bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective Effects of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on the Degenerated Meniscus in a Rat Model
Authors: Takase Ryota , Ichinose Tsuyoshi , Hashimoto Shogo , Amano Izuki , Ohsawa Takashi , Koibuchi Noriyuki , Chikuda Hirotaka
Published: January 2024

Background:

Loss of meniscal function in association with degenerative changes affects the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis, for which there is currently no effective treatment. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is an established treatment for musculoskeletal disorders. However, the therapeutic effect of ESWT on meniscal degeneration remains unclear.

Purpose:

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of ESWT on the degenerated meniscus in an anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) model.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Twelve-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups (normal, ESWT–, and ESWT+). Unilateral ACLT of the right knee was performed in the latter 2 groups. At 4 weeks after ACLT, the ESWT+ group received 800 shockwave impulses at an energy flux density of 0.22 mJ/mm2 in a single session. Histological changes were examined in the posterior portion of the medial meniscus after ESWT (n = 15 per group). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed after ESWT (n = 5 per group) to analyze the expression of connective tissue growth factor/CCN family member 2 (CTGF/CCN2), sex determining region Y–box 9, vascular endothelial growth factor α, aggrecan, collagen type 1 alpha 2, and collagen type 2 alpha 1 (Col2α1). Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the expression of CTGF/CCN2 and Ki-67 (n = 5 per group) after ESWT.

Results:

The meniscal histopathological score at 4 weeks after ACLT was significantly higher than that in the normal group, and the score in the ESWT+ group was significantly lower than that in the ESWT– group at 4 and 12 weeks after ESWT. Real-time PCR revealed that the mRNA expression of CTGF/CCN2 and Col2α1 decreased 4 weeks after ACLT. In the ESWT+ group, real-time PCR revealed that the mRNA expression of CTGF/CCN2 increased 24 hours after ESWT, and the expression of Col2α1 increased 4 weeks after ESWT (all significant data were P < .05). The ratio of CTGF/CCN2-positive cells and Ki67-positive cells was significantly higher in the ESWT+ group after ESWT.

Conclusion:

The present study revealed that ESWT might suppress ACLT-induced meniscal degeneration by stimulating cartilage repair factors and inducing collagen type 2.

Clinical Relevance:

ESWT can be an effective treatment to protect the degenerated meniscus in a rat model of ACLT.
Nonlinear torsional vibration and dynamic post-buckling responses of spiral stiffened functionally graded porous cylindrical shells
Authors: Foroutan Kamran , Dai Liming
Published: January 2024

This study employs a semi-analytical approach to investigate the nonlinear torsional vibration and dynamic torsional post-buckling (DTPB) responses of spiral stiffened functionally graded (FG) porous (SSFGP) cylindrical shells. These shells are resting on a generalized nonlinear viscoelastic foundation (GNVEF). This foundation consists of a dual-parameter Winkler-Pasternak foundation augmented by a Kelvin-Voigt viscoelastic model. The model includes nonlinear cubic stiffness and takes damping effects into consideration. Within the scope of this research, two variations of SSFGP cylindrical shells are examined: those characterized by non-uniform and uniform porosity distributions. Employing the Donnell shell theory, von-Kármán nonlinear geometric assumptions, and Galerkin’s method, a discretized nonlinear governing equation is derived to analyze the behaviors of the shells. Consequently, explicit formulations for dynamic torsional load are meticulously obtained. The findings of the present study are validated by comparing them with the outcomes documented in existing literature, as well as through alignment with the P-T method. This research delves into the system’s nonlinear behaviors, with scrutinization of the effects of diverse factors such as material and geometrical parameters. The researchers and engineers in this field may use the findings of this research as benchmarks for their design and research of SSFGP cylindrical shells.
Multidimensional Frailty, Quality of Life and Self-Management in Aging Hispanics Living With HIV
Authors: Iriarte Evelyn , Cianelli Rosina , De Santis Joseph P. , Alamian Arsham , Castro Jose G. , Matsuda Yui , Araya Alejandra-X.
Published: January 2024

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted to examine multidimensional frailty and its potential impact on quality of life (QOL) in aging Hispanic people living with HIV (PLWH) and assess the extent to which HIV self-management moderates this association. The sample included 120 Hispanic PLWH aged 50 years and older ( M = 59.11; SD = 7.04). The structural equation modeling analyses demonstrated that multidimensional frailty was significantly related to QOL in its two dimensions, physical and mental ( p < .001). The relationship between multidimensional frailty and mental and physical QOL remained significant even after controlling for confounders (age and gender). The moderator analyses indicated no statistically significant moderator effect of HIV self-management on multidimensional frailty and mental or physical QOL. These study results have practical implications that highlight the need for early screening for frailty with a multidimensional focus. Age-appropriate and culturally tailored interventions to prevent or mitigate multidimensional frailty may improve QOL.
Barriers to Community Service Use Among Persons With Dementia and Their Care Partners: A Focus on Consumers of a Novel Statewide Dementia Care Program
Authors: Bender Alexis A. , Pier Ellyn , Moore Miranda , Jungerman Joanna , Davis Annie , Perkins Molly M.
Published: January 2024

Although the importance of access to, and utilization of, home and community-based services (HCBS) is a well-documented aspect of informal care and the ability to age in place among people living with dementia, these resources are underutilized, especially in the initial stages of the disease. In 2017, the Georgia Memory Net was established as a novel private–public partnership to extend dementia screening, diagnosis, care planning, and direct HCBS connections for people with memory concerns throughout the State of Georgia. We aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to HCBS utilization following a dementia diagnosis and subsequent referral for services. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 7 Georgia Memory Net patients and 19 care partners (unconnected dyads) and analyzed using thematic analysis. We found that even with a direct handoff, many people do not use HCBS and face barriers to accessing services. We offer several recommendations based on these findings.
Rebel network theory: The case of Moro Islamic Liberation Front
Authors: Sen Sweta
Published: January 2024

This paper explores rebel legitimacy building by investigating rebel network formation during civil wars. Through a longitudinal study of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, it examines various mechanisms through which a non-state armed group (NSAG) embellishes and enhances its legitimacy among domestic and international support networks. The research also theorizes the complex interaction between domestic and international legitimacy, when and why NSAGs prioritizes politically prestigious network over initial resource-based one, and the impact of the shift on rebel behavior. The causal process explores how rebels’ legitimacy consideration affects their lobbying and coalition-building efforts.
Platform Labour Unrest in a Global Perspective: How, Where and Why Do Platform Workers Protest?
Authors: Umney Charles , Stuart Mark , Bessa Ioulia , Joyce Simon , Neumann Denis , Trappmann Vera
Published: January 2024

Labour unrest by platform workers is a growing global phenomenon, but several questions require deeper understanding. What motivates platform labour unrest? Which actors and strategies are involved? How does this vary across regions? Systematic answers are hindered by the lack of large datasets. Uniquely, this article analyses a global dataset comprising 1271 instances of platform labour unrest. It reveals two main dimensions of platform labour struggle: those defending or extending protective regulatory institutions (regulatory protests); and those seeking a larger share of value created (distributive protests). The former more often involve mainstream unions and methods like legal challenges. The latter more often involve grassroots organisation, and the collective withdrawal of labour and demonstrations. Theoretically, the article elaborates on Silver’s distinction between Marx-type and Polanyi-type labour unrest to explain and contextualise these findings. These patterns reveal variation within the growing wave of platform labour unrest that have not yet been systematically examined.
Experimental and numerical study on micro-milling of CoCrW alloy produced by selective laser melting and casting
Authors: Oymak Mehmet Akif , Bahçe Erkan , Gezer İbrahim
Published: January 2024

CoCrW can be produced using Additive Manufacturing (AM), while casting methods are commonly used for applications such as dental prostheses. However, rapid heating and cooling during AM production can lead to internal defects, micro-cracks, and shrinkage. Micro-milling can help enhance the material’s structure and impart micro-scale properties. This study aimed to investigate the micro-milling properties of CoCrW products manufactured using AM and compare them with materials produced by casting. Numerical models and experimental studies were conducted to examine the differences. Results showed that CoCr alloys produced with AM exhibited 25%–30% lower burr formations, while CoCrW produced by casting had 2%–5% lower surface roughness. Micro-milling experiments demonstrated that a feed rate of 2.5 μm/tooth resulted in 35%–40% more burr formation and surface roughness compared to a feed rate of 5 µm/tooth in both SLM and casting methods, attributed to the cutting edge radius. The cutting temperature and top burr height were analyzed using finite element simulations and experimental methods. It was observed that the maximum temperature in CoCrW produced by casting was 6%–15% higher than that in the SLM method. The finite element analyses and experiments revealed a difference of 4%–7% in maximum temperatures and top burr height.
Sliding wear behaviour of micro-sized Kota stone dust reinforced epoxy composites using Taguchi method and Grey Wolf optimisation algorithm
Authors: Gupta Gaurav , Rajput Virendra , Ayachit Bhavana , Satpathy Mantra Prasad , Pati Pravat Ranjan , Mishra Vivek , Agrawal Alok
Published: January 2024

Kota stone dust (KSD) is an unwanted material engendered throughout the process of manufacturing Kota stone. The present work comprises the appropriate consumption of KSD for evolving a composite system with epoxy as the base matrix material. The samples are developed by the hand lay-up technique. The micrographs clearly show that KSD is uniformly distributed within the epoxy matrix and establishes good adhesion with it. With the inclusion of filler, density unwillingly increases by 21.86%, but voids generated are limited to only 4.98% for a maximum filler content of 40 wt. %. A very low water absorption rate of 0.81% for maximum filler loading is observed. The compressive strength and micro-hardness increased by 31.8% and 26.25% respectively. Tensile strength, as well as flexural strength, improves for low filler loading of 20 wt. % and decreases thereafter. The sliding wear tests of the fabricated composites are studied in this research employing fairly advanced nature-inspired Grey wolf optimisation (GWO). The wear tests are based on a real-world issue that is framed in Taguchi L25 OA. A simple linear regression equation demonstrates adequate agreement between predicted and experimental values. The inclusion of KSD decreases the wear rate. Further, it is found that the KSD loading is the utmost significant factor, whereas normal load is the least significant factor that administrates the sliding wear rate of the composite system. Using the grey wolf optimiser, the optimal settings are 2500 m sliding distance, 40 wt.% KSD content, 52 cm/s sliding velocity, and 10 N normal load. The validation test results suggest that GWO is superior to the classical Taguchi approach. The wear loss mechanism is examined under the scanning electron microscope.
Synergistic effect of hybrid reinforcement on magnesium-based composites for enriching mechanical and tribological characteristics
Authors: Sagar Prem , Khanna Sanjeev K , Vignjevic Rade , Handa Amit
Published: January 2024

The exceptional mechanical, microstructural, and tribological characteristics of friction stir processed (FSP) hybrid and mono nanocomposite materials resulted in growing research interest. In the presented work, the base matrix of magnesium-based AZ31B alloy was reinforced with fly ash (FA) and nano-titanium carbide (n-TiC) particulates using FSP and resulting in both hybrid and mono composite surfaces. The microstructures and homogeneous distribution of reinforcing particulates of the synthesized composites were investigated with optical microscopy (OM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). In addition, for the synthesized nanocomposites, mechanical and tribological characteristics were investigated including using tensile and compression strength, micro/nano-hardness, and wear characteristics. The OM and FESEM data indicate that owing to the significant impact of the FSP process, grain refinement and the homogenous dispersion of the FA and n-TiC nanoparticles for both mono and hybrid composites were achieved. Overall, the new nano-hybrid composites have better mechanical properties due to improved interfacial bonding and homogeneous dispersion of hybridized n-TiC/FA reinforcements. The results indicate that the AZ31B/FA/TiC hybrid nanocomposite has better mechanical and tribological characteristics than the base alloy and the mono composite materials. More specifically, the grain size was reduced nearly 20 times, microhardness was 1.72 times higher, ultimate tensile strength was 2.42 times higher, compressive strength was 2.57 times higher, and wear rate was, about 80% higher when contrasted to the base alloy. Lastly, it is expected that this composite can offer a remarkable solution for crafting high-performance automotive parts.
On the conceptual grounds of subjective rectification: Responsibility, choice, and freedom in Lacanian psychoanalysis
Authors: Acke Emma , Meganck Reitske
Published: January 2024

This study aims to investigate the conceptual grounds on which subjective rectification and the interweaving of the therapeutic and epistemic demand rely, specifically the assumption that the subject is involved in their own suffering. This perspective presupposes a subject with a certain degree of freedom and choice. Drawing on Freud’s choice of neurosis, Lacan’s unsoundable decision of being and forced choice and Zupančič’s ideas on psychological freedom, we explore the kind of choice involved in psychoanalytic theory and how it can be understood in light of the psychic determination that is central to both Freud’s and Lacan’s work. We argue that the subject’s determination is self-chosen, albeit a forced choice. This allows the subject to take responsibility for what is experienced as a causal necessity. To illustrate this, we provide examples of childhood trauma and discuss how these children have taken responsibility for their position in what happened to them.
Emulator of electrocardiographically biopotentials based on a sliding mode controlled buck power converter
Authors: Utkin Vadim , Chairez Isaac
Published: January 2024

The primary objective of this research is to present the design of an artificial signal generation system of electrocardiography continuous signals based on the application of a buck power converter. A first-order sliding mode control application for a buck direct current–direct current power converter induces the generation of continuous variations of a direct current voltage as the response of a power converter. The output voltage reproduces the required electrocardiography signals corresponding to the regular or pathological variants. The equivalent control method permits introducing a novel design of a kind of cascade-like sliding mode controller that can regulate both current and voltage operative loops simultaneously, which force the controlled tracking of the reference bioinspired voltages at the output of the buck power converter. For the developed control design, the current regulation is enforced as the primary outcome of the sliding mode controller. Consequently, the required voltage from the buck converter is produced, regulating the switching operation in the electrical power system. The suggested control operates robustly concerning the internal uncertainties and perturbations for both input and voltage signals. Furthermore, the variation of the needed gain for the designed sliding mode controller is developed by studying the online amplitude of the electrocardiography electrophysiological signals used as references and their time derivatives over time. Two reference signals were developed to validate the controllers with the same quality at the numerical simulation and using some experimental validations. The proposed signals used as references were successfully generated in both evaluated cases.
Multifaceted Characterization of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Revealed Amelioration of Acute Liver Injury in NOD-SCID Mice
Authors: Zhang Youlai , He Ying , Deng Rufei , Jiang Zhenyu , Zhang Leisheng , Zeng Yuanlin , Zou Lijin
Published: January 2024

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are advantaged sources for large-scale and homogeneous mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) generation. However, due to the limitations in high-efficiency procedures for hESC-MSCs induction, the systematic and detailed information of mesengenesis and early MSC development are largely obscure. In this study, we took advantage of the well-established twist-related protein 1 (TWIST1)-overexpressing hESCs and two small molecular cocktails (CHIR99021, decitabine) for high-efficient MSC induction. To assess the multidimensional biological and transcriptomic characteristics, we turned to cellular and molecular methods, such as flow cytometry (FCM), quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), in vitro tri-lineage differentiation, cytokine secretion analysis, in vivo transplantation for acute liver injury (ALI) management, and bioinformatics analyses (eg, gene ontology–biological processes [GO-BP], Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes [KEGG], HeatMap, and principal component analysis [PCA]). By combining TWIST1 overexpression (denoted as T) and the indicated small molecular cocktails (denoted as S), hESCs high-efficiently differentiated into MSCs (denoted as TS-MSCs, induced by T and S combination) within 2 weeks. TS-MSCs satisfied the criteria for MSC definition and revealed comparable tri-lineage differentiation potential and ameliorative efficacy upon ALI mice. According to RNA-sequencing (SEQ) analysis, we originally illuminated the gradual variations in gene expression pattern and the concomitant biofunctions of the programmed hESC-MSCs. Overall, our data indicated the feasibility of high-efficient generation of hESC-MSCs by TWIST1 and cocktail-based programming. The generated hESC-MSCs revealed multifaceted in vivo and in vitro biofunctions as adult BM-MSCs, which collectively suggested promising prospects in ALI management in future.
Citrus Odour Produces Resilient Response to Cognitive Load and Enhances Performance in the N-Back Task
Authors: Shikha Deep , Ojha Pooja , Shukla Kamla Kant , Bhagat Om Lata , Dixit Abhinav
Published: January 2024

Background: Olfactory pathway and limbic system demonstrate a close nexus, which paves common ground for investigating the effects of smell on emotions, cognitive load and autonomic functions. Notably, olfactory stimulation during the administration of cognitive load may interfere with the performance.

Purpose: The study is planned to investigate the effect of citrus inhalation on cognitive performance, through psychophysiological assessments.

Methods: Thirty male participants were subjected to the cognitive load with the 2-back task in control and experimental sessions. Olfactory stimulation was administered with a pure citrus odour through an aroma diffuser. Electrocardiogram (ECG) for heart rate variability (HRV); photoplethysmography (PPG), and electrodermal activity (EDA) were recorded in experimental and control sessions.

Results: Citrus odour significantly improved the performance in 2-back task. A paired t-test revealed that the target correct response numbers and target accuracy were significantly increased with the citrus odour inhalation. The EDA showed a rise in the skin conductance level with the 2-back task that was suppressed with the citrus odour administration. The HRV measures, pNN50, RMSSD, and HF power demonstrated a significant increase in the citrus smell.

Conclusion: Importantly, citrus odour produced resilience to cognitive stress due to the cognitive task and it was reflected in the EDA. Olfactory stimulation with citrus improved the scores in the 2-back task performance. Though there was no alteration in the overall variability of cardiac oscillation but there was a conspicuous shift of autonomic balance towards the parasympathetic system with the citrus inhalation. The observed finding advocates the use of citrus odour as a cognitive stress-suppressing measure for cognitive enhancement.
A Comparative Analysis of the Strengths Perspective With the Theory Evaluation Scale
Authors: Joseph Rigaud
Published: January 2024

Purpose: The Theory Evaluation Scale (TES) is a psychometric tool for analyzing theoretical frameworks that guide practice. Its flexibility assumption contends that a single rater or a panel of experts can evaluate a given theory and the two sets of scores will be comparable. This study tests this assumption, using a popular practice model in social work: the Strengths Perspective (SP). Method: A panel of 50 social work faculty and administrators from five English-speaking countries used the TES to determine the theoretical quality of the SP. Their scores were first analyzed through common measures of central tendency and then compared to findings in an existing evaluation for the same theory. Results: The analysis yielded excellent overall TES scores for the SP (mean = 32.03, median = 33.00, mode = 36). These results reflect the 35 overall score that the theory received in Joseph et al.'s (2022) evaluation. Conclusion: Therefore, besides showing an excellent overall quality for the SP, these results support the flexibility assumption of the TES. These findings bear major implications for social work theory, practice, and research.
The Effects of Pointe Shoes on Ballet Dancers’ Biomechanics, Muscle Activity, Movement and Symptoms: A Scoping Review
Authors: Madden Kate , Mayes Sue , Cook Jill , Ferrar Katia
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Dancing en pointe requires ballet dancers to stand on the tips of their toes while wearing a structured pointe shoe. Understanding the effect of pointe shoes on ballet dancers’ biomechanics, function, symptoms and skin health is essential to guide shoe development and ultimately improve dancer performance. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to map the evidence and identify knowledge gaps related to the effect of wearing pointe shoes on professional and recreational ballet dancers. Method: A scoping review was conducted by searching 6 electronic databases and the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science Bibliography. Results: Thirty-five studies were grouped into 5 categories: pointe shoe factors (eg, toe box and shank, pointe shoe status; 9 studies), shoe types (eg, flat shoes vs demi pointe vs pointe; 10 studies), ballet movements (11 studies), symptoms (5 studies), and intrinsic dancer factors (eg, foot type/toe length; 7 studies). Studies were published between 1979 and 2023, with 72% (n = 23) published between 2006 and 2020. Most (86%) of the studies were cross-sectional. Most studies explored biomechanical outcomes and the most common data collection device was force plates (19 studies). Overall, there was an insufficient volume of evidence for specific research aims. Significant gaps in knowledge exist regarding functional and performance-based outcomes, injury outcomes including exploration of factors such as shoe age/usage, and pointe shoe treatment factors. Conclusions: Currently the field of research suffers from threats to ecological validity, with many study methods not reflecting ballet-specific demands or environments. The impact of pointe shoes on ballet dancers is a developing research area, and this scoping review can help guide future research decisions. Studies need to target the knowledge gaps and employ rigorous ecologically valid study designs and ensure that findings inform shoe design and dancer education to minimize injury and maximize comfort and performance.
Beyond Video Game Competition: Novel Dimensions of Live Esports Event Experiences Through Co-Creation
Authors: Jung Shinyong , Chen Jijun , Cai Liping A.
Published: January 2024

This study explores the experience of in-person esports events from attendees’ perspectives by integrating the co-creation concept into the experience economy framework. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach to investigate the underlying psychological mechanism of attendees to actively participate in experience co-creation. The quantitative results validated the experience economy scale within the esports event context. Facilitated by Leximancer, qualitative findings revealed that co-creation elements are key ingredients that contribute to the quality of event experiences. The co-created experience at in-person esports events involves interactions among multiple actors, the physical environment, and other contributing factors that shape the overall experience. The study identified four key dimensions as crucial factors in co-creating a high-quality esports experience: shared fantasy world, immersive experience, social-learning experience, and active engagement. The proposed framework sheds light on a better understanding of the quality of experiences in esports events and provides valuable insights for industry practitioners.
Remaking the Myth of the ‘Trade Warrior’: Searching for South Korean Masculinity in the Philippines
Authors: Kim Dohye
Published: January 2024

This study explores South Korean middle-aged businessmen, mainly in their 50s and 60s, who migrated to the Philippines to boost their socio-economic status and eventually recuperate their masculine identities. By examining how the Korean men’s assumption about where and how they can redeem their masculine identity was made, this research extends the notion of transnational business masculinity in three ways. First, it demonstrates the emergence of transnational business masculinity does not simply denote the demise of older form of business masculinity, and second, the ascendancy of certain form of business masculinity is not given but can be shaped by one of the primary actors, that is, the state. Lastly, the case of Korean middle-aged businessmen in the Philippines unravels the contemporary business masculinity prompts actual transnational migration as it relates to men’s self-positionality in geopolitical global order.
Effect of pistachio shell particles on mechanical and erosion wear performance of hybrid kenaf/glass polyester composites
Authors: Mohapatra Deepak Kumar , Deo Chitta Ranjan , Mishra Punyapriya , Dash Padmanav
Published: January 2024

The concern for the environmental hazards due to rapid utilization of non-biodegradable resources has persuaded the researchers to develop eco-friendly materials with noble categories of plant-based fibers and fillers. In view of this content, an effort has been initiated in the present work to explore the retrospective effect of PSP (Pistachio shell particles) on both mechanical as well as erosive wear performances of KG (kenaf/glass/kenaf/glass) hybrid polyester laminated composite. The KG laminate with different filler concentration, that is, 0 wt%, 1 wt%, 3 wt%, and 5 wt% were fabricated by using hand-lay-up technique and the mechanical properties of these laminates were determined by performing tensile, flexural and impact tests as per ASTM standard. A higher tensile value of 127.35 MPa with modulus of 7.658 GPa and hardness of 21.35 HV was obtained at 5 wt% reinforcement of PSP filler whereas 3 wt% filler reinforcement responded an optimum flexural strength of 112.42 MPa with modulus of 5.214 GPa and impact strength of 75.59 KJ/m2. To evaluate the wear performance of this laminates against high-speed solid particle, erosion wear test was carried out at different striking velocity and impingement angles. A noticeable reduction of 12.63% in wear rate was found due to increase with concentration PSP filler from 0% to 5 wt%. Further, the η (erosion efficiency) was also found to be limited within the range of 5.94% to 32.98%. From micrographic analysis of the fracture surface, micro-ploughing and micro-cutting actions were found to be most predominant primary wear mechanisms.
Evaluation of healthcare professionals’ experiences of taking telephone calls from parents of children with congenital heart disease. A risky business
Authors: Gaskin K , Seale A , Menzies J
Published: January 2024

The Congenital Heart Disease Standards for England indicate that parents and children should have access to a 24-h telephone advice service, however, little is known about existing services. This paper presents phase two of a mixed-methods service evaluation, which aimed to evaluate staff experiences of telephone communication with these parents. All nursing and support staff in a single specialist children’s cardiac surgical centre were invited to participate in an online survey during July–November 2019. Data were descriptively and thematically analysed. Participants ( N = 39) were predominantly nurses ( n = 32, 82%) with 64.1% ( n = 25) working in the speciality >10 years. Positive experiences included: signposting and preventing further deterioration; supporting families to get expert advice quickly; providing reassurance. Challenging experiences included: offering advice without being able to see the child, dealing with telephone calls alongside busy workload; and parents running out of medications and telephoning out of hours. In conclusion, taking telephone calls were perceived to be time consuming and are potentially high risk. A standardised approach to assessment, intervention and documentation was deemed necessary. Implementation of an updated parental early warning tool was recommended, along with staff and parental education.
Death to Chad and Stacy: Incels and anti-fandom as group identity
Authors: Meier Matthew L. , Sharp Kellen
Published: January 2024

Anti-fan research has traditionally focused on audiences' engaged dislike as media consumers more than as media producers, often ignoring their capacity to inflict harm. Building from this while drawing empirical support from incels, the manosphere's most violent faction, this article reconceptualizes the anti-fandom as a networked community organized around textual productions of hate or dislike. We explicate this first at the level of the text, comparing centrifugal anti-fandoms, which grow outward from an originating text, to centripetal anti-fandoms, which engage a variety of texts pulled into an organized, self-perpetuating structure. We then consider anti-fandom as performing both as and for an audience: although situated within the manosphere and the online anti-public sphere, incels rely on articulations of hate, apathy, and misanthropy as a means of distinguishing themselves as a stable, impermeable social identity, a process that we suggest potentially contributes to their radicalization.
The politics of credit in remix of Japanese popular culture: Between “an 80's Japanese disco floor” and “this remix is worthy of the actual game”
Authors: Kretzschmar Mark , Stanfill Mel
Published: January 2024

In this article, we examine songs that reuse decades-old Japanese media, in which the Japaneseness is both important and attenuated. While there is clear desire for and pleasure in the Japaneseness of source materials in vaporwave (electronic music featuring manipulated sounds and images from the 1980s and 1990s) and future funk (which commonly samples 1980s Japanese music and speeds it up), actual sources matter primarily as a signifier of Japaneseness. Conversely, game sounds (songs that sample or mimic 1990s and 2000s video game music) and chiptunes (songs made with 1980s and 1990s video game hardware) have a direct relationship with either specific video games or material hardware that highlights a direct tie to transnationally distributed culture. Overall, these ways of engaging with Japanese media have significant implications for theorizing cross-cultural exchange.
Platform capitalisms and platform cultures
Authors: Steinberg Marc , Zhang Lin , Mukherjee Rahul
Published: January 2024

This article argues for a pluralization of the “platform capitalism” framework, suggesting we should think instead in terms of “platform capitalisms.” This pluralization opens the way to a better account of how platforms work in different geocultural contexts, with our focus being on China, India and Japan. The article first outlines several roles the state has taken on in mediating platform capitalisms. We then signal three main axes around which to consider the implications of platform capitalisms for cultural production: state–platform symbiosis; platform precarity; and the informal–formal relation in cultural production. This short provocation, we hope, will help foreground the crucial role of the state in platform capitalisms, such that the state–culture–capitalism nexus might be better acknowledged in research on platforms and cultural production now and into the future. This is particularly important as states themselves increasingly become platform operators.
Lumbar artery pseudoaneurysm in traumatic spinal cord injury from a gunshot wound: A case report
Authors: Kim Yohan , Romeo Dominic , Golubovsky Joshua L , Spadola Michael , Ajmera Sonia , Blue Rachel , Kung David , Schuster James
Published: January 2024

Lumbar artery pseudoaneurysms are a rare complication of penetrating trauma that can result in devastating retroperitoneal hemorrhage or embolic complications if left untreated. Prompt recognition in the trauma setting can lead to timely definitive diagnosis via spinal angiography and treatment via endovascular embolization. We present a case of lumbar artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to a gunshot wound to the spine treated via coil embolization.
Forms of disrespect: Toddler's peer conflicts in early childhood education and care
Authors: Quinones Gloria , Pursi Annukka , Lipponen Lasse
Published: January 2024

This article discusses the ways in which toddlers carry out forms of disrespect during peer conflicts in Australian and Finnish early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings. We investigate forms of disrespect in naturally occurring peer interactions by applying interaction analysis and Honneth’s theory of recognition. Drawing on Honneth , our study provides an empirical foundation for examining what leads to toddlers’ disrespectful acts. Our analysis shows that, especially outside adults’ view, disrespect in peer conflicts disrupts the fundamental preferences for peer agreement, alignment and affiliation. It threatens the norms of peaceable conduct, and so can be seen as a challenge to the social and moral order. A toddler's struggles for recognition arise from exclusion from play and the violation of the toddler's body. Implications arising from this research highlight the role of adults in identifying different forms of disrespect that occur in peer groups.
Glass flakes for enhancing mechanical properties of glass/epoxy composites
Authors: Alagöz Elif , Selver Erdem
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to improve composite mechanical properties by reducing the degradation induced by seawater in glass fibre/epoxy composites. To do this, glass flakes (50 µm in size) were placed on the surfaces of the glass fibre/epoxy composite material using various ratios (5%–15%). Glass flakes were introduced into composite materials that were exposed to seawater for a period ranging from 0 to 12 months, and changes in bending, tensile, impact, compression, and compression after impact strengths were assessed. Flexural tests revealed that the gel coat and glass flakes increased their loads by up to 24% and 23% after 6 and 12 months of water immersion, respectively. Tensile tests indicated that lower tensile strength loss occurred as the glass flake ratio rose. As the immersion duration increased, the effect of glass flakes became more evident in terms of tensile strength. Composites containing glass flakes showed greater impact strength load values in both 20 and 30 J impacts compared to the control sample. The use of glass flakes improved the residual strength values because it prevented water penetration. The control sample retained up to 50% of its compressive strength, while the 15% glass-flake reinforcement promoted retention to 56%.
(Re)calibrating heritage: Al-Jdeideh (post-)conflict transformations in Aleppo, Syria
Authors: Salahieh Diana , Asaeed Saeed , Zibar Layla
Published: January 2024

This paper examines how armed conflict impacts the recalibration of Aleppo’s historic urban and cultural fabric, using the Al-Jdeideh quarter as a case study. This article critically reflects on the ongoing (post-)conflict, top-down (post-)reconstruction activities in Aleppo’s historic core, drawing on ethnographic research of visual mapping and semi-structured interviews with current Aleppo dwellers in the city and former dwellers displaced across Europe. Our findings highlight that the current reconstruction activities lack locals’ values and needs, and amplify the altered socio-economic dynamics between the (former) communities’ absence and presence. Therefore, these activities are resulting in a skewed representation of what once was a major hub of culture, commerce, heritage, and everyday life. As such, the paper argues that the current reconstruction attempts lack a comprehensive and context-specific approach, and need to explore more inclusive pathways of human-centered and sustainable recovery.
Life story templates in dementia care: Ambiguous direction and purpose
Authors: Möllergren Glenn , Harnett Tove
Published: January 2024

Background

The use of life stories in dementia care has been described as a way of seeing every person as an individual, looking beyond their dementia. Life stories have become synonymous with high-quality care, while in Sweden their mere existence in dementia care settings is taken to indicate quality in national comparisons. Such life stories are often standardised, generated by a family member answering predetermined questions in a template.

Aim and methods

Using a constructionist approach, this study will (1) chart what versions of a person’s life story the templates produce, and (2) establish the intended purpose of such life stories, as communicated by the templates. This study departs from the assumption that life story templates communicate something about the conceptions of people living with dementia. The thematic analysis used data comprising 30 blank templates, totalling about 1,700 questions.

Findings

The life story templates were found to generate two very different versions of the individual: (1) a person before symptoms of dementia or (2) a patient with dementia. We also found contradictions about what information should be included, whose life story it was, and the intended use.

Discussion

Despite strong pressure on dementia care providers to collect life stories from residents, the life story templates they use are without clear direction, ideology, or purpose. The lack of direction is key given that life stories can be considered actants that shape assumptions about people with dementia and construct realities in dementia care settings. We highlight the need to develop ethical guidelines for life story template design, matched with guidelines for their intended use.
COVID-19 human challenge trials and randomized controlled trials: lessons for the next pandemic
Authors: Weijer Charles
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic touched off an unprecedented search for vaccines and treatments. Without question, the development of vaccines to prevent COVID-19 was an enormous scientific accomplishment. Further, the RECOVERY and Solidarity trials identified effective treatments for COVID-19. But all was not success. The urgent need for COVID-19 prevention and treatment fueled an embrace of risks—to research participants and to the reliability of the science itself—as allegedly necessary costs to speed scientific progress. Scientists and (even) ethicists supported overturning longstanding norms protecting healthy volunteers in human challenge trials to speed vaccine development, but these trials led to no vaccines. Physicians, with the approval of research ethics committees, designed hundreds of unblinded, single-center clinical trials at high risk of bias to speed the identification of new treatments. But these clinical trials led to no treatments. The lesson for future pandemics is that the acceptance of greater risks to participants or science does not reliably lead to progress. We are better served by science that upholds the highest ethical and methodological standards.
A new method for safety assessment of complex avionic systems
Authors: Leblond André , Batteux Michel , Rauzy Antoine
Published: January 2024

In this article, we propose a new approach for safety assessment of safety-critical systems. This approach, so-called Synthesis, is dedicated to the Preliminary System Safety Assessment included within the process of Safety Certification of avionic systems. The central idea consists in decomposing the assessment into two parts aiming at studying respectively the functional and the physical characteristics of the system under study. The whole approach is supported by a fully operational tool chain, dedicated to probabilistic safety assessment, which includes the AltaRica 3.0 integrated modeling environment, and a tool dedicated to the synthesis of functional minimal cutsets into physical minimal cutsets, making possible their quantitative assessment. We illustrate the benefits of the approach by means of a concrete avionic case study.
Mental Health Among Elite Youth Athletes: A Narrative Overview to Advance Research and Practice
Authors: Walton Courtney C. , Purcell Rosemary , Henderson Jo L. , Kim Jeemin , Kerr Gretchen , Frost Joshua , Gwyther Kate , Pilkington Vita , Rice Simon , Tamminen Katherine A.
Published: January 2024

Context:

Participation in sports during youth is typically beneficial for mental health. However, it is unclear whether elite sport contexts contribute to greater risk of psychological distress or disorder. The aims of this paper are to highlight conceptual issues that require resolution in future research and practice, and to examine the key factors that may contribute to the mental health of elite youth athletes (EYAs).

Evidence Acquisition:

A narrative overview of the literature combined with the clinical and research expertise of the authors.

Study Design:

Narrative overview.

Level of Evidence:

Level 5.

Results:

EYAs experience a range of biopsychosocial developmental changes that interact with mental health in a multitude of ways. In addition, there are various sport-specific factors that contribute to the mental health of EYAs that may become more prominent in elite contexts. These include - but are not limited to - patterns relating to athlete coping and self-relating styles, the nature of peer, parental, and coach relationships, organizational culture and performance pressures, and mental health service provision and accessibility.

Conclusion:

A range of critical factors across individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal domains have been shown to contribute to mental health among EYAs. However, this evidence is limited by heterogeneous samples and varied or imprecise terminology regarding what constitutes “youth” and “elite” in sport. Nevertheless, it is clear that EYAs face a range of risks that warrant careful consideration to progress to best practice principles and recommendations for mental health promotion and intervention in elite youth sport.

SORT:

Level C.
Harnessing augmented reality technology for medical education – a virtual abdominal hysterectomy
Authors: Han Youxiang Jonathan , Li Xinyi , Lim Wei Sian Wileen , Huang Linghui Belinda , Mathur Manisha
Published: January 2024

With the advent of augmented reality (AR), our team developed a prototype teaching module using the abdominal hysterectomy as a case study for the teaching of in-depth pelvic anatomy and the steps for performing a hysterectomy. Through this interactive module, trainees will be able to identify and fill knowledge gaps in pelvic anatomy with the benefit of spatial visualisation, and familiarise themselves with the steps of performing a hysterectomy in a safe controlled setting.

The prototype teaching module has eight sections, each with its specific aims, objectives and multiple choice questions to assess the participant’s knowledge and understanding. The scores will be tabulated and a final report will be generated upon completion of the entire module. This includes the breakdown of the scores, mistakes identified and recommended suggestions to facilitate learning.

Following completion of the prototype teaching module, we aim to carry out a trial on our residents and assess its effects on self-perceived preparedness, knowledge and impact on training. We believe that this can translate to better awareness with reduced errors in surgery and ultimately better patient outcomes and safety.

Our new prototype teaching module promises to be well-received, relevant and will take our training to a new level. There is enormous potential in using AR technology to provide realistic, interactive and safe training and this can be harnessed for the future development of other modules in the O&G curriculum.