bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review on radiation induced nausea and vomiting: “Current management strategies and prominence of radio sensitizers”
Authors: Vijayan Meenu , Joseph Sherin , James Emmanuel , Dutta Debnarayan
Published: May 2021

Radiations dissipated are high energy waves used mostly as treatment intervention in controlling the unwanted multiplication of cell. About 60%–65% of cancer treatment requires radiation therapy and 40%–80% of radiation therapy causes RINV which are true troublemakers. Radiation therapy (RT) is targeted therapy mostly used to treat early stages of tumour and prevent their reoccurrence. They mainly destroy the genetic material (DNA) of cancerous cells to avoid their unwanted growth and division. The RINV affects the management and quality of life of patients which further reduces the patient outcome. RINV depends on RT related factors (dose, fractionation, irradiation volume, RT techniques) and patient related factors like (gender, health conditions, age, concurrent chemotherapy, psychological state, and tumour stage). RT is an active area of research and there is only limited progress in tackling the RINV crisis. Advanced technological methods are adopted that led to better understanding of total lethal doses. Radiation therapy also affects the immunity system that leads to radiation induced immune responses and inflammation. Radio sensitizers are used to sensitize the tumour cells to radiations that further prevent the normal cell damage from radiation exposure. There is a need for future studies and researches to re-evaluate the data available from previous trials in RINV to make better effective antiemetic regimen. The article focuses on radiation therapy induced nausea and vomiting along with their mechanism of action and treatment strategies in order to have a remarkable patient care.
Tubing determination in an hematology oncology clinic
Authors: Hsin Jerline , Mitchell Jacqui , Thompson Joshua , Kaneshiro Cindy , Troncoso Abigail
Published: May 2021

United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Chapter <800> for hazardous drug (HD) handling in healthcare settings requires HD be primed intravenously with a non-HD solution prior to dispensing. This review details our clinic’s algorithm for determining tubing needs for medications used in an hematology oncology clinic. Factors to consider are volume, irritant and vesicant properties, and compatibility with hydration solution.
Does systemic anti-tumor therapy increase COVID-19 risk in patients with cancer?
Authors: Ayhan Murat , Laçin Şahin , Özyükseler Deniz T , Sürmeli Heves , Doğan Akif , Turan Merve , odabas Hatice , Turan Nedim , Yıldırım Mahmut Emre
Published: May 2021

Purpose

We aimed to determine the COVID-19 infection rate and determine the factors that affect hospitalization and prognosis in patients receiving systemic chemotherapy (CT), immunotherapy (IT) and molecular-targeted therapies at our hospital within three months after the onset of COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and methods

The patients who received systemic treatment at chemotherapy unit with diagnosis of cancer between 11 March 2020 and 11 June 2020 were included. The clinical and demographic characteristics of patients, the systemic treatments that they received (CT, IT, targeted therapies), and the stage of disease were determined. For the parameters that affect the hospitalization of COVID-19 infected patients were also determined.

Results

Among 1149 patients with cancer, 84 of them were infected with COVID-19, and the median age of infected patients was 61.0 (IQR: 21–84) and 60.7% of them were male. As a subtype of cancers lung cancer was more frequent in the patients who infected with COVID compared with non-infected ones and the difference was statistically significant when the underlying malignities were compared (32.1% vs 19.0%, p = 0.031). The hospitalization rate and receiving COVID-19 treatment were more frequent in metastatic patients who were receiving palliative therapy, and the difference was statistically significant ( p = 0.01, p = 0.03). In our study, infection rate was similar among patients treated with CT, IT and CT plus targeted therapy; however, fewer COVID-19 infections were seen at patients who received only targeted therapy.

Conclusion

COVID-19 infection is more frequent in cancer patients and tends to be more severe in metastatic cancer patients receiving anticancer treatment, and the continuation of palliative cancer treatments in these patients may cause increased cancer and infection-related morbidity and mortality.
The Impact of an Educational Intervention on Nursing Staff Attitudes Toward Patients Experiencing Homelessness and Mental Illness
Authors: Walker Jessica N. , Vanderhoef Dawn , Adams Susie M. , Fleisch Sheryl B.
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVE:

Patients who experience homelessness and have mental illness can have frequent and challenging hospitalizations. Nurses caring for this vulnerable population may have negative attitudes, which can be mitigated by education and improved for the benefit of patients. This study aimed to assess the impact of an educational intervention on the attitudes of nursing staff toward individuals experiencing homelessness and mental illness.

METHODS:

Using a pre–post design, a revised version of the Health Professionals’ Attitudes Toward the Homeless Inventory (HPATHI) assessed 23 nursing staff working on inpatient medicine units surrounding a brief educational session about persons experiencing homelessness and mental illness. Data were also collected from open-ended questions.

RESULTS:

There was a small positive increase in mean HPATHI scores postintervention (74.783 [ SD = 5.485] to 77.13 [ SD = 6.312]) indicating more positive participant attitudes toward homeless individuals. The HPATHI also revealed a 6% increase in score for participant comfortability providing care for homeless persons with major mental illness postintervention. Some participants likely interpreted their answers as displaying more positive and less cynical attitudes based on their comments, while the HPATHI scored them as more negative. Qualitative feedback revealed both positive and negative attitudes toward this patient population, and various associated barriers to care.

CONCLUSIONS:

Nursing staff will likely provide care for patients who experience homelessness with concomitant mental illness. Educating nurses about the needs of this population is feasible and could be beneficial for patient care.
Antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of essential oil of clove against Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Enteritidis
Authors: Somrani Mariem , Debbabi Hajer , Palop Alfredo
Published: May 2021

The antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of essential oil of clove against Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Enteritidis were investigated. The chemical composition of the oil was characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Stock solution of the essential oil of clove was prepared in 95% (v/v) ethanol (EOC). The antibacterial assays were performed by disk diffusion assay and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The biomass of adhered cells and preformed biofilms after incubation with different concentrations of EOC was assessed by crystal violet. Eugenol was the major bioactive compound of clove essential oil, accounting for 78.85% of the total composition. The MIC values for L. monocytogenes and S. Enteritidis were 0.05 mg/ml and 0.1 mg/ml, respectively. The initial cell adhesion at MIC was inhibited by 61.8% for L. monocytogenes and 49.8% for S. Enteritidis. However, the effect of EOC was less marked on biofilm eradication than on cell adhesion. At MIC and within 1 hour of incubation with the EOC, the preformed biofilms were reduced by 30.2% and 20.3% for L. monocytogenes and S. Enteritidis, respectively. These results suggest that sanitizers based on clove essential oil could be a potential strategy to control biofilms in food-related environments.
Symptoms Experienced by Women at Home and Self-Care Agency after Breast-Conserving Surgery
Authors: Cankaya Gul , Saglam Rabia
Published: May 2021

This study was conducted to determine the symptoms experienced by women at home and self-care agency after breast-conserving surgery. The study was carried out in a public hospital in Istanbul between January and June 2018. The sample of the study consisted of 65 women. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews using Patient Description Form, Symptom Check List and Self-Care Agency Scale during outpatient check-ups in the first and third weeks following discharge. The mean age of the women was 52.68 ± 13.24. Fatigue, weakness, pain and insomnia were mostly experienced symptoms in the first and third weeks after discharge while fever, discharge from the wound area and nausea-vomiting symptoms were the least experienced symptoms in these weeks. It was determined that women had moderate self-care agency in the first and third weeks of discharge. Women who were married and whose income was equal to their expenses had higher self-care agency, and those living alone had lower self-care agency than those living with their spouses and children ( p < 0.05). The self-care agency scores of those who did not have a chronic disease were higher than those with chronic diseases ( p < 0.05). It is found that women with breast-conserving surgery experience symptoms related to the operation in the first and third weeks of discharge. Women’s self care agency was moderate during the follow up period, meaning that these patients should be supported by nurses with regard to self care agency and symptoms experienced at home.
Appreciation to and Behavior Intention Regarding Upscale Ethnic Restaurants
Authors: Liu Yide , Ting Hiram , Ringle Christian
Published: May 2021

Appreciation is an ingredient that is essential for enhancing customers’ postconsumption service evaluations; nevertheless, few studies have explored its role in the context of ethnic restaurants. This article aims to examine appreciation’s effects on customers’ behavioral intention by first considering the cultural effects. This study develops and empirically tests a research model based on 488 questionnaires collected at an upscale ethnic restaurant in Macau. The result shows that utilitarian value, hedonic value, and cultural motivation affect appreciation positively, which in turn affects behavioral intention positively. Utilitarian value and hedonic value also affect behavioral intention directly and positively. The mediation roles of diners’ utilitarian value, hedonic value, and appreciation are also discussed. This article contributes to hospitality management theory by providing an additional insight into appreciation and suggests that, in practice, using appreciation as a business strategy could change customers’ choice.
Profiles of Citizenship Orientations Among Youth
Authors: Tzankova Iana , Prati Gabriele , Cicognani Elvira
Published: May 2021

Prior studies revealed that low levels of youth political activity are not necessarily indicative of complete disengagement from societal affairs but could be accompanied by interest and latent involvement stemming from a standby or monitorial attitude. However, no prior study has investigated patterns of citizenship orientations including both manifest and latent engagement defined by one’s position towards institutional politics, according to different forms of participation. A questionnaire was filled out by 1,732 late adolescents and young adults in Italy (15–30 years old, M = 19.73, 60.7% female). Cluster analysis identified six profiles of citizenship orientations across different types of participatory activities (political, activist, political online and civic): active trustful, active distrustful, standby trustful, standby distrustful, unengaged trustful and unengaged distrustful. The results showed that each level of engagement—active, standby and unengaged—could be further differentiated between trustful and distrustful based on their attitude towards institutions and the electoral process.
Russian Youth Forums: Sites of Managed Youth Empowerment
Authors: Silvan Kristiina
Published: May 2021

In the 2010s Russia, government-organized local, regional and national youth forums have become major sites for state-youth interaction. These typically weeklong summer camps are organized across Russia, attracting up to one million participants annually. Although the forums have diverse foci, they are all formal platforms of youth participation, aimed at young people engaging in ‘compliant’ forms of activism. Drawing from qualitative content analysis of official reports and media accounts combined with participant observation and interview data, this article analyses the forums as a case of youth policy in an authoritarian political setting. It finds that the government treats youth as a ‘problematic resource’. Moreover, while the forums’ agenda is defined by the policymakers, young people acquire and apply agency to navigate and negotiate the official agenda and re-signify it to respond to their interests. This process, it is argued, has an empowering effect regardless of the constraining authoritarian setting.
Correlation of iCare ic100 tonometry with iCare TA01i in screening of unselected population in Northern Finland Birth Cohort Eye study
Authors: Liinamaa M Johanna , Stoor Katri , Leiviskä Ilmari , Saarela Ville
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

iCare tonometers are easy-to-use and portable devices for measuring the intraocular pressure (IOP). Purpose was to evaluate the IOP values measured by both novel iCare ic100 and conventional model TA01i devices in unselected population.

Methods:

IOP was measured with iCare ic100 and TA01i tonometers in 149 participants aged 32–33 years (born in 1985 or 1986) of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort Eye 2 study. The right eye of each participant was selected for analysis. We also collected data on axial length, corneal curvature and central corneal thickness (CCT). Bland-Altman plot was used for comparing the values obtained by these devices.

Results:

Mean IOP measured with the ic100 device was 13.8 (3.4) mmHg, with TA01i it was 12.5 (3.0) mmHg. The mean difference between these devices was 1.30 mmHg ( p < 0.001) and R2 was 0.694. In Bland-Altman analysis, the agreement between the two tonometers ic100 and TA01i was constantly good (mean difference −1.30, ic100 device showing higher measures). There was a correlation between IOP and CCT ( r = 0.269, p < 0.001 for ic100 and r = 0.255, p = 0.002 for TA01i), but not with IOP and corneal curvature or IOP and axial length.

Conclusion:

In summary, we found ic100 rebound tonometry to be both reliable and effective, although CCT may influence IOP measurements with ic100 and TA01i. Therefore, iCare ic100 is suitable for IOP measurement in large cohort studies.
One year outcomes of treat and extend and pro re nata (PRN) treatment regimens with aflibercept for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
Authors: Rouvas Alexandros , Gouliopoulos Nikolaos , Douvali Maria , Koutsocheras Georgios , Theodorou Maria , Bouratzis Nikolaos , Bougatsou Panagiota , Theodossiadis Panagiotis
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

To compare the 1-year outcomes of treat-and-extend and pro re nata (PRN) treatment regimens with aflibercept for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), by the means of visual acuity (VA), frequency of recurrence of polypoidal lesions and developed fibrosis, and the number of intravitreal injections, and thus to determine which one is preferable in the maintenance phase in PCV.

Methods:

In our prospective study, only naive and previously untreated PCV patients were included. Initially one session of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and three monthly intravitreal injections of 2.0 mg aflibercept (IAIs) were applied in 38 eyes. After this loading phase, they were re-examined and 30 PCV eyes with no exudative phenomena were included in the study. They were divided in two groups; in the first one (16 patients) the PRN treatment modality of IAIs was applied, while in the second one (14 patients) the treat-and-extend regimen was applied.

Results:

Over a 12-month period, VA significantly improved in treat-and-extend group (logMAR BCVA 0.41 ± 0.15 vs 0.57 ± 0.24 at baseline, p = 0.044), while in the PRN group VA remained stable (logMAR BCVA 0.70 ± 0.36 vs 0.65 ± 0.18 at baseline, p = 0.61). During the maintenance phase, the patients of treat-and-extend group did not encounter development/progression of fibrosis or any recurrent episodes, whereas the patients of PRN group had significantly more recurrent episodes (0 vs 1.37 ± 0.5, p < 0.001) and the frequency of development/progression of fibrosis was significantly higher (0% vs 44%, p = 0.02). However, the treat-and-extend treatment regimen was accompanied by significantly more administered IAIs (6 ± 0 vs 5.13 ± 1.08, p = 0.006).

Conclusion:

We highlighted the superiority of treat-and-extend regime with IAIs, which seems to yield better functional outcomes by preventing recurrence and subfoveal fibrosis, although a greater number of injections is required.
Catheter-directed thrombolytic infusion for thrombosed arteriovenous fistulas with a large clot burden: A case series
Authors: Spanuchart Ittikorn , Amin Bakhtiar , Sequeira Adrian , Virk Chiranjiv , Abreo Kenneth , Sachdeva Bharat
Published: May 2021

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) thrombosis occurs less often when compared to arteriovenous grafts. Since the number of AVFs has increased in the United States, AVF thrombosis is seen more frequently today. AVF thrombectomy can be tedious, requires physician ingenuity, and many times results in failure. Substantial clot burden in megafistulas and aneurysms is considered a relative contraindication to endovascular thrombectomy. Usually, it results in surgical referral for open thrombectomy or, at times, abandonment of the fistula altogether. Herein, we describe the technique, results, and cautions of combining a continuous infusion of recombinant tissue plasminogen (rTPA) followed by angioplasty of the culprit stenotic lesion that was successful in opening five of six AVFs with a substantial clot burden.
Should we use a patient’s port as the preferred intravenous route rather than inserting an additional venous access?
Authors: Biffi Roberto , La Greca Antonio
Published: May 2021

Early in 2021, the Infusion Nursing Society has released the latest version of the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice. In the last two decades, these Standards have been representing one of the most important evidence-based documents available in the world of venous access. Nevertheless, we were quite concerned reading a recommendation included in chapter 26 (Vascular Access Device Planning: practice recommendation I, C): “Use a patient’s port, unless contraindicated (e.g. existing complication) as the preferred IV route in preference to insertion of an additional VAD.” Such recommendation is offered not on the basis of evidence, but as experts’ opinion (“Committee Consensus”). This Editorial deals with the opinion of GAVeCeLT (The Italian Study Group for Long Term Central Venous Access) that strongly discourage the use of ports for intravenous treatment different from chemotherapy (or from the therapy that specifically required that long term, infrequent access). The rationale for this choice is based on the consideration that the patient’s port—if used in a non-specialty ward—would be at high risk of complications, some of them potentially leading to the loss of the device, and that such complications might be particularly difficult to manage in this setting. The continuous or frequent use of a port transforms it into an external device, thus cancelling the main advantage of a totally subcutaneous location, while adding a significant disadvantage (need for repeated percutaneous punctures and risk of extravasation/infiltration due to improper insertion or dislocation of the non-coring needle). One exception is the possible use of port for radio-diagnostic purposes (as long as the port is power injectable). This strategy may be associated with advantages for the patient, and imaging quality improvement, but requires the adoption of specific protocols for prevention of infective and mechanical complications.
#sendwine: An Analysis of Motherhood, Alcohol Use and #winemom Culture on Instagram
Authors: Harding Kelly D , Whittingham Lisa , McGannon Kerry R
Published: May 2021

Popular culture has recently seen the emergence of the so-called comical wine mom persona, particularly on social media sites such as Instagram. Given the increasing use of alcohol amongst women and the emergence of alcohol as a tool for women and mothers to assert agency and gender equity, a critical analysis of wine mom culture warrants attention. Forty Instagram posts associated with the #winemom hashtag were selected using theoretical sampling and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The central objective was to use a postfeminist lens to critically explore how wine mom culture is part of the consumption, (re)production and (re)configuration of the ideologies of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ motherhood occurring in online gendered spaces. The findings demonstrated the ubiquity of wine mom culture and its contribution to normalized images and meanings of ‘liberated motherhood’ that may have problematic sociocultural and health implications related to women’s alcohol consumption.
Monitoring, Managing, and Communicating Risk of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Recreational Resources across Canada
Authors: Rashidi Hamidreza , Baulch Helen , Gill Arshdeep , Bharadwaj Lalita , Bradford Lori
Published: May 2021

Globally, harmful algal blooms (HABs) are on the rise, as is evidence of their toxicity. The impacts associated with blooms, however, vary across Nation states, as do the strategies and protocols to assess, monitor, and manage their occurrence. In Canada, water quality guidelines are standardized nationally, but the management strategies for HABs are not. Here, we explore current strategies to understand how to better communicate risks associated with HABs to the public. Our team conducted an environmental scan on provincial and territorial government agency protocols around HABs. Results suggest that there are variations in the monitoring, managing, and communicating of risk to the public: British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Quebec have well-established inter-agency protocols, and most provinces report following federal guidelines for water quality. Notably, 3 northern territories have no HABs monitoring or management protocols in place. More populous provinces use a variety of information venues (websites, social media, on site postings, and radio) to communicate risks associated with HABs, whereas others’ communications are limited. To induce more collaboration on HABs monitoring and management and reduce the associated risks, creating a coherent system with consistent messaging and inter-agency communication is suggested.
Glycemic Variability in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Saudis Using Ambulatory Glucose Profile
Authors: Alzahrani Bader , Alzahrani Saad , Almalki Mussa H , Elabd Souha S , Khan Shawana Abdulhamid , Buhary Badurudeen , Aljuhani Naji , Jammah Anwar A
Published: May 2021

Background:

Glucose variability (GV) is a common and challenging clinical entity in the management of people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). The magnitude of GV in Saudi people with T1DM was not addressed before. Therefore, we aimed to study GV in a consecutive cohort of Saudis with T1DM.

Methods:

We prospectively assessed interstitial glucose using FreeStyle® Libre flash glucose monitoring in people with TIDM who attended follow-up in the diabetes clinics at King Fahad Medical City between March and June 2017. Glycemia profile, standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), mean of daily differences (MODD), and mean amplitude of glucose excursion (MAGE) were measured using the standard equations over a period of 2 weeks.

Results:

Fifty T1DM subjects (20 males) with mean age 20.2 ± 6.1 years and mean fortnight glucose 192 ± 42.3 mg/dl were included. The mean SD of 2-week glucose readings was 100.4 ± 36.3 mg/dl and CV was 52.1% ± 13%. Higher levels of glucose excursions were also observed. MODD and MAGE were recorded as 104.5 ± 51.7 and 189 ± 54.9 mg/dl, respectively which is 2 to 4 times higher than the international standards. Higher MODD and MAGE were observed on weekends compared to weekdays (111.3 ± 62.1 vs 98.6 ± 56.2 mg/dl and 196.4 ± 64.6 vs 181.7 ± 52.4 mg/dl, respectively; P ⩽ .001).

Conclusion:

Higher degree of glycemic variability was observed in this cohort of TIDM Saudis. Weekends were associated with higher glucose swings than weekdays. More studies are needed to explore these findings further.
Central Asian Journalism Studies: Is There a Pathway From Conference Paper to Journal Publication?
Authors: Kurambayev Bahtiyar , Freedman Eric
Published: May 2021

This exploratory study analyses growing pressures on faculty in Central Asia to publish research in high-quality international journals and how faculty attempt to meet publishing mandates from institutions and ministries motivated to join world rankings. This is important because of the scarcity of Central Asian scholarship in peer-reviewed journalism and mass communication (J&MC) journals due to the exceptional challenges faculty face publishing their work internationally.

This study, the first of its kind for international J&MC scholarship, draws on a survey and qualitative interviews with faculty who presented research on J&MC topics at one or more Central Eurasian Studies Society (CESS) conferences from 2015 to 2019. The study selected CESS because it is one of the few academic and international venues focused on the region.

It found that a third of conference papers were subsequently published. Among paper authors who did not publish, many cite heavy teaching and administrative workloads, weak methodological and theoretical exposure, and unfamiliarity with international standards of research writing. The article discusses the findings in relation to the growing number of predatory journals, escalating demands on faculty to publish internationally, Western-centric disciplinary journals, and insufficient research support from their institutions and ministries.
Effect of epoxidation and nanoparticle addition on the rheological and tribological properties of canola oil
Authors: Gupta Gourav , Haq Mir Irfan Ul , Raina Ankush , Shafi Wani K
Published: May 2021

The paper investigates the lubricating properties of epoxidised canola oil. The epoxidation is carried out to decrease the unsaturated bonds present in canola oil. Further, metal dichalcogenide nanoparticles (molybdenum disulphide and tungsten disulphide) are mixed in modified canola oil and their effect on rheological and tribological properties is evaluated. The tribological investigation is carried out on a pin-on-disc tribometer with aluminium alloy and steel as tribopairs. The rheological properties of nanofluids have been studied. It is observed that the modification of the canola oil improves the tribological properties of virgin canola oil. The addition of nanoparticles into the modified canola increases the viscosity of the oil with a 1 wt% concentration of nanoparticles. Further, enhancement in the tribological properties is observed with the addition of nanoparticles. A maximum of 54.6% and 30% decrease in coefficient of friction is observed with the use of tungsten disulphide and molybdenum disulphide nanoparticles, respectively.
The interval between humans: A probe into the possibilities of being
Authors: Santos Alexandre Ricardo
Published: May 2021

By taking as background a few examples from Japanese culture and society, as well as an ethnographic insight, this article reconsiders the way anthropology usually deals with and talks about issues regarding cultural differences in human relations. These issues, which start from the fact that different cultures articulate human relations in different ways, have as one of their main theoretical outcomes the analysis around the categories of “self” or “person.” However, within this move lies something akin to a “gestalt misconception” that reduces a shared moral understanding (human relations) to an analysis of conceptual categories and their cognitive, psychological, subjective (or other) processes. Alternatively, the article proposes a more dialogical approach informed by Gadamer’s idea of “dialog” and “fusion of horizons,” where one aims to learn from other cultures and not about them. As a result, some reflections of a philosophical, moral, and practical character are presented, leaving theoretical formulations about the “Japanese self” out of the equation. This article’s general purpose is not an exploration of “Japaneseness,” but rather a probe into the possibilities of Being.
Board diversity and firm risk-taking in the tourism sector: Moderating effects of board independence, CEO duality, and free cash flows
Authors: Ozdemir Ozgur , Erkmen Ezgi , Binesh Fatemeh
Published: May 2021

This study examines the effect of board diversity on risk-taking for tourism firms and analyzes the moderating effect of board independence, CEO duality, and free cash flows in this proposed relationship. Using a composite index of board diversity and a sample of tourism firms from the US hotel, restaurant, and airline industries, we find that greater board diversity leads to lower risk-taking, measured in standard deviation of return on assets. Moreover, we report that the risk-reduction effect of board diversity is more profound when tourism firms have less board independence and less free cash flows for investments. When board diversity is decomposed into relation-oriented and task-oriented diversity attributes, we find that only the task-oriented diversity is influential in reducing firm risk-taking for tourism firms. Akin to main analysis, the board independence and free cash flows are significant moderators of the relationship between task-oriented diversity and firm risk-taking.
A hybrid MIDAS approach for forecasting hotel demand using large panels of search data
Authors: Zhang Binru , Li Nao , Law Rob , Liu Heng
Published: May 2021

The large amounts of hospitality and tourism-related search data sampled at different frequencies have long presented a challenge for hospitality and tourism demand forecasting. This study aims to evaluate the applicability of large panels of search series sampled at daily frequencies to improve the forecast precision of monthly hotel demand. In particular, a hybrid mixed-data sampling regression approach integrating a dynamic factor model and forecast combinations is the first reported method to incorporate mixed-frequency data while remaining parsimonious and flexible. A case study is undertaken by investigating Sanya, the southernmost city in Hainan province, as a tourist destination using 9 years of the experimental data set. Dynamic factor analysis is used to extract the information from large panels of web search series, and forecast combinations are attempted to obtain the final prediction results of the individual forecasts to enhance the prediction accuracy further. The empirical analysis results suggest that the developed hybrid forecast approach leads to improvements in monthly forecasts of hotel occupancy over its competitors.
“If anyone’s going to ruin your night, it should be you”: Responsibility and affective materiality in Undertale and Night in the Woods
Authors: Veale Kevin
Published: May 2021

Affective materiality is a tool for exploring how engaging with textual structures shapes the affective experience of a story. The experience of video games is distinctive because their modes of engagement can lead to players feeling responsible for the decisions they make within the diegetic space of the game and its contextual storyworld. Night in the Woods and Undertale both use the perception of responsibility found in video game modes of engagement as an active storytelling tool, but apply it in different ways. Despite the differences in their contextual application, both games use affective materiality to encourage players to reflect on the consequences of their decisions in multiple arenas: within the context of the game, their engagement with other games and their engagement with the wider world. In doing so, both games apply storytelling techniques that distinguish playing video games from the experience of other media forms and encourage an empathetic engagement with fictional storyworlds.
Effects of a diuretic adjustment algorithm protocol on heart failure admissions: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Feijó Maria KEF , Ruschel Karen Brasil , Bernardes Daniela , Ferro Eduarda B , Rohde Luis E , Biolo Andreia , Rabelo da Silva Eneida Rejane
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a diuretic adjustment algorithm (DAA) in maintaining clinical stability and reducing HF readmissions using telemonitoring technologies.

Methods

Randomized clinical trial of patients with an indication for furosemide dose adjustment during routine outpatient visits. In the intervention group (IG), the diuretic dose was adjusted according to the DAA and the patients received telephone calls for 30 days. In the control group (CG), the diuretic dose was adjusted by a physician at baseline only. Co-primary outcomes were hospital readmission and/or emergency department visits due to decompensated HF within 90 days, and a 2-point change in the Clinical Congestion Score and/or a deterioration in New York Heart Association functional class within 30 days.

Results

A total of 206 patients were included. Most patients were male ( n=119; 58%), with a mean age of 62 (SD 13) years. Four patients (2%) in the IG and 14 (7%) in the CG were hospitalized for HF (odds ratio (OR) 0.31 (0.10–0.91); p=0.04). Multivariate analysis showed a reduction of 67% in readmissions and/or emergency department visits due to decompensated HF in the IG compared with the CG (95% CI 0.13–0.88; p=0.027). Regarding the combined outcome of HF readmission and/or emergency department visits or clinical instability, the IG had 20% fewer events than the CG within 30 days (IG: n=48 (23%), CG: n=70 (34%); OR 0.80 (0.63–0.93); p=0.03).

Discussion

Using DAA improved the combined outcome in these outpatients, with favorable and significant results that included a reduction in HF admissions and in clinical instability. (NCT02068937)
Web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for symptoms of anxiety and depression: Within-group effect size benchmarks as tools for clinical practice
Authors: Washburn Micki , Yu Miao , Rubin Allen , Zhou Shu
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 has highlighted the need for evidence-based behavioural health interventions that can be delivered remotely. This article provides within-group effect size benchmarks for randomised controlled trials of Internet-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the treatment of adults with anxiety and depression. Effect sizes were calculated using the Glass approach, adjusted using Hedges g, then aggregated to produce separate benchmarks for measures of anxiety and depression. These benchmarks can be used by community-based treatment providers to evaluate the effectiveness of their web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention to determine if it should be continued, modified for the unique needs of their client population and practice setting, or discontinued.
Impact of telephone support programme using telemonitoring on stage of change towards healthy eating and active exercise in people with prediabetes
Authors: Sakane Naoki , Oshima Yoshitake , Kotani Kazuhiko , Suganuma Akiko , Takahashi Kaoru , Sato Juichi , Suzuki Sadao , Izumi Kazuo , Kato Masayuki , Noda Mitsuhiko , Kuzuya Hideshi
Published: May 2021

Introduction

This study evaluated the impact of a telephone support programme with telemonitoring on changes in healthy eating and active exercise in adults with prediabetes using the stage of change framework.

Methods

We performed a post hoc analysis using data from the Japan Diabetes Outcome Trial-1. A total of 2607 participants aged 20–65 years with impaired fasting glucose were recruited from the workplace/community in Japan and randomized to a one year telephone support programme intervention arm ( n = 1240) or self-directed control arm ( n = 1367). Participants in both arms received monthly data feedback from a weight scale and pedometer. The main outcome measure was the stages of change toward healthy eating and active exercise. The secondary outcome was fasting plasma glucose (FPG).

Results

After the one year intervention, the adjusted odds ratio of progressing to the action/maintenance stage in the intervention vs. control arm for healthy eating was 1.31 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–1.43; p < 0.001), but that for active exercise was 1.07 (95% CI 0.99–1.15; p = 0.062). The intervention decreased FPG levels in participants in the contemplation stage, but not in the precontemplation, preparation and action/maintenance stages.

Discussion

These findings suggest that the telephone support programme by healthcare providers advanced the stage of changes toward healthy eating in people with prediabetes. In particular, it decreased FPG levels in the contemplation stage.
A time and cost analysis of speech pathology paediatric feeding services delivered in-person versus via telepractice
Authors: Raatz Madeline , Ward Elizabeth C , Marshall Jeanne , Burns Clare L , Afoakwah Clifford , Byrnes Joshua
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Telepractice models of care have the potential to reduce the time and financial burdens that consumers may experience accessing healthcare services. The current study aimed to conduct a time and financial cost analysis of paediatric feeding appointments accessed via telepractice (using videoconferencing) compared to an in-person model.

Methods

Parents of 44 children with paediatric feeding disorders (PFDs) residing in a metropolitan area completed three questionnaires relating to (a) demographics, (b) time and cost for in-person care and (c) time and cost for telepractice. Both cost questionnaires collected data required for direct and indirect costs comparisons (e.g. out-of-pocket costs associated with the appointment (direct), time away from usual duties (indirect)). Average number of services accessed by each participant, and PFD appointments conducted annually by the service, were collected from service statistics. Analysis involved cost minimisation and cost modelling from a societal perspective.

Results

The telepractice appointment resulted in significant time ( p = 0.007) and cost (AUD$95.09 per appointment, SD = AUD$64.47, p = < 0.0001) savings per family. The health service cost was equivalent for both models (AUD$58.25). Cost modelling identified cost savings of up to AUD$475.45 per family if 50% of appointments in a 10-session block were converted to telepractice. Potential cost savings of AUD$68,750.07 per annum to society could be realised if 50% of feeding appointments within the service were provided via telepractice.

Discussion

The telepractice model offered both time and cost benefits. Future service re-design incorporating hybrid services (in-person and telepractice) will help optimise benefits and minimise burden for families accessing services for PFDs.
Mentalization in female adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury and alexithymic and depressive features in their parents
Authors: Tekden Mehmet , Kılıçoğlu Ali Güven , Mutlu Caner , Karaçetin Gül
Published: May 2021

Background:

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a condition with debilitating consequences. We aimed to assess the mentalization skills of female adolescents with NSSI and parents who showed alexithymia and depressive symptoms.

Method:

Ours was a case-control study. Thirty adolescents with NSSI were recruited into the case group, 31 adolescents were recruited into the control group. Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) and the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children – Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) were applied. The Inventory of Statements about Self-Injury was used. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were given to parents.

Results:

There were no significant differences between two groups for RMET and parental TAS-20 scores. Maternal BDI scores were found to be significantly higher in the NSSI group. There were no significant differences for paternal BDI. RMET scores correlated negatively with maternal BDI scores. Major depression was found to be the most common diagnosis in the NSSI group.

Conclusion:

Because maternal depressive features seem to be related to NSSI, a detailed psychiatric examination of mothers should be carried out. Studies with larger samples or different designs are needed for a better understanding of the mentalization in NSSI.
The effects of social distancing and self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic on adults diagnosed with asthma: A qualitative study
Authors: Tyson Leanne , Hardeman Wendy , Stratton Gareth , Wilson Andrew M , Semlyen Joanna
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to explore how social distancing and self-isolation measures, aimed at protecting vulnerable groups from COVID-19, affected the wellbeing and physical activity levels among adults diagnosed with asthma. Twenty-seven participants took part across four online focus groups. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Participants reported becoming more health conscious due to being labelled as vulnerable. Their relationship with the severity of their asthma was altered and they reported making positive changes to increase their physical activity levels. Findings suggest there is a window of opportunity to engage with people diagnosed with asthma to promote beneficial lifestyle changes and self-management.
Investigating the effect of textual enhancement in post-reading tasks on grammatical development by child language learners
Authors: Chung Yoojin , Révész Andrea
Published: May 2021

This study examined the extent to which textual enhancement incorporated into the post-task stage of task-based reading lessons can promote development in second language (L2) grammatical knowledge. The participants were 49 child language learners who participated in task-based reading lessons in their own classroom contexts. They were randomly assigned to two groups, one being exposed to textual enhancement and the other not. The experiment adopted a multiple-exposure design involving six treatment sessions over three weeks. The target construction was the third person singular -s morpheme. Pretest-posttest development was assessed with a grammaticality judgement test. The results revealed a small but positive effect for textual enhancement. We attributed the relative success of textual enhancement to a combination of factors: use of a multiple-exposure design, the incorporation of textual enhancement into the post-task rather than the during-task stage, age of participants, and prior knowledge.
Task-induced involvement load, vocabulary learning in a foreign language, and their association with metacognition
Authors: Teng Mark Feng , Zhang Danyang
Published: May 2021

This study examined the effects of involvement load-based tasks on vocabulary learning in a foreign language, as well as the extent to which task effects are predicted by learners’ metacognition (i.e. metacognitive knowledge and regulation). A total of 120 Chinese university students of English as a foreign language (EFL) were randomly assigned to four task conditions: (1) reading; (2) reading + gap-fill; (3) reading + writing; and (4) reading + writing with the use of a digital dictionary. The Vocabulary Knowledge Scale was adapted to measure condition effects. The Metacognitive Awareness Inventory was used to examine learners’ metacognitive knowledge and regulation. Results revealed that the group of learners who completed reading + writing tasks with the use of a digital dictionary demonstrated the best performance in acquiring receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge, followed by the reading + writing group, the reading + gap-fill group, and, finally, the reading only group. Multiple regression analysis supported the predictive effects of metacognitive regulation on task-based vocabulary learning. Structural equation modelling presented an overall profile of task-based vocabulary learning and metacognition. Based on the findings, we proposed a framework to understand the relationship between learners’ metacognition, task type, and L2 vocabulary learning.
Non-autistic employees’ perspectives on the implementation of an autism employment programme
Authors: Spoor Jennifer R , Bury Simon M , Hedley Darren
Published: May 2021

Although employees’ attitudes towards an autism employment programme may impact its ultimate success, there is limited research examining the implementation of these programmes from the perspective of non-autistic employees (i.e. co-workers and managers). This study explored the implementation of an Australian-based supported autism employment programme, drawing on qualitative data collected from 32 employees working with autistic trainees in the programme. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes. The programme benefits theme suggested that the employment programme and autistic trainees were generally viewed positively, with the programme benefitting both the trainees and the organisation, and leading to greater understanding of autism. However, negative attitudes and perceptions of special treatment contributed to programme challenges, which paralleled challenges that have been observed with other disability and diversity programmes. The design of this specific programme led to concerns about workforce integration, such as reduced opportunity for social and work integration into the broader workplace. This research extends the research on diversity management in the context of autism employment and provides practical insights into barriers and facilitators associated with implementing autism employment programmes.

Lay abstract

We asked 32 employees who work alongside autistic trainees for their thoughts about the autism employment programme that is running in their company. Specifically, we analysed their responses to understand how the employees perceived the autism employment programme’s implementation and outcomes. How employees within an organisation view diversity, and the nature of specific programmes to increase the inclusion of certain groups of individuals (e.g. autistic employees) in their organisation, can impact the success of these programmes. Research in other organisations has suggested that diversity perspectives that fully support the inclusion of people with diverse backgrounds in the organisation lead to better outcomes. Thematic analysis of the responses in this study revealed that the views of the employees fit three main themes: programme benefits, programme challenges and concerns about workforce integration. The programme benefits theme suggested that the autism employment programme was viewed positively. However, negative attitudes and perceptions of special treatment contributed to programme challenges, which were similar to challenges that have been observed with other disability and diversity programmes. The design of this specific programme led to concerns about workforce integration, such as reduced opportunity for social and work integration into the broader workplace. This research extends the research on diversity management in the context of autism employment, and it provides practical understanding into ways in which organisational-based autism employment programmes are more and less successful.