bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of sociodemographic, anthropometric, and sleep quality factors with accelerometer-measured sitting and physical activity times among Emirati working women during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alsamman Razan Adnan , Shousha Tamer Mohamed , Faris MoezAlIslam E. , Abdelrahim Dana N. , Arumugam Ashokan
Published: January 2024

Background:

Although a significant lack of physical activity has been linked to an increase in obesity among Emirati women, the factors associated with accelerometer-measured sitting and physical activity times in Emirati women remain unclear.

Objectives:

To explore the association of accelerometer-measured sitting and physical activity times with sociodemographic, anthropometric, and sleep quality factors among Emirati working women.

Design:

A cross-sectional study.

Methods:

A convenience sample of 163 healthy working Emirati women aged 18–45 years was used. Sedentary and physical activity times were measured using the Fibion accelerometers worn on the thighs for 4–7 days. General demographic information, anthropometric measurements, and self-reported sleep quality (Pittsburgh sleep quality index score) were collected. Only participants who had valid data (i.e. wear time of ⩾600 min (10 h) per day for a minimum of 4–7 days) were evaluated. All values were normalized to a 16-h day to mitigate differences in wear time among the participants.

Results:

Overall, 110 Emirati women were included. The mean sitting time per 16-h day was 11.6 ± 1.1 h; mean moderate activity time per day, 40.88 ± 17.99 min; and mean vigorous activity time per day, 2.41 ± 1.21 min. Longer sitting time was associated with high body fat, secondary education, and divorce. Sitting time was reduced in those with good sleep quality. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity time was increased in women with postgraduate education and was decreased in women with a longer work experience and with comorbidities. The total activity time increased with increasing age and good sleep quality, whereas it decreased with increasing body fat, presence of at least one comorbidity, secondary education, and divorce.

Conclusion:

Certain demographic, anthropometric, and sleep quality factors were associated with accelerometer-measured sitting and physical activity times among Emirati working women. Future longitudinal studies should consider these factors when investigating predictors of physical activity levels in this population.
Is there a lower visual field advantage for object affordances? A registered report
Authors: Warman Annie , Clark Allan , Malcolm George L , Havekost Maximillian , Rossit Stéphanie
Published: January 2024

It’s been repeatedly shown that pictures of graspable objects can facilitate visual processing, even in the absence of reach-to-grasp actions, an effect often attributed to the concept of affordances. A classic demonstration of this is the handle compatibility effect, characterised by faster reaction times when the orientation of a graspable object’s handle is compatible with the hand used to respond, even when the handle orientation is task-irrelevant. Nevertheless, it is debated whether the speeded reaction times are a result of affordances or spatial compatibility. First, we investigated whether we could replicate the handle compatibility effect while controlling for spatial compatibility. Participants ( N = 68) responded with left or right-handed keypresses to whether the object was upright or inverted and, in separate blocks, whether the object was red or green. We failed to replicate the handle compatibility effect, with no significant difference between compatible and incompatible conditions, in both tasks. Second, we investigated whether there is a lower visual field (VF) advantage for the handle compatibility effect in line with what has been found for hand actions. A further 68 participants responded to object orientation presented either in the upper or lower VF. A significant handle compatibility effect was observed in the lower VF, but not the upper VF. This suggests that there is a lower VF advantage for affordances, possibly as the lower VF is where our actions most frequently occur. However, future studies should explore the impact of eye movements on the handle compatibility effect and tool affordances.
The object-based shift direction anisotropy is modulated by the horizontal visual field meridian
Authors: Barnas Adam J , Greenberg Adam S
Published: January 2024

Reallocating object-based attention across the visual field meridians is significantly faster horizontally than vertically (termed the shift direction anisotropy; SDA), implicating the meridians in reorienting object-based attention. Here, we tested the modulatory role of the meridians in the emergence of the SDA by manipulating meridian local feature contrast. Considering the notion of separate pools of attentional resources in each cortical hemisphere, we hypothesised that manipulating the horizontal meridian would selectively modulate the SDA. In four experiments, participants were presented with an “L”-shaped object and detected a target that appeared at either a cued location or at one of two equidistant non-cued locations at the far end of the horizontal or vertical object arm. Meridian local feature contrast was manipulated with perceptually strong enhancements (visible lines and colour contrast borders) and perceptually weak enhancements (illusory borders from line texture patterns and inducers). Weak enhancements of the meridians did not significantly modulate SDA magnitude; however, during perceptually strong enhancements of the horizontal meridian, the SDA was significantly reduced compared with both vertical meridian enhancement and no-enhancement conditions. Moreover, horizontal and vertical shift RTs were statistically equivalent when the horizontal meridian was enhanced with a visible line, our strongest manipulation, indicating the SDA was eliminated. These results suggest that the SDA emerges due to reallocating object-based attention across the horizontal meridian. We interpret this finding as evidence in support of the theory by which anatomical segregations of the visual system determine how pools of attentional resources resolve competition between and within cortical hemispheres.
Effect of ions added by mordant and brightener on the signal structure and energy storage properties of natural dye-based DSSCs
Authors: Vargas Susana , Rivera-Vargas Argelia , Rodriguez Rogelio
Published: January 2024

It has been observed experimentally that the output voltage profiles are exponential of two types: rising or decaying; the structure of these profiles is controlled by the mobility of charges: ions and electrons. A comparison between the arrival times of electrons at electrode τe, and ions at double-layer τi, allows determining the shape of these signals. The electrons produced by the photon–dye interaction reach the cathode increasing the output voltage. The ions in the electrolyte are moved by the charge on the electrodes forming the electrical double layer; these ions reduce the output voltage: electrons and ions produce opposite effects. These two charge accumulations produce double layers on both sides of the electrode–electrolyte interface forming double-layer capacitors. The numerical values of several cell parameters (energy, electric field, charge density, capacitance) were estimated, and it was found that they depend on κ; the inverse of the thickness of the double layer λ =  κ−1; because κ is a large number, double-layer capacitors are suitable for storing large amounts of energy which is associated with chemical capacitance Cμ. Two dyes were used: brazilwood and cochineal, Al3+ as a mordant, and Na+-metasilicate as brightener. A model was included to describe and fit oscillations in the voltage profiles that appear due to an abrupt illumination. An expression was obtained for Cμ as a function of the voltage.
Effectiveness of art therapy in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and the propensity to quit journalism among journalists covering banditry activities in Nigeria
Authors: Olajide Talabi Felix , Okunade Joshua Kayode , Talabi Joseph Moyinoluwa , Lamidi Ishola Kamorudeen , Bello Samson Adedapo , Chinweobo-Onoha Blessing , Celestine Gever Verlumun
Published: January 2024

The goal of this study was to examine the efficacy of art therapy in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the propensity to quit journalism among Nigerian journalists covering banditry attacks. The researchers utilized a quasi-experiment as the design for the study and sampled 327 journalists. The result of the study showed that at baseline, journalists reported high PTSD symptoms and a propensity to quit journalism, but after the intervention, journalists who received the art therapy intervention reported a significant drop in their PTSD symptoms and the propensity to quit the pen profession. This suggests that art therapy is a cost-effective way of treating PTSD among journalists covering dangerous assignments and reducing high labour turnover in the profession.
Introducing mobile learning in sport management education: Exploring gender differences in Pinterest usage
Authors: López-Carril Samuel , González-Serrano María Huertas , García-Pascual Fernando
Published: January 2024

We live in an increasingly interconnected world thanks to the advance of digitalization. Digital tools such as mobile devices or social media platforms have transformed the way in which people and organizations relate to each other. Higher education and sports are two of the areas of society where we have seen more changes caused by the rise of digitalization. In education, digital tools have revolutionized the way in which classes are taught, moving classrooms toward hybrid or online models. In the case of sport, digital tools such as social media are essential for sport managers when interacting with the sport ecosystem. Despite the advances that digital technology is bringing about in society, studies exploring the potential of social media and digital tools in sport management classrooms are scarce. This work explores the possibilities that a little-studied social media platform, such as Pinterest, offers when introduced in the classroom through mobile-based learning and active learning methodologies. In addition, and in a pioneering way in the case of Pinterest, it explores the possible differences depending on the gender of the students. A total of 72 students of the “Sports Equipment and Facilities” course at a Spanish university participated in this study. After finishing the educational intervention with Pinterest, students completed a questionnaire to share their perceptions. Subsequently, t-tests for independent samples were performed through the statistical package SPSS 27.0. The results obtained highlight that all students, regardless of gender, had a positive perception of Pinterest in the teaching-learning process. In addition, women scored higher on all items, with significant differences in four areas. In view of these results, it is concluded that the use of Pinterest through mobile learning is positive in the university context. Furthermore, there is a gender variable influence in the students’ perceptions regarding Pinterest.
Comparisons of external load variables among periods, playing status, and positions in professional soccer team: A case study
Authors: Nobari Hadi , Barjaste Amir , Martins Alexandre Duarte , Oliveira Rafael
Published: January 2024

The aims of this study were to compare weekly variations of training monotony (TM) and training strain (TS) among periods of the season, playing status and playing positions in professional soccer athletes. Nineteen male professional soccer players were monitored daily over a 43-week period for their total distance, sprint distance (>23 km h−1), acceleration (Acc, >4 m s−2), and decelerations numbers (Dec, >−4 m s−2). Players were divided in groups of 10 starters and 9 non-starters; and by three central defenders (CD), four wide defenders (WD), four central midfielders (CM), four wide midfielders (WM), and four strikers (ST). Season data was divided in pre-, early-, mid-, and end-season. There were significant differences for TM through sprint distance between playing positions in mid- and full-season. In mid-season, sprint distance was meaningfully greater for CD than WD ( p = 0.006; g = 1.74 [0.06, 3.95]), CM ( p = 0.002; g = 2.04 [0.28, 4.46]), WM ( p = 0.005; g = 1.78 [0.09, 4.02]), and ST ( p = 0.002; g = 2.05 [0.28, 4.46]). Regarding full-season, TM of sprint distance was significantly greater for CD than WD ( p = 0.031; g = 1.59 [−0.04, 3.73]), CM ( p = 0.011; g = 1.83 [0.13, 4.11]), and ST ( p = 0.023; g = 1.52 [−0.10, 3.59]). The study revealed that TM and TS of sprint distance in mid-season was meaningfully greater for CD than for WD, CM, WM, and ST. No differences between starters and non-starters were found.
New genetic biomarkers predicting 5-aminosalicylate-induced adverse events in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Park Jihye , Park I. Seul , Kim Ji Hyung , Ji Jung Hyun , Park Soo Jung , Park Jae Jun , Kim Tae Il , Kim Seung Won , Cheon Jae Hee
Published: January 2024

Background:

Notably, 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA) are vital in treating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The adverse events of 5-ASA rarely occur but they could be fatal.

Objectives:

We aimed to discover new genetic biomarkers predicting 5-ASA-induced adverse events in patients with IBD.

Design:

This was a retrospective observational study.

Methods:

We performed a genome-wide association study on patients with IBD in South Korea. We defined subset 1 as 39 all adverse events and 272 controls; subset 2 as 20 severe adverse events and 291 controls (mild adverse events and control); subset 3 as 20 severe adverse events and 272 controls; and subset 4 as 19 mild adverse events and 272 controls. Logistic regression analysis was performed and commonly found associated genes were determined as candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms predicting 5-ASA adverse events.

Results:

Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) were significantly negatively associated with the development of adverse events compared to patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) (5.3% versus 22.9%). However, sex and age at diagnosis were unassociated with the adverse events of 5-ASA. rs13898676 [odds ratio (OR), 20.33; 95% confidence interval (CI), 5.69–72.67; p = 3.57 × e−6], rs12681590 (OR, 7.35; 95% CI, 2.85–19.00; p = 3.78 × e−5), rs10967320 (OR, 4.51; 95% CI, 2.18–9.31; p = 4.72 × e−5), and rs78726924 (OR, 3.54; 95% CI, 1.69–7.40; p = 7.96 × e−5) were genetic biomarkers predicting 5-ASA-induced severe adverse events in patients with IBD.

Conclusion:

The adverse events of 5-ASA were more common in patients with UC than those with CD in our study. We found that novel rs13898676 nearby WSB2 was the most significant genetic locus contributing to 5-ASA’s adverse event risk.
Describing the infraspinatus bare area of the proximal humerus: An anatomic cadaveric study
Authors: Farooq Hassan , Salazar Dane H , Meldau Jason E , Schoenfeldt Theodore L , Garbis Nickolas G
Published: January 2024

Background

: The purpose of this study was to define the proximal humerus infraspinatus bare area in a human cadaveric model.

Methods

: Ten fresh-frozen shoulder specimens were used. A deltopectoral approach was utilized for exposure. Following access to the glenohumeral joint, the bare area width was measured at the upper, middle, and lower limits using an electronic digital caliper.

Results

: Mean upper, middle, and lower limit widths of the infraspinatus bare area were 5.48 mm, 8.68 mm, and 10.78 mm, respectively.

Discussion

The infraspinatus bare area broadened as one evaluated the humeral head in a superior to inferior fashion.
Circulating tumor DNA analysis predicts recurrence and avoids unnecessary adjuvant chemotherapy in I–IV colorectal cancer
Authors: Fan Wenhua , Xia Zhiyuan , Chen Rongrong , Lin Dagui , Li Fang , Zheng Yang , Luo Jiongyong , Xiong Yuanyuan , Yu Pengli , Gao Wei , Gong Yuhua , Zhang Feiran , Zhang Sen , Li Liren
Published: January 2024

Background:

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as a biomarker that can define the risk of recurrence after curative-intent surgery for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). However, beyond the predictive power of postoperative ctDNA detection, the efficacy and potential limitations of ctDNA detection urgently need to be fully elucidated in a large cohort of CRC.

Objectives:

To define potentially cured CRC patients through ctDNA monitoring following surgery.

Design:

A prospective, multicenter, observational study.

Methods:

We enrolled 309 patients with stages I–IV CRC who underwent definitive surgery. Tumor tissues were sequenced by a custom-designed next-generation sequencing panel to identify somatic mutations. Plasma was analyzed using a ctDNA-based molecular residual disease (MRD) assay which integrated tumor-genotype-informed and tumor-genotype-naïve ctDNA analysis. The turnaround time of the assay was 10–14 days.

Results:

Postoperative ctDNA was detected in 5.4%, 13.8%, 15%, and 30% of patients with stage I, II, III, and IV disease, respectively, and in 17.5% of all longitudinal samples. Patients with positive postsurgery MRD had a higher recurrence rate than those with negative postsurgery MRD [hazard ratio (HR), 13.17; p < 0.0001], producing a sensitivity of 64.6%, a specificity of 94.8%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 75.6%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91.5%. Furthermore, patients with positive longitudinal MRD also had a significantly higher recurrence rate (HR, 14.44; p < 0.0001), with increased sensitivity (75.0%), specificity (94.9%), PPV (79.6%), and NPV (93.4%). Subgroup analyses revealed that adjuvant therapy did not confer superior survival for patients with undetectable or detectable MRD. In addition, MRD detection was less effective in identifying lung-only and peritoneal metastases.

Conclusion:

Postoperative ctDNA status is a strong predictor of recurrence independent of stage and microsatellite instability status. Longitudinal undetectable MRD could be used to define the potentially cured population in CRC patients undergoing curative-intent surgery.
Techniques and status of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for primary hepatobiliary cancers
Authors: Zheng Kanglian , Wang Xiaodong
Published: January 2024

Primary hepatobiliary cancers (PHCs), which mainly include hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and biliary tract cancers (BTCs), are mostly diagnosed in the advanced stage and are not candidates for curative surgery or ablation, resulting in a dismal prognosis. Targeted therapies with or without programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 inhibitors have been incorporated into first-line treatments for advanced HCC. Systemic chemotherapy is still the mainstay treatment for advanced BTCs, and combining it with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors has resulted in prolonged patient survival. Intra-arterial therapies, including trans-arterial chemoembolization, selective internal radiation therapy, and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC), have been explored and used for advanced hepatobiliary cancers for many years with positive results, particularly when combined with systemic treatments. Recently, an increasing number of phase II/III trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of HAIC for the treatment of advanced HCC with portal vein tumor thrombosis and/or a large tumor burden, for the neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment of HCC with high-risk factors, and for treating advanced intrahepatic and perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. However, the techniques and regimens used for HAIC are diverse and differ greatly between various regions and centers worldwide. This review focuses on these diverse techniques and regimens, as well as the updated evidence on HAIC regarding the treatment of PHCs.
Work-integrated learning for health information management students: Lessons learned from literature, and experiences of supervisors and students on virtual or remote placements
Authors: Prasad Natasha , Maloof Madeleine , Gjorgioski Stephanie , Riley Merilyn
Published: January 2024

Background:

Traditionally, health placements have required practical in-person learning, including placements completed by health information management (HIM) students. COVID-19 made in-person healthcare placements largely unviable. Alternative virtual/remote placements were required.

Aims:

(1) Explore the experiences of virtual/remote placements for HIM students and their supervisors; (2) Compare these experiences to the literature on barriers and facilitators for virtual/remote placement and (3) Develop best practice guidelines for the delivery of virtual/remote placements for HIM students.

Method:

A cross-sectional survey asked final-year HIM placement students and their supervisors about their virtual/remote placement experiences in 2021. Survey findings were compared to 10 barriers and facilitators for remote/virtual placements identified in the literature.

Results:

Students were challenged by autonomous virtual/remote placements but enjoyed their flexibility. A work schedule provides placement structure to students. The use of technology was embraced although unfamiliarity with video-conferencing software prior to placement was an issue for some students. The most common method of student–supervisor communication was email. However, students missed casual corridor conversations. The importance of maintaining a community of practice was reported in the literature and confirmed by students. Most students preferred undertaking a virtual/remote placement rather than delaying graduation. The majority of supervisors reported complete satisfaction with the placement students’ performance.

Conclusion:

Virtual/remote placements were a viable option for HIM students when in-person placements were impossible. Students required a work-based schedule, appropriate information technology, a dedicated workspace, familiarity with communication technologies, good communication channels with their supervisors and a supportive ‘community of practice’. HIM supervisors were satisfied with virtual/remote methods of placement delivery.
Employee Motivation and Outcomes of Developing and Maintaining High-Quality Supervisor–Subordinate Guanxi in Hotel Operations
Authors: Zhang Jinhua , Huang Rong , Huang Beilei , Xu Tao , Zhao Guoqing
Published: January 2024

Dyadic leader–follower relationships play a significant role in sustainable development of labor-intensive and service-oriented organizations. The purpose of this study is to assess employees’ motivation and outcomes of developing and maintaining high-quality supervisor–subordinate guanxi in Chinese hotels. A survey was undertaken in four- or five-star hotels, with a total of 318 matched employees-supervisor completed responses used for data analysis, which was conducted using SPSS Statistics and SmartPLS. The study’s results show that affection and obligation significantly motivate employees to develop and maintain supervisor–subordinate guanxi, which in turn contributes to the desirable task performance delivery and supervisor autonomy support. Furthermore, the study confirms the mediating roles of supervisor–subordinate guanxi and task performance. This work extends guanxi research and is among the first to identify why hotel employees are motivated to develop and maintain high-quality supervisor–subordinate guanxi based on the contextualization of self-determination theory and Chinese cultural elements.
Characteristics and Outcomes of 7620 Multiple Sclerosis Patients Admitted With COVID-19 in the United States
Authors: Ramphul Kamleshun , Sombans Shaheen , Verma Renuka , Lohana Petras , Dhillon Balkiranjit Kaur , Gonzalez Mejias Stephanie , Sanikommu Sailaja , Ramphul Yogeshwaree , Pekyi-Boateng Prince Kwabla
Published: January 2024

Background

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, several experts raised concerns about its impact on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients. This study aims to provide a perspective using the biggest inpatient database from the United States.

Method

We screened for COVID-19 cases between April to December 2020, via the 2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS). Various outcomes were analyzed.

Results

We identified 1,628,110 hospitalizations with COVID-19, including 7620 (.5%) MS patients. 8.9% of MS patients with COVID-19 died, and it was lower than non-MS cases (12.9%). Less MS patients with COVID-19 needed non-invasive ventilation (4.5% vs 6.4%) and mechanical ventilation (9.0% vs 11.2%). Furthermore, MS patients with COVID-19 reported higher odds of non-invasive ventilation if they were ≥60 years, had chronic pulmonary disease (CPD), obesity, or diabetes. Private insurance beneficiaries showed reduced risk, vs Medicare. Similarly, for mechanical ventilation, those ≥60 years, with alcohol abuse, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, or dialysis had higher odds, while females, smokers, and those with depression or hyperlipidemia showed reduced odds. The study revealed higher odds of mortality among those aged ≥60, who had CPD, obesity, CKD, or a history of old MI while females, smokers, as well as those with depression, and hyperlipidemia showed better outcomes. Blacks had lower odds, whereas Hispanics had higher odds of death, vs Whites. Medicaid and Privately insured patients had lower odds of dying vs Medicare.

Conclusion

We found several differences in patient characteristics and outcomes among MS and non-MS patients with COVID-19.
Internet usage and learning opportunities: A case study with secondary school students in La Araucanía, Chile
Authors: Claro Magdalena , Matamala Carolina , Hinostroza J Enrique , Luna Laura , Labbé Christian
Published: January 2024

This study seeks to contribute to the understanding of learning shaped by the Internet, considering the affordances for secondary students. A case study was conducted with eight 15- and 16-year-old students from the Region of Araucanía, south of Chile, using a digital log and individual semi-structured interviews, before and during the pandemic. Through a thematic analysis of students’ narratives, it was found that in formal learning contexts, students utilized the Internet to complete homework assignments and projects, understand academic content through multimedia resources, and communicate synchronously and asynchronously with peers and teachers, overcoming challenges in Internet access, particularly in rural areas. In informal learning contexts, students acquired new content and developed skills aligned with personal interests, benefiting those from low socio-economic backgrounds or rural settings. While these affordances existed before the pandemic, they became more evident and frequent during it, showcasing opportunities to leverage the Internet for learning and teaching. Future research should also explore how teachers are adapting their pedagogical approaches in response to the integration of the Internet into students’ learning environments.
Acceptability of the Long-Term In-Home Ventilator Engagement virtual intervention for home mechanical ventilation patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative evaluation
Authors: Dale Craig M. , Ambreen Munazzah , Kang Sohee , Buchanan Francine , Pizzuti Regina , Gershon Andrea S. , Rose Louise , Amin Reshma
Published: January 2024

Background

Clinical management of ventilator-assisted individuals (VAIs) was challenged by social distancing rules during the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2020, the Long-Term In-Home Ventilator Engagement (LIVE) Program was launched in Ontario, Canada to provide intensive digital care case management to VAIs. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the acceptability of the LIVE Program hosted via a digital platform during the COVID-19 pandemic from diverse perspectives.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study (May 2020–April 2021) comprising semi-structured interviews with participants from eight home ventilation specialty centers in Ontario, Canada. We purposively recruited patients, family caregivers, and providers enrolled in LIVE. Content analysis and the theoretical concepts of acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness were used to interpret findings.

Results

A total of 40 individuals (2 VAIs, 18 family caregivers, 20 healthcare providers) participated. Participants described LIVE as acceptable as it addressed a longstanding imperative to improve care access, ease of use, and training provided; feasible for triaging problems and sharing information; and appropriate for timeliness of provider responses, workflows, and perceived value. Negative perceptions of acceptability among healthcare providers concerned digital workload and fit with existing clinical workflows. Perceived benefits accorded to LIVE included enhanced physical and psychological safety in the home, patient–provider relations, and VAI engagement in their own care.

Conclusions

Study findings identify factors influencing the LIVE Program's acceptability by patients, family caregivers, and healthcare providers during pandemic conditions including enhanced access to care, ease of case management triage, and VAI safety. Findings may inform the implementation of digital health services to VAIs in non-pandemic circumstances.
Comparison of digital recruitment strategies for Alzheimer's disease patients
Authors: Perez-Heydrich Carlos , Walker Courtney , Pile Macie , Agrawal Yuri
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Clinical trials studying Alzheimer's Disease (AD) face the challenge of recruiting participants with significant barriers to entering research studies. The objective of this study is to compare digital recruitment strategies’ ability to recruit older adults with cognitive impairment (CI).

Methods

Older adults with CI were recruited for a clinical trial studying vestibular therapy in reducing falls and improving balance and cognition in older adults with CI. Potential participants were recruited via two different digital recruitment methods, a direct messaging campaign using established patient records and a social media campaign. Potential participants then filled out surveys to determine eligibility for the study.

Results

The direct messaging campaign contacted 3060 potential participants and the social media campaign resulted in 8265 instances of unique engagement. Of the number of people reached, the direct messaging campaign had a higher percentage of people who submitted the survey compared to the social media campaign (8.3% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in age, race, ethnicity, education, household income, and insurance status between the recruitment groups (p > 0.05). Direct messaging recruitment proved more cost-effective at $21.74 per eligible participant compared to the social media campaign at $859.58 per eligible participant.

Conclusion

This study found that direct messaging recruitment using established patient records was more cost-effective compared to social media recruitment for this clinical trial. In this sample size, similar demographics were reached by both recruitment methods. Future studies should continue to explore the use of social media and alternative methods to recruit representative participant populations for ongoing AD research.
Practices and challenges of counselling in selected senior high schools in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Panford-Quainoo Eunice , Oppong Asante Kwaku , Osei-Tutu Annabella
Published: January 2024

Schools have been identified as important settings for promoting adolescent mental health and well-being. Little is known about counselling practices in Ghanaian senior high schools (SHSs). This study explored counselling practices in 11 SHSs in Ghana’s capital, Accra. We used convenience sampling methods to select 15 school counsellors and interviewed them about access to and utilisation of counselling in SHSs. We also explored common presenting concerns and service challenges. Data were analysed thematically and showed that most of the counsellors had a master’s or doctoral degree in guidance and counselling. According to our participants, students access counselling to address school (academic and career), home (e.g. parents’ problems and livelihood issues) and peer relations concerns. Other students access counselling for emotional (including suicidal ideations and self-harm), drug use and conduct issues. Counsellors provide academic advice, career guidance, financial and emotional support. Findings revealed that counsellors are facing several challenges including role conflict, work overload, deficient resources, as well as negative perceptions of counselling. Findings have implications for the government, policy makers, SHS administrators, school psychologists and counsellors and students.
Deciphering Influence on Social Media: A Comparative Analysis of Influential Account Detection Metrics in the Context of Tobacco Promotion
Authors: Kresovich Alex , Norris Andrew H. , Carter Chandler C. , Kim Yoonsang , Kostygina Ganna , Emery Sherry L.
Published: January 2024

Influencer marketing spending in the United States was expected to surpass $6 billion in 2023. This marketing tactic poses a public health threat, as research suggests it has been utilized to undercut decades of public health progress—such as gains made against tobacco use among adolescents. Public health and public opinion researchers need practical tools to capture influential accounts on social media. Utilizing X (formerly Twitter) little cigar and cigarillo (LCC) data, we compared seven influential account detection metrics to help clarify our understanding of the functions of existing metrics and the nature of social media discussion of tobacco products. Results indicate that existing influential account detection metrics are non-harmonic and time-sensitive, capturing distinctly different users and categorically different user types. Our results also reveal that these metrics capture distinctly different conversations among influential social media accounts. Our findings suggest that public health and public opinion researchers hoping to conduct analyses of influential social media accounts need to understand each metric’s benefits and limitations and utilize more than one influential account detection metric to increase the likelihood of producing valid and reliable research.
“Difficult to Just Exist”: Social Media Platform Community Guidelines and the Free Speech Rights of Sex Workers
Authors: Davisson Amber , Alati Kiernan
Published: January 2024

The 2018 passing of FOSTA (Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act) and SESTA (Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act) set new limits on the free speech protection of Section 230 of the 1996 Communication Decency Act. In the aftermath, many social media sites shut down forums used by sex workers, and on some sites sex workers were systematically deplatformed or shadow banned. Social media platforms are critical spaces for sex workers. In addition to using them to safely do their work, social media platforms offer a place to communicate explicitly about their profession and find community support, particularly for sex workers from marginalized communities who are often physically isolated and lack support networks. We performed a qualitative analysis of Community Guidelines from seven social media platforms (Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Snapchat, and Tumblr). Our research focused on guidelines related to nudity, sexual content, and solicitation. The restrictions placed on content by social media platforms have serious implications for the ability of sex workers to do their jobs safely, advocate for themselves, and find community support online. Community guidelines, as they relate to sex workers, need a more nuanced approach to balancing free speech rights and preventing harm that prioritizes the sometimes competing needs of marginalized communities.
Make-Do-With Listening: Competence, Distinction, and Resignation on Music Streaming Platforms
Authors: Raffa Massimiliano
Published: January 2024

In an age where music streaming platforms have become the primary media for music listening, the experiences of musically competent users are often overlooked. Employing a mix of research methods (semi-structured interviews, reflective diaries, and analysis of on-platform-activity metadata provided by Spotify’s APIs), this contribution aims to explore the viewpoints of musically competent users from Italy, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands regarding music streaming platforms. Through critical analysis, the study investigates both the subjective and objective aspects of their listening experience, as well as their interpretation of algorithmic mediation and platform affordances. The findings illustrate that competent users perceive the usage patterns afforded by streaming services to be insufficient in meeting their needs and the platforms to have been progressively diluting the quality of their listening experiences. Despite this, the study shows that streaming platforms lack alternatives to such an extent that even knowledgeable subjects prefer making do with this condition—they consider appropriate to their current lifestyle—rather than striving to enhance their consumption experiences. Furthermore, hypotheses are posited, suggesting that adopting a “platform criticism” stance may be a distinction marker of competence status.
“It Was Very Hard for Me to Keep Doing That Job”: Understanding Troll Farm’s Working in the Arab World
Authors: Ayeb Marina , Bonini Tiziano
Published: January 2024

This article investigates the production culture and routines of “troll farms” in three Arab countries—Tunisia, Egypt, and Iraq—from a production studies approach. A production studies approach enables us to focus on the working conditions of paid trolls. We employed qualitative methods to look inside the “black box” of Arab troll farms. From February to April 2020, we conducted semi-structured interviews with eight disinformation workers at both managerial and staff levels. We propose to understand disinformation work as a specific type of digital labor, characterized by very intense shifts and emotionally burdensome daily tasks, absence of legal job contracts, and highly surveilled work environments. The article contributes to understand disinformation practices outside and beyond the West; it situates disinformation activities within the broader context of digital media industries; it provides a detailed analysis of the features that distinguish troll farms in the Arab world from those that emerged in other regions of the Global South; and it reconnects the research on disinformation to digital labor studies.
Downlining Disinformation: How MLM Distributors Use Gendered Strategies for Recruitment and Pastel QAnon Indoctrination
Authors: Mastrangelo Frankie , Longo Gina Marie
Published: January 2024

doTERRA and Young Living are multi-level marketing (MLM) companies sustained by distribution networks of women who sell their trademark essential oil products. We argue that women join essential oil MLMs based on an iterative, three-pronged strategy that not only recruits women as oil distributors but also simultaneously indoctrinates them to pastel QAnon conspiracy spaces: digitally driven, feminized realms situated at the nexus of New Age spirituality, wellness, and far-right ideologies. MLM distributors first compel women to look toward essential oils as a viable medical intervention by leveraging potential recruits’ distrust with medical establishments and hardship produced by intersecting structural inequalities (classism, racism, ableism, sexism). Women are then hooked in by promises of essential oils offering silver-bullet solutions to complex problems stemming from inequitable social systems. Finally, women get downlined into pastel QAnon disinformation flows through algorithmic production of confirmation bias. By coding qualitative data of MLM distributors and pastel QAnon influencers for digital content analysis, we identify socio-cultural and gendered trends of disinformation production at the intersections of wellness, pastel QAnon, and structural inequalities. These findings provide insights into the seductive appeal of disinformation beyond the textual content of the message and contribute to our understanding of the larger political economy of incentives and rewards that perpetuate disinformation-for-hire communities.
Family Service Use and Outcomes for Youth With Disabilities
Authors: Levere Michael , Honeycutt Todd , Livermore Gina , Mamun Arif , Katz Karen
Published: January 2024

Families of youth with disabilities often access services to promote youth’s transitions to adulthood. Such services can be oriented toward the youth or family. Using descriptive statistics and regression modeling of survey and administrative data, we explored patterns of service use and the association between outcomes for 9,013 youth with disabilities who enrolled in a demonstration project. Those randomly assigned to a treatment group used family services more frequently than those in a control group, and youth in families using family services were more likely to use services themselves. The use of family and youth services together was associated with better youth employment. Because few programs offer family services, policymakers and practitioners might consider ways to connect families to such services.
Kinesiotaping versus counterforce brace in the management of lateral elbow tendinopathy
Authors: Abdelmonem Asmaa F. , Ameer Mariam A. , AlAbbad Ammar M. , Abdelmohsen Azza M.
Published: January 2024

Purpose: The main purpose of the current study was to assess whether counter force brace (CFB) offers any additional value over Kinesiotaping (KT) in the management of tennis elbow. Materials and Methods: Forty-five females with clinically diagnosed tennis elbow participated in the current study. They were equally assigned into three groups of equal numbers. 12 sessions over 4 weeks of treatment interventions; experimental group A received the traditional physiotherapy program in addition to KT. Group B received the physiotherapy program in addition to the CFB. Group C (Control Group) received the physiotherapy program only. The degree of tennis elbow pain and myoelectrical activities of forearm muscles were measured. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction of pain in the experimental group A (KT) in comparison with the control group (p = 0.000), while a statistically significant reduction of pain (p = 0.000) and improvement of the myoelectrical activities of the forearm muscles (p = 0.000) were detected in the experimental group B (CFB) in comparison with the control group. In addition, the statistically significant reduction of pain (p = 0.000) and improvements in wrist flexors and extensors (p = 0.001 and p = 0.000, respectively) were detected in CFB compared with KT. Conclusion: Compared to KT or a physical therapy program alone, the use of CFB in the treatment of lateral elbow tendinopathy may be beneficial, especially in reducing pain and enhancing the muscle activities of the elbow flexors and extensors.
Irreversibility analysis of radiative Williamson nanofluid flow with higher order chemical reaction and quadratic drag force over an extended surface: Non-similar computations
Authors: Shaheen Naila , Ramzan Muhammad , Saleel Chanduveeti Ahamed , Kadry Seifedine
Published: January 2024

This study aims to present non-similar solutions for the radiative Williamson nanofluid flow with a quadratic drag force effect over a horizontally extended surface. The sheet is extended along the X-axis, and the magnetic field is applied along the Y-axis, perpendicular to the flow. The Buongiorno nanofluid model is employed to incorporate the random dispersion and thermal characteristics of the nanofluid. The innovation in the proposed model lies in its consideration of the effects of viscous and ohmic dissipation, Robin boundary conditions, and higher-order chemical reactions. The governing equations for the flow are scaled down to the second level using an appropriate transformation combined with a non-similarity technique and computationally assessed using the MATLAB bvp4c algorithm. The significant influences of the dimensionless parameters on the velocity, thermal, and solutal fields are depicted graphically. The findings reveal that the fluid velocity diminishes with increasing Weissenberg and Hartmann numbers. The solutal field experiences a reduction with variations in the chemical reaction parameter, while it rises with an increase in the higher-order chemical reaction parameter. The wall heat transfer rate is augmented with higher Eckert and thermal Biot numbers. The mass transfer rate rises with higher values of the chemical reaction parameter, Schmidt number, and solutal Biot number. A comparison of the results from this study with previous research demonstrates strong agreement, affirming the validity of the proposed model. For the value of the Williamson parameter [Formula: see text], the percentage error of the present analysis with established studies is 0% and 0.096770%.
Resilience analysis of global agricultural trade
Authors: Wei Chunzhu , Liu Xufeng , Zhang Lupan , Wan Yuanmei , Huang Gengzhi , Lu Yang , Zhang Xiaohu
Published: January 2024

This study examined the transport network of global marine dry bulk carriers for agricultural trade during the period from 2018 to 2021. Firstly, the resilience of agricultural trade network is noteworthy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Agricultural trade initially plunged by 10.15% from 2019 to 2020 and bounced by a remarkable 11.45% in 2021, ultimately restoring trade volumes to the average level observed in the pre-pandemic year of 2019. However, the ports in Brazil and Argentina displayed less resilience in their agricultural trade with a continued decline in agricultural trade quantities in 2021. Additionally, the outbound trips increased in Ukraine, Canada, and Russia and decreased in Brazil and Argentina, leading to a more tightly knit agricultural network since 2020. Overall, this study provided evidence in comprehensively assessing the capacity and resilience of global food supply chains, especially in the context of constantly evolving circumstances and challenges.
Reflections on Cope and Kalantzis: Generative AI and humans
Authors: Gee James Paul , Archer Zhang Qing
Published: January 2024

This was an invited paper meant to accompany a paper by Bill Cope and Mary Kalantzis.
Value theories in motion: Circular labour migration, unfinished land dispossession and reproductive struggles across the urban–rural divide
Authors: Mezzadri Alessandra
Published: January 2024

This analysis theorises the central role of the urban–rural divide in the making of value relations and exploitation in contemporary labour regimes. Inspired by insights contained in Diane Elson’s ‘value theory of labour’ and informed by evidence on labour circulation in India’s ‘Sweatshop Regime’, the article combines Early Social Reproduction Analyses (ESRA) and debates on ‘forms of exploitation’ to illustrate the integrated nature of the circuits incorporating production and reproduction, use and exchange value across the urban–rural divide. It represents these circuits as a concrete instantiation of ‘value in motion’. In this schema, the countryside emerges as central to the regeneration of the urban labour regime; as key provider of labouring bodies; and as absorber of reproductive costs, also performing the function of ‘global housework’ for contemporary capitalism. The narrative is particularly attentive to post-industrial work trajectories, which further explain how partial land dispossession and informal work interplay to sustain the dynamic nature of value relations as well as workers’ livelihoods beyond factory labour. The conclusions stress the political implications of reproductive readings of value for labour struggles and pro-labour policy.