bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disparities in postoperative opioid prescribing by race and ethnicity: an electronic health records-based observational study from Northern California, 2015–2020
Authors: Romanelli Robert J. , Shenoy Rivfka , Martinez Meghan C. , Mudiganti Satish , Mariano Louis T. , Zanocco Kyle A. , Wagner Zachary , Kirkegaard Allison , Watkins Katherine E.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To examine racial and ethnic disparities in postoperative opioid prescribing.

Data sources

Electronic health records (EHR) data across 24 hospitals from a healthcare delivery system in Northern California from January 1, 2015 to February 2, 2020 (study period).

Study design

Cross-sectional, secondary data analyses were conducted to examine differences by race and ethnicity in opioid prescribing, measured as morphine milligram equivalents (MME), among patients who underwent select, but commonly performed, surgical procedures. Linear regression models included adjustment for factors that would likely influence prescribing decisions and race and ethnicity-specific propensity weights. Opioid prescribing, overall and by race and ethnicity, was also compared to postoperative opioid guidelines.

Data extraction

Data were extracted from the EHR on adult patients undergoing a procedure during the study period, discharged to home with an opioid prescription.

Principal findings

Among 61,564 patients, on adjusted regression analysis, non-Hispanic Black (NHB) patients received prescriptions with higher mean MME than non-Hispanic white (NHW) patients (+ 6.4% [95% confidence interval: 4.4%, 8.3%]), whereas Hispanic and non-Hispanic Asian patients received lower mean MME (-4.2% [-5.1%, -3.2%] and − 3.6% [-4.8%, -2.3%], respectively). Nevertheless, 72.8% of all patients received prescriptions above guidelines, ranging from 71.0 to 80.3% by race and ethnicity. Disparities in prescribing were eliminated among Hispanic and NHB patients versus NHW patients when prescriptions were written within guideline recommendations.

Conclusions

Racial and ethnic disparities in opioid prescribing exist in the postoperative setting, yet all groups received prescriptions above guideline recommendations. Policies encouraging guideline-based prescribing may reduce disparities and overall excess prescribing.
Transmission risk of Oropouche fever across the Americas
Authors: Romero-Alvarez Daniel , Escobar Luis E. , Auguste Albert J. , Del Valle Sara Y. , Manore Carrie A.
Published: May 2023

Background

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are important contributors to the global burden of infectious diseases due to their epidemic potential, which can result in significant population and economic impacts. Oropouche fever, caused by Oropouche virus (OROV), is an understudied zoonotic VBD febrile illness reported in Central and South America. The epidemic potential and areas of likely OROV spread remain unexplored, limiting capacities to improve epidemiological surveillance.

Methods

To better understand the capacity for spread of OROV, we developed spatial epidemiology models using human outbreaks as OROV transmission-locality data, coupled with high-resolution satellite-derived vegetation phenology. Data were integrated using hypervolume modeling to infer likely areas of OROV transmission and emergence across the Americas.

Results

Models based on one-support vector machine hypervolumes consistently predicted risk areas for OROV transmission across the tropics of Latin America despite the inclusion of different parameters such as different study areas and environmental predictors. Models estimate that up to 5 million people are at risk of exposure to OROV. Nevertheless, the limited epidemiological data available generates uncertainty in projections. For example, some outbreaks have occurred under climatic conditions outside those where most transmission events occur. The distribution models also revealed that landscape variation, expressed as vegetation loss, is linked to OROV outbreaks.

Conclusions

Hotspots of OROV transmission risk were detected along the tropics of South America. Vegetation loss might be a driver of Oropouche fever emergence. Modeling based on hypervolumes in spatial epidemiology might be considered an exploratory tool for analyzing data-limited emerging infectious diseases for which little understanding exists on their sylvatic cycles. OROV transmission risk maps can be used to improve surveillance, investigate OROV ecology and epidemiology, and inform early detection.
Assessing the effects of hyperparameters on knowledge graph embedding quality
Authors: Lloyd Oliver , Liu Yi , R. Gaunt Tom
Published: May 2023

Embedding knowledge graphs into low-dimensional spaces is a popular method for applying approaches, such as link prediction or node classification, to these databases. This embedding process is very costly in terms of both computational time and space. Part of the reason for this is the optimisation of hyperparameters, which involves repeatedly sampling, by random, guided, or brute-force selection, from a large hyperparameter space and testing the resulting embeddings for their quality. However, not all hyperparameters in this search space will be equally important. In fact, with prior knowledge of the relative importance of the hyperparameters, some could be eliminated from the search altogether without significantly impacting the overall quality of the outputted embeddings. To this end, we ran a Sobol sensitivity analysis to evaluate the effects of tuning different hyperparameters on the variance of embedding quality. This was achieved by performing thousands of embedding trials, each time measuring the quality of embeddings produced by different hyperparameter configurations. We regressed the embedding quality on those hyperparameter configurations, using this model to generate Sobol sensitivity indices for each of the hyperparameters. By evaluating the correlation between Sobol indices, we find substantial variability in the hyperparameter sensitivities between knowledge graphs with differing dataset characteristics as the probable cause of these inconsistencies. As an additional contribution of this work we identify several relations in the UMLS knowledge graph that may cause data leakage via inverse relations, and derive and present UMLS-43, a leakage-robust variant of that graph.
Exercise Promotes Tissue Regeneration: Mechanisms Involved and Therapeutic Scope
Authors: Liu Chang , Wu Xinying , Vulugundam Gururaja , Gokulnath Priyanka , Li Guoping , Xiao Junjie
Published: May 2023

Exercise has well-recognized beneficial effects on the whole body. Previous studies suggest that exercise could promote tissue regeneration and repair in various organs. In this review, we have summarized the major effects of exercise on tissue regeneration primarily mediated by stem cells and progenitor cells in skeletal muscle, nervous system, and vascular system. The protective function of exercise-induced stem cell activation under pathological conditions and aging in different organs have also been discussed in detail. Moreover, we have described the primary molecular mechanisms involved in exercise-induced tissue regeneration, including the roles of growth factors, signaling pathways, oxidative stress, metabolic factors, and non-coding RNAs. We have also summarized therapeutic approaches that target crucial signaling pathways and molecules responsible for exercise-induced tissue regeneration, such as IGF1, PI3K, and microRNAs. Collectively, the comprehensive understanding of exercise-induced tissue regeneration will facilitate the discovery of novel drug targets and therapeutic strategies.
Intelligent design: stablecoins (in)stability and collateral during market turbulence
Authors: De Blasis Riccardo , Galati Luca , Webb Alexander , Webb Robert I.
Published: May 2023

How does stablecoin design affect market behavior during turbulent periods? Stablecoins attempt to maintain a “stable” peg to the US dollar, but do so with widely varying structural designs. The spectacular collapse of the TerraUSD (UST) stablecoin and the linked Terra (LUNA) token in May 2022 precipitated a series of reactions across major stablecoins, with some experiencing a fall in value and others gaining value. Using a Baba, Engle, Kraft and Kroner (1990) (BEKK) model, we examine the reaction to this exogenous shock and find significant contagion effects from the UST collapse, likely partially due to herding behavior among traders. We test the varying reactions among stablecoins and find that stablecoin design differences affect the direction, magnitude, and duration of the response to shocks. We discuss the implications for stablecoin developers, exchanges, traders, and regulators.
Myelin degradation, axonal changes and expression trajectories of glial cells stimulated by rapid head insult in humans to estimate approximate time elapsed since trauma
Authors: Sharma Meenakshi , Subramanian Arulselvi , Suri Vaishali , Mathur Purva , Prakash Shyam , Chakraborty Nabarun , Agrawal Deepak , Pandey R. M. , Raina Anupuma , Malhotra Rajesh , Lalwani Sanjeev
Published: May 2023

Background

Post severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI), axonal alterations lead to myelin loss and its degeneration. In the recovery phase, numerous intermingled biochemical pathways involving complex inflammatory reactions cloud the understanding of this yet undiscerned process that also varies with agonal period. In cases with dubious histories, approximating the survival time can be challenging, and expression levels of characteristic markers may aid forensic experts in the same.

Methods

This exploratory study recruited 100 samples—68 sTBI, 22 non-TBI and 10 age- and sex-matched control samples. Male:female ratio was 87:13. Histochemical staining using H&E was used to characterize myelination pattern, and IHC of GFAP and CD-68 were performed to assess astroglial and microglial reactions with respect to survival time in specific sites.

Result

Among sTBI, non-TBI and control recruits, sTBI patients depicted significant myelination abnormalities, astroglial proliferation and microglial reaction and varying with survival time. Non-TBI and control samples depicted nearly similar profiles.

Conclusion

In order to untangle the complex mesh of biochemical responses, nuanced research on individual factors (both pre- and post mortem) with regard to specific site and survival time are warranted. Standardizing experimental data and converting it into empirical data shall aid forensic experts in suggesting approximate agonal period.
Buying electricity resilience: using backup generator sales in the United States to understand the role of the private market in resilience
Authors: Thompson Daniel , Pescaroli Gianluca
Published: May 2023

Disruptions to key lifelines, especially electrical power, can cause outsized impacts on human functioning. The state of the art on developed countries has focused on enhancing resilience to electrical grid infrastructure but has neglected to track changes regarding how the private market has developed electricity continuity measures over time. Backup generators are among the most accessible tools to maintain electricity continuity in case of power failure, but their role as a buffer remains understudied outside the technical domain, along with the humanitarian and emergency response sectors.

This paper analyzes generator sales across the U.S. to understand some underlying trends that may have influenced changes in consumer preference for electricity resilience. Reports from major backup generator sellers and import data of backup generators reveal an increase in backup generators across the U.S. and find that private demand for energy resilience is likely increasing due to consumers’ perceived risk and rising levels of intolerance to power disruptions. The discussion finds that an increase in private demand and use of backup generators may be impacting electricity resilience at a communal and societal level, which seems to be underexamined by studies focusing on private generator usage in the U.S..
Mid-regional proadrenomedullin as a potential prognostic factor of NIV outcome in AECOPD
Authors: Elnady Mohamed Abd El Hakim , Assal Hebatallah Hany , Kandeel Reham Hassan , Elaguizy Menatallah Mohamed , Elwafa Gihan Saad Abo
Published: May 2023

Background

Early prediction of non-invasive ventilation failure by using clinical parameters and scoring systems is a promising strategy for reducing mortality in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Our aim was to assess predictors of non-invasive ventilation failure in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the prognostic role of mid-regional proadrenomedullin.

Results

Forty-five patients were enrolled, comprising thirty-six males and nine females with mean age 63.4 ± 9.22 years. Mid-regional proadrenomedullin could not predict non-invasive ventilation outcome, while acute physiology and chronic health evaluation score, blood pH, arterial carbon dioxide and platelet count had predictive value.

Conclusion

Prediction of non-invasive ventilation outcome in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients is multifactorial and mid-regional proadrenomedullin alone could not predict this outcome.
Long-Term Risk of Being Bedridden in Elderly Patients Who Underwent Oncologic Surgery: A Retrospective Study Using a Japanese Claims Database
Authors: Konishi Takaaki , Sasabuchi Yusuke , Matsui Hiroki , Tanabe Masahiko , Seto Yasuyuki , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: May 2023

Background

Although functional outcomes are important in surgery for elderly patients, the long-term functional prognosis following oncologic surgery is unclear. We retrospectively investigated the long-term, functional and survival prognosis following major oncologic surgery according to age among elderly patients.

Methods

We used a Japanese administrative database to identify 11,896 patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent major oncological surgery between June 2014 and February 2019. We investigated the association between age at surgery and the postoperative incidence of bedridden status and mortality. Using the Fine–Gray model and restricted cubic spline functions, we conducted a multivariable, survival analysis with adjustments for patient background characteristics and treatment courses to estimate hazard ratios for the outcomes.

Results

During a median follow-up of 588 (interquartile range, 267–997) days, 657 patients (5.5%) became bedridden and 1540 (13%) died. Patients aged ≥ 70 years had a significantly higher incidence of being bedridden than those aged 65–69 years; the subdistribution hazard ratios of the age groups of 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, and ≥ 85 years were 3.20 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53–6.71), 3.86 (95% CI 1.89–7.89), 6.26 (95% CI 3.06–12.8), and 8.60 (95% CI 4.19–17.7), respectively. Restricted cubic spline analysis demonstrated an increase in the incidence of bedridden status in patients aged ≥ 65 years, whereas mortality increased in patients aged ≥ 75 years.

Conclusions

This large-scale, observational study revealed that older age at oncological surgery was associated with poorer functional outcomes and higher mortality among patients aged ≥ 65 years.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) - How to reduce the risk?
Authors: Dengler Barbara , Wolanin Marta , Stawikowski Cezary , Zielonka Bartłomiej , Osińska Aleksandra , Wolanin Izabela , Madej Karolina , Stachyra Bartłomiej , Kowalczyk Ilona , Krasa Aleksandra
Published: May 2023

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a complex, multifactorial phenomenon with an etiology that has not been fully clarified to this day. Despite a noticeable decrease in the number of SIDS cases worldwide, sudden infant death syndrome remains one of the most common causes of death among children in infancy. Sudden infant death syndrome is still the subject of scientific research aimed to clearly determine and identify potential pathogenetic factors responsible for the occurrence of SIDS. Many years of efforts to clarify the etiology of the discussed issue have made it possible to characterize important factors that increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. In addition, research has made it possible to develop important approaches that make a significant contribution to reduce the risk of SIDS in an infant. Complete knowledge of the specific conditions that have a protective effect against SIDS will significantly reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, so a very important aspect is not only their precise analysis, but also their propagation among the public.
Candida albicans in oral cavity
Authors: Kuna Anna , Wrońska Anna
Published: May 2023

Candida albicans is a fungus that often colonizes the human body as a commensal without causing any symptoms. Several C. albicans virulence factors have been described in the literature, of which the best known are adhesion to host mucosa cells and secretion of hydrolytic enzymes. The transition from colonization to infection depends not only on the virulence of the fungus, but also on the response of the host to the invasion. This literature review focuses on the different forms of oral candidiasis, and discusses the symptoms, clinical picture and treatment of this disease.
Combating the Disinfodemic and Spreading Digital Literacy in Indonesia: Analyzing Japelidi's #japelidivshoakscovid19 Campaign
Authors: Astuti Yanti Dwi , Attaymini Rahmah , Dewi Maya Sandra Rosita , Zuhri Achmad
Published: May 2023

The Digital Literacy Activist Network (Japelidi) aims to combat the disinfodemic, increase digital literacy competency, and spread accurate information about COVID-19 through social media campaigns, videos, posters, and an anthology book, with the hope of strengthening the community's immunity against the virus. This study aims to analyze and investigate Japelidi’s action campaign to combat the disinfodemic by using the hashtag #japelidivshoakscovid19 on social media. This study uses the netnographic method to analyze content uploaded on social media to increase engagement rates. Data was collected through online observation methods, interviews, and documentation and analyzed based on various factors such as upload date, number of likes, views, comments, and hashtags. Japelidi launched a campaign called Japelidi vs. Hoaks COVID-19, which included three types of content. These contents provided tips for safe interactions during the pandemic, information in 42 regional languages about caring for oneself and one family, and reliable information about COVID-19. The campaign aimed to provide a sense of belonging, accomplishment, and helpful tips to combat COVID-19. Japelidi's campaign met specific core actions, providing a platform to combat misinformation on social media, a sense of belonging and a sense of accomplishment, and offering tips for healthcare providers. They collaborated internally and externally to create digital content in 42 regional languages, and they should continue campaigning to fight the disinfodemic virus during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia.
Inhibiting Factors for Collaborative Water Governance: A Case Study of Mount Merapi Ecosystem in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Harjanta Sri Lestari , Ningrum Dyaloka Puspita
Published: May 2023

The ecosystem around Mount Merapi, Indonesia, has many potential water sources. Still, poor management and a decrease in springs may lead to a water crisis in 2029 that could affect millions of residents in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This study aims to identify the inhibiting factors for collaborative water governance under the threat of a water crisis. This research used qualitative descriptive research with data collected through interviews, documents, and observations. The analysis involved data reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing/verification to explore Yogyakarta's water management aspects. The study suggests that collaborative water governance involving multiple stakeholders, including non-government actors, is crucial for effective water management. The local government dominates water management, while private and community groups have minimal involvement. There is a need for more specific regulations that comprehensively regulate water management and conservation efforts in the regions. Water management in Yogyakarta is classified under traditional governance due to the limited involvement of non-government actors and the  minimal participation space provided by the regional government. A comprehensive regulation is needed to address water conservation, and complete collaboration among stakeholders is necessary to overcome obstacles in the water management crisis.
Analysis of a Persuasive Video on YouTube: A Collaboration between the Indonesian Ministry of Health and the Nahdlatul Ulama to Promote COVID-19 Vaccination in Indonesia
Authors: Cholifah Yuristia Wira , Adrianto Aditya Eko
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia led to the collapse of national health facilities and the economy, which resulted in the acceleration of the invention of COVID-19 vaccines. However, only 54.9% of the population is willing to be vaccinated due to fake news or hoaxes. The government urges the public to obey regulations, especially in public spaces, and intensifies socialization through various media, such as YouTube. This study aims to determine the critical elements that compose the video on the YouTube channel so that it can be used as a medium to persuade the wider community. This study used qualitative methods to collect visual and textual data from purposively selected videos and screenshots, which were analyzed using communication theory for persuasion and a constructionist approach to interpret the data and identify variables such as the message's source, characteristics of the recipient, and purpose of the message. The Indonesian Ministry of Health and the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board collaborated to create a 2-minute, 53-second video on the importance of vaccination in Indonesia, particularly for Muslims. The video features PBNU's Health Head, dr. Syahrizal Syarif effectively educates the public on vaccination's significance and emphasizes community unity to support the government's vaccination program. The communicator in the video successfully positioned himself as a religious leader and doctor. The video is effective in communicating three key messages. It uses persuasive communication theory, using YouTube's power to influence people's opinions, suggesting that the government should use digital platforms to deliver more messages to the citizens in the future.
The impact of hospital regionalisation policies on treatment costs: a systematic literature review
Authors: Hekmat Somayeh Noori , Sadatmoosavi Ali , Zare Zahra
Published: May 2023

This systematic literature review and meta-synthesis aimed to explore the impact of regionalisation of hospital services on healthcare costs. The authors searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, EBSCO, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant studies, with no limits based on year of publication or country. Search terms included the key words ‘regionalisation’, ‘hospital’ and ‘cost’, along with related terms. Of the 310 identified studies, 37 were included in the final review. A meta-synthesis was carried out to assess the primary outcome measure of costs in regional hospitals, as well as the secondary outcome measures of patient mortality rates, length of stay and accessibility. A total of 28 studies suggested that regional hospitals had lower long-term costs than non-regional hospitals, largely because of the skills and experience of the clinical teams, as well as investment in specialist medical equipment. Other identified benefits were reduced length of stay and lower patient mortality rates. However, some studies indicated that regionalisation did not entirely eliminate problems relating to patient access, with implications for further study and policy considerations.
The technology acceptance model and beyond: factors influencing physicians' intention to use teleconsultations
Authors: Ranjeni S , Vasumathi P , Arun Joe
Published: May 2023

Background/Aims

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the implementation of telehealth and virtual care services. Clinicians must be comfortable using this technology in order for it to be developed effectively and implemented consistently. This study evaluated the influence of various factors, including those theorised in the technology acceptance model, on physicians' intention to use teleconsultations in their clinical practice in Chennai, India.

Methods

A snowball sampling method was used to distribute an online survey to physicians in Chennai, India. The survey measured respondents' intention to use teleconsultations (dependent variable), along seven independent variables relating to this technology (perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, physicians' attitudes, social influences, facilitating conditions, perceived compatibility with the clinical area and trust). A total of 165 responses were collected. Results were analysed using descriptive and correlational statistics, along with multiple linear regression.

Results

All seven independent variables were found to be significantly associated with the dependent variable (P<0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the independent variables accounted for 67.8% of the variance in respondents' intention to use teleconsultations.

Conclusions

Physicians' intention to use teleconsultations is complex and multi-faceted. Although the factors theorised by the technology acceptance model were significantly associated with intention to use telemedicine, other factors were also found to be important, including social influences, external facilitating factors, perceived compatibility with the clinical area and personal trust in technology.
Homelessness and equity of access to NHS eye care: the urgent need for reform
Authors: Brown David , Styles Elaine , Burridge Stan
Published: May 2023

The National Eye Health Strategy Bill calls for more equitable access to eye care in the UK. Authors from the national charity Vision Care for Homeless People explain how and why reform is needed to ensure access to eye care for people experiencing homelessness.
What types of health evidence persuade policy actors in a complex system?
Authors: Bates Geoff , Ayres Sarah , Barnfield Andrew , Larkin Charles
Published: May 2023

The aim of this article is to explore the types of health evidence that diverse actors find most persuasive in a complex policy system. The impact of evidence depends on many factors, including how it is presented and translated to audiences. If diverse actors are to address complex health challenges collectively, it helps if they can draw on evidence that is accessible and meaningful to all. We explore how this can be done through a case study of promoting healthy urban development in the United Kingdom. Based on 132 in-depth interviews with critical actors from across the urban development system, we examined the types of evidence actors find most helpful. While there was some variation by sector, actors revealed a strong preference for narratives with a strong emotional impact, supported by credible evidence. Urban development decision makers are persuaded by both qualitative and quantitative evidence, although there was a slight preference among the public sector for quantitative data. All actors valued evidence on the impact of the urban environment on population health outcomes and the associated costs of ill health. There was, however, a preference among private sector actors for evidence showing economic valuations of health that demonstrate a commercial advantage. Our findings make an important contribution to the evidence-based policy literature by identifying the types of health evidence that appeal to diverse actors in the urban development system. These insights can be used to design evidence that meets the requirements of all actors in a complex system.
Recovery: indications for the practice of social work oriented to human needs
Authors: Kaszyński Hubert , Bronowski Paweł
Published: May 2023

The research focus of the article – based on Aaron Antonovsky’s sense of coherence – is the analysis of recovery from the perspective of clinical social work. The methodological approach adopted in the study is based on the co-creation of knowledge together with 29 people experienced in deep mental health problems who agreed to participate in the process of intersubjectively defining mental crises, the possibilities of overcoming these and thus the ways of understanding recovery. The results of the study show that the basis of the recovery process is meeting a set of five needs: (1) effectiveness, (2) emotionality, (3) connectedness, (4) coherent identity and (5) affirmation of the past. A certain pool of individual experiences acquired during this process is a source of the formation of internalised beliefs that can be linked by a sense of ‘manageability’ (resulting from the satisfaction of the first three of the aforementioned needs), ‘comprehensibility’ (related to the need for ‘coherent identity’) and ‘meaningfulness’ (related to the need to ‘affirm the past’).
Responding to mental health crisis at a street level: mental health practitioners as street-level bureaucrats
Authors: Bell Maxine , Hill Darren
Published: May 2023

Street triage practitioners, consisting of mental health social workers and nurses, act as a conduit between service users and emergency services, and have a significant amount of discretion in determining the care and treatment pathways for individuals experiencing mental health crises. However, this is set against a backdrop of neoliberal reforms that have resulted in an increased focus on risk management, accountability, responsibilisation and managing scarce resources. Based on ethnographic research undertaken in a street triage setting in the UK, this article examines the role of street triage practitioners as ‘street-level bureaucrats’ and explores the impact of neoliberal mental health reforms on street-level practice and how these shape and constrain the use of discretion in a street triage context. Revisiting the relevance of Lipsky through a neoliberal lens, the article identifies how street triage practitioners use their discretion to navigate practice dilemmas in a contemporary mental health landscape.
Editorial
Authors: Hagen Ross
Published: May 2023

The editorial introduces Ross Hagen as a new member of the editorial team and outlines the articles and reviews in Metal Music Studies (MMS) 9.1.
Song form and storytelling in mainstream metal
Authors: Hudson Stephen S.
Published: May 2023

This article builds on a new theory of metal song form () to show how different versions of compound AABA form can carry narrative meaning, illustrated by analyses of a number of famous metal songs in mainstream (i.e. not underground/extreme) styles. First, I discuss how some songs about rituals use conventional compound AABA form such that the ‘transformation’ event of the ritual occurs during the song’s B section, focusing on examples by Mercyful Fate and Ghost. Next, I show how several metal ballads use a shortened version of the conventional form (AAB) to depict a protagonist who loses control, getting ‘stuck’ at the same time as the form gets ‘stuck’ in the B section, focusing on examples by Metallica and Pantera. I end with a short analysis showing how aspects of these two established strategies are combined in a unique pairing of form and narrative in Iron Maiden’s ‘Run to the Hills’. As I analyse these songs, I explore how musical form can structure fans’ participation in the music and shape their experiences of these songs’ stories.
Harmonic structures in twenty-first-century metal music: A harmonic analysis of five major metal genres
Authors: Jordan Jamie Boddington , Herbst Jan-Peter
Published: May 2023

This article investigates whether and how five of the major metal subgenres differ in their harmonic practices in the twenty-first century. One hundred metal tracks – twenty from each of the five subgenres of power metal, black metal, metalcore, melodic death metal and progressive metal – released since 2000 were analysed, capturing their chord progressions and modulation techniques. Tonal analysis indicated that although each subgenre seems to adopt the techniques used by the early heavy metal bands of the 1970s and 1980s, individual signature styles contribute to the desired sonic aesthetic. The study found pronounced harmonic practices in most subgenres, yet the most distinctive in power metal and black metal. While black metal focused on non-diatonic minor chords for a dark atmosphere and dissonant aesthetic, power metal emphasized the brighter Dorian mode and employed baroque and classically influenced secondary dominants and diminished seventh chords to add colour to progressions and brighten the sound.
Working metal musicians: A case of transition in the long 1980s
Authors: Swiniartzki Marco
Published: May 2023

Although the connection between (heavy) metal and ‘class’ still is one of the most controversial research questions in ‘metal studies’, little historical research has been done on working metalheads and musicians. Therefore, this article explores the regional working biographies of metal musicians in the German Ruhr area and in Birmingham/ the Black Country to show how these occupational lives changed during the long 1980s and how they were related to the regional metal scenes and to the concept of ‘class’. Based on the latest and historical interviews with musicians, the article focuses on the ways in which work in the scenes and work out of the scenes developed in the massive structural changes, on the role the families played, and how these shifts can be contextualized in contemporary history. The findings suggest that metal musicians mattered as pioneers into a broader social transition from working biographies based on milieus to those based on lifestyles. Beyond that, especially in the form of the extreme metal underground, the scene’s attitudes towards work epitomized the beginning of a new subject culture that took shape as a result of the do-it-yourself mentality, of global communication and of broadened horizons of what to consider as possible for the future.
A k-means clustering and histogram-based colorimetric analysis of metal album artworks: The colour palette of metal music
Authors: Friconnet Guillaume
Published: May 2023

Because of its marketing impact and key role in the definition of a band’s visual identity, the artwork of a metal album is carefully designed to reflect the music played by the band. Bearing in mind the historical association between colour and music, we performed a quantitative colorimetric analysis of 1150 metal album artworks (MAA) (and of 400 non-metal artworks for the purpose of comparison) in order to study the place of colours in metal artworks visual identity. In each artwork, we have extracted its five dominant colours (with a k-means clustering algorithm) and underwent a colour histogram analysis. We showed that MAA appear darker than their non-metal counterparts. We derived a colour palette of MAA and showed that black, (dark) grey and brown/orange tones are by far the most frequently used colours. The presence of these ‘metal colours’ is very consistent between metal subgenres. However, the visual identity of some metal subgenres encompasses specific artwork colorimetric rules. Black metal album covers are darker and mainly use black and dark grey. Groove metal artworks tend to display warmer and more saturated colours with an increased use of brownish and orange tones. Drone metal albums are lighter while crossover albums have a mottled appearance. Nevertheless, for most of the metal subgenres the artwork visual identity seems to rely on colour-independent elements. We suppose that this identity might rather be built on thematic elements and probably also on the logotypes’ style. A lot of work remains to be done to clearly understand what makes metal albums look so peculiar.
Pure fucking art: Self-harm and performance art in Per ‘Dead’ Ohlin’s musical legacy
Authors: Carey Joshua
Published: May 2023

Although black metal would reach international notoriety with the actions of Varg Vikernes, who murdered his friend and fellow musician Øystein ‘Euronymous’ Aarseth in 1993, the foundation of the genre’s violent, misanthropic image was set several years earlier by the Swedish vocalist of Mayhem, Per ‘Dead’ Ohlin, whose onstage penchant for self-harm and eventual gruesome suicide earned him almost mythical status within the realm of metal music. The fact that Dead’s influence on metal music has remained so strong in the 30 years following his suicide has significant artistic implications, especially considering that he never managed to record a studio album with his band. Although Dead’s suicide colours his self-harm with obvious elements of mental illness and trauma, his role as an artist warrants a deeper analysis of his onstage theatrics, viewing them from the perspective of intense devotion to his art. By reading Dead’s artistic endeavours within the context of performance art involving self-harm, his actions become an aesthetic expression of that pain, which, when combined with the atmosphere of the music and his lyrics, creates an intense portrait of Dead’s quest for an expressive outlet in his performance. Dead’s self-inflicted performative violence echoes the work of pioneering artists such as Chris Burden, Yoko Ono and Marina Abramovic, and although Dead undoubtedly suffered from serious mental illness, viewing his self-harm alongside other visceral artistic expressions of pain and trauma helps refigure his aesthetic contributions to black metal as a unique synthesis of destruction and creation.
Metal on Merseyside: Music Scenes, Community and Locality, Nedim Hassan (2021)
Authors: Kärki Kimi
Published: May 2023

Review of: Metal on Merseyside: Music Scenes, Community and Locality, Nedim Hassan (2021)

Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, 221 pp.,

ISBN 978-3-03077-680-0, e-book, £43.99
Le Hellfest: Un pèlerinage pour metalheads (Hellfest: A Pilgrimage for Metalheads), Corentin Charbonnier (2017)
Authors: Farvaque Etienne
Published: May 2023

Review of: Le Hellfest: Un pèlerinage pour metalheads (Hellfest: A Pilgrimage for Metalheads), Corentin Charbonnier (2017)

Azay-sur-Cher: Corentin Charbonnier éditions, 208 pp.,

ISBN 978-2-95587-890-3, p/bk, €17
effects of increased body mass index on preconception health
Authors: Petročnik Petra , Prosen Mirko , Mivšek Ana Polona
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The growing proportion of overweight and obese people worldwide is of great concern as it affects the overall health of people and consequently also their  reproductive health. The aim of this literature review is to  examine how increased body mass index affects fertility and preconception health in men and women.Methods: A scoping literature review was conducted in February 2021 using PubMed and Medline databases, as well as the Google Scholar search engine. Inclusion criteria consisted of scientific literature, regardless of methodology, and articles published in Slovene and English.Results: The literature search yielded 9 reviews and 5 original quantitative studies published in English in the last 15 years. The results suggest that there is compelling evidence that obese individuals are at increased risk of various health problems in the pre-conception period that  may affect their fertility and ability to conceive.Discussion and conclusion: The rising prevalence of high body mass index is changing the reproductive health of men and women. Growing obesity rates, particularly in the Western world, call for greater awareness of this metabolic syndrome and its impact on female and male reproduction. Health professionals working with couples in the pre-conception period should have sufficient knowledge to address the impact of high body mass index on reproductive health and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Peningkatan Visibilitas Buku Ilmiah Elektronik Memanfaatkan Aplikasi Google
Authors: Mahelingga Dhevi Enlivena Irene Restia
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini mengkaji bagaimana hubungan antara peningkatan minat pada suatu topik dengan peningkatan klik halaman situs web buku ilmiah elektronik. Tujuan dari kajian ini adalah agar dapat diketahui faktor yang memengaruhi peningkatan klik halaman situs web buku elektronik sehingga dapat menjadi saran strategi promosi buku ilmiah elektronik, terutama kaitannya dalam mendukung visibilitasnya di internet. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif dengan pengumpulan data melalui dokumentasi dan studi pustaka. Berdasarkan hasil kajian, dapat disimpulkan bahwa terdapat hubungan antara popularitas topik di Twitter dengan peningkatan jumlah pencarian kata kunci tertentu di mesin pencari Google. Hasil kueri yang didapatkan dari beberapa sampel halaman situs web lipipress.lipi.go.id pada Google Search Console didapatkan bahwa kueri yang digunakan dalam pencarian yang tertinggi adalah terkait definisi. Pencarian terkait definisi bisa meningkat karena istilah kurang familier menimbulkan keinginan bagi warganet untuk mencari tahu definisi terutama dari sumber yang relevan seperti karya tulis ilmiah berbentuk buku elektronik. Saran yang bisa dilakukan dalam mendukung visibilitas halaman buku ilmiah elektronik di mesin pencari Google, yakni (1) menggunakan kata kunci berupa istilah yang kurang familier yang berpotensi menjadi kueri pencarian dalam penyusunan blurb; (2) mengakses Google Trends untuk mengetahui susunan kueri terkait kata kunci yang sering dicari oleh pengguna internet untuk digunakan dalam blurb; dan (3) menggunakan uraian definisi kata kunci tersebut di dalam blurb.
Proses Morfofonemik pada Pembentukan Verba dengan Sufiks “-i” dalam Bahasa Jawa
Authors: Hintono Adrianus Rio , Subiyanto Agus
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini yang merupakan penelitian deskriptif kualitiatif dengan pendekatan fonologi generatif, penulis bertujuan untuk membuat kaidah perubahan bunyi yang terjadi pada proses pembentukan verba Bahasa Jawa dengan sufiks –i yang kompleks. Data dalam penelitian ini diperoleh dari tuturan langsung dalam kehidupan sehari-hari dari penutur asli Bahasa Jawa di wilayah Semarang, Jawa Tengah. Data tersebut kemudian dianalisis menggunakan teori fitur distingtif. Berdasarkan proses analisis data yang telah dilakukan, ditemukan bahwa sufiks /i/ yang membentuk sebuah verba menybabkan terjadinya: a.) Proses struktur silabel berupa penyisipan konsonan [n] di antara vokal akhir bentuk dasar dan sufiks [i] sehigga memunculkan alofon berupa sufiks [-ni]. Kemudian pelesapan konsonan [h] yang berada pada posisi akhir kata dasar akibat bersebelahan dengan sufiks [i]; b.) Asimilasi vokal yang dipengaruhi vokal lain berupa perubahan vokal [ɔ] → [a], [ʊ] → [u], dan [ɪ] → [i] akibat pengaruh dari fitur-fitur vokal [i] sebagai sufiks; c.) Penguatan dan pelemahan berupa pergeseran vokal [e] → [ɛ], [o] → [ɔ], [i] → [ɛ], [u] → [ɔ], dan [ɪ] → [ɛ] akibat kesamaan fitur yang dimiliki oleh vokal-vokal yang saling berdekatan.
Peran Literatur dalam Menumbuhkan Sikap Preventif Perempuan terhadap Femisida
Authors: Pramudibyanto Hascaryo
Published: May 2023

Literatur yang dilayankan oleh sumber belajar dapat menjadikan seseorang berkembang, menyesuaikan diri atau beradaptasi, semakin terampil, dan juga memiliki sikap waspada seiring dengan semakin maraknya tindak kriminalitas terhadap kaum perempuan, seperti femisida. Femisida merupakan satu jenis kriminalitas dengan modus pelecehan seksual, intimidasi, pemaksaan, hingga berujung pada penghilangan nyawa. Femisida terjadi di luar dugaan perempuan karena faktor waktu, pelaku, motif, maupun korbannya. Literatur menjadi sarana untuk memahami diri perempuan secara individual, meningkatkan kewaspadaan terhadap berbagai ancaman, memahami karakter laki-laki yang ada di sekitarnya, serta mampu mengantisipasi munculnya tindak kriminal (preventif) yang mengancam dirinya. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan metode kualitatif, kajian ini mengutamakan pemahaman permasalahan femisida melalui pemanfaatan layanan koleksi perpustakaan digital berupa artikel tentang cara menghadapi perilaku negatif laki-laki, dengan temuan bahwa literatur menjadi sumber belajar kaum perempuan yang isinya singkat, variatif (beragam), dengan kata kunci yang lebih khusus, dan lebih mengutamakan pembahasan mengenai kaum perempuan sebagai korban kekerasan rumah tangga. Koleksi literatur untuk femisida adalah literatur yang mudah dipahami dan literatur edukatif-protektif, dengan kata kunci berupa hal-hal terkini. Saran yang dapat diajukan adalah penyedia jasa literatur sebaiknya mulai menambah informasi yang lebih spesifik dan bersifat edukatif-preventif, menyediakan informasi tentang tips pengendalian diri meningkatkan jenis koleksi tentang femisida berbentuk literatur psikologi remaja, psikologi rumah tangga, media sosial semacam status whatsapp, dan artikel populer dalam blog khusus tentang tips menghindari konflik rumah tangga, cara perempuan melindungi dirinya, memperkuat jiwa dan emosi perempuan, serta melawan ucapan dengan tindakan.
Analisis Tindak Tutur Najwa dalam Program Mata Najwa “Pelanggaran Protokol Kesehatan Berulang (part 6)”
Authors: Khumalasari Fanny , Suryadi M.
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan hasil dari tindak tutur yang terdapat pada dialog Mata Najwa. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Subjek penelitian ini adalah semua tuturan yang terdapat dalam dialog program Mata Najwa dengan tema “Pelanggaran Protokol Kesehatan Berulang (part 6).” Kajian tindak tutur merupakan penelitian yang cukup menarik untuk diteliti. Hal ini terbukti dengan banyaknya laporan penelitian yang membahas kajian tindak tutur. Laporan penelitian yang ditemukan peneliti terkait kajian tindak tutur sangat beragam. Tindak tutur itu sendiri adalah hasil dari suatu kalimat dalam kondisi tertentu dan merupakan satuan terkecil dari komunikasi bahasa. Tindak tutur ilokusi menjadi lima kategori yaitu deklaratif, refresentatif, ekspresif, direktif, dan komisif. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan teknik observasi (pengamatan). Instrumen penelitian ini adalah dialog ineteraktif Najwa dalam Program Mata Najwa. Analisis data dilakukan dengan menggunakan teknik analisis data kualitatif. Teknik ini meliputi tiga tahapan, yaitu data reduction (tahap memilih, merangkum dan memfokuskan data), data display (menyajikan data dalam uraian singkat), dan conclusion atau verification atau kesimpulan. Objek penelitian ini adalah semua tuturan yang terdapat pada dialog. Penelitian ini menggunakan deskriptif kualitatif yang mana hasil dijabarkan. Hasilnya adalah 16 asertif, 10 direktif, 1 komisif, 4 ekspresif, dan 5 deklaratif. Sesuai dengan data yang disajikan tidak semua jenis tindak tutur terdapat dalam dialog yang dianalisis.