bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benefits, Challenges, and Practices on the Utilization of Digital Platform among Secondary School Teachers in A Division
Authors: Mauricio-Garcia Sheila Marie
Published: August 2024

The utilization of digital platforms in education has become increasingly prevalent, particularly among secondary school teachers. This study aims to explore the benefits, challenges, and practices associated with the incorporation of digital platforms in the teaching methods of secondary school teachers within a specific division. Teachers experience enhanced engagement and interaction within their classrooms, resulting in improved student participation and comprehension. Moreover, digital platforms offer flexibility in delivering instructional materials, accommodating diverse learning styles and paces. However, alongside these benefits, teachers encounter notable challenges. Technical barriers, such as limited access to devices and internet connectivity, hinder the seamless integration of digital platforms. Privacy and security concerns, coupled with the need for digital literacy skills, further complicate the adoption process. Moreover, the transformation of traditional teaching methods to suit digital platforms necessitates time and effort.  In this context, various practices emerge among secondary school teachers. Effective integration of digital platforms requires strategic planning, encompassing content creation, delivery modes, and assessment methods. Collaborative approaches, where teachers share experiences and resources, mitigate challenges, and foster professional growth. Furthermore, adapting to students' digital fluency, tailoring content for different subjects, and harnessing interactive features prove crucial to successful implementation. By examining the benefits, challenges, and practices related to digital platform utilization, this study contributes insights that can inform educational policies, professional development programs, and instructional strategies. The findings underscore the importance of acknowledging challenges while harnessing the opportunities digital platforms offer to enhance the teaching and learning experience in secondary education.
Enhancing Filipino Senior High School Students' Conceptual Understanding of Philippine Folk Dance Using the iSAYAW Web Application
Authors: Simon Christian Louie C. , Pinlac Jelene T. , Regala Wendie A. , Dela Peña Ramil D. , Tolentino Julius Ceazar G. , Soriano Lourdes P.
Published: August 2024

The introduction of Philippine folk dance (PFD) has been a very challenging pursuit by many physical educators in the Philippines. Thus, a continuous exploration of potential instruction powered by digital technologies is currently being explored. Hence, this study employed iSAYAW - a web-based system teaching-learning material for teaching PFD. This study utilized a quantitative action research approach, employing a one-group pre-test and post-test inquiry. A 50-item researcher-made test was administered to assess students' conceptual understanding of Philippine folk dance before and after the intervention. A class of 45 students was identified to gain the lowest mean score during the pre-test, which was the reason for the four-week implementation of iSAYAW. After the intervention, it was found that the post-test scores showed a notable increase compared to pre-test scores, indicating that the web-based learning material effectively enhanced students' conceptual understanding of PFD and contributed to their learning of the concepts. Hence, it was revealed that students' experiences were enjoyable and that using the app was helpful for independent learning. It led them to improve their scores as it offers lessons that the teachers are not teaching sometimes. In contrast, this application mitigates the learning process of the PFD concepts. However, students faced challenges, particularly with their internet connection limiting their learning experience with the application. Hence, it is recommended that students explore iSAYAW, expand its content, extend usage duration, include multiple grade levels, and promote cultural heritage to enhance learning and appreciation of Philippine folk dance.
Disaster Preparedness and Resiliency as Predictors among Residents Situated in Landslide-Prone Areas in Brgy. Matina Crossing
Authors: Solano Roel Nickelson M. , Catayas Elaiza Faith N. , Laurnal Kinah S. , Saranillo Marc Joshua A.
Published: August 2024

This research aims to determine the inter-relationship among the profile, disaster preparedness, and resiliency of the residents in Barangay 74-A Matina Crossing and what demographic profile significantly predicts resiliency as well as the disaster preparedness of the residents. It explores whether resiliency significantly predicts disaster preparedness among the identified residents. A survey was conducted on a convenience sample of 400 residents situated in a landslide-prone area in Barangay 74-A Matina Crossing using a 3-part structured questionnaire; the Demographic Profile of the residents, the Disaster Preparedness Index, and the Resiliency Scale. When grouped according to sex, it shows that 200 (50.0%) were males and 200 (50.0%) were females. The age groups have a total of 247 respondents (61.8%) with ages between 18-25 years old; 90 respondents (2.5%) with ages between 36-39 years old; and 63 respondents (15.8%) with ages between 50-60 years old. The overall mean of the level of disaster preparedness is 2.66 with a standard deviation of 0.30, indicating that the disaster preparedness of respondents is well-prepared. The respondents obtained the descriptive interpretation of true nearly all the time mean ratings on meaningfulness/Purpose, and the other six variables: Self-Efficacy, Hardiness, Adaptability/Flexibility, Regulation of Emotion and Cognition, and Coping, had often true mean ratings. Findings highlight the significant associations of demographic profiles, disaster preparedness, and resiliency, while regression results show that the demographic profile did not significantly predict the resiliency of the residents. However, only adaptability/flexibility significantly predicts the disaster preparedness of the identified residents.
Behavioural assay of a newly identified lepidopteran, Pexicopia tungabhadrai (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) along with a first report of larval diapause
Authors: Rakhesh S. , Udikeri S.S. , Mahantesh S.T. , Mahamed Ashiq I.
Published: August 2024

This study examined the ovipositional and olfactory preferences of gravid pod moths in both choice and non-choice settings. In terms of olfactory preferences, pod moth neonates strongly preferred Abutilon indicum under choice conditions, showing nil interest in other hosts. Under non-choice conditions, both neonates and final-instar larvae thrived on A. indicum but refrained from feeding on other hosts or diets, leading to neonate mortality. Remarkably, neonates exhibited an absolute preference for A. indicum seeds, being unable to feed on Abutilon seed diets or green cotton bolls, resulting in starvation-induced mortality. A majority of the final-instar larvae successfully fed, entered pupation and completed their life cycle on A. indicum seeds but the majority entered diapause when exposed to other hosts or diets as compared to A. indicum at a temperature of 21°C, a relative humidity of 60% and a photoperiod of 14:10 hours (light:dark). Cage studies confirmed pod moth’s strong preference for A. indicum, allowing for successful larval feeding and adult emergence. However, pod moth failed to establish on cotton green bolls, underscoring their exclusive reliance on A. indicum as a host. These findings illuminate the intricate host preferences and behaviour of pod moth, underscoring the pivotal role of A. indicum in their life cycle, and is helpful for further research to exploit pod moth as an agent for biological control of the weed A. indicum.
State, Local Communities, and Water Management at the Dawn of China’s Imperial Era in the Light of Newly Excavated Documents
Authors: Korolkov Maxim
Published: August 2024

As the early Chinese empires conquered the Yangzi Valley, they came to govern people who relied on engineered water-control systems to irrigate their fields and prevent the flooding of their settlements. Recently excavated documents reflect the growth of legislation on water management at the dawn of the imperial era, leading up to the composition of the first statute specially devoted to hydraulic administration during the reign of Emperor Wen. These texts reveal the scope of official involvement in water management. This paper argues that the Qin and Han states relied on local communities for much of the decision-making and labor organization needed for infrastructural maintenance. At the same time, the early Chinese empires pioneered transregional hydraulic projects that made water a vital tool of imperial politics. As a hydraulic actor, the early Chinese empires transformed the lives of their subjects not by making them dependent on state-managed irrigation, but by facilitating migration, providing producers and consumers access to larger markets, encouraging economic intensification, and enhancing the circulation of information, ideas, and lifestyles.
The “Manyi lü” 蠻夷律 (Statutes on the Manyi) in Han Slips from Hujia Caochang and the Household Registration of Regional Ethnic Groups
Authors: Sun Wenbo
Published: August 2024

In the early Western Han, the “Manyi (zhu)lü” 蠻夷(諸)律 (“Various Statutes on the Manyi”) was specifically formulated in order to register Manyi 蠻夷 (Southern Barbarians) living in local counties and marches into households, distribute land, collect household cong-tribute (賨), and conscript Manyi for corvée labor and garrison duty. The term cong referred to a kind of household tax levied by the Qin and Han on Manyi households. The Qin and Han established a relatively systematic and in-depth direct rule over those Manyi who had submitted that consisted of a threefold process of household registration, provincial administration, and Sinicization.
The Southern Man People in Western Han China: Manuscript Evidence from Zoumalou and Hujia Caochang
Authors: Lycas Alexis
Published: August 2024

The political importance of the Southern Man peoples (Nan Man 南蠻) and the process of their integration into the Sinitic empire are usually dated back to the Early Medieval period. However, the past thirty years have witnessed numerous excavations of sites containing manuscripts in the Middle Yangtze area, more specifically in Zhangjiashan, Zoumalou, and recently in Hujia caochang. These documents reveal a more complex picture of the Man and attest to their presence and importance as early as the Western Han, and most certainly earlier. The aim of this article is to identify the Man’s place in the sources, and to analyze the range of measures – administrative, fiscal, judicial, social – put in place to control them and/or negotiate their presence. Here, I propose to analyze the dual importance, of the Man, and of their control by the local administration. First, we will review what both medieval history and modern historiography have to say about the Man. We will then look at the potential but still limited contribution of material culture, by mentioning a few burials and insignia attributed to the Man. We will eventually analyze what the Zoumalou and Hujia caochang manuscripts tell us about the practices implemented by the regional administration to manage the problems, real or supposed, posed by the Man.
Innovation in economic evolution: Reintroducing Schumpeterian thought to current advances in economic sociology
Authors: Ebner Alexander
Published: August 2024

The most promising perspectives for a transdisciplinary dialogue between economics and sociology may be identified in the sub-disciplinary fields of evolutionary economics and economic sociology. Both share a common intellectual legacy in the differentiation of the social sciences. The economic and sociological work of Joseph Schumpeter provides an outstanding point of cross-disciplinary transgression and reintegration. In this context, this article claims that it is a curious fact that the role of technological and organizational innovation as a driving force of capitalist evolution characterized by disruptive change has become the paradigmatic foundation of related debates in evolutionary economics, but not in economic sociology. Of course, in economic sociology, technological change has been repeatedly covered regarding the social structures and network relations underpinning technological change in various settings of organizations, industries, markets and spaces. Yet the phenomenon of the introduction of novelty as such, drawing on constellations of power and domination in the context of radical uncertainty, enforcing the disruption and reconfiguration of social relations has remained rather underrepresented in the major strands of sociological reasoning on economic affairs. This assessment holds especially for neo-institutionalist reasoning, which emphasizes the drive towards stability in industries and markets, and therefore underestimates the actual characteristic of capitalism an innovation-driven system of persistently radical changes. Elaborating on this concern, this article outlines the basic relationship between evolutionary economics and economic sociology as point of departure for presenting the evolutionary approach to innovation as a promising concept for future reasoning in economic sociology. In conclusion, this implies that bringing innovation back into economic sociology implies a revitalization of Schumpeterian positions while entering a transdisciplinary dialogue with current advances in evolutionary economics and related fields of innovation studies.
Cyber Safety Consciousness Among the Students Pursuing Higher Education: A Study of Selected Colleges and Universities in Bengaluru—the Capital City of Karnataka
Authors: Nahida Begum N.
Published: August 2024

The innovations in information and communication technology have made it convenient for the government to deliver services to the people in a time-bound manner, besides causing inconvenience to many, including the government, due to their ill-effects. The countries of the world are plagued with cyber threats that are proving to be detrimental to carrying out administration and discouraging the common man from going digital. India is not an exception. This article focuses on the cyber-safety consciousness of students pursuing higher education. It highlights the initiatives introduced by the government and the role of University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) in confronting cyber threats among students. To comprehend the cyber safety awareness among the students, a questionnaire was circulated among the selected colleges and universities in Bengaluru—the capital city of Karnataka. This article suggests measures to make the virtual environment safe and secure for students.
A novel control solution to nonlinear systems of unmatched perturbations with unknown bounds
Authors: Hameed Akram Hashim , Al-Samarraie Shibly Ahmed , Humaidi Amjad Jaleel
Published: August 2024

In this study, a novel control design of nonlinear systems has been presented to solve the problem of matched and unmatched perturbations (disturbances) with unknown upper bounds. The proposed controller combined a backstepping control approach with a barrier function integral sliding mode controller (BS-BFISMC). The control design utilized the powerful backstepping control algorithm to decompose the nonlinear system into subsystems to provide global stability, while the barrier function ISMC has been adopted to cope with perturbation, avoid the pre-knowledge of upper bound in the perturbation, and mitigate the chattering effect in the control signal. A stability analysis based on Lyapunov has been conducted for the proposed BS-BFISMC to prove the ultimate boundedness of tracking errors. Another control scheme, which is concerned with the problem of unmatched perturbation, has been also presented: a robust continuous backstepping-based controller (CRBS). A comparison study has been made between the proposed BS-BFISMC and three control structures (conventional backstepping, SMC, and CRBS). Numerical simulation based on MATLAB programing software has been conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control approach for a nonlinear system subjected to both matched and unmatched non-vanishing disturbance and parametric uncertainty. The performance and robustness characteristics of the proposed control scheme and other controllers have been evaluated and compared in a quantitative manner.
Neighborhood over nation: Place-based state-making of the middle-class in Mumbai
Authors: Banerjee Kamalika
Published: August 2024

This article argues that neighborhood-based middle-class civic groups in Mumbai reconfigure and constitute the local state through their everyday operations and social, legal and political interactions with the government. Amid rapid urban transformation, as neighborhoods become more internally differentiated, long-term residents forge ideational territories, rooted in place-based politics to govern their neighborhoods. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, I depict three modes of place-based state-making—détournement, quotidian and activist. I argue that middle-class residents choose and privilege their neighborhood over the nation, in local politics, recalibrating laws and regulations to serve their territorial interests. To that end, I develop a theoretical framework to think about the autonomy of sociospatial communities and their statal implications. By focusing on the ‘statization’ of everyday life, this article departs from the distinction between state and non-state actors, and instead (i) distinguishes between state and government, (ii) considers the state to be embedded in the local social space where civic actors can enter the state space and steer local governance, and (iii) highlights how different cultural-historical territories produce distinct configurations of the local state, thereby fragmenting the geography of urban governance.
A Dyadic Analysis of the Relationships Between Antisocial and Borderline Personality and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration
Authors: Taşkale Nermin , Babcock Julia C. , Gottman John M.
Published: August 2024

Cluster B personality disorders of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) have been implicated in predicting intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. However, most studies include only male perpetrators and ignore the dyadic interactions among couples. The current study examines the interactive role of both partners’ ASPD and BPD features to predict IPV perpetration with a dyadic perspective. Seventy-seven married heterosexual couples reporting recent partner violence participated in the study. Each partner completed the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-II. A considerable number of participants (53.25% of the men and 46.75% of the women for ASPD and 41.56% of the men and 42.86% of the women for BPD) scored higher than the diagnostic cutoff point. Actor–partner interdependence modeling examined the reciprocal influence of men’s and women’s personality disorder features on IPV perpetration in two separate actor–partner interdependence models. Results of the first model revealed that the IPV perpetration of both wives and husbands was predicted by their own ASPD scores. In the second model, men’s IPV perpetration was predicted both by his own and his partner’s BPD features, but this was not true of women’s IPV perpetration. While ASPD was a consistent risk factor for IPV perpetration, there were gender differences in the influence of BPD on IPV perpetration. Women’s BPD symptoms appear to put her at risk for victimization of IPV. Therefore, in couples experiencing IPV and having BPD symptoms, both partners may benefit from interventions to address emotional instability to prevent future IPV.
Vitamin D Deficiency in the Acute Phase of Stroke May Predict Post-stroke Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tan Yongjun , Jing Xiaojun , Wang Jiani , Zhou Li , Wang Yilin , Zhang Hua , Yang Qin
Published: August 2024

Objective

To conduct the association between vitamin D levels in the acute phase of stroke and post-stroke depression (PSD) in stroke patients.

Methods

Five international databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE(R), Cochrane Library) and one Chinese database (Wanfang Data) were searched for observational studies in any language reporting on PSD and vitamin D levels tested in the acute phase of stroke in stroke patients from inception to May 2024. Data extraction and study quality assessment were conducted by two authors independently. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of data were performed. The meta-analysis was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023398581).

Results

We included 7 studies containing 3537 participants in the systematic review and meta-analysis. All studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were conducted in China. Vitamin D levels in the acute phase of stroke were lower in PSD patients compared with non-PSD patients (weighted mean difference = −14.97 nmol/L; 95% confidence interval = −19.54, −10.40). Stroke patients with vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L) had an increased risk of PSD compared with stroke patients with vitamin D sufficiency (≥75 nmol/L) (odds ratio = 3.59; 95% confidence interval = 2.05, 6.27). However, the association between vitamin D insufficiency (50-75 nmol/L) and PSD were not statistically significant (odds ratio = 4.15; 95% confidence interval = 0.87, 19.78).

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency in the acute phase of stroke may be a risk factor for PSD.
Do Family Owners Hold Nonfamily CEOs More Accountable Than Family CEOs for Firm Performance? A Dynamic Perspective
Authors: Shen Wei , Gu Qian (Cecilia) , Lu Lin-Hua
Published: August 2024

This study investigates whether family owners consider the stages of CEO tenure in their use of firm performance to assess CEOs. Integrating insights on family owners’ long-term orientation and stages of CEO tenure, we theorize that family owners rely more on firm performance to make CEO replacement decisions during the mid-stage of CEO tenure than during the early and late stages. Moreover, we predict that they hold nonfamily CEOs more accountable for firm performance than family CEOs only during the mid-stage of CEO tenure. Using data from family-controlled firms in Taiwan, we found empirical evidence supportive of our theoretical predictions.
Grandparenting and Physical Activity
Authors: Drentea Patricia , Pavela Greg , Tian Lu , Locher Julie L.
Published: August 2024

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine a continuum of grandparenting intensity and its association with physical activity using three perspectives: grandparents are active, the more constraints perspective, and the selection bias perspective. Method: We use 2014 data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally-representative panel study of the US population over the age of 50 and their spouses ( n = 17,851). Results: We found that greater grandparenting intensity was inversely associated with physical activity, providing support for both the more constraints perspective and the selection bias perspective. Discussion: We discuss the implications of inequality in which the most advantaged with physical activity are those who were either not grandparents, or grandparents who provided less care.
Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Heat: A Pilot Study on Perceptions, Behaviors, and Support Networks During Heat Events
Authors: Yao Tian , Dorneich Michael C. , Passe Ulrike , Schwab Nicholas , Losch Mary , Krejci Caroline C. , Caron Jeremy
Published: August 2024

Extreme heat is the cause of most US weather-related deaths and is a serious risk for older adults, children, and people with medical issues living in vulnerable neighborhoods. This study explored how extreme heat events affect vulnerable communities, focusing on people’s perceptions, adaptive behaviors, and social network support. Mobile ecological momentary assessment through Short Message Service was employed to collect real-time data from residents in a socioeconomically challenged urban neighborhood in Iowa. Participants responded to text messages with survey links twice daily during heat events over the summer, in which they were asked about their perceptions and behaviors. The results show the need for targeted, inclusive, and effective heat warnings and social network support to reduce heat risks and help vulnerable communities better cope with extreme heat.
Evaluating Head-Mounted Visual-Haptic Displays for Recovery from Unusual Flight Attitudes under Normal and Visually-Degraded Conditions
Authors: Chin Sam , Eisen Noam , Bishop Brittany , Liu Andrew , Arquilla Katya , Paradiso Joe
Published: August 2024

Haptics are a promising approach for improving situation awareness when visual and auditory channels are saturated. This study explores using head-mounted haptic feedback to improve pilot recovery from unusual attitudes. Seven participants were tested in Digital Combat Simulator (DCS) under two test conditions (haptic-visual, visual-only) in two environmental conditions (daytime, nighttime).
Can the Match Between Social Media Influencer’s Accent and Brand Personality shape Brand Attitudes? A Stereotype Theory and the Construal Level Theory Perspective
Authors: Zou Rong , Hua Meichen , Gursoy Dogan , Guan Jianshu
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the interaction effect of influencers’ regional accents and restaurant brand personality on brand attitudes, utilizing the underlying premises of the stereotype theory and the construal level theory. Four experimental studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of different regional accents of social media influencers on brand attitudes, as well as to examine the mediating role of processing fluency and the moderating role of psychological distance. Findings demonstrate that when a southern-accented (vs. northern-accented) Chinese influencer is matched with a sophisticated (vs. rugged) restaurant brand, consumers have higher processing fluency, which causes a more positive brand attitude. Findings further demonstrate the moderating effect of psychological distance. Closer (vs. farther) psychological distance results in a more positive effect of the interaction between influencer regional accent and restaurant brand personality on brand attitudes. Findings will enrich the knowledge on consumer psychology and behavior in the hospitality and tourism field.
CT guided sharp recanalization to restore dialysis access in patients with central venous obstruction: A single centre experience and review of alternative techniques
Authors: Finnegan John , Waters Conor , Torreggiani William , Govender Pradeep
Published: August 2024

Central venous obstructions that impedes catheter placement or results in catheter dysfunction is a significant problem for haemodialysis patients. Recanalization can be performed with an intent to restore central venous access, improve outflow from arteriovenous fistula or to relieve symptomatic venous obstructions. Sharp recanalization encompasses various interventional techniques using a sharp instrument to puncture through or bypass around a venous obstruction. In this paper we outline our experience performing CT guided sharp recanalization and review alternative sharp recanalization techniques that are specifically used to restore haemodialysis access in patients with thoracic central venous obstruction.
Flow-mediated dilation facilitates radial artery cannulation in patients undergoing intravenous general anesthesia: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhuo Qian , Zou Xintong , Zheng Yanya , Wang Hongbo , Hu Shuyu , Xiong Juncheng , Wang Liangrong
Published: August 2024

Background:

Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is commonly used as a diagnostic tool to assess endothelial function, and compared with other methods for stimulating radial artery dilation, FMD offers several advantages such as non-invasiveness, ease of execution, minimal equipment requirements, and negligible risk. The study aimed to investigate the effect of FMD in facilitating radial arterial cannulation in the context of intravenous general anesthesia.

Methods:

Eighty patients undergoing intravenous general anesthesia and requiring radial artery cannulation were randomized 1:1 to the FMD group and control group. Patients in the FMD group received an upper arm occlusion for 5 min after anesthesia induction, and the cuff was placed without inflation for the equivalent duration in the control group. The primary outcome was first-attempt success rate. Secondary outcomes were the diameter and percentage of dilation of radial artery, overall success rate, total number of attempts, cannulation time, and occurrence of procedure-related complications.

Results:

Intravenous anesthetic agents significantly dilated the radial artery ( p < 0.05), which was further increased by FMD. An increase in both the first-attempt and overall success rate of radial artery cannulation was demonstrated with the use of FMD (67.5% vs 42.5%, p < 0.05). The total number of attempts needed to cannulate the radial artery was reduced in the FMD group as compared with the control group ( p < 0.05), but no differences in cannulation time and procedure-related complications were found between the two groups ( p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

FMD induced by a 5-min upper arm occlusion may facilitate radial artery cannulation in patients undergoing intravenous general anesthesia.
Flexural behaviour of semi-precast slabs of fibre-reinforced concrete reinforced with prestressed basalt fibre-reinforced polymer and steel bars
Authors: Mahmoud Maha RI , Wang Xin , Xingyu Bai , Altayeb Mohamedelmujtaba , Liu Shui , Moussa Amr MA
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the flexural behaviour of eight full-scale semi-precast slabs, where the precast bottom layer comprises fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC) with varying fibre types such as steel, chopped basalt, and basalt minibar fibres. The upper layer of these semi-precast slabs is cast-in-situ normal-strength concrete, with the interface bonding between the layers enhanced by two steel truss members. The semi-precast FRC slabs are longitudinally reinforced with prestressed basalt fibre-reinforced polymer (BFRP) and steel bars. Within the eight semi-precast slabs, two reference specimens are prepared for comparative analysis. These reference specimens have a precast bottom panel cast with normal-strength concrete, with one reinforced using longitudinal steel bars and the other reinforced with prestressed BFRP bars. The study focuses on assessing cracking patterns, ultimate moment capacity, stress distribution, stiffness, and ductility of these semi-precast slabs. The experimental test results demonstrate that the use of FRC and prestressed BFRP bars has a significant effect on improving the flexural behaviour of the semi-precast slabs, enhancing their strength, curbing deflection, cracking behaviour, and ultimate load capacity. Furthermore, the research includes an evaluation comparing three distinct code specifications for ultimate moment capacity against the experimental outcomes. This comparative analysis reveals a notable discrepancy, emphasizing the need to revise current code equations to better address the complexities associated with combining FRC and prestressed FRP materials in structural applications.
Bounce-back strategies: Revitalizing the hotel industry post-pandemic
Authors: Vanegas-López Juan Gabriel , López-Cadavid Diego Alejandro , Mathew Manoj , Vo-Thanh Tan , Restrepo-Morales Jorge Aníbal , Sthapit Erose
Published: August 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted the hotel industry, necessitating a reevaluation of competitive strategies. This study examines viable strategies for revitalizing hotel operations in the post-pandemic context, focusing on Medellín, Colombia. Using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) technique, we evaluate the relative importance of different strategies and their applicability in different scenarios. The study identifies five key strategies, prioritized as follows: differentiation, service development, market penetration, liquidation, and backward integration. Our findings show that while traditional strategies such as differentiation remain highly valued, their implementation during the pandemic is challenging. The inclusion of liquidation among the top strategies indicates the severe impact of the crisis. The proposed model allows for a comprehensive assessment of strategic approaches and emphasizes the importance of adaptability in responding to unprecedented challenges. This research contributes new insights to the evaluation of competitive strategies in the context of a global crisis and provides a methodological framework that can inform strategic decision-making in the hotel industry as it copes with recovery and future uncertainties.
A social capital framework to understand the particularities and power dynamics in city branding
Authors: Warren Giannina
Published: August 2024

Place marketers operate in a complex, multi-faceted stakeholder environment. Frequently operating at the nexus of the public/private sector divide, promotional professionals are uniquely positioned to leverage their stakeholder relationships with local, national and international actors to both establish credibility and legitimacy for their roles, and also build a successful brand reputation for the city they represent. With qualitative data collected from 44 professionals in 19 cities, this paper enhances theoretical understanding of the complex inter-relationships involved in place branding through the lens of cultural intermediation and social capital. By identifying the significant personal and professional relationships and means by which they are developed and maintained across diverse fields, this contribution positions promotional actors in unique positions of power within the urban landscape.
Gadamerian Hermeneutics and Feminist Thought: Exploring Preunderstandings to Uncover Experiences of Prejudice
Authors: Vigouroux Marie , Hovey Richard B.
Published: August 2024

German philosopher Hans-Georg Gadamer is best known for his contribution to the development of philosophical hermeneutics, an interpretive approach to knowledge, understanding and meaning-making. It has become a well-established research approach in the health sciences to shed light on the lived experiences of people living with challenging chronic health conditions. Some feminist scholars have gravitated to Gadamer’s hermeneutics for its steadfast rejection of positivism and its intention to uncover preunderstandings and prejudices. However, others have critiqued the approach for its lack of focus on prescribing action for social change and its reluctance to evaluate the prejudices present in its own tradition. In this paper, the authors will demonstrate how using feminist hermeneutics can help health researchers deepen their understanding of illness narratives by examining the power structures contributing to the marginalization of chronically ill people within and outside the healthcare system. They will juxtapose a reflexive investigation of the first author’s experiences with a focused literature review of the dialogue between hermeneutics and feminism. By examining the first author’s experiences with Gadamerian hermeneutics and feminist hermeneutics through self-study, she can in turn unearth her own preunderstandings. This approach will allow the authors to leverage the depth of interpretive understanding generated by hermeneutics while exploring the power structures involved in the complex process that is patient care, particularly that of people with chronic illness. They conclude that this combined approach of feminist hermeneutics allows health researchers to deepen their understanding of illness narratives with issue-specific and effective recommendations to clinicians and public health officials, leading to better-adapted services through a more just approach to chronically ill people.
A distinctive profession? Building professional identity and knowledge for intellectual disability nursing education
Authors: Hartnett Liz , McNamara Martin
Published: August 2024

Intellectual disability nursing students can struggle to build a professional identity and make sense of their extensive curriculum and its application to practice. In this article Legitimation Code Theory (LCT) and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) are used to facilitate an examination of the organising principles underlying intellectual disability nursing and the relationships agents construct between intellectual disability and other nursing divisions. In particular this paper explores the relationship with general nursing, and examines the connections and boundaries that intellectual disability nursing builds with general nursing, and their implications. LCT and CDA are used to examine how access to theory for intellectual disability nursing students, as compared to their general nursing peers, is facilitated. The bases of specialisation in intellectual disability nursing are also explored. This article considers how these findings can contribute to strengthening the professional identity of the intellectual disability nurse and building the related knowledge base.
Becoming university qualified early childhood teachers: Studying with structured mentoring
Authors: Andrews Rebecca , Waniganayake Manjula , Hadley Fay , Hay Iain , Holt Leanne
Published: August 2024

University students studying to attain an early childhood teaching degree frequently face a triad of competing demands – study, work and personal – that affect their capacity to maintain studies to successfully complete their qualification. In the Australian government’s ten-year early childhood workforce strategy, mentoring was identified as a priority area. Mentoring during university studies boosts professional confidence in becoming a qualified teacher. In this study, framed through a Community of Practice, 56 mentees, 13 mentors, three academic mentors and four First Nations’ cultural advisors, engaged in a 26-week mentoring program. Findings indicate that mentoring from the beginning of university studies can ameliorate the triad of demands. However, a realistic consideration of the time available in relation to these factors is essential. This study offers evidence for funding mentoring programs to enable engagement in university studies and potentially boost the early childhood workforce, with implications for employers, universities and government.
Real-Life Use of Automated Insulin Delivery in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Fabris Chiara , Kovatchev Boris
Published: August 2024

Background:

The objective of this work is to document performance of automated insulin delivery (AID) during real-life use in type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed of continuous glucose monitoring and insulin delivery data from 796 individuals with T2D, who transitioned from 1-month predictive low-glucose suspend (PLGS) use to 3-month AID use, in real-life settings. Primary outcome was change of time in range (TIR = 70-180 mg/dL) from PLGS to AID. Secondary outcomes included time above/below range (TAR/TBR) and total daily insulin (TDI).

Results:

Compared with PLGS, AID increased TIR on average from 63.2% to 72.6%, decreased TAR from 36.2% to 26.8%, and increased TDI from 70.2 to 76.3 U (all P < .001), without significant change to TBR. Glycemic improvements were more pronounced in those with worse glycemic control during PLGS use ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

Real-life use of AID led to a rapid and sustained improvement of glycemic control in individuals with T2D.
Predictors and clinical outcomes of permanent pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Chen Bing-Ying , Huang Ting-Feng , Jiang Xin-Da , Ding Xiao-Yan , Zhou Xiao-Fen
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study aimed to identify the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients who underwent TAVI at the Department of Cardiology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, from January 2018 to March 2022. Based on whether a new PPM was implanted after TAVI, all patients were divided into two groups: NEW PPM and NO PPM. Baseline characteristics and clinical data were compared between the two groups. Univariate analysis was used to analyze different variables between the two groups. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate independent correlates for PPM implantation after TAVI.

Results

The mean age of the 70 patients was 73.1 ± 8.8 years. The incidence of PPM implantation was 17.1%. Patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease were more likely to require PPM (50% vs. 20.7%, p = 0.042, 25% vs. 5.2%, p = 0.042). Our study did not identify any significant differences in the incidence of electrocardiographic conduction disturbances except for the previous right bundle branch block (RBBB) (NO PPM 6.9% vs. NEW PPM 33.3%, p < 0.05). We found that prosthesis size, implantation depth, procedural duration, and length of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stays were comparable between the two groups. The leading independent predictors of PPM implantation were previous RBBB (odds ratio 10.129, p = 0.034).

Conclusion

The previous RBBB was the leading independent predictor of PPM implantation. New PPM was not associated with significantly new-onset left BBB, extended post-procedure hospitalization, ICU stay, or procedural duration.

Graphical Abstract
Hospital-induced immobility – a backstage story of lack of chairs, time, and assistance
Authors: Piper Katrine Storm , Oxfeldt Martin , Pedersen Mette Merete , Christensen Jan
Published: August 2024

Background

Inactivity and bedrest during hospitalisation have numerous adverse consequences, and it is especially important that older patients are mobile during hospitalisation. This study aimed to identify whether the introduction of formal education of clinical staff and a Mobilisation Initiative (MI) could increase mobilisation of patients in a geriatric and a medical ward. Furthermore, to explore patients’ and health care staffs’ view on facilitators and barriers for mobilisation during hospitalisation.

Methods

The study was a pragmatic clinical study. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. The patients’ level of mobilisation was obtained through short interview-based surveys and observations. Focus group interviews and formal education of clinical staff was initiated to increase awareness of mobilisation along with the implementation of a MI.

Results

596 patient surveys were included. Of all patients, 50% in the geriatric ward and 70% in the medical ward were able to independently mobilise. The highest percentage of patients sitting in a chair for breakfast and lunch in the geriatric ward was 57% and 65%, and in the medical ward 23% and 26%, respectively. A facilitator for mobilisation was interdisciplinary collaboration, and barriers were lack of chairs and time, and the patients’ lack of help transferring.

Conclusions

This study adds new knowledge regarding the lack of in-hospital mobilisation in geriatric and medical departments. Mealtimes are obvious mobilisation opportunities, but most patients consume their meals in bed. A potential for a MI is present, however, it must be interdisciplinarily and organisationally anchored for further investigation of effectiveness.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the trial number NCT05926908.
Topical bromfenac in VEGF-driven maculopathies: topical review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kulikov Alexei N. , Vasiliev Alexander S. , Kalinicheva Yana A. , Maltsev Dmitrii S.
Published: August 2024

Background

Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have the potential to reduce treatment burden and improve outcomes of anti-VEGF therapy for a number of retinal disorders, including neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusions. In this review, we focused on the advantages of topical bromfenac as an adjunct to intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy in VEGF-driven maculopathies.

Methods

Cochrane Library, PubMed, and EMBASE were systematically reviewed to identify the relevant studies of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion, myopic choroidal neovascularization, and radiation maculopathy which reported changes in central retinal thickness, visual acuity, and the number of anti-VEGF injections needed when anti-VEGF therapy was combined with topical bromfenac.

Results

In total, ten studies evaluating bromfenac as an adjunct to anti-VEGF therapy were identified. Five studies were included in meta-analysis of the number of injections and five studies were included in the analysis of changes in central retinal thickness. A statistically significantly lower number of intravitreal injections (p = 0.005) was required when bromfenac was used as an adjunct to anti-VEGF therapy compared to anti-VEGF monotherapy with pro re nata regimen. At the same time, eyes receiving bromfenac as an adjunct to anti-VEGF therapy demonstrated non-inferior outcomes in central retinal thickness (p = 0.07). Except for one study which reported better visual outcomes with combined treatment, no difference in visual acuity or clinically significant adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions

This literature review and meta-analysis showed that topical bromfenac can be considered as a safe adjunct to anti-VEGF therapy with a potential to reduce the treatment burden with anti-VEGF drugs requiring frequent injections without compromising improvement of central retinal thickness or visual acuity.
Three-dimensional assessment of low-level laser therapy on orthodontic miniscrew displacement using CBCT: a retrospective study
Authors: Elfouly Dina Alaaeldin , Abdel-Haffiez Sherief Hussein , El-Harouni Nadia Mosaad , Elzoheiry Mohamed Abdel Sattar , Marzouk Eiman Salah
Published: August 2024

Background

This study aimed to assess the effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on sagittal, transverse and vertical Orthodontic miniscrew displacement.

Materials and methods

The study included CBCTs from the records of 12 adult patients who underwent upper first premolar extraction and canine retraction with orthodontic miniscrews for maximum anchorage. The miniscrews on one side received LLL, while the other side served as a control. The Low-Level Laser was applied to assess its effect on the displacement of the miniscrews. The used CBCTs have been taken at two-time points: immediately after miniscrew insertion (T0) and four months after the start of canine retraction (T1) with a total of 24 CBCTs. Miniscrew displacement was assessed by measuring head (HMS) and tail (TMS) displacement to the axial, coronal and mid-sagittal planes on the CBCT at the two time points. Miniscrews displacement (T1-T0) was compared between LLL side and control side. Comparisons were performed using paired samples t-test. The significance level was set at p-value < 0.05. The reproducibility of measurements was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

After four months of canine retraction, HMS and TMS from both laser and control sides showed significant three-dimensional displacement at p < 0.05. No significant difference in mean displacement in the vertical, sagittal, nor transverse planes between both sides was elicited.

Conclusion

LLL application in the used protocol does not affect the amount of miniscrew displacement in any of the three planes of space. Miniscrew displacement was significant in both groups.