bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Teachers’ Utilization of the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCS) and its Relation to the Learning Development of Grade Six Pupils in a Public School in the Philippines: Basis for a Proposed Program
Authors: Zalun Judy G.
Published: June 2023

In education, ensuring that students develop the necessary knowledge and skills is critical, especially when faced with challenges in learning delivery. The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines has implemented the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) to guide the curriculum and instruction in all public schools. MELCs were developed in response to the changing educational landscape brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. MELCs aim to ensure that students gain the necessary competencies and skills for future success. The goal of MELCs is to ensure that students acquire the necessary competencies and skills that are essential for their future success. MELCs assist educators in designing and delivering effective learning experiences that align with the needs and goals of the curriculum. This study investigated the impact of utilizing Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) on the academic development of Grade Six students in public schools in the Philippines during the academic year 2021-2022. Data was collected from 173 teachers and 67 master teachers using a descriptive research design. Results showed that MELCs were highly utilized in aligning lessons to content-area standards, providing flexible activities, congruent lesson planning, delivering assessment questions, and planning a learning process. Grade Six students showed outstanding cognitive, affective, and psychomotor development through the use of MELCs. However, teachers faced challenges such as lack of cooperation from parents and students, lack of financial resources, and lack of learning resources. Recommendations include seeking parental cooperation, providing additional learning resources, establishing a monitoring system, and offering interventions for students.
Knowledge and Adaptation Practices: Baseline Data for the Development of Climate Change Engagement Model
Authors: Corpuz Alma M.
Published: June 2023

Climate change (CC) will continue to harm the environment if mitigation efforts are slow. Raising the CC knowledge and awareness of individuals is crucial in prompting significant mitigating action or adaptation practices. In addition, empowering young people will potentially ignite more innovative strategies that are helpful in decelerating the impacts of CC. The study aimed to determine students’ knowledge of CC and their adaptive practices.  Based on the findings, a model to engage students in CC action was developed. The respondents were 132 students in a State University in Region III enrolled in AY 2022-2023. Data were gathered using a validated self-made questionnaire. Findings revealed that while most respondents were knowledgeable of the concept of climate change (62.88%), a sizable percentage were still misinformed. In addition, the respondents knew the causes of CC such as the emission of greenhouse gases (87.12%), deforestation (57.58%), and excessive fertilizer use (37.88%) but some causes of climate change were unknown to them. Moreover, most of them were cognizant of the consequences of climate change which include excessive rain (96.21%), flood (95.45%), and melting of snow (94.70%). But the response to “drought” as one of the consequences of climate change was only known to a few students (47.73%). As to the knowledge of the health effects of climate change, most students knew CC raises respiratory, water-borne, and skin diseases but some expressed their lack of knowledge about other diseases such as the possibility of triggering cancer and mental health issues. Moreover, students have developed CC adaptive practices such as consuming more fruits and vegetables than meat and conserving energy use at home, but they were observed to be inconsistent in some areas such as in practicing the 3Rs and in throwing away less food. The F-value of 0.021 and 0.82 p-value, to compare the CC adaptive practices of the respondents with respect to gender, support the acceptance of the null hypothesis. Gender is not a determinant of CC adaptive practices. This indicates that gender is not a barrier to CC action. The study concludes that students have limited knowledge about climate change, especially on the health impacts. Also, the students’ CC adaptive practices imply lack of commitment to act on CC. The study recommends strengthening the integration of climate change into school policies, research, extension, and instruction and a strong support of school stakeholders in their implementation.  A climate change engagement model is an output of this study which may be considered by schools in prompting students to participate in CC action. A future study may include the factors that hinder students’ consistent involvement in CC action despite their awareness and knowledge about the negative consequences.
Perceived Challenges and Coping Mechanism in Transitional Learning on Students’ Performance in TLE
Authors: Baccay Jamelle R , Versano Dolores D.
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to determine the perceived challenges and coping mechanisms in transitional learning on students’ performance in TLE based on the achievement test. This employed the descriptive-correlational with the comparative design of quantitative method as participated by 150 Grade Nine (9) respondents in the researcher’s locale, who were chosen using the random sampling procedures. The data were gathered using an evaluation questionnaire and achievement test which are validated with the help of the experts. Data communications were established before data gathering procedures and were analyzed using percentage, mean, weighted mean, standard deviation, Pearson r, and t-test. The respondents were at the level of approaching mastery in TLE 9 competencies. The study’s findings revealed that there was a significant difference in perceived challenges and coping mechanisms in transitional learning and the sex profile of the respondents. However, there is no significant relationship between the perceived challenges and coping mechanisms in transitional learning and TLE performance. The study recommends the enhancement of teaching.
Bridging the Conventions: Effects of Modular Approach In Teaching Elementary Grades
Authors: Abaya Leomar M. , Dela Cruz Joangelette , Llobera Clarence
Published: June 2023

The study described and examined the delivery, effectiveness and efficiency of modular approach in teaching among the Pandi Heights Elementary School and Akle Elementary Schools both of which were within the auspices of Schools Division of Bulacan. There were 54 teachers served as the respondents of the study. They were given survey questionnaire which was administered and retrieved through google forms. Results revealed that utilization of modular approach was significant and contributory to achieve meaningful learning in order to achieve efficient delivery of learning competencies and skills were honed independently based from the acquired learning experiences of learners. Thus, the findings showed that the schools were able to provide and assist teachers in module preparation and expenses. Apparently, there were personal expenses made by the teachers to supplement the reproduction of modules, financial support of the school was found significant to prepare and reproduce the modules. Further, proper evaluation to teachers’ instructional competence was made in order to monitor the checking and assessment of learners’ outputs contained in their modules. . Profile of the respondents in terms of age, highest educational attainment and number of years in teaching were positively correlated with the delivery and effectiveness of modular approach in teaching elementary grades.
Inclusive Inclusive Education as An Effort to Deradicalize Religion in Indonesia
Authors: Zulaikhah Siti , Gani Ainal , Misbah M. , Setiyono Agus
Published: June 2023

Inclusive-based Islamic religious education is an innovative and strategic approach to preventing religious radicalism. Inclusive Islamic religious education is also a form of Islamic education reform that emphasizes anti-discrimination, tolerance and mutual respect. This study aims to determine inclusive-based Islamic religious education in preventing religious radicalism in Indonesia. A qualitative method with the type of library research, examines a variety of related data, originating from the main data sources as well as supporting data sources that have a direct link with the research. The data obtained were then analyzed by conducting content analysis. The results of this study are in the form of findings relating to the implementation of inclusive-based Islamic religious education in preventing religious radicalism, namely it is found that (a) the goals of religious education are ideological-absolutistic or oriented towards pluralist-inclusive (b) the curriculum of religious education is more oriented towards rigid laws and exclusive into a love-oriented curriculum that is inclusive (c) normative-textual material becomes normative-contextual (d) exclusive-doctrinaire educators become inclusive-moderate educators (tawasuth). (e) The textualist-scriptura list learning strategy becomes an objective-positive approaches.
N-Acetylcysteine Attenuates the Prednisolone-Induced Osteoporosis via Rescuing the Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2-Antioxidant Responsive Element Axis Activity in Mice
Authors: Zhao Qun , He Cuiqin , Liu Baojuan , Yang Xuewei , Zhao Yinling , Yuan Donglan
Published: June 2023

We aimed to investigate the effect and potentialmechanism of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), as an antioxidant, on prednisolone-induced osteoporosis. C57bl/6 mice were subcutaneously delivered with prednisolone to induce osteoporosis. The bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from mice
were induced to osteoblast differentiation and treated with prednisolone in vitro. Meanwhile, the NAC or Nrf2 activator Oltipraz (OPZ) was supplied in the prednisolone treatment. The osteoporosis was determined by bone mineral density, trabecular bone volume, and the parameters of bone
absorption and formation. Additionally, the Nrf2, ARE-driven genes HMOX-1, GCLC, ME1, and NQO1 expression were measured by western blot or qRT-PCR. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by a commercial kit. Prednisolone significantly deceased the bone volume, osteoblastic bone formation,
osteogenesis of MSCs, and the expression of Nrf2 and ARE-driven genes. On the contrary, prednisolone promoted ROS production and osteoclastic bone absorption. However, the supplement of NAC or OPZ with prednisolone treatment could markedly rescue the Nrf2 and ARE-droven genes expression, reduce
the ROS, alleviate the bone loss, and protect the osteogenesis of MSCs. Our results demonstrated that NAC presented a protective property of Nrf2-ARE axis and resulting prevention of prednisolone-induced osteoporosis.
Biao and Ben Acupoints Combination Regulates Mitochondrial Function Through Purinergic P2X7 Receptor in Rats with Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: Yu Qiushuang , Li Shaokun , Chang Yanna , Yan Dongling , Feng Xiuling
Published: June 2023

We aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms of electroacupuncture at the Biao and Ben acupoints in improving myocardial ischemia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. The study examined mitochondrial structure, ATP production, cytosolic calcium accumulation, P2X7 receptor, and mitochondrial-associated
oxidative stress factors in rats with a myocardial ischemia model. Eighty-four male and female SD rats were randomly divided into seven groups: Control, Sham, Model, High-dose/Low-dose ZnCl2, electroacupuncture at the Neiguan point, and the Combination of Biao and Ben acupoints.
The electroacupuncture groups, including the Neiguan point and Biao and Ben acupoints group, were treated with acupuncture for 10 minutes per day for 21 days. The combination of Biao and Ben acupoints decreased the damage to the mitochondrial structure caused by myocardial ischemia, restored
ATP production, and inhibited Ca2+ accumulation. Furthermore, electroacupuncture at Biao and Ben inhibited calcium accumulation and restored P2X7 receptor expression levels. The protective effect of the combination of Biao and Ben acupoints on mitochondrial function is that they
restore P2X7 receptor expression, which regulates mitochondrial metabolism.
Effective Platform for Enhancing the Bioavailability and Anti-Cancer Efficacy of Norcantharidin: Nanoemulsion Hybrid Lipid Carriers
Authors: Yan Zi-Jun , Wu Xiao-Ping , Wei Pan-Pan , Deng Meng-Yue , Yang Kun , Zhang Liang-Ming , Ding Yu-Zhen , Xia Die , Ma Bing-Suo , Zhang Lei , Yuan Xiao-Yan , Chen Tong
Published: June 2023

Novel antitumor drugs and nano-delivery systems for treating liver cancer are becoming a research hotspot, given that the incidence and mortality rates of liver cancer are high. Herein, nanoemulsion hybrid lipid carriers containing norcantharidin (Nor) (NNHLCs) were first prepared by
loading water-in-oil nanoemulsions into hybrid solid lipids using nanoemulsion-thin film ultrasonic dispersion method. The in vitro and in vivo kinetic features were determined by in situ unidirectional perfusion and plasma concentration-time curve method, respectively.
The activity of NNHLCs against liver cancer HepG2 cells was determined by evaluating in vitro cytotoxicity, clone formation, apoptosis, and cell cycle experiments. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results
indicated that Nor exists in NNHLCs in an amorphous state with good encapsulation in the lipid matrix. The absorptive constants and permeabilities of NNHLCs were significantly increased compared with Nor. The relative bioavailability of NNHLCs to Nor was 207.68%. NNHLCs could inhibit the viability
and proliferation of HepG2 cells and promote apoptosis. Thus, nanoemulsion hybrid lipid carriers may provide a new option for the efficient delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs.
Talking about Migration in Times of Crisis: A Textual Analysis of Narratives by IOM and UNHCR on Migrants and Refugees
Authors: Green Brandon , Pécoud Antoine
Published: June 2023

In the absence of a binding and coherent international migration regime, the global governance of migration relies on normative narratives produced by UN agencies and other intergovernmental forums, in line with the discursive legitimacy traditionally associated with international organizations. Such narratives impact migrants, asylum-seekers, and refugees because they support certain policy frameworks among member states. Yet, global migration governance remains fragmented, especially as far as the long-standing divide between the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is concerned. This article contributes to this discussion by applying corpus-assisted critical discourse analysis to the narratives produced by these two organizations. The article identifies some of the dominant worldviews in the narratives of IOM and UNHCR. Results show that IOM and UNHCR have distinct worldviews, associated with different textual patterns, and that, while IOM’s textual productions seem to influence UNHCR’s discourses, the opposite is less true. This would support the view that IOM is currently the leading actor in terms of framing migration, thereby exerting a strong influence on global migration governance.
The Markyate Project: An Anglican response to logoclasm
Authors: DuPree Grace Gibbs
Published: June 2023

Even as pre-Reformation images have been carefully and lovingly restored in parish churches in England, the liturgical poetry that informed and inspired those images has languished or remained obscure, as the province of specialists and scholars. The rich body of pre-Reformation hymnody and liturgical poetry—much of which has its roots in sixth- and seventh-century texts—deserves to be a source of prayer, reflection, and theological inspiration for all Christians. The Anglican world is especially well-suited to offering fresh translations and mediating increased access to pre-Reformation poetry.
Louis D. Brandeis and the New Brandeis Movement: Parallels and Differences
Authors: Wörsdörfer Manuel
Published: June 2023

The recent antitrust discourse in the U.S. is dominated by references to Brandeis and the New Brandeis movement. While it is laudable that many researchers acknowledge Brandeis’ work and recognize its business-ethical importance, it is also a missed opportunity to refer to him en passant and not investigate his philosophy in more depth. The following sections attempt to fill this gap in the academic literature by critically evaluating—and comparing—Brandeis’ social philosophy with the one of the New Brandeis movement. The research questions of this paper are twofold: First, it analyzes the parallels and differences between Brandeis and neo-Brandeisianism. Second, it addresses the question of which references to his work are valid and legitimate and which ones are not. The paper shows that Brandeis’ work encompasses much more than just competition policy; reducing him to antitrust issues (only) does not do him justice as it ignores significant parts of his social philosophy. The paper also shows that Brandeis was skeptical of big business and big government. In contrast, the new Brandeis movement focuses solely on antibigness in the economy while ignoring Brandeis’ demand(s) in the political sector.
Prescribing electroconvulsive therapy for depression: Not as simple as it used to be
Authors: Gill Shane , Hussain Salam , Purushothaman Subramanian , Sarma Shanthi , Weiss Alan , Chamoli Suneel , Fasnacht Matthew , Gandhi Ashu , Fitzgerald Paul B , Simpson Brett , Loo Colleen K
Published: June 2023

In the last century, prescribing electroconvulsive therapy usually involved considering the relative merits of unilateral versus bilateral electroconvulsive therapy, with most other parameters fixed. However, research over the last 30 years has discovered that several parameters of the electroconvulsive therapy stimulus can have a significant impact on efficacy and cognitive side effects. The stimulus dose relative to seizure threshold was shown to significantly affect efficacy, especially for right unilateral electroconvulsive therapy, where suprathreshold doses in the vicinity of 5–6 times seizure threshold were far more efficacious than doses closer to threshold. However, this did not hold for bitemporal electroconvulsive therapy, where near-threshold stimuli were equally effective as suprathreshold stimuli. Then, changes in stimulus pulse width were found to also have a significant impact on both efficacy and side effects, with ultrabrief pulse widths of 0.3 ms having significantly fewer cognitive side effects in unilateral electroconvulsive therapy than standard brief pulse widths of 1.0 ms, with only slightly reduced efficacy. Therefore, choosing the optimum electroconvulsive therapy prescription for an individual patient now requires consideration of placement, pulse width and stimulus dose relative to seizure threshold, and how these three interact with each other. This viewpoint aims to raise awareness of these issues for psychiatrists involved in electroconvulsive therapy practice.
“Motivated To Teach, but Stressed Out by Teacher Education”: A Content Analysis of Self-Reported Sources of Stress and Motivation Among Preservice Teachers
Authors: Núñez-Regueiro Fernando , Escriva-Boulley Géraldine , Azouaghe Soufian , Leroy Nadia , Núñez-Regueiro Santiago
Published: June 2023

Strong evidence exists for the high vocational calling reported by candidate teachers, but also for the high rates of attrition early in the profession. Current approaches often explain this paradox by the stress associated with first teaching experiences (i.e., vocational stress processes). By contrast, the present study focuses on the stress experienced during teacher education (i.e., academic stress processes), by analyzing the sources of stress and motivation described in writing by French preservice teachers. Using systematic procedures for content analysis ( N = 106 autobiographical texts), major results suggest that preservice teachers are mostly motivated by their positive views of the teaching profession, but that the academic demands they face during teacher education challenge their motivation to pursue the career. Implications are drawn on ways to analyze and tackle academic stress processes, in an effort to support candidate teachers’ wellbeing and thus limit attrition rates.
Inclusion and Participation in a Support Programme for Bereaved Adolescents – Relational Perspectives From an Ethnographic Field Study in a Swedish Context
Authors: Karidar Hakima , Lundqvist Pia , Glasdam Stinne
Published: June 2023

The death of a parent is a life-changing event, and different programmes are developed to support children. This study explored how parental bereaved adolescents were included and (inter)acted in a Swedish support programme. The conducted ethnographic field study included six adolescents, their parents, and eight volunteers. The empirical material was thematically analysed through a theoretical lens inspired by Bourdieu. Three themes emerged: ‘ Different strategies for adolescents’ inclusion in the programme,’ ‘ Medico-psychological understanding of grief and suffering,’ and ‘ Reproduction of the logic of the school.’ Adolescents were included in the programme through different strategies, where adults functioned as gatekeepers. The programme reproduced the school logic and was based on a medico-psychological grief/bereavement understanding. Volunteers had pedagogic authority and concomitant symbolic power, ruling adolescents to do what they must do in the meetings, silently socialising them into the medical logic. The adolescents only interacted and communicated with each other during breaks.
Coaching to Develop Emotional Intelligence and Decrease Work-Family Conflict: An Application of the Work-Home Resources Model
Authors: Wittmer Jenell L. S. , Cooper Joseph T. , Buchanan Courteney L.
Published: June 2023

Research on emotional intelligence has provided robust support for its importance for job performance and leadership success. More recently, research is turning to understand the impact emotional intelligence has on personal success and physical and mental well-being. Thus, the current study examines emotional intelligence from a Work-Home Resources perspective, exploring what components within the Emotional Quotient model of emotional intelligence can serve as a buffer for work-family conflict. Additionally, this study examines if the contextual resource of EI executive coaching can serve as a method of modifying the personal resource of emotional intelligence. As leaders and practitioners are increasingly focusing attention on employee development of emotional intelligence competencies, our study examines EI executive coaching as a method to increase emotional intelligence, not only for performance improvement, but also for personal well-being. Using a diverse sample of employees and leaders measured at two time points, the current study found that emotional intelligence is negatively related to work-family conflict. Further, an increase in specific dimensions of emotional intelligence through EI executive coaching is related to a decrease in work-family conflict. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Retirement Outcomes: Impacts of Outreach
Authors: Viceisza Angelino , Calhoun Amaia , Lee Gabriella
Published: June 2023

We review select literature on racial and ethnic disparities in retirement outcomes in the United States and the impact of outreach on such outcomes. First, there are significant disparities in retirement outcomes, reflecting a long history of racism and structural barriers. Second, there is comparatively little work on the differential impact of retirement outreach across race and ethnicity. Future work should consider designing interventions that cater to the needs of specific demographic groups, for example, by embracing the fact that Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites acquire retirement information from different sources. Future work should also incorporate behavioral insights, particularly from prior interventions, and innovate on methodologies for data collection, linking, and analysis.
Leading With an Equity Lens: Addressing the Intersection of Racism and Ableism in Public Schools
Authors: Stansberry Brusnahan Lynn , Maguire Erin , Harkins Monaco Elizabeth A. , Leckie Adam , Bailey Sheila , Fuller Marcus
Published: June 2023

The Council for Exceptional Children studied the profession of special education and found that a substantial number of special educators rated their confidence as lower in culturally responsive instruction strategies (Fowler, et al., 2019). The recommendations in this article highlight how to confront the intersection of racism and ableism and eradicate deficit ideology in educational structures. Leading with an equity lens requires a conceptual framework and diversifying the workforce, adopting a theoretical framework, engaging with diverse students and families, developing skills through systemic professional development, and using practices such as culturally and linguistically sustaining practices, and anti-racist Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Contracting Whiteness: Charter Authorizing and the Erasure of Blackness in Southern Urban Spaces
Authors: Lu Amanda , Williams Rachel E.
Published: June 2023

This study examines the linkages between charter school board composition, proposed school models, and authorization outcomes in two majority Black cities in the initial years post-state takeover. Findings illuminate how approved applications overlapped with the following factors: majority White boards with affiliations to elite reform networks or non-educational professional backgrounds and “No Excuses” models. Using concepts from The Racial Contract ( Mills, 1997 ), this study evidences how application components work to socio-politically construct a proposed school as legible and show an underexplored mechanism by which power is consolidated during the authorization process in ways that limit local Black political power.
Attachments or Affiliations? The Impact of Social Media on the Quality of Peer Relationships—A Qualitative Study Among Norwegian High School Students
Authors: Sjolie Hege , Olsen Cecilie Fromholt , Hempel Marte Fjelnseth
Published: June 2023

Social media (SoMe) is an important part of how young people socialize and communicate with each other and there are concerns that this may negatively impact peer relationships. The aim of this article was to explore how high school students experience the impact of SoMe on their peer relationships and the quality of these relationships. We performed qualitative semi-structured interviews with 12 Norwegian high-school students. Results showed that SoMe changed the quality of peer relationships as well as online and offline communication. The impact of SoMe on peer relationships depended on whether the students had both online and offline peer relations. Unlike offline relationships, where the youth experienced real friendships, online relationships were primarily described as contacts. The results suggest that online peer relationships often resemble affiliations rather than attachments. This may negatively impact social competence, especially among students whose peer relationships are mainly online-based.
The Impact of Cue-Interaction Stimulation on Impulse Buying Intention on Virtual Reality Tourism E-commerce Platforms
Authors: Li Shugang , Zhu Boyi , Yu Zhaoxu
Published: June 2023

Virtual reality (VR) tourism e-commerce platforms (VRTEPs) can provide trial experience for tourists, which is easy to trigger irrational impulse buying. Based on cognitive emotion theory and S-O-R model, this study innovatively explores the impact of the multi cue-interaction stimulation (the interactivity of VR display and the empathy of text display) of VRTEPs on consumers’ impulse buying intention through the mediating effect of new cognitive and emotional responses, namely, interactive pleasure (perceived usefulness and immersion). The results reveal that: (1) The interactivity of VR display stimulates interactive pleasure, then positively affects impulse buying intention. (2) The empathy of text display only stimulates perceived usefulness to positively affect impulse buying intention. This study also finds that the interactive comparison has a negative moderating effect on the relationship between immersion and impulse buying intention. These findings contribute to developing the new theory for effectively marketing using highly interactive new technology on VRTEPs.
Trends in SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination in school staff, students and their household members from 2020 to 2022 in Wales, UK: an electronic cohort study
Authors: Lowthian Emily , Abbasizanjani Hoda , Bedston Stuart , Akbari Ashley , Cowley Laura , Fry Richard , Owen Rhiannon K , Hollinghurst Joe , Rudan Igor , Beggs Jillian , Marchant Emily , Torabi Fatemeh , Lusignan Simon de , Crick Tom , Moore Graham , Sheikh Aziz , Lyons Ronan A
Published: June 2023

Objectives

We investigated SARS-CoV-2 infection trends, risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination uptake among school staff, students and their household members in Wales, UK.

Design

Seven-day average of SARS-CoV-2 infections and polymerase chain reaction tests per 1000 people daily, cumulative incidence of COVID-19 vaccination uptake and multi-level Poisson models with time-varying covariates.

Setting

National electronic cohort between September 2020 and May 2022 when several variants were predominant in the UK (Alpha, Delta and Omicron).

Participants

School students aged 4 to 10/11 years (primary school and younger middle school, n = 238,163), and 11 to 15/16 years (secondary school and older middle school, n = 182,775), school staff in Wales ( n = 47,963) and the household members of students and staff ( n = 697,659).

Main outcome measures

SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination uptake.

Results

School students had a sustained period of high infection rates compared with household members after August 2021. Primary schedule vaccination uptake was highest among staff (96.3%) but lower for household members (72.2%), secondary and older middle school students (59.8%), and primary and younger middle school students (3.3%). Multi-level Poisson models showed that vaccination was associated with a lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The Delta variant posed a greater infection risk for students than the Alpha variant. However, Omicron was a larger risk for staff and household members.

Conclusions

Public health bodies should be informed of the protection COVID-19 vaccines afford, with more research being required for younger populations. Furthermore, schools require additional support in managing new, highly transmissible variants. Further research should examine the mechanisms between child deprivation and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Asian (Bio)Values: Constructing Asian Difference and Biovalue in the Singapore Diabetes Discourse
Authors: Bin Khidzer Mohammad Khamsya
Published: June 2023

Existing studies demonstrate how biomedical researchers construct multiethnic populations as biovaluable. A multiethnic population with a diverse gene pool allows for the scaling of disease research and treatments to other countries. This “fact” serves an important role to attract investments in the national bioscientific sector. Yet these studies do not describe how such promissory narratives are translated for public consumption, an important step given how science policy requires public buy-in. My research asks how the relationship between Singapore and Asia is constructed as biovaluable through the media. Examining the media discourse on diabetes in Singapore, I find that the construction of biovalue in the media (1) relies on emotional and pragmatic appeals to Asian inclusivity in scientific research, (2) highlights biological Asian difference and market opportunities based on scaling, and (3) enacts the connection between Singapore and Asia in a distorted manner where ethnic minorities are sometimes excluded. This research builds on the existing literature on the political economy of the biosciences through examining the intersection between science policy, public health, race and ethnicity, and scientific communication in postcolonial nations such as Singapore, where the media plays an authoritative role in communicating scientific information to the public.
Social Capital and Willingness to Comply With Anti-Pandemic Government Intervention
Authors: Choi Kyung Won , Kim Harris Hyun-soo
Published: June 2023

This study examines the relationship between individual-level social capital and compliance attitudes toward health protective measures in the context of COVID-19. We drew on secondary population-based data fielded during the pandemic’s initial phase (April – June of 2020). The analytic sample consists of 9124 older American adults (ages 55 and over) across 18 U.S. States and Metropolitan Statistical Areas. We estimated mixed-effects models with random intercepts and slopes. People who are better socially connected are more willing to comply with anti-pandemic government intervention. This relationship is stronger among those who are more psychologically distressed. Its magnitude also increases in more densely populated areas and places with higher numbers of coronavirus infection. Older Americans’ anti-coronavirus compliance attitudes is significantly driven by preexisting interpersonal connectedness and civic engagement. The role of social capital is also contingent on the existing levels of risk factor (threat and vulnerability).
Uncanny Organization and the Immanence of Crisis: The public sector, neoliberalism and Covid-19
Authors: Orr Kevin
Published: June 2023

This paper uses the psychoanalytic concept of the uncanny to develop a new perspective on crisis, one that challenges its associations with turning points and opportunities. The study highlights the immanence of crisis in organizational life. Crises under consideration include the historic Covid-19 global pandemic, and examples of crisis in public sector organizations shaped by neoliberalism. Engaging with the work of Julia Kristeva, the uncanny is explored as an integral part of our subjectivities, one which disrupts our social stabilities and patterns of organizing. A montage of autoethnographic vignettes is assembled to illustrate the eruption of the uncanny unconscious, a dynamic that unsettles our routine impositions of order and control. Examining crisis through the lens of the uncanny brings to the fore the elusive and affective aspects of socio-political and organizational life. This perspective draws us away from an understanding of crisis as a passing phenomenon or as an opening that can be instrumentalized for cunning managerial purposes. Instead, it suggests the more radical insight that crisis is a condition of organizing.
The Right to Success: Paradoxical tensions between contested logics in a multi-sectoral collaboration to promote scientific excellence in Israel
Authors: Ben David Yael , Rubel-Lifschitz Tammy
Published: June 2023

The research examined the interplay between institutional logics in a multi-sectoral initiative. Taking a longitudinal approach, we tracked the first three years of an initiative that aimed to reduce social inequality by promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in Israel. We observed how the paradoxical dynamics between multiple logics unfolded over time, following the alternating dominance of business, civil and state actors. Results showed the initiative oscillated between a civil society logic, seeing STEM as a ‘springboard’ for equal opportunities and social change, and a market logic, seeing STEM as a ‘pipeline’ towards a technological workforce and economic profit. The state logic influenced this oscillation by converging with one of the two other logics, affecting both the working processes and the social impact of the initiative. We contribute to paradox theory by developing a process model of the paradoxical dynamics between multiple institutional logics in multi-sectoral initiatives. We identify three main mechanisms that drive this process: power shifts, logic divergence/convergence and turning points. We suggest implications for the management of complex organizational environments.
Foucault’s anarchaeology of Christianity: Understanding confession as a basic form of obedience
Authors: Barker Chris
Published: June 2023

In his later lectures, Foucault analyzes confession as a key exercise of the Christian pastoral power. The pastoral power’s creation of a lifelong obligation to speak the truth of oneself is a ‘prelude’ to modern practices of government, and a key facet of modernity. There has been some confusion regarding the scope of Foucault’s study. Is it medieval Christian confessional practices or Christian obedience itself that is his theme? In this article, I revisit all of the later lectures touching on confession and avowal in order to clarify Foucault’s ambivalence about Christian proto-governmentality. Foucault exposes two regimes of truth, belief and confession, and offer a practice-based, confession-centred history of the pre-modern self. Connecting his lectures to his method of anarchaeology clarifies how the force of truth (the ‘you have to’) is, for Foucault, a fundamental if ambivalent historical-cultural problem of government.
Change in armed conflict: An introduction
Authors: Idler Annette
Published: June 2023

How can we understand change in armed conflict, both in terms of the phenomenon as a whole, as well as within individual conflicts? This Special Issue sets a new agenda on the theme of change in armed conflict. Studying conflict as a dynamic social phenomenon requires embracing interdisciplinarity and methodological pluralism, which this Special Issue facilitates through a shared conceptual framework on five dimensions of change as a ‘lingua franca’ across diverse approaches and perspectives. It advances debates through three contributions: by critically assessing pre-existing categories and labels; by accounting for perceptions and experiences; and by scaling analyses across varying units and levels of analysis.
Global Evidence on the Relative Importance of Nonfinancial Drivers of International Migration Intentions
Authors: Manchin Miriam
Published: June 2023

Using a global, individual-level survey, this article looks at the relative importance of local amenities and political institutions while controlling for other financial and nonfinancial incentives for individual plans to move between countries. Although the influence of wages and income differences has been extensively explored, less is known about specific non-income-related drivers of international migration and their relative importance. The analysis highlights that satisfaction with politics and amenities both at the origin and destination, are important drivers of migration intentions. These jointly with social networks explain about twice as much in international migration intention outcomes than employment-related incentives (such as relative individual income difference, employment, and job satisfaction), with relative income difference explaining only about 5 percent to 8 percent.
The Missing Scale: “Eastern Europe” in Hungary’s Geostrategic Representations
Authors: Balazs Adam Bence
Published: June 2023

Since 2010, with Viktor Orbán’s return to power, Hungary has progressively turned into an antidemocratic regime through a well-thought process of state and democracy capture. This slide has come along with chimeric narratives about national identity. Consecutive narratives about the nation and the country’s sense of belonging have given the impression that Hungary is moving on the map, as the Orbán regime has been locating itself more and more explicitly against the West. During the migration crisis, ‘Central Europe’ was at the centre of Orbán’s cultural map, as he extrapolated his ideology to the East-Central European macro-region, hoping to turn it into a region against the European establishment. Budapest’s tactical moves in the Western Balkans have gained importance as Orbán is increasingly isolated in the EU community. On the global scale, the regime has mixed trade and diplomacy with tying political alliances in Central Asia and beyond. These narratives do not result in a system. However, there is a common denominator in Orbán’s consecutive discourses on Hungary’s geopolitical place and role: anti-Western and anti-EU convictions flow through the opportunistic contradictions of national propaganda. In a contradictory way, only an EU member state could proceed to state and democracy capture and become famous for it, giving the impression that the small, peripherical Eastern European state is more important than it is. It is an EU member that has fallen into Russia’s arms to propagate pro-Kremlin narratives in and outside the EU. In this paper, I will examine the geopolitical narratives used by the Orbán regime and show how Budapest’s very sense of scale has got lost in the process. Indeed, it is Hungary’s precarious location on the map that the regime seems to have forgotten about and has reached this point at the time of renewed Russian aggression in Hungary’s direct neighbourhood.
The effect of blood pressure lowering medications on the prevention of episodic migraine: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Carcel Cheryl , Haghdoost Faraidoon , Shen Joanne , Nanda Puneet , Bai Yu , Atkins Emily , Torii-Yoshimura Takako , Clough Alexander J. , Davies Leo , Cordato Dennis , Griffiths Lyn R. , Balicki Grace , Wang Xia , Vidyasagar Kota , Malavera Alejandra , Anderson Craig S. , Zagami Alessandro S. , Delcourt Candice , Rodgers Anthony
Published: June 2023

Background

Currently, only a few specific blood pressure-lowering medications are recommended for migraine prevention. Whether benefits extend to other classes or drugs is uncertain.

Methods

Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials were searched for randomized control trials on the effect of blood pressure-lowering medications compared with placebo in participants with episodic migraine. Data were collected on four outcomes – monthly headache or migraine days, and monthly headache or migraine attacks, with a standardised mean difference calculated for overall. Random effect meta-analysis was performed.

Results

In total, 50 trials (70% of which were crossover) were included, comprising 60 comparisons. Overall mean age was 39 years, and 79% were female. Monthly headache days were fewer in all classes compared to placebo, and this was statistically significant for all but one class: alpha-blockers −0.7 (95% CI: −1.2, −0.1), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors −1.3 (95% CI: −2.9, 0.2), angiotensin II receptor blockers −0.9 (−1.6, −0.1), beta-blocker −0.4 (−0.8, −0.0) and calcium channel blockers −1.8 (−3.4, −0.2). Standardised mean difference was significantly reduced for all drug classes and was separately significant for numerous specific drugs: clonidine, candesartan, atenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, propranolol, timolol, nicardipine and verapamil.

Conclusion

Among people with episodic migraine, a broader number of blood pressure-lowering medication classes and drugs reduce headache frequency than those currently included in treatment guidelines. Trial Registration: The study was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42017079176).
Biomechanical Analysis of Anteroinferior Bankart Repair Anchor Types
Authors: Yanke Adam B. , Allahabadi Sachin , Wang Zachary , Credille Kevin T. , Shewman Elizabeth , Bonadiman Joao Artur , Elias Tristan J. , Hevesi Mario , Garrigues Grant E. , Verma Nikhil N.
Published: June 2023

Background:

All-suture anchors and knotless anchors are increasingly used in the repair of anteroinferior labral tears in patients with shoulder instability. Optimal repair constructs may limit recurrent instability.

Purpose:

To perform a quantitative biomechanical comparison of 3 labral fixation devices for soft tissue Bankart lesions: knotless soft-body tensionable anchor (SB knotless), knotted soft-body anchor (SB knotted), and knotless hard-body PEEK (polyether ether ketone) interference anchor (HB knotless).

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 21 glenoid specimens were randomized into 3 groups: SB knotless, SB knotted, and HB knotless. Artificial Bankart lesions were created at the anteroinferior labrum. Anchors were placed at the 3:30, 4:30, and 5:30 clockface positions, and sutures were passed through 1 cm of tissue. Anchors were tested simultaneously as one construct by pulling capsular tissue connected to the anteroinferior quadrant. Cyclic loading (5-25 N, 100 cycles) was followed by load-to-failure testing (15 mm/min). Biomechanical testing variables were collected, and failure mechanisms were recorded per individual anchor.

Results:

There were no differences in baseline specimen characteristics. There was no difference in elongation during cyclic loading ( P = .40). The ultimate load to failure between SB knotless (309.7 ± 125.6 N), SB knotted (226.4 ± 34.8 N), and HB knotless (256.5 ± 90.5 N) did not significantly differ ( P = .25). Failure mechanisms differed among groups ( P = .008); mechanisms included anchor pullout (SB knotless: 33.3%; SB knotted: 23.8%; HB knotless: 28.6%), suture pull-through (SB knotless: 66.7%; SB knotted: 38.1%; HB knotless: 33.3%), and anchor fixation method failure, defined as knot failure for knotted anchors or locking mechanism failure for knotless anchors (SB knotless: 0.0%; SB knotted: 38.1%; HB knotless: 38.1%).)

Conclusion:

The SB knotless, SB knotted, and HB knotless labral fixation anchors studied exhibited comparable elongation during cyclic loading, stiffness, and ultimate loads to failure in a cadaveric model. However, the failure mechanisms significantly differed, as SB knotless anchors failed primarily from suture pull-through, while SB knotted and HB knotless anchors were subject to knot failure and locking mechanism failure, respectively.

Clinical Relevance:

These data support the benefit of SB knotless anchors for anteroinferior labral repair in limiting knot failure typically seen with knotted anchors, perhaps demonstrating that all-suture anchors may have better locking mechanism quality than their PEEK counterparts.