bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of cognitive-emotional music listening in ear training on acquired knowledge and liking of the lessons
Authors: Vidulin Sabina , Žauhar Valnea , Plavšić Marlena
Published: October 2023

Previous research has shown that a cognitive-emotional approach (CEA) to music listening can improve music teaching in general education schools. This study tested it in music school ear training lessons. The aim was to compare the standard teaching approach (STA), which focuses more on cognitive and analytical tasks, and CEA, which also incorporates emotional, multimodal and interdisciplinary elements, on children’s knowledge acquisition and their liking of the lessons. Both approaches involved Dvořák’s music (an excerpt from the 4th movement of Symphony No. 9 in E minor, op. 95 ‘From the New World’) and had the same learning outcomes in two lessons, one related to the E natural minor scale and the other to rhythmic elements and duration. The sample consisted of 423 pupils, who were on average 10.5 years old and attended third grade in 16 Croatian music schools. Half of them participated in lessons prepared in STA, while the other half received lessons in CEA. Findings reveal that implementing CEA in ear training results in increased liking of the lessons, while the knowledge acquired in the lessons remains similar or better than that gained in STA. The implications of including music listening in ear training lessons were further discussed.
Research and development and the financial performance of high-tech small- and medium-sized enterprises: Does managerial ability matter?
Authors: Qin Jiaojiao , Subramanian Annapoornima M. , Lin Jun
Published: October 2023

High-tech small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to innovate and invest in research and development (R&D) activities to remain competitive. However, due to their liability of smallness, the returns from R&D in terms of financial performance may not be as expected in such firms. Combining the resource management perspective with managerial ability research, we elaborate upon how managerial ability influences the effect of R&D on the financial performance of high-tech SMEs. We also investigate how this moderation is affected by the external environment in which high-tech SMEs operate. Using a moderated moderating model and the panel data of 256 Chinese high-tech SMEs from 2007 to 2019, we find that managerial ability strengthens the impact of R&D on the financial performance of high-tech SMEs. This moderating effect is more pronounced during the economic downturn and in regions with better digital economy development. Our findings provide important implications for high-tech SMEs on their R&D strategies and human capital management as well as the government.
Pediatric extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for yew cardiotoxicity
Authors: Daniels Zachary , Hays Hannah , Carrillo Sergio , Kamp Anna , Gauntt Jennifer
Published: October 2023

Introduction

English yew is an evergreen conifer frequently planted in household gardens and, when ingested in large doses, results in severe cardiotoxicity characterized by difficult to control ventricular arrhythmias with high rates of mortality.

Case report

A previously healthy teenage female presented as an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with refractory ventricular arrhythmias and severe biventricular dysfunction. Due to rapid deterioration in her clinical status, she was cannulated onto venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) which resulted in rapid normalization of her rhythm and ventricular function.

Discussion

Our case highlights the importance of keeping a broad differential diagnosis when considering etiologies of ventricular arrhythmias in the pediatric population. The final diagnosis was not made until after discharge and implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) placement.

Conclusion

The delayed diagnosis of this intentional English yew ingestion ultimately resulted subsequent ICD removal. Early ECMO activation in cases of English yew toxicity can be essential for patient survival.
Through the Eyes of Patients: The Effect of Training General Practitioners and Nurses on Perceived Shared Decision-Making Support
Authors: Bos – van den Hoek Danique W. , Smets Ellen M. A. , Ali Rania , Tange Dorien , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , Henselmans Inge
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To examine the effects of training general practitioners and nurses in shared decision-making (SDM) support as perceived by cancer patients and survivors.

Design

An innovative, experimental design was adopted that included analogue patients (APs), that is, people who have or have had cancer and who imagine themselves in the position of the actor-patient presented in a video. Each AP assessed a video-recorded simulated consultation of a health care professional (HCP) conducted before or after an SDM support training program. The primary outcome was the APs’ perceived SDM support with 13 self-developed items reflecting the perceived patient benefit of SDM support as well as the perceived HCP support behavior. Secondary outcomes included an overall rating of SDM support, AP-reported extent of SDM (CollaboRATE), satisfaction with the communication (Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire), conversation appreciation and helpfulness, as well as decision-making satisfaction and confidence (visual analog scale, 0–100). In addition, patient and HCP characteristics associated with AP-perceived SDM support were examined.

Results

APs ( n = 131) did not significantly differentiate trained from untrained HCPs in their perceptions of SDM support nor in secondary outcomes. Agreement between APs’ perceptions was poor. The higher the perceived comparability of the consultation with APs’ previous personal experiences, the higher their rating of SDM support.

Limitations

We used a nonvalidated primary outcome and an innovative study design that should be tested in future work.

Conclusions

Despite the limitations of the study design, the training seemed to not affect cancer patients’ and survivors’ perceived SDM support.

Implications

The clinical relevance of the training on SDM support needs to be established. The variation in APs’ assessments suggests patients differ in their perception of SDM support, stressing the importance of patient-tailored SDM support.

Highlights

Cancer patients and survivors did not significantly differentiate trained from untrained HCPs when evaluating SDM support, and agreement between their perceptions was poor. The clinical relevance of training GPs and nurses in SDM support needs to be established. Patient-tailored SDM support may be recommended, given the variation in APs’ assessments and their possible diverging perceptions of SDM support. This innovative study design (having patients watch and assess videos of simulated consultations made in the context of training evaluation) needs to be further developed.
High-resolution calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy and facies of Nimar Sandstone Formation (Bagh Group), central India and its bearing on Oceanic Anoxic Event 2
Authors: Jafar Syed A.
Published: October 2023

It is proposed to consider Narmada Valley Late Cretaceous sequences in three sectors with proper selection of stratotype in each sector: Eastern Sector: comprising of Lameta group of rocks with type area in Jabalpur area, essentially laid down in lacustrine-paedogenic milieu and containing a variety of fossils including dinosaur remains of Late Maastrichtian age. No evidence of sea incursion is available in the Eastern Sector either via the Narmada lineament or the K-G Basin. Central Sector: comprising of the Bagh Group in ascending order of: Nimar Sandstone Formation–Nodular Limestone Formation–Coralline-Bryozoan Limestone Formation, laid down in estuarine complex entirely within Turonian without any evidence of Cenomanian and Coniacian age calcareous nannofossils or other fossils being present. In the western part of Central Sector: Siliciclastic rocks and limestones referred to as Nimar Sandstone Formation curiously lack Late Cenomanian marker species, hence could be of Early Turonian age. Western Sector: comprises of Lacustrine sediments associated with Deccan Flood Basalt. The absence of the Cenomanian/Turonian Boundary and Black shales negates the presence of global OAE2 events in the Narmada lineament, but several OAE events are recognised in the Cauvery Basin, southeastern India. Uranium- and Thorium-rich Lower and Upper Nimar Sandstone Formation overlying crystalline basement are interpreted to have been essentially laid down in a fully marine estuarine milieu with reworked plant, and palynofossils including dinosaur remains. Calcareous nannofossils recovered from Upper Nimar Sandstone Formation over four decades ago and assigned Late Turonian age is revised based on modern data incorporating calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminifera datum and now suggest an older age of Early Turonian matching a zone with FAD of Quadrum gartneri at the base and FAD of H. helvetica at the top. It must be emphasised that except for the solitary and unique incursion of Early Turonian (ca. 93.9 Ma) sea along the Narmada lineament reaching eastward (>300 km) up to the present town of Indore, no other marine intrusion ever took place on Indian shield except along collision facing Subathu–Dogadda lineament during Late Maastrichtian. It would be erroneous to suggest that the global eustatic rise of sea level caused the entry of the Turonian sea along the Narmada lineament; instead, it was earlier speculated by me that Large Igneous Province activity of Mahajanga Flood Basalt of Madagascar (ca. 93.9 Ma) could have most probably caused a short-lived Turonian sea to enter Narmada lineament from the west around C/T boundary.
Toxic potential assessment of hair dye developer 2,4,5,6-tetraaminopyrimidine sulfate exposed under ambient UVB radiation
Authors: Shukla Saumya , Chauhan Priyanka , Gaur Prakriti , Rana Priyanka , Patel Sunil Kumar , Chopra Deepti , Vikram Apeksha , Prajapati Gaurav , Yadav Akhilesh Kumar , Kotian Sumana Y , Bala Lakshmi , Dwivedi Ashish , Mishra Aradhana
Published: October 2023

Synthetic cosmetics, particularly hair dyes, are becoming increasingly popular among people of all ages and genders. 2,4,5,6-tetraaminopyrimidine sulfate (TAPS) is a key component of oxidative hair dyes and is used as a developer in several hair dyes. TAPS has previously been shown to absorb UVB strongly and degrade in a time-dependent manner, causing phototoxicity in human skin cells. However, the toxic effects of UVB-degraded TAPS are not explored in comparison to parent TAPS. Therefore, this research work aims to assess the toxicity of UVB-degraded TAPS than TAPS on two different test systems, that is, HaCaT (mammalian cell) and Staphylococcus aureus (a bacterial cell). Our result on HaCaT has illustrated that UVB-degraded TAPS is less toxic than parent TAPS. Additionally, UVB-exposed TAPS and parent TAPS were given to S. aureus, and the bacterial growth and their metabolic activity were assessed via CFU and phenotype microarray. The findings demonstrated that parent TAPS reduced bacterial growth via decreased metabolic activity; however, bacteria easily utilized the degraded TAPS. Thus, this study suggests that the products generated after UVB irradiation of TAPS is considered to be safer than their parent TAPS.
Biomarkers of oral subacute toxicity of deltamethrin in exposed male Albino rats
Authors: Elbanna Rania , Osman Khaled A , Salama Maher S
Published: October 2023

Deltamethrin is one of the most effective pyrethroid compounds, widely employed in veterinary medicine, public health, and farming. Deltamethrin-triggered oxidative stress largely causes serious harm to an organism. Acute toxicity of this compound was extensively investigated, while less information is available on its oral sub-acute effects. This study assessed, in the male Albino rats, the effects of oral gavage of either 0.874 mg/kg (0.01 LD50) or 8.740 mg/kg (0.10 LD50) of deltamethrin for successive 14 days to investigate its effects on biomarkers and to detect the tissue injury in rats following subacute deltamethrin treatment. It was found that levels of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in the brain, kidney, and liver, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and uric acid in serum, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), white blood cells (WBC)s, eosinophils, and basophils were significantly reduced compared with untreated rats. However, when rats were treated with deltamethrin for successive 14 days, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in serum and the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) in brain, kidney, and liver, red blood cell distribution width (RDW-CV), total protein, monocytes, and basophils and the ratios of neutrophils to lymphocytes, an aggregated marker of systemic inflammation and systemic immune inflammation indexes, significantly increased compared with the control group. Histologic lesions were observed in the liver, kidney, brain, testis, and epidemies in rats exposed to subacute deltamethrin for 14 days, and most tissues of rats treated with 0.10 LD50 of deltamethrin were more affected than those treated with 0.01 LD50. These findings strongly suggest that subacute exposure to deltamethrin caused significant systemic toxicity through oxidative stress resulting in biochemical and histological changes in the studied tissues. These findings highlight the potential harmful effects of deltamethrin and emphasize the importance of understanding the subacute effects of this compound, particularly in the context of veterinary medicine, public health, and farming.
Opening, Polling, Counting: Deterring Election-Day Fraud
Authors: Regalia Marta
Published: October 2023

International election observation has been scrutinized over the past two decades by scholars trying to explain its aim, scope, and consequences. As it is now a standard practice in democratizing countries, scholarly literature has almost reached a consensus on the ability of observers to deter election-day fraud, one of the most positive unintended consequences of election observation. Using data from the 2004 Ukraine presidential election, this article extends our knowledge through a natural experiment on polling station-level election results. I will show that observation during counting does not have a stronger effect than observation during opening and/or polling. Results support previous studies showing the usefulness of election observation in reducing election-day fraud but add an important finding that deserves further scholarly attention.
The Role of Health Insurance Type and Clinic Visit on Hypertension Status Among Multiethnic Chicago Residents
Authors: Luo Jiajun , Krakowka William I. , Craver Andrew , Connellan Elizabeth , King Jaime , Kibriya Muhammad G. , Pinto Jayant , Polonsky Tamar , Kim Karen , Ahsan Habibul , Aschebrook-Kilfoy Briseis
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To investigate the joint relationship of health insurance and clinic visit with hypertension among underserved populations.

Design

Population-based cohort study.

Subjects

Data from 1092 participants from the Chicago Multiethnic Prevention and Surveillance Study (COMPASS) between 2013 and 2020 were analyzed.

Measures

Five health insurance types were included: uninsured, Medicaid, Medicare, private, and other. Clinic visit over past 12 months were retrieved from medical records and categorized into 4 groups: no clinic visit, 1-3 visits, 4-7 visits, >7 visits.

Analysis

Inverse-probability weighted logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for hypertension status according to health insurance and clinic visit. Models were adjusted for individual socio-demographic variables and medical history.

Results

The study population was predominantly Black (>85%) of low socioeconomic status. Health insurance was not associated with more clinic visit. Measured hypertension was more frequently found in private insurance (OR = 6.48, 95% CI: 1.92-21.85) compared to the uninsured group, while 1-3 clinic visits were associated with less prevalence (OR = .59, 95% CI: .35-1.00) compared to no clinic visit. These associations remained unchanged when health insurance and clinic visit were adjusted for each other.

Conclusion

In this study population, private insurance was associated with higher measured hypertension prevalence compared to no insurance. The associations of health insurance and clinic visit were independent of each other.
How Advocacy Nonprofits Interact With and Impact Business: Introducing a Strategic Confrontation and Collaboration Interaction Model (SCCIM)
Authors: Diepeveen Maike A.
Published: October 2023

This paper proposes a distinctive strategic model (Strategic Confrontational and Collaborative Interaction Model [SCCIM]) for nonprofit organizations acting within the business ecosystem. The SCCIM maps both confrontational and collaborative strategies and tactics, thus accommodating the extensive range of nonprofit interaction alternatives toward business. Whereas confrontational and collaborative methods are well researched in the nonprofit-political realm, a comprehensive overview of these nonprofit strategies in the economic sphere is currently lacking. This research builds on both the business management and social movement literature, extending existing approaches via case analysis with a nonprofit-centric perspective, leveraging stakeholder theory. The resulting encompassing model provides a theoretical framework that may generate alternative insights for further academic research in nonprofit–business interaction. In addition, the SCCIM may be leveraged as a tool for practitioners: first, to enhance nonprofits’ strategies and tactics toward business, and second, to optimize the impact of the chosen interactions.
Theoretical analysis and a parametric study on forced vibration of large statically deformed curved beam with rigid links and moving support
Authors: Ghuku Sushanta , Mitra Anirban , Sahoo Prasanta
Published: October 2023

Forced vibration characteristics around large statically deformed configuration of curved beam system with rigid links and moving support are analyzed. In addition, the paper also investigates various parametric effects of height to span ratio and roller radius to height ratio coupled with support connection mechanism and profile shape, on dynamic characteristics of the curved beam system. The subject problem includes two interrelated problems: determining deformed configuration under static load and dynamic response of the loaded beam under harmonic excitation. The static problem is analyzed incrementally through the variational principle-based energy method in body-embedded curvilinear frame considering geometric nonlinearities due to combined bending-stretching and non-uniform initial curvature. In each incremental step, the nonlinear governing equation is solved iteratively, and kinematic constraints due to interactive deformation of the flexible curved beam with rigid links are imposed to obtain the global solution. Concerning the statically deformed configuration, governing equation for forced vibration is derived through Hamilton’s principle in curvilinear frame. Nonlinear effects caused by combined bending-stretching modes of vibration, non-uniform curvature, and lumped mass of the dead static load are considered. The set of inhomogeneous governing equations is solved through Broyden’s method. A direct substitution technique through successive relaxation is also employed to obtain an initial guess solution. Besides the forced vibration, free vibration analysis at static deformed configuration is also carried out for the completeness of the study. The theoretical model is validated through comparisons of loaded natural frequency results with finite element package. After the validation study, the effects of the mentioned geometric parameters on the dynamic response of the curved beam system are investigated and presented suitably. The physically insightful framework along with the parametric study may facilitate simulation and design of several practical structures involving moving support and rigid links subjected to continuous excitation around large statically deformed configurations.
Impact of engine control variables on low load combustion efficiency and exhaust emissions of a methane-diesel dual fuel engine
Authors: Khedkar Nikhil D , Sarangi Asish K , Sreedhara Sheshadri
Published: October 2023

A conventional diesel engine when operated in the reactivity-controlled compression ignition (RCCI) combustion strategy faces challenges of high total hydrocarbon (THC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions leading to poor combustion efficiency at low engine loads. The oxides of nitrogen (NOx) versus smoke trade-off, encountered in conventional diesel combustion, is replaced by the NOx-THC trade-off in the RCCI operation. This work focuses on addressing the NOx-THC trade-off issue by systematically investigating the effects of engine control variables, such as, fuel injection timing, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and intake throttling, on a light duty compression ignition engine running in a methane-diesel dual fuel mode. The engine is operated at a load of 3 bar gross indicated mean effective pressure and at a speed of 1500 rev/min. Based on relationships identified between engine control variables, combustion parameters, emissions and engine performance, a bottom-up approach is used to combine the control variables synergistically to improve the NOx-THC trade-off. A combination of advanced start of injection timing of diesel (−35 degree crank angle (°CA) after top dead centre), 50% premix ratio and 55% EGR levels along with the end of port fuel injection of methane in the middle of the intake stroke (−270°CA), has resulted in a ∼34 percentage points (from 56% to 90%) improvement in combustion efficiency and a ∼9.5 percentage points improvement in thermal efficiency compared to the baseline low load dual fuel operation while maintaining good combustion stability. THC emission is reduced from 105 to ∼25 g/kWh whilst maintaining low levels of NOx (<0.3 g/kWh).
Irreversibility treatment and colloidal suspension of gold and silver nanoparticles in a microchannel
Authors: Gangadhar Kotha , Sree Tottempudi Sujana , Wakif Abderrahim
Published: October 2023

The silver and gold nanoparticles show noteworthy outcomes on anticancer therapies and antimicrobials. The silver was the noticeable anti-swelling and gold nanoparticles efficiently helped to convert these photons by heat into demolished cancer cells. So, the purpose of this work is devoted to studying the effect of linear radiation on the hybrid nanoparticles (gold and silver with hemoglobin) in a microchannel. This dimensionless numerical expression was determined mathematically into the finite element method. The second law study was required to predict these sources by irreversibility approximate into that thermal system. Although the comprehensive parametric analysis was well-known in the production of entropy may be enhanced into viscous dissipation and radiation form. That was established in the hybrid nanoparticles shows the greater Bejan number related to both hemoglobin and nanofluid.
Can pretrained networks be used in fault diagnosis of monoblock centrifugal pump?
Authors: M Arun Balaji , S Naveen Venkatesh , N R Sakthivel , V Sugumaran
Published: October 2023

Monoblock centrifugal pumps are used daily and play an essential role in agriculture, wastewater treatment, food, paper, gas and oil industries. Extended and endless use of monoblock centrifugal pump can affect the desired pump characteristics, compromising the efficiency of the pump. The condition of a pump is judged based on the high vibration, unusual noise, leakage, etc. Maintaining pump health is essential to increase the productivity in industry. Countless experiments were carried out by researchers to maintain the efficiency of the pump. The main shortcomings of traditional fault diagnosis are the need for a high degree of human intellect and professional knowledge. Such drawbacks have made the researchers provide autonomous and intelligent diagnostic tools. The objective of this article is to investigate the possibility of use of deep learning technique to identify the type of fault present in the monoblock centrifugal pump. First, vibration signals from the monoblock centrifugal pump were acquired and plotted as images that serve as an input for deep learning (DL) algorithms. The deep learning system can analyse the status of the monoblock centrifugal pump and learn from the vibration signal plots. In this paper, pre-trained networks such as ResNet-50, AlexNet, GoogleNet and VGG-16 were used to diagnose the fault in the monoblock centrifugal pump. The outcome of the hyperparameters namely learning rate (LR), batch size (BS), split ratio (SR) and solver were considered and the best performing network was recommended for the monoblock centrifugal pump fault diagnostics. Findings: A higher classification accuracy of 100% with lower training time of 177 s was obtained while using ResNet-50.
Development and Validation of a Measure of Self-Efficacy for Advance Care Planning
Authors: Murray Alexandra N. , Monahan Katie , Sacco Allegra , Paiva Andrea , Redding Collen , Robbins Mark
Published: October 2023

Medical care received at end-of-life is often not aligned with individuals’ values and care preferences. Much can get in the way of an individual communicating and documenting their preferences to care providers and close others, even if it is a goal to do so. The objective of this work was to develop a measure of Advance Care Planning Self-Efficacy (ACP SE) focused on three important behaviors: completing a living will, documenting a healthcare agent, and discussing quality versus quantity of life issues. Measure development was framed by the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of behavior change. Following the completion of focus groups and formative qualitative work, an independent sample ( N = 310, adults aged 50+) was randomly split into two halves for exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA/CFA). Multivariate analyses examined relationships between ACP SE and other TTM constructs. Results of the CFA demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = .95) and good model fit (CFI = .89, RMSEA = .13). Self-efficacy was framed by the TTM as situation-specific confidence. Through the measure development process, it was found that confidence to do ACP was impacted by various situational and attitudinal variables. ACP Self-Efficacy was found to differ significantly by Stage of Change. This study produced a reliable and valid measure of situation-specific confidence for ACP grounded within the TTM that could enhance future interventions aimed at increasing participation in ACP.
Whole Exome Sequencing Identifies Damaging Variants in Indonesians with Clefts
Authors: Aladenika Emmanuel , Maskoen Ani , Awotoye Waheed , Abdulaziz Rasyid , Alade Azeez , Nasroen Saskia Lenggogeni , Oladayo Abimbola , Busch Tamara , Sarilita Erli , Butali Azeez
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The interaction between genomics, genetic and environmental factors have been implicated in non-syndromic orofacial cleft development. In the current study, we investigated the contributions of rare and novel genetic variants in known cleft genes using whole exome sequencing (WES) data of Indonesians with non-syndromic orofacial clefts.

Design

WES was conducted on 6 individuals. Variants in their exons were called and annotated. These variants were filtered for novelty and rarity using MAF of 0 and 1%.

Setting

Hospital in Indonesia.

Patients/Participants

Indonesians with non-syndromic orofacial clefts.

Interventions

Deleterious variants were prioritized. Pathogenic amino acid changes effect on protein structure and function were identified using HOPE.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Rare and novel variants in known cleft genes were filtered and their deleteriousness were predicted using polyphen, SIFT and CADD.

Results

We identified rare (MAF <1%) deleterious variants in 4 craniofacial genes namely MMACHC (rs371937044, MAF = 0.00011). SOS1 (rs190222208, MAF = 0.00045), TULP4 (rs199583035, MAF = 0.067), and MTHFD1L (rs143492706, MAF = 0.0044). MMACHC has a mouse knockout model with facial cleft and failure of palatal fusion. The individual with variant in MMACHC presented with nsCPO.

Conclusions

Our study provides additional evidence for the role of TULP4, SOS1, MTHFD1L and MMACHC genes in nsOFC development. This is the first time MMACHC is implicated in nsOFC development in humans.
Describing Coercion in the Courtroom: The Influence of Language and Maltreatment Severity on Jurors’ Perceptions of Child Witnesses
Authors: Wylie Breanne E. , Stolzenberg Stacia N. , Evans Angela D.
Published: October 2023

Regardless of compliance to coercion by an alleged perpetrator, child maltreatment is abuse in any form. However, the extent to which coercion is described as an obligation (mandatory compliance) or permission (optional compliance) is legally relevant. The present investigation examined how attorneys question children about coercion and how children describe coercion in courtroom investigations of alleged child sexual abuse, and whether such language influences jurors’ perceptions of children’s testimony. Study 1 assessed 64 transcripts of children’s testimonies and revealed that both attorneys and children use coercive language. Problematically, terms of permission were used when describing sexual abuse, potentially implying compliance was optional. Study 2 presented 160 adults with transcript excerpts, varied by coercive language (obligation or permission) and maltreatment type (sexual abuse or punishment). Coercive language influenced perceptions of coercion and whether the adult was to blame. Maltreatment type influenced perceptions of severity, credibility, and verdict. Overall, coercive language and maltreatment type influence perceptions of how the event unfolded.
Elotuzumab: Empiric analysis of dexamethasone administration schedule
Authors: Kintzel Polly E
Published: October 2023

Elotuzumab in combination with dexamethasone and immunomodulating agents (IMiDs) lenalidomide or pomalidomide is 2nd to 4th line therapy for multiple myeloma. The labelled dosage of dexamethasone for use in conjunction with elotuzumab and IMiDs splits the dexamethasone dose into two administrations, one oral and one intravenous, on the days of each elotuzumab infusion. Administration of split dose dexamethasone on days of elotuzumab administration is based on the registration trials submitted for drug approval and was intended to ensure standard well-timed immunotherapy premedication using pharmacologically equivalent dexamethasone doses for both study arms. Administration of dexamethasone in the manner delineated by the elotuzumab product label adds complexity to the delivery of care. This commentary provides an empirical assessment of established medication safety and effectiveness which supports administration of dexamethasone standard intermittent dose instead of the split dose approach delineated on elotuzumab package insert. Simplification of regimen administration improves medication adherence, reduces the risk of inadvertent omission or duplication of medication therapy, and improves the workflow required for delivery of care.
Acoustic wave propagation through eco-friendly porous panels at normal incidence
Authors: Aygun Haydar , Gomez-Agustina Luis , Mundula Stefano
Published: October 2023

Human and non-human subjects are exposed to micro plastics through drink, food, and air. Micro-plastics propagating through atmosphere are breathable particles during inhalation and exhalation leading to deposition of them in the deep lung via the alveoli of the lungs. Teabags are made of plastics that are not recyclable and biodegradable. Therefore, we intend to remove used teabags from the natural environment by repurposing them to make sound attenuating panels for building and architectural industries, contributing in this way to a sustainable circular economy. The panels were designed and developed from consumed teabags as porous material by filling a frame to investigate acoustics wave propagation through them at normal incidence. Experimental testing was carried out on circular teabag panels in an impedance tube using a transfer function method to determine their sound absorption coefficient and transmission loss. Furthermore, the impedance gun method was used to determine the absorption properties of square panels. Results show that 75 mm thick circular panels give an absorption coefficient higher than 0.8 between 400 and 1600 Hz. Up-to 9.8 dB sound transmission loss of circular panels is obtained at higher frequencies. Absorption coefficients for square teabag panels are very good despite a coincidence-dip seen at 800 Hz. The satisfactory sound absorption and sound transmission characteristics of acoustic panels made of consumed tea bags can make this recycled material a cost-effective solution in the production of sustainable acoustic treatment in indoor spaces. The results suggest that recycling of consumed teabag as the panel could be applied as alternative sound absorbing materials.
Preliminary study of reuse of plastic bottles as metamaterial
Authors: Gulia Preeti , Dogra Sourabh , Gupta Arpan
Published: October 2023

The present work introduces a novel approach to designing metamaterial for low frequency and high frequency wave attenuation by repurposing plastic waste. The metamaterial is constructed using a duct-like structure with a periodic arrangement of bottles of different sizes. This configuration leads to the formation of a local resonant band, which spans from 240 to 340 Hz. In both the numerical model and the experimental setup, a harmonic excitation is given to the proposed configuration and transmission loss is computed as a function of frequency. The experimental results support the findings obtained from numerical simulations, confirming the effectiveness of the designed metamaterial. One crucial aspect discovered in this work is that introducing space between the bottle’s neck and the side wall of the structure causes the bottles to act as Helmholtz resonators. Thus, in turn, this results in an additional band gap at low frequencies, complementing the existing Bragg’s band gap achieved by the periodic arrangement of bottles. The ability to change the size of the bottles gives control over the position of the band gap, allowing for greater flexibility in tailoring the metamaterial to specific noise attenuation requirements. The applications of these plastic bottle-based metamaterials are wide ranging, especially in improving the indoor acoustic environment of buildings. This work opens up a new avenue for further exploration and innovation in the field of sustainable and environmentally friendly metamaterials.
‘Are we really back to normal?’: A qualitative study on language teachers’ teaching practices during the post-COVID-19 era
Authors: Ahn Jaerin , Chi Yao-Kai
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically impacted language teaching and learning environments. The current study explored how language teachers have adapted to post-COVID-19 classrooms. It also examined the ways in which their experiences during the pandemic influenced their teaching. Drawing on an ecological perspective toward language teacher agency (LTA), this study interviewed 10 less commonly taught language (LCTL) teachers to explore their expectations, preparations, and teaching strategies for post-COVID-19 classrooms. In addition, it aimed to discern the challenges encountered by teachers, their approaches to overcoming them, and the consequential influence of these experiences on their overall perspective of language teaching. The findings revealed mixed feelings among the teachers regarding returning to in-person instruction, unexpected challenges, and adjustment techniques. With pedagogical uncertainties, language teachers exercised agency by integrating technology into teaching, employing new teaching strategies, extending their roles to caregivers and community builders, and reflecting on future teaching practices. The teachers viewed these experiences as learning opportunities that would ultimately help them to grow.
Flexural behavior of fiber reinforced composites sandwich panels with a reused wooden core
Authors: Fu Bing , Xu Lin , Xu Yuanbin , Lin Guan , Li Peilong
Published: October 2023

The increasing use of wood products has inevitably resulted in a fast accumulation of waste wood, which is commonly landfilled or recycled for energy or products with low added value. In the present study, a concept has been adopted to reuse the waste wood formwork as the core of FRP sandwich panels. The waste wood formwork has been firstly sliced into wood strips of a specific width, which are then flipped by 90o and bonded together to form a plate as the sandwich core. Such a recycling routine appears as a promising method due to (1) minimum pre-treatment for processing the waste wood; and (2) less likelihood of the hazardous chemicals leakage because of the covered GFRP skins. The flexural behavior of such sandwich panels has been evaluated through a series of three-point bending tests with the thicknesses of GFRP layer and the core plate as the main parameters. The test results indicate that the GFRP-waste wood sandwich panels failed by either rupture of the tensile GFRP sheet or crushing of the compression side. The bending stiffness and flexural strength improves with the increase in the thicknesses of the core plate and GFRP layer, and the panels with three-layer GFRP sheets have the bending stiffness and flexural strength up to 11.0 and 4.4 times higher than that of the core plate. The analytical and numerical predictions on the flexural properties of the sandwich plate show in good agreement with that from the tests, validating the adopted the models.
The role of work and social protection systems in social-ecological transformations: Insights from deliberative citizen forums in Sweden
Authors: Lee Jayeon , Koch Max
Published: October 2023

To avoid catastrophic consequences of impending ecological crises our socio-economic systems need to be transformed in rapid and radical manners. Focusing on working life and Sweden as an example for countries of the Global North with a social-democratic welfare tradition, we ask how social protection systems may be reorganised according to the concept of ‘sustainable welfare’, the satisfaction of basic human needs across space and over time. We combine a literature review with an analysis of qualitative data from deliberative citizen forums following Max-Neef's Human Scale Development methodology. After taking stock of the existing literature that highlights the unsustainable character of current work regimes, we present our application of the methodology used in the citizen forums as well as the data. Our participants generally highlighted the importance of broadening the concept of work beyond ‘employment’ when reflecting on the role of work in addressing and satisfying multiple human needs within planetary limits. The introduction of a universal basic income, a participation income, an expansion of universal basic services, working time reduction and a sabbatical year conditioned on civic participation/education were among the eco-social reform ideas that forum participants highlighted to liberate work from its current unsustainable and capitalist contexts and turn it from a negative into a positive need satisfier.
Support for eco-social policy from a class perspective: Responsibilities, redistribution, regulation and rights
Authors: Fritz Martin , Eversberg Dennis
Published: October 2023

The political agenda of eco-social policy seeks to create synergies between social justice and ecological goals, such as mitigating climate change. While the concept already has a strong theoretical foundation, and many concrete policy instruments have been proposed, support for eco-social policy is still insufficient to mobilize political action. We assume that one cause of this lack of action are the diverging interests and ideologies of different classes. In this article we apply a class perspective and conduct an empirical study to explore class support for and opposition to eco-social policy. We use data from a representative survey in Germany and identify nine class fractions, based on Bourdieu's concept of social space. We first compare the carbon footprints of the classes, to determine their varying degrees of responsibility for supporting political efforts to mitigate climate change. We then compare class support for eco-social policy, considering the dimensions of redistribution, regulation and rights. We find that the economic upper class – a fraction equating closely with the ruling class – and the old working class oppose eco-social policy the most. The cultural upper class are the strongest proponents of eco-social policy. The lower-class fractions showed considerable concern about the costs associated with eco-social policy. We conclude that a stronger focus on the social justice element when designing and advocating for eco-social policy could lead to greater support from the lower classes and help to build eco-social welfare states that offer protection in times of increasing social and ecological risks.
Data and/as activism: Community-based racial justice data repertoires
Authors: Bui Matthew
Published: October 2023

This article maps the racial justice data repertoires of 11 community- and university-based projects at the nexus of racial and data justice. To examine them, I propose a typology of these co-occurring data activism strategies. Using a qualitative content analysis of organizations’ public statements ( n =  74), the typology allows me to examine the diverse, strategic nature of racial justice data repertoires. Their wide array reveals the contentious racial politics of data, or the ways data reproduces racial inequalities but can also be mobilized to contest them.
Field theory, role theory and role conflict: Reappropriating insights from the past
Authors: Atkinson Will
Published: October 2023

This paper puts Bourdieu’s influential field theory into dialogue with the classic sociological tradition of role theory. I argue that while role theory per se is certainly problematic, it nonetheless bore the virtue of conceptualising in clear terms something amply borne out by empirical research but underemphasised in Bourdieu’s account of the social world: that people are situated in more than one social structure, with differing salience to them, and that this can have profound effects on their experience, their wellbeing and their practice. Following Bourdieu’s own prompts, I thus appropriate and recast selected insights from role theory to elaborate field theory so that it might articulate how experience and practice are structured by multiple fields, introducing the notions of field-set, meta-habitus, lifeworld horizon, illusio space and greedy fields.
Armenian-Americans and the semicentennial of the Medz Yeghern: Ethnic mobilization in action
Authors: Diłanian-Pinkowicz Karina
Published: October 2023

In the wake of the 100th anniversary, this paper examines the shift in Armenian genocide commemorations materializing in the USA for the 50th anniversary of the 1915 genocide. Explored are ritual aspects of the commemorative practices undertaken to pay homage to its victims. Accentuated is the 1965 landmark year during which Armenians from diasporas around the world (including the American at the heart of this analysis) took to the streets, for the first time, to demand Turkey’s recognition of the Medz Yeghern. Through the prism of two newspapers published in English ( Hairenik Weekly and The Armenian Mirror-Spectator), the author explores this ethnic mobilization of the Armenian-American community with its public protest against the decades-long injustice and silence. Unveiled are the inner workings of the commemoration planning, as well as the ways by which Armenian-Americans narrated their tragedy to the host community (in which they were already well-settled). The article depicts the preparations for and the semicentennial itself as the moment of formation of an ethnic body politic – one transcending intra-ethnic competition and dispute even as the group remained formally divided.
Growing Kalo (Taro) in the Continental United States
Authors: Ka‘ula Leialoha , Cruz Jonathan , Dutro Natlie , Ching Donna , Wong Kawehilani , Jackson Alexandra Malia
Published: October 2023

As an increasing number of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults move to the continental United States, the development and implementation of resources that promote access to cultural foods and support food sovereignty on the continent is crucial to perpetuate cultural practice and connection to the ʻāina (land that feeds). Kalo (taro) is an important cultural food central to Native Hawaiian identity. Native Hawaiians connect their genealogy as far back to the cultivation of kalo and the creation of kalo itself. In this practice note, we describe the creation of a māla kalo (cultivated field for taro) in Oregon by the Kaʻaha Lāhui O ʻOlekona Hawaiian Civic Club. An ongoing project over the past 3 years, the creation of a māla kalo exceeded expectations. Not only did the māla allow the cultivation of kalo outside of Hawaii, the māla became a place for the community to unite toward common goals of connecting with the land, promoting mental health, and creating a sense of place in their diaspora. This project indicates that not only is the creation of māla kalo in Oregon feasible, it may also be an important opportunity for the growing number of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders adults living on the continent to improve health outcomes through connections with cultural foods and practices.
Yarn level finite element method simulation for bending over sheaves of braided ropes
Authors: Li Ziyuan , Shang Zufeng , Zappa Edoardo , Van Langenhove Lieva , Malengier Benny
Published: October 2023

The complex problem of ropes (cyclic) bending over sheaves (CBOS) is considered in this article. Ropes that are used to manoeuvre and regulate sails undergo a variety of dynamic stresses which are crucial yet difficult to determine, due to the complexity of the multi-scaled braiding structure of ropes. A full dynamic Finite Element Method (FEM) simulation of a braided rope bending over a sheave is conducted with the commercial software Abaqus/Explicit, as it can capture the complex processes occurring inside the rope to high accuracy. A theoretical deduction is performed to determine the yarn paths in a 3D braided structure. Relative movement between braided yarns (including the interlacing point) are better assessed at yarn level through 3D element types instead of the traditional beam elements, as they allow to obtain an estimation of yarn-yarn displacement. Parametric studies are conducted to better understand the factors that affect the yarn sliding. The ratio between the diameter of the sheave and the rope, and the braiding angle, are found to be crucial for the relative movement, while the number of yarns and their diameters have little influence. The successful simulation process demonstrates the feasibility of modelling and analysing the complex interaction occurring in braided structures under specific boundary conditions. The calculated estimated displacement can contribute to further investigations such as the friction and heat generation problem in braided ropes. Simulation with this method can provide alternatives in predicting lifespan of braided products that cannot be easily inspected.