Toward a Sociology of Plasma Products.

Over the past 20 years, plasma has become a medical treatment characterized as "liquid gold" to signal its lifesaving potential. Through a manufacturing process termed fractionation, plasma, collected through blood donation, is turned into Plasma Derived Medical Products (PDMPs). The World Health Organization (WHO) has underlined the importance of PDMPs for global health care, including a number of PDMPs on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. The process of collecting plasma from a donor, manufacturing plasma derived treatments, and distributing those treatments globally requires the coordination of multiple social actors operating in different social, political and economic contexts, but has received little attention in scholarly literature on public policy or the social sciences. This paper will introduce a set of analytic questions and concepts that can direct a sociology of plasma products. We build on the behavioral turn in the policy sciences to identify relevant policy questions emerging from this field and offer the analytic tools necessary to investigate how different social actors in this space make meaning of plasma. To do this, we will draw on key concepts in the sociology of health and illness.

Disputes over the figures of the COVID-19 pandemic: Epistemic diversity, dissemination of science, and political opposition.

The health policies imposed by multiple national governments after the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 were publicly justified by official figures on the deaths that the new virus would have caused and could cause in the future. At the same time, however, groups of people from different countries expressed their scepticism about those figures. Although they were categorised as 'anti-science', 'spreaders of misinformation' or 'conspiracy theorists' in some media, many of those sceptics claimed to be based on scientific evidence. This article qualitatively analyses a sample of the content published by sceptics on their social media between 2020 and 2022. More specifically, it examines the shared documents supposedly coming from the scientific community. We find very diverse content ranging from unsubstantiated assumptions to documents produced by prestigious scientists inviting questions about the fatality rates, the mathematical models anticipating millions of deaths, and the real numbers of people who died from COVID-19. The disputes surrounding the official figures lead us to a reflection about the relationship between, epistemic diversity, the dissemination of science, censorship, and new forms of political opposition. We also touch upon the nature and ethics of scientific controversy in times of a 'war' against 'misinformation'.

Digital Inclusion among Community Older Adults in the Republic of Korea: Measuring Digital Skills and Health Consequences.

Many older adults are increasingly embracing digital technology in the Republic of Korea. This study investigated the relationship between the digital skills of Korean older adults and their perceived health status and digital technology application for health promotion. This mixed-method study comprised a community survey of 434 older adults aged ≥65 in two cities in South Korea, followed by focus group interviews. Five types of digital skills, 'operational internet skills', 'information navigation skills', 'social skills', 'creative skills', and 'mobile skills', were measured using the LSE digital skill measurement instrument. Multivariable analysis identified the influence of digital skills on health-related outcomes. Among them, 'social skills' associated positively with self-rated health (ß 0.37, 95%CI 0.08, 0.65). 'Information navigation skills' contributed positively to the use of digital technology and the internet for a healthy lifestyle in terms of improving eating habits (ß 0.43, 95%CI 0.09, 0.77), accessing healthcare (ß 0.53, 95%CI 0.21, 0.85), and accessing long-term care services (ß 0.45, 95%CI 0.11, 0.79). Thematic analysis revealed that the study participants use Korean language-based resources such as Naver and Kakao Talk for social connection to promote a healthy lifestyle. This study concludes that encouraging initial and sustained use of the internet and enhancing digital skills among Korean older adults can promote active and healthy aging.

Exploring the interplay of interpersonal and contextual dynamics in youth sports injuries: a comprehensive narrative review.

Injuries are recognised in sports and exercise medicine as not isolated incidents but complex outcomes. This is because an athlete's health trajectory is understood to be shaped by dynamic, complex linkages between individual performance, biology, and the wider social and cultural contexts and systems in which individuals perform. Despite this recognition, little attention has been paid to how interpersonal and contextual dynamics can potentially affect the risk of injury by influencing the choices and decisions made by coaches, parents and athletes. To address this gap, this narrative review bridges insights from sociocultural studies in sports with the findings of sports injury research. The narrative review aims to identify and summarise how interpersonal and contextual dynamics influence the risk of youth sports injuries. The results reveal the pressures faced by athletes, often leading to compromised health. Moreover, the review underscores the importance of designing complex interventions and strategies to promote healthier practices in youth sports. Specifically, intervention programmes should prioritise raising awareness of injury risks, cultivating effective communication skills and fostering supportive training environments.

The potential of incorporating norm-critical design objects as a pedagogical tool in sociology courses.

Previous research has raised challenges in teaching gender theory in sociology courses. While many students appreciate such theories, some students resist sociological approaches to gender, sexualities, and social inequalities. There is a growing body of research that has recognized and explored pedagogical tools aiming to help students engage with sociological insights and concepts related to gender. However, more studies and pedagogical frameworks are needed to guide higher education teachers. Consequently, this perspective article aims to introduce and present how norm-critical design objects can be used as a pedagogical tool to enhance student learning and engagement. The article demonstrates how such objects have been incorporated into sociology courses and provides a springboard for reflective, thorough, and problematizing approaches to gender issues in sociology. Further, the article encourages a broader sociological discussion about the potential of using norm-critical design objects in sociology courses.

Negotiating Hegemonic Masculinities and Mutual Exoticization within Grindr Tourism Interactions: "Everyone in Tel Aviv is a Muscle God".

Dating apps are spaces where masculinities are communicated digitally, affecting inequalities around gender expressions. This study aims to identify the masculinities communicated within Grindr tourism interactions in Tel Aviv and analyze how masculinities shape relations among international tourists and locals. Methods consist of interviews and audio diaries with nineteen tourist, local, and immigrant Grindr users in Tel Aviv. Theories of affordances, hegemonic masculinities, and relational sociology are used to analyze the data. In discussion of the results, the concept of mutual exoticization is put forth to interpret the social dynamics valued within Grindr tourism interactions, thereby revealing oppositional fantasies tied to nationalities and masculinities. The study also explores ethnicity's association with social and erotic capital in digital circulations of a localized Mizrahi masculinity. Findings reveal that while hegemonic masculinities are circulated on Grindr, resistance is also a part of Grindr tourism relations around masculinities. This research concludes by shedding light on masculinity inequalities within digital spaces where different nationalities co-congregate, revealing everyday negotiations of gender regimes. Grindr is the site of both reproduction of and resistance to social inequalities around masculinities.

Gender Gap in Parental Leave Among Physicians in Japan.

Objective: To investigate the gender gap in parental leave uptake among physicians and explore the burden of childcare on female physicians compared with their male counterparts. Methods: The focus was on the rate for taking childcare leave as an indicator of the gender gap in the burden of childcare. Data from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's national database were analyzed to investigate the population ratio of physicians who took parental leave. The study included male and female physicians from different years and prefectures. Results: Gender disparity in parental leave uptake among physicians was observed. On average, male physicians take parental leave at a rate of 0.05%, while female physicians have a much higher rate of 4.5%. Around 1,400 to 1,700 female physicians took parental leave annually, compared with only 20-70 male physicians. This highlights the disproportionate burden of childcare on female physicians. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a considerable childcare burden on female physicians due to the rarity of male physicians taking parental leave. The findings underscore the urgency of addressing the gender gap in parental leave uptake among physicians and promoting gender equality in childcare responsibilities. Future research and policy initiatives should focus on achieving a more equitable distribution of parental leave to alleviate the burden on female healthcare professionals and improve work-life balance in the medical profession.

The relationship between teachers' zest for work and teaching motivation: the mediating role of achievement goals.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the mediating role of achievement goals in the relationship between teachers' zest for work and teaching motivation. Method: The research was designed using the relational survey model. The research sample consisted of 518 teachers working in various cities in Turkey in 2023-2024 academic year fall semester. A convenience sampling method was used in sampling. Three Likert-type scales were used as data collection tools. In the data analysis, firstly, the data suitability to normal distributions was examined. As a result of the analysis, kurtosis and skewness values were examined and it was assumed that the data were normally distributed. SPSS Process extension was used to analyze the data. Results and discussion: According to the research results, teachers' zest for work positively and significantly predicted strong and positive achievement goals. In addition, teachers' achievement goals significantly and positively predicted their teaching motivation. Additionally, teachers' zest for work positively and significantly predicted their teaching motivation. Moreover, it can be inferred that achievement goals for students have a mediating role in the relationship between teachers' zest for work and teaching motivation. In this context, it is suggested that policies that increase teachers' teaching motivation should be prioritized.

[The long 1992 in medicinal (non-)security of Russia. Report II. Market networks and institutes].

The year of 1992 is very important milestone in history of Russian pharmaceutical market. It began not in January 1922, but in December 1991, when the President and Government enactments to open free market for medications were promulgated. The advisers of B. N. Yeltsin considered market economy as reliable mean to overcome medicinal deficiencies, corruption and bureaucratic monopoly. However, panacea did not work. Moreover, it caused completely new problems. The human and state security implies protection from threats of dependencies. The unprepared dive into market plunged Russians and the country into severe dependence on import of medications and foreign pharmaceutical companies. The proposed study expands our publications in this journal and in journal "Pharmacy" in 2022. At that time, analysis of medication scarcity was implemented on the basis of published sources and relied on journalistic evidences. The current study is carried out on the basis of archival documents of the Ministry of Health Care of the Russian Federation and authors interviews of representatives of regulator. The second report reconstructs the sequence of the emergence and correlation of the structural elements of the Russian pharmaceutical market.

Striking the Balance: Embracing Technology While Upholding Humanistic Principles in Neurorehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: The rapid advancement of technology-focused strategies in neurorehabilitation has brought optimism to individuals with neurological disorders, caregivers, and physicians while reshaping medical practice and training. OBJECTIVES: We critically examine the implications of technology in neurorehabilitation, drawing on discussions from the 2021 and 2024 World Congress for NeuroRehabilitation. While acknowledging the value of technology, it highlights inherent limitations and ethical concerns, particularly regarding the potential overshadowing of humanistic approaches. The integration of technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, neuromodulation, and brain-computer interfaces enriches neurorehabilitation by offering interdisciplinary solutions. However, ethical considerations arise regarding the balance between compensation for deficits, accessibility of technologies, and their alignment with fundamental principles of care. Additionally, the pitfalls of relying solely on neuroimaging data are discussed, stressing the necessity for a more comprehensive understanding of individual variability and clinical skills in rehabilitation. RESULTS: From a clinical perspective, the article advocates for realistic solutions that prioritize individual needs, quality of life, and social inclusion over technological allure. It underscores the importance of modesty and honesty in responding to expectations while emphasizing the uniqueness of each individual's experience. Moreover, it argues for the preservation of human-centric approaches alongside technological advancements, recognizing the invaluable role of clinical observation and human interaction in rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Ultimately, the article calls for a balanced attitude that integrates both scientific and humanistic perspectives in neurorehabilitation. It highlights the symbiotic relationship between the sciences and humanities, advocating for philosophical questioning to guide the ethical implementation of new technologies and foster interdisciplinary dialogue.

Children picturing their own worlds: Using photovoice to amplify children's voice in sociological research.

This research note highlights an emerging transdisciplinary research method-photovoice-and why it is particularly suited for sociological studies of children and youth. Traditional social science data collection methods can be limited in their ability to capture both the depth and breadth of childhood experiences and children's perceptions of their experiences. We describe an emerging method, photovoice, that is used more frequently in other disciplines, and its suitability for sociologically studying youth and children. We describe the limitations of traditional social science methods and how photovoice can help overcome some of these limitations. Photovoice engages participants as lived experts who contribute to both the data collection and analysis in an individual and collective manner. Through taking photos and discussing their meaning, participants can share abstract feelings and discuss sensitive topics in an imaginative format and express themselves creatively. We describe how previous research has used photovoice to work with youth from vulnerable circumstances and those who have experienced trauma as well as demonstrate how photovoice is well situated to bolster the tenets of sociological research.

The social evolution of COVID-19: pandemics as total social facts.

The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented global event in recent history. Beginning with an initial outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, the virus spread rapidly across the globe, causing millions of deaths and triggering an unprecedented health, economic, and social crisis. The initial response to the outbreak in many countries was the implementation of social distancing measures, including the closure of schools and businesses, the cancellation of mass events, and the banning of travel. These measures were aimed at reducing the virus' spread and preventing health systems from being overwhelmed by the numerous severe COVID-19 cases. However, these measures also had a devastating economic impact, especially on precarious workers and freelancers, as well as those who were unable to work from home. As the pandemic (also considered a syndemic or synergistic epidemic) dragged on, countries adopted more flexible approaches to dealing with the virus, adopting mitigation measures rather than social distancing measures. These included the use of masks, testing and contact tracing, and the opening of businesses and schools with the implementation of additional safety measures. This paper highlights the social consequences of the pandemic, ultimately arguing that it is a total social fact (from the French fait social total), based on Marcel Mauss' categorization, since it encompassed and impacted all facets of human life.

What Western Philosophers of Technology Might Learn from Li Bocong's Philosophy of Engineering.

This essay aims to rectify a failure on the part of Western philosophers of technology to attend to the creative philosophical work of Li Bocong at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing. After a brief account of Li Bocong's personal contacts with the West and some remarks on his relationship to Marxism, we take up three aspects of his philosophy that can contribute to enlarging Western philosophical thinking about engineering and technology: (1) Li's analysis of engineering as more than design, (2) his argument for the relevance of the sociology of engineering, and (3) his conceptualization of engineering ethics as more than professional ethics.

Becoming a matter of veterinary concern.

Horses in Great Britain are living into increasingly older age and are often regarded as friends or family members by their owner. The horse is reliant on their owner to meet their needs and this paper discusses how horse owners frame an issue that becomes a matter of veterinary concern within the context of the older horse. Qualitative methods were used to explore the experiences of owners and veterinarians. Data were collected and analysed using a grounded theory approach during the period 2019-2022. Analysis identified that owners undertook an ongoing and iterative process of assessment, monitoring and decision making in relation to the animal and any changes they observed. Matters that became a veterinary concern required the owner to formulate the issue as something that fell within the knowledge domain of the veterinarian. Veterinarians had a medicalised view of older horse health and their perspectives on socially acceptable care were shaped by their understanding of species-specific needs, and whether owners were providing appropriately for those needs. The formulation of a matter of veterinary concern was itself shaped by an owner's experiential knowledge of both veterinary matters and their horse. The extent to which owners felt like they and their individual horse mattered during interactions with veterinarians affected whether they adopted veterinary advice and the nature of future veterinary employment. Findings demonstrate how matters of health, disease, and the role of professionalised forms of medical knowledge, are not static but constantly changing and interacting over time. An issue that became a matter of veterinary concern was contextual, and rooted in individual relationships. The significance of veterinarian-owner interactions in shaping future consumption of veterinary health care may be underestimated.

The Cost of Dying Exhibition: public, professional and political reactions to a visual exhibition depicting experiences of poverty at the end of life.

Public health approaches to palliative care are internationally endorsed for their potential to improve the social determinants of dying such as energy costs, transport and housing. Enhancing public understanding of inequities in end of life experiences, which exist even in economically advanced countries, is vital if the value of public health approaches are to be endorsed and invested in. Visual exhibitions have a strong tradition of raising awareness and influencing public health discourse. The UK-based Cost of Dying exhibition (April-August 2023) presented real examples of how financial hardship and deprivation intersect with end of life experience through professional portraits, photovoice imagery taken by individuals at the end of their lives, and digital stories co-produced with bereaved relatives. Three iterations of the exhibition were displayed at public venues and a health conference. Evaluation methods comprised anonymous feedback cards (n=208), panel discussions and social media reactions. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes within the feedback. The emotional resonance of the exhibition was a key theme, with attendees expressing sadness, anger, empathy and hope. Visitors found the exhibition thought-provoking and expressed that it countered existing stereotypes about what it means to experience financial hardship at the end of life. The exhibition spurred calls for change, with some attendees questioning in what capacity they could help. Individuals with expertise in end of life care reported that the imagery validated their professional experiences. In conclusion, the Cost of Dying exhibition made visible the struggles endured by individuals confronting financial hardship and material deprivation at the end of life. Such exhibitions can challenge the traditional view of dying as a swift process taking place sequestered in institutions, revealing that it often unfolds over time and individuals may continue to live at home in the community, struggling with unmet needs and unresponsive state services.

The Representation of Giving Actions: Event Construction in the Service of Monitoring Social Relationships.

Giving is a unique attribute of human sharing. In this review, we discuss evidence attesting to our species' preparedness to recognize interactions based on this behavior. We show that infants and adults require minimal cues of resource transfer to relate the participants of a giving event in an interactive unit (A gives X to B) and that such an interpretation does not systematically generalize to superficially similar taking events, which may be interpreted in nonsocial terms (A takes X). We argue that this asymmetry, echoed in language, reveals the operations of a mechanism of event construction where participant roles are encoded only when they are crucial to rendering an action teleologically well-formed. We show that such a representation of giving allows people to monitor the direction (who gave to whom) and kind (what was given) of resource transfer within a dyad, suggesting that giving may be interpreted as indicative of a relationship based on long-term balance. As this research suggests, advancing the study of the prelinguistic representation of giving has implications for cognitive linguistics, by clarifying the relation between event participants and syntactic arguments, as well as social cognition, by identifying which kinds of relational inferences people draw from attending to acts of sharing.