bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Development in Lambdoid Craniosynostosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chiang Sarah N. , Fotouhi Annahita R. , Doering Michelle M. , Skolnick Gary B. , Naidoo Sybill D. , Strahle Jennifer M. , McEvoy Sean D. , Patel Kamlesh B.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Lambdoid craniosynostosis affects approximately 1 in 33 000 live births per year, and surgical correction is often sought in order to achieve normocephaly and allow for adequate brain growth. However, the effects of lambdoid synostosis and its treatment on cognitive development are unknown.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Patients, Participants

A systematic review of Ovid Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Clinicaltrials.gov was conducted in January 2022. Included studies assessed cognitive development of patients with nonsyndromic unilateral lambdoid craniosynostosis.

Main Outcome Measures

Results of developmental tests were compared to normative data or controls to generate Hedges’ g for meta-analysis.

Results

Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of 3 studies describing general cognition showed that cases scored significantly lower than their peers, but within 1 standard deviation ( g = 0.37, 95% CI [−0.64, −0.10], P = .01). Meta-analysis of verbal and psychomotor development showed no significant differences in children with lambdoid synostosis. Studies were of fair quality and had moderate-to-high heterogeneity.

Conclusions

Patients with lambdoid craniosynostosis may score slightly below average on tests of general cognition in comparison to normal controls, but results in other domains are variable. Analyses were limited by small sample sizes. Multidisciplinary care and involvement of a child psychologist may be helpful in identifying areas of concern and providing adequate scholastic support. Further research recruiting larger cohorts will be necessary to confirm these findings and extend them to other developmental domains such as attention and executive function.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration to Care for Students Diagnosed with PANDAS: An Education and Referral Intervention
Authors: Boyd Tiffany M. , Moyer Susan M. , Lambert Dawn
Published: September 2022

Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) is an autoimmune disorder associated with sudden onset of behavior changes. The prevalence of PANDAS is increasing in schools and interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge, and the use of referrals to the school nurse are important for supporting students. This project sought to provide education on PANDAS to the interdisciplinary school team and implement a referral process for students exhibiting behavior changes. A self-directed online educational intervention was employed. A pretest-posttest design was utilized to assess knowledge before, immediately after, and six-weeks after the educational intervention. A referral log was implemented to track the number of referrals to the school nurse. The final sample size included 19 participants. Mean scores increased from pretest to posttest, and the implementation of a referral system produced 12 new school nurse referrals. Further strategies are needed to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and support students experiencing health-related issues.
Would You Like to Know More? Selection, Socialization, and the Political Attitudes of Military Veterans
Authors: Chatagnier J. Tyson , Klingler Jonathan D.
Published: September 2022

Although an initial wave of research during the Vietnam War era suggested that the political attitudes of American veterans were not significantly different from those of the public at large, more recent studies argue that this may no longer be true. Thus far, however, the reason for this difference has gone unexplored: are veterans from the volunteer era different because a certain type of person is drawn to military life (selection), or are their attitudes shaped by their experience of service (socialization)? Using new survey data on the political attitudes of Americans, and statistical techniques designed to improve our estimation of the difference between selection and socialization effects, we examine this question, assessing the extent to which the two factors play a role in this attitudinal difference. Our results have implications for political representation, as well as the impact of partisan polarization and recruitment patterns on civil–military relations.
Understanding the Dimensions of Post-Event Processing: Applying a Bifactor Modeling Approach to the EPEPQ-15
Authors: Wong Quincy J. J. , Hamrick Hannah C. , Clague Caitlin A. , Judah Matt R.
Published: September 2022

Social anxiety disorder is maintained in part by rumination about past social experiences, known as post-event processing. The Extended Post-Event Processing Questionnaire (EPEPQ-15) assesses post-event processing as three correlated factors. Competing against this structure is a bifactor model that has not yet been evaluated for the EPEPQ-15. These models were tested for the conventional state version of the EPEPQ-15 and a new trait version in two separate samples ( Ns = 327 and 351). In both samples, the fit of the bifactor model was better than that of correlated factor models. Moreover, the results did not support the group factors, indicating that a unidimensional interpretation of the EPEPQ-15 is most appropriate. The general dimension of the EPEPQ-15 was highly correlated with social interaction anxiety, beliefs related to social anxiety, anticipatory processing, and safety behaviors. These results overall suggest post-event processing is best conceptualized as a unitary construct.
Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Scott Laura N. , Fiume Monice , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Heldreth Bart
Published: September 2022

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and 5 derivatives as used in cosmetics. These ingredients named in this report are reported to function in cosmetics as hair conditioning agents, and Panthenol also is reported to function as a skin-conditioning agent-humectant and a solvent. The Panel reviewed relevant data for these ingredients, and concluded that these 7 ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use concentration described in this safety assessment.
Forecasting Tourism in the EU after the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Gunter Ulrich , Smeral Egon , Zekan Bozana
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has restricted both business and social life over the last two years. Stop-and-go policies enacted as containment measures have further impacted the global economy, and tourism in particular. Tourism demand shows only weak signs of a sustainable recovery. The medium-term outlook remains highly uncertain, and yet few studies have addressed the development of the tourism and leisure industries in the years ahead. In this context, we forecast demand in selected EU countries in terms of total expenditure on outbound travel (tourism imports) using a panel pooled Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) approach. Baseline and downside scenarios are elaborated to project demand for foreign travel until 2025.
Effect of Number of Retrieved Lymph Nodes on Prognosis in FIGO Stage IA1-IIA2 Cervical Cancer Patients Treated With Primary Radical Surgery
Authors: Jiang Shan , Jiang Peng , Jiang Tingting , Tu Yuan , Zhang Jingni , Li Ning , Kong Wei , Huang Yuzhen , Yuan Rui
Published: September 2022

Background:

The influence of the number of removed lymph nodes (RLNs) on patients with early-stage cervical cancer (ESCC) is still questionable. The objective of this study was to explore the prognostic value of RLNs on ESCC patients.

Methods:

A retrospective study was performed including all ESCC patients who underwent radical surgery from January 2016 to December 2018. Cox regression analysis was performed to verify the correlation between the number of RLNs and the prognosis (recurrence-free survival [RFS], disease-specific survival [DSS]) of ESCC. According to the guidelines, all the patients were divided into high-risk and non-high-risk groups. The optimal cut-off values of RLNs were determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and Youden index and further the prognostic value of them was explored.

Results:

A total 1101 patients were enrolled. The number of RLNs was an independent prognostic influence factor of the prognosis of ESCC ( P < .001 for RFS, P < .001 for DSS). The optimal cut-off values of RLNs (40 in the high-risk group and 23 in the non-high-risk group) were significantly associated with the prognosis of ESCC, in the high-risk group ( P < .001 for RFS, P = .002 for DSS) and non-high-risk group ( P < .001 for RFS, P < .001 for DSS), respectively.

Conclusions:

More extensive lymph node dissection (RLNs ⩾ 40) could benefit the high-risk ESCC patients. However, in the non-high-risk group, moderate lymph node dissection (RLNs ≈23) could also benefit them and may reduce the incidence of related complications. Those findings may help to determine the scope of lymph node dissection in ESCC patients before operation.
Pedagogical practices, curriculum development, and student experiences within postsecondary music education: A systematic literature review
Authors: Massy Paul J , Sembiante Sabrina F
Published: September 2022

This systematic literature review seeks to examine the pedagogical practices, professional relationships, and curricular development that impact teachers’ and students’ experiences in the postsecondary music education field as well as the theoretical frameworks and methodological design guiding the inquiry of included studies. A literature search following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was undertaken, resulting in a sample of 14 studies from across eight countries and conducted between 2010 and 2020. Patterns in the findings across studies were found with regard to (a) critical pedagogical practices, (b) responsive pedagogical practices, (c) student experiential and institutional value mis/matches, and (d) the affordances of music education curricular revision. From this comprehensive review of the literature, research in this area indicates a postcolonial shift aiming to decenter traditional Western music and forefront more culturally relevant, community-based, student-responsive musical constructs and/or practices. This synthesis of results reveals synergy in the direction and research objectives of the music performance and teaching and learning fields, often separated, but mutually benefited when bridged together within an intersecting space.
Sensorimotor network dynamics predict decline in upper and lower limb function in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Strik Myrte , Eijlers Anand JC , Dekker Iris , Broeders Tommy AA , Douw Linda , Killestein Joep , Kolbe Scott C , Geurts Jeroen JG , Schoonheim Menno M
Published: September 2022

Background:

Upper and lower limb disabilities are hypothesized to have partially independent underlying (network) disturbances in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

This study investigated functional network predictors and longitudinal network changes related to upper and lower limb progression in MS.

Methods:

Two-hundred fourteen MS patients and 58 controls underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), dexterity (9-Hole Peg Test) and mobility (Timed 25-Foot Walk) measurements (baseline and 5 years). Patients were stratified into progressors (>20% decline) or non-progressors. Functional network efficiency was calculated using static (over entire scan) and dynamic (fluctuations during scan) approaches. Baseline measurements were used to predict progression; significant predictors were explored over time.

Results:

In both limbs, progression was related to supplementary motor area and caudate efficiency (dynamic and static, respectively). Upper limb progression showed additional specific predictors; cortical grey matter volume, putamen static efficiency and posterior associative sensory (PAS) cortex, putamen, primary somatosensory cortex and thalamus dynamic efficiency. Additional lower limb predictors included motor network grey matter volume, caudate (dynamic) and PAS (static). Only the caudate showed a decline in efficiency over time in one group (non-progressors).

Conclusion:

Disability progression can be predicted using sensorimotor network measures. Upper and lower limb progression showed unique predictors, possibly indicating different network disturbances underlying these types of progression in MS.
The effect of an mHealth intervention for adolescents with Type 1 diabetes and their parents
Authors: Holtz Bree E , Mitchell Katharine M , Holmstrom Amanda J , Hershey Denise S , Cotten Shelia R , Dunneback Julie K , Ellis Deborah A , Wood Michael A
Published: September 2022

Background

Past research has demonstrated that adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) typically have a decline in health outcomes as they begin to assume more self-management activities. Mobile app interventions have been suggested as one possible way to improve this behavior.

Purpose

The primary aim of this study was to address declines in health outcomes by pilot testing the satisfaction, use and feasibility of an app-based family communication intervention aimed to assist in adolescent self-management of T1D.

Methods

Thirty-three adolescent–parent pairs were enrolled in and completed the 12-week pilot study. Participants were randomized 2:1 to intervention (app use) or control group. Pre/post quantitative and qualitative data were collected, including HbA1c and surveys. Paired-sample t-tests and ANOVA statistics were conducted.

Results

The parents and adolescents reported high satisfaction with the app, and that it was easy to use. Results showed HbA1c stability in the intervention group and significant worsening in the control group. There were also significant improvements in adherence to diabetes management and quality of life for the parents in the intervention group. The adolescents did not show any improvement in quality-of-life measures.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the app intervention is acceptable, shows promise for improving health outcomes for adolescents with T1D, and may improve family communication. The public health implications of this work are that app interventions have a potential role in positively influencing chronic disease outcomes. Additional research with a more extensive and diverse sample is needed to determine generalizability.
Nonlinear dynamic response of sea-crossing bridges to 3D correlated wind and wave loads
Authors: Fang Chen , Li Yongle , Xu You-Lin
Published: September 2022

Long span sea-crossing bridges are often slender and sensitive to wind and wave loads. Nonlinear dynamic response analysis of the bridges under three-dimensional (3D) correlated wind and wave loads is performed in this study in consideration of both geometric and aerodynamic nonlinearities. An optimized C-vine copula is first used to construct a 3D joint probability distribution and environmental contour of mean wind speed, significant wave height and peak wave period. Multi-point fluctuating wind loads with Davenport coherence function and random wave loads with pile group effect are then determined using wind and wave spectra respectively. The nonlinear wind-wave-bridge system considering geometric and aerodynamic nonlinearities is solved by the Newmark-β method with the 3D correlated wind and wave parameters as an input. The proposed approach is finally applied to a real sea-crossing cable-stayed bridge with the measured wind and wave data. The results show that the nonlinear response of the bridge is higher than its linear response with the same input. The bridge response is significantly reduced if the 3D correlated wind and wave loads other than conventional uncorrelated wind and wave loads are considered.
Experimental investigation on the bond performance of sea sand coral concrete with FRP bar reinforcement for marine environments
Authors: Sun Li , Wang Cha , Zhang Chunwei , Yang Zeyu , Li Chuang , Qiao Pizhong
Published: September 2022

The world is rich in marine resources, and the use of seawater, sea sand and coral instead of fresh water, river sand and gravel can solve problems such as the scarcity of traditional materials for marine engineering construction. Additionally, fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars have demonstrated excellent corrosion resistance performance, which can effectively solve the problem of the corrosion of steel in harsh marine environments. To study the bond performance between FRP bars and sea sand coral concrete (SSCC), 72 specimens of direct Pull-out were designed, and relevant tests were carried out to explore the effects of fibre types, bar diameters, bond lengths and SSCC strength grades. The results show that the bond strength between carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars and SSCC was higher than that of basalt fibre-reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars and glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars. The splitting damage pattern occurred in most of the specimens; the bond strength between FRP bars and SSCC decreased with increasing diameter and bond length of FRP bars but increased with increasing SSCC strength grade. As a result, by fitting the bond-slip curves obtained from the tests, the bond-slip constitutive relationship between FRP bars and SSCC specimens was obtained, which clearly and precisely represents the bond failure process of SSCC with FRP bar reinforcement.
Investigation on cage motions in high speed angular contact ball bearing with clearance fit between the outer ring and housing
Authors: Yan Shuping , Qu Qiong , Liu Minghui , Zhang Yubing , Yu Chunlan , Wang Fengtao
Published: September 2022

As one of the bearing vibration sources, cage motions were often investigated for distinguishing the bearing performance. However, when the ball bearing works under complex conditions, there may be clearance fit between outer ring and housing, cage motions are affected seriously, which is less considered in previous studies. Thus, a dynamic model for the ball bearing with clearance fit was proposed, and effects of clearance fit on the cage motions were studied. The constructed model is verified by the experiment in the literature. In the obtained results, the whirl orbit, poincare map, cage velocity deviation ratio were given for defining the whirl stability of cage motions. The cage whirl stability declined with the enlargement of clearance fit and initial contact angle. Whereas, the cage whirl stability enhanced with the increasing guiding clearance. The above results may offer some advice for the design and using of angular contact ball bearing.
Sharing their ideas with the world: The views and voices of young children
Authors: Gaches Sonya
Published: September 2022

Following a report from the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child Monitoring Group in 2017 noting that in Aotearoa New Zealand children’s views were not being sought in matters regarding their school, play and feelings of safety, the Children’s Commissioner conducted research with school-aged children seeking their related perspectives. However, young children’s perspectives, those under 5 years old, have not been included in this research. Concurrently, this researcher sought to learn more about children of her new community having recently relocated to Aotearoa New Zealand. In response to these two circumstances this small-scale study presents the views and voices of 12 young children regarding when and how they learn, how they participate in their communities and their hopes for the future.
The Issue of Noncompliance in Attention Check Questions: False Positives in Instructed Response Items
Authors: Silber Henning , Roßmann Joss , Gummer Tobias
Published: September 2022

Attention checks detect inattentiveness by instructing respondents to perform a specific task. However, while respondents may correctly process the task, they may choose to not comply with the instructions. We investigated the issue of noncompliance in attention checks in two web surveys. In Study 1, we measured respondents’ attitudes toward attention checks and their self-reported compliance. In Study 2, we experimentally varied the reasons given to respondents for conducting the attention check. Our results showed that while most respondents understand why attention checks are conducted, a nonnegligible proportion of respondents evaluated them as controlling or annoying. Most respondents passed the attention check; however, among those who failed the test, 61% seem to have failed the task deliberately. These findings reinforce that noncompliance is a serious concern with attention check instruments. The results of our experiment showed that more respondents passed the attention check if a comprehensible reason was given.
A Comparison of Three Designs for List-style Open-ended Questions in Web Surveys
Authors: Kunz Tanja , Meitinger Katharina
Published: September 2022

Although list-style open-ended questions generally help us gain deeper insights into respondents’ thoughts, opinions, and behaviors, the quality of responses is often compromised. We tested a dynamic and a follow-up design to motivate respondents to give higher quality responses than with a static design, but without overburdening them. Our results showed that a follow-up design achieved longer responses with more themes and theme areas than a static design. In contrast, the dynamic design produced the shortest answers with the fewest themes and theme areas. No differences in item nonresponse and only minor differences in additional response burden were found among the three list-style designs. Our study shows that design features and timing are crucial to clarify the desired response format and motivate respondents to give high-quality answers to list-style open-ended questions.
Extracts of the Medicinal Plants Pao Pereira and Rauwolfia vomitoria Inhibit Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells In Vitro
Authors: Chen Ping , Dong Ruochen , Chen Qi
Published: September 2022

Ovarian cancer has an enrichment of cancer stem cells (CSCs) which contribute to the treatment resistant tumor’s high rate of recurrence and metastasis. Here we investigated 2 plant extracts from the medicinal plants Pao Pereira (Pao) and Rauwolfia vomitoria (Rau) each for their activities against ovarian CSCs. Both Pao and Rau inhibited overall proliferation of human ovarian cancer cell lines with IC50 ranging from 210 to 420 μg/mL and had limited cytotoxicity to normal epithelial cells. Ovarian CSC population was examined using cell surface markers and tumor spheroid formation assays. The results showed that both Pao and Rau treatment significantly reduced the ovarian CSC population. Pao and Rau had similar activities in inhibiting ovarian CSCs, with IC50s of ~120 μg/mL for 24 hours treatment, and ~50 μg/mL for long-term tumor spheroid formation. Nuclear β-catenin levels were decreased, suggesting suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Taken together, data here showed that Pao and Rau both inhibited ovarian cancer stem cells, probably in preference to the bulk of tumor cells. Further mechanistic studies and in vivo investigation validating these findings are warranted, given that inhibition of cancer stem cells holds the promise of comprehensively inhibiting cancer metastasis, drug resistance and recurrence.
Is External Carotid Artery Hemodynamics Helpful in Detecting Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis?
Authors: Zakko Jason , Shah Kejal , Best Cameron , Baetz Laureen , Haurani Mounir J. , Satiani Bhagwan
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

There is a paucity of validated external carotid artery (ECA) velocity criteria and data on the association between ECA velocities and internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis by carotid duplex ultrasound (CDU) scanning. Our objectives were to determine the relationships between ECA peak systolic velocity (PSV) and percent stenosis seen on confirmatory imaging, as well as to correlate ECA hemodynamics with known ICA disease by CDU.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who had CDU, as well as confirmatory testing such as angiography, at a single academic medical center. ICA stenosis was grouped into 4 categories (0 = <50%, 1 = 50%-69%, 2 = 70%-99%, 3 = 100%) based on validated CDU criteria. ECA PSVs were analyzed, in addition to degree of both ECA and ICA stenosis from the same CDU study.

Results:

Of 247 carotid arteries reviewed, 136 vessels were included in the final analysis. The mean PSV of the normal ECA cohort (<50% ECA stenosis per the NASCET measurement method) was 135.3 ± 82.1 cm/s, and the mean PSV of the diseased ECA cohort was 279.7 ± 112.2 cm/s. Mean ECA PSV for each category of ICA stenosis was: ICA category 0 = 119.9 cm/s; category 1 = 200.4 cm/s; category 2 = 167.7 cm/s; and category 3 = 155.5 cm/s. There was a statistically significant but non-linear difference in ECA velocities between ICA stenosis categories 0 vs 1 (mean rank diff. −49.91 cm/s; P = .0007); and 0 vs 2 (mean rank diff. −32.61 cm/s; P = .0047).

Conclusion:

We have demonstrated a possible separation of <50% vs ≥50% stenosis of the ICA using ECA PSV. Although the data suggest a weak but statistically significant correlation between ECA PSV and degree of ICA stenosis, further data with a larger sample size and confirmatory studies are needed to utilize ECA hemodynamics to indicate ICA disease.
The spatial organization of hybrid Scrum meetings: A multimodal conversation analysis study
Authors: Büyükgüzel Safinaz , Balaman Ufuk
Published: September 2022

Bridging the physical distance between remote locations, video mediated interaction has long been an integral part of workplace activities. Hybrid meetings are instances of video-mediated interaction combining in-person and virtual attendance with some of the participants being co-located, and others joining from remote locations with real-time streaming. This study sets out to explore the ways in which participants co-construct space across multiple sites by coordinating their presence and participation in hybrid daily Scrum meetings. We draw on multimodal conversation analysis to closely examine video recorded data from hybrid Scrum meetings of a software development team. Our analysis shows how participants orient to multiple spaces and their efforts in establishing and maintaining visibility and audibility. The findings have implications for an understanding of hybrid interactions in workplace meetings informing future designs of meetings and collaborative technologies for hybrid collaboration.
YouTube videos on ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction are highly variable in terms of reliability and quality: A quantitative analysis
Authors: Megalla Martinus , Imam Nareena , Almadani Hamzah , Klein Sydney , Kohan Eitan M , Alberta Frank G
Published: September 2022

Background

Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) is commonly performed on adolescent athletes, who often turn to online sources such as YouTube for health information. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review the accuracy, reliability, and quality of UCLR videos using validated scoring instruments.

Methods

YouTube was queried for “Tommy John surgery,” “UCL reconstruction,” and “ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction.” After categorization by physician, nonphysician/trainer, patient or commercial source, videos were assessed for reliability and quality using the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria (0–4) and DISCERN tool (16–80).

Results

104 videos were included in the final analysis. 74% of videos (77/104) were made by physicians. The mean JAMA and DISCERN scores for all videos were 3.1 ± 0.8 and 46.1 ± 8.5, respectively. The majority of videos were rated as “fair” based on DISCERN score (56/104, 53.8%). JAMA scores were significantly higher for physician videos compared to nonphysician videos (3.3 ± 0.8 vs 2.6 ± 0.7, p < 0.0001), but no such difference was found for DISCERN scores (46.3 ± 7.7 vs 45.3 ± 10.57, p = 0.43).

Conclusion

Physicians should be cognizant of the quality and reliability of YouTube videos when instructing patients on information sources related to UCLR.
Effects of Natural Borneol on Germ Tube Formation and Preformed Biofilm Activity in Candida albicans
Authors: Wang Yazhou , Liu Huiling , Zhan Feng
Published: September 2022

Candida albicans infection mainly occurs in patients with suppressed immune function and is the main pathogen of nosocomial infections. The use of natural products aimed at controlling fungal diseases is considered an interesting alternative to synthetic fungicides due to their lower adverse reactions and the lower cost of plant preparations compared to modern conventional pharmaceuticals. Natural borneol has a long history of treating ulcers and local infections in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we present an analysis of the in vitro effects of natural borneol on planktonic cells of C albicans in the liquid and vapor phases. We also investigated the effects of natural borneol on germ tube formation and mature biofilm activity of C albicans. We found that vapor-phase borneol (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] 0.4 mg/cm3) inhibited C albicans more effectively than in the liquid phase (MIC 2 mg/mL). The C albicans germ tube decreased by 99% to 60% at sub-MICs of 0.5 to 0.125 mg/mL. The inhibitory effects of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/mL borneol on the biofilm activity were 33.7%, 48.6%, 49.9%, 52.9%, and 58.2%, respectively. Natural borneol may have potential in the treatment and prevention of C albicans infections.
Un/Masking Truth: Adoption and Finding the Heart to Live Better
Authors: Holman Jones Stacy L.
Published: September 2022

This autoethnographic essay explores the effects of the US Supreme Court’s striking down Roe and Casey decisions on adoption and adopted children. In an effort to ‘unmask’ these effects, this essay seeks to create a transformative visions for living better in light of this decision.
Culture-driven scripts for meetings: An integrative theoretical lens for studying workplace meetings
Authors: Köhler Tine , Tenzer Helene , Cramton Catherine Durnell
Published: September 2022

The current research conceptualizes workplace meetings as socially embedded forms of organizing and proposes that cross-cultural comparisons of workplace meetings offer insights into differences in meeting structures and processes. This provides a deeper understanding of how meetings drive organizing in different cultural settings. Specifically, we build programmatic theory proposing cognitive and behavioral scripts as a promising theoretical lens through which to capture and integrate sociocultural influences on workplace meetings. We adapt Cramton et al.'s (2021) cultural coordination scripts formulation (consisting of the task setting, role structure, temporal structure, and cues) to develop an interpretive framework for workplace meeting processes that orients future research on cross-cultural meetings. We further integrate existing research on cross-cultural meeting differences to develop a generic prototype meeting script and two illustrative examples of culturally specific meeting scripts (for German and U.S.-American meetings) to demonstrate the practical usefulness and usability of this programmatic theory.
Comparative study of surgical wound closure with nylon interrupted sutures and running subcuticular vicryl rapide suture after open release of the carpal tunnel
Authors: Tzimas Vasileios , Kotsias Christos , Galanis Charilaos , Panagiotakopoulos Georgios , Tsiampas Dimitrios , Parnis Juanita , Tilkeridis Konstantinos , Fiska Aliki
Published: September 2022

Background

Surgical decompression of the carpal tunnel is considered the method of choice for its treatment with satisfactory results documented. Various methods and suturing materials have been used for closure of the surgical wound. In the present study, we compared interrupted mattress closure by means of nylon suture to running subcuticular closure with vicryl rapide suture. As far as we know, there is no similar study in the literature.

Methods

A total of twenty patients were included in the study. Ten of them had their surgical wound closed with 3.0 nylon suture in an interrupted fashion and for the rest, a running subcuticular 3.0 vicryl rapide was used. All patients filled in a questionnaire about VAS perceived pain and a Quick DASH score sheet, preoperatively, at two and six weeks postoperatively. The cosmesis of the scar was assessed using the POSAS v2.0 system at two and six weeks after surgery and overall incidence of infections was noted as well.

Results

There was no statistically important difference between the two groups of patients in regards to postoperative VAS pain levels at two and six weeks. Likewise, no statistically significant difference was evident as far as Quick DASH score, POSAS score and infections were concerned.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the use of running subcuticular vicryl rapide suture is an attractive alternative to interrupted nylon sutures for closure after open carpal tunnel decompression, lacking any significant drawbacks.

Lay Summary

Surgery for carpal tunnel decompression is considered the method of choice for its treatment with documented satisfactory results. Various methods and suturing materials have been used for closure of the surgical wound. In the present study, we compared the use of a non-absorbable suture, placed intermittently to an absorbable continuous intradermal suture. A total of twenty patients were included in the study. Half of them had their wound closed with the absorbable suture and the other half with the non-absorbable suture, as described above. All patients were evaluated as far as pain, scar characteristics, functional outcomes of the operated hand and incidence of infection, at two and six weeks after surgery. After analysis of the data, no significant differences were found between the two groups, suggesting that both of these techniques are equally safe and efficacious.
Analysis of the tendency to select the “neither nor” option in agreement/disagreement scales on a low – salience topic: The contribution of individual differences
Authors: Muñoz van den Eynde Ana , Lobera Josep
Published: September 2022

This paper examines the frequency of midpoint responses in agree/disagree scales in a survey measuring attitudes toward science and scientific policy, a low-salience and difficult topic. It also examines the contribution of individual differences to explain the tendency to select this option. It is assumed that the use of the midpoint “Neither agree nor disagree” (NA/ND) in Agree/Disagree (A/D) scales is to some extent an indication of satisficing. It is also assumed that there are individual differences in respondents’ tendency to select the NA/ND response. Using a Generalized Linear Mixed Model we include Krosnick’s regulators of satisficing, socio-demographics and individual differences as predictors. We find that the contribution of the regulators of satisficing identified by Krosnick is small. In turn, factors associated with individual differences explain a great amount of variance on the number of NA/ND responses. We conclude that the presence of this option in a survey of a low-salience topic increases satisficing as strategy of the respondents to deal with the cognitive burden of both the A/D scale and the difficulty of the topic. Furthermore, the number of NA/ND responses may be understood as an indicator of individual differences in the propensity of respondents to satisficing when answering a survey on a low-salience or difficult topic.
Men’s Involment in Contraceptives Use and Wellbeing of Women in Nigeria: Implications for FP2020
Authors: Olaide Adedokun , Oluwagbemiga Adeyemi , Bolajoko Adeniyi , Kolawole Olowe
Published: September 2022

The persistent power dynamics between men and women in most countries of Africa has continued to deny women necessary access to contraceptive. The study examines the impact of men’s involvement in contraceptive use and wellbeing among married women in Nigeria using DHS data. Two sets of data, NDHS 2008 & 2018 were used in this study. The selection of the samples was based on two-stage sampling techniques and the data for the study were analyzed using three levels of statistical method. The study reveals higher significant effect of men’s involvement on reproductive rights was affirmed while an inverse significant relationship was confirmed between male involvement in contraceptive use and years of schooling of women in the study The study concludes that changing behavioral attitudes of men toward family planning is therefore essential and urgent.
Visualizing the Development of Research on Tourism Resilience With Mixed Methods
Authors: Hu Haisheng , Xu Keshuai
Published: September 2022

Using bibliometric analysis, quantitative content analysis, qualitative thematic analysis, and spatial analysis, this paper analyzes the intellectual landscape of research on tourism resilience over the past two decades. The results show that tourism resilience research has not yet established a close collaborative network at the international level, although the themes of tourism resilience research have been diversified. Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, research on tourism resilience can be divided into two stages. Climate change and the pandemic are the two major factors affecting tourism resilience at destination, organizational, and individual levels. Additionally, we identified five major themes of tourism resilience research. Finally, we provide three suggestions for rebuilding a new paradigm of tourism development in the post-pandemic era. It is hoped that the study contributes to promoting tourism resilience studies and provokes critical thought about whether tourism development need a “pandemic turn.”
Tax Compliance Behavior Among Malaysian Taxpayers: A Dual-stage PLS-SEM and ANN Analysis
Authors: Hayat Naeem , Salameh Anas A. , Mamun Abdullah Al , Helmi Ali Mohd , Makhbul Zafir Khan Mohamed
Published: September 2022

The tax system provides the necessary financial resources to a country’s administration to use the collected resources for the welfare of the general public and the development of general infrastructure. Therefore, compliance with the prevailing tax system is necessary for a country’s political and administrative system to survive. The current study aims to explore the intention to comply and the compliance behavior toward the tax system among Malaysian taxpayers. The data were collected using the survey method, and quantitative data were analyzed using the dual-stage methods of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and artificial neural network (ANN). The analysis results showed that the perceived fairness of the tax system, tax penalties, and tax awareness were significantly related to the intention to comply with the tax rules and regulations. Furthermore, the intention to comply with the tax system significantly influenced tax compliance behavior. The ANN analysis confirms that tax awareness, tax penalties, and fairness perception are the three most important factors influencing tax compliance. The tax authorities need to build the taxpayers’ confidence in the prevailing tax system and streamline the tax system to reduce tax complexity. Consequently, the taxpayers will start paying the correct and timely tax liabilities. The study’s limitations and future research avenues are documented at the end of this paper.
Assessment of rational use of medicines for chronic non-communicable diseases: A cross-sectional design in a public access clinic in Jamaica
Authors: Wynter-Adams Donna-Marie , Thomas-Brown Peta-Gaye , Williams Marcia , Bromfield Lisa , Bunting-Clarke Janice
Published: September 2022

Background:

Rational use of medicines (RUM) offers a cost-saving strategy to maximize therapeutic outcomes. The aims of this study were to assess RUM for chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) prescribing indicators in a public access facility and to evaluate the alignment of the use of drugs with therapeutic recommendations/guidelines.

Design and methods:

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, prescriptions of adult patients containing at least one drug for chronic NCDs, filled between January and July 2019 were reviewed using the WHO prescribing indicators for RUM. Data were analyzed and expressed as descriptive statistics. Associations were determined using chi-square tests, correlations using Pearson’s correlation and medians compared using Mann-Whitney U test. For all analyses, significance was determined at p < 0.05.

Results:

Of the 571 prescriptions reviewed, most were for female, elderly patients with mean age of 69 years, predominantly with hypertension and/or diabetes. Polypharmacy was noted for 53.6% of prescriptions, primarily in elderly patients ( p < 0.001), with the median number of five drugs prescribed and three dispensed. Of the drugs prescribed, 76.6% used generic prescribing, 63.3% were dispensed as written and 3.9% were antibiotics prescribed mainly for asthmatic patients (χ2 = 74.9, p < 0.001). Drugs prescribed for NCDs were aligned to therapeutic guidelines, but a significantly higher proportion of diabetes medications, (metformin and gliclazide), and cardiovascular medications (enalapril and losartan), were not dispensed as written (χ2 = 40.0, p = 0.007).

Conclusion:

This research indicates that there is positive alignment with recommended therapeutic guidelines, however, based on WHO prescribing factors, strategies to improve RUM in this setting are highly recommended.
Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Project ECHO in Malaysia During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Walters Suzan M. , Li Wong Pui , Saifi Rumana , Azwa Iskandar , Syed Omar Sharifah Faridah , Collier Zachary K. , Amir Hassan Asfarina Binti , Haddad Marwan S. , Altice Frederick L. , Kamarulzaman Adeeba , Earnshaw Valerie A.
Published: September 2022

Objective: In Malaysia, HIV is concentrated among key populations who experience barriers to care due to stigma and healthcare discrimination. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased barriers to healthcare. Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a transformative tele-education strategy that could improve HIV prevention and treatment. Methods: Practicing physicians who were aged 18 years or older and had internet access participated in asynchronous online focus groups. Results: Barriers to Project ECHO were conflicting priorities, time constraints, and technology. Facilitators included content and format, dedicated time, asynchronized flexible programming, incentives, and ensuring technology was available. Conclusion: Project ECHO is a promising intervention that can increase physicians’ knowledge and skill set in specialty medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventionists in Malaysia in particular, but also in general, should consider these barriers and facilitators when developing Project ECHO as they may aid in developing a more robust program and increase participation.
Review of systemic sclerosis and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody vasculitis overlap: Using autoantibodies for a personalised medicine approach
Authors: Clark Kristina EN
Published: September 2022

Both antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis and systemic sclerosis are rare autoimmune diseases. Both have the potential for significant multi-organ involvement, and both carry high morbidity and mortality. Disease-specific autoantibodies in these conditions allow for risk stratification for organ-based complications, and for personalised therapeutic strategies. The concomitant presentation of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis and systemic sclerosis is rare, and only reported in up to 1.3% of systemic sclerosis cases. These patients present more frequently with anti-myeloperoxidase and anti-topoisomerase antibody profiles, with increased incidence of interstitial lung disease and renal involvement than would be expected in either disease independently. Appreciating the role of the autoantibodies in each disease state, and where they overlap, allows for the potential of a more personalised approach to managing these complex patients.
Factors influencing the performance of virtual reality in urban planning: Evidence from a View corridor Virtual Reality project, Beijing
Authors: Jiang Huaxiong , Geertman Stan , Zhang Hao , Zhou Shangyi
Published: September 2022

Virtual reality (VR) technologies, as new forms of planning support systems (PSSs), are becoming increasingly vital to planning. However, there is a lack of empirical research on factors influencing VR’s supportive role from a user perspective, thus producing barriers to VR’s advancement in planning practices. This neglect motivates the focus of this study, in which we adapt relevant PSS theory to build a conceptual framework that examines factors influencing VR performance in an experience-based environment. Empirical data are gathered predominantly through students’ experiences with and evaluation of the “Viewing the Western Hills at Yinding Bridge” ( Yinding Guanshan) VR Project—a VR system developed to optimize the view corridor of Beijing’s Western Hills. The results show large variability in factors influencing VR performance. In general, the effects of six factors are significant, including 3D visualization, simulating real-world scenes, user-friendliness, interactivity, inspiring participants’ enthusiasm, and inspiring creative thinking. These factors are attributed to the functionality, usability and innovativeness dimensions of VR systems. This study concludes that to realize the supportive and useful role of VR in planning, at minimum, these six factors should be explicitly taken into account.