during China’s one-child policy and economic reforms reveal the country’s value shifts: leisure gains importance while politics is more moderate. This disembedding trend suggests a growing demand for social services driven by an emphasis on life balance. These evolving values guide social workers in tailoring programs to meet diverse needs shaped by personal and societal expectations.
Impact of Visual Multimedia Intervention on Perception, Knowledge and Intention Towards Child Marriage Among Children in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Blessing Chinweobo-Onuoha N. , Udeh Kenneth , Tsegyu Santas , Ogwu Attah Chris , Tiamiyu Kabiru Adebowale , Wogu Joseph O. , Gever Verlumun Celestine
Published: January 2024

This study examined the impact of visual multimedia intervention in addressing the menace of child marriage in Nigeria. The researchers found that at baseline, the children reported a positive perception of child marriage, low knowledge of its health hazards as well as positive behaviour intention towards it. After the intervention, there was a remarkable difference between children in the control group and those in the treatment group. Children who received the intervention (unlike those who did not receive it) reported a negative perception of child marriage, better knowledge of its health hazards and reduced propensity to engage in child marriage.
Rethinking the Resurgence of Military Coups in Africa
Authors: Akinola Adeoye O. , Makombe Ratidzo
Published: January 2024

The immediate post-colonial Africa was hitherto noted for incessant military incursions into politics, but the waves of democratisation that swept through Africa from the late 1970s to the 1990s led to the acceptance of liberal democracy as the most desirable political system. Over the past decade, stakeholders in Africa’s democratisation have had to ask whether democracy is being consolidated on the continent. Despite the promise of democracy, most African countries have failed to attain political development beyond what has become the ‘ritualistic’ conduct of elections and political transitions. The inability to institutionalise democracy has become more evident with several military coup d’états in the past 2 years on the continent. Through unstructured interviews, the article historicises military coups, examines their root and immediate causes and explores whether military coups constitute a democratic reversal in Africa. Indeed, consolidating democracy and restoring civilian governments to power have become cumbersome due to the complicit roles of external actors and foreign powers.
Why Is China Dismissive of India’s Great Power Ambitions?
Authors: Verma Raj
Published: January 2024

This article seeks to provide an answer to the question, “Why is China dismissive of India’s great power ambitions?” It argues that China’s dismissiveness of India’s great power ambitions is explained by cognitive bias towards India based on its colonization and freedom struggle. This is because India was formally colonized by Great Britain, but China was never formally colonized. Second, India won its freedom from British colonial/imperial rule through a nonviolent struggle unlike China, which fought a bloody war of liberation against Japan and a civil war leading to the formation of the People’s Republic of China.
Manifestations of Hope and Hopelessness in the Early Stages of COVID-19 in Africa
Authors: Thebe Phillip
Published: January 2024

COVID-19 triggered significant emotions and imagination, if not panic, about health and life worldwide as people’s lives were suddenly uncertain. This scenario led some to assess their life circumstances as hopeless, while others continued to see hope on the horizon despite a dreadful disease, consequent lockdowns and especially social distancing. This paper explores African countries’ experiences of hope and hopelessness at the onset of the pandemic from the perspective of 12 PhD students in Hong Kong. The students narrated that despite being hit moderately, their countries sat far behind richer ones in terms of the capacity to handle the epidemic effectively – which somewhat signalled the hopelessness students felt and imagined for such countries. However, their narrations also showed that hope was consequential in people’s everyday responses to the socioeconomic effects of the virus. Their wishes, at the time, were that a vaccine would soon be found and extended to Africa, that Africans would realise the seriousness of the pandemic, and that they could be valuable sources of information and resources to their communities of upbringing.
Comparative Study of Hate Speech in the 2015 and 2019 General Elections in Three Selected Newspapers in Nigeria
Authors: Msughter Aondover Eric
Published: January 2024

The recent trend in journalism malpractice in the country is the dissemination of hate speech and vulgar language. Within this context, the paper analyzed the manifestation of hate speech in the 2015 and 2019 general elections in the Daily Trust, The Nation, and The Guardian newspapers. The variables of frequency, location, direction, as well as a journalistic genre were used to examine the manifestation of hate speech in the 2015 and 2019 general elections by the selected newspapers. Stratified random sampling by days of the week was used to select the editions in the newspapers. The Functional Theory of Campaign Discourse and Critical Race Theory was used as the theoretical framework. Based on the findings, to table the manifestation of hate speech was more frequent in 2015 than in the 2019 general elections by the selected newspapers. The findings reveal that the manifestation of hate speech by the selected newspapers in the 2015 and 2019 general elections was significantly high in the inside pages than in the front and back pages. The study found that the manifestation of hate speech by the selected newspapers was in a negative direction in 2015, and in a neutral direction in 2019. The study discovered that the manifestation of hate speech was on political news by the selected newspapers in the 2015 and 2019 general elections in Nigeria. The paper concludes that the manifestation of hate speech in the 2015 and 2019 general elections in Nigeria was significantly high, and this constituted a major problem in the 2015 and 2019 general elections.
Unit Committees and Participation in Community Development: Does Spatial Location Matter?
Authors: Serbeh Richard , Adjei Prince Osei-Wusu , Forkuor David
Published: January 2024

The unit committee in Ghana’s local government is believed to facilitate participatory development. After decades of practice, there is little research on the unit committee’s role in participatory development. This paper contributes to this research gap by drawing on the experiences of participants sampled from the Kumasi Metropolitan and Ahafo Ano South-west districts. The paper argues that the unit committee–participatory development interface is spatially differentiated. While unit committees promoted instrumental participation in urban localities, their counterparts promoted transformative participation in rural communities. The findings suggest a rethink of the role of sub-district structures to reflect spatial characteristics of their localities.