bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Realigning human resource development in Saudi public universities: exploring equity and social justice theories
Authors: Alqahtani Mohammad , Ayentimi Desmond Tutu , Dayaram Kantha
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Saudi Arabia (SA) is amongst the few countries with a significant foreign workforce who are employed in the higher education sector. More specifically, 39% of SA's academic staff members are foreign nationals and 63% of that proportion occupy professorial positions. Drawing from a workforce localisation perspective, the study was framed as an exploration of equity and social justice amongst Saudi nationals and foreign nationals in a university work setting. The authors employ the lens of how human resource development (HRD) opportunities are administered.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the choice of an exploratory qualitative study, the authors employed a multi-case study approach where each of the six universities represented a unit of analysis.

Findings

The authors found that nationality differences influenced access to HRD opportunities. These differences are reinforced by practices associated with procedural processes, managerial discretion and selective restrictions in accessing HRD opportunities.

Social implications

The findings have both practical and social implications, specifically for the SA government's strategic vision of developing local human capabilities.

Originality/value

The workforce localisation agenda within the higher education sector has both a compounding effect on local human capital and supports SA's 2030 Vision and human capital target. Nonetheless, perceived inequity and injustice in accessing HRD opportunities by foreign nationals potentially undermine morale, academic quality standards and research performance, which impacts the development of future human capital and the ‘Saudization’ goals.
Following the feeder: A global synthesis of disturbance‐based foraging associations of birds
Authors: Dominguez Jonah S. , Hauber Mark E. , Tarwater Corey E. , Williams Emily , MacDonald Sean , Strejc Bridget , Pollock Henry S.
Published: November 2023

Species interactions link animal behaviour to community structure and macroecological patterns of biodiversity. One common type of trophic species interaction is disturbance foraging—the act of obtaining food at a disturbance created by another organism. Disturbance foraging is widespread across the animal kingdom, especially among birds, yet previous research has been largely anecdotal and we still lack a synthetic understanding of how this behaviour varies geographically, phylogenetically and ecologically. To address these gaps, we conducted a comprehensive literature review to test focal hypotheses about disturbance foraging behaviour in birds. We found that avian disturbance foraging was geographically ubiquitous, occurring in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats across six continents and four oceans. Consistent with predictions based on established species diversity gradients in different habitat types, the majority of terrestrial observations occurred at tropical latitudes, whereas aquatic observations took place most frequently in temperate marine waters. Although disturbance foraging was widespread across the avian phylogeny, contrary to our prediction, the behaviour was also conserved phylogenetically (Pagel's λ = 0.7) and clustered within suboscine landbirds in terrestrial environments and seabirds in aquatic environments. Similarly, although disturbers were taxonomically diverse as we predicted, interactions were unexpectedly dominated by swarm‐raiding ants in terrestrial environments and cetaceans in aquatic environments. Diet and body mass were also important predictors of disturbance foraging associations: Responders followed disturbers with similar diets and larger body sizes. Overall, our hypothesis‐testing framework provides insight into the importance of geography, phylogeny and ecology as predictors of disturbance foraging behaviour. We anticipate that this comprehensive assessment of disturbance foraging will serve to generate additional hypotheses and spark future research and management considerations about this fascinating but poorly studied suite of species interactions, especially as biotic interactions face unprecedented risks in our rapidly changing world.
What Makes Fund Managers Leave Their Jobs Faster?
Authors: Karoglou Michail , Liu Jia , Stafylas Dimitrios
Published: November 2023

We examine fund managers’ mobility across different funds and the factors associated with their moving to new posts. Based on a comprehensive and unique dataset of open‐ended funds of the booming Chinese mutual fund industry, we model the duration of a fund manager's service as a time‐to‐event counting process and examine how the prevailing market conditions, the manager's performance and the risk profile of the fund determine how long the manager will remain in post. Our study establishes that managerial performance and rising rather than falling markets are the two main factors that make managers less likely to remain in their posts. In contrast, the riskier the profile of the fund with respect to the market, the less likely it is that a manager will move. When all factors are considered, it appears that open‐ended fund managers leave their posts when offered better employment prospects rather than when confronted by market adversity. Our study provides a novel insight into the optimization of investment decisions and encourages regulators to scrutinize the disclosure of appropriate information to investors regarding fund manager changes.
The effect of online ad campaigns on DDoS‐attacks: A cross‐national difference‐in‐differences quasi‐experiment
Authors: Moneva Asier , Leukfeldt Rutger
Published: November 2023

Research Summary

European law enforcement agencies have begun to use targeted online ad campaigns to raise cybercrime awareness among at‐risk populations. Despite their rapid proliferation, there is little research to support their efficacy and effectiveness. This study uses a quasi‐experimental difference‐in‐differences design to evaluate the effect of seven campaigns deployed in 2021 and 2022 on the volume of (distributed) denial‐of‐service or (D)DoS‐attacks recorded in six European countries: Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Portugal. The results show mixed effects, suggesting that the campaigns are not clearly effective in reducing DDoS‐attacks in the short term.

Policy Implications

Law enforcement has partly justified the use of targeted online ad campaigns on the premise that they reduce DDoS‐attacks. However, this study shows that the evidence in this regard is inconclusive. If public support for the use of such campaigns is to be secured in the long term, law enforcement will likely need to rely on stronger arguments. The effect of this type of campaigns needs to be further investigated.
Comparison of medical resources and costs among patients with coronary heart disease and impaired glucose tolerance in the Acarbose Cardiovascular Evaluation trial
Authors: Morrow Liam Mc , Becker Frauke , Coleman Ruth L. , Gerstein Hertzel C. , Rydén Lars , Schöder Stefan , Gray Alastair M. , Leal Jose , Holman Rury R. ,   for the ACE Study Group
Published: November 2023

Background

The Acarbose Cardiovascular Evaluation (ACE) trial (ISRCTN91899513) evaluated the alpha‐glucosidase inhibitor acarbose, compared with placebo, in 6522 patients with coronary heart disease and impaired glucose tolerance in China and showed a reduced incidence of diabetes. We assessed the within‐trial medical resource use and costs, and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs).

Methods

Resource use data were collected prospectively within the ACE trial. Hospitalizations, medications, and outpatient visits were valued using Chinese unit costs. Medication use was measured in drug days, with cardiovascular and diabetes drugs summed across the trial by participant. Health‐related quality of life was captured using the EuroQol‐5 Dimension‐3 Level questionnaire. Regression analyses were used to compare resource use, costs, and QALYs, accounting for regional variation. Costs and QALYs were discounted at 3% yearly.

Results

Hospitalizations were 6% higher in the acarbose arm during the trial (rate ratio 1.06, p = .009), but there were no significant differences in total inpatient days (rate ratio 1.04, p = .30). Total costs per participant, including study drug, were significantly higher for acarbose (¥ [Yuan] 56 480, £6213), compared with placebo (¥48 079, £5289; mean ratio 1.18, p < 0.001). QALYs reported by participants in the acarbose arm (3.96 QALYs) were marginally higher than in the placebo arm (3.95 QALYs), but the difference was not statistically significant (0.01 QALYs; p = .58).

Conclusions

Acarbose, compared with placebo, participants cost more due to study drug costs and reported no statistically significant difference in QALYs. These higher within‐trial costs could potentially be offset in future by savings from the acarbose‐related lower incidence of diabetes.
Nomogram based on multiparametric analysis of early‐stage breast cancer: Prediction of high burden metastatic axillary lymph nodes
Authors: Li Ling , Zhao Jing , Zhang Yu , Pan Zhanyu , Zhang Jin
Published: November 2023

Background

The Z0011 and AMAROS trials found that axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) was no longer mandatory for early‐stage breast cancer patients who had one or two metastatic axillary lymph nodes (mALNs). The aim of our study was to establish a nomogram which could be used to quantitatively predict the individual likelihood of high burden mALN (≥3 mALN).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 564 women with early breast cancer who had all undergone both ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine axillary lymph nodes before radical surgery. All the patients were divided into training (n = 452) and validation (n = 112) cohorts by computer‐generated random numbers. Their clinicopathological features and preoperative imaging associated with high burden mALNs were evaluated by logistic regression analysis to develop a nomogram for predicting the probability of high burden mALNs.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed that high burden mALNs were significantly associated with replaced hilum and the shortest diameter >10 mm on MRI, with cortex thickness >3 mm on US (p < 0.05 each). These imaging criteria plus higher grade (grades II and III) and quadrant of breast tumor were used to develop a nomogram calculating the probability of high burden mALNs. The AUC of the nomogram was 0.853 (95% CI: 0.790–0.908) for the training set and 0.783 (95% CI: 0.638–0.929) for the validation set. Both internal and external validation evaluated the accuracy of nomogram to be good.

Conclusion

A well‐discriminated nomogram was developed to predict the high burden mALN in early‐stage breast patients, which may assist the breast surgeon in choosing the appropriate surgical approach.
Natural course of pollen‐induced allergic rhinitis from childhood to adulthood: A 20‐year follow up
Authors: Lindqvist Magnus , Leth‐Møller Katja Biering , Linneberg Allan , Kull Inger , Bergström Anna , Georgellis Antonios , Borres Magnus P. , Ekebom Agneta , van Hage Marianne , Melén Erik , Westman Marit
Published: November 2023

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. There are limited prospective long‐term data regarding persistency and remission of AR. The objective of this study was to investigate the natural course of pollen‐induced AR (pollen‐AR) over 20 years, from childhood into early adulthood.

Methods

Data from 1137 subjects in the Barn/Children Allergi/Allergy Milieu Stockholm Epidemiologic birth cohort (BAMSE) with a completed questionnaire regarding symptoms, asthma, treatment with allergen immunotherapy (AIT) and results of allergen‐specific IgE for inhalant allergens at 4, 8, 16 and 24 years were analyzed. Pollen‐AR was defined as sneezing, runny, itchy or blocked nose; and itchy or watery eyes when exposed to birch and/or grass pollen in combination with allergen‐specific IgE ≥0.35kUA/L to birch and/or grass.

Results

Approximately 75% of children with pollen‐AR at 4 or 8 years had persistent disease up to 24 years, and 30% developed asthma. The probability of persistency was high already at low levels of pollen‐specific IgE. The highest rate of remission from pollen‐AR was seen between 16 and 24 years (21.5%); however, the majority remained sensitized. This period was also when pollen‐specific IgE‐levels stopped increasing and the average estimated annual incidence of pollen‐AR decreased from 1.5% to 0.8% per year.

Conclusion

Children with pollen‐AR are at high risk of persistent disease for at least 20 years. Childhood up to adolescence seems to be the most dynamic period of AR progression. Our findings underline the close cross‐sectional and longitudinal relationship between sensitization, AR and asthma.
Differential presentation of hypersensitivity reactions to carboplatin and oxaliplatin: Phenotypes, endotypes, and management with desensitization
Authors: Jimenez‐Rodriguez Teodorikez‐Wilfox , de las Vecillas Leticia , Labella Marina , Lynch Donna‐Marie , Besz Kylie Marie , Marquis Kathleen , Burgos Amparo , Soriano Gomis Victor , Lozano Inmaculada , Antón Rosa Ana Montoyo , de la Calle Francisco Marco , González Delgado María Purificación , Gutiérrez Aurora , Montenegro Estefanía , Rodríguez Fernando , Fernández Sánchez Francisco Javier , Castells Mariana
Published: November 2023

Background

Drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) to platinum‐based drugs are heterogenous and restrict their access, and drug desensitization (DD) has provided a ground‐breaking procedure for their re‐introduction, although the response is heterogeneous. We aimed to identify the phenotypes, endotypes, and biomarkers of reactions to carboplatin and oxaliplatin and their response to DD.

Methods

Seventy‐nine patients presenting with DHRs to oxaliplatin (N = 46) and carboplatin (N = 33) were evaluated at the Allergy Departments of two tertiary care hospitals in Spain. Patient symptoms, skin testing, biomarkers, and outcomes of 267 DDs were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Oxaliplatin‐reactive patients presented with type I (74%), cytokine release reaction (CRR) (11%), and mixed (Mx) (15%) phenotypes. In contrast, carboplatin reactive patients presented with predominantly type I (85%) and Mx (15%) but no CRRs. Out of 267 DDs, breakthrough reactions (BTRs) to oxaliplatin occurred twice as frequently as carboplatin (32% vs. 15%; p < .05). Phenotype switching from type I to another phenotype was observed in 46% of oxaliplatin DDs compared to 21% of carboplatin DDs. Tryptase was elevated in type I and Mx reactions, and IL‐6 in CRR and Mx, indicating different mechanisms and endotypes.

Conclusion

Carboplatin and oxaliplatin induced three different types of reactions with defined phenotypes and endotypes amendable to DD. Although most of the initial reactions for both were type I, oxaliplatin presented with unique CRR reactions. During DD, carboplatin reactive patients presented mostly type I BTR, while oxaliplatin‐reactive patients frequently switched from type I to CRR, providing a critical difference and the need for personalized DD protocols.
Do patients dialysing with higher ultrafiltration rates report more intradialytic symptoms and longer postdialysis recovery times?
Authors: Yoowannakul Suree , Vongsanim Surachet , Tangvoraphonkchai Kamonwan , Davenport Andrew
Published: November 2023

Background

Many hemodialysis (HD) patients report intradialytic symptoms, and take time to recover postdialysis. To improve quality of life, patient groups have highlighted the need to reduce postdialysis fatigue and other peridialytic symptoms. As compartmental shifts of fluid during dialysis have been proposed to cause peridialytic symptoms we investigated whether patients dialysing with higher ultrafiltration rates (UFR) reported more intradialytic symptoms and recovery times.

Methods

We reviewed the hospital records of HD patients who completed a self‐reported intradialytic symptom questionnaire, using a visual analogue scale, who had contemporaneous midweek pre‐ and postdialysis segmental bioimpedance measurements.

Results

Six hundred and five patients returned the peridialytic symptom questionnaire with pre‐ and postdialysis bioimpedance measurements. The majority were male (64.8%), mean age 64.2 ± 15.6 years, duration of dialysis treatment 26.8 (10.7–59.2) months, 85% treated by hemodiafiltration and mean dialysate temperature 35.4 ± 0.4°C. We divided patients into terciles according to UFR adjusted for weight, and there was a greater fall in the ratio of extracellular water (ECW) to total body water (TBW) postdialysis in the nonfistula arm from the lower to middle to higher tercile (0.8 (0–1.54) vs. 1.28 (0.52–1.85) vs. 1.54 (0.78–2.52)), trunk (1.5 (0.74–2.27) vs. 1.53 (0.99–2.2) vs. 1.98 (1.18–2.66)), left leg (1.56 (0.49–2.25) vs. 1.77 (1.24–2.43) vs. 2.08 (1.18–2.95)), lower versus higher tercile p < 0.05. However, no differences in intradialytic symptoms or postdialysis recovery times between the UFR terciles were observed.

Conclusion

There were no differences in self‐reported intradialytic symptoms or postdialysis recovery times with differing UFRs, despite changes in intracompartmental fluid shifts as measured by changes in ECW/TBW.
Newer pharmacological interventions directed at gut hormones for obesity
Authors: Camilleri Michael , Acosta Andres
Published: November 2023

The objective is to review the newer pharmacological interventions for obesity, specifically single, dual and triple incretin receptor agonists that are either available or in the pipeline for treatment of obesity. The three incretin receptor targets are glucagon like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and glucagon. There are several approved single or dual incretin agonists which can be administered subcutaneously daily (e.g., liraglutide) or weekly (e.g., semaglutide, dulaglutide, and exenatide QW), and other experimental dual or triple incretin agonists. Analogues of amylin, peptide YY and oxyntomodulin, as well as the combination of a GLP1R agonist and GIPR antagonist also are in development. Oral semaglutide (administered daily) is approved for type 2 diabetes mellitus and is on track for regulatory review for obesity. The review includes specifically perspectives on the effects of these mechanisms and pharmacological agents on gastric emptying, which contribute to satiation and weight loss, in addition to the established evidence on effects on central mechanisms controlling appetite. In the future, it is anticipated that small molecule GLP‐1 receptor agonists (e.g., oral danuglipron) will be developed for treating obesity. These pharmacological agents are having significant impact on glycaemic control and obesity and on their co‐morbidities.
Community violence and early childhood language development: The moderating role of maternal efficacy and satisfaction
Authors: Abufhele Alejandra , Laurito Agustina
Published: November 2023

This paper estimates the acute effect of community‐level homicides on early childhood language development and explores the moderating role of maternal efficacy and satisfaction in Chile. It uses data from the 2017 wave of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey of Chilean Children (N = 1194, Mage: 52.8 months, 52% girls). Children in municipalities with homicides 1 month before the Peabody Picture Vocabulary assessment scored between 0.18 and 0.41 SDs lower compared to children in the same municipality but for whom homicides happened after the assessment. On average, higher maternal satisfaction appears to have a protective effect, though it dissipates in the most violent municipalities. Evidence that higher maternal efficacy protects children from the negative effects of violence is inconclusive.
The post‐operative tonsillectomy (POPT) study: A multi‐centre prospective paediatric cohort study
Authors: Heward Elliot , Rocke John , McNally George , Thompson Gabrielle , Oladokun Dare , Timms Sara , Abbas Jonathan R. , Chu Michael M. H. , Akbar Sarah , Dobbs Sian , Chudek Dorota , Jaiswal Ishank , Vora Devan , Harrison Anna , Oremule Babatunde , Sarwar Safdar , Menon Shalini S. , Advani Rajeev , Daniels Jessica , Ellis Sarah , Abdelaziz Mohammed , Husain Parvez , Anmolsingh Rajesh , Venugopal Anjali , Beena Meera , Sheik‐ali Shirwa , Saeed Haroon , Shenton Catriona , Ghosh Samit , Khwaja Sadie , Kumar Nirmal
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Tonsillectomy is the most common operation performed by otolaryngologists in the UK, despite this we have a poor understanding of the post‐operative recovery. We aimed to investigate post‐operative bleeding and pain following paediatric tonsillectomy using a patient diary.

Design

Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting

Multi‐centre study involving 12 secondary and tertiary otolaryngology units across the North of England. Patients were recruited from 1st March 2020 to 30th June 2022. Multilevel ordered logistic regression model statistics were performed.

Participants

Children (≥4 years, ≤16 years) undergoing tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) for benign pathology.

Main Outcome Measures

Frequency and severity of post‐operative bleeding.

Intensity and pattern of post‐operative pain.

Results

In total 297 children were recruited, with 91 (30.6%) diaries eligible for analysis. Post‐operative bleeding occurred in 44% of children. Most frequently blood in the saliva was reported (82.9%). Increasing age significantly increased bleeding odds by 17% per year (p = .001). Bleeding frequency decreased with higher surgeon grade (p = .003) and when performing intracapsular coblation tonsillectomy (p = .02) compared with other techniques. Lower age and intracapsular coblation tonsillectomy, against other techniques, significantly reduced rates of pain post‐operatively (p < .0001 and p = .0008).

Conclusion

A high level of low‐level post‐operative bleeding was observed. Pain scores remained high for 5 days post‐operatively then gradually reduce to normal by day 13. Intracapsular coblation tonsillectomy appears to be superior to all other techniques in terms of reducing post‐operative bleeding and pain. These findings should be used to guide patients in the consent process to inform them of the expected nature of post‐surgical recovery.
Do vaccines cause epilepsy? Review of cases in the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
Authors: Scott Rodney C. , Moshé Solomon L. , Holmes Gregory L.
Published: November 2023

Objective

The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 created the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), a no‐fault alternative to the traditional tort system. Since 1988, the total compensation paid exceeds $5 billion. Although epilepsy is one of the leading reasons for filing a claim, there has been no review of the process and validity of the legal outcomes given current medical information. The objectives were to review the evolution of the VICP program in regard to vaccine‐related epilepsy and assess the rationale behind decisions made by the court.

Methods

Publicly available cases involving epilepsy claims in the VICP were searched through Westlaw and the US Court of Federal Claims websites. All published reports were reviewed for petitioner's theories supporting vaccine‐induced epilepsy, respondent's counterarguments, the final decision regarding compensation, and the rationale underlying these decisions. The primary goal was to determine which factors went into decisions regarding whether vaccines caused epilepsy.

Results

Since the first epilepsy case in 1989, there have been many changes in the program, including the removal of residual seizure disorder as a vaccine‐related injury, publication of the Althen prongs, release of the acellular form of pertussis, and recognition that in genetic conditions the underlying genetic abnormality rather than the immunization causes epilepsy. We identified 532 unique cases with epilepsy: 105 with infantile spasms and 427 with epilepsy without infantile spasms. The petitioners' experts often espoused outdated, erroneous causation theories that lacked an acceptable medical or scientific foundation and were frequently criticized by the court.

Significance

Despite the lack of epidemiological or mechanistic evidence indicating that childhood vaccines covered by the VICP result in or aggravate epilepsy, these cases continue to be adjudicated. After 35 years of intense litigation, it is time to reconsider whether epilepsy should continue to be a compensable vaccine‐induced injury.
Local government official competition and financial analyst forecasts
Authors: Jiang Like , Liu Lei , Qiu Yetaotao , Wang Yu , Zhang Shafu
Published: November 2023

We examine how financial analyst forecasts could be influenced by local political forces. Using Chinese data, we find that financial analysts from brokerage houses controlled by provincial governments issue more optimistic forecasts for state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) headquartered in the home province (i.e., home SOEs) than for nonhome SOEs, and this effect is more pronounced for nonhome SOEs located in competing provinces. Our results remain unchanged in a battery of robustness checks. Further, local officials are more likely to enjoy political career advancement when they pressure analysts to issue optimistic forecasts for home SOEs relative to nonhome SOEs from competing provinces.
Ocean deoxygenation caused non‐linear responses in the structure and functioning of benthic ecosystems
Authors: Pascal Ludovic , Cool Joannie , Archambault Philippe , Calosi Piero , Cuenca André L. R. , Mucci Alfonso O. , Chaillou Gwénaëlle
Published: November 2023

The O2 content of the global ocean has been declining progressively over the past decades, mainly because of human activities and global warming. Nevertheless, how long‐term deoxygenation affects macrobenthic communities, sediment biogeochemistry and their mutual feedback remains poorly understood. Here, we evaluate the response of the benthic assemblages and biogeochemical functioning to decreasing O2 concentrations along the persistent bottom‐water dissolved O2 gradient of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence (QC, Canada). We report several of non‐linear biodiversity and functional responses to decreasing O2 concentrations, and identify an O2 threshold that occurs at approximately at 63 μM. Below this threshold, macrobenthic community assemblages change, and bioturbation rates drastically decrease to near zero. Consequently, the sequence of electron acceptors used to metabolize the sedimentary organic matter is squeezed towards the sediment surface while reduced compounds accumulate closer (as much as 0.5–2.5 cm depending on the compound) to the sediment–water interface. Our results illustrate the capacity of bioturbating species to compensate for the biogeochemical consequences of hypoxia and can help to predict future changes in benthic ecosystems.
Self‐praise on social media WeChat Moments in L1 and L2 Chinese
Authors: Ren Wei , Guo Yaping
Published: November 2023

To date, second language (L2) pragmatics research has predominantly focused on learners’ oral communication, with digital communication being much less examined. In addition, although L2 pragmatics has mainly investigated speech acts, self‐praise has not been examined from the L2 perspective. Therefore, this study investigates instances of self‐praise posted by learners of Chinese on social networking sites. Data were collected from 20 advanced learners of Chinese who were asked to share instances of self‐praise they posted on their WeChat Moments. Altogether, 61 learners’ self‐praise posts in L2 Chinese and 100 instances of self‐praise from 20 Chinese native speakers were collected. The learners’ Chinese self‐praise was analyzed in terms of different pragmatic strategies and emoji uses, with comparisons against the native speakers’ practices. Similarities and differences were analyzed between the two groups’ self‐praise strategies and their emoji use in self‐praise posts. The findings showed that the advanced learners were able to employ the three major types of self‐praise strategies in their self‐praise posts on WeChat Moments. However, their repertoires of individual self‐praise strategies and emojis were not as wide as those of native speakers. In addition, the learners showed divergences from the native speakers in terms of their preferred self‐praise strategies and culture‐relevant emojis.
Integra at Home: A flexible continuum of in‐home medical care for older adults with complex needs
Authors: Fulton Ana Tuya , Vognar Lidia , Stuck Amy R. , McBride Camille , Scott Ruth , Crowley Christopher
Published: November 2023

Background

As individuals age, they may need new strategies to manage exacerbations of chronic disease to maintain their dignity and independence. Many end up in a revolving cycle of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and post‐acute care. Support to stay at home, which is often their preference, becomes a challenge and varies with insurance coverage, location, and financial status. There are few home‐based options sufficiently agile enough to respond when acute conditions arise particularly with exacerbations of chronic disease.

Methods

In 2018, Integra designed a home‐based option to treat acute exacerbations of chronic illness. A partnership with community paramedicine enabled faster response times and provided additional treatment tools. Using process improvement methodology, we developed “Integra at Home” workflows and team‐based care. We counted averted emergency visits and hospitalizations, patient and staff satisfaction, and evidence of financial sustainability as a result of our program.

Results

Integra successfully developed a suite of home‐based services, including responses to acute problems, to address beneficiaries' fluctuating medical needs. Following responses to 415 acute events, 74% (N = 307) resulted in averted emergency department visits. Based on InterQual® criteria, 34% (N = 103) of averted visits would have qualified as an averted hospitalization. All 64 respondents to patient surveys (N = 170) stated they would recommend our program. The staff indicated the model is a better way of caring for patients with higher rewards than traditional settings. The average length of stay in hospice for patients referred from the program (N = 22) was 4 weeks.

Conclusions

Home‐based care continuums are feasible, yet resources to manage acute exacerbations remain inadequate. To fill this gap, we created higher acuity services to respond to urgent needs and monitor symptoms between episodes. Amid successes and challenges, we are serving higher acuity older adults in Integra's home‐based continuum model. We encourage further spread of longitudinal home‐based acute care models.
Selecting outcomes for pragmatic clinical trials in dementia care: The IMPACT Collaboratory iLibrary
Authors: Hanson Laura C. , Wessell Kathryn , Meeks Natalie , Bennett Antonia V. , Toles Mark , Niznik Josh , Zimmerman Sheryl , Carpenter Joan , Ritchie Christine S. , Ernecoff Natalie C. , Saliba Debra
Published: November 2023

Background

Many interventions improve care and outcomes for people with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias (ADRD), yet are never disseminated. Pragmatic trials facilitate the adoption and dissemination of best practices, but gaps in pragmatic outcome measurement are a critical obstacle. Our objectives are (1) to describe the development and structure of the IMbedded Pragmatic ADRD Clinical Trials Collaboratory (IMPACT) iLibrary of potential outcome measures for ADRD pragmatic trials, and (2) to assess their pragmatic characteristics.

Methods

We identified potential outcome measures from several sources: a database of administrative and clinical outcome measures from ADRD clinical trials registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, published reviews, and IMPACT pilot pragmatic trial outcome measures. The iLibrary reports (a) number of items, (b) completion time, (c) readability for diverse populations, (d) cost or copyright barriers to use, (e) method of administration, (f) assessor training burden, and (g) feasibility of data capture and interpretation in routine care; a summary of pragmatic characteristics of each outcome measure (high, moderate, low); items or descriptions of items; and links to primary citations regarding development or psychometric properties.

Results

We included 140 outcome measures in the iLibrary: 66 administrative (100% were pragmatic) and 74 clinical (52% were pragmatic). The most commonly addressed outcome domains from administrative assessments included physical function, quality of care or communication concerns, and psychological symptoms or distress behaviors. The most commonly addressed outcome domains from clinical assessments were psychological symptoms or distress behaviors, physical function, cognitive function, and health‐related quality of life.

Conclusions

Pragmatic outcome measures are brief, meaningful to diverse populations, easily scored and interpreted by clinicians, and available in electronic format for analysis. The iLibrary can facilitate the selection of measures for a wide range of outcomes relevant to people with ADRD and their care partners.
IDEAL monitoring of musical skills during awake craniotomy: From step 1 to step 2
Authors: Ferrier C. H. , Ruis C. , Zadelhoff D. , Robe P. A. J. T. , van Zandvoort M. J. E.
Published: November 2023

The aim of awake brain surgery is to perform a maximum resection on the one hand, and to preserve cognitive functions, quality of life and personal autonomy on the other hand. Historically, language and sensorimotor functions were most frequently monitored. Over the years other cognitive functions, including music, have entered the operation theatre. Cases about monitoring musical abilities during awake brain surgery are emerging, and a systematic method how to monitor music would be the next step. According to the IDEAL framework for surgical innovations our study aims to present future recommendation based on a systematic literature search (PRISMA) in combination with lessons learned from three case reports from our own clinical practice with professional musicians (n = 3). We plead for structured procedures including individual tailored tasks. By embracing these recommendations, we can both improve clinical care and unravel music functions in the brain.
Current account dynamics: A SVAR analysis when the country‐specific shocks are correlated at leads
Authors: Sobrino César R. , Heath Ellis
Published: November 2023

The assumption of no correlation of the structural shocks as Blanchard and Quah's identification (BQ) assumes is not suitable when central banks, through discretionary policies or inflation targeting regimes, affect the output growth among other goals. In this study, we analyze the present value model of the current account (PVM) using a three‐SVAR specification and a modified BQ to identify three structural shocks: country‐specific permanent, country‐specific temporary, and global, but allowing the correlation of the domestic ones. Using Australia, Canada, Norway, and the UK, we find that those shocks are correlated and are less volatile than BQ would assume they are. The PVM predictions that hold are: (i) a positive (no) response in the current account to a country‐specific temporary (global) shock; and (ii) with the exception of Australia, there is no response in the current account to a country‐specific permanent shock. In addition, for all countries, the country‐specific temporary shock dominates current account changes but does not dominate net output growth fluctuations, which was a puzzle identified by a prior study. The role of the shock is enhanced by the modified BQ, but even with this enhancement, it still does not hold the most significant role in output variations, as indicated by PVM.
Association between levels of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 in serum and seminal plasma with fresh and frozen‐thawed semen characteristics in Beetal bucks
Authors: Kumar Keshav , Dutta Mitali , Deori Sourabh , Abedin Sayed Nabil , Gupta Mohua Das , Sinha Sudip , Shome Arijit , Rongmei Soihem Diana , Tamuly Shantanu , Hazarika Girin , Borah Pranjal.
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the levels of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) in serum and seminal plasma and the characteristics of semen in Beetal bucks (Capra hircus). A total of 12 adult Beetal bucks were involved in the study, with each buck providing six ejaculates collected using a standard artificial vagina (n = 72 total). Only qualified semen samples (volume of 0.7 mL, a mass motility rating of 3+ or higher on a 0–+ scale, and individual progressive motility of 80% or more) divided into three fractions were processed for estimation of IGF‐1 and other seminal parameters like motility, viability, acrosome integrity, sperm abnormality and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The first and second fraction were diluted and extended with Optixcell extender (1:15 ratio). The first ejaculate fraction was processed for studying fresh semen parameters and the second fraction was cryopreserved for evaluating frozen semen parameters. French mini straws (0.25 mL) were used for semen filling, and polyvinyl alcohol powder of different colours was used for sealing the extended semen. The third fraction of each ejaculate was centrifuged at room temperature (1100 × g for 7 min) to separate the seminal plasma. Additionally, blood samples were taken from each buck on the same day as semen collection, resulting in a total of 36 blood samples. The results revealed a significant positive correlation (r = .4243; p < .05) between the concentration of IGF‐1 in both serum and seminal plasma of the Beetal bucks. Furthermore, the concentration of IGF‐1 in serum showed significant positive correlations with sperm viability (r = .554; p < .05), acrosome integrity (r = .527; p < .05), post‐thaw sperm motility (r = .407; p < .01), post‐thaw sperm viability (r = .426; p < .01) and post‐thaw acrosome integrity (r = .333; p < .05). However, it had a significant negative correlation with SOD activity in fresh semen (r = −0.458; p < .01). Moreover, the concentration of IGF‐1 in seminal plasma demonstrated significant positive correlations with individual progressive motility (r = .341; p < .05), sperm viability (r = .527; p < .05), acrosome integrity (r = .539; p < .05), sperm plasma membrane integrity (r = .464; p < .05), post‐thaw sperm motility (r = .644; p < .01), post‐thaw sperm viability (r = .643; p < .01), post‐thaw acrosome integrity (r = .487; p < .01) and post‐thaw sperm plasma membrane integrity (r = .521; p < .01). Additionally, it showed a significant negative correlation with SOD activity in both fresh semen (r = −0.714; p < .01) and frozen semen (r = −0.558; p < .01) of Beetal bucks. Based on these findings, IGF‐1 in seminal plasma can be considered as a potential biomarker for the selection of bucks for breeding purposes.
Reassessing the relationship between women's empowerment and fertility: Evidence from India
Authors: Bose Nayana , Das Shreyasee
Published: November 2023

An overwhelming body of evidence supports a negative relationship between women's empowerment and fertility. In this paper, we evaluate whether this relationship holds in a setting with a high degree of son preference and limited access to abortion services by focusing on rural India. We exploit the reforms to the Hindu Succession Act that improved female empowerment by mandating equal inheritance rights for women to assess the reform's impact on women's fertility. Using NFHS‐3 data and a difference‐in‐differences estimation, our results show that women who benefitted from the reform had more children than their counterparts. We attribute this increase in fertility to women's ability to use the stopping rule to achieve son preference. Finally, women impacted by the reform had a higher proportion of sons for a given family size, indicating stronger inherent son preference among treated women.
Treating individuals with suicidal ideation in primary care: Patient‐level characteristics associated with follow‐up in the Collaborative Care Model
Authors: Candon Molly , Wolk Courtney Benjamin , Kattan Khazanov Gabriela , Oslin David W. , Pieri Matteo F. , Press Matthew J. , Anderson Eleanor , Jager‐Hyman Shari
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) is an evidence‐based approach which embeds behavioral health providers (BHPs) into primary care. Whether patients with suicidal ideation (SI) are willing to engage in CoCM is unclear.

Methods

Using Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) administrative data from primary care practices within an urban academic health system, we identified patients with and without SI who were referred to a CoCM BHP. We compared engagement, defined as attendance at ≥1 CoCM visit, across groups.

Results

Between 2018 and 2022, 7391 primary care patients were referred to a CoCM BHP. Eight hundred and ninety‐two of these patients reported SI on the PHQ‐9 (754 on “several days” during the previous 2 weeks and 138 on “more than half or most days”). Across groups, most patients engaged in CoCM. Patients reporting SI on several days engaged at a lower rate (61.4%) than those reporting SI on more than half or most days (65.9%). Both SI groups engaged at a lower rate than the 6499 patients who did not report SI (67.5%).

Conclusion

Most patients referred to a CoCM BHP engaged in ≥1 visit. Rates were lower for patients with SI, with the lowest rate among those reporting SI on several days.
The effect of types of sensory feedback on the acquisition and retention of squat performance: A randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial
Authors: Shin Ho‐Jin , Kim Sung‐Hyeon , Cho Hwi‐Young
Published: November 2023

Various sensory feedback methods are considered important for motor learning, but the effect of each sensory feedback method on effective squat learning still needs to be clarified. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sensory feedback types on the acquisition and retention of a squat. A double‐blinded, randomized controlled trial was carried out. Thirty‐healthy people were recruited and randomly assigned to the visual feedback group (VFG = 10), tactile feedback group (TFG = 10), and control group (CG = 10). VFG received visual feedback through video data of the participant performing squats, and TFG received tactile feedback through manual contact with a physical therapist. Both groups received feedback on the movements that needed correction after each set was completed. CG maintained rest without receiving any feedback. The retro‐reflexive marker, force plate, and electromyography were used to measure body angle, foot center of pressure (COP), and muscle activity. All assessments were measured to confirm a squat acquisition. VFG and TFG showed significant differences in neutral knee position (NKP), trunk forward lean (TFL), anterior knee displacement (AKD), and anteroposterior (AP) foot COP (p < 0.050). In addition, the acquisition was retained until 3 days later for NKP and a week later for TFL, AKD, and AP foot COP in VFG (p < 0.050), while the acquisition was not retained in TFG (p > 0.050). There was no statistically significant change in CG (p > 0.050). This study demonstrated that visual feedback positively affects the acquisition and retention of squats. Therefore, we recommend the use of visual feedback for squat acquisition and retention in exercise novices.
Encountering Spiking Neural Networks
Authors: Saunier Alexandre , Howes David
Published: November 2023

Over the past two decades, the term “intelligent media” has surfaced to describe media that take on problematics of cognition, communication, and sensory perception loosely modeled after human intelligence. Taking the form of hardware‐software assemblages, these novel media demonstrate forms of autonomy that challenge human control and herald a complete redistribution of the sensible and agential. The aim of this article is to illuminate the shifting boundaries of nature and artifice as these figure in relations between humans and computational machines in the emergent computational culture of the 21st century. Its specific focus is on art‐making where the medium or materials of art have been dematerialized and figure as “intelligent” and generative in their own right. Based on a historical discussion of art‐making practices and the analysis of an artistic workshop organized by the authors, this article stakes out a much‐needed study of the other‐than‐human agency of artificial entities.
Monuments to Mestizaje and the Commemoration of Racial Democracy in Puerto Rico
Authors: Capó García Rafael V.
Published: November 2023

In this paper, I argue that monuments to mestizaje (miscegenation) in Puerto Rico reaffirm the myth of a harmonious mixture between the White Spaniard, Black African, and Indigenous Taíno. This racial triad, originally conceived in the nineteenth century, was institutionalized in 1956 by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture to legitimize the reformulation of Puerto Rico's colonial status. It was meant to foster a consensus‐driven nation‐building project through a depoliticized harmonious mixture of races. I analyze ten monuments to mestizaje that privilege the white European root of Puerto Rican identity and demonstrate how their visual discourse sustains the narratives of racial democracy in Puerto Rico.
Serum butyrylcholinesterase activity in healthy dogs with and without exposure to diazinon
Authors: Almeida Sara S. F. , da Silva Rayanne H. S. , Oliveira Iago M. , Alonso Luma B. , Gonzaga Beatriz S. , Barros Alexandre C. M. , Vicente Monica C. , Melo Marília M. , Borges Naida C. , Martins Danieli B. , Botelho Ana F. M.
Published: November 2023

Background

Cholinesterase is a biomarker for poisonings by anticholinesterase agents, but its reference values are scarce, and possible interaction with collars containing parasiticides has not been studied.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the serum cholinesterase activity of healthy dogs without a history of contact with anticholinesterase agents and healthy animals exposed to commercial collars containing organophosphate.

Methods

Ninety‐nine dogs were used and included healthy animals without recent exposure to anticholinesterase agents and healthy animals previously exposed to diazinon collars. Serum quantification of the enzyme butyrylcholinesterase (BuchE) through spectrophotometry was conducted on all samples. In experiment 1, BuchE activity was quantified at time 0 and 7 days after, a time when the samples were kept at −18°C. In experiment 2, sampling times were 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 56 days.

Results

Time 0 values were 4622.38 ± 1311.53 U/L. After 7 days, a significant decay was observed, with a mean of 3934.45 ± 1430.45 U/L. Spearman's test was performed, finding a weak correlation between ALT, creatinine, total plasma proteins, age, weight, red blood cells, platelets, leukocytes, and BuchE activities. In experiment 2, the mean at time 0 was 4753 ± 454.8 U/L. With exposure to the collar, there was a decay of up to 93% after 14 days.

Conclusions

Normality values of serum BuchE in healthy dogs without a history of exposure to anticholinesterase agents were 4360.8–4883.96 U/L. Freezing serum caused a decrease in BuchE activity. Exposure to commercial collars containing diazinon also reduced BuchE activity without clinical signs, indicating that previously exposed animals should be evaluated carefully.