bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution of the genus Dendrocephalus (Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Anostraca) in Argentina: a review
Authors: COHEN ROSA GRACIELA
Published: June 2024

The fairy shrimp Dendrocephalus brasiliensis was first found in Brazil in temporary rainpools in the northeastern states of Piauí and Bahia. Gradually, new records were added in other northeastern states up to the state of Minas Gerais, in the Southeast region of the country. The species was even found south of Minas Gerais in the state of São Paulo, but not in wild conditions, but in rearing tanks associated with aquaculture practices. On the other hand, D. brasiliensis was reported much further south, in Argentina, living in temporary natural environments, in northern and central provinces and even in a Patagonian province. The wide latitudinal distribution of the species with a striking gap between Brazilian and Argentinean records has been questioned by some researchers. In the present paper we reexamine the Argentinean records of D. brasiliensis and provide an update of the geographic distribution of the species of the genus in this country.
Species groups of Crossodonthina Yosii (Collembola: Neanuridae), with the description of a new species and a new record for C. bidentata Luo & Chen
Authors: JIANG JI-GANG , WANG QING-YUN
Published: June 2024

A new two-eyed species of the genus Crossodonthina Yosii (Collembola: Neanuridae) is recorded and described from the Nanling National Forest Park, Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County, Guangdong Province, China. Crossodonthina quadridentata sp. nov. is characterized by 2+2 eyes, labral chaetotaxy formula as 4/4, 2, cephalic chaeta O present, cephalic tubercles Dl, L and So fused together, mandible with 4 basal teeth and 5 fringed rami, and maxilla with two lamellae, the outer lamella apically bifurcated, the inner lamella ciliated. Crossodonthina bidentata Luo & Chen is also recorded for the first time in the Mount Wuyi National Nature Reserve, Fujian Province. The genus Crossodonthina is herein tentatively divided into two species groups. The main differences between the montana and the nipponica groups are listed and discussed, and the importance of the number of eyes in the classification of Neanuridae is stressed.
The Image of the First Vilamovians in the Narrative of the Wymysorys-Centric Communication Community
Authors: Król Tymoteusz
Published: June 2024

The legend of exotic (i.e. non-German and non-Polish) roots is an important part of the modern narrative about Vilamovians, and it is present in both academic and journalistic discourse. Linguists and anthropologists have offered many theories about their ethnogenesis. According to most of them, it is the Wymysorys language that should be considered the living proof of Vilamovian origin, but only a few focused on the legends. In this paper, I do not analyze whether these legends are “true” or “false”. Rather, I reconstruct the image of the first settlers which is present in the colloquial narratives of Vilamovians, both in legends as well as in memory-based stories and comments. Considering the legends, the most important research questions are: How did the first settlers look? What language did they speak? Why did they choose to settle in Wymysoü? Who was their leader? Following a presentation of Vilamovian narratives about these issues, I argue that the image of the first settlers is crucial for the identity of young members of this community and their sense of belonging.
A Gloss on a Review of “Pińskie błota: Natura, wiedza i polityka na polskim Polesiu do 1945 roku“ by Sławomir Łotysz
Authors: Glinianowicz Katarzyna , Styk Piotr
Published: June 2024

The article is a gloss on a review of the monograph Pińskie błota: Natura, wiedza i polityka na polskim Polesiu do 1945 roku [The Pinsk Marshes: Nature, Knowledge, and Politics in Polish Polesia before 1945] by Sławomir Łotysz, which appears in this issue of Sprawy Narodowościowe: Seria nowa.
Problemy ukraińskiej samoidentyfikacji w ujęciu Bohdana Łepkiego: próba rekapitulacji. Komentarz do artykułu Bohdana Łepkiego „Kilka zagadnień z literatury ukraińskiej” (1933)
Authors: Hladyr Yana
Published: June 2024

Tekst stanowi komentarz do artykułu ukraińskiego pisarza, działacza społecznego i kulturalnego Bohdana Łepkiego, opublikowanego w 1933 roku w „Sprawach Narodowościowych”. Omawiany artykuł opisuje znaczenie końca XIX i początku XX wieku dla kultury ukraińskiej i narodowej samoidentyfikacji Ukraińców, ze szczególnym naciskiem na rozwój i rozkwit literatury ukraińskiej w tym okresie. W komentarzu autorka skupia się na obecnych markerach ukraińskiej tożsamości kulturowej.
The Association of Systemic Endothelial Dysfunction With Diffuse Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Gouliopoulos Nikolaos , Siasos Gerasimos , Oikonomou Evangelos , Sapounas Spyros , Rouvas Alexandros , Ziogas Apostolos C. , Moschos Marilita M , Tousoulis Dimitris
Published: June 2024

Our aim was to assess whether systemic endothelial dysfunction, evaluated non-invasively by flow mediated dilation (FMD), is associated with diabetic macular edema (DME) and to determine if it is further impaired in patients with diffuse-DME. Consecutive patients ( n = 84) with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and diabetic retinopathy were enrolled. DME was not present in 38 (non-DME) and present in 46 patients; 25 with focal and 21 with diffuse-DME. No differences were detected between DME and non-DME groups regarding the clinical and demographic characteristics, except for the age of T2DM initiation (lower in non-DME). FMD values were significantly impaired in DME compared with non-DME patients, even after adjustment for multiple covariates (3.56 ± 1.03 vs 4.57 ± 1.25%, P = .003). Among DME patients, no differences were found concerning the clinical and demographic data, while FMD levels were significantly lower in diffuse-DME patients, compared with the focal-DME ones, regardless of the impact several confounders (2.88 ± 0.65 vs 4.08 ± 0.95%, P = .002). It is noteworthy that FMD values of non-DME and focal-DME patients did not differ significantly (4.52 ± 1.24 vs 4.21 ± 1.06%, P = .307). Moreover, among DME patients, impaired FMD was an independent predictor of diffuse-DME (odds ratio: 0.06, 95% CI 0.01-0.47, P = .007).
Customary land management systems and urban planning in peri-urban informal settlements
Authors: Geyer Herman
Published: June 2024

Customary land management systems are informal, community-driven land-use regulation systems that adapt zoning regulations and customary tenure to cooperatively self-regulate land-use management in multi-ethnic peri-urban settlements. The research uses an integrative literature review to critically re-evaluate the various concepts and practices of customary land management, their impact on the unique morphology of peri-urban areas and their relationship with urban planning. The research results indicate that customary land management systems are intrinsically linked to peri-urban settlements due to their polymorphic spatial structure and complex social groupings. It provides a simplified accessible and affordable land management system with multiple avenues for agency and a balance of power between different authorities. This generates a new set of social relations around neo-customary tenure. Customary land management systems are also linked to urban planning within a dual regulatory structure, combining formal policies and informal customs and providing alternatives for exploitative and exclusionary processes in weak and inefficient states.
Urban Seasonality: New Paths in Urban Environmental History
Authors: Murphy Schlichting Kara , Sharma Avi
Published: June 2024

Seasons shape infrastructures, temporalities, and life worlds in fundamental ways. Urbanites have long recognized the seasonality of their environments, but seasons have been little studied by historians. This special section explores the diverse ways that urban seasonality affects urban life, focusing on cities in temperate zones across the globe, from North America to Europe to Japan. This collection of essays shows how seasonal rhythms, differentiated from weather (with its transient nature) and climate (with its vast scales) can reveal new areas of inquiry for historians concerned with how urban environments are located in time and space. Taken together, these collected essays move beyond seasonal descriptions to frame seasonality as an analytical and methodological tool, suggesting new ways of thinking about everything from childhood to potholes, social solidarity, style, sewage and human-animal relations. This introduction is an effort to focus our attention on urban seasonality as generative of often surprising ways of approaching familiar topics in urban history.
Mixed-Reality Simulation to Prepare Preservice Teachers to Use Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kelley Mya H. , Qualls Logan W. , Scott Samantha N. , Hirsch Shanna E.
Published: June 2024

By 2031, culturally and linguistically diverse students will represent approximately 55% of students enrolled in United States public schools (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2023). Despite increased ethnic diversity among students, most teachers are White. Consequently, many new teachers report feeling ill-equipped to implement culturally responsive teaching strategies to meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students. To prepare culturally responsive preservice teachers, teacher preparation programs can embed technologies such as mixed-reality simulation paired with explicit instruction and performance feedback to support the preservice teachers’ implementation of culturally responsive teaching strategies. This mixed methods (convergent parallel design) pilot study evaluated how using mixed-reality simulation, explicit teaching, and performance feedback impacts preservice teachers’ knowledge of culturally responsive teaching strategies and self-efficacy. Results indicated that participants increased their knowledge, implementation, and self-efficacy. We discuss the findings and limitations and offer recommendations to improve mixed-reality simulation within teacher preparation programs and recommendations for future research.
Maker music education: Towards a post-digital, participatory and empowering music education
Authors: Treß Johannes
Published: June 2024

This theoretical paper aims to delineate a music-specific interpretation of a concept known as maker education by addressing substantial challenges within educational technologies, particularly in music education. Challenges include the potential constraints on musical agency, limitations to specific music genres and sounds and the environmental impact of increased music technology use in classrooms. In response, the maker education concept is introduced, adapted and refined as a pathway towards a post-digital, participatory and empowering music education. Employing a Design-Based Research approach, design principles for ‘maker music education’ are delineated, and the subsequent steps in the research process are outlined.
Housing prices and family fertility decision-making in China: Effect and mechanism
Authors: Zhang Fen , Fang Yingfeng , Han Chen , Wu Zhelin
Published: June 2024

In our article, we conduct an empirical analysis utilizing a 5-year panel data sourced from the China Family Panel Studies. Our findings indicate that elevated housing price exert a significantly adverse influence on fertility decisions, with observed heterogeneity that is more pronounced among urban-dwelling families, those without property rights, those with existing children, and females aged between 31 and 40. Following the relaxation of the family planning policy, this negative effect becomes notably more pronounced. These conclusions remain robust with IV estimation. Considering the underlying mechanisms, the impact of high housing prices extends beyond a mere crowding-out effect on fertility through consumption. It also serves to motivate females to enhance their education, diminishes their self-identity, raises the cost of child-rearing, and exerts an inhibitory effect on marriage. Collectively, these factors further amplify the adverse impact of housing prices on the fertility rate.
Microstructural white matter damage on MRI is associated with disease severity in Dutch-type cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Rasing Ingeborg , Vlegels Naomi , Schipper Manon R , Voigt Sabine , Koemans Emma A , Kaushik Kanishk , van Dort Rosemarie , van Harten Thijs W , De Luca Alberto , van Etten Ellis S , van Zwet Erik W , van Buchem Mark A , Middelkoop Huub AM , Biessels Geert Jan , Terwindt Gisela M , van Osch Matthias JP , van Walderveen Marianne AA , Wermer Marieke JH
Published: June 2024

Peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity (PSMD) is an emerging diffusion-MRI based marker to study subtle early alterations to white matter microstructure. We assessed PSMD over the clinical continuum in Dutch-type hereditary CAA (D-CAA) and its association with other CAA-related MRI-markers and cognitive symptoms. We included (pre)symptomatic D-CAA mutation-carriers and calculated PSMD from diffusion-MRI data. Associations between PSMD-levels, cognitive performance and CAA-related MRI-markers were assessed with linear regression models. We included 59 participants (25/34 presymptomatic/symptomatic; mean age 39/58 y). PSMD-levels increased with disease severity and were higher in symptomatic D-CAA mutation-carriers (median [range] 4.90 [2.77–9.50]mm2/s × 10−4) compared with presymptomatic mutation-carriers (2.62 [1.96–3.43]mm2/s × 10−4) p = <0.001. PSMD was positively correlated with age, CAA-SVD burden on MRI (adj.B [confidence interval] = 0.42 [0.16–0.67], p = 0.002), with number of cerebral microbleeds (adj.B = 0.30 [0.08–0.53], p = 0.009), and with both deep (adj.B = 0.46 [0.22–0.69], p = <0.001) and periventricular (adj.B = 0.38 [0.13–0.62], p = 0.004) white matter hyperintensities. Increasing PSMD was associated with decreasing Trail Making Test (TMT)-A performance (B = −0.42 [−0.69–0.14], p = 0.04. In D-CAA mutation-carriers microstructural white matter damage is associated with disease phase, CAA burden on MRI and cognitive impairment as reflected by a decrease in information processing speed. PSMD, as a global measure of alterations to the white matter microstructure, may be a useful tool to monitor disease progression in CAA.
How do adolescents engage with music in spare time? Leisure patterns and their relation with socio-demographic characteristics, well-being, and risk behaviors
Authors: Stepanović Ilić Ivana , Krnjaić Zora , Videnović Marina , Krstić Ksenija
Published: June 2024

This research focuses on four types of adolescents’ leisure pursuits related to music: listening to music; following music topics in the media; and extracurricular activities and hobbies related to music. Our main goal was not only to identify behavioral patterns representing adolescents’ engagement with music in leisure time but also to establish their relationship with relevant socio-demographic variables and indicators of well-being and risk behaviors. The sample comprised 1,358 secondary school students (aged 15 and 17). Five behavioral patterns were identified by principal component analysis. Three represent preferences for listening to music and are labeled rebellious, sophisticated, and energetic music preferences, whereas the fourth, following music, represents adolescents’ interest in music-related topics via media and preferences for pop and, to a lesser extent, folk music. The fifth factor, music-making, describes an active commitment to music as an extracurricular activity or hobby. The regression analysis was used to relate extracted leisure patterns not only with adolescents’ gender, age, and attendance at specific schools but also with the parameters of well-being and risk behaviors. The results are discussed in light of previous research in music psychology, leisure studies, and positive psychology. Major implications are related to music as a protective factor in a sensitive period of adolescence and adults’ responsibility not only to cherish but also to cultivate youth’s interest in it.
Activities of daily living interventions on activity performance of inpatients post-stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Triantis Elyse , Liu Karen PY
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Inpatient rehabilitation is the best time window to improve patient performance post-stroke. Little is known about the type and effectiveness of activity interventions. This study aims to review activities of daily living interventions and evaluate their effectiveness on activity performance for stroke inpatients.

Method:

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science were searched. Randomised controlled trials investigating the effects of activities of daily living interventions for stroke inpatients were included. Two reviewers independently selected the studies and extracted data. Meta-analysis was conducted on relevant data with a random effect model with 95% CI.

Results:

Fourteen randomised controlled trials involving 602 stroke inpatients, were included. Both experimental and control groups offered activities of daily living interventions. Thirteen experimental groups offered added components, such as imagery and repetitive practice. Five studies reported significant improvement in activity performance within experimental and control groups. A meta-analysis of 12 randomised controlled trials with 512 participants revealed non-significant results for activity performance between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Both experimental and control groups in the included studies provided activities of daily living interventions. Added components were included in 13 out of 14 experimental groups. Meta-analysis revealed no significant difference between the two groups as they both offered activities of daily living interventions.
Migration potential from Iran: A cluster analysis of the main departure drivers
Authors: Gholampour Faranak , Szeitl Blanka , Simonovits Borbála
Published: June 2024

Exploring the reasons behind people’s migration decisions has always been a core topic of migration studies. However, there is little scientific information on Iranian citizens’ migration plans; therefore, this study aims to fill this research gap. Our goal is to explore the main factors that push people to leave Iran, their reasons for seeking a new life abroad, their anticipations about their journey from Iran to the destination countries, and expectation of life outside Iran. We focused our attention on potential migrants relying on a convenience sample of Iranian citizens (n = 1006) who filled the online survey that was spread on Telegram channels and X application in Iran. We found that the main push factors are economic issues, lack of social freedom, and lack of job security. When it comes to choosing the destination country, good living conditions, availability of job opportunities, and economic security were identified as the main factors. Financial issues, emotional problems, and language barriers were the most often chosen challenges concerning the journey from Iran to the destination countries. As far as their main anticipations are concerned, providing a better life for their families and children, having freedom, and finding a better job chosen by participants.
Fabrication and mechanical characterization of near field electrospun bioresorbable vascular grafts with fibrous architecture mimicking the arterial extracellular matrix
Authors: Snyder Alexandra E , Sandridge Jada K , Nordmoe Adeline E , Main Evan N , Bowlin Gary L
Published: June 2024

Cardiovascular disease, arteriosclerosis, is characterized by the thickening of blood vessel (arteries) walls restricting blood flow and is a global health problem. One treatment option is a surgical procedure utilizing an autologous or synthetic vascular graft to bypass or replace the diseased arterial segment. The goal of this study was to fabricate and mechanically characterize near field electrospun bioresorbable vascular grafts with a fibrous architecture that mimics the arterial extracellular matrix. Polydioxanone vascular constructs with circumferential fiber alignment angles of 15°/75° and 30°/60° (0° representing circumferential fiber alignment) were fabricated using a custom built near-field electrospinning (NFES) system. The vascular construct mechanical properties were compared to the saphenous vein (SV) and internal mammary artery (IMA) through longitudinal and circumferential uniaxial mechanical testing, suture retention, and burst pressure evaluations. The results demonstrated that the 15°/75° templates were closest to mimicking the native vessel target properties as compared to the 30°/60°; however, neither of the vascular template designs achieved or exceeded all the target values. For the ultimate tensile strength, both the constructs met the SV value on the circumferential axis (2.61 MPa) and the IMA value on the longitudinal axis (4.3 MPa). In terms of suture retention, the 15°/75° template was the only construct that was in the IMA and SV targeted range of 138–200 gf. Finally, the burst pressure testing results indicated that neither of the vascular constructs achieved the level of the SV or IMA (1600–3196 mmHg), however, the 15° constructs were within the lower error of the SV. In conclusion, with further design modifications, NFES constructs have demonstrated promise as small-diameter vascular grafts by mimicking native arterial architecture and mechanical properties.
From Class Struggle to Conservative Revolution: Andrzej Wajda Censors Tadeusz Junak’s The Palace
Authors: Jagielski Sebastian
Published: June 2024

“It is an unacceptable film,” Andrzej Wajda said during the approval screening of Tadeusz Junak’s Pałac (The Palace, 1980). Wajda wanted to block the release of the film at all costs. This article asserts that Junak’s vision of history based on class struggle (Marxism) ran counter to the concurrent conservative revolution of which Wajda unexpectedly became the chief cinematic architect. His censorial attack on Junak’s film is evidence of how, in the Solidarity period, at a time when national unity was being built under the banner of Catholic values, artists linked to the democratic opposition suppressed all emancipatory impulses and potential. In The Palace, Junak creates a genealogy of peasant liberation. He does not stop at showing the misery of the serf but also projects various forms of peasant rebellion: mimicry and violence. First, the main character performs someone else’s social class, plays the role of a lord, but cannot erase his own—peasant—identity. Second, the violence that the peasants use against the lords is related to the power of opposition, which is the leaven of politicality. This local case illustrates a wider, global trend—the impending catastrophe of the entire left-wing culture. The counter-revolutionary forces unleashed in the late 1970s anticipated the end of the great socialist utopias that dominated the 20th century.
Conclusion: Christian Traditions of War and Peace
Authors: Lang Anthony F.
Published: June 2024

This article provides an overview of the contributions to this special issue. It organizes the contributions through three conceptual lenses: the person, the state, and the church.
Intelligent diving guidance with terminal angle and velocity constraints via deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhu Jianwen , Li Xiaopin , Bao Weimin , Sun Haifeng
Published: June 2024

An adaptive guidance strategy that integrates optimal guidance and deep reinforcement learning to address a highly dynamic terminal guidance problem that entails meeting terminal position, angle, and velocity constraints. The proposed strategy leverages optimal guidance commands to accomplish position and angle control while introducing a deep reinforcement learning-based bias for the velocity constraint. In the training process, a dual-velocity state space is constructed to enhance the adaptability of the strategy to different guidance tasks, while training is optimized using the prediction-correction and expert knowledge to improve the training efficiency and optimality of the strategy. Simulations demonstrate that the proposed guidance strategy can achieve simultaneous control of terminal position, angle and velocity, and adapt to different guidance tasks.
Risky-Choice Framing Effects Result Partly From Mismatched Option Descriptions in Gains and Losses
Authors: DeKay Michael L. , Dou Shiyu
Published: June 2024

Textbook psychology holds that people usually prefer a certain option over a risky one when options are framed as gains but prefer the opposite when options are framed as losses. However, this pattern can be amplified, eliminated, or reversed depending on whether option descriptions include only positive information (e.g., “200 people will be saved”), only negative information (e.g., “400 people will not be saved”), or both. Previous studies suggest that framing effects arise only when option descriptions are mismatched across frames. Using online and student samples ( Ns = 906 and 521), we investigated 81 framing-effect variants created from matched and mismatched pairs of 18 option descriptions (nine in each frame). Description valence or gist explained substantial variation in risk preferences (prospect theory does not predict such variation), but a considerable framing effect remained in our balanced design. Risky-choice framing effects appear to be partly—but not completely—the result of mismatched comparisons.
Middle to Late Holocene lake level variations recorded by shoreline tufa of Longmu Co Lake, northwestern Tibet Plateau
Authors: Lin Xu , Lan Jianghu , Sun Youbin , Sinha Ashish , Cheng Xing , Lin Fangyuan , Zhang Jin , Li Yanzhen , Cheng Peng , Chang Hong , Hussain Syed Asim , Wang Le , Tan Liangcheng
Published: June 2024

Tufa deposits have significant potential for reconstructing past lake-level fluctuations. Here, we conducted U-Th dating of tufa deposits exposed along the shoreline of Longmu Co Lake in the northwestern Tibetan Plateau to reconstruct its water level history during the middle-late Holocene. Our data demonstrate that Longmu Co Lake reached its highest level (61 m above the present level) at around 7.4 ka in response to the strengthened Indian Summer Monsoon and increased glacial meltwater; its lake level subsequently decreased due to solar insolation-induced decline in summer monsoon and glacial meltwater. Moreover, we find that the lake level experienced an abrupt decline at ~2.2 ka with a maximum amplitude of 13 m, probably owing to the rapid cooling of the local climate. The δ18O and δ13C of Longmu Co tufa also show a covariance trend, which supports the regional climate change reflected by the lake level fluctuation of Longmu Co. Additionally, we observed an inverse correlation between initial δ234U content in tufa and lake level variation, suggesting that initial calcium δ234U can serve as a proxy for reconstructing environmental changes. Our study therefore implies that lake tufa as a reliable archive for accurately reconstructing lake level changes.
Moral reckoning among nurses: A directed qualitative content analysis
Authors: Montazeri Akram Sadat , Khoddam Homeira , Borhani Fariba , Kolagari Shohreh
Published: June 2024

Background

When nurses face ethical challenges, they attempt to accept responsibility for their actions and start moral reckoning. Moral reckoning is the personal evaluation of one’s behaviors or others’ behaviors during ethically challenging situations.

Research Aim

This study aimed at exploring the concept of moral reckoning and its stages among Iranian nurses using Nathaniel’s moral reckoning Theory.

Research Design

This descriptive qualitative study was conducted in 2022 using directed content analysis.

Participants and Research context

Eighteen nurses were purposively recruited from three teaching hospitals affiliated to Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran. Data were collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews which lasted 50 minutes on average and were concurrently analyzed via the three-step directed content analysis method proposed by Elo and Kyngas.

Ethical considerations

This study earned the ethical approval of the Ethics Committee of Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran (code: IR.GOUMS.REC.1400.171).

Findings

During data analysis, 157 final codes were developed and categorized into 23 subcategories, 10 categories, and four themes. The themes of the study are ease (with the two categories of becoming and interacting), upset (with the two categories of mental upset and behavioral upset), resolution (with the two categories of making a stand and giving up), and reflection (with the four categories of remembering, telling the story, examining conflicts, and living with consequences).

Conclusion

Ethically challenging situations alter the ease stage of moral reckoning among nurses, cause them mental and behavioral upset, and thereby, require them to make stand or give up. Then, they continuously examine events in their mind and finally, live with the positive and negative consequences of the events.
Blues-based stigma songwriting with adults on an acute mental health inpatient unit: A cluster-randomized trial and reflection
Authors: Silverman Michael J.
Published: June 2024

Self-stigma often functions as a treatment barrier for adults with mental health conditions and can hinder recovery. Blues-based stigma songwriting may constitute an empowering and engaging medium to educate people with mental health conditions about self-stigma, identify it as an oppressive social construct, and encourage treatments to augment the likelihood of recovery. The purpose of this cluster-randomized effectiveness study was to determine whether a single group music therapy songwriting intervention can impact self-stigma with adults on an acute mental health unit. Participants ( N = 131) were cluster-randomized to a single session of blues-based stigma songwriting or a control group. Experimental participants completed the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Inventory (ISMI) at posttest only while control participants completed the ISMI at pretest only. Although there were tendencies for the experimental group to have slightly lower mean self-stigma scores on the alienation, stereotype, discrimination, and resistance subscales as well as total self-stigma, there was no significant between-group difference. Mental health stigma is an important recovery-oriented construct and blues-based songwriting may constitute an empowering and engaging way to address this challenging topic. As educational interventions for stigma can lead to increases in self-stigma for adults with mental health conditions, larger treatment doses may be necessary to reduce it. Implications for clinical practice, limitations, and suggestions for future inquiry are provided.
Real-World Experiences in Higher Education: Contributing to the Developing a Systems Thinking Paradigm
Authors: Alford Katrina R. , Stedman Nicole L. P. , Bunch James (J.C.) , Baker Shirley , Roberts T. Grady
Published: June 2024

Background: Systems thinking has been proposed as a means to address complex and wicked problems. Systems thinking involves moving beyond looking at an issue from a static perspective and seeing interrelationships between parts and wholes. Students will be better prepared to handle the complexity of the world if they develop a systems thinking paradigm. Yet, little research exists on how individuals develop a systems thinking paradigm. Purpose: This phenomenological research study focuses on “What real-world experiences contribute to developing a systems thinking paradigm?” Methodology/Approach: Phenomenological interviews were conducted with 11 faculty affiliated with the University of Florida School of Natural Resources and the Environment. Data were coded using Colaizzi's seven-step approach. Findings/Conclusions: The essence of the study was that real-world experiences contribute to developing a systems thinking paradigm. Fieldwork, laboratory, and research experience develop the knowledge needed to understand the concept of complexity. Immersive academic experiences create opportunities for people to interact with others who have varying perspectives. Nonacademic work in the real world gives people a holistic view of the system. Implications: It is recommended that faculty focus on incorporating real-world experiences into their pedagogy and obtain support to create these opportunities.
Using Creative Arts Therapy to Promote Academic Success in the Postsecondary Setting: A Secondary Narrative Review of Preliminary Findings from 2009 to 2019
Authors: Frydman Jason S. , Kaur Ravtesh , Caputo Sydney , Hyman Sarah
Published: June 2024

Background: The application of creative arts therapies (CATs) in schools has become an area of interest among educational researchers. Much of the literature has concentrated on the K-12 setting, with a minor focus on how CATs have been utilized to achieve academic success. Inquiries examining how CATs in the postsecondary setting have targeted academic success have yet to be aggregated and reviewed for their specific contributions. Purpose: This secondary narrative review of CAT-based educational interventions analyzes preliminary literature gathered from a larger systematic review on the application of CATs in K-12 schools. In the present review, CATs are considered for their unique contributions to postsecondary academic success through experiential learning. Methodology: The identification procedure is situated in the context of the initial systematic review and outlined according to carryover elements useful for the present analysis. Findings/Conclusions: All CATs were represented, a majority featured undergraduates, qualitative data, and experiential interventions; all studies demonstrated academic utility via an empirical lens. Implications: Based on this initial analysis, CATs may be uniquely suited to promote academic success by developing affective awareness and leveraging group processes for institutional integration. Limitations and considerations to promote academic success via CATs in postsecondary education are offered.
Using an AI-based avatar for interviewer training at Children’s Advocacy Centers: Proof of Concept
Authors: Baugerud Gunn-Astrid , Johnson Miriam S. , Dianiska Rachel , Røed Ragnhild K. , Powell Martine B. , Lamb Michael E. , Hassan Syed Zohaib , Sabet Saaed S. , Hicks Steven , Salehi Pegah , Riegler Michael A. , Halvorsen Pål , Quas Jodi
Published: June 2024

This proof-of- concept study focused on interviewers’ behaviors and perceptions when interacting with a dynamic AI child avatar alleging abuse. Professionals ( N = 68) took part in a virtual reality (VR) study in which they questioned an avatar presented as a child victim of sexual or physical abuse. Of interest was how interviewers questioned the avatar, how productive the child avatar was in response, and how interviewers perceived the VR interaction. Findings suggested alignment between interviewers’ virtual questioning approaches and interviewers’ typical questioning behavior in real-world investigative interviews, with a diverse range of questions used to elicit disclosures from the child avatar. The avatar responded to most question types as children typically do, though more nuanced programming of the avatar’s productivity in response to complex question types is needed. Participants rated the avatar positively and felt comfortable with the VR experience. Results underscored the potential of AI-based interview training as a scalable, standardized alternative to traditional methods.
Presence as Politics in Qualitative Research Ethics: Feminist Engagements With “Risk” and Vulnerability
Authors: Love Gillian , McDonnell Liz
Published: June 2024

Qualitative researchers have critiqued Anglophone institutional ethics procedures as individualistic, rigid, and inattentive to complex power dynamics. From our positions as researchers, educators, and ethics reviewers in a U.K. institution, we argue that engaging with a “politics of presence” in situational and procedural ethics produces more ethically engaged qualitative research. By this we mean researchers and ethics committees opening themselves to power, discomfort, and challenge rather than the “absences” of risk management and governance-heavy ethics. Using autoethnographic reflections, we develop this argument through three themes: embracing vulnerability; relational presence; and honoring. The principle of presence is a tool and a political orientation that qualitative researchers and ethics committees should embed into their current practice to produce braver and more ethically engaged work.
3M™ Defib-Pads as a Reusable Alternative to Commercial Ultrasound Gel in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Todorovich Sydney M. , Van Aarsen Kristine , Freeman Shane R. , Slomer Adam , Myslik Frank
Published: June 2024

Introduction

With point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) use in austere environments comes the challenge of having an ever-available coupling medium for image generation. Commercial gel has numerous drawbacks that can limit its utility in these settings, and no studies have evaluated the potential for a reusable coupling medium. This study aimed to determine whether 3M™ Defib-Pads could be utilized as a reusable alternative to commercial gel for image generation in resource-limited settings.

Methods

A descriptive, cross-sectional survey of Canadian physicians with POCUS interest was conducted to evaluate the interpretability of various POCUS images in a blinded fashion. Three anatomic regions (cardiac, abdominal, and nerve) were utilized, and image generation from the commercial gel and 7 Defib-Pad conditions were evaluated. These included pads that were 1) newly opened, 2) dirtied then rinsed, 3) air dried, 4) rinsed after being air dried, 5) frozen then thawed, 6) used in double thickness, and 7) used with a probe cover.

Results

Compared to commercial gel, 3M™ Defib-Pads performed similarly, with adequate image interpretability of up to 100% in some conditions. The exception was pads that had prolonged air exposure, which produced images that were never interpretable. However, subsequent rinsing of these pads with water resulted in restored image generation.

Conclusion

3M™ Defib-Pads were found to produce interpretable POCUS images under multiple environmental stressors and with different modalities of use, suggesting that 3M™ Defib-Pads can perform as a reusable gel alternative in resource-limited settings.
Large feature cross-weld creep test performance in the novel creep strength enhanced ferritic steel Thor® 115 including consideration of the post-weld heat treatment temperature
Authors: Siefert John A , Bridges Alex , Ortolani Matteo , Locatelli Roberto
Published: June 2024

No present manuscripts have assessed the cross-weld creep performance of Tenaris high oxidation resistance (Thor®) 115. Furthermore, few studies (if any) have compared the performance of martensitic creep strength enhanced ferritic (CSEF) steels in the as-welded or post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) temperature, and for feature test geometries. As CSEF steels are widely specified in modern thermal fleet applications, it is critically important to assess weldment performance and consider the influence of PWHT for new construction or repair applications. In this study, it is shown that the life and failure location in Thor® 115 is not a function of PWHT temperature and that failures in this steel are identical to those for the mainstay CSEF steel Grades 91 and 92.
Debt, land and labour: Cambodian migrant workers’ precarious livelihood strategies
Authors: Blau Gavan , Arnold Dennis
Published: June 2024

This article examines how livelihood security is co-produced through multiple strategies in Southeast Asia’s agrarian transformation, by considering the case of Cambodian migrant workers, who cobble together their livelihood through a combination of land, labour and debt. These workers leverage small landholdings as collateral to take on debts to finance migration to Thailand, where low wages and insecure employment inhibit their ability to repay such debts. The traditional social welfare role of land as a safety net is superseded by the use of land as collateral to access microfinance loans, which are also commonly used to respond to livelihood shocks. In this financialised context, social protection schemes insufficiently address the combined livelihood risks that are assumed by workers and do not provide meaningful protection to workers. Drawing on field interviews, we argue that these various supposed sources of livelihood security rather act to increase precarity for workers, by exacerbating labour discipline and dependence on employers.
Development of a reduced primary reference fuel – oxymethylene dimethyl ether (PRF-OMEx) mechanism for diesel engine applications
Authors: García-Oliver José M , Novella Ricardo , Micó Carlos , Bin-Khalid Usama
Published: June 2024

Oxymethylene dimethyl ethers (OMEx), having a chemical formula of CH3O-(CH2O)x-CH3 where x varies from 1 to 5, have been widely considered as a promising fuel to partially replace diesel in CI engines in terms of reducing soot emissions. This work is focused on developing a reduced primary reference fuel (PRF)-OMEx chemical mechanism to better describe the combustion and emission characteristics of gasoline/diesel blends with OMEx. The novelty of this work lies in the fact that the OMEx part of the mechanism is represented not only by OME3 as done in most studies found in literature, but also with other OME chain lengths that is, OME2-4 which are considered to be optimum and better represent the commercial OMEx blends. For this purpose, a detailed OMEx mechanism is reduced by applying different reduction techniques considering a wide range of operating conditions including pressure, temperatures, equivalence ratios and fuel compositions. The result is merged with an already validated PRF mechanism to form a reduced PRF-OMEx mechanism consisting of 213 species and 840 reactions. The newly formed mechanism is validated against a wide set of experimental data including ignition delay times, laminar flame speeds and species concentration profiles. Furthermore, a rigorous set of numerical simulations for various diesel-OMEx blends in a compression ignition engine are carried out at two different operating points to validate the developed mechanism. Simulation results highlight that the developed mechanism not only replicates the experimental behavior in terms of in-cylinder pressure and heat release rate but exhibits a better combustion phasing closer to experimental data when compared with other mechanisms where only OME3 is utilized to represent OMEx. Overall, the developed PRF-OMEx mechanism proves to be realistic and suitable for application in engine combustion simulations involving gasoline/diesel and OMEx blends.
A Beam Angle Selection Method to Improve Plan Robustness Against Position Error in Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy for Left-Sided Breast Cancer
Authors: Ding Zhen , Kang Kailian , Yuan Qingqing , Zhang Wenjue , Sang Yong
Published: June 2024

Purpose

We report a dosimetric study in whole breast irradiation (WBI) of plan robustness evaluation against position error with two radiation techniques: tangential intensity-modulated radiotherapy (T-IMRT) and multi-angle IMRT (M-IMRT).

Methods

Ten left-sided patients underwent WBI were selected. The dosimetric characteristics, biological evaluation and plan robustness were evaluated. The plan robustness quantification was performed by calculating the dose differences (Δ) of the original plan and perturbed plans, which were recalculated by introducing a 3-, 5-, and 10-mm shift in 18 directions.

Results

M-IMRT showed better sparing of high-dose volume of organs at risk (OARs), but performed a larger low-dose irradiation volume of normal tissue. The greater shift worsened plan robustness. For a 10-mm perturbation, greater dose differences were observed in T-IMRT plans in nearly all directions, with higher Δ D98%, Δ D95%, and Δ Dmean of CTV Boost and CTV. A 10-mm shift in inferior (I) direction induced CTV Boost in T-IMRT plans a 1.1 (Δ D98%), 1.1 (Δ D95%), and 1.7 (Δ Dmean) times dose differences greater than dose differences in M-IMRT plans. For CTV Boost, shifts in the right (R) and I directions generated greater dose differences in T-IMRT plans, while shifts in left (L) and superior (S) directions generated larger dose differences in M-IMRT plans. For CTV, T-IMRT plans showed higher sensitivity to a shift in the R direction. M-IMRT plans showed higher sensitivity to shifts in L, S, and I directions. For OARs, negligible dose differences were found in V20 of the lungs and heart. Greater Δ Dmax of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) was seen in M-IMRT plans.

Conclusion

We proposed a plan robustness evaluation method to determine the beam angle against position uncertainty accompanied by optimal dose distribution and OAR sparing.
Correlation Between Calcium Scoring and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Endovascular Repair Outcomes
Authors: Farres Houssam , Lanka Santh Prakash , Nussbaum Sam , Shoukry Mira , Hanouneh Tareq , Alexander Lauren , Sella David , Jarmi Tambi
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Endovascular aneurysm repair, though minimally invasive and has the benefit of relatively low perioperative complication rates, it is associated with significant long term reintervention rates related to endoleaks. Several variables have been studied to predict the outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair, 1 of which is the calcium burden of the vasculature. This prompted us to study the association between calcium burden measured by the standardized Agatston scoring system and the outcomes of Endovascular aneurysm repair.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent Endovascular aneurysm repair from 2008 to 2020 at our institution and who had a non-contrast computerized tomography scan preoperatively, accounting for 87 patients. The calcium burden of the vasculature was measured by the Agatston scoring system allowing for better reproducibility, and the outcome variables included mortality and endoleaks.

Results

Patients with higher median total calcium scores (≥12966.9) had significantly lesser survival (79.8% vs 52.3% ( P = .002) at five years compared to patients with lower median total calcium score (<12966.9). Also, patients with type 2 endoleaks had higher calcium scores in above the aneurysm level ((1591.2 vs 688.2), P = .05)) compared to patients with no type 2 endoleaks.

Conclusion

Calcium score assigned using a standardized Agatston scoring system can be used as a predictor of mortality risk assisting in deciding the treatment of choice for patients.
Assessing the Decision-Making Capabilities of Artificial Intelligence Platforms as Institutional Review Board Members
Authors: Sridharan Kannan , Sivaramakrishnan Gowri
Published: June 2024

Background: Institutional review boards (IRBs) face delays in reviewing research proposals, underscoring the need for optimized standard operating procedures (SOPs). This study assesses the abilities of three artificial intelligence (AI) platforms to address IRB challenges and draft essential SOPs. Methods: An observational study was conducted using three AI platforms in 10 case studies reflecting IRB functions, focusing on creating SOPs. The accuracy of the AI outputs was assessed against good clinical practice (GCP) guidelines. Results: The AI tools identified GCP issues, offered guidance on GCP violations, detected conflicts of interest and SOP deficiencies, recognized vulnerable populations, and suggested expedited review criteria. They also drafted SOPs with some differences. Conclusion: AI platforms could aid IRB decision-making and improve review efficiency. However, human oversight remains critical for ensuring the accuracy of AI-generated solutions.