bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recognition through dialogue: How transatlantic relations anchor the EU’s identity
Authors: Blanc Emmanuelle
Published: November 2021

In spite of being criticised as ‘talking shops’ and easily replaced by technological innovations, dialogues – defined as face-to-face interactions in an institutionalised framework – remain a staple of international politics. While prevailing accounts have shown that dialogues help states advance their quest for security and profit, the key role dialogues play in the quest for recognition has been overlooked and remains undertheorised. Emphasising the socio-psychological need for ontological security, this article argues that institutions relentlessly engage in dialogues because it allows them to seek, gain and anchor the recognition of their identity. The significance for international relations is illustrated through the emblematic case of the European Union–US dialogues, specifically the Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue. The multi-method qualitative analysis based on original interviews, participant observations, visuals and official documents demonstrates how the European Union exploits these dialogues with its ‘Significant Other’ to seek, gain and anchor the recognition of its complex institutional identity.
Teams managing civilian and military complex trauma: What are the competencies required in austere environments and the potential of simulation technology to address them?
Authors: Stathakarou Natalia , Sonesson Linda , Lundberg Lars , Boffard Kenneth D , Kononowicz Andrzej A , Karlgren Klas
Published: November 2021

Surgical training in civilian hospitals may not be sufficient for managing complex trauma in a setting where such care is not commonly practiced. Understanding the challenges that civilian teams face when moving to austere environments can inform the competencies that need to be trained. The aim of this study was to explore the competencies required in austere environments for teams managing complex trauma, and how they can be trained with simulation technologies. Ethnographic field observations were conducted, and field notes were synthesized. The field notes were structured with the elements of Activity Theory to generate the teams’ competencies that need to be trained. A literature review was conducted to verify the results and identify examples of relevant simulation modalities. The analysis resulted in a structured list of competencies for civilian teams to manage complex trauma in an austere environment and recommendations which simulation technologies could be used in training of those competencies based on published studies. Our study contributes to understanding the challenges that civilian teams face when operating in an austere environment. A systematized list of competencies with suggested simulation technologies directs future research to improve quality of complex trauma training in civilian and military collaboration.
Leaders’ support for using online symptom checkers in Finnish primary care: Survey study
Authors: Laukka Elina , Kujala Sari , Gluschkoff Kia , Kanste Outi , Hörhammer Iiris , Heponiemi Tarja
Published: November 2021

Online symptom checkers (SCs) are eHealth solutions that offer healthcare organizations the possibility to empower their patients to independently assess their symptoms. The successful implementation of eHealth solutions, such as SCs, requires a supportive organizational culture and leadership. However, there is limited knowledge about the factors associated with leaders’ support for the use of SCs. The aim of the study was to identify the factors associated to primary care leaders’ support for SCs in triage and their experiences of the benefits and challenges related to the use of SCs. An online survey was used to collect data from 84 Finnish primary care leaders. The data were analyzed using statistical analysis methods and content analysis. Vision clarity, perceiving efficiency improvements, and considering the service to be beneficial for patients were associated with leaders’ support for the service (β ranging from 0.41 to 0.44, p < 0.001). Leaders’ support for the service was also associated with how well the leaders provided information about the service to their subordinates (β =0.22, p < 0.048). SCs present slightly more challenges than benefits regarding health professionals’ work. The developers of SCs should focus more on features that decrease health professionals’ workload as well as how the solution can benefit patients.
The care of the self as a moral foundation of physiotherapy
Authors: Pezdek Krzysztof
Published: November 2021

The aim of this paper is to offer theoretical insights into the care of the self, which often initiates therapist-patient relationships in clinical practice. The reason is that when patients care about their health status, they are inclined to establish a therapeutic relationship with physical therapists. Hence, the care for self may bridge the world of the patient's private experiences and the world of the healthcare system together with its interventions, which is represented by the physical therapist In this framework, care means not only the patient's choice to undergo therapy but also his/her commitment to sustaining its effects in private life. This involves educational interventions by the physiotherapist who inscribes him/herself in his/her patients’ care of the self in order to alter their habits of physical exercise, diet, personal hygiene, body posture, etc. The argument in this paper is informed by the concepts of ethics developed by Michel Foucault and Richard Shusterman.
Predicting or preventing lifelong learning? The role of employment, time, cost, and prior achievement
Authors: Leyretana Kaela , Trinidad Jose Eos
Published: November 2021

Although there has been a rich amount of research about lifelong learning providing benefits such as economic advancement and personal fulfillment, less is known about factors that increase or decrease a person’s likelihood of pursuing it. Nonetheless, knowing these predictors and barriers can have practical consequences on encouraging people to have continued education. Using a national US dataset ( n = 1651), our analyses showed people’s pursuit of different lifelong learning modalities and revealed significant predictors and barriers of lifelong learning. Counterintuitively, employment and time constraints did not prevent individuals from pursuing educational opportunities; they actually helped predict it. Additionally, limited information—rather than cost—was a stronger driver in preventing people from pursuing lifelong learning. Taken together, the research has implications for encouraging people to pursue lifelong learning.
School marketing on their websites and students in need of special support: Independent schools in the Stockholm local education market
Authors: Tah Jude K , Knutes-Nyqvist Helen
Published: November 2021

A key component of the functioning of a market system of education is the provision of information to consumers. While marketing may be used by schools to provide information to consumers. The marketing information may appeal to some consumers and not others. This study examines independent schools marketing on their websites and how it appeals to consumers in need of special support. The findings show that these schools market their goals and values, studentship, methods and programmes, services as well as facilities. The marketing by these schools may not appeal to students in need of special support in the failure to provide relevant and adequate information to them and framing of their studentship that does not include students in need of special support as well as the focus on academic performance.
Pembrolizumab or Bevacizumab Plus Chemotherapy as First-Line Treatment of Advanced Nonsquamous Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Jie , Wu Di , Zhang Ziran , Long Jieran , Tian Guangming , Wang Yang , Ma Xiangjuan , Chen Xiaoling , Han Jindi , Hu Weiheng , Dai Ling , Nie Jun , Fang Jian
Published: November 2021

Objective: Pembrolizumab and bevacizumab both have antitumor activity. According to NCCN updated guideline the benefit of pembrolizumab or bevacizumab as a first line in management of advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is documented in randomized controlled studies. The study aimed to evaluate the response and complications of patients with advanced NSCLC treated with pembrolizumab or bevacizumab plus chemotherapy. Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study of patients with advanced nonsquamous NSCLC who received cisplatin with pemetrexed combined with pembrolizumab (A group) or bevacizumab (B group) from 07/02/2018 to 07/03/2021 at Peking University Cancer Hospital. Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DoR), and adverse events (AEs). Results: This study included 66 patients, 34 in A group and 32 in B group. There were no differences in median PFS (7.6 vs 9.9 months, P = .601). There were no differences in median OS (23.1 vs 24.2 months, P = .782). There were no differences in ORR (57.6 % vs 41.9 %, P = .211) and DCR (93.9 % vs 100.0 %, P = .164) between 2 groups. The occurrence of AEs was similar. No new safety signals were observed. Grade 3 to 4 treatment-related AEs occurred in 17 (50.0 %) patients of A group and in 12 (37.5 %) of B group ( P > .05). Conclusion: The addition of pembrolizumab or bevacizumab to pemetrexed plus cisplatin was well tolerated and resulted in a clinically meaningful treatment benefit in advanced nonsquamous NSCLC. When pembrolizumab is not suitable, bevacizumab plus chemotherapy may be an option.
Correlation Between Average Segment Width and Gamma Passing Rate as a Function of MLC Position Error in Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy
Authors: Moon Young Min , Bae Sang Il , Han Moo Jae , Jeon Wan , Yu Tosol , Choi Chul Won , Kim Jin Young
Published: November 2021

Objective:

This study analyzed the correlation between the average segment width (ASW) and gamma passing rate according to the multi-leaf collimator (MLC) position error.

Method:

To evaluate the changes in the gamma passing rate according to the MLC position error, 21 volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans were generated using pelvic lymph node metastatic prostate cancer patient's data which is sensitive to MLC position errors as they involve several long, narrow, irregular fields. The ASW for each VMAT plan was calculated using our own code developed using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). The gamma passing rate of the VMAT plan according to the MLC position error was evaluated using ArcCHECK (Sun Nuclear, Melbourne, FL, USA) while inducing symmetric MLC position errors in 0.25 mm intervals from −1 mm to +1 mm in the infinity medical linear accelerator (Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden). Finally, we examined the correlation between the change in the passing rate ([Formula: see text]) due to the MLC position error and the ASW in VMAT through linear regression analysis using the least squares method.

Results:

The ASW and [Formula: see text] were found to have a linear correlation according to the MLC position error, and the coefficient of determination was 0.88. For a 1 mm position error of MLC in VMAT, the gamma passing rate improved by approximately 11.9% as the ASW increased by 10 mm.

Conclusion:

These results are expected to be employed as guidelines to minimize the dose uncertainty due to MLC position error in VMAT.
Clinical Hypnosis in Medical Care: A Mixed-Method Feasibility Study
Authors: Lind Sofie Bulling , Jacobsen Henrik Børsting , Solbakken Ole André , Reme Silje Endresen
Published: November 2021

Background

Preoperative hypnosis has shown promising effects in controlling side effects from breast cancer surgery, but the feasibility and effects are largely unknown outside the US.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach was applied involving a large-scale population survey and a small-scale pilot study. The survey assessed attitudes toward hypnosis in a representative sample from the general population (n = 1049), while the pilot study involved interviews with 5 women who received hypnosis prior to mastectomy/lumpectomy.

Results

In the survey, 8% reported to have previous experience with hypnosis, and 67% reported willingness to accept hypnosis in a medical setting. Increasing age was associated with more skepticism, while previous experience was associated with less skepticism. In the pilot study, 4 themes were identified: (1) caretaking, (2) experiences related to hypnosis, (3) thoughts and feelings related to diagnosis, and (4) surgery. All participants reported positive experiences related to hypnosis, and none described unpleasant side effects or postoperative pain (pain intensity > 3) after surgery.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the general public is positive toward clinical hypnosis as a supplement to medical treatment and that preoperative hypnosis is feasible in Norwegian breast cancer patients.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04300283.
Cerebral Blood Flow Volume in Posterior Circulation Ischemic Disorders
Authors: Vishnyakova Anastasiya Yu. , Medvedeva Nataliya M. , Berdalin Alexander B. , Lelyuk Svetlana E. , Lelyuk Vladimir G.
Published: November 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine blood flow volume (BFV) in the normal state and its features in patients with acute posterior circulation ischemic strokes (PCIS) and vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) using color duplex sonography (DS).Methods: The study included DS data from 96 patients with verified PCIS (66 men and 30 women, aged 64±13 years) and 29 adults with VBI (17 men and 12 women, aged 66±11 years). The control group consisted of 65 healthy male volunteers of different ages.Results: In asymptomatic healthy volunteers, there was a significant decrease in BFV in the internal carotid artery (ICA) with age (502 ml/min in young people, 465 ml/min in the older subgroup) with rS = −0.24 ( p = 0.05), and the aggregated BFV in the vertebral arteries (VAs) turned out to be almost constant (141–143 ml/min). In patients with VBI, the aggregated BFV in the VAs (144 ml/min) did not differ from that in healthy volunteers, but the BFV values in the ICAs were significantly lower (325 ml/min). In patients with PCIS, the aggregated BFV in the ICAs was also significantly lower (399 ml/min) than in the control group but did not significantly differ from that in patients with VBI. In patients with PCIS, there was a significant decrease in the aggregated BFV in the VAs (105 ml/min), which distinguished this group from other examined patients.Conclusions: A significant decrease the BFV in the VA was observed only in patients with PCIS and was associated with the presence of steno-occlusive diseases (SOD) more often in the left VA. Patients with VBI had the most pronounced decrease in BFV in the ICA.
Evaluation of Linear Implicit Quantized State System method for analyzing mission performance of power systems
Authors: Gholizadeh Navid , Hood Joseph M , Dougal Roger A
Published: November 2021

The Linear Implicit Quantized State System (LIQSS) method has been evaluated for suitability in modeling and simulation of long duration mission profiles of Naval power systems which are typically characterized by stiff, non-linear, differential algebraic equations. A reference electromechanical system consists of an electric machine connected to a torque source on the shaft end and to an electric grid at its electrical terminals. The system is highly non-linear and has widely varying rate constants; at a typical steady state operating point, the electrical and electromechanical time constants differ by three orders of magnitude—being 3.2 ms and 2.7 s respectively. Two important characteristics of the simulation—accuracy and computational intensity—both depend on quantization size of the system state variables. At a quantization size of about 1% of a variable’s maximum value, results from the LIQSS1 method differed by less than 1% from results computed by well-known continuous-system state-space methods. The computational efficiency of the LIQSS1 method increased logarithmically with increasing quantization size, without significant loss of accuracy, up to some particular quantization size, beyond which the error increased rapidly. For the particular system under study, a “sweet spot” was found at a particular quantum size that yielded both high computational efficiency and good accuracy.
A Systematic Review on the Role of the Perfusion Computed Tomography in Abdominal Cancer
Authors: Garbino Nunzia , Brancato Valentina , Salvatore Marco , Cavaliere Carlo
Published: November 2021

Background and purpose

Perfusion Computed Tomography (CTp) is an imaging technique which allows quantitative and qualitative evaluation of tissue perfusion through dynamic CT acquisitions. Since CTp is still considered a research tool in the field of abdominal imaging, the aim of this work is to provide a systematic summary of the current literature on CTp in the abdominal region to clarify the role of this technique for abdominal cancer applications.

Materials and Methods

A systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus was performed to identify original articles involving the use of CTp for clinical applications in abdominal cancer since 2011. Studies were included if they reported original data on CTp and investigated the clinical applications of CTp in abdominal cancer.

Results

Fifty-seven studies were finally included in the study. Most of the included articles (33/57) dealt with CTp at the level of the liver, while a low number of studies investigated CTp for oncologic diseases involving UGI tract (8/57), pancreas (8/57), kidneys (3/57), and colon–rectum (5/57).

Conclusions

Our study revealed that CTp could be a valuable functional imaging tool in the field of abdominal oncology, particularly as a biomarker for monitoring the response to anti-tumoral treatment.
A trajectory planning method for the redundant manipulator based on configuration plane
Authors: Wei Yanhui , Zheng Zhi , Li Qiangqiang , He Jialin
Published: November 2021

This study focuses on the method of trajectory planning of spatial obstacle avoidance for redundant manipulators based on configuration plane method. Firstly, according to the summary of the work configuration for redundant manipulator, kinematics analysis method based on configuration plane is proposed, which helps to establish a basic kinematics model of configuration plane. Secondly, the analysis of velocity is conducted and velocity iterative formula is derived. Then, the process of the trajectory planning for redundant manipulator based on the velocity distribution of configuration plane is given, during which some key procedures such as the determination of work configuration, achieving spatial obstacle avoidance, and analysis of velocity distribution are deduced. Finally, the simulation of spatial circle trajectory planning for the 7-degree-of-freedom redundant manipulator is done. The experimental results show that the proposed trajectory planning method for redundant manipulator can satisfy the requirements of complex spatial obstacle avoidance and increase the controllability of the trajectory between spatial interpolation points of the manipulator’s end effector.
Post-activation performance enhancement after inclusion of opponent versus no opponent during isoinertial crossover step exercise: A randomized crossover trial
Authors: Arede Jorge , Esteves Pedro , Blanco David , Romero-Rodriguez Dani , Leite Nuno , Madruga-Parera Marc
Published: November 2021

This study sought to determine whether the inclusion of an opponent on an isoinertial crossover step task influenced the post-activation response and power production. Twenty adult male team-sports athletes participated in a randomized crossover trial. We used a novel design in which the performance of an isoinertial flywheel exercise was tested with or without the inclusion of sport-specific constraints (inclusion of an opponent vs. no opponent) in one of the two sequences (sequence one: constraint manipulation followed by no constraint manipulation; and sequence two: no constraint manipulation followed by constraint manipulation). Maximal power was recorded during exercise; then the coefficient of variation of maximal power was estimated. Post-activation responses were measured using unilateral jump height and change-of-direction time. Also, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was measured. The use of an isoinertial flywheel resulted in improved ankle dorsiflexion and the capacity to repeat change-of-direction. Furthermore, the inclusion of an opponent was associated with a higher variability of the power output in the concentric phase of the movement. Importantly, performing the crossover step task in front of an opponent was also linked to a positive correlation between unilateral countermovement jump and power output. We conclude that the inclusion of typical constraints of the performance environment may have induced movement adaptations to accommodate the unpredictability associated with the actions of the opponent.
Relationships between coach's leadership, group cohesion, affective states, sport satisfaction and goal attainment in competitive settings
Authors: González-García Higinio , Martinent Guillaume , Nicolas Michel
Published: November 2021

We examined whether a perceived coach's leadership predicted group cohesion and whether group cohesion predicted intensity and direction of positive affect and negative affect experienced during competition, sport satisfaction and goal attainment following the completion of a sports competition. A sample of 296 competitive athletes (M age = 21.61; standard deviation = 6.32) participated in the study and completed a series of self-report questionnaires assessing the aforementioned constructs. A partial least square path modelling approach was used to examine the relationships between the study variables. Results of the structural partial least square path modelling model revealed that: (a) democratic coach behaviour negatively predicted Group Integration Task, (b) authoritarian coach positively predicted Individual Attractions to the Group-Social, and (c) reward positively predicted Group Integration Task. Moreover, partial least square path modelling results also revealed that (a) Individual Attraction to the Group-Task positively predicted the direction of negative affect during competition, (b) authoritarian coach marginally positively predicted Group Social Integration during competition, and (c) Group Social Integration marginally negatively predicted the direction of Negative Affects during competition. Thus, contradicting previous studies, results did not provide evidence of the empowering effect of democratic coach leadership on Group Integration Task. Finally, results provided evidence for the significant relationships between group cohesion and athletes’ competitive outcomes such as affective states experienced during competition.
Additional players and half-court areas enhance group tactical-technical behavior and decrease physical and physiological responses in basketball small-sided games
Authors: Bredt Sarah da Glória Teles , de Souza Camargo Daniel , Vidigal Borges Mortoza Bernardo , Pereira de Andrade André Gustavo , Paolucci Leopoldo Augusto , Lemos Nascimento Rosso Tomaz , Moreira Praça Gibson , Chagas Mauro Heleno
Published: November 2021

Small-sided games are used to improve tactical-technical and physical performances in team sports. This study compared the physical, physiological, and tactical-technical responses during 3 versus 3 basketball small-sided games performed in full and half-court: numerical equality (3 vs. 3), numerical superiority (4 vs. 3), and with a non-scorer floater (3 vs. 3  +  1). A total of 45 U-14 and U-15 male athletes participated in the study. They were divided into three-player teams and played one 4-minute bout of each small-sided game type. Heart rate and the time spent in four acceleration zones (0.0–0.5, 0.5–1.0, 1.0–1.5, and 1.5–2.0 g) were recorded using heart rate monitors and triaxial accelerometers. Small-sided games were filmed for the analysis of tactical-technical behavior. Results showed a higher frequency of space creation without the ball, and a mean number of passes per offense in the formats 4 versus 3 and 3 versus 3  +  1, and a lower frequency of space creation with the ball dribbled in 3 versus 3  +  1 compared with 3 versus 3. Physical and physiological responses were higher in the full-court regardless of format and in numerical equality regardless of court area; only the time spent in the highest acceleration zone was higher in half-court small-sided games. We concluded that additional players increase group tactical actions and decrease physical and physiological responses in 3 versus 3 basketball small-sided games.
Verbal coping of coaches in competition: Differences depending on emotional intelligence and self-determined motivation
Authors: Grijalbo Carles , Martínez-Gallego Rafael , Guzmán José F
Published: November 2021

In this study we analysed the differences in verbal behaviour of coaches during matches. A total of 9739 verbal behaviours issued by 26 male handball coaches in 26 matches, 1 for each coach, were classified into the categories established by the Coach Analysis and Intervention System (CAIS). These behaviours in turn were grouped according to the type of coping expressed by the coach (task-oriented, emotional positive and emotional negative). Coaches were then classified into high or low emotional intelligence, and high or low self-determined motivation, using the mean of these scores. Differences in verbal behaviour percentages were analysed by Chi-square based on coach membership in groups of emotional intelligence and self-determined motivation. Coaches with greater self-determined motivation and emotional intelligence used more verbal behaviours showing positive emotional coping. Results are discussed based on the impact on the health and performance of athletes, as well as possible interventions to improve the leadership of the coach in a match situation.
Relationships between demographic and behavioural factors and spatial behaviour in missing persons’ cases
Authors: O’Brien Freya , Giles Susan , Waring Sara
Published: November 2021

To date, limited systematic focus has been directed to examining factors that influence the spatial behaviour of missing people. Accordingly, this study examined whether demographic and behavioural factors were related to distance between missing and found locations in 16,454 archival cases of missing reports from two UK police forces. Findings from ordinal regressions showed that children were more likely to be found at further distances if they were deemed to be at high or medium risk of coming to harm but less likely to be located further away when victims of a violent attack. Adults were more likely to be found at further distances if planning behaviours were present (e.g. had taken their passport), but less likely to if they were above the age of 65 years or suffering from abuse. Findings indicate the role of age, planning and vulnerability on travel when missing. Implications for search strategies and directions for future research are considered.
Comparison of long-term efficacy between biological agents following tumor necrosis factor inhibitor failure in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Bogas Patricia , Plasencia-Rodriguez Chamaida , Navarro-Compán Victoria , Tornero Carolina , Novella-Navarro Marta , Nuño Laura , Martínez-Feito Ana , Hernández-Breijo Borja , Balsa Alejandro
Published: November 2021

Background:

Currently, there is contradictory evidence regarding the best strategy to follow after discontinuation of a first biological agent in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to compare the long-term efficacy of switching to a second tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) versus biopharmaceuticals with other mechanisms of action (non-TNFi) in patients with RA who previously failed a first TNFi.

Methods:

This prospective cohort study analyzed data from 127 patients who discontinued a previous TNFi between 1999 and 2016. Disease activity was assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months (m-6, m-12, m-24) after switching. Primary outcome was the proportion of patients achieving good/moderate EULAR response (E-resp). Factors associated with clinical outcomes were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

Results:

Seventy-seven (61%) patients received a second TNFi and 50 (39%) switched to a non-TNFi. At m-6 and m-12, no differences were observed between groups; nevertheless, at m-24, the proportion of patients with E-resp was higher in the non-TNFi group (49% TNFi group versus 77% non-TNFi group; p = 0.002). In regression models, switching to a non-TNFi was significantly associated with E-resp at m-24 (odds ratio = 3.21; p = 0.01). When assessing the response to the second biological agent based on the reason for discontinuation of the first TNFi, similar results were obtained; at m-24, patients who discontinued the first TNFi due to inefficacy (either primary or secondary) experienced a better E-resp if they had switched to a non-TNFi (primary inefficacy: 52% TNFi group versus 79% non-TNFi group, p = 0.09; secondary inefficacy: 50% versus 76%, p = 0.03).

Conclusion:

In our cohort of RA patients who discontinued a first TNFi, those who switched to a non-TNFi were three times more likely to attain a sustained clinical response, regardless of whether they had discontinued the first biologic due to a primary or secondary inefficacy.
Calm the farm or incite a riot? Animal activists and the news media: A public relations case study in agenda-setting and framing
Authors: Williams Deborah K , Archer Catherine J , O’Mahony Lauren
Published: November 2021

The ideological differences between animal activists and primary producers are long-standing, existing long before the advent of social media with its widespread communicative capabilities. Primary producers have continued to rely on traditional media channels to promote their products. In contrast, animal activists have increasingly adopted livestreaming on social media platforms and ‘direct action’ protest tactics to garner widespread public and media attention while promoting vegetarianism/veganism, highlighting issues in animal agriculture and disrupting the notion of the ‘happy farm animal’. This paper uses a case study approach to discuss the events that unfolded when direct action animal activists came into conflict with Western Australian farmers and businesses in 2019. The conflict resulted in increased news reporting, front-page coverage from mainstream press, arrests and parliamentary law changes. This case study explores how the activists’ strategic communication activities, which included livestreaming their direct actions and other social media tactics, were portrayed by one major Australian media outlet and the farmers’ interest groups’ reactions to them.
Review of menopause advice given to patients undergoing bilateral oophorectomy
Authors: Elson Julia , Bruce Deborah , Holloway Debra , Rymer Janice
Published: November 2021

The NICE Guideline (NG23) 2015 Menopause: Diagnosis and Management states that ‘women who are likely to go through the menopause as a result of medical or surgical treatment should be offered support and information about the menopause and fertility before they have their treatment, and a referral to a Health Care Professional with expertise in the menopause’. To investigate whether discussion about the surgery causing the menopause, and advice on possible treatments had been documented, I conducted a retrospective study of women undergoing bilateral oophorectomy at a central London teaching hospital from 1st April 2018 to 30th September 2018. Only 30% of women (8 out of 27) in this study had documentary evidence of having received menopause advice around the time of bilateral oophorectomy.
“I think like if Albert Einstein and Superman had a baby, that's what it would take”: The experiences and perceptions of community and hospital healthcare professionals in a seniors’ patient navigator program
Authors: Kokorelias Kristina M , Posa Stephanie , DasGupta Tracey , Ziegler Naomi , Hitzig Sander L
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The success of new patient navigation programs have mostly been described from the perspectives of patient outcomes. Little is known about how patient navigators interact with healthcare professionals in the community and in hospital settings.

Methods

A qualitative study using a phenomenological analysis was undertaken to depict the lived experiences of Ontario (Canada) healthcare providers who have interacted with a patient navigator. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 42 healthcare professionals, including frontline care providers ( n = 25) and administrators ( n = 16) from hospital ( n = 21) and community care settings ( n = 21).

Results

Participants’ experiences were reflected in one overarching theme: role clarity and three emergent themes related to the overarching theme: (i) concerns over accountability of patient care (ii) trust (iii) attainable-but-not. Participants described an inconsistent understanding of the role of patient navigators which led to uncertainty regarding their role in patient care. The current nature of the healthcare system influenced participants’ belief in the sustainability of patient navigation model of care. Despite these experiences, participants felt that patient navigators could help healthcare providers care for patients by preventing potential crises from developing and enhancing their knowledge about services.

Discussion

This study expands our understanding of patient navigation programs by exploring the experiences and perceptions of healthcare professionals, thereby providing new perspectives into components that support the successful health outcomes of older adults being supported by a patient navigator. The implications of findings for research, clinical practice, and policy are described.
Compatible Donor and Recipient Pairs’ Perspectives on Participation in Kidney Paired Donation Programs: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Fortin Marie-Chantal , Gill John , Allard Julie , Ballesteros Gallego Fabián , Gill Jagbir
Published: November 2021

Background:

Compatible pair participation in kidney paired donation (KPD) may increase the likelihood of finding suitable matches for all registered pairs. Retrospective studies have shown variable enthusiasm for participating in KPD in compatible pairs.

Objective:

The study objective was to gather potential living donor (PLD) and transplant candidate (TC) perspectives on compatible pair participation in KPD.

Design:

Surveys and qualitative interviews.

Setting:

Three transplant programs in Canada: Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal in Montreal (Québec), Vancouver General Hospital, and St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver (British Columbia).

Patients:

Both PLDs and TCs undergoing evaluation for donation/transplantation between 2016 and 2018 at 3 transplant programs in Canada.

Methods:

Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for the results of the survey and thematic and content analysis method was used for the content of the qualitative interviews.

Results:

A total of 116 PLDs and 111 TCs completed surveys and an additional 18 PLDs and 17 TCs underwent semi-directed interviews. Of those surveyed, 61.2% of PLDs and 76.6% of TCs reported a willingness to participate in KPD as a compatible pair. The possibility of a more optimally matched kidney for the TC and policies ensuring prioritization of the TC for repeat transplantation in the event of early graft failure increased willingness to participate in KPD. Major concerns expressed during the interviews included the desire to retain the emotional bond of directed donation, the fear of chain breaks or donor reneging, delays in transplantation, and additional travel associated with participation in KPD.

Limitation:

The limitations of this study are that it was conducted in only 3 Canadian transplant programs and that the interviews and surveys were in French and in English. As a consequence, the results may not be reflective of the views of individuals not living in these 2 provinces and from ethnic minority populations.

Conclusion:

Most of the compatible PLDs and TCs surveyed were willing to participate in KPD. Ensuring timely transplantation and a more optimal match for TCs and offering a policy of reciprocity to ensure timely repeat transplantation for compatible recipients if their allograft fails post KPD transplant may further increase compatible pair participation in KPD.
Bridging the divide between clinical research and clinical care in oncology: An integrated real-world evidence generation platform
Authors: Bourla Ariel B. , Meropol Neal J.
Published: November 2021

Real world data (RWD) are data relating to patient health status and/or the delivery of health care routinely collected from a variety of sources; real-world evidence (RWE) generated by RWD analyses can become an important component of drug development programs and, potentially, regulatory decision-making. As a RWD source, electronic health records (EHRs) can now provide patient-level data at unparalleled depth and granularity. We propose a RWE generation framework that could maximize the synergy between RWD and prospective clinical trials by capitalizing on an emerging data curation infrastructure that may be applied to both retrospective and prospective research. In this platform, centralized data collection and monitoring could be enabled via routine EHR use, and seamlessly integrated with select intentional data capture during prospective study periods. By bridging the divide between routine care and clinical research, this integrated platform aggregates retrospective and prospective data, collected both routinely and intentionally. This approach makes clinical trial participation more available to patients, increasing the potential depth of data, representativeness and efficiency of clinical research.
Oral booster probiotic bifidobacteria in SARS-COV-2 patients
Authors: Bozkurt Hüseyin S , Bilen Ömer
Published: November 2021

Oral booster-single strain probiotic bifidobacteria could be a potential strategy for SARS-CoV-2. This study aims to evaluate the role of oral probiotic Bifidobacterium on moderate/severe SARS-CoV-2 inpatients. In this single-center study, we analyzed data of 44 moderate/severe inpatients with diagnosed COVID-19 in Istanbul Maltepe University Medical Faculty Hospital, 2020 from 1 November 2020 to 15 December 2020. Clinical and medication features were compared and analyzed between patients with or without probiotic. In result, 19 of the 44 patients (43.18%) who were administrated with oral booster-single strain probiotic were discharged with the median inpatient day of 7.6 days which were significantly shorter than those of patients without probiotic. There were significant differences in inpatient days, radiological improvement at day 6 and week 3, and reduction in interleukin-6 levels in those receiving oral probiotic therapy. Although the mortality rate was 5% in the probiotic group, it was 25% in the non-probiotic group. Booster-single strain probiotic bifidobacteria could be an effective treatment strategy for moderate/severe SARS-CoV-2 inpatients to reduce the mortality and length of stay in hospital.
Post-COVID-19 Long Hauler Clinical Program: Change in Health-Related Quality-of-Life
Authors: Brodsky Marc
Published: November 2021

Background and Objective

An Integrative Medicine Center created a post–COVID-19 myalgiac encephalomyelitis (ME) program in response to a July 2020 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention document that described fatigue and other functional symptoms. The objective is to present process improvement data on change in health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) in patients who participated in the “long hauler” program.

Methods

For process improvement purposes, 39 consecutive patients who participated in the post–COVID-19 ME program from August 2020–August 2021 were asked to complete the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) before treatment and a month later.

Results

Twelve participants (31%) completed a baseline and follow-up survey. Mean SF-12 physical component summary scores improved 5 (SD 9) and mental component summary scores improved 4 (SD 9) in patients who completed baseline and follow-up surveys. Case studies of two patients who completed the SF-12 at baseline and after 4 weekly treatments illustrate the program’s standardized treatment approach.

Conclusion

Data collected for process improvement reasons describe changes in HRQOL for participants in a post–COVID-19 ME program. Follow-up practice-based clinical trials may discern optimal approaches for patients with this chronic condition.
Investigating the Effectiveness of Received Offline Word of Mouth: Role of Acquired and Ascribed Homophily
Authors: Chawdhary Rahul , Weber Laura
Published: November 2021

This research examines how similarities in educational and ethnic backgrounds (status homophily), between word of mouth (WOM) participants, influences the effectiveness of received offline WOM on the recipient’s behavioural intentions. The educational similarity between individuals is conceptualized as acquired homophily, whereas ethnic similarity is defined as ascribed homophily. This study employs scenario-based experiments, and the results suggest that positive and negative WOM received from homophilous sources is more effective in influencing the recipient’s purchase and WOM re-transmission intentions than recommendations received from heterophilous sources. This research expands the literature about offline WOM and the multidimensional status-homophily construct by providing insights on the differential influence of positive and negative recommendations received from WOM sources similar or dissimilar to the WOM recipients in terms of their educational and ethnic backgrounds. This is important from both the theoretical and practitioner perspective as the recent focus of scholarly research is on understanding the relationship between online homophily and e-WOM at the expense of offline WOM-homophily relationship.
A Facility-based Family Support Intervention to Improve Treatment Outcomes for Adolescents on Antiretroviral Therapy in the Cape Metropole, South Africa
Authors: Orth Zaida , van Wyk Brian
Published: November 2021

Adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (ALHIV) globally, report worse treatment outcomes compared to adults and children on antiretroviral therapy (ART). We conducted a photovoice study with eighteen ALHIV to explore experiences and challenges of being on ART, and individual interviews with 5 health workers to describe the challenges in treating ALHIV. The facility implemented the Family club intervention to facilitate caregivers (parent/guardians) supporting ALHIV on treatment. The health workers revealed that “ disclosing HIV status” to children was the biggest challenge for caregivers and health workers. Participating ALHIV reported that family support and having a positive mentality were instrumental for continued treatment adherence. However, disclosure of HIV status to friends remained a challenge due to pervasive community stigma. Treatment fatigue and side- effects were also barriers to adherence. Family support was instrumental in facilitating adherence support for ALHIV. However, this (intervention) should include peer support to improve positive mental well-being in ALHIV.
In search of copassion: Creating a novel concept to promote re-enchantment at work
Authors: Pessi Anne Birgitta , Seppänen Anna Martta , Spännäri Jenni , Grönlund Henrietta , Martela Frank , Paakkanen Miia
Published: November 2021

Re-enchantment taps well into the current zeitgeist: The rising focus on emotions and post-material values also in organizational context. Enchantment is deeply tied to socially generated emotions. Our aim is to develop the concept of copassion, referring to the process of responding to the positive emotion of a fellow human being. Concepts are crucial as they shape our understanding of the world. Our core claim is relating to our colleagues’ positive emotions not only enables and maintains but also fosters enchantment at work. In this article, by laying the ground by discussing enchantment and the theoretical framework of intersubjectivity, we will link copassion to the physiological and evolutionary basis of humans, as well as explore its conceptual neighbors. Finally, we will discuss intersubjectivity, and particularly mutual recognition, as well as the inseparability of compassion and copassion in human experience at work, and its implications to the study of enchantment.

JEL CLASSIFICATION: M14 Corporate Culture, Diversity, Social Responsibility
Antenatal Clinic Waiting Time, Patient Satisfaction, and Preference for Staggered Appointment–A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Abdus-salam RA , Adeniyi AA , Bello FA
Published: November 2021

Time spent in the antenatal clinic (ANC) is a major disincentive for pregnant women and constitutes a barrier to the utilization of ANC. Long waiting time and poor patient satisfaction may contribute to poor utilization. This study assessed waiting time, patients’ satisfaction, and preference for staggered ANC appointments. A cross-sectional study was conducted; information obtained includes sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, and time spent at ANC service points. Data were analyzed using International Business Machines (IBM) Statistical Products and Service Solutions (SPSS) software version 23. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were conducted. Level of significance: P < .05. One hundred and twenty-two participants were interviewed. Mean age was 30.52 (±4.65) years, they were mostly multi-gravid, married, and with tertiary education. Mean time spent in ANC and waiting time were 191 min and 143 min, respectively. Waiting time was longest at doctor's consultation (59 min), laboratory services (38 min), and the cash pay-point (18 min). About 68.9% were satisfied with services and highest at doctors’ consultation. Satisfaction was associated with waiting time of <45 min. Dissatisfaction was high at the cash pay-point (28.7%), followed by the laboratory (16.4%). About 56.5% preferred staggered appointments. Time spent in ANC should be reduced and staggered appointments may be a useful strategy to reduce waiting time and patient load.