bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virtual Musical Instruments in Music Classrooms: Performing with East Asian Music Cultures
Authors: Kang Sangmi , Yoo Hyesoo , Fung C. Victor , Matsunobu Koji
Published: May 2024

In this article, we, culture bearers and music educators, discuss ways of using East Asian virtual musical instruments to promote culturally diverse music activities in classrooms. We introduce affordable tablet-based virtual instruments (Korean hyang-piri, Chinese erhu, and Japanese koto) and hands-on music activities to help students gain deeper understandings of East Asian music cultures. We provide an introduction of each instrument in its acoustic and tablet-based form, appropriate instrumental techniques to express unique musical and cultural characteristics (e.g., mode, vibrato, and ornamentations), and a teaching sequence of a sample piece. Such a performance-based and culturally diverse musical experience is intended to cultivate students’ intercultural sensitivity and attitudes that honor diverse cultures.
Does Viewing Mirror-Reflected Body Image Affect Static and Dynamic Standing Balance?
Authors: Hamada Naoki , Tsujinaka Ryo , Oda Hitoshi , Fukuda Shiho , Matsuoka Masakazu , Kunimura Hiroshi , Hiraoka Koichi
Published: May 2024

In the present study, we examined the immediate effect of allowing healthy participants to view their mirror-reflected body image on static and dynamic balance. We placed a mirror to allow participants to frontally view their own body image while maintaining a quiet stance or while engaged in a dynamic postural standing task. On measures of body sway during quiet stance, there were no effects of this visual feedback, supporting the view that human beings have no central mechanism for viewing the mirror-reflected body image to control body sway during quiet stance. However, the body deviated forward during quiet stance while viewing the mirror-reflected body image, indicating that viewing the mirror-reflected body image contributed to the anterior-posterior positioning of the body, as mediated by an ankle control strategy. For the dynamic standing task, viewing the body image induced unstable peaks of rhythmic lateral shifting of the body weight over the feet. This indicates that viewing the body image caused unstable motor commands for rhythmic lateral weight shifting. When participants made a transition from a bipedal to a unipedal stance in response to a cue, viewing the body image shortened the onset latency of the body sway. Accordingly, viewing the body image seemed to accelerate the motor execution involved in lateral weight shifting, possibly due to predictive activation of the motor system before movement onset. Considered collectively, we found static and dynamic stance balance to be influenced by viewing one’s mirror-reflected body image. Viewing the mirror-reflected body image may be a means of changing static and dynamic balance in patients with impaired postural control.
“No-one’s contribution is more valid than another’s”: Committing to inclusive democratic methodologies
Authors: Liddiard Kirsty , Atkinson Louise , Evans Katy , Gibson Barry , Goodley Dan , Hale Jamie , Lawson Rod , Runswick-Cole Katherine , Spurr Ruth , Vogelmann Emma , Watts Lucy , Weiner Kate , Whitney-Mitchell Sally
Published: May 2024

In this article, we explore the power and potential of democratic research methodologies in and beyond Critical Disability Studies research contexts. We centre two funded co-produced, participatory and arts-informed projects that have been co-designed and co-led with disabled young people and people living with chronic (respiratory) illness. We critically explore some key processes, which we suggest can mitigate forms of disablism and ableism inherent to research processes which traditionally make them undemocratic spaces of inequity. Our paper offers original analyses into the very notion of democratic research which have significant applications; driven as they are by the presence of disability. These include (i) Crip time - the recognition of (disabled) people’s need for flexible forms of time; (ii) virtual methods and intimacies as routes to equity in research leadership; and (iii) flexible and slow/er research approaches. We also draw upon the ways in which the Covid-19 global pandemic has reshaped methodologies and approaches to inquiry. We advocate that, as research communities, we must come together to keep hold of these new inclusive and hybridised ways of relating and engaging in what are problematically framed as “post-Covid” times. We conclude by emphasising the importance of always committing to disrupting power dynamics through centring flexibility, accessibility and inclusivity across our inquiry with marginalised others.
Dress protective potential of naturally green-colored domestic silk against ultraviolet-induced skin cell damage
Authors: Mu Yifei , Liu Yidan , Ma Mingbo , Zhou Wenlong
Published: May 2024

Naturally green-colored domestic silk demonstrates remarkable antioxidant activity due to the presence of intrinsic antioxidant and pigmented substance flavonoids. Oxidative damage is one of the main causes of sun-induced skin damage. To investigate the potential protective effect of naturally green-colored domestic silk on skin cells against ultraviolet damage, the antioxidant was extracted and analyzed. An in vitro experiment which involves introducing ultraviolet damage to the human keratinocyte HaCaT cell line was used for the research. By adding the extract into HaCaT culture medium and then subjecting to ultraviolet irradiation, the data evidently showed that the cell apoptosis and growth inhibition of HaCaT were alleviated, indicating the protective effect of the extract to the HaCaT cell against ultraviolet damage. Meanwhile, a large number of the surviving damaged cells stagnated in the diploid (2n) phase, which is the main phase of gene repair during the whole cell cycle. The survival and repair of damaged cells also produced fewer gene fragments caused by ultraviolet damage. The detected reduction of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde induced by ultraviolet irradiation in HaCaT confirmed that the antioxidant extract from green silk cocoons does have intracellular and extracellular antioxidant effects. These findings suggest that naturally green silk has the potential to be utilized as a functional textile material for skin sunscreen products, and its extract can be further developed as a source of antioxidants in medical and safety health applications.
How Labor Costs Affect Innovation Output in Pharmaceutical Companies: Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Ying , He Qiankun , Wang Ting
Published: May 2024

Existing literature generally suggests that rising labor costs lead to the substitution of capital for labor, prompting firms to save on labor costs through technological upgrades. However, as a typical human capital-intensive industry, the pharmaceutical sector finds it challenging to replace labor with capital through the introduction of advanced equipment. Therefore, compared to other industries, the pharmaceutical sector faces greater adverse impacts. Research on how pharmaceutical R&D behavior is influenced by labor costs is scarce. This paper analyzes the triple effects of rising labor costs on corporate innovation from the perspectives of human capital, physical capital, and financial capital. Based on empirical research using data from Chinese listed companies, we found that an increase in labor costs promotes innovation output in the pharmaceutical sector, but this effect is more pronounced in other sectors. Financing constraints play a negative role on corporate innovation in the pharmaceutical sector, while it is not significant in the other sectors. Factor substitution play a positive effect on corporate innovation in the other sectors, which is invalid in the pharmaceutical sector. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the unique mechanisms by which labor costs impact innovation activities in the pharmaceutical industry.
Work-Family Policy for Fathers in Dutch Municipalities: A Vignette Experiment on Contexts for Parental Leave Among Male Civil Servants
Authors: André Stéfanie , Teulings Thom
Published: May 2024

The European Union Work-Life Balance Directive aims to promote a better work-care balance by introducing extensive parental leave. However, a change in policy does not necessarily mean behavioral change. Starting from the idea of gendered organizations and gendered policies within local government a conceptual model is developed to investigate under which organizational circumstances male civil servants in Dutch municipalities are willing to take parental leave. With a vignette experiment ( N = 572) among civil servants in the summer of 2021, the organizational characteristics that affect employees’ decisions on the potential use of parental leave are investigated. Adverse career consequences have the largest influence, followed by managerial support and coworker support. Furthermore, the larger the work ambition is, the more negative the effect of career consequences is for using parental leave. That adverse career consequences hardly had an effect among male civil servants with low work ambition shows that the relationship to parental leave uptake is nuanced. The results of this study underscore the importance of contexts in implementing policy goals and achieving greater gender equality in local government.
Four-leg floating interleaved converters for electric vehicle applications with rule-based energy management algorithm
Authors: Barhoumi Nassira , Marzougui Hajer , Bacha Faouzi , Boukhnifer Moussa
Published: May 2024

This work contributes to the optimization of hybrid system coupling a fuel cell (FC) to a supercapacitor (SC) for electric vehicles. The complementarity between these two energy sources allows the improvement of the global performances of the system. Our study focuses on the implementation of control and energy management techniques. Our objective is to have a better use of the storage system. In this context, our approach is to regulate the bus current and voltage and then to develop two real-time energy management strategies, one without considering and the other with considering the state of charge of the storage system. A comparison between these two strategies allowed us to understand the importance of the state of charge in the hybrid system. MATLAB/Simulink helped us in showing the performance obtained on a given mission profile of the vehicle dynamics.
Adaptive backstepping sliding mode subject-cooperative control for a pediatric lower-limb exoskeleton robot
Authors: Narayan Jyotindra , Abbas Mohamed , Dwivedy Santosha K
Published: May 2024

The passive-assist rehabilitation mode with a fixed desired trajectory neglects the subject’s active involvement and degrades the therapeutic performance in case of partial muscle strength. Therefore, this study proposes a novel subject-cooperative control based on a variable admittance control scheme and a robust trajectory control scheme for a pediatric lower-limb exoskeleton robot. Initially, the system description and dynamic modeling are briefly explained. Thereafter, a neural-fuzzy–based variable admittance control ( nf VAC) is designed to incorporate a realistic subject-exoskeleton interaction and consider the subject’s active participation. Finally, a robust adaptive backstepping sliding mode control with rapid reaching law is used to handle parametric uncertainties and external disturbances. A stepwise selection of Lyapunov functions is utilized to address the stability of the trajectory control. The effectiveness of the proposed adaptive backstepping sliding mode–neural-fuzzy variable admittance control (ABSM- nf VAC) scheme is compared with two contrast control schemes, namely, adaptive backstepping-fixed admittance control (AB-FAC) and adaptive terminal sliding mode-fuzzy variable admittance control (ATSM- f VAC) for the active-assist mode with the effect of sudden reflex. Based on the numerical results, the suggested cooperative controller has demonstrated favorable tracking performance, compliant interaction, and safety aspects during gait training.
Endoscopic Cartilage Modified Inlay Technique With Preserving External Auditory Canal Skin for Repairing Posterior Marginal Perforation
Authors: Li Chunlin
Published: May 2024

Objective: To evaluate the graft success rate and hearing gain of endoscopic cartilage myringoplasty with preserving external auditory canal (EAC) skin for posterior marginal perforation. Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective study in 36 patients with posterior marginal perforation who underwent endoscopic cartilage modified inlay technique with preserving EAC skin. Patients were followed up for 12 months. Results: All the 36 patients with unilateral posterior marginal perforation were included in this study. Clinical inosculation of the perichondrium graft and remnant tympanic membrane (TM) occurred at 2 to 3 weeks postoperatively. Simultaneously, neovascularization was initiated at the perichondrium graft. The perichondrium graft had been clinically incorporated to the EAC skin at 2 to 3 weeks postoperatively, which could not be distinguished. At 12 months, residual perforation was seen in inferior margin in one but reperforation was not. The graft success rate was 97.2% (35/36). The mean preoperative air bone gap (ABG) was 29.7 ± 3.8 dB, and the mean postoperative ABG at 12 months was 15.2 ± 3.1 dB; the difference between these values was significant ( P < .05; paired-samples t test). The successful surgery rate (postoperative ABG ≤ 20 dB) was 91.7% (33/36). No any intratympanic or EAC cholesteatoma was noted during the follow-up period. Conclusions: Endoscopic cartilage modified inlay technique with preserving EAC skin for repairing posterior marginal perforation is simple and minimally invasive technique, which had shorter operative time, similar graft success rate compared with raising a tympanomeatal flap techniques.
Optimized Management of Patulous Eustachian Tube: Shim Size Modifications to Minimize Middle Ear Effusion and Enhancing Treatment Outcomes
Authors: AlAmry Saleh , Almutairi Homood M. , AlBilasi Thamer M. , Almarri Firas K.
Published: May 2024

Objective: In this retrospective case series, we reported 4 patients presenting with a patulous Eustachian tube (PET) to highlight our institutional management approach to PET with shim insertion and a modified shim with hydroxyapatite injection. Methods: A single institution retrospective review. Results: One case was complicated by otitis media effusion; thus, the shim was downsized under local anesthesia with an immediately improved effusion. Another patient managed with a bilateral shim of the same size but is still symptomatic on one side; therefore, we upsized it, and the symptoms disappeared. The last one developed biofilm formation and thick secretion even after downsizing. Hydroxyapatite injection was performed under local anesthesia using the same shim insertion protocol. Conclusion: Shim insertion for the treatment of PET is considered a safe, reversible, and adjustable technique, giving satisfactory results while avoiding middle ear effusion. It can be performed under local or topical anesthesia in the clinic, and size adjustment can be considered to get maximum relief without middle ear effusion. This case series highlights that adjusting the size of the shim is a suggested method to eliminate symptoms and avoid complications of shim without the need for myringotomy and ventilation tube.
Global Ecology and Geography of Gender Equality
Authors: Van de Vliert Evert , Kluwer Esther S.
Published: May 2024

Proximal socio-economic drivers of gender equality tend to obscure its remote ecological origins. General systems theory predicts that the greater annual variability in daylength, temperature, and daily precipitation at higher latitudes requires greater psychosocial flexibility. We extend this prediction to gender equality as a likely consequence. Accordingly, for 87 pre-industrial societies after 1500 CE, we find more gender equality in more variable habitats, and that this link is mediated by greater subsistence flexibility—foraging rather than raising plants and animals. Mutatis mutandis, these ecological predictors of global gender equality replicate in 175 modern countries after 2000 CE. Gender equality was, and still is, lowest around the Equator, higher toward the North and South Poles, and invariant in east–west direction. The geographical positioning of gender equality in pre-industrial times can predict over 40% of the opposite north–south gradients of gender equality in the opposite Northern and Southern Hemispheres today.
Mental Contrasting Strategies Promote the Pursuit of Difficult Goals: Japanese Cultural Context
Authors: Toyama Miki , Nagamine Masato , Tang Li
Published: May 2024

We examined whether mental contrasting inhibits the pursuit of difficult goals in an Eastern culture—Japan—rooted in self-improvement. Our pilot study found that, compared with American participants, Japanese participants did not perceive a difficult situation as a cue to abandon their goal and pursue alternative objectives. Studies 1a–1c found that mental contrasting encouraged Japanese participants to pursue difficult goals. When Japanese participants perceived their own goals as unattainable, they were more likely to pursue these goals if they mentally contrasted their desired future with the inhibiting reality than if they simply imagined their desired future. Study 2 showed that mental contrasting encouraged Japanese (but not American) participants to pursue difficult goals. Study 3 evidenced the causal effect of beliefs about difficulties on the impact of mental contrasting on motivation to pursue difficult goals. Culturally formed beliefs about difficulties underlie the effect of mental contrasting on difficult goal pursuit.
Parental reactions to child negative emotions and child behavioral adjustment: The moderating role of child inhibitory control
Authors: Wang Mengjiao , Chen Xi , Zheng Shanyun
Published: May 2024

According to the heuristic model of emotion socialization by Eisenberg et al., parental reactions to children’s negative emotions (RCNE) have an important role in this socialization process; however, its effects on children’s social-emotional outcomes may be moderated by the children’s temperament. This longitudinal study verified this proposition by testing maternal and paternal RCNE as predictors of preschoolers’ behavioral adjustment and child inhibitory control as a moderator of these associations. Mothers and fathers of 113 Chinese children ( Mage = 57.41 months, SD = 7.16 months) reported on their RCNE and child inhibitory control at Time 1 (T1) and reported on child behavioral adjustment (i.e., externalizing problems, internalizing problems, and prosocial behaviors) both at T1 and 6 months later (Time 2, T2). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that after controlling for child behavioral adjustment at T1, child age, and paternal education level, (a) paternal supportive reactions negatively predicted child externalizing problems and positively predicted child prosocial behaviors, and (b) the associations between parental RCNE and child behavioral adjustment were moderated by child inhibitory control. Specifically, only for children low on inhibitory control, paternal supportive reactions negatively predicted child externalizing problems, and maternal supportive reactions positively predicted child prosocial behaviors.
Navigating new realities: Explaining programmatic transitions of mainstream and niche parties
Authors: Luypaert Jasmien
Published: May 2024

Electoral competition is determined by the issues that parties choose to compete on and the stances they adopt on these issues. However, little research has examined the trade-off between expanding a party’s programmatic stances to secondary issues while maintaining ideological continuity on primary issues. This article seeks to address this gap by examining programmatic transitions among mainstream and niche parties and in which contexts these transitions are more frequent. The study analyses 47 parties in 10 established democracies between 1986 and 2020 using multiple regression techniques. The results show that niche parties are more likely to focus on secondary issues, and when they make such transitions, they tend to be larger. The analysis also reveals that the length of niche competition influences mainstream parties’ programmatic transitions, while niche parties’ transitions are driven by their continuity in programmatic transitions and governmental experience.
Using Heart Rate Variability to Assess Nurses’ Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Krieger Hanna , Rhein Cosima , Morawa Eva , Adler Werner , Steffan Jan , Lang-Richter Nadine , Struck Matthias , Erim Yesim , Lieb Marietta
Published: May 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to assess subjective and objective parameters of stress among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic and to examine the recovery effect of a day off.

Methods:

In this prospective observational trial, we measured heart rate variability (using a wearable device) and perceived stress levels on 3 working days and 1 day off. We obtained the following data using an online questionnaire: working conditions, COVID-19-related problems, depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), effort-reward imbalance, and work-family conflict in a sample of German nurses (N = 41).

Results:

When comparing working days with a day off, we observed a significant difference for physical load (Cohen’s d = 0.798, P < .001), mental load (Cohen’s d = 0.660, P = .001), emotional exhaustion (Cohen’s d = 0.945, P < .001), and overburdening (Cohen’s d = 0.585, P = .002) with higher scores on working days. Regarding heart rate variability, we did not find a difference. Correlational analyses revealed a significant association between being afraid to get infected with COVID-19 and lower heart rate variability ( r = −0.336, P = .045) and between being afraid to infect relatives and lower heart rate variability ( r = −0.442, P = .007). Furthermore, a higher total sum score of work-family conflict was significantly associated with lower heart rate variability ( r = −0.424, P = .01).

Conclusion:

As heart rate variability observations were different from those regarding subjectively perceived stress, further studies are needed to evaluate and differentiate the influence of work stress and other types of stress on heart rate variability.
Comparison of storage solutions on saphenous vein endothelial function using immunofluorescence. A pilot study
Authors: Danby Amanda , Briffa Norman
Published: May 2024

Background

Our aim was to establish which of the current and novel storage fluids caused the least harm to the endothelium of the saphenous vein.

Methods

Unmanipulated samples of saphenous vein were obtained. This vein was exposed to four fluids, DuraGraft®, Plasma-Lyte, autologous blood and sodium chloride, and a control medium. The expression of endothelial selectin (E-selectin) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was measured using confocal microscopy.

Results

We identified and quantified platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecules, vascular cell adhesion molecules and endothelial nitric oxide synthase 3 on the endothelium. The results were widely variable. The protein expression of endothelial selectin ( p = .17) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase 3 ( p = .73) showed no statistically significant differences in levels of preservation when the different solutions were compared.

Conclusions

In this study, we could not determine that any of the solutions were superior at preserving saphenous vein endothelium.
Role of miRNAs in neurovascular injury and repair
Authors: Sawant Harshal , Sun Bowen , Mcgrady Erin , Bihl Ji Chen
Published: May 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are endogenously produced small, non-coded, single-stranded RNAs. Due to their involvement in various cellular processes and cross-communication with extracellular components, miRNAs are often coined the “grand managers” of the cell. miRNAs are frequently involved in upregulation as well as downregulation of specific gene expression and thus, are often found to play a vital role in the pathogenesis of multiple diseases. Central nervous system (CNS) diseases prove fatal due to the intricate nature of both their development and the methods used for treatment. A considerable amount of ongoing research aims to delineate the complex relationships between miRNAs and different diseases, including each of the neurological disorders discussed in the present review. Ongoing research suggests that specific miRNAs can play either a pathologic or restorative and/or protective role in various CNS diseases. Understanding how these miRNAs are involved in various regulatory processes of CNS such as neuroinflammation, neurovasculature, immune response, blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and angiogenesis is of empirical importance for developing effective therapies. Here in this review, we summarized the current state of knowledge of miRNAs and their roles in CNS diseases along with a focus on their association with neuroinflammation, innate immunity, neurovascular function and BBB.
Profiles of Risk and Promotive Factors Associated With Aggression and Other Problem Behaviors Among Middle School Students in an Urban School System
Authors: Farrell Albert D. , Dunn Courtney B. , O’Connor Kelly E.
Published: May 2024

This study’s goal was to identify patterns of risk and promotive factors across multiple social-ecological domains and their associations with adolescents’ problem behaviors (aggression, substance use, and other delinquent behaviors), victimization, and distress symptoms. Participants were a mostly African American (79%) sample of 2711 middle school students (Mage = 12.7; 52% female) in urban neighborhoods who completed measures of 13 risk and promotive factors and adjustment. Ratings were also obtained from teachers. Latent profile analysis identified four subgroups: high risk/low promotive (10% of the sample), moderate risk/low promotive (36%), low risk/low promotive (15%), and low risk/high promotive (38%). Subgroups varied in student- and teacher-reported aggression, problem behaviors, victimization, and distress. The findings indicated that risk and promotive factors tend to operate together and in distinct patterns rather than in isolation. This suggests researchers move beyond variable-centered analyses of limited sets of risk and protective factors.
The Role of Social Capital in Climate Change Adaptation: Small Farmers’ Perspective
Authors: de Brito Renata Peregrino , de Sá Marcelo Martins , di Araújo Nathalia Machado
Published: May 2024

Climate change represents a major challenge for businesses and society. Small farmers in emerging economies are most vulnerable to extreme weather events and must adapt their strategies and operations. Adaptive decision-making depends on the risk perception and the availability of resources, which can be a major limitation for the context of small farmers. Our study investigates how farmers perceive climate change risks and decide on climate adaptation. We explore the small farmers` vulnerability, risk perception, and decision-making process with in-depth interviews with small farmers in different network contexts. Our data reveal that small farmers, isolated in terms of communication and support regarding climate adaptation, used social exchanges to learn and adapt. However, as the social network was the primary source of information, knowledge, and experience sharing, the quality of network relationships made a difference. Thus, the importance of social capital to enable climate adaptation.
POLARIS: efficacy and safety of a vaginal medical device in recurrent bacterial vaginosis—a multicenter, open-label, non-controlled, study with 10 months of follow-up
Authors: Murina Filippo , Inghirami Paolo , Biriș Marius , Sîrbu Daniela , Barattini Dionisio Franco , Ardolino Luca Ivan , Mangrella Mario , Casolati Elena , Roșu Serban Marius , Crișan Ciprian
Published: May 2024

Objective

Recurrent bacterial vaginosis (RBV) after antibiotic treatment has relapse rates of 35% within 3 months and 60% within 12 months. A medical device containing polycarbophil, lauryl glucoside, and glycerides (PLGG) inhibits bacterial growth and has mucoadhesive properties. This study examined the efficacy of the device in women with RBV.

Methods

This post-market clinical follow-up study comprised two phases. The first phase was an interventional, open-label, non-controlled, multicenter study enrolling 56 women. The second phase was an observational 10-month follow-up without treatment.

Results

After three cycles of PLGG treatment, recurrence was identified in 8 of 54 evaluable patients (14.81%). A positive effect on lactobacilli in the vaginal secretions was observed in 26 of 39 patients (66.67%). Among 35 patients observed after stopping PLGG treatment, one case of RBV (2.86%) was observed after 4 months, and an additional six cases (17.14%) were observed after 10 ± 2 months. Therefore, no recurrence was evidenced in 12 subjects (34.28%) at the end of the study.

Conclusion

The use of PLGG vaginal ovules in the treatment of BV reduces the rate of recurrence and apparently produces a positive effect on the vaginal microbiota.
Muscle-invasive bladder cancer in elderly and frail people: Is hypofractionated radiotherapy a feasible approach when no other local options are available?
Authors: Marvaso Giulia , Vitullo Angelo , Corrao Giulia , Vincini Maria Giulia , Zaffaroni Mattia , Villa Riccardo , Mastroleo Federico , Kuncman Lukasz , Zerini Dario , Repetti Ilaria , Lorubbio Chiara , Musi Gennaro , De Cobelli Ottavio , Jereczek-Fossa Barbara Alicja
Published: May 2024

Aim:

The study aims to report the feasibility and safety of palliative hypofractionated radiotherapy targeting macroscopic bladder tumors in a monocentric cohort of frail and elderly bladder cancer patients not eligible for curative treatments.

Methods:

Patients who underwent hypofractionated radiotherapy to the gross disease or to the tumor bed after transurethral resection of bladder tumor from 2017 to 2021 at the European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, were retrospectively considered. Schedules of treatment were 30 and 25 Gy in 5 fractions (both every other day, and consecutive days). Treatment response was evaluated with radiological investigation and/or cystoscopy. Toxicity assessment was carried out according to RTOG/EORTC v2.0 criteria.

Results:

A total of 16 patients were included in the study, of these 11 received hypofractionated radiotherapy on the macroscopic target volume and five on the tumor bed after transurethral resection of bladder tumor. No grade (G) >2 acute toxicities were described after treatment for both groups. Only one patient in the group receiving radiotherapy on the macroscopic disease reported G4 GU late toxicity. Ten patients had available follow-up status (median FU time 18 months), of them six had complete response, one had stable disease, and three had progression of disease. The overall response rate and disease control rate were 60% and 70%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Our preliminary data demonstrate that palliative hypofractionated radiotherapy for bladder cancer in a frail and elderly population is technically feasible, with an acceptable toxicity profile. These outcomes emphasize the potential of this approach in a non-radical setting and could help to provide more solid indications in this underrepresented setting of patients.
Crystallisation behaviour and enhanced separation of RE-phase in RE-bearing blast furnace slag
Authors: Lan Xi , Gao Jintao , Li Zushu , Xu Huanhuan , Guo Zhancheng
Published: May 2024

With the wide application and consumption of rare earths (REs), the secondary resources of RE-bearing blast furnace slag are being investigated as viable resources for the recovery of these critical elements. In this study, the crystallisation behaviour including nucleation and growth kinetics of the RE-phase in RE-bearing blast furnace slag was studied and the optimal precipitation conditions for the RE-phase during the cooling process was obtained, providing an important reference and guidance for the efficient extraction and subsequent functionalised reuse of REs. Subsequently, the supergravity enhanced separation of RE-phase from the slag system was conducted in the optimal precipitation conditions of cooling rate (2 °C/min), experiment temperature (1200 °C), and holding time (100 min). At G = 1000, the RE-phase was successfully separated from molten slag, and the mass fraction of CeO2 in the separated sample increased from the original 20.51% to 74.85%, and the recovery ratio reached 92.06%. This indicated that the supergravity separation technology is considered to be an effective technology for the enrichment and recovery of REs from RE-bearing blast furnace slag.
Cultivating meaning and self-transcendence to increase positive emotions and decrease anxiety in music performance
Authors: Perdomo-Guevara Elsa , Dibben Nicola
Published: May 2024

This article presents the findings of an intervention aimed at promoting positive emotions in music performance, as positive emotions are intrinsically valuable and can have associated benefits. The intervention sought to help participants conceive performance in more meaningful, self-transcendent terms. This study investigated whether the intervention helped performers to change their approach to performance; whether an increase in meaningfulness and self-transcendence led to more positive performance-related emotions; and whether an increase in positive emotions resulted in higher perceived quality of the performance. Comparison of self-report measures pre- and post-intervention indicated that after the intervention, participants approached performance in a more meaningful, self-transcendent manner. Specifically, they were more focused on the value of music, privilege of performing, and benefits for the audience. They also reported more rewarding performance experiences: they reported more joy, engagement, and self-confidence; more inspiration and connection with their audiences; and less anxiety. In addition, they reported being able to give better performances. None of these changes were found with a randomly assigned wait list control group. We conclude that an intervention designed to change performers’ conceptions of the meaningfulness of performing can have beneficial impacts on the quality of that experience.
Wake effects and temperature plumes: Coping with non-knowledge in the expansion of wind and geothermal energy
Authors: Sonnberger Marco , Pfeiffer Maria , Bleicher Alena , Gross Matthias
Published: May 2024

Energy transitions are knowledge-intensive processes where a multitude of actors are trying to cope with inevitable knowledge gaps, surprises, and uncertainties. In this context, we focus on two techno-physical phenomena that are gaining practical relevance with the expansion of wind and geothermal energy extraction, and are surrounded by significant unknowns: wake effects and temperature plumes. Both phenomena can potentially affect the efficiency of energy production, but the extent of their impact is not yet known. Based on 28 semi-structured interviews with experts in the fields of wind and geothermal energy, we explore how different central actors perceive and interpret non-knowledge of wake effects and temperature plumes, and how they deal with it. We show that there are strategies for either using non-knowledge as a basis for action or simply ignoring it and sweeping knowledge gaps under the rug. Both strategies serve the function of protecting agency and keeping things going.
Child Contact, Partner Conflict, and Psychological Distress Among Incarcerated Fathers: Testing the Mediating Role of Perceived Social Support
Authors: Javakhishvili Magda , Turner Joshua J. , Higginbotham Brian J. , Bradford Kay
Published: May 2024

The mechanism(s) through which child contact can lead to more positive mental health and romantic relationship outcomes among incarcerated fathers are not sufficiently studied. The present study tests whether the associations between frequency of child contact and later psychological distress and conflict in romantic relationships are mediated by perceived social support. Self-reported longitudinal data from a sample of incarcerated men who participated in a fatherhood education program ( n = 2,096) were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Variables were assessed pre- and post-program participation. As hypothesized, more frequent child contact was associated with greater perceived social support, which predicted reduced psychological distress and reduced partner conflict. There were significant indirect effects of child contact on psychological distress and partner conflict via perceived social support. The findings may inform policies aiming to help incarcerated fathers to better manage psychological distress and conflictual relationships, preparing them for a more successful return to society.
Prognostic significance of Klotho expression in patients with renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Ranjan Kumar Rajiv , Singh Shrawan Kumar , Kakkar Nandita , Mavuduru Ravimohan
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Various molecular markers have been investigated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) without significant reliability. We analyzed Klotho (tumor suppressive protein) expression in RCC to investigate its association with tumor-stage, grade, disease-free-survival (DFS) and overall-survival (OS).

Methods:

Data of histologically confirmed patients of RCC with complete clinical follow-up were retrieved from Medical-Record-Library. Tissue sections of tumor and normal parenchyma were prepared from the blocks. Immunohistochemical studies for Klotho were done with commercially available kit (EPR6856, Ab181373; Abcam, Cambridge MA, USA). Klotho expression was scored between 0–3 and grouped into weak/absent (0, 1) and moderate/strong (2, 3). Tumors stages and grades were grouped into low stage (I and II) and high stage (III and IV) and into low grade (grade 1 and 2) and high grade (grade 3 and 4) according to WHO/ISUP grading. The histopathologists were blinded as to the clinical and follow-up data. Various prognostic factors were analyzed with respect to Klotho expression. Kaplan-Meier curves were created for DFS and OS.

Results:

Fifty-four patients of mean age 55.15 ± 13.34 years and M:F ratio of 1.8:1 were included. Normal renal tissue had strong expression of Klotho in all. In tumor tissue 20 (37%) had negative, 7 (13%) had weak, 14 (25.9%) had moderate and 13 (24.1%) had strong Klotho expression. Significantly more patients had absent/weak Klotho expression with higher grade (16/24 (66.7%) vs 7/25 (28%); p = 0.007), higher stage (22/33 (66%) vs 5/21 (23.8%); p = 0.002), LVI (12/14 (85.7%) vs 2/14 (14.3%); p = 0.002), sinus-fat-invasion (16/21 (76.2%) vs 5/21 (23.8%); p = 0.002), renal-vein-involvement (14/18 (77.8%) vs 4/18 (22.2%); p = 0.004), necrosis (17/26 (65.3%) vs 9/26 (34.6%); p = 0.029) and metastasis (8/9 (88.9%) vs 1/9 (11.1%); p = 0.01). Median DFS and OS were significantly lower in patients with weak/absent Klotho expression (12 vs 23 months, p = 0.023 and 15 vs 33 months, p = 0.006 respectively). Kaplan-Meier curves showed lower estimated DFS and OS in patients with weak/absent expression.

Conclusions:

We conclude that Klotho expression in renal tumor could be a good prognostic marker in patients with RCC.
Long term outcomes and impact on renal function following radical cystectomy
Authors: Tilala Yash Manharla , Panda Sabyasachi , Tripathi Abhilekh , Sharma Sachin , Paul Amiya Shankar , Choudhuri Sanjay , Swain Samir
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

To assess clinical, oncological outcomes and impact on renal function in patients who underwent the radical cystectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy for muscle invasive and high risk non-muscle invasive transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder without evidence of non-regional lymph nodes and distant metastasis.

Materials and methods:

With curative intent total 156 patients underwent radical cystectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy from January 2015 to December 2022. Total 132/156 patients had primary transitional cell carcinoma of bladder. Thirty patients, presented with obstructive nephropathy, operated after stabilization of renal function. Pre-operatively and post-operatively eGFR calculated using modified diet in renal disease formula.

Results:

In present study 114 (86.36%) patients had high grade TCC, 70 (53.02%) patients had organ confined disease. Nodal extension seen in 74 (56.06%) patients. Perioperative mortality noted in 36 (27.2%) patients. The overall survival and recurrence free survival (RFS) over 5 years was 66.67 and 45.45%. RFS was significantly related to pathological stage, nodal status, histological-grade, positivity of surgical margin and time of surgery from diagnosis. Total 92/132 (69.7%) patients had recurrence. Pelvic recurrence in 10/92 (10.87%) whereas 82/92 (89.13%) patients had distant recurrence. Pre-operatively mean creatinine was 2.6 mg/dl and mean eGFR was 38.9 ml/h in patients who presented with obstructive nephropathy after stabilization of renal function. Post-operatively in 46/132 (34.8%) patients had improvement in eGFR while 86/132 (65.2%) patients had deterioration of eGFR over 62 months of median follow up.

Conclusion:

Radical cystectomy provides good overall survival outcomes. Pre-operative eGFR has significant impact on post-operative renal function in long term.
The efficacy and safety of retrograde ureteral stenting in the management of complicated cases of ureteral obstruction caused by urolithiasis
Authors: Mustafa Mahmoud , Aghbar Amir , Alami Ibraheem , Khalil Nabil
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

To investigate the efficacy and safety of retrograde double J stent (RDJS) placement in the management of complicated obstructive uropathy caused by urolithiasis.

Patients and Methods:

An observational study done at a tertiary center was implemented in which a total of 27 patients (10 males, 17 females) with average age of 48.74 years (range: 15–88) who underwent RDJS or percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) between 2017 and 2021 due to complicated obstruction caused by urolithiasis were included.

Results:

A total of 27 patients (10 males, 17 females) with average age of 48.74 years (range: 15–88) who underwent kidney decompression between 2017 and 2021 due to complicated unilateral or bilateral kidney obstruction caused by ureteral stones were included. Twenty-two patients (81.48%) underwent successful RDJS placement, two patients had RDJS placement then PCN was also placed, and two patients underwent PCN placement. Three patients needed an intensive care unit “ICU” after intervention, two of them were in the ICU before intervention. All septic parameters were normalized within a short period postoperatively. Two patients with failed previous ureteroscopy had a successful RDJS placement.

Conclusion:

Retrograde DJS placement is a feasible option in the management of complicated cases of obstructive uropathy caused by urolithiasis. Short hospitalization period, low rate of complications and better quality of life are the most prominent advantages of RDJS placement. In the hands of experienced surgeons, RDJS should be offered as the first choice of decompression for obstructive uropathy caused by urolithiasis.
Role of stacking sequence, metal sheets, and nano particle on strength and toughness of FMLs
Authors: Hussain Syed Hameed , Khurram Aqeel Ahsan , Munir Adnan , Khan Muhammad Salman , Mubashar Aamir
Published: May 2024

The effect of nano particle inclusion and the stacking sequence/metal volume fraction on the tensile strength and energy absorption properties of Fiber Metal Laminates (FML) is investigated. The FML structure is composed of lightweight thin sheets of aerospace grade aluminum alloy 7075 and unidirectional glass fiber composite sheets with Araldite LY5052 thermoset epoxy system as the matrix. The volume fraction of aluminum sheets in the FML structure was varied by increasing the number of aluminum sheets from 2 to maximum 4. In the second batch, the epoxy matrix is reinforced with of multi-walled carbon nano tubes and nano diamond particles together, each with 0.15 wt%. The purpose is to enhance the properties of the epoxy matrix to facilitate higher inter-laminate adhesion (FRP and aluminum). The results of the tensile testing show that with the increase of the metal volume fraction, the tensile strength as well energy absorbing capability (toughness) both are increased. The inclusion of the nano-reinforcements has increased the tensile strength and the toughness of the FML structure as compared to that of the FMLs without nano particles. The strength-to-weight ratio of FML structures is also increased after the inclusion of nano reinforced as desired for aerospace applications.
Study on the characteristics of Napier grass fibre reinforced porcelain filler particulates poly lactic acid matrix biocomposite
Authors: Thandavamoorthy Raja , Devarajan Yuvarajan
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the complex properties of a novel biocomposite by a conventional process, which is composed of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) as the matrix, porcelain particles as fillers, and Napier grass fibre as reinforcement. The primary objective was to evaluate the mechanical, crystalline, water absorption, morphological, and antibacterial properties of the biocomposites in relation to the individual components and their synergistic impacts. When 25 g porcelain particles were added to PLA with Napier grass fibre, mechanical tests demonstrated a 25% increase in tensile strength (maximum tensile strength of 39.76 MPa) and a 30% increase in flexural strength (maximum flexural strength of 41.29 MPa). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a strong interfacial bond between the fibre and matrix, with porcelain particles serving as bridges to facilitate stress transmission. The biocomposite exhibited reduced water absorption due to the inherent hydrophobic nature of porcelain, which enhances its resistance to bacterial growth. The study demonstrates that combining Napier grass fibre with porcelain filler particles synergistically enhances the properties of PLA, creating a viable biocomposite material suitable for use in packaging, automotive, and sustainable building industries.
Antecedents to perceived news media importance and motivations for newspaper use: A needs-based framework
Authors: Moon Junghyun , Peifer Jason T.
Published: May 2024

Amid widespread skepticism about news media actors and journalistic practices, questions about citizens’ use of and dependency upon mainstream news media remain ripe for investigation. This research is designed to deepen an understanding of the concept of Perceived News Media Importance (PNMI) and consider it as a factor undergirding contemporary newspaper use. To this end, this study draws on the frameworks of uses and gratifications (U&G) and media system dependency theory for orienting an understanding of PNMI and its role in motivating newspaper use. Furthermore, based on the theoretical assumption that individuals’ various needs bear a capacity to shape their perceptions of media, Need for Evidence, and Need for Orientation were modeled herein as antecedents to PNMI. Analyses of data from two surveys—the first conducted in 2019 (Study 1: N = 1,077) and, the second, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 (Study 2: N = 546)—confirm that PNMI not only positively predicts newspaper use but also mediates the effects of its hypothesized antecedents on newspaper use. The findings of the study highlight the utility of PNMI and related concepts for understanding citizens’ media consumption behaviors in a rapidly changing and uncertain media environment.