Hematologic adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination and revaccination in persons aged 12 and above: A Canadian Immunization Research Network study

Data on safety of revaccination after a hematologic adverse event following immunization (AEFI) with COVID-19 vaccines are limited. This study characterized hematologic AEFIs in patients assessed by Canadian Special Immunization Clinic (SIC) network physicians from January 2021 to February 2023 and estimated recurrence rates of hematologic events after revaccination. Following clinical assessment of 475 individuals, revaccinated participants were followed for recurrence of AEFI. Thirty-eight cases (21 [55.3%] males and 17 [44.7%] females) with hematologic AEFIs and aged ≥12 were included in the analysis; 31/38 participants (81.6%) were 18 to 64 y old. Immune thrombocytopenia, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were the most common diagnoses, accounting for 11 (28.9%), 9 (23.7%) and 9 (23.7%), cases. Two cases of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) were reported after ChAdOx1. The vaccines associated with hematologic AEFIs were BNT162b2 (17, 44.7%), ChAdOx1 (11, 28.9%), and mRNA-1273 (10, 26.3%). Twenty-seven (71.1%) participants were revaccinated; 14 (51.9%) received the same vaccine product as their initial vaccine while 13 (48.1%) received a different product. There were no recurrences of the same AEFI reported after revaccination with an mRNA vaccine, including the two patients with TTS, suggesting that hematologic AEFI recurrences following COVID-19 vaccines are likely uncommon.

Investigating anticipated post-COVID transit ridership using a pseudo-panel approach

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted, raising questions about its long-term recovery. This investigation proposes a pseudo-panel approach to forecast transit ridership based on people’s characteristics and observed/anticipated travel behaviours from cross-sectional surveys conducted before and during the pandemic. The respondents are grouped into types using K-means clustering algorithm. The evolution of each type’s current and anticipated transit usage is then examined over time. This typology provides insights into the anticipated trip frequency and transit usage. It also demonstrates how to use small-sample surveys to reduce reliance on large-scale surveys for specific cohorts. The findings indicate that, based on people’s expectations, transit ridership in Montreal was expected to recover gradually – reaching 88.84% of 2018 levels by 2023, a full recovery by 2024, and 111.32% by 2025. However, recovery may lag into late 2025. This study also identifies population segments linked to transit use changes, offering valuable insights for planning and decision-making.

Climate Justice and the University: Shaping a Hopeful Future for All Jennie C. Stephens. Baltimore, MD: John Hopkins University Press, 2024. xv and 286 pp., photos, illustrations, bibliography, index. $36.95 cloth (ISBN 978-1-4214-5005-6), $36.95 electronic [ISBN 978-1-4214-5006-3)

The Acoustic Profiles of Emotion: Analyzing the Spoken Voice in Theater Performance

This study investigates the acoustic markers that distinguish emotions in spoken word theater, focusing on pitch, speech rate, pauses, volume, and frequency balance. Nine professional actors recorded six short texts, each performed in neutral, happy, sad, angry, tender, and fearful states. Acoustic analysis measured variations across these emotions to identify defining characteristics. Results indicate that high-activity emotions (happiness, anger) are associated with faster speech rates, higher pitch, shorter pauses, increased volume, and greater high-frequency presence. In contrast, low-activity emotions (sadness, tenderness) exhibit slower speech rate, lower pitch, longer pauses, quieter volume, and reduced high-frequency energy. Fear demonstrated the most variability, with performances displaying both high- and low-activity traits depending on interpretation. Findings confirm that emotional intensity in theater performances is acoustically distinct, offering valuable insights for actors, directors, and sound designers. These results provide a foundation for evidence-based approaches to enhancing emotional expression in live theater. Future research should examine how these acoustic markers influence audience perception in live settings and consider factors such as accents and actor training in emotive vocal performance.

Primary Care Physician Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence for Dementia Screening: A Qualitative Study

Automated approaches to cognitive impairment screening may soon achieve sufficient levels of accuracy for clinical implementation but they present potentially serious ethical challenges. Overcoming such challenges for successful implementation of automated screening may depend on the perspective of the clinicians who are its intended users. We conducted a qualitative study of internal medicine, geriatrics and family medicine physicians recruited from ambulatory practices in New York City, NY to identify ethical challenges of implementing automated CI screening ( n  = 22). In four focus groups, we explored attitudes and beliefs about routine manual screening for cognitive impairment and automated screening based in machine learning models of data from electronic medical records (EMR) or patient audio recordings, using hypothetical scenarios. Focus group recordings were transcribed and analyzed using grounded theory. Participants reported routine screening for cognitive impairment only in the context of the Medicare annual wellness visit and generally avoided routine screening because of limited treatment options to support patients, such as poor access to geriatrics/neuropsychiatric services. Thematic analysis revealed several perceived benefits: enhanced clinical efficiency, engagement in cognitive healthcare of their patients, and expanded access to cognitive care. They identified several potential challenges with ethics implications: concerns about accuracy of the technology, bias, difficulty communicating the technology and results to patients and caregivers that could impact their ability to provide informed consent, and risks to patients (privacy, stigmatization and insurability). They noted that without more health system infrastructure to support patients with dementia, the benefits of automated screening would be limited. Physicians identified several critical ethical challenges to automated CI screening. Health systems will need to address these challenges to ensure benefit for and the safety, autonomy and privacy of patients and ultimately, the successful implementation of such technology.

Jobs-to-be-done meets mobile banking: what makes customers recommend

Despite the rise of digital technologies and social media, mobile banking continues to see increased post-consumption engagement, yet faces challenges from fintech competitors and mobile wallets. Customer positive response, such as referrals and recommend is key to addressing these challenges. This study analysed 297,116 customer referrals, the key indicators of recommendation intentions by using text mining, topic modeling, and K-means clustering. The study uncovered latent themes by mapping Jobs-to-be-Done theory. Findings highlight functional factors (reliability, speed, security) and non-functional factors (user-centric design, technology ecosystem, reputation) that shape mobile banking recommendations. This study offers critical insights into factors influencing customer response and a robust framework for future research and practice.

Can live streaming build lasting brand loyalty? A study of fashion consumer behavior

Live streaming commerce has emerged as a transformative retail format integrating entertainment, social interaction, and real-time purchasing, yet empirical understanding of how it influences sustained brand loyalty remains limited. This study addresses this gap by investigating sequential psychological mechanisms through which live streaming features drive brand loyalty in fashion retail. Drawing on Perceived Value Theory, Expectancy Value Theory, and Social Exchange Theory, we developed an integrated model examining relationships between attractiveness, interactivity, perception of live streaming, product perceived value, product liking, and loyalty. Survey data from 300 Indonesian fashion consumers—the largest market in Southeast Asia—were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results demonstrate strong empirical support for all six hypotheses, revealing that interactivity ( β  = 0.480) and attractiveness ( β  = 0.376) shape streaming perceptions, which influence product perceived value ( β  = 0.735) and product liking through direct affective ( β  = 0.465) and indirect cognitive ( β  = 0.380) pathways, ultimately driving loyalty ( β  = 0.438). The model explained substantial variance in loyalty (67.4%). Critical insights emerge regarding interactivity’s superior importance over attractiveness, the remarkably strong perception-value linkage, dual pathways to affective attachment, and moderate loyalty conversion, suggesting streaming alone cannot sustain relationships without broader integration with comprehensive relationship management strategies.

Integrating Disability Perspectives into Theological Education: Transforming the Next Generation of Christian Leaders

Little is known about the presence and integration of disability-related content in theological education. This work asks: how do the curricula at Mainline Protestant accredited Master of Divinity programs in the United States prepare religious leaders to work with disabled people and their families? Results showed disability-related content was primarily found within courses dedicated to pastoral care and counseling. Additionally, the majority of course syllabi analyzed fell into medical or religious/moral model perspectives of disability. Extrapolating from these findings reveals ways in which theological education can become more familiar with disability-positive perspectives and incorporate that familiarity into their work.

Pandemic Silver Linings: Examining I-PCIT in a New Telehealth Era

COVID-19 has led to increased stress for children and families worldwide, increasing and exacerbating the emotional and functional impact of mental and behavioral health disorders. Fortunately, telehealth offers a psychological service delivery option for treating mental and behavioral health disorders when in-person services may not be plausible or preferred. During non-pandemic times, internet delivery of PCIT (I-PCIT) has been shown to be similarly effective as standard PCIT delivered in clinic. However, the added stresses of a pandemic may negatively impact the effectiveness of I-PCIT. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare treatment outcomes, using the ECBI, in families receiving in-person PCIT prior to the pandemic to families who participated in I-PCIT during COVID-19. Preliminary data found that the treatment was successful regardless of delivery method ( t  = –13.84, p  < .001) and that children receiving I-PCIT during the pandemic improved at similar rates to those receiving standard PCIT prior to COVID-19 ( t  = 1.34, p  > .05). Additionally, caregivers acquired CDI skills at similar rates regardless of the delivery method ( t  = -1.15, p  > .05). Despite concerns of increased parental stress and child behavioral challenges during the pandemic, I-PCIT remains an effective, robust treatment program. This promising effectiveness data, coupled with caregiver report of increased accessibility, highlights the unique strengths of telehealth services. Perhaps one of the silver linings of the pandemic is the reduction in barriers to treatment made possible by telehealth, emphasizing the need for behavioral health services to continue to incorporate internet delivery beyond pandemic times.

An Evaluation of a Supervised Playground Service for Children and Families Living in a Disadvantaged Area

An evaluation of a supervised playground service for children and families who live in an area of disadvantage was undertaken to assess its impact on children, families, and the wider community. The playground is located in the suburbs of a city in the southeast of Ireland, and it is operated by Barnardos. A central objective of the study was to explore children’s experiences of their involvement in the playground, what it means to them, and how it has influenced their lives. The evaluation adopted a qualitative design using art-based participatory methods and semi-structured interviews to ensure that the voice of the child was prioritized. A total of 33 participants, including children, parents, Barnardos staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders took part in the study. Data generated from creative activities and interviews provided rich insights into the value and outcomes of the service. Findings indicate that the playground contributes positively to children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. It also fosters inclusion, friendship, and community connection, while supporting children’s confidence, wellbeing, and sense of belonging. The evaluation highlights the significance of supervised, community-based play initiatives in promoting holistic child development and strengthening community ties.