bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domain-Specific Self-Efficacy Scales for Elementary and Middle School Students
Authors: Akhmedjanova Diana R.
Published: May 2024

Background. Self-efficacy refers to students’ perceived confidence in their ability to tackle learning tasks. Research shows that self-efficacy serves as an important predictor of academic achievement and relates to students’ academic success, self-regulated learning, and motivation. It is therefore important to understand how self-efficacy develops and manifests itself in Russian schoolchildren and relates to their academic achievement. Objective. To establish evidence of the validity and reliability of domain-specific self-efficacy scales developed for elementary and middle school students. Design. Messick’s unified framework was used to establish validity. The surveys were administered to elementary and middle school students in two regions of Russia. Results. The pilot testing of the self-efficacy scales for elementary school, using exploratory (n = 972) and confirmatory (n = 972) factor analyses, resulted in a four-factor model, which was later confirmed with a different sample of elementary students (n = 1,392) with good reliability estimates (α = 0.75–0.82). The pilot testing of self-efficacy scales for middle school, using exploratory (n = 583) and confirmatory (n = 584) factor analyses, resulted in a three-factor model, showing excellent reliability estimates (α = 0.88–0.93). Conclusion. The evidence of construct validity suggests that the domain-specific self-efficacy scales for elementary and middle school students can be recommended for use by researchers and practitioners. The article presents ideas for additional validation studies and future research using domain-specific self-efficacy scales.
Mobile Food Tracking Apps: Do They Provoke Disordered Eating Behavior? Results of a Longitudinal Study
Authors: Aslanova Margarita S. , Valieva Amina S. , Bogacheva Nataliya V. , Skupova Anastasia M.
Published: May 2024

Background. Some studies connect the popularity of food-tracking apps to an increase in restrictive eating and other disordered eating behaviors and find those apps harmful for psychological well-being, but there is a lack of empirical studies, especially of Russian samples. Objective. To examine the connection between disordered eating symptoms, psychological well-being, and the use of a mobile food-tracking application. Design. The participants were 26 women aged 18–30 (M = 21.96; SD = 3.33); 24 completed the study. During the pre-test, the participants completed the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (Van Strien et al., 1985), the Eating Attitude Test (Skugarevskiĭ, 2007), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (Ma et al., 2023), the Situation Inventory of Body-Image Dysphoria (Baranskaia & Tataurova, 2011), and a socio-demographic survey with additional questions related to food tracking, weight, and disordered eating. The experimental group was then tasked with tracking their food consumption with a mobile app for a month. The test battery was completed again immediately after the experiment ended, and for a third time one month later. Results. The comparative analysis showed a decrease in anxiety throughout the study, with a tendency-level increase in depressive symptoms by the end of the experiment. Contrary to expectations, emotional and external eating decreased during the experiment, while restrictive eating did not change. However, the risk of general disordered eating behavior increased one month after the experiment. The correlations between psychological well-being and eating behavior changed during the study. Immediately after the experiment, more correlations between eating behavior, body dissatisfaction, anxiety, and depression emerged, while at the later cutoff, correlations with depression and anxiety became insignificant. Conclusion. The study had mixed results, contradicting some previous research. Both emotional and external eating decreased along with anxiety levels; however, general disordered eating symptoms increased after food tracking.
Pristionchus seladoniae n. sp. (Diplogastridae) isolated from a eusocial soil-dwelling bee, Halictus (Seladonia) aerarius, in Nagano, Japan
Authors: Kanzaki Natsumi , Fujimori Yuta , Ekino Taisuke , Degawa Yousuke
Published: May 2024

A new species of Pristionchus was isolated from a soil-dwelling bee, Halictus (Seladonia) aerarius, collected from Sugadaira, Nagano, Japan. The nematode was successfully cultured on nematode growth medium agar previously inoculated with the Escherichia coli strain OP50; however, it did not propagate well. Typologically, the new species is similar to other Pristionchus belonging to the maupasi, pacificus and lheritieri groups in the stomatal structure of stenostomatous form. However, the species is characterised by the relatively short, conical tail of the female and the arrangement of male genital papillae in which the second- and third-paired papillae are almost at the same level and one of these two are directed laterally. Phylogenetically, the nematode belongs to the maupasi group, the ‘American clade’ within the genus, and is separable from the other species in the group. Biologically, the species has several interesting characters: it is seemingly native to Japan, regardless of its phylogenetic group; it is in tight and specific phoretic association with a eusocial bee; it lacks a eurystomatous form (or this form occurs rarely) under cultured conditions; and it shows characteristic clumping behaviour on culture media. The new species is taxonomically described herein as Pristionchus seladoniae n. sp.
Bursaphelenchus glaucae n. sp. isolated from larval faeces of a longhorn beetle, Aeolesthes chrysothrix chrysothrix (Bates), in its pupal chamber constructed in the dead wood of Quercus glauca Thunb. from Japan
Authors: Kanzaki Natsumi , Fujimori Yuta
Published: May 2024

A Bursaphelenchus species belonging to the hofmanni group (corneolus subgroup) was isolated from a small piece of larval faeces of the longhorn beetle Aeolesthes chrysothrix chrysothrix in its pupal chamber. The chamber was constructed in a dead wood section of Quercus glauca obtained from a live tree. The material was obtained during a management procedure of a garden tree to remove the dead part from live tree. The species is typologically characterised by its three-lined lateral field, the position of its secretory-excretory pore overlapping with the metacorpus anterior half, a very small spicule with distinctive broad and rounded condyles, a flattened trapezoid-shaped rostrum and small flattened cucullus, the presence of seven (P1, P2 and P3 papilliform and P5 gland) male genital papillae, a female vulva with a side flap and female tail forming an elongate conoid with a strongly ventrally curved posterior half and narrowly rounded or digitate tip. The species is typologically close to B. corneolus, sharing a small cucullus and female tail shape, but can be distinguished from the other species by the position of the secretory-excretory pore and the spicule rostrum shape. Phylogenetically, the new species forms a well-supported clade with B. corneolus, but can be distinguished by its clearly separable phylogenetic status inferred from SSU and D2-D3 LSU sequences and the difference in the ITS sequence. The new species is described as B. glaucae n. sp. Although the nematode was isolated from the larval faeces of A. c. chrysothrix, it has not been directly isolated from the insect body to date, thus, the carrier insect of the nematode has not been determined.
Wavy grain in sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) — a structural analysis of xylem and phloem
Authors: Lewandrowski Tim , Dremel Kilian , Haag Volker
Published: May 2024

Wavy grain (fiddle back) in trees has attracted the interest of both science and industry due to its aesthetic and economic importance. As the underlying causes of this particular structural feature in trees remain uncertain, this study investigates the possibility of non-invasively detecting wavy grain patterns within tree bark tissue of sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus). Wavy grain, characterized by alternating light and dark stripes on the wood surface, is highly valued in the production of musical instruments. This research explores the potential of employing transmission light microscopy and microcomputer tomography (μCT) to examine the internal structure of phloem tissue to inspect whether the wavy grain structure found in the xylem continues in the bark. The investigation of phloem tissue proved challenging due to its irregular cellular arrangement. Nonetheless, slight phloem fibre deviations were observed in individual trees. However, no definite connection was found between the periodic oscillations of the xylem fibre tissue and the structure of the phloem in a given area. Variability in wavy grain expression among the xylem of the trees posed an additional challenge, with amplitudes and wavelengths differing across specimens. The application of μCT offered advantages over traditional sample preparation, enabling the study of the anatomical structure across larger areas and multiple depths without altering the specimen. This study sheds light on the potential of employing advanced imaging techniques to detect wavy grain patterns, providing insights that could benefit industries reliant on high-quality wood, such as musical instrument crafting and forestry.
Book review: Reena Marwah and Lê Thi. Ha˘\ng Nga. India–Vietnam Relations: Development Dynamics and Strategic Alignment
Authors: Meena Yamini
Published: May 2024

Reena Marwah and Lê Thi. Ha̐ng Nga. India–Vietnam Relations: Development Dynamics and Strategic Alignment (Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore, Springer Series in Dynamics of Asian Development, 2023), pp. 199, €109.99, ISBN: 9789811678219 (Hardcover); €93.08, ISBN: 9789811678226 (ebook).
Book review: Gary Ka-wai Cheung, Yingguo dangan zhong de Xianggang qiantu wenti [Secrets from the British Archives: Hong Kong and its Post-Colonial Future]
Authors: Chiu Adrian
Published: May 2024

Gary Ka-wai Cheung, Yingguo dangan zhong de Xianggang qiantu wenti [ Secrets from the British Archives: Hong Kong and its Post-Colonial Future] (In Chinese) (Hong Kong: City University Press, 2022, pp: 284, Price: HKD 198.00. ISBN: 978-962-937-634-5 (Paperback.).
Beyond Xenophobia: Unravelling Violent Crimes Committed by Foreign Offenders in South Africa
Authors: Zitha Moitsadi , Jansen van Rensburg Shandré Kim
Published: May 2024

South Africa’s crime rate has propelled it into a realm comparable to war-torn nations. Amid the extensive discourse surrounding the interplay between foreign nationals and criminal activity, scholarly attention directed towards this complex relationship remains limited. While academia has extensively examined migration and immigration dynamics, South African research concerning foreign nationals has been notably overshadowed by the presence of xenophobia. Through a qualitative inquiry, in-depth and face-to-face interviews were held with 40 African and Asian offenders. The paper makes an empirical contribution to academic discourse by revealing the violent nature of crimes committed by foreign offenders in South Africa.
The Long Road to Justice: Equality and the Caste Question From Colonial Times to the Present
Authors: Chakravarti Anand
Published: May 2024

Manoj Mitta, Caste Pride: Battles for Equality in Hindu India, Context, 2023, xxviii + 596 pp., ₹999, ISBN 978-9-3577-6294-6 (Hardback).
Are Large-Scale Test Scores Comparable for At-Home Versus Test Center Testing?
Authors: Castellano Katherine E. , Johnson Matthew S. , Lawless Rene
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a proliferation of remote-proctored (or “at-home”) assessments. The lack of standardized setting, device, or in-person proctor during at-home testing makes it markedly distinct from testing at a test center. Comparability studies of at-home and test center scores are important in understanding whether these distinctions impact test scores. This study found no significant differences in at-home versus test center test scores on a large-scale admissions test using either a randomized controlled trial or an observational study after adjusting for differences in sample composition along baseline characteristics.
Is Transition to Retirement Associated With Volunteering? Longitudinal Evidence from Europe
Authors: Hämäläinen Hans , Tanskanen Antti O. , Arpino Bruno , Solé-Auró Aïda , Danielsbacka Mirkka
Published: May 2024

Studies have shown that retired older adults are more likely to volunteer than their working counterparts. However, whether the transition to retirement is associated with increased volunteering frequency and whether this varies according to material and time resources of participants is unclear. We used four waves of data from the longitudinal Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, collected between 2011–2018 across 19 countries ( n = 12,400 person-observations from 6200 individuals over 50). Within-person (or panel fixed-effect) regression analyses revealed that transition to retirement was associated with an increased volunteering frequency over time. This association was stronger among individuals with better health, higher education, improved financial situation and in countries with higher gross domestic product per capita. Overall, transition to retirement tends to open new ways of organizing everyday life and is associated with increased frequency of volunteering.
Validation of the Cognitive Assessment Instrument for Obsessions and Compulsions (CAIOC-13) in an Indian Sample
Authors: Bhattacharya Mahashweta , Kashyap Himani , Balachander Srinivas , Reddy Y. C. Janardhan
Published: May 2024

Background:

Brief self-report measures of cognition are advantageous for flagging significant cognitive dysfunction without extensive neuropsychological assessments. The Cognitive Assessment Instrument for Obsessions and Compulsions (CAIOC-13) is a recently developed self-report that assesses everyday cognitive dysfunction in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), for example, difficulties with reading, slowness, and decision-making. This study was undertaken to validate the CAIOC-13 in an Indian sample of OCD.

Material and Methods:

75 subjects with OCD and 81 non-clinical controls completed CAIOC-13, Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ), and Dysfunctional Attitude Scale-Short Form (DAS-SF1). Convergent and divergent validity with PDQ and DAS-SF1 were established with Pearson’s correlation; the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze discriminant validity; and factorial structure was evaluated using the principal component analysis (PCA).

Results:

CAIOC-13 scores showed a strong significant correlation ( r = 0.56; p < .001) with PDQ and a moderate correlation with DAS-SF1 scores ( r = 0.33; p = .003). CAIOC-13 could accurately discriminate between OCD and controls (area under curve = 0.92). PCA revealed strong loading on a single component.

Conclusion:

CAIOC-13 is a valid tool for briefly assessing OCD-related cognitive dysfunction in Indian samples. Future studies may examine the correlation of CAIOC-13 with standardized neuropsychological assessments.
Meta-cognitive Therapy in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Case Report
Authors: Gaur Ayushi , Sharma Shivali , Singh Shweta
Published: May 2024

Psychotherapeutic developments in the management of anxiety disorders are evolving, with notable evidence in obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Third-wave therapies significantly contribute to the reduction in psychopathological symptoms and, thus, provide a positive turning point in the socio-occupational spectrum of the patient. One such third-wave approach is meta-cognitive therapy (MCT), which addresses cognitive attention syndrome (CAS) and directly prohibits ritualistic behavior, thereby decreasing the burden of symptoms. In India, it seems there is a dearth of literature exploring the effectiveness of MCT. The present case report provides a detailed insight into the psychotherapeutic treatment using MCT, in which 10 sessions were provided to an OCD patient along with pharmacotherapy. The treatment shows a noteworthy improvement in thought fusion, obsessional beliefs, meta-cognitive beliefs, and psychopathology. The symptoms gradually waned during the three- and six-month follow-up baseline period. Therefore, the case report demonstrates the effectiveness of combined medication and MCT in treating OCD. Additionally, it shows the potency of MCT in prolonged improvements in cognitive flexibility and inflated feelings of responsibility and perfection.
Non-vascular ATP-sensitive potassium channel activation does not trigger migraine attacks: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kokoti Lili , Al-Karagholi Mohammad Al-Mahdi , Zhuang Zixuan Alice , Amirguliyev Sarkhan , Amin Faisal Mohammad , Ashina Messoud
Published: May 2024

Objective

To investigate the role of NN414, a selective KATP channel opener for the Kir6.2/SUR1 channel subtype found in neurons and β-pancreatic cells, in inducing migraine attacks in individuals with migraine without aura.

Methods

Thirteen participants were randomly allocated to receive NN414 and placebo on two days separated by at least one week. The primary endpoint was the difference in the incidence of migraine attacks after NN414 compared with placebo. The secondary endpoints were the difference in the area under the curve for headache intensity scores, middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (VMCA), superficial temporal artery diameter, heart rate and mean arterial pressure.

Results

Twelve participants completed the study, with two (16.6%) reporting migraine attacks after NN414 compared to one (8.3%) after placebo (p = 0.53). The area under the curve for headache intensity, VMCA, superficial temporal artery diameter, heart rate and mean arterial pressure did not differ between NN414 and placebo (p > 0.05, all comparisons).

Conclusion

The lack of migraine induction upon activation of the Kir6.2/SUR1 channel subtype suggests it may not contribute to migraine pathogenesis. Our findings point to KATP channel blockers that target the Kir6.1/SUR2B subtype, found in cerebral vasculature, as potential candidates for innovative antimigraine treatments. Registration number: NCT04744129
Canadian Association of Radiologists Cardiovascular Imaging Referral Guideline
Authors: Hamel Candyce , Avard Barb , Isaac Neil , Jassal Davinder , Kirkpatrick Iain , Leipsic Jonathon , Michaud Alan , Worrall James , Nguyen Elsie T.
Published: May 2024

The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) Cardiovascular Expert Panel is made up of physicians from the disciplines of radiology, cardiology, and emergency medicine, a patient advisor, and an epidemiologist/guideline methodologist. After developing a list of 30 clinical/diagnostic scenarios, a rapid scoping review was undertaken to identify systematically produced referral guidelines that provide recommendations for one or more of these clinical/diagnostic scenarios. Recommendations from 48 guidelines and contextualization criteria in the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) for guidelines framework were used to develop 125 recommendation statements across the 30 scenarios (27 unique scenarios as 2 scenarios point to the CAR Thoracic Diagnostic Imaging Referral Guideline and the acute pericarditis subscenario is included under 2 main scenarios). This guideline presents the methods of development and the referral recommendations for acute chest pain syndromes, chronic chest pain, cardiovascular screening and risk stratification, pericardial syndromes, intracardiac/pericardial mass, suspected valvular disease cardiomyopathy, aorta, venous thrombosis, and peripheral vascular disease.
The characteristics of high temperature polymer fuel cell electrolyte membranes based on 2-pyridene polybenzimidazole blends with poly(vinyl-phosphonic acid)
Authors: Rathwa Yashesh J , Parmar Sanjay K , Chikhaliya Navin P
Published: May 2024

The present study has focused on exploring new 2-pyridine-bridge-based polybenzimidazole (2-Py-PBIs) based materials for various energy-related uses in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). An electrochemical device, which transforms chemical energy into electrical energy, is known as fuel cell. Using solution polymerization with polyphosphoric acid as a solvent, a series of 2-Py-PBIs were synthesised from the 4,4'-([2,4′-bipyridine]-2′,6′-diyl)bis (benzene-1,2-diamine). 2-Pyridine bridge Polybenzimidazoles are cross-linked with poly (vinylphosphonic acid), which helps us to improve membrane properties like mechanical properties and proton conductivities. FT-IR was used to characterize chemical structure, Ubbelohde viscometer was employed to determine the inherent viscosity. Additionally investigated were the oxidative stability, swelling ratio, ion exchange capability, and water uptake for 2-Py-PBIs. Thermogravimetric analysis is used to evaluate thermal stability. The obtained 2-Py-PBIs membranes were thermally stable and mechanically strong when compared with conventional polybenzimidazole-based membranes. The 2-Py-PBIs:PVPA membranes showed proton conductivity between 0.10 µS/m to 4.65 µS/m.
Joint prediction method for strip thickness and flatness in hot strip rolling process: A combined multi-indicator Transformer with embedded sliding window
Authors: Xu Qingquan , Dong Jie , Peng Kaixiang
Published: May 2024

Thickness and flatness are important quality indicators for strip. It is important that the rapid and accurate prediction of the exit thickness and flatness for the optimal control of the hot strip rolling process. Due to the fast and long rolling process, there are time delays, non-linearity and strong coupling among the variables, which cause difficulties in the establishment of prediction models. In this paper, the variables related to thickness and flatness are selected by analyzing the rolling process mechanism and data. Based on the data related to the rolling quality, a rolling exit thickness and flatness joint prediction model combined multi-indicator Transformer with embedded sliding window (SW-MTrans) is proposed. First, a sliding window is embedded into the input layer of the model in order to address the effect of the time delay among variables. Then a Transformer network is improved to achieve accurate prediction of thickness and flatness simultaneously. It is verified that the proposed method can predict the thickness and flatness at the same time with higher prediction accuracy and generalization ability compared with other methods through actual production data. The mean absolute error (MAE) for thickness prediction was reduced by 19.37% and MAE for flatness prediction was reduced by 14.03% compared to the existing prediction model.
Book review: Sandeep Kumar Panda, Vaibhav Mishra, R. Balamurali, and Ahmed A. Elngar (Eds.), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Business Management: Concepts, Challenges, and Case Studies
Authors: Singh Ayush Pal
Published: May 2024

Sandeep Kumar Panda, Vaibhav Mishra, R. Balamurali, and Ahmed A. Elngar (Eds.), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Business Management: Concepts, Challenges, and Case Studies (1st ed.; CRC Press, 2021), p. 258, ₹4,866, ISBN: 9780367645557
Studying the Use of Virtual Reality Learning Environments to Engage School Children in Safe Cycling Education
Authors: Vuorio Jaakko
Published: May 2024

Background

The promotion of cycling for children is beneficial from a health and environmental perspective, however road safety and awareness amongst this age group remain a considerable issue. As children are developing their cognitive and physical abilities, they are considered a high-risk group for injuries and fatalities on the roads. Virtual learning environments have demonstrated promising ways to engage children in learning about road risks and teach children about safe cycling.

Intervention

A web-based Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and Virtual Reality (VR) environment was designed to offer a platform for schoolchildren to learn about safe cycling and to develop skills for them to better detect hazards in traffic. Both learning environments were used by 455 school children and 20 class teachers.

Methods

Fun toolkit methods, specifically designed for child participants were used to assess the design of the technology, and for teachers a qualitative survey to provide evidence around the use of both learning environments.

Results

Results suggest both learning environments were appealing for lower school grade participants. For grades five and six a need to review the relevance and user design of the learning content was evident. The VR environment was highly attractive across all school grades, suggesting that VR could be a feasible way to teach road safety and safe cycling for school children.

Discussion

Although VLE and VR environment were attractive and fun to use, some users of VR experienced motion sickness. This would need to be considered and further examined before engaging a young learner in a VR learning environment. Several considerations are provided for teachers, practitioners, researchers, and designers seeking means to promote safe cycling for children.
Dynamic analysis of drag-based vibratory swimmers using higher-order averaging
Authors: Fan Chenming , Thomas John B. , Tahmasian Sevak
Published: May 2024

This paper discusses the mathematical modeling, dynamic analysis, and design optimization of a class of drag-based vibratory swimmers using averaging. A typical swimmer of this class consists of a surface or subsurface main body, an oscillatory mass inside the body, and a rigid fin attached to the main body using torsional springs and immersed in water. This paper takes advantage of third-order averaging techniques for dynamic analysis and design optimization of the swimmer for high frequencies. The averaged dynamics are used for determining the optimum stiffness of the springs for maximizing the average speed of the swimmer for high-frequency motion of the oscillatory mass. Experimental results confirm the general response of the mathematical model.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Employee Onboarding Programs
Authors: Brown Julie G.
Published: May 2024

Problem

Employee onboarding is one of the most important phases of an employee’s life cycle. Human resources (HR) is vital in setting employees up for success, particularly during this employment stage. Some organizations lose employees before they have had a chance to learn about and acclimate to the organization. An ineffective onboarding program may contribute to high turnover costs and low employee retention.

Solution

This article discusses emerging trends in the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in human resource development (HRD) and how AI is being used to develop more effective and efficient processes and programs. Recommendations for practitioners will include how AI may create an informative and engaging onboarding program that may increase employee retention.

Stakeholders

Organizational development (OD) and learning and development (LD) professionals who want a more effective employee onboarding program that will provide the knowledge employees need while creating an engaging learning experience.
School nurses and menstrual communication: Destigmatizing the stigma among adolescents
Authors: LeBlanc Sarah S
Published: May 2024

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to understand how school nurses, often the first line of defense for menstruating adolescents, use communication to assist adolescents in destigmatizing menstruation.

Design:

I conducted semi-structured narrative interviews with nine nurses employed in a large school district in Northeast Indiana.

Methods:

Interviews were coded, categorized, and used a phronetic iterative approach.

Results:

Analysis determines that nurses assist menstruating students using steps toward accepting menstruation and suggesting ways to avoid menstrual stigmatization.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that school nurses use positive language to assist students in handling their menstruation problems, develop allyships with parents and other teachers, and stress menstrual education. This study highlights the need for more funding for menstrual products and additional school nurses.
Guidance needed for using artificial intelligence to screen journal submissions for misconduct
Authors: Hosseini Mohammad , Resnik David B
Published: May 2024

Journals and publishers are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to screen submissions for potential misconduct, including plagiarism and data or image manipulation. While using AI can enhance the integrity of published manuscripts, it can also increase the risk of false/unsubstantiated allegations. Ambiguities related to journals’ and publishers’ responsibilities concerning fairness and transparency also raise ethical concerns. In this Topic Piece, we offer the following guidance: (1) All cases of suspected misconduct identified by AI tools should be carefully reviewed by humans to verify accuracy and ensure accountability; (2) Journals/publishers that use AI tools to detect misconduct should use only well-tested and reliable tools, remain vigilant concerning forms of misconduct that cannot be detected by these tools, and stay abreast of advancements in technology; (3) Journals/publishers should inform authors about irregularities identified by AI tools and give them a chance to respond before forwarding allegations to their institutions in accordance with Committee on Publication Ethics guidelines; (4) Journals/publishers that use AI tools to detect misconduct should screen all relevant submissions and not just random/purposefully selected submissions; and (5) Journals should inform authors about their definition of misconduct, their use of AI tools to detect misconduct, and their policies and procedures for responding to suspected cases of misconduct.
The framing of private security and its regulation in Belgium, 1980–2020
Authors: Leloup Pieter
Published: May 2024

Over the past 40 years, the private security sector in Belgium, along with its related policies, has undergone significant transformations, with the industry establishing itself as a crucial partner in domestic security governance. Although the political context in which private security has evolved holds considerable importance in criminological scholarship, the specific processes of framing this phenomenon have attracted much less attention. This article examines the various approaches adopted by political actors in framing private security within policy formulations and efforts to introduce new regulations. Empirical data are drawn from parliamentary records spanning the years 1980 to 2020. By focussing on the parliamentary arena, we analysed how the issue – that is, the need for regulating private security – has been discussed, motivated and framed by those in power. Our results demonstrate that six conflicting and supporting frames revolved around three overarching themes: the function and position of private security, and what the government sought to protect in society. The findings of this study provide new insights into the forms, degrees and manifestations of framing private security, along with its relation to security events over time. Consequently, it offers a deeper understanding of the political field and societal conditions under which the trajectory of private security has unfolded in Belgium.
Magnetic resonance imaging in the second trimester as a complement to ultrasound for diagnosis of fetal anomalies
Authors: Cederlund Frida , Axelsson Ove , Desmond Sara , Amini Hashem , Wikström Johan
Published: May 2024

Background

Fetal ultrasound has limitations, especially if the patient is obese or in cases with oligohydramnios. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can then be used as a complement, but only few studies have focused on examinations in the second trimester.

Purpose

To validate MRI as a complement to diagnose fetal anomalies in the second trimester.

Material and Methods

This retrospective study retrieved data from January 2008 to July 2012 from the Fetal Medicine Unit and Department of Radiology at Uppsala University Hospital. Ultrasound and MRI findings were reviewed in 121 fetuses in relation to the final diagnosis, including postpartum follow-up and autopsy results.

Results

Of the 121 fetuses, 51 (42%) had a CNS anomaly and 70 (58%) a non-CNS anomaly diagnosed or suspected. MRI provided additional information in 21% of all cases without changing the management and revealed information that changed the management of the pregnancy in 13%. When a CNS anomaly was detected or suspected, the MRI provided additional information in 22% and changed the management in 10%. The corresponding figures for non-CNS cases were 21% and 16%, respectively. The proportion of cases with additional information that changed the management was especially high in patients with a BMI >30 kg/m2 (25%) and in patients with oligohydramnios (38%). In five cases in category III, false-positive ultrasound findings were identified.

Conclusions

MRI in the second trimester complements ultrasound and improves diagnosis of fetal CNS- and non-CNS anomalies especially when oligohydramnios or maternal obesity is present.
Trait Social Anxiety Moderates the Relationship Between Emotion-Regulation Strategy Switching and State Anxiety in Daily Life
Authors: Daniel Katharine E. , Moulder Robert G. , Boker Steven M. , Teachman Bethany A.
Published: May 2024

Difficulty knowing when to switch emotion-regulation (ER) strategies is theorized to be a key pathway to emotion dysregulation, but relatively few studies have empirically examined this. We applied a new order-based metric to quantify how 109 socially anxious people switched between 19 different ER strategies (or chose not to regulate at all) throughout a 5-week ecological-momentary-assessment (EMA) study that yielded 12,616 observations. We tested whether state- and trait-anxiety reports and their interaction predicted differences in ER strategy switching. Results indicated that people with relatively higher social-anxiety symptoms switch more often between ER strategies during periods of high average state anxiety but less often during periods of high variability in state anxiety than less socially anxious people. Interventions focused on helping socially anxious people learn how ER strategies are connected to variations in state anxiety might hold promise to increase adaptive ER-switching decisions. More broadly, expanding ER-switching interventions to consider the role of changing situations is an important next step.
The Positive Side Effect of Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion on Axial Neck Pain
Authors: Redaelli Andrea , Bellosta-López Pablo , Langella Francesco , Lepori Paolo , Barile Francesca , Cecchinato Riccardo , Compagnone Domenico , Damilano Marco , Vanni Daniele , Lamartina Claudio , Berjano Pedro
Published: May 2024

Study Design

Observational Cohort Study.

Objectives

This study aims to comprehensively assess the outcomes of anterior cervical spine surgery in patients who have undergone surgical intervention for radiculopathy or myelopathy, with a specific focus on the surgery’s impact on axial neck pain.

Methods

Data from an institutional spine surgery registry were analyzed for patients who underwent anterior cervical spine surgery between January 2016 and March 2022. Patient demographics, clinical variables, and outcome measures, including the Neck Disability Index (NDI), numeric rating scales for neck and arm pain (NRS-Neck and NRS-Arm), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores, were collected. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests, chi-squared tests, and multivariate linear regression.

Results

Of 257 patients, 156 met the inclusion criteria. Patients showed significant improvement in NDI, NRS-Neck, NRS-Arm, SF-36 (Physical and Mental components), and all changes exceeded the minimum clinically important difference. Multivariate regression revealed that lower preoperative physical and mental component scores and higher preoperative NRS-Neck predicted worse NDI scores at follow-up.

Conclusions

This study underscores that anterior cervical fusion not only effectively alleviates arm pain and disability but also has a positive impact on axial neck pain, which may not be the primary target of surgery. Our findings emphasize the potential benefits of surgical intervention when neck pain coexists with neurologic compression. This contribution adds to the growing body of evidence emphasizing the importance of precise diagnosis and patient selection. Future research, ideally focusing on patients with isolated neck pain, should further explore alternative surgical approaches to enhance treatment options.
Pedagogical Impact of Text-Generative AI and ChatGPT on Business Communication
Authors: Sharma Daneshwar , Pandey Himanshi
Published: May 2024

The article discusses the impact of text-generative AI in business communication pedagogy. The onset of open AI, such as ChatGPT, has the potential to transform the way faculty and students approach oral and written professional business communication. Through focus group discussions and netnography, the study employs content analysis to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of integrating AI in the teaching-learning process of business communication in a postgraduate management program. The article strives to reimagine the pedagogical tools and techniques regarding pre-reading assistance, classroom materials, assignments, evaluation, and other learning aids of business communication courses in response to the developments in text-generative AI.
Depression Symptoms Linked to Multiple Oral Health Outcomes in US Adults
Authors: Bafageeh F. , Loux T.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Individuals with mental illness have poor oral health compared to those without mental health conditions. However, the literature is still lacking regarding the specifics of this relationship.

Objective:

This study aims at examining the relationship between depression and oral health problems such as oral conditions, access to dental care, and oral hygiene measures.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study using a secondary data analysis of 9,693 participants from the 2017 to March 2020 prepandemic National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The independent variable was severity of depressive symptoms as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ-9). Proportional odds and binary logistic regression were used to calculate crude and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) between depression and 8 oral health outcomes and oral hygiene–related behaviors.

Results:

After adjusting for sociodemographics, health conditions, and behaviors, individuals with depression were significantly more likely to have dental aches in the past year (AOR = 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–2.56), difficulty getting dental care when needed (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI, 1.45–2.58), and difficulty at their jobs due to a problem in their mouth (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI, 1.07–2.49) compared to individuals without depression.

Conclusion:

Individuals with depressive symptoms often neglect oral hygiene and self-care practices and are less likely to seek medical care for oral health problems, making them at increased risk of poor oral health outcomes. These findings can be applied by dentists, psychologists, and therapists to increase awareness of links between depression and oral health and to encourage patients with depression to seek oral hygiene preventative care.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

Health care professionals can be on the frontline in creating awareness in the general public about the links between depression and oral health and hygiene. Applying the findings from this study can help communicate about the relationship between depression and poor oral health and relieve some burden on the American health care sector, which often struggles to provide medical care to patients with depression and oral health issues.
Heads-up 3-Dimensional Visualization to Enhance Video Endoscopy During Vitreoretinal Surgery
Authors: Baldwin Grace , Miller John B.
Published: May 2024

Purpose: To describe 2 cases in which video endoscopy was combined with heads-up 3-dimensional (3D) visualization. Methods: The imaging modalities of the heads-up 3D visualization system and video endoscopy were combined by converting the endoscope’s S-Video output into a high-definition multimedia interface. The technique was used in 2 cases that included lens dislocation and endophthalmitis. Results: In the 2 cases, the heads-up split-screen view simplified the surgical setup. Simultaneously viewing the endoscopic image and widefield 3D image anecdotally appeared to improve ergonomics, help keep the probe oriented, and assist in guiding surgical movements endoscopically. Conclusions: These cases show the advantages of a heads-up 3D system to simultaneously view endoscopic and widefield images during ophthalmic endoscopy in vitreoretinal surgery.
The evidence to date: implications of l-ascorbic acid in the pathophysiology of aging
Authors: Sato Ayami , Kondo Yoshitaka , Ishigami Akihito
Published: May 2024

L-Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, has been used not only for disease prevention and in complementary and alternative medicine, but also for anti-aging purposes. However, the scientific evidence is not yet sufficient. Here, we review the physiological functions of vitamin C and its relationship with various pathological conditions, including our previous findings, and discuss the prospects of its application in healthy longevity. In summary, vitamin C levels are associated with lifespan in several animal models. Furthermore, clinical studies have shown that the blood vitamin C levels are lower in middle-aged and older adults than in younger adults. Lower blood vitamin C levels have also been observed in various pathological conditions such as chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the elderly. These observations suggest the implications of vitamin C in age-related pathological mechanisms owing to its physiological functions.
The MYB family and their response to abiotic stress in ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)
Authors: Xing Hai-Tao , Shi Jia-Yu , Yin Shi-Qing , Wu Qing-Hong , Lv Jian-Ling , Li Hong-Lei
Published: May 2024

Background

Zingiber officinale Roscoe, colloquially known as ginger, is a crop of significant medicinal and culinary value that frequently encounters adversity stemming from inhospitable environmental conditions. The MYB transcription factors have garnered recognition for their pivotal role in orchestrating a multitude of plant biological pathways. Nevertheless, the enumeration and characterization of the MYBs within Z. officinale Roscoe remains unknown. This study embarks on a genome-wide scrutiny of the MYB gene lineage in ginger, with the aim of cataloging all ZoMYB genes implicated in the biosynthesis of gingerols and curcuminoids, and elucidating their potential regulatory mechanisms in counteracting abiotic stress, thereby influencing ginger growth and development.

Results

In this study, we identified an MYB gene family comprising 231 members in ginger genome. This ensemble comprises 74 singular-repeat MYBs (1R-MYB), 156 double-repeat MYBs (R2R3-MYB), and a solitary triple-repeat MYB (R1R2R3-MYB). Moreover, a comprehensive analysis encompassing the sequence features, conserved protein motifs, phylogenetic relationships, chromosome location, and gene duplication events of the ZoMYBs was conducted. We classified ZoMYBs into 37 groups, congruent with the number of conserved domains and gene structure analysis. Additionally, the expression profiles of ZoMYBs during development and under various stresses, including ABA, cold, drought, heat, and salt, were investigated in ginger utilizing both RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR analysis.

Conclusion

This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the MYB family in ginger and lays the foundation for the future investigation of the potential functions of ZoMYB genes in ginger growth, development and abiotic stress tolerance of ginger.
Potential role of IGF-1R in the interaction between orbital fibroblasts and B lymphocytes: an implication for B lymphocyte depletion in the active inflammatory phase of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy
Authors: Wang Renyan , Song Delu , Zhong Yong , Li Hui
Published: May 2024

Background

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an inflammatory process involving lymphocyte-mediated immune response and orbital tissue damage. The anti-insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) antibodies produced by B lymphocytes are involved in the activation of orbital fibroblasts and the inflammatory process of orbital tissue damage in TED. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of IGF-1R in the mechanistic connection between orbital fibroblasts and B lymphocytes in TED.

Methods

Orbital fibroblasts sampled from orbital connective tissues and peripheral B lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood, which were obtained from 15 patients with TED and 15 control patients, were co-cultured at a ratio of 1:20. The level of IGF-1R expression in orbital fibroblasts was evaluated by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Transient B lymphocyte depletion was induced with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab, while the IGF-1R pathway was blocked by the IGF-1R binding protein. The expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) in the co-culture model were quantified via ELISA.

Results

IGF-1R expression was significantly elevated in TED orbital fibroblasts compared to that of controls. A 24-h co-culture of orbital fibroblasts with peripheral B lymphocytes induced elevated expression levels of IL-6 and RANTES in each group (TED patients and controls), with the highest levels occurring in TED patients (T + T group). Rituximab and IGF-1R binding protein significantly inhibited increased levels of IL-6 and RANTES in the co-culture model of TED patients.

Conclusions

IGF-1R may mediate interaction between orbital fibroblasts and peripheral B lymphocytes; thus, blocking IGF-1R may reduce the local inflammatory response in TED. Rituximab-mediated B lymphocyte depletion played a role in inhibiting inflammatory responses in this in vitro co-culture model, providing a theoretical basis for the clinical application of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies in TED.