bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘The glowing fireflies’: Invisible activism under China’s queer necropolitics
Authors: Bernot Ausma , Yang Fan , Davies Sara E
Published: September 2024

In China, the escalating repression of gender and sexual diversity has given rise to ‘queer necropolitics’. ‘Queer necropolitics’ – a concept we build on – refers to the hegemonic ability to determine who is allowed to suffer, survive, or thrive. We examine China’s sustained re-enforcement of traditional gender norms, which has rendered queer communities non-existent from official recognition. In this context, we aim to understand how China’s state queer necropolitics has shaped queer organising in the country. From 2021 to 2022, we conducted 26 semi-structured interviews with a diverse cohort of self-identified LGBTIQ+ members and activists across 12 provinces in China. We find that the interplay of legal invisibility and politicised, moralised visibility has placed queer communities under hegemonic governance techniques of suppression. The paper argues that China’s queer necropolitics has established invisible activism. The juxtaposition of invisibility with activism denotes the quiet, implicit, and everyday embodied acts of communal care among queer communities as a form of resistance. Building on the metaphor of ‘glowing fireflies’ shared by a research participant, invisible activism presents a more sustainable approach than conventional rights-based activism. The paper expands our understanding of politically antagonistic practices, acknowledging the diversity and complexity embedded within queer activism.
Focus on the blind spots of clinician-patient interactions: A critical narrative review of collusion in medical setting
Authors: Deliyanidis Sophia , Stiefel Friedrich Carl , Bourquin Céline , Michaud Laurent
Published: September 2024

Collusions, interpersonal phenomena with an impact on patients, significant others, clinicians, and care, are mainly described in the psychotherapeutic literature but also occur in the medical setting. Comprehended as an unconscious bond between two or more persons from a psychotherapeutic perspective, definitions and collusive situations described in the medical setting vary. The question arises whether medical collusions, compared to collusions occurring in the psychiatric setting emerge in different clinical situations or are not identified as transference-countertransference experiences, since there is less sensitivity for the unconscious dimensions of care. We systematically reviewed the medical literature on collusions. Even though a read threat, avoidance of unpleasant feelings (mainly anxiety), runs through the described collusions, the unconscious dimensions and associated defensive maneuvers are rarely evoked. Given the expressed desire to act on collusions in medicine, involving third-party psychiatric liaison clinicians, who supervise clinicians, and hereby help to disentangle collusions, could be beneficial.
What drives crowdfunding intentions of artist-entrepreneurs? – Evidence from Norway
Authors: Shneor Rotem , Maehle Natalia , Munim Ziaul Haque , Rykkja Anders
Published: September 2024

Crowdfunding has been proclaimed as a new fundraising channel offering multiple benefits to artist-entrepreneurs, yet its use has been surprisingly underwhelming. The study examines the determinants of artist-entrepreneurs’ intentions to use crowdfunding in fundraising for their projects. It does so by suggesting and testing a model combining classical antecedents of intentions adopted from the theory of planned behaviour (i.e., attitudes (ATT), subjective norms (SUBN), perceived behaviour control (PBC), and self-efficacy (SELE)), and aspects specific to creative and artistic work (i.e., conventionality of creative work and the size of existing fanbase (FAB)). The analysis employs survey data collected from artist-entrepreneurs in Norway. Findings show that while ATT towards crowdfunding and SUBN are positively associated with crowdfunding intentions, SELE and PBC are not. Moreover, non-conventionality of creative work and FAB are positively associated with SELE and PBC, though they are not significantly associated with ATT and SUBN. These results remain stable even when controlling for sub-sectoral affiliations of artists based on the type of creative work they do.
Turbocharged DISI engine low-load performance improvement investigation through ozone seeding with residual gases and excess air charge dilution
Authors: Roso Vinícius Rückert , Fagundez Jean Lucca Souza , Vinade Enzo Hoffmeister , Griesang Carlos Henrique , Alegre Guilherme HM , Windlin Fernando , Lanzanova Thompson Diórdinis Metzka , Martins Mario Eduardo Santos
Published: September 2024

The automotive industry has long prioritized the search for more efficient engines, driven by environmental concerns, fuel prices, and consumer demand for fuel-efficient vehicles. Various technologies and strategies are explored to enhance performance while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Despite potential combustion stability issues, techniques like using lean mixtures or retaining exhaust gases are commonly employed. Ozone seeding has emerged as a combustion enhancer for internal combustion engines, particularly effective under lean mixtures or high residual gas levels, aiming to stabilize de-throttling conditions, minimize pumping losses, and enhance engine efficiency by enhancing the reactivity of the mixture through the release of radicals that facilitate fuel oxidation. This study investigates the impact of ozone addition on engine performance, emissions, and fuel consumption using a turbocharged SI vehicular engine on a dynamometer bench under different loads. Ozone was introduced to the engine intake using an ozone generator with compressed air, considering two mixture dilution strategies: fresh air and residual gases. Results show that ozone application, with Brazilian Gasoline Type C, induces autoignition of the end-gas under specific low-load, low-engine speed conditions. Up to 1000 ppm, ozone has no discernible impact on DISI engine operation under excess air dilution, maintaining performance equivalent to the baseline. For specific operating conditions with 3 and 4 bar BMEP, where ozone stabilizes combustion with higher residual gas fraction (RGF) percentages, there is a notable reduction in specific fuel consumption, suggesting a potential 1%–1.5% increase in brake efficiency. However, ozone seeding with high RGF percentages leads to a slight increase in CO emissions, elevated NOX emissions, and a tendency to reduce THC emissions up to a certain RGF limit.
Development of diesel combustion with low cooling loss and high dispersion spray using two-dimensional optical measurements
Authors: Hasegawa Ryo , Nishida Kentaro , Anezaki Yukinobu
Published: September 2024

In this study, a novel, high-efficiency, and clean combustion concept utilizing low cooling loss and high dispersion spray is proposed. The research aims to validate the objectives of this concept through spatiotemporal analysis of phenomena when key variables such as combustion chamber shape, spray parameters, and swirl are modified. This new combustion approach focuses on achieving low heat loss by using smaller nozzle diameters, multi-hole nozzles, and reduced swirl compared to conventional combustion. The combustion chamber is designed with an increased cavity diameter and an expanded taper diameter to enhance upward spray dispersion, thereby reducing fuel spray penetration into the cavity and decreasing cooling loss. This configuration reduces the fuel spray penetration in cavity, achieving a reduction in cooling heat loss. Furthermore, to increase the volume in the lower part of the combustion chamber, a corner-bottom shape is employed. Additionally, by causing spray impingement through the corner bottom shape, the strategy aimed to prevent the return of the mail injections to the central part of the combustion chamber. These parameters were evaluated using two-dimensional optical measurements, which calculated thermal flux, temperature, velocity, and KL value distributions. The impact of cavity diameter on internal cooling loss is significant, and preventing flame stagnation from a smoke perspective is crucial. An increase in taper diameter reduces squish velocity, achieving heat losses reduction, while necessitating spray dispersion into the squish area. The influence of swirl ratio on heat losses is more pronounced in the squish and taper areas than inside the cavity, necessitating consideration of flame temperature reduction within the cavity when reducing swirl ratios. The implementation of double after injection influences low heat losses and avoids flame stagnation, enabling soot reduction. The corner bottom shape combustion chamber proved effective in reducing heat losses and particulate matter (PM) at medium and high loads.
The Netflix Paradox in the Middle East: Diversity, Inclusivity, and Authenticity?
Authors: Khalil Joe F.
Published: September 2024

This article rethinks Netflix productions beyond Western dominance, exploring their development in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Drawing from industry reports and expert insights, it uncovers emerging patterns in the creation and marketing of Netflix Originals in Arabic. The first section examines regional television and streaming industries, identifying competitors, genres, and production structures. Case studies in the second section reveal insights into series revival and movie remaking. The second section presents two case studies of Netflix Arabic Originals. These case studies offer insights into the revival of a series with popular trans-regional appeal and the remaking of a movie with proven international success. Netflix’s approach highlights a paradox: while claiming diversity and authenticity, Originals often overlook local contexts in distribution and consumption. This analysis sheds light on the complexities of global-local dynamics in Netflix’s content strategy.
Research on military targets camouflage effect rating based on background anomaly detection and deep transfer features learning
Authors: Hao Bentian , Xu Weidong , Yang Xin , Xiao Feifei , Li Hao , Huang Wei
Published: September 2024

Manual evaluation of military target camouflage often fails to fully capture human visual characteristics. This paper introduces a method for intelligent camouflage feature extraction and effect evaluation using deep neural networks. Firstly, military target and background datasets are constructed, with annotation methods optimized through perceptual experiments. A GANomaly model for background anomaly detection and a transfer learning feature model are developed. These models evaluate data similarity to background and target features to categorize camouflage into three levels. PCA dimensionality reduction and RFE screening identify final features. Two logistic regression models are then combined to create a grading model. In experiments, the GANomaly model was trained and optimized, achieving 86.8% accuracy in distinguishing level 1 from non-level 1 camouflage using 28-dimensional features. Among three transfer models, the MobileNetV2 model identified 33-dimensional features with 85.1% accuracy in distinguishing level 3 from non-level 3 camouflage. Combined, the models reached an 84.3% grading accuracy on the test set, with Micro and Macro average AUC values of 0.939 and 0.945, respectively. This performance surpasses that of BP network models and linear models based on manual features, as well as metrics like SSIM, UIQI, MSE, and PSNR. The results indicate that the models effectively align with human annotations and can reliably assess military target camouflage levels.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning People and Human Resource Development: An Examination of Recent Literature 2010-2020
Authors: Schmidt Steven W. , Baumgartner Lisa M. , de Faria Santos Humberto , Misawa Mitsunori
Published: September 2024

Topics in human resource development (HRD) related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer-or-questioning (LGBTQ+) issues have been the subject of research for several decades now. In 2012, Schmidt et al. published results from a systematic review of literature on LGBT people and HRD. They found increases in the amount and variety of articles published on the topic since research began to be published in the mid-1990s. The purpose of this review of literature was to continue where the 2012 article left off and examine both the quantity and type of articles published on LGBT issues in HRD since 2009 and the LGBT-related topics addressed in these articles. Conducting a systematic review of the literature to mirror the method used in the 2012 article, this review of literature compared articles written between 2010 and 2020 with those written before 2010 and discussed Schmidt et al.’s (2012) review. Examined together, the result is a comprehensive history of articles on these topics, published in HRD-focused publications, from the time the very first articles were published through 2020. Articles published on LGBTQ + issues in HRD have evolved in terms of content, and that evolution aligns with the progress made on LGBTQ + rights in general. Articles published in the 1990s and 2000s, for example, focused more on identity issues and coming out processes in the workplace, whereas more recent articles examine career development for LGBTQ + people, workplace diversity, inclusion, support, benefits, and workplace climate. However, despite gains made in LGBTQ + rights in the workplace, the authors noted a decrease in the number of articles published in the 2010-2020 time period, and there were significantly more conceptual pieces and fewer empirical studies. This review concludes with recommendations for future researchers and practitioners in HRD.
Prediction of cluster energy of lithium clusters from codescriptors with application in 2D porous graphene
Authors: Ali Parvez , Alhabib Omar MA , AlSulaim Sultan K
Published: September 2024

A lithium metal anode has a high energy density, but its applications face numerous challenges, particularly the irregular deposition of lithium dendrites, which form due to the aggregation of lithium clusters, posing serious safety risks. Research has revealed that small lithium clusters have the potential to enhance the electrode potential in Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), and cluster energy affects the stability of lithium clusters. Modern computational tools and DFT calculations of lithium clusters can provide invaluable insights into their chemical, physical, and structural properties. However, calculating structural properties through large-scale experiments can be time-consuming and expensive. To overcome the challenges inherent in studying lithium clusters, this study employs a novel approach. We construct molecular graphs for the most stable structures and leverage CoM Polynomial computations to generate codescriptors, enabling efficient and accurate predictions of cluster energy for diverse lithium cluster configurations. The curvilinear regression analysis filters out highly significant regression equations and highly predictive codescriptors. Additionally, we investigated two molecular structures of porous graphene, namely linear and triangular, and obtained topological codescriptors’ analytical expressions by utilizing the CoM Polynomial in each case. A deeper understanding of both lithium clusters and porous graphene properties is essential for optimizing LIBs’ performance and stability.
Multifunctional characterization of cement-Sargassum composites for application as bioconstruction materials
Authors: López-Sosa Luis Bernardo , Rodríguez-Torres Gerardo Manuel , Rodríguez-Martínez Rosa E , Herrera-Ramírez Martín , Corral-Huacuz Juan Carlos , García Carlos A , Morales-Máximo Mario
Published: September 2024

Utilizing solid waste biomass developing of construction materials presents an environmental mitigation opportunity by gradually replacing conventional materials that generate diverse ecological impacts. This approach aligns with circular economy and green chemistry principles, promoting the creation of sustainable materials. This research analyzes the use of brown algae from the Sargassum genus for bioconstruction applications through its mix with Portland cement. The mass influx of pelagic Sargassum species onto Caribbean beaches since 2011 has significantly impacted the environment, economy, and human health. The valorization of Sargassum is crucial for effective management and impact reduction. The study encompasses four key stages: (a) collection and processing of the algae, (b) development of a construction material composed of Portland cement and Sargassum at concentrations of 5 wt.% and 7.5 wt.%, (c) multifunctional characterization of the composite material, encompassing physical chemistry and thermal, optical and mechanical properties, and (d) an economic-environmental evaluation of using the construction material for housing in the Mexican Caribbean to enhance thermal insulation and reduce electric energy consumption associated with air conditioning. Test specimens of the composite material reveal compressive strength ranging between 78 and 347 kg/cm2, solar spectrum absorbance between 54% and 70%, and thermal conductivity between 0.65 and 1 W/mK. The economic-environmental analysis indicates that employing the construction material in 5% of households in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, could lead to annual reductions in energy consumption of approximately 67 GWh, with savings exceeding US$33,000, and environmental yearly mitigation equivalent to 4.1 TnNOx, 5.2 TnCH4, and 33,262 TnCO2. These results suggest promising prospects for incorporating Sargassum into construction materials, offering potential environmental and economic benefits. The composite material demonstrates optical, thermal, and mechanical functionality.
A scoping review of qualitative studies on sexual and reproductive health and rights in Uganda: Exploring factors at multiple levels
Authors: Buser Julie M , Kumakech Edward , August Ella , Rana Gurpreet K , Gray Rachel , Auma Anna Grace , Jacobson-Davies Faelan E , Endale Tamrat , Pebolo Pebalo Francis , Smith Yolanda R
Published: September 2024

Background:

Uganda is burdened by high unintended and teen pregnancies, high sexually transmitted infections, and harm caused by unsafe abortion.

Objectives:

Explore factors influencing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Uganda by synthesizing evidence from qualitative studies using a scoping review.

Eligibility Criteria:

Original qualitative peer-reviewed research studies published between 2002 and 2023 in any language exploring factors influencing SRHR in Uganda.

Sources of Evidence:

Eight databases searched using qualitative/mixed methods search filters and no language limits.

Charting Methods:

Information extracted included author, article title, publication year, study aims, participant description, data collection type, sample size, main findings, factors at the individual, interpersonal, community, and policy levels, implications for SRHR in Uganda, and study limitations. Quality of the selected articles was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool.

Results:

One hundred seventy-three studies met inclusion criteria. At the individual level, knowledge and attitudes toward SRHR, risky sexual behavior, and access to maternal SRHR services were identified as critical factors influencing health outcomes. Interpersonal factors included communication with sexual partners and relationships with family, school, and community members. Healthcare organization factors included adolescent access to education, SRHR services, and HIV prevention. Cultural and social factors included gendered norms and male involvement in SRHR. Policy-level factors included the importance of aligning policy and practice.

Conclusions:

Multiple factors at individual, interpersonal, community, healthcare, cultural, and policy levels were found to influence SRHR in Uganda. The findings suggest that interventions targeting multiple levels of the socio-ecological system may be necessary to improve SRHR outcomes. This review highlights the need for a holistic approach that considers the broader socio-ecological context. Reducing identified gaps in the literature, particularly between policy and practice related to SRHR, is urgently needed in Uganda. We hope this review will inform the development of policies and interventions to improve SRHR outcomes.
Parental socialization and adolescent dating violence victimization
Authors: Tagaybek Kymbat , Rima Dzhansarayeva , Gulnaz Alaeva , Nurlan Apakhayev , Marlen Turgumbayev , Beaver Kevin M
Published: September 2024

There has been a great deal of research interest on intimate partner violence, but comparatively less research has been focused on adolescent dating victimization. The available research, however, shows that adolescent dating victimization is often a precursor to adulthood intimate partner violence victimization as well as a range of other maladaptive outcomes. The current study sought to examine whether parental socialization was associated with being the victim of adolescent dating violence. To do so, data from the National Longitudinal of Adolescent to Adult Health were analyzed. The results revealed that most of the parenting measures were unrelated to adolescent dating violence victimization, but that measures of self-control and delinquent peers emerged as consistent predictors for both males and females. These findings underscore the complex nature of adolescent dating victimization and highlight the importance of future research addressing this pressing social issue.
Effectiveness of nutrition interventions targeting university-level student populations across the League of Arab States: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Dodge Elizabeth , Abu Shihab Katia Hazim N. , Aboul-Enein Basil H. , Benajiba Nada , Faris MoezAlIslam
Published: September 2024

The university setting is an ideal setting to implement nutrition education interventions. Because the transition to college life often overlaps with young adults’ increase in independence in food choice and nutrition related behavior, this is an optimal time to target this population and several models exist to best utilize the college setting to support nutrition education interventions. This review aimed to examine the effectiveness of nutrition interventions in university student populations across the League of Arab States. A scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines was conducted across 14 databases for relevant publications published through May 2023 to find studies conducted across Arab countries. Quality assessment was conducted using the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool. Seven primary studies were included in this review. Although the interventions and outcome measures were disparate, there were positive impacts of the interventions, including improved nutrition knowledge and nutrition habits, knowledge of nutrient sources, and knowledge about the relationship between diet and disease. Recommendations to maximize the efficacy of nutrition interventions conducted across the League of Arab States include purposeful design of the intervention based on a theoretical framework, the use of a control group in the research design, and follow-up measures to examine post-intervention effects. Consideration should also be given to intervention duration and availability in college-students’ schedules. Adaptation of intervention materials, measures and delivery methodologies should emphasize local foods, food culture and dietary practices.
Encoding of object location in a scrolling display
Authors: Fujii Yumiko , Morita Hiromi
Published: September 2024

There are two main characteristics of visual information processing when viewing an image by scrolling on a small screen: viewing the image sequentially, section by section, owing to the limited visible area, and moving the image to view the desired section of the image. In this study, we investigated the effects of these characteristics on the encoding of object location. The participants were required to observe an image containing 10 objects under three viewing conditions without a time limit and to recall the location of the target object. The viewing conditions were a scrolling condition, a moving-window condition in which a fixed image was viewed by moving the window, and a no-window condition in which the entire image was viewed without a window. The results showed that although the recall accuracy did not differ among the conditions, the observation time increased in the order of scrolling, moving-window, and no-window conditions. These results indicate that in a scrolling view, the object location can be encoded with the same accuracy as that in a full view; however, more time is required for encoding. This finding suggests that viewing the image sequentially and moving the image degrade the encoding of object location.
Growth hormone treatment in children with Prader–Willi syndrome: safety and effectiveness data from the PATRO Children study
Authors: Lämmer Constanze , Backeljauw Philippe , Tauber Maite , Kanumakala Shankar , Loche Sandro , Otfried Schwab Karl , Pfäffle Roland , Höybye Charlotte , Lundberg Elena , Dahlgren Jovanna , Ek Anna E. , Battelino Tadej , Kriström Berit , Esmael Altaher , Zabransky Markus
Published: September 2024

Background:

Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH, somatropin) therapy is approved in children with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS).

Objectives:

To report safety and effectiveness data for children with PWS treated with biosimilar rhGH (Omnitrope®, Sandoz) in the PAtients TReated with Omnitrope (PATRO) Children study.

Design:

PATRO Children was a multicenter, non-interventional, postmarketing surveillance study.

Methods:

Children with PWS received Omnitrope according to standard clinical practice. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored for the duration of Omnitrope treatment. Effectiveness outcomes were also assessed, including height standard deviation (SD) scores (HSDS).

Results:

As of July 2020 (study completion), 235 patients with PWS had been enrolled. At baseline, 95.7% ( n = 225) of patients were prepubertal and 86.4% ( n = 203) were rhGH treatment-naïve. At analysis, the median (range) treatment duration in the study was 56.8 (2.9–155.8) months. AEs were reported in 192 patients (81.7%) and were suspected as treatment-related in 39 patients (16.6%). Serious AEs (SAEs) were reported in 96 patients (40.9%) and were suspected as treatment-related in 22 patients (9.4%). The most frequent treatment-related SAEs were sleep apnea syndrome ( n = 11; 4.7%), tonsillar hypertrophy ( n = 4; 1.7%), and adenoidal hypertrophy ( n = 4; 1.7%). Development of scoliosis was considered treatment-related in two patients; development of impaired glucose tolerance in one patient and type 2 diabetes mellitus in another patient were considered treatment-related. Effectiveness outcomes were primarily assessed in 153 patients who completed 3 years of treatment. Among the 151 prepubertal patients (135 treatment-naïve), mean (SD) change from baseline in HSDS after 3 years was +1.50 (1.07) across all patients and +1.57 (1.07) for treatment-naïve patients.

Conclusion:

These data suggest that biosimilar rhGH is well tolerated and effective in patients with PWS managed in real-life clinical practice. Patients with PWS should continue to be closely monitored for well-known safety issues (including respiratory, sleep, and glucose metabolism disorders, and scoliosis) during rhGH treatment.
Safety profile of drugs used in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: a narrative review
Authors: Upadhyay Henil , Aliberti Stefano , Husband Andrew , Chalmers James D. , Hester Katy , De Soyza Anthony
Published: September 2024

Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis is a long-term lung disease characterised by abnormal dilatation of the bronchi, with patients experiencing chronic productive cough and recurrent exacerbations. Currently, there are no licensed drugs for use in bronchiectasis while clinical trials have been conducted to either test new drugs or repurpose existing ones. These drugs target the underlying pathophysiology of bronchiectasis which is known to include infection, inflammation, mucus hypersecretion and retention. Most of the drugs used in daily clinical practice for bronchiectasis are off-label with no randomised trials exploring their safety. This review aims at exploring the safety profile of drugs frequently used in clinical practice to manage bronchiectasis, including antibiotics (e.g. macrolides, aminoglycosides, polymyxins, fluoroquinolones, aztreonam), mucoactive therapy (e.g. hypertonic saline, mannitol, DNase and carbocisteine), anti-inflammatory therapy (inhaled corticosteroids) and drugs currently in development for use in bronchiectasis (e.g. brensocatib, benralizumab and itepekimab).
Rectal toxicity of 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy following hydrogel spacer (Space OAR) injection for men with prostate cancer
Authors: Kawaguchi Gen , Ishida Kyohei , Nishiyama Hiroki , Ikeda Yohei , Hara Noboru , Nishiyama Tsutomu
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

To evaluate whether hydrogel spacer injection, which increases the distance between the prostate and rectum, prior to local radiation therapy for prostate cancer reduces rectal and bladder toxicity.

Patients and methods:

With institutional review board approval (05-004), we retrospectively reviewed rectal and bladder toxicity after local radiation therapy in patients with prostate cancer who were followed up for more than 1 year.

Results:

We included 156 patients who had received local radiation therapy. Their ages ranged from 63 to 86 years, with an average of 75 years. Most patients were treated only on the prostate and seminal vesicles. All prostate sites were irradiated as follows: whole pelvis with prostate in 10 patients, whole pelvis with prostate and metastatic sites in six, and prostate and metastatic sites in eight. Radiation therapy (70–74 Gy) was performed for the prostate. Irradiation of 45–46.8 Gy was applied to whole pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes, with 54–60 Gy applied to bone metastatic sites. In one case, stereotactic body radiation therapy (36 Gy) was performed for a sacral bone metastatic site. The hydrogel spacer was injected in 39 patients. Rectal toxicity was reported in 21 patients without (17.9%) and 3 patients with (7.7%) the hydrogel spacer. Bladder toxicity was reported in five patients without and only one patient with the hydrogel spacer.

Conclusion:

Hydrogel spacer injection prior to local radiation therapy for prostate cancer reduces rectal radiation exposure, lowers the risk of rectal complications, and may be a promising method for boosting the irradiation dose in the future.
Social Media, Psychological Distance, and Environmental Collective Action in Peru
Authors: Ruiz-Dodobara Fernando , Uribe-Bravo Karla A. , Escurra Mayaute Luis Miguel
Published: September 2024

This research aims to analyze the chain-mediated effect of the different types of psychological distances (social, temporal, spatial, and probability) and the variables of the Social Identity Model of Collective Action (SIMCA) on the relationship between the use of social media and violent environmental collective action. The study sample consisted of 650 university students ( M = 20.8, SD = 2.74) aged 18–35 years from Lima. Analyses were conducted by means of structural equation modeling (SEM) using the AMOS SPSS software, where a statistical model was performed for each type of psychological distance. The findings revealed two statistically significant paths that go from social media to violent environmental collective action, mediated, first, by each of the psychological distances and, second, by social identity and negative emotions (anger and fear). In addition, it was observed that only probability distance on its own acted as a mediator in the relationship between social media and violent environmental collective action. It was also observed that a path from social media to violent environmental collective action was mediated, first, by three types of distances (probability, spatial, and temporal) and, second, by participative efficacy.
Does Green Financing Moderate the Effect of Trade Openness on Carbon Emissions in Emerging Countries?
Authors: Xia Liu , Fatema Nazneen , Rahman Mariya , Rahman Md. Mominur
Published: September 2024

The environmental impact of trade openness has been a subject of extensive research, but gaps exist in understanding how green financing interact with trade openness on carbon emissions in emerging economies. Thus, this research aims to investigate the moderating effect of green financing on the relationship between trade openness and carbon emissions in emerging countries. The study uses a balanced panel dataset comprising BRIC and CIVETS countries spanning 1998 to 2022 years. Employing threshold effect model, we uncover involved patterns and critical thresholds that influence the environmental outcomes of trade dynamics. Finally, this paper employs different econometric models fortifying the methodological underpinning of the study. We find that green financing and trade openness lead to a reduction in carbon emissions as they are negatively associated with emissions. Further, our study finds that green financing interacted with trade openness to reduce carbon emissions because interaction of trade openness makes stronger the relationship to reduce emissions. When these two factors interact, their combined effect is even more potent. Additionally, this study identifies a threshold effect in the role of green financing, where its inhibitory impact on carbon emissions intensifies as the level of green financing increases, lead to greater reductions in emissions. This research contributes in identifying the moderating effects of green financing and the threshold effects on carbon emissions at different levels of green financing. Thus, this article implies that increasing both green financing and trade openness, along with understanding their interactive and threshold effects, is crucial for achieving substantial carbon emissions reductions.
Political Economy of Command Agriculture in Zimbabwe: A State-led Contract Farming Model
Authors: Mazwi Freedom , Chemura Abel , Mudimu George T. , Chambati Walter
Published: September 2024

After the withdrawal of agrarian capital from financing agriculture in the context of a backlash following the implementation radical land redistribution and tenure reforms since 2000, the fiscally constrained Zimbabwean state assumed an enlarged role in funding production, especially of food grains. Various input subsidy programs were initiated by state and donor agencies to plug the challenges faced by farmers in accessing expensive agricultural inputs, such as seeds and fertilizer on the open markets. Notwithstanding these interventions, the country’s national production has been short of domestic demand for grains, among other key food items, and the recurrent deficits have been increasingly met with a ballooning food import bill. Against this background, in 2016, the Zimbabwe government initiated the Special Maize Import Substitution Programme to enhance domestic production and reduce food imports. Commonly referred to as the Targeted Command Agriculture Programme (TCAP), it is akin to a contract-farming scheme enlisting both the peasantries and the new small-scale capitalist farms, with funding support from domestic capital. Contract farming in Zimbabwe has largely been driven by domestic and international agribusiness and focused on export commodities such as cotton, tobacco and horticulture. In this respect, the TCAP represents a relatively novel, if not innovative, approach by the state to finance food production through contract farming geared to serve the home market. This article examines the effectiveness of this state-driven model of financing agriculture, drawing from research conducted in Zvimba district, in Mashonaland West Province.
Colorectal Carcinoma—An Anomalous Trigger of Adult Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Govindarajan Ameish , Venter Frederick , Chaudhry Akriti , Kaur Harsimranjit , Cobos Everardo , Petersen Greti
Published: September 2024

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare but often fatal condition characterized by a hyperinflammatory immune response leading to multiorgan failure. It is predominantly observed in the pediatric population and can be classified as familial or acquired HLH. The latter is more common in adults, often associated with malignancy, infection, or autoimmune diseases. Among acquired HLH cases, hematologic neoplasms account for the majority, with only a few isolated reports documenting solid neoplasms as the cause. Herein, we present a case of adult HLH associated with colorectal adenocarcinoma, which, to the best of our knowledge, is only the second reported case of HLH associated with this type of cancer.
Who Gets the Kid? Female Empowerment and Child Custody in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Yen-hsin Alice
Published: September 2024

Women’s status in Taiwan has improved substantially due to rapid social and legal changes, yet how female empowerment affects child custody outcomes has been studied little. This study analyzes the entirety of divorce registration records in 2002–2004 and 2018–2020 to reveal the evolution of custodial arrangements in Taiwan. It pays particular attention to how mother’s changing traits and spousal pairings in age and education affect the probability of different child custody outcomes. The findings show that maternal age and education matter in both absolute and relative terms. Higher maternal age and education are associated with more mother-sole and joint custody decisions. Women in age and educational hypogamy secure mother-sole custody more often than their nonhypogamous peers. Furthermore, with improved women’s status at the society level, all women and particularly those in nontraditional unions now have become less likely to face a complete loss of child custody upon divorce than before.
Divergence and Convergence across Presumed and Actual Stereotypes
Authors: Mize Trenton D.
Published: September 2024

Stereotypes are foundational to social life, with warmth and competence key to views of social groups. Some theoretical and empirical work on stereotypes focuses on personal “first-order” beliefs about social groups. Other work focuses on perceptions of a culture’s stereotypes, or “generalized second-order” beliefs. Scholars differ in which they consider to have greater impact or whether they think they are unique or represent the same underlying belief. In this visualization, I present data from a large online survey experiment ( N = 1,045) in which participants reported either first-order or generalized second-order stereotypes about 19 different social groups. For the majority of stereotypes measured, the results differ across the two methods, with perceptions of culture more pessimistic than people’s actual first-order beliefs would suggest. That is, people tend to assume that others hold more negative stereotypes than they actually do, and this is especially pronounced for negatively viewed social groups.
Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes After Hindfoot and Ankle Arthrodesis Using Cellular Bone Allograft Augmentation: A Short Report
Authors: Ruland Jeffrey R. , Sumpter Anna , McVey Eric , Novicoff Wendy , Pierce Jennifer , Cooper Minton T. , Perumal Venkat , Park Joseph S.
Published: September 2024

Background:

Nonunion after ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis is associated with poor outcomes. Cellular bone allograft is an alternative to autograft for use in these procedures. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the early efficacy and safety of cellular bone allograft use in hindfoot and ankle arthrodesis procedures.

Methods:

Fourteen patients undergoing hindfoot or ankle arthrodesis supplemented with cellular bone allograft were prospectively enrolled. Computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained postoperatively at set time points and reviewed by 3 fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons as well as 1 musculoskeletal radiologist. Primary outcome was CT-verified union, defined as >25% of joint surface. Complications were recorded and revision procedures offered as indicated.

Results:

CT-verified union rate during the study period was 76.7% (23 of 30 joints). Union was 100% for the ankle joint (2 of 2), 50% for the talonavicular joint (5 of 10), 100% for the calcaneocuboid joint (8 of 8), and 80.0% for the subtalar joint (8 of 10). One patient underwent revision fusion procedure, and 1 patient underwent hardware removal during the study period.

Conclusion:

Our initial experience suggests that use of cellular bone allograft augmentation in hindfoot and ankle arthrodesis may offer an alternative to autograft without potential of donor site morbidity.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
“Backlash!”? A qualitative exploration of hospice palliative care staff’s ongoing experiences of “living with covid”
Authors: Evans Rebecca , MacArtney John
Published: September 2024

Background:

“Living with covid” has meant that the SARS-CoV-2 virus has become a background concern for many in the United Kingdom. However, people with terminal conditions remain some of those at higher risk of Covid-19 affecting the quality-of-life left, as well as the amount of life. Little is known about how staff manage the ongoing risks and challenges—to themselves and those they seek to support—when providing palliative care in the context of an airborne transmissible virus.

Objective:

To explore the experiences of UK hospice staff of “living with covid” to identify how Covid-19 continues to affect their work and well-being.

Design:

An interpretivist qualitative interview study.

Methods:

Reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured online interviews with 12 staff recruited from three hospices in the West Midlands, UK.

Results:

We explored how participants’ accounts of “living with covid” included several ambivalences: Participants not only sought to assert the importance of not forgetting that time but also wished to “move-on.” This included moving Covid-19 to the “background” through embedding systemic adaptions and lessons learnt, while also recognizing that they had to address issues relating to Covid-19 “case-by-case.” Finally, participants’ wish to move-on and a mostly reactive approach to mitigations meant that they were unable to meaningfully reconcile how asymptomatic transmission promotes patients’ quality-of-life left.

Conclusion:

Recollections of the difficulties of the Covid-19 public health emergency were part of a “backlash” to any future consideration of mitigations for airborne transmissible viruses and helped justify a “living with (getting) covid” approach. However, this also created uncertainty of how best to support patients who are vulnerable to having the quality and amount of life left compromised by viral infection. The pandemic has brought renewed impetus to re-examine hospice palliative care’s ideals and practices in the context of airborne transmissible viruses.
Enhancing recovery: surgical techniques and rehabilitation strategies after direct anterior hip arthroplasty
Authors: Di Martino Alberto , Keating Christopher , Butsick Michael J. , Platano Daniela , Berti Lisa , Hunter Louis N. , Faldini Cesare
Published: September 2024

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common surgical procedure for hip joint pathologies, with the direct anterior approach (DAA) gaining popularity due to potential benefits in postoperative recovery. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of rehabilitation strategies following DAA THA, focusing on surgical techniques, postoperative care, and outcomes. The evolution of the DAA to THA is discussed, highlighting historical advancements and comparisons with other surgical approaches. Surgical techniques and considerations specific to the DAA are detailed, including outcomes and complications compared to alternative approaches. The role of the surgical technique in influencing postoperative rehabilitation is explored, emphasizing the importance of optimizing surgical procedures for enhanced recovery. Postoperative care and rehabilitation models following DAA THA are examined, with a focus on the impacts of different rehabilitation protocols on patient outcomes. The review underscores the significance of tailored rehabilitation programs in promoting optimal recovery and patient satisfaction. Current evidence from recent studies, meta-analyses, and clinical trials is critically analyzed to provide insights into the effectiveness of postoperative rehabilitation strategies. The review identifies gaps in the existing literature and proposes recommendations for future research to improve rehabilitation protocols and enhance outcomes. In conclusion, this review highlights the importance of postoperative rehabilitation in the context of DAA THA. By synthesizing historical perspectives, current evidence, and future directions, the review offers a comprehensive understanding of rehabilitation strategies following DAA THA. The findings underscore the need for personalized rehabilitation programs and ongoing research to optimize postoperative recovery and improve outcomes in the field of THA.
A systematic literature review of factors influencing the regulation of autonomous inland shipping in Europe
Authors: Orzechowski Sophie C. , Verheyen Wouter , Sys Christa
Published: September 2024

The onset of autonomous inland shipping comes with regulatory challenges. First, regulations currently in place do not permit the operation of autonomous ships, mainly due to crewing requirements. Second, autonomous transport modes are deemed to be disruptive technologies that present a particular challenge to public regulators with regard to their potential for unforeseen risks and uncertainties inherent to their implementation. From a public regulator’s perspective, it is, therefore, of the utmost importance to identify and regulate the factors currently hindering the introduction of autonomous inland shipping, on the one hand, and the newly emerging issues, on the other hand, to minimise potential risk and uncertainty as much as possible. This paper presents a systematic literature review which was conducted to answer the research question: What factors influence the regulation of autonomous inland shipping? Following the outcome of the literature review, various factors could be identified, and four main categories of factors were established: technological, infrastructure, institutional and socio-economic readiness. The identified factors were subsequently discussed with regard to their significance for the regulatory agenda in light of factors found in the literature on autonomous maritime ships. The findings are of relevance for public regulators and policymakers working in the field of autonomous inland shipping. Moreover, the results presented in this paper might be also of interest for those seeking regulatory innovation regarding autonomous processes in other modes of transport.