bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumer reconnection through the practice of mindful eating
Authors: Dupon Le Priol Marion , Schmitt Julien
Published: September 2024

Consumer society has gradually disconnected consumers from the origin of their consumption, the real needs it truly satisfies, and its social and ecological impact. This research aims to study the phenomenon of consumer reconnection, through which consumers try to experience meaning by becoming mindful of their consumption experiences. We focus specifically on the consumption practice of mindful eating. Using an interpretative approach, we show how the reconnection process unfolds around three dimensions: self, nature, and society. We highlight the tensions related to reconnection in everyday life and examine the coping strategies that emerge to reduce these tensions. Finally, we discuss the implications in terms of education, health, and marketing practices.
Lidocaine-saturated cotton tip applicator used for laryngeal desensitization resulting in an iatrogenic tracheobronchial foreign body in two cats
Authors: Correa Kamila A , Wheeler Emily P , Miller Victoria S , ‘t Hoen Meredith E
Published: September 2024

Case series summary

Two cats were referred to a veterinary teaching hospital with a cotton tip applicator (CTA) tracheobronchial foreign body (FB) after induction of anesthesia for an elective dental cleaning. In both cases, a lidocaine-saturated CTA, utilized to desensitize the larynx before endotracheal (ET) intubation, broke when introduced into the oropharynx and was subsequently aspirated into the tracheobronchial tree. Both CTAs were successfully removed bronchoscopically, and the cats survived with no short- or long-term complications noted.

Relevance and novel information

Utilizing a lidocaine-saturated CTA to facilitate ET intubation in cats is not well described, and information on the relative risks and benefits of this specific method for laryngeal desensitization is lacking. This retrospective case series is the first to describe a complication of this technique and successful treatment. These cases highlight the risk inherent to using a CTA to desensitize the feline larynx.
Problematic social media use and vaping among Mexican-American college students
Authors: Bataineh Bara S. , Hébert Emily T. , Loukas Alexandra , Harrell Melissa B. , Yang Qinghua , Murthy Dhiraj , Schwartz Seth , Jung Sungwon , Wilkinson Anna V.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Social media use and vaping nicotine are highly prevalent in the daily lives of young adults, especially among Mexican-American college students. The excessive and compulsive use of social media platforms, coupled with the urge to stay continuously connected, can lead to problematic social media use. To date, no studies have explored the impact of problematic social media use on the daily patterns of vaping among this vulnerable population.

Methods

In Spring 2023, we employed Ecological Momentary Assessment over a period of 14 days to collect real-time daily data on participants’ social media use and vaping behaviors via a mobile phone–based application. Participants were 51 Mexican-American college students aged 18–25 years, 72.5% female, who were current vapers. We used generalized linear regression models to examine differences in vaping behaviors among participants with and without problematic social media use. All regression models adjusted for age, sex, and SES.

Results

Participants with problematic social media use vaped on an average of 5.9 days compared to 5.7 days reported by those without problematic social media use ( p < .05). Problematic social media use is associated with more frequent daily vaping [b = 0.03; 95% CI: 0.02–0.05], increased number of days vaping [b = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.07–0.20], and vaping higher nicotine concentrations [b = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.03–0.14].

Conclusion

Results suggest that problematic social media use significantly increases the risk of daily vaping among Mexican-American college students. Findings highlight the need to strengthen digital resilience and social media literacy to help college students navigate and mitigate the risks of social media.
Tweet no harm: Offer solutions when alerting the public to voter suppression efforts
Authors: Haenschen Katherine , Albertson Bethany , Jarvis Sharon
Published: September 2024

Voter suppression was a major issue during the 2018 U.S. Midterm elections. Civil rights organizations, advocacy groups, and celebrities used Twitter to urgently warn voters about potential problems at the polls. However, in raising awareness of these normatively problematic matters, these messages had the potential to negatively impact key measures of democratic health. We conduct a survey experiment exploring the effect of exposure to tweets about voter suppression on confidence in elections, democratic legitimacy, and vote intent. Tweets that highlight voter suppression without a solution depress confidence in elections across all party groups, suggesting that solely warning people about problems at the polls without concrete actions they can take in response may do more harm than good. In addition, tweets highlighting voter suppression increase democratic legitimacy among Republicans relative to Democrats, suggesting that the former see such efforts as beneficial. There is no impact of either treatment condition on vote intent. Normative implications for democracy are discussed.
Women on China’s Internet: Consumption, contestation, and challenges for empowerment
Authors: Song Yunya , Li Jiarui , Zou Sheng
Published: September 2024

This essay critically examines the evolving relationship between women and the Internet in China, incorporating a multidimensional theoretical framework to explore the nuances of digital access, usage, and empowerment over the past 30 years. While noting a significant reduction in the gender gap in Internet access, the essay highlights persistent gender disparities in usage and outcomes, influenced by socio-economic and cultural factors. It also challenges simplistic binaries by considering the complex interplay of empowerment narratives and structural constraints within the digital sphere. The essay advocates for a reevaluation of theoretical models to better understand the dynamic process of gender equality in cyberspace, emphasizing the need for ongoing research into the intersection of gender, technology, and power in China.
The Effects of Digital Storytelling on the Retention and Transferability of Student Knowledge
Authors: Ginting Daniel , Woods Ross M. , Barella Yusawinur , Limanta Liem Satya , Madkur Ahmad , How Heng Ee
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Storytelling Narrated Videos (SNV) on students’ knowledge retention and transferability. A total of 56 students from a university in Indonesia were randomly assigned to a quasi-experimental research design exposed to SNV and to Lecture Narrated Videos (LNV). Two videos were created to deliver content on Bloom’s Taxonomy, one using a lecture-style format and the other adopting a storytelling approach. Data were collected through tests, questionnaires, and essays. The findings revealed that participants exposed to SNV had higher retention memory scores, indicating a positive impact on knowledge retention compared to those who watched LNV. Moreover, the storytelling videos facilitated cognitive skill progression, enhanced understanding through engaging visuals, and fostered a strong connection with a familiar narrator, resulting in a more dynamic and memorable learning experience. The study also examined knowledge transfer and found that participants who watched the storytelling videos performed better in applying Bloom’s Taxonomy concepts to planning teaching objectives in the essay test. This suggests that the incorporation of storytelling narration and promoting transfer knowledge activities can enhance students’ understanding, retention, and practical application of the learned material. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of incorporating storytelling in narrated videos to improve students’ knowledge retention, transferability, and engagement in educational settings.
The Google Flights Emissions Calculation: Is It Green or Greenwashing?
Authors: Mosteller Morgan , Deale Cynthia S.
Published: September 2024

This case study explores carbon emissions through the lens of the Google Flights search engine tool, scrutinizing the calculations and procedures used to attain that data. The case study focuses on the United States and discusses both the positive influences of Google Flights toward enhancing sustainability and the criticism that the tool was initially not accurate. Additional sustainability endeavors within the airline industry, as they relate to stated emission reduction and overall climate initiative goals, are summarized. The dilemma focuses on the positive and negative aspects of the tool and how to address views about green practices versus greenwashing and other issues related to sustainability in connection with the airline industry.
Operationalizing Predictors of Postschool Success in Secondary Transition: A Delphi Study
Authors: Alverson Charlotte Y. , Reardon Kyle , Howard Christina D. , Wiebe Gerrit , Fowler Catherine H. , Rowe Dawn A. , Mazzotti Valerie L.
Published: September 2024

To improve postschool outcomes for students with disabilities, research in secondary transition has increasingly aimed to identify in-school experiences that contribute to positive outcomes after high school. Although research on postschool success for this population has recently identified seven new predictors, operational definitions and essential program characteristics remain missing. Therefore, the purpose of this Delphi study was to operationally define the seven newest predictors of postschool success in secondary transition and identify their essential program characteristics. Experts in the field of secondary transition reached consensus on an operational definition and a set of essential program characteristics for each of the seven newest predictors of postschool success. These definitions and essential program characteristics provide additional information needed to develop, implement, and evaluate effective secondary transition programs. Moreover, these results continue to move research to practice in meaningful and actionable ways. Suggestions for further research and implications are discussed.
Emerging Adults in the Military and College: An Examination of Group Differences in Identity Development, Transdiagnostic Processes, and Attitudes Toward Risk and Suicide
Authors: France Cole , Abraham Kristen M.
Published: September 2024

Little is known about how US military members experience emerging adulthood. The present study compared college-aged military members to college students regarding their experiences of emerging adulthood, foreclosed identity, attitudes toward risk, attitudes toward suicide, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation. Correlations between the variables among military members and college students were also examined. Utilizing an online survey, 140 participants (67 military members, 73 college students) who were recruited via Amazon’s Mturk completed self-report measures including: Inventory of the Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood; Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status-Revised Version; Attitude Toward Suicide Measure; Attitudes Towards Risk Questionnaire; Distress Tolerance Scale; and Difficulties with Emotion Regulation Scale. Findings are discussed and suggest identity development in military personnel during the college-age years differs from that of college students. Implications of identity development among military members are discussed and warrant further exploration.
What if You Could Treat the Same Patient Again, Would You do the Exact Same Spine Surgery? A Multi-Surgeon Survey of Their Own Revisions
Authors: Sheehan Connor , Mohamed Ayman , Schwab Frank , Burton Douglas , Okonkwo David , Eastlack Robert , Kim Han J. , Klineberg Eric , Hamilton KoJo , Bess Shay , Lafage Renaud , Lafage Virginie
Published: September 2024

Study Design

Case-based survey.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate what a group of surgeons learned from their own revisions, and what they would do differently today.

Methods

A multi-center database of ASD surgical patients was queried to identify those with at least 2 surgical procedures performed by the same surgeon between 2009 and 2019. A clinical vignette was created for each case including demographics, a timeline of events, radiographs/measurements, patient-reported outcomes, complications, and surgical strategies used for the index and revision surgeries. The operative surgeon was then asked to fill out a five-question survey aimed at determining factors that contribute to operative decision-making and planning.

Results

86 patients were operated on by 6 participating surgeons for both index and revision ASD surgery. The revised patients had similar follow-up compared to the non-revised group ( P = 0.73), with the most common complications indicating a need for revision surgery being proximal junctional failure (42%) and pseudoarthrosis (28%). Surgeons reported that they would not change their surgical strategy in 52.3% of the cases. The leading cause for revision was hardware/instrumentation issues (24.4%). Learning points included rod-related choice (23.3%), level selection (19.8), PJF prophylactic strategy (15.1%), and sagittal alignment objective (11.6%).

Conclusions

Surgeons saw opportunity in nearly half of the cases to improve outcomes by changing something in the original surgery. While 40% of the failures remained unexplained from the surgeons’ perspective, this study highlights the capacity for adopting changes in adult spinal deformity surgery and illuminates the reasoning behind certain surgical decisions.
Micro-level Contributions Towards SDG Target 12.3: Identifying the Behavioural Drivers of Household Food Waste Reduction
Authors: Zhao Ningxin , Begho Toritseju
Published: September 2024

In many Western countries, household food waste is by far the largest contributor to the overall total food waste and threatens the sustainability of the food system. In order to identify the factors that influence households’ food waste decisions and to predict behaviour towards food waste, the paper employs perspectives from the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the expectation, motivation and attitude (EMA) model. This paper extends the TPB model by adding the construct of affective states, since there is strong empirical support for this. Data from respondents in the UK who were responsible for purchasing household food and making food-related decisions were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that for the TPB, an individual’s attitude, PBC and affect had a statistically significant direct association with consumers’ intention to reduce food waste. In addition, the results show a direct positive association between intentions to reduce food waste and actual food waste behaviour. For the EMA, expectation influences motivation and attitude. Compared to the EMA, the TPB proves to be relatively good predictive models for understanding determinants of food waste reduction. The TBP also supports incorporating elements such as affective states, considering that the additional construct in the model contributes to improving understanding of consumers’ intention to reduce food waste. Collectively, household food waste can be reduced by avenues that influence individuals’ positive attitudes, increases the expectation that food waste reduction behaviour is within one’s control and evokes a positive affective state when food waste is reduced in households.

JEL Classification: D1, D12, F64, Q53
Clinical Outcomes of a Nurse-Delivered, Technology-Enabled HIV Outpatient Model
Authors: Day Sara , Wilkins Rebecca , Murungi Andrew , Antoniadi Christina , Fissahaye-Yimer Yodit , Ohene-Adomako Samuel , Asboe David , Rae Caroline
Published: September 2024

We evaluated Klick, a nurse-led, digitally enabled model of HIV outpatient care, launched in 2020. Klick's smartphone app offers online booking, remote nurse-led consultations, and results. An audit of Klick nurse-led consultations was conducted against BHIVA monitoring guidelines, and nurses were interviewed about their experience. Of 40 Klick patients audited, 4 of 5 BHIVA standards were met: 100% had documented co-medications, smoking history, blood pressure, and viral load data, and 89% received a cardiovascular risk calculation (Targets 97%-90%-90%-90%-90%). Compared to national BHIVA audit findings, Klick performed better across 22 of 24 comparable measures. Nurses safely managed a cohort comprising some complexity (eg, co-morbidities, polypharmacy); no cases were escalated off the pathway, and all were virologically suppressed. Using a digitally supported model, nurses effectively provided safe care to HIV-positive patients with predominantly stable health, enabling consultants to focus on more complex caseloads. Care was comprehensive and person-centered and obtained better outcomes compared to previous national audits.
Prospective Assessment of Outcomes After Femoral Condyle Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation With Concurrent Meniscus Allograft Transplantation
Authors: Richards Jarod A. , Rucinski Kylee , Stannard James P. , Nuelle Clayton W. , Cook James L.
Published: September 2024

Background:

Osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCAT) and meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT) have each become more commonly implemented for the treatment of young to middle-aged patients with complex knee pathology. Evidence regarding tibiofemoral OCAT in the setting of concurrent MAT is limited.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to characterize outcomes for femoral condyle OCAT with concurrent MAT (OCAT+MAT) in the ipsilateral compartment of patients after evidence-based shifts in practice. It was hypothesized that OCAT+MAT would be associated with successful outcomes characterized by statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of knee pain and function in >80% of patients for at least 2 years after transplantation.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

With institutional review board approval and documented informed consent, patients who underwent primary OCAT+MAT between 2016 and 2020 and enrolled in a lifelong registry for prospective collection of outcomes after OCAT were included. Patients with minimum 2-year follow-up data regarding complications, failures, adherence, and PROMs were analyzed. Patients who required OCAT and/or MAT revision or conversion to arthroplasty were defined as experiencing treatment failures.

Results:

A total of 23 consecutive patients (mean age, 37.1 years; mean body mass index, 28 kg/m2; 14 men) met the inclusion criteria, with a mean follow-up of 51 months (range, 24-86 months). The initial treatment success rate was 78% based on 5 initial treatment failures, and the overall success rate was 83% based on a successful revision OCAT. All failures occurred in the medial compartment. Older patient age (42.2 vs 32.1 years; P = .046) and nonadherence to postoperative restriction and rehabilitation protocols ( P = .033; odds ratio, 14) were significant risk factors for treatment failure. All measured PROMs achieved significant improvements ( P < .001) and minimum clinically important differences at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively.

Conclusion:

OCAT+MAT was associated with successful short- to mid-term outcomes in 83% of cases. Evidence-based shifts in practice were implemented before the enrollment of this patient cohort. Older patients and those who were not adherent to postoperative restriction and rehabilitation protocols had a significantly higher risk for treatment failure and subsequent conversion to arthroplasty.
Identifying Racial Disparities in Utilization and Clinical Outcomes of Ambulatory Hip Arthroscopy: Analysis of Temporal Trends and Causal Inference via Machine Learning
Authors: Lu Yining , Alder Kareme D. , Marigi Erick M. , Mickley John P. , Dancy Malik , Hevesi Mario , Levy Bruce A. , Krych Aaron J. , Okoroha Kelechi R.
Published: September 2024

Background:

Arthroscopic diagnosis and treatment of femoroacetabular pathology has experienced significant growth in the last 30 years; nevertheless, reduced utilization of orthopaedic procedures has been observed among the underrepresented population.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to examine racial differences in case incidence rates, outcomes, and complications in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. It was hypothesized that racial and ethnic minority patients would undergo hip arthroscopy at a decreased rate compared with their White counterparts but that there would be no differences in clinical outcomes.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

The State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Database and the State Emergency Department Database of New York were queried for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy between 2011 and 2017. Patients were stratified into White and racial and ethnic minority races, and intergroup comparisons were performed for utilization over time, total charges billed per encounter, 90-day emergency department (ED) visits, and revision hip arthroscopy. Temporal trends in the utilization of hip arthroscopy were identified, and racial differences in secondary outcomes were analyzed with a semiparametric method known as targeted maximum likelihood estimation (TMLE) backed by a library of machine learning algorithms.

Results:

A total of 9745 patients underwent hip arthroscopy during the study period, with 1081 patients of minority race (11.1%). White patients underwent hip arthroscopy at 5.68 (95% CI, 4.98-6.48) times the incidence rate of racial and ethnic minority patients; these incidence rates grew annually at a ratio of 1.11 in White patients compared with 1.03 in racial and ethnic minority patients ( P < .001). Based on the TMLE, racial and ethnic minority patients were significantly more likely to incur higher costs ( P < .001) and visit the ED within 90 days ( P = .049) but had negligible differences in reoperation rates at a 2-year follow-up ( P = .53). Subgroup analysis identified that higher likelihood for 90-day ED admissions among racial and ethnic minority patients compared with White patients was associated with Medicare insurance ( P = .002), median income in the lowest quartile ( P = .012), and residence in low-income neighborhoods ( P = .006).

Conclusion:

Irrespective of insurance status, racial and ethnic minority patients undergo hip arthroscopy at a lower incidence and incur higher costs per surgical encounter.
Impact of USMLE Pass/Fail Step 1 Scoring on Current Medical Students
Authors: Rothka Andrew J. , Nguyen Megan , King Tonya S. , Choi Karen Y.
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine students’ perceptions of pass/fail scoring for Step 1, particularly when applying to competitive specialties. This study also investigated whether this transition increased anxiety among medical students and elicited student perspectives on the most critical components of residency applications.

INTRODUCTION

The United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step 1 Board Exam transitioned from a traditional numeric score to pass/fail for exams taken on or after January 26, 2022. One justification for this change, according to a statement from USMLE, was to ease the transition between undergraduate and graduate medical education. Although many factors are considered when selecting candidates to interview for residency, Step 1 scores were historically used as an important metric. Few studies specifically evaluated medical student's attitudes toward the change in Step 1 grading.

METHODS

An online survey was distributed to Penn State College of Medicine medical students in the 2024 to 2027 classes. Statistical analysis was conducted on responses to research plans, attitudes regarding Step 1 pass/fail, match rates, and importance of application components.

RESULTS

There was a 21.3% response rate (127/596) to the survey with 30.7% pursuing a competitive specialty. Students applying into competitive specialties felt their chances of matching changed significantly compared to students applying to other specialties (either increased (25.6% vs 10.2%, P < .001), or decreased (28.2% vs10.3%, P < .001). Majority of students (73.2%) agreed with the decision to make Step 1 pass/fail, however, students reported increased anxiety surrounding Step 2 scores. There was a significant association between which aspects students believed were most important for matching (letters of recommendation and performance on Acting Internships) and those they believed program directors would weigh heaviest ( P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Medical students report increased anxiety with Step 2 after Step 1 became pass/fail, although students overwhelmingly agreed with this change. To address this, medical schools should offer further guidance and resources to students, focusing on mentorship and methods to optimize residency applications for their chosen specialties.
Geek saviours to the rescue? Primitive accumulation, astropropriation, and exoimperialism in NewSpace entrepreneurship
Authors: Dy Angela Martinez , Roberts David
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we examine the contemporary commercial space race – colloquially known as NewSpace – from a Marxian, technofeminist and decolonial perspective. Theorising the emergent entrepreneurial activities aimed at the human colonisation and exploitation of outer space as part of an ongoing process of primitive accumulation, we contribute innovative conceptualisations of 21st century entrepreneurial space adventurism as exoimperialism, and the privatisation of outer space resources as astropropriation. We develop the notion of geek saviourism as a function of the new geek hegemony within normative white masculinity, used to justify species-level risk under the auspices of homo entrepreneurus, a subgenre of homo economicus. Our critical examination exhorts extreme caution regarding NewSpace entrepreneurial activities, given the longstanding trajectory of entrepreneurial coloniality they reproduce, the mythoi from which they stem, and the devastatingly unequal sociogeny they can generate.
The struggle against post-truth politics has always been about white supremacy: Lessons from the informational praxis of SNCC
Authors: Inwood Joshua FJ , Alderman Derek H
Published: September 2024

Exacerbated but by no means invented by President Donald Trump, post-truth politics are defined as a disregard for facts in political discourse and policymaking. The post-truth era is dominated by two forms of informational praxis: misinformation and disinformation. Through the archival record of civil rights organizations, we argue we should not see the present era of post-truth politics as new but instead see it as part of a more prolonged struggle over white supremacy and the broader effort to contain challenges to the US economic and racial order. By contextualizing the geography of post-truth politics, the strategies and tactics civil rights groups use to counter white supremacist lies are important to understand, especially in an era where social media can spread lies and disinformation at lightning-quick speed. Thus, we also explore how civil rights organizations challenged disinformation and the control and suppression of information perpetuated by those in power.
Darker Patterns? AI-generated Persuasion and the Regulatory Void in Indian Law
Authors: Chauhan Krishna Deo Singh , Anupriya
Published: September 2024

Increased time spent by users in virtual environments globally coupled with the choice architectures created by artificial intelligence (AI) systems within these virtual environments means that the AI systems can ‘persuade’ users to take certain actions or abstain from them. In this article, we address this issue through the lens of ‘dark patterns’. Dark patterns are features of the user interface that shape the actions of the users in different ways, getting them to act in ways that they might not act otherwise and that are not necessarily beneficial for them. Recently, regulatory action has been undertaken in various jurisdictions to contain the menace of dark patterns, including in India. But can these measures prevent dark patterns that are powered by AI systems? In this article, we argue that they cannot, as AI-powered dark patterns work at a deep level of behavioural change, making users’ choices appear uninfluenced by manipulation. The laws pertaining to unfair trade practices, transparency and labelling obligations are also not sufficient to deal with these problems. We conclude with an appeal for a holistic approach to AI-powered dark patterns that engage in persuasive behaviour.
Serial OCT Imaging of Spontaneous Closure of a Pediatric Traumatic Macular Hole
Authors: Tsai Andrew S.H. , Kaufman Aaron R. , Chan R.V. Paul
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To describe a case of spontaneous closure of a pediatric traumatic macular hole (MH) using serial optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Methods: A single case was evaluated. Results: An 8-year-old girl developed a full-thickness MH in the right eye after sustaining blunt trauma from a bungee cord. She was observed monthly. By 3 months, the MH spontaneously closed, at which time an epiretinal membrane (ERM) developed. Spontaneous release of the posterior hyaloid and ERM at 5 months resulted in a relatively normal foveal contour. At the patient’s last follow-up, the visual acuity in the right eye had improved from 20/80 to 20/30. Conclusions: Observation of a pediatric traumatic MH is a viable initial treatment option. Serial OCT imaging was useful in observing the natural history and mechanism behind spontaneous closure of a traumatic MH.
A contrastive study on the semantic extension patterns of Chinese and Korean body part classifiers
Authors: Shin Geunyoung
Published: September 2024

In the study of linguistics, body terms are words that denote parts of the human body and, grammatically, they are used as nouns. However, upon examining numerous linguistic materials, it has been observed that body terms do not merely signify body parts but function as classifiers, distinguishing the ‘type’ of the nouns that follow. Although Chinese and Korean belong to different language families, the use of body terms as classifiers can be found in both languages. Notably, in Korean, body part classifiers can be represented by Chinese characters. This can be inferred as a universal phenomenon within the ‘Chinese character cultural sphere’. However, the usage of body term classifiers is not identical in both countries, reflecting language-specific phenomena based on the unique characteristics of each language. This study has conducted a comparative analysis of the usage of body term classifiers in Chinese and Korean and interpreted the mechanisms by which body terms have expanded to function as classifiers from a cognitive perspective.
Pandemic-induced Migration From Campus to Digital Mode: Experiences From Social Work Students and Teachers in India and Sweden
Authors: Magnusson Jan , Jha Manish K.
Published: September 2024

The article explores the rapid COVID-19 pandemic-induced migration from campus to digital modes of education in 2020–2021. The process of this migration offers an opportunity to examine some important issues related to digital teaching, learning, and education during the pandemic. Based on our study of the School of Social Work at Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai, India, and the School of Social Work at Lund University, Sweden, we explore and compare the social component in the experiences of students and teachers at the two institutions. The data collection draws on focus group sessions and interviews complemented by various relevant institutional documents and our own experiences at our respective institutions. The core argument we put forth in the article is that the Swedish student and teacher response to the pandemic-induced crisis and the migration to digital classes was a case of ‘trusting the state’, as they were passively waiting for top-down initiatives and instructions. On the other hand, the response at the Indian institution was a case of ‘trusting ourselves’, not waiting for top-down instructions and support but creating bottom-up solutions within the internal community of teachers and students. We also highlight the different perceptions and the impact of teaching and studying from home on physical and emotional levels. While we present the differences and specificity around the expectations of teachers and students at the two institutions, we also elucidate their patience, perseverance and innovation while engaging with the realities of work and studying from home while being kept away from campus.
Creativity, embodiment, and COVID-19: Discovering new research horizons under methodological and environmental constraints
Authors: Gubenko Alla
Published: September 2024

COVID-19 has been a powerful reminder of the role that our bodies and physical context play in our lives. The pandemic revealed that human embodiment and many ways creative cognition is affected by the physical world and environmental constraints remain among the least understood aspects in the psychology of creativity, where creativity tends to be presented as an individual’s mental ability. In this autoethnographic article, I reflect on how restrictions and methodological constraints that I, as a researcher, experienced during the pandemic have informed five insights about the domain of my scientific inquiry. Through these five takeaways from the pandemic, I sketch a new picture of the creative process—a process that is situated, embodied, tool-mediated, and collaborative. I emphasize the importance of acting on opportunities amid a crisis and outline promising research directions for future creativity scholars across disciplinary borders.
Down and out but undeterred: A narrative on utilizing the new mobilities paradigm for contraint-based methodological research as an international student during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Rodriguez Cody
Published: September 2024

The Covid-19 pandemic led to lockdowns in Australia that inhibited the mobility of residents across the nation. While keeping many from leaving the country under a Covid Zero policy, the lockdowns also kept numerous international students from entering the country to commence their studies. Such disruption led to major constraints for a plethora of doctoral students and their graduate research projects. The constraints brought on by pandemic disruptions especially impacted every stage of the graduate research experience for aspiring ethnographers. Such challenges ranged from the stressful navigation of Covid restricted international travel, working around the university bureaucratic runaround in an ever-changing pandemic scenario, to discovering and utilizing the new mobilities paradigm to construct a doable thesis project under strict timelines. The reflective narrative presented here is a small contribution to the greater collection of stories about international graduate researchers making the most with very little during a constraint filled period of academic history.
A database of shake-table tests conducted on unreinforced masonry buildings
Authors: Haindl Mathias , Smith Ian F.C. , Beyer Katrin
Published: September 2024

Experimental results obtained from shake-table tests on complete unreinforced masonry buildings (URM) play a crucial role in enhancing modeling techniques and reducing uncertainties in seismic assessments for this type of building. This paper presents an open-access database comprising 69 shake-table tests on URM buildings with a scale equal to or larger than 1:4 that have been documented in the literature. The database summarizes important geometric parameters, structural characteristics, and experimental results, including maximum shake-table accelerations, story drifts, and evolution of dynamic properties, as well as qualitative information such as observed failure modes and damage progression throughout the experiments. This database is meant to serve the research community as a resource for planning future experimental campaigns, benchmarking numerical models, validating analysis methods, and improving predictive capabilities. As an example application, we generate vulnerability functions (fragility curves) from the experimental data. Our findings reveal that buildings tested in experiments are less vulnerable compared to real buildings, particularly when severe damage is observed and when the ground motion intensity is low to moderate. The ultimate objective is to facilitate the exchange of experimental data and boost collaborative approaches in the seismic assessment of URM buildings.
Deep-neural-network model for predicting ground motion parameters using earthquake horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios
Authors: Pan Da , Miura Hiroyuki
Published: September 2024

This study proposed a deep-neural-network (DNN) model for seismic ground motion prediction by utilizing a unified strong motion database by the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience, and earthquake horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (EHVR) database in Japan. The model aims to enhance the accuracy of predictions by incorporating the EHVRs for complementing site effects, and utilizing existing ground motion prediction equations (GMPE) as the base model for source and propagation path effects. The hybrid approach enables the prediction of peak ground accelerations (PGAs), peak ground velocities (PGVs), and 5% damped absolute acceleration response spectra (SAs). After classifying the training and test sets from the database, the trained DNN models were applied on the test set to evaluate the performance of the predicted results. The accuracy assessment by the residuals, R-squared ( R2), and root mean square error (RMSE) between the predicted and observed values in the test set revealed the superior performance of the proposed model compared with the traditional GMPE with proxy-based site effects such as V S30s especially in predicting both the spectral amplitude and shape of SAs.
Low-grade systemic inflammation and peripheral airway function
Authors: Färdig Martin , Zaigham Suneela , Engström Gunnar , Janson Christer , Wollmer Per , Malinovschi Andrei
Published: September 2024

Background

Low-grade systemic inflammation is linked to abnormal spirometry. Impulse oscillometry (IOS) is sensitive in detecting peripheral airway dysfunction, but inflammation in relation to IOS is poorly studied. The objectives of the present study were to analyse associations between C-reactive protein (CRP), blood eosinophils (B-Eos), blood neutrophils (B-Neu), blood lymphocytes (B-Lym), blood leukocytes (B-Leu), blood monocytes (B-Mono) and IOS.

Methods

Blood biomarkers and IOS were assessed in 10 602 adults (aged 50–65 years) within the Swedish CardioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS). Upper tertiles for CRP (>1.80 mg·L−1), B-Eos (>0.20 109·L−1), B-Neu (>3.40 109·L−1), B-Lym (>2.00 109·L−1), B-Leu (>6.10 109·L−1) and B-Mono (>0.50 109·L−1) were analysed in relation to the following abnormal IOS indices: resistance at 5 Hz, resistance at 20 Hz, area of reactance, resonant frequency (>95th percentile) and reactance at 5 Hz (<5th percentile), based on healthy, never-smoking SCAPIS participants.

Results

Abnormal IOS was observed in 1715 (16.2%), of which 580 (33.8%) also had abnormal spirometry. Having several blood biomarkers in the upper tertile (1, 2–3 or 4–6versus0) was overall associated with abnormal IOS; adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) ranging from 1.19 (1.02–1.38) to 2.27 (1.79–2.89). Furthermore, having 2–3 or more blood biomarkersversus0 in the upper tertile was overall linked to abnormal IOS in participants with normal spirometry; adjusted OR (95% CI) ranging from 1.43 (1.17–1.75) to 1.75 (1.29–2.38).

Conclusions

Low-grade systemic inflammation was related to abnormal IOS and appeared consistent even when participants had normal spirometry.
Digital rectal exam in prostate cancer screening: a critical review of the ERSPC Rotterdam study
Authors: Bouras Samir
Published: September 2024

The history of prostate cancer screening has evolved from relying on the Digital Rectal Exam to the introduction of PSA test. Initially, DRE was the cornerstone for diagnosing aggressive PCa, but the advent of PSA testing allowed for proactive detection. Distinctions between screening for the general population and early detection for individuals are vital. The French Onco-Urology Recommendations cite the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC), highlighting a 21% reduction in mortality using total PSA for screening, endorsing DRE in combination with PSA for early detection. However, a comprehensive analysis of the ERSPC study raises questions about DRE's role in screening. Studies indicate weak correlations between DRE and PCa diagnosis, especially with low PSA values. DRE's reproducibility is also a concern. As the ERSPC study progressed, DRE's significance diminished, and PSA became the primary screening tool. Other trials omitted DRE from their protocols, emphasizing PSA’s dominance. While some studies advocate for DRE in specific contexts, its overall utility in screening is questionable. It can be uncomfortable, has low sensitivity and specificity, and may lead to unnecessary biopsies. Controversies persist regarding its role in follow-up tests after the initial screening. In summary, the analysis of various publications suggests that DRE has limited value in subsequent PCa screening procedures, particularly in regions where screening has evolved beyond its initial use. PSA's dominance underscores the diminishing role of DRE in modern PCa screening practices.
Genetic and genomic analysis of reproduction traits in holstein cattle using SNP chip data and imputed sequence level genotypes
Authors: Schwarz Leopold , Križanac Ana-Marija , Schneider Helen , Falker-Gieske Clemens , Heise Johannes , Liu Zengting , Bennewitz Jörn , Thaller Georg , Tetens Jens
Published: September 2024

Background

Reproductive performance plays an important role in animal welfare, health and profitability in animal husbandry and breeding. It is well established that there is a negative correlation between performance and reproduction in dairy cattle. This relationship is being increasingly considered in breeding programs. By elucidating the genetic architecture of underlying reproduction traits, it will be possible to make a more detailed contribution to this. Our study followed two approaches to elucidate this area; in a first part, variance components were estimated for 14 different calving and fertility traits, and then genome-wide association studies were performed for 13 reproduction traits on imputed sequence-level genotypes with subsequent enrichment analyses.

Results

Variance components analyses showed a low to moderate heritability (h2) for the traits analysed, ranging from 0.014 for endometritis up to 0.271 for stillbirth, indicating variable degrees of variation within the reproduction traits. For genome-wide association studies, we were able to detect genome-wide significant association signals for nine out of 13 analysed traits after Bonferroni correction on chromosome 6, 18 and the X chromosome. In total, we detected over 2700 associated SNPs encircling more than 90 different genes using the imputed whole-genome sequence data. Functional associations were reviewed so far known and potential candidate regions in the proximity of reproduction events were hypothesised.

Conclusion

Our results confirm previous findings of other authors in a comprehensive cohort including 13 different traits at the same time. Additionally, we identified new candidate genes involved in dairy cattle reproduction and made initial suggestions regarding their potential impact, with special regard to the X chromosome as a putative information source for further research. This work can make a contribution to reveal the genetic architecture of reproduction traits in context of trait specific interactions.
Physical activity from the perspective of older adults: a convergent mixed-method study
Authors: Nilstomt Anna , Gustavsson Johanna , Beckman Linda , Bäccman Charlotte , Nilson Finn , Wagnsson Stefan , Wästlund Erik
Published: September 2024

Background

Older adults are insufficiently physically active, despite its importance for healthy aging. To develop appropriate physical activity interventions, it is necessary to understand their physical activity. This study applies a theoretical perspective, the COM-B model, and a mixed-method design to examine what influences older adults’ physical activity levels with three questions: (1) What individual and external factors predict older adults’ physical activity levels? (2) What do older adults perceive as influencing their levels of physical activity? (3) To what extent do the quantitative results on older adults’ physical activity levels agree and disagree with the qualitative findings on older adults’ physical activity levels?

Methods

A convergent mixed-method design was used with questionnaire (n = 334) and interview (n = 14) data from adults 65 years and older. Regression analyses were used for quantitative measurements: physical activity, age, subjective socioeconomic status, health status, capability, opportunity, motivation, and depression. Content analysis was applied to the qualitative data. The two forms of data were then integrated to provide greater insights than would be obtained by either dataset separately.

Results

The regression analyses showed that previous physical activity, current motivation, health status, and age significantly predicted older adults’ physical activity levels. The content analysis revealed that participants addressed all subcomponents of the COM-B model, indicating its pertinence in understanding how older adults discuss their current physical activity levels. The integrated findings showed convergent and divergent results. Overall results indicated that previous physical activity engagement, present motivation, capability, and opportunity influenced older adults’ physical activity levels.

Conclusions

This study is the first to use this mixed-methods design to examine factors influencing physical activity levels among older adults living in rental apartments with community hosts. The integrated result reveals convergence for findings on motivation and physical capability but divergence on psychological capability, opportunity, and previous physical activity. The findings underscore a complex interplay of factors influencing older adults’ physical activity levels and indicate relevance for the COM-B model. The results can guide future research on theoretically informed interventions to promote physical activity and healthy aging. Future research should clarify the role of opportunity for older adults’ physical activity.