bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges in comparative studies of public security funding in brazilian states
Authors: Peres Ursula Dias , Bueno Samira , Tonelli Gabriel Marques , Pereira Lauana Simplício , Nascimento Talita
Published: February 2024

This article examines public security funding in five Brazilian states: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Ceará, Pará, and Rio Grande do Sul. The study presents the budget structures of these states and aims to understand variations in public security spending, as well as the feasibility of comparing such information across the states. The results reveal that public security expenditures are structured differently, reflecting unequal and complex governance systems where similar actors hold distinct significance in each state, notably the state police forces. Furthermore, in addition to the disparities between states, the analyzed budgets vary within a state over the years. Consequently, comparing public security expenditures in Brazil becomes challenging, highlighting the need for standardized accounting practices among states and greater transparency in monitoring relevant actions to combat violence. Lastly, the findings suggest the potential for comparing the correlation between state expenditures and their outcomes, analyzing efficiency and effectiveness.
Influential factors of the prognosis of patients with winter sports-induced traumatic cervical spinal cord injury complicated with intramedullary hemorrhage and edema after emergency surgical treatment
Authors: Zhang Peinan , Yang Xinming , Yin Yanlin , Yao Yao
Published: February 2024

Objective: To explore relevant influencing factors of the prognosis of patients with winter sports-induced traumatic cervical spinal cord injury complicated with intramedullary hemorrhage and edema after emergency surgical treatment.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 73 cases of traumatic cervical spinal cord injury complicated with intramedullary hemorrhage and edema in The First Hospital Affiliated to Hebei North University from January 2020 to October 2022. The enrolled patients were divided into the good prognosis (n=17) group and poor prognosis (n=56) group according to the recovery of neurological function after six months of follow-up. The risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury complicated with intramedullary hemorrhage and edema after emergency surgery were analyzed by binary Logistic regression.

Results: Among the enrolled 73 patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury complicated with intramedullary hemorrhage and edema, 56 cases showed significant improvement in ASIA Grade-6 months after operation, with an improvement rate of 76.71%. Further Logistic regression analysis revealed that concomitant diabetes, preoperative MSCC>40.83% and recovery rate of AMS <40.13% 3d after operation were independent risk factors affecting the poor prognosis of patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury complicated with intramedullary hemorrhage and edema.

Conclusions: Emergency surgery can improve the neurological function of patients with cervical spinal cord injury complicated with intramedullary hemorrhage and edema caused by winter sports. Concomitant diabetes, preoperative MSCC and recovery rate of AMS 3d after operation are the main factors affecting the prognosis of patients with emergency surgery.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.7644

How to cite this: Zhang P, Yang X, Yin Y, Yao Y. Influential factors of the prognosis of patients with winter sports-induced traumatic cervical spinal cord injury complicated with intramedullary hemorrhage and edema after emergency surgical treatment. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(4):617-622. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.7644

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
ABO and RhD blood groups and their relationship with diseases: A retrospective study
Authors: GOKTAS OLGUN
Published: February 2024

Objective: To retrospectively evaluate the distribution of ABO and RhD blood groups and their relationship with diseases.
Methods: The retrospective study was carried out in Bursa Uludag University Family Health Center in Turkey between 1-28 February, 2023. The data of individuals who were registered with the Family Health Center and whose blood types were known were evaluated retrospectively. Blood group type, sociodemographic findings, existing diseases, allergies, and genetic disease conditions were obtained. P-values below 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Analysis were made in the SPSS 25.0 program.
Results: A total of 3834 people, 1935 male (50.5%) and 1899 female (49.5%) participated in the study. The mean age of the individuals was 26.45±10.45 years. About 75.8 percent of the participants were university students, 6.3 percent were health workers, and 17.9 percent were from other occupational groups. The rates of blood groups were determined as O Rh D+ at 33.5%, AB Rh D+ at 26.9%, A Rh D+ at 14.9%, AB Rh D- at 7.7%, B Rh D+ at 7%, O Rh D- at 4.6%, B Rh D- at 3.2% and A Rh D- at 2.2%. It was determined that the O Rh D- group had a higher rate of genetic disease than the other groups (p=0.01).
Conclusion: It was determined that the O Rh D+ blood group was found more frequently in our region’s population than in other groups. This different result depending on the A Rh D+ blood group, which is the most common throughout the country may have reflected the influence of different geographical regions and ethnic characteristics due to the students in our population. In addition, the results regarding the relationships between blood groups and occupation, genetics, existing disease, presence of allergies, and visual defects in the eye are important.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.8663
How to cite this: Goktas O. ABO and RhD blood groups and their relationship with diseases: A retrospective study. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(4):577-581.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.8663
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Comparison of Masimo Total Hemoglobin SpHb® continuous non-invasive hemoglobin monitoring device with laboratory complete blood count measurement using venous sample: Protocol for an observational substudy of the Pregnancy Risk and Infant Surveillance and Measurement Alliance Maternal and Newborn Health (PRISMA MNH) study
Authors: Farooq Fouzia , Smith Emily R. , Pan Qing , Glass Baumann Sasha , Akelo Victor , Jehan Fyezah , Kasaro Margaret , Nisar Imran , Ouma Gregory , Vwalika Bellington , Spelke M. Bridget , Price Joan T. , Hoodbhoy Zahra
Published: February 2024

Background The Masimo Total Hemoglobin SpHb® is a continuous and non-invasive handheld device to measure hemoglobin levels. Previous research has found that SpHb is able to accurately detect hemoglobin levels in adult patients with a similar degree of bias and standard deviation to point-of-care invasive method measurements. Generally, limited clinical evidence, lack of validation of Masimo at higher than and lower than hemoglobin threshold values, and scientific consensus supporting the use of Masimo for accurate hemoglobin testing for the diagnosis of anemia during pregnancy calls for further research. Methods and analysis The proposed prospective cohort will be nested within the ongoing Pregnancy Risk and Infant Surveillance and Measurement Alliance (PRISMA) Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) study. Three study sites (located in Zambia, Kenya, and Pakistan) will participate and collect hemoglobin data at five time points (<20 weeks, 20 weeks, 28 weeks, 36 weeks’ gestation, and six weeks postpartum). We will measure hemoglobin using a venous blood sample via hematology auto-analyzer complete blood count (gold standard) and the non-invasive device. The primary objective is to assess agreement between Masimo total hemoglobin and complete blood count and on a continuous scale using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient and Bland-Altman Analysis. The second objective is to assess agreement between the two measures on a binary scale using Positive Percentage Agreement and Negative Percentage Agreement, Cohen’s Kappa, and McNemar Test. On an ordinal scale, agreement will be measured using Weighted Cohen’s Kappa and Harrel’s Concordance Index. Lastly, we will assess factors that might affect the accuracy of Masimo total hemoglobin using linear mixed models. Conclusions The primary aim of this study is to assess the validity of the non-invasive Masimo device compared to the gold standard method of invasive hemoglobin measurements during pregnancy and postpartum periods for the diagnosis of anemia.
RAIL PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION IN BORDER PROVINCES IN TURKEY
Authors: Duranlar Selcuk , Gergova Nina
Published: February 2024

Transportation plays a crucial role in the movement of information, capital, goods, and services between different points, impacting both the environment and human society. It encompasses the economic, fast, and secure movement of people and goods to yield spatial and temporal advantages. The advent of the steam engine led to the introduction and continued utilization of steam locomotives in railway transportation. In Turkey, despite the need to establish economic opportunities, resource allocation between the two main transportation subsystems, namely railways and roads, remains an issue. Railway transportation is a highly efficient mode of mass transportation, capable of transferring large numbers of passengers and cargo with minimal energy consumption and air pollution, making it environmentally friendly. It generates less noise compared to other modes of transportation, relative to the freight and passengers it carries, and requires less land and urban space. However, the efficient utilization of railway resources is contingent upon sufficient demand. Turkey's strategic location as a gateway between Europe and the Middle East underscores the need for further development of rail passenger transportation. This would optimize infrastructure resources, enhance environmental sustainability, and promote economic and social benefits through cross-border mobility. This paper examines the challenges hindering the expansion of passenger railway transport and offers solutions and recommendations for the future.
Sleep disorders during pregnancy - its prevalence, characteristic and neonatal implications
Authors: Tomaszuk Sebastian , Wąsik Karolina , Wojtuś Magda
Published: February 2024

Introduction and purpose: Each phase of a woman's life, from childhood to menopause, may be associated with a variety of sleep disturbances. The pregnancy is particularly predisposed to develop sleep disorders such as insomnia, restless legs syndrome and sleep-disordered breathing, which require special management. This article reviews the most common sleep disturbances in pregnancy and discusses epidemiology, pathophysiology, maternal and fetal possible implications and therapeutic options in the pregnant population.
Material and methods of research: The search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholarship databases available to January 2024. 
Results: Although the exact cause of previously mentioned diseases remains uncertain, the impact of hormonal changes, the body mass before pregnancy and weight gaining during gestation on their development is highlighted by researchers. Poor sleep in pregnancy may have negative outcomes for women as well as fetuses and influence the pregnancy course. These sleeping disorders may also contribute to development of other systemic diseases. The management of sleep disturbance in pregnant patients is challenging due to the risk of teratogenicity, pharmacokinetic changes and the dynamic nature of pregnancy, thus nonpharmacologic interventions should be preferred as safer than medications. 
Conclusions: Sleep disturbances result in poorer quality of pregnant women’s life and have negative impact on the condition of pregnancy. Thus, this theme should create the need for additional research on the possibilities of prevention and treatment strategies of sleep disorders in pregnant women.
Does prenatal exposure to antidepressants cause autism? - literature review
Authors: Marczyńska Zuzanna , Grabowska Patrycja , Olesińska Natalia , Bolla Patrycja , Senat Hanna , Senat Aleksandra , Madej Aleksandra
Published: February 2024

Autism spectrum disorder is an increasingly diagnosed disorder among children, yet its pathogenesis is still unknown. Possible causes are sought in genetic mutations, cellular processes occurring in the nervous system during development and external factors affecting the fetus during the prenatal period. In recent years, there have been an increasing number of reports linking the occurrence of the spectrum to antidepressant medications, especially from the SSRI group, taken by pregnant women for depressive disorders, which occur in up to a dozen percent of women in this group. The involvement of serotonin in the development of the nervous system during the fetal period is taken as the reason for this phenomenon. To date, no clear consensus has been reached on this issue, and many distractors in the research are highlighted, such as the effect of maternal depression on fetal development, among others. There is no doubt that further research is needed to better assess the risk of ASD associated with SSRI use and dosage during pregnancy
CORPO-DOCUMENTO E O ESTADO DE MAAFA NA DRAMATURGIA BURAQUINHOS DE JHONNY SALABERG
Authors: Njeri Aza
Published: February 2024

RESUMO: Este diálogo visa evidenciar as impressões do corpo-documento negro  (RATTS, 2006; NASCIMENTO, 2018) no teatro brasileiro contemporâneo, a partir perspectiva da Maafa (ANI, 1994; NJERI, 2020), isto é, da desumanização radical destes corpos. Ativadores permeiam as discussões desta análise social, artística, filosófica e econômica tomando como corpus a dramaturgia do espetáculo teatral Buraquinhos, ou o vento é inimigo do picumã, escrito por Jhonny Salaberg (2018).  Deste modo, contribui-se para os estudos da Literatura e Dramaturgia de autoria negra discutindo conceitos-chaves e  integrando os esforços da luta anti-genocida, antirracista e anti-Maafano Brasil.
A PAISAGEM ENTRE O PRÓXIMO E O DISTANTE: IMAGENS E AROMAS NO SETOR DOS VENDEDORES DE CHEIRO NO VER-O-PESO
Authors: Leal Rios Gabriela
Published: February 2024

Em face ao entendimento da paisagem enquanto experiência que se associa a um arranjo de elementos e a suas dimensões culturais, sociais e sensoriais, e visando ressaltar o papel dos sujeitos como atores na organização desse arranjo, o presente trabalho se propõe a analisar a relação entre as dimensões olfativa e imagética da paisagem do Setor de Ervas do mercado do Ver-o-Peso, em Belém do Pará. Partindo principalmente da interlocução com os erveiros, busca-se estabelecer um diálogo entre práticas, rituais, suas simbologias e a sensorialidade singular que participa da unidade da paisagem. Os aromas, associados às imagens e aos rituais adquirem uma importância situada e sugerem uma forma de ocupar o espaço que parte do contato do espectador com este arranjo da paisagem. Busca-se, então, trazer uma discussão de escala e de sensorialidade ao conceito de paisagem dentro da geografia a partir do enquadramento do Setor de Ervas do Ver-o-Peso enquanto tal.
PERCEPÇÕES DE DOCENTES DOS CURSOS DE GEOGRAFIA DA UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE SANTA MARIA - RS, SOBRE EDUCAÇÃO INCLUSIVA E INCLUSÃO ESCOLAR
Authors: Brinco Lucian Armindo da Silva , Batista Natália Lampert , Werlang Mauro Kumpfer
Published: February 2024

Pensar sobre a inclusão de alunos com deficiência no Ensino de Geografia na contemporaneidade é preciso, ainda mais por ser uma problemática emergente para Educação Geográfica. Com isso, o intento deste artigo foi apurar as percepções de docentes dos Cursos de Geografia (Licenciatura Plena e Bacharelado) da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), localizada no estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS), a respeito de aspectos ligados à educação inclusiva e inclusão escolar. Foram aplicadas entrevistas com docentes dos respectivos Cursos e utilizou-se da abordagem qualitativa para análise dos dados. Assim, constatou-se que esses professores se sentem inseguros para atuar na inclusão dos alunos com deficiência nas aulas de Geografia, principalmente porque, até então, não chegaram a desenvolver práticas pedagógicas com tais estudantes nesses Cursos, sendo que apenas um deles possui formação continuada na área da educação especial. Ademais, sinalizaram que existem avanços na instituição, mas também dificuldades a serem enfrentadas para que a educação inclusiva realmente se efetive. Diante disso, percebe-se que perspectivas futuras para a inclusão na UFSM são imprescindíveis. Os estudantes com deficiência ingressarão nos Cursos de Geografia e a presente instituição precisará dar conta dessa demanda. Debater essas questões nessa Universidade e no campo da Educação Geográfica é, portanto, necessário e, ao mesmo tempo, urgente.
EDITORIAL
Authors: Karol Eduardo , Brito da Silva Maria Brígida
Published: February 2024

Apresenta o volume XX número 1
Report on a novel approach to foundation year 1 doctor workforce planning
Authors: Home Joseph , Bhatkal Shriddha , Johnson Leann
Published: February 2024

In early 2020, North Manchester General Hospital took steps to increase the number of doctors providing out-of-hours cover in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This included introducing higher intensity rota patterns. Following positive feedback, it was decided that maintaining an increased level of staffing at foundation year 1 level across the site was beneficial for both patient safety and junior doctor working conditions. A new workplan was designed to maintain this higher level of out-of-hours cover by foundation year 1 doctors without an unmanageable financial impact on the trust, while complying with workforce regulations. In this model, foundation year 1 doctors work across multiple areas when providing out-of-hours cover, across medicine, surgery, urology and trauma and orthopaedics, rather than staying in their own current parent department. This whole-site model spanned the full 52-week period of the foundation year. In addition to increasing staffing numbers, this structure was also designed to provide foundation year 1 doctors with more stability in their rota pattern and monthly income, while improving their ability to prospectively plan their personal lives. The new model led to 20% additional cover during weekday evenings, 50% additional cover during nights and 60% additional cover on weekend daytimes, at an additional cost of £61 383 per year to the trust, excluding additional employer costs associated with a salary (‘on costs’). Foundation year 1 doctors reported that this model gave them educational opportunities and allowed them to take more breaks. This article describes this model, its implementation, key considerations and the potential to expand it across other NHS trusts.
The state of health care and adult social care in England: notes on the Care Quality Commission's 2023 report
Authors: Harvey Trevor
Published: February 2024

Editorial board member Trevor Harvey opens this month's issue with a discussion of the latest ‘state of care’ report from the Care Quality Commission and the implications for the sector in 2024.
A protocol for a cross-sectional survey exploring the work lives and wellbeing of the mental health nursing workforce in the UK
Authors: Klepacz Naomi , Wadey Emma , Griffiths Peter , Woodnutt Samuel , Snowden Jasmine , Smith Catherine , Baldwin David S , Simons Gemma , Ball Jane
Published: February 2024

Background/Aims

Demand for mental health services is high, but so are vacancy levels for registered nurses in mental health. To effectively address the workforce disparity, we need to engage with nurses to understand better the rewards and challenges of being part of the UK's mental health nursing workforce. The aim of the study set out in this protocol will be to identify modifiable workplace factors impacting nurses' work lives and wellbeing.

Methods

A protocol for an online cross-sectional survey exploring the work lives and wellbeing of registered nurses working in mental health in the UK.

Implications

This survey will provide an understanding of the daily challenges and rewards of mental health nursing. In understanding the modifiable workplace factors impacting nurses, the authors will provide the evidence and recommendations necessary to develop and implement workplace policies and interventions supporting nurse retention, recruitment and wellbeing.
The challenges faced by patients with hereditary myopathy during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Türken Askeri , Çapar Haşim , Kurt Mehmet Emin , Çakmak Cuma
Published: February 2024

Background:

Neuromuscular diseases are inherited and the prevalance of neuromuscular disease is estimated to be around 1:2000.

Methods:

This cross-sectional research was conducted with a qualitative research model. Data were collected from patients with an online survey using the snowball sampling method. The study was conducted in accordance with the STROBE checklist methodology. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyse demographic data, and content analysis was used for qualitative opinions.

Results:

Most of the participants were men and their education levels were low. Participants reported experiencing physical and socio-economic barriers to accessing healthcare. Participants also stated that these barriers have worsened since COVID-19.

Conclusions:

Patients with hereditary myopathy are stigmatised by society and face different problems depending on the type of disease and level of function. It is recommended that decision-makers enable patients with hereditary myopathy in exceptional situations to access healthcare services and take steps to resolve their problems.
Settling into GP culture
Authors: Green Jennifer
Published: February 2024

As more paramedics transition across various roles, Band 6 paramedic, Jennifer Green shares her journey in a new monthly column in 2024, as she makes her way from the ambulance setting into general practice
Effects of wolf and grizzly bear recovery on cougars in the Southern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Authors: Feltner Jennifer
Published: February 2024

Within the large carnivore guild, competitively dominant species can limit the population sizes and alter the behavior of subordinate competitors. However, the mechanisms by which dominant competitors affect subordinates are complex and challenging to disentangle, particularly for free ranging large mammals. For my dissertation, I took advantage of a natural experiment and sixteen years of location data from a subordinate carnivore (cougars), two dominant competitors (wolves and grizzly bears), and a shared prey species (elk), as well as kill site data from cougars in the Southern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (SGYE), a multi-use landscape with numerous anthropogenic impacts. My dissertation was an investigation of three mechanisms, both direct and indirect, by which competition from recovering wolves and grizzly bears affected subordinate cougars in a system where human impacts also play strong roles in shaping dynamics. Specifically, I evaluated 1) whether cougar habitat selection changed as wolf and grizzly bear populations recovered and whether these changes could be attributed to cougars actively avoiding dominant competitors; 2) how cougar access to the habitat of its primary prey species was affected by wolf and grizzly bear recovery; and 3) how kleptoparasitism from recovering wolves and grizzly bears – as well as black bears –may have affected the SGYE cougar population.
 
Featured photo by Yellowstone National Park on Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/2n3TNx8).
Tyranny, Inc.: How Private Power Crushed American Liberty—and What to Do About It by Sohrab Ahmari (review)
Authors: Gurman Hannah
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT: It’s no secret that many younger Americans are disillusioned with the neoliberal order. Even young Republicans exhibit a loss of faith, with positive views of capitalism hovering around 60 percent. For Sohrab Ahmari, this widespread sense of disenchantment represents a political opportunity. Ahmari is on a mission to harness youthful anti-neoliberal energy, with the ultimate goal of remaking the right in the post-Trump era. To advance this ambitious project, his new book, Tyranny Inc., reaches out to both young conservatives, who may still believe in the promises of Ayn Rand and Paul Ryan, and young socialists, who already distrust the libertarian creed but need to be persuaded that Ahmari is on their side.
“ In Der Nakht Fun Nitl . . . ”: Christmas Folklore, Mythology and Stories in Yiddish
Authors: Chad Jordan A.
Published: February 2024

Abstract: A rich array of original Christmas folklore, mythology, and stories exists in Yiddish. In this paper, I present a framework for understanding the Yiddish literary response to Christmas in the context of a dark midwinter folklore that has evolved across cultures since antiquity. Among Christians, this midwinter folklore gave rise to the fundamental Christmas literary motif of the balance of cold and darkness with warmth and light, with the latter two often signifying comfort and goodwill. I argue that the fundamental Christmas literary motif employed in Yiddish is consistent with that of Christians, but key elements are distorted to reflect a distinctly Jewish perspective: Yiddish folklore inverts the figure of Jesus from being the Christian emblem of light into an emblem of midwinter darkness, and modern Yiddish literature adapts the motif of balancing darkness with light as a metaphor for balancing Old World and New World values. Whereas light characteristically prevails in the traditional Christmas story, the Yiddish Christmas story corrupts this optimism to express Jewish sentiments about Christianity and the non-Jewish world.
Robust Anderson transition in non-Hermitian photonic quasicrystals
Authors: Longhi Stefano
Published: February 2024

Anderson localization, i.e., the suppression of diffusion in lattices with a random or incommensurate disorder, is a fragile interference phenomenon that is spoiled out in the presence of dephasing effects or a fluctuating disorder. As a consequence, Anderson localization–delocalization phase transitions observed in Hermitian systems, such as in one-dimensional quasicrystals when the amplitude of the incommensurate potential is increased above a threshold, are washed out when dephasing effects are included. Here we consider localization–delocalization spectral phase transitions occurring in non-Hermitian (NH) quasicrystals with local incommensurate gain and loss and show that, contrary to the Hermitian case, the non-Hermitian phase transition is robust against dephasing effects. The results are illustrated by considering synthetic quasicrystals in photonic mesh lattices.
Robust Anderson transition in non-Hermitian photonic quasicrystals
Authors: Longhi Stefano
Published: February 2024

Anderson localization, i.e. the suppression of diffusion in lattices with random or incommensurate disorder, is a fragile interference phenomenon which is spoiled out in the presence of dephasing effects or fluctuating disorder. As a consequence, Anderson localization-delocalization phase transitions observed in Hermitian systems, such as in one-dimensional quasicrystals when the amplitude of the incommensurate potential is increased above a threshold, are washed out when dephasing effects are included. Here we consider localization-delocalization spectral phase transitions occurring in non-Hermitian quasicrystals with local incommensurate gain and loss, and show that, contrary to the Hermitian case, the non-Hermitian phase transition is robust against dephasing effects. The results are illustrated by considering synthetic quasicrystals in photonic mesh lattices.
Enhanced Spontaneous Radiation of Quantum Dots Based on Modulated Anapole States in Dielectric Metamaterial
Authors: Wang junqiao , Xiong Jing , Liu Xiangpeng , Zhang Hao , Wang Qiaoqiao , Sun Jingyi , Zhang Baolin
Published: February 2024

Dielectric nanostructures exhibit low-loss electrical and magnetic resonance, making them ideal for quantum information processing. In this study, the periodic double-groove silicon nanodisk (DGSND) is used to support the anapole state. Based on the distribution properties of the electromagnetic field in anapole states, the simulated poles are manipulated by cutting the dielectric metamaterial. Quantum dots (QDs) are used to stimulate the anapole and control the amplification of the photoluminescence signal within the QDs. By opening symmetrical holes in the long axis of the nanodisk in the dielectric metamaterial, the current distribution of Mie resonance can be adjusted. As a result, the circumferential dipole moment is altered, leading to an enhanced electric field (E-field) and Purcell factor. When the dielectric metamaterial is deposited on the Ag substrate separated by the silicon dioxide (SiO₂) layer, the structure exhibits ultra-narrow perfect absorption with even higher E-field and Purcell factor enhancement compared to silicon (Si) nanodisks.
Harnessing economic tools for Indigenous climate resilience: Insights from Arctic marine resources
Authors: Kourantidou Melina
Published: February 2024

Economic tools remain under-used in addressing multiple challenges faced by indigenous communities in the rapidly changing Arctic. While there are multiple explanations for this under-use, perceptions that economic principles diverge from indigenous value systems and are rooted in Western paradigms limit the uptake of these tools to bolster resilience in the face of climate change. Nevertheless, Indigenous communities are expected to integrate their traditional systems with the historically imposed colonial systems of resource extraction to sustain their economies and community wellbeing that are challenged by environmental shifts and socioecological transitions. These changes manifest in resource use, availability and management and affect the ways Indigenous knowledge has traditionally guided resource exploitation decisions and practices. Using select examples, this paper argues that economic approaches to the management of marine resources have the potential to improve the well-being and resilience of indigenous Arctic communities. While more work is needed to tailor economic tools to the specific needs of indigenous people, the integration of resource economics and traditional approaches to resource management holds promise for strengthening Indigenous resilience in the face of the profound challenges posed by climate change.
Dog ecology and rabies knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in the Northern Communal Areas of Namibia
Authors: Tenzin Tenzin , Hikufe Emmanuel H. , Hedimbi Nehemia , Athingo Rauna , Shikongo Mainelo Beatrice , Shuro Thompson , Iipinge Johannes , Herman Nelson , Naunyango Matias , Haufiku Frenada , Peter Josephat , Hango Laina , Gottlieb Sara , Shoombe Kenneth , Denzin Nicolai , Busch Frank , Lohr Frederic , Letshwenyo Moetapele , Torres Gregorio , Freuling Conrad M. , Müller Thomas , Shilongo Albertina
Published: February 2024

In 2021, a comprehensive dog demographic questionnaire combined with a KAP survey were conducted in the northern communal areas (NCAs) of Namibia with the aim of gaining a better understanding of dog populations, owner behaviour, and knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) relating to rabies. The survey of 3,726 households across the eight regions of the NCAs provided insights that will inform interventions in order to improve human rabies prevention and Namibia’s dog rabies control strategy. The results showed a relatively low average human/dog ratio (HDR) of 5.4:1 indicating a surprisingly high dog population of at least 272,000 dogs in the NCAs, 93% of which appear to be owned but are free-roaming. Data analysis revealed opportunities but also highlighted needs for improvements in rabies surveillance and mass dog vaccinations. Although knowledge, attitude, and practice scores towards epidemiologic and clinical aspects, human rabies prevention, and dog rabies vaccination were deemed to be acceptable, the survey nevertheless revealed deficiencies in certain aspects in some of the population. Interestingly, data seemed to indicate relatively high dog bite incidences per 100,000 people, ranging between 262 and 1,369 and a certain number of unreported human rabies cases. Despite the very high number of dogs, only 50% of dog-owning households reported having vaccinated their dogs. In order to address these issues, the planning, announcement, and implementation of mass dog vaccination campaigns needs to be adapted to achieve adequate vaccination coverage. Another focus needs to be on rabies awareness and education if Namibia is to be significantly contributing to the global goal of “Zero by 30”.
Deciphering the maternal ancestral lineage of Greek Cypriots, Armenian Cypriots and Maronite Cypriots
Authors: Moutsouri Irene , Manoli Panayiotis , Christofi Vasilis , Bashiardes Evy , Keravnou Anna , Xenophontos Stavroulla , Cariolou Marios A.
Published: February 2024

Cyprus was conquered from several populations because of its special geographical location. In this study, 406 unrelated Cypriot samples were tested based on their mitochondrial DNA. In more detail, 185 were Greek Cypriots, 114 Armenian Cypriots and 107 Maronite Cypriots. This is the first time where the mitochondrial DNA of Greek Cypriots, Armenian Cypriots and Maronite Cypriots is compared with the aim of characterizing the maternal ancestry of Cypriots. The control region of the mtDNA is the most informative in terms of studying maternal ancestry and consists of three hypervariable regions (HVS-I, HVS-II, HVS-III). The hypervariable regions can provide important information regarding the maternal ancestor of the tested samples. The entire control region of the mtDNA was used to determine the mitotypes and subsequently the haplogroups of all the Cypriot DNA samples. Based on the aforementioned analyses, Greek Cypriots were found to be genetically closer to Armenian Cypriots, while Greek Cypriots and Armenian Cypriots showed moderate genetic differentiation with Maronite Cypriots. The most prevalent haplogroups among Cypriots were haplogroups H and U, while R0 is common but in different frequencies for Greek Cypriots, Armenian Cypriots and Maronite Cypriots. It is proposed that the maternal ancestor may have originated during the Neolithic period and/or the Bronze age.
Foreign shareholder, overseas sale and corporate profit margin
Authors: Wen Caihong
Published: February 2024

China is actively promoting the development of a robust trading nation. In this context, utilizing data from China’s A-share listed companies spanning from 2003 to 2021, this study investigates the impact of foreign shareholders on enterprises in a scenario where overseas sales reduce the profit margin of Chinese firms. The findings reveal that overseas sales do indeed decrease the profit margin of Chinese enterprises; however, foreign shareholders mitigate this negative effect and various robustness tests support this conclusion. Mechanism analysis confirms that foreign shareholders primarily enhance enterprise productivity through improved production technology spillover effects, thereby alleviating the adverse impact of overseas sales on Chinese firms’ profit margins. Heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that both longer holding periods for foreign shareholders and multiple foreign shareholders significantly alleviate the negative influence of overseas sales on Chinese firms’ profit margins. Moreover, there is significant heterogeneity in how foreign shareholders alleviate these detrimental consequences based on property rights nature, institutional environment, overseas related party transactions and subsidiaries, as well as industry attributes. These findings have important reference value for China’s efforts towards becoming a strong trading nation and can contribute to enhancing trade capacity in other countries.
A penalized variable selection ensemble algorithm for high-dimensional group-structured data
Authors: Li Dongsheng , Pan Chunyan , Zhao Jing , Luo Anfei
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a multi-algorithm fusion model (StackingGroup) based on the Stacking ensemble learning framework to address the variable selection problem in high-dimensional group structure data. The proposed algorithm takes into account the differences in data observation and training principles of different algorithms. It leverages the strengths of each model and incorporates Stacking ensemble learning with multiple group structure regularization methods. The main approach involves dividing the data set into K parts on average, using more than 10 algorithms as basic learning models, and selecting the base learner based on low correlation, strong prediction ability, and small model error. Finally, we selected the grSubset + grLasso, grLasso, and grSCAD algorithms as the base learners for the Stacking algorithm. The Lasso algorithm was used as the meta-learner to create a comprehensive algorithm called StackingGroup. This algorithm is designed to handle high-dimensional group structure data. Simulation experiments showed that the proposed method outperformed other R2, RMSE, and MAE prediction methods. Lastly, we applied the proposed algorithm to investigate the risk factors of low birth weight in infants and young children. The final results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.508 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.668. The obtained values are smaller compared to those obtained from a single model, indicating that the proposed method surpasses other algorithms in terms of prediction accuracy.
Generalized decomposition of multivariate information
Authors: Varley Thomas F.
Published: February 2024

Since its introduction, the partial information decomposition (PID) has emerged as a powerful, information-theoretic technique useful for studying the structure of (potentially higher-order) interactions in complex systems. Despite its utility, the applicability of the PID is restricted by the need to assign elements as either “sources” or “targets”, as well as the specific structure of the mutual information itself. Here, I introduce a generalized information decomposition that relaxes the source/target distinction while still satisfying the basic intuitions about information. This approach is based on the decomposition of the Kullback-Leibler divergence, and consequently allows for the analysis of any information gained when updating from an arbitrary prior to an arbitrary posterior. As a result, any information-theoretic measure that can be written as a linear combination of Kullback-Leibler divergences admits a decomposition in the style of Williams and Beer, including the total correlation, the negentropy, and the mutual information as special cases. This paper explores how the generalized information decomposition can reveal novel insights into existing measures, as well as the nature of higher-order synergies. We show that synergistic information is intimately related to the well-known Tononi-Sporns-Edelman (TSE) complexity, and that synergistic information requires a similar integration/segregation balance as a high TSE complexity. Finally, I end with a discussion of how this approach fits into other attempts to generalize the PID and the possibilities for empirical applications.
Letter from the editor
Authors: Cassidy Margaret
Published: February 2024

This editorial summaries the contents of the issue and explores some of the common themes among the different authors and works.
The ethics of care in community music
Authors: Mantie Roger
Published: February 2024

A common theme in the articles published in IJCM issue 16:3 is that of the ethics of care. Regardless of context, from retirement care homes to prisons, community music, as it originates in the impulse of ‘intervention’, is premised on care. Although individual instances of community music activity may be governed by rules and policies of a sponsoring organization, community music, as a field held together by its commitment to shared ideals, must grapple with the ethics of care on a voluntary basis. The articles by Clorinda Panebianco and Melani Fouche, Debra Joubert, Tarina Wilkinson and Liesl van der Merwe, Deanna Yerichuk and Cynthia Kinnunen, Iris Kennedy and Margaret S. Barrett, and Edward D. Messerschmidt all help to advance our understandings of care in community music. The issue concludes with two book reviews: Laura Risk reviews Josephine Miller’s (2022) Community-based Traditional Music in Scotland: A Pedagogy of Participation; Lee Willingham reviews Music and Social Inclusion: International Research and Practice in Complex Settings (2023), edited by Oscar Odena.
Community-based Traditional Music in Scotland: A Pedagogy of Participation, Josephine L. Miller (2022)
Authors: Risk Laura
Published: February 2024

Reviewe of: Community-Based Traditional Music in Scotland: A Pedagogy of Participation, Josephine L. Miller (2022)

London and New York: Routledge, 169 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-36724-274-9, h/bk, $120
‘On historical sincerity’ and storytelling: The works of Luisa Etxenike
Authors: Ceberio Cristina Ortiz , Etxenike Urbistondo Luisa
Published: February 2024

This article is divided into three interconnected parts. The first part, written by Cristina Ortiz Ceberio, provides a brief overview of some key elements of the long-standing philosophical discussion on language and violence. The interpretative framework that language can provide to capture reality falls short when confronted with inexpressible experiences of horror and violence, and yet in the case of individual and historical injustices, the need to recount what happened in order to remember remains imperative. This quandary has implications for fiction-writing and it permeates contemporary Basque literature challenged with narrating the context of terrorist violence. The essay ‘On historical sincerity’ by Basque writer Luisa Etxenike included in the second section elaborates on the challenges faced by the author. In her essay, Etxenike stresses the need to engage political reality from an angle of historical sincerity. For Etxenike, historical sincerity in fiction-writing is the key for transmitting the complexity of what happened to younger generations. The third part of this article includes an interview with Etxenike about literature in the face of twenty-first-century challenges.
Restorative justice and terrorist crimes: An experience in the Spanish context
Authors: Pascual Esther
Published: February 2024

In 2011, a pioneering experience of restorative justice was carried out in Spain through restorative encounters between individuals who had suffered the violence of the terrorist organization ETA and those who had exercised it. These encounters, unthinkable at first, were the seed of a practice that is currently becoming more frequent. This article offers a brief introduction outlining the differences between retributive and restorative justice and then describes the experience taking into consideration the motivation of both victims and perpetrators, the conditions needed to make them possible and the outcomes. This article also provides information regarding the number of encounters, where they took place and who the people in charge of their design and implementation were. The author acted as a mediator in the encounters and provides an account from her perspective as one of the key people involved in the process.
Conceptualizing and developing narrative-based virtual reality experiences: A review of disciplinary frameworks and approaches to research
Authors: Dooley Kath
Published: February 2024

This review article examines research into the conceptualization and development of narrative-based virtual reality (VR) experiences with the aim of articulating the overlaps and differences in various disciplinary approaches. The terms ‘conceptualization’ and ‘development’ are used to encompass a range of activities (represented by terms such as ‘screenwriting’, ‘design’, ‘narrative design’ and ‘prototyping’) that might be associated with VR development by researchers from fields of screenwriting and broader screen studies, game studies, interactive digital narrative (IDN) and human–computer-interaction (HCI) fields. The focus of the article is research produced within the last decade, this coinciding with the resurgence of narrative-based VR production driven by affordable, consumer-grade technologies that emerged around 2015. While narrative-based VR is not new, recent technological advancements have enabled greater degrees of realism and an affordable consumer price point, making VR more appealing as an entertainment medium. This has led to an explosion of interest in narrative-based VR experiences in film festivals and conferences, with academic scholarship seeking to understand new practices and tools for creating storytelling experiences with the medium. Through an extensive survey of recent literature, this article seeks to answer the question of how we as researchers can conceive of VR conceptualization and development going forward. The analysis highlights the use of differing terminology across disciplines, which is often linked to understandings of adjacent or earlier media, processes and narrative models explored in these fields. Going forward, the article argues for an interdisciplinary research lens that foregrounds the embodied nature of VR storytelling.
Investigating a cinematic virtual reality narrative framework for screenwriting
Authors: Alves Pedro , Rubio-Tamayo Jose Luis , DurAn-Fonseca Estefany
Published: February 2024

Over the last decade cinematic virtual reality (CVR) has been progressively developing as a meaningful vehicle for impactful and immersive narratives. Recent studies of CVR concepts and components have laid the ground for a CVR narrative theoretical framework that might assist researchers and practitioners to understand this type of virtual reality (VR) experience. While existing studies have isolated key features of CVR, a range of projects from different fields of work or in different stages of production have utilized a range of different screenwriting processes and strategies to address the affordances of this medium. In this article we seek to systematize the key findings of earlier studies into a narrative framework for CVR and to analyse how this framework is reflected in existent models and templates for writing a screenplay for CVR experiences. Furthermore, and based on this narrative framework, we also aim to contribute an exploratory approach to CVR screenwriting by proposing a variative and original screenwriting template. This template addresses the main limitations of the existent screenwriting templates and formats that we analyse in this study while also summoning the main advantages.
Alternative Scriptwriting: Contemporary Storytelling for the Screen, Ken Dancyger, Jessie Keyt and Jeff Rush (2023), 6th ed.
Authors: Shelton James
Published: February 2024

Review of: Alternative Scriptwriting: Contemporary Storytelling for the Screen, Ken Dancyger, Jessie Keyt and Jeff Rush (2023), 6th ed.

Abingdon: Routledge and Focal Press, 442 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-03215-056-7, p/bk, GBP 31.49
Editorial
Authors: Marklund Anders
Published: February 2024

The editorial discusses the importance of Special Issues devoted to a particular topic or theme and welcomes readers to this Special Issue, ‘Contemporary Scandinavian Art Cinema and Screen Cultures in Transition’, curated by Joel Frykholm and Anna Estera Mrozewicz.