bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motivations for Change in Drug Addiction Recovery: Turning Points as the Antidotes to the Pains of Recovery
Authors: Patton David , Best David
Published: November 2022

Painful life events have been highlighted as being instrumental in promoting change during drug addiction recovery. This paper attempts to integrate the ‘pains of desistance’ approach into a recovery capital framework. It explores the life courses of 30 people in drug addiction recovery who had previously had a problem with an illicit substance to explore the role of the pains of recovery (potential push factors) alongside different forms of recovery capital (pull factors) at key turning points of change during recovery. Findings demonstrate that pull factors linked to CHIME were significant in promoting positive changes. Turning points acted as antidotes to pains experienced in early recovery. Three antidotes appeared to be gender specific. Implications highlight the need for greater access to community capital pathways. It advocates the need to dispel the myth for a rock bottom moment and for a more macro conceptualisation of drug addiction recovery.
Self-Concept and Temporality in Institutionalized Elders
Authors: Zalai Marine , Voltzenlogel Virginie , Cuervo-Lombard Christine-Vanessa
Published: November 2022

The current investigation examined the self-concept and temporality in institutionalized and non-institutionalized elderly. Sixty-two participants divided into two groups according to their place of residence participated in the study. The analysis focused on psychopathological scales, on self-concept assessment, its positive or negative valence, its development and the time perspective. The results showed that the institutionalized group was defined more with descriptive evaluations, emotional states, and peripheral information. The non-institutionalized group described themselves more with traits and specific attributes. For some identity statements, the emotional valence between the two groups was significantly different. The institutionalized group is not turned towards a particular temporal perspective, unlike the non-institutionalized who is more forward-looking. Findings suggest that there are differences in self-expression and temporality in our sample. This exploratory study emphasizes the importance of taking into account the self of institutionalized elderly and the temporality in which they are projected upon entering an institution.
The ongoing conversion of the missionary
Authors: Karecki Madge , Dzubinski Leanne M.
Published: November 2022

Conversion is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process in multiple arenas in the life of the missionary. Ongoing conversion happens through accompaniment and can lead to transformative mission.
Power resources and the battle against precarious employment: Trade union activities within a tripartite initiative tackling undeclared work in Sweden
Authors: Håkansta Carin , Albin Maria , Kreshpaj Bertina , Gunn Virginia , Hogstedt Christer , Matilla-Santander Nuria , O’Campo Patricia , Orellana Pozo Cecilia , Wegman David H , Bodin Theo
Published: November 2022

The aim of this case study was to explore the abilities and limitations of trade unions in their response to undeclared work, which has received scant attention in research on working conditions and industrial relations. The authors use power resource theory to examine the outcome of a Swedish government initiative aimed to boost the ability of the social partners to tackle undeclared work. The findings confirm previous literature suggesting cross-sectoral differences in the extent and nature of undeclared work and an association between low levels of power resources and high risk of undeclared work. The authors recommend that future initiatives take account of cross-sectoral differences in the nature and extent of undeclared work and available power resources. Future research should consider how different actors can contribute to the ability of the social partners in different sectors to engage in the battle against undeclared work.
Homeplace: Black Teachers Creating Space for Black Students in Mathematics Classrooms
Authors: Vaidya Anjanette N. , Battey Dan
Published: November 2022

Background:

Although large-scale research over the last 15 years demonstrates the positive effects of Black teachers for Black students on various student outcomes, these studies focus on average effects. This leaves space to examine classroom practices to detail how the positive effects may be realized through the everyday interactions between Black teachers and their Black students, specifically in mathematics. To conceptualize the mathematics classroom we draw on hooks’s (2001) concept of “Homeplace” as a site where one is humanized in resistance to broader contexts of power, as a “haven” free from negative dominant discourses.

Focus of Study:

This research documents the classroom practices of successful Black mathematics teachers who are affirming students’ identities through their classroom practices: How do successful Black mathematics teachers enact affirming mathematics classrooms with their Black students?

Setting:

This research was a secondary analysis of videos collected as part of the Gates-funded Understanding Teaching Quality (UTQ) project. All of the schools in the UTQ study were located in one metropolitan area.

Case Study Selection:

The study used MANOVA to quantitatively select teachers based on mathematics achievement and quality of relational interactions. Two teachers were selected and, although not part of the selection criteria, both mathematics teachers identified as Black.

Research Design:

The study used a case study design to describe the mathematics practices of two Black teachers.

Data Collection and Analysis:

The dataset included four lessons per teacher with two cameras for each lesson. Open coding was used to identify the practices used by teachers drawing on Homeplace as an orienting concept.

Findings:

The classrooms enacted Homeplace through affirming students’ humanity and communicating a sense of belonging in three ways: building collective responsibility for the mathematics, framing students as mathematically capable, and relating to students’ lives. In addition to the themes, undercurrents of care, humor, praise, and the use of Black Language were clearly visible.

Conclusions:

Although the classrooms did not display the sociopolitical consciousness foundational to culturally relevant pedagogy, the Black teachers did create an environment consistent with Homeplace. Through cultivating a classroom that affirmed Black students’ humanity and dignity and communicated to them a sense of belonging, they resisted negative racialized narratives and increased students’ mathematics achievement.
Epigenomic Stories: Evidence of Harm and the Social Justice Promises and Perils of Environmental Epigenetics
Authors: Lappé Martine , Fahey Fionna Francis , Hein Robbin Jeffries
Published: November 2022

This article develops the concept of epigenomic stories to analyze how scientists describe and study the relationships between environmental epigenetics, health inequities, and social justice. Based on a multisited ethnography of epigenetic knowledge production and its circulation across laboratories, clinics, and communities in the United States and Canada between 2016 and 2021, we build on Black feminist and science studies scholarship to convey the racial, gender, and epistemic consequences of epigenomic stories. We argue that these stories reflect how scientists position epigenetics as a way of providing biological evidence of social harms and shifting responsibilities from individuals to broader structures. Yet these stories also reflect the limits of epigenetic methods and models in effectively capturing and addressing lived experiences of oppression. Thus, while scientists envision epigenetics as a resource for social change, they do so in ways that privilege biological ways of knowing. In analyzing the values and power relations embedded in these practices, we argue that epigenomic stories reflect what is at stake socially, politically, and materially when we tell stories with science. We contend that efforts to mobilize epigenetic knowledge for social justice must therefore center marginalized peoples’ knowledge and experiences and address how racism and sexism shape science and its social consequences.
Evaluation of psychosocial status and nutritional awareness in municipal employees during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Delice Büşranur , Saleki Neda , Pehlivan Merve , Sezer Fatma E , Bakırhan Hande , Özkaya Volkan
Published: November 2022

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 emerged in China in December 2019 as a disease spreading from person to person by rapid droplet transmission, and which eventually evolved into a pandemic. Aim: This study aims to examine the psychosocial state, nutritional awareness, and physical activity level of municipal employees who provided services under changing working conditions during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Methods: A total of 220 employees working in two different municipalities in Istanbul were included in this study during March and April of 2021. For data collection, a questionnaire form was used. The form consisted of questions about the demographics and nutritional awareness of individuals, the Coronavirus-19 Phobia Scale, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form). Results: The mean total coronaphobia score was 51.08 ± 14.47 with the mean score for women being significantly higher than that for men ( p < 0.05). The mean score obtained by the responses of participants to questions about nutritional awareness during the pandemic was significantly higher than the mean score referring to the period before the pandemic. The examination of the physical activity level of employees revealed that 62.4% of the men and 60% of the women were physically inactive during the pandemic. Conclusion: It was found that the coronaphobia scores of municipal employees during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic were at an average level, their nutritional awareness levels increased in general compared to the pre-pandemic period, and municipal employees were mostly inactive physically during the pandemic.
Engineering gender, engineering the Jordanian State: Beyond the salvage ethnography of middle-class housewifery in the Middle East
Authors: Hughes Geoffrey F
Published: November 2022

The figure of the middle-class housewife or ‘ rabbat bayt’ emerged in the late 19th-century Arabic-language public sphere amidst the colonial encounter. This gendering of middle-classness responded to a perceived cultural ‘lag’ yet now itself increasingly signifies backwardness in relation to ideals of middle-classness emphasizing women’s education and community service over older norms of purity and propriety. Today, amidst unemployment, discrimination, lack of childcare, lack of safe and reliable public transportation and a highly suburbanized built environment catering to male breadwinners, contemporary Jordanian families must navigate multiple class and gender paradigms. Against a tendency towards salvage ethnography that misrecognizes these constraints as manifestations of deeply held ‘traditional’ values, I emphasize their historicity, arguing that it is only by recognizing housewifery itself as a state project characteristic of the 20th century that we can appreciate how state-building projects drive the gendering of class roles – and the classing of gender roles.
Biomechanical Effect of Differential Tensioning on Suture-Augmented Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction of the Elbow
Authors: Iannucci Leanne E. , Koscso Jonathan M. , Castile Ryan M. , Lake Spencer P. , Smith Matthew V.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Medial ulnar collateral ligament (mUCL) reconstructions are becoming increasingly prevalent among the overhand throwing population. Suture tape augmentation has the potential to provide biomechanical advantages over standard docking reconstruction. However, the optimal tensioning of the suture augmentation technique has not yet been evaluated.

Purpose:

To compare the subfailure biomechanical performance and graft strain of a standard docking mUCL reconstruction to an mUCL reconstruction using suture tape augmentation tensioned with 1 mm or 3 mm of laxity.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 18 cadaveric elbows were dissected to the mUCL anterior band and biomechanically assessed via a valgus torque protocol to failure. Elbows were randomly assigned to be reconstructed via (1) a standard docking technique, (2) a suture-augmented reconstruction with 1-mm laxity, or (3) a suture-augmented reconstruction with 3-mm laxity. Reconstructed elbows were then subjected to the same loading protocol. Subfailure mechanical properties, failure mode, and mUCL/palmaris strain were assessed.

Results:

All reconstruction groups had decreased rotational stiffness, torque at 5° of angular rotation, and resilience compared with matched native controls. There were no differences in transition torque between groups. The failure mode of suture-augmented specimens was most often due to bone tunnel failure or reaching the maximum allowable angular displacement. In native controls or docking reconstructions, the primary failure mechanism was in the ligament or graft midsubstance. There were no significant differences in strain on the reconstructed or suture-augmented groups at any laxity compared with native controls.

Conclusion:

Suture augmentation results in similar subfailure joint biomechanical properties as the standard docking reconstruction procedure at both laxity levels in a cadaveric model. There are improvements in the failure mode of suture-augmented specimens compared with standard docking. Graft strain may be modestly reduced in the 1-mm laxity group compared with other reconstruction groups.

Clinical Relevance:

Suture augmentation at both 1-mm and 3-mm laxity appears to offer similar advantages in subfailure biomechanics to standard docking reconstruction of the mUCL, with some improvements associated with failure mode. Strain data suggest a potential avoidance of graft stress shielding when tensioning the suture augmentation to 3-mm laxity, which is not as apparent with 1-mm laxity.
Association of Elevated Posterior Tibial Slope With Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Failure in a Matched Cohort Analysis
Authors: Duerr Robert A. , Ormseth Benjamin , DiBartola Alex , Geers Katie , Kaeding Christopher C. , Siston Robert , Flanigan David C. , Magnussen Robert A.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Elevated posterior tibial slope (PTS) has been identified as an important risk factor in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and ACL graft failures. The cutoff value to recommend treatment with slope-reducing osteotomy remains unclear and is based on expert opinion and small case series.

Purpose:

(1) To determine whether there is a difference in PTS shown on lateral knee radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in a group of patients who experienced revision ACL graft failure versus a control group of patients who underwent successful revision ACL reconstruction, (2) to identify cutoff values of PTS measurements that predict risk of revision ACL graft failure, and (3) to examine whether there is a correlation between radiographic and MRI measurements of PTS.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 38 patients who experienced revision ACL graft failure were identified from a revision ACL database. These patients were matched 1:1 by age, sex, and graft type to a group of 38 control patients who underwent revision ACL reconstruction with no evidence of graft failure at a minimum 2 years of follow-up. Medial and lateral PTS were measured by lateral knee radiographs and MRI scans of the affected limb. Demographics, surgical characteristics, and PTS were compared between the groups. The optimal cutoff values of medial and lateral PTS per radiographs and MRI scans for predicting increased risk of revision ACL graft failure were determined by receiver operating characteristic curves. Conditional multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relative contribution of PTS cutoff values as a predictor of revision graft failure.

Results:

The mean PTS values in the failure group were significantly higher than those in the control group on radiographs (medial, 13.2°± 2.9° vs 10.3°± 2.9°; P < .001; lateral, 12.9°± 3.0° vs 9.8°± 2.8°; P < .001) and MRI scans (medial, 7.2°± 3.1° vs 4.8°± 2.9°; P < .001; lateral, 8.4 ± 3.1° vs 5.9 ± 3.0°; P < .001). A radiographic medial PTS ≥14° had the highest increased risk of revision ACL graft failure with sensitivity equal to 50% and specificity to 92.1% (odds ratio, 18.71; 95% CI, 2.0-174.9; P = .01).

Conclusion:

Elevated PTS was a significant risk factor for revision ACL graft failure. Patients with radiographic medial PTS ≥14° had 18.7-times increased risk of revision ACL failure.
Womanhood–motherhood: The matrix in times of crisis
Authors: Blanco Maria-José
Published: November 2022

This article is a response to the 45th Foulkes lecture given by Dr. Regine Scholz, ‘When foundation (Scholz, 2022) matrices move — Challenges for a group analysis of our time’(Scholz, 2022). It looks at women’s rights and societies’ responses to women as mothers and motherhood as the ultimate crisis. Women’s choices, their decisions about being a mother, or not, and their relationship to social and political power is explored, presenting themes connected to motherhood such as abortion, rape, war and displacement as well as climate change.
Comparative analysis of the contribution of municipal waste management policies to GHG reductions in China
Authors: Liu Zhe , Xu Yueying , Adams Michelle , Liu Weili , Walker Tony R , Domenech Teresa , Bleischwitz Raimund , Geng Yong
Published: November 2022

Waste generation and disposal have been a global issue for decades. The total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2019 were 49,758 MtCO2e with waste disposal accounting for 3.2%. With rapid urbanization trends, municipal solid waste (MSW) has become a global challenge which needs to be addressed. A large fraction of MSW such as food wastes, e-waste among others still ends up with unregulated dumps or openly burned in low-income countries. As a response, China initiated the ‘zero-waste’ pilot program which has been running since 2019. To investigate the potential contribution of MSW management to GHG reductions, this study selected four ‘zero-waste’ cities in China, namely Shenzhen, Panjin, Xining and Tongling, as case studies to assess the impacts of different MSW management policies on GHG reductions from 2015 to 2019. Results demonstrated that Shenzhen city achieved progress in reducing GHGs, which decreased by more than 40% between 2015 and 2019. This study provides policy recommendations and waste management approaches and practices to optimize MSW management and reduction of GHGs.
Characterizing the Influence of Television Health Entertainment Narratives in Lay Populations: A Scoping Review
Authors: Hoffman Beth L , Hoffman Robert , VonVille Helena M , Sidani Jaime E , Manganello Jennifer A , Chu Kar-Hai , Felter Elizabeth M , Miller Elizabeth , Burke Jessica G
Published: November 2022

Objective

To conduct a scoping review of published literature examining the influence of health storylines from fictional television programs on viewers.

Data Source

We performed literature searches in Medline, PsycINFO, and Mass Media Complete in October 2021, and examined bibliographies of included articles and conducted forward searching using Web of Science with included articles.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Selected studies were required to be original research published in English, involve exposure to fictional television programming by individuals not in the medical field, and assess associations between exposure and health-related outcomes.

Data Extraction

Article screening and data abstraction were performed by two independent researchers using DistillerSR (Cohen’s κ range: .73-1.00).

Data Synthesis

We analyzed and qualitatively described the data using methods of scoping reviews described by PRISMA-ScR.

Results

Of 5,537 unique records identified, 165 met inclusion criteria. The most frequently studied program was ER (n = 22, 13.3%). Most studies had adult participants (n = 116, 70.3%) and used quantitative methods (n = 136, 82.4%). The most frequently examined health topics were sexual behavior (n = 28, 17.0%) and mental health (n = 28, 17.0%). Exposure had a positive influence on viewers’ health-related outcomes in 28.5% (n = 47) of studies.

Conclusion

Health storylines on fictional television influence viewers. Future research could address gaps identified in this review to further elucidate the influence of this programming on health promotion and disease prevention.
Comparison approach for wind resource assessment to determine the most precise approach
Authors: Khan Tasir , Ahmad Ishfaq , Wang Yejuan , Salam Muhammad , Shahzadi Amina , Batool Masooma
Published: November 2022

The distribution models of wind speed data are essential to assess the potential wind speed energy because they decrease the uncertainty in estimating wind energy output. Therefore, before performing a detailed potential energy analysis, the precise distribution model for data relating to wind speed must be found. This research contains material from numerous goodness-of-fit tests, such as Kolmogorov–Simonov, Anderson–Darling, chi-square, root mean square error, Akaike information criterion, and Bayesian information criterion, which were combined finally to determine the wind speed of the best-fitted distribution. The suggested method collectively makes each criterion. This method was useful in statistically fitting 14 distribution models to wind speed data collected at four sites in Pakistan. The consequences show that this method provides the best source for selecting the most suitable wind speed statistical distribution. Also, the graphical representation is consistent with the analytical consequences. This research presents three estimation methods that can be used to calculate the different distributions used to estimate the wind. In the suggested maximum likelihood method, method of moments, and maximum likelihood estimation, the third-order moment used in the wind energy formula is a crucial function because it contributes to the precise estimate of wind energy. In order to prove the presence of the suggested method of moments, it was compared with well-known estimation methods, such as the method of linear moments and maximum likelihood estimation. In the relative analysis, given several goodness-of-fit tests, the presentation of the considered techniques is estimated based on the actual wind speed evaluated in different periods. The results show that the method of moments provides a more precise estimation than other commonly used methods for estimating wind energy based on the 14 distributions. Therefore, the method of moments can be a better technique for assessing wind energy.
What determines household cooking fuel preferences? Empirical evidence from South Korea
Authors: Lee Chan Hee , Hong Jong Ho , Kang Sung Hoon
Published: November 2022

This study examines the determinants of modern cooking fuel choices in Korea. The ordered probit model is estimated using an extensive online survey of Korean household energy consumers. Our empirical results showed that age, gender, and education are significant determinants of modern cooking fuel choices among the socioeconomic demographic variables: females, older people, and highly educated people are more likely to prefer electricity. Also, electricity is more likely to be preferred over natural gas by people who have a higher preference for district heating. Two psychological factors significantly influence cooking fuel choices. People whose behaviors are environment-friendly and people who are more health-conscious are more likely to prefer electricity over natural gas or propane. There are three important insights into the cooking fuel transition toward electricity. First, as interest in health and climate change has significantly increased in recent years in Korea, it may stimulate the transition from natural gas or propane to electricity. Second, electrification of cooking methods will be beneficial for the environment if electricity generation becomes less carbon-intensive. Since electricity in Korea is mainly generated by fossil fuels, it is crucial to implement more aggressive policies toward renewable sources in the energy mix for electricity generation. Third, the public should better understand why this problem cannot be overlooked because the energy mix is important in mitigating climate change. The better the people understand the exact relationship between energy consumption and pollutant emissions, the more effective and environmentally sound will the energy mix policy become.
Knowledge hiding in the academia: Individual and social factors predicting knowledge hiding behaviour of undergraduates of a Nigerian university
Authors: Omotayo Funmilola O , Akintibubo Aderonke O
Published: November 2022

This study examined the knowledge hiding behaviour (KHB) of undergraduates of a university in southwestern, Nigeria, as well as the individual and social factors influencing their knowledge hiding behaviour. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. Random sampling was used to select 390 undergraduates across the faculties of the university. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Findings revealed that the undergraduates engaged in knowledge hiding. The study also identified the various methods the students used to hide knowledge, among which are pretense of lack of knowledge, avoiding interactive classes, reading alone and unwillingness to release lecture notes, among others. The results show that the individual factors (distrust and psychological ownership), as well as the social factors (negative or lack of mutual reciprocity, lack of social interaction and lack of social identification), predicted the KHB of the students. The study concluded that the undergraduates engaged in knowledge hiding in so many ways and for many reasons. The individual factors of the students, as well as the social factors surrounding them, predicted their KHB. The study made some recommendations for research and practice.
Standard error estimation in meta-analysis of studies reporting medians
Authors: McGrath Sean , Katzenschlager Stephan , Zimmer Alexandra J , Seitel Alexander , Steele Russell , Benedetti Andrea
Published: November 2022

We consider the setting of an aggregate data meta-analysis of a continuous outcome of interest. When the distribution of the outcome is skewed, it is often the case that some primary studies report the sample mean and standard deviation of the outcome and other studies report the sample median along with the first and third quartiles and/or minimum and maximum values. To perform meta-analysis in this context, a number of approaches have recently been developed to impute the sample mean and standard deviation from studies reporting medians. Then, standard meta-analytic approaches with inverse-variance weighting are applied based on the (imputed) study-specific sample means and standard deviations. In this article, we illustrate how this common practice can severely underestimate the within-study standard errors, which results in poor coverage for the pooled mean in common effect meta-analyses and overestimation of between-study heterogeneity in random effects meta-analyses. We propose a straightforward bootstrap approach to estimate the standard errors of the imputed sample means. Our simulation study illustrates how the proposed approach can improve the estimation of the within-study standard errors and consequently improve coverage for the pooled mean in common effect meta-analyses and estimation of between-study heterogeneity in random effects meta-analyses. Moreover, we apply the proposed approach in a meta-analysis to identify risk factors of a severe course of COVID-19.
Effect of Rabeprazole and Rebamipide in the Treatment of Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage Associated with Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Elderly Patients with Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Jia Rong-Jie , Wang Xiao-Peng , Zhang Zhen-Hua , Cui Hai-Hong , Qin Rui , Du Da-Yong , Liu Yang
Published: November 2022

To investigate the therapeutic effect of rabeprazole and rebamipide on patient age over 60 with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT)–related upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A total of 360 patients age over 60 undergoing PCI were recruited for antiplatelet therapy involving a combined treatment of aspirin (100 mg/d) and clopidogrel (75 mg/d). The enrolled patients were divided into 4 groups: the control group, the rabeprazole group, the rebamipide group, and the rabeprazole + rebamipide group. The incidence and severity of any upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were observed 6 months after the operation. The incidence of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the 4 groups was 11.1%, 3.3%, 8.9%, and 1.1%, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant ( P < 0.05). On comparing the groups, the differences between the control group and the rabeprazole group, those between the control group and the rabeprazole + rebamipide group, and those between the rebamipide group and the rabeprazole + rebamipide group were found to be statistically significant ( P < 0.05). The severity of the upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the rabeprazole group and the rabeprazole + rebamipide group was significantly lower than that in the control group. The 4 groups exhibited no significant differences in the incidence of MACEs ( P > 0.05). For patients age over 60 receiving DAPT following PCI in our study population, treatment with rabeprazole or a combination of rabeprazole and rebamipide could reduce the risk of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, as well as reduce its severity.
Enrichment of set yoghurt with flaxseed oil, flaxseed mucilage and free or encapsulated Lacticaseibacillus casei: Effect on probiotic survival and yoghurt quality attributes
Authors: Shafizadeh Abdollah , Golestan Leila , Ahmadi Mohammad , Darjani Pegah , Ghorbani-HasanSaraei Azade
Published: November 2022

This study was intended to develop yoghurt products incorporated with flaxseed mucilage (FM), flaxseed oil (FO) and free or encapsulated Lacticaseibacillus casei probiotics. FM (0.9%) and sodium alginate (2%) were used as wall materials for encapsulating L. casei. Different physicochemical and sensory properties of the yoghurt, as well as the L. casei survival, were determined during 21 days of storage at 4 °C. Based on the results, FM showed a stimulatory effect on the growth of probiotics and thus, significantly decreased the Log reduction of the probiotics during storage ( P < 0.05). Moreover, encapsulating probiotics significantly decreased the Log reduction during storage in comparison with the free bacteria ( P < 0.05). Incorporating FM and free probiotics significantly increased the acidity and decreased the pH of the samples; while encapsulating L. casei successfully prevented the acidity increment in probiotic fortified yoghurt products ( P < 0.05). The addition of FM significantly improved the water holding capacity of the yoghurt ( P < 0.05). Incorporating either free L. casei, FO or FM significantly reduced the flavor and overall acceptance scores; while, the addition of L. casei in the encapsulated form did not significantly alter the overall acceptance scores of the yoghurt samples ( P < 0.05).
Evaluating the Prevent–Teach–Reinforce Model for High School Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Deenihan Deanna , Blair Kwang-Sun Cho , Iovannone Rose
Published: November 2022

This study evaluated the use of the Prevent–Teach–Reinforce (PTR) model as an intensive individualized behavior intervention. Three educators and three high school students with autism spectrum disorder participated in the study. A concurrent multiple baseline design across participants was used to demonstrate the outcomes. The results indicated that the educators implemented the PTR intervention plans with high levels of fidelity, and their implementation of the intervention plans led to decreases in problem behavior and increases in replacement behavior across all three participating students with autism spectrum disorder. The educators demonstrated using the Individualized Behavior Rating Scale Tool effectively as designed to monitor student progress, and the educators and students found the PTR intervention to be acceptable and satisfactory. All three educators expressed interest in continuing to implement the PTR intervention after the completion of the study. Implications and areas for future research are discussed.
Confronting the Infodemic and Fake News to End Stigma and Discrimination in HIV/AIDS: Promoting Zero Discrimination Practices in Brazil With Massive Open Online Course
Authors: Canavese Daniel , Polidoro Maurício , Ferreira Ariadne Ribeiro , Velasquez Claudia , Perry Gabriela Trindade
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Overcoming misinformation is essential considering stigma and discrimination in the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This report presents the preliminary results of a health education strategy based on the massive open online course (MOOC) on Zero Discrimination in Brazil.

Methods

Case study describing the development of the MOOC and its validation using the Delphi technique. Pre- and posttests were administered. People who enrolled from October 2021 to March 2022 were included in the study.

Results and discussion

MOOC was made available free of charge for mobile phones, tablets, and desktops and included a 90-hr study certificate. Over 6 months, there were n = 665 people enrolled from different regions, mainly from the health field or working in the public health system. The completion rate of people included in the study (26.62%; n = 177) was above the average for other MOOCs.

Conclusions

Initial results are promising but demand more extensive monitoring.
A Random Forest Genomic Classifier for Tumor Agnostic Prediction of Response to Anti-PD1 Immunotherapy
Authors: Bigelow Emma , Saria Suchi , Piening Brian , Curti Brendan , Dowdell Alexa , Weerasinghe Roshanthi , Bifulco Carlo , Urba Walter , Finkelstein Noam , Fertig Elana J , Baras Alex , Zaidi Neeha , Jaffee Elizabeth , Yarchoan Mark
Published: November 2022

Tumor mutational burden (TMB), a surrogate for tumor neoepitope burden, is used as a pan-tumor biomarker to identify patients who may benefit from anti-program cell death 1 (PD1) immunotherapy, but it is an imperfect biomarker. Multiple additional genomic characteristics are associated with anti-PD1 responses, but the combined predictive value of these features and the added informativeness of each respective feature remains unknown. We evaluated whether machine learning (ML) approaches using proposed determinants of anti-PD1 response derived from whole exome sequencing (WES) could improve prediction of anti-PD1 responders over TMB alone. Random forest classifiers were trained on publicly available anti-PD1 data (n = 104), and subsequently tested on an independent anti-PD1 cohort (n = 69). Both the training and test datasets included a range of cancer types such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), melanoma, and smaller numbers of patients from other tumor types. Features used include summaries such as TMB and number of frameshift mutations, as well as more gene-level features such as counts of mutations associated with immune checkpoint response and resistance. Both ML algorithms demonstrated area under the receiver-operator curves (AUC) that exceeded TMB alone (AUC 0.63 “human-guided,” 0.64 “cluster,” and 0.58 TMB alone). Mutations within oncogenes disproportionately modulate anti-PD1 responses relative to their overall contribution to tumor neoepitope burden. The use of a ML algorithm evaluating multiple proposed genomic determinants of anti-PD1 responses modestly improves performance over TMB alone, highlighting the need to integrate other biomarkers to further improve model performance.
The general health status of newly arrived asylum seekers in Denmark
Authors: Nissen R. Primdahl , Frederiksen H.W. , Brande S.E. , Norredam M.
Published: November 2022

Aims:

The number of asylum seekers in Europe is increasing and is likely to do so continuously due to conflicts, poverty and climate. Asylum seekers are exposed to many health risk factors related to their migration process and this study aimed to explore their general health status on arrival at an immigration country.

Methods:

A retrospective study including 1907 general health assessments (GHAs) of adult asylum seekers arriving in Denmark between 1 September 2017 and 31 December 2019 was undertaken. The GHA is offered to all adult asylum seekers as part of the health-care reception programme. Only asylum seekers who attended the GHA within 1 month of their arrival in Denmark were included. Data comprised sociodemographic factors, health outcomes, and indication of exposure to trauma and torture. Data were described by absolute and relative frequencies, means and through regression analyses.

Results:

The majority of asylum seekers were male (58.6%) of Middle Eastern origin with a mean age of 33.6 years (SD = 12.1). More than half (60.1%) of the participants had one or more physical health complaints, whereas mental health complaints were less frequent (25.0%). Asylum seekers, who had been exposed to trauma were more likely to have physical health complaints (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.22;1.89) and to have symptoms of mental health problems (OR 12.71, 95% CI 8.76;18.45). These complaints were substantially elevated for survivors of torture.

Conclusions:

This relatively high prevalence of health complaints, both physical and mental, emphasises the necessity of providing appropriate and timely health care from the very beginning of the asylum process.
Ensemble learning based functional independence ability estimator for pediatric brain tumor survivors
Authors: Lin Pei-Hua , Kuo Ping-Huan
Published: November 2022

A history of brain tumor strongly affects children’s cognitive abilities, performance of daily activities, quality of life, and functional outcomes. In light of the difficulties in cognition, communication, physical skills, and behavior that these patients may encounter, occupational therapists should perform a comprehensive needs-led assessment of their global functioning after recovery. Such an assessment would ensure that the patients receive adequate support and services at school, at home, and in the community. By predicting the functional activity performance of children with a history of brain tumor, clinical workers can determine the progress of their ability recovery and the optimal treatment plan. We selected several features for testing and employed common machine learning models to predict Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM) scores. The ensemble learning models exhibited stronger predictive performance than did the individual machine learning models. The ensemble learning models effectively predicted WeeFIM scores. Machine learning models can help clinical workers predict the functional assessment scores of patients with childhood brain tumors. This study used machine learning models to predict the WeeFIM scores of patients with childhood brain tumors and to demonstrate that ensemble machine learning models are more suitable for this task than are individual machine learning models.
Criminogenic and harm-enabling features of social media platforms: The case of sharenting practices
Authors: Lavorgna Anita , Tartari Morena , Ugwudike Pamela
Published: November 2022

Sharenting – that is, the sharing of identifying and sensitive information of minors, who are often overexposed online by parents or guardians – has, at times, criminogenic potential, as the information shared can enable both heinous crimes and other types of harmful conduct. Whilst most research on sharenting has focused on the sharenters and their agency, there is a gap in addressing whether and to what extent social media platforms display criminogenic or other harm-enabling features that can render sharenting risky for affected minors. By relying on an adapted crime proofing of legislation approach, our contribution analyses the self-regulations (in the form of corporate documents and forms of self-organisation) of five major social media platforms and identifies several risks and vulnerabilities to harmful sharenting practices embedded in the platforms’ policies. In doing so, the study demonstrates how criminological imagination can effectively contribute to the multidisciplinary debates on digital ecosystems and their regulation, paving the way for a reduction of criminogenic and harmful opportunities online.
Public Attitudes Toward Immigration: Was There a Trump Effect?
Authors: Sagir Mustafa , Mockabee Stephen T.
Published: November 2022

This paper examines public opinion about immigration policy in 2012 and 2016, seeking to understand whether there are meaningful differences in public opinion across these elections, whether the predictors of opinion changed, and whether the issue’s salience grew. One prominent candidate for explaining differences in opinion about immigration in 2016 is the rhetoric of Donald J. Trump, whose presidential candidacy was launched with an attack on immigration from Mexico. We analyze content from Trump’s campaign speeches and from Mitt Romney’s 2012 campaign speeches to compare the emphasis on immigration themes, finding that Trump talked far more about immigration than Romney did. We also examine media coverage and find a marked increase in mentions of the immigration issue, which should, in theory, lead to more people seeing immigration as an important problem. We analyze “most important problem” questions from American National Election Studies surveys and find that mentions of immigration increased from less than one percent in 2012 to about five percent in 2016. However, we find that the overall distribution of public opinion about immigration changed very little from 2012 to 2016. Multivariate models show that the predictors of opinion about immigration policies were primarily the same in 2016 as in 2012: a combination of perceived economic threat, perceived cultural threat, and ethnic prejudice. In addition, models of presidential vote choice find that immigration issues were statistically significant predictors in 2016 but not in 2012. All of this suggests that Trump’s 2016 candidacy did not persuade so much as it activated. Trump’s rhetoric did not significantly alter American public opinion on immigration. Still, his emphasis on the immigration issue did garner increased media coverage and was attractive to many Republican and conservative voters who already held anti-immigration views.
Yoga Therapy During Chemotherapy for Early-Stage and Locally Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Greaney Samantha K. , Amin Neha , Prudner Bethany C. , Compernolle Maggie , Sandell Linda J. , Tebb Susan C. , Weilbaecher Katherine N. , Abeln Peri , Luo Jingqin , Tao Yu , Hirbe Angela C. , Peterson Lindsay L.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Chemotherapy is associated with decreased quality of life (QOL), fatigue, depression, and weight gain in patients with breast cancer. Weight gain is associated with poorer prognosis. Yoga improves QOL, fatigue, and mood in women with breast cancer but its effect on treatment-related weight gain has not been studied. The aim of this trial was to determine the feasibility of personalized yoga therapy in women receiving treatment for early-stage or locally advanced breast cancer and assess its impact on weight gain.

Methods:

Thirty women were randomized 1:1 to receive yoga therapy by a certified yoga therapist during treatment or a control group. Participants in the yoga arm were asked to complete three 30 minute yoga sessions weekly (which included movement, breath work, mindfulness, and relaxation) throughout adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (N = 29) or endocrine (N = 1); the control arm received breast cancer treatment without yoga. For comparability between participants randomized to yoga therapy, the single patient treated with endocrine therapy was excluded from the analysis. Primary outcomes were feasibility and weight change. Additional outcomes were mood, fatigue, QOL, serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and C-reactive protein (CRP) as immune mediator biomarkers.

Results:

Mean age was 51.6 years, 75.9% were white and 24.1% were people of color, reflecting the cancer center population. 80% had stage II-III disease. Enrollment was completed in 9 months. Compliance was lower than predicted; however, participants participated in on average 1.7 yoga sessions/week for a mean 15.6 weeks duration. There were no adverse events. Control arm participants gained on average 2.63% body weight during treatment while yoga participants lost 0.14% body weight (weight change = −0.36 in yoga arm vs. 2.89 in standard of care arm, Wilcoxon rank sum test P = .024). Control participants reported increased fatigue and decreased QOL, while yoga participants reported no change in QOL. No significant change in TNF-alpha or CRP was noted in either arm.

Conclusion:

This feasibility study suggests that personalized yoga therapy is beneficial for QOL and weight maintenance among women undergoing chemotherapy for early-stage or locally advanced breast cancer. Weight maintenance associated with yoga therapy may be of clinical significance in this population given the poorer prognosis associated with weight gain in breast cancer survivors.

Trial Registration:

NIH Clinicaltrials.gov #NCT03262831; August 25, 2017. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03262831
Mindfulness-based Interventions and Yoga for Managing Obesity/Overweight After Breast Cancer: A Scoping Review
Authors: Vuong Vicki , Rao Vibhuti , Ee Carolyn
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Weight gain after breast cancer is common, and obesity after breast cancer increases breast cancer recurrence and mortality. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) and yoga have been shown to be effective in managing obesity/overweight in people without breast cancer. There is a need to systematically map the extent and range of evidence on yoga and MBIs for managing obesity/overweight after breast cancer in order to aid planning and commissioning of future research.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review informed by methods described by Levac et al. Five electronic databases were searched for any peer-reviewed original research (including systematic reviews) that examined the role of yoga and/or MBIs for managing overweight/obesity after breast cancer. Data were extracted on study, population, intervention, comparator and outcome characteristics, and described narratively.

Results:

We found 18 publications representing 15 unique studies (11 clinical trials, 2 systematic reviews, and 2 observational studies). There were 10 studies on yoga, and 5 on MBIs. Of the clinical trials, only 4/11 examined a weight-related outcome as the primary outcome. The remaining trials examined lifestyle or metabolic outcomes (5/11) or unrelated outcomes such as psychological health (2/11). Gaps in the literature included small sample sizes, lack of cultural diversity amongst participants, inadequate reporting of the intervention, few lifestyle co-interventions offered, lack of active comparator groups, and inadequate safety reporting.

Conclusions:

There is a need for adequately-powered RCTs that adhere to reporting guidelines. The use of gold-standard methods for measuring outcomes, and active comparator groups, is also recommended.