bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiences, purposes, satisfaction and missing library services as predictors of library information services provision: A case study
Authors: Mubofu Christian
Published: April 2024

This study examined the experiences, purposes, satisfaction and missing library services towards quality library information service provisions. The study adopted a quantitative approach and a case study research design. The study involved 80 respondents at the Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy (MNMA) library. Data were collected through a questionnaire, and the descriptive analysis was performed with the aid of the SPSS version 20 computer program. Findings revealed that the majority, 61 (76.3%), had more than 1 year of experience. In comparison, 19 (23.8%) had less than 1 year of library services experience. Friendly infrastructures, looking for research support from librarians, reading books and looking for a quiet environment were the highly cited purposes of patrons visiting the library. The study further revealed that the majority, 87.5% of the respondents, are satisfied with the library services offered, while 12.5% are not satisfied. Regarding the missing services, the study revealed that Internet/Wi-Fi, Inadequate books and Computers are the critical services that need urgent improvement. Based on the study findings, the study recommends investment in the education and training of library staff members to enhance their capacities to welcome customers, conduct training sessions, and provide first-rate customer service.
“People need to be valued because of who they are”: Self-conception and strategies of resistance in women who challenge weight-loss diet culture
Authors: Jaeger Tess , Jovanovski Natalie
Published: April 2024

This paper explores how the self-beliefs of women who have rejected weight-loss diet culture inform their strategies of resistance. We conducted a qualitative survey inviting participants to share methods they have used to challenge diet culture. One hundred and twelve women ( Mage  =  37.01, SD  =  10.54) provided complete responses. Most were heterosexual (72%) and resided in Australia (59%). Our thematic analysis generated two themes: “diet culture is internalised, dismantling it is personal,” which was characterised by participants’ self-beliefs or self-identification, and the personal strategies they used to counter diet culture; and “diet culture is social, relationships are sites of resistance,” which reflected participants’ beliefs about the source of personal worth, as well as relational strategies they enacted in their personal and professional lives, and in their interactions with authority figures. Efforts to assist women in challenging diet culture could be strengthened by recognising the implications of immersion in such a culture for an individual's relational self and their perceptions of self-worth, and by harnessing the power of women's relationships with each other. This paper contributes to the feminist psychological literature on women's inequalities and their relationships with food and their bodies, illuminating connections between activism, healthcare, and everyday experience.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications and usage among the LIS professionals of Pakistan
Authors: Ali Muhammad Yousuf , Naeem Salman Bin , Bhatti Rubina
Published: April 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an important and emerging sub-discipline in information technology that is progressively being implemented in every field. It is gradually being introduced to support new forms of research, discovery, and reuse of library contents in advanced and interesting ways. University libraries have the potential to substantially improve their library services through the implementation of sophisticated AI tools. This study explored the application of AI tools in the university libraries of Pakistan, as well as draw a comparison in the usage of AI tools between public and private sector universities. This is a quantitative study and data is collected through survey methodology. We used purposive sampling to collect the data from 175 university libraries. The collected data was analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS-version 22). Findings indicate that while AI-based services are starting to be introduced into university libraries in Pakistan, no university library has implemented the full suite of AI-based tools. Natural language processing, voice searching, and chatbots are the most familiar and popular tools currently used in libraries. However, robotics technology is rarely used with a mean value of (1.62) because of the financial investment and high level of IT skills required. We found that private university libraries are using AI tools more as compared with public sector university libraries. The study concludes with several key recommendations, including closer collaboration between the library and the respective university IT department for technical support and assistance; improved financial support and ICT infrastructure to establish AI technology-based library services; and training development plans for library staff. Insights gained from this study should contribute to the capacity of Pakistani University librarians and their staff to maximize the full potential of AI within their institutions. The research implications are helpful to library leaders and policymakers in building a policy for AI-based technology in their respective university libraries.
Assessing treatment effect heterogeneity in the presence of missing effect modifier data in cluster-randomized trials
Authors: Blette Bryan S , Halpern Scott D , Li Fan , Harhay Michael O
Published: April 2024

Understanding whether and how treatment effects vary across subgroups is crucial to inform clinical practice and recommendations. Accordingly, the assessment of heterogeneous treatment effects based on pre-specified potential effect modifiers has become a common goal in modern randomized trials. However, when one or more potential effect modifiers are missing, complete-case analysis may lead to bias and under-coverage. While statistical methods for handling missing data have been proposed and compared for individually randomized trials with missing effect modifier data, few guidelines exist for the cluster-randomized setting, where intracluster correlations in the effect modifiers, outcomes, or even missingness mechanisms may introduce further threats to accurate assessment of heterogeneous treatment effect. In this article, the performance of several missing data methods are compared through a simulation study of cluster-randomized trials with continuous outcome and missing binary effect modifier data, and further illustrated using real data from the Work, Family, and Health Study. Our results suggest that multilevel multiple imputation and Bayesian multilevel multiple imputation have better performance than other available methods, and that Bayesian multilevel multiple imputation has lower bias and closer to nominal coverage than standard multilevel multiple imputation when there are model specification or compatibility issues.
Green Construction Supply Chain Barriers Assessment: Evidence  from Indian Construction Industry
Authors: Balon Virendra , Bagul Avinash , Kumar Rupesh
Published: April 2024

This study aims to identify the key barriers influencing green supply chain management (GSCM) practices for the construction industry. The study is based on a survey of 20 manager-level employees from the Indian construction industry. Considering the extensive literature review and expert opinion, 15 key barriers influencing GSCM practices were identified and the interrelationship among them was established using multi-criteria-based Interpretative Structure Modelling methodology. Furthermore, by using Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied for Classification analysis, the barriers were classified as autonomous, dependent, linkage, and independent barriers to understand their relative importance. The barriers were grouped into a three-group hierarchy and it was found that the lower group of barriers, that is, green design, suppliers and green materials, certifications, and financial constraints were highly influencing GSCM practices implementation. The study can help construction practitioners develop a supply chain strategy focusing on critical barriers hindering the adoption of GSCM practices.
Autoimmune GFAP Astrocytopathy—Beyond the Known Horizon, India’s First Multifaceted Institutional Experience
Authors: Ahmed Safwan , K. Vimala Christina Colaco , Kannoth Sudheeran , Raeesa Fathima , Misri Zulkifli , Mascarenhas Don G. , Nair Sindhu
Published: April 2024

Background: Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, the clinical phenotype of which includes meningoencephalitis, myelitis, optic neuritis, seizures, movement disorders, autonomic dysfunction among others, affecting people across all ages. Due to its recent discovery, there is a paucity of literature on this topic and an absolute lack of Indian case series.

Purpose: This study aims to shed light on the variable presentations of anti-GFAP astrocytopathy and review the existing literature on the topic.

Methods: This was a retrospective study that included all patients who tested positive in the cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) and/or serum for GFAP immunoglobulin G between February 2023 and August 2023, after obtaining ethical clearance. Relevant clinical, demographic data was collected from the electronic medical records. A descriptive analysis of data was done and the current available literature was reviewed.

Results: Our case series included four patients (F:M::3:1) with a median age of 28 years at symptom onset. Two of the cases had a relapsing-remitting disease pattern, while the other two had monophasic illnesses. The clinical spectrum we encountered included ataxia, tremors, myoclonus, seizures, recurrent myelitis, brain stem syndromes, autonomic dysfunction and psychiatric manifestations. All four patients responded remarkably to steroids and two patients are on rituximab therapy.

Conclusion: Autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy encompasses an expanding clinical spectrum and should be considered in the context of myelitis, optic neuritis, ataxia, papillitis, seizures, autonomic dysfunction and movement disorders occurring in isolation or more commonly in varying combinations. Our case series, the first in India, shows a favourable clinical profile and the primary hurdle encountered in all four cases was to establish a diagnosis, further stressing the need for a predictive diagnostic algorithm.
India’s National Sanitation Policies: Evolution, Impact and Recommendations
Authors: Seth Payal , Jain Palakh
Published: April 2024

India has launched five national sanitation policies since independence, and among these, the Swachh Bharath Mission-Grameen is the world’s largest sanitation campaign. Despite this achievement, the literature on understanding the evolution and impact of these policies is scarce. We are one of the earliest studies to address this literature gap. We find that as the campaign progressed, the programmes gained rigour in constructing toilets and in terms of behavioural change to induce people to use these toilets. However, despite the government’s claim of India being declared an open defecation–free (ODF) nation at the end of SBM, other government of India data sources claim otherwise. Hence, tracing the evolution and impact of national sanitation policies gives us valuable lessons to make India ODF in the future: (a) efforts to implement context-specific behaviour change campaigns can bring a sustained change in the social attitudes of people regarding sanitation, (b) optimising toilet infrastructure and aligning its pace of construction, (c) allocating budget for upkeep of already-built toilets under government programmes will reduce and even eliminate reversion to open defecation and (d) moving the sanitation outcomes from access to adoption will present an actual state of the sanitation environment in India. This article is one of the earliest in exploring rural sanitation in India from a policy history perspective, considering how sanitation practices and trends changed every time there was a change in the rural sanitation policy.
Forensic findings in urban red fox mortality in the metropolitan area of Madrid, 2014–2022
Authors: Rebollada-Merino Agustín , Bárcena Carmen , Porras Néstor , Domínguez Lucas , Rodríguez-Bertos Antonio
Published: April 2024

The expanding presence of red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) in urban and suburban regions could potentially lead to increased instances of human aggression towards this species. We studied 10 deceased red foxes that were submitted by law enforcement agencies in the metropolitan area of Madrid in 2014–2022 because of suspected abuse. Forensic autopsies were performed to establish the cause and manner of death. In 4 of the 10 cases, the cause of death was deemed unnatural, involving blunt-force trauma ( n = 2), asphyxia resulting from hanging ( n = 1), and firearm injury ( n = 1). Among the remaining cases, most had succumbed to natural causes ( n = 4), often marked by severe emaciation and a high burden of parasites, primarily Sarcoptes scabiei. In 2 cases, death was undetermined given the poor preservation of the carcass. The growing prevalence of wildlife species in urban areas, particularly red foxes, may require forensic veterinary investigation of deaths potentially related to abuse.
Adult Learning and Education in Digital Environments: Learning From Global Efforts to Promote Digital Literacy and Basic Skills of Vulnerable Populations
Authors: Alamprese Judith A.
Published: April 2024

The pervasive role of digital technologies in adult learning and education (ALE) was a prominent theme throughout the deliberations of the Seventh International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VII) held June 15-17, 2022 in Morocco. CONFINTEA VII embodied the worldwide interest in digital technologies through the use of a hybrid format with appointed delegates participating both virtually and on site. To highlight the importance of digitalization and digital skills, CONFINTEA VII not only devoted a plenary session to “Adult Learning and Education in Digital Environments,” but discussions about the role of digitalization and the need to support adults in developing digital skills also permeated other sessions such as “Preparing Adults for the Future of Work.” CONFINTEA VII sessions discussed challenges that vulnerable populations have in accessing digital tools and strategies for providing more equitable acccess and professional development to address this digital divide. This article describes learnings from CONFINTEA VII and related efforts at the national, regional, and local levels to support adult learners’ use of digital technologies to develop their literacy, numeracy, and occupational skills and the resources that are critical to those efforts. Also discussed is the need for data, research, and monitoring to understand how digital technologies can be effective in adult learning and education and in preparing adults to embrace a culture of lifelong learning.
CONFINTEA Vll Marrakech Framework and the Challenge of and Urgency for Active Citizenship Education
Authors: Avoseh Mejai Bola Mike
Published: April 2024

A rear-view mirror approach indicates that citizenship education and adult learning and education (ALE) for lifelong learning have been prominent throughout history, dating back to the League of Nations and continuing through the United Nations and UNESCO. The League of Nations was founded in 1920 after World War I when humanity realized that settling disputes through violence—bombs and guns—was indicative of lack of citizenship education. Central to the League’s Covenant was the need to employ “negotiation and arbitration.” In addition to the International Adult Education Conferences, UNESCO has used other forums to affirm the imperative of lifelong learning and citizenship education. For instance, in the Faure Report, there is emphasis on “education and society” and on the “complete man” ( Faure et al., 1972 ). The complete man/woman is an “educated” citizen. In The Fifth Global Report on ALE, UNESCO (2022a) connects citizenship education to the task of empowering adults for change. This article uses the Marrakech Framework for Action (MFA) that resulted from CONFINTEA VII as background to analyze and present active citizenship education as a necessary condition for human sustainability and global transformation. I conceptualize education broadly to include indigenous ways of knowing. In addition, although active citizenship education is the focus of this piece, I argue that there is a symmetric relationship between lifelong learning, adult education, and citizenship education.
Alterations in Sphenoid Anatomy in Craniosynostosis: Implications for Fronto-Orbital Advancement
Authors: Santiago Gaia , Santiago Chiara , Nguyen Alvin , Choudhary Akriti , Zhao Linping , Alkureishi Lee W.T. , Patel Pravin K. , Purnell Chad A.
Published: April 2024

Objective

Fronto-orbital advancement involves removal of the fronto-orbital bandeau. Visualization of the saw blade is lost as it passes through the fronto-orbital-sphenoid junction (FOSJ), placing the temporal lobe at risk of injury. We aim to provide a 3D analysis of the space surrounding this osteotomy to differentiate various types of craniosynostoses.

Design

Retrospective cohort

Setting

Institutional.

Patients

Thirty patients with isolated unicoronal synostosis, nonsyndromic bicoronal synostosis, metopic synostosis, Apert syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, and Muenke syndrome.

Interventions

CT scans conducted between 2 months to 2 years of age were 3D reconstructed to compare craniometrics against normal controls.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Craniometrics.

Results

The mean bone thickness of the FOSJ at the level of the supraorbital rim was significantly small for the Apert, unicoronal and bicoronal groups. The mean vertical height of the middle cranial fossa from the lesser sphenoid wing was significantly greater in the unicoronal group. The mean vertical height of the tip of the temporal lobe from the lateral sphenoid ridge was greater in the unicoronal, isolated bicoronal, and Apert groups. The mean corneal protrusion beyond the lateral orbital rim was significantly greater in the Apert and unicoronal groups. The mean horizontal depth of the orbit was smallest in the Apert group. The mean vertical distance between the dacryon and the foramen cecum, and the mean volume of temporal lobe beneath the sphenoid shelf were the largest in the Apert group.

Conclusions

Patients with Apert syndrome have the most unfavorable morphology of the anterior and middle cranial fossae.
Team Justice as a Consequence of Demographic Faultlines: Climate Level and Strength
Authors: Molina Agustín , Valls Víctor , Martínez-Tur Vicente , Cropanzano Russell
Published: April 2024

Team justice climate refers to group-level perceptions of fairness that teammates display toward one another. Despite its potential to promote performance, available empirical evidence is inconsistent and has remained in conceptual isolation from research on organizational climate and team-based models for analyzing group effectiveness. Hence, important questions have languished without an answer. First, organizational climate research suggests that climate strength, the extent to which team members share consensus as to their treatment, could moderate the effect of climate level, at least in some circumstances. If this is so, prior team justice research is misleading, given that climate strength has yet to be taken into account. Therefore, we examine whether the level (or amount) of team justice will have a greater effect on team performance to the extent that the climate is also strong. Second, despite the relevance of team inputs to better understand team processes, very little is known about the antecedents of team justice climate level and strength. This could be problematic as research on team effectiveness suggests that team faultlines, hypothetical dividing lines that may split a team into homogenous subgroups, can alter group processes and performance. Based on this research, we argue that demographic faultlines predict not only the climate level of team justice but also its strength. Two independent studies with teams from the healthcare industry showed that faultlines reduce the strength, but not the level, of team justice climate. These faultlines, in turn, lower the extent to which climate level translates into effective performance.
Biomarkers Profile in Provoked Versus Unprovoked Deep Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Tavares Isabela Rodrigues , Caffaro Roberto Augusto , Portugal Maria Fernanda , Ribeiro Camilla Moreira , da Silva Viviane Santana , Krupa Emily , Nikolovski Srdjan , de Britto Karen Falcão , Gomes Pereira Petisco Ana Cláudia , Miranda Maria Cristina , Gomes de Souza Santos Sandra , da Silva Dourado Marcela , Siqueira Paula Veloso , Siddiqui Fakiha , Fareed Jawed , Ramacciotti Eduardo
Published: April 2024

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), represents a substantial healthcare challenge. Provoked and unprovoked DVT cases carry distinct risks and treatment considerations. Recognizing the limitations of this classification, molecular markers may enhance diagnostic precision and guide anticoagulation therapy duration relying on patient history and risk factors. This preliminary, open-label, prospective cohort study was conducted including 15 patients (10 provoked DVT and 5 unprovoked DVT) and a control group of healthy plasmatic subjects. Plasma levels of 9 biomarkers were measured at diagnosis (baseline, day 0, and D0) and after 30 days (day 30-D30). Patient demographics, clinical data, and biomarker concentrations were analyzed. Serum concentrations of D-dimer, von Willebrand factor, C-reactive protein, and Anti-Xa were elevated in DVT groups at D0 compared to controls. No significant differences were observed between the provoked and unprovoked groups on the day of diagnosis and 30 days later. Over 30 days, the provoked group exhibited significant biomarker changes related to temporal assessment. No significant differences were noted in the biomarker profile between provoked and unprovoked DVT groups. This study is indicative of the concept of individualized thrombosis assessment and subsequent treatment for VTE. Larger cohorts are warranted to validate these findings and further define the most appropriate use of the molecular markers.
International Normalized Ratio Predicts Recurrence and Bleeding in Patients With Acute Venous Thromboembolism Who Undergo Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Zhao Yunfeng , Cheng Yi , Luo Yong , Yao Qihuan , Qu Jianmin , Sun Jinyuan , Liu Song , Xu Mei , Xiong Wei
Published: April 2024

Prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (PT/INR) is related to both antithrombotic effect and risk of bleeding. Its role in the prediction of venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence and bleeding for patients with acute VTE who undergo direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) treatment is unclear, despite previous studies revealed some association between them. The predictive efficiency of INR for VTE recurrence and bleeding were analyzed in a retrospective cohort with VTE patients who underwent DOACs treatment. Then its predictive efficiency for VTE recurrence and bleeding were validated in a prospective cohort with the acquired cutoffs range, and compared with anti-Xa level, DASH and VTE-BLEED scores. In the retrospective cohort ( n = 1083), the sensitivity and specificity of INR for the prediction of VTE recurrence were 79.4% and 92.8%, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.881 (0.803-0.960)( P = .025). The cutoff value of INR was 0.9. The sensitivity and specificity of INR for the prediction of bleeding were 85.7% and 77.9%, respectively. The AUC was 0.876 (0.786-0.967)( P < .001). The cutoff value of INR was 2.1. In the prospective cohort ( n = 202), the calibration showed that there were 4 (50%) patients with VTE recurrence, 156 (97.5%) patients with non-recurrence and bleeding (non-R&B), and 20 (58.8%) patients with bleeding in the low (INR < 0.9)( n = 8), intermediate (0.9 ≤ INR ≤ 2.1)( n = 160), and high (INR > 2.1)( n = 34) groups, respectively. The baseline PT/INR value at the initiation of DOACs treatment is an independent predictor for VTE recurrence and bleeding in patients with acute VTE who undergo DOACs treatment.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Cities as Playgrounds/Playgrounds as Cities: Rethinking Urban Play, Civic Engagement, and Socio-spatiality
Authors: Davies Hugh , Hjorth Larissa , Lammes Sybille
Published: April 2024

Cities have long been key sites for play. Play scholars, urban theorists, designers, and creative practitioners have explored and discussed the important role of city play and urban playgrounds. As organized locations of play, playgrounds stand as an important role in representing cultural and social mores, reflecting the relational, political, and psychological dimensions of the city. They expose how a city and its society views childhood, surveillance, control, leisure, freedom, design, and space. However, play in cities has a complex and uneven history.
Factors associated with informal and formal help-seeking among Asian adolescents with nonsuicidal self-injury
Authors: Hiew Yvette , Powell Nina Laurel , Wong Qiu Yan , Fong Zhi Hui , Fong Ying Jie , Chee Tji Tjian
Published: April 2024

Although nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is prevalent among adolescents and is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes, many adolescents with NSSI do not seek help. However, there is a lack of research on the factors that may increase the likelihood of help-seeking, especially within Asia. To address this gap, the present study examined whether certain factors were associated with informal and formal help-seeking – specifically gender, severity of NSSI, functions of NSSI and authoritative parenting. 121 adolescents ( Mage = 16.2 years, 71.1% female) were recruited from specialist outpatient clinics and inpatient psychiatric wards from a public hospital in Singapore. One caregiver per adolescent was also recruited. Data from self-report questionnaires were analysed using logistics regression analyses. The results suggest that the severity of NSSI increases the likelihood of informal help-seeking, while adolescents who have parents with more authoritative parenting style are less likely to seek informal help. Gender and functions of NSSI were not found to be associated with help-seeking. The findings from this study can guide professionals in their efforts to encourage help-seeking within Asian populations, as well as inform prevention and treatment programs for Asian adolescents with NSSI.
Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in treating women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain: A randomized trial
Authors: Donatti Lilian , Podgaec Sergio , Baracat Edmund Chada
Published: April 2024

This study seeks to assess the efficacy of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in enhancing coping strategies, alleviating depression, stress, pain perception, and improving the quality of life for women with endometriosis. About 52 patients randomized, categorized into an intervention group ( n = 25) and a control group ( n = 27) filled out the instruments. A significant positive change was observed in all variables studied within the intervention group compared to the control group. This study introduced a psychological treatment protocol focused on refining coping strategies using CBT techniques. Following the promotion of adaptive coping, there was an improvement in scores related to depression, stress, quality of life, perception of pain, and emotional distress. This suggests that CBT is effective in enhancing the overall emotional wellbeing of women with endometriosis.
Translanguaging practices in a community-based Chinese heritage early childhood classroom
Authors: Cun Aijuan
Published: April 2024

Aims and objectives:

The purpose of this study is to explore translanguaging in a heritage classroom by asking the following central questions: (1) What translanguaging practices were available in an online community-based Chinese heritage language classroom? (2) How did the Chinese language teacher use these practices? (3) Why did the teacher use translanguaging? (4) How were the young heritage language learners involved in these practices?

Methodology:

A qualitative case study research design is utilized to explore translanguaging practices in the classroom.

Data and analysis:

The data sources included fieldnotes during observations, video recordings of class conversations, and artifacts made or provided by the participants. All the data were collected virtually via Zoom.

Findings:

The findings show that the teacher purposefully engaged the children in understanding vocabulary words through translanguaging and that students participated in class conversations in various ways, including initiating questions and connecting to their personal experiences. The findings also present the teacher’s perspectives on translanguaging practices.

Originality:

The literature has explored translanguaging practices, but limited research has focused on these practices in community-based Chinese heritage early childhood classrooms. This study describes the specific ways that a teacher created opportunities for bilingual children to engage in translanguaging practices in a Chinese heritage classroom.

Implications:

While research on translanguaging and children’s heritage language learning in home and school contexts has existed for decades, the findings of this study bring new attention to translanguaging practices in Chinese heritage language classrooms. The study provided an example of a pedagogical model for teachers to reconsider Chinese heritage language education and promote bilingual children’s language learning and identity construction.
Demystifying Intuitional and Rational Decision-Marking: Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Analysis
Authors: Mi Lili , Prentice Catherine , Taskin Nazim , Pauleen David
Published: April 2024

Effective decision-marking in the dynamic business environment is key to business performance. The relationship between intuition and rationality in decision-making has long been discussed in the relevant literature, albeit with discrepant views and inconsistent findings. Drawing on cognitive experiential self-theory (CEST), this paper examines an integrated model of antecedents and decision outcomes of intuition and rationality and how intuition and rationality in different scenarios interplay to influence decision outcomes. The study was undertaken in Australia and New Zealand. Both symmetrical (structural equation modeling or SEM) and asymmetrical (fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis or fsQCA) methods were employed to capitalize on a holistic understanding of the proposed relationships. The findings show that the fsQCA testing presents more insightful information about how different levels of factors inform intuitive and/or rational decision making and outcomes, and how it relates to SEM findings. This paper provides a novel perspective on the strategic decision-making process by integrating various decision-making situations and by deploying fuzzy or configurational and linear or symmetrical methods. The results also have implications for the relevant practitioners to consider the appropriate decision situations and their preferred decision styles to achieve optimal decision outcomes.
Biomimetic design and fabrication of thermally induced radial gradient shape memory scaffolds using fused deposition modeling (FDM) for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Eryildiz Meltem
Published: April 2024

Bone defects pose a significant challenge, often exceeding natural healing capabilities. This study explores the potential of thermally induced radial gradient shape memory (RGSM) scaffolds for minimally invasive bone repair. Inspired by the natural porosity gradient of bone, these scaffolds feature a high-porosity inner zone that mimics cancellous bone and a low-porosity outer zone that resembles cortical bone. When the relationship between porosity and key properties was investigated, it was found that lower-porosity RGSM scaffolds exhibited higher compressive strength but experienced higher residual strain and lower shape recovery ratio compared to their higher-porosity counterparts. Despite this trade-off, the gradient design successfully mimicked the natural bone structure, potentially enhancing osseointegration and bone regeneration. These results demonstrate the feasibility of RGSM scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. This holds promise for advancing minimally invasive surgical techniques and improving the treatment of bone defects.
Hybrid governance of digital platforms: Exploring complementarities and tensions in the governance of peer relationships
Authors: Zhang Yaomin , Pinkse Jonatan , McMeekin Andrew
Published: April 2024

How do platforms integrate governance mechanisms that promote inherently distinct rules and incentives to manage peer relationships? Digital platforms combine market and community-based mechanisms to govern peer-to-peer interactions for value creation. However, these governance mechanisms play unique roles and interact in distinctive ways, thus shaping how platforms can leverage them for the governance of peer relationships. Through an analysis of sharing platforms, we identify under what conditions particular couplings of market and community mechanisms facilitate a stable governance configuration. We uncover how platforms leverage complementarities and avoid tensions among a set of core and elaborating governance mechanisms. The findings show that market and community mechanisms and their interactions constrain platform governance in different ways. When platforms have strong commercial identities and offerings, implement strict assurance instruments, or develop strong social institutions, they confine core mechanisms to a single governance structure and prevent innovative configurations. However, under specific conditions, platforms explore complementarities between market and community mechanisms which lead to either mixed or highly mixed governance configurations. The study uncovers platforms’ possibilities and constraints in developing stable governance configurations which hybridize market and community mechanisms.
Earth for all: Five policy turnarounds for a sustainable world
Authors: Riedy Christopher
Published: April 2024

The second in the new series of reviews for Action Research Journal is inspired by, and aims to contribute to, this journal’s focus on transformations towards sustainability. How can we, as action researchers, connect our emancipatory, grassroots work with the big global transformations needed to bring forth a just, harmonious and thriving world? When so much needs to transform, where do we start? In 2022, the Club of Rome offered a possible response in a new report called Earth for All, also published as a book and supporting website. Framed as ‘a survival guide for humanity’, Earth for All calls for ‘five extraordinary policy turnarounds’: ending poverty; addressing gross inequality; empowering women; making our food system healthy for people and ecosystems; and transitioning to clean energy. It is ‘an aspirational, stubbornly optimistic guide to the future’ (p. 26). It argues that action on these five big issues could give us the momentum we need to transform the economy in support of sustainability. Action researchers can help to give this agenda momentum by bringing it into our conversations with citizens and facilitating spaces for dialogue and agonism.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and Coronary Protection Guided by Deep Learning and 3-Dimensional Printing
Authors: Mao Yu , Zhu Guangyu , Zhai Mengen , Ma Yanyan , Li Lanlan , Jin Ping , Liu Yang , Yang Jian
Published: April 2024

Objective

In this case report, the auxiliary role of deep learning and 3-dimensional printing technology in the perioperative period was discussed to guide transcatheter aortic valve replacement and coronary stent implantation simultaneously.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old man had shortness of breath and chest tightness, accompanied by paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, 2 weeks before presenting at our hospital. Echocardiography results obtained in the outpatient department showed severe aortic stenosis combined with regurgitation and pleural effusion. The patient was first treated with closed thoracic drainage. After 800 mL of pleural effusion was collected, the patient’s symptoms were relieved and he was admitted to the hospital. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography showed severe bicuspid aortic valve stenosis combined with calcification and aortic regurgitation (mean pressure gradient, 42 mmHg). Preoperative computed tomography results showed a type I bicuspid aortic valve with severe eccentric calcification. The leaflet could be seen from the left coronary artery plane, which indicated an extremely high possibility of coronary obstruction. After preoperative imaging assessment, deep learning and 3-dimensional printing technology were used for evaluation and simulation. Guided transcatheter aortic valve replacement and a coronary stent implant were completed successfully. Postoperative digital subtraction angiography showed that the bioprosthesis and the chimney coronary stent were in ideal positions. Transesophageal echocardiography showed normal morphology without paravalvular regurgitation.

Conclusion

The perioperative guidance of deep learning and 3-dimensional printing are of great help for surgical strategy formulation in patients with severe bicuspid aortic valve stenosis with calcification and high-risk coronary obstruction.
Screw Position Following Percutaneous Versus Mini-Open Intramedullary Retrograde Screw Fixation of Metacarpal Fractures
Authors: Kwan Stephanie A. , Moncman Tara Gaston , Sodha Samir , Jones Christopher , Matzon Jonas L. , Rivlin Michael
Published: April 2024

Background:

Metacarpal fracture fixation using the retrograde intramedullary screw technique can be performed through two different approaches. The mini-open approach requires greater soft tissue dissection but allows for direct visualization of the metacarpal head compared with the percutaneous approach. Our aim was to determine which approach resulted in optimal screw position.

Methods:

Eighty-one consecutive patients that underwent intramedullary screw fixation for metacarpal fractures from 2016 to 2021 were identified. Patients were treated by 4 fellowship-trained orthopedic hand surgeons who employed the mini-open or percutaneous approach. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed for screw position.

Results:

A total of 81 patients (41 mini-open, 40 percutaneous) were included in this study. There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, sex, hand dominance, or affected digit. Postoperative screw position at first postoperative visit was not significantly different between the two groups on anteroposterior or lateral radiographs.

Conclusion:

Postoperative screw position is not significantly different between the mini-open and percutaneous approaches for intramedullary screw fixation of metacarpal fractures.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, therapeutic.
Auditory Changes in Occupational Health Associated With Metabolic Diseases in Adult Workers
Authors: Barcelos Francine Varlete Leopoldina , Paiva Karina Mary de , Machado Marco José , Haas Patrícia
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The most common hearing losses in the population are associated with genetic conditions, use of ototoxic substances or medications, infectious diseases, metabolic diseases and chronic ear diseases and the association of exposure to occupational risks or the natural aging process.

Objective: Verify the association between hearing loss in workers and metabolic diseases.

Method: Retrospective cross-sectional study with analysis of secondary data of subjects exposed to occupational noise and undergoing drug treatment for metabolic disease, attended in two occupational health clinics (C1 and C2) from January 2020 to December 2022, considering the data of reference examinations from the year 2005.

Results: Of the n = 97 subjects evaluated, 73.20% were male, exposed to occupational noise (64.90%), with medication use for treating cardiovascular diseases (89.70%). The most recurrent auditory complaint was tinnitus (28.90%), n = 53 subjects presented sensorineural hearing loss with a statistical association between the decline of hearing loss and medications used for metabolic and hormonal regulation.

Conclusion: Here was a higher frequency in the use of medications for treating cardiovascular diseases with a risk of triggering or worsening hearing loss in these subjects and greater impairment and decline of hearing thresholds were observed in the results of C2.
Effect of gait speed on clinical outcomes after crural and pedal bypass in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia
Authors: Kobayashi Taira , Hamamoto Masaki , Okazaki Takanobu , Okusako Ryo , Hasegawa Misa , Honma Tomoaki , Iba Kazutoshi , Nishitani Yoshiko , Takahashi Shinya
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Many factors affect long-term outcomes after open bypass in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Ambulatory status has been suggested to be associated with clinical outcomes, but there is limited knowledge on the effect of gait speed on outcomes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of gait speed assessed in a 6-min walk test (6MWT) on outcomes after crural and pedal bypass in patients with CLTI.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed in patients with CLTI who underwent a 6MWT at 1 month after crural and pedal bypass at a single center from 2014 to 2021. Comparisons were made between those with high gait speed (HG group, 6-min walk distance (6MWD) > 288 m) and those with low gait speed (LG group, 6MWD ≤288 m). The primary endpoint was survival, and the secondary endpoints were graft patency, limb salvage, wound healing, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), and hospital outcomes.

Results

Of 104 patients with CLTI who underwent a 6MWT after crural and pedal bypass, 46 (44%) and 58 (56%) were placed in the HG and LG groups, respectively. The LG group was older ( p < .001), had more female subjects ( p = .006), and had a higher prevalence of cerebrovascular disease ( p = .042) and tissue loss ( p = .007). The median follow-up was 36 (22–57) months. The HG group had significantly higher 3-year primary patency (65% vs 42%, p = .013), 3-year secondary patency (87% vs 66%, p = .018), 3-year overall survival (89% vs 58%, p < .001), and 3-year freedom from MACE (79% vs 67%, p = .039). The 3-year limb salvage and 12-month wound healing rates did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions

Gait speed in patients with CLTI after crural and pedal bypass was associated with survival, freedom from MACE, and graft patency but not with limb salvage and wound healing. A detailed study of walking ability in these patients may be needed in the future.
Multiple chromosomes particle swarm optimization-based coverage path planning for complex surfaces spray painting
Authors: Gao Hui , Ma Xin
Published: April 2024

Coverage path planning for complex three-dimensional surfaces spray painting is one of the challenging problems in robotics. In this article, we propose a multiple chromosomes particle swarm optimization approach to address the coverage path planning problem for complex three-dimensional surfaces spray painting. Firstly, a layered segmentation method, which is composed of three-dimensional hole identification and region partition, is proposed to divide the complex surface into multiple simple regions with little curvature change and no holes. Secondly, a zigzag path is determined in each region by considering the practical aspects for spray painting. Thirdly, by taking short distance, few turns and high coverage rate into account, a multiple chromosomes particle swarm optimization algorithm is presented to connect the zigzag paths of the regions. Experimental tests are carried out on a complex surface, and the results validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Child maltreatment, low self-control, and delinquent behaviour of early-aged adolescents
Authors: Lee Wonki
Published: April 2024

Until now, there has been limited research on the specific relationship between exposure to child maltreatment, the development of low self-control and subsequent delinquency among non-western samples from a general theory of crime perspective. To address this research gap, this study explores the role of low self-control as a mediator between exposure to child maltreatment and delinquent behaviour of South Korean children. By using longitudinal data from South Korean children, structural equation modeling was employed to examine this relationship. The results of the analysis indicated that child maltreatment significantly influenced the development of low self-control in children. Also, the findings revealed that low self-control mediated the relationship between child maltreatment and delinquent behaviour. In other words, consistent with the proposition of the general theory of crime, children’s low self-control played a mediating role in the impact of exposure to child maltreatment on their engagement in delinquent behaviour. Based on these findings, the importance of early interventions to prevent child maltreatment and foster the self-control level of children is suggested.
Pleasure’s ascendancy: Against queer youth panic
Authors: Gitzen Timothy
Published: April 2024

This article explores both US and European streaming shows that feature a protagonist in scenes of queer youth sex, focusing on how the show treats and frames these scenes as constitutive of a broader representational narrative of queer youth sex(uality). By comparing US and European shows, I argue that queer pleasure supplants panic featured in each show by framing the scenes of queer youth sex as destigmatized and even mundane.
Valorization of the Sabinas Forest Waste (Juniperus phoenicea and Juniperus thurifera) as Source of Biopesticides
Authors: Galisteo Alberto , Zaher Houda , Lopez-Menchero Jorge R. , Gonzalez-Coloma Azucena , Andres Maria Fe de , Moral José F. Quílez del , Barrero Alejandro F.
Published: April 2024

Objectives: The potential forestry use of Juniperus phoenicea and Juniperus thurifera pruning woods is studied by analyzing the composition of the woods and testing the biological activities of the corresponding components with the ultimate target of finding new biopesticides. Methods: The air-dried wood from each plant was crushed and subjected to hydrodistillation, and the residue was extracted with a Soxhlet apparatus using different solvents. The corresponding extracts were fractionated, and their composition were studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. The ixodicidal and antifungal activities of the different samples obtained were evaluated. Results: The fraction oxygenated of the essential oil from both J. thurifera (cedrol >60%) and J. phoenicea shows a remarkable bioactivity as antitick with EC50 values of 3.4 μg/mg and 10 μg/mg, respectively. Cedrol and methyl hinokiate, present in the hexane extract J. thurifera, show a potent antifungal effect against Aspergillus niger with EC50 values of 45.99 and 52.23 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: Pruning woods from these species proved to be renewable and easily accessible sources of bioactive natural products such as cedrol, thujopsene, nootkatone, and totarol.