Passive Participants Research Articles

Crosstalk Between the Spleen and Other Organs/Systems: Downstream Signaling Events

The aim of this review was to gather pieces of information from available critically evaluated published articles concerning any interplay in which the spleen could be involved. For many years, the spleen has been alleged as an unnecessary biological structure, even though splenomegaly is an objective finding of many illnesses. Indeed, the previous opinion has been completely changed. In fact, the spleen is not a passive participant in or a simple bystander to a relationship that exists between the immune system and other organs. Recently, it has been evidenced in many preclinical and clinical studies that there are close associations between the spleen and other parts of the body, leading to various spleen–organ axes. Among them, the gut–spleen axis, the liver–spleen axis, the gut–spleen–skin axis, the brain–spleen axis, and the cardio-splenic axis are the most explored and present in the medical literature. Such recent sources of evidence have led to revolutionary new ideas being developed about the spleen. What is more, these observations may enable the identification of novel therapeutic strategies targeted at various current diseases. The time has come to make clear that the spleen is not a superfluous body part, while health system operators and physicians should pay more attention to this organ. Indeed, much work remains to be performed to assess further roles that this biological structure could play.

Nanoparticle Carriers: A New Era of Precise CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing.

The revolutionary CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology holds immense potential for treating genetic diseases and tackling conditions like cancer. However, efficient delivery remains a significant challenge. This is where nanoparticles come into play, emerging as powerful allies in the realm of drug delivery. Nanoparticles can accommodate larger insertion sizes, enabling the incorporation of larger Cas9 enzymes and complex guide RNAs, thus opening up the possibility of editing previously inaccessible genetic regions. Their relatively straightforward and scalable production processes make them cost-effective options for wider applications. Notably, nanoparticles excel in vivo, demonstrating efficient tissue penetration and targeted delivery, which are crucial for maximizing therapeutic impact while minimizing side effects. This review aims to explore the potential of nanoparticle-based delivery systems for CRISPR/Cas9, highlighting their advantages and challenges in gene editing applications. The diverse range of nanoparticles further bolsters their potential. Polymeric nanoparticles, for instance, offer tunable properties for customization and controlled release of the CRISPR cargo. Lipid-based nanoparticles facilitate efficient cellular uptake and endosomal escape, ensuring the CRISPR components reach the target DNA. Even gold nanoparticles, known for their unique biocompatibility and photothermal properties, hold promise in light-activated editing strategies. Non-viral delivery systems, particularly those based on nanoparticles, stand out due to their inherent advantages. Collectively, the evidence paints a promising picture: nanoparticles are not merely passive carriers but active participants in the CRISPR/Cas9 delivery landscape. Their versatility, efficiency, and safety position them as key enablers of a future where gene editing can revolutionize drug development, offering personalized and targeted therapies for a wide range of diseases.

Who's at the Table? A Scoping Review of Stakeholder Engagement in Medical Education Program Evaluation.

Program evaluation is essential for medical schools to demonstrate social accountability and identify areas for improvement in medical education (MEd). Although stakeholder engagement is crucial in program evaluation, no previous review has specifically examined the stakeholders involved in MEd program evaluation. This scoping review addresses this gap by identifying the stakeholders, their roles, and their levels of engagement in evaluating MEd programs, along with the facilitators and barriers to their participation. Through a systematic search across four databases, we identified 53 relevant studies out of 7206 screened. Our findings reveal seven primary stakeholder groups, with students and program directors being the most frequent participants. However, a significant gap exists in the representation of community members and patients, indicating a need for greater inclusion of these key stakeholders. Additionally, we found that stakeholders are primarily engaged as passive participants providing feedback rather than actively shaping the evaluation process. Facilitators and barriers to participation were identified from the participants' perspective, highlighting the need for further research to understand the viewpoints of active stakeholders, such as faculty and administrators. Future studies should also explore the impact of different evaluation approaches on stakeholder engagement to develop more inclusive and effective MEd program evaluations.

Personal Experience Sharing Cat Meme Videos among Contemporary Chinese Young People: Take the Bilibili Platform as an Example

Abstract: This study explores the phenomenon of personal experience-sharing cat meme videos among contemporary Chinese young people on the Bilibili platform. By employing qualitative content and discourse analysis on two popular cat meme videos and their comments, this research delves into how these videos foster empathetic communication, thereby forming an interactive connection between creators and audiences. The research finds that the cat meme video connects the real world with the video world through the means of cat meme symbol, scene construction, narrative method, and atmosphere creation. The cat meme video absorbs the audiences emotional perception and identification, so as to promote the audiences emotional fit with the cat meme video and thus trigger the audiences empathy. The findings indicate that viewers are not merely passive recipients but active participants who, through their interactions, enhance the emotional transmission of the videos. This two-way empathy communication leads to the establishment of a supportive online community, where individuals share similar experiences, offer advice, and provide emotional support. Consequently, cat meme videos on Bilibili serve as a medium for young people to express their social emotions, creating a vibrant and emotionally connected online community.

Childbirth self-efficacy and birth related PTSD symptoms: an online childbirth education randomised controlled trial for mothers

BackgroundThis study evaluated an online childbirth education course on childbirth self-efficacy and, subsequent birth related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and mother-infant relationship quality.MethodThree group (intervention, passive control, active control) parallel randomised controlled trial. Groups were assigned using computer generated random allocation. For the passive control group participants were instructed to carry on with whatever they were currently undertaking with their pregnancy, while the active control group were asked to read a booklet comprised of twelve birth stories. The purpose of the active control was to check if the act of having an activity to complete would influence outcomes. For the online course group (intervention) participants were asked to complete the online version of a birthing course designed by She Births®. One hundred and twenty-five women residing in Australia between 12 and 24 weeks pregnant were recruited online. Participants were asked to complete their required activity between 24 and 36 weeks pregnant. Childbirth self-efficacy scores were tested pre and post intervention (time one and time 2), PTSD symptoms and mother-infant relationship quality were tested at six weeks and six months postnatal.ResultsThere was no significant interaction by group for childbirth self-efficacy scores. Mean difference scores at time one (pre-intervention) and time two (post-intervention) for each group indicated a trend in the online group towards higher childbirth self-efficacy compared with the two control groups. The main effect of group on birth related PTSD scores was not statically significant at six weeks postnatal or at six months postnatal. The main effect of group on mother-infant relationship scores was not statically significant at six weeks postnatal or six months postnatal.ConclusionsTrends showed childbirth self-efficacy scores to be higher in the intervention group compared with the two control groups, demonstrating effectiveness for the intervention. Paradoxically, PTSD scores were higher in the intervention group compared with the two control groups and therefore also reported poorer mother-infant relationship quality. External factors may be more important than childbirth self-efficacy highlighting the need for a holistic approach that addresses systemic and socio-political influences to improve communication, autonomy, and respectful maternity care.Trial RegistrationThis trial was retrospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number: ACTRN12624000241538 on March 11, 2024.

Commonalities of platelet dysfunction in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and underlying comorbidities.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is characterized by a lack of a specific targeted treatment and a complex, partially unexplored pathophysiology. Common comorbidities associated with HFpEF are hypertension, atrial fibrillation, obesity and diabetes. These comorbidities, combined with advanced age, play a crucial role in the initiation and development of the disease through the promotion of systemic inflammation and consequent changes in cardiac phenotype. In this context, we suggest platelets as important players due to their emerging role in vascular inflammation. This review provides an overview of the role of platelets in HFpEF and its associated comorbidities, including hypertension, atrial fibrillation, obesity and diabetes mellitus, as well as the impact of age and sex on platelet function. These major HFpEF-associated comorbidities present alterations in platelet behaviour and in features linked to platelet size, content and reactivity. The resulting dysfunctional platelets can contribute to further increase inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction, suggesting an active role of these cells in the initiation and progression of HFpEF. Recent evidence shows that reduced platelet count and elevated mean platelet volume are associated with worsening heart failure in HFpEF patients. However, the specific mechanisms by which platelets contribute to HFpEF development and progression are still largely unexplored, with only a few studies investigating platelet function in HFpEF. We discuss the limited yet significant body of research investigating platelet function in HFpEF, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive studies. Additionally, we explore the potential mechanisms through which platelets may influence HFpEF, such as their interactions with the vascular endothelium and the secretion of bioactive molecules like cytokines, chemokines and RNA molecules. These interactions and secretions may play a role in modulating vascular inflammation and contributing to the pathophysiological landscape of HFpEF. The review underscores the necessity for future research to elucidate the precise contributions of platelets to HFpEF, aiming to potentially identify novel therapeutic targets and improve patient outcomes. The evidence presented herein supports the hypothesis that platelets are not merely passive bystanders but active participants in the pathophysiology of HFpEF and its comorbidities.

A Comparative Analysis of the Prosecutorial Strategies Employed by the United States of America and Germany in the Prosecution of IS-Affiliated Women on Terrorism-Related Charges

This article aims to elucidate the similarities and differences between the prosecutorial strategies employed by the United States of America and Germany in the prosecution of IS-affiliated women on terrorism-related charges. By using comparative and doctrinal legal research methods, this article reviews and dissects the criminal proceedings against seven American and seven German IS-affiliated women prosecuted on terrorism-related charges. The article first highlights the fluctuating role of IS-affiliated women, thereby exhibiting the broad spectrum of female engagement in ISIS, ranging from passive participants to active facilitators of violence. Following this, the article presents the international obligations stemming from terrorism-centred UNSC Resolutions and their subsequent transposition into domestic law, forming §2339A and §2339B of the United States Code and §129a and §129b of the German Criminal Code. Finally, the article compares the prosecutorial strategies employed by the two States on the following four grounds: (1) types of evidence, (2) charges, (3) mitigating and aggravating factors, and (4) sentencing. Ultimately, a juxtaposition of the prosecutorial strategies employed by the United States of America and Germany in the prosecution of IS-affiliated women on terrorism-related charges identifies contrasting, albeit at times similar, approaches to prosecution primarily as a result of the time at which initiation of criminal proceedings ensues.

Patients’ experiences of involvement at a clinical training ward: a qualitative interview study

ABSTRACT Interprofessional education aims to foster healthcare students’ ability to collaborate in interprofessional teams with the patients at the center of care as active participants. However, little is known about how patients experience this collaboration. Therefore, this study aimed to explore patients’ experiences of being involved in the interprofessional team of healthcare students at a clinical training ward in Sweden. A descriptive design with a qualitative approach was used. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews with 22 patients. Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis was used. The main finding was that patients were only included as passive participants. Although most patients wanted to be involved, they were hindered due to their health condition or excluded from care planning and decision-making. The patients needed family members’ support to be involved. However, this need was not recognised by the interprofessional team of healthcare students. Patient involvement must be highlighted as an important component of interprofessional education initiatives. Further research is needed to explore family members’ perspectives on involvement in interprofessional training ward settings.

Perceived Influence of Blended Teaching on Postgraduate Educational Management Students Learning in Rivers State Universities

The study investigated perceived influence of blended teaching on postgraduate educational management students learning in Rivers State Universities. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The population of the study is 58. It consists of all lecturers in the Department of Educational Management in Rivers State owned universities. The sample size of the study was 58. Census sampling technique was used to sample the entire population of the study. A structured questionnaire titled perceived influence of blended teaching of postgraduate students learning questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. Three experts validated the instructed and Cronbach Alpha Method was used to obtain an average reliability coefficient of 0.83. 58 copies of the questionnaire were administered, retrieved, and used for the study. The items were rated on a four (4) point rating scale; mean and standard deviation was used to analyze the research questions while z-test was used in testing the formulated hypotheses. The findings reviewed that, Educational Management postgraduate students learning was influenced by face-to-face and hybrid teaching to a high extent. The researcher recommended that lecturers should ensure that students or learners became active and not passive participants as this will help or make postgraduate Educational Management students to develop knowledge on their own and confident without the interference of the instructor or lecturer and measures should be adopted by lecturers on how online learning instruction could be used to achieve Educational Management courses having psychomotor objectives in Rivers State owned universities.

From passive participants to proactive partners: How to engage students in the design, delivery and development of research using the principles of co-production.

From passive participants to proactive partners: How to engage students in the design, delivery and development of research using the principles of co-production.

Exploration of How Digital Media and Technology are Changing Narrative Forms and Literary Consumption

This study explores how digital media and technology are transforming narrative forms and literary consumption. With the rise of e-books, audiobooks, interactive narratives, and social media platforms, traditional linear storytelling is evolving into more interactive and participatory formats. Readers are no longer passive consumers but active participants, shaping narratives through real-time feedback and collaborative storytelling on platforms like Wattpad. The study employs a qualitative, exploratory research design, including interviews, focus groups, and observational analysis, to examine how digital platforms influence reader engagement and narrative structure. Key findings highlight the shift toward nonlinear, reader-driven narratives and the growing role of multimedia in storytelling. Additionally, the research underscores how these changes are democratizing literature, allowing diverse voices to reach global audiences without traditional publishing barriers. The study concludes by discussing the implications for authors, publishers, and literary institutions, as well as offering recommendations for future research on emerging technologies like AI and virtual reality in storytelling.

Hate Speech Propagation and Regulation in WhatsApp Groups: Evidence from Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study examines the prevalence and effects of hate speech propagation on WhatsApp groups in Nigeria. It also explores the role of WhatsApp group administrators (WGAs) in regulating it. Online passive participant observation method was used to collect data from sixteen purposively selected WhatsApp groups in Nigeria. Results indicate a high prevalence of gender, religious, political and ethnic hate speech in majority of the sampled WhatsApp groups. It also shows that hate speech generates tension and conflict among WhatsApp group participants. Moreover, the study reveals that most WGAs applied punitive measures against hate speech propagators. The findings advance the emerging area of online hate speech and brings to fore the conflict resolution, peacebuilding and third-party policing potentials of WhatsApp group administrators.

Physical activity, physical fitness and cardiometabolic health among Finnish military workers

IntroductionThe Western lifestyle challenges national defence. Inactivity, obesity, high BP and elevated lipid and glucose levels as well as tobacco use all increase cardiometabolic risk. The present study was thus...

Application of Discovery Learning with Flashcard Media to Increase Active Mathematics Learning Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Students

This research aims to evaluate the mathematics learning process with a discovery learning model using flashcard media for class IV students at MI Al-Ma'arif 02 Jombang-Jember and identify their weaknesses and strengths. The approach used is descriptive qualitative with purposive techniques for determining subjects. Data was collected through passive participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation, then analyzed using Miles and Huberman's interactive analysis model and tested for validity through triangulation of sources and techniques. The research results show that teachers prepare lesson plans, syllabi, media, and learning resources in planning learning. Implementing learning includes opening, core (with discovery learning syntax), and closing. Learning evaluation is carried out by assessing knowledge, attitudes, and skills. The advantages are that students become more active and enthusiastic, the material is easier for the teacher to convey, and it is easier for students to understand the material and work on questions. However, some students were less enthusiastic and needed help understanding the material, so they needed help answering the questions.

Journalists’ authority and its bounded trade; Twitter, journalists, and boundary work in contemporary France’s music scene

Journalists, it is widely admitted, are engaged in new forms of boundary work on social media platforms, seeking to uphold their influence over news dissemination. This study focuses on music festivals as a case study to examine journalists' endeavors in maintaining their authority on social media. We analyze Twitter coverage of music festivals in France during the summer of 2018, systematically collecting data from 16 festivals of varying sizes and musical genres. Through this analysis, we investigate journalists' engagement and evaluate the trading of authority with other stakeholders through mentioning practices. Our findings challenge the prevailing notion of journalists as primary arbiters of authority on social media platforms. Despite their conspicuous presence during music festivals on Twitter, journalists emerge as relatively passive participants compared to other stakeholders in the music scene. Moreover, their ability to assert or receive authority from the broader public sphere is limited. This study sheds light on the bounded nature of journalists' boundary work on social media platforms, emphasizing the evolving dynamics of authority within digital information ecosystems.

Health-Promoting Family Approach (1972-2024): A Bibliometric Study

Background: The Health Promoting Family Approach involves a comprehensive perspective that extends beyond the conventional medical approach. It recognizes the intricate relationships among family dynamics, social and cultural backgrounds, and health habits. In this approach, families are seen not just as passive participants in health initiatives, but as influential contributors who play a pivotal role in molding health behaviors, mindsets, and ways of life. Material/Method: The research methodology involved descriptive bibliometric analysis using data gathered from international publications sourced from the Scopus database (accessible in www.scopus.com). The analysis was conducted using VOSViewer version 1.6.18 and R-Studio version 4.3.2, facilitating bibliometric analysis. Information regarding the study, focusing on the "health promoting family approach" keyword. Result: The results of bibliometric analysis show that publication trends from 1972 to 2024 have increased. Some of the most frequently used keywords by the authors include: human, female, male, health promotion, public health, family, qualitative research, mental health, and health. The journal BMC Public Health publishes the most articles about the Health Promoting Family Approach, with a total of 49 articles. The highest number of writer collaborations is from the United States. And the paper by Lobstein is the most globally cited document with a total of 3022 citations. Conclusion: Trend in publications on the Health-Promoting Family Approach, particularly concerning mental health, from 1972 to 2024, has shown an increasing trajectory, indicating a growing interest and relevance in this topic. Authors from developed countries such as the USA and the United Kingdom have contributed the most to these publications.

Character Education Based on Local Wisdom Hasthalaku

The increase in corruption cases, the increasing number of cases involved in drugs and various forms of juvenile delinquency are the impact of the erosion of the character that is owned and held firmly by the Indonesian people. One solution that schools can implement is to implement character education based on local Hasthalaku wisdom. This research aims to analyze the implementation of character education based on local wisdom in high schools. The research subjects consisted of the deputy principal, Hasthalaku teacher, several subject teachers, and several students at the school. The research was conducted using naturalistic qualitative methods. Data collection used passive participant observation techniques, semi-structured interviews, and documentation. The analysis technique uses technical triangulation and triangulation of research data sources. Data analysis uses an interactive model developed by Miles and Huberman, including three procedures: data condensation, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The research results show that character education based on local Hasthalaku wisdom has been implemented consistently and sustainably through several school programs/activities. The school's efforts to implement character education based on local Hasthalaku wisdom can shape students' character by the character of Javanese society. The implications of this research can have a positive impact on students' lives now and in the future.

Staff Support for Families of Youth Involved in Juvenile Justice System in Residential Treatment Programs

This study used a convenience sample of 51 employees of a mid-sized, Midwest residential treatment facility for children involved in juvenile justice system. Overall, the findings suggest that staff members support family involvement and recognize the link between a child’s return home and the activities designed to involve family during placement but are constrained by limited resources. The findings also indicate that family members are not treated as partners but rather as passive participants in the treatment milieu.

Beyond Borders: Towards a Theology of ‘Synodality’

Pope Francis’ call to pave the way for a synodal Church is revolutionary. While ‘synodality’ has long been a promising Church trajectory, it disrupts and challenges the current status quo in local churches. Moreover, the process of ‘synodality’ is transformative and enriching as it fosters greater engagement of the people at the peripheries of the Church’s life and mission.
 People in the margins are often perceived as passive participants in the life of the Church and, as it were, on the receiving end. However, the Church’s plans, thrusts, and decisions, whether on a personal level or socio-political and economic affairs, have always involved active and influential parish members and organizations. The ‘influential’ constitutes the majority’s voice in church ministries, activities, and projects. On the other hand, the voices of the underprivileged carry, if any, little weight in the discussion.
 This paper critically examined avenues for dialogue initiated by the local churches for the synod, allowing the marginalized to sit at the discussion table. It scrutinized a ‘synodal’ Church as it unveiled the mental structures that create categories of marginalization. In the hope of appropriating ‘synodality’ into authentic forms of encounter, solidarity, and dialogue, Koselleck’s ‘space of experience’ and ‘horizon of expectation’ brought into light female narratives in the ‘synodal’ discourse, enabling the process of becoming a ‘synodal’ Church, a desired horizon of the future.

Utilization of Corn Waste: A Learning Media Based on Madurese Local Wisdom to Stimulate Children's Symbolic Thinking

The utilization of corn waste in education, particularly in early childhood education, offers various benefits, including the development of learning media. This study aims to analyze the use of corn waste in stimulating symbolic thinking skills in children aged 5-6 years. The research employs a qualitative method with a case study approach. The subjects include children from group B and educators at TK Muslimat NU Siti Fatimah Bangkalan. Data collection techniques encompass passive participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation. Data analysis follows the model developed by Miles and Huberman. The results indicate that symbolic thinking skills can be stimulated using magazines, posters, and educational toys. Additionally, corn waste media also stimulate children's symbolic thinking skills by utilizing corn kernels, husks, and cobs. This study provides an alternative child-friendly medium by leveraging natural resources such as corn to stimulate symbolic thinking in early childhood. Therefore, this research aids educators in developing affordable and environmentally friendly learning media. The use of corn waste not only offers a creative solution in learning but also supports environmental conservation efforts through the use of readily available natural materials. Using corn kernels, husks, and cobs as learning media demonstrates that materials often considered waste can have significant value in the educational context. Consequently, it is crucial for educators to continuously seek and develop innovative and sustainable learning media, harnessing the potential of local resources available in their surroundings.