bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gas jet structure effects on fuel concentrations and flames in a hydrogen low-pressure direct-injection spark-ignition engine
Authors: Kim Dongchan , Zhang ChengHua , Kim Yongrae , Woo Lee Seung , Baek Hong-kil , Kook Sanghoon
Published: November 2024

This study aims to find the impact of the nozzle shape of a side-mounted, 3.5-MPa pintle injector on hydrogen concentration and flame development in a low-pressure direct-injection spark ignition (H2LPDI) engine. To this end, endoscopic high-speed imaging of gas jet laser shadowgraph and flames as well as spark-induced breakdown-spectroscopy (SIBS) method are applied to one of the inline four cylinders of H2LPDI engine. Two engines with endoscopic access are used: one motored engine for high-speed laser shadowgraph imaging of gas jet development and the other combustion engine for SIBS-based spark gap [Formula: see text] measurements and high-speed hydrogen flame imaging. The gas jet visualisation showed that a nozzle with a narrower jet spreading angle leads to more turbulent jet boundaries and the jet axis being directed more towards the piston. Due to higher axial momentum, the narrower spreading angle nozzle also caused enhanced jet penetration across the in-cylinder tumble flow. This jet development pattern resulted in locally leaner hydrogen mixtures near the centrally mounted spark plug at the time of ignition, evidenced by a higher difference between spark gap λ and global λ. As a result, the flame size was measured smaller at any fixed combustion stage. For both nozzle types, the injection timing was also varied between 150 and 120 °CA bTDC but there was no significant difference measured in spark gap [Formula: see text] and flame size compared to that associated with the nozzle type.
Perform “like a king”: Novel learning strategies to optimise music students’ concert stage mastery
Authors: Urbaniak Olivia , Mitchell Helen F
Published: November 2024

The role of tertiary music performance education is to prepare students for professional performance. Professional performers demonstrate stage mastery, and their concert preparation transcends the score to equip them for the concert stage. Music educators must translate professionals’ insights into performance education. This study developed, trialled and evaluated two learning modules for performance students, based on expert strategies. In Module 1, students engaged in a backstage immersion task. In Module 2, students roleplayed as expert performers and audience members. Participants reflected on their experiences in interviews. Workshops and interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded thematically. Students analysed the concert environment critically and observed their performance mindset. Emulating expert performers prompted compelling stage presence and students observed the effects of stagecraft on audiences. Peer-to-peer learning facilitated critical reflection on professional practice and students resolved to apply these skills to concert preparation. Future studies will develop these tools for pedagogues and students.
Parental engagement and transformation as a marker of quality in Early Childhood Education and Care
Authors: Demissie Fufy , Pearse Sally
Published: November 2024

Despite the extensive research evidence about the importance of high-quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), English policy makers continue to promote nurseries for the ‘childcare’ they provide, rather than the transformational effects they can have in areas of socio-economic challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate if and how access to early years provision impacted on parents/carers and their children during the Covid pandemic in a newly established early years community research centre, situated in an area of economic and social challenge. Group analysis of interview data by a team of researchers and stakeholders suggests that access to nursery provision and the positive and trusting relationships within the nursery had a transformative impact on children and their parents/carers. Drawing on the data, we adopt an ecological perspective to theorise quality provision as holistic and relational and challenge policy makers to reconceptualise quality as a holistic endeavour. Specifically, this paper offers a new lens for policy makers to revisit existing evidence about the value of integrated care and education centres for improving child outcomes.
Simple, direct and accurate measurement of one-way liquid transport across fabric thickness: A directional liquid transport fabric tester
Authors: Yuan Luning , Hong Yang , Shahzad Amir , Wu Yuxi , Huang Gang , Fan Jintu
Published: November 2024

Liquid transport across the thickness of a fabric, also termed as ‘transplanar wicking’, is one of the crucial properties affecting the moisture management capability of textiles. Although many test methods for this property have been proposed in the past, a simple and direct measurement of wetness on both sides of the fabric is still missing. This paper reports on the development of a simple directional liquid transport fabric tester (DLTFT) which can measure the liquid content on both faces of the fabric after exposed to a defined volume of liquid droplets. DLTFT used two filter papers to absorb liquid moisture from both sides of the wetted fabric under controlled pressure, and the gravimetric analysis technique was used to calculate the parameters of liquid transport. A new indicator called normalized transplanar ratio is proposed. The results showed that DLTFT was highly sensitive and reproducible in measuring the transplanar liquid transport properties of fabrics. Analysis further showed that, measurements from DLTFT can accurately differentiate fabrics that cannot be differentiated using existing test methods. This instrument is useful for fabric evaluation in textile product development and quality control.
Red Leg Dilemma: Development and Validation of Clinical Decision Tools for Non-Necrotizing Bacterial Dermohypodermitis, Necrotizing Fasciitis, and Eczematous Dermatitis
Authors: Skayem Charbel , Charras Thulan , Tran Viet-Thi , Hua Camille , Pham Giao Do , Hirsch Gaëlle , Zehou Ouidad , Duong Tu Anh
Published: November 2024

Background

Diagnosing red legs on first presentation is challenging. There exists a lack of robustly developed and validated diagnostic red leg tools in clinical practice. Physicians fear missing cases of infectious red legs and treat many patients unnecessarily with antibiotics.

Objective

Develop and validate easy-to-use diagnostic tools applicable at bedside of patients to orient diagnosis of the commonest and most serious causes of infectious red legs (non-necrotizing bacterial dermohypodermitis (NNBDH), and necrotizing fasciitis (NF)) versus the commonest inflammatory cause (eczema).

Methods

We collected data of patients presenting to our dermatology department from January first 2012 until May 17th 2017 with a diagnosis of red leg. Three models were developed using fast frugal trees. Validation was performed in a second cohort of patients.

Results

A total of 187 patients (mean age 56, SD = 21 years, 48.1% women) were included in the development phase and 62 patients (mean age 64, SD = 19, 52% women) in the validation phase. In the validation data set, sensitivity and specificity were respectively 67% and 91% for NNBDH, 83% and 66%, for NF and 88% and 93%, for eczema.

Conclusion

Presentations of suspected lower-limb infections are commonly misdiagnosed, resulting in avoidable antibiotic prescription and hospitalization. We developed an easy-to-use clinical diagnostic tool applicable at the bedside of patients to help orient physicians in certain situations and avoid unnecessary initiation of antibiotics. Future work should focus on validating this tool in primary care to minimize misdiagnosis of red legs and overprescription of antibiotics.
Ischemia Time in Extremity Allotransplantation: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Chakradhar Anjali , Mroueh Jessica , Talbot Simon G.
Published: November 2024

In response to the widespread occurrence of limb loss and the transformative potential of extremity vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA), we examine the impact of warm and cold ischemia duration on limb survival and functional recovery. Our insights into warm ischemia are largely derived from relevant literature on replantation and revascularization. Studies indicate that achieving reperfusion within 5 to 6 hours of warm ischemia is critical for limb survival, and within 3 hours for curbing significant functional deficits. For limbs preserved in static cold conditions, as is standard practice in VCA, reperfusion should be attained within 10 to 12 hours of cold ischemia. However, our analysis exposes a lack of data on extremity functional recovery following cold ischemia, particularly in humans or large animal models. This underscores a gap in the literature that could guide clinical ischemia management in VCA if addressed. We anticipate optimal functional recovery between 3 and 6 hours of cold ischemia, as supported by outcomes in rats. Prolonged ischemia times are also associated with graft rejection, posing unique challenges to VCA. Tissues exhibit diverse responses, with muscle and nerve being highly susceptible to ischemic damage, and skin acquiring heightened immunogenicity. Ischemia management emerges as a focus for future policy and research initiatives. On the horizon, exploring updated transplantation protocols, vascular shunts, stabilizing perfusion solutions, and subnormothermic machine perfusion could mitigate ischemic damage and enhance clinical outcomes in extremity VCA.
Comparison of 2 Types of Local Anesthetic Techniques in the Reduction of Distal Radius Fracture: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cela-López Miguel , Domínguez-Prado Diego M. , García-Reza Alejandro , Álvarez-Álvarez Lucía , Pérez-Alfonso Elena , Oiartzabal-Alberdi Inés , Castro-Menéndez Manuel
Published: November 2024

Background:

The treatment of distal radius fractures may require manipulation of the fracture assisted by finger traction, causing pain both at the fracture site and at the fingers. The usual type of anesthesia used does not anesthetize the fingers.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective cohort study with two groups, hematoma block (HB) and hematoma with associated median nerve block (MHB). Characteristic variables of the patients were collected. The main variable for the analysis was pain, measured using the Visual Analogical Scale (VAS). It was measured prior to the injection (VAS1), during fracture reduction (VAS2), and 30 minutes after the injection (VAS3) in both groups.

Results:

The study included a total of 140 fractures (70 anesthetized with HB), 78% were women. There were no significant differences in the variables age, sex, Elixhauser index. and need for surgery between the groups. In the HB group, the VAS means were VAS1 5.23 cm (SD 2.31), VAS2 5.80 cm (SD 2.52), and VAS3 1.89 cm (SD 1.94); while in the MHB group, VAS1 5.13 cm (SD 2.36), VAS2 3.15 cm (SD 1.70), and VAS3 1.09 cm (SD 1.38). Area of greatest pain during fracture reduction in the HB group was finger traction in 78% cases ( p < .05), while in the MHB group it was the manipulation of the fracture site in 71% cases ( p < .05).

Conclusions:

The study demonstrates that the use of hematoma with associated median nerve block decreases pain perception in patients with distal radius fracture that needs closed reduction, when compared to HB alone.
The effect of real-time visual feedback and verbal encouragement on repetition velocity of squat, bench press and deadlift exercises in competitive powerlifters
Authors: Concon Vinicius , Kobal Ronaldo , Carvalho Leonardo , Crivoi do Carmo Everton , Coimbra David , Barroso Renato
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to compare the effects of real-time visual feedback, verbal encouragement, and no-feedback control condition on repetition velocity. Twelve highly-trained powerlifters (10 men and 2 women) participated in a crossover-designed experiment, performing the same training session under three conditions: real-time visual feedback (VF), verbal encouragement (VE), and control. The training session involved three sets of four repetitions in the squat, bench press, and deadlift exercises, with a workload set at 70% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). Repetition velocity was measured using a linear encoder. In the VF condition, participants observed their velocity on a mobile screen after each repetition. In the VE condition, participants received verbal encouragement without access to velocity information on the screen. The Control condition provided no feedback. A mixed model analysis was used to compare velocity across repetitions, sets, and conditions. Results revealed differences between the control condition and both VE and VF in the squat and bench press exercises ( p < 0.05). Only in the VF condition, velocity was higher than control in the deadlift exercise ( p < 0.05). Coaches and practitioners are encouraged to use real-time visual feedback and/or verbal encouragement during training to enhance repetition velocity. Incorporating these feedback strategies during strength training of highly-trained powerlifters can improve velocity performance.
Match-play running demands of professional female rugby sevens: Comparison of ball-in-play, worst-case scenarios and game phases in Super Sevens 2023
Authors: Bicudo Filipe Oliveira , Figueiredo Lucas Savassi , Azevedo Ana Paula da Silva , Pedrosa Gustavo Ferreira , Castro Henrique de Oliveira
Published: November 2024

A gray area remains about the intensity of efforts performed in Sevens competitions, especially during the worst-case scenarios (WCS - longest effort during a match). For this reason, the analysis of demands during the ball-in-play (BIP) is increasing in team sports like Rugby Sevens. Through this method, we can also identify the WCS and the demands of distinct phases of play (attack, defense, and transition). Thus, this study aimed to (i) investigate and compare the BIP and WCS external load (EL) demands (distance per minute, sprint distance per minute, and accelerations per minute) during matches; and (ii) compare the BIP running demands across different game phases (attack, defense, and transition). Twenty-one female professional Rugby Sevens players participated, with their running demands analyzed during every BIP phase in all 20 matches of the Super Sevens 2023 using individual GPS tracking. The results indicated no significant differences in any EL variables between WCS and BIP averages. Furthermore, there were no differences in EL experienced by athletes during different phases and actions. In summary, our findings suggest that both the WCS and the BIP methods result in similar EL values across matches. Additionally, the EL remains consistent across different game periods (first half vs. second half) and actions (defense, attack, and transition). These results offer practical guidance for coaches when planning training sessions for female Rugby Sevens athletes, suggesting that preparation focused on WCS may effectively prepare athletes for the entire game.
Comprehensive geriatric assessment guided radiotherapy in elderly patients with locally advanced rectal cancer—exploratory results on nonoperative cohort of a multicenter prospective study
Authors: Yang Yue-Xin , Tang Yuan , Li Ning , Tang Yu , Cheng Yun-Jie , Yang Lin , Fang Hui , Lu Ning-Ning , Qi Shu-Nan , Chen Bo , Wang Shu-Lian , Song Yong-Wen , Liu Yue-Ping , Li Ye-Xiong , Liu Zheng , Liang Jian-Wei , Zhang Hai-Zeng , Zhou Hai-Tao , Wang Jun , Liu Wen-Yang , Jin Jing
Published: November 2024

Background:

Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the main treatment for elderly patients with non-metastatic rectal cancer who are ineligible for or decline surgery, but the optimal modality remains unclear.

Objectives:

This study was to validate the safety and efficacy of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) guided radiotherapy in older patients.

Design:

An exploratory analysis of a single-arm, multicenter, Phase II trial.

Methods:

Patients aged over 70 and diagnosed with rectal cancer were enrolled and evaluated by CGA. CGA-guided radiotherapy was individually conducted in a multidisciplinary setting. Patients in fit, intermediate, and frail groups were scheduled to receive CRT, long-course radiotherapy, and short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) alone respectively. Patients who were unfit for or refused surgery were analyzed for acute toxicities and survival outcomes.

Results:

In a total of 109 enrolled patients, 47 individuals who did not undergo surgery were included, with 26, 9, and 12 categorized into fit, intermediate, and frail groups. Only 11 (23.4%) grade 3 or above toxicities were observed overall. Within a median follow-up of 69.0 months, the 3-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates were 44.3% (95% CI: 32.1%–61.2%), 25.5% (95% CI: 15.7%–41.6%) and 61.0% (95% CI: 47.8%–77.6%) in total. The 5-year OS, PFS, and CSS reached 15.0% (95% CI: 7.4%–30.3%), 14.6% (95% CI: 7.3%–29.4%), and 36.2% (95% CI: 22.0%–59.4%), with no significant difference among the three subgroups. SCRT ( p < 0.001) and dose boost ( p = 0.045) contributed to lower tumor-related death rates in multiple competing risk regressions.

Conclusion:

Radiotherapy guided by CGA was effective and well-tolerated in non-surgical elderly patients. SCRT alone seemed to achieve similar clinical outcomes as CRT in corresponding subgroups. However, given the limited size of this study, further investigation in a larger population is still needed for this strategy.
The AFCRPLITY score for predicting the prognosis of immunotherapy combined with local–regional therapy in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zuo Mengxuan , Wei Ran , Li Da , Li Wang , An Chao
Published: November 2024

Background:

Immunotherapy combined with intra-arterial therapy (IAT) has shown great potential in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). However, there are currently no available biomarkers that can predict the prognosis of immune-based combined therapy.

Objectives:

To establish a scoring method to predict prognosis in uHCC patients undergoing IAT plus immunotherapy.

Methods:

Between March 2019 and August 2022, uHCC patients undergoing IAT in combination with programmed cell death (ligand) 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1-based immunotherapy were retrospectively analyzed.

Results:

Among 1046 patients included, 780 patients were enrolled into hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy immunotherapy cohorts (training set: n = 546, one center; external testing set: n = 234, three centers) and 266 patients were treated with trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus immunotherapy were enrolled into TACE immunotherapy cohort (validation set: n = 266). We developed the easy-to-apply alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in immunotherapy (AFCRPLITY) score and investigated the prognostic value of baseline variables on the disease control rate (DCR) and progression-free survival (PFS). HCC patients with low AFCRPLITY scores would have better PFS and DCRs than patients with high AFCRPLITY scores (AFCRPLITY 0: vs AFCRPLITY 1: vs AFCRPLITY 2: vs AFCRPLITY 3: p < 0.001 for PFS, p = 0.001 for DCRs) in the training set, which was confirmed in the external testing set and validation set. The highest level of CD8+ T cells was in the AFCRPLITY score = 0 group than the other two groups.

Conclusion:

The AFCRPLITY score is associated with PFS and DCR in uHCC patients receiving IATs plus immunotherapy. This score may be helpful for counseling, but prospective validation is needed.

Design:

A retrospective, multi-institutional study.

Trial registration:

The study has been retrospectively registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.chictr.org.cn/, ChiCTR2300075828).
Changes in alpha-fetoprotein across the systemic therapy continuum in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma—a real-world, multicenter study
Authors: Li Michael , Hannan Lindsay M. , Goyal Lipika , Bocobo Andrea G. , Parks Anna L. , Bauer Kelly , Baiev Islam , Dinicola Caroline , Gordan John D. , Venook Alan P. , Harris William P. , Bracci Paige , Kelley Robin K.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Early changes in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) are a promising surrogate endpoint for systemic treatment outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Objectives:

We sought to investigate the utility of AFP response across first-line sorafenib (1L SOR) and later-line checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapies.

Design:

We conducted a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of patients with advanced HCC who received 1L SOR and any subsequent CPI.

Methods:

The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and time on treatment (TOT). Pre-treatment AFP and the lowest AFP within 3 months of treatment initiation were used to calculate the percent change in AFP for each treatment. AFP response was defined as an AFP reduction by ⩾20% within 3 months, and AFP progression was defined as an increase in AFP by ⩾20% within 3 months. Patients with baseline AFP < 20 ng/mL were considered not evaluable for AFP change.

Results:

Of 176 study patients, 46 (28%) received CPI after SOR, and 125 (71%) had a baseline AFP ⩾ 20. Patients who experienced AFP response on SOR had significantly longer OS and TOT than those who did not and those who were not evaluable (OS: median 689 vs 320 vs 452 days, log-rank p < 0.001; TOT: median log of days 5.2 vs 4.5 vs 4.9, p < 0.001). Patients with AFP progression following SOR had significantly shorter OS than those who did not and those who were not evaluable (median 304 vs 557 vs 452, log-rank p = 0.008). Similarly, patients with AFP response following CPI therapy had a significantly reduced risk of death compared with those who did not have an AFP response (hazard ratio 0.13, 95% confidence interval 0.03–0.60, p = 0.009).

Conclusion:

Early AFP response with 1L SOR and any subsequent CPI was associated with longer OS and TOT, and early AFP progression was associated with shorter OS and TOT. These data support utilizing longitudinal AFP changes as a surrogate endpoint in HCC systemic therapy.
How does urology work? Evaluation of activity trackers in the assessment of workload and stress burden among employees in the Department of Urology of a German University Hospital: A prospective pilot study
Authors: Pohlmann Philippe Fabian , Glienke Maximilian , Ehrmann Christian , Gratzke Christian , Miernik Arkadiusz , Schoeb Dominik Stephan
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Workload and stress in excess can lead to work disability. The aim of our study was to determine whether commercially available “activity trackers” can be used to make statements about the work – or stress load of different occupational groups.

Material and methods

The study was conducted at the University Hospital Freiburg, Germany. Four occupational groups with a total of 32 subjects were studied: senior physicians (SP, 4), assistant physicians (AP, 11), nursing staff (NS, 12) and administrative staff (AS, 5). The activity trackers were worn on five working days and one day off. Step frequency, distance and heart rate (HR) were measured, and workload was assessed using a visual analog scale.

Results

The highest workload was reported by SP, the lowest by AS. Male employees feel higher workload than female employees ( p = 0.009). NS covered the greatest daily distance, AP the least ( p = 0.001). There was a significant difference in average HF between AP and NS ( p = 0.008). AS showed higher daily distance and maximum HF on days off compared to work days, and NS showed the opposite behavior. With increasing patient volume for ambulatory care, the average HF increased ( p = 0.037) in NSs.

Conclusion

“Activity trackers” reliably provide body data during work. In our small sample, interesting differences and results on workload emerged. More data would require more subjects and more study variables.
Effect of a metaverse multimodal rehabilitation intervention on quality of life and fear of recurrence in patients with colorectal cancer survivors: A randomized controlled study protocol
Authors: Hu Yuru , Peng Huan , Su Guoqiang , Chen Bo , Yang Zhiping , Ye Yafang , Zhou Beiyun , Lin Sumin , Deng Huili , Zhang Jiajun , Xie Yaojie , He Honggu , Ruan Zheng , Shen Qu
Published: November 2024

Background

Regular rehabilitation during or after cancer treatment can bring numerous benefits to colorectal cancer survivors. However, there is a lack of convenient and mobile rehabilitation support systems tailored specifically for this group. The metaverse, as a virtual reality environment, offers an innovative platform for implementing rehabilitation. Hence, our study aims to develop a metaverse-based multimodal rehabilitation program and assess its effects on enhancing outcome measures such as quality of life in colorectal cancer patients.

Methods and analysis

This study was designed as a randomized, single-blind controlled trial design featuring two arms: a rehabilitation group and a conventional care group. Sixty colorectal cancer survivors who have undergone curative surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy will be recruited for this study. The intervention will take place within the metaverse over a 4-week period. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after 4 weeks. The intervention is grounded in the behavior change wheel framework and encompasses dietary intervention, exercise intervention, psychological support, and behavior management. Through the implementation of diverse strategies such as training, education, and motivation, our objective is to enhance patients’ capacity, opportunities, and motivation, ultimately fostering healthy behaviors. Outcome measures will encompass quality of life, fear of recurrence, and lifestyle.

Results

The analysis includes statistical description and inference. Quantitative data will be summarized using mean ± standard deviation for normally distributed data and medians with percentiles for non-normally distributed data. Categorical data will be presented as frequencies and percentages. Statistical tests will detect significant differences between pre- and post-intervention periods. Subgroup analysis will explore CRC stage, age, and gender in relation to outcome measures to identify factors affecting intervention efficacy.

Conclusions

The findings from this research will offer valuable insights and practical implications for the implementation of remote interventions and family-based interventions in the context of colorectal cancer survivorship.

Trial Registration

NCT05956990 (Registered 21 July 2023)
Understanding the Motivations of Young Adults to Engage in Privacy Protection Behavior While Setting Up Smartphone Apps: A Cross-Country Comparison Between Romania and Germany
Authors: Balaban Delia Cristina , Mustățea Maria , Frunzaru Valeriu
Published: November 2024

Smartphones have become daily companions and store many personal information, including contact lists, photos, and videos. Even though users download smartphone apps for various purposes, they are also data collection instruments. Within the Protection Motivation Theory research streamline, the present research focuses from a comparative perspective on young adults’ concerns and engagement with privacy protection behaviors while setting up smartphone apps. Aiming to assess how threat and coping appraisals relate to privacy protection behavior from a comparative perspective, we conducted an online survey ( N = 931) in Germany ( n = 479) and Romania ( n = 452) with young adults (age 18–26 years). Findings showed differences between the two countries in the sense that individuals’ overarching privacy attitudes transfer to and manifest in the context-specific behavior of setting up apps. For German young adults, susceptibility and severity of the data collection by companies are positively related to privacy protection behavior while setting up apps. Romanians are confident that they can protect their data by setting up apps. For German and Romanian young adults, self-efficacy in online communication was related to response efficacy of privacy protection while configuring apps.
Kutanga, Mujimbu, and the Tacit Orchestration of Events Among the Luvale of Zambia
Authors: Winikoff Jason
Published: November 2024

Orchestration is an established topic in various music disciplines yet is a rare focus in ethnomusicology. This paper offers a modest remedy by asserting that culturally expected timbral interactions are orchestration. McAdams et al. (2022) define orchestration as the selective combination and juxtaposition of instruments to achieve sonic goals. With this case study, I reorient orchestration towards cultural goals. I also assert that any sonic event can be orchestrated (not just music). Furthermore, I argue that any event participant can be an agent of orchestration. Among Luvale (and related) communities in Zambia, there exist similar traditions of recounting one's recent journey through an oral briefing: kutanga and mujimbu. Although related, these events have different social functions, participants, and orchestrations. Kutanga is a dance prelude for a specific group of makishi (manifest ancestral spirits) or boy initiates and involves the alternation between vocalizer and drum. Mujimbu, featuring loosely coordinated clapping and alternating speakers, is enacted when a different set of makishi or men arrive somewhere. Both events involve expectations of vocal, clap, and drum timbres participants should employ. Whether these timbral decisions are deliberate or tacit (Arom 1981; Brinner 1995; Polanyi 1966), I interpret them as results of encultured behavior (Eidsheim 2019). In this paper I contend that orchestration is culturally informed, helps define and differentiate events, and links makishi to their living counterparts. To accomplish this, I delineate events in terms of orchestration, performers, and social function (Arom et al., 2019; Fürniss 2006, Nzewi 2008), analyze interviews, and culturally contextualize timbre. Although Kubik has conducted extensive research on kutanga (1971, 1974, 1977, 1994, 2008, 2010), his findings do not address orchestration or its ability to connect the ancestral to the living. An ethnomusicological approach to these events offers timbre studies a window into the cultural components and ramifications of orchestration.
Impact Factors of Crowdfunding Intention Under Two Different Project Types: An Empirical Study From China
Authors: Shen Cong , Hao Xin , Lei Bing
Published: November 2024

Despite the fact that China’s crowdfunding market has grown rapidly in recent years, project financing failure remains a common occurrence. Based on perceived value and perceived risk theory, this study constructed a research model of supporters’ crowdfunding intention in order to better examine the variations in the elements that affect supporters’ crowdfunding intention under donation-based and product-based crowdfunding types. A questionnaire survey of 450 respondents who had participated in crowdfunding projects showed that project feature could influence crowdfunding intention by affecting perceived attribute. The empirical research yielded the following conclusions. From the project feature level, it is found that project innovation has a significant impact on the perceived attribute of product-based crowdfunding project supporters, while innovation has a small impact on the perceived attribute of donation-based crowdfunding project supporters. However, the project return of donation-based crowdfunding projects has a significant impact on the perceived attribute of supporters. When it comes to perceived attribute, although perceived value has a substantial effect on backers’ intention in both crowdfunding types, perceived risk only has a significant impact on the crowdfunding willingness of product-based project supporters.
Normative Data of Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almalki Nabil Sharaf , Abaoud Abdulrahman Abdullah , Bakhiet Salaheldin Farah , Al-khadher Mohammed M. Ateik
Published: November 2024

Students with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in Saudi Arabia are provided with the educational services they need in their local schools, but a standardized checklist is needed to measure the level of progress and the benefits acquired through the educational programs. This study aimed to standardize a version of Saudi performance norms on the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) to explain the raw scores that students with ASDs have obtained, using a sample of teachers and parents. The number of respondents in the study was 334 teachers, and 206 parents. Descriptive statistics, internal consistency, confirmatory factor analysis, reliability coefficients and percentiles were used for analyses. The study found that the ATEC had suitable indicators of validity and reliability, and the percentile ranks were extracted for interpreting the raw scores of the ATEC.
The Psychological Self-Empowerment: Effect of Transformational Classroom Leadership on the EMI Teacher’s Self-Efficacy
Authors: Wang Changmi
Published: November 2024

This article examines the relationship between the English medium instruction teacher’s classroom leadership and their teaching self-efficacy. The self-reported data were collected from 188 English-medium instruction teachers at a Chinese public university. The correlational analysis of data revealed that there was a close positive relationship between classroom leadership and teaching self-efficacy ( r = .70, p < .001), and the teacher’s classroom leadership contributed 48% of the variance of their teaching self-efficacy. Among the three components of teaching self-efficacy, self-efficacy for student engagement had the highest correlation with the teacher’s classroom leadership ( r = .66, p < .01). The multiple regression analysis showed that teaching self-efficacy was significantly predicted by two components of classroom leadership, that is, intellectual stimulation (β = .29, p < .001) and idealized influence (β = .24, p < .05). The ANOVA test results showed that classroom leadership increases with the teacher’s EMI teaching experience, reaching the highest when it gets to 10 years, and then decreases later, while teaching self-efficacy increases continuously. The findings have great potential to open new areas for the development of the English-medium instruction teacher’s self-efficacy.
Psychometric Properties of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and the Clinical Impairment Assessment (CIA) Using a Heterogenous Clinical Sample from Arab Countries
Authors: Hadati Carine el Khazen , Kassie Seada A. , Bertl Bianca , Sidani Maya Fleifel , Melad Meriam Atef Wadiy , Ammar Alia
Published: November 2024

As the prevalence rates of eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors continue to rise worldwide, it is crucial to make psychometrically validated tools available for clinical use. The current study examined the psychometric properties of the Arabic versions of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and the Clinical Impairment Assessment (CIA) using a sample from the clinical population. The sixth edition of the EDE-Q and the third edition of the CIA were translated into Arabic and administered to 260 Arab participants (203 diagnosed with eating disorders and 57 from the general population) who are natives of various countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Convenience sampling method was used to recruit the participants with a 97% response rate. Participants from the non-clinical group also filled out the Arabic version of the EAT-26 questionnaire to rule out underlying disordered eating behaviors. Data was collected between June 2018 and August 2023. Internal consistency for the global scores of both the EDE-Q and CIA were high, while the coefficients for the four subscales of the EDE-Q and the three subscales of the CIA were moderate. Confirmatory factor analysis on the EDE-Q revealed a good fit for the abbreviated seven-item measurement with three factors, and the same was true for the CIA’s three-factor model. Convergent validity results showed significant correlations between the EDE-Q and the CIA with high coefficients. Known groups validity tests revealed significant differences based on eating disorder behaviors, where those who reported vomiting episodes and laxative misuse scored significantly higher on the EDE-Q than those who did not, and those who reported excessive exercising behavior scored significantly higher on the CIA than those who did not. There were no significant differences observed based on eating disorder diagnoses, nor were there differences among individuals with secondary diagnoses. Test-retest reliability and discriminant validity tests were not carried out. Strengths, limitations, and future directions are thoroughly discussed. The study investigated the reliability, validity, and factor structure of these tools. The findings corroborate previous studies’ support for the EDE-Q’s abbreviated seven-item measurement with three factors and the CIA’s three-factor model. With a comparatively modest sample size, the findings should be considered preliminary for Arabic versions of the tools using a clinical sample, and future studies with larger sample are warranted to confirm them.
Despite a Multifactorial Etiology, Rates of Distal Junctional Kyphosis After Adult Cervical Deformity Corrective Surgery Can be Dramatically Diminished by Optimizing Age Specific Radiographic Improvement
Authors: Mir Jamshaid M. , Onafowokan Oluwatobi O. , Jankowski Pawel P. , Krol Oscar , Williamson Tyler , Das Ankita , Thomas Zach , Padon Benjamin , Schoenfeld Andrew J. , Janjua Muhammad Burhan , Passias Peter G.
Published: November 2024

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study of a prospectively collected single-center database.

Objective

Distal Junctional Kyphosis (DJK) is one of the most common complications in adult cervical deformity (ACD) correction. The utility of radiographic alignment alone in predicting and minimizing DJK occurrence warrants further study. To investigate the impact of post-operative radiographic alignment on development of DJK in ACD patients.

Methods

ACD patients (≥18 yrs) with complete baseline (BL) and two-year (2Y) radiographic data were included. DJF was defined as DJK greater than 15° (Passias et al) or DJK with reop. Multivariable logistic regression (MVA) identified 3-month predictors of DJK. Conditional inference tree (CIT) machine learning analysis determined threshold cutoffs. Radiographic predictors were combined in a model to determine predictive value using area under the curve (AUC) methodology. “Match” refers to ideal age-adjusted alignment.

Results

140 cervical deformity patients met inclusion criteria (61.3 yrs, 67% F, BMI: 29 kg/m2, CCI: 0.96 ± 1.3). Surgically, 51.3% had osteotomies, 47.1% had a posterior approach, 34.5% combined approach, 18.5% anterior approach, with an average 7.6 ± 3.8 levels fused and EBL of 824 mL. Overall, 33 patients (23.6%) developed DJK, and 11 patients (9%) developed DJF. MVA controlling for age, and baseline deformity, followed by CIT found 3M cSVA <3.7 cm (OR: .2, 95% CI:.06-.6), and TK T4-T12 <50 (OR:.17, 95% CI:.05-.5, both P < .05) were significant predictors of a lower likelihood of DJK. Receiver operator curve AUC using age, T1S match, TS-CL match, LL-TK match, cSVA <3.7 cm, and T4-T12 <50 predicted DJK with an AUC of .91 for DJK by 2Y, and .88 for DJF by 2Y.

Conclusion

These findings suggest post-operative radiographic alignment is strongly associated with distal junctional kyphosis. When utilizing age-adjusted realignment in addition to newly developed thresholds, a suggested post-operative cSVA target of 3.7 cm and thoracic kyphosis less than 50, it is possible to substantially reduce the occurrence of distal junctional kyphosis and distal junctional failure.
Association Between Tibiofemoral Bone Shape Features and Retears After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Bailey Karsyn N. , Gao Kenneth T. , Halvorson Ryan T. , Oeding Jacob F. , Majumdar Sharmila , Pedoia Valentina , Lansdown Drew A.
Published: November 2024

Background:

A retear after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains a common and devastating complication. Knee bone morphology is associated with the risk of ACL injuries, ACL retears, and osteoarthritis, and a combination of tools that derive bone shape from clinical imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and statistical shape modeling, could identify patients at risk of developing these joint conditions.

Purpose:

To identify bone shape features before primary ACL reconstruction in patients with an eventual retear compared to those with a known intact ACL graft.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Bone was automatically segmented on 2-dimensional proton density–weighted MRI of the knee in patients at the time of the initial ACL injury using deep convolutional neural networks. Patients with a subsequent retear after reconstruction within 3 years (22 femurs, 19 tibias) were compared with those with an intact ACL graft at 3 years (20 femurs, 22 tibias) using statistical shape modeling to identify preoperative bone shape features predictive of a retear after ACL reconstruction.

Results:

Statistical shape modeling revealed 2 specific bone shape features (modes) in the femur and 1 mode in the tibia that demonstrated significant differences at the time of the initial injury in patients with subsequent retears. In the femur, a narrower intercondylar notch width, a widened medial condylar width, an increased femoral condylar offset ratio, increased surface area along the lateral femoral condyle relative to the medial condyle, and a more prominent trochlear sulcus at the time of the initial injury were associated with retears after ACL reconstruction. In the tibia, a diminished ACL facet prominence, a squared lateral and medial tibial plateaus, and a broader and flattened tibial spine at the time of the initial injury were associated with retears after ACL reconstruction.

Conclusion:

Using the automatic bone segmentation pipeline on preoperative MRI, the authors identified bone shape features associated with a retear after ACL reconstruction. The use of this pipeline enables large-scale studies of bone shape on MRI and could predict patients at risk of ACL retears to alter treatment decisions.
How Does Inattention Influence the Robustness and Efficiency of Adaptive Procedures in the Context of Psychoacoustic Assessments via Smartphone?
Authors: Xu Chen , Hülsmeier David , Buhl Mareike , Kollmeier Birger
Published: November 2024

Inattention plays a critical role in the accuracy of threshold measurements, e.g., when using mobile devices. To describe the influence of distraction, long- and short-term inattention models based on either a stationary or a non-stationary psychometric function were developed and used to generate three simulated listeners: fully-, moderately-, and non-concentrated listeners. Six established adaptive procedures were assessed via Monte-Carlo simulations in combination with the inattention models and compared with a newly proposed method: the graded response bracketing procedure (GRaBr). Robustness was examined by bias and root mean square error between the “true” and estimated thresholds while efficiency was evaluated using rates of convergence and a normalized efficiency index. The findings show that inattention has a detrimental impact on adaptive procedure performance—especially for the short-term inattentive listener—and that several model-based procedures relying on a consistent response behavior of the listener are prone to errors owing to inattention. The model-free procedure GRaBr, on the other hand, is considerably robust and efficient in spite of the (assumed) inattention. As a result, adaptive techniques with desired properties (i.e., high robustness and efficiency) as revealed in our simulations—such as GRaBr—appear to be advantageous for mobile devices or in laboratory tests with untrained subjects.
Attitudes toward Adolescent Mental Health Screening in a Dental Setting: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Ticku S. , Nath S. , Ramesh N. , Riedy C.A.
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Adolescents have experienced increasing levels of anxiety (AD) and depressive disorders (DD) in recent years. This study assessed the current attitudes of pediatric dentists and orthodontists on incorporating screenings for mental health disorders for their adolescent patients.

Methods:

A sequential mixed-methods approach was used. A 35-item survey was sent to 5,538 pediatric dentists and orthodontists that included questions about attitudes and current screening practices for AD and DD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine factors associated with dentists’ willingness to incorporate screening and discuss results with patients for AD and DD. Subsequently, we interviewed 16 orthodontists and pediatric dentists, conducted thematic analysis, and identified themes and subthemes.

Results:

Based on 305 responses, >80% of respondents viewed screening for AD and DD as important, but <15% conducted screenings for them. Moreover, for those not screening, the odds of future screening for AD (odds ratio [OR]: 0.18, confidence interval [CI]: 0.08–0.43) and DD (OR: 0.23; CI: 0.09–0.56) were lower as the perceived importance of screening increased. Their willingness to screen for both AD (OR: 0.26, CI: 0.08–0.82) and DD (OR: 0.18, CI: 0.05–0.71) was also lower if they perceived this to negatively affect their patients’ perception of them. The thematic analysis identified 3 main themes: (1) provider attitudes around mental health, (2) barriers to incorporating mental health screening, and (3) opportunities to integrate screening. Barriers included lack of training, access to mental health resources, and provider and patient stigma.

Conclusions:

Our study showed that while most pediatric dentists and orthodontists understand the importance of screening their adolescent patients for AD and DD, many are unlikely to conduct screenings in the future. Obstacles such as inadequate training and stigma must be addressed for wider adoption. Further research and initiatives are crucial to tackle these challenges.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

The findings of this study offer insights to clinicians and policy makers into the attitudes, barriers, and facilitators among dentists—specifically pediatric dentists and orthodontists—who regularly treat adolescent patients, regarding mental health screenings for these individuals. This information can guide the development of initiatives, policy changes, and future research aimed at creating a more integrated dental care system that emphasizes the overall health of adolescent patients.