bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invisible social Europe? Linking citizens’ awareness of European cohesion funds, individual power resources, and support for the EU
Authors: Natili Marcello , Ronchi Stefano , Visconti Francesco
Published: November 2023

In the twentieth century national social policies stabilized the European state systems, favouring domestic concordance and citizens’ support to the nation-building process. Welfare institutions have historically served this key political function also in federal systems, where social citizenship has been used as a tool to foster unity. In contrast, even though the EU devotes a consistent part of its (however limited) budget to social cohesion and inclusion programmes, it takes little credit for such efforts. Building on original survey data on public opinion collected in 2019 across ten EU countries, this article shows that, indeed, only a limited number of citizens are aware of the social role played by the EU in their local community. On the other hand, it demonstrates that citizens’ awareness of EU programmes strengthens the individual perception of power resources stemming from euro-social initiatives, the feeling of ‘being heard’ by the EU and, ultimately, the support for the European integration project as a whole. By implication, increasing the relevance and visibility of euro-social programmes could possibly reinforce the very foundations of the EU.
The Impact of Workplace Bullying on Health Care Quality, Safety and Work Productivity in Jordan: A Systematic Review
Authors: Al-Momani Muwafaq Mohammad , Al-Ghabeesh Suhair Hussni , Qattom Haya
Published: November 2023

Bullying among nurses and other health care professionals with low health quality has become a major global concern. Nurses were also recognised as people who are close to patients and can play an important role to manage work bullying through providing effective training and education programs.This systematic review was developed and aimed to identify and clarify concepts and provide an overview of the available evidence on workplace bullying (WPB) among nurses as part of health care delivery system. Systematic review of all types of studies involving nurses published between 2009 and 2020 and approached health-related databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Psychology and Behavioural Sciences (PsychINFO), MEDLINE, and Education Resource Information Centre (ERIC). The review used focused keywords: WPB, health care quality, safety, interpersonal conflict, work productivity and nursing. Forty-three studies met the review criteria and five main themes were discovered including the prevalence of WPB among nurses worldwide, prevalence of WPB among nurses in the Arab region, perpetrators of WPB, influence of bullying on productivity, and individual–organisational characteristics and bullying. Growing evidence provided a negative relationship between WPB, safety and productivity suggesting further research on how bullying is prevalent and what solutions would manage this problem, particularly in Jordan.
Pediatric Antimicrobial Usage in a Secondary Care Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Dawood Sarah , Sharifian Yasmin , Mardini Masah , Jawhar Duaa , Bairy Laxminarayana Kurady , Srinivasamurthy Suresh Kumar
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To assess the pattern of antimicrobial use among pediatric inpatients in a secondary care hospital in the United Arab Emirates.

Materials and Methods

The prospective study was conducted based on the electronic records of 600 patients, collected over a period of 11 months, from September 2020 to July 2021. The primary patient population was the pediatric patients receiving antimicrobials admitted to Saqr Hospital, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), United Arab Emirates (UAE). The data gathered includes general patient information, lab investigations, diagnoses, chronic medical conditions, and antimicrobials used. The number of defined daily doses (DDDs) administered per patient was calculated for each antimicrobial prescribed as per the WHO anatomical therapeutic chemical classification.

Results

Out of 1400 patients admitted to the pediatric unit during the 11-month study period, 600 (42.8%) received antimicrobials. The mean duration of hospital stay was 3.44 days, and each patient received a mean of 1.41 antimicrobials per prescription. The mean days of antimicrobial therapy were 6.9 days. The majority of the patients were aged 0–5 years (61.1%), and 58% of the total sample was male. Amongst a total of 41 different antimicrobials prescribed, the beta-lactam co-amoxiclav (J01CR02) was the most frequently (19.3%) used one, followed by cefuroxime (J01DC02) (16.3%), amoxicillin (J01CA04) (15.0%), and azithromycin (J01FA10) (5.99%). These were administered mainly via the parenteral route, and the most common indication was respiratory disease.

Conclusion

Our study concludes that most of the prescribed antimicrobials for pediatric patients are within the WHO access and watch group. Co-amoxiclav, cefuroxime, and amoxicillin are the most frequently used antimicrobials. The main indication for use was respiratory illness.
Reconfiguring FDI dependency: SMEs as emerging stakeholders in an advanced peripheral export-led growth model
Authors: Avlijaš Sonja , Medić Pavle , Udovički Kori
Published: November 2023

Political economy scholarship on Eastern European countries identifies their export-led growth models as dependent on foreign direct investors (FDI). This paper argues that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are another important cohort of exporters for at least some of these countries. We attribute the success of exporting SMEs to the rise of new technologies and production processes, which have allowed economic agents from peripheral countries to engage with global value chains and international business-to-business trade directly, rather than via FDI. We empirically draw on an in-depth case study of Serbia, combining macroeconomic analysis and 145 interviews with exporting SMEs. The country made a notable switch from consumption- to export-led growth in the aftermath of the 2008 crisis, despite lagging in FDI attraction. To address this puzzle, we show that internationalization of SMEs became an additional driver of the country’s exports. Then examining how these exporters have internationalized, we find that firm co-location is not a main source of knowledge exchange for them. Instead, they emphasize the importance of drawing upon translocal sources of knowledge exchange for international competitiveness. Using SME owners’ networks abroad, immigration experiences, clients from online platforms, and contacts from outsourcing opportunities has provided them with the knowledge needed to become innovative, and to repurpose the old socialist industrial resources they had at their disposal. Since exporting SMEs and their multi-level agency is an empirically under-researched phenomenon in the region, future studies on peripheral export-led growth models should explore economic and political implications of this growth coalition further.
Uncommon bovine viral diarrhea virus subtype 1e associated with abortions in cattle in southern Brazil
Authors: Marian Lucas , Withoeft Jéssica A. , Esser Maiara , Dal Molin Stephane R. , Hamckmeier Deise , Baumbach Letícia F. , Canal Cláudio W. , Casagrande Renata A.
Published: November 2023

We characterized bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV)-related abortions in cattle and identified the species and subgenotypes in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Our RT-PCR assay was positive for BVDV in 5 fetuses from different farms; however, 3 of the 5 fetuses were also PCR-positive for Neospora caninum. In the 5 BVDV-positive fetuses, gross lesions included fetal mummification (1), hepatomegaly (1), subcutaneous edema (1), and perirenal edema (1). Predominant histologic lesions included epicarditis and mild-to-moderate lymphoplasmacytic myocarditis (5), mild multifocal lymphoplasmacytic interlobular pneumonia (4), nephrosis associated with moderate multifocal interstitial nephritis (1), moderate multifocal lymphoplasmacytic necrotic hepatitis (1), and mild multifocal lymphoplasmacytic meningitis (1). The amplification products from the Pestivirus 5′UTR region of 4 of the 5 fetuses had 96.3–100% similarity between fetal strains and reference strains. The samples were distributed into 2 branches of the phylogenetic tree; strains UDESC:01, UDESC:02, and UDESC:05 clustered in the BVDV-1e branch, uncommon in the Americas, and strain UDESC:04 clustered in the BVDV-2b branch. The three 1e strains had 96.9–97.4% similarity.
Knowledge and Behaviors of Foot Care in Muslims With Diabetes Mellitus: Does Islamic Ritual Ablution Make a Difference?
Authors: Akça Doğan Derya , Efil Sevda , Kalkan Uğurlu Yasemin , Camci Gazi Baran
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

This study aimed to determine the relationship between ablution ritual and foot knowledge, self-care behaviors, and the presence of diabetic foot ulcers in Muslims with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methodology:

A descriptive, comparative method was utilized to identify ablution ritual and foot knowledge, self-care behaviors, and the presence of diabetic foot ulcers.

Results:

There were 228 persons with T2DM, with 162 participants (71.1%) in the ablution group and 66 participants (28.9%) in the no-ablution group, with 19.7% having diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetic foot knowledge and foot self-care behaviors of persons with T2DM were below a medium level, and there was a significant difference between ablution behavior and the presence of diabetic foot ulcers ( x2 =6.646, p<.05).

Discussion:

Culturally congruent interventions that acknowledge and understand the cultural practices and beliefs of Muslims with T2DM may be recommended to enhance their knowledge levels and promote positive behavior changes.
Factors Influencing Quality of Life and Functional Outcomes in Patients With Bladder Cancer
Authors: Zhou Qing , Chen Xi , Chen Qiuyan , Hao Lu
Published: November 2023

Here, we review the quality of life and functional outcomes of patients with bladder cancer after treatment and assess potential contributing factors. For current scoring systems, we highlighted the most commonly used specificity scores. In addition, we discuss the impact and bias on the quality of life of patients undergoing urinary diversion modalities, robotic surgery, perioperative rehabilitation, and bladder-preserving radiochemotherapy. Through this review, clinicians will gain better insights regarding the importance of improving patients' quality of life with the goal of restoring their patients’ normal function and participating in social activities.
No Health Equity Without Diversity: Strengthening Nursing Programs in Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Authors: Waite Roberta , VanRiel Yolanda , McCune Nina M , Holton Catherine , Brown Gina , Boston-Leary Katie
Published: November 2023

In April 2022, Adtalem Global Education sponsored a virtual summit entitled Advancing Equity in Healthcare, in which several of the authors of this article and other prominent health-care professionals examined the need to diversify the health-care profession. Topics included educational justice and its impact on health care, the business case for transforming and advancing health equity, and addressing systemic inequities and improving health outcomes for historically marginalized persons. The summit inspired the authors to write this paper to advocate for authentic, sustainable partnerships led by Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as a means to diversify nursing leadership and to stem systemic and structural inequities in health care.
An Examination of Unintentional Use of Force by the Police
Authors: Stroshine Meghan S. , Jettner Sean M. , Brandl Steven G.
Published: November 2023

Although many studies have been conducted on the police use of force, virtually none have been conducted on the unintentional use of force by police. This gap in knowledge is significant, in that any use of force by police carries with it the possibility of injury, up to and including death. The current study examines instances of unintentional use of weapons-based force by police to: (1) establish a framework for studying unintentional use of force; (2) provide descriptive analyses of the issue to better ascertain the frequency and severity of unintentional use of force by police; and (3) identify potential directions for future study of the issue. Results indicate that unintentional weapons-based force occurs most commonly as the unintentional deployment of a TASER during a routine, pre-shift safety check. While unintentional incidents are rare and injuries or death associated with unintentional weapons-based force are rarer still, human error is the most common cause of unintentional force, pointing to the need for better training, weapon-handling, and/or weapon-design to prevent most unintentional force incidents.
Comparison of cytotoxic, apoptotic and oxidative properties of Akacid plus and chlorhexidine in corneal epithelial cell culture
Authors: Kucukoduk Ali , Durmus Bilgiseven Irem Mukaddes , Aksoy Mustafa , Karakurt Serdar
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to compare the cytotoxic, apoptotic, and oxidative effects of a new cationic disinfectant, Akacid Plus, with chlorhexidine, on the human corneal epithelial cell line.

Methods

Time-dependent cytotoxicity studies were performed with the Alamar Blue method. Apoptotic activity was investigated by flow cytometric methods. Reactive oxygen species levels were measured with the ROS cellular test kit. BAX, BCL2 and caspase 3, 9, 12 mRNA expressions were evaluated by PCR, as well as BAX and BCL2 protein expressions by Western-Blot.

Results

At the fifth minute of the treatment, the viability was 68.15% with Akacid Plus and 43.95% with chlorhexidine. At the 15th minute, no significant difference was observed with both solutions. In the apoptotic evaluation, Akacid Plus significantly increased the early and late apoptotic activity in the cell line ( p < 0.0001), while a significant increase was observed in late apoptosis and necrosis levels with chlorhexidine ( p < 0.001). Chlorhexidine also induced gene expression of BAX, BCL2, caspase 3, 9 and BAX proteins ( p < 0.05), while reducing protein expression of BCL2 ( p < 0.001). Akacid Plus induced the gene expressions of BCL2, CASP3 and caspase 9, reduced gene expressions of BAX and caspase 12 and protein expression of BCL2 ( p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the ROS level with both solutions ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Due to the widespread use of cationic polymers in ophthalmology, this new molecule with high antimicrobial activity and relatively low cytotoxicity may be of interest for clinical use. Further investigations are necessary to fully understand the ophthalmologic potential of this solution.
Step-cut osteotomy of the anterior superior iliac spine for increased visualisation in the Levine approach for Bernese periacetabular osteotomy surgery
Authors: Smith Shelby R. , Terhune E. Bailey , Williams Joel C. , Mayo Keith A.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Hip dysplasia can lead to pain and dysfunction in the young adult. Acetabular undercoverage leads to abnormal joint loading and results in joint degeneration, accelerating need for arthroplasty in this patient population. Conceptually, treatment focuses on increasing acetabular coverage in the form of periacetabular osteotomy. The procedure can be performed through the iliofemoral approach, and performing an anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) osteotomy can enhance the visualisation in this approach. Several techniques have been described for ASIS osteotomy.

Aim:

The purpose this study was to report on step-cut technique for ASIS osteotomy during the Bernese periacetabular osteotomy procedure to enhance visualisation when utilising the iliofemoral approach.

Surgical technique:

This step-cut technique enhances stability at the osteotomy site, and minimises soft tissue dissection to reduce pain and assists with maintaining a stable fixation construct postoperatively.

Results:

There were no nonunions and minimal morbidity to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury in cohort of 86 patients while utilising this technique.

Conclusions:

We recommend using this step-cut ostetomy of the ASIS during Bernese periactetabular osteotomy for benefit of increasing exposure while maintaining a low complication profile.
Mapping the social dimension of the European Green Deal
Authors: Zimmermann Katharina , Gengnagel Vincent
Published: November 2023

The European Green Deal calls for various economic reforms that will deeply disrupt the social order of European societies. As the European Commission makes very clear in its communications on the EGD, societal support for the profound changes that will inevitably accompany a ‘green transition’ hinges on social inclusion of stakeholders and social groups. This article aims to identify the social policy instruments proposed by the EGD to address the social implications of its ‘green transition’, and to explore how they relate to societal expectations. Analytically, it distinguishes between protective (redistributive) and productive (economy-oriented) social policy and argues that democratic social inclusion – which the European Commission strives to achieve – requires protective social policy. Empirically, the paper analyzes a) the socio-political instruments set out in the EGD and b) public statements made by a range of European-level actors who participated in the debates on the EGD. Our findings show that productive social policy prevails in the EGD's proposed instruments and in stakeholders’ demands, but that there are also vague indications of a more nuanced concept of social inclusion that acknowledges social conflict.
Excellence in leadership in the Arab world: Islamic principles and tribal values. Evidence from Jordan
Authors: Alqhaiwi Zaid Oqla , Bednall Timothy , Kyndt Eva
Published: November 2023

While leadership is one of the most studied areas among organisational scholars, research interests in the impact of cultural values on leadership perceptions and behaviours remains ongoing. In fact, most studies adopt a universal or rather Western viewpoint on leadership. As such, the literature is largely unaware of the cultural differences in leadership perceptions, such as those in the Arab World. Drawing on implicit leadership theories (ILTs), our study aims to develop and validate a research model in which Islamic leadership principles ( shura, al-amanah, and itqan) and Arab tribal values ( ayb, wasta and karam) are associated with leadership behaviours. Data were collected from 544 managers from Jordan and analysed using structural equation modelling. Based on our findings, we present empirical evidence detailing how cultural values are related to leadership behaviours. Results show that Islamic principles encourage relation and task leadership orientations, but negative practices derived from the Arab values of ayb and wasta provide obstacles.
Are Betting Markets Inefficient? Evidence From Simulations and Real Data
Authors: Winkelmann David , Ötting Marius , Deutscher Christian , Makarewicz Tomasz
Published: November 2023

Previous literature leaves the impression that betting market inefficiencies are widespread. However, most studies rely upon limited data and ignore biases’ persistence. Our simulation-based analyses show (1) the impact of low sample sizes on the chance to detect markets that only appear to be efficient and (2) the frequency of observing inefficient periods within fully efficient markets. Afterwards, we (3) empirically analyze real-world football betting markets for 14 consecutive seasons. While inefficiencies occur in singular seasons, they are not persistent or systematic across leagues. Moreover, our simulation-based analyses suggest that statistically significant effects in single seasons are likely to be observed even under full market efficiency.
Research Progress of Immuno-Inhibitory Receptors in Gynecological Cervical Cancer
Authors: Li Yang , Shen Fangrong , Tan Qingqing , Chen Youguo , Gu Yanzheng
Published: November 2023

The mortality rate of cervical cancer is the highest among female malignant tumors and seriously threatens women's lives and health. Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer, which provides the basis for immunotherapy. In recent years, owing to progress in targeted therapy and immunotherapy, the survival time of patients with cervical cancer has been significantly extended. However, effective treatments for advanced, recurrent, and metastatic cancers are lacking. “Tumor immunotherapy” has been described as a viable option for tumor therapy but the efficacy of immunotherapy for cervical cancer has only been demonstrated in phase I or II clinical trials. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown promising clinical results particularly for treating recurrent and advanced cervical cancer, however, they remain inadequate in some patients. Immune checkpoint is the target of immunotherapy. Therefore, the identification of novel therapeutic targets is essential. In this paper, the structure, expression, function, biological effect of immune inhibitory receptors (IRs) and related clinical studies were reviewed, in order to further explore the application potential of these immune checkpoints and apply them to the future clinical treatment of cervical cancer.
‘I miss when my problems were about nothing’: Millennial angst, neoliberal feminism, and paratexts in Search Party (2016–2022)
Authors: Lahm Sarah
Published: November 2023

This article investigates the articulation of complex demands of neoliberal feminism, such as individualism, entrepreneurialism and self-management on the millennial woman in recent streaming series. The portrayal of a fractured female self and its entanglement with millennial angst will shed light on serial depictions of neoliberal individualism and female subjectivity. Search Party, a satirical, genre-bending, half-hour comedy-drama serves as an example through which the contradictory demands of neoliberal feminism are negotiated and questioned. In addition to assessment of the narrative and character framing, paratextual materials and specifically the series’ promotional posters work to further situate the twenty-first century millennial female, underscoring her split self.
Multivariable Automated Insulin Delivery System for Handling Planned and Spontaneous Physical Activities
Authors: Askari Mohammad Reza , Ahmadasas Mohammad , Shahidehpour Andrew , Rashid Mudassir , Quinn Laurie , Park Minsun , Cinar Ali
Published: November 2023

Background:

Hybrid closed-loop control of glucose levels in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is limited by the requirements on users to manually announce physical activity (PA) and meals to the artificial pancreas system. Multivariable automated insulin delivery (mvAID) systems that can handle unannounced PAs and meals without any manual announcements by the user can improve glycemic control by modulating insulin dosing in response to the occurrence and intensity of spontaneous physical activities.

Methods:

An mvAID system is developed to supplement the glucose measurements with additional physiological signals from a wristband device, with the signals analyzed using artificial intelligence algorithms to automatically detect the occurrence of PA and estimate its intensity. This additional information gained from the physiological signals enables more proactive insulin dosing adjustments in response to both planned exercise and spontaneous unanticipated physical activities.

Results:

In silico studies of the mvAID illustrate the safety and efficacy of the system. The mvAID is translated to pilot clinical studies to assess its performance, and the clinical experiments demonstrate an increased time in range and reduced risk of hypoglycemia following unannounced PA and meals.

Conclusions:

The mvAID systems can increase the safety and efficacy of insulin delivery in the presence of unannounced physical activities and meals, leading to improved lives and less burden on people with T1D.
Understanding public attitudes toward restrictive voting laws in the United States
Authors: Clayton Katherine
Published: November 2023

Existing research on voting legislation argues that Republican lawmakers enact strict voting laws as part of a racialized, partisan electoral strategy—they believe that the laws will reduce minority turnout and benefit Republicans electorally. Yet, the empirical effects of strict voting laws on turnout are mixed, with some studies finding that restrictive legislation can actually increase minority turnout due to counter-mobilization effects. I leverage this empirical finding to study the foundations of public attitudes toward voting laws, specifically testing whether exposure to information that restrictive voting laws can boost minority turnout impacts Republicans’ or Democrats’ attitudes. My results show that Republican support for restrictive voting laws generally does not change in response to information about the consequences of the laws, but Democrats are significantly less opposed when they become aware of the laws’ potential impact on minority turnout. These results pose challenges for building majorities that will defend the franchise in the United States.
The affordances of extreme speech
Authors: de Keulenaar Emillie
Published: November 2023

New media studies invested in online political conflict, radical and antagonistic subcultures have taken an interest in the affordances that shape memes, vernaculars and online political communication. One often overlooked affordance is the ensemble of social, communication, platform and legal frameworks stipulating what users can and cannot say, which I call “speech affordances.” To explore this concept, I look at the strategic communication of 4chan, Twitter and YouTube subcultures tied to a historical meme, “Kekistan,” often perceived as a key example of the ideological cacophony of the 2015–2017 online “culture wars.” I focus on how 4chan's policy of user anonymity, YouTube's unmoderated comment sections and Twitter's more proactive moderation practices brought some influencers to alter the original connotations of the meme into “overt” messages tolerable to Twitter and YouTube out-groups and platform moderation policies. Speech affordances bear methodological implications for historical studies of speech moderation and the overall mechanisms in which problematic language adapts to spaces with distinct speech norms.
Communal violence in Bangladesh: A study of the underlying factors behind the persistent attacks on the non-Muslim communities
Authors: Sadia Tasmiha Tabassum
Published: November 2023

The study investigates the factors behind growing communal violence in Bangladesh that is mostly perpetrated against non-Muslim communities by examining three different cases. The qualitative study has been undertaken with the help of available secondary resources and in-depth interviews of experts as primary sources. The findings confirm that the ongoing communal violence in Bangladesh is not spontaneous but rather comprises deliberate and well-orchestrated incidents. It has been noted that apart from communal identity or ideological discord, other factors have played a pivotal role in these constant attacks. All these attacks are primarily intertwined with local politics and power relations as there is evidence of local political leaders’ and members’ involvement in the assaults. Besides, the entrenchment of extremist elements and growing intolerance at the mass level have a formidable impact on the gradual alienation of non-Muslim communities. The inaction of the state agencies and a culture of impunity have been largely responsible for the deterioration of communal harmony in Bangladesh. Due to these factors, no organised cultural campaign or resistant mechanism could gain a strong foothold against communal violence.
Education Informationization and Education Power: The Influence of Fintech on Educational Equity
Authors: Yang (杨连星) Lianxing , Hong (洪运哲) Yunzhe
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Fintech provides material capital for educational investment and holds practical significance for achieving equity in education.

Design/Approach/Methods

Drawing on the indexes of fintech development and educational inequality, this study uses a variety of methods such as fixed effect models to explore the influence of fintech on education equity.

Findings

Results show that fintech can significantly advance educational equity, particularly in regions with lower levels of educational input, educational output, and economic development. Mechanism analysis reveals that fintech facilitates the sharing of educational resources through the application of digital financial platforms. It also drives the development of information technologies for education by promoting the creation of new infrastructure. Fintech can strengthen niche marketing and increase the use of financial services to narrow the digital divide, thereby reducing educational inequality. Moreover, fintech indirectly addresses educational inequality by increasing household income, household consumption, and public education expenditure.

Originality/Value

In the pursuit of educational equity, the positive influence of fintech should be harnessed by increasing investments in new infrastructure creation, advancing fintech e-learning platforms, and promoting the equal distribution of educational resources.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Case Hook Designs for Selector Use in Distribution Centers
Authors: Lavender Steven A. , Udemba Anthony , Kachlan Anas , Sommerich Carolyn M.
Published: November 2023

Case hooks are tools used in distribution centers by selectors to help them reach and pull products located on the back half of a pallet. This study investigated the postural, electromyographic, and usability responses as 4 handle and 3 tip types were used to pull cases forward on a pallet. The data suggest the pistol grip may be most biomechanically advantageous. With the pistol grip, the rake and conventional tips worked well and had good usability scores.
Format Readability Enhancing In Basic Mathematical Operations
Authors: Azzarello Caterina B , Miller Dave B , Sawyer Ben D , Lewis Joanna E
Published: November 2023

Individuated font selection, which can increase text reading speed, may be able to increase mathematical expression reading speed and influence reasoning accuracy. To investigate whether the same font that increases a participant’s reading speed enhances mathematical reading, we compared their speed in evaluating mathematical expressions as true or false presented in their fastest reading font as determined by empirical test and with a control font, Times Roman. Participants were faster in completing mathematical problems when using typography selected for individual readability, but no difference occurred in task accuracy, matching patterns previously seen in interlude reading. Future research should assess the impact of elements of time pressure, math complexity, numeric versus text-based questions, and associated math anxiety.
Artificial Intelligence and Postoperative Monitoring in Plastic Surgery
Authors: Stein Michael J. , Rohrich Rod
Published: November 2023

Technological innovation has fueled an evolving landscape in plastic surgery. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) has demonstrated tremendous potential in enhancing our diagnostic ability, automating data acquisition for research purposes, and supplementing our intraoperative decision-making. Over the last two decades, advancements in AI enhanced pre- and intraoperative management of plastic surgery patients. However, the demand to keep plastic surgery patients out of hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic has recently inspired important AI innovations in postoperative care, such as telemedicine and remote patient monitoring. As we transition into the post-COVID era of medicine, these novel technologies will be critical in enhancing patient safety and satisfaction, while reducing rising healthcare costs. Herein, we review the basic principles of AI in plastic surgery and illustrate its significance in remote postoperative monitoring.
A Unique Case of COVID-19 Presenting as Focal Seizures With Impaired Awareness
Authors: Sharma Rupam , Ratnayake Samantha , Lai Hobart , Mishra Shikha , Heidari Arash
Published: November 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has very rapidly become a global pandemic with millions of confirmed cases worldwide. In early 2021, viral encephalitis was the first neurological complication associated with COVID-19 and since then rise in cases has been reported with this association. A review highlighting 3 potential mechanisms linking a correlation between seizures and COVID-19 was previously reported. Herein described is a unique case of SARS-CoV2 infection that presented with focal seizure with impaired awareness.
A Gap in Mission: The Disparate Missions of Medical Schools and Teaching Hospitals
Authors: Squirrell Kyler , Deivanayagam Shanthi , Niles Katharine , Wang John , Kopar Piroska Cornell
Published: November 2023

Objective

The social contract mandates that in return for the government-funded labor of residents and fellows, the medical profession trains, to the best of its ability, the physicians of our future. This contract obligates graduate medical education (GME) to utilize all available information to create an optimal learning environment for its trainees. Business research has determined that a clearly defined mission statement is associated with improved employee engagement, retention, and wellness. Given that GME trainees are situated at the intersection of at least two institutions, each with its own separate mission, trainees could potentially be hindered by incongruent missions in the learning environment. The literature on mission statements has analyzed medical schools and hospitals separately; however, investigations comparing the statements of these affiliated institutions have not been conducted. Therefore, we plan to compare the content and assess the consistency of mission statements from affiliated medical schools and hospitals to determine if incongruencies exist.

Methods

In 2023, the mission statements from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) medical schools and affiliated teaching hospitals (n = 163) were aggregated from their public websites. The content of each mission statement was thematically analyzed to assess variation.

Results

According to content analysis of the mission statements from 163 AAMC medical school members and affiliated teaching hospitals, less than half of their top priorities are shared by their affiliated hospitals (45%). Additionally, themes of diversity, religion, and global care were found to be contrasting priorities between affiliated institutions.

Conclusion

Given the precedence within the business and the observed discrepancies in mission, further research is needed to determine whether collaborating medical schools and hospitals could provide a more favorable graduate training environment by uniting their priorities and identifying shared goals.
Factors Influencing Switching Intention and Customer Retention of Over-the-Top (OTT) Viewing Behavior in Taiwan: The Push–Pull– Mooring Model
Authors: Chang Po-Chien , Chiu Yu-Ping
Published: November 2023

The proliferation of over-the-top (OTT) platforms, offering a wide array of on-demand content accessible through the Internet, has reshaped the media landscape and transformed viewing habits. This has led to a decline in traditional cable TV subscriptions and reduced revenue for telecom operators who often bundle TV services with their broadband offerings. The acquisition of customers and retention of existing ones are critical objectives of OTT service providers in Taiwan, and understanding consumer switching behavior can assist them in maintaining their competitiveness. Therefore, the current study applied the push–pull–mooring model to delineate the determinants of users’ switching and retention intention on OTT services. An online survey of 500 individuals was conducted to collect data for this research. This study investigates the factors that affect users who switch or stay in OTT services to gain a specific understanding of how push (service value and customer satisfaction), pull (attractiveness of alternatives and social influence), and mooring (switching costs and habit) effects shape their behavior. Our empirical model provides compelling rationales for understanding the principal antecedents of switching and retention intentions. In addition to push and pull effects, this study also highlights the importance of examining the moderating effects of OTT switching behaviors, such as switching costs and habit experience. Moreover, this study empirically and theoretically extends the understanding of push, pull, and mooring effects on OTT service-switching decisions.
Current Status of Pediatric Oncology Clinics and Nursing Practices in Turkey
Authors: Karaman Nurseven , Yilmaz Pinar
Published: November 2023

Background: Cancer is a significant health problem in Turkey with pediatric cancer being the fourth leading cause of death among children. Pediatric oncology has been acknowledged as a pediatric subspecialty since 1983, and 3,000 new cases of childhood cancer are expected every year. Method: We describe our country's geography, the number and distribution of pediatric oncology centers, the profile of clinical and academic nurses, and our clinical practice. We present two nurse-led research projects. Results: Although nursing practice differs according to centers, treatment and care are usually evidence-based, especially in university and public hospitals in big cities. Nurses with an undergraduate education work in pediatric oncology units; however, few nurses with graduate degrees work in clinical settings. The Turkish Oncology Nurses Association supports the development and implementation of guidelines for evidence-based nursing care. Nurses’ clinical responsibilities include patient admission to the clinic, patient and family education, care coordination, patient care, symptom management, palliative, and intensive care services. Results of two recent nurse-led studies highlight challenges to meet the needs of patients and families from surrounding countries, including refugees, and opportunities for nurses to provide holistic support to parents of hospitalized children. Discussion: Increasing the number of nurses is a priority to improve pediatric oncology nursing care. Actions to advance pediatric oncology nursing include developing advanced clinical roles for nurses with graduate degrees; supporting nurses caring for children and families from outside Turkey, including language support services; and resources to conduct national and international studies related to professional and holistic care delivery.
From the left to the right, from the fringe to the centre: The trajectories of Iran's DIY hip-hop culture
Authors: Golpushnezhad Elham
Published: November 2023

This article focuses on Iranian hip-hop's changes between 2009 and 2023. Focusing on ‘resistance hip-hop’, it analyses the established discourse of nationalism within resistance hip-hop songs. The article shows how the newly emerged forms of DIY hip-hop in Iran and the diaspora increasingly lean towards right-wing politics. Mainstream Iranian hip-hop increasingly reinforces a patriarchal, patriotic, and centralizing discourse at the expense of the marginalization of minoritized groups, including women, queers, ethnicities, and nationalities. In addition, the article examines the new developments among the Iranian women who started their careers on the verge of the Women-Life-Freedom movement. Some women artists refuse to reproduce the patriarchal and patriotic discourses dominating recent hip-hop productions; instead, they simultaneously defy the Islamic regime's norms of gender identity and that of the mainstream male-centric pro-nationalist hip-hop.
New institutional arrangements and DIY culture: The role of creative economy in the dissemination of culture in the city of Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Parracho Sant'Anna Sabrina Marques , Suzano Débora da Silva , Araújo Gabriel Nunes , Alves de Faria Maria Gabriella
Published: November 2023

The following article aims to discuss the emergence of new institutional arrangements, aligned with independent practices and DIY (do-it-yourself) culture, in the city of Rio de Janeiro. To this end, the text shows the results of long-term research which observed how cultural policies, guided by the concept of the creative economy, enabled the emergence of new spaces for culture dissemination in the city. In addition, it seeks to understand concrete strategies and practices present in specific case studies of new institutional arrangements, that is, independent culture spaces located in two different regions of the city of Rio de Janeiro. For this article, interviews were conducted with curators and institutional arrangement managers, in addition to a qualitative analysis of the way the networks are used to verify new patterns of dissemination and monetization of the activities carried out by these spaces.
In-hospital fall prediction using machine learning algorithms and the Morse fall scale in patients with acute stroke: a nested case-control study
Authors: Choi Jun Hwa , Choi Eun Suk , Park Dougho
Published: November 2023

Background

Falls are one of the most common accidents in medical institutions, which can threaten the safety of inpatients and negatively affect their prognosis. Herein, we developed a machine learning (ML) model for fall prediction in patients with acute stroke and compared its accuracy with that of the existing fall risk prediction tool, the Morse Fall Scale (MFS).

Methods

This is a retrospective nested case-control study. The initial sample size was 8462 admitted to a single cerebrovascular specialty hospital with acute stroke. A total of 156 fall events occurred, and each fall case was randomly matched with six control cases. Six ML algorithms were used, namely, regularized logistic regression, support vector machine, naïve Bayes (NB), k-nearest neighbors, random forest, and extreme-gradient boosting (XGB).

Results

We included 156 in the fall group and 934 in the non-fall group. The mean ages of the fall and non-fall groups were 68.3 (± 12.2) and 65.3 (± 12.9) years old, respectively. The MFS total score was significantly higher in the fall group (54.3 ± 18.3) than in the non-fall group (37.7 ± 14.7). The area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of the MFS in predicting falls was 0.76 (0.73–0.79). XGB had the highest AUROC of 0.85 (0.78–0.92), and XGB and NB had the highest F1 score of 0.44.

Conclusions

The AUROC values of all of ML algorithms were similar to those of the MFS in predicting fall risk in patients with acute stroke, allowing for accurate and efficient fall screening.
Machine learning algorithm predicts fibrosis-related blood diagnosis markers of intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Zhao Wei , Wei Jinzheng , Ji Xinghua , Jia Erlong , Li Jinhu , Huo Jianzhong
Published: November 2023

Background

Intervertebral disc cell fibrosis has been established as a contributing factor to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). This study aimed to identify fibrosis-related diagnostic genes for patients with IDD.

Methods

RNA-sequencing data was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The diagnostic genes was identified using Random forest based on the differentially expressed fibrosis-related genes (DE-FIGs) between IDD and control samples. The immune infiltration states in IDD and the regulatory network as well as potential drugs targeted diagnostic genes were investigated. Quantitative Real-Time PCR was conducted for gene expression valifation.

Results

CEP120 and SPDL1 merged as diagnostic genes. Substantial variations were observed in the proportions of natural killer cells, neutrophils, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells between IDD and control samples. Further experiments indicated that AC144548.1 could regulate the expressions of SPDL1 and CEP120 by combininghsa-miR-5195-3p and hsa-miR-455-3p, respectively. Additionally, transcription factors FOXM1, PPARG, and ATF3 were identified as regulators of SPDL1 and CEP120 transcription. Notably, 56 drugs were predicted to target these genes. The down-regulation of SPDL1 and CEP120 was also validated.

Conclusion

This study identified two diagnostic genes associated with fibrosis in patients with IDD. Additionally, we elucidated their potential regulatory networks and identified target drugs, which offer a theoretical basis and reference for further study into fibrosis-related genes involved in IDD.
Association of tirofiban treatment with outcomes following endovascular therapy in cardioembolic stroke: insights from the RESCUE BT randomized trial
Authors: Rong Benbing , Guo Zhangbao , Gao Lijie , Yang Yuan , Zi Wenjie , Qiu Zhongming , Li Fengli , Lv Zhiyu , luo Ying , Meng Renliang , Xie Yang , Long Ting , Zhang Shujiang , Jiang Jinshan , Tian Jinfeng , Zhao Jingling , Zeng Hongliang , Yuan Zhengzhou
Published: November 2023

Background and purpose

The efficacy and safety of tirofiban in endovascular therapy for cardioembolic ischemic stroke patients remain controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the role of intravenous tirofiban before endovascular therapy in cardioembolic stroke.

Methods

This post hoc analysis utilized data from the RESCUE BT (Endovascular Treatment With versus Without Tirofiban for Patients with Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke) trial, which was an investigator-initiated, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants were randomized to receive either tirofiban or a placebo in a 1:1 ratio before undergoing endovascular therapy. The study included patients aged 18 years or older, presenting with occlusion of the internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1/M2 within 24 h of the last known well time, and with a stroke etiology of cardioembolism. The primary efficacy outcome was global disability at 90 days, assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The safety outcome included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) within 48 h and mortality within 90 days.

Results

A total of 406 cardioembolic stroke patients were included in this study, with 212 assigned to the tirofiban group and 194 assigned to the placebo group. Tirofiban treatment did not correlate with a favorable shift towards a lower 90-day mRS score (adjusted common odds ratio [OR], 0.91; 95% CI 0.64–1.3; p = 0.617). However, the tirofiban group had a significantly higher risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) within 48 h (adjusted OR, 3.26; 95% CI 1.4–7.57; p = 0.006) compared to the placebo group. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for mortality within 90 days was 1.48 (95% CI 0.88–2.52; p = 0.143).

Conclusions

Tirofiban treatment was not associated with a lower level of disability and increased the incidence of sICH after endovascular therapy in cardioembolic stroke patients.