bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation Between Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio with Risk Stratification Indicators and Thrombus Burden in Patients with Moderate-to-High Risk Acute Pulmonary Embolism, and Changes After Treatment
Authors: Gao Xiaojie , Chen Huang , Huang Zhongjie , Lin Jianxiong , Huang Jinqi , Chen Qihong
Published: September 2024

Objective

To investigate the correlation between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and risk stratification indicators as well as thrombus burden in patients with moderate-to-high risk acute pulmonary embolism (APE), and to assess the changes in these parameters following interventional therapy.

Methods

This study retrospectively included patients with moderate-to-high risk APE who were admitted to the Department of Interventional Vascular Surgery at Putian First Hospital from May 2020 to May 2024. All patients received anticoagulation therapy, pulmonary artery catheter-directed thrombolysis, and/or mechanical thrombectomy. Patients were further divided into subgroup A if they did not present with any of the following conditions at admission: a) acute inflammatory diseases (including lung infections); b) malignant tumors; c) history of trauma or surgery within the past 2 months. Patients with any of the aforementioned conditions were classified as subgroup B. Additionally, 50 healthy individuals were randomly selected as the healthy control group.

Results

The NLR and PLR in subgroup A were significantly lower than those in subgroup B ( P < .01). Compared with the healthy control group, the NLR in the APE group and subgroup A was significantly higher ( P < .001). There were no significant differences in NLR and PLR between the troponin I-negative and troponin I-positive groups ( P > .05), or between the N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)-negative and NT-proBNP-positive groups ( P > .05). There were no significant correlations between NLR and PLR with risk stratification indicators and pulmonary artery embolism index ( P > .05). Compared with before treatment, NLR, troponin I, NT-proBNP, right ventricular diameter/left ventricular diameter ratio, and pulmonary artery embolism index were significantly reduced after treatment ( P < .05), while there was no significant difference in PLR before and after treatment ( P > .05).

Conclusion

Elevated NLR in patients with APE, which decreases after effective treatment, may be used for assessing disease status and treatment efficacy. However, there is no correlation between NLR and risk stratification indicators or thrombus burden. PLR does not demonstrate significant value in assessing APE.
Tracking control and neural network disturbance observer for a 6 DoF underwater welding robot
Authors: Keymasi-Khalaji Ali , Savaedi-Safihi Fatemeh
Published: September 2024

This article addresses the control of an underwater welding robot in 3D space. A control approach combining a finite time sliding mode controller for position and orientation control and feedback linearization for controlling one degree of freedom of the welding arm is adopted. The utilization of underwater robots in marine environments is often hindered by uncertainties and disturbances induced by ocean waves and currents, resulting in decreased accuracy and operational disruptions. To overcome these challenges, a novel observer based on a radial basis function neural network is developed to enhance the performance of the underwater welding robot. The neural network’s weights are optimized using the Lyapunov method within the control law framework. Through simulations, the article evaluates the observer’s efficacy in accurately tracking reference trajectories in the presence of uncertainties. The results underscore the significant contribution of this estimator in mitigating uncertainties and disturbances, thereby substantially improving the overall performance and operational reliability of underwater welding robots. The control strategies and observer design presented in this study pave the way for enhanced accuracy, stability, and efficiency in complex underwater welding operations.
Constrained H∞ control with gain switching for a nonlinear active suspension system matching non-pneumatic wheel
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Ruochen , Ding Renkai , Meng Xiangpeng , Sun Dong , Yang Lin
Published: September 2024

In this study, a constrained H ∞ controller with gain switching is put forward for the active suspension system to improve the overall performance of vehicles equipped with non-pneumatic wheels, considering the nonlinearity of wheel stiffness, actuator saturation, and output constraints. Firstly, a quarter-vehicle model incorporating active suspension and non-pneumatic wheel (NPW) is established experimentally. Secondly, the system model is linearized using Taylor series expansion and linear fractional transformation (LFT). A constrained H ∞ control strategy and a gain switching method based on road classification are proposed, taking into account the parameter uncertainty in linearization process and the variation of performance demands under different road conditions. Then, an L ∞ state observer is designed for the required system state, and the road roughness classifier based on grey wolf optimization (GWO) and probabilistic neural network (PNN) is developed to obtain the necessary road information. A bench test is finally performed using the reconstructed actual road as input. The test results validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed control strategy.
A Study of Skeletal Survey Disparity in Pediatric Head Injury in the Emergency Department
Authors: Crumm Caitlin E. , Brown Emily C. B. , Uspal Neil G. , Caglar Derya , von Saint Andre- von Arnim Amelie , Barry Dwight , Hartford Emily A.
Published: September 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate disparities in skeletal survey (SS) use for pediatric. head injury patients in the emergency department (ED). This was a multi-site retrospective. cohort study of children <24 months with concern for head injury and injury on head CT from. 7/1/12 – 1/1/22. We determined adjusted associations between SS completion and race, ethnicity, language for care, insurance type, and income, with sub-analysis of children <6 months and with complex injury. We evaluated occult fracture prevalence. Two-hundred seventy children met criteria and 88 had SS. No statistical association was found between skeletal survey completion and race or ethnicity, language for care, private insurance, median census tract income, or in sub-analyses. Two of 88 (2.3%) patients had occult fracture; both had risk factors for NAT. In conclusion, no statistical association was found between SS completion and demographics. Occult fracture was uncommon. SS use can likely be decreased in lower risk patients.
The Perceptions of Nuclear War: The Imbalanced Co-Orientation Between Russian and American Youth
Authors: Laskin Alexander V. , Nesova Natalya M.
Published: September 2024

On February 24, 2022, Russia attacked its neighboring country of Ukraine. From the early days of what Russian President Putin called a special military operation, fears mounted that the conflict may grow into World War III, effectively ending the world in nuclear Armageddon. This study compares the current views of American and Russian youths on the issues of global nuclear war and nuclear weapons, as well as explores their inclinations toward supporting a first nuclear strike, nuclear retaliation, and their willingness to make personal sacrifices in the event of a nuclear conflict. Drawing upon the theoretical framework of co-orientation theory, the study methodically assesses the levels of agreement, congruency, and accuracy for the populations of both countries on the issues related to the nuclear conflict. The results show that American and Russian youths are currently in a state of imbalanced co-orientation—a newly defined state in the co-orientation theory—when it comes to their opinions on nuclear war and nuclear weapons. In conclusion, the study underscores the urgent need to address this lack of alignment between the two countries, given the potentially catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare. Therefore, the study draws upon the co-orientation theory’s insights and formulates strategic public diplomacy recommendations, designed to cultivate mutual understanding, and promote constructive dialogue between the people of the United States of America and the Russian Federation.
Video-based compilation of acute pain behaviours in cats
Authors: Marangoni Sabrine , Steagall Paulo V
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The aim of this work was to create a video-based compilation of acute pain behaviours in cats as an open-access online resource for training of veterinary health professionals.

Methods

A database comprising 60 h of video recordings of cats was used. Videos were previously recorded after ethical approval and written client consent forms, and involved cats with different types (eg, medical, surgical, trauma, orofacial) and degrees (eg, from no pain to severe pain) of acute pain, before and after surgery or the administration of analgesia. The database included videos of cats of different coat colours, ages, sex and breeds. Video selection was based on a published ethogram of acute pain behaviours in cats. Videos were selected by one observer (SM) according to their definition and quality, followed by a second round of screening by two observers (SM and PVS). Video editing included a standardised template (ie, watermark and titles).

Results

A total of 24 videos (mean length 33 ± 17 s) with each acute pain-related behaviour described in the ethogram were uploaded to an open-access online video-sharing platform ( http://www.youtube.com/@Steagalllaboratory ) with an individual hyperlink. Videos were provided with a short description of the behaviour for the public.

Conclusions and relevance

This video-based compilation may promote better training of veterinary health professionals on acute pain assessment while improving feline health and welfare and the understanding of cat behaviours.
Signalment and laboratory findings in cats with diabetes mellitus in Germany: a retrospective review of laboratory submissions of 129,505 cats
Authors: Guse Bente , Langenstein Judith , Bauer Natali , Hazuchova Katarina
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The aims of this study were to compare signalment and laboratory parameters between diabetic (D) and non-diabetic (ND) cats and poorly-controlled diabetic (PD) and well-controlled diabetic (WD) cats in Germany.

Methods

Laboratory data from Antech Lab Germany between 2015 and 2018 were retrospectively analysed. Age, sex, red blood cell count (RBC), creatinine (CREA), alkaline phosphatase (AP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), bilirubin (BILI), cholesterol (CHOL), triglycerides (TRI), glucose (GLU) and total thyroxine (TT4) were compared between D (fructosamine ⩾340 µmol/l) and ND cats, and PD (fructosamine >500 µmol/l) and WD (fructosamine 340–500 µmol/l) cats. The proportion of cats with anaemia (RBC ⩽4.21 ×1012/l), CREA >250 µmol/l, ALT >455 U/l, AP >315 U/l, BILI ⩾35 µmol/l and TT4 > reference interval (RI) was compared between PD and WD cats. Data are presented as median and interquartile range (IQR) and analysed using non-parametric tests. Significance was P<0.05, and effect size was assessed by Cramér V or r.

Results

In total, 129,505 cats were included (D: n = 9334 [prevalence 7.2%], WD: n = 5670/9334 [60.7%]). The median age of D and ND cats was 12 years (IQR D 9–14; ND 9–15); there was no difference in sex. A significant difference was found between groups (D vs ND; PD vs WD) for all parameters studied. Considering the effect sizes and medians outside the RI, the only relevant difference was higher CHOL, TRI, AP and GLU in PD compared with WD (CHOL: PD 7.46 [5.85–9.32] vs WD 5.44 [4.32–6.97] mmol/l, P<0.001, r = 0.39; TRI: PD 1.44 [0.84–3.66] vs WD 0.78 [0.5–1.35] mmol/l, P <0.001, r = 0.35; AP: PD 66 [47–92] vs WD 35 [23–59] U/l, P <0.001, r = 0.39; GLU: PD 23.7 [20.15–27.3] vs WD 6.89 [5–11.31] mmol/l, P <0.001, r = 0.69).

Conclusions and relevance

Laboratory changes in diabetic cats were mild and mainly associated with lipid derangements.
Clinical perioperative outcomes in 39 cats after single session bilateral femoral head and neck excision
Authors: Brasali Hania , Stewart Sam , Amato Nicole S
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the perioperative outcomes and complications of single session bilateral femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) in cats for treatment of bilateral coxofemoral joint disease.

Methods

The medical records of cats undergoing a single session bilateral FHNE were identified and the history, signalment, diagnosis, surgery reports, anesthetic records, postoperative radiographs, postoperative examinations, complications and outcomes were recorded.

Results

A total of 39 cats undergoing a single session bilateral FHNE were included. Bilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis was the most commonly diagnosed etiology. All cats were discharged within 48 h of the procedure. One major complication and five minor complications were reported. All but one cat returned to normal activity and no owners reported concerns after the 2-week postoperative recheck.

Conclusions and relevance

Single session bilateral FHNE is a viable surgical option for the treatment of bilateral coxofemoral disease in cats that results in a quick return to function, especially when other options are not indicated, available or affordable.
Piano practice of China’s Cultural Revolution era and students’ musical creativity / La práctica de piano con composiciones de la era de la Revolución Cultural y la creatividad musical de los estudiantes
Authors: Fan Jianing , Wang Yuanyuan
Published: September 2024

This paper describes the impact of the performance of piano pieces of the Cultural Revolution era with distinctive artistic features on the development of creative skills among students in the People’s Republic of China. The study used the SME academic test to measure the development of creative thinking. To measure the effect of practising piano on musical prowess, a control test (according to the currently accepted academic programme) was performed at the end of the study. The responses were given by students from three universities in the PRC. The total number of participants was 315 individuals. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that there is evidence of the effectiveness of piano practices that are based on musical compositions from the era of the Chinese Revolution, in terms of their positive impact. Small B groups showed 11.8% higher performance than the control group. Group B students experienced a positive impact on their level of creativity as a result of practising the piano. The average degree of creativity increased by 2.6%, while the high degree of creativity increased by 3.6%.
Using an ocean culture course to improve students’ marine life concepts and learning interest / Aplicación de un curso de cultura oceánica para mejorar los conocimientos de los estudiantes y su interés por el aprendizaje sobre el ecosistema marino
Authors: Hsieh Fu-Pei , Chen Yun-An , Tsai Chun-Yen
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of an ocean culture course using the TRIP learning model (Triggered situational interest-Reading-Inquiry-Presentation) in enhancing students’ marine life concepts and learning interests. The participants consisted of 67 first-graders (six years old). A quasi-experimental design was employed, and the mixed methods analysis was used in this study. The results showed that the experimental group students’ concepts of marine life were improved with a large effect size ( d = 1.4), and they outperformed their counterparts with a large effect size ( f = .40). The students’ learning interest in marine ecological conservation concepts was improved with a medium effect size ( d = .53), and they outperformed their counterparts with a large effect size ( f = .54). The results revealed that using the TRIP learning model for ocean education improved the teaching of the teachers who taught the experiment group. Moreover, the model enhanced the effectiveness of students’ learning interest in understanding marine life and marine ecological conservation concepts. Finally, some suggestions for further teaching and research were provided.
Inequalities in Smoking and E-Cigarette Use in Young Adults With Mental Ill-Health, 20 years After Ireland’s Smoking Ban
Authors: Hanafin Joan , Sunday Salome , Clancy Luke
Published: September 2024

Background: Ireland’s Smoking Ban reduced health inequalities known to be associated with smoking but some groups may not have benefitted. Mental ill-health and smoking are known to be associated with health inequalities. Whether similar patterns exist for e-cigarette use is less clear, as few data exist. Objectives: To examine: (1) self-reported doctor-diagnosed mental ill-health in Irish 20-year-olds; (2) smoking, e-cigarette, and dual use in those with and without mental ill-health; and (3) protective and risk factors for smoking and e-cigarette use in these groups. Methods: We use cross-sectional data from 20 year-olds in Wave 4 of Growing Up in Ireland Child Cohort. They were asked to self-report mental ill-health which had been diagnosed by a clinician, and their smoking and e-cigarette use. All analyses were performed using SPSS v27. Results: 19.4% (n = 1008) of the total sample (n = 4729) reported a mental ill-health diagnosis. Comparing those with and without, those with mental ill-health had significantly higher prevalence of current smoking (47%, n = 419 vs 36%, n = 1361; OR 1.57, CI: 1.36, 1.82), e-cigarette use (17%, n = 152 vs 13%, n = 485; OR 1.40, CI:1.15, 1.70), and dual use (12%, n = 109 vs 9%, n = 328; OR 1.46, CI:1.16, 1.84). Risk factors for smoking and e-cigarette use were, earlier smoking initiation, peers or primary caregivers who smoked, being in paid employment, one-parent family background, and social media use. Being female was protective. Most risk factors were significantly higher in young adults with mental ill-health but, after adjusting for these variables, respondents with mental ill-health still have significantly higher adjusted higher odds of smoking (aOR 1.28, CI:1.05, 1.56). Conclusions: Inequalities in smoking and e-cigarette use in young adults with mental ill-health are evident 20 years after Ireland’s National Smoking Ban. Despite extensive Tobacco Control interventions in the past 20 years, there is still need in Ireland for new targeted interventions to reduce health inequalities for left-behind young smokers with mental ill-health.
Efficacy of Metformin-Cabergoline Compared to Metformin Monotherapy for Management of PCOS With Hyperprolactinemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Kumar Aakash , Nazim Ahsan , Maheshwari Mahveer , Kumari Nisha , Kumar Purneet , Lohana Chandar Kanta , Kala Deep , Ali Khansa , Raj Hem , Islam Hamza , Islam Rabia , Riaz Monazza
Published: September 2024

Background:

Metformin plays a major part in the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome .Trials are being conducted to compare the effectiveness of combination of metformin with cabergoline in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of metformin monotherapy and combination therapy with cabergoline versus metformin for the management of polycystic ovarian syndrome with hyperprolactinemia.

Methodology:

An extensive search up until 31 May 2024 of electronic databases (PubMed, Registry of Controlled Clinical Trials, Web of Sciences, SCOPUS) to find pertinent studies. An analysis was conducted with both observational data and randomized clinical trials . To compute the standard mean difference, weighted mean difference, odds ratio, and 95% confidence interval, RevMan (v5.3) was utilized. Primary outcomes that were assessed included body-mass index, regular menstruation, weight change, prolactin, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate levels.

Results:

Three randomized controlled trials and 1 observational study, taking a total patient population of n = 535, were part of our final analysis. Prolactin (SMD = −3.23 95% CI: (−4.90, −1.55)) and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate levels (SMD = −0.27 95% CI: (−0.52, −0.01)) were significantly lower in the metformin and cabergoline combination therapy group; monthly regularity was also significantly higher (OR = 3.07 95% CI: (2.09, 4.51)). Statistically, there was no significant difference in weight, body-mass index, or testosterone levels.

Conclusions:

In the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome, the combination of metformin and cabergoline significantly lowers prolactin levels and encourages regular menstrual cycles. Although metformin has the potential to suppress testosterone levels, more investigation is required to determine how combination therapy affect dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate and testosterone levels. It’s interesting to note that while neither intervention had a substantial impact on weight or body-mass index, metformin and cabergoline combination therapy outperformed metformin monotherapy in terms of supporting regular menstrual cycles. Customized therapy approaches are essential, and large-scale trials involving a variety of groups are required to comprehend the safety and effectiveness of treatments.
Efficiency and the Productive Body: The Gilbreths’ Photographic Motion Studies of Work
Authors: Stephens Elizabeth
Published: September 2024

This article examines the images of working bodies seen in the photographic motion studies of work undertaken by the management consultants Frank and Lillian Gilbreth in the 1910s and 1920s. It contextualises their studies, called chronocyclegraphs, as the product of two key cultural developments: first, new practices of measuring and assessing productivity in the context of workplace management and second, the use of new technologies for visualising the body, which brought with them new aesthetics and visual conventions for representing bodies in motion. The Gilbreths’ chronocyclegraphs provide a striking new vision of the working body in industrial capitalism, not as a thing of flesh and blood, but as a luminous field of energy or line of force. Taking these images as representative of new ideas about efficiency and productivity emergent at this time, this article examines their popularisation through the work of Lillian Gilbreth, who promised that the reward for increased productivity was a greater quantity of ‘happiness minutes’.
Sedated beauty: The invisible knife in online narratives about cosmetic breast augmentation
Authors: Roll Bennet Petra
Published: September 2024

Breast augmentation is a prevalent cosmetic surgery procedure among women in Western societies, and the cosmetic surgery market has witnessed substantial growth. Today, websites and online forums are platforms that feature discussions about cosmetic procedures. A genre on surgery clinic websites is ‘patient stories’, but also lay-initiated internet forums facilitate discussions and shared experiences related to cosmetic surgery. This study aims to analyse lay-initiated online narratives about cosmetic breast augmentation. The shared narratives contain descriptions of how women who are about to undergo breast augmentation prepare for surgery, the medical procedures that take place on the day of surgery itself, and the experiences and feelings after waking up after anaesthesia. Employing a structural analysis of 30 of these stories, this research illuminates how the surgery stories adhere to a conventional storytelling format, and how key characters within the stories are ‘helpers and makers’, including relatives, nurses and surgeons. The focus in these narratives revolves around the woman herself, although her active involvement is primarily observed during the preparation phase, with a more passive role assumed during subsequent clinic routines. Despite instances of pain and discomfort in the narratives, the stories are enveloped in an aura of glamour and a spa-like atmosphere. It is discussed how this ‘fairy tale’ story, narrating a surgical metamorphosis, seems to align with the popularisation of the cosmetic surgery sector.
Two paths to violence: Individual versus group emotions during conflict escalation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Authors: Fink Oliver , Hasan Aslih Siwar , Halperin Eran
Published: September 2024

Experiencing repression creates intense emotions and raises dilemmas about handling political action to achieve social change. Past studies suggest that mainly group-based emotions are associated with support for violent collective action while the exact influence of individual emotions remains unclear. This research compares the association of individual- versus group-based emotions with violent collective action while examining conflict context as the moderating factor. We propose to distinguish two context aspects—collective versus personal threat—determining the relative impact of individual versus group emotions on support for violence. We conducted two quantitative field studies in the Occupied Palestinian Territories during different types of conflict experience, defined by either prevalent personally experienced threat versus elevated collectively experienced threat (Study 1), or both (Study 2). Results indicate that for mainly collectively experienced threat, group (but not individual) emotions predicted violent collective action, while for personally experienced threat, individual (but not group) emotions predicted violent engagement.
Hospitality and ritual: A discursive study of toasting in Chinese dining contexts
Authors: Wang Keyuan , Wang Zepeng , Mao Yansheng
Published: September 2024

The paper aims to explore toasting conventions and strategies in Chinese dining contexts from a discursive perspective by analyzing naturally occurring cases of toasting from Douyin and Haokan Video. Particular attention is paid to how Chinese hospitality, interpersonal achievements through toasting rituals, and the culture behind them are interactively constructed. The findings indicate that toasting conventions in Chinese dining contexts can be metaphorically divided into two stages: the ‘planned economy’ stage, characterized by a high degree of conventionalization, and the ‘market economy’ stage, which highlights relatively high autonomy. During these two stages, toasters adopt strategies centered on Renqing (人情), rooted in Qing (情) and Yi (义) of Confucianism, through which hospitality is fully demonstrated. In this sense, toasting as a ritual is confirmed through the analysis and discussion of its interactive and social nature in China.
Quantification of delamination resistance data of FRP composites and its limits
Authors: Brunner AJ
Published: September 2024

Quantitative delamination resistance data of fibre-reinforced polymer-matrix (FRP) composites for quasi-static or cyclic fatigue loads are determined under different loading modes and load rates, respectively. Such data find use, e.g., in FRP materials’ development, materials’ selection, assessment of durability, or structural design. Round robins during test development yielded repeatability and reproducibility (coefficients of variation) of roughly 10 to 25%. This scatter has several different sources. Intrinsic material variability amounts to a few percent at best, at least for advanced manufacturing processes. This intrinsic scatter is essential for material comparisons and structural design. Measurement resolution specified in standardised test procedures yields a maximum of 4–5% variability. Most of the remaining scatter comes from other, extrinsic sources. Test operator actions, e.g., choice of test set-up, manual data acquisition or data analysis can yield extrinsic scatter. Damage mechanisms during delamination initiation and propagation act on the micro- and meso-scale, typically a few micrometer to a few hundred micrometer in size, with corresponding time-scales estimated to between a few tens of nanoseconds and a few microseconds. Defect size-scales are hence several orders of magnitudes lower than test specimen and structural scales, respectively. Predictive capability of models using such test data for structures are, therefore, limited. Major issues are up-scaling from straight beam-like specimens to larger shell-like structures, possibly with complex shape and varying thickness as well as from unidirectional fibre orientation to multidirectional lay-ups.
Analyzing the consumer journey for hiking of the John Muir Trail
Authors: Basil Michael D.
Published: September 2024

Most research on the consumer journey has focused on product purchases. This research, however, examines the consumer journey for experiences – in this case a long-distance hike. Two studies examine how people become aware of, learn more about, prepare for, evaluate, and reflect on a 200-mile hike on the John Muir Trail in California. The first study interviewed hikers while on the trail. The second study analyzed online discussion groups dedicated to the trail. These studies reveal that the idea of a long-distance hike often arises from a mention by others where people add the idea to a mental “bucket list”. For those with whom the idea resonates, they may quickly decide to hike the trail, though their motivation may not always be clear, and the trip may not occur for quite some time. Getting a permit is frequently a barrier, but online communities often offer advice. Preparation for the hike is typically a high-involvement process that involves purchasing equipment and physical training. The hike itself is a paradox of aesthetic appreciation in the face of physical struggle. Importantly, many hikers later report the journey as an important experience and serve as evangelists for other hikers. The two studies corroborate certain notions about the consumer decision process while calling others into question. For instance, they validate the significance of word-of-mouth recommendations from individuals with similar backgrounds, which plays a pivotal role in raising awareness. Simultaneously, they challenge conventional thinking by demonstrating that the decision-making process is influenced not solely by rational factors but also by emotional elements. Finally, these findings underscore the importance of employing multiple research methods to comprehensively grasp the intricate aspects of the consumer journey, especially the consumption of experiences.
Beyond the blinders: Disclosing the episteme of land ownership to re-frame legal and economic values in planning
Authors: Viallon François-Xavier
Published: September 2024

Among the values conceptualising and measuring planning processes and outcomes, two play a prominent role in liberal democracies: legal and economic. Current conceptions and practices framing these values face substantial challenges: civil law systems do not account for the variety of land use situations, increases in wealth inequalities, and human activities which threaten planetary boundaries. A way to tackle these challenges is to analyse the current theoretical discourse and legal norms framing values in planning, study alternative conceptions, and outline new responses. The present article investigates how a paradigm shift in planning theory may open new avenues for conceptualising legal and economic values. To do so, it first compares the episteme of land ownership defined by two theories applied to planning: law-and-economics and land master theory. Second, drawing upon the comparison, the article discusses how the strengths of each theory may contribute to filling the gaps of the others. Identified gaps are: the integration of political aspects into the analysis, the conceptualization of collective and use-specific forms of ownership, and methodological issues. These gaps mirror the western legal conception of land ownership, defined as individual and absolute. Fourth, based on collective and use-specific land management practices that develop within the western legal framework, and theoretical inputs from land master theory, the article puts forward a transduction of legal norms that foster a more sustainable conception of land ownership, known as land stewardship.
Study on regional, linguistic, and media environments in urban, rural, and mountainous areas of Chiang Mai Province in northern Thailand for developing media education tools for rabies prevention
Authors: Oda Mittsuyasu
Published: September 2024

Rabies is a viral infectious disease with a mortality rate of almost 100%. More than 50,000 people worldwide die of rabies each year, despite well-established prevention methods. It is particularly prevalent in poorer regions of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, where most victims are poor and minority. This study aims to determine the linguistic, educational, and media environments of minorities in Southeast Asia who are most at risk from rabies. In a survey of mother tongues in Chiang Mai Province, there were more students with mother tongues other than Thai, the official language of Thailand. Many rabies countries are multiracial and multilingual. Infections such as rabies affect not only children but also residents of the entire region. These often occur in remote areas where administrative and medical services cannot reach. Since the damage caused by infectious diseases varies depending on the time and place and residents’ consciousness, continuous education is necessary. With media education, there are no restrictions on place and time. The findings suggest that media-based adult and continuing education could be used to prevent rabies in this setting.
An analysis of Australian teacher workforce policy: Challenges and opportunities for teacher recruitment and retention
Authors: McPherson Amy , Lampert Jo
Published: September 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the shortage of teachers worldwide. Shortages have been reported globally including in countries such as the UK, Netherlands, France, Japan, New Zealand and the United States. In Australia, persistent challenges in teacher recruitment, and retention, especially in disadvantaged schools have worsened, with rural and remote schools struggling to attract teachers, as well as urban schools in disadvantaged areas necessitating fast-tracked policy measures have been necessitated to address the teacher shortage. This paper focuses on teacher workforce policy given its prominence in the conceptualising and responding to teacher workforce shortages. The paper seeks to explore state-level teacher workforce texts with a focus on the ways workforce issues are constructed at a time of chronic teacher shortages. Utilising thematic analysis of six stated development policy texts, the paper argues state responses continue to emphasise teacher workforce planning based on a labour market perspective that prioritises teacher recruitment as the primary mechanism for addressing the teacher shortages. A delay in addressing the conditions of teachers’ work and the status of the profession as well as a notable inattention to priority areas such as hard-to-staff schools is also noted.
A mini review on coated pipes: Materials, manufacturing and anti-corrosion protection
Authors: Xie Yujie , Chu Xuyang , Ouyang Peng , Jiang Like , Xing Jiduo , Yao Haimin , Zayed Tarek
Published: September 2024

Pipelines are ubiquitous engineering structures used to transport fluid substances. To increase the durability and lifespan of pipes, engineers often coat chemically inactive materials onto the inner and/or outer surfaces of pipes, resulting in coated pipes. This article offers a review of research on coated pipes with a focus on their material selections, manufacturing methods, failure mechanisms and protection approaches. The information provided in this review article will be of great value to researchers and engineers dedicated to the design and manufacturing of coated pipes and their applications.
Exploring the impact of comorbid dementia on exacerbation occurrence in general practice patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: de Kort Nicole OA , Bischoff Erik WMA , Ricking Michael , Schermer Tjard R
Published: September 2024

Objective

Previous studies have shown an increased risk of dementia in patient with COPD, but whether comorbid dementia modifies the risk of exacerbations in patients with COPD is unknown. We explored exacerbation occurrence in patients with COPD with comorbid dementia and compared this to patients with COPD without comorbid dementia.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study based on medical record data from 88 Dutch general practices. Patients diagnosed with COPD and comorbid dementia ( n = 244, index group) were matched 1:1 to patients with COPD without comorbid dementia ( n = 244, controls). Exacerbations were assessed 1 year before and 1 year after the dementia diagnosis (or corresponding date in controls) and compared between index and control groups by calculating Rate Ratios (RRs).

Results

Average number of COPD exacerbations after dementia diagnosis increased from 5 to 14 per 100 patient years in the index group (RR = 2.70, 95%CI 1.42-5.09; p = 0.02) and from 17 to 30 per 100 patient years in the control group (RR = 1.74, 1.19-2.54; p = 0.04). These RRs did not significantly differ between the index and control groups (RR ratio = 1.55, 0.74-3.25; p = 0.25).

Discussion

We conclude that although the risk of exacerbation increased after patients with COPD were diagnosed with dementia, their change in exacerbation risk did not seem to differ from the change observed in patients with COPD without comorbid dementia. However, as our study was hypothesis-generating in nature, further investigations on the subject matter are needed.
The Effectiveness of Psychological Intervention for Women Who Committed Child Sexual Abuse: An Empty Systematic Review
Authors: Sousa Marta , Gouveia Cláudia , Freitas Bárbara , Caridade Sónia , Cunha Olga
Published: September 2024

The topic of sex offenses committed by women has received relatively little attention until recent decades. The scarcity of research in this domain underscores the urgent need for a more comprehensive understanding and effective interventions. Women who committed child sexual abuse (CSA) exhibit a distinct psychological profile compared to men, requiring specific intervention programs. The current systematic review has two aims: the primary aim is to analyze the effectiveness of psychological interventions with women who committed CSA, and the secondary aim is to identify the intervention models and strategies used with them. Six databases were searched for studies examining the effectiveness of psychological interventions. All retrieved papers were excluded after full-text assessments as none met the primary objective. However, eight publications fulfilled the secondary objective of identifying models and strategies that could inform intervention development. The intervention programs presented addressed specific targets focused on criminogenic needs highlighted in the literature as central to this population, as well as targets that complement the intervention according to individual characteristics. Moreover, the studies frequently emphasize an intervention approach centered on individuals’ potential (and not just their deficits), employing a gender paradigm to underpin psychological interventions with this population. The results of this review highlight a major gap in the current literature concerning both the delivery and effectiveness assessment of psychological intervention for women who committed CSA. The studies incorporated for the second objective elucidated critical treatment targets and models to inform intervention strategies, which are subsequently discussed in terms of their practical implications.
Gender Effects of Social Network Use Among Secondary School Adolescents in Spain: Extremist and Pro-Violence Attitudes
Authors: Rodríguez Martínez Pilar , Villegas Lirola Francisco , Sousa Janara
Published: September 2024

This paper presents the results of a questionnaire-based study of adolescents in secondary schools in Almería and Madrid ( n = 1135), Spain. Based on scales developed and tested by Ozer and Bertelsen (2018), we investigate whether social media use correlates with self-reported extremist and pro-violence attitudes. We analyze the results of a moderation analysis on the rates of extremism and pro-violence, as well as illegal acts, in relation to social media use. We find that boys use social media more than girls, and that greater social media use does not correlate with adolescents being more extremist, but rather more pro-violence.
Comparative Analysis of the Gulabi Gang and the Anti-Liquor Movement in India
Authors: Ranjan Sheetal , Chadda Maya
Published: September 2024

To explore progress on the Commission on the Status of Women’s 67th Session (2023) review theme, we examine two women-led rural social movements in India combating violence against women. Through in-depth case studies of the Gulabi Gang (GG) in Uttar Pradesh and the Anti-Liquor (AL) movement in Karnataka, we analyze their emergence, actions, tactics, progression, and outcomes. Findings reveal challenges faced by these movements in addressing women’s safety amid persistent domestic violence and gender inequality. The study emphasizes the need for sustained political support, efficient legal protection, and indigenous organizational empowerment, facilitated by international support, to drive effective social change.
Application of treated sugarcane bagasse fiber in lightweight foamed concrete composites and its influence on strength properties and thermal conductivity
Authors: Mydin Md Azree Othuman , Sor Nadhim Hamah , Bahrami Alireza , Dulaimi Anmar , Palanisamy Jagadesh , Omar Roshartini , Abdullah Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri
Published: September 2024

The construction industry recognizes the need for green, lightweight, and self-compacting materials that are also ecologically benign. Recent studies suggest that the novel lightweight foamed concrete (LFC) could potentially reduce the self-weight of structures. Adding natural fibers to FC improves its mechanical properties and contributes significantly to sustainability. One of the greatest difficulties in constructing reinforced LFC is the reinforcing steel bars’ corrosion, which impacts the behavior and lifetime structural integrity of concrete buildings. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the potential use of sugarcane bagasse fiber (SBF) in low-density LFC, after altering it with sodium hydroxide-based alkali treatment (NaOH) to enhance its properties. Low-density FCs are prone to serious durability and performance degradation; hence, in this experiment, FCs with a low density of 800 kg/m3were fabricated and evaluated. Quantification and evaluation were conducted on several different characteristics, including the slump, density, thermal conductivity, and compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths. The findings suggest that employing SBF with an optimal reinforcing range of 3% to 4% can improve the mechanical characteristics and thermal conductivity of LFC-SBF composites. The slump flow gradually decreased from 1% to 5% of the SBF’s weight fraction. The lowest slump flow was achieved by adding SBF to the LFC mixture at a weight fraction of 5%. The addition of SBF to LFC resulted in a significant boost in the material’s splitting tensile, compressive, and flexural strengths. By adding 4% SBF to LFC, the optimal strength properties were concluded in the material. In addition to this, the weight percent of SBF contributed to an increase in the thermal conductivity of LFC. This was because the porous structure of LFC, which contained SBF, enabled it to absorb heat.
Dietary Differences by Job Type and Industry Among Workers in Japan During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tanaka Rie , Sakuragi Toshihide , Tsuji Mayumi , Tateishi Seiichiro , Hino Ayako , Ogami Akira , Nagata Masako , Matsuda Shinya , Fujino Yoshihisa ,   for the CORoNa Work Project
Published: September 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forced people to change their lifestyles. We examined dietary differences by job type and industry among workers during the pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted using data an internet survey. Job type and industry were classified into 3 and 22 groups, respectively. Dietary behaviors were assessed using self-reported questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis nested in the workplace prefecture was conducted. Workers involved in jobs that required communication with people were more likely to skip breakfast (odds ratio [OR]: 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-1.24) and had a lower meal frequency (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.17-1.34) than workers engaged in desk work. Manual workers were more likely to eat fast food or meals (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.03-1.17) than were those engaged in desk work. Workers in the newspaper, magazine, television, radio, advertising, and other mass media industries were more likely to skip breakfast (OR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.82-3.24) and have a lower meal frequency (OR: 3.90, 95% CI: 2.87-5.28) than workers in public offices and organizations. These results were partially consistent with trends reported before the pandemic. Further studies should be conducted to clarify the causes of differences in dietary behavior among workers.
Reflecting on Reflexivity in Realist Evaluation: A Call to Action
Authors: Downey John , Harris Nicky , Rybczynska-Bunt Sarah , Golder Elena , Shearn Katie , Bradley Natasha
Published: September 2024

Realist evaluation is increasingly utilised across disciplines due to the value of identifying which mechanisms may explain how, and why, particular outcomes are generated in specific contexts. In theory, realist evaluation provides a tangible way to analyse the inherent complexity in many pressing societal challenges. Realist evaluation encourages a mixed methods approach and choosing a suite of methods that are most relevant within a specific project. Yet, navigating a plurality of methods with abstract philosophical concepts brings operational challenges such that, further methodological guidance is needed. Research processes can be opaque and although the relativist epistemology in realist evaluation is acknowledged, the role of the researcher within the research is often unclear. Reflexivity broadly concerns the overt practice to consider how subjective perspective is intertwined in knowledge production. Reflexivity has been a peripheral consideration in realist evaluation to date and this paper outlines what reflexivity entails, how it enhances integrity to realist principles, and practical ways to exercise it. Through a realist lens the evaluation process is itself subject to the impact of mechanisms and reflexivity provides the apparatus to guard against tunnel vision, undertake robust theory generation and adjudication and increase one’s awareness of the influence of personal and organisational entities on research processes and outputs. We conclude with a call to action to the realist community to mobilise reflexivity in a consistent and explicit manner.