bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison between inverse-probability weighting and multiple imputation in Cox model with missing failure subtype
Authors: Guo Fuyu , Langworthy Benjamin , Ogino Shuji , Wang Molin
Published: January 2024

Identifying and distinguishing risk factors for heterogeneous disease subtypes has been of great interest. However, missingness in disease subtypes is a common problem in those data analyses. Several methods have been proposed to deal with the missing data, including complete-case analysis, inverse-probability weighting, and multiple imputation. Although extant literature has compared these methods in missing problems, none has focused on the competing risk setting. In this paper, we discuss the assumptions required when complete-case analysis, inverse-probability weighting, and multiple imputation are used to deal with the missing failure subtype problem, focusing on how to implement these methods under various realistic scenarios in competing risk settings. Besides, we compare these three methods regarding their biases, efficiency, and robustness to model misspecifications using simulation studies. Our results show that complete-case analysis can be seriously biased when the missing completely at random assumption does not hold. Inverse-probability weighting and multiple imputation estimators are valid when we correctly specify the corresponding models for missingness and for imputation, and multiple imputation typically shows higher efficiency than inverse-probability weighting. However, in real-world studies, building imputation models for the missing subtypes can be more challenging than building missingness models. In that case, inverse-probability weighting could be preferred for its easy usage. We also propose two automated model selection procedures and demonstrate their usage in a study of the association between smoking and colorectal cancer subtypes in the Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professional Follow-Up Study.
Effect of High BMI on Human Bone Marrow–Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Zong Qiang , Bundkirchen Katrin , Neunaber Claudia , Noack Sandra
Published: January 2024

Bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) are attractive candidates in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Growing evidence has suggested that a high body mass index (BMI) can affect the properties of BMSCs, resulting in a reduced quality of the cells. However, the results are not consistent. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influences of high BMI on human BMSCs (hBMSCs). To avoid gender bias, BMSCs from females and males were studied independently. Finally, hBMSCs from 89 females and 152 males were separately divided into the normal BMI group (18.5 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m2) and the high BMI group (BMI > 25 kg/m2). The cells were analyzed for the colony-forming potential; proliferation capacity; in vitro adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation potentials; and the expression of 32 common surface antigens. The results showed that high BMI did not change the number of colonies at passage 1 in females and males. In contrast, significantly reduced colony numbers at passage 4 (P4) were found in both female and male donors with high BMI. The doubling time of hBMSCs was comparable between the normal and the high BMI groups of females and males. Furthermore, the results of trilineage differentiation did not differ between the different BMI groups of males. In females, the high and the normal BMI groups also showed similar adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation, while osteogenic differentiation was significantly enhanced in the high-BMI group. Regarding the expression of surface antigens, the expressions of CD200 and SSEA4 on hBMSCs were reduced in the high-BMI group of females and males, respectively. In conclusion, high BMI suppressed the clonogenicity of female and male hBMSCs at P4, improved the in vitro osteogenesis of female hBMSCs, and decreased the expressions of CD200 on hBMSCs in females and SSEA4 in males.
Withania Somnifera Extract Mitigates Experimental Acute Graft versus Host Disease Without Abrogating Graft Versus Leukemia Effect
Authors: Gupta Saurabh Kumar , Gohil Dievya , Momin Mohd Bashar , Yadav Subhash , Chichra Akanksha , Punatar Sachin , Gokarn Anant , Mirgh Sumeet , Jindal Nishant , Nayak Lingaraj , Hingorani Lal , Khattry Navin , Gota Vikram
Published: January 2024

Acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD) is the major contributor of nonrelapse mortality in alloHSCT. It is associated with an inflammatory immune response manifesting as cytokine storm with ensuing damage to target organs such as liver, gut, and skin. Prevention of aGvHD while retaining the beneficial graft versus leukemia (GvL) effect remains a major challenge. Withania somnifera extract (WSE) is known for its anti-inflammatory, immune-modulatory, and anticancer properties, which are appealing in the context of aGvHD. Herein, we demonstrated that prophylactic and therapeutic use of WSE in experimental model of alloHSCT mitigates aGvHD-associated morbidity and mortality. In the prophylaxis study, a dose of 75 mg/kg of WSE offered greatest protection against death due to aGvHD (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.15 [0.03-0.68], P ≤ .01), whereas 250 mg/kg was most effective for the treatment of aGvHD (HR = 0.16 [0.05-0.5], P ≤ .01). WSE treatment protected liver, gut, and skin from damage by inhibiting cytokine storm and lymphocytic infiltration to aGvHD target organs. In addition, WSE did not compromise the GvL effect, as alloHSCT with or without WSE did not allow the leukemic A20 cells to grow. In fact, WSE showed marginal antileukemic effect in vivo. WSE is currently under clinical investigation for the prevention and treatment of aGvHD.
Prevalence Trend and Clinical Profile of Leprosy Among the Indigenous Penan Community in Rural Baram, Sarawak, Malaysia: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Utap Maurice Steve , Ng Chirk Jenn , Lee Yew Kong , Kiyu Andrew
Published: January 2024

In Malaysia, despite achieving leprosy-elimination status in 1994, leprosy remains a public health issue among the indigenous Penan community in Sarawak. This study aimed to determine the prevalence trend and clinical profile of leprosy among the Penans in rural Baram, Sarawak, Malaysia. A retrospective records review was conducted on 10-year (2008-2018) time trend of annual prevalence rate and 5-year (2013-2018) Penan leprosy patient clinical profile. Out of the 257 new cases of leprosy reported in Sarawak, 42.8% were Penans, and 72.7% were from Baram. The annual Penan ethnic–specific prevalence rate ranged from 2.08 to 35.5/10 000. Forty-six cases were analyzed for clinical profile: There were more males, active case detection, and multibacillary leprosy. The prevalence trend of leprosy among the Penans in rural Baram exceeded recommended elimination targets. Majority of the cases were detected through active case detection, but cases were detected late. Interventions are needed to improve early diagnosis and detection to achieve elimination of leprosy.
Collectivising services: a path to trade union renewal in Europe
Authors: Bellini Andrea , Betti Marco , Gherardini Alberto , Lauria Francesco
Published: January 2024

This article presents the findings of a comparative research study across five European countries on the role of servicing in the process of trade union renewal. The main aim is to transcend the dichotomy between servicing and organising with a view to revealing new renewal strategies. The study explores diverse forms of servicing based on the integration of various types of goods provided and logics of action. Specifically, it focuses on ‘strategic’ servicing, an approach that combines short-term responses to individual needs and long-term goals of collectivisation. The article introduces the notion of ‘collectivising’ services, targeting fragmented groups of workers to nurture a sense of community and establish channels of representation. It also offers a fresh perspective on trade union renewal, shedding light on the potential for trade unions to gain a more profound understanding of their repertoires of action and the impact of servicing on the construction of a collective dimension.
Developing Pro-Environmental Behavior and Environmental Advocacy Through Multi-Day Canoe and Kayak Experiences
Authors: Hines Ryan K. , Zwart Ryan
Published: January 2024

Background/Purpose: Organized events with environmental and outdoor education (EOE) components have the potential to change participant environmental behaviors. This study further investigates emergent outcomes, meanings, and effect on behavior that an organized, community-based, multigenerational river canoeing and kayaking event may have for its participants and considers these intersections of pro-environmental behavior, sense of place, and multigenerational community involvement. Methodology/Approach: Research participants experienced a multi-day canoeing and kayaking event and were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews (n  =  13). Participants ranged from teen-age to older adults. This research uses a qualitative methodology and a data collection procedure which employs semi-structured interviews conducted on the water, in-situ, during the program. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Findings: Emergent themes and sub-themes including experiential learning's effect on knowledge acquisition, changes in attitude and environmental behavior, the value of rivers, and sense of place and socio-cultural outcomes related to such EOE programs. Implications: These results support experientially based EOE programs effectiveness for the continued development of pro-environmental behavior in the citizenry. This research aims to add to the current EOE literature on diverse and inclusive socially supported, community engagement EOE programs through a diverse sample (i.e., age, gender, race/ethnicity, etc.).
Impact of a Divided Phenobarbital Load and Taper Compared With Lorazepam Symptom Triggered Therapy in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Esteves Alyson M. , Buchfellner Matthew C. , Holmes Brooke M. , Berndsen Joseph A. , Roginski Matthew A.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Benzodiazepines are the preferred treatment for alcohol withdrawal. Phenobarbital is an alternative in the setting of prescriber expertise or benzodiazepine contraindication.

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a phenobarbital dosing strategy aimed at treating a spectrum of alcohol withdrawal symptoms across various patient populations.

Methods:

Retrospective review of patients admitted with concerns of alcohol withdrawal between May 2018 and November 2022. Patients were separated into a before-after cohort of lorazepam or phenobarbital. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, escalation of respiratory support, increased level of care (LOC), and incidence of delirium tremens and/or seizures.

Results:

Two hundred and seventy-seven patients received lorazepam and 198 received phenobarbital. Hospital LOS was longer in the phenobarbital cohort compared with the lorazepam cohort (6.9 vs 9.3 days). There was no difference in ICU LOS. Level of care increases were fewer in the phenobarbital cohort (4 events vs 19 events). There were higher rates of non-invasive respiratory interventions in the lorazepam cohort and higher rates of mechanical ventilation in the phenobarbital cohort. Utilization of phenobarbital was attributed to a reduction in delirium tremens and seizures.

Conclusion and Relevance:

This study is novel because of the broad application of a phenobarbital order set across multiple levels of care and patient admission diagnoses. A risk targeted split load intravenous phenobarbital order set can safely be administered to patients with fewer escalations of care, seizures, delirium tremens, and respiratory care escalation.
Varieties of Mistrust and American Epistemic Fragility
Authors: LeVan A. Carl , Assenov Assen , Tower Kimberly , Carnahan Nicolette
Published: January 2024

Mistrust in both government and scientific authority has grown. Yet the relationship between these trends remains underappreciated, even though such mistrust shaped behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic and deserves much blame for America’s troubles with truth. Using original data from 3,000 American counties and at different points of time during the pandemic, we identify social and political conditions that increase different types of “vertical” mistrust. We use tax and Census data to proxy for political trust, and mask wearing and vaccination variables to capture trust in scientific authority. Statistical tests demonstrate a robust relationship between partisanship and both types of trust, confirming national polls and lending support to the “asymmetry hypothesis.” Tests also indicate that psychological distress and socioeconomic vulnerability contribute to mistrust, though partisanship has a powerful mediation effect. Controls reveal high levels of mistrust among evangelicals, rural residents, and some minorities while other minorities are strikingly trusting. The results hold under alternative statistical specifications. We call for more research exploring the behavioral expressions of vertical mistrust, including how it manifests collectively in communities.
Assessment of Dofetilide or Sotalol Tolerability in the Elderly
Authors: Yagnala Nikitha , Moreland-Head Lindsay , Zieminski Joseph J , Mara Kristin , Macielak Shea
Published: January 2024

Background: Dofetilide and sotalol are potassium channel antagonists that require inpatient QTc monitoring during initiation, due to increased risk of fatal arrhythmias. Elderly patients are especially subject to an increased risk of fatal arrhythmias due to polypharmacy, comorbidities, and physiologic cardiac changes with aging. This study will describe the tolerability and risk factors associated with the initiation of sotalol or dofetilide in patients ≥80 years of age. Methodology: This is a multicenter, retrospective, descriptive study of patients ≥80 years old who were initiated on either dofetilide or sotalol between May 8, 2018 and July 31, 2021 at institutions within the Mayo Clinic Health System. The percentage of patients who received nonpackage insert recommended doses was identified. Incidence of and reasons for dose reductions or discontinuations due to safety-related events or clinical concerns during the initial loading period were collected. Results: The final analysis included 104 patients. The majority of patients (75%) received nonstandard initial doses of dofetilide or sotalol based on baseline estimated creatinine clearance or QTc. Overall, 39% ( N = 41) of patients experienced a dose reduction or discontinuation due to a safety-related event or concern. Patients who received nonstandard initial doses of dofetilide or sotalol had 4.7 times greater odds of experiencing a safety-related event requiring dose reduction or discontinuation. Conclusion: Following package insert dosing in elderly patients increases safety and tolerability relative to more aggressive dosing of dofetilide or sotalol.
Nationwide Aquatic Envenomations Reported to US Poison Control Centers from 2011 to 2020
Authors: Kirchberg Tyler N. , Cantrell F. Lee , Coffey Christanne H. , Tomaszewski Christian
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Aquatic envenomations are common injuries along the coastal United States that pose a public health risk and can cause significant morbidity. We examined aquatic envenomation exposures that were called in to poison control centers (PCC) in the United States from 2011 to 2020.

Methods

The Association of Poison Control Center's (AAPCC) National Poison Data System was queried for all aquatic envenomations reported during the 10 y period from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2020. Data collected included date, exposure and geographic location, patient age and sex, signs and symptoms, management setting, treatments, and clinical outcome. Duplicated records, confirmed nonexposure, and reports not originating within the United States were excluded.

Results

There were 8517 human aquatic envenomations reported during the study period, 62% (5243) of whom were male; 56% (4264) of patients were 30 y or younger. There were an average of 852 calls per year, with 46% of calls occurring during June to August. California, Texas, and Florida had the highest number of envenomations during the study period. Fish (61%; 5159) and Cnidaria (30%; 2519) envenomations were the most common exposures. Overall, 37% (3151) of exposures were treated in healthcare facilities, with no deaths reported.

Conclusions

The highest proportion of aquatic envenomations occurred among younger males (≤30 y) during the summer months. While rarely leading to major adverse events, aquatic envenomations were commonly reported injuries to PCC and occurred in all 50 states. Poison control centers continue to be real-time sources of information and data regarding aquatic envenomation trends.
Antibacterial ZnO@CeO2 nanocrystals: Prospective material for control of foodborne pathogens
Authors: Al-Ghamdi Abdulaziz Yahya
Published: January 2024

Foodborne microbial infections are leading cause of many deadly illnesses. As a result, there is an anticipated need for the development of innovative packaging materials with effective antibacterial potential. This article describes preparation and characterization of innovative ZnO@CeO2 nanocrystals through a facile hydrothermal method, as well as their outstanding antibacterial properties. The ZnO@CeO2 nanocrystals used were prepared using precursors zinc acetate and cerium nitrate at 180°C. Various sophisticated physicochemical parameters were used to assess nanocrystals. The antibacterial activity was examined using minimum inhibitory concentration technique against four major foodborne pathogenic bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive) , Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Klebsiella pneumoniae (Gram negative) at four distinct concentrations (0–400 µg/mL). The in vitro cell compatibility test was done on fibroblasts. According to our findings, the lowest concentration of ZnO@CeO2 nanocrystals limiting development of tested strains is 100 µg/mL. Additionally, the results show that the combination of ZnO and CeO2 can be synergistic, resulting in ZnO@CeO2 nanocrystals with enhanced antibacterial activity. To summarize, unique ZnO@CeO2 nanocrystals with a high surface-to-volume ratio with outstanding antibacterial activity and no harmful impact to mouse fibroblasts were shaped. The ZnO@CeO2 can be utilized to competently suppress microbial growth spoiling the food and could be utilized as economical and efficient future packaging material for food industries.
Education and Financial Knowledge in Health-Related Financial Decisions
Authors: Hubbard Sean
Published: January 2024

The high cost of health care in the United States creates complex decisions where suboptimal choices may negatively affect an individual’s physical and financial health. The challenge for patients is that the complex nature of health-related financial decisions requires specialized knowledge to avoid these suboptimal choices. While the benefits of improved health literacy are well documented, the connection between health care and household finances may mean that there is a role for education and financial knowledge in improving outcomes. This study uses data from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s Financial Capability Survey in a binomial logistic regression to examine the role of education and financial knowledge in health-related financial decisions. The results show that both higher levels of education and financial knowledge are related to a higher likelihood of obtaining health insurance coverage and a lower likelihood of having medical debt and engaging in cost avoidance. Income disparities remain, however, especially for those in the middle-income brackets. These results raise the possibility that increases in general education and financial knowledge may improve health outcomes, but those facing the most complex health care decisions may need more specialized knowledge. This implies that given the connection between health care and personal finances, increasing objective and subjective knowledge may lead to better outcomes for patients’ financial and physical health.
“Korean Women All Make Bad Wives”: Misogyny and Nationalism in Online Discourses Promoting Interracial Relationships Between Korean Men and White Women
Authors: Lee Min Joo
Published: January 2024

South Korea, which has, for a long time, prided itself as a mono-racial nation, is experiencing a significant shift in its demographic from racial homogeneity to multi-raciality. Such change is fueled by the rise in interracial relationships between Korean men and non-Korean women. In this article, I address the question: How are Korean masculinity and national identity reconceptualized through interracial relationships? I build on feminist theories on race and eroticism to critically examine the YouTube videos uploaded by couples comprised of Korean men and white women. These videos garner hundreds of thousands of views and become spaces of lively debate about issues of masculinity, nationalism, and femininity. I argue that the viewer responses to the videos mobilize misogynistic binaries that pit supposedly problematic Korean women against the supposedly ideal white women. I demonstrate how misogyny in Korea is being rearticulated to conform to the nation’s demographic shift.
Neurotrophic Keratopathy after wide retinal endolaser and postoperative Ketorolac eye drops: A case series
Authors: Fossati Giovanni , Bartoli Elena , Montericcio Alessio , Buzzi Matilde , Barone Gianmaria , Santoru Francesco , Allegrini Davide , Romano Mario R. , Panico Claudio
Published: January 2024

Purpose

We report a series of 5 cases, happened in a period of 5 months, who developed neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and retinal endolaser for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). In our several decennary experience of surgical center predominantly based on vitreoretinal surgery, we had rare cases of postoperative NK. These recent cases of post-surgical NK happened contextually to our change of postoperative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) drops, based on Ketorolac Tromethamine 0.5% eye drops.

Cases Presentation

Five patients with a mean age of 61 ± 7.3 years were treated with one or more PPV with intraoperative peripheral endolaser for RRD. Nobody had previous herpetic keratitis, systemic disease like diabetes mellitus or other predisposing factors for NK. In the postoperative period, all patients received Ketorolac Tromethamine 0.5% eye drops for a mean period of 54 ± 25 days. During follow-up visits they developed NK and they were successfully treated with suspension of Ketorolac eye drops, application of therapeutic contact lens or amniotic membrane patch and topical lubricant therapy.

Conclusions

Postoperative Ketorolac eye drops, in patients who underwent PPV with endolaser, may reduce the corneal sensitivity, predispose to epithelial disruption and NK development. Studies are needed to explore the effect of NSAIDs on corneal sensitivity reduction in patient who will undergo PPV and extensive endolaser.
Community Health Risk Awareness and Knowledge of Air Pollution in Annadale, Polokwane Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Ngobeni Famola Charles , Kekana Mokoko Percy
Published: January 2024

Background:

Exposure to air pollution has detrimental effects on the elderly, women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, people living in poverty and children. The aim of the study was to investigate the extent of community awareness and knowledge on the health risks associated with exposure to air pollution. The study was conducted at Annadale residential area locally known as Ladanna surrounded by industrial areas and located in Polokwane Local Municipality under Capricorn District Municipality in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study design was used for the study, using self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaire was pre-tested on 10 respondents at Emdo Park (Extension 29) in Polokwane from 02 to 06 February 2021 and another fifteen respondents were pre-tested at Lesedi Park. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 376 respondents. Systematic sampling method was applied to select the households. SPSS version 26 was used to analyze data. Data was presented in the form of frequencies and percentages. Spearman rank correlation was used to measure the degree of association between 2 variables. A Chi-square test was used to compare the groups between the categorical variables. Multivariate Logistic Regression Model was used to assess associations of knowledge/awareness outcomes and sociodemographic characteristics with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (Cls) presented.

Results:

Of 376 respondents, 221 (59%) were males and 154 (41%) females. The majority 113 (70%) of respondents were those between the age group 23 and 47 years and 353 (94%) were aware that if they don’t protect themselves against polluted air, they may get sick, with age and educational status associated with their awareness ( P < .05). About 361 (96%) knew what air pollution is and 188 (50%) think the air they breathe in Annadale is moderate. A total number of 278 (74%) said they feel sick/uncomfortable when the quality of air is bad. About 293 (78%) knew that people are exposed to air pollution by breathing contaminated air and 237 (63%) identified sewage smell as the main cause of air pollution. Internet 199 (53%) and television 177 (47%) were identified as the main source of information Those who were not aware of actions implemented to reduce air pollution were 180 (48%). Based on the results of the study, respondents’ level of knowledge in Annadale was poor (71%) and their awareness was good (87%).

Conclusions:

It is crucial that air pollution risk communication strategies be implemented to empower residents and improve the level of knowledge on the dangers of exposure to polluted air.
A novel transient computational fluid dynamics-fluid–structure interaction model for the pad adaptive motion and rotordynamic coefficients of hybrid porous tilting pad bearings
Authors: Xia Peng , Jin Xiaofei , Song Wenlong , Liang Yangqiao , Xu Shicheng , Liu Jiabao , Liu Zhansheng , Ma Wensheng
Published: January 2024

Hybrid porous tilting pad bearings with the advantages of gas porous bearings and tilting pad bearings exhibited excellent rotor-supporting performance with high accuracy and stability. Under hybrid lubrication, the transient adaptive motion of the tilting pads was important for the rotordynamic characteristics. A novel fluid–structure interaction model of hybrid porous tilting pad bearings was developed to investigate the transient hydro forces and the pad's adaptive motion. The rotordynamic coefficients of the hybrid porous tilting pad bearings were identified using the rotor harmonic trajectory. The computational fluid dynamics-fluid–structure interaction model was validated with the experimental data. The effects of eccentricity ratios, rotor speeds, supply pressures, pivot radial stiffnesses, and dampings on the pad adaptive motion and the rotordynamic coefficients were evaluated. The pad self-adaption motions significantly influenced the supporting and vibration-absorbing characteristics of hybrid porous tilting pad bearings.
Evaluation of video visit appropriateness for common symptoms seen in primary care: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Doris , Gonzales Elyse , Winget Marcy , Shaw Jonathan , Artandi Maja , Tsai Sandra A , Nelligan Ian
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Little is known about which conditions seen in primary care are appropriate for video visits. This study evaluated video visits compared to office visits for six conditions: abdominal pain, joint pain, back pain, headache, chest pain, and dizziness.

Methods

Six hundred charts of adult patients from our institution's same-day outpatient clinic were reviewed in this study. Charts for video visits evaluating the aforementioned chief complaints that occurred between August and October 2020 were reviewed and compared with charts for office visits that occurred from August to September 2019. Frequencies of 3-week follow-up visits, Emergency Room visits, imaging, and referrals for office and video visits were measured. Reasons for in-person evaluation for patients seen by video were determined by review of clinician notes.

Results

Three-week in-person follow-up was more frequent for patients presenting with chest pain (52% vs 18%, p = 0.0007) and joint pain (24% vs 8%, p = 0.05) after video evaluation, relative to an office evaluation. Three-week in-person follow-up was also more frequent for patients presenting with dizziness (38% vs 28%) and low back pain (24% vs 14%); however, this difference was not statistically significant. Patients presenting with headache and abdominal pain did not have a higher rate of follow-up.

Discussion

Based on the frequency of in-person follow-up, this study suggests that video visits are generally adequate for evaluating headache and abdominal pain. Patients with dizziness and chest pain have the highest frequency of in-person and Emergency Room follow-up within 3 weeks when first seen by video compared to other conditions evaluated and may be less suitable for an initial video visit. Institutions can consider these findings when scheduling and providing guidance to patients on what type of visit is most appropriate for their symptoms.
Subverting or preserving the institution: Competing IT firm and foundation discourses about open source
Authors: Muselli Laure , O’Neil Mathieu , Pailler Fred , Zacchiroli Stefano
Published: January 2024

The data economy depends on digital infrastructure produced in self-managed projects and communities. To understand how information technology (IT) firms communicate to a volunteer workforce, we examine IT firm and foundation employee discourses about open source. We posit that organizations employ rhetorical strategies to advocate for or resist changing the meaning of this institution. Our analysis of discourses collected at three open source professional conferences in 2019 is complemented by computational methods, which generate semantic clusters from presentation summaries. In terms of defining digital infrastructure, business models, and the firm-community relationship, we find a clear division between the discourses of large firm and consortia foundation employees, on one hand, and small firm and non-profit foundation employees, on the other. These divisions reflect these entities’ roles in the data economy and levels of concern about predatory “Big Tech” practices, which transform common goods to be shared into proprietary assets to be sold.
Minecraft and Super Mario as enacted in a preschool setting: Children's engagements with digital popular culture beyond player–interface–screen ecologies
Authors: Moberg Emilie Elsa
Published: January 2024

The present paper explores how the video games of Minecraft and Super Mario become enacted through children's play, material settings and toys in a Swedish preschool. Ethnographic methods, including participant observations and informal conversations, have been used and the empirical materials produced have been analyzed with methodological resources from Actor-Network Theory. The analysis focuses on how Minecraft and Super Mario become enacted through relations between children's bodies, physical movements as well as material interiors and exteriors of the preschool. Moreover, the analysis shows how multiple versions of the games of Minecraft and Super Mario become enacted in the preschool setting depending on what elements become active in a particular situation. On the whole, the findings of the paper question grand narratives on “active” and “passive” gameplaying children, featuring children and local settings as producers of digital popular culture.
Unequal perspectives? Income inequality as a benchmark for support for European integration
Authors: Eck Bjarn , Schreurs Sven
Published: January 2024

Despite growing attention to income inequality in debates about European integration, our understanding of its effect on European Union support remains limited. Using European Social Survey data from 2002 to 2020, we analyse how income inequality and pro-redistribution attitudes shape diffuse and specific forms of support for the European Union. We find no direct effect of country-level income inequality, while individual support for redistribution has a negative effect on both. In line with benchmarking theory, inequality emerges as a contextual moderator: in unequal national settings, egalitarian citizens are comparatively more supportive of further integration than in more equal countries. This effect persists when we control for income position, suggesting an ideological rather than utilitarian basis for benchmarking European Union attitudes. We discuss implications in light of debates about a social Europe.
Determinants of residents’ support for urban tourism in times of uncertainty: Exploring the case of the city of Madrid
Authors: Gómez-Bruna Diana , Martín-Duque Clara , Fernández-Muñoz Juan José
Published: January 2024

Residents are key actors in the management of tourist destinations, especially in times of uncertainty such as those that characterize the current context of multidimensional crisis (ecological, political, social or economic). The role of tourism in these crises, its contribution to their acceleration or its work in recovery, makes it necessary to deepen the support of residents for tourism in complex times such as the present. The context generated by the COVID-19 health crisis is a good framework for this reflection, although it has not been sufficiently explored. This article draws on Social Exchange Theory to explain residents' support for tourism in urban destinations during periods of uncertainty such as those generated by the health crisis, focusing on factors that have so far been little explored: risk perception, community involvement and the management of tourism constraints. A structural multiple indicator multiple cause (MIMIC) model is proposed to test the theoretical model. Using data derived from a survey of 342 residents in the city of Madrid (Spain), the results show that, in addition to benefits as a predictor of residents' support for tourism in contexts of uncertainty, risk perception and the management of tourism constraints are also relevant determinants of this support. The findings have important implications for decision-makers and public managers of urban destinations in the current period of multiple crises.
Tourism ecosystem management: The role of trust and procedural justice
Authors: Jäckli Urs , Meier Claude
Published: January 2024

Ecosystem theory is becoming more prevalent in tourism as a powerful concept to explain value creation at tourism destinations, especially in developing countries. However, for well-established destinations collective action, which is a prerequisite for successful ecosystem operation, is difficult to ignite. This phenomenon can especially be observed at community-based destinations in structurally well-developed countries like Switzerland that consist of a large number of independent actors whose offerings are complementary. Together, these independent actors (henceforth called complementors) form the tourism product which is greater than the sum of its parts provided that the complementors collaborate. This study investigates if the active integration of ecosystem complementors by the destination management organization (DMO) fosters complementors’ trust towards the DMO. This is important as trust is the functional prerequisite for effective collaboration. Further, we analyze whether this effect is amplified by high levels of procedural fairness. The results show that the systematic integration of complementors positively influences complementors’ trust towards the DMO. Also, if integration processes are executed in the context of high procedural justice trust levels are further enhanced. Thus, systematic complementor integration can be a crucial and efficient step towards a functioning ecosystem at community-based destinations. The results inform DMO practitioners as well as scholars about the dynamics of successful ecosystem operation at tourism destination management.
The reality of transitioning from orphanages to family homes: Life in extended families in Zimbabwe
Authors: Moen Melanie , Chiimba Cathrine , Etokabeka Elsa
Published: January 2024

Many young orphans in Zimbabwe grow up in residential care facilities, but according to governmental policies and literature in this field, these children should be transitioned to extended families to ensure optimal development. Thus, semi-structured interviews was conducted with a social worker, two residential care administrators and five extended families; whereas the participating orphans were asked to draw and narrate their lives in RCC and their extended families. This article provides empirically derived insights to the inner experiences of the transition processes of five young orphans and their extended family members, two residential care administrators, and one social worker. The theoretical approach taken to analyze the data consisted of the inductive data analysis.

Findings

Although transitioning to a family is deemed ideal for orphans it was apparent in this study that most of the orphans found their new family life challenging and stressful. Several themes emerged from the data, namely financial constraints hindering the transition experiences in families; lack of training of family members on how to support orphans in their families, as well as emotional and cognitive challenges faced by orphaned children.

Application

The insights of this study can be used to improve the transition experiences of young orphans, especially in Zimbabwe. Future practical and policy changes are also suggested.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Emotional Management Programme for Male Adolescent Offenders in Custody
Authors: Dellar Kristie
Published: January 2024

This mixed-methods study examines the effectiveness of the emotional management (EM) programme for male juvenile offenders in custody. EM is a 10-session cognitive-behavioural, skills-based group programme designed to target a range of general criminogenic needs. Paired group analyses were completed to examine the differences in pre- and post-programme scores for the total sample ( N = 110) and results were separated into programme completers ( n = 96), non-completers ( n = 14) and Indigenous youth ( n = 75). Consistent with expectations, the results showed statistically significant improvements in emotional regulation and statistically significant decreases in overall levels of aggressive thoughts and behaviours for programme completers and for Indigenous youth in our sample. Contrary to expectations, the results also indicated that programme non-completers showed improvements across the outcome measures, although these did not reach statistical significance. Qualitative analysis of participant programme feedback further supported the quantitative results and highlighted the importance of the therapeutic alliance, programme facilitation style and delivery. The findings contribute to the ‘what works’ research base on risk reduction approaches for youth offenders and provide insights into programme and process factors that improve the likelihood of positive treatment outcomes. Suggestions for programme improvements and future research directions are discussed.
Revisiting the tautology problem in rational choice theory: What it is and how to move forward theoretically and empirically
Authors: Steinmetz Kevin F. , Pratt Travis C.
Published: January 2024

Criminological rational choice theory is blighted by tautology—that if a crime occurs, then by definition the benefits must exceed the costs. The current analysis details the nature of this tautology as well as its theoretical and philosophical implications concerning the circumstances under which offenders make rational (thoughtful and reflective) or irrational (habitual, intuitive, or instinctual) choices. In short, rational choice theorists appear to side-step the problems presented by this tautology by attempting to coerce observations and theorizing to conform with assumptions about cost–benefit rationality. This essay concludes by setting forth an agenda for the continued empirical investigation of the rational choice perspective—one where the perceived cost/benefit analysis itself for criminal behavior is treated as the outcome of interest.
Shape grammars and self-built refugee communities: The transformation from tent shelter to customized structure in Irbid Camp
Authors: Abu-Aridah Dima , Ligler Heather
Published: January 2024

This paper presents research on design challenges in protracted refugee camps, where “temporary” shelters undergo informal transformations, becoming long-term homes and establishing communities. We develop a shape grammar to investigate this phenomenon, focusing on the evolution of refugee housing units in the Irbid Camp in Jordan from the emergency to the transitional and permanent phases. Our parametric shape grammar analyzes and describes the physical characteristics of these units, revealing their dynamic nature. The corpus of the grammar includes 10 diverse housing units that provide a range of insights and opportunities for refugee housing design and planning. The grammar builds a foundation for developing design solutions that mediate transformations and address long-term implications for sustainable and adaptive environments to anticipate self-build processes and better support evolving resident needs in housing layouts.
The Kardashians, Live! Fabricating Liveness in the Sex-Tape-Derived Reality Series
Authors: Beaver Blake Karsten
Published: January 2024

This article explores the fabrication of liveness, understood as a category of affective urgency and narrative motivation, in two reality series derived from a sex tape scandal: Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Kardashians. The reality programs narratively incorporate Kim’s live TV appearances to compensate for the sex tape intertext’s incomplete liveness. Consequently, the Kardashian series suggest that live TV might imbue other media genres, like reality TV and sex tapes, with the liveness those genres only partially replicate. At the same time, the Kardashian series indicate a deficiency in live TV’s intertextual influence. The two series necessitate artificial liveness, produced through esthetic techniques, and simulated liveness, manufactured from imitations of live TV, to bolster the liveness of Kim’s live TV appearances. The Kardashians’s intertext, Saturday Night Live, clarifies this complication in live TV’s intertextual impact by parodying live TV’s decline as the dominant medium for liveness.
Rad51 and Systemic Inflammatory Indicators as Novel Prognostic Markers in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Ning , Song Yang , Zhu Yongjun , Pang Liewen , Chen Zhiming , Chen Xiaofeng
Published: January 2024

Background

RAD51 is a central protein involved in homologous recombination, which has been linked to cancer development and progression. systemic inflammatory indicator markers such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio have also been implicated in cancer. However, the relationship between Rad51 and these inflammatory markers in esophageal cancer patients undergoing esophagectomy is not yet understood.

Methods

We retrospectively observed 320 esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy. We collected clinical characteristics, postoperative complications, and survival analysis data and analyzed the relationship between Rad51 expression, inflammatory markers, and prognosis.

Results

We found significant linear relationships among the inflammatory markers. There were also close relationships between Rad51 expression and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio or C-reactive protein. Patients with low lymphocyte percentage were more likely to have low Rad51 expression ( P = .026), high C-reactive protein ( P = .007), and high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ( P = .006). Low lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio was associated with poor overall survival and was an independent prognostic factor (HR = 2.214; 95% confidence interval: 1.044-4.695, P = .038). In patients without lymph node metastases, low albumin (HR= 0.131; 95% confidence interval: 0.025-0.687, P = .016), high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (HR = 0.002; 95% confidence interval: 0.000-0.221, P = .009), and high Rad51 expression (HR = 14.394; 95% confidence interval: 2.217-97.402, P = .006) were associated with poor overall survival.

Conclusions

Our study found a close correlation between elevated Rad51 expression and inflammatory markers. High Rad51 expression, high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and low lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio are associated with lower survival rates. The combined assessment of Rad51 and inflammatory markers can be useful for preoperative assessment and prognostic evaluation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients.
Beating Heart Transplantation: How to Do It
Authors: Krishnan Aravind , Guenthart Brandon A. , Ruaengsri Chawannuch , Elde Stefan , Zhu Yuanjia , MacArthur John Ward , Woo Y. Joseph
Published: January 2024

Heart transplantation utilizing deceased after circulatory death (DCD) donors has expanded the donor pool through the use of ex vivo normothermic perfusion. Compared with brain death donation, the conventional method of performing DCD heart transplantation includes an additional period of warm and cold ischemia. We have developed a beating heart implantation technique that obliviates the need for a second cardioplegic arrest and the associated reperfusion injury. We hypothesize this reproducible method may improve short-term and long-term outcomes to mirror results seen in brain death donors and provide details on how to perform beating heart transplantation.
Exploring the recovery journey of COVID-19 critical care survivors during the first year after hospital discharge
Authors: Wodecka Lena , Koulouglioti Christina , Gonçalves Ana-Carolina , Hill Adele , Hodgson Luke
Published: January 2024

Objectives:

To explore the longitudinal recovery of patients admitted to critical care following COVID-19 over the year following hospital discharge. To understand the important aspects of the patients’ recovery process and key elements of their caregivers’ experiences during this time.

Design:

A longitudinal qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.

Setting:

Two acute hospitals in South East England and follow-up in the community.

Participants:

Six COVID-19 critical care survivors from the first wave of the pandemic (March–May 2020) and five relatives were interviewed 3 months after hospital discharge. The same six survivors and one relative were interviewed again at 1 year. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, anonymised and a reflexive thematic analysis was conducted.

Results:

Three themes were developed: (1) ‘The cycle of guilt, fear and stigma’; (2) ‘Facing the uncertainties of recovery’ and (3) ‘Coping with lingering symptoms – the new norm’. The first theme highlights survivors’ reluctance to share their experiences associated with contracting the disease. The second theme, explores challenges faced by the survivors and their relatives in navigating the recovery process, given the unknown nature of the illness. The final theme illustrates the mechanisms survivors develop to come to terms with the remnants of their illness and critical care stay.

Conclusions:

The longitudinal nature of the study highlighted the persisting symptoms of long COVID-19, their impact on survivors and coping methods amidst the ongoing pandemic. Further research into the experiences of those affected in the first and subsequent waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, is desirable to help guide the formulation of the optimally supported recovery pathways.