bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-varying Connectedness Between ESG Stocks and BRVM Traditional Stocks
Authors: Barson Zynobia , Ofori Kwame Simpe , Junior Peterson Owusu , Boakye Kwabena G. , Ampong George Oppong Appiagyei
Published: March 2024

Periods of crisis prompt investors to look out for means of making returns even in uncertain market conditions. Investors are using stocks selected on an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) basis to mitigate the unavoidable risks of investing in assets during these times of pandemic and war. In an integrated global financial system, we sought to explore the connectedness, if any, between the returns on the Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM) and ESG-based stocks. Using a time-varying parameter vector autoregression (TVP-VAR) to analyze daily returns from 12 March 2013 to 4 April 2022, we find categorically that ESG-based stocks and BRVM stocks are connected, with ESG-based stocks dominating the network connectedness. Furthermore, using dynamic connectedness correlations from dynamic conditional correlation generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (DCC-GARCH), we show that ESG stocks could be used as a safe haven or weak hedge for BRVM stocks in times of crisis. We test for the robustness of our findings using quantile causality. The causality test further shows that ESG-based stocks cause movements in BRVM stocks mostly at the lower quantiles—enhancing the findings of dominancy from the TVP-VAR estimates and offer diversification and safe haven benefits from the DCC-GARCH in extreme conditions. The implication of these findings for investors is that they could benefit from using ESG-based stocks in their portfolios, particularly in times of crisis.

JEL Codes: G01, G11
Media Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse in Nepal: A Content Analysis
Authors: Sharma Pawan , Singh Swarndeep , Ghimire Aastha , Sharma Upama , Pokharel Manjila
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a worldwide problem. It is associated with a range of adverse consequences. There has been no report assessing media reporting of CSA in Nepal. We aimed to assess the pattern of reporting of news by media on the topic of CSA in Nepal.

Methods:

We did a content analysis of articles from online archives in the two most popular English-language newspapers published in Nepal on reporting of CSA from the period between June 1, 2020, and August 31, 2021. A predesigned proforma was used and a descriptive analysis was carried out.

Results:

A total of 142 English newspaper articles reporting on CSA were analysed. The majority of reports (83.1%, n = 118) had an episodic framing. Overall, 90.1% of the reports mentioned some form of action taken by the authorities indicating the criminal justice point of view for CSA. The information identifying the victim(s) was presented in 15 news reports. 28.9% ( n = 43) of news reports had some information about possible steps to prevent events and none of the news reports provided a child helpline number or contact information for any other child support/welfare services.

Conclusions:

The reports presented an episodic frame and focused on details of individual cases and steps taken by the criminal justice system. There is a gross lack of information about the causes of CSA and steps to prevent them like an expert opinion, help lines, crisis management, etc. There is an urgent need to develop national guidelines in order to improve the media reporting of CSA.
A 10-Year Nationwide Analysis of Risk Factors of Readmission and the Implications of Same-Day Discharge Following Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Correcting Surgery
Authors: Roohani Idean , Stanton Eloise , Trotter Collean , Choi Dylan G. , Alfeerawi Sarah , Shakoori Pasha , Premaratne Ishani D. , Hammoudeh Aydin , Fahradyan Artur , Urata Mark M.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To investigate risk factors for readmission and the implications of same-day discharge for surgical management of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI).

Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

Multi-institutional/national.

Patients and Participants

Patients who underwent VPI-correcting surgery (n = 4479) were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric database from 2012–2021.

Main outcomes measure(s)

30-day unplanned readmission.

Results

A total of 3878 (86.6%) patients were admitted inpatient following surgical intervention, while 601 (13.4%) were discharged on the same day. Thirty-day readmission rate was 1.7% across all patients. Based on multivariate logistic regression, patient factors identified as significant predictors of 30-day readmission included ASA class 4 (OR 11.22 [95% CI 1.01–124.91]; p = 0.049), steroid use (OR 7.30 [95% CI 2.22–23.97]; p = 0.001), and gastrointestinal disease (OR 2.48 [95% CI 1.22–5.00]; p = 0.012). Upon interaction analysis, patients with cardiac or neuromuscular disease who were discharged on the same day of surgery were associated with a higher readmission rate than those admitted to the hospital (cardiac disease RR 6.72 [95% CI 1.41–32.06]; p = 0.017) and (neuromuscular disease RR 12.39 [95% CI 1.64–93.59]; p = 0.015).

Conclusions

Approximately 90% of VPI-correcting procedures are completed inpatient nationwide. Cardiac and/or neuromuscular disease significantly increased the patients’ readmission risk when discharged on the same day of surgery. The inpatient setting should remain the best practice as adequate resources are available to mitigate life-threatening complications.
The Evaluation of a Theme Program for Undergraduate Medical Students
Authors: Mlika Mona , Cheikhrouhou Sarra ,   Teachers of the FMT 1,   Students of the FMT 1, Mezni Faouzi , Loueslati Mohamed Hédi , Labbene Iheb , Jouini Mohamed
Published: March 2024

Problem: The evaluation of programs is mandatory in faculties of medicine. It enables them to be in adequacy with their mission objectives, and social responsibilities and to correct their potential lacune. Recommendations concerning external evaluation that could be supervised by different organizations have been reported in the literature as reports or articles. On the other hand, few publications described a process of an internal evaluation of a program, which could be performed by institutional members. Many authors reported pre and post-tests study or qualitative studies to assess medical programs. The authors aimed to perform the evaluation of a module program taught in the second year of medical education based on the evaluation of 4 axes: The pedagogical alignment, the teaching techniques and the assessment tests, the students’ views, and needs, and the teachers’ views and needs. Intervention: The authors performed an evaluation of a multidisciplinary theme taught during the second year of medical education. They performed a 4-axis-based evaluation assessing the pedagogical alignment, the teaching techniques and the evaluation methods, the teachers’ views and needs and the students’ opinions and views. Context: The study was performed during the period extending from January 2020 to January 2021. Impact: The 4-axis-based analysis revealed that the weaknesses of the educational process were mainly represented by the heterogeneity of the teaching methods and techniques reflecting the difficulties of the teachers to integrate clinical data into their teaching in order to allow the students to assimilate fundamental data. The opportunities were represented by the accreditation process by the International Conference of the Deans of Medical Faculties with French Expression undertaken by the deanship which can improve the quality of this theme. The threats were represented by the demotivation of the teachers and the lack of federation of the various specialties coordinators around the final product which is the student. Many actions were performed in order to reduce the weaknesses. Lessons learned: The authors’ approach was particular in the fact that it was centered on an objective evaluation of the teaching techniques and the evaluation tests on one hand and the students’ and teachers’ opinions and needs on the other hand. The major limit of this approach was the fact that it didn’t take into account the educational environment, which could influence the students’ performances. On the other hand, this approach put emphasis on the necessity of adopting the culture of continuous evaluation of programs and curriculum in order to sustain the social contract of the faculties of medicine.
Overcoming Resource Competition Among Co-Ethnics: Elites, Endorsements, and Multiracial Support for Urban Distributive Policies
Authors: Lucero Eddie , Robles Ricardo
Published: March 2024

When can we expect multiple racial groups to find common ground in the face of potentially unequal distributive urban policies? While we understand a great deal about the role of elites in inter-ethnic coalition building, we know less about the conditions under which cooperative behavior among their co-ethnic voters is more likely. Research has found that multiracial coalitions are critical to the political incorporation of racial/ethnic minority group interests at the local level but conflict between minority groups persists due to both real and perceived competition for resources. In this paper, we argue that elite co-ethnic endorsements can increase co-ethnic voters' support for urban distributive policies that disproportionately benefit outgroups over one’s own ingroup. We test our theory using a survey experiment from a representative sample of more than 1800 Los Angeles County voters. We find that respondents are less likely to support policy proposals that exclusively target benefits toward ethnic outgroups compared to when their ethnic ingroup exclusively benefits from an identical proposal. But we also find that the presence of co-ethnic endorsements can increase support for proposals that benefit an ethnic outgroup. We find this effect among Black, Latino, and Asian Americans in our sample.
Analytical optimization and performance evaluation of non-traditional tuned mass damper for stochastic base excited structures considering dual solutions
Authors: Zhang Ruoyu , Cao Meigen
Published: March 2024

Compared with traditional tuned mass damper (TMD), non-traditional tuned mass damper (NTMD) has higher damping efficiency in some conditions. Nevertheless, the analytical optimization problem of NTMD has not been well solved; especially, multiple optimal solutions are not discussed. In this study, the closed-form optimal expressions of the NTMD using tuning stiffness are derived based on H 2 norm optimization. And the vibration mitigation performance of the NTMD is evaluated considering dual-solutions situation subjected to typical ground motion and impulse excitation. Different from solving the unique optimal frequency ratio, there exist two sets of optimal stiffness and damping ratio derived using tuned spring elements for given mass ratio, and the effective mass ratio is also limited as 1/3. The vibration mitigation or isolation performance and robustness of H 2 optimized NTMD with higher stiffness ratio are far superior to NTMD with lower stiffness ratio. NTMD using larger optimal tuning stiffness ratio also can be seen as an optimized form of Maxwell model using additional mass. Hence, using a large stiffness, namely, a large frequency ratio to design NTMD is recommended, which is different from traditional TMD. The case of NTMD with large stiffness can be adopted when the demands of practical engineering are not met using the optimal parameters of small stiffness. And a compromise scheme can also be provided, which are the combination with a larger mass ratio but is less than the maximum limit value 1/3 and a not very large stiffness ratio but is exceeded 0.5 according to demands of practical engineering.
Low-frequency forbidden band characteristics of metamaterials based on combined resonant units
Authors: Jia Ruyu , Li Hui , Dou Jinxin , Yao Hongliang , Wen Bangchun
Published: March 2024

With a view to increasing the width of the local resonant band gaps and obtaining damping at low-frequency, a metamaterial structure with multiple resonant units and an adjustable band gap is proposed. The single-unit structure of the metamaterial consists of a main system and three resonant units. Simultaneously, the energy band structure and frequency response characteristics of the metamaterial are investigated with the finite element method and the dispersion equation. Further, the effects of natural frequency, mass of resonant units, mass ratio, and stiffness ratio on the energy band structure are demonstrated. Also, the effect of damping on the band gap in the metamaterial structure is examined. The low-frequency vibration isolation performance of the structure is verified on experimental platform. In conclusion, the designed metamaterial structure provides three adjustable band gaps in the low-frequency range with good vibration damping.
An Intervention for Increasing Intention to Post Online Customer Reviews
Authors: Yang Seungjoo , Kruschke John K.
Published: March 2024

Online customer reviews of products and services are essential for facilitating trust and efficient e-commerce. The review system depends crucially on consumers’ voluntary provision of reviews, yet most consumers consult others’ reviews while few consumers post their own reviews. The current research (1) empirically assessed motivations to post and not to post reviews, (2) tested messages inspired from behavioral-intervention theories to encourage online reviewing, and (3) manipulated when the message was presented to online shoppers. Unlike previous findings in other domains, messages that invoked norms or moralization were not successful in motivating online reviewing. Instead, the authors discovered novel message content and interactive presentations that successfully increased review intention. The content addressed motivations assessed in the initial studies and was stated with low threat to avoid reactance. Crucially, the message was presented interactively in real time during shopping instead of after purchase.
A Study on Environmental Impact of Slow Moving Electric Vehicles Using Microsimulation on Lucknow Urban Road With an On-Ramp
Authors: Sadat Mohd , Ahmad Syed Aqeel , Silgu Mehmet Ali , Bajpai Shrish , Pandey Digvijay
Published: March 2024

Background:

The adoption of electric vehicles for mobility is seen as a major step towards the conservation of the environment. In India, slow-moving Electric 3-Wheelers (E3Ws) have been adopted for last-mile connectivity. The present study investigated the impact of slow-moving electric 3-wheelers on the environment in terms of emissions and traffic performance in mixed conditions.

Methods:

Field traffic data from a section of road in the city of Lucknow was collected and used for the calibration of the traffic model. A total of 6 scenarios were tested using traffic modelling in the open-source microsimulation software SUMO. Krauss model was used to model mixed traffic and HBEFA 4 was used to calculate the emissions of fuel-driven vehicles. In each scenario, the volume of fuel-driven vehicles was kept constant and the volume of E3Ws was varied. For the last 2 scenarios, E3Ws were replaced with modified Electric 3-wheelers (ME3Ws) and Electric Buses.

Results:

Initial findings showed that the average emission decreased as the number of slowly moving electric vehicles increased, but the average flow and harmonic mean speed decreased by 49.8% and 28.8%, respectively, despite keeping the original composition of fuel-driven vehicles the same in every scenario. Further analysis of scenarios revealed a strong correlation ([Formula: see text]) between the reduction in the number of vehicles and the reduction in emissions like Carbon Dioxide ([Formula: see text]), which is responsible for global warming. Scenarios in which faster electric vehicles and electric buses replace slow-moving E3Ws also demonstrate emission reduction without noticeably affecting traffic performance parameters.

Conclusion:

The study shows that the environmental benefits of E3Ws in a limited section of Lucknow road are offset by their low-speed capability. Hypothetical scenarios wherein Modified E3Ws and Electric Buses were introduced reported benefits both in terms of emissions and traffic performance.
The perception, understanding and experience of flourishing in young people living with chronic pain: A Q-methodology study
Authors: Parsons Ryan D , McParland Joanna L , Halligan Sarah L , Goubert Liesbet , Jordan Abbie
Published: March 2024

Much research has adopted a deficits-based approach to chronic pain, neglecting the study of flourishing. Using a Q-methodological framework, this study sought to explore how individuals experience, understand and perceive flourishing in the context of young people living with chronic pain. Fifty-four individuals completed a Q-sorting task, indicating their level of agreement and disagreement with 52 statements. Q-analysis generated three factors that represented clear viewpoints of participants: ‘Pain is not a barrier to flourishing’, ‘Adapting to a new life’ and ‘Adopting a positive perspective’. Factors expressed the viewpoints that flexibility is key to enjoying life despite chronic pain, while resilience, management of stressors, acceptance and problem-solving may be required to flourish with chronic pain. Participants’ understanding of flourishing also focused on the appreciation and enjoyment of life and achievements. This study provides a useful contribution towards furthering our understanding of flourishing in young people living with chronic pain.
Empowering jurors to ask questions about the expert evidence in criminal trials
Authors: Horan Jacqueline
Published: March 2024

Jurors in common law jurisdictions receive a large amount of complex information about their role in the court process at the start of the trial. One common instruction is that, if the jurors have any questions, they can put their questions in writing to the judge. This article explores whether the current jury question process offers jurors a viable way in which to fill in perceived gaps in their comprehension of expert evidence. It does so by providing rare insight into the views of real jurors, judges, expert witnesses and lawyers from 55 Australian criminal jury trials. The results reveal that whilst most study participants believed jurors should be able to ask questions during the trial, in practice, some jurors were either too intimidated or unaware that they could do so. These findings should help inform judges as to how best to moderate the jury question process. Ensuring that jurors feel comfortable to ask questions of experts is likely to reduce the need for jurors to seek answers to their questions online and consequently safeguards the imperative of all adversarial justice systems; to offer a fair trial, based on the evidence presented during the trial.
‘Conspiracy theories should be called spoiler alerts’: Conspiracy, coronavirus and affective community on Russell Brand’s YouTube comment section
Authors: Topinka Robert
Published: March 2024

This article examines how conspiracy theories anchor affective communities through an analysis of the YouTube comment section for the actor and comedian turned political influencer, Russell Brand. Comparing videos before and after Brand’s shift to covid scepticism, I explore like counts, reply networks and other commenting patterns in a dataset of 217,157 comments and conduct an in-depth analysis of 2000 top comments. The findings show first, a shift towards right-wing viewpoints; second, a reduction in comment length and comment replies alongside an increase in likes; third, a sharp rise in proclamations of Brand fandom; and fourth, a steep increase in references to conspiracy. The in-depth analysis reveals that comments focused not on narrating the content of conspiracies but on celebrating conspiracy as the basis of a political community and as a defence against accusations of paranoia. I argue that conspiracy theories can function as formal categories that anchor affective communities.
Not Exactly Dragon's Den: Enterprise Challenges can Enhance Psychological Literacy
Authors: Rosenkranz Patrick , Cotterell Alecia , Fielden Amy , Hope Charlotte , James Trevor , Moffat-Knox Billie
Published: March 2024

Enterprise challenges are teaching activities that allow students to develop and pitch a creative idea in response to a real-life challenge, usually posed by a charitable organisation. Students work in teams to develop their ideas and draw on their subject knowledge, as well as entrepreneurial processes, to articulate their product or service that addresses the challenge. These activities have the potential to enhance psychological literacy as they provide an opportunity to utilise psychological knowledge and skills in novel and unfamiliar ways and urges students to find creative solutions to societal problems. This article presents the rationale and structure to design an enterprise challenge in psychology teaching and uses two case studies to show diverse ways of delivering these teaching events. Evaluation data from six previous challenges show that students self-rate their perceived psychological literacy and entrepreneurial orientation higher after having participated in an enterprise challenge. These teaching activities present a propitious way of enhancing psychological literacy in the curriculum and supporting students on their journey to develop as global citizens.
Parent-perceived autonomy-supportive experiences and basic psychological needs of people with complex support needs: Development and preliminary psychometric evaluation of two questionnaires
Authors: van Tuyll van Serooskerken Jacqueline M , Willemen Agnes M , Embregts Petri JCM , Schuengel Carlo
Published: March 2024

Background: Understanding and supporting basic psychological needs of persons with complex support needs is important but difficult because of communicative challenges . We developed and tested questionnaires to obtain parents’ perspectives on autonomy support and basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Method: Two parent-informant questionnaires were developed, administered, and subjected to psychometric property analyses. Participants were 63 Dutch parents of persons diagnosed with severe or profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. Results: Principal component analyses revealed a one-factor structure for the Parental Perceptions on Autonomy-Supportive Experiences questionnaire, while the Parental Perceptions on Basic Psychological Need Signals questionnaire yielded two-factors interpreted as Noticing Signals of Autonomy and Noticing Signals of Competence/Relatedness. Evidence for construct validity was found for both instruments. Conclusions: Preliminary evaluation of the new questionnaires is encouraging, but further validation with a larger sample size is warranted.
The research question: the What, Why and How in hand surgery
Authors: Farnebo Simon , Harhaus Leila
Published: March 2024

Identifying a good research question is one of the most important steps when laying the foundation of a research project. A good research question can aim to answer a hotly debated clinical issue, challenge a pre-existing dogma or make a contribution to specific aspects of a broader field of study. The difficulty in defining the question lies with pinpointing an important research topic or an area that is characterized by a lack of knowledge (the What), grasping the significance of how a precisely defined study can potentially impact on clinical practices (the Why) and determining the optimal study design tailored to answer the specific question (the How). These three domains constitute pivotal concepts in the process of shaping the research question.
Should we always perform scaphoid nonunion surgery in patients with minor preoperative symptoms?
Authors: Cohen Abigael , Reijman Max , Selles Ruud W. , Hovius Steven E. R. , Colaris Joost W.
Published: March 2024

The objective of this study was to assess the downsides of surgical treatment of scaphoid fracture nonunion in patients with minor preoperative symptoms. Patients were classified with minor symptoms based on the Patient-Rated Hand/Wrist Evaluation questionnaire. Of the 35 included patients, most patients encountered problems with patient-specific activities; 9% reported worse postoperative functional outcomes, 34% were not satisfied with the treatment and 9% were reoperated. The risk of a worse functional outcome after surgery with the need for further operations and the chance of developing wrist osteoarthritis, along with the possibility of poor patient satisfaction and ongoing daily functional impairment, should be considered during preoperative counselling.

Level of evidence: III
Impact of water quality on reprocessing equipment: Assessment of neurosurgical instruments cleaning and biofilm formation in hospital pipes
Authors: Alvim Andre Luiz Silva , Varoto Adriely de Abreu , Martins Elaine , Rigotti Marcelo Alessandro , Ferreira Adriano Menis , Dodo Natalia Bianchini , Diniz Maiara Oliveira , Giroti Alessandra Lyrio Barbosa , Carneiro Liliane Moretti , Dos Santos Almeida Vaz Emileide , Sousa Alvaro Francisco Lopes de , de Andrade Denise
Published: March 2024

Background

The presence of contamination and microorganisms at any stage of processing renders a method unsafe, leading to a high risk of cross-transmission and cross-infection.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the cleaning quality of aspirator instruments used in neurosurgical procedures.

Methods

The experimental study was conducted at the materials and sterilization center, as well as the microbiology laboratory, of a philanthropic hospital in Brazil. A study protocol was implemented, which involved the analysis of 10 samples of Yasargil aspirators with varying dimensions. The samples were subjected to protein tests to detect the presence of organic matter and microbiological analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

Results

The results indicated that 40% of the instruments tested positive for protein after manual cleaning. Furthermore, after automated cleaning, samples showed an increased microbiological load, with Escherichia coli accounting for 20% and Klebsiella aerogenes for 10% of the identified microorganisms.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence of failures in the cleaning process of healthcare products and highlights the presence of biofilm in the pipes, thereby compromising the drinking water quality standard.
Life History of the Andean Condor in Ecuador
Authors: Restrepo-Cardona Juan Sebastián , Narváez Fabricio , Kohn Sebastián , Pineida Rubén , Vargas Félix Hernán
Published: March 2024

Background and Research Aims: Little information exists on the breeding behavior of the Andean Condor ( Vultur gryphus). Its global population, estimated at 6700 adult individuals, is declining throughout its distribution range. With less than 150 condors, the Endangered condor population in Ecuador is of conservation concern. This study aimed to analyze the breeding behavior of wild-born Andean Condors in Ecuador. Methods: Between 2009 and 2021, we monitored 22 egg-laying attempts in eight Andean Condor nests, evaluated the parental care of three breeding pairs of condors and recorded the species' interactions with other raptors and mammals during the nestling-rearing season, and examined the breeding success of an Andean Condor pair during a decade of monitoring. Results: Our breeding records indicated that Andean Condor lay eggs throughout the year, and 16 nestlings spent between six and 10 months in the nest before making their first flights. We found differences in the length of time that the parents remain with the nestling, and described agonistic encounters between condors and other raptors and a Spectacled Bear ( Tremarctos ornatus) in the condor nesting areas. The breeding success of the monitored condor pair was 0.88 nestlings per clutch, and the female laid an egg on average every 15 months. Conclusion: Considering the small size of the Andean Condor population in Ecuador, studies on the breeding behavior of wild-born condors are a high research priority to assess population trends and prevent extinction. Specifically, we recommend further research on parental care, breeding success, nestling survivorship, and nesting phenology. Implications for Conservation: Beyond the importance of the protected area system, strategic planning of key areas for the maintenance of condor populations in the northern Andes must encompass the evaluation of new potential protected areas that offer direct benefits to these birds. These should include nesting sites in human-dominated landscapes such as rural Andean areas.
Focal digital devices and meaning in digital education: An ethnographic study of Ghanaian schools
Authors: Nemorin Selena
Published: March 2024

Although extant research has addressed the importance of focal things and practices, as well as human values when engaging with digital technologies, a lot remains to be understood about the role of digital focal things in digital education. The paper argues that while Albert Borgmann understood digital devices as objects that render meaningless engagement, based on an ethnographic study of junior high schools in the Central region of Ghana, digital focal things can indeed invite meaningful learning experiences in digital education. However, despite positive gains there are also other aspects to this media ecology that raise tensions such as the trading and selling of student information and students becoming surveillance commodities. This paper begins with an overview of Borgmann’s philosophy, followed by an outline of methods and then moves to an analysis of digital focal things in the context of junior high schools in Ghana. The paper ends with concluding remarks.
Digital empathy in behaviour change interventions: A survey study on health coach responses to patient cues
Authors: Rey Velasco E , Demjén Z , Skinner TC ,   on behalf of the Impact Diabetes B2B Collaboration Group
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Digital health coaching interventions for behaviour change (BC) are effective in addressing various health conditions. Implementing these requires accurate descriptions of components and health coaches (HC) delivery methods, alongside understanding patients’ perceptions of these interactions. The HC–patient relationship significantly influences BC outcomes. Here, empathy is an important driver that enables HCs to offer tailored advice that resonates with patients’ needs, fostering motivation. Yet, defining and measuring empathy remains a challenge. In this study, we draw on various BC frameworks and Pounds’ empathy appraisal approach to categorise HCs responses to patient cues and explore the interplay between empathy and BC.

Methods

Using a two-round survey, we collected responses from 11 HCs to 10 patient messages from the Bump2Baby and Me trial in a simulated interaction. We analysed 88 messages to identify empathic responses and behaviour change techniques.

Results

Patients’ implicit empathy opportunities showed higher response rates than explicit ones. HCs prioritised positive reinforcement and employed various strategies to achieve similar objectives. The most common empathic response was ‘Acceptance’ for patients’ implicit positive expressions of self-judgement. HCs emphasised relatedness-support and competence-promoting techniques for implicit negative feelings and judgements, such as ‘Show unconditional regard’ and ‘Review behaviour goals’, and ‘Action planning and Problem-solving’ techniques to address explicit negative appreciations and feelings.

Conclusion

The use of different techniques with the same objective highlights the complexity of BC interactions. Further research is needed to explore the impact of this variability on patient outcomes and programme fidelity.
Associations of online health information seeking with health behaviors of cancer survivors
Authors: Liu Zhaoli , Liao Yue , Hwang Chueh-Lung , Rethorst Chad D. , Zhang Xiaoli
Published: March 2024

Objective

To examine the effects of online health information seeking (OHIS) behavior on five health behaviors (regular physical activity, less sedentary, calorie checking, no alcohol consumption, and no smoking) among adult cancer survivors in the United States.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with adult cancer survivors (≥18 years old) from Cycles 2, 3, and 4 of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). The respondents self-reported OHIS, and the data on the five health behaviors were pooled to perform descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses using Stata 17.0.

Results

Of the 1245 adult cancer survivors, approximately 74% reported OHIS behavior for themselves within the previous year of the survey. We found that OHIS was significantly and positively associated with the level of physical activity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.53, p = .002) and calorie checking (OR = 1.64, p = .001), but not with sedentary behavior, smoking, and alcohol consumption after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, income, body mass index (BMI), marital status, depression, and general health.

Conclusions

Findings from this study suggest that most cancer survivors used various forms of digital tools and platforms to seek health information. The study also demonstrated an independent impact of OHIS behavior on physical activity and calorie checking. Healthcare professionals may need to encourage and guide cancer survivors to seek credible eHealth information and further utilize digital health tools as a platform for care delivery, promoting health behaviors and preventing adverse health outcomes among cancer survivors.
Adjuvant Vitamin D Injection in Elderly Patients Before Intertrochanteric Fracture Surgery: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Rabiee Rad Mehrdad , Ghasempour Dabaghi Ghazal , Afshari Safavi Alireza , Moshkdar Pooya , Akbariaghdam Hossein
Published: March 2024

Background

There are multiple recommended protocols for Vitamin D (VitD) supplementation in elderly; however, only a few studies achieved to examine the role of VitD supplements before intertrochanteric fracture surgery on mortality and complications after surgery.

Methods

This single-center block-randomized double-blinded trial was conducted on 80 patients with intertrochanteric fractures and a sufficient level of 25 (OH) VitD. The intervention group received an intramuscular 300,000 IU VitD ampule before surgery. The primary outcome was a 6-month mortality rate, and the secondary outcomes were 1- and 2-year mortality rates and Harris Hip Score (HHS) in 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Chi-square, t-test, repeated measure ANOVA, and Cox regression survival model was used for statistical analysis.

Results

40 patients were allocated to each group. Demographic, clinical characteristics, and preoperative evaluations were not significantly different between the groups. Mortality rate 6-month after the surgery was 7.5% and 10% for the intervention and placebo groups respectively ( P value = .71), 15% and 12.5% at 1-year ( P value = .83), and 25% and 27.5% at 2-year ( P value = .98). Based on the Cox regression model, only age was significantly associated with mortality (HR = 1.229, P value <.001). Significant HHS changes from baseline through 24 months after surgery were observed within both groups; however, mean differences were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions

A single preoperative 300,000 IU VitD did not significantly impact 2-year survival and HHS in patients with intertrochanteric fractures and sufficient serum VitD level.
Enhancing Cooperation in HEI Mergers
Authors: Palo-oja Outi-Maaria , Juvonen Pasi
Published: March 2024

Higher education institutes (HEIs) have sought efficiency through mergers and consolidations. These bigger units have been studied regarding organizational culture, performance and efficiency but rarely from an individual perspective. In this study, we focus on a micro-level examination of how the people of the merging organizations make sense of the new organization’s strategy and the cooperation required to implement it. The collaboration of recently consolidated HEI is studied by interviewing 18 employees with different positions. We applied systematic methodology for conducting qualitative analysis research. The findings indicate that clearly expressed strategy and purposeful goal-setting combined with a certain level of flexibility help employees implement strategy and cooperate with their new colleagues. However, the goal of cooperation must be genuine, which requires resources, clear roles and honest praise after success. The study contributes to HEI merger literature by highlighting the means and roles of individuals in coping with the uncertainty caused by the merger of two previously independent organizations.
Evaluation of microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Al-10Zn-1.63Si/Irvingia gabonensis particulates alloy composites
Authors: Jeremiah Lekwuwa Chukwuneke , Jude Ebieladoh Sinebe , Justice Chidi Umahi , Kingsley Chidi Nnakwo , Henry Chukwuemeka Olisakwe
Published: March 2024

This study demonstrates the feasibility of using Irvingia gabonensis shell particulates (IGSp) as alternative reinforcing materials in the development of aluminium-based composites. In this experimental study, the microstructure, phase composition, and mechanical behaviour of Al-10Zn-1.63Si/xIGSp (wt%, x = 1, 3, 5 and 7) composites were investigated. The Al-10Zn-1.63Si based composites were fabricated using the stir-casting technique. Different weight percentages (1, 3, 5 and 7) of IGSp were added to the Al-10Zn-1.63Si matrix. The chemical constituents of the IGSp were determined using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The grain characteristics and phase(s) compositions were determined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The ultimate tensile strength, hardness, and impact strength of the developed composites were also determined. The SEM and XRD results revealed the presence of different phases: aluminium phosphate (Al16P16O64), gahnite (ZnAl2O4), andalusite (Al2SiO5), Quartz (SiO2) and aluminium silicate (Al2O3.5.SiO2). Results show that addition of IGSp led to an increase in ultimate tensile strength, with the highest value (128 MPa) obtained at 3 wt% IGSp. The hardness of the composites increased with increasing concentrations of IGSp, reaching a maximum value of 285 HV after adding 7 wt% IGSp. The impact strength improved with the addition of IGSp, with the highest value (30 J) obtained at 1 wt% IGSp. The improvements in mechanical properties were attributed to the dispersion of three major phases: aluminium silicate (Al2O3.54.SiO2), Al16P16O64 and Al2O3.54.SiO2. These phases contributed to the enhanced strength and hardness of the composites. The study noted a sudden decrease in ultimate tensile strength with higher concentrations of IGSp due to the increase in the intensities of Al16P16O64 and precipitation of hard but brittle new phase; Al2Si60.6O126.33. The study concludes that IGSp has the potential to serve as an alternative reinforcing material for aluminium-based composites.
Approach to Management of Recurrent Esophageal Squamous Papilloma
Authors: Malone Jordan C. , Abrol Robinder , Reep Gabriel L. , Othman Mohamed O.
Published: March 2024

Esophageal squamous papilloma (ESP) is an uncommon, normally benign epithelial neoplasm with rare potential for malignant transformation. These lesions are oftentimes found incidentally on upper endoscopy and are typically managed with endoscopic excision, dissection, or ablation. However, there remains a paucity of published management guidelines in the current literature. We present a case of an older female who was found to have an extensive mid-esophageal ESP with recurrence despite endoscopic intervention. We highlight the multi-institutional management approach to her morphologically atypical ESP and the nuance involved in treating recurrent lesions of this type.
Appraisement of mathematics tasks—a point of view of Norwegian eighth-grade students
Authors: Høgset Ylva , Van den Heuvel-Panhuizen Marja , Berg Knut
Published: March 2024

In the large body of literature that is available about the role of motivation in mathematics education, the focus is mostly on students’ attitudes and feelings toward mathematics in general. In the current small-scale explorative study, we zoomed in on what students think about the tasks they can come across in mathematics education. To investigate students’ appraisement of mathematics tasks, that is, their judgment of how much they like mathematics tasks, we used a mixed method approach with an online questionnaire including closed and open questions. We asked 67 Norwegian eight graders to give an appraisal score for 24 tasks and to express in their own words their reasons for liking/disliking them. In addition, the students also had to indicate for each task whether they think they can solve the tasks. The analysis of the data indicated that the students may prefer bare number problems over context problems. Similarly, students inclined to like puzzle-like tasks more than estimation or straightforward tasks. The reasons for liking/disliking a task most often refer to the difficulty or easiness of the task. The data about the perceived solvability revealed that the more the students believed that they can solve the task, the more they liked the task. Given the different appraisals that the students granted to the different task types and the comments they came with, there is much reason to afford students a stronger voice in mathematics education research, particularly when it is about the tasks used in mathematics education.
Unleashed monocytic engagement in Sézary syndrome during the combination of anti-CCR4 antibody with type I interferon
Authors: Jiang Tony T. , Kruglov Oleg , Akilov Oleg E.
Published: March 2024

Sézary syndrome (SS) is an aggressive leukemic expansion of skin-derived malignant CD4+ T cells. Drug monotherapy often results in disease relapse because of the heterogenous nature of malignant CD4+ T cells, but how therapies can be optimally combined remains unclear because of limitations in understanding the disease pathogenesis. We identified immunologic transitions that interlink mycosis fungoides with SS using single-cell transcriptome analysis in parallel with high-throughput T-cell receptor sequencing. Nascent peripheral CD4+ T cells acquired a distinct profile of transcription factors and trafficking receptors that gave rise to antigenically mature Sézary cells. The emergence of malignant CD4+ T cells coincided with the accumulation of dysfunctional monocytes with impaired fragment crystallizable γ-dependent phagocytosis, decreased responsiveness to cytokine stimulation, and limited repertoire of intercellular interactions with Sézary cells. Type I interferon supplementation when combined with a monoclonal antibody targeting the chemokine receptor type 4 (CCR4), unleashed monocyte induced phagocytosis and eradication of Sézary cells in vitro. In turn, coadministration of interferon-α with the US Food and Drug Administration–approved anti-CCR4 antibody, mogamulizumab, in patients with SS induced marked depletion of peripheral malignant CD4+ T cells. Importantly, residual CD4+ T cells after Sézary cell ablation lacked any immunologic shifts. These findings collectively unveil an auxiliary role for augmenting monocytic activity during mogamulizumab therapy in the treatment of SS and underscore the importance of targeted combination therapy in this disease.
Uremic toxins mediate kidney diseases: the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor
Authors: Xie Hongyan , Yang Ninghao , Yu Chen , Lu Limin
Published: March 2024

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) was originally identified as an environmental sensor that responds to pollutants. Subsequent research has revealed that AhR recognizes multiple exogenous and endogenous molecules, including uremic toxins retained in the body due to the decline in renal function. Therefore, AhR is also considered to be a uremic toxin receptor. As a ligand-activated transcriptional factor, the activation of AhR is involved in cell differentiation and senescence, lipid metabolism and fibrogenesis. The accumulation of uremic toxins in the body is hazardous to all tissues and organs. The identification of the endogenous uremic toxin receptor opens the door to investigating the precise role and molecular mechanism of tissue and organ damage induced by uremic toxins. This review focuses on summarizing recent findings on the role of AhR activation induced by uremic toxins in chronic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy and acute kidney injury. Furthermore, potential clinical approaches to mitigate the effects of uremic toxins are explored herein, such as enhancing uremic toxin clearance through dialysis, reducing uremic toxin production through dietary interventions or microbial manipulation, and manipulating metabolic pathways induced by uremic toxins through controlling AhR signaling. This information may also shed light on the mechanism of uremic toxin-induced injury to other organs, and provide insights into clinical approaches to manipulate the accumulated uremic toxins.

Graphical Abstract
Causal relationship between dietary salt intake and dementia risk: Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Shi Ke , Yu Yongbo , Li Zhaolin , Hou Miaomiao , Li Xinyi
Published: March 2024

Objective

Observational research has indicated a potential link between dietary salt intake and susceptibility to dementia. However, it is important to note that these types of studies are prone to the issues of reverse causation and residual confounding. Therefore, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to explore the causality.

Method

To explore the causal relationship between them, this Mendelian randomization (MR) study incorporated summary statistics of dietary salt intake and dementia. We estimated the causality between salt intake and the risk of overall dementia and various subtypes of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Vascular dementia (VaD), and Lewy body dementia (LBD). The inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method was the major MR analysis. To conduct sensitivity analyses, we employed various MR methods, the pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) method, and the leave-one-out approach. The MR-Egger intercept and Cochran’s Q test were conducted to test pleiotropy and heterogeneity respectively.

Results

A suggestive association was observed for genetically predicted higher dietary salt intake and increased risk of overall dementia in the European ancestry [odds ratio (OR): 1.542; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.095–2.169; P = 0.013]. The causal relationship between dietary salt intake and overall dementia is robust with respect to the choice of statistical methods and is validated through extensive sensitivity analyses that guard against various model assumption violations. Meanwhile, no clear heterogeneity or pleiotropy was identified. However, we failed to detect a causal effect of dietary salt intake on the risk of various dementia subtypes.

Conclusion

The results of this research present strong evidence that established a significant association between dietary salt intake and the likelihood of developing dementia. These findings reinforce the notion that the amount of dietary salt intake plays a crucial role in determining the risk of acquiring this cognitive condition. By establishing a definitive correlation, this study highlights the importance of reducing salt consumption as a preventive measure against dementia.