bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eliciting preference for private health services among patients in Iran: evidence from a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Ansari Fahimeh , Rafiei Sima , Kakemam Edris , Amerzadeh Mohammad , Ahadinezhad Bahman
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The provision of private health-care services by public hospitals is common in Iran. Examining factors associated with patients’ preferences to use private health services and using this knowledge in health planning and policymaking can help expand the use of such services. Thus, this study aims to investigate patients’ preferences for private health services delivered in public hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a discrete choice experiment from a sample of 375 patients in a public training hospital in Qazvin, northwest city of Iran, the authors evaluated participants’ preference over the health-care attributes affecting their choice to use private health-care services delivered in the hospital. The authors also estimated the marginal willingness to pay to determine the maximum amount a patient was willing to pay for the improvement in the level of each health-care attributes.

Findings

The findings revealed that patients were 2.7 times more likely to choose private hospital services when the waiting time was reduced to less than a week. Furthermore, as patients had complimentary insurance coverage, they were over 60% more likely to receive such services from training hospitals. Finally, continuity of care and reduced health-care tariffs were significant factors that increased patients’ preference to choose private services by 52 and 37%, respectively.

Originality/value

Examining factors associated with patients’ preferences to use private health services and using this knowledge in policymaking can help expand such services. The findings affirmed that various incentives, including service quality factors, are required to increase the likelihood of patients choosing private services.
Assessing the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program as a conditional income transfer: a search for a conceptual framework
Authors: Karakara Alhassan Abdul-Wakeel , Ortsin Ernest Amoabeng
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Ghana has implemented different kinds of pro-poor program and policies since its independence to reduce poverty. The Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) is one of such program. LEAP is a social cash transfer program and its implementation has been under the auspices of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection since 2008. It provides direct cash and health insurance coverage for extremely poor households across the country to alleviate short-term poverty and encourage long-term human capital development. This paper examines the LEAP program in terms of how it has achieved its aim and the opportunities for improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were obtained from interviews of 110 beneficiaries of the program. The study proposes a conceptual framework that links poverty reduction and social policies to assist researchers analyze pro-poor or social cash transfer program.

Findings

The findings show that the program is challenged with administrative bureaucracies, irregular inflow of funds, perceived political interferences, inconsistent implementation strategies and low value of the cash transfer (which results in little or no impact on consumption). However, the data also show that LEAP has positive impacts on nonconsumption spending like children's schooling. The program' exit strategy does not impact much on beneficiaries to allow them exit without the tendency of being poor.

Practical implications

This paper discussed the LEAP program as a social cash transfer to the poor in Ghana. The study constructed a conceptual framework to help researchers and practitioners analyze the implementation of pro-poor interventions. This conceptualization allows for cash transfer program to empower beneficiaries and exits them to allow for other beneficiaries to enroll, ensuring reduction in poverty over time. Generally, the beneficiaries have benefited from the LEAP in the areas of consumption, education and healthcare with few beneficiaries being able to accumulate some few assets. The LEAP program has no exit plan.

Originality/value

This study adds to literature by offering a conceptual framework to help researchers and policy makers in dealing with social assistance policies to the poor. The study also gave an insight into how pro-poor policy strategies could be crafted.
Development of a photomicroscope method for in situ damage monitoring under ultrasonic fatigue test
Authors: Tan Kai , Postel Victor , Liu Yujia , Yang Dongtong , Tang Sen , Wang Chong , Wang Qingyuan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Mechanical issues related to the information and growth of small cracks are considered to play a major role in very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) for metallic materials. Further efforts on better understanding in early stage of a crack are beneficial to estimating and preventing catastrophic damage for a long period service.

Design/methodology/approach

Dependent on the ultrasonic loading system, a novel method of in situ photomicroscope is established to study the crack behaviors in VHCF regime.

Findings

This in situ photomicroscope method provides advantages in combination with fatigue damage monitoring at high magnification, a large number of cycles, and efficiency. Visional investigation with attached image proceeding code proves that the method has high resolution on both size and time, which permits reliable accuracy on small crack growth rate. It is observed that the crack propagation trends slower in the overall small crack stage down to the level of 10–11 m/cycle. Strain analysis relays on a real-time recording which is applied by using digital image correlation. Infrared camera recording indicates the method is also suitable for thermodynamic study while growth of damage.

Originality/value

Benefiting from this method, it is more convenient and efficient to study the short crack propagation in VHCF regime.
The determinants of the link between life satisfaction and job satisfaction across Europe
Authors: Soboleva Natalia
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of work values and socio-demographic characteristics upon the link between life satisfaction and job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The European Values Study (EVS) 2008–2009 is used as the dataset. The sample is limited to those who have paid jobs (28,653 cases).

Findings

Socio-demographic characteristics matter more than work values in explaining the effect of job satisfaction on life satisfaction. The association between life satisfaction and job satisfaction is stronger for higher educated individuals and those who are self-employed and weaker for women, married individuals, religious individuals and those who are younger. Extrinsic and intrinsic work values significantly influence life satisfaction independent of the level of job satisfaction.

Practical implications

It is important to pay attention to the working conditions and well-being of the core of the labour force, in other words, of those who are ready to invest more in their jobs. Also, special attention should be given to self-employment.

Originality/value

The paper compares the roles of work values and of socio-demographic characteristics as predictors of the association between job satisfaction and life satisfaction. It shows that the role of job in person's life depends largely on demographic factors, religiosity and socio-economic factors.
Effect of laser-textured micro dimples on inhibition of stick-slip phenomenon of sliding guideway
Authors: Fu Yonghong , Yang Jie , Wang Hao , He Yuyang
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the efficacy of micro dimple in inhibiting stick-slip phenomenon on the sliding guideway.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, micro-dimples were fabricated by laser on surfaces of steel disk and guideway. The disks and guideways were respectively performed pin-on-disk tribological tests and working condition experiments to study differences in lubrication condition and friction stability between textured and untextured surfaces.

Findings

Micro-dimples help reduce critical sliding speed that allows contact surfaces to enter in hydrodynamic lubrication regime. This increases hydrodynamic lubrication range and narrows speed range where stick-slip phenomenon can occur, enhancing sliding guideway’s adaptability for broader working conditions. Furthermore, friction stability on the textured surface improved, lowering the occurrence possibility of stick-slip phenomenon. Finally, difference between static and kinetic frictions on the textured surface is lower relative to the untextured surface, which decreases the critical velocity when the stick-slip phenomenon occurs.

Originality/value

The results indicate that laser-textured micro-dimples are significantly conducive to inhibit stick-slip phenomenon, thus providing smoother movement for the guideway and eventually increasing precision of the machine.
Relationship between personality traits and consumer rationality regarding the intention to purchase collaborative fashion
Authors: Campos Patrícia de Oliveira , Costa Cristiane Salomé Ribeiro , Costa Marconi Freitas da
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The study aims to identify the antecedents of consumers' collaborative fashion purchase intention by analysing innovativeness, self-confidence and consumer spending self-control variables as antecedents.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive quantitative research was performed to verify the influence of such variables based on data collected through an online survey and analysed by structural equation modelling (SEM), which resulted in a final sample of 230 valid respondents.

Findings

The main findings include innovativeness as a strong antecedent of intention to consume collaborative fashion. However, self-confidence and consumer spending self-control are not related to adopting this consumption format, suggesting that collaborative fashion can promote reverse effects by stimulating excessive consumption.

Practical implications

The results can assist companies of collaborative fashion to enhance their strategies to attract consumers looking for creative reuse of items, for example, by offering repair, revitalisation services and promoting meetings to share tips on how to reuse items creatively. Companies can also improve communication campaigns by focussing on the product itself, rather than price, which seems to be more effective in the context of collaborative fashion consumption.

Originality/value

The study is amongst the first to analyse the influence of consumers' personality traits towards collaborative fashion consumption and provide the scope with findings on the interrelationship between personality traits and consumer rationality, which can broaden the understanding about the potential rebound effects in this context.
A qualitative investigation of the work-nonwork experiences of dual-career professional couples without children
Authors: Boiarintseva Galina , Ezzedeen Souha R. , McNab Anna , Wilkin Christa
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the idiosyncratic relationships between work and nonwork among dual-career professional couples (DCPCs) intentionally without children, considering individual members' role salience, nonwork responsibilities and care or career orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

Interview data from 21 Canadian and American couples (42 individuals) was used to explore the research question: How do DCPCs without children perceive their work-nonwork balance?

Findings

DCPCs without children are a heterogenous demographic. Some couples are career oriented, some care oriented, some exhibit both orientations, shaping their experience of work-nonwork balance. Unlike popular stereotypes, they do have nonwork responsibilities and interests outside of their thriving careers. Similar to their counterparts with children, they face conflicts managing work and nonwork domains.

Originality/value

Based on theories of role salience, work-nonwork conflict, enrichment and balance, the authors suggest that analyses of work-nonwork balance should include nonwork activities other than child caring. The authors further propose that the experience of the work-nonwork interface varies according to whether couples are careerist, conventional, non-conventional or egalitarian. The study also demonstrates that work-nonwork experiences are relational in nature and should be explored beyond a strictly individual perspective.
An ethics of enchantment: forming affect and information in experimental paediatric medicine
Authors: Addison Courtney
Published: January 2022

Science and medicine have been cast as disenchanted arenas of modernity, even as scholars have illustrated the many enchantments of everyday life. Taking these conversations into the context of experimental paediatric medicine, I explore the dis/enchantments produced through the research ethics systems that govern interactions between medical practitioners and patients’ families. Research ethics enact forms of disenchantment, aiming to produce the informed patient‐subject who can knowingly submit to the unknowns of experimental medicine. However, by following one young patient's emotive disruption of the consent process, I suggest that we instead consider an ethics of enchantment: one that recognizes the affective logics of patienthood alongside the informatic. Elaborating how ethical practice is both institutionally structured and interpersonally improvised, I develop key conversations from the anthropology of ethics, and highlight the interplay of enchantment and disenchantment that constitutes modern medical subjects.
Comparing pulse rate measurement in newborns using conventional and dry‐electrode ECG monitors
Authors: van Twist Eris , Salverda Hylke H. , Pas Arjan B. te
Published: January 2022

Aim

Heart rate (HR) is the most important parameter to evaluate newborns’ clinical condition and to guide intervention during resuscitation at birth. The present study aims to compare the accuracy of NeoBeat dry‐electrode ECG for HR measurement with conventional ECG and pulse oximetry (PO).

Methods

Newborns with a gestational age ≥32 weeks and/or birth weight ≥1.5 kg were included when HR evaluation was needed. HR was simultaneously measured for 10 min with NeoBeat, PO and conventional ECG.

Results

A total of 18 infants were included (median (IQR) gestational age 39 (36–39) weeks and birth weight 3 150 (2 288–3 859) grams). Mean (SD) duration until NeoBeat obtained a reliable signal was 2.5 (9.0) s versus 58.5 (171.0) s for PO. Mean difference between NeoBeat and ECG was 1.74 bpm (LoA −4.987–8.459 and correlation coefficient 0.98). Paired HR measurements over 30‐s intervals revealed no significant difference between NeoBeat and ECG. The positive predictive value of a detected HR <100 bpm by NeoBeat compared with ECG was 54.84%, negative predictive value 99.99%, sensitivity 94.44%, specificity 99.99% and accuracy 99.85%.

Conclusions

HR measurement with NeoBeat dry‐electrode ECG at birth is reliable and accurate.
A retrospective analysis of the duration of mechanical ventilation in Scandinavian paediatric heart centres
Authors: Koski Tapio , Salmi Heli , Keski‐Nisula Juho , Bille Anders , Björnsson Einar , Jessen Casper , Forstholm Ronnie , Lääperi Mitja , Rautiainen Paula
Published: January 2022

Aim

Early extubation after cardiac surgery shortens paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) length of stay (LOS) and decreases complications from mechanical ventilation (MV). We explored the duration of MV in Scandinavian paediatric heart centres.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the MV duration and PICU LOS of 696 children operated for atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) or total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) in four Scandinavian centres in 2015–2016. Neonates (n = 90) were included regardless of heart surgery type.

Results

Patients with ASD were extubated at a median of 3.25 h (interquartile range [IQR] 2.00–4.83), followed by patients with TCPC (median 5.00 h, IQR 2.60–16.83), VSD (median 7.00 h, IQR 3.69–22.25) and TOF (median 18.08 h, IQR 6.00–41.38). Neonates were not extubated early (median 94.42 h, IQR 45.03–138.14). Although MV durations were reflected in PICU LOS, this was not as apparent among those extubated within 12 h. The Swedish centres had shortest MV durations and PICU LOS. Extubation failed in 24/696 (3.4%) of patients.

Conclusion

Scandinavian paediatric heart centres differed in the duration of postoperative MV. Deferring extubation up to 12 h postoperatively did not markedly prolong PICU LOS.
Investigating cognitive moral reasoning: The effect of dilemma context and gender agreement between the subject and the dilemma actor
Authors: Weber James , Siniora Dina Nasri
Published: January 2022

Our research extends the current understanding of cognitive moral reasoning research by considering the often‐overlooked element of context, specifically the issue presented in the ethical dilemma, and the issue of gender agreement between the subject and the dilemma actor. We rely on gender identity and cognitive moral reasoning theories to provide the theoretical underpinnings of our exploration to deepen our understanding of the contextual forces affecting cognitive moral reasoning. Our results generally confirm earlier research findings and provide valuable information regarding our understanding of the impact of the dilemma context and the gender agreement or disagreement between the subject and the actor in an ethical dilemma, with significance found for four of our five hypotheses, with half of the significant results in the direction predicted. Implications for future academic research and business practice are discussed.
Is polypharmacy associated with mortality in the very old: Findings from the Newcastle 85+ Study
Authors: Davies Laurie E. , Kingston Andrew , Todd Adam , Hanratty Barbara
Published: January 2022

Polypharmacy is common in the very old (≥85 years), where little is known about its association with mortality. We aimed to investigate the association between polypharmacy and all‐cause mortality in the very old, over an 11‐year time period. Data were drawn from the Newcastle 85+ Study (741), a cohort of people who were born in 1921 and turned 85 in 2006. Survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards models with time‐varying covariates, wherein polypharmacy was operationalised continuously. Each additional medication prescribed was associated with a 3% increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio: 1.03, 95% confidence interval: 1.00–1.06). Amongst the very old, the risks and benefits of each additional medication prescribed should be carefully considered.
Short Research Article: Impact of a prolonged lockdown on the symptoms of paediatric ADHD and common associated disorders
Authors: Pech de Laclause Anna , Gétin Christine , Konofal Éric , Cortese Samuele , Lecendreux Michel
Published: January 2022

Objective

Our objective is to explore the change in the severity of ADHD, ODD and anxiety during a two‐month lockdown among children in France and the moderating role of behavioural regulation.

Method

In 235 children with ADHD, the symptom severity of ADHD, ODD and anxiety was investigated one and two months after the beginning of lockdown, and one month after its end. Behavioural regulation skills were estimated with the Behaviour Regulation Index.

Results

ADHD, ODD and anxiety scores were increasing or decreasing depending on BRI.

Conclusion

Baseline behavioural regulation skills may act as a moderating factor for the persistence of ADHD, ODD and anxiety symptoms related to the lockdown.
Emerging complexity in children's conceptualization of the wealthy and the poor
Authors: Yang Xin , Dunham Yarrow
Published: January 2022

Past work suggests that children have an overly rosy view of rich people that stays consistent across childhood. However, adults do not show explicit pro‐rich biases and even hold negative stereotypes against the rich (e.g., thinking that rich people are cold and greedy). When does this developmental shift occur, and when do children develop more complex and differentiated understandings of the wealthy and the poor? The current work documents the developmental trajectory of 4–12‐yr‐old primarily American middle‐class children's conceptualizations of the wealthy and the poor (total N = 164). We find: (1) age‐related decreases in pro‐rich preferences and stereotypes relative to the poor; (2) domain‐sensitive stereotypes across prosociality, talent, and effort; (3) resource‐specific behavioral expectations such that with age children increasingly expect the wealthy to contribute more material resources but not more time than the poor; (4) an increasing recognition of the unfairness of the wealth gap between the wealthy and the poor; and (5) a developing understanding of the link between wealth and power. In sum, this work illuminates the emergence of more complex understandings of wealth, poverty, and inequality.
Bempedoic acid in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, prediabetes, and normoglycaemia: A post hoc analysis of efficacy and glycaemic control using pooled data from phase 3 clinical trials
Authors: Leiter Lawrence A. , Banach Maciej , Catapano Alberico L. , Duell P. Barton , Gotto Antonio M. , Laufs Ulrich , Mancini G. B. John , Ray Kausik K. , Hanselman Jeffrey C. , Ye Zhan , Bays Harold E.
Published: January 2022

Aim

To evaluate the effect of bempedoic acid on glycaemic and lipid variables in patients with hypercholesterolaemia.

Methods

A patient‐level pooled analysis of four phase 3, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials evaluated changes in glycaemia, change from baseline in LDL‐C, and adverse events. Patients (N = 3621) on maximally tolerated statins were randomized 2:1 to oral bempedoic acid 180 mg or placebo once daily for 12 to 52 weeks with the results analysed by baseline glycaemic status (diabetes, prediabetes, or normoglycaemia).

Results

The annual rate of new‐onset diabetes for bempedoic acid versus placebo in patients with normoglycaemia at baseline (n = 618) was 0.3% versus 0.8%, and for patients with prediabetes at baseline (n = 1868) it was 4.7% versus 5.9%. In patients with diabetes or prediabetes, bempedoic acid significantly (P < .0001) reduced HbA1c by −0.12% and −0.06%, respectively, and did not worsen fasting glucose versus placebo. Bempedoic acid significantly and consistently lowered LDL‐C levels versus placebo, regardless of baseline glycaemic status (placebo‐corrected difference range, −17.2% to −29.6%; P < .001 for each stratum). The safety of bempedoic acid was comparable with placebo and similar across glycaemic strata.

Conclusions

Bempedoic acid significantly lowered LDL‐C across glycaemic strata and did not worsen glycaemic variables or increase the incidence of new‐onset diabetes versus placebo over a median follow‐up of 1 year.
Survey on the worldwide availability and affordability of antiseizure medications: Report of the ILAE Task Force on Access to Treatment
Authors: Pironi Virginia , Ciccone Ornella , Beghi Ettore , Paragua‐Zuellig Hazel , Patel Archana A. , Giussani Giorgia , Bianchi Elisa , Venegas Viviana , Vigevano Federico ,   the ILAE Task Force on Access to Treatment
Published: January 2022

Health systems worldwide are challenged in the provision of basic medical services and access to treatments for chronic conditions. Epilepsy, the most common severe chronic neurological disorder, does not receive sufficient attention despite being officially declared a public health priority by the World Health Organization. More than 80% of people with epilepsy live in middle‐ and low‐income countries (MICs and LICs, respectively), where most of the population lacks reliable access to antiseizure medications (ASMs), contributing significantly to the large epilepsy treatment gap in these regions. The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Task Force on Access to Treatment administered a global survey to report on the current access to ASMs worldwide. The survey was developed and distributed online through the ILAE and International Bureau of Epilepsy (IBE) secretariats to the chapter representatives. The survey was completed by one representative per country. Response rate was 73.2% (101 countries of the 138 represented in ILAE and/or IBE organizations). Availability and access of ASMs, including distribution problems and costs, reimbursement procedures, general barriers to access to care, and presence of projects targeted toward improving care access, were studied, and descriptive statistics on available responses were performed. Among the 15 first‐generation ASMs surveyed, carbamazepine was reported as the most widely available globally. At least one first‐generation ASM is widely available in most countries, but their number differs dramatically across income levels. Second‐ and third‐generation ASMs are even more limited in MICs and LICs. Additionally, average retail prices for ASMs were not significantly different across countries despite the differences in per capita income from high‐income countries to LICs. This survey provides a worrisome picture of availability and accessibility of ASMs across the world, with wide disparities according to socioeconomic status. Recommendations for direct action on improving access to care will be discussed.
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Authors: Pratt Douglas
Published: January 2022

Apart from presenting a report and recommendations on Christian–Jewish relations in the aftermath of the Second World War, the 1st Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC), in 1948, did not address interreligious engagement. Nevertheless, within a decade the WCC had begun engagement with peoples of other faiths, spearheaded by a dialogue sub‐unit and a study programme on interreligious dialogue that ran to 1971. This article sketches some of the main developmental moments of the WCC’s engagement in interreligious dialogue through the second half of the 20th century and into the first two decades of the 21st. It identifies three dialogue models employed by the WCC and suggests an outline of a theology of dialogue – theology for, in, and after dialogue – and closes with a comment on the future of dialogue. WCC engagement in interreligious dialogue is as exciting, necessary, and hopeful as it ever was.
The Future of Interreligious Dialogue
Authors: West Christopher
Published: January 2022

The ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic has affected all aspects of life, including interreligious engagement. This article offers one interpretation of the key markers that should underpin a distinctively Christian engagement with other religious traditions in the current climate. It develops suggestions around the three “theological virtues” – namely, faith, hope, and love – as it is argued that these make the Christian way of being in the world distinctive and attractive. Each virtue is defined first in a broad way, and then in specifically Christian terms, before it is explored in its various applications to interreligious engagement. The article focuses on the opportunities and challenges of engagement in pandemic times throughout, indicating areas for future development in the process. Its conclusion highlights the challenges associated with interreligious engagement in the digital context.
Embodying Worldview
Authors: Kallsen Nicole
Published: January 2022

While many scholars conclude that increased artistic contact between religions facilitates cross‐cultural interaction, their analysis stops there. This paper aims to demonstrate the artistic gap in modern interreligious dialogue. To combat the lack of specificity of different art forms’ impact, the paper considers how dance, by communicating values through the physical human body, is an artistic mode of dialogue. Dance in Hinduism, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‐day Saints, and in nondenominational Christianity is examined regarding their scriptural and socio‐cultural expression. Given dance’s multicultural presence, modern scholars need to increase publications that analyze this art’s impact on interreligious dialogue.
Buddhism and Women’s Liberation
Authors: Tetsuji Jean
Published: January 2022

This article provides a brief introduction to Buddhism followed by an outline of the Buddhist view of life. It then offers a presentation of the Shin Buddhism school – the Jodo Shin School, or True Pure Land School – and articulates salvation for all genders as a contribution to a specific way of thinking. Finally, the article reflects on the origin of violence against women, with a focus on Brazil, and encourages change from the perspective of Shin Buddhism.
My Hopes for the Future of Hindu–Christian Dialogue
Authors: Rambachan Anantanand
Published: January 2022

This article discusses the future of Hindu–Christian dialogue by framing the issues around a few central questions: Are Hindus interested in dialogue with Christians? Is dialogue a Christian problem? Is there anything to discuss? Are there no differences? Is there anything to learn? Is there a future for Hindu–Christian dialogue? Most Hindus see Christianity as a tradition concerned exclusively with conversion. They think of Christianity as a religion that is not genuinely open to the religious claims and experiences of others. In addition, there is a widespread Hindu perception that interreligious dialogue is a special Christian problem because Christianity, among all the world’s religions, is most challenged theologically by the fact of religious diversity. Finally, there are fewer Hindu scholars of Christianity than Christian scholars who study the Hindu tradition. These are among the significant challenges of Hindu–Christian dialogue that this article addresses.
Suffering, Injustice, and Interfaith Relations
Authors: Barreto Raimundo C.
Published: January 2022

This article provides an overview of the expansion of the notion of the ecumenical in the course of the 20th century as the growing number of Christians living in the global South began to develop distinct Christian identities in connection with their participation in nation‐building projects, which included close relations with neighbours of other faiths. Far from being isolated, these “third‐world Christians” formed important transnational networks, through which they exchanged experiences and integrated emphases developed in different parts of the world. Among other things, a dialogue between Latin American liberation theology and Asian theologies of religion has evolved to bring together the religious and the suffering “other,” turning interreligious relations into not only a liberative event, but also a decolonial act.
Military couples' experiences in the aftermath of a cancelled deployment
Authors: Marini Christina M. , Basinger Erin D. , Monk James K. , McCall Christine E. , MacDermid Wadsworth Shelley M.
Published: January 2022

Deployment requires considerable preparation for military families and changes to these plans may create notable stress. The current study leveraged data from a sample of military couples who experienced the cancellation of an overseas deployment to learn more about their experiences as they adjusted to this change. Guided by family stress and anticipatory stress perspectives, we analyzed qualitative data from 28 service members and their significant others (i.e., spouses or cohabitating partners) to understand their overall reactions to the deployment cancellation. We identified three overall reactions (positive, negative, and ambivalent) that were based on participants’ appraisals of—and preparations for—deployment, as well as ambiguity about family roles and relationships. Further, participants across groups experienced uncertainty about whether or not the deployment would occur, and altered timelines for other life events. Together, our findings highlight the post‐cancellation period as a significant time of stress and transition for military families. However, our findings also signify the need to help all military families cope with uncertainty about when or if deployments will occur given that the military's priorities are often in flux. We therefore describe coping efforts that may be particularly adaptive for families to engage in as they prepare for uncertain, anticipated stressors.
Predictors associated with fathers' successful completion of the FOCUS program
Authors: Rodriguez Matthew R. , Choque Ghaffar Ali Hurtado
Published: January 2022

Objective

This research examines fathers' individual and social characteristics associated with completion of a fatherhood education program in the context of Child Protective Services (CPS).

Background

Responsible Fatherhood and similar programs are known to contribute to healthy parenting relations. Despite the growing body of literature on fatherhood programs, few studies have examined factors that may influence fathers' completion of a fatherhood program. In this study, we examined predictors of fathers' completion of the Families Offering Children Unfailing Support (FOCUS) program.

Method

The study used secondary data of fathers (n = 675) involved with child welfare services who participated in the FOCUS program in the Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas, region. The analyses included binomial logistic regression and classification tree to examine associations between fathers' successful program completion and predictor variables.

Results

Logistic regression analysis revealed fathers having higher annual income were 1.59 times more likely to complete the program than were fathers having lower annual income. Also, fathers having a child welfare conservatorship referral were 1.89 times more likely to complete the program compared to fathers having other types of referrals. Classification tree analysis revealed that ethnicity, nonmarried status, and older age predicted fathers' program completion.

Conclusion

This study advances understanding of which individual and social characteristics predict fathers' completion of the FOCUS for Fathers program.

Implications

To increase father participation, practitioners may consider increasing the scheduling and session format options along with reconsidering the sequencing of their incentives. Programs also may consider the importance of facilitating trust and camaraderie between the program facilitators and participants.
Recursive Estimation of the Spatial Error Model
Authors: Ghiringhelli Chiara , Piras Gianfranco , Arbia Giuseppe , Mira Antonietta
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we propose a recursive approach to estimate the spatial error model. We compare the suggested methodology with standard estimation procedures and we report a set of Monte Carlo experiments which show that the recursive approach substantially reduces the computational effort affecting the precision of the estimators within reasonable limits. The proposed technique can prove helpful when applied to real‐time streams of geographical data that are becoming increasingly available in the big data era. Finally, we illustrate this methodology using a set of earthquake data.
Community gardens as feminist spaces: A more‐than‐gendered approach to their transformative potential
Authors: Braga Bizarria Maria Teresa , Palomino‐Schalscha Marcela , Stupples Polly
Published: January 2022

In recent years, research in urban agriculture (UA) initiatives has adopted a more critical and transdisciplinary approach, proposing that UA enables shifts in socio‐economic, community, environmental and urban paradigms. Following this critical agenda, this paper draws attention to the multi‐scalar transformative potential that participation in community gardens (as a form of UA) can provide to volunteers, informed by a feminist approach. Firstly, we review the literature on the diverse gendered benefits, and degrees of empowerment women have experienced from working in community gardens, both individually and collectively. Examples from the literature review are informed by concepts from feminist geographies that support the exploration of community gardens as sites of embodied, relational and multi‐scalar experience. Following that, we expand the discussion to review opportunities community gardens offer individuals to gain greater awareness of symbolic forms of oppression, and envision alternatives for social change, drawing on feminist geographies in ways that move ‘beyond gender’. These benefits are mostly informed by conscientisation, decolonial and feminist political ecology approaches. Finally, the paper suggests that community gardens can be conceptualised as feminist spaces, given their fluidity and capacity to enable critical perspectives in volunteers, which may result in alternative forms of political action. The paper concludes with suggestions for further critical research on UA spaces.
How I investigate acquired megaloblastic anemia
Authors: Torrez Mary , Chabot‐Richards Devon , Babu Daniel , Lockhart Evelyn , Foucar Kathryn
Published: January 2022

In this review of megaloblastic anemia (MA), an overview of vitamin B12 and folate body requirements, biochemical pathways, and laboratory testing strategies will be provided. However, the focus of this review is the classic and unique features of MA in blood and bone marrow. Acquired MA is a benign disorder for many, but can be detrimental for some. The clinical presentation can vary considerably, and the spectrum of symptoms and signs is diverse and quite broad. Prompt recognition and therapy are critical to prevent potential irreversible damage and clinical sequelae, especially in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency. A delay in diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency can result in significant neurologic sequelae that may not fully resolve with treatment, including in neonates and young infants. The blood and bone marrow features in MA can closely mimic thrombocytopenic purpura, myelodysplasia, and other myeloid neoplasms. Both pancytopenia and normal MCV at presentation are common in MA and raise unique challenges for the diagnostician. Partially treated MA is also a significant diagnostic “trap”. MA is highly responsive to treatment, and patients tend to improve rapidly upon treatment initiation. However, the broad range of clinical and hematologic features makes the rapid, successful diagnosis of MA a unique challenge for the hematopathologist. Even in the era of state‐of‐the‐art laboratory testing, a high suspicion is required.
Hydroquinone increases risk for retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell degeneration
Authors: Bhattarai Niina , Hytti Maria , Mysore Yashavanthi , Kaarniranta Kai , Kauppinen Anu
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Cigarette smoke increases the risk for age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) e.g. through oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes choroidal neovascularization in wet AMD, for which anti‐VEGF injections are used as therapy. Since VEGF is important for the RPE cell functionality and integrity, too low VEGF levels increase the risk for RPE cell degeneration. Pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) improves mitochondrial activity and reduces neovascularization. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of the cigarette smoke component hydroquinone on the VEGF and PEDF levels in RPE cells.

Methods

IL‐1α‐primed ARPE‐19 cells were exposed to hydroquinone (10 μM, 50 μM, 200 μM; 18 h, 1 h or 15 min). Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of intracellular VEGF as well as secreted VEGF and PEDF. The 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFDA) probe was used to detect ROS production. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and intracellular ATP were measured using commercial kits, and total protein concentrations using a protocol based on the Bradford method.

Results

Hydroquinone reduced the levels of both intra‐ and extracellular VEGF. In addition, the release of PEDF as well as the ratio between VEGF and PEDF were reduced at all used concentrations. ROS production increased at 50 μM hydroquinone, and the cell membrane was compromised at 200 μM hydroquinone after 15 min exposure. ATP levels were reduced from the 50 μM hydroquinone concentration upwards and total protein levels at all concentrations, already without cytotoxicity.

Conclusions

According to our present data, hydroquinone favors anti‐angiogenic conditions but predisposes to the RPE cell degeneration, impaired mitochondrial function, and reduced protein synthesis in human RPE cells.
Retinal ganglion cells derived from retinal organoids – a contemporary model to study neurodegenerative retinal diseases
Authors: Saruhanian Sarkis , Kolko Miriam , Freude Kristine
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Neurodegenerative retinal diseases are a significant course for blindness. Diseases such as glaucoma, which is the leading course of irreversible blindness in the world, and other inner retinal conditions such as inherited mitochondrial neuropathies are poorly understood. The treatment options for these diseases are often limited and insufficient to prevent blindness. Common for most of these diseases is the loss of the retinal ganglion cells (RGC).

Methods

To elucidate the underlying pathological and protective pathways in these inner retinal diseases, respectively, we aim to assess retinal organoids generated from patient‐specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and their controls. We have previously established the method of extracting RGCs from our retinal organoids via magnetic‐activated cell sorting (MACS).

Results

The subsequent characterization of these RGCs was performed using cell‐specific markers such as CD90, BRN3a and RBPMS via qPCR and immunocytochemistry. Electron microscopy was used to investigate the intracellular organelle conditions of the RGCs. Future experiments are aimed at respiratory capacity analysis, metabolomics, transcriptomics and proteomics of RGCs extracted via MACS from retinal organoids derived from patient iPSCs in hopes of identifying the differences and possibly cellular mechanisms contributing to neurodegenerative retinal diseases in patients compared to healthy controls.

Conclusions

This could potentially lead to further understanding of disease mechanisms in patients with inner retinal diseases. In addition, this could establish a diseases model to test new treatment options such as neuroprotective drugs.
Development of desiccated stromal lenticules and study of their integration in vivo
Authors: Vautier Anais , Chaventré Fanny , Lefevre Sabine , Toubeau David , Arnoult Christophe , Albou‐Ganem Catherine , Gabison Eric , Bourges Jean Louis , Boyer Olivier , Muraine Marc
Published: January 2022

Purpose

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) surgery consists in removing a stromal lenticule of a known refractive power. Usually eliminated, it could be advantageously offered on demand for refractive or therapeutic purposes. The aim is to develop desiccation of SMILE lenticules as a long‐term preservation technique and evaluate their quality in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Lenticules were collected after SMILE procedures in patients. Lenticules were desiccated under a specific protocol. Histological and electron microscopic analysis were performed. Six rabbit eyes were grafted with an inlay technique which consisted in inserting a desiccated lenticule inside a stromal pocket. Rabbits were sacrificed at different times between 6 and 24 weeks. Their corneas were analysed with optical coherence tomography (OCT), histology and immunofluorescence.

Results

Under microscopic analyses of desiccated lenticules, we found a preserved stromal architecture after rehydration. We noticed a decellularization of the lenticules after desiccation (shown by both DAPI and haematoxylin eosin staining). All rabbits’ corneas remained clear after grafting. No rejection occurred without any immunosuppressive treatment. With OCT, we noted the lenticular implantation was regular with no decrease in lenticule thickness. On histological analysis, we found no inflammatory infiltration around lenticules. No nuclear material was visible in histology at week 12 inside lenticules. This absence of recolonization with host cells at week 12 was confirmed with DAPI. Analyses at 4 and 6 months are in progress.

Conclusions

In rabbit corneas, we observed a favourable integration of human desiccated SMILE lenticules at this time. We still must investigate the refractive issue of this lenticular implantation. If we obtain favourable results, we could set up a clinical trial with the use of desiccated SMILE lenticules to treat hyperopia or keratoconus.
Temperature and heat flux density of the eye surface in healthy individuals with different subfoveal thickness of the choroid
Authors: Anatychuk Lukyan , Pasyechnikova Nataliya , Naumenko Volodymyr , Kobylianskyi Roman , Zadorozhnyy Oleg
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To study the temperature and heat flux (HF) density of the ocular surface of healthy individuals depending on the thickness of the choroid.

Methods

This pilot study included 22 healthy individuals (44 eyes). The age of the studied healthy individuals ranged from 18 to 86 years. In all cases, measurement of temperature and HF density were performed on the outer surface of the cornea of both eyes. A thermoelectric device was used to measure epibulbar temperature and HF density. Optical coherence tomography was performed to determine the subfoveal thickness of the choroid.

Results

Mean room temperature during examination sessions was 21.5 ± 0.8°C. In addition, mean temperature of the external ocular surface and mean HF density from the human eye were 34.7 ± 0.7°C and 7.5 ± 1.2 mW/cm2, respectively. The thickness of the choroid in healthy individuals averaged 307 ± 37 μm. There was a positive correlation between the thickness of the choroid with the heat flux density of the eye (r = 0.6; p = 0.000) in contrast to the temperature of the cornea (r = 0.2; p = 0.1).

Conclusions

In healthy people, the density of the heat flux of the eye on the surface of the cornea depends on the subfoveal thickness of the choroid, in contrast to the temperature of the outer surface of the eye.
Clinical outcomes and satisfaction of autologous serum tears treatment for ocular surface diseases
Authors: Aguilar‐Valdez Itzel , De La Parra‐Colin Paola , Luna‐Briceño Jesús
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To evaluate clinical outcomes and patient‐reported satisfaction of autologous serum tears for ocular surface diseases.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical charts of 40 patients that were treated with 20% autologous serum tears for at least 3 months. We retrieved data for the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, fluorescein staining, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and evidence of epithelial defects or corneal ulcers. We compared data from the initial visit to 3 months after autologous serum tears prescription. Concurrently with the study, we obtained patient‐reported satisfaction with the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM).

Results

The mean age was 59.3 (SD 15.2), 70% were female; 60% had aqueous deficient or mixed dry eye disease, 20% had neurotrophic keratopathy, and 20% had a persistent epithelial defect of different etiologies. OSDI improved from 32.7 ± 18.1 to 9.1 ± 7.7 (p < 0.001). At baseline, 92.5% of patients had a grade 2 score or higher in the Oxford staining score, whereas after treatment, 32.5% had a grade 2 score or higher (p < 0.001). The median of CDVA was 0.5 (0.2, 0.8) at baseline and 0.3 (0.2, 0.6) after treatment (p = 0.006). At baseline, 25% of patients had an epithelial defect or aseptic corneal ulcer, all resolved after treatment. The mean TSQM were 89.3 for global satisfaction, 84.8 for efficacy, and 68.5 for the convenience. No side effects were reported.

Conclusions

Autologous serum tears improved the signs and symptoms of ocular surface diseases. Patients showed a high degree of satisfaction with the treatment.