bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association Between Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors and Polypharmacy in Older Adults: The Loma Linda Longevity Study
Authors: Bardesi Abrar , Alabadi-Bierman Alaa , Paalani Michael , Beeson W. Lawrence , Dos Santos Hildemar
Published: November 2024

Polypharmacy—defined as taking numerous medications that may not be clinically necessary—is becoming a significant concern among the older adult population. This study examined the associations between lifestyle behaviors and the number of prescribed medications in older adults (75 years and older) living in the counties of San Bernardino and Riverside.

This study employed a cross-sectional survey to assess lifestyle behaviors and medication use in 611 older adults aged 75 or over. Bivariate correlation and linear regression analyses were used to assess potential relationships between lifestyle behaviors and the number of prescribed medications.

Fruit consumption ( P = 0.005), mild physical activity per week ( P < .001), and lifestyle index ( P = 0.003) had a highly significant inverse association with the number of prescribed medications. Fat consumption had a direct positive relationship with the number of prescribed medications ( P = 0.02).

Higher fat intake was directly linked to an increased need for medications, while regular physical activity, a higher fruit intake, and a healthy overall lifestyle were all associated with a lower likelihood of polypharmacy. Future research can explore the mechanisms linking these behaviors with medication usage.
Validity of Woven EndoBridge sizing based on the device-to-aneurysm volume ratio
Authors: Pressman Elliot , Weinberg Joshua H , Baig Ammad A , Rainone Gersham J , Schimmel Samantha , Vignolles-Jeong Joshua , Smith Teagen , Youssef Patrick , Davies Jason M , Siddiqui Adnan H , Levy Elad I , Guerrero Waldo R , Mokin Maxim , Vakharia Kunal
Published: November 2024

Background

The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) is a treatment modality available for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, specifically beneficial in wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms. Conventional sizing methods rely on the manipulation of aneurysm width and height measurements. This results in frequent need for re-sizing after initial WEB insertion attempts. Previous studies have suggested that volume-based sizing may decrease this rate.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study in three complex vascular centers in the United States from 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2023. All patients who underwent attempted aneurysmal WEB embolization were included. Using three-dimensional angiogram reconstructions, we measured the aneurysm volume. We calculated the WEB volume and measured the WEB-aneurysm volume (WAVe) ratio. The primary outcome was whether a WEB required re-sizing.

Results

A total of 133 cases were identified, 114 correctly sized and 19 incorrectly sized. Twelve patients (9.0%) required additional stent placement during WEB insertion. One patient (0.8%) had WEB abandonment. There were no differences in demographic or baseline characteristics between the size/re-sizing cohorts aside from aneurysm location (“other” and basilar locations increased the rate of re-sizing). The median WAVe ratio in our appropriately sized cohort was 0.997 (interquartile range (IQR) 0.826, 1.30) versus 1.14 in our re-sizing cohort (IQR 0.734, 1.51; p = 0.728). Using logistic regression, we identified a WAVe ratio ranging from 0.76 to 1.24 yielding > 80% probability of a successful sizing with 95% confidence.

Conclusions

Incorporating volume-based measurements in aneurysm embolization with WEBs may improve rates of re-sizing but has an unclear effect on aneurysm occlusion. A WAVe ratio of 0.76–1.24 provides the greatest probability of appropriate initial WEB sizing.
The leaderful quality of resistance within human-nonhuman encounters at work
Authors: Perez Moraga Victor A , Baxter Lynne F
Published: November 2024

This paper shows the importance of more-than-human materialities in surfacing how affective processes of leaderful resistance emerge in the workplace. Employing a Spinozo-Deluzian approach to affect, we develop a new materialist analysis showing how more-than-human materialities resist in encounters with humans, generating flows of affect that lead. Based on a 9 months affective and virtual ethnography, we uncover two ways more-than-human matter resist we label affective hindrance – subtle barriers; and decompositional rupture – the undermining or breaking of relationships. These affective forces help explain how processes of resistance are co-produced in material encounters and how such relations both lead and resist in day-to-day organising, resulting in changes to work processes or reverberations that surface later, generating further leaderful resistance. Our work extends research that understands leadership as a less positive and organised process unfolding in unexpected ways.
From margins to power: Resistance leadership by Brazilian women’s collective candidates
Authors: Penha-Vasconcelos Carla
Published: November 2024

This paper offers an introduction to the transformative impact of collective candidacies on Brazil’s political representation. Focusing on the experience of ‘Juntas,’ a feminist collective that held office from 2018 to 2022, I argue they illustrate a resistance leadership practice moving people from the margins to the centre of formal political power. This practice works via a feminist and intersectional political mandate with the participation of diverse bodies, identities, and voices of civil society. The paper highlights the significance of Juntas as a platform that resisted traditional leadership, a unique model for future women’s collective candidacies, and a varied and intersectional example that can motivate critical leadership researchers to explore Global South leadership knowledge and practice.
“The System isn’t Set up for Us”: Stories of young Black women’s mental health journey
Authors: Modeste-James Akeem , McClain T’Shana , Hanna Michele
Published: November 2024

Background:

Black women are too often overlooked and underserved by the mental health system, resulting in disparities in their access to care and services provided. Little attention has been given to understanding the mental health experiences of Black women or to the development of culturally responsive, effective interventions that promote equitable access and services for these women.

Objectives:

This study provides an opportunity to understand the lived experiences of young Black women with mental health challenges and their engagement with mental health services.

Design:

A descriptive phenomenological approach was used to understand the lived experiences of young Black women with mental health challenges and their engagement with mental health services.

Methods:

Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, loosely structured interviews with 15 Black women, ages 18–30 years, experiencing mental health challenges were conducted.

Results:

A thematic analysis revealed five overarching themes: (1) the “Strong Black Woman” persona as a barrier to seeking care, (2) impact of mental health stigma in the Black community, (3) intergenerational mental health trauma among Black women, (4) lack of culturally responsive practitioners, and (5) the impact of COVID-19 on mental health.

Conclusion:

The findings suggest practitioners need to consider the intersecting identities of Black women when developing culturally responsive interventions. Additionally, concepts such as identity shifting, identity centrality, and radical healing should be considered when addressing the unique experiences of young Black women.
The long-term imprisonment of women: Penal servitude and release of female offenders serving long sentences, 1853–1900
Authors: Johnston Helen
Published: November 2024

This article explores the experiences and impact of long-term imprisonment on the lives of women sentenced to lengthy periods of incarceration (serving at least one sentence of 10 years or more) in the mid- to late-19th century in England and Wales. While most female offenders who were thought to warrant imprisonment in the Victorian period resulted then and today, in short prison sentences, this article focuses upon a smaller group of 41 women, who were subject to longer terms of penal servitude for serious or recidivist offending. This group was a combination of repeat property offenders, whose sentences got longer as they were multiply reconvicted, and those women committed under a long sentence for one serious act, usually of violence. Using ‘whole life’ history methodology, this article explores the offending and impact of imprisonment on these women’s lives, their experiences inside prison, and where possible their lives after release.
Perioperative practitioners’ experiences of critical incident debriefing: A qualitative explorative study
Authors: Porteous Kelly Y , Robertson Callum , Lafferty Agnes
Published: November 2024

Background:

A critical incident is described as any unplanned event which causes, or has the potential to cause, injury to a patient. Critical incident debriefing is a team discussion to gather facts and analyse the experience, evaluate lessons learned and provide staff with support. However, this phase is often neglected.

Methods:

This UK-based explorative qualitative study aims to explore perioperative practitioners’ experiences of critical incident debriefing. Data were collected from six participants through audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis framework.

Results:

Five themes emerged detailing the advantages of critical incident debriefing, including addressing staff’s personal needs and learning lessons from incidents, and the disadvantages such as time constraints and unsupportive/uninformative debriefs leading to poor-quality debriefs.

Conclusions:

Implementation of a short debrief immediately post-incident to address immediate concerns, a later in-depth debrief and additional training for facilitators were recommended to improve debrief quality.
Survivorship and outcomes of arthroscopic bankart repair for anterior shoulder dislocations: A minimum of 2 year follow-up
Authors: Lim Kia Teng , Tan Wei Ping Marcus , Tan Andrew Hwee Chye
Published: November 2024

Background

This study aims to evaluate long-term survivorship of arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR).

Methods

About 101 patients under a single surgeon were followed up for ≥2 years post-ABR. Primary outcome was survivorship, defined as re-dislocation post-surgery. Secondary outcomes included a range of motion, strength, pain, University of California-Los-Angeles shoulder score, Oxford shoulder score (OSS), Oxford Shoulder Instability Score (OSIS), Constant Murley Score, and satisfaction. Clinical factors were correlated.

Results

Eight patients experienced postoperative dislocation (5 high-energy trauma, 2 low-energy trauma, 1 atraumatic), with 2 patients requiring revision. The mean time to post-operative dislocation was 1.5 years (range 0.3–3.8). Competitive athletes demonstrated worse survivorship (p = 0.027) but greater isometric strength at 6 months (p = 0.041) compared to recreational players. Patients ≥25 years old experienced slower recovery of internal rotation at 3 months (p = 0.006). Patients with surgery >1 year after injury had slower recovery of external rotation (p = 0.006), worse Constant scores at 3 months (p = 0.036) and lesser improvements in isometric strength at 3 months (p = 0.032). Patients with single pre-operative dislocations (p = 0.036 OSS; p = 0.039 OSIS) and patients ≥25 years old (p = 0.044 OSS) had worse Oxford scores at 3 months.

Discussion

ABR demonstrates good outcomes with low recurrence. This study prognosticates long-term outcomes across various subgroups.
Real-world overall survival in second-line maintenance niraparib monotherapy versus active surveillance in patients with BRCA wild-type recurrent ovarian cancer
Authors: Coleman Robert L. , Perhanidis Jessica A. , Kalilani Linda , Zimmerman Nicole M. , Golembesky Amanda , Moore Kathleen N.
Published: November 2024

Background:

The NOVA study (NCT01847274) compared niraparib with placebo as a maintenance treatment for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer (OC) but was not powered to detect an overall survival (OS) improvement.

Objective:

To compare OS in a real-world population of patients with BRCA wild-type ( BRCAwt) recurrent OC who received second-line maintenance (2LM) niraparib monotherapy versus active surveillance (AS).

Design:

A retrospective study using a US-based nationwide deidentified electronic health record-derived database.

Methods:

Patients diagnosed with epithelial OC (January 1, 2011–May 31, 2021) who completed second-line (2L) therapy (January 1, 2017–March 2, 2022) and were BRCAwt were included. A NOVA study-like subpopulation included patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score of 0–1 and platinum-sensitive disease. Patients were assigned to 2LM niraparib or AS cohorts. Follow-up was measured from the index date (2L non-maintenance therapy end) until the first of study end (May 31, 2022), last clinical activity, or death. Median OS (mOS) and hazard ratios were estimated with an emulated trial methodology.

Results:

The overall population comprised 199 patients in the 2LM niraparib monotherapy cohort and 707 patients in the AS cohort; the NOVA study-like subpopulation included 123 patients in the 2LM niraparib monotherapy cohort and 143 in the AS cohort. Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar in both populations. Overall, adjusted mOS was 24.1 months for the 2LM niraparib monotherapy cohort versus 18.4 months for the AS cohort (hazard ratio, 0.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.7–0.9). In the NOVA study-like subpopulation, adjusted mOS was 28.1 months for the 2LM niraparib monotherapy cohort versus 21.5 months for the AS cohort (hazard ratio, 0.6; 95% CI: 0.5–0.9).

Conclusion:

These results provide important real-world OS data for patients with recurrent BRCAwt OC who received niraparib monotherapy compared with patients receiving AS.
Biosynthesis of Chitosan Nanocomposite with Myrrh-Mediated Nanosilver for Controlling Skin Pathogenic Microbes
Authors: Saad Hager A. , Assas Mona , Abdella Asmaa , Gad Hend A. , Tayel Ahmed A.
Published: November 2024

Background: The usages of biosynthesized nanomaterials for microbial pathogens’ fighting have numerous rationales and effectiveness. Skin microbes could acquire drug-resistance that needs innovative approaches for overcoming. Objectives: Phytosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with Commiphora myrrh resin extract (MR) and their nanoconjugates with chitosan nanoparticles (Cht) were fabricated and assessed as potential antimicrobial agents for controlling antibiotic-resistant microbial skin pathogens, Materials and methods: AgNPs biosynthesis was achieved within MR solution and they were composited with Cht. The syntheses of nanomaterials were validated using infrared spectroscopy and electron microscopy and they were loaded onto cotton textiles, then all fabricated nanomaterials/textiles were assessed for inhibiting skin pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Results: Nanomaterials’ characterization appointed the mean size of MR-synthesized AgNPs to be 22.58 nm, whereas the mean diameter of Cht/MR/AgNPs nanocomposites was 130.34 nm and carry +25.9 mV charges. The infrared assessment validated the interactions between the employed materials. The loaded cotton textiles with MR/AgNPs and Cht/MR/AgNPs could effectively inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, Cht/MR/AgNPs was the most powerful. The scanning microscopy confirmed the antimicrobial action of Cht/MR/AgNPs toward the skin pathogens; the microbes mostly lysed and deformed within 12 h of exposure to nanocomposites. Conclusions: The Cht/MR/AgNPs nanocomposite provided potent antimicrobial actions toward skin microbial pathogens.
Evaluating the Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Effects of Eminium spiculatum Plant Extracts
Authors: Khalid Mahmoud , Al-Rimawi Fuad , Fawadleh Mayar , Salah Zaidoun , Shammari Latifah Al , Dhanarasu Sasikumar , Ayyal Salman Haya , Al-Mazaideh Ghassab M.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Plants have long been used for medicinal purposes, but synthetic drugs emerged with scientific advancements. However, these synthetic drugs often have harmful side effects. Natural products, particularly plants, offer safer alternatives with bioactive compounds that can be used for synthesizing new drugs and developing natural remedies.

Methods

Utilizing an ultrasonic-assisted extraction technique, two distinct preparations of Eminium spiculatum (E. spiculatum) extract were produced. These extracts were obtained using ethanol solutions at concentrations of 100% and 50%, respectively. The biological activities of E. spiculatum extracts were evaluated using chemical assay methods. Specifically, the study assessed the antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant properties of these extracts through standardized chemical techniques. The antimicrobial impact was examined against E.coli, Streptococcus species, as well as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) using the well diffusion method. Furthermore, anticancer tests demonstrated activity against HT29 (colon cancer cells) and MCF7 (breast cancer cells).

Results

The findings revealed complete cell death with both 100% as well as 50% ethanol extracts compared to the control. The extracts exhibited notable antioxidant scavenging capacity against the stable radical DPPH, with values of 298.7 ± 3.3 and 190.8 ± 2.2 µmol Trolox/g for 50% and 100% ethanolic extracts, respectively. These outcomes can be attributed to the extracts’ abundant phenolic content (107.3 ± 3.1 and 99.7 ± 2.0 mg GAE/g for 50% and 100% ethanolic extracts, respectively) and flavonoid content (67.9 ± 2.9 and 45.6 ± 2.8 mg catechin/g for 50% and 100% ethanolic extracts, respectively).

Conclusion

The assessment of E. spiculatum plant extracts revealed significant antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant activities. The extracts demonstrated promising potential for drug development, particularly in the areas of cancer treatment and the production of novel antibacterial drugs. Further exploration of extraction methods to isolate the bioactive compounds could enable E. spiculatum to contribute to the synthesis of safe and effective drugs in the future.
Continuous Degradation of Forest Structure and Composition Causes a Shift in Phorophytes and Population Genetics in Aphyllous Vanilla Species
Authors: Botomanga Alemao , Andriamihaja Cathucia F. , Besse Pascale , Jeannoda Vololoniaina H. , Grisoni Michel , Ny Aina Ranaivoson Sedera E.F. , Antsonantenainarivony Goum , Fuzzati Nicola , Ramarosandratana Aro Vonjy
Published: November 2024

Background and Research Aims

The natural habitats of aphyllous vanillas in Madagascar have been extensively degraded by human activities. The implications of this degradation are complex given their intricate interactions with other organisms. This study highlights possible approaches to the conservation of aphyllous vanillas after examining the impact of forest degradation on phorophyte diversity, reproductive modes, and genetic diversity.

Methods

We conducted comparative studies of conserved and degraded forests in two contrasting bioclimatic zones. We characterized the changes in horizontal and vertical forest structures and assessed the ecological importance of the tree species. We identified the preferred phorophytes of two aphyllous Vanilla species, Vanilla madagascariensis and Vanilla decaryana, and investigated their population genetics.

Results and Conclusions

Our findings confirmed a declining trend in tree diversity, number of trees, and cover rate in degraded forests. Canopy openness is associated with an increase in the number of phorophytes and the asexual reproductive mode of Vanilla species. Dominant tree species were more likely to become phorophytes, and there was a positive correlation between phorophyte diameter and number of hosted vanilla individuals. Significant deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were observed in each population, particularly in the dry forest and degraded sites, compared with the conserved sites. Additionally, slight differentiation was observed between vanilla populations in conserved and degraded forests, with an alarming effective population size (Ne) that did not exceed 13 individuals.

Conservation Implications

We recommend the introduction of new genotypes to promote genetic enrichment, the ban on logging potential phorophytes, and the inclusion of some degraded forests comprising Vanilla species in conservation.
Emotional Health Assessment in Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Barnes Jessica , Morse Brenna
Published: November 2024

Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are likely to experience psychiatric symptoms, like depression, anxiety, and distress, throughout their lifetime. Due to communication differences and minimal use of specialized diagnostic assessments for anxiety and depression, emotional pain can often be overlooked or underestimated in students with IDD. This is often complicated by atypical presentations of anxiety and depression, such as externalized aggression, self-injurious behaviors, or other behavioral dysregulation, that can indicate emotional distress, physical pain, or other medical complications. School nurses play an important role in assessing for emotional and physical pain in students with IDD using assessment tools currently available and clinical judgment. Tools that have been created for use in this population may account for the diversity of communication, sensory, and developmental differences in students with IDD. Through leading education and advocacy for the interprofessional school team, school nurses can increase the access that students with IDD have to equitable emotional health evaluations and services. School nurses can also promote emotional wellness for students with IDD through the incorporation of mindful and community activities in the care plan.
Elevating the Role of School Nurses in School-Based Mental and Behavioral Health: A Consensus Document
Authors:   National Association of School Nurses
Published: November 2024

School nurses are members of the school-based mental and behavioral health support team. This consensus document was developed by school nurses and school nurse leaders in collaboration with leaders from national associations and organizations with a vested interest in K-12 mental and behavioral health. The document is also publicly available on the National Association of School Nurses website.
Influence of social and psychological factors on smartphone usage during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Jo Hyeon , Shin Donghyuk
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study investigates the influence of psychological factors—specifically affective and cognitive risk perceptions, social distancing attitudes, subjective norms, and cabin fever syndrome—on smartphone usage intensity during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on university students.

Methods

Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 314 university students from South Korea and Vietnam. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the relationships between the psychological constructs and their impact on smartphone usage.

Results

The analysis confirms that both affective and cognitive risk perceptions significantly influence attitudes towards social distancing. Furthermore, these social distancing attitudes are found to significantly affect cabin fever syndrome, suggesting that positive attitudes towards social distancing are closely associated with higher reports of cabin fever. Notably, cabin fever syndrome emerges as a significant predictor of increased smartphone usage, underscoring its role as a mediator between prolonged isolation and digital engagement. Additionally, subjective norms are also shown to significantly influence smartphone usage intensity, highlighting the impact of social expectations on digital behaviors during the pandemic.

Conclusion

The study highlights the complex interplay between psychological distress induced by social restrictions and increased reliance on digital technology for social connectivity. These insights suggest that mental health interventions and digital literacy programs tailored to university students’ needs can be effective in managing the negative impacts of prolonged social isolation.
Epicardial Lead Performance Trends in Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Dechert Brynn E. , Sood Vikram , LaPage Martin J.
Published: November 2024

Background: Epicardial pacing systems, rather than transvenous systems, are utilized in pediatric patients who are too small to undergo transvenous access and/or have complex congenital heart disease (CHD) anatomically precluding a transvenous system. Longitudinal performance studies indicate that epicardial leads have higher failure rates when compared with transvenous leads but there are limited data on lead measurement changes in the acute phase after implantation. The objective of this study was to assess epicardial lead performance in the acute postimplant period and at one-year follow-up. Methods: This is a retrospective single center study of children and adult patients with CHD undergoing epicardial bipolar pacing lead and generator implantation between January 2012 and June 2022. We empirically selected 2 V as a critical lead threshold. Results: There were 256 leads implanted in 127 patients (mean age 6.1 ± 9.8 years), including 201/256 (79%) leads in patients with CHD. At the time of implant, 47/256 leads (18%) had a lead threshold of ≥2 V. Of those, 42 of 47 (89%) had recorded threshold values on postoperative day 1 (POD1) and 37 of 42 (88%) had decreased to a more acceptable threshold that was <2 V. For patients with an implant threshold of ≥2 V; impedance >1000 ohms, presence of CHD, perioperative or acute postop status, and location of the lead (atrial vs ventricular) did not significantly impact the odds of having a persistently high threshold (≥2 V) on POD1. Conclusion: Epicardial pacing lead thresholds generally improve in the immediate postop period and in our experience most leads with a high implant threshold improved to <2 V by POD1.
The Role of Circular Economy in Driving Economic Growth: Evidence from EU Countries
Authors: Radivojević Vladimir , Rađenović Tamara , Dimovski Jelena
Published: November 2024

The transition to a circular economy has become an important topic in thinking about the sustainable future of humanity. An important and often disputed point in the academic debate on this topic is the relationship between the need to achieve constant economic growth on the one hand and the preservation and protection of the environment on the other. This paper contributes to that debate by assessing the causality of the circular and economic performances of selected countries. The analysis is based on panel data from the EU Monitoring Framework database and World Bank DataBank covering 27 European Union (EU) countries during the period 2000 to 2021. The goal is to examine the impact of circular economy indicators on gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in the EU. The research is conducted through descriptive statistics and correlation and regression analysis. The obtained results indicate a strong positive correlation between circular economy indicators and GDP per capita. Also, results revealed a positive and statistically significant impact of Resource Productivity (RP), Generation of municipal waste per capita (MWpc), and Recycling rate of municipal waste (RRMW) on economic growth (GDPpc). The conclusions can be useful to EU policymakers in formulating a strategy for improving the performance of the circular economy, but also for harmonizing that improvement with the economic performance of the member states. This particularly refers to taking measures to improve resource productivity and encouraging both producers and consumers to increase waste recycling capacity, as significant factors of economic growth.
Systematic Review of Language Teachers’ Self-efficacy Research over the Past Twenty Years: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Wang Dong , Jia Qi , Mao Linlin
Published: November 2024

This study intends to demonstrate a detailed knowledge map of language teachers’ self-efficacy research via the past 20 years’ data from the Web of Science (WoS) database. A bibliometric analysis was employed to analyze the articles published between 2003 and March 2023 to show the status of language teachers’ self-efficacy research in the last two decades. Hot research topics and future directions in this field have also been discussed. By applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 250 documents were finally retrieved for analysis. Through production, citation, and content analysis with the help of Biblioshiny, this study finds that language teachers’ self-efficacy research has increasingly gained popularity in the academic field over the past 20 years, and its booming production involves many authors, journals, institutions, and countries. Furthermore, English teachers’ “professional development,” “beliefs,” “job satisfaction/burnout,” and context impacting the construction of teachers’ self-efficacy are the hotspots in language teachers’ self-efficacy research. However, specific issues concerning measures to develop language teachers’ self-efficacy and their effect on practical language teaching and learning will keep good topics in future research.
Examining the Customers’ Perception Toward the Implementation of Value-added Tax in Saudi Arabia: A Financial, Economic, and Social Perspectives in Sustainable Economic Development
Authors: Alhumoudi Hamad , Johri Amar
Published: November 2024

Value Added Tax is widely used and prominent since it generates significant economic revenue and is very simple to administer. Consumers who purchase various goods and services are subject to a standard consumption tax called VAT, which is gradually collected. Economic growth is necessary for a country to be sustainable in the long run. VAT has been recognized as an essential global tax instrument that fosters economic growth. The study examines the customers’ perception of financial, economic, and social perspectives of VAT in sustainable economic development. This study employed a mixed-methods design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The data was obtained from 315 respondents in Saudi Arabia via a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, reliability analysis, regression analysis, and ANOVA were employed to analyze the data in SPSS. The study results showed that all factors substantially impacted customers’ perception, and customers perceive that the revenue generated from VAT significantly contributes to a country’s financial, social and economic development. The advice presented would be helpful to scholars and policymakers who are examining the implications of VAT and how to improve compliance.
Connection and Interaction Between Education and Economy: An Empirical Study From Pakistan by Using the ARDL Technique
Authors: Kausar Fahd Naveed , Yuping Cui , Ghazala Noreen , Khan Quart-Ul-Ain , Shah Muhammad Usman , Sajjad Muhammad
Published: November 2024

Education is considered a key element in the formation of human capital, associated with the sustainable development of a country’s economic growth. The study has investigated the relationship between education and Pakistan’s economic growth in the short as well as long run. For measurement, thirty years of data spanning from 1987 to 2016 was used in the study. The data was retrieved from World Development Indicators (WDI) and the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). Economic growth was measured from real GDP while education was measured by total years of formal education and government expenditures for education. Pesaran bounds test approach and ARDL model for long and short-run co-integration were applied. The results deduced from the study described that by increasing the labor force education, the real GDP increases with the existence of significant and positive co-integration and confirmed the long-term relationship. It is observed that by increasing the 1% of labor force education, there is a 0.62% increase in real GDP (economic growth) in long run. On the other hand, the results also described the significant and negative co-integration relation between government education expenditures and economic growth (real GDP) in long run. The appearance of this negative relation in results is probably due to the unavailability of total educational expenditures as in this study the education of the labor force increases with decreasing trends in government educational expenditures. This study may be helpful for policymakers in educational policy formulation to enhance the government educational expenditure for improving the education standard of the labor force to boost Pakistan’s economic growth.
Establish Trust With Electronic Word-of-Mouth to Improve Brand Equity
Authors: Le Minh Thi Hong , Thi Thao Vy Nguyen , Le Huynh Huu An , Nguyen Tuan Hung , Nguyen Ngoc Thanh Ngan , Thi Hong Van Nguyen
Published: November 2024

Electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM) has gained popularity due to the fact that people can communicate and discuss brands through emotive expressions, remarks, and reviews regardless of their distance. The purpose and objectives of this study are to determine how e-WOM factors, such as brand image, brand awareness, and brand loyalty based on trust, influence brand equity. The study’s methodology included both qualitative and quantitative research to examine consumers’ perspectives and generalize the findings, respectively. For qualitative research on e-WOM variables, both in-depth interviews and focus groups are utilized. The next stage is to collect online responses from 410 participants and evaluate their relationships using a structural equation modeling (SEM) model. The findings suggest that content quality, the number of reviews, norm conflict, and sponsored recommendations are the characteristics that generate e-WOM and enhance the ability to establish trust in these reviews. This enhances the brand equity of digital businesses. This demonstrates the factors that managers should emphasize in order to enhance the positive effects of e-WOM and thereby increase brand equity.
Determinants of Online Medical Decisions for Older Parents: A Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Fan Bonan , Song Weifang , Zhang Wei , Evans Richard
Published: November 2024

This study investigates determinants of adult children’s medical decision preferences for their elderly parents, aiming to optimize healthcare service utilization. Seven influencing factors were identified and a discrete choice experiment was conducted. Data were analyzed with a binary logit regression model. Results highlight treatment effectiveness ( p < .001, OR = 5.945), physician attitude ( p < .001, OR = 2.740), hospital accessibility ( p < .001, OR = 2.136), waiting duration ( p < .001, OR = 1.604), and hospital rank ( p = .001, OR = 1.409) as key concerns when deciding medical care for older parents. Physician title and online health insurance reimbursement showed no significance. Chinese adult children tend to rationally choose primary healthcare centers and Grade II hospitals for effective therapy and doctor-patient communication, suggesting investments in these facilities to enhance healthcare delivery within a hierarchical medical system.
Inclusive factor inputs for determination of human development index for informal settlements: A case study of Enugu city, Nigeria
Authors: Azubuike Henry , Jiburum Uloma , Nwachukwu Maxwell Umunna , Mba Harold Chike , Okosun Andrew Eraga , Nwanmuoh Emmanuel Ejiofo
Published: November 2024

Despite the popularity of the human development index (HDI) in the measurement of human development, it has been variously criticized on the ground that its three dimensions, namely, health, education, and income, as presently constituted do not completely reflect human overall well-being goal which it set-out to measure. The critics have suggested the introduction of additional relevant indicators for the construction of HDI. The goal of this study is to investigate inclusive factor variables for determining the human development index for informal settlements using the city of Enugu, Nigeria, as a case study. The variables used in the development of HDI include the following: wealth, housing/environmental, and social protection. The HDI formula was subsequently modified to the more elaborate and inclusive factor inputs. The results show that households in informal settlements in Enugu are experiencing deprivation. The level of deprivation is highest in the area of wealth dimension, followed by housing/environmental and social protection. Four informal settlements are currently experiencing significant low-level human development in each area of housing/environmental and social protection issues. The aggregation of the three dimensions of the human development index shows that the informal settlements in the city of Enugu are seriously deprived. This implies that the settlements are poorly served with housing facilities, environmental amenities, and social protection structure. In effect, wealth, housing/environmental, and social protection mechanisms are veritable indicators for the measurement of human development and should be included as variables for calculating HDI, especially for the urban poor.
The Influence Between Industry 4.0 and Technology Transfer: A Framework Based on Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Mick Marcela Marçal Alves Pinto , Kovaleski João Luiz , Yoshino Rui Tadashi , Chiroli Daiane Maria de Genaro
Published: November 2024

Industry 4.0 represents an enormous potential for organizations, but its successful implementation requires a thorough analysis of Technology Transfer (TT) activities. This paper’s purpose is (1) to build on the state-of-the-art literature on Industry 4.0 and Technology Transfer, (2) to identify key characteristics of recent studies, (3) to develop a framework illustrating the relationship between Technology Transfer and Industry 4.0 and demonstrate its practical application in companies. For that purpose, the databases Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Scopus were selected for the search of relevant papers on industry 4.0 and technology transfer. This search encompassed the 2010 to 2022 period and, after the application of the Methodi Ordinatio, a total of 70 papers were analyzed. The review examined the publication timeline, leading publishers, geographical distribution, keyword co-occurrence, and clusters. Based on this literature review, a framework that presents how the influence of technology transfer facilitates the Industry 4.0 implementation process was elaborated, named the I4.0-TT framework. The results show that Technology Transfer, jointly with 4.0 concepts and technologies, acts in five dimensions (People, Process, Technology, Strategy and Organization, and Integration). Applying these five dimensions and their respective components leads to the so-called Industry 4.0. Therefore, the conclusion reached is that Technology Transfer reveals itself as a support to apply 4.0 concepts and technologies in the organization.
Navigating the Technological Landscape in Hospitality: Added Values and Entry Barriers of Technologies 4.0
Authors: Fornells Herrera Albert , Paradela Morgan Agustina , Ficapal Mestres Jordi
Published: November 2024

Technological advancements, particularly Technologies 4.0, have become pivotal in reshaping the hospitality industry thanks to a wide range of new opportunities but knowing when, and how their adoption is beneficial to a company is an arduous task. This uncertainty of whether the investment is worth it or not hinders managers in taking the leap into the future, restraining business performance from reaching its maximum potential. This study investigates the synergistic relationship between the integration of Technologies 4.0 and the hospitality sector’s pursuit of enhanced service quality, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth. Drawing upon an extensive literature review and empirical data, this research aims to shed light on the added values that Technologies 4.0 offer to the hospitality sector, as well as the entry barriers that organizations encounter in their pursuit of technological integration.
Design Resource Deployment for Virtual Fitting Applications in the Era of Digital Fashion: An Analysis Based on Kano-QFD
Authors: Zhang Yudian , Zheng Zeyu , Liu Lixian
Published: November 2024

Virtual fitting applications have brought new vitality and immersive experiences to the fashion industry. As users adapt to the new fashion consumption experience enabled by virtual fitting, their demands are becoming increasingly diverse and complex. Therefore, it’s essential to deeply understand real user demands and use design resources effectively to meet these demands. This study assesses virtual fitting products on the market using smart data analysis techniques. Through panel group interviews, we’ve identified and preliminarily assessed user demands. We’ve categorized and prioritized these needs using the Kano model and transformed them into concrete design requirements using the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method, establishing a system of design requirements. These requirements fall into three categories: visual design, interactive design, and emotional design. Each category includes core, secondary core, and peripheral core requirements. Eight core design requirements, such as personal image customization, extensive accumulation of apparel model libraries, and brand fan engagement were identified as top priorities for implementation. Eight secondary core design requirements, including realistic digital fabric rendering effects, real-time updates of the latest apparel models, and sharing of virtual fitting images should be integrated into design practices as resources allow. Nine peripheral core design requirements, like apparel aligning with mainstream aesthetic preferences, customizable avatar body dimensions, and minimalist user interface design can serve as references for inclusion in design practices. This research provides essential theoretical support for resource allocation in the design and iteration of virtual fitting applications, offering design solutions to meet the multifaceted real user demands in the rapidly changing field of digital fashion.
Opioid Use Following Spine Surgery in Ambulatory Surgical Centers Versus Hospital Outpatient Departments
Authors: Busigó Torres Rodnell , Alasadi Husni , Duey Akiro H. , Song Junho , Poeran Jashvant , Stern Brocha Z. , Chaudhary Saad B.
Published: November 2024

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective

To assess the association between undergoing spine surgery in an ambulatory surgical center (ASC) vs a hospital outpatient department (HOPD) and (a) perioperative opioid prescription patterns and (b) prolonged opioid use.

Methods

Data from the Merative MarketScan Database included patients aged 18-64 who underwent single-level or multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or lumbar decompression between January 2017 and June 2021. Primary outcomes included receipt of a perioperative opioid prescription, perioperative oral morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), and prolonged opioid use (defined as opioid prescription 91-180 days post-surgery). Secondary outcomes included the number of perioperative opioid prescriptions filled (single/multiple) and type of initial perioperative opioid filled (potent/weak). Analysis of prolonged opioid use was limited to opioid-naive patients. Propensity score matching (1 ASC to 3 HOPD cases) and logistic regression models were used for analysis.

Results

The study included 11,654 ACDF and 26,486 lumbar decompression patients. For ACDF, ASCs had higher odds of an initial potent opioid prescription (OR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.08-1.30, P < .001) and higher total adjusted mean MMEs (+21.14, 95% CI 3.08-39.20, P = .02). For lumbar decompression, ASCs had increased odds of an initial potent opioid (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.16-1.30, P < .001) but lower odds of multiple opioid prescriptions (OR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.85-0.96, P < .001). There was no significant association between the surgery setting and prolonged opioid use.

Conclusion

Differences in perioperative opioid prescribing were observed between ASCs and HOPDs, but there was no increase in prolonged opioid use in ASCs. Further research is needed to optimize postoperative pain management in different outpatient settings.
Alterations to the Kinetic Chain Sequence After a Shoulder Injury in Throwing Athletes
Authors: Owens Liam P. , Coyles Ginny , Khaiyat Omid
Published: November 2024

Background:

Kinetic chain (KC) sequencing is essential for efficient energy translation through the body in overhead-throwing sports. A sequencing breakdown can result in injuries to the throwing shoulder and thus the management of athlete recovery in an attempt to minimize the impact on both training and performance.

Purpose:

To determine kinematic differences in KC sequencing, imperative for the prevention and rehabilitation of a shoulder injury, during maximal throwing in overhead athletes with and without a shoulder injury.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Kinematic data were collected and analyzed for 36 male overhead athletes with (symptomatic) and without (asymptomatic) a shoulder injury (18 participants per group) during maximal overhead-throwing trials using 3-dimensional motion analysis (100 Hz). Peak angular velocities and associated timing of the throwing shoulder, throwing elbow, thorax, pelvis, lead hip, and rear hip were calculated to determine the KC sequence in both groups. Kinematic data were compared using independent t tests, and relationships between variables were assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient (both P < .05).

Results:

The KC sequence in overhead athletes with or without a shoulder injury was the same, except for peak elbow extension and shoulder flexion angular velocities. These angular velocities occurred simultaneously in asymptomatic throwers (both 0.17 % before ball release [BR]) but sequentially in symptomatic throwers (0.06 % before BR and 0.67 % after BR, respectively). No differences were evident in stride length (m) or resultant ball velocity (m/s) between the groups, despite differences in key joint angular velocities across KC segments ( P range, <.001-.035). Relationships between resultant ball velocity and all key joint angular velocities were evident for symptomatic but not asymptomatic throwers ( P range, <.001-.026).

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrated that overhead athletes, regardless of their shoulder injury history, had similar KC sequencing across the lower limb and lumbopelvic-hip complex segments before differences in the timing of peak elbow extension and shoulder flexion angular velocities of the throwing arm approaching BR. Further research investigating muscle activity changes and technique parameters during overhead throwing may present explanations as to how we can ensure that the KC sequence is not altered as a result of an injury.

Clinical Relevance:

This study provides a new perspective on the KC and how an injury may not change the sequence itself in overhead-throwing performance.