bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Good Intentions Aside: Stereotype Threat in the Face of Media Strategies to Counter Age Bias
Authors: Kroon Anne C. , Selm Martine van
Published: April 2024

The current study shifts the focus of research on media’s role in facilitating and inhibiting self-stereotyping among the members of stigmatized groups. More specifically, this study proposes and tests a conceptual model explaining (un)intentional effects of a real-world anti-ageism social media campaign among stereotyped targets: Older workers. Drawing on an experiment among older Dutch adults ( N = 649), we test the effects of two message strategies for reducing prejudice: the media-literacy and the counter stereotypical information strategy. The results show that exposure to content warnings as well as strong counter-stereotypical message (i.e., consisting of positive exemplars and the negation of generic age stereotypes) is powerful in inhibiting implicit stereotype endorsement, ultimately boosting favourable employability perceptions of older workers. By integrating insights from the parasocial content hypothesis and stereotype threat indications, we provide a nuanced understanding of how anti-bias campaigns impact stigmatized targets, and isolate reasons for the varied effectiveness of such interventions.
Examining short-term and long-term effects of self-esteem on relationship satisfaction using a dyadic response surface analysis
Authors: Jiang Zehua , Xu Liang , Qian Xiuying
Published: April 2024

The present study investigates the relationship between self-esteem, its interactive patterns within couples, and relationship satisfaction. We employed dyadic response surface analysis (DRSA), an advanced method for examining the links between dyadic interaction patterns and outcome variables. Analyzing data from 731 Dutch heterosexual couples from the Longitudinal internet Studies for the Social Sciences data set across short-term (two-month) and long-term (two-year) timeframes, our findings align with previous research. Both actor and partner self-esteem had significant positive effects on relationship satisfaction, indicating that one’s self-esteem is positively associated with outcomes for both oneself and one’s partner. Additionally, we observed an additive effect where the combined self-esteem of a couple was positively associated with satisfaction. However, an actor superiority effect was noted, where individuals were most satisfied when self-reporting higher self-esteem than their partners, suggesting that one’s own self-esteem plays a more crucial role in their relationship perceptions than their partner’s and that self-esteem may not act as a shared resource. We did not find a significant self-esteem similarity effect on relationship satisfaction. These results were consistent in both timeframe analyses, with and without covariate controls. This study contributes to bridging the gap between existing theoretical models by providing novel insights into how self-esteem patterns within couples relates to relationship wellbeing.
Exploring psychedelic-assisted therapy in the treatment of functional seizures: A review of underlying mechanisms and associated brain networks
Authors: Lewis Evan Cole , Jaeger Alexandria , Girn Manesh , Omene Egiroh , Brendle Madeline , Argento Elena
Published: April 2024

Functional seizures (FS), the most common subtype of functional neurological disorder (FND), cause serious neurological disability and significantly impact quality of life. Characterized by episodic disturbances of functioning that resemble epileptic seizures, FS coincide with multiple comorbidities and are treated poorly by existing approaches. Novel treatment approaches are sorely needed. Notably, mounting evidence supports the safety and efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) for several psychiatric conditions, motivating investigations into whether this efficacy also extends to neurological disorders. Here, we synthesize past empirical findings and frameworks to construct a biopsychosocial mechanistic argument for the potential of PAT as a treatment for FS. In doing so, we highlight FS as a well-defined cohort to further understand the large-scale neural mechanisms underpinning PAT. Our synthesis is guided by a complexity science perspective which we contend can afford unique mechanistic insight into both FS and PAT, as well as help bridge these two domains. We also leverage this perspective to propose a novel analytic roadmap to identify markers of FS diagnostic specificity and treatment success. This endeavor continues the effort to bridge clinical neurology with psychedelic medicine and helps pave the way for a new field of psychedelic neurology.
Tumor-Like Distal Femoral Cortical Irregularities of the Knee in Adolescent Competitive Alpine Skiers: Longitudinal Assessment Over 48 Months
Authors: Feuerriegel Georg C. , Marth Adrian A. , Fröhlich Stefan , Stern Christoph , Scherr Johannes , Spörri Jörg , Sutter Reto
Published: April 2024

Background:

Tumor-like distal femoral cortical irregularities (DFCIs) are a frequent incidental finding on knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and are common in young competitive athletes.

Purpose:

To assess and compare the morphology and prevalence of DFCIs in competitive alpine skiers over 48 months during adolescence.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Adolescent competitive alpine skiers were prospectively recruited in 2018 and received bilateral 3-T MRI of the knee at baseline and after 48 months. All MRIs were evaluated for the presence and location of DFCIs, which were marked at 1 of 3 anatomic positions: (1) the femoral attachment of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, (2) the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle, or (3) the attachment of the adductor magnus aponeurosis. The size of the DFCI was measured by 2 radiologists independently. The measurements were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Cohen Kappa.

Results:

A total of 63 athletes (mean age at follow-up, 19.6 ± 1.2 years; n = 25 female) were included in the study. At baseline, DFCIs were detected in 84 out of 126 knees (67%). At the 48-month follow-up, DFCIs were found in 88 out of 126 knees (70%), with multiple DFCIs in 3 knees and no significant difference between male and female patients (n = 24 male, n = 19 female; P = .71). No significant increase was detected for the number ( P = .21) and size of the DFCIs between the baseline and the 48-month follow-up (mean size: baseline, 3.7 ± 0.8 mm; 48-month follow-up: 3.6 ± 0.9 mm; P = .66). The interrater agreement for the mean size measurements of DFCIs was good to excellent (ICC 0.88).

Conclusion:

DFCIs remain a frequent finding on knee MRI in competitive alpine skiers after skeletal maturation and do not disappear during adolescence. The DFCI size was constant in athletes aged between 15 and 19 years. Moreover, DFCIs should not be mistaken for a pathologic finding.
Caution is Indicated When Interpreting Behavioral Rating Scales From Stressed Parents
Authors: Klindt Kelsey N. , Holland Alice Ann , Wilkinson-Smith Alison , Karni Catherine , Clyde Alexis
Published: April 2024

Parent rating scales are used at increasing rates across disciplines to track child development and determine diagnoses/needs. This study explored relationships among parental stress and the validity of parents’ ratings of their child’s behaviors. Participants include children who were referred for assessment of behavioral, social-emotional, and development difficulties at a major metropolitan hospital in the United States. Parents completed rating scales regarding their own stress (PSI-4-SF) and child behaviors (BASC-3). Present findings indicate caution is warranted when interpreting parent report data of their child’s behavior in the context of significant parenting stress. Relying exclusively on parent-report information to assess young children in clinical setting appears contraindicated. Family/situational factors beyond the individual child are important to assess.
Treaty legalization, security interests, and ratification of multilateral disarmament treaties
Authors: Onderco Michal , Vignoli Valerio
Published: April 2024

Multilateral treaties are essential for the effectiveness of global disarmament efforts. Ratification delays have deep repercussions on international cooperation for disarmament. Yet what determines their duration? In this paper, we offer the first comprehensive study of multilateral disarmament treaty ratification, covering the period between 1976 and 2020. We test the effects of treaty legalization and a country's security situation on the ratification duration. States are slower to join treaties with a high degree of obligation, but faster to join treaties with high degrees of precision and delegation. Engagement in inter-state rivalries slows down ratification. In contrast, we find only statistically weak evidence that alliance embeddedness accelerates it.
Multi-scale analysis and structural application of the synergistic enhancement effect of silane coupling agent on the interface between PVA/rubber and cement
Authors: Feng Yong , Feng Jingjie , Li Lijuan , Li Zehua , Chen Wang , Li Yongquan , Chen Wuxin
Published: April 2024

This study employs polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers and silane coupling agent (SCA) to augment rubberized concrete mechanical prowess. A multiscale investigation delves into the synergistic enhancement mechanism of SCA on the interfaces of PVA/cement and rubber/cement, considering macroscopic mechanical properties, microscopic structural characteristics, and nanoscale interface interactions. Initially, fundamental mechanical performance tests reveal a notable enhancement in compressive and flexural strength with the inclusion of SCA and PVA fibers in rubberized concrete. Subsequently, observations of corresponding composite concrete slices are conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results manifest gel and polymer filling interface gaps, with SCA fostering a tighter amalgamation of the two interfaces, effectively rectifying interface defects and elucidating its bonding effects at the microscopic interface. Molecular dynamics (MD) modeling and simulation analyses of PVA/C-S-H and rubber/C-S-H, pre- and post-SCA modification, demonstrate that SCA mitigates interface effects, reinforcing hydrogen bonding, van der Waals interactions, Ca-H coordination bonds, and stability. This augmentation enhances interface adhesion energy, fortifying the weak interface bonding between PVA fibers, rubber, and inorganic silicate (C-S-H). Ultimately, portal frame experiments substantiate that incorporating fiber rubberized concrete into structures not only fails to diminish but marginally enhances the load-bearing capacity of the framework. This research furnishes concrete and innovative solutions for sustainable development while providing a valuable reference for the future application of PVA fiber rubberized concrete materials in practical engineering endeavors.
A Phenomenological Exploration of Individual and University Supports Affecting U.S. International Students’ Job Searches
Authors: Rapp Hannah , Chen Dong , Wu Yi-jung
Published: April 2024

The present study explores the individual and university supports of U.S. international students during their job searches. Twenty-eight international students (93% Asian, 7% African; 57% female) from a U.S. Midwest public university participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews in Spring 2021 regarding their U.S. job search experiences. All 28 participants (64% graduate students) were within one year of their graduation date. A transcendental phenomenological approach was employed to conduct a thematic analysis. Lower-order themes that significantly contributed to international students’ successful job searches in the US were organized into individual and institutional-level supports and collated into six key themes: (a) early planning for post-graduation; (b) networking; (c) in-demand majors and degree levels; (d) university-industry connections; (e) personalized department support; and (f) campus career services. Based on these findings, several implications for career development research, theory, and practice are discussed.
Chinese standards from the ground up
Authors: Driessen Miriam , Zhu Ruiyi
Published: April 2024

China’s transformation from a standards-taker to a standards-maker has sent a shock wave through the global economy. While Chinese standardization is conventionally perceived and analysed as a top–down process, led by the central government and the Standardization Administration of China, this article demonstrates the merits of studying standards from the ground up. Sustained engagement with those who make, adopt, reject, and recalibrate standards reveals, first, the human face of standardization. Standards depend on people to be their advocates. The effectiveness of their implementation and the scope of their acceptance rely on practitioners who imbue standards with value and promote them within and across national borders. Furthermore, a bottom–up approach sheds light on the hierarchical nature of standards, the processes of inclusion and exclusion, and the dynamics of elevation and marginalization that hierarchies generate. Finally, it prompts us to look beyond de jure standards. As a producer of cheap commodities for developing countries, China has long been a maker of informal, or de facto, standards that grow out of repeat transactions and mutual agreements among actors along these value chains. Only by considering the human, hierarchical, and informal dimensions of standardization can we fully understand China’s rise as a global standards power.
Experimental investigation of a solar still system with a preheater and nanophase change materials
Authors: M Jothilingam , N Balakrishnan , T.K Kannan , Devarajan Yuvarajan
Published: April 2024

Solar desalination systems are crucial for generating fresh water, particularly in regions with water scarcity. They harness renewable solar energy, making them sustainable and cost-effective in remote areas. Solar desalination addresses water scarcity challenges with a sustainable, decentralized, and efficient approach. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of varying depths of basin water on the overall productivity of distillate in a solar distillation system. The research specifically investigates three distinct scenarios, focusing on the concentration of freshwater at different depths. The investigation extends to the analysis of temporal variations in heat transfer loss for three different phase change materials (PCMs) namely paraffin wax  +  nano CuO, paraffin wax, and lauric acid. This study also examines the impact of varying depths of basin water on the overall productivity of distillate in three distinct scenarios. In all instances, it has been observed that the more concentrated form of freshwater can be found at a depth of 20 mm. The water basin temperature lowered by 44.78% for paraffin wax  +  nano CuO composite, in comparison to paraffin wax (45.31%) and lauric acid (47.37%) when the water depth was increased from 20 mm to 60 mm. The equations pertaining to energy conservation and heat transfer in the solar distillation system are presented. The investigation also encompassed the analysis of temporal variations in heat transfer loss for three unique PCMs. The study recorded an increase in the total distillate freshwater of 3480, 1248.5, and 2637 ml/m2/day for paraffin wax  +  nano CuO, lauric acid, and paraffin wax correspondingly. Lauric acid has exhibited a level of performance in terms of total distillate.
State capacity for green growth: Analyzing industrial policy in the Latin American lithium triangle
Authors: Carrasco Sebastián
Published: April 2024

This research aims to explain the various policy failures observed in lithium policies across Latin America, demonstrating how the industrial development of mining activities ultimately depends on existing state capacities. The research conducts a detailed analysis of lithium policy in Chile, with Argentina and Bolivia serving as comparative cases, thereby increasing the validity of the results. The study utilizes a qualitative methodology that includes 31 interviews with key actors, a systematic review of the press, analysis of government documents, and non-participant observation of lithium forums. The findings highlight how different deficits in state capacity have varying impacts on the types of policy failures present in lithium policies. The analysis proposes various types of state capacity deficits and their link to policy failures, advancing the discussion of green industrial policies from a peripheral perspective.
Comparison of 4 laboratory tests for the detection of bovine rabies viral infection in Paraguay: fluorescent antibody test, rapid detection test, histologic lesions, and RT-PCR
Authors: Rodriguez María F. , Rodriguez Rosmary , Rodriguez Antonio , Batista Helena , Samudio Margarita , Cardozo Walter
Published: April 2024

Rabies virus (RABV; Lyssavirus rabies) is a neurotropic virus that can be transmitted to mammals by the hematophagous bat Desmodus rotundus. An accurate, accessible method for the detection of RABV in cattle is necessary in Paraguay; thus, we evaluated the detection of RABV using 4 techniques: fluorescent antibody test (FAT), immunochromatography rapid detection test (RDT; Anigen Rapid Rabies Ag test kit; Bionote), a reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) assay, and histologic lesions in different portions of the CNS of 49 Paraguayan cattle to determine the most sensitive and specific technique. By FAT and RDT, 15 of 49 (31%) samples were positive. By RT-PCR amplification of N and G genes, 13 of 49 (27%) and 12 of 49 (25%) were positive, respectively. RDT had high agreement with FAT (kappa = 1); sensitivity was 100% (95% CI: 97–100%) and specificity was 100% (95% CI: 99–100%). The amplification of the N and G genes resulted in substantial agreement (kappa of 0.9 and 0.8, respectively) compared with FAT, and the sensitivity and specificity of the N gene were 87% (95% CI: 66–100%) and 100% (95% CI: 98–100%), respectively, and those of the G gene were 80% (95% CI: 56–100%) and 100% (95% CI: 98–100%), respectively. Histologic lesions observed were lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis, gliosis, and neuronophagia. The agreement observed between the FAT and RDT tests suggests that RDT is an accurate tool for the detection of RABV. Histopathology can be used to confirm lesions caused by RABV and to rule out other conditions; the RT-PCR assay is useful for molecular epidemiology studies.
Experimental study on the physical mechanism of pulse noise in the tail of a recoilless gun
Authors: Jiang Zhonghui , Tao Gang , Li Zhiyu , Wen Peng
Published: April 2024

During the firing process of a recoilless gun, there is a high-intensity pulse noise phenomenon in its rear breech area. In order to obtain the physical mechanism of the pulse noise formation, this article designed experiments and used high-speed cameras and overpressure sensors to discover a “three peaks” phenomenon in the pulse noise at the shooter’s position. Using resistance strain sensors, the changes of strain with time in the chamber and nozzle expansion section of the recoilless gun during the firing process were recorded. By comparing the micro-strain data and overpressure data, the shock waves at the shooter’s position can be categorized into two types: internal shock waves and external shock waves. Internally, the opening of the blocking sheet initiates the formation of the initial shock wave, followed by the formation of a second pressure wave within the combustion chamber. The peak-to-peak interval between these two shock waves is nearly fixed, and the ratio of the dual peaks increases with the distance of the measurement position. The third shock wave forms externally to the nozzle, induced by the explosion of unburned propellant. As the weapon’s distance from the ground increases, the peak values of the overpressure data decrease, and the waveform of this explosion-induced shock wave transitions from a single-peak phenomenon to a double-peak phenomenon. This study can provide a reference for the study of the potential risk of injury to operators using single soldier recoilless guns and similar weapons.
Posaconazole versus voriconazole as antifungal prophylaxis for invasive fungal diseases in patients with hematological malignancies
Authors: Almutairy Reem , Khan Mansoor Ahmed , Shahbar Alaa , Aseeri Mohammed , Alshamrani Majed , Almarhabi Hassan , Naeem Doaa
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The incidence of invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) has risen in hematologic malignancy patients due to neutropenia. While posaconazole is recommended as the first-line antifungal prophylaxis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients and voriconazole is an alternative, there is currently no direct comparison data available to assess their relative effectiveness.

Method

We retrospectively reviewed eligible patient charts from January 2017 to February 2019 to identify breakthrough IFD rates, drug adverse event frequency, and drug acquisition cost in AML/MDS patients.

Results

Forty-eight patients received 130 chemo cycles, with 50 (38%) cycles prescribed posaconazole and 80 (62%) prescribed voriconazole as primary IFD prophylaxis. The incidence rates of IFD in the posaconazole group were 8% (4 out of 50), of which two were probable and two were possible infections, while 6.26% (5 out of 80) of patients in the voriconazole group developed IFD, with four possible infections and one probable infection ( p = 0.73). A higher percentage of patients in the voriconazole group discontinued prophylaxis due to adverse events, with six patients compared to two patients in the posaconazole group ( p = 0.15). The drug acquisition cost of posaconazole is 5.62 times more expensive than voriconazole.

Conclusion

The use of voriconazole instead of posaconazole for 130 chemo cycles would save $166,584.6. Posaconazole and voriconazole have comparable efficacy and safety in preventing IFD in AML and MDS patients receiving chemotherapy. However, posaconazole is more costly than voriconazole.
Male Sex Workers as Situational Entrepreneurs: Exploring the Demographics, Motivations, and Practices of Male Sex Workers in the Tourism Industry in Botswana
Authors: Mashumba Lesedi
Published: April 2024

While sex tourism has been well studied in international contexts, to date, only a few studies have focused on African countries. For Botswana and other African countries, the lack of studies in sex work is surprising, given its prevalence in such societies. In the African context, sex work and tourism are very complex, controversial, and entangled with politics and religious disapproval. Moreover, the few existing studies have mostly focused on female sex workers, hence creating a gap in the literature when it comes to understanding male sex work. Using a qualitative approach, the researcher used in-depth face-to-face and semi-structured interviews with 20 male sex workers in Botswana to explore the motivations, dynamics of entry, and sex work practices in Botswana. This article argues that male sex workers in Botswana could be viewed as situational entrepreneurs seeking economic opportunities beyond legitimised ways. A study that explores the dynamics of male sex work is critical in Botswana, first to determine similarities with other contexts and second, to inform policy on the needs of male sex workers in Botswana.
Variable effects of speakers’ visual cues and accent on L2 listening comprehension: A mixed-methods approach
Authors: Algana Mashael , Hardison Debra M.
Published: April 2024

Few studies have explored the influence of a speaker’s accent and visual (facial and gestural) cues on second-language (L2) listening comprehension. The current mixed-methods between-groups design investigated: (1) the effects of accent and visual cues on Arab students’ comprehension of recorded lectures delivered by two speakers: first language (L1) American English and second language (L2) English (strong Vietnamese accent), (2) students’ assessments of the comprehensibility and English nativelikeness of the accents, and (3) students’ perceptions of and preferences for visual cues in communication. A total of 120 Arab university students were distributed across three stimulus conditions: auditory-visual (AV)-gesture-face, AV-face, and A-only within two accent conditions (L1, L2 English). Materials included: a listening comprehension task, 9-point rating scales for comprehensibility and nativelikeness of accent, and a speaker’s accent and visual cues (SAVC) questionnaire. ANCOVAs were conducted on listening comprehension scores and the ratings, with students’ listening proficiency as the covariate. Students with higher listening proficiency received higher comprehension scores and tended to recognize the L1 English accent as nativelike; however, proficiency was not significantly related to their comprehensibility ratings of either accent. The L1 English speaker’s gestures were associated with higher comprehensibility ratings; the L2 English speaker’s gestures were associated with a stronger nonnativelike accent, which students found frustrating to comprehend. Although SAVC responses revealed a general preference for facial cues and gestures in daily communication, the L2 English speaker’s gestures in the study were not considered helpful. Thematic analysis of interviews emphasized: (1) the variable effectiveness of visual cues, (2) the important role of topic and accent familiarity, (3) the relationship between listening proficiency and interlocutor/instructor preference, and (4) strategies to deal with unfamiliar accents. Pedagogical implications include increased awareness of variability in visual cues across speakers and the need to build familiarity with various accents and gesture patterns.
Mass spectrometry-based pseudotargeted metabolomics reveals metabolic variations in a2-induced gastric cancer cell
Authors: Li Juan , Liu Ying , Zhou Piao , Fan Qi-qi , Liu Hong-min
Published: April 2024

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most malignant tumors with high morbidity and mortality in the world. Compound a2, a Jiyuan oridonin derivative, exhibited excellent anti-proliferative activity against GC cells. To investigate the gastric cellular response to a2 therapy as a novel drug candidate, we adopted a pseudotargeted metabolomics method to explore metabolic variation in a2-induced MGC-803 gastric cells using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry combined with multivariate statistical analysis. The results showed that a2 treatment induced significant metabolic changes in the levels of aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and tricarboxylic acid cycle, approximately 80% of the metabolites were down-regulated in the low-dose and high-dose groups including aspartate, tryptophan, sedoheptulose 7-phosphate, succinate, 2′-deoxyadenosine, uridine, cytidine, etc. which can provide evidence for a new therapy of GC.
A new strategy to improve the anticorrosion performance of waterborne polyurethane coating on AA7075
Authors: Lei Bing , Li Jingjing , Liu Ling , Lian Longjiang , Chen Simin , Zhang Shanlin , Feng Zhiyuan , Meng Guozhe
Published: April 2024

In this study, Ce3+ functionalised halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were prepared, and their impact on the anticorrosion properties of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) coating on 7075 aluminium alloy (AA7075) was investigated. HNTs were grafted by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) to enhance Ce3+ loading, which was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum. The release behaviour of Ce3+ from HNTs was tested by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and the inhibition effect of Ce3+-loaded HNTs for AA7075 was tested by polarization plots. The anticorrosion property of WPU doped with Ce3+-loaded HNTs was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and pull-off adhesion test. The results showed that APTES modification improved the Ce3+ loading amount on HNTs, and Ce3+ acts as an effective cathodic inhibitor for AA7075. After soaking for 40 days, the |Z|0.01Hz of Ce-HNTs/WPU was two orders of magnitude higher than that of pure WPU, while wet put-off adhesion was higher than pure WPU.
Impact of Anti-angiogenic Drugs on Severity of COVID-19 in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Peng Sujuan , Huang Hongxiang , Chen Jinhong , Ding Xinjing , Zhu Xie , Liu Yangyang , Chen Li , Lu Zhihui
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has reshaped oncology practice, but the impact of anti-angiogenic drugs on the severity of COVID-19 in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. Patients and Methods: We carried out a retrospective study involving 166 consecutive patients with NSCLC who were positive for COVID-19, aiming to determine the effects of anti-angiogenic drugs on disease severity, as defined by severe/critical symptoms, intensive care unit (ICU) admission/intubation, and mortality outcomes. Risk factors were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Results: Of the participants, 73 had been administered anti-angiogenic drugs (termed the anti-angiogenic therapy (AT) group), while 93 had not (non-AT group). Comparative analyses showed no significant disparity in the rates of severe/critical symptoms (21.9% vs 35.5%, P = 0.057), ICU admission/intubation (6.8% vs 7.5%, P = 0.867), or death (11.0% vs 9.7%, P = 0.787) between these two groups. However, elevated risk factors for worse outcomes included age ≥ 60 (odds ratio (OR): 2.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07-5.92), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 or higher (OR: 21.29, 95% CI: 4.98-91.01), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 7.25, 95% CI: 1.65-31.81), hypertension (OR: 2.98, 95% CI: 1.20-7.39), and use of immunoglobulin (OR: 5.26, 95% CI: 1.06-26.25). Conclusion: Our data suggests that the use of anti-angiogenic drugs may not exacerbate COVID-19 severity in NSCLC patients, indicating their potential safe application even during the pandemic period.
Person and Environment Factors Supporting Self-Care Performance and Social Participation After Mild Stroke
Authors: Bright Lindsay , Baum Carolyn M. , Roberts Pamela
Published: April 2024

Mild stroke survivors seldom receive occupational therapy services as their deficits are assumed to be minor enough to not affect their daily occupations. Yet many mild stroke survivors report deficits in self-care performance and social participation. This study investigates person and environment factors influencing self-care performance and social participation among mild stroke survivors, using the Person–Environment–Occupation–Performance (PEOP) model. A retrospective cohort analysis of 736 mild stroke survivors was conducted using electronic health records. Person factors included demographic characteristics and clinical characteristics, and environment factors included the Social Vulnerability Index. The analysis included logistic regression. Approximately, 10% of patients reported deficits in self-care or social participation. Disability level was the only person factor associated with self-care performance. Person factors affecting social participation included mobility and unemployment. Socioeconomic status was associated with both occupation measures. Occupational therapy practitioners must address the person and environment factors affecting mild stroke survivors’ self-care performance and social participation.
Uses and Gratifications of Biophilic Simulation Games
Authors: Ng Yu-Leung
Published: April 2024

Biophilic simulation games designed to simulate natural environments could have the potential to promote eco-friendly attitudes and behaviors. By adopting the uses and gratifications approach, this study investigated gaming gratifications of a biophilic simulation game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and associated pro-animal attitudes and pro-environmental behaviors. Results showed that individuals played Animal Crossing to satisfy fantasy, social, diversion, and enjoyment gratifications. While fantasy and enjoyment gratifications were positively associated with pro-animal attitudes, fantasy, and social gratifications were positively correlated with pro-environmental behaviors.
Evaluating Extended Curettage and Adjuvant Therapy Against Wide Resection and Reconstruction in the Management of Distal Radius Giant Cell Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Seth Ishith , Bulloch Gabriella , Lim Bryan , Xie Yi , Seth Nimish , Rozen Warren M. , Ng Sally Kiu-Huen
Published: April 2024

Background:

The management of distal radius giant cell tumors (GCTs) remains challenging, and the optimal approach is still a matter of debate. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the outcomes of extended curettage and wide resection, the mainstays of treatment.

Methods:

Medline (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Embase databases were searched for comparative studies that assessed extended curettage with adjuvant therapy and wide resection with reconstruction in patients with GCTs of the distal radius up to April 2023. Data were collected and analyzed on rates of local recurrence, metastasis, overall complications, and functional outcomes. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to appraise the risk of bias within each study.

Results:

Fifteen studies (n = 373 patients) were included and analyzed. Patients who underwent curettage were more likely to develop recurrence (risk ratio [RR] = 3.02 [95% confidence interval; CI, 1.87-4.89], P < .01), showed fewer complications (RR = 0.32 [95% CI, 0.21-0.49], P < .01), and showed greater improvement in Visual Analog Scale and lower Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores ( P < .00001) than those who underwent wide resection. No significant difference was found regarding metastasis (RR = 1.03 [95% CI, 0.38-2.78], P = .95).

Conclusions:

Regarding the surgical approach to GCT of the distal radius, curettage with adjuvant therapy was associated with a higher likelihood of recurrence compared with wide resection with reconstruction. Nevertheless, the curettage approach resulted in significantly lower rates of operative complications, decreased pain scores, and better functional outcomes in comparison to the resection group.
A Living Lab for Family Centered Knowledge Exchange in Pediatric Rehabilitation and Development Research: A Study Protocol
Authors: Archibald Mandy M. , Akinwale Omolara , Hammond Elizabeth , Mora Aniela , Woodgate Roberta L. , Wittmeier Kristy
Published: April 2024

Background

Historically, the experiences and voices of children and youth living with neurodiversity or rehabilitation needs and their families have not been fully represented in health research. Formative research in this context indicates that families value learning from the experiences of other families as well as from empirical research. However, innovative systems are needed to support this imperative. In response, we co-designed a virtual living lab with families and clinicians to support family-centered knowledge exchange in neurodiversity and rehabilitation research. Living labs are collaborative, user-centered, long-term, and multimethod systems with potential to support the exchange of knowledge of lived experience. This proposal outlines a longitudinal arts-based and qualitative research study that incorporates storytelling as a powerful tool to elicit and exchange stories of lived experience through the virtual living lab, and subsequent usability testing of the platform.

Methods and Analysis

Stage 1- We will conduct an integrated knowledge translation study inclusive of user centered lab design and construction. Stage 2- We will conduct a 6-month longitudinal qualitative storytelling study with 30–40 participants including neurodiverse children and youth ages 5–19 years, their siblings, and parent/guardians, guided by the F-words framework which is based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Following user-registration within the virtual lab, participants will complete a minimum of 1 story monthly, accompanied by an arts-based component, for 6 months.

Conclusion

Findings will inform the co-development of an arts-based knowledge translation resource to communicate key findings. Stage 3- A subset of families will be sampled to complete usability testing of the living lab platform and storytelling feature using a sequential explanatory mixed methods design. Usability evaluation will inform future platform refinements and provide indications of acceptability and use across subgroups.
Classification and measurement of displacement of isolated greater tuberosity fractures: Intra and interobserver reliability
Authors: Ismayl Ghiath , Ogbechie Catherine , Goundry Samuel , Budworth Luke , Ejiofor Ikechukwu , Sheikh Hassaan , McCormack Paul , Tunstall Charlotte , Philipson Mark , Cowling Paul
Published: April 2024

Background

Literature demonstrates variability in the amount of displacement of isolated greater tuberosity (GT) fractures and measurement techniques that orthopaedic surgeons deem warrant surgical intervention. This study aims to assess the intra and interobserver reliability for classifying and measuring the displacement amount for isolated GT fractures.

Methods

Eight surgeons, consisting of four shoulder specialists and four trainee surgeons, reviewed 25 plain radiographs on two separate occasions, 3 months apart. They were required to morphologically classify the GT fracture, measure the displacement distance on anteroposterior and axillary views, calculate the GT displacement ratio, and state whether they would offer surgical treatment.

Results

There was a lack of good reliability for the classification of the depression and avulsion fracture types. There was good intraobserver but poor interobserver consistency in classifying the split-type fractures. The measurement of the displacement distance showed good intraobserver reliability, but not as good interobserver agreement. Also, the displacement ratio calculated revealed poor consistency. We found good agreement between and within the raters for the treatment decision. No significant difference was noted when comparing the senior surgeons to the junior surgeons.

Conclusions

This study has revealed ongoing inconsistency in the classification and measurement of isolated GT fractures.
Roots of Resilience: Interests and Values in Thai Foreign Policy
Authors: Chachavalpongpun Pavin
Published: April 2024

This article reinterprets the Thai discourse of bamboo diplomacy. In a normative study of Thai foreign policy, bamboo diplomacy has been readily taken as a self-explanatory approach behind the resilience of Thailand's position through bending with the prevailing wind of international politics for its survival. However, the oversimplification of this view of bamboo diplomacy belittles the reality in which the making of Thai foreign policy demands careful calculations and even sacrifices from the political elites. Proposing a reinterpretation of Thai diplomacy, the article argues that Thai bamboo diplomacy has been shaped by the interplay between interests and values as a basis of the shift of Thai positions and alliances throughout the country's history. A main research question is: Under which condition is a values-based Thai foreign policy formulated and implemented? While the interests-driven approach has remained central to Thai foreign policy, Thailand has demonstrated some resilience in its shift towards a values-based foreign policy if dictated by domestic and international factors. Under this circumstance, values are vital as a legitimisation mechanism for the shift of foreign policy and alliances for the ultimate attainment of national interests.
Development of a Real-time Force-based Algorithm for Infusion Failure Detection
Authors: Blanco Luis E. , Wilcox John H. , Hughes Michael S. , Lal Rayhan A.
Published: April 2024

Background:

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is a common treatment option for people with diabetes (PWD), but insulin infusion failures pose a significant challenge, leading to hyperglycemia, diabetes burnout, and increased hospitalizations. Current CSII pumps’ occlusion alarm systems are limited in detecting infusion failures; therefore, a more effective detection method is needed.

Methods:

We conducted five preclinical animal studies to collect data on infusion failures, utilizing both insulin and non-insulin boluses. Data were captured using in-line pressure and flow rate sensors, with additional force data from CSII pumps’ onboard sensors in one study. A novel classifier model was developed using this dataset, aimed at detecting different types of infusion failures through direct utilization of force sensor data. Performance was compared against various occlusion alarm thresholds from commercially available CSII pumps.

Results:

The testing dataset included 251 boluses. The Bagging classifier model showed the highest performance metrics among the models tested, exhibiting high accuracy (96%), sensitivity (94%), and specificity (98%), with lower false-positive and false-negative rate compared with traditional occlusion alarm pressure thresholds.

Conclusions:

Our study developed a novel non-threshold classifier that outperforms current occlusion alarm systems in CSII pumps in detecting infusion failures. This advancement has the potential to reduce the risk of hyperglycemia and hospitalizations due to undetected infusion failures, offering a more reliable and effective CSII therapy for PWD. Further studies involving human participants are recommended to validate these findings and assess the classifier’s performance in a real-world setting.
Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review of the Genus Antidesma
Authors: Nguyen-Ngoc Hieu , Le-Thi-Phuong Thao , Vu-Van Tuan , Pham-Ha-Thanh Tung , Nguyen-Huu Tung
Published: April 2024

Background

Antidesma is a large genus consisting of around 100 species, which are widely distributed in the tropics and subtropics of Asia, some species can be found in Africa, the Pacific islands, and Australia. The uses of Antidesma plants range from food (for juice, jam, and red wine production) to medicinal purposes (for treatment of indigestion, pneumonia, menstrual regulation, and osteoarthritis).

Methods

The review was conducted by gathering relevant literature from secondary databases, including Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed, as well as specialized books and websites.

Results

There have been more than 140 compounds reported as chemical constituents of the genus Antidesma, which mainly belonged to alkaloid, phenolic, flavonoid, lignan, and terpenoid classes. The high content of phenolic compounds was found in A. bunius and A. thwaitesianum fruits, which also correlates with the potential anti-oxidant activities of respective plants. Besides that, the antibiotic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as effects on metabolism were also investigated and reported.

Conclusion

The plants of the Antidesma genus have a wide range of applications in food and medicine. The published results have shown that the genus is a precious source of bioactive natural compounds, which was shown beneficial for preventive medicine. Further research is required to promote the application in the healthcare system.
Categorization of Health Insurance Coverage Type from Survey Questions after Health Reform: The Case of the Current Population Survey
Authors: Pascale Joanne , Fertig Angela R. , Call Kathleen T.
Published: April 2024

Measuring health insurance in surveys has always been challenging, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) introduced considerable ambiguities. For example, the public/private line was blurred with the introduction of marketplace coverage, which is considered private coverage even though in some cases, it is partially or fully subsidized by the government. This study uses a rigorous design where administrative records are linked to survey data. We compare alternative algorithms that employ survey data points found in several major national surveys to categorize coverage type, focusing on the very difficult challenge of separating private marketplace coverage from public coverage. This is important, given researchers’ and policymakers’ need to produce estimates of public versus private coverage from survey data. Results indicate that integrating a data point on plan name reduces a more simplistic algorithm’s overestimation of marketplace coverage and results in significant improvements in accurate categorization across public and private coverage types.
COVID-19 surveillance based on consumer wearable devices
Authors: Zhang Chunbo , Sun Aijun , Liao Jiping , Zhang Cheng , Yu Kunyao , Ma Xiaoyu , Wang Guangfa
Published: April 2024

Background

Consumer wearable devices such as wristbands and smartwatches have potential application value in communicable disease surveillance.

Objective

We investigated the ability of wearable devices to monitor COVID-19 patients of varying severity.

Methods

COVID-19 patients with mobile phones supporting wearable device applications were selected from Dalian Sixth People Hospital. Physiological parameters from the wearable devices and electronic questionnaires were collected from the device wearing until 14 days post-discharge. Clinical information during hospitalization was also recorded. Based on imaging data, the patients were categorized into the milder group without pneumonia and the more severe group with pneumonia. We plotted the curves of the physiological parameters of the two groups to compare the differences and changes.

Results

Ninety-eight patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 39.6 ± 10.5 years, including 45 males (45.9%). There were 24 asymptomatic patients, 10 mild patients, 60 moderate patients, and 4 severe patients. Compared with the milder group, the more severe group had higher heart rate-related parameters, while the heart rate variability (HRV) was the opposite. In the more severe group, the heart rate-related parameters showed a downward trend from 0 to 7 days after the fever resolution. Among them, the resting heart rate and sleep heart rate decreased on the 25th day after the onset and were close to the milder group 1 week after discharge.

Conclusions

Consumer wearable devices have the potential to monitor respiratory infections. Heart rate-related parameters obtained from these devices can be sensitive indicators of COVID-19 severity and correlate with disease evolution.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04459637.
Introduction: Feminist media production and beyond
Authors: Zhang Tracy Ying , Harvey Alison
Published: April 2024

This special issue features five articles written by a group of established and emerging researchers, who carefully examined the challenges and opportunities for women's participation in media production across platforms and nations. Overall, the case studies in this special issue extend and broaden current conversations about gendered media-making practices by emphasizing an intersectional, transnational, and critical feminist perspective on identity, subjectivity, embodiment, and labour. Further, these studies highlight both structural barriers that women face in the global media industries as well as emergent resistant and interventionist tactics. Taken together, they demonstrate the value of local, situated analyses and expose the shared patriarchal repressions as well as opportunities of development for feminist media production within a transnational context.