bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting Charitable Donations and Volunteering Through Nudge Tools From the Perspective of Behavioral Economics: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chan Samuel Wai , Lu Shiyu , Cheng Nicole Hei Ching , Chui Cheryl Hiu-Kwan , Yat-Sang Lum Terry
Published: June 2024

Few research has attempted to synthesize the effects of nudge tools in promoting prosocial behaviors through the lens of behavioral economics. This systematic review synthesizes empirical evidence of various types of nudges and their effectiveness in promoting charitable donations and volunteering. We identified 67 eligible studies with 117 experiments reporting eight nudge tools. We found that the studies focused mainly on three types of nudges (including reframing, referring to descriptive norms, and changing social consequences). We revealed that decreasing physical/cognitive effort, providing reminders, anchoring, and referring to descriptive norms effectively promote charitable donations; only reframing effectively promotes volunteering. Changing social consequences, connecting decisions to benefit or cost, and referring to descriptive norms are not effective in promoting volunteering. This review offers implications for practitioners implementing nudge tools in promoting charitable donations and volunteering. The data supporting the findings of this study are available in the Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/kg836 ).
The influence of technology use on learning skills among generation Z: A gender and cross-country analysis
Authors: Onjewu Adah-Kole Emmanuel , Godwin Eun Sun , Azizsafaei Farzaneh , Appiah Dominic
Published: June 2024

This inquiry flags the shortage of evidence on the distinctive effect of technology use on defined learning skills. To tackle this inertia, it identifies (1) video gaming, (2) internet searching and (3) smartphone usage as ubiquitous forms of technology. Then, it characterises (1) abstract conceptualisation, (2) concrete experience and (3) reflective observation and active experimentation as dominant learning skills. Investigating a Nigeria and UK sample of 240 generation Z students, the associations are examined alongside the effects of gender and country. Based on a structural equation model, the analysis showed that although alternate uses of technology have mostly significant influences, their impact is largely negative with only internet searching having a positive effect on learning. The findings are explained through a cognitive load lens and insights are offered to learning providers to temper the appetite for technology use in instructional designs with thought and caution.
Occupant safety and injuries in coach frontal collision: a literature review
Authors: Tingting Sun , Ripin Zaidi Mohd , Yi Chan Ping , Ridzwan Mohamad Ikhwan Zaini
Published: June 2024

Frontal collisions of coaches contribute to more than half of the total number of casualties in traffic accidents, making it important to study frontal collisions of coaches. This literature review covers regulations, injury criteria, and factors influencing occupant injury, primarily referenced national standards on seat stability, and occupant safety. Existing regulations such as these are important because they highlight the injury criteria for the head, neck, chest and lower limbs of occupants. Injury criteria outside of the existing regulations are also highlighted, particularly the need to include both linear and angular accelerations of the head. In addition, numerous factors within the interior structure of a coach can impact injury severities. The use of different restraint systems and alterations in seat parameters can have varying effects on different limbs of the occupant during accidents. The researches show that three-point seat belts are advantageous and can protect occupants’ heads and necks, both adults and children. At the same time, proper seat spacing, seat inclination and other seat-related parameters also influence the injuries to the occupant’s head and neck. For example, occupant head injury risk is high when the seat inclination is between 105° and 115°, and occupant neck risk is high when the seat inclination is 95°. Future studies should evaluate the less-covered areas of occupant safety such as the safety of driver and co-driver. This review highlighted the critical need to update and enhance regulatory requirements based on current research findings to reduce the risk of occupant injury.
Book review: Raktima Mukhopadhyay, Itishree Pattnaik and Kuntala Lahiri Dutt, Becoming a Farmer: Women in Rural West Bengal, India
Authors: Das Raya
Published: June 2024

Raktima Mukhopadhyay, Itishree Pattnaik and Kuntala Lahiri Dutt, Becoming a Farmer: Women in Rural West Bengal, India. Hyderabad, Telangana: Orient Blackswan Private Limited, 2023, 248 pp., ₹925, ISBN: 9789354426049 (Paperback).
Book review: Bidyut Mohanty. A Haunting Tragedy: Gender, Caste, Class in the 1866 Famine of Orissa
Authors: Mishra Deepak K.
Published: June 2024

Bidyut Mohanty. A Haunting Tragedy: Gender, Caste, Class in the 1866 Famine of Orissa. Delhi: Manohar; Abingdon: Routledge, 2022, 421 pp. ₹2,095, ISBN: 9789390729630 (Hardback).
Livelihood Grants and the Case of Ultra-Poor Women Households in Bihar, India
Authors: Kumari Deepika , Mohanty Aditya
Published: June 2024

This article presents a critical commentary on the implementation of a graduation approach-based poverty alleviation scheme for transforming the lives of poor, marginalised communities (i.e., erstwhile toddy tappers and women-headed households). It draws from a qualitative study on the working of the Government of Bihar’s Satat Jeevikoparjan Yojana or the SJY scheme in the Madhubani district of Bihar, one of India’s poorest states. It primarily argues that there is a scope of improvement on four key fronts, namely (a) asymmetry between beneficiaries’ capabilities and livelihood opportunities provided (b) streamlining the different stages of ultra-poor graduation, (c) efficient cross-checking of developments on the field by project staff and (d) proper training of these beneficiaries to account for the unintended bureaucratic slippages by the beneficiaries. Thus in so doing, it avers, that given the socio-cultural and institutional limitations within which this project works, sealing these leaks could substantially improve the efficacy of this scheme.
Delayed Diagnosis of SMARCA4-Deficient Undifferentiated Tumor in a Heavy Smoker Male Patient: Discovered Through Bone Sampling, with Extensive Distant Metastases and Concurrent Granulomatous Disease, Leading to Patient Fatality
Authors: Shaker Nada , Ben musa Ruwaida , Tynski Zofia , Shaker Nuha , Sangueza Omar P. , Boyd Brandon
Published: June 2024

Background. SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumors are rare and pose a diagnostic challenge. This study delves into the intricate diagnostic terrain of SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumors, providing insights into their diverse clinical presentations and diagnostic approaches. Case Presentation. A 69-year-old heavy-smoker man with adalimumab-treated rheumatoid arthritis presented with multiple lesions. A CT scan revealed a spiculated lung mass, enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes, and hepatic lesions. A whole-body FDG-PET/CT scan revealed heterogeneous hypermetabolic lesions in the lung, liver, and bone. Initial two core needle liver biopsies and a left upper lobe lung wedge resection initially indicated steatohepatitis and granulomatous formation with no evidence of malignancy. Several months later, the patient returned with left-sided flank pain and significant weight loss. CT scan identified a thigh mass, adrenal lesion, and extensive multiple skeletal lesions. A biopsy of the thigh mass revealed an extensively necrotic, epithelioid-to-spindled cell neoplasm with positive staining for pan keratin, focal staining for CD56, and a loss of nuclear expression of SMARCA4. A final diagnosis of SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor was rendered. Unfortunately, the patient's condition deteriorated, and he died a few weeks after receiving the final diagnosis. Conclusion. SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumors have emerged as recent subjects of medical study, distinguished by their unique morphology and SMARCA4-deficient immunohistochemistry. These tumors present diverse clinical manifestations, affecting multiple organ systems. This report underscores the diagnostic complexities associated with complex clinical presentation and highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in addressing challenging clinical scenarios, particularly among heavy smoker male patients and intricate radiological presentations.
Modified wavelets technique for multitype 2D fractional optimal control problems
Authors: Sabermahani Sedigheh , Ordokhani Yadollah , Rahimkhani Parisa
Published: June 2024

This manuscript is devoted to presenting a new approximate method to solve two-dimensional (2D) fractional optimal control problems, which include Caputo and Atangana–Riemann–Liouville fractal (ARL-F) fractional derivatives. Due to our purpose, we design a numerical algorithm based on the generalized Lucas wavelets (GLWs) and the least squares and collocation methods. GLWs are good choices in this scheme because they have two more parameters ( α and β), compared with some existing classical wavelets. On the other hand, we have various types of wavelets (orthogonal and non-orthogonal) by selecting different parameters α and β. According to the impressive feature of the GLWs, we derive Caputo and ARL-F fractional derivative pseudo-operational matrices for the generalized Lucas polynomials and then, for GLWs. The combination of Caputo and ARL-F pseudo-operational matrices with the least squares and collocation methods makes that the considered problems lead to systems of algebraic equations. A brief discussion of the error estimation is investigated. We provide some numerical examples to demonstrate the validity, effectiveness, and applicability of the suggested technique. The proposed algorithm is easy to implement and presents accurate results.
Feedforward neural network-assisted parameter identification and tuning for uniaxial superelastic shape memory alloy models under dynamic loads
Authors: Lenzen Niklas , Altay Okyay
Published: June 2024

In this study, we introduce a machine learning-based method to predict the modeling parameters of superelastic shape memory alloys (SMAs). Our goal is to simultaneously determine and fine-tune all internal and material-related parameters, including thermodynamic ones, for a specific constitutive model using only cyclic tensile tests. We employ feedforward neural networks (FNNs) for their versatile structure. First, we sample the searched parameters within a predefined parameter space using the Latin hypercube sampling method. Then, using the constitutive model with the sampled parameters and representative strain loading, we generate the corresponding stress responses and finally train the FNN. To address the ill-posed nature of this inverse parameter identification problem and ensure a unique parameter set, during training, we use a dual network architecture with an additional FNN-based surrogate of the constitutive model. We also utilize transfer learning to accelerate the training process through knowledge transfer and handle multiple load cases simultaneously, ensuring consistent parameter identification across different scenarios. We validate the method by comparing the numerical results with the experimental data and demonstrate the importance of accurately identified parameter sets by numerical investigations on a SMA-retrofitted frame structure.
Numerical investigation on dynamic interactions of non-contact maglev vehicle and two-span steel continuous bridge induced by high-frequency vibration modes
Authors: Wang Dangxiong , Wang Chongguang , Li Shiyang , Ji Keting
Published: June 2024

As a novel type of non-mechanical contact rail transit, the maglev vehicle is stabilized by actively controlled levitation forces without contact. The steel bridge exhibits complex self-vibration characteristics with dense high-frequency vibration modes. The levitation gap and force are disturbed by the complex vehicle-induced deformation of the steel bridge, and significant moving maglev vehicle–steel bridge coupled vibration phenomena occur. To solve this problem, the vibration mechanism of a maglev vehicle moving on a steel bridge should be understood. This paper establishes detailed models of the theoretical dynamic interactions between a moving maglev vehicle and double-span steel and steel–concrete composite continuous bridges with active levitation control. The vehicle-induced vibration characteristics of the two bridges and the vehicle dynamic responses were compared, and the influence mechanism of the steel bridge on the maglev vehicle’s operation stability was examined. The influences of different high-order modes and modal stiffnesses on the coupled system’s dynamic performance were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the numerous high-order local vibration modes present in the steel top slab were responsible for the maglev vehicle’s smooth operation. High-order local vibration modes and short wavelengths were prone to the large fluctuations in the levitation gap and force. The greater the modal stiffness for a given local vibration mode was, the lower the vehicle-induced deformation became. Minimizing local high-frequency vibration modes of the steel top slab and increasing the local vibration mode stiffness could effectively reduce the excitations to the levitation control system.
Mitochondrial Impact of Organophosphate Pesticide-Induced Cardiotoxicity: An In Silico and In Vitro Study
Authors: Karakuş Fuat , Arzuk Ege , Ergüç Ali
Published: June 2024

Organophosphate pesticides are widely used; however, their use is limited due to neurotoxicity and, to a lesser extent, cardiotoxicity in humans. Given the high energy demands of cardiac muscle, which is characterized by a dense population of mitochondria, any damage to these organelles can exacerbate cardiotoxicity. This study aims to elucidate whether the cardiotoxic effects of organophosphate pesticides originate from mitochondrial dysfunction. To investigate this, in silico toxicogenomic analyses were performed using various tools, such as the Comparative Toxicogenomic Database, GeneMANIA, STRING, and Cytoscape. Results revealed that 11 out of the 13 WHO-recommended Class Ia organophosphate pesticides target genes associated with cardiotoxicity. Notably, three of these genes were mitochondrial, with catalase (CAT) being the common differentially expressed gene among parathion, methyl parathion, and phorate. Furthermore, protein-protein interaction analysis indicated a strong association between CAT and superoxide dismutase 2, mitochondrial (SOD2). Subsequently, isolated heart mitochondria were utilized to assess CAT and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in vitro. The findings demonstrated that at a concentration of 7.5 ng/µL, both methyl parathion and phorate significantly decreased CAT activity by approximately 35%. Moreover, phorate reduced total SOD and SOD2 activities by 17% and 19%, respectively, at the same concentration. In contrast, none of the three organophosphate pesticides induced the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. These results suggest that the reduction in CAT and SOD2 activities, critical antioxidant enzymes, leads to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species within mitochondria, ultimately resulting in mitochondrial damage. This mechanism likely underlies the observed cardiotoxicity induced by these organophosphate pesticides.
13-Week Repeated Oral Toxicity and Toxicokinetic Studies of Rabeprazole Sodium and Sodium Bicarbonate Combination in Dogs
Authors: Roh Jae Seok , Nam Kyu-Yeol , Jung Won Tae , Kim Young-Min , Hwang Eui-Kyung , Jeon Tae-Won
Published: June 2024

The subchronic toxicity and toxicokinetics of a combination of rabeprazole sodium and sodium bicarbonate were investigated in dogs by daily oral administration for 13 consecutive weeks with a 4-week recovery period. The dose groups consisted of control (vehicles), (5 + 200), (10 + 400), and (20 + 800) mg/kg of rabeprazole sodium + sodium bicarbonate, 20 mg/kg of rabeprazole sodium only, and 800 mg/kg of sodium bicarbonate only. Esophageal ulceration accompanied by inflammation was observed in only one animal in the male (20 + 800) mg/kg rabeprazole sodium + sodium bicarbonate group. However, the severity of the ulceration was moderate, and the site of occurrence was focally extensive; thus, it was assumed to be a treatment-related effect of rabeprazole sodium + sodium bicarbonate. In the toxicokinetics component of this study, systemic exposure to rabeprazole sodium (AUClast and Cmax at Day 91) was greater in males than females, suggesting sex differences. AUClast and Cmax at Day 91 were increased compared to those on Day 1 in a dose-dependent manner. A delayed Tmax and no drug accumulation were observed after repeated dosage. In conclusion, we suggest under the conditions of this study that the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of the combination of rabeprazole sodium + sodium bicarbonate in male and female dogs is (10 + 400) and (20 + 800) mg/kg, respectively.
Reshuffling the Masculinities Deck: How Subordinate Men From Progressive Privileged Social Backgrounds Mobilize Sexual Consent Narratives to Enhance Their Social Status
Authors: Lévy-Guillain Rébecca
Published: June 2024

In recent years, feminist activism and the MeToo movement have placed a spotlight on male privilege in sexuality and raised awareness of the high prevalence of sexual violence. Within this context, men are increasingly expected to respect women’s consent in their heterosexual encounters. This study employs in-depth interviews with thirty-nine educated and economically privileged heterosexual men to examine which types of men adopt egalitarian sexual norms and how and why they do so. The findings reveal that progressive men who are shy and socially awkward employ narratives of sexual consent to legitimize their traditionally disparaged sexual behaviors, such as the wait-and-see attitudes and verbal communication strategies that do not align with traditional expectations of manhood. In doing so, they construct an image of themselves as “safe guys” who do not perpetuate sexual violence. This not only enhances their sex appeal to women but also increases their influence within their peer groups. Through the use of sexual consent narratives, shy and socially awkward men who previously embodied subordinate masculinities transition to hybrid masculinities and thus gain greater access to social resources.
Pollutants Co-occurring With Microcystins in Hypereutrophic Waters Used for Irrigation: A Case Study of the Crocodile West River Catchment
Authors: Pindihama Glynn Kuziva , Sathekge Salphina Ntombikayise , Gitari Wilson Mugera , Mudzielwana Rabelani
Published: June 2024

Most urban water catchments are confronted with the challenges of eutrophication and other anthropogenic-related pollutants that can pose human health threats. To assess the suitability of using such anthropogenically polluted dam water for agricultural purposes the study monitored the co-existence of microcystins (MCs), metal pollutants, and anionic surfactants in irrigation canals and farm dams around Roodeplaat and Hartbeespoort Dams in South Africa. Field sampling was conducted four times between June 2019 and March 2021. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, a Hanna (HI96769) anionic surfactant portable photometer, and the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), were used to detect and quantify microcystins (MCs), anionic surfactants, and metals respectively. The results indicated that the water exceeded the guidelines for pH, EC, TDS, and nitrates. Eutrophication-related parameters such as MCs, chlorophyll a, and anionic surfactants were also relatively high. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed the co-occurrence of MCs with EC, TDS, Pb, Cu, Al, and Ni in Hartbeespoort Dam-derived water, whereas pH and turbidity co-occurred with MCs in Roodeplaat Dam water. Such co-occurrences suggest that these parameters can be routinely monitored in place of MCs and this can be crucial in developing countries where resources and skilled manpower could be lacking.
Business, porn, and morality: What morality do feminist pornographers construct for their practice?
Authors: Lecomte Louise , Antoniazzi Flora , Villesèche Florence
Published: June 2024

Feminist porn can be defined as pornography that is infused with feminist values and ideals when it comes to what the product looks like, how it is produced, and also consumed. Still, as a segment of the pornography industry, feminist porn is a cultural product made for profit. In this paper, focusing on feminist pornographers, we expand on limited discussions of pornography in management and organization studies by exploring how the inclusion of feminist ideals in pornography practices might be reconciled with the constraints of operating in a for-profit market. At the intersection of business ethics and the sociology of morality we ask: What morality do feminist pornographers construct for their practice? To answer this question, we analyze a media data corpus consisting of articles, podcasts, and videos where feminist pornographers are interviewed, alongside supplementary interviews and archival data. On this basis, we reconstruct three evaluative norms that constitute a morality of feminist porn: (1) Enabling diversity and difference; (2) Ensuring quality and care; and (3) Connecting values and valuation. We show the variations and tensions in these and discuss the implications for a feminist (re)organizing of pornography.
Misconduct and whistleblowing in political parties: A party loyalty dilemma
Authors: Niklasson Birgitta , Dawson Stephen , Bågenholm Andreas , De Fine Licht Jenny
Published: June 2024

What is the nature of misconduct and whistleblowing in political parties? While there is a large literature on whistleblowing in other organisational settings, we are yet to understand how these accountability processes work in parties. Using a survey of 1165 Swedish politicians, we show that misconduct in parties primarily relates to serious structural organisational problems and inappropriate personal conduct. Witnessed misconduct is reported around half of the time and this is chiefly done through internal means, which are less costly for the party. We also test expectations derived from research on party unity and demonstrate that officials from incumbent parties with greater party discipline and loyalty blow the whistle to a lesser extent, though this pattern does not hold for the occurrence of negative consequences and is driven mainly by the Social Democrats. Our results suggest that whistleblowing presents politicians with a loyalty dilemma, the outcome of which is determined largely by party factors.
Cerebral arteriopathies of childhood and stroke – A focus on systemic arteriopathies and pediatric fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD)
Authors: Hausman-Kedem Moran , Krishnan Pradeep , Dlamini Nomazulu
Published: June 2024

Systemic vascular involvement in children with cerebral arteriopathies is increasingly recognized and often highly morbid. Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) represents a cerebral arteriopathy with systemic involvement, commonly affecting the renal and carotid arteries. In adults, FMD diagnosis and classification typically relies on angiographic features, like the ‘string-of-beads’ appearance, following exclusion of other diseases. Pediatric FMD (pFMD) is considered equivalent to adult FMD although robust evidence for similarities is lacking. We conducted a comprehensive literature review on pFMD and revealed inherent differences between pediatric and adult-onset FMD across various domains including epidemiology, natural history, histopathophysiology, clinical, and radiological features. Although focal arterial lesions are often described in children with FMD, the radiological appearance of ‘string-of-beads’ is highly nonspecific in children. Furthermore, children predominantly exhibit intimal-type fibroplasia, common in other childhood monogenic arteriopathies. Our findings lend support to the notion that pFMD broadly reflects an undefined heterogenous group of monogenic systemic medium-or-large vessel steno-occlusive arteriopathies rather than a single entity. Recognizing the challenges in categorizing complex morphologies of cerebral arteriopathy using current classifications, we propose a novel term for describing children with cerebral and systemic vascular involvement: ‘cerebral and systemic arteriopathy of childhood’ (CSA-c). This term aims to streamline patient categorization and, when coupled with advanced vascular imaging and high-throughput genomics, will enhance our comprehension of etiology, and accelerate mechanism-targeted therapeutic developments. Lastly, in light of the high morbidity in children with cerebral and systemic arteriopathies, we suggest that investigating for systemic vascular involvement is important in children with cerebral arteriopathies.
Continuously monitoring the human machine? – A cross-sectional study to assess the acceptance of wearables in Germany
Authors: Hindelang Michael , Wecker Hannah , Biedermann Tilo , Zink Alexander
Published: June 2024

Background: Wearables have the potential to transform healthcare by enabling early detection and monitoring of chronic diseases. This study aimed to assess wearables’ acceptance, usage, and reasons for non-use. Methods: Anonymous questionnaires were used to collect data in Germany on wearable ownership, usage behaviour, acceptance of health monitoring, and willingness to share data. Results: Out of 643 respondents, 550 participants provided wearable acceptance data. The average age was 36.6 years, with 51.3% female and 39.6% residing in rural areas. Overall, 33.8% reported wearing a wearable, primarily smartwatches or fitness wristbands. Men (63.3%) and women (57.8%) expressed willingness to wear a sensor for health monitoring, and 61.5% were open to sharing data with healthcare providers. Concerns included data security, privacy, and perceived lack of need. Conclusion: The study highlights the acceptance and potential of wearables, particularly for health monitoring and data sharing with healthcare providers. Addressing data security and privacy concerns could enhance the adoption of innovative wearables, such as implants, for early detection and monitoring of chronic diseases.
Investigating the effects of in-track countermeasures to reduce ground-borne vibration from underground railways
Authors: Shamayleh Hana YA , Hussien Mohammed FM
Published: June 2024

In this research, the effects of two different types of in-track countermeasures on ground-borne vibration from underground railways are investigated. First, the influence of new type of supports is investigated, in which the rotation of the rail is partially or fully restrained. Second, a different simple local resonator is considered consisting of masses on springs placed at fixed spacing between the supports. To investigate the effects of these countermeasures, a numerical model is developed consisting of two sub-models: the first sub-model is an excitation model in which the track is modelled as an infinite beam on discrete supports connected to rigid foundation, for the calculations of forces transmitted to tunnel bed. The beam is analysed under the action of a number of axle masses with harmonic excitation induced through relative displacement between the un-sprung axle mass and the beam using a pull-through roughness. This first sub-model employs the dynamic stiffness method to perform the calculation. The second sub-model accounts for a tunnel embedded in a half space and is used to calculate the responses in the free surface with the input forces taken from the first sub-model after transformation to the wavenumber domain. The second sub-model is based on the well-known Pipe in Pipe (PiP) model. The discontinuously-supported model used in this work is verified using a continuously supported model. The effects of the suggested countermeasures on vibration mitigation are explored via parametric analysis that shows the impact of the added rotational stiffness, resonators’ natural frequency and the resonators’ mass. The results show for the parameters considered that using the rotation restrained support can effectively reduce the ground-borne vibration levels by up to 20 dB for low frequencies. Furthermore, the use of local resonators can reduce the ground-borne vibration by 4–10 dB for frequencies in the range 20–200 Hz.
Increasing mediators’ perceived responsibility: The role of persuasive attacks in vicarious relative-led family mediation
Authors: Wu Jiewen , Zhou Ling
Published: June 2024

This paper examines the underexplored area of vicarious relative-led family mediation, wherein mediation is facilitated by a third party assuming a relative role, Laoniangjiu, analyzing how disputants use persuasive attacks to increase mediators’ perceived responsibility and how mediators, often perceived as biased in Chinese culture, enact conditionally appropriate responses. By analyzing 30 episodes of a family mediation reality TV show, we find that disputants use three main persuasive tactics: attacking (in)actions, attacking consequences, and attacking character. These tactics can successfully attract mediators to their side. However, mediators also consciously avoid showing favoritism by strategically employing biased tactics like ‘balancing’ and ‘minimization’. This behavior may stem from shifts in individuals’ sense of responsibility, influenced by contemporary educational initiatives in China. This study offers insights into relative-led family mediation and highlights disputants’ active role in the mediation process.
Minding the body: A critical appraisal of three phenomenological accounts of embodiment in social work literature
Authors: Eriksson Karl
Published: June 2024

In the few social work publications dedicated to exploring phenomenological philosophical concepts, embodiment or the lived body, promoted especially by phenomenologist Maurice Merleau-Ponty, seems to have received special attention. Roughly, and according to a phenomenological philosophical perspective, the lived body signifies a mind–body unity that is believed to constitute acts of human perception, including social perception. This article aims to critically appraise three accounts of embodiment in social work literature, focusing on issues of application for the sake of clarifying the value and relevance of applied phenomenology in social work practice. After providing an overview of the reception of phenomenology in the social work literature, and introducing the three cases to be explored and their respective application of Merleau-Ponty's concept of the lived body, the article discusses Merleau-Ponty's own view on phenomenology, followed by a critical discussion of the three cases.

Findings

An applied phenomenology of embodiment turns out to be an ambiguous proposal, while simultaneously posing a challenge to the common-sense notion of professional reflection in face-to-face interaction between professional and client. The value of applying a phenomenology of embodiment to social work practice must arguably correspond to the question of how the lived body of the professional is disclosed reflectively in the encounter with other bodies, rather than simply how professionals adopt a theory to make sense of bodily experience at work.

Applications

This article contributes to clarifying the social situatedness of professional reflection, while also strengthening the case for phenomenological social work by exploring issues of application.
Investigation of CO2 emissions reduction for a 150 m electric catamaran by CFD analysis of various hull configurations
Authors: Kuplis William , Ali-Lavroff Jason , Dashtimanesh Abbas , Lau Chun-Yu
Published: June 2024

A 150 m electric wave-piercing catamaran concept from Incat Tasmania is analysed using CFD to explore the hydrodynamic impact of operating speed and hull separation on vessel performance and CO2 emissions reduction. Over the investigated speed range of 0.2 < Fr < 0.4, interference factors are evaluated for four demihull separation ratios ( s/ L) and two demihull slenderness ratios ( L/∇1/3). The implications on total life-cycle CO2 emissions are presented as a function of total vessel resistance, and the significance discussed. A separation ratio of s/ L = 0.220 provides the lowest overall resistance, however other configurations provide superior results for specific Froude numbers. The concept of transportation capacity is introduced and used to demonstrate the advantage of slower speeds for the electric powertrain through identification of a critical Froude number Fr = 0.35, above which transportation capacity is reduced as a consequence of the low energy density of Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) batteries. A comparison is also made between the electric and equivalent LNG and diesel powertrains to demonstrate the effect of fuel carbon intensities on standardised vessel CO2 emissions. Through analysis of the transportation capacity and emissions reduction of the electric vessel, a speed of Fr = 0.28 is proposed as a compromise between the two, with further power and emissions reductions achievable near this speed by adopting a narrower hull separation ratio of s/ L = 0.151.
Motivations for completing pulmonary rehabilitation - A qualitative analysis
Authors: Harvey Jennifer , Ingram Karen , Edwards George , Jenkins Timothy O , Gardener Gina , Patel Suhani , Man William D-C , Barker Ruth E
Published: June 2024

Background: Previous studies have focused on demographic factors that might predict non-completion of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). We aimed to identify key modifiable factors that promote completion of PR. Methods: A mixed methods survey was offered to participants completing a discharge assessment following PR. Descriptive statistics and inductive thematic analysis were used to analyse the survey responses, with investigator triangulation. Results: 62 of 187 (33%) patients attending a PR discharge assessment between November 2022 and April 2023 returned the anonymised survey. Desire to improve health and wellbeing was the main reason for both initially committing to a course and for continuing with PR past transient thoughts of leaving. The positive impact of staff was the second most common reason. The enjoyment of the PR programme, being held accountable to attend classes, and the importance of other group members were other key themes identified. Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings suggest PR services need to implement strategies which ensure regular promotion and reinforcement of the health benefits of PR as well as implementation of PR modalities which best monopolise on the positive impact skilled staff have on motivating patients to complete PR.
Party Line or Bottom Line? Decision-Making in Local Contexts
Authors: Burke Richard James
Published: June 2024

Does partisanship reduce the importance of self-interest in local political decision-making? I examined the case of homeowners and their preferences for lower property taxes, as well as their evaluations of zoning and development policy, to answer this question. Relying on data from a conjoint survey experiment ( n = 2036), I found that homeowners were more likely to select a candidate who supported lower property taxes than non-homeowners, on average. However, homeowners did not express stronger preferences for lower property taxes when evaluating candidates from the opposing party, or making decisions in elections that featured two-party competition. I supplemented my experimental data with survey data from the 2016 Cooperative Congressional Election Study (CCES), which asked respondents to evaluate zoning and development in their area, as well as their mayor. I found that homeowners were more likely than non-homeowners to credit their mayor for favorable evaluations of zoning and development regardless of their mayor’s partisanship.
The Tanshinones (Tan) Extract From Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge Induces ROS-Dependent Apoptosis in Pancreatic Cancer via AKT Hyperactivation-Mediated FOXO3/SOD2 Signaling
Authors: Xu Qin , Dong Shujie , Gong Qiuyi , Dai Qun , Cheng Rubin , Ge Yuqing
Published: June 2024

Context:

Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) is a commonly used herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been used in the treatment of pancreatic cancer to relieve the symptom of “blood stasis and toxin accumulation.” Tanshinones (Tan), the main lipophilic constituents extracted from the roots and rhizomes of SM, have been reported to possess anticancer functions in several cancers. But the mechanism of how the active components work in pancreatic cancer still need to be clarified.

Objective:

In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of Tan in pancreatic cancer and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Materials and Methods:

The viabilities of PANC-1 and Bxpc-3 cells were determined by MTT assay, after treatment with various concentrations of Tan. The apoptotic cells were quantified by annexin V-FITC/PI staining and DAPI staining assays. The expression of relative proteins was used western blotting. Tumor growth was assessed by subcutaneously inoculating cells into C57BL/6 mice.

Results:

Our experiments discovered that Tan effectively suppressed pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. Mechanistically, we propose that Tan enhances intracellular ROS levels by activating the AKT/FOXO3/SOD2 signaling pathway, ultimately leading to apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. In vivo assay showed the antitumor effect of Tan.

Conclusion:

Tan, a natural compound from Salvia miltiorrhiza, was found to effectively suppress pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and promote apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we propose a positive feedback loop mechanism. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular pathways driving pancreatic cancer progression.
Intensive Lifestyle Intervention for Cardiometabolic Prevention Implemented in Healthcare: Higher Risk Predicts Premature Dropout
Authors: Krachler Benno , Söderholm Anna , Ekman Fanny , Lindberg Frida , Lindbäck Joakim , Nilsson Sommar Johan , Glader Eva-Lotta , Lindahl Bernt
Published: June 2024

Aims

Patient characteristics and treatment setting are potential predictors of premature dropout from lifestyle interventions, but their relative importance is unknown.

Methods

From the quality registry of the unit for behavioral medicine, Umeå University hospital, we identified 2589 patients who had been enrolled in a multimodal lifestyle intervention for cardiometabolic risk reduction between 2006 and 2015. Baseline characteristics predicting dropout before 1-year follow-up were selected by a stepwise logistic regression algorithm.

Results

Better physical health and older age predicted full participation, with odds ratios for premature dropout (ORs) of .44 (95% confidence interval (CI) .31-.63), and .47 (95% CI .34-.65) in the highest compared to the lowest quartile, respectively. Odds of premature dropout were also lower among female participants, .71 (95% CI .58-.89). Premature dropout was predicted by higher BMI, snuffing tobacco, and smoking, with ORs of 1.53 (95% CI 1.13-2.08) in the highest compared to the lowest quartile of BMI, 1.37 (95% CI 1.03-1.81) comparing snuff user with non-users and 2.53 (95% CI 1.79-3.61) comparing smokers with non-smokers. Odds ratio for premature dropout among inpatients compared with outpatients was .84 (95% CI .68-1.04).

Conclusion

Higher risk at baseline predicts premature dropout.
Angiographic Safety and Efficacy of the ReSolv Flow-Diverting Stent in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Morrish Rosalie EA , Chunta Alec T , Belanger Brooke L , Croney Paige M , Salam M Suheel Abdul , Thompson Crista , Eesa Muneer , Wong John H , Mitha Alim P
Published: June 2024

Background

Bioresorbable polymer-based flow-diverting stents have potential benefits over existing metal devices. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the novel ReSolv device, which is a primarily polymer-based flow-diverting stent, using the in vivo rabbit sidewall saccular aneurysm model.

Methods

ReSolv stents were deployed in 14 New Zealand White rabbits that had undergone aneurysm creation procedures. Animals were allocated to follow-up time points of 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 16, or 18 months. Angiographic images were evaluated by an independent neurointerventionalist blinded to follow-up time points for (1) in-stent stenosis, (2) parent vessel and jailed side branch patency, (3) wall apposition, and (4) aneurysm occlusion using the Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC), O’Kelly Marotta grading scale, and the 4F flow diversion predictive score. Primary efficacy outcome was defined as RROC Class I or II.

Results

At a median follow-up time of 7.5 months, parent vessel (14/14) and jailed side (33/33) branches were patent in all cases. There was no development of thrombus on the stent or cases of significant in-stent stenosis, and all stents had good wall apposition. Adequate occlusion was found in 85.7% ( n = 12) of animals, including an RROC Class I in 64.3% ( n = 9) and RROC Class II in 21.4% ( n = 3).

Conclusions

The ReSolv stent shows encouraging angiographic safety and efficacy outcomes after placement in a rabbit sidewall saccular aneurysm model. Longer term studies are ongoing to determine eventual fate of the aneurysm, parent vessel, and jailed side branches after absorption of the polymer component of the stent.
Showcasing reality content on the front page: Comparing four services on the Danish video streaming market
Authors: Andersen Mads Møller T
Published: June 2024

This article is based on a three-year-long content analysis of the use of reality TV content on the front pages of four popular video streaming services in Denmark: DRTV, TV 2 Play, Viaplay, and Netflix. The results give rare insights into front pages that are normally hidden behind logins but also longitudinal perspectives about the services’ changing curation practices. In particular, the two institutions with public-service obligations, DR and TV 2, have VOD services that showcase reality content more prominently than the two commercial competitors in this study. These findings point to how the reality genre’s role has changed over the years, since DR and TV 2 now embrace reality content in a strategy to offer ‘Danish content’ that stands out from what their foreign competitors offer.
Debates in digital pedagogy within prisons
Authors: Davies Bill
Published: June 2024

This paper provides a critical view of the digital education within the global prison estate, with a specific aim of examining the extent to which we can expect the prison system of England and Wales to embrace digital pedagogy. By presenting critical sociological theories around social hierarchies and the transitions between them that education can provide (Freire, 1972; Gramsci, 1994; Kant, 1992), the paper will be able to show how while there is a desire and appetite for increasing the digital education of those who are at the lower end of the social economic divide; without buy in from the cultural hegemonic state (Gramsci. 1994), then there is no desire to aid prisoners to be able to access the global digital community. While the paper will paint a bleak picture of the digital education of prisoners, it will provide a latitudinal overview of successful programmes that are being run within the global prison estate. This in turn will show that while there is hope for a digitally accessible prison in which to aid education, it will be done so through capitalistic ideals rather than pedagogical ones.
The Fizzling of “Ceboom”: How Jurisdictional Battles and Warring Factions Undermined Cebu's Development Coalition
Authors: Hutchcroft Paul D. , Gera Weena
Published: June 2024

Starting in the late 1980s, in a phenomenon dubbed “Ceboom,” Cebu City and its surrounding metropolitan area attracted national envy and international attention as a leading centre of growth within a country facing many economic challenges. This article focuses first on the development coalition in the heyday of Ceboom (1988–1998) and proceeds through two subsequent periods in which this coalition declined (1998–2016) and then effectively collapsed (2016–present). Two important factors explain the fizzling of Ceboom. First, dysfunctional jurisdictional structures inhibit the emergence of coherent metropolitan governance; second, these underlying structural impediments feed into, and are exacerbated by, intense competition among warring factions involving city- and provincial-level politicians. Cebu's metropolitan region, we argue, will not be able to address multiple pressing development challenges without a coherent system of governance linking its many components; sadly, we do not see how this is likely to emerge in the foreseeable future.
Locomotor and Physiological Demands of Small-Sided Soccer Games in Wildcard and Regular Players: Effects of Goalkeepers and Type of Wildcard
Authors: Rodríguez-Fernández Alejandro , Clemente Filipe M. , Ramírez-Campillo Rodrigo , Sánchez-Sánchez Javier
Published: June 2024

Background:

Small-sided games (SSGs) are frequent training drills in soccer. This study investigated whether type of game (ie, with/without goalkeepers) and wildcard ( without vs internal vs external wildcard) impact the physiological (heartrate [HR]) and locomotor (total distance [TD] covered) demands in regular and wildcard players and to evaluate between-player and within-player variability.

Hypothesis:

Demands are influenced by wildcard and game type, with higher demand (distance covered at high intensities and sprint speed) in regular players and with higher variability in SSG with wildcard players.

Study Design:

Descriptive/comparative study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

Twenty-four soccer players completed 6 SSG as 3 versus 3 without (NG) or with (GK) goalkeepers, and with internal (NG+IW and GK+IW) and external (NG+EW and GK+EW) wildcard. Average HR (HRavg), rate of perceived exertion, and locomotor demands (TD, medium [MID = 7.0-13.9 km h-1], high [HID = 14.0-20.9 km h-1] and sprint [SPD >21.0 km h-1] distance and peak speed [PS]) were registered.

Results:

The inclusion of GK and internal wildcard led to decreased HRavg and TD in regular players. Wildcard players positioned internally exhibited higher TD, PS, and lower HRavg than externally positioned wildcards. Regular players demonstrated higher TD, PS, MID, HID, HRavg and time spent in Z3 (>90% HRmax) compared with wildcard players in SSG played with external wildcard. Regular and wildcard players displayed great between- and within-player variability in high-intensity metrics.

Conclusion:

Specific game type and wildcard inclusion impact the physiological and locomotor demands in SSG, with variations observed between regular and wildcard players.

Clinical Relevance:

This study provides comprehensive information on the physiological and locomotor demands of SSG depending on the inclusion and position of goalkeepers and wildcards, which can be useful for strength and conditioning coaches when designing specific training tasks, individualizing training load and applying return-to-play programs.