bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Steric Sea Level Rise and Relationships with Model Drift and Water Mass Representation in GFDL CM4 and ESM4
Authors: Krasting John P. , Griffies Stephen M. , Tesdal Jan-Erik , MacGilchrist Graeme , Beadling Rebecca L. , Little Christopher M.
Published: September 2024

Density-driven steric seawater changes are a leading-order contributor to global mean sea level rise. However, intermodel differences in the magnitude and spatial patterns of steric sea level rise exist at regional scales and often emerge during the spinup and preindustrial control integrations of climate models. Steric sea level results from an eddy-permitting climate model, GFDL CM4, are compared with a lower-resolution counterpart, GFDL-ESM4. The results from both models are examined through basin-scale heat budgets and watermass analysis, and we compare the patterns of ocean heat uptake, redistribution, and sea level differ in ocean-only [i.e., Ocean Model Intercomparison Project (OMIP)] and coupled climate configurations. After correcting for model drift, both GFDL CM4 and GFDL-ESM4 simulate nearly equivalent ocean heat content change and global sea level rise during the historical period. However, the GFDL CM4 model exhibits as much as a 40% increase in surface ocean heat uptake in the Southern Ocean and subsequent increases in horizontal export to other ocean basins after bias correction. The results suggest regional differences in the processes governing Southern Ocean heat export, such as the formation of Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW), Subpolar Mode Water (SPMW), and gyre transport between the two models, and that sea level changes in these models cannot be fully bias-corrected. Since the process-level differences between the two models are evident in the preindustrial control simulations of both models, these results suggest that the control simulations are important for identifying and correcting sea level–related model biases.
The Dynamics of Inferential Interpretation in Experiential Learning: Deciphering Hidden Goals from Ambiguous Experience
Authors: Spencer Bryan , Rerup Claus
Published: September 2024

According to the Carnegie School tradition of experiential learning, learning processes are driven by interpretations of experience relative to an observable goal. While prior research has considered how ambiguity may complicate interpretation, it has seldom considered how ambiguous experience emanating from the enactment of hidden goals may complicate the interpretive process. Drawing on a 13-month inductive study of CryptoTradingGroup (CTG), a distributed financial organization, and its interactions with MajorCryptoCommunity (MCC), a cryptocurrency investment community, we examine how actors engage in effective interpretation and learning when they face hidden goals and ambiguous experience. We examine how perpetrators in CTG plotted a hidden market manipulation goal in a backstage secret chatroom while simultaneously targeting MCC with invalid information enacted in the frontstage. Our analysis unpacks the dynamics of how MCC deciphered the hidden market manipulation goal and stopped the fraud through a process that we label inferential interpretation. In shifting away from a model of effective learning with statistical inference, in which interpretation is rarely examined, inferential interpretation shows how heterogeneous actors construct understandings from cues embedded in ambiguous experience during the learning process. Our study makes interpretation, i.e., the construction of meaning, central to conceptions of experiential learning when reality, causality, and intentionality are obscured.
The Effects of the 2021 Child Tax Credit on Child Developmental Outcomes
Authors: Aizer Anna , Lleras-Muney Adriana , Michelmore Katherine
Published: September 2024

Child poverty fell to historic lows in 2021, in large part due to the temporary expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC). We consider the possible implications of this expansion on children’s short- and long-term development. To do so, we review the available short-run evidence from the 2021 expansion and the existing research evidence on the longer-run effects of similar income transfers in childhood on child health and human capital. We conclude that the CTC likely improved child health and well-being in the short and long run, with greater impacts for poor children and modest or nonexistent effects for nonpoor children. Moreover, the effects might be more substantial for younger children and for those in places with weaker safety nets.
The Potential Long-Run Impact of a Permanently Expanded Child Tax Credit
Authors: Ananat Elizabeth , Garfinkel Irwin
Published: September 2024

Inclusion of the expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) in the 2021 American Rescue Plan was, for many, a feasibility test of the impact of a permanent child allowance in the U.S. The CTC expansion was short-lived, however, so evaluations of its effects cannot provide complete evidence on the long-run impacts of a permanent expansion of the benefit. Here, we predict the long-term effects of a permanently expanded, refundable CTC. We use theory from standard economic models, frameworks from behavioral science and child development, and empirical evidence from literature that has evaluated previous long-term cash and quasi-cash transfers to families with children. We find that provision of the benefit would lead to increased future adult earnings and tax payments; improved child health and longevity; and reduced costs in health care, crime, and child protection. We predict that benefits to society would outweigh costs nearly 10 to 1, with most benefits due to the tax credit’s refundability.
In Situ Quantification of Carbonate Species Concentrations, pH, and pCO2 in Calcite Fluid Inclusions Using Confocal Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Hudgins Michael Naylor , Knobbe Todd K. , Hubbard Julia , Steele Andrew , Park Justin G. , Schaller Morgan F.
Published: September 2024

Carbonate minerals are globally distributed on the modern and ancient Earth and are abundant in terrestrial and marine depositional environments. Fluid inclusions hosted by calcite retain primary signatures of the source fluid geochemistry at the time of mineral formation (i.e., pCO2) and can be used to reconstruct paleoenvironments. Confocal laser Raman spectroscopy provides a quick, nondestructive approach to measuring the constituents of fluid inclusions in carbonates and is a reliable method for qualitatively determining composition in both the aqueous and gas phases. Here, we demonstrate a method for accurately quantifying bicarbonate and carbonate ion concentrations (down to 20 mM) and pH (7–11) from calcite fluid inclusions using confocal Raman spectroscopy. Instrument calibrations for carbonate (CO32–) and bicarbonate (HCO3–) concentrations and pH were performed using stock solutions. We show that the calcite host mineral does not affect the accurate quantification of carbonate solution concentrations and that these parameters can be used to estimate the pH and pCO2 of a solution entrapped within a fluid inclusion. We apply the technique to Icelandic spar calcite and find a [CO32–] = 0.11, [HCO3–] = 0.17, pH = 10.1, and CO2 parts per million = 2217. The presence of gaseous Raman bands for CO2, CH4, and H2S suggests that the mineral precipitated in a reducing environment.
Biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis: A comprehensive review
Authors: Sahin Didem , Di Matteo Andrea , Emery Paul
Published: September 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune condition that primarily affects the joints and periarticular soft tissues. In the past two decades, the discovery of new biomarkers has contributed to advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis and natural history of RA. These biomarkers, including genetic, clinical, serological and imaging biomarkers, play a key role in the different stages and aspects of RA, from the so called ‘pre-clinical RA’, which is characterized by subclinical pathological events, such as autoimmunity and inflammation, to diagnosis (including differential diagnosis), treatment decision making and disease monitoring.

This review will provide an overview on the current role of traditional and newer biomarkers in the main aspects of RA management, from the identification of individuals ‘at-risk’ of RA who are likely to progress to clinically evident disease, to ‘early’ diagnosis of RA, prognosis, precision medicine, and prediction of response to treatment.
Exploring the use of electroconvulsive therapy in the anticoagulated population: A systematic review
Authors: Khalid Ashna , Khalid Aafreen , Waite Sue , Plevin David
Published: September 2024

Background:

Electroconvulsive therapy is an effective treatment for several psychiatric conditions. There are theoretical risks associated with electroconvulsive therapy in patients who are anticoagulated. However, there is no review investigating these adverse effects.

Aim:

This systematic review explored the literature on using electroconvulsive therapy in anticoagulated patients, including adverse effects associated with continuation or cessation of anticoagulation during electroconvulsive therapy.

Methods:

The study was registered on PROSPERO (registration CRD42023432178). A search was conducted across CENTRAL, Embase, Medline and PsychINFO databases, with title and abstract screening, full-text review and data extraction by two independent reviewers. Patients planned for electroconvulsive therapy and on anticoagulation prior to electroconvulsive therapy were included. Papers not related to electroconvulsive therapy or anticoagulation were excluded. Data were recorded in Microsoft Excel, presented in tables.

Results:

The studies comprised 108 patients and over 700 sessions of electroconvulsive therapy. 64.81% patients were on warfarin, 22.22% on a direct-acting oral anticoagulant, 5.55% on heparin and the rest on enoxaparin, dalteparin, acenocoumarol or bemiparin. There were two reports of both nonfatal non-central nervous system bleeding and pulmonary embolism in patients with anticoagulation. There were no intracranial haemorrhages or deaths. Bridging or substitution with an anticoagulant with a shorter half-life had no additional benefit.

Conclusion:

This review showed tolerability of anticoagulants continued throughout electroconvulsive therapy, with most patients reporting no adverse effects. Given limitations including few studies and medical comorbidities influencing patient risk profile, further studies are required to guide practice recommendations and review long-term outcomes.
Employment Decisions of Newly Graduated Occupational Therapists
Authors: Lui Stephany , Boniface Jeffrey , Boniface Giovanna , Drynan Donna
Published: September 2024

Introduction. Employment decision-making is essential for understanding workforce trends. Current occupational therapy workforce research describes distribution disparities of occupational therapists within geographic locations, services such as acute care or community health, and private or public sectors. New graduates of occupational therapy programs are critical to meeting the demand and distribution disparities of occupational therapy services in British Columbia. However, recent employment decision-making of new occupational therapy graduates has not been well studied. Purpose. This study aimed to examine factors that influence newly graduated occupational therapists’ employment decisions. Methods. This descriptive study sampled 122 occupational therapists who were registered in one province and graduated from a Canadian occupational therapy program between 2017 and 2022. Data was collected through an online survey about intrinsic factors, extrinsic factors, and past fieldwork experiences that affected participants’ employment decision-making. Descriptive data analysis was used to organize participants’ responses. Findings. Results identified that work-life balance and mentorship were the highest rated factors that influenced participants’ current and first employment respectively. Participants agreed that the variety and number of placements they had as students were more influential to their employment decisions than the length of the fieldwork education. Conclusion. This study identified the intrinsic and extrinsic factors in employment choices that may influence recruitment, retention, and workplace planning of new graduates.
The Sociolinguistic Implications of Body Marks in Ngwaland
Authors: Ukaegbu Eunice Kingsley , Egbe Boypa Oyama
Published: September 2024

Africa has a rich culture of body markings, which is an integral part of its society, history and traditions. Body markings were and are both temporary and permanent modifications of the body, which transmit complex messages about identity and social status. In some African communities, body markings were like wearing one’s identity card on the face or having them printed on one’s skin. The study was carried out in Isiala Ngwa in Abia state, where a corpus of about 30 different body marks was documented and 20 participants were interviewed on the types, motivation, cultural significance, ranking, perception of body marks and reasons for the subsequent decline in the use of indigenous body marks in the Ngwa society. The data collection method involved semi-structured interviews, participant observation and formal conversations on the history and use of body marks in the target group. The Semiotic theory of identification was used as the basic framework for the analysis. The research findings reveal that body markings in Ngwaland are sources of traditional medical intervention, aesthetics/beautification, spiritual fortification/protection, identification, preventing death through reincarnation and warding off aggression. The work concludes that the undeniable roles of body marks in Ngwa land cannot be allowed to go into extinction, as the story of the Ngwa people would be incomplete without body marks, which is the window through which political, social and religious organizations in the past were dissected. Thus, a sociolinguistic, anthropological and documentary approach to body markings in Ngwa land is necessary towards the exploration and preservation of traditional communication patterns, identity formation and semiotic values of this aspect of embodiment.
Do Pandemics Trigger Death Thoughts?
Authors: Leung Hoi-Ting , Chew Peter K. H. , Caltabiano Nerina Jane
Published: September 2024

The current article aims to investigate the effects of pandemics of varying severity on death-thought accessibility in two studies while controlling for health anxiety. Study 1 ( n = 203) examined the effect of standard mortality salience (MS), severe pandemic, mild pandemic, and dental conditions on death-thought accessibility as assessed by the death word fragment task (DWFT). Study 1 did not find significant effects of MS and delay on death-thought accessibility, which could be attributable to the less-sensitive nature of the DWFT. Thus, Study 2 ( n = 163) was conducted with more sensitive death-thought accessibility measures. Results from Study 2 found that response time toward death and positive words on the lexical-decision task was significantly faster than in standard MS and dental conditions. Both studies recruited predominantly Americans (Study 1) and Europeans (Study 2), which limits the generalizability of the results to other populations. Future studies can consider replicating the studies in other populations.
Childhood Trauma and Parental Burnout: The Mediating Role of Difficulties in Emotion Regulation and Reflective Functioning
Authors: Ensanimehr Narges , Dehshiri Gholam Reza , Mousavi Seyyedeh Fatemeh
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the mediating role of difficulties in emotion regulation and reflective functioning in the association between childhood trauma and parental burnout. The participants included 402 mothers with children ranging in age from 1 to 6 years. Mothers completed the Parental Burnout Assessment (PBA) the parental reflective functioning questionnaire (PRFQ), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26, and Hayes Macro in SPSS was also used to analyze the effects of mediating variables. The results show that although childhood trauma and parental burnout do not have a direct and significant relationship, there is a significant indirect relationship through difficulties in emotional regulation and the two factors of parental reflective functioning, i.e., pre-mentalization, interest and curiosity about mental states. These findings contribute to the understanding of the importance of variables such as difficulties in emotion regulation and reflective functioning, which play a mediating role in the relationship between childhood trauma and parental burnout. This suggests that designing interventions and prevention to reduce parental burnout based on emotion regulation and reflective functioning may be beneficial.
Assessing the Indicators of Good Pharmacy Practice in Community Pharmacies: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sapkota Biswash , Pandey Bipindra , Karki Anisha , Malla Aashish
Published: September 2024

To evaluate the extent to which pharmacies in Hetauda Sub-metropolitan City, Nepal adhere to the recommended practices outlined in the good pharmacy practice guidelines formulated by International Pharmaceutical Federation and draft developed by Nepal Pharmacy Council. Good Pharmacy Practice evaluates the safety, effectiveness, availability, and accessibility of medicines, ensuring their correct usage which is essential component of community pharmacies. Data was collected by visiting community pharmacies throughout Hetauda sub-metropolitan city. The questionnaire includes 38 questions under 9 sections: premises, personnel, quality policy, services, documentation, procurement, storage, prescription handling, and dispensing. Frequencies and percentages were used to represent all categorical variables, while mean ± standard deviation (SD) was used to represent continuous variables. To determine relationships between categorical data, the Pearson Chi-square test (χ²) was utilized with a significance level set at P < .05. Using SPSS Version 23, the quantitative data were analyzed. The findings indicated an overall compliance rate of 56.21% with the GPP indicators. The lowest adherence was observed in relation to the quality policy (11.02%), whereas the highest was obtained on the procurement process (86.6%). With regard to the qualifications of the pharmacy in charge, only 16.3% of the pharmacies had a pharmacist holding a bachelor’s degree, while 32.6% employed an assistant pharmacist with a diploma degree. A significant association was found between the qualification of pharmacy in charge with availability of computer ( P = .010), safe and effective procurement ( P = .036), keeping narcotics drugs in lock and key system ( P = .002) and maintaining records of narcotics ( P = .020). Our findings reveal that community pharmacists in Hetauda Sub-metropolitan city, Nepal do not meet the standards set by International Pharmaceutical Federation and the Good Pharmacy Practice guidelines formulated by the Nepal Pharmacy Council.
Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) and Its Influence on Patient Compliance With Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhou Chi , Tan Fang , Lai Si Hong , Chen Jing Chun , Chen Chao Yi , Zhang Gao Feng , Dong Yin
Published: September 2024

The Chronic Care Model (CCM) is a framework that supports the proactive, planned, coordinated and patient-centered care of chronic diseases. The Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) scale is a valuable tool for evaluating patients’ perspectives on chronic care delivery based on the CCM. Few studies have examined its application in China. This study assesses hypertension care in Chinese patients and explores how PACIC scores relate to patient compliance. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Hangzhou, China, from June to August 2021, including 253 hypertensive patients from 5 county hospitals and 13 primary healthcare centers. The study used the PACIC scale to assess hypertension care delivery and the Compliance of Hypertensive Patients scale (CHPS) to measure patient compliance. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore the relationship between demographic characteristics and the total and domain scores of PACIC, as well as the association between CHPS and the domain scores of PACIC. The mean value of overall the PACIC score was 3.12 (out of 5). Problem solving/contextual domain had the highest average score for each item, while follow up/coordination domain had the lowest. Patient activation had negative effects on intention (β = −.18, P < .05), attitude (β = −.21, P < .05), responsibility (β = −.17, P < .05), and the total score of CHPS (β = −.24, P < .01). Delivery system design/decision support was negatively associated with lifestyle (β = −.21, P < .05) and the total score of CHPS (β = −.26, P < .01). Hypertensive patients perceived that they sometimes received hypertension care consistent with the CCM in Chinese primary healthcare settings. A higher level of PACIC score was beneficial for improving hypertensive patient compliance.
The Effectiveness of Intimate Partner Violence Interventions by the Police, Prosecutors, and Courts
Authors: Stjernqvist Johan , Strand Susanne
Published: September 2024

The criminal justice system (CJS), comprising police, prosecutors, and courts, is pivotal in preventing intimate partner violence (IPV). However, challenges persist in effectively protecting victims, with high post-reporting recidivism rates. This systematic review aims to identify CJS interventions targeting IPV recurrence and to assess their effectiveness. Eleven articles meeting inclusion criteria were categorized into three themes: police (five articles), prosecutor (zero articles), and court (six articles). While overall findings lack conclusive evidence on intervention effectiveness, they suggest potential in reducing IPV recidivism among specific perpetrator sub-groups. The review underscores the need to consider contextual factors when evaluating interventions like arrest for IPV prevention. Challenges in identifying evidence-based practices within the CJS persist, necessitating ongoing evaluation research and investment in evidence-based strategies to inform policy and practice effectively.
Energy performance certificate calculation methodologies across Europe and accommodating new performance indicators
Authors: Sayfikar Mahsa , Jenkins David P.
Published: September 2024

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are used across Europe to communicate the energy performance of buildings to a range of different end users. However, as new approaches are introduced and guided at the European level via the Energy Performance Buildings Directive (EPBD), the ability of assessment methodologies and assessors to accommodate these new forms is likely to differ due to the significantly different frameworks in each country. The Horizon-funded crossCert project investigates this by identifying how EPC methodologies differ across countries, highlighting the implications of these differences on the performance gap and what that means for future innovations. Results indicate that methodologies vary considerably regarding general approaches, from highly standardised to highly tailored and assessor qualifications. This paper will look at such differences and investigate how these differences can affect future efforts towards improving EPCs.

Practical application: With the recent recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) emphasising the need for future innovations of EPCs across Europe and encouraging next-generation EPCs, it is important to study country-specific calculation methodologies. In particular, the lack of harmonisation in different approaches can make top-down innovations difficult to implement and raise questions about how an individual country can or should respond to those guidelines. This paper explores the variations in different aspects of EPC assessment methodologies across 10 European countries and how these differences impact the EPC performance gap and future metrics.
The Use of Contribution Analysis in Evaluating Health Interventions: A Scoping Review
Authors: Buetti David , Fitzgerald Michael , Barber Cassandra , Labelle Patrick R. , Bourgeois Isabelle , Aubry Tim , Cameron Erin , Kendall Claire E.
Published: September 2024

Contribution Analysis (CA) is a promising theory-based evaluation approach for complex interventions, yet its application in health interventions remains largely unexplored. To bridge this gap, we conducted a scoping review to examine the extent of such applications and the methodologies, strengths, and limitations of this approach in health programming. Our comprehensive search strategy was developed and used in 15 databases to identify peer-reviewed articles from 1999 to 2023 that focused on using CA to evaluate health interventions. We then implemented rigorous double- and triple-screening processes for abstracts and full-text papers, respectively. Data were extracted and narratively summarized. Our review found seven relevant studies, which showed that CA has been employed in health promotion programs, health policies, and targeted health issues such as nutrition, cardiovascular disease, substance misuse, and suicide prevention. The studies identified strengths of using CA, including its flexible impact evaluation approach, capacity to inform decision-making, and potential to enhance understanding of health programs and policies. However, challenges such as how to determine suitable evidence levels and how to best manage resource intensity were also identified. The limited number of studies indicates that CA is still a novel approach, whereas the variation in the reporting of the studies suggests that this approach could benefit from more standardized methods and detailed stakeholder engagement strategies.
Theory Use in Project Management Research: An Exploratory Content Analysis Approach
Authors: Karanja Erastus , Zaveri Jigish , Miles Angela K. , Day Steven
Published: September 2024

The frequency and richness of the theories developed, tested, and used by researchers in an academic discipline exemplify several pertinent factors, namely, the growth, the maturity, the independence, the legitimacy, and the influence of the discipline. Although organizations have been working on projects for centuries, Project Management (PM) is a considerably new academic discipline with emerging research themes, models, methodologies, frameworks, and paradigms. These PM concepts are anchored on or reinforced by new or existing theories. This exploratory study aims to add to the existing PM body of knowledge by investigating the prevalence of theory use in PM research. A systematic content analysis of 9200 PM research articles published from 2000 to 2019 (20 years) in the leading PM journals identified 248 unique theories. These results reveal that the PM discipline is increasingly embracing the use of theories with game theory, fuzzy theory, agency theory, contingency theory, and stakeholder theory emerging as the most dominant theories in the reviewed research articles. Also, although PM is developing its theories, the results revealed that PM researchers continue to heavily use theories borrowed from other academic disciplines such as psychology, sociology, mathematics, and economics.
Mediating Role of Social Support and Family Functioning on Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of Individuals With Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Kalra Hunny , Tung Suninder
Published: September 2024

Background:

Caring for persons with alcohol use disorder (AUD) significantly affects the quality of life (QoL) of caregivers. According to Lazarus and Folkman’s Stress and Coping Model (1984), the severity of alcohol consumption (SAC) is a major stressor for AUD caregivers. These stressors impact well-being, with QoL linked to caregivers’ coping resources, especially social support (SS) and family functioning (FF). The study aimed to investigate the mediating roles of SS and FF in the relationship between the SAC and caregivers’ QoL.

Material and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in two psychiatric hospitals in Amritsar city, Punjab. We used a purposive sampling technique to collect data from 128 family caregivers aged 18 and above who were caring for male patients with AUD aged between 20 and 65. The assessment tools used were the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Family Assessment Device (FAD), and PGI Social Support Questionnaire (PGI SSQ).

Results:

There is a significant and partial mediation of the association between SAC and QoL by both SS and FF ( P < .001, 99% CI). Moreover, SAC (r = –0.519), FF (r = –0.603), and SS (r = 0.641) showed significant correlations with caregivers’ QoL ( P < .001). The mean scores for SAC, SS, FF, and QoL were 22.66 (11.38), 50.88 (9.45), 127.18 (43.85), and 84.13 (18.70), respectively, suggesting moderate SAC in patients, moderate to high perceived SS levels, moderate perception of family dysfunction, and moderate to high QoL among the caregivers.

Conclusion:

SAC detrimentally impacts caregivers’ QoL both directly and indirectly through SS and FF, with the latter serving as mediators, partially mitigating SAC’s negative impact. Clinical implications underscore the importance of tailored interventions, emphasizing the strengthening of support systems and consideration of diverse FF domains for personalized approaches. The findings contribute valuable insights for developing targeted interventions customized to the specific needs of AUD caregivers to enhance their overall QoL.
Counter-forensics and the geographies of images
Authors: Abbott Bea , Lally Nick
Published: September 2024

Counter-forensics emerged in order to deploy scientific investigative techniques usually wielded by the state against the state. In this article, we theorize how a counter-forensic approach can inform geographical approaches to the study of images. Our counter-forensic approach centers the material and semantic instability of images and highlights the indeterminacy of meaning and thus, the importance of the discursive activity of articulating the relationship between images and political claims. The article offers two case studies that deploy this approach. The first engages with cell phone images made by migrants at sea, showing how they can be read as evidence of the broader spatial politics of Europe’s external borders. The second case study examines the materiality of ultrasound technologies in relation to the changing legal terrain of abortion politics in the United States. Both studies use images as openings to intervene in contested politics that are part of the production of uneven geographies of state domination and control.
Dyadic effects of attachment styles on marital satisfaction among Chinese couples: The mediating role of perceived partner responsiveness
Authors: Lu Siling , He Ying , Li Qingyin , Chen Ziyuan , Fang Xiaoyi
Published: September 2024

Insecure attachment styles, widely recognized as negative predictors in most Western samples, have been found to impair marital satisfaction for individuals high in attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. However, Chinese culture is more tolerant of some features of attachment avoidance, which may lead to different implications of attachment styles for marital relationships. Besides, considering that responses of the partner play a vital role in the interaction of intimate relationships, the current study examined how attachment styles affect marital satisfaction through perceived partner responsiveness (PPR). This study is based on dyadic data from 668 Chinese couples across six marital stages, whose average length of marriage was 15.22 years (ranging from 0.03 to 67.57 years, SD = 13.88). Using the actor-partner interdependence model (APIMeM) to analyze these data, results suggested that: (a) individuals’ attachment anxiety was negatively associated with marital satisfaction for both themselves and their partner, and these associations were partially mediated by PPR; (b) PPR was a full mediator of the positive association between individuals' attachment avoidance and their own marital satisfaction; (c) wives’ PPR fully mediated the positive association between their attachment avoidance and their partner’s marital satisfaction, whereas husbands’ PPR partially mediated the positive association between their attachment avoidance and their partner’s marital satisfaction. These findings differ from previous studies based on Western samples and advance our understanding of how attachment styles are related to PPR and marital satisfaction in Chinese context, providing practical guidance on marital interactions for people with insecure attachment styles.
Using an extended technology acceptance model to understand the behavioral adoption intention of mobile commerce among Chinese consumers
Authors: Liu Yijun , Mensah Isaac Kofi
Published: September 2024

The ubiquitous nature of mobile handsets is enhancing consumers’ shopping experience and thus encouraging extensive m-commerce adoption. The personality traits of the users of m-commerce vary and thus understanding the perspective of people to utilize mobile commerce systems is vital. This study thus examined the factors that drive Chinese consumers to adopt m-commerce. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was utilized as the theoretical foundation while the analysis was completed with AMOS using structural equation model techniques. The results have demonstrated that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use influence m-commerce adoption intentions. Also, service quality along with security, and privacy, were found to significantly drive mobile commerce adoption intentions. Perceived risk showed a significant but negative impact on adoption intentions of m-commerce. Familiarity showed a significant positive three-dimensional impact on PU, PEOU, and m-commerce adoption intentions. The theoretical and managerial repercussions of these results on m-commerce development and diffusion are discussed.
Beneficial adjunctive effects of the 5HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron on symptoms, function and cognition in early phase schizophrenia in a double-blind, 2 × 2 factorial design, randomised controlled comparison with simvastatin
Authors: Chaudhry Imran B , Husain Muhammad Omair , Khoso Ameer B , Kiran Tayyeba , Husain Muhammad Ishrat , Qurashi Inti , Rahman Raza Ur , Mehmood Nasir , Drake Richard , Husain Nusrat , Deakin Bill
Published: September 2024

Background:

Variable benefits have been reported from the adjunctive use of simvastatin and the 5HT3 receptor antagonist, ondansetron, in patients with schizophrenia. We investigated their independent efficacy and possible synergy to improve negative symptoms of schizophrenia within a single trial.

Methods:

A 6-month, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with a 4-arm, 2 × 2 factorial design, in three centres in Pakistan. In total, 303 people with stable treated schizophrenia aged 18–65 were randomly allocated to add-on ondansetron, simvastatin, both or neither. The primary outcome was a Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) negative score at 3 and 6 months.

Results:

Mixed model analysis and analysis of covariance revealed no main effects of simvastatin or ondansetron but a significant negative interaction between them ( p = 0.03); when given alone, both drugs significantly reduced negative symptoms compared to placebo but they were ineffective in combination. Individual treatment effects versus placebo were −1.9 points (95%CIs −3.23, −0.49; p = 0.01) for simvastatin and −1.6 points for ondansetron (95%CIs −3.00, −0.14; p = 0.03). Combined treatment significantly increased depression and side effects. In those with less than the median 5 years of treatment, ondansetron improved all PANSS subscales, global functioning measures and verbal learning and fluency, whereas simvastatin did not.

Conclusion:

Small improvement in negative symptoms on simvastatin and ondansetron individually are not synergistic in combination in treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Ondansetron showed broad efficacy in patients on stable antipsychotic treatment within 5 years of illness. The findings suggest that ondansetron should be evaluated in patients at risk of psychosis or early in treatment.
Effect of hot rolling reduction process on macro-inclusion in high silicon steel plates: A numerical study
Authors: Liu Qing , Wang Min , Pang Weiguang , Wang Xianhui , Gong Jian , Ji Jianli , Xing Lidong , Bao Yanping
Published: September 2024

Inclusions inevitably exist in steel plate, whose behaviour during rolling severely affects the quality of product. In this article, a finite element method was used to simulate the hot rolling behaviour of hard and soft inclusions in high silicon steel plates at different sizes, positions and shapes (circle and square) when the adhesion to the matrix were weak. The shape, relative position and dimensions around the inclusions after rolling were obtained. When the inclusions are hard, cracks are produced around the inclusions after rolling. When inclusions are soft, there are no cracks around the inclusions. Large hard inclusions are more likely to move to the plate surface. When the inclusions are in the position of 1/16 of the sheet, the relative distance between the inclusions and the surface of the sheets is significantly reduced, from 0.062 at the beginning to less than 0.02. Furthermore, the effect of the size and location of hard inclusions on the microscopic defects produced after rolling is discussed. The microscopic defects around the inclusions increase with increasing size and decreasing distance of the inclusions.
The mediating role of self-efficacy and stress on school climate and teachers’ job satisfaction linkages
Authors: Dang Vu H , Nguyen Long T , Pham Huong T
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the relationship between school climate, stress, teacher self-efficacy, and their effects on teachers’ job satisfaction. Data were collected from 403 teachers in seven high schools in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Results show that the linkage between school climate and teachers’ job satisfaction was mediated by self-efficacy and stress. Teacher satisfaction was affected by pay, three school climate factors, and teachers’ self-efficacy. Teacher stress, affiliation, and innovation affected their self-efficacy. Work pressure causes teacher stress, while positive affiliation could mitigate teacher stress. Implications were grasped for improving teachers’ income, self-efficacy, and the Vietnamese school climate.
Class of international functioning disability and health core sets for autism spectrum disorder: Occupational therapists’ perspective
Authors: Üstün Betül , Altuntaş Onur
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

This study was conducted to examine the ICF Core Sets prepared for autism from the perspective of occupational therapists within the scope of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health.

Materials and Methods:

Data were collected from 70 occupational therapists working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Opinions of the participants were collected using the three-stage Delphi technique.

Results:

In the first Delphi round in which 70 occupational therapists from our country participated, a total of 2952 concepts related to autism spectrum disorder were named. The collected responses were associated with 142 ICF categories, excluding personal factors, and then the number of categories was reduced to 132 because 10 of them were mentioned by less than 5% of the respondents. While consensus was achieved in 82% of the 111 categories in the comprehensive ICF Core Sets for autism spectrum disorder .

Discussion and Conclusion:

According to the results of this study, ICF-CSs prepared for autism spectrum disorder overlap with the perspective of occupational therapists to define the physiological, occupational, environmental, and personal factors affecting individuals with autism spectrum disorder . The high level of consensus among occupational therapists underscores the practical applicability and acceptance of ICF Core Sets in the field.
Migraine and brain structure in the elderly: The Rotterdam Study
Authors: Acarsoy Cevdet , Ikram Mohammad Kamran , Ikram Mohammad Arfan , Vernooij Meike W. , Bos Daniel
Published: September 2024

Background

Recent studies suggested that persons with migraine might be at higher risk of structural brain changes, including cerebral small vessel disease and atrophy. However, findings in the literature are inconsistent, with variations observed in the direction, magnitude, and population characteristics of reported effects, and large-scale population-based evidence remains scarce. Hence, we investigated the association of migraine with structural brain changes in a middle-aged and elderly population.

Methods

Within the population-based Rotterdam Study, lifetime history of migraine was assessed using a validated questionnaire between 2006 and 2011. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was performed in 4920 participants (median age 61.7 [IQR 45.5, 97.5] years, 55.4% female) to assess imaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease and brain atrophy. We used linear and logistic regression models to examine the cross-sectional association of migraine with brain volumes (total grey and white matter volumes in mL) and cerebral small vessel disease markers (white matter hyperintensity volume in mL, presence of lacunes and cerebral microbleeds). Adjustments were made for age, sex, intracranial volume and cardiovascular variables. Analyses were also stratified by sex and presence of aura.

Results

The lifetime prevalence of migraine was 15.3% (752/4920). In multivariable adjusted regression models, we found no statistically significant differences between participants with and without migraine in terms of total brain volume (mean difference [MD]: 2.21 mL, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.38 ; 4.81), grey matter volume (MD: 0.38 mL, 95% CI: −1.98 ; 2.74), white matter volume (MD: 2.19 mL, 95% CI: −0.56 ; 4.93), log white matter hyperintensity volume (MD: −0.04 mL, 95% CI: −0.10 ; 0.02), presence of lacunes (odds ratio [OR]: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.58–1.15), and presence of cerebral microbleeds (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.76–1.18).

Conclusion

In this study, we found that middle-aged and elderly participants with migraine were not more likely to have structural brain changes on magnetic resonance imaging.
Review on medical waste management in China and Nigeria
Authors: Okonkwo Camillus Uchenna , Liyuan Liu , Jianbo Guo , Wang Tongzhe , Meng Cun , Qinzhong Feng , Yang Chen
Published: September 2024

Medical waste management is an essential component of healthcare delivery globally due to the toxic and contagious potentials on human health and the environment. There are resource limitations in developing nations when it comes to the appropriate handling of medical wastes. In this article, we examined previous studies to evaluate the practices of medical waste management in China and Nigeria. Contextually, this work addresses medical waste practices in the context of waste generation, segregation, collection, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal. In addition to reviewing additional important aspects of medical waste management, the current study addresses potentials and challenges for efficient medical waste management in both countries. For this study; Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, Agencies, Conferences, National and International Conventions were searched from 1998 up to 2023 for all studies reporting medical waste management in China and Nigeria. To further guarantee that only resource materials with similar research interests in medical waste management were selected, a double screening process was employed. The challenges of medical waste management in both countries are limited financing, inadequate training, ineffective legislation, ineffective medical waste transport system and insufficient treatment technology. Furthermore, this study offers practical recommendations by identifying the particular areas that require attention and development, such as training of healthcare workers, adequate financing of medical waste management projects, including research and development on efficient toxic emission reducing technologies, and partnership with other relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure enforcement of national and local legislation.
Utilizing Priming Effects to Improve Access to Governmental Financial Reports: An Experimental Study of Non-Expert Users
Authors: Stalebrink Odd J.
Published: September 2024

This research examines if priming can be used to increase non-expert readers’ access to key information in public sector annual comprehensive financial reports (ACFRs). Priming is grounded in the idea that exposure to a given concept activates brain activities, making text related to that concept more accessible to the individual. Using an experimental research approach the results of the experiment offer support for the hypothesis that prior exposure to primes grounded in financial performance concepts improve non-expert audiences’ access to ACFRs. These findings are important because they suggest a path forward for increasing the value of ACFRs as a public sector transparency mechanism.
Interpersonal Difficulties Arising from Child Sexual Abuse: Differences Between Intra-familial and Extra-familial Abuse Victims
Authors: García-Montoliu Carlos , Giménez-García Cristina , Ruiz-Palomino Estefanía , Fernández-García Olga , Ballester-Arnal Rafael
Published: September 2024

Child sexual abuse (CSA) often has serious implications for the victims. The scientific literature reflects a diversity of sequelae that may appear in the short and long term. Interpersonal difficulties have been shown to be one of the most common consequences. However, studies comparing these sequelae between victims of intra-familial (IF) and extra-familial (EF) CSA are scarce. The aim of this research was to analyze differences in dyadic satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and attachment patterns in adulthood between Spanish IF victims, EF victims, and non-victims of CSA. The Sexual Victimization Subscale of the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire, the Relationship Assessment Scale, the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale, and the Adult Attachment Questionnaire were administered to 140 adults (94 CSA victims and 46 non-victims) aged 18 to 54 years. CSA victims scored lower than the non-victims on the personal sexual satisfaction factor and attachment factors characterized by the need for approval, hostile resolution of conflicts, and emotional self-sufficiency. Statistically significant differences were also found between the victim groups in the factors characterized by the need for approval and communication of feelings and comfort with relationships showing the IF group to have more impairment in these areas than the EF group. In conclusion, CSA may have serious implications for the development of victims’ interpersonal relationships. The context of sexual abuse and the relationship between victim and offender appears to play a role in the development of relational problems. These findings highlight the need to implement specific strategies in the psychological treatment of victims depending on their relationship with the offender and the environment in which the abuse occurred.