bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Who Will Serve the Reputationally Compromised Boards? Politicians’ Appointment to the Boards of Chinese MNCs in the US
Authors: Riaz Hammad , Saeed Abubakr
Published: October 2023

The appointment of politicians to the corporate boards has long been recognized as an important strategy for multinational corporations (MNCs) to navigate the institutional challenges in foreign markets. While extant scholarship acknowledges the firm’s needs in the foreign markets that are served by the resources possessed by the politician, there is limited understanding of a politician’s considerations in a politician’s appointment decision. In this study, we consider both firms’ and politicians’ perspectives and theorize the appointment of politicians to the boards as a mutual selection process in which both firm and politician select each other. Emerging markets multinational corporations (EMNCs) suffer severe legitimacy challenges in developed countries due to the liability-of-origin, therefore, EMNCs are more motivated to bring-in politician directors with high political capital to overcome their legitimacy challenges, but these politicians may not join the EMNCs due to the potential reputational loss of associating with EMNCs. Using politician-year level dataset of politician director appointments made by Chinese MNCs operating in the United States, our Cox hazard regression results find an inverted U-shape relationship between a politician’s political capital and his/her likelihood of joining the board of Chinese MNCs. As such, a politician having a moderate level of political capital is more likely to join the board of a reputationally compromised foreign MNC. This relationship is moderated by firm ownership. Specifically, the effect is stronger when Chinese MNCs are state owned and weaker in the case of joint venture. Our study bears rich implications for theory and practice.
Can Donors Encourage Authoritarian States to Go Green? Evidence From Vietnamese‒German Development Cooperation
Authors: Gverdtsiteli Gvantsa
Published: October 2023

Recent debates about “green” authoritarianism have focused on the institutional features of state-led coercive environmentalism. However, the role of various non-state actors in the greening of authoritarian states has remained largely unexplored. Carrying out a case study of Vietnamese‒German development cooperation in the environmental and climate spheres, this article examines the interaction between Vietnamese state institutions and international donors. The article argues that donors play an important role in greening the state policy agenda in Vietnam by funding environmental projects and facilitating knowledge sharing. Nonetheless, donors have very limited freedom to push the political process beyond policymaking and foster meaningful policy implementation. Development practitioners in Vietnam often find themselves caught in a policymaking vacuum, where policymaking is a never-ending process and implementation remains limited. These findings raise broader questions about the effectiveness of climate-related development finance for environmental governance under authoritarian regimes.
Assessment of Comorbid Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Fenlon Emily E. , Pinciotti Caitlin M. , Jones Alyssa C. , Rippey Colton S. , Wild Hannah , Hubert Troy J. J. , Tipsword Jordyn M. , Badour Christal L. , Adams Thomas G.
Published: October 2023

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are commonly comorbid and share prominent features (e.g., intrusions, safety behaviors, and avoidance). Excellent self-report and clinician-administered assessments exist for OCD and PTSD individually, but few assess both disorders, and even fewer provide instruction on differential diagnosis or detection of comorbid OCD and PTSD. To address this gap in the literature, the current paper aims to (1) highlight diagnostic and functional similarities and differences between OCD and PTSD to inform differential diagnosis, (2) outline assessment recommendations for individuals with suspected comorbid OCD and PTSD, OCD with a significant trauma history or posttraumatic symptoms, or PTSD with significant obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and (3) explore future directions to evaluate and improve methods for assessing co-occurring OCD and PTSD.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals, national values, and Indigenous self-determination: Australian perspectives
Authors: O’Sullivan Dominic
Published: October 2023

Australia endorsed the UN Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. In 2017, its Senate established a committee to satisfy itself of the goals’ benefits, opportunities, and costs to the country. Although beyond its terms of reference, the committee also found that the goals were consistent with ill-defined national values. This article uses the committee’s report as a framework for assessing the relationship between normative political values and the practical scope that exists for Indigenous self-determination. While prevailing political values mean that such scope is limited, it is also true that when the sustainable development goals are interpreted with reference to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, further possibilities for meaningful independent political influence may be developed. These include the proposal to entrench a First Nations’ Voice to Parliament, which this article presents as reflecting a value of inclusion that is substantively different from the values that the Senate inquiry identified and endorsed.
A hybrid curriculum: privileging Indigenous knowledges over western knowledges in the school curriculum in Kenya
Authors: Mutuota Rose
Published: October 2023

This article explores the use of a culturally responsive pedagogy in inclusive classrooms in Kenya. Due to colonisation, the education system in Kenya has for many years reflected a British curriculum and context. Eight teachers in phase 1 and five teachers in phase 2 in four schools were interviewed. The research was conducted in central Kenya where the population is predominantly Gīkūyū (a language of central Kenya) speaking. A case study format was employed in the research. The findings indicated that teachers used Gīkūyū (the people of central Kenya) cultural ways in their teaching in inclusive classrooms but their efforts were undermined by policies that supported western teaching strategies. They said that the language used in learning and teaching, and stories and textbooks did not reflect students’ lived experiences and background. Recommendations included using a hybrid curriculum that privileges a culturally responsive pedagogy over western ways in the school curriculum.
Cognitive Self-Efficacy in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Jethani Pooja M. , Toglia Joan , Foster Erin R.
Published: October 2023

Cognitive self-efficacy (CSE), one’s belief in their ability to control their cognitive performance, is important for participation in daily activities and rehabilitation. This study aims to understand how Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects CSE. The Cognitive Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (CSEQ) was administered to 47 non-demented PD and 52 healthy comparison (HC) participants. Groups were compared on their self-reported ability to recognize (Part 1) and manage (Part 2) cognitive symptoms and to perform cognitively complex functional activities (Part 4). Relationships between CSEQ scores and individual characteristics were assessed within PD. The PD group had lower CSEQ scores than the HC group for all Parts. Within PD, Part 2 scores were lower than Parts 1 and 4, and worse depressive symptoms and higher medication dosage correlated with lower CSE. People with PD may have low CSE, which can contribute to participation restrictions and reduced engagement in treatment. Occupational therapists should consider CSE with clients with PD.
A lightweight model for digital printing fabric defect detection based on YOLOX
Authors: Su Zebin , Zhang Hao , Li Pengfei , Zhang Huanhuan , Lu Yanjun
Published: October 2023

Online detection of digital printing defects is a necessary but challenging topic. The performance of the current detection methods is still not ideal for the diversified patterns of digital printing fabric defects and the realtime requirements of online detection. In this paper, we proposed a lightweight model of digital printing fabric defect detection based on YOLOX. Firstly, according to the characteristics of many types of defects and complex background of digitally printed fabrics, a defect detection network structure based on YOLOX is constructed. Then, the SE attention module is introduced to enhance important features and weaken unimportant features, which make the extracted features more directional. And it can further solve the influence of small feature size on the detection accuracy of small targets. The experimental results show that the proposed model has a detection accuracy of 66.2 mAP on our self-built dataset, which is 2.7 percentage points higher than YOLOX. This method can effectively solve the problem that low detection accuracy of small defects. The proposed model can meet the real-time requirements and improve the detection accuracy of small target defects.
Improving depression management with support from close others: A thematic analysis of individuals with depression and their partners in care
Authors: Javier Sarah J , Risbud Rashmi , Rossi Fernanda S , Slightam Cindie , Aikens James , Guetterman Tim , Piette John D , Trivedi Ranak
Published: October 2023

Objectives

With support from others, individuals with depression can build skills and implement lifestyle changes that help them manage their illness. The objective of the current study was to understand how the CarePartners for Depression Program, a randomized clinical trial aimed at enhancing the role of caregivers in the management of depression, improved communication and shared understandings of depression among individuals with depression and their close others.

Methods

We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with individuals with depression and their caregivers who participated in the CarePartners program. Interviews were qualitatively coded using a thematic analytic framework.

Results

We conducted individual interviews with 39 participants in the CarePartners program, including 18 individuals with depression, 14 out-of-home care partners, and 7 informal caregivers. Three central themes were derived from analyses: (a) The quality of interpersonal relationships influenced the management of depression; (2) having clearly defined roles for CarePartners improved communication between CarePartners and individuals with depression; and (3) shared understanding of depression improved management of depression.

Discussion

Our findings established the conditions under which the management of depression was influenced in a dyadic intervention. Dyadic interventions may make it easier for individuals to support patients with depression by fostering communication and collaboration.
Building Human-Like Artificial Agents: A General Cognitive Algorithm for Emulating Human Decision-Making in Dynamic Environments
Authors: Gonzalez Cleotilde
Published: October 2023

One of the early goals of artificial intelligence (AI) was to create algorithms that exhibited behavior indistinguishable from human behavior (i.e., human-like behavior). Today, AI has diverged, often aiming to excel in tasks inspired by human capabilities and outperform humans, rather than replicating human cogntion and action. In this paper, I explore the overarching question of whether computational algorithms have achieved this initial goal of AI. I focus on dynamic decision-making, approaching the question from the perspective of computational cognitive science. I present a general cognitive algorithm that intends to emulate human decision-making in dynamic environments, as defined in instance-based learning theory (IBLT). I use the cognitive steps proposed in IBLT to organize and discuss current evidence that supports some of the human-likeness of the decision-making mechanisms. I also highlight the significant gaps in research that are required to improve current models and to create higher fidelity in computational algorithms to represent human decision processes. I conclude with concrete steps toward advancing the construction of algorithms that exhibit human-like behavior with the ultimate goal of supporting human dynamic decision-making.
‘It is a complex process, but it’s very important to return these results to participants’. Stakeholders’ perspectives on the ethical considerations for returning individual pharmacogenomics research results to people living with HIV
Authors: Nabukenya Sylvia , Kyaddondo David , Twimukye Adelline , Munabi Ian Guyton , Waitt Catriona , Mwaka Erisa S
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to explore stakeholders’ perspectives on the ethical considerations for returning individual pharmacogenomics research results to people living with HIV. A qualitative approach to investigation involved five focus group discussions with 30 Community representatives, 12 key informant interviews with researchers, and 12 in-depth interviews with research ethics committee members. In total, 54 stakeholders who were involved in pharmacogenomics research and HIV treatment and care contributed to the data collection between September 2021 and February 2022. The study explored five prominent themes: (i) defining the nature of research results to return to participants; (ii) preparing research participants to receive their results; (iii) obtaining informed consent for the return of results; (iv) opinions on health personnel to return the results to participants; and (v) opinions on how research results should be communicated to participants. Respondents identified various strategies for the return of individual results with minimal ethical risks including the setting up of a diverse and independent committee to undertake a risk-benefit assessment based on local context; ongoing discussions about the possible kinds of results and their implications throughout the study; and employing genetic counsellors to communicate results to participants. The strategies identified in this study should be further studied and independently verified.
Classification of HER2-negative breast cancers by ERBB2 copy number alteration status reveals molecular differences associated with chromosome 17 gene aberrations
Authors: Loh Jui Wan , Lim Abner Herbert , Chan Jason Yongsheng , Yap Yoon-Sim
Published: October 2023

Background:

Recently, HER2-negative breast cancers have been reclassified by protein expression into ‘HER2-low’ and ‘HER2-zero’ subgroups, but the consideration of HER2-low breast cancer as a distinct biological subtype with differing prognoses remains controversial. By contrast, non-neutral ERBB2 copy number alteration (CNA) status is associated with inferior survival outcomes compared to ERBB2 CNA-neutral breast cancer, providing an alternative approach to classification.

Methods:

Here, we investigated the molecular landscape of non-metastatic HER2-negative BCs in relation to ERBB2 CNA status to elucidate biological differences. Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) TCGA-BRCA datasets ( n = 1875) were analyzed.

Results:

Nearly two-fifths of the cohort harbored ERBB2 CNAs (39.4%), which were significantly enriched within hormone receptor-negative (56.1%) than within hormone receptor-positive BCs (35.5%; p < 0.0001). Globally, CNAs across the genome were significantly higher in ERBB2 non-neutral compared to neutral cohorts ( p < 0.0001). Notably, genetic aberrations on chromosome 17 – BRCA1, NF1, TP53, MAP2K4, and NCOR1 – were widespread in the ERBB2 non-neutral cases. While chromosome 17q arm-level alterations were largely in tandem with ERBB2 CNA status, arm-level loss in chromosome 17p was prevalent regardless of ERBB2 gain, amplification, or loss. Differential gene expression analysis demonstrated that pathways involved in the cell cycle, proteasome, and DNA replication were upregulated in ERBB2 non-neutral cases.

Conclusion:

Classification of HER2-negative BCs according to ERBB2 CNA status reveals differences in the genomic landscape. The implications of concurrent aberrations in other genes on chromosome 17 merit further research in ERBB2 non-neutral BCs.
Correlation Between Statin Use and Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism Incidence in Patients With Ankle Fracture: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Nassour Nour , Akhbari Bardiya , Ranganathan Noopur , Tawakol Ahmed , Rosovsky Rachel P. , Guss Daniel , DiGiovanni Christopher W. , Ashkani-Esfahani Soheil
Published: October 2023

Background

Identifying factors that correlate with the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) has the potential to improve VTE prevention and positively influence decision-making regarding prophylaxis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between statin consumption and the incidence of VTE in patients who sustained an ankle fracture.

Methods

In this retrospective, case-controlled study, cases were those who developed VTE and controls were those who had no VTE, and the ratio was 1:4. Patients’ demographics, history of hyperlipidemia, and reported statins use were obtained. A random forest classifier (RFC) model was used to predict whether statin consumers were at risk of VTE after ankle fracture regardless of VTE prophylaxis administration based on statin consumption, body mass index (BMI), age, and biological sex

Results

Of the 1175 patients with ankle fractures, 238 had confirmed VTE (case group), and 937 had no symptomatic VTE (control group; ratio 1:4). Fifty (21%) cases and 407 (43%) controls were on a statin. Statin users had a significantly lower incidence of VTE after ankle fracture, odds ratio (OR) = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.49, P < .001. Our model showed an area under the receiving operator curve (AUROC) of 78%, a sensitivity of 73%, and a specificity of 83% in predicting the risk of VTE. The importance of the predictors of VTE, other than the use of statins (model importance = 0.1), were age (model importance of 0.72), BMI (model importance of 0.24), and biological sex (model importance of 0.02).

Conclusion

Statins were significantly associated with a lower rate of VTE in our population of patients who sustained an ankle fracture.

Levels of Evidence:

3
Body reprogramming for fibromyalgia and central sensitivity syndrome: A preliminary evaluation
Authors: Lanario Joseph W , Hudson Esther , Locher Cosima , Dee Annily , Elliot Kerry , Davies Anthony F
Published: October 2023

Objectives:

Central sensitivity syndrome disorders such as fibromyalgia, provoke continued debate, highlighting diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainty. The Hyland model provides a way of understanding and treating the medically unexplained symptoms of central sensitivity syndromes using complexity theory and principles of adaption in network systems. The body reprogramming is a multi-modal intervention based on the Hyland model designed for patients living with medically unexplained symptoms. This preliminary, naturalistic and single-arm service evaluation set out to evaluate outcome after attending a body reprogramming course in patients living with fibromyalgia or central sensitivity syndrome.

Methods:

Patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia or central sensitivity syndrome were recruited. The body reprogramming courses consisting of eight sessions, each 2.5 h in length, were run at two study sites in England. Data were collected at baseline, post course and 3-months post course using questionnaires assessing symptomatology (FIQR/SIQR), Depression (PHQ9), Anxiety (GAD7) and quality of life (GQoL). Repeated measures t-tests were used, and all comparisons were conducted on an intention to treat basis.

Results:

In total, 198 patients with a mean age of 47.73 years were enrolled on the body reprogramming courses. Statistically and clinically significant improvement were observed in the FIQR from baseline to post course (mean change: 11.28) and baseline to follow-up (mean change: 15.09). PHQ9 scores also improved significantly from baseline to post course (mean reduction 3.72) and baseline to follow-up (mean reduction 5.59).

Conclusions:

Our study provides first evidence that the body reprogramming intervention is an effective approach for patients living with fibromyalgia or central sensitivity syndromes on a variety of clinical measures. Besides these promising results, important limitations of the study are discussed, and larger randomized controlled trials are clearly warranted.
Incivility and Intolerance in COVID-19 Discussions on Facebook
Authors: Novotná Martina , Macková Alena , Rossini Patrícia
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has fueled heated discussions and intensified polarization in the exchange of opinions. Due to strict government restrictions, including a hard lockdown, much of this debate took place online. In this study, we examine how Czechs engaged in political discussions on Facebook during the pandemic. This research looks into the occurrence of incivility and intolerance and the similarities/contrasts with normatively desirable discursive features. We also focus on the perception of differences between various types of antinormative expressions among participants in online discussions and their roles. We use a mixed-method approach: a quantitative content analysis of comments on the Facebook pages of two of the Czech Republic’s most popular news media outlets (i.e., public service television, ČT24, and commercial television, TN.CZ) and two top Czech politicians (Andrej Babiš and Tomio Okamura); and qualitative interviews with 20 participants collected during the Springs of 2021. Data were downloaded by Facepager during the hard lockdown in the Czech Republic (March and April 2021), and the final sample consisted of 1,792 comments. We reveal that incivility, when expressed with a justified opinion, was less likely to directly attack other commenters within the thread. We also observe differences in the amount of incivility in politicians’ pages compared to the news media. Incivility has increased over time since the hard lockdown started. We address the implications of different conditions in which incivility and intolerance occurred and their impact on deliberative democracy.
Participatory action research: Developing a collaborative approach to modern slavery research with survivors of exploitation
Authors: Keighley Rachel , Sanders Teela , Saunders Lauren , Agg Hilary
Published: October 2023

This paper offers best practice guidance on participatory action research (PAR) methods in modern slavery studies, through sharing the experiences of survivors of modern slavery as active project consultants. By using participatory approaches and engaging in an action learning set model, this paper aims to understand how to meaningfully engage survivors of modern slavery as co-researchers. Inclusion was at the heart of this research study, and thus, this paper was co-produced by survivors of modern slavery. Through their voices, and by engaging in reflexivity, we share the challenges of engaging in meaningful peer research methods, lessons learned as well as the benefits of adopting this approach to provide creative, engaging and empowering opportunities for participation in research and skill development. We share some examples of challenges and successes in our approach to understand what meaningful peer research methods look like, addressing conservative and more liberal views including academic expertise, safeguarding and empowerment. In concluding this paper, we provide some recommendations for best practice, recognising a continual need to reflect and adapt peer research approaches that suits the needs of the peer researchers as well as the subject to be studied. The overwhelming sentiment, is that social science research must look to engage in peer research methods, recognising the expertise of lived experience, and the potential for research to empower others while also creating meaningful change.
The Athletic Religious Faith Scale: Part II—Development and Initial Validation
Authors: Noh Young-Eun , Zaki Fariz , Teo Eng Wah , Danaee Mahmoud
Published: October 2023

The Athletic Religious Faith Scale (ARFS) is an instrument measuring religious faith in a sporting context. This study validated the ARFS using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to reach a final version of the scale. Using the EFA, seven domains were classified: religious coping (9 items), religious psychological effects (5 items), dependence on faith (5 items), religious mental healing (6 items), flow (4 items), athletic identity (4 items), and religious dietary practices (7 items). Using CFA, all construct factor loadings were over 0.5. Composite reliability and Cronbach’s alpha values indicated adequate reliability (0.81–0.94) for all ARFS domains. The convergent validity and discriminant validity of all constructs were also established. Overall, the ARFS is a reliable and valid assessment tool for measuring religious faith in athletes. The ARFS could potentially be used with athletes of various religious affiliations in different countries, cultures, and sporting contexts.
Catamenial pneumothorax: A population-based study
Authors: Gil Yaron , Balayla Jacques , Tulandi Togas , Capmas Perrine
Published: October 2023

Study objective:

To characterize the incidence, clinical features, and demographic characteristics of women with catamenial pneumothorax with the use of a large national database in the United States.

Design:

Retrospective case control study of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) database between 2004 and 2014.

Setting:

Not applicable.

Patients:

Women, aged 18–50 years, who were diagnosed with a pneumothorax between 2004 and 2014.

Intervention:

Not applicable.

Measurements:

The cohort was constructed using the appropriate ICD-9 codes utilizing HCUP-NIS, checking for women with spontaneous and catamenial pneumothorax .

Main results:

Of a total 6234 women with spontaneous pneumothorax, 80 women (1.3%) had a diagnosis of catamenial pneumothorax. Women with catamenial pneumothorax were more likely to be black, have private insurance and be treated in an urban hospital. In addition, fewer patients in this group reported a history of tobacco consumption. Patients in the study group were more likely to have concomitant pelvic endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, and infertility. Compared to women with non-catamenial pneumothorax, those with catamenial pneumothorax were more frequently treated with thoracic drainage and underwent pleural and diaphragm biopsies.

Conclusion:

Catamenial pneumothorax is a rare entity with a distinct clinical profile. This condition is associated with pelvic endometriosis, has a predilection for surgical intervention and is associated with lower rates of smoking.
Entrepreneurs’ Positive Social Identity Development Through Initiated Intra- and Intergroup (Non)Accommodative Communication
Authors: Hajek Christopher S.
Published: October 2023

This study utilizes a communication accommodation framework to explore how entrepreneurs shape positive social identities through initiated intra- and intergroup (non)accommodation with other entrepreneurs, and non-entrepreneurs. Thematic analysis of semistructured interviews with 43 women and men in several U.S. cities revealed nine themes that represent ways in which participants’ verbal and nonverbal intra- and intergroup communicative convergence and divergence enhanced the development of this identity. The results offer insights into motivation for engaging in entrepreneurial ventures. Discussed are the findings’ implications for educators, corporate consultants, and managers who seek to encourage individuals’ entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial mindsets through training program development.
Improving Auditory Filter Estimation by Incorporating Absolute Threshold and a Level-dependent Internal Noise
Authors: Irino Toshio , Yokota Kenji , Patterson Roy D.
Published: October 2023

Auditory filter (AF) shape has traditionally been estimated with a combination of a notched-noise (NN) masking experiment and a power spectrum model (PSM) of masking. However, there are several challenges that remain in both the simultaneous and forward masking paradigms. We hypothesized that AF shape estimation would be improved if absolute threshold (AT) and a level-dependent internal noise were explicitly represented in the PSM. To document the interaction between NN threshold and AT in normal hearing (NH) listeners, a large set of NN thresholds was measured at four center frequencies (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz) with the emphasis on low-level maskers. The proposed PSM, consisting of the compressive gammachirp (cGC) filter and three nonfilter parameters, allowed AF estimation over a wide range of frequencies and levels with fewer coefficients and less error than previous models. The results also provided new insights into the nonfilter parameters. The detector signal-to-noise ratio ([Formula: see text]) was found to be constant across signal frequencies, suggesting that no frequency dependence hypothesis is required in the postfiltering process. The ANSI standard “Hearing Level-0dB” function, i.e., AT of NH listeners, could be applied to the frequency distribution of the noise floor for the best AF estimation. The introduction of a level-dependent internal noise could mitigate the nonlinear effects that occur in the simultaneous NN masking paradigm. The new PSM improves the applicability of the model, particularly when the sound pressure level of the NN threshold is close to AT.
Book review: Rup Kumar Barman, Samakalin Paschimbanga: Jatpat, Jati-Rajniti O Tapashili Samaj
Authors: Laha Sarthak
Published: October 2023

Rup Kumar Barman, Samakalin Paschimbanga: Jatpat, Jati-Rajniti O Tapashili Samaj. Kolkata: Gangchil, 2022, 132 pp., ₹400 (Hardback). ISBN: 978-93-93569-42-4.
Bodh Gaya’s Rural–Urban Dilemma: Tales of Planning, Infrastructure and Residentship from a Small Town in India
Authors: Rajput Ritika
Published: October 2023

Bodh Gaya, a globally venerated small town, derives its significance from being the birthplace of Buddhism. It has a distinct religious and cultural identity. This article traces the mode of urbanism that the town has been subjected to and argues that the town is not witnessing a linear transition from the rural to the urban, but rather experiencing the social and spatial production of what I call the ‘rural–urban dilemma’ and marks how the planning regime has given rise to an evolving dilemma. This article reviews spatial planning narratives and interventions in Bodh Gaya, focusing on changing governing narratives and spatial zones of differential infrastructure associated with different discourses of belonging and residentship, and urban futures. Bodh Gaya cannot determine its future without addressing this dilemma.
The Development of the Suicide Prevention Attitudes Rating Scale and Initial Psychometric Properties of the Scale With School Principals
Authors: Reinbergs Erik , Whitcomb Sara
Published: October 2023

Youth suicide is a national public health concern and is the second leading cause of death of the 10- to 14-year-old age group. To enable future evaluation and tailoring of school-based suicide prevention efforts, this study developed and examined initial validity evidence for the Suicide Prevention Attitudes Rating Scale (SPARS) in a sample of California school principals. This study used multiple stages to develop the measure and analyze its psychometric properties via item development, expert review, response process interviews, and statistical analyses. Validity evidence in the areas of test content evidence, response process evidence, evidence of internal psychometric structure, and evidence based on relationships to other variables was collected. Despite initial validity evidence across test content, response process, and internal structure, the SPARS did not perform as expected when examining its correlations to related measures.
Are Patients With Syndromic Craniosynostosis at Greater Risk for Abnormal Speech and Language Development Than Patients With Non-syndromic Craniosynostosis?
Authors: Stanbouly Dani , Goudarzi Fereshteh , Grillo Ricardo , Ascherman Jeffrey A. , Kinard Brian , Melville James C.
Published: October 2023

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine whether patients with syndromic craniosynostosis (SCS) are at increased risk for abnormal speech and language development (ASLD) relative to patients with non-syndromic craniosynostosis (NSCS). Study Design: A retrospective cohort study was completed using the Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID). All patients with craniosynostosis (CS) were included were included. The primary predictor variable was study grouping (SCS vs NSCS). The primary outcome variable was ASLD. Multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify risk factors for ASLD.

Results:

The final study sample included a total of 10 089 patients with craniosynostosis (CS) (37.7% female, 51.6% White, mean age 1.78 years). Patients with SCS were at increased risk for ASLD relative to patients with NSCS (OR 2.1, P < .001). After controlling for all other variables, patients with SCS were no longer at increased risk for ASLD relative to patients with NSCS (OR 1.2, P = .442).

Conclusions:

Relative to NSCS, SCS per se is not a risk factor for ASLD. The significantly greater prevalence of asthma, intracranial hypertension, and compression of brain, all of which are risk factors for ASLD, among patients with SCS explains the greater prevalence of ASLD in SCS relative to NSCS.
Galantamine ameliorates experimental pancreatitis
Authors: Thompson Dane A. , Tsaava Tea , Rishi Arvind , George Sam J. , Hepler Tyler D. , Hide Daniel , Pavlov Valentin A. , Brines Michael , Chavan Sangeeta S. , Tracey Kevin J.
Published: October 2023

Background

Acute pancreatitis is a common and serious inflammatory condition currently lacking disease modifying therapy. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) is a potent protective anti-inflammatory response activated by vagus nerve-dependent α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) signaling using splenic CD4+ T cells as an intermediate. Activating the CAP ameliorates experimental acute pancreatitis. Galantamine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) which amplifies the CAP via modulation of central muscarinic ACh receptors (mAChRs). However, as mAChRs also activate pancreatitis, it is currently unknown whether galantamine would be beneficial in acute pancreatitis.

Methods

The effect of galantamine (1–6 mg/kg-body weight) on caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis was evaluated in mice. Two hours following 6 hourly doses of caerulein (50 µg/kg-body weight), organ and serum analyses were performed with accompanying pancreatic histology. Experiments utilizing vagotomy, gene knock out (KO) technology and the use of nAChR antagonists were also performed.

Results

Galantamine attenuated pancreatic histologic injury which was mirrored by a reduction in serum amylase and pancreatic inflammatory cytokines and an increase the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the serum. These beneficial effects were not altered by bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy, KO of either choline acetyltransferase+ T cells or α7nAChR, or administration of the nAChR ganglionic blocker mecamylamine or the more selective α7nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine.

Conclusion

Galantamine improves acute pancreatitis via a mechanism which does not involve previously established physiological and molecular components of the CAP. As galantamine is an approved drug in widespread clinical use with an excellent safety record, our findings are of interest for further evaluating the potential benefits of this drug in patients with acute pancreatitis.
Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against ICU admission during Omicron surge in Saudi Arabia: a nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Aldawish Shaymah , Abusaris Raghib , Almohammadi Emad , Althobiti Faten , Albarrag Ahmed
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused significant economic damage and forced a slew of limitations to be placed by regulatory bodies worldwide. As the SARS-CoV-2 virus continuously mutates over time, it’s crucial to understand how well the vaccines are effective against a new variant.

Objectives

To measure COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against ICU admission with the Omicron variant in Saudi Arabia regions.

Methods and materials

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals who tested positive during Omicron dominant period (Jan 1, 2020- Jun 11, 2022). We used a Cox proportional hazards model based on calendar time to assess the vaccine’s effectiveness while controlling for age and gender.

Results

A total of 14103 individuals who were divided into fully vaccinated included 8388 (59.5%) individuals, partially vaccinated included 1851 (13.5%) individuals, and un-vaccinated included 3864 (27.4%) individuals. Higher age was associated with a higher risk of ICU admission (HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.04). Three doses are associated with a lower risk of ICU admission compared to the single dose (HR = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.20). By studying the distribution of Omicron infection among different regions, Al-Madinah Al-Monawarah had the highest proportion at 60.23 per 100,000 population (95% CI: 57.05, 63.53). In contrast, Al-jouf had the lowest proportion at 4.51 per 100,000 population (95%CI: 2.891, 6.713). The vaccination status was significantly different in different regions, as the highest proportion of fully vaccinated participants inhabited in Tabouk region, with 71.8% of its cases. Out of all regions, Najran had the highest proportion of ICU admission among Omicron cases with 20% (95% CI: 9.94%, 34.22%). While the lowest rates existed in Riyadh with 0.86% (95%CI: 0.61%, 1.17%).

Conclusion

We found that a booster significantly enhanced protection against severe COVID-19. The partially vaccinated and unvaccinated participants were at significantly higher risk of ICU admission when compared to the fully vaccinated participants. Furthermore, in future, it is worth investigating the effectiveness of a booster when other potential factors (e.g., region, comorbidities, etc.) are included, particularly among future variants of COVID-19.
Medication errors related to high-alert medications in a paediatric university hospital – a cross-sectional study analysing error reporting system data
Authors: Kuitunen Sini , Saksa Mari , Tuomisto Justiina , Holmström Anna-Riia
Published: October 2023

Background

Paediatric patients are prone to medication errors, and only a few studies have explored errors in high-alert medications in children. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and nature of medication errors involving high-alert medications and whether high-alert medications are more likely associated with severe patient harm and higher error risk classification compared to other drugs.

Methods

This study was a cross-sectional report of self-reported medication errors in a paediatric university hospital in 2018–2020. Medication error reports involving high-alert medications were investigated by descriptive quantitative analysis to identify the prevalence of different drugs, Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical groups, administration routes, and the most severe medication errors. Crosstabulation and Pearson Chi-Square (χ2) tests were used to compare the likelihood of more severe consequences to the patient and higher error risk classification between medication errors involving high-alert medications and other drugs.

Results

Among the reported errors (n = 2,132), approximately one-third (34.8%, n = 743) involved high-alert medications (n = 872). The most common Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical subgroups were blood substitutes and perfusion solutions (B05; n = 345/872, 40%), antineoplastic agents (L01; n = 139/872, 16%), and analgesics (N02; n = 98/872, 11%). The majority of high-alert medications were administered intravenously (n = 636/872, 73%). Moreover, IV preparations were administered via off-label routes (n = 52/872, 6%), such as oral, inhalation and intranasal routes. Any degree of harm (minor, moderate or severe) to the patient and the highest risk classifications (IV-V) were more likely to be associated with medication errors involving high-alert medications (n = 743) when compared to reports involving other drugs (n = 1,389).

Conclusions

Preventive risk management should be targeted on high-alert medications in paediatric hospital settings. In these actions, the use of intravenous drugs, such as parenteral nutrition, concentrated electrolytes, analgesics and antineoplastic agents, and off-label use of medications should be prioritised. Further research on the root causes of medication errors involving high-alert medications and the effectiveness of safeguards is warranted.
Plasma metabolomics profiles in Black and White participants of the Adventist Health Study-2 cohort
Authors: Butler Fayth M. , Utt Jason , Mathew Roy O. , Casiano Carlos A. , Montgomery Suzanne , Wiafe Seth A. , Lampe Johanna W. , Fraser Gary E.
Published: October 2023

Background

Black Americans suffer disparities in risk for cardiometabolic and other chronic diseases. Findings from the Adventist Health Study-2 (AHS-2) cohort have shown associations of plant-based dietary patterns and healthy lifestyle factors with prevention of such diseases. Hence, it is likely that racial differences in metabolic profiles correlating with disparities in chronic diseases are explained largely by diet and lifestyle, besides social determinants of health.

Methods

Untargeted plasma metabolomics screening was performed on plasma samples from 350 participants of the AHS-2, including 171 Black and 179 White participants, using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and a global platform of 892 metabolites. Differences in metabolites or biochemical subclasses by race were analyzed using linear regression, considering various models adjusted for known confounders, dietary and/or other lifestyle behaviors, social vulnerability, and psychosocial stress. The Storey permutation approach was used to adjust for false discovery at FDR < 0.05.

Results

Linear regression revealed differential abundance of over 40% of individual metabolites or biochemical subclasses when comparing Black with White participants after adjustment for false discovery (FDR < 0.05), with the vast majority showing lower abundance in Blacks. Associations were not appreciably altered with adjustment for dietary patterns and socioeconomic or psychosocial stress. Metabolite subclasses showing consistently lower abundance in Black participants included various lipids, such as lysophospholipids, phosphatidylethanolamines, monoacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, and long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids, among other subclasses or lipid categories. Among all biochemical subclasses, creatine metabolism exclusively showed higher abundance in Black participants, although among metabolites within this subclass, only creatine showed differential abundance after adjustment for glomerular filtration rate. Notable metabolites in higher abundance in Black participants included methyl and propyl paraben sulfates, piperine metabolites, and a considerable proportion of acetylated amino acids, including many previously found associated with glomerular filtration rate.

Conclusions

Differences in metabolic profiles were evident when comparing Black and White participants of the AHS-2 cohort. These differences are likely attributed in part to dietary behaviors not adequately explained by dietary pattern covariates, besides other environmental or genetic factors. Alterations in these metabolites and associated subclasses may have implications for the prevention of chronic diseases in Black Americans.
Comparative study on main compounds and hypoglycemic effects of dispensing granules of Coptidis Rhizoma and Scutellaria–Coptis herb couple with traditional decoction
Authors: Yu Huanhuan , Tang Huilan , Hu Guang , Chen Zhu , Guo Mudan , Jiang Bo , Zhang En , Hu Changhua
Published: October 2023

Background

The clinical applications of dispensing granules (DG) have increased dramatically. However, it is controversial whether the DG has the same quality and efficacy compared with traditional decoction (TD). In this study, the contents of main compounds, hypoglycemic effects, and potential mechanism of Coptidis Rhizoma (CR) and Scutellaria–coptis (SC), constituted of a 1:1 mixture of CR and Scutellariae Radix (SR), in the forms of TD and DG were compared.

Methods

The quantitative analysis was performed on an UPLC-PDA method. The 6-weeks-old male db/db mice were used as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) mouse modle to investigate the antidiabetic effects of CR and SC in TD form (CR TD and SC TD), as well as CR and SC in DG form (CR DG and SC DG).

Results

The total content of five alkaloids in CR TD ranged from 71.00 to 78.62 mg, whereas in CR DG it ranged from 38.77 to 53.68 mg in CR DG per 1 g of decoction pieces. Compared to CR TD, CR DG exhibited a 36% reduction on average. For SC samples, the precipitation occurred in the processing of TD but not in the DG, and the relative ratio of alkaloids to flavonoids was determined to be 1:1 in TD and 1:2 in DG. Furthermore, the animal experiments showed that the CR DG (equivalent to 3 g decoction pieces/kg) had almost the same hypoglycemic effect as CR TD when they were administered for 6 weeks. Compared with SC DG (equivalent to 6 g decoction pieces/kg), SC TD showed a better trend in ameliorating T2DM via ameliorating pancreatic structure and function, and activating Akt/AMPK/GLUT4 signaling pathways.

Conclusion

This study indicated that the contents of main compounds were generally higher in CR TD than CR DG originated from the same raw materials. Additionally, changes in the contents of the primary components validated that the compound interactions are exclusive to SC TD during co-decoction, rather than SC DG. The disparate prossing of SC DG and SC TD caused differences both in chemical composition and hypoglycemic effect, suggesting that the substitutability of DG and TD requires further research.
The end of balloons? Our take on the UK-REBOA trial
Authors: Brede Jostein Rødseth , Rehn Marius
Published: October 2023

Background

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is increasingly used. The recently published UK-REBOA trial aimed to investigate patients suffering haemorrhagic shock and randomized to standard care alone or REBOA as adjunct to standard care and concludes that REBOA may increase the mortality.

Main body

In this commentary we try to balance the discussion on use of REBOA and address limitations in the UK-REBOA trial that may have influenced the outcome of the study.

Conclusion

The situation is complex, and the patients are in extremis. In summary, we do not think this is the end of balloons.
Robust steganography in practical communication: a comparative study
Authors: Qiao Tong , Xu Shengwang , Wang Shuai , Wu Xiaoshuai , Liu Bo , Zheng Ning , Xu Ming , Pan Binmin
Published: October 2023

To realize the act of covert communication in a public channel, steganography is proposed. In the current study, modern adaptive steganography plays a dominant role due to its high undetectability. However, the effectiveness of modern adaptive steganography is challenged when being applied in practical communication, such as over social network. Several robust steganographic methods have been proposed, while the comparative study between them is still unknown. Thus, we propose a framework to generalize the current typical steganographic methods resisting against compression attack, and meanwhile empirically analyze advantages and disadvantages of them based on four baseline indicators, referring to as capacity, imperceptibility, undetectability, and robustness. More importantly, the robustness performance of the methods is compared in the real application, such as on Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat, which has not been comprehensively addressed in this community. In particular, the methods modifying sign of DCT coefficients perform more superiority on the social media application.