bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MINI-EX version 2: cell-type-specific gene regulatory network inference using an integrative single-cell transcriptomics approach
Authors: Staut Jasper , Manosalva Pérez Nicolás , Depuydt Thomas , Vandepoele Klaas , Lukicheva Svitlana
Published: December 2023

Understanding and predicting cell-type-specific gene regulatory networks (GRNs) is essential for unraveling the complex interactions between transcription factors (TFs) that modulate the expression of target genes and control diverse biological processes in multicellular organisms. MINI-EX (Motif-Informed Network Inference based on single-cell EXpression data) is an integrative tool tailored for identifying cell-type-specific GRNs in plants. Leveraging single-cell transcriptomics data, MINI-EX constructs expression-based networks and integrates TF motif information to produce GRNs with increased accuracy. Furthermore, it assigns regulatory modules to distinct cell types and prioritizes candidate regulators by employing a strategy that encompasses network centrality measures, functional annotations, and expression specificity. Taken together, MINI-EX offers a powerful approach to identify cell-type-specific transcriptional cascades and enhance our understanding of TF functions in plant biology. Here, we discuss recent advancements in the tool’s latest version and explain how single-cell GRNs can be identified for non-model species lacking TF motif information. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive guide to use MINI-EX, covering the entire pipeline from preparing input files starting from a single-cell experiment, over configuring parameters, to interpreting output data.
Mutual interplay of actin meshwork and stress fibers in cellular adaptive response: Insights from percolation dynamics
Authors: Ueda Yuika , Matsunaga Daiki , Deguchi Shinji
Published: December 2023

Cells dynamically remodel their internal structures by modulating the arrangement of actin filaments (AFs). In this process, individual AFs exhibit stochastic behavior without knowing macroscopic higher-order structures they are meant to create or disintegrate. Cellular adaptation to environmental cues is accompanied with this type of self-assembly and disassembly, but the mechanism allowing for the stochastic process-driven remodeling of the cell structure remains incompletely understood. Here we employ percolation theory to explore how AFs interacting only with neighboring ones without recognizing the overall configuration can nonetheless construct stress fibers (SFs) at particular locations. To achieve this, we determine the binding and unbinding probabilities of AFs undergoing cellular tensional homeostasis, a fundamental property maintaining intracellular tension. We showed that the duration required for the assembly of SFs is shortened by the amount of preexisting actin meshwork, while the disassembly occurs independently of the presence of actin meshwork. This asymmetry between the assembly and disassembly, consistently observed in actual cells, is explained by considering the nature of intracellular tension transmission. Thus, our percolation analysis provides insights into the role of coexisting higher-order actin structures in their flexible responses during cellular adaptation.
Interaction of the Immune System TIM-3 Protein with a Model Cellular Membrane Containing Phosphatidyl-Serine Lipids
Authors: Delova Anastasiia , Pasc Andreea , Monari Antonio
Published: December 2023

T cell transmembrane, Immunoglobulin, and Mucin (TIM) are important immune system proteins which are especially present in T-cells and regulated the immune system by sensing cell engulfment and apoptotic processes. Their role is exerted by the capacity to detect the presence of phosphatidyl-serine lipid polar head in the outer leaflet of cellular membranes (correlated with apoptosis). In this contribution by using equilibrium and enhanced sampling molecular dynamics simulation we unravel the molecular bases and the thermodynamics of TIM, and in particular TIM-3, interaction with phosphatidyl serine in a lipid bilayer. Since TIM-3 deregulation is an important factor of pro-oncogenic tumor micro-environment understanding its functioning at a molecular level may pave the way to the development of original immunotherapeutic approaches.
Disrupting the transmembrane domain interface between PMP22 and MPZ causes peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Pashkova Natalya , Peterson Tabitha A. , Ptak Christopher P. , Winistorfer Stanley C. , Guerrero-Given Debbie , Kamasawa Naomi , Ahern Christopher A. , Shy Michael E. , Piper Robert C.
Published: December 2023

PMP22 and MPZ are abundant myelin membrane proteins in Schwann cells. The MPZ adhesion protein holds myelin wraps together across the intraperiod line. PMP22 is a tetraspan protein belonging to the Claudin superfamily. Loss of either MPZ or PMP22 causes severe demyelinating Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) peripheral neuropathy, and duplication of PMP22 causes the most common form of CMT, CMT1A. Yet, the molecular functions provided by PMP22 and how its alteration causes CMT are unknown. Here we find MPZ and PMP22 form a specific complex through interfaces within their transmembrane domains. We also find that the PMP22 A67T patient variant that causes a loss-of-function (Hereditary Neuropathy with Pressure Palsies) phenotype maps to this interface, and blocks MPZ association without affecting localization to the plasma membrane or interactions with other proteins. These data define the molecular basis for the MPZ~PMP22 interaction and indicate this complex fulfills an important function in myelinating cells.
The African Light Source: history, context and future
Authors: Connell Simon H. , Dollman Kathleen , Kamel Gihan , Khan Sameen A. , Mitchell Edward , Mtingwa Sekazi K. , Newton Marcus C. , Ngabonziza Prosper , Nji Emmanuel , Norris Lawrence , Zema Michele
Published: December 2023

The African Light Source (AfLS) project is now almost eight years old. This article assesses the history, current context and future of the project. There is by now considerable momentum in building the user community, including deep training, facilitating access to current facilities, growing the scientific output, scientific networks and growing the local laboratory-scale research infrastructure. The Conceptual Design Report for the AfLS is in its final editing stages. This document specifies the socio-economic and scientific rationales and the technical aspects amongst others. The AfLS is supported by many national and Pan-African scientific professional bodies and voluntary associates across many scientific disciplines, and there are stakeholders throughout the continent and beyond. The current roadmap phases have expanded to include national and Pan-African level conversations with policy makers through new Strategic Task Force groups. The document summarizes this progress and discusses the future of the project.
Quo vadis, esthetic dentistry? Part II: Composite resin overtreatment and social media appeal
Authors: Hirata Ronaldo , Hilgert Leandro Augusto , Sampaio Camila S. , de Andrade Oswaldo Scopin , Melo Ginger , Ritter André V.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

This article presents case reports highlighting over‐treatments with resin composites, often misconceived as minimally invasive procedures.

Clinical Considerations

Tooth‐colored restorative materials, such as ceramics and composites, have found widespread application to correct problems related to tooth color, shape, and alignment. When composite resin is used, these procedures can be done in a very conservative, cost‐effective, and timely fashion. However, it is noteworthy that contemporary dental esthetic expectations are based on standards propagated by social media and other marketing and communications platforms. The abuse of and addiction to social media impacts can lead to unrealistic esthetic expectations and standards for both patients and dentists.

Conclusions

After a critical discussion on ceramic veneers published in part I of this 2‐part series, this article directs attention towards what has become a trendy fashion, i.e., the use of direct composite resins as “non‐prep” veneers in clinical situations that arguably required no restorative intervention at all. We further explore how social media influences the decision‐making processes of both professionals and patients.
RHD‐negative red cells may be avoided for patients with ambiguous serologic typing for the RHD antigen
Authors: Juhl David , Luckner Kathrin , Brockmann Christian , Musiolik Ingrid , Bunge‐Philipowski Tina , Görg Siegfried , Ziemann Malte
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives

Serologic typing with monoclonal anti‐D is mandatory for RHD antigen determination before transfusion, but due to aberrant (weak or partial) variants of RHD, results may be ambiguous and molecular RHD‐typing is required. Before that, RHD‐negative (RHD –) red blood cells concentrates (RBCs) shall be transfused to avoid anti‐D formation, which probably leads to wastage of RHD ‐ RBCs.

Study Design and Methods

All patients with ambiguous results in serologic RHD‐typing and molecular RHD‐typing were assessed retrospectively. The proportions of patients at risk for anti‐D formation and the proportion of RHD ‐ RBCs transfused unnecessarily were evaluated for the following transfusion strategies: (1) RHD‐positive (RHD + )RBCs for all patients, (2) RHD + RBCs for patients with at least 2+ reaction with anti‐D, (3) RHD + RBCs for patients with C and/or E in their RHCE‐phenotype, (4) RHD + RBCs for patients with C and/or E and at least 2+ reaction, and (5) RHD ‐ RBCs for all patients.

Results

A total of 112 patients were included. Most had weak D type 1–3 and a minority had other, rare RHD variants. The risk of anti‐D formation was 4.5%, 2.9%, 1.8%, 1.0%, and 0% for strategies 1–5, respectively. The proportion of RHD ‐ RBCs transfused unnecessarily was 0%, 49.5%, 0.9%, 50.5%, and 95.5%.

Conclusion

Transfusing patients with a C and/or E in their RHCE‐phenotype with RHD + RBCs resulted in a very low risk of immunization while avoiding wastage of RHD ‐ RBCs. Therefore, this strategy should be used for some patients with ambiguous results in serologic RHD‐typing and pending results of molecular RHD‐typing.
EXCHANGE RATE AND FIRM-LEVEL INVESTMENTS: EVIDENCE FROM BORSA ISTANBUL
Authors: Avcı Emin , Kılınç Feride
Published: December 2023

The relationship between exchange rates and firm-level investments of the companies operating in the manufacturing sector listed on Borsa İstanbul (BIST) was investigated over a period of 2008 to 2021 using panel data analysis. A total of 81 companies from 7 industries within the manufacturing sector were examined. Exchange rate and firm-level relationships were identified using the Euro-USD basket standard deviation and real exchange rates index. The findings indicated a negative relationship between firm-level investments and exchange rate volatility for all industries, but a positive relationship between firm-level investments and real exchange rates for most industries. Furthermore, it is found that the effects of exchange rate volatility and real exchange rates on investments are realized with a delay for most industries. Overall, the results suggest that firms are reluctant to invest in times of high exchange rate volatility, but are more willing to invest when the value of Turkish Lira appreciates in real terms.
Queen Bee Syndrome in Academia: A Cross-sectional Analysis of Women Academic Nurses' Perceptions and Influential Factors
Authors: Çiçek Korkmaz Ayşe , Altuntaş Serap
Published: December 2023

Queen Bee Syndrome and its influencing factors among Turkish female academic nurses were examined in a cross-sectional study with 305 participants. Data were collected using a demographic form and the Queen Bee Syndrome Scale. The mean score on the scale was 2.97±0.68, with significant differences based on age, university type, residence area, academic title and experience, managerial experience, future institutional preferences, willingness to switch universities, perception of working with male managers, support from female managers, institutional support for female managers, and personal experiences of Queen Bee Syndrome. Factors like ease of working with male managers, institutional support for female employees to become managers, and a desire to support female employees accounted for 40.9% of the variability in Queen Bee Syndrome. This study highlights the significant perception of Queen Bee Syndrome among Turkish female academic nurses, influenced by personal, professional, and institutional factors.
PSYCHOSOCIAL RISK FACTORS IN EMPLOYEES AS PREDICTORS OF MOBBING
Authors: Ayhan Didem , Tatar Arkun
Published: December 2023

Mobbing in the workplace is a complex and worldwide phenomenon that reflects a subjective interpretation of this event. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between mobbing and basic socio-demographic variables and some personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, responsibility, emotional stability, intelligence/imagination, emotional intelligence, self-esteem, empathy, emotional self-awareness, personal well-being) of employees. In the cross-sectional design, data were collected from 553 employees selected from various occupations through easy sampling. Employees filled out an anonymous form containing job-related tests. Data collection tools were the standard scales i.e., A Psychological Mobbing Scale-30, personality trait questionnaire, Schutte Emotional Intelligence Test, Baron Empathy Scale, Emotional Self-Awareness Scale-11, Personal Well-Being Index-8 and Coopersmith's Self-Esteem Inventory. Results from multiple logistic regression analysis showed that there were statistically significant relationships between mobbing and age, industry, self-esteem and empathy. The results obtained are evaluated and discussed in terms of variable interaction and future research.
THE IMPACT OF LEGAL FRAMEWORK ON FEMALE ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A PANEL DATA ANALYSIS
Authors: Mirza Emel
Published: December 2023

Female self-employment can be both a way of increasing female labor force participation and diversity in entrepreneurship. While there are many studies explaining the individual characteristics causing differences in women and men choosing self-employment, studies explaining substantial variation of female entrepreneurship rate between countries are relatively few. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the socio-cultural, legal and economic conditions of the countries that can lead female entrepreneurship rates vary by using World Bank data on 112 countries and dynamic panel data model. Results based on the estimation of this model denotes the importance of legal framework in terms of increasing female entrepreneurship rates alongside the determinants previously searched. The countries reaching closer to legal equality between women and men in terms of business opportunities have higher share of female entrepreneurs.
THE CONCEPT OF SOFT POWER IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF MIGRATION
Authors: Ercan Arda
Published: December 2023

States, as the major actors in international relations, pursue their interests in an anarchic international environment and attempt to acquire power to achieve these interests. The traditional perspective measures this power by the capacity to use force. However, in the post-Cold War era, the reduction in nuclear threats, the success of integrations, and the increase in technological developments have significantly reduced the potential for the use of force. The new multipolar world order builds interdependence through persuasion rather than the use of force. Within this new order, the most significant aspect of power is gauged by the normative capabilities of each country. This new phenomenon of power, called soft power, depends on the potential of countries to use their physical and moral values. The developmental disparity resulting from globalization and advances in technology has given rise to the phenomenon of migration. Managing migration and the resulting migration economy are crucial elements of soft power. This study aims to enhance the existing literature by examining the migration economy's power phenomenon within the field of international relations.
Exspatiantur: Warum scheitert der ovidische Phaethon am Sternbild des Skorpions?
Authors: Hübner Wolfgang
Published: December 2023

The ride of the Ovidian Phaethon hitherto has not been explained sufficiently, in particular by J. Loos in Mnemosyne 2008 and 2012. Instead for the different motion of the sun one has to regard the particularities and position of the zodiacal signs, especially that of the Scorpion.
Vividness and Spatial Scenes
Authors: Winter Kathrin
Published: December 2023

Heraclitus’ fragments employ a powerful literary technique which is used to convey information without giving it directly: the texts appeal to sensation and bodily experience to evoke spatial scenes and so become intuitively comprehensible and display a surprisingly vivid quality. The means to bring this effect about can be analysed and explained with approaches from cognitive studies. This article presents three criteria to analyse vividness in spatial scenes and applies them to four fragments of Heraclitus in order to show how the text makes use of perceptual structures and exploits them to convey information without the recipient noticing it.
The Three Parts of Philosophy
Authors: Salerno Lorenzo
Published: December 2023

In Pl. 1.3, Apuleius provides an account of the genesis of the tripartition of philosophy, recalling its incorrect (but by then traditional) attribution to Plato. In doing so, Apuleius states that Plato showed that the three parts of philosophy do not fight each other, but on the contrary support each other with mutual aid. While the meaning of the passage is clear, the text has been long debated. The aim of this paper is to show that none of the texts printed so far is satisfactory, and to propose a new solution.
Unlocking the Riddles of Imperial Greek Melodies: The ‘Lydian’ Metamorphosis of the Classical Harmonic System
Authors: Lynch Tosca A.C.
Published: December 2023

Building upon Lynch 2022a and 2022b, this article offers the first account of the historical evolution of the Greek harmonic system and notation keys (tónoi) that bridges the gap between Classical and Imperial music. This new solution allows us to reconstruct, for the first time, a continuous, if evolving, tradition that stretches from Euripides’ Orestes to late antiquity, reconciling key theoretical insights provided by Ptolemy, Porphyry and others with documentary evidence that illustrates the structure of the Imperial harmonic system and its use in the Imperial musical documents (dDAGM). This approach also enables us to trace the gradual expansion of the Greek notation system from an initial set of symbols (–) to the full array recorded by Aristides and Alypius, mapping its development onto key historical milestones including the revolutionary innovations of the New Musicians and Damon of Oa’s inclusion of the Lydian mode into the Greek modulation system.
Child Sexual Abuse Documentation in Primary Care Settings
Authors: MacPherson Stephanie C. , Golonka Megan , Liu Yuerong , Terrell Lindsay , Evans Kelly E. , Hurst Jillian H. , Gifford Elizabeth J.
Published: December 2023

Primary care providers (PCPs) can play an important role in the continuity of care for children who experience sexual abuse (SA). We performed a retrospective, chart-based study of children 3 to 17 years old with SA history. Primary care medical records were reviewed for 2 years after a subspecialty SA evaluation. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to assess factors associated with documentation of SA history and mental health management by the PCP. Of 131 included patients, 43% had PCP documentation of their SA history, which was associated with care from resident providers ( P < .01). There was greater mental health management and mental health referrals by PCPs for the group with documentation compared with the group without documentation (52% vs 23%, P < .001). Overall, child SA history was poorly documented in primary care settings. Identifying mechanisms to improve communication about a child’s SA history with PCPs is important for the child’s ongoing care.
Research on textile-vamp punching based on punching point gradient phase and edge significance
Authors: Meng Zhuo , Zhang Hao , Chen Yujie , Sun Yize
Published: December 2023

A visual technology to identify the punching points of a textile vamp to replace manual punching by machinery is proposed in this paper. This could solve several problems relating to the manual punching of textile vamp, such as high manual-punching strength, low efficiency, and poor punching accuracy. Unsharp mask guided filtering was adopted, to enhance the details of the textile-vamp punching points, considering the edge point position, gradient phase, and edge significance of the punching points, in building the template matching similarity measure function. A partial Hausdorff distance was proposed to sum and average values, to improve the degree of matching of punching point shape defects. A local search area of punching points to improve identification efficiency and punching evaluation criteria was established to evaluate the punching effects. The results showed that the matching similarity of the complete boundary was above 0.9. Positioning accuracy was 0.43 mm in the x-direction, 0.38 mm in the y-direction, and repeat positioning accuracy was 0.09 mm. The center average relative error was 5.03% and the relative error of the radius was 7.81%. Identification timeliness increased with the rotation angle, template size, and the number of punching points. When the rotation angle was between –180° and 180° and the number of punching points was 24, identification timeliness was 830 ms, which met productivity requirements. Textile-vamp punching grades A to D qualified, however, grades E and F were unqualified for punching.
Experimental research and numerical simulation of the relationship between yarn tension and multi-balloon shape
Authors: Wang Jincan , Xiong Desheng , Liu Qinglong , Li Shujia , Wang Yongxing
Published: December 2023

Yarn tension during ring spinning is influenced by the shape of the balloon. With the high speed of ring spinning, the existing balloon control technology will have problems with yarn breakage caused by increased tension and yarn wear during the spinning process. Therefore, this article takes the naturally formed multi-balloon as the research object and analyzes the force of the yarn in the balloon section to establish the mathematical model of the steady-state balloon section. Then we selected the appropriate parameters to compare the balloon trajectory graph obtained by simulation and experiment, to verify the validity of the mathematical model. Finally, the relationship between the yarn tension and the number of balloon segments under different balloon heights and spindle speeds, and the conditions for the stable shape of multi-balloon are discussed. It was found that under different balloon shapes, increasing the number of balloon segments can effectively reduce the yarn tension at the yarn guide, and the stable conditions of balloons with different numbers of segments under certain process conditions. The findings are of great significance to the subsequent research on the technological parameters of low-tension spinning and the structural design of ring-spinning machines.
A Qualitative Analysis of Mechanisms of Benefit in the Residential Care Transition Module: A Telehealth Intervention for Caregivers of Relatives With Dementia Living in Residential Long-Term Care
Authors: Albers Elizabeth A. , Birkeland Robyn W. , Louwagie Katie W. , Yam Hawking , Baker Zachary G. , Mittelman Mary S. , Gaugler Joseph E.
Published: December 2023

This study sought to determine the perceived benefits of the Residential Care Transition Module (RCTM), a novel multi-component, psychoeducational/psychosocial, telehealth intervention for caregivers of cognitively impaired relatives living in residential long-term care (RLTC). Few support programs exist for these caregivers. Determining the intervention’s mechanisms of benefit will provide actionable clinical and research information regarding which key features aspects RLTC and public health agencies should offer their families. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 purposively selected participants randomly assigned to receive the RCTM. Additionally, an open-ended survey question solicited feedback at 4 (n = 90), 8 (n = 79), and 12 months (n = 77). Available qualitative data were analyzed for thematic content. Participants endorsed 9 mechanisms of benefit. Six mechanisms were related to RCTM content: education dementia progression and dementia behavior management, personalized resource provision, strategies for communication and engagement with the care recipient (CR) and others, management of multiple roles, and relaxation exercises. Three mechanisms were related to coaching: emotional support, knowledgeability, and being a neutral third party. Common benefits attributed to RCTM included improvement in mood, caregiving confidence, and communication and interactions with CR and others. Using qualitative data and analyses, we discovered the most valued aspects of the RCTM intervention. These mechanisms of benefit have not been described in the literature. Notably, we were unable to detect mechanisms of benefit in a separate analysis utilizing quantitative data. Findings emphasize the importance of including qualitative measures in intervention research and selecting quantitative measures that reflect the intervention’s real effects, if any.
Life Domains and Lifestyle of Older Adults Living in a Nursing Home: A Pilot Study
Authors: Uceda-Portillo Cristian , Calvo-Arenillas José-Ignacio , Moruno-Miralles Pedro
Published: December 2023

Although the preventive occupational therapy intervention program Lifestyle Redesign® has proven to be effective in maintaining and improving the health and quality of life of older adults, a similar program has not yet been culturally adapted to the Spanish population. As a preliminary step in developing a lifestyle intervention tailored to healthy Spanish older adults living in a nursing home (Lifestyle Choice; originally in Spanish “Elección de Estilo de Vida”), we aimed to identify and describe the life domains of this population and determine overlap with content areas addressed in the Lifestyle Redesign® program. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out using quantitative methods, including 30 healthy older adult residents in the “Virgen del Prado” nursing home in Talavera de la Reina (Toledo), based on the development of a questionnaire and a survey. Six life domains were identified: self-care, sleep and rest, mobility, personal safety, health maintenance, spirituality, and free time usage. The results of this study reveal important overlaps with content areas of Lifestyle Redesign®, suggesting that it may be feasible to develop a lifestyle intervention (“Elección de Estilo de Vida”) tailored to the sociocultural features of the healthy Spanish population over 65 years old living in nursing homes.
Department of Medicine 2040: Implementing a Constrained Disorder Principle-Based Second-Generation Artificial Intelligence System for Improved Patient Outcomes in the Department of Internal Medicine
Authors: Ilan Yaron
Published: December 2023

Internal medicine departments must adapt their structures and methods of operation to accommodate changing healthcare systems. The present paper discusses some challenges departments of medicine face as healthcare providers and consumers continue to change. A co-pilot model is described in this article for augmenting physicians rather than replacing them. The paper presents the co-pilot models to improve diagnoses, treatments, and monitoring. Personalized variability patterns based on the constrained-disorder principle (CDP) are described to assess chronic therapies’ effectiveness in improving patient outcomes. Based on CDP-based enhanced digital twins, this paper presents personalized treatments and follow-ups that improve diagnosis accuracy and therapy outcomes. While maintaining their professional values, departments of internal medicine must respond proactively to the needs of patients and healthcare systems. To meet the needs of patients and healthcare systems, they must strive for medical professionalism and adapt to the dynamic environment.
The Evolving Typologies and Morphologies of Hong Kong Public Housing: Between Implementation and Remediation of Urban Density
Authors: van Ameijde Jeroen , Jin Ying
Published: December 2023

In the coming decades, affordable housing in sub-tropical cities will accommodate a large portion of the earth’s projected population growth. Hong Kong’s public housing program, through seventy years of development, offers valuable lessons in planning high-density and liveable communities in this climate. This article presents a systematic analysis of the design and layout of Hong Kong’s public housing estate layouts. Based on newly reconstructed three-dimensional planning data, the article analyses the spatial characteristics of 108 housing estates built between 1954 and 2020. Our evaluation shows how safety, privacy, views, and climate considerations have improved tower block and estate layouts. The analysis of planning metrics reveals a search process for the optimum balance between land-use efficiency and liveability throughout the decades. Increased construction heights have helped to reduce population densities and crowded living conditions. Pressures are increasing, however, to accommodate residents’ recreational needs within the decreasing amounts of shared in-between space.
The Engaged Learners Program: Effects on Student Engagement During Small Group Reading Instruction
Authors: Roberts Garrett J. , Lindström Esther R. , Watts Gavin W. , Coté Brooke , Ghosh Ekta
Published: December 2023

In this study we tested the usability, feasibility, social validity, and effectiveness of Engaged Learners, a behavior support program designed to be integrated into small group reading interventions. Participants included eight Grade 3 to 5 students with co-occurring reading difficulties and inattention. A concurrent multiple-baseline design was utilized to test the effects of Engaged Learners on engagement outcomes. Visual analysis and effect sizes indicated an improvement in engagement for seven students. Interventionists and students viewed the Engaged Learners program to be effective and socially valid. Limitations included lower than expected levels of fidelity for one interventionist and high student absenteeism. More research is needed to identify the extent to which Engaged Learners can support reading outcomes. Educators seeking an effective behavior support program that requires minimal training and coaching may consider integrating Engaged Learners into their small group reading instruction.
All You Nonconformists Are (Not) All Alike: Dissociable Social Stereotypes of Mavericks and Contrarians
Authors: Haas Brian W. , Campbell W. Keith , Lou Xiaobin , Xia Rowena J.
Published: December 2023

While some people easily align themselves with others, others find themselves less aligned with sociocultural norms (e.g., nonconformists). Though people outside the mainstream tend to capture societies’ attention, very little is known regarding how nonconformists are construed. In these studies, we investigated how different types of nonconformists are stereotyped. We sought to elucidate common and dissociable social stereotypes of two types of nonconformity; mavericks and contrarians, driven toward independence versus being different, respectively. We found that mavericks are construed as highly competent and conscientious, well suited for leadership roles, and more likely to be male, older, and satisfied with their life. Contrarians are construed as highly social, low in warmth and agreeableness, highly neurotic, well suited for roles involving creativity and self-expression, and more likely to be female, younger, and less satisfied with their lives. We situate these findings within models linking cultural context with conformity.
Personalization of politics through visuals: Interplay of identity, ideology, and gender in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly Election Campaign
Authors: Shome Debopriya , Neyazi Taberez Ahmed , Ng Sheryl Wei Ting
Published: December 2023

Visual messaging is a cornerstone of campaign strategies of political parties and candidates that can complement and amplify the effects of the written/spoken word. Through a thematic analysis of the Facebook ads of the two main political parties during the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections in India, this paper shows the interplay of identity, ideology, and gender in the visual communication strategies of political parties on Facebook as they tried to mobilize voters in an intensely polarized context. Both the incumbent and the opposition parties framed issues in their visual campaigns that were culturally situated; these issues centered around identity and ideology while simultaneously emphasizing strong leadership with gendered rhetoric. Our findings contribute to the advancement of theoretical understanding of political personalization, highlighting the intricate interplay between gender, ideological inclinations, and cultural identity, all of which profoundly influence the personalization process in the context of an intensely polarized election campaign.
Mediating emergencies: Defining the relationship between intimate and distant disaster communication models
Authors: Lazarus Robert
Published: December 2023

Disaster communication mediates how people respond to emergency situations. With the rise of new technologies, emerging media practices are being promoted by the state to govern communities at-risk. This article examines emergency smartphone applications rolled out in Australia during the 2020 black summer bushfires. An autoethnographic analysis of the author’s personal experience of sheltering in and evacuating from the coastal town of Mallacoota is employed to assess how current forms of disaster communication mediate emergencies. Focus is placed on the impact of disaster communications on people’s perception of community resilience. The two primary sources of information accessed by people during the bushfires – the state and close relations, construct a theoretical framework for comparing different models of communication. A comparative methodology that draws on archival material and critical discourse investigates the extent to which competing sources of information generate a productive conflict. I develop a model that defines distant transmissions and intimate exchanges for the shifting media histories of disaster communication, and argue the relationship cultivated by competing forms can generate resilience when disaster strikes.
LGBT+ mainstreaming on strictly come dancing: Queering the norms of ballroom dancing
Authors: Wong Yen Nee
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes that LGBT+ mainstreaming on reality television programme Strictly Come Dancing creates space for audience demand for radical, authentic representations of same-sex desire and intimacy, both of which challenges normative representations of ballroom dancing. Integrating concepts of normativity and authenticity explored in existing scholarship, I argue against the encountering through a defensive stance, of reality TV’s normalization of queer narratives to promote authentic, inclusive representation. Focusing on dance-themed British reality TV programme for family entertainment, I draw on a queer reading of 285 newspaper articles on Strictly Come Dancing’s same-sex dance partnerships and 35 interviews with LGBT+ equality dancers in the United Kingdom, to conclude that active engagement with mechanisms of normalization can open up spaces for a reclamation of queer representation in its authenticity. The article makes a contribution to media and cultural studies and queer television scholarship through a troubling of anti-normativity, proposing a working with normativity to achieve queer inclusivity.
Assessing the suitability of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT-Paediatric) for use with parents of children with a life-limiting condition: A qualitative secondary analysis
Authors: Fisher Victoria , Atkin Karl , Ewing Gail , Grande Gunn , Fraser Lorna K
Published: December 2023

Background:

The demands of caring for a child with a life-limiting condition can have a profound impact on parents’ health and wellbeing. Currently, there is no standard procedure for identifying and addressing the support needs of these parents.

Aim:

To assess the suitability of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT (Paediatric)) for use with parents of children with a life-limiting condition.

Design:

Secondary qualitative content analysis of two qualitative datasets exploring the health, wellbeing and experiences of support of mothers and fathers of children with a life-limiting condition.

Setting:

A total of 30 mothers and 12 fathers were recruited via four UK children’s hospices and social media.

Results:

Parental experiences of support mapped onto the existing domains of the CSNAT (Paediatric). One aspect of their experience, surrounding their child’s educational needs, went beyond the existing domains of the CSNAT. An adapted version of the tool CSNAT (Paediatric) should include this domain.

Conclusion:

The CSNAT (Paediatric) is a relevant tool for the assessment of parental support needs. Further research should assess the acceptability and feasibility of implementation of the broader intervention: CSNAT-I (Paediatric).
Identification of a novel compound heterozygous pathogenic variant in MYO7A causing Usher syndrome type IB in a Chinese patient: a case report
Authors: Zhang Ya’nan , Guo Xinyi , Hao Ling , Tian Meihui , Ma Yuan , Tang Yong
Published: December 2023

Herein, we report the clinical and genetic features of a patient with Usher syndrome type IB to improve our collective understanding of the disorder. The patient was a teenaged boy with congenital profound hearing loss, progressive visual loss, and vestibular hypoplasia; his parents were phenotypically normal. His pure tone audiometry hearing thresholds were 100 dB at all frequencies, and distortion product otoacoustic emission was not elicited at any frequencies in either ear. Moreover, an auditory brainstem response test at 100 dB normal hearing level revealed no relevant response waves, and a caloric test showed vestibular hypoplasia. Fundus examination revealed retinitis pigmentosa and a reduced visual field. The use of high-throughput sequencing technology to screen the patient’s family lineage for deafness-related genes revealed that the patient carried a compound heterozygous pathogenic variant of MYO7A: c.541C > T and c.6364delG. This pathogenic variant has not previously been reported. Our findings may provide a basis for genetic counseling, effective treatment, and/or gene therapy for Usher syndrome.
A new era for bladder cancer: Enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab milestone approval
Authors: Zameer Ushna , Shaikh Wajiha
Published: December 2023

Cisplatin-based combos have become first-line treatment regimens in standard of care because of their high overall survival improvement. Despite being the first-line therapy, due to its side effects, roughly half of all patients suffering from Metastatic urothelial cancer are ineligible for it. To address this issue, scientists have been developing highly specific antibody-drug conjugates to address this issue. For locally advanced or metastatic bladder cancer, a combination of Padcev (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) has been authorized by the FDA as a first-line treatment and has shown promising outcomes in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma who are ineligible for cisplatin-based combinations.
The use of CytoSorb in acute oral mercuric chloride poisoning at a potentially lethal dose
Authors: Krakowiak Anna , Janasik Beata , Sadowski Łukasz , Szwabe Katarzyna , Wiśniewski Tomasz , Anna Rak Małgorzata , Machała Waldemar
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

The study aims to present a case of acute mercuric chloride poisoning treated successfully with continuous renal replacement therapy using the CytoSorb filter.

Case description:

A 21-year-old female patient after a suicide attempt by intentional ingestion of mercuric chloride, was admitted to the hospital with features of multiple organ damage for specific treatment. The performed laboratory tests confirmed high levels of mercury in the blood (1051 μg/L) and urine (22,960 μg/L). Due to acute renal failure, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) CVVHD Ci-Ca was initiated; the procedure was then converted to CVVHDF Ci-Ca with ultrafiltration to optimise therapy, and CytoSorb was added to the artificial kidney system on day 3. Specific antidote therapy (DMPS) was administered concurrently. The ongoing treatment resulted in a reduction in subjective complaints, a decrease in blood mercury levels to 580 μg/L, and an improvement in parenchymal organ function.

Conclusion:

In the event of poisoning with inorganic mercury compounds (mercuric chloride), continuous renal replacement therapy using the CytoSorb filter as an extracorporeal blood purification method may be considered.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected ureteral stone management in pregnant women? A retrospective single-center study
Authors: Haghpanah Abdolreza , Kamran Hooman , Irani Dariush , Kohansal Erfan , Rahmanian Mahdi , Defidio Lorenzo , Dehghani Anahita , Jahanabadi Zahra , Askarpour Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the patients’ referral in the pregnant population and also investigate each treatment approach’s advantages and disadvantages for acute renal colic in pregnancy.

Methods:

In this retrospective study, we included all pregnant women with ureteral stones referred to a referral center between January 2019 and March 2021.

Results:

Among 53 pregnant women, 18 (33.9%) were on conservative therapy, which passed the stone without any complications. Double J stent or nephrostomy tube insertion was done for 24 patients (45.2%). Seventeen of these patients (70.8%) presented post-surgical complications, including hematuria (29.2%), pyelonephritis (20.8%), and lower urinary tract symptoms (20.8%). Transurethral lithotripsy (TUL) was done in 11 patients (20.7%). Only one of these patients developed hematuria following TUL. Thus, in our population study, double J stent or nephrostomy insertion was associated with a higher chance of postoperative complications than TUL ( p-value = 0.001). Thirty-six patients were referred within 13 months before the entry of COVID-19, while 17 were referred during a similar approximate duration after the COVID-19 entry into the country. Only the initial presentation had a significant difference between these two periods ( p-value = 0.034).

Conclusions:

When conservative treatment fails, we recommend TUL as the second-line treatment over temporary procedures, such as double J stent or nephrostomy insertion. Of note, in a group of patients with an emergent clinical setting, including active infection, deteriorating renal function, signs of preterm labor, solitary kidney, etc., double J or nephrostomy tube insertion remains the preferred management method for its fast resolution of obstruction and infection. Besides, a decrease in visits with an increase in complicated cases after COVID-19 was observed, maybe due to a delay in referring.
Making visible concrete’s shadow places: mixing environmental concerns and social inequalities into building materials
Authors: Placino Pryor , Rugkhapan Napong Tao
Published: December 2023

This paper critically examines the dominant role of concrete in the modernization of Asian cities since the mid twentieth century. While builders, architects, planners and citizens have long praised the advantages of concrete, we argue that concrete can no longer be seen as socially and environmentally neutral in the Anthropocene. When concrete cracks, it does so literally and metaphorically. The cracks manifest not only in the actual material but as socioecological concerns. We employ the concept of “shadow places” to explore the underside of concrete production where those cracks emerge. Using case studies at the edges of Metro Manila, Philippines, we shed light on the precarious livelihoods of workers in an unregulated aggregate quarry and the dust pollution affecting neighbourhoods near cement plants. These two cases offer insights not only into specific socioecological issues but also into how communities negotiate them. We expose concrete’s entanglements and their implications for urban development.
Nationalism in discursive legitimation: An analysis of the Vietnamese Communist Party’s ‘bamboo diplomacy’ discourse on digital journalism
Authors: Trinh My Han , Vu Tuan Anh
Published: December 2023

Bamboo diplomacy, the latest conceptualization in Vietnamese foreign policy, has recently captured widespread media coverage. This study investigates the discursive legitimation strategies employed by the Vietnamese Communist Party to justify the adoption of the aforementioned policy. In addition, the study focuses on the integration of nationalism in the legitimation process of bamboo diplomacy discourse in the context of digital media. Drawing upon constructivism, banal nationalism, and Van Leeuwen’s model of legitimation in discourse and communication, the study utilizes CDA and DHA to analyze 66 articles on six official Vietnamese online news outlets. The findings revealed that nationalism-based legitimacy is a key underpinning of three discursive strategies of the four implemented in the VCP’s bamboo diplomacy discourse. Accordingly, three main patterns of nationhood reproduction were identified: (i) the myth of national history, (ii) the authority of national traditions, and (iii) the moralization of bamboo iconography.
Spreading Netflix Culture Stirs a Furore
Authors: Narang Ritu , Tiwari Sonal
Published: December 2023

The availability of a large number of smartphones, widespread internet access and the penetration of high bandwidth, coupled with competitively priced data plans, spurred tremendous growth in the Indian media and entertainment industry, particularly in the realm of over-the-top (OTT) platforms. The demand for OTT services surged even further during the lockdown period brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The focal point of this case lies in the entry and expansion of the multinational corporation ‘Netflix’ within India. The case delves into the company’s employment of the marketing mix to address the escalating demand for the novel OTT service in India amid intensifying competition and emerging challenges. In its eagerness to produce original content, Netflix appeared to have inadvertently offended and disregarded the sentiments, religious emotions and beliefs of its audience, resulting in consumer protests. This, in turn, led to the formulation of various regulations governing the content presented on OTT platforms. Owing to its controversial and insensitive content, Netflix faced backlash in India and globally, leading to legal battles in several countries. A recent instance occurred on September 18, 2021, where Nona Gaprindashvili, a Georgian chess prodigy who made history as the world’s first female grandmaster, took legal action against Netflix for defamation and invasion of privacy. This lawsuit was filed in a federal district court in California in response to their show titled ‘Queen’s Gambit’. The core of the lawsuit revolves around a scene in the final episode of the show, wherein a radio commentator suggests that Gaprindashvili was not regarded as a significant contender by her male counterparts. The lawsuit accuses Netflix of belittling Gaprindashvili’s achievements to craft a more sensational narrative and dismissing her previous defamation claim without issuing a public apology or retraction ( https://www.npr.org/2021/09/18/1038442947/nona-gaprindashvili-netflix-lawsuit-chess-queens-gambit ).