Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Results of quality rights on human rights engagement, stigma and attitudes towards mental health among Colombian medical students
Background Training healthcare professionals in human rights approaches is fundamental for humanizing medical practice and promoting patient autonomy. Aims To evaluate the impact of Quality Rights strategy training on human rights engagement, stigma reduction and attitudes towards mental health among medical students in Colombian. Method A pre-experimental study with pre-post measures was conducted, involving 194 medical students, during the first semester of 2024 in Manizales, Caldas, Colombia. To assess notions and commitment to human rights were used the Human Rights Exposure in Social Work and Human Rights Engagement in Social Work. Attitudes toward people with mental disorders were measured using the Community Attitudes Towards the Mentally III (CAMI) scale, and attitudes toward mental health education were assessed using the Mental Illness Clinicians’ Attitude Scale (MICA). The intervention was based on QualityRights, an initiative of the World Health Organization, which aims to improve the quality of care in mental health services and to promote the human rights of people with psychosocial disabilities. Initial data comparisons were made using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Pretest and postest data were compared using the Wilcoxon test. Results Statistically significant improvements were observed in human rights understanding, reduced stigmatizing attitudes toward mental health and decreased authoritarianism. While students demonstrated enhanced human rights knowledge and less stigmatizing attitudes, we observed a concurrent decrease in benevolence scores. Conclusion The Quality Rights training strategy shows promise in improving medical students’ understanding of mental health conditions and promoting empathetic practices. However, ongoing sustained and monitoring strategies are necessary to ensure long-term adoption of human rights-based attitudes and practices in healthcare settings.
Audible changes in marine trophic ecology: Baleen whale song tracks foraging conditions in the eastern North Pacific
Among tremendous biodiversity within the California Current Ecosystem (CCE) are gigantic mysticetes (baleen whales) that produce structured sequences of sound described as song. From six years of passive acoustic monitoring within the central CCE we measured seasonal and interannual variations in the occurrence of blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin (Balaenoptera physalus), and humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) whale song. Song detection during 11 months of the year defines its prevalence in this foraging habitat and its potential use in behavioral ecology research. Large interannual changes in song occurrence within and between species motivates examination of causality. Humpback whales uniquely exhibited continuous interannual increases, rising from 34% to 76% of days over six years, and we examine multiple hypotheses to explain this exceptional trend. Potential influences of physical factors on detectability – including masking and acoustic propagation – were not supported by analysis of wind data or modeling of acoustic transmission loss. Potential influences of changes in local population abundance, site fidelity, or migration timing were supported for two of the interannual increases in song detection, based on extensive local photo ID data (17,356 IDs of 2,407 individuals). Potential influences of changes in foraging ecology and efficiency were supported across all years by analyses of the abundance and composition of forage species. Following detrimental food web impacts of a major marine heatwave that peaked during the first year of the study, foraging conditions consistently improved for humpback whales in the context of their exceptional prey-switching capacity. Stable isotope data from humpback and blue whale biopsy samples are consistent with observed interannual variations in the regional abundance and composition of forage species. This study thus indicates that major interannual changes in detection of baleen whale song may reflect underlying variations in forage species availability driven by energetic variations in ecosystem state.
How does negative new media coverage impact audit fees, cost cover, or risk premium? Based on the data from WeChat official account by Crawler Technology
This study empirically investigates the relationship between negative new media coverage and audit fees by collecting a sample of nonfinancial listed companies on the main board of the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) from 2017 to 2019, along with data on negative new media coverage of official WeChat public accounts founded by the most influential national financial newspaper obtained using a crawler. This study revealed that: 1. Audit fees are significantly and positively related to negative news media coverage; 2. The increase in audit fees is due to the fact that if a listed company undergoes negative new media coverage, the accounting firm that audits the company will consequently increase risk premium and thus audit fees. We found no evidence that accounting firms spend more time and effort on audit work after a listed company experiences negative new media coverage; 3. Analyst-tracking has a moderating effect on negative new media coverage and audit fees, leading to an increase in audit fees; 4. Negative media reporting on non-state-owned enterprises is more likely to cause accounting firms to increase their audit fees than their state-owned peers, whereas “non-Big Four” accounting firms are more likely to increase their audit fees for companies with negative new media reports. This study, based on the differing impacts of negative new media coverage, intended to unravel the intricate relationship between different types of negative new media coverage and audit fees, help understand the mechanism whereby negative reporting impacts audit fees, and provides a benchmark for the development of a feasible audit fee system.
Correction: Breaking the spiral of silence: News and social media dynamics on sexual abuse scandal in the Japanese entertainment industry
Exposure to arsenic and cognitive impairment in children: A systematic review
Objective Arsenic exposure is a significant public health concern, particularly for its impact on children’s cognitive development. Arsenic, a prevalent environmental toxin, is known to disrupt various biological pathways, leading to cognitive deficits and neurodevelopmental issues. Understanding the long-term effects and mechanisms underlying arsenic-induced cognitive impairments is crucial for devising effective interventions. Methods This systematic review included observational and experimental studies focusing on children under 18 years exposed to arsenic through drinking water, food, or other environmental sources. Studies were selected through comprehensive database searches, encompassing articles that measured cognitive outcomes via standardized tests. The synthesis was primarily narrative, given the heterogeneity in study designs, exposure levels, and outcomes. Results The review analysed findings from 24 studies, showing a consistent inverse relationship between arsenic exposure and cognitive performance in children. Higher arsenic levels were associated with lower IQ scores, slower processing speeds, and impaired memory and language skills. These cognitive deficits were evident across diverse geographical regions and persisted even after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. The studies highlighted the potential for both immediate and long-term cognitive effects, underscoring the importance of early-life exposure. Conclusions Arsenic exposure has the potential to impair cognitive development in children. Nonetheless, quantitative meta-analysis is necessary to deduce any conclusions related to its impact. Public health efforts must prioritize reducing arsenic exposure through improved water quality and community-awareness programs. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to better understand the dose-response relationship and the effectiveness of intervention strategies. Systematic review registration Prospero, CRD42024544442.
Author name disambiguation based on heterogeneous graph neural network
With the dramatic increase in the number of published papers and the continuous progress of deep learning technology, the research on name disambiguation is at a historic peak, the number of paper authors is increasing every year, and the situation of authors with the same name is intensifying, therefore, it is a great challenge to accurately assign the newly published papers to their respective authors. The current mainstream methods for author disambiguation are mainly divided into two methods: feature-based clustering and connection-based clustering, but none of the current mainstream methods can efficiently deal with the author name disambiguation problem, For this reason, this paper proposes the author name ablation method based on the relational graph heterogeneous attention neural network, first extract the semantic and relational information of the paper, use the constructed graph convolutional embedding module to train the splicing to get a better feature representation, and input the constructed network to get the vector representation. As the existing graph heterogeneous neural network can not learn different types of nodes and edge interaction, add multiple attention, design ablation experiments to verify its impact on the network. Finally improve the traditional hierarchical clustering method, combined with the graph relationship and topology, using training vectors instead of distance calculation, can automatically determine the optimal k-value, improve the accuracy and efficiency of clustering. The experimental results show that the average F1 value of this paper’s method on the Aminer dataset is 0.834, which is higher than other mainstream methods.
Process of use of evidence products by frontline maternal, newborn and child health staff at the facility level in Ghana
Although the use of evidence products has been identified as beneficial in improving reproductive, maternal and child health, very little is known about the processes that facilitate the use of these evidence products by frontline Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and Reproductive and Child Health (RNCH/RCH) practitioners in decision-making on the issues that confront them in their line of work. The study examined the nature, processes, and barriers, to the use of evidence products for care decision-making by frontline MNCH/RCH staff in selected health facilities in Ghana. Using a qualitative case study design, interviews of 24 frontline RNCH/RCH practitioners across 16 healthcare facilities in the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Ashanti regions of Ghana were conducted. The study employed a semi-structured interview guide modelled along the Action Cycle phase of the Knowledge-To-Action (KTA) framework, and the objectives of the study. Themes were built out of the transcribed data. The study revealed that the processes that facilitate the use of evidence products include problem identification activities (such as service evaluation, using accepted benchmarks, inadequate logistics for providing service and client feedback) and, adapting knowledge to their local context. The usual suspects of socio-cultural and health systems-related factors such as resource constraints and human factors were found to hinder the use of evidence products in providing RNCH/RCH services. The study contributes to knowledge by operationalising the KTA, simplifying the concept of knowledge sustainability and makes it easy for adoption and implementation especially at the frontline. Appropriate interventions that rely on strong education to navigate the societal norms and beliefs that inhibit the uptake of evidence-based care by clients will be essential in improving the use of evidence to inform practice decisions.
Coordination and variability of muscular activation in male athletes with and without subacromial impingement syndrome: A case-control study
Objectives Athletes with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SIS) exhibit altered muscular coordination and variability during repetitive shoulder movements compared to athletes without SIS. This research compared the Coordination and Variability of Muscular Activation in Male Athletes with and Without SIS. Methods In this case-control study, twenty-four male athletes were recruited and divided into two groups: those with SIS (n = 12) and those without SIS (n = 12). Participants performed a repetitive reaching task (RRT) for a minimum of fifteen repetitions. Electromyography (EMG) data were recorded from selected shoulder muscles. Muscle synergies, intra-group variability, and inter-group variability were extracted from the EMG data. An independent sample t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test was employed to analyze data at a significance level of 95% (α < 0.05). Results Three observable muscle synergy patterns were identified in both groups. Significant differences in variance accounted for (VAFmuscle) were found in the posterior deltoid, subscapular, and middle deltoid muscles, but these differences may not be clinically significant and warrant further research. No significant statistical differences were found in intra-group variability between the groups, which may suggest that the hypothesis is not fully supported. However, significant differences in inter-group variability were observed between the SIS and control (CON) groups. Conclusions This study showed differences in muscular coordination and variability during RRT in athletes with and without SIS. Three different muscle synergy patterns were demonstrated in both groups. It seems that timing and coordination changes in muscle activation may influence movement efficiency and increase the risk of performance errors.
Climate change in Europe between 90 and 50 kyr BP and Neanderthal territorial habitability
After having lived as the dominant human species in Europe for over 200 kyr, Homo neanderthalensis (the Neanderthals) disappeared around 40 kyr BP (Before Present) Higham T (2014). Competition with Homo sapiens, who arrived in Europe around the same time, is often invoked to explain this extinction. Others have argued that climate change may have reduced the living space of this population making its disappearance more rapid. In order to test the climate change hypothesis we modelled the Neanderthals’ ecological niches in Europe between 90 and 50 kyr BP through paleoenvironmental reconstructions and Eco-Cultural Niche Modelling. We selected five environmental variables (orographic height, mean annual precipitation, mean temperature of the coldest month, carrying capacity and friction, see below) from climate model simulations of 5 periods between 90 and 50 kyr BP in Europe. We used Structural Similarity (SSIM) index to compare the probability maps of suitable niches to Neanderthals performed by Maxent. After a strong initial environmental change between the first (P1 = 90 to 83 kyr BP) and second (P2 = 83 to 69 kyr BP) periods, our results show that large areas highly suitable for Neanderthal occupation persisted across Europe. As our results show an increase/stability of the areas suitable to Neanderthals, the question of the cause of the decrease or displacement of the Neanderthal population towards southern Europe after this climatic change remains open.
The impact of snacking habits and physical activity on body composition in overweight and obese adolescents: A longitudinal study differentiating home and school environments
With rising incomes in developing countries, the required necessary physical activity declines and the availability of snacks increases, further causing obesity in adolescents. The study was a longitudinal two-stage observational study of 74 overweight and obesity adolescents distinguishing between school and home environment phases. Data were collected at three time points (mid-semester (T0), end of semester (T1), and end of the winter holidays (T2)), and explorations were conducted using multivariate linear regression and Granger causality tests to investigate how changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA), snacking habits (proportion of snack calorie, PSC; proportion of snack calories from protein, PSCP) in multiple stages and how their changes affect body composition. The results showed that during the semester phase, increases in ΔMVPA and ΔPSCP and decreases in ΔPSC were associated with decreases in ΔBFP (Δ = post-timepoint value − pre-timepoint value). During the holiday phase, decreases in ΔPSCP, MVPA (T1), and PSCP (T1), and increases in ΔPSC were associated with increases in ΔBFP. Only MVPA having a positive predictive effect causally on FFM. Snacking habits have a significant impact on body composition changes in adolescents, and reducing snack intake and choosing high-protein snacks are critical to controlling obesity in adolescents, especially during the holiday period. Strategies to increase MVPA should also be implemented to increase FFM briefly indirectly control obesity.
Right heart dysfunction does not increase mortality associated with cemented hemiarthroplasty for hip fractures: A retrospective, preliminary analysis
Background Cemented hemiarthroplasty (CH) is the preferred treatment for geriatric intracapsular hip fracture. Historically, there has been concern regarding cardiopulmonary morbidity related to bone cement impaction syndrome (BCIS). Right ventricular dysfunction predisposes to BCIS, though limited data supports this association. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if right heart dysfunction was predictive of mortality and cardiopulmonary morbidity following cemented hip hemiarthroplasty. Methods and findings This study was a retrospective chart review and analysis conducted at a tertiary referral medical center. Patients who underwent hemiarthroplasty (cemented or press fit) at a single institution for the treatment of intracapsular hip fracture between January 1, 2013, and January 1, 2021 and had an echocardiogram completed within 90 days of their surgery were retrospectively included. Two groups of patients with right heart dysfunction were evaluated: 1) patients who carried a preexisting diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension prior to hospital admission for hip hemiarthroplasty and, 2) patients with echocardiographic evidence of pulmonary hypertension. The primary outcomes included intraoperative hemodynamic instability consistent with bone cement impaction syndrome (BCIS), in-hospital mortality, and 1-year mortality. N = 74 patients were included. 45 patients underwent cemented hemiarthroplasty and 29 patients received press-fit stems. Preexisting diagnosis of right heart dysfunction and echocardiographic evidence of right heart dysfunction were not significantly associated with BCIS, in-hospital, nor 1-year mortality. However, cementation was significantly associated with 1-year mortality (p < 0.05). Conclusions Right heart dysfunction does not appear to predispose patients to cardiopulmonary complications or early mortality following cemented hip hemiarthroplasty. Cementation was, however, independently associated with 1-year post-operative mortality. These data add to a growing body of literature which suggests that patients with multiple medical comorbidities may be at risk of adverse outcomes related to cementation. BCIS is uncommon, remains poorly understood, and further investigation is warranted.
Seasonality, long-term trends and co-occurrence of sharks in a top predator assemblage
Shark predator assemblages play an important role in the top-down processes that are vital to marine ecosystem functioning. Spatiotemporal partitioning of sharks due to seasonal movements or population changes may have significant consequences for the top-down effects, depending on the level of functional redundancy in the assemblage. However, long-term, co-occurrence data for sharks is hard to obtain and often lacking. Here we use citizen science data collected by professional scuba guides over seven years to model the seasonal and across-year temporal dynamics, and intraguild and trophic co-occurrence interactions, for an assemblage of six shark top predators (Carcharhinus leucas, Carcharhinus obscurus, Carcharhinus limbatus, Carcharias taurus, Sphyrna lewini, and Galeocerdo cuvier). The presence of all six study species were clearly seasonal and, in most cases, exhibited positive long-term trends across years. The seasonalities observed, combined with temporal co-occurrence analysis, suggests that dietary redundancy but temporal complementarity exists amongst the top predator assemblage. The study shows citizen science data collected by professional non-scientists is a cost-effective method for monitoring top predators and may be able to highlight potential predator-prey interactions worthy of further investigation.
The WellNext Scan: Validity evidence of a new team-based tool to map and support physicians’ well-being in the clinical working context
Occupational well-being is inherent to physicians’ professional performance and is indispensable for a cost-effective, robust healthcare system and excellent patient outcomes. Increasing numbers of physicians with symptoms of burnout, depression, and other health issues are demonstrating the need to foster and maintain physicians’ well-being. Assessing physicians’ well-being, occupational demands, and resources can help create more supportive and health-promoting working environments. The WellNext Scan (WNS) is a 46-item questionnaire developed to assess (i) physicians’ well-being and (ii) relevant factors related to physicians’ clinical working environment. We collected data to investigate the validity and reliability of the WNS using a non-randomized, multicenter, cross-sectional survey of 467 physicians (staff, residents, doctors not in training, and fellows) from 17 departments in academic and non-academic teaching medical centers in the Netherlands. Exploratory factor analysis detected three composite scales of well-being (energy and work enjoyment, meaning, and patient-related disengagement) and five explanatory factors (supportive team culture, efficiency of practice, job control and team-based well-being practices, resilience, and self-kindness). Pearson’s correlations, item-total and inter-scale correlations, and Cronbach’s alphas demonstrated good construct validity and internal consistency reliability of the scales (α: 0.67–0.90; item-total correlations: 0.33–0.84; inter-scale correlations: 0.19–0.62). Overall, the WNS appears to yield reliable and valid data and is now available as a supportive tool for meaningful team-based conversations aimed at improving physician well-being.
Hyaluronic acid: Function and location in the urothelial barrier for bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis, an in vitro study
Disruption of the glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-layer and urothelial barrier is an important aspect of the pathophysiology of bladder pain syndrome/ interstitial cystitis. Intravesical hyaluronic acid (HA) is often used in treatments for IC/BPS, however the role in the urothelial barrier is unknown. This study aims to clarify the location and functional contribution of HA in the urothelium, using an in vitro model. Immunohistochemistry was performed on human and porcine biopsies and on porcine cell cultures to evaluate the location of HA. Functional contribution was assessed through transepithelial electrical resistance measurements and the effects on gene expression in a differentiated primary porcine urothelial cell model. HA was found throughout in the urothelium and most abundant around the basal layer. Digestion of HA increased impermeability of the urothelium, contrasting with the effect of protamine sulfate (PS). After HA digestion, quantitative PCR analysis revealed upregulation of HA-synthesizing gene (HAS3) and the inflammatory marker (IL8). Treatment with HA and/or chondroitin sulfate therapy in undamaged cells upregulated genes related to GAG synthesis, barrier markers and inflammation. In PS-damaged cells, GAG therapy only upregulated genes associated with HA synthesis and inflammation, without affecting barrier recovery speed. These results emphasize the interaction of HA on urothelial cell inflammation and barrier repair physiology. HA seems to not directly restore the urothelial luminal GAG layer but influences barrier integrity through its interactions with urothelial cells.
Amoxicillin-induced bacterial gut dysbiosis decreases IL-1β and IL-6 expression but exacerbate lung inflammatory response against Mycobacterium bovis—Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG)
Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of global mortality, and the standard, prolonged, and intensive treatment can affect intestinal homeostasis. This study investigated amoxicillin-induced bacterial gut dysbiosis and its impact on the immune response of C57BL/6 mice to pulmonary infection by Mycobacterium bovis—BCG. It was observed that amoxicillin treatment resulted in bacterial gut dysbiosis, characterized by an increase in the phylum Proteobacteria and a reduction in Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. This alteration was associated with a decrease in the animals’ body weight and a reduction in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-6, suggesting a compromised immune response. Additionally, microstructural analysis revealed significant alterations in the caecum and pulmonary structure of the mice, indicating tissue damage associated with intestinal dysbiosis. The results indicate that amoxicillin-induced bacterial gut dysbiosis may negatively affect pulmonary immunity and exacerbate M. bovis-BCG infection, highlighting the need to consider the impacts of intestinal microbiota on the development and control of tuberculosis. This study contributes to the understanding of the interaction between intestinal microbiota, antibiotic treatment, and immunity in pulmonary infections.
The edge orientation entropy of natural scenes is associated with infant visual preferences and adult aesthetic judgements
Statistical regularities of oriented edges in natural scenes, ‘edge co-occurrence statistics’, are associated with adults’ aesthetic responses, with greater preference for some images when the degree of randomness in the orientation of edges (Edge Orientation Entropy, EOE) across an image is relatively high. Here, we investigate whether this spatial image statistic is also associated with infants’ visual preferences. We measure infant looking time for images of building façades previously used to identify the relationship between EOE and adult aesthetic judgements. Twenty-six 4–9-month-old infants and 29 adults looked freely at pairs of the images. Infants and adults both looked longest at images where all edge orientations are about equally likely to occur (high 1st-order EOE), and at images with low correlation of edge orientations across the image (high 2nd-order EOE). Infant looking time and adult pleasantness judgements were also strongly related: infants looked longer at the building façades that adults liked. Our results suggest that even as young as 4-months, infants’ spatial vision is sensitive to edge co-occurrence statistics that are typical of natural scenes and faces, where edges are more evenly distributed across orientations. We discuss the implications for understanding the sensory component of adult aesthetic judgements, as well as the role of natural scene statistics in infant perception.
Adaptive control and state error prediction of flexible manipulators using radial basis function neural network and dynamic surface control method
This paper introduces a novel control strategy for managing the uncertainties in flexible joint manipulators, incorporating a Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) with Adaptive Dynamic Surface Control (ADSC). This strategy innovatively utilizes RBFNN to precisely approximate uncertain system dynamics and integrates a nonlinear damping term to effectively counteract external disturbances, enhancing the overall control accuracy. We have also developed an adaptive law that updates neural network weights and system parameters in real-time, ensuring the system’s adaptability to dynamic changes. The application of the Lyapunov method ensures that all signals within the closed-loop system remain semi-globally uniformly bounded, significantly reducing tracking errors. Moreover, we introduce the use of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks for predictive analysis of state data, which further confirms the robustness and effectiveness of our control method through extensive simulations. The distinctive integration of these technologies and their practical validation through comparative simulations underscore the innovative aspects of our approach in addressing real-world challenges in flexible manipulators.