bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart Device Ownership and Use of Social Media, Wearable Trackers, and Health Apps Among Black Women With Hypertension in the United States: National Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Kalinowski Jolaade , Bhusal Sandesh , Pagoto Sherry L , Newton Jr Robert , Waring Molly E
Published: September 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

The majority of Black women with hypertension in the United States have smartphones or tablets and use social media, and many use wearable activity trackers and health or wellness apps, digital tools that can be used to support lifestyle changes and medication adherence.
Prevention of Recurrent Spontaneous Preterm Delivery Using Probiotics (Clostridium butyricum, Enterococcus faecium, and Bacillus subtilis; PPP Trial): Protocol for a Prospective, Single-Arm, Nonblinded, Multicenter Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Yoneda Satoshi , Kobayashi Tohru , Kikuchi Kayoko , Iwamoto Shintaro , Teramoto Tsuyoshi , Chujo Daisuke , Otsuki Katsufumi , Nakai Akihito , Saito Shigeru
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

The rate of recurrent spontaneous preterm delivery (sPTD) ranges between 27% and 34% and is 22.3% in Japan. Although it currently remains unclear whether probiotics prevent sPTD, retrospective studies recently reported a reduction in the rate of recurrent sPTD with the administration of probiotics including Clostridium spp., which induce regulatory T cells that play an important role in maintaining pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this trial is to evaluate the preventative effects of available oral probiotics, including Clostridium butyricum, on recurrent sPTD.

METHODS

This is a prospective, single-arm, nonblinded, multicenter trial in Japan. The sample size required for this trial is 345 pregnant women with a history of sPTD, considering a clinically significant reduction in the relative risk of 30% (risk ratio=0.7). The primary endpoint is the rate of recurrent sPTD at <37 weeks of gestation. The secondary endpoints are the rate of sPTD at <34 weeks of gestation, the rate of recurrent sPTD at <28 weeks of gestation, the ratio of intestinal Clostridium spp. (detected by next-generation sequencing), and bacterial vaginosis (using the Nugent score).

RESULTS

The trial procedures were approved by the Clinical Research Review Board of Toyama University Hospital (SCR2020008) on March 31, 2021. The trial was registered on the Japan Registry of Clinical Trial website on April 28, 2021. Recruitment began on May 1, 2021, and the trial is estimated to finish on March 31, 2025.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings will clarify the rate of recurrent sPTD following probiotic administration including Clostridium butyricum. Outcomes from this trial will inform clinical practice and guide future randomized controlled trials.

CLINICALTRIAL

Japan Registry of Clinical Trials jRCTs041210014; https://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCTs041210014

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/59928
Engaging older adults with cognitive impairment in digital health technologies: A systematic scoping review protocol (Preprint)
Authors: Da Sié Mathieu Aymar Romaric , Sasseville Maxime , Hardy Marie-Soleil , Beogo Idrissa , Gogovor Amédé , Amil Samira , Yameogo Achille R , Bergeron Frédéric , Giguère Anik , LeBlanc Annie , Plaisimond James , Rivard-Lacroix Carole , Gagnon Marie-Pierre
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

In Canada, individuals aged 65 and older currently represent 19% of the population, a proportion expected to reach 25% by 2030. This aging population is accompanied by an increase in cognitive disorders, notably Alzheimer’s disease, whose prevalence doubles every five years after the age of 65. The implications of this trend are significant, both for individuals and for society. To address these challenges, it is crucial to promote cognitive health through physical activity, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation, efforts that can be supported by digital health technologies. However, the engagement of older adults with cognitive disorders in utilizing these technologies is essential to fully reap their benefits. This study aims to understand how this engagement is defined and measured, as well as to identify the factors influencing it and its impact on digital health interventions.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to describe how cognitively impaired older adults' engagement with digital health technologies is conceptualized and assessed, and how this engagement relates to the effectiveness of digital health interventions.

METHODS

This knowledge synthesis will employ the scoping review method outlined by Arksey and O'Malley, further developed by Levac et al. A systematic approach following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines and the PRISMA-ScR checklist will ensure reproducibility. A search strategy, created with a medical information specialist from Université Laval, will be applied to Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and Google Scholar, without time restrictions. Two reviewers will independently select titles, abstracts, and full texts. Data extraction will be conducted by the research team and validated by a senior member, resolving disagreements by consensus or a third party if necessary. Descriptive analyses will be done using concept mapping software (Xmind) for a narrative synthesis of the results by themes related to the research questions.

RESULTS

The development of the search strategy and the completion of the selection phases of the review was completed in July 2024. Data extraction and analysis will begin in August 2024, and results are expected to be available in October 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this systematic scoping review will provide a comprehensive overview of the different conceptualizations of engagement with digital health technologies in older people with cognitive impairment, as well as the tools to measure it. This will contribute to a better understanding of the relationships between levels of engagement and the effectiveness of digital health interventions in older people living with neurocognitive disorders.
How far will you go? Support of Homebased Structured Walking Training and Prediction of the 6-Minutes-Walk-Test Distance in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease based on Telehealth Data (Preprint)
Authors: Wiesmüller Fabian , Prenner Andreas , Ziegl Andreas , El-Moazen Gihan , Modre-Osprian Robert , Baumgartner Martin , Brodmann Marianne , Seinost Gerald , Silbernagel Günther , Schreier Günter , Hayn Dieter
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Telehealth has been effective in managing cardiovascular diseases like stroke and heart failure and has shown promising results in managing patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). However, more work is needed to fully understand the effect of telehealth based predictive modelling on the physical fitness of PAD patients.

OBJECTIVE

For this work, from the Keep Pace study were analyzed in depth to gain insights on temporal developments of patients’ conditions and to develop models to predict the patients’ total walking distance at study end. This could help to determine patients who are likely to benefit from the telehealth program and to continuously provide estimations to the patients as a motivating factor.

METHODS

The continuous telehealth data from 19 Fontaine stage II PAD patients granted insights in the increase of the total walking distance of the 6-minute walk tests as a measure for physical fitness, the steady decrease in the patients’ pain and the positive correlation between wellbeing and the total walking distance.

RESULTS

This work shows that the prediction of the total walking distance at study end works well at study baseline (root mean squared error of 30 meters; 7.04% of the mean total walking distance at study end of 425 meters) and continuously improved by adding further telehealth data. Future work should validate these findings in a larger cohort and in a prospective setting based on a clinical outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the prototypical trend estimation has great potential for an integration in the telehealth system to be used in future work to provide tailored patient specific advised based on these predictions. Continuous data from the telehealth system grant a deeper insight and a better understanding of the patients’ status concerning wellbeing and level of pain as well as their current physical fitness level and the progress towards reaching set goals.

CLINICALTRIAL

34-127 ex 21/22 1566-2021, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05619835
Integrating healthcare data in an i2b2 model persisted through Elasticsearch (Preprint)
Authors: GRIFFIER Romain , MOUGIN Fleur , JOUHET Vianney
Published: September 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

The volume of digital data in healthcare is continually growing. In addition to being used in healthcare, the health data collected can also be used for secondary purposes, such as research. In this context, Clinical Data Warehouses (CDW) provide the infrastructure and organization needed to improve the secondary use of health data. Various data models have been proposed for organizing data in a CDW, including the i2b2 model, whose persistence is based on a relational database that can present performance problems when executing queries on massive data. In this article, we evaluate the technical feasibility and performance of an i2b2 implementation with the NoSQL database system Elasticsearch using the Bordeaux University Hospital CDW, which includes data on 2.5 million patients and over 3 billion observations. We propose adaptations of the i2b2 model to take into account the specific features of Elasticsearch. We demonstrate that an Elasticsearch implementation is feasible, with a significant improvement in query performance and for disk space used for storage. This implementation is currently used in production at Bordeaux University Hospital.
A Pilot Study of the Culturally Adapted STAR-Caregivers Virtual Training and Follow-Up Intervention for Latino Caregivers of People Living with Dementia (Preprint)
Authors: Mariscal Miguel Angel , Garcia Celeste Naomi , Ramirez Magaly , Zavala Lily
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Latino caregivers are at an increased risk of negative health outcomes due to the responsibilities of caring for someone with dementia. Although interventions exist to address caregiver burden, they often do not meet the cultural needs of Latino caregivers.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to pilot test the cultural adaptation of the STAR-Caregivers Virtual Training and Follow-Up (STAR-VTF) intervention. The intervention is an evidence-based training program designed to teach family caregivers strategies to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Our research team has conducted past studies to identify and perform culturally relevant adaptations to the online learning modules of STAR-VTF, and this study aimed to pilot these culturally adapted learning modules with a sample of Latino caregivers.

METHODS

Data on feasibility, usability, and acceptability were collected from a pilot test in which Latino caregivers (N=16) used the online learning modules of the STAR-VTF intervention over a 7-week period. Participants completed usability surveys following the completion of each learning module, and acceptability was assessed through semi-structured interviews (N=14) post-intervention. Preliminary outcome measures were also collected, and a descriptive analysis was conducted. The primary outcomes were the Revised Memory and Behavior Problem Checklist (RMBPC) and the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale.

RESULTS

The pilot study results suggest that it is feasible to deliver the culturally adapted STAR-VTF intervention to Latino caregivers, with 93.75% (15/16) of participants maintaining enrollment through intervention completion. The intervention's usability was found to be “good” based on an average System Usability Score of 76.7 out of 100 across all learning modules. Caregivers were generally satisfied with the online learning modules. In addition, preliminary outcome results demonstrated a trend of decreased BPSD pre- versus post-intervention (RMBPC sub-scale score: 28.24 to 21.34). Findings also demonstrated decreased caregiver reaction to BPSD pre- versus post-intervention (RMPBC sub-scale score: 40.40 to 37.21) and increased caregiver preparedness based on pre- and post-intervention (Preparedness Caregiving Scale score: 1.98 to 2.43).

CONCLUSIONS

The pilot study demonstrated that the culturally adapted STAR-VTF intervention is feasible and perceived as easy to use based by a small sample of Latino caregivers. We aim to refine the cultural adaptations of the STAR-VTF intervention further based on feedback from study participants. Future studies are necessary to test the efficacy of the intervention and support the broad dissemination of the culturally adapted intervention.
Investigating the complexity of multidimensional symptom experience in cancer patients: A systematic review of the network analysis approach. (Preprint)
Authors: Richard Vincent , Gilbert Allison , Pizzolla Emanuela , Briganti Giovanni
Published: September 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

Background: Advances in cancer treatments have significantly improved patient outcome. However, cancer patients (CPs) and survivors often experience complex multidimensional symptoms responsible for a decreased quality of life (QoL). Different models have been investigated to understand symptom cooccurrence and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms to guide the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to improve CPs’ QoL. Whereas previous models achieved mitigated results, the network analysis approach seems to offer recent advancements. This article aims to report the current knowledge regarding the contribution of network analysis to explore and predict the complexity of multidimensional symptom experience in CPs.
Methods: A systematic search was performed in four databases (Medline, Embase, Google Scholar and Scopus), from 2010 to 2024, and included all the articles that used the network analysis to evaluate symptoms or symptom clusters in adult CPs, at different stages of the disease management.
Results: Twenty-two studies reporting different symptom networks during the acute and post-acute treatment periods were included. The main challenge in drawing a general synthesis of the evidence is the heterogeneity of the study characteristics, which argues for further standardized research.
Discussion: Network analysis could offer new perspectives, notably in identifying core symptoms in CPs as targets for therapeutic interventions, in exploring the relationship between biological parameters and symptoms, and in generating predictive models and personalized management.
Two-Layer Retrieval-Augmented Generation Framework for Low-Resource Medical Question Answering Using Reddit Data: Proof-of-Concept Study (Preprint)
Authors: Das Sudeshna , Ge Yao , Guo Yuting , Rajwal Swati , Hairston JaMor , Powell Jeanne , Walker Drew , Peddireddy Snigdha , Lakamana Sahithi , Bozkurt Selen , Reyna Matthew , Sameni Reza , Xiao Yunyu , Kim Sangmi , Chandler Rasheeta , Hernandez Natalie , Mowery Danielle , Wightman Rachel , Love Jennifer , Spadaro Anthony , Perrone Jeanmarie , Sarker Abeed
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

The increasing use of social media to share lived and living experiences of substance use presents a unique opportunity to obtain information on side effects, use patterns, and opinions on novel psychoactive substances. However, due to the large volume of data, obtaining useful insights through natural language processing technologies such as large language models is challenging.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to develop a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) architecture for medical question answering pertaining to clinicians’ queries on emerging issues associated with health-related topics, using user-generated medical information on social media.

METHODS

We proposed a two-layer RAG framework for query-focused answer generation and evaluated a proof of concept for the framework in the context of query-focused summary generation from social media forums, focusing on emerging drug-related information. Our modular framework generates individual summaries followed by an aggregated summary to answer medical queries from large amounts of user-generated social media data in an efficient manner. We compared the performance of a quantized large language model (Nous-Hermes-2-7B-DPO), deployable in low-resource settings, with GPT-4. For this proof-of-concept study, we used user-generated data from Reddit to answer clinicians’ questions on the use of xylazine and ketamine.

RESULTS

Our framework achieves comparable median scores in terms of relevance, length, hallucination, coverage, and coherence when evaluated using GPT-4 and Nous-Hermes-2-7B-DPO, evaluated for 20 queries with 76 samples. There was no statistically significant difference between GPT-4 and Nous-Hermes-2-7B-DPO for coverage (Mann-Whitney U=733.0; n1=37; n2=39; P=.89 two-tailed), coherence (U=670.0; n1=37; n2=39; P=.49 two-tailed), relevance (U=662.0; n1=37; n2=39; P=.15 two-tailed), length (U=672.0; n1=37; n2=39; P=.55 two-tailed), and hallucination (U=859.0; n1=37; n2=39; P=.01 two-tailed). A statistically significant difference was noted for the Coleman-Liau Index (U=307.5; n1=20; n2=16; P<.001 two-tailed).

CONCLUSIONS

Our RAG framework can effectively answer medical questions about targeted topics and can be deployed in resource-constrained settings.
Experiences of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Sluiter Amanda , Cazzolli Rosanna , Jaure Allison , Scholes-Robertson Nicole , Craig Jonathan C. , Johnson David W. , Gonzalez Andrea Matus , Sautenet Benedicte , Smith Ben J. , Manera Karine ,   for the SONG initiative
Published: September 2024

Key Points

Loneliness and social isolation are increasingly recognized as global public health issues; however, little is known about the patient and caregiver experience in CKD.

We used qualitative data to explore the experiences of loneliness and social isolation from the perspective of patients and caregivers.

Background

Many patients with CKD experience loneliness and social isolation, which are associated with a higher risk of mortality, morbidity, and poor mental health. We aimed to describe the perspectives of patients with CKD and their caregivers on loneliness and social isolation, to inform strategies to increase social participation.

Methods

A secondary analysis of qualitative data from the Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology initiative dataset (36 focus groups, three Delphi surveys, and seven consensus workshops) was conducted. We extracted and thematically analyzed data from patients with CKD, including those receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis and those with a kidney transplant, as well as their caregivers, on the perspectives and experiences of loneliness and social isolation.

Results

Collectively, the studies included 1261 patients and caregivers from 25 countries. Six themes were identified: restricted by the burdens of disease and treatment (withdrawing from social activities because of fatigue, consumed by the dialysis regimen, tethered to treatment, travel restrictions); external vulnerability (infection risk, anxiety of dining out); diminishing societal role (grieving loss of opportunities, social consequences of inability to work); fending for oneself in health care (no one to relate to, lost in uncertainty, unmet psychosocial needs); undermining self-esteem (unable to engage in activities which previously defined self, shame and self-consciousness about appearance, hindering confidence for intimate relationships); and feeling ostracized (disconnected by family and friends, fear of stigma and being misunderstood, guilt of burdening others).

Conclusions

For patients with CKD and their caregivers, social participation is substantially impaired by the burden of CKD and its treatment and fear of risks to health such as infection. This undermines patient and caregiver mental health, particularly self-esteem and sense of belonging. Additional interventions are needed to improve social connections among people with CKD and their caregivers.
servicio social en salud del Perú: Ni discriminatorio ni inconstitucional
Authors: Garcia Westphalen Luis , Villarreal Julio Francisco
Published: September 2024

El presente artículo tiene por objeto responder las siguientes interrogantes: a) ¿es constitucional la regulación del servicio rural y urbano marginal de salud (SERUMS) del Perú?; b) en una democracia social de derecho como la peruana: ¿es posible establecer la obligatoriedad de un servicio social como el SERUMS para los profesionales de la salud?, y c) ¿debe reformarse el SERUMS? En ese sentido, el presente artículo determina el contenido y los límites del derecho a la libertad de trabajo y a la salud de las personas, concluyendo que un programa de salud pública no afecta la libertad de trabajo, en tanto que: a) se trata de un servicio que persigue una finalidad de relevancia constitucional, la cual es contribuir a lograr que todas las personas accedan de manera equitativa a los servicios de salud (artículos 7o. y 9o. de la Constitución); b) las disposiciones normativas de la Ley del SERUMS han demostrado ser pertinentes para aumentar la cobertura de salud en los sectores rurales y urbano marginales, y c) las restricciones a la libertad de trabajo del personal médico pueden ser justificadas jurídicamente sobre la base del Principio de Solidaridad, que ilumina el Estado Social de Derecho.
Study on the Reinforcement of South China Sea Island Resources and the Impact on Coral Sand Using Microbially Induced Calcification Technology
Authors: Cao Le
Published: September 2024

This paper aims to explore the application of Microbially Induced Calcification Process (MICP) in reinforcing South China Sea island resources and to analyze its impact factors on coral sand. Through literature review and field surveys, it firstly introduces the significance of South China Sea island resources and coral sand, as well as the principles and application methods of MICP technology. Subsequently, through field investigations and experimental design, the effectiveness of MICP technology in reinforcing these islands is assessed, and the changes in coral sand during the MICP process are analyzed. Further, factors affecting coral sand, including microbial activity, environmental conditions, and other factors, are discussed. The research findings indicate that MICP technology can effectively reinforce South China Sea islands and has a significant impact on coral sand, with microbial activity and environmental conditions being among the primary factors. This study provides an important reference for further exploration of the protection and utilization of South China Sea island resources and anticipates future research directions for MICP technology in this field.
Peningkatan Kapasitas Kepala Desa untuk Memajukan Desa melalui BUMDES di Jawa Timur
Authors: Oyong Lisa  , Djuni Farhan  , Sugeng Mulyono
Published: September 2024

Purpose – Badan Usaha Milik Desa (BUMDes) is one of the crucial instruments in advancing villages and enhancing community welfare. The success of BUMDes greatly depends on the capacity of the village head in leading and managing BUMDes. The community service activities aim to enhance the capacity of village heads in the East Java Province to manage BUMDes.
Design/methodology/approach – The community service activities are conducted through training and mentoring methods for Village Heads in the East Java Province.
Findings – The Village Head, after participating in training and mentoring activities, experienced a significant increase in knowledge and skills in managing BUMDes. This improvement encompasses managerial aspects, planning, and the implementation of BUMDes programs. This indicates that the community service activities conducted effectively enhanced the capacity of the Village Head, which in turn has the potential to advance the overall welfare of the village community.
Originality/value – The originality of these community service activities lies in the holistic, integrated, and contextually adapted approach in enhancing the capacity of Village Heads and advancing BUMDes in the East Java Province.
Sosialisasi Penyelenggaraan Pendidikan Inklusif Di SMK Negeri Rawas Ulu Kabupaten Musi Rawas Utara
Authors: Nurwahyuliningsih Eka , Ramdani Jaka
Published: September 2024

Purpose – This activity aims to provide information and increase understanding to students and schools about inclusive education, as well as provide support for the implementation of inclusive education programs in schools.
Design/methodology/approach – The implementation method uses socialization, with several stagncluding the planning stage, preparation stage, implementation stage, and evaluation and mentoring stage. Socialization activities were carried out at SMK Negeri Rawas ulu, North Musi Rawas Regency, attended by all grade X (ten) students from various departments.
Findings – Results The inclusive education program aims to increase access to quality education services that are appropriate for children with special needs and are able to guarantee children the right to education that is equal to other children. The transformation of the education system towards inclusive schools in all regular schools is one of the government programs that is currently being pursued so that it can be implemented properly, including at SMK Negeri Rawas Ulu in North Musi Rawas Regency. With the socialization activities, students can find out information about the inclusive education system and the concept of children with disabilities including the definition of disabilities, various disabilities, facilities and infrastructure that are accessible to people with disabilities, characteristics of children with disabilities, obstacles experienced by people with disabilities; as well as introducing an inclusive environment that is friendly to children with disabilities without discrimination at school. In addition, schools will support and encourage the implementation of inclusive education by developing policies, training teachers, providing infrastructure, developing curriculum and developing an inclusive culture.
Originality/value – Overall, socialization activities have a positive impact not only for schools but also for students, one of which is fostering students' concern for people with disabilities in the school environment and residence and manifesting a disability-friendly school environment.
Quantum-enhanced mean value estimation via adaptive measurement
Authors: Wada Kaito , Fukuchi Kazuma , Yamamoto Naoki
Published: September 2024

Quantum-enhanced (i.e., higher performance by quantum effects than any classical methods) mean value estimation of observables is a fundamental task in various quantum technologies; in particular, it is an essential subroutine in quantum computing algorithms. Notably, the quantum estimation theory identifies the ultimate precision of such an estimator, which is referred to as the quantum Cramér-Rao (QCR) lower bound or equivalently the inverse of the quantum Fisher information. Because the estimation precision directly determines the performance of those quantum technological systems, it is highly demanded to develop a generic and practically implementable estimation method that achieves the QCR bound. Under imperfect conditions, however, such an ultimate and implementable estimator for quantum mean values has not been developed. In this paper, we propose a quantum-enhanced mean value estimation method in a depolarizing noisy environment that asymptotically achieves the QCR bound in the limit of a large number of qubits. To approach the QCR bound in a practical setting, the method adaptively optimizes the amplitude amplification and a specific measurement that can be implemented without any knowledge of state preparation. We provide a rigorous analysis for the statistical properties of the proposed adaptive estimator such as consistency and asymptotic normality. Furthermore, several numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method, particularly showing that the estimator needs only a modest number of measurements to almost saturate the QCR bound.
La buena fe exenta de culpa: utopía de los opositores ante las decisiones del Tribunal Superior del Distrito de Cúcuta- Sala Civil Especializada en Restitución de Tierras
Authors: Bohórquez Galviz Cristian Antonio
Published: September 2024

Este artículo sobre los procesos de restitución de tierras en Colombia establecidos en la Ley 1148 del 2011, nos muestra de donde proviene estos procesos que se contemplan como medidas de reparación para las víctimas del conflicto armado, se establecen su dos etapas procesales: administrativas y judicial, así como recursos y mecanismos utilizados por los opositores que son los actuales titulares de los predios en disputa y que dentro del término  de 15 días realiza la contestación  oponiéndose a pretensiones para su reconocimiento y finaliza con los parámetros para configurar los elementos objetivos de la buena fe exenta de culpa en los fallos expedidos por el Tribunal Superior de Distrito Judicial, Sala Civil Especializada en Restitución de tierras de la ciudad de Cúcuta en la compra de predios rurales del departamento del Cesar, es una investigación documental con técnica interpretativa, analítica propia de las ciencias sociales, en donde se aplicó la metodología hermenéutica jurídica con la revisión legal de la jurisprudencia para resolver la pregunta problema y así poder establecer la conclusión sobre la buena fe exenta de culpa como una utopía de los opositores ante decisiones jurisprudenciales en salas especializadas de restitución de tierras de Norte de Santander.
Notas sobre patriarcado, gênero e cidade na Suméria, IV a II milênios A.E.C.
Authors: Santos Júnior Washington Ramos dos
Published: September 2024

Este artigo tem por objetivo avaliar a relação entre gênero, patriarcado e a cidade na Suméria entre os IV e II milênios A.E.C., já que o conhecimento sobre o passado ilumina as questões teóricas do presente. A metodologia consiste na revisão da literatura acerca dessas temáticas, fundamentalmente em língua inglesa, uma vez que essa discussão teórica ainda é pouco abordada em nosso país. Filiamo-nos à concepção de patriarcado como um mecanismo de reprodução social. Seu surgimento entre 3100 A.E.C. e 600 A.E.C é uma ruptura com os padrões até então existentes de relações sociais e está associado ao surgimento do Estado no início do IV milênio A.E.C e da cidade na Suméria do período Uruk, entre 4.000 e 3.100 A.E.C., o que caracteriza uma fase de transformações profundas, juntamente com a forte hierarquia social e a escrita. Cabe lembrar que havia quatro gêneros na Mesopotâmia: sem gênero, mulher, homem e homem castrado. É interessante perceber que as funções cúlticas de Inanna, deusa de Uruk, demandavam a participação de gêneros ou orientações sexuais outras – nos primórdios do patriarcado já havia diversidade de gênero. Devemos enfatizar que a mesma lógica ocorrida com o gênero, por meio da primazia do homem, ocorreu com a cidade – esta foi – e tem sido – a norma, o padrão, em detrimento de outras práticas espaciais, como o nomadismo e agricultura.
“Pelos meus crias eu mato e morro fora da lei”: amizade, honra e conflitos nas dinâmicas faccionais
Authors: Santos Janrryer Mota , Oliveira Júnior José Miranda
Published: September 2024

O presente artigo tem como objetivo, a partir de uma alegoria etnográfica, fazer uma reflexão e discutir a respeito da existência e dos modos operacionais dos coletivos criminais numa cidade do interior da Bahia, em que os pactos parentais e noções de amizade ganham contornos de extrema relevância para o entendimento do complexo movimento que permeia o denominado “universo do crime”, mediante falas de um interlocutor denominado Pivete.
Size Matters: Historical String Lengths and Possible Tunings of the Chitarrone or Theorbo
Authors: Gao Menglin
Published: September 2024

What was considered the "normal" size for the Italian theorbo or chitarrone upon its creation in the 17th century, and why should 21st century players like us embrace the historical size?

This research tackles the question from several different angles: description in historical texts, surviving instruments, the optimal string gauge and tension, and tone comparison. The study finds the vast majority of surviving chitarroni to have a stopped string length around 88-89cm, with some exceeding 90cm and very few falling short of 80cm. This sparks the question of whether smaller instruments required a different tuning. Upon comparing with lute family instruments from the same era, the logical conclusion is that smaller instruments with string lengths around 76cm most probably did not need to have a double re-entrant tuning which is the standard tuning for all solo chitarrone music. When comparing a large instrument (95cm) and a small instrument (76cm, with single re-entrant tuning), one can hear that they perform very different roles as continuo instruments, and are not mutually replaceable. As modern-day lutenists, one should really embrace the large size if one wishes to play the chitarrone, and develop a technique to suit the instrument, instead of scaling down the instrument to suit the technique.

Menglin Gao has been a recorder player, a countertenor, and now a theorbist, studying at the Royal Conservatoire of the Hague. He is the founder and director of the Shanghai Camerata, an early music ensemble based in Shanghai, China.
Spatial awareness in instrumental music: Transformations of attention in a situation, becoming musical structure.
Authors: Nikos Kokolakis
Published: September 2024

Even though the idea that “space and spatial experience as aesthetically central” regarding its sonic attributes is a central topic in acousmatic music, it is also of interest for orchestral composers, especially from 20th century onwards. The sound of the 20th century is so broad that gives today’s composers the potential of exploring a vast richness of “first heard” structures, that came as a result of the experiments and achievements of the past, and consequently to form their personal voice which can be relevant to it and capable to converse with it. A greater level of abstraction is needed in order to manage to condense what this knowledge offers to us and the consideration of space during the composition procedure seems to provide us a good starting point since many of the attributes of contemporary music could be included in it. Additionally it seems that a greater level of abstraction would not necessarily make the music less accessible to the audiences if such systems of abstraction take into account research into human physiology and considers the every-day environment. Regarding space in a macro structural level can provide us with the appropriate means to create an experience based on its phenomenology while contemplating its micro structure can lead us to results which are unifying sound qualities that otherwise could be considered to belong in different scopes.
The advent of the transverse flute in Italy and its use in mixed consorts during the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries
Authors: Giuditta Isoldi
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Title of Research:
The advent of the transverse flute in Italy and its use in mixed consorts during the sixteenth and ear-ly seventeenth centuries

Research Question:
Which were the possible combinations of instruments that included flute and which occasions saw performances of these mixed consorts?

Summary of results:
The performance of vocal polyphony on instruments during the sixteenth century appears to be guided by two main ideas. On the one hand, musicians tried to imitate the a cappella choir with homogeneous instrumental consorts, or whole consorts, where the instruments belonged to the same family. On the other hand, they tried to maintain the polyphonic texture clear, letting instruments with a very different timbre play in a mixed choir, or mixed consort. Based on a wide array of sources (letters, chronicles, iconography, inventories, instruction treatises, and surviving instruments) my Research Paper investigates the possibilities of combining the flute with other instruments and with voices in mixed consort settings. My main conclusion is that whole and mixed consorts did not follow a completely separate development, but the two choirs would often overlap and integrate in many different combinations, with much freedom and invention. This consideration should encourage modern performers of secular Italian music of the sixteenth century to keep their mind open to the possibility of transforming a cappella compositions into colorful ensembles mixing voices and different instruments.

Biography:
Giuditta Isoldi studied at the Conservatory of Florence, where she graduated in Flute with Paolo Zampini. In 2010 she moved to the Netherlands where she focused her studies on Historical in-formed Performance Practice of the flute and she obtained a Bachelor in Traverso with Barthold Kuijken at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. Next to Traverso, she studies baroque Oboe with Frank de Bruine. She is currently attending a Master in Traverso at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague with Barthold Kuijken, Kate Clark and Wilbert Hazelzet.
Giuseppe Torelli and the birth of the Violin Concerto
Authors: Pietro Battistoni
Published: September 2024

Giuseppe Torelli (1658-1709), a violinist and composer famous all over Europe during his lifetime, has not received much attention in today's concert programs and academic environments.

This research has a twofold intention: reconstruct the life of Torelli and investigate the origins of a genre of which he is considered to be the father, the soloistic concerto. As a case of study, an in-depth analysis is been drawn of one violin concerto, which has a debated authorship nowadays, poised between Torelli and Vivaldi.

The results are presented in three chapters: the first one contains the biography; in the second one it is outlined how Torelli redefined the form of the pre-existing Concerto Grosso, thanks to the activity of his predecessors and to the peculiar context in which he was active. This process resulted in the arise of the concerto for solo instrument, which already presented all the characteristics that made this musical form so popular and successful amongst his contemporaries and the following generations. The third chapter consists of an analysis of the Concerto for violin in D minor A.2.3.9/RV813. Through the examination of the primary sources, its transcription for solo keyboard made by Johann Sebastian Bach and the stylistic patterns used, I intend to demonstrate that the attribution to Torelli is more plausible.

The inquiry about this repertoire through a musicological and historical contextualization can bring to a more grounded awareness in how to approach this music as a performer and, hopefully, it will lead to a rediscovery of musical treasures.
Intabulation as process and practice (Master thesis)
Authors: Asako Ueda
Published: September 2024

Research Title:
Intabulation as process and practice

Research questions:

When it comes to the manifold surviving solo lute intabulations from around 1500, where is the line between "unwritten" and "written" intabulation?
Intabulating involves the writing out of several parts into tablature, but does this twofold distinction really apply to all pieces?
What was the process of appropriation of vocal polyphony for a lutenist of the early 16th century?
How can we apply this to our own processes?

Abstract:

Intabulation refers to the arrangement of vocal pieces for what Johannes Tinctoris refers to as a “perfect instrument”, amongst which he counts such instruments as keyboards and the lute – and it implies writing out the parts of a polyphonic composition into tablature. However, after playing many surviving intabulations for several years, I had a strong feeling that there must be an “unwritten” solo lute intabulation practice behind the “written” intabulations from the beginning of the 16th century, in contrast to the more “composed” intabulations from the time after the mid-16th century. While surviving sources provide us with much information on what lutenists played, they also hide the “unwritten” practice which they did not record. We can only imagine what was happening. In this thesis, I investigate the process of intabulation by lute players from this time by analysing and comparing different versions of the same song from different sources. Through this research, I trace the transition of the changing style of intabulation, which is in turn related to the transition of lute technique from plectrum to finger-plucked and the change in style of the vocal models. Moreover, the diffusion of printed music changed the manner of the transmission of music. To conclude, I hypothesise that lute players might have listened to and copied each other’s intabulations unconsciously, and when they wanted to preserve their work, they might have made some adjustments to their intabulations. The study also suggests how to apply these ideas to actual intabulation practice, which will be presented in the Research Symposium online as a video format.

Biography:
The Japanese lutenist Asako Ueda studied the lute at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague with Mike Fentross and Joachim Held and completed her Bachelor's with the highest achievable mark, which gives her the opportunity to continue to the Master’s program with the Excellence Scholarship of the Royal Conservatory of the Hague. She won first prize at the Biagio Marini Competition and third prize at the International Van Wassenaer Competition.
She started playing the violin at the age of five. After finishing her Bachelor’s degree with the violin in Tokyo, she continued to study the Baroque violin and composition.
https://asakoueda.com
Examination of mid-nineteenth century double bass playing based on A. Müller and F.C. Franke’s discourse in the Neue Zeitschrift für Musik, 1848 – 1851
Authors: Shanti Nachtergaele
Published: September 2024

Name: Shanti Nachtergaele

Main Subject: Violone

Research Coach: Anna Scott

Title of Research: Examination of Mid-Nineteenth Century Double Bass Playing Based
on A. Müller and F.C. Franke’s Discourse in the Neue Zeitschrift für Musik, 1848 – 1851:
With a discussion of the relevance of historical techniques to modern conventional and
historically informed (‘HIP’) performance practices

Research Questions:
• Should historical double bass techniques be incorporated into historically informed
performance (‘HIP’) practices today, and how can historical techniques be used to
enhance modern performances?
• Who was F.C. Franke, what insights can he and August Müller provide about the state
of double bass playing c. 1850, and which of their ideas can be applied by double
bassists today?
• Can Müller’s and Franke’s contrasting ideas be combined, and what benefits does this
integration offer to both ‘HIP’ and mainstream modern performers?

Summary of Results:
In the period 1849 - 1851, a collection of articles by A. Müller and F.C. Franke appeared
in the Neue Zeitschrift für Musik, which discussed various aspects of double bass playing.
The two double bassists agreed on some points, including that the double bass has a very
important role in the orchestra, that there was a lack of good double bass players at the
time, and the general characteristics of a good instrument; but they debated other
subjects, such as playing stance, left hand technique, bow technique, the components of
daily practice, and the common practice of simplifying double bass parts. Their
discussion on these topics has implications for historically informed performance,
especially in regards to the performance of orchestral works. During my presentation I
will briefly discuss the historical background of my research, including biographical
information, the state of double bass playing in the mid-nineteenth century. Using
recorded audio and video examples and live demonstrations, I will then discuss the
practical components of this artistic research: Franke’s and Müller’s opposing fingering
methods, and Müller’s suggested modifications of the double bass parts of Beethoven's
symphonies.

Biography:
Shanti Nachtergaele grew up in California (USA), and holds a Bachelor of Music degree
in Double Bass Performance from Shenandoah Conservatory, where she studied with
Donovan Stokes. She currently studies historic double bass and 8’ violone with Maggie
Urquhart, and is interested in exploring historical perspectives of bass pedagogy and
technique. Her research won the student division of the 2014 International Society of
Bassists Research Competition, and she has been invited to present at the ISB’s 2015
convention.
Body Language
Authors: Charlotte Houberg
Published: September 2024

Name: Charlotte Houberg

Main Subject: Classical Singing Research Supervisor: Gerda van Zelm

Title of Research:
Body language of a singer on stage

Research Question:
How can a singer on stage use his body language to support his expression?

Summary of Results:
By the use of different research methods, there have been created ideas and strategies to become aware of your body language and how to use it in a confident way on stage. Body language is, next to singing, an equally important communication tool for singers on stage. It shows knowledge of the movements of the body and understanding of the role or character. The libretto can be translated into body language, so the audience can understand it without knowing exactly what text is sung. It can be concluded that all body parts can be chosen to show a certain mood which fits within the role or character. Gestures do not have to be over- exaggerated, because the audience is able to see and interpret small signs, even from a distance. Consciously chosen body language is easier to decode than spontaneous body language and can be more convincing, even though the singer is not in that certain
mood. Body language is part of the luggage of a singer and a tool for showing his expression and intentions.
I chose for the form of a research paper, because I would like to share new or expanded knowledge with my colleagues by doing an in-depth research.

Biography:
Charlotte (1991) takes part in Studio 32, an opera studio of her teacher Henny Diemer. She sang the roles Amor (Cadmus et Hermione), Zerlina (Don Giovanni) and Bess (Porgy and Bess). She had a tour with Sinfonia Rotterdam and sang solo with several Dutch orchestras. In Jordan she performed Miroir de Peine of Andriessen with the Amman Orchestra. She has been invited for chamber concerts and has given song recitals on several stages of the Netherlands. From the oratorio repertoire she sings regularly the Matthew Passion (Bach) and the requiem (Fauré and Mozart). She will sing the role First Witch in the new opera of Andriessen (The Theatre of the World) in LA and Amsterdam.
How Do I Compose Music Based on Game Rules? Transforming the Emotions of a Game Into Music
Authors: Il Hoon Son
Published: September 2024

HOW DO I COMPOSE MUSIC BASED ON GAME RULES?
Transforming the emotions of a game into music