bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prosocial Dispositions and Behaviors of the Intellectually Gifted
Authors: Braverman Joshua , Owens Maykala , Snyder Mark
Published: July 2024

The intellectually gifted have been found to have higher levels of many prosocial dispositions, but there is limited evidence of increased prosocial behavior. The present research used existing and original datasets to examine relations between intellectual giftedness and prosocial behavior and dispositions. In Study 1, those identified as intellectually gifted engaged in more political and helping behaviors than those not identified as intellectually gifted. In Study 2, gifted-identified undergraduate students reported more prosocial behavior (e.g., volunteering and giving) than nonidentified students; however, there were no clear differences in dispositions (e.g., personality and motivation) between gifted-identified and nonidentified students. Implications of these consistent linkages between intellectual giftedness and engaging in prosocial behavior for future research and practical applications are discussed.
Book review: Christopher Hadnagy, Social Engineering: The Science of Human Hacking
Authors: Chukkath Meghna
Published: July 2024

Christopher Hadnagy, Social Engineering: The Science of Human Hacking (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2018, 320 pp., ₹1,645.
Chinese and US Overseas Foreign Direct Investment and Democracy in the Developing World
Authors: Biglaiser Glen , Hunter Lance Y. , Lu Kelan (Lilly)
Published: July 2024

This paper integrates the political influence and foreign capital literatures and examines the association between United States and Chinese overseas foreign direct investment (FDI) and host states’ political institutions. Using up to 109 developing countries from 2003 to 2019, and employing two-stage least squares selection modeling, we find negative and significant relationships between Chinese FDI and host states’ democracy while US FDI has positive and significant associations. Our study suggests Chinese FDI and host state leaders may mutually benefit from increasing authoritarianism, producing closer political and economic ties between China and the developing world.
Supervision Impact on Rehabilitation Counselor Job Satisfaction and Intent-to-Quit
Authors: Sabella Scott A. , Landon Trent J. , Schultz Jared C.
Published: July 2024

In the public vocational rehabilitation (VR) program, recruitment and retention of rehabilitation counselors remains a persistent concern that has broad implications for employee working conditions and the capacity to effectively serve individuals with disabilities. Rehabilitation counselor supervision models have commonly included clinical supervision, administrative supervision, and supervisory working alliance (SWA) variables, though there is limited empirical research exploring how these factors relate to counselor outcomes. A sample of 192 practicing rehabilitation counselors from state VR agencies were surveyed to investigate how these factors contribute to counselors’ job satisfaction and intent-to-quit. Results showed that clinical supervision practices contributed to higher job satisfaction and lower intent-to-quit, with evidence that this effect was mediated through the SWA. Administrative supervision was not a significant contributor to outcomes in multivariate models. Findings suggest that regular supervision sessions that incorporate clinical concerns and balance administrative demands may support counselor retention.
Implementation of 802.11ax and cell-free massive MIMO scenario for 6G wireless network analysis extending OMNeT++ simulator
Authors: Inzillo Vincenzo , Ariza Quintana Alfonso
Published: July 2024

In an era where ubiquitous connectivity and escalating data demands are altering the landscape of wireless communications, our paper proposes a pioneering enhancement for the OMNeT++ simulator to support the advanced features of IEEE 802.11ax high efficiency (HE) alongside cell-free massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. Traditional wireless networks face daunting challenges in sustaining elevated quality of service (QoS), primarily due to fluctuating user densities and signal quality. Cell-free massive MIMO serves as a compelling answer to this predicament by decentralizing the cellular architecture. It eradicates conventional cell boundaries, furnishing uniform QoS regardless of user locations. However, these advancements come at the expense of complex backhaul networks and articulated joint signal processing. The 802.11ax standard, touted for its robustness and efficiency, remains underexplored in this new paradigm. Our research not only dissects the architectural elements and constraints of both 802.11ax and cell-free massive MIMO but also elaborates on the adaptations required to extend OMNeT++ functionalities for these technologies. By doing so, we bridge a crucial gap, enabling the simulator to provide a more precise, detailed, and scalable evaluation of emerging 6G scenarios and directional communications also taking into account the impact of the most known routing protocols such as dynamic source routing (DSR), ad hoc on-demand distance vector routing (AODV), optimized link state routing (OLSR), and dynamic mobile ad hoc network on-demand (DYMO) that were selected for this comparative study. The proposed extensions promise to revolutionize network simulations and lay the foundation for in-depth analyses of wireless systems in complex and dynamic environments. Through extensive simulations, our study demonstrates that cell-free massive MIMO configurations significantly improve network throughput in high-density mobile ad hoc network (MANET) environments, with results indicating an average throughput gain of up to 30% compared with non-cell-free configurations. This improvement highlights the efficacy of cell-free massive MIMO to take advantage of the spatial and frequency multiplexing capabilities inherent in the 802.11ax standard, making it a promising solution for future wireless systems in densely populated areas.
Men, Intimate Connections and the Timing of Fatherhood: Conceptualising ‘Misconnect’ within the Sociology of Personal Life
Authors: Law Caroline
Published: July 2024

Sociological explorations of trends of later parenthood have paid insufficient attention to the significance of intimate relationships, and of connectedness more generally, for such trends. This article presents findings from qualitative interviews with men (n = 25) who do not (yet) have children about their experiences of intimate relationship establishment and progression and imaginaries of fatherhood, presenting three themes: dating as elusive, fatherhood as elusive for unpartnered men and intimate relationships as risky. Findings are discussed in relation to theories of connection and connectedness, and theories of masculinities to consider how narratives are structurally shaped by gender. The article discusses the nuanced, complex ways in which people do and do not form and practise close relationships, and introduces the concept of ‘misconnect’ to better attend to disjunction in connection, discussing the significance of this concept for understandings of later parenthood and for the sociology of personal life more broadly.
The creative city’s swan song? The individualisation of the music scene in Bologna, UNESCO City of Music
Authors: Pedrini Sabrina , Giovanardi Massimo , Corrado Raffaele
Published: July 2024

This paper extends the debate on medium-sized cities as active designers of place-specific neoliberal identities by reporting relevant findings from Bologna, European Capital of Culture in 2000 and a UNESCO City of Music since 2006. The study identifies the formal relationships of collaboration among local musicians as a relevant proxy to discuss the individualisation of the pop-rock music scene and its variations between 1978 and 2019. For this purpose, formal Social Network Analysis is combined with semi-structured interview analysis and archival research. The findings reveal decreased levels of social cohesion among artists and establishes a link between growing individualisation in the local music scene and an increasing tourist-orientation in the city.
Unequal access to childcare in cities: Is equal public funding sufficient?
Authors: Pennerstorfer Astrid , Pennerstorfer Dieter , Neumayr Michaela
Published: July 2024

This article examines inequalities in the spatial accessibility of childcare between high- and low-status neighbourhoods in the city of Vienna and asks (i) whether specific public and non-profit provider types contribute to these inequalities and (ii) which factors may cause these inequalities in a mainly tax-funded childcare system. For our analysis, we combine data on the location and characteristics of childcare providers with spatially granular information on demand and neighbourhood characteristics. The results show that two provider types – church-related and independent non-profit providers – are mainly responsible for the higher accessibility of childcare in neighbourhoods with higher socio-economic status. Specifically independent providers charge significantly higher prices and offer more special services in these high-status areas. Public funding of a large part of the production costs, therefore, seems insufficient to ensure equal access in all neighbourhoods. These findings suggest that the exclusive comparison between public, private non-profit and private for-profit providers often found in the literature may be too narrow.
Beyond International Relations and toward International Relationality?
Authors: Lipschutz Ronnie D.
Published: July 2024

This article provides a review and commentary on the articles in this special issue, which offer alter-IRs as approaches to bringing climate change into international relations theory and practice as a force or phenomenon that can transform theory and practice. I summarize the articles, as I read them, and suggest that this is a largely futile task. Is description of new ontologies and epistemologies sufficient to bring climate change into IR in a meaningful way? If the discipline is so constrained by its deeply rooted ontology and epistemology, why make the effort to attempt this transformation? And given that our task as philosophers is to ‘change the world’, what are the theories and practices that will make this happen?
Embedded hegemony and the evolution of the United States’ structural power
Authors: Cartwright Madison
Published: July 2024

Whilst the United States’ (US) economic hegemony has existed continuously since the end of World War II, it has not been realised in the same way. In the early post-war period, the US’s hegemony rested on its dominance over gross world product and manufacturing output and exports. However, by the 1970s it began to transition to high-technology industries, services and foreign investment. Using a structural power analysis, this article argues that this transition in the economic foundations of US hegemony was not a reaction to an exogenous shift in the international division of labour, but was rather the result of the endogenous policies, decisions and priorities of the US. Moreover, the article illustrates how the interaction between the four aspects of structural power (security, production, finance and information) determined how these new hegemonic interests were embedded in international institutions and norms to better project US power globally. Through a historical analysis, the article demonstrates that the four aspects of structural power went from mutually reinforcing each other in the early post-war period to detracting from each other from the mid-1960s. This spurred a managed transition by the US from one embedded hegemonic order to another. The result was the construction of contemporary US embedded hegemonic order based on dollar hegemony (financial structural power) and the internationalisation of US corporate dominance (productive structural power), supported by the private ownership of knowledge by US corporations (informational structural power). The article also considers the implications of this analysis for current challenges to the contemporary hegemonic order.
Model Predictive Control based on Long-Term Memory neural network model inversion
Authors: Dieulot Jean-Yves
Published: July 2024

Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks are well suited for representing time series as, compared to other neural networks, their structure avoids vanishing or exploding gradients. LSTM has been embedded into Model Predictive Control algorithms in order to forecast the behavior of nonlinear systems. The new algorithm presented in the paper is of a different nature, as the LSTM network approximates the inverse of the system over a receding horizon and provides a sequence of future inputs as a function of a specified output trajectory. The main advantage of the method appears when the desired output trajectory is generated from a small set of parameters, for example, a convergence rate. The Model Predictive control optimizes its criterion with respect to this small set of variables, and the LSTM supplies the corresponding future control inputs. Eventually, the modeling error of the LSTM can be compensated by feeding the control sequence to the forward model and updating the controller according to the output deviation. The algorithm allows to design Model Predictive controllers for nonlinear systems in a generic way, using a very small number of decision variables even with a long receding horizon.
Peer Effects of Corporate Disclosures: Evidence From the Registration-Based IPO System in China
Authors: Liu Ruilin , Goh Beng Wee , Li Dan , Zhang Zheyuan
Published: July 2024

China launched the registration-based IPO system in 2019 whereby all firms listed on the newly established STAR board (“peer firms”) are required to disclose specific innovation and industry-related information in their prospectus. Using this event as a quasi-experiment, our study investigates the causal effects of peer firms’ disclosures on individual firms’ disclosure strategy. We find that the precision of individual firms’ management earnings forecast (MEF), both its form and width, significantly decreases when peer firms disclose more information during the IPO period. In cross-sectional analyses, we find this effect to be more pronounced for individual firms that are likely to experience greater competitive pressure from industry peer firms and firms with higher risks and performance uncertainty that make them more cautious to external competitive pressure. This result suggests that peer firms’ disclosures induce greater competitive pressure and uncertainty about future firm performance, triggering managers of individual firms to adopt a more cautious disclosure strategy. Overall, our study extends the literature on the peer effects in corporate disclosure decisions and documents potential unintended consequences of mandatory disclosure policies.
Gaining Perspective: Leveraging Employee Volunteering to Improve Inclusive Behavior
Authors: Shanklin Braydon C. , Rodell Jessica B. , Nakos Olympia M. , Oztunc Gokhan
Published: July 2024

Research points to the importance of establishing inclusive workplaces. Yet, the same research also suggests that getting employees to buy in and engage in these sorts of inclusive behaviors can be a challenging endeavor. While the current literature offers some practical suggestions for garnering inclusion among employees, most recommendations center on programs and contexts with direct ties to inclusion (e.g., diversity, equity, and inclusion trainings), which at times have limited success. Our article diverges from this approach by considering the impact of employee volunteering—a practice without explicit inclusion-related objectives—on employees’ inclusive behaviors. Drawing on a set of theories about cognitive processing, we propose that employee volunteering presents an opportunity to foster inclusive behavior by enhancing perspective taking. We further suggest that these benefits are contingent upon an individual’s motivation for volunteering—in particular, that the perspective-taking potential of volunteering is best realized when employees volunteer for prosocial motives and not for self-protective motives. We find support for these predictions in a combination of a laboratory experiment, a quasi-field experiment, and a multisource field study. The results advance our understanding of the types of unconventional activities—such as employee volunteering and volunteer motives—that can be leveraged into more inclusive behavior among employees.
Four Approaches to New Venture Creation: Taking Stock and Moving Forward
Authors: Combs James G. , Gruber Marc , Zahra Shaker A.
Published: July 2024

Lean startup, effectuation, creation theory, and the theory-based view represent four different descriptive theories of how new ventures emerge and/or normative theories of how new ventures should be developed. We juxtapose the four approaches and describe their similarities and differences, which provides a foundation for considering complementarities among the approaches and constructing a future research agenda for additional reconciliation and contextualization regarding how successful new ventures are, or should be, developed under varying circumstances.
No evidence that post-training dopamine D2 receptor agonism affects fear generalization in male rats
Authors: Schroyens Natalie , Vercammen Laura , Özcan Burcu , Ossorio Salazar Victoria Aurora , Zaman Jonas , De Bundel Dimitri , Beckers Tom , Luyten Laura
Published: July 2024

Background:

The neurotransmitter dopamine plays an important role in the processing of emotional memories, and prior research suggests that dopaminergic manipulations immediately after fear learning can affect the retention and generalization of acquired fear.

Aims:

The current study focuses specifically on the role of dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) regarding fear generalization in adult, male Wistar rats, and aims to replicate previous findings in mice.

Methods:

In a series of five experiments, D2R (ant)agonists were injected systemically, immediately after differential cued fear conditioning (CS+ followed by shock, CS− without shock). All five experiments involved the administration of the D2R agonist quinpirole at different doses versus saline ( n = 12, 16, or 44 rats/group). In addition, one of the studies administered the D2R antagonist raclopride ( n = 12). One day later, freezing during the CS+ and CS− was assessed.

Results:

We found no indications for an effect of quinpirole or raclopride on fear generalization during this drug-free test. Importantly, and contradicting earlier research in mice, the evidence for the absence of an effect of D2R agonist quinpirole (1 mg/kg) on fear generalization was substantial according to Bayesian analyses and was observed in a highly powered experiment ( N = 87). We did find acute behavioral effects in line with the literature, for both quinpirole and raclopride in a locomotor activity test.

Conclusion:

In contrast with prior studies in mice, we have obtained evidence against a preventative effect of post-training D2R agonist quinpirole administration on subsequent fear generalization in rats.
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine is a connectogen with empathogenic, entactogenic, and still further connective properties: It is time to reconcile “the great entactogen—empathogen debate”
Authors: Stocker Kurt , Liechti Matthias E
Published: July 2024

Science on methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and MDMA-like substances is faced with the unique situation that this class of psychoactive agents is referred to with two basic names for its effects on the mind: empathogens and entactogens. Empathogen usually refers to the prosocial, empathetic, and openness properties of MDMA, while entactogen usually refers to the introspective and self-awareness properties of this substance. We review the origin and usage of the two terms, and also review recent findings that support that MDMA is an empathogen and an entactogen. Mostly no specified reasons can be detected whether research groups employ the term “entactogenic,” “empathogenic,” both, or neither, in their publications. A case is made that the use of two basic names for the effects on the mind for the same class of psychoactive substances is not warranted because a holistic principle underlies empathogenic and entactogenic properties of MDMA: an intense feeling of connection. Entactogenic characterizes being deeply connected to oneself, and empathogenic being deeply connected to others. We therefore suggest the name connectogen as the new basic name for the mind effects of MDMA and MDMA-like substances, a term having the connotation of producing a joining together/producing a connection. Thus, MDMA is basically a connectogen with at least the two major connective properties: entactogenic (intrapersonal) and empathogenic (interpersonal). Furthermore, first evidence shows that MDMA might also have further connectogenic properties such as a strong sense of connection with the here-and-now, the body, the world, and with spiritual principles. Finally, we compare connectogenic properties of MDMA with connectogenic properties of classic psychedelics, and lay out some future research in this regard.
Inhibitory effect of human interleukin-24 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cervical cancer cells
Authors: Song Min , Yuan Hongtao , Zhang Jie , Wang Jing , Yu Jianhua , Wang Wei
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aimed to identify significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to cervical cancer by exploring extensive gene expression datasets to unveil new therapeutic targets.

Methods

Gene expression profiles were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus, The Cancer Genome Atlas, and the Genotype-Tissue Expression platforms. A differential expression analysis identified DEGs in cervical cancer cases. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was implemented to locate genes closely linked to the clinical traits of diseases. Machine learning algorithms, including LASSO regression and the random forest algorithm, were applied to pinpoint key genes.

Results

The investigation successfully isolated DEGs pertinent to cervical cancer. Interleukin-24 was recognized as a pivotal gene via WGCNA and machine learning techniques. Experimental validations demonstrated that human interleukin (hIL)-24 inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion, while promoting apoptosis, in SiHa and HeLa cervical cancer cells, affirming its role as a therapeutic target.

Conclusion

The multi-database analysis strategy employed herein emphasized hIL-24 as a principal gene in cervical cancer pathogenesis. The findings suggest hIL-24 as a promising candidate for targeted therapy, offering a potential avenue for innovative treatment modalities. This study enhances the understanding of molecular mechanisms of cervical cancer and aids in the pursuit of novel oncological therapies.
Precranial artery calcification burden: a potential indicator of the clinical outcome of reperfusion in patients with acute large artery occlusion
Authors: Cai Xiaofeng , Zhou Dengfeng , Wang Peng , Zhang Zheyu , Fan Yongmei , Lin Longting , Geng Yu , Mossa-Basha Mahmud , Zhu Chengcheng , Zhang Sheng
Published: July 2024

Objective

With mechanical thrombectomy (MT), we investigated the prognostic importance of aortic arch calcification (AoAC) and carotid sinus calcification (CaSC) for symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) and poor outcome in acute large artery occlusion (LAO).

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, we calculated pre-cranial artery calcification burden (PACB) scores (burden score of AoAC and CaSC) using the AoAC grading scale score plus Woodcock visual score. The outcome measure was sICH per the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study III definition. A 3-month modified Rankin scale score 3–6 was designated as poor outcome.

Results

Compared with patients who had PACB <3, those with PACB ≥3 showed substantially higher risks of sICH (odds ratio [OR] = 2.567, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.187–5.550) and poor outcome (OR = 4.777, 95% CI = 1.659–13.756). According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, adding PACB to the regression model enhanced the predictive value for poor outcome (area under the ROC curve [AUC]: 0.718 vs. 0.519, Z = 2.340) and in patients receiving MT (AUC: 0.714 vs. 0.584, Z = 2.021), independently.

Conclusions

Factors related to PACB were consistent with common risk factors of systemic atherosclerosis. Low PACB scores indicated better prognosis. In patients with LAO following MT, PACB was useful in predicting sICH and poor clinical outcome.
Ramadan fasting and rates of admissions for renal colic due to urolithiasis: a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Lidawi Ghalib , Majdoub Muhammad , Asali Mohsin , Avidor Yoav , Rub Ronen
Published: July 2024

Objective

The impact of Ramadan fasting on the prevalence of renal colic (RC) remains controversial. This current study aimed to assess the correlation between Ramadan fasting, prevalence of RC and the rate of urgent endoscopic interventions due to urolithiasis.

Methods

This retrospective case–control study enrolled adult patients with a primary diagnosis of RC secondary to urolithiasis admitted to the emergency department during the years 2009–2019. The prevalence of RC and the rate of urgent urological interventions during Ramadan were compared with the pre- and post-Ramadan months in fasting Muslims and non-fasting non-Muslim patients.

Results

A total of 2781 patients with RC were included: 1014 (36.5%) were fasting Muslim and 1767 (63.5%) were non-fasting non-Muslim patients. No significant increase in RC admissions or urgent double J stent (DJS) insertions were observed between pre-Ramadan and Ramadan among fasting Muslims and non-fasting non-Muslim patients. However, fasting Muslims exhibited a significant increase of RC admissions post-Ramadan compared with Ramadan.

Conclusions

There was no correlation between increased RC admissions or urgent DJS insertions when fasting Muslims were compared with non-fasting non-Muslim patients during Ramadan. There were increased RC admissions during the post-Ramadan month, which might indicate a delayed effect of fasting on RC.
Sarcomas of synovial origin in dogs: An updated review
Authors: Craig Linden E.
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this review is to clarify the terminology, possible cells of origin, and expected behavior of the most common synovial tumors in dogs. The synovial lining consists of 2 cell types, type A and type B. Type A synoviocytes are histiocytes of bone marrow origin that are immunoreactive with antibodies against typical markers of histiocyte origin, such as CD18, Iba-1, and CD204. Certain breeds and dogs with previous injury to a joint, especially cranial cruciate ligament rupture, are predisposed to synovial histiocytic sarcoma. Type B synoviocytes are mesenchymal cells that produce synovial fluid. There are no specific markers of type B synoviocytes, but based on their gross and microscopic appearance, synovial myxosarcomas (previously considered synovial myxomas) are presumed to be of type B synoviocyte origin. These can infiltrate into surrounding tissues, but are slow-growing and rarely metastasize, and then only to regional lymph nodes. Synovial histiocytic sarcomas and myxosarcomas can cause lysis in multiple bones surrounding the joint, but they have different prognoses and require histopathology and sometimes immunohistochemistry to diagnose them. Synovial sarcoma and synovial cell sarcoma are terms used in the human medical literature for a tumor that is not of synovial origin; these terms should not be used in veterinary medicine.
Addressing plastic pollution and waste flows: Insights from South Africa’s experience
Authors: Oelofse Suzan HH , Russo Valentina , Stafford William
Published: July 2024

The Pew Charitable Trust’s 2020 report ‘Breaking the Plastic Wave’, indicates that existing technologies could support an 80% reduction in plastic leakage relative to business as usual by 2040. Therefore, South Africa became the first country to work with the Pew Charitable Trust and Oxford University to test and apply ‘Pathways’, a modelling framework and software tool which stemmed and evolved from the Pew report, at country level. The tool calculates the flows of plastics in the economy and the impact of various strategies to reduce future plastic pollution. The Scenario Builder within the Pathways tool allows the user to optimise flows in the plastics value chain to satisfy a set of defined objectives in order to achieve an optimal solution. Three major findings have emerged from the application of Pathways at country level for South Africa. Firstly, plastic pollution is set to almost double by 2040 if no interventions are implemented. Secondly, meeting the newly legislated extended producer responsibility (EPR) targets set for plastic packaging can avoid 33% of projected total pollution over the period of 2023–2040. Lastly, an optimal system change can avoid 63% of total plastic pollution over the period 2023–2040. Thus, applying Pathways at country level in South Africa has proven to be valuable by setting a baseline against which progress towards reducing plastic pollution can be measured; determining the outcome of meeting the legislated EPR targets over time, and informing policy decisions by allowing users to model different scenarios towards an optimal system change scenario.
Collective Efficacy and Mixed-Tenure Redevelopment: Insights from Toronto’s Regent Park Neighborhood
Authors: Rowe Daniel J. , Dunn James R.
Published: July 2024

It is asserted that mixed-tenure public housing redevelopments can improve informal social control in targeted neighborhoods. We investigate this question using a validated measure of collective efficacy from a survey of residents in Toronto’s Regent Park neighborhood. We find that social housing residents report higher perceived levels of collective efficacy than do residents of the market buildings and that households with children report higher perceptions of collective efficacy than do households without children. Our findings provide some support for existing best practices, particularly the provision of amenities for families and the preservation of social ties among social tenants.
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Central Sensitization-Related Symptoms in Chilean Victims of Political Violence During the 1973 to 1990 Dictatorship
Authors: Carvajal-Parodi Claudio , Jorquera María José , Henríquez Cristian , Oyarce Ana María , Alfaro Eduardo , Rodríguez-Lagos Leonardo , Madariaga Carlos
Published: July 2024

People who suffer political violence (PV) are at risk of developing mental illness, chronic noncommunicable diseases, chronic pain, and decreased life expectancy. However, these indicators have been studied primarily in war veterans and refugees. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) and central sensitization-related symptoms (CSRS) in Chilean victims of PV during the 1973 to 1990 dictatorship. A cross-sectional observational multicenter study was conducted. Three hundred twenty-five people from six centers of a Ministry of Health of Chile program participated. The presence of CMP was determined by a history of pain ≥3 months, and CSRS was determined using the central sensitization inventory. About 69.23% of the sample had CMP (76.85% of females and 56.56% of males). About 60% of people with CMP showed a high level of CSRS severity (66.67% females and 44.93% males). Females presented significantly higher proportions of CMP ( p < .001), and there was an association between CSRS severity and being female ( p = .004). Chilean victims of PV during the 1973 to 1990 dictatorship presented a high prevalence of CMP and high-level CSRS severity. Both conditions affected females more than males. Future studies are needed to further delve into these variables’ behavior and their influence on the quality of life in this population.
Killed For Good: Hunters, Biologists, and the Ethical Paradoxes of Wildlife Management in North America
Authors: Roux Sébastien , Reist Amandine
Published: July 2024

Built over the 20th century, the North American model of wildlife management relies on a dense network of professionals and institutions who share a certain consensus on hunting as a useful, even necessary, practice for the conservation of endangered wildlife. After describing the moral economy of hunting in the United States, this article looks more specifically at biologists in wildlife management agencies to question how they participate in organizing, maintaining, and justifying the sport. Based on interviews and observations conducted in Arizona, a state with an excellent reputation for the “quality” of its game, we examine how professionals of the bios approach their vocation when it is challenged by the paradox of death as a necessity for the protection of life.
Structural Labour Market Change and Gender Inequality in Earnings
Authors: Matysiak Anna , Hardy Wojciech , van der Velde Lucas
Published: July 2024

Research from the US argues that women will benefit from a structural labour market change as the importance of social tasks increases and that of manual tasks declines. This article contributes to this discussion in three ways: (a) by extending the standard framework of task content of occupations in order to account for the gender perspective; (b) by developing measures of occupational task content tailored to the European context; and (c) by testing this argument in 13 European countries. Data are analysed from the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations database and the European Structure of Earnings Survey. The analysis demonstrates that relative to men the structural labour market change improves the earnings potential of women working in low- and middle-skilled occupations but not those in high-skilled occupations. Women are overrepresented in low-paid social tasks (e.g. care) and are paid less for analytical tasks than men.
Mechanical design and kinematic performance of an anthropomorphic shoulder rehabilitation exoskeleton
Authors: Li Kun , Zhao Yunpeng , Zhao Yunhao , Cui Hengji , Han Zhiyu , Zhao Lei
Published: July 2024

Shoulder rehabilitation exoskeleton is a mechanical device to assist stroke patients in rehabilitation training, remodeling patients' neurological function by strengthening the muscles and promoting the recovery of shoulder function. At present, there are problems such as insufficient degree of freedom (DOF), insufficient overall range of motion (ROM), presence of passive joints, lack of the support of scapulohumeral rhythm (SHR), and poor kinematic synergy with the shoulder. This paper designs a 5-DOF shoulder rehabilitation exoskeleton based on the anatomical structure of the human shoulder and its motion characteristics, takes the 2-DOF shoulder girdle mechanism and the 3-DOF ball and socket mechanism as the main body taking into account the ergonomic factors in design, which ensures the synergistic motion with the patient's shoulder and provides the patient with a wide ROM. After setting up the drive and control system, this paper completes the prototype of the exoskeleton, furthermore, this paper describes the range of motion and kinematic synergy test. ROM tests and kinematic synergy experiments are conducted to evaluate the kinematic performance of this shoulder exoskeleton. The experimental results indicate that the shoulder exoskeleton prototype offers a high level of kinematic synergy with the wearer throughout a broad ROM.
Advancing a cultural–historical activity perspective in a psychodynamic-oriented psychotherapy training programme
Authors: Mayisela Simangele
Published: July 2024

South Africa cannot ignore the far-reaching influence of its colonial and apartheid history on the psychological functioning of its people. Psychotherapy as a fundamental psychological intervention approach cannot ignore its evolving history as the architect of the social psyche and of an individual’s psychological functioning. With regards to psychodynamic psychotherapy, the literature has lamented this therapeutic approach’s lack of consideration of the impact of the colonial and apartheid historical trauma on the prevailing sociocultural and mental health challenges. The crux of this article is to address this epistemological lacuna, by arguing for the integration of psychodynamic theory with cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) for application in therapeutic processes. The article further posits that this integration needs to be introduced in training programmes for student psychotherapists who, as in the case of South Africa, are themselves the descendants of the generation that was exposed to historical trauma of colonialism and apartheid and are living with latent transgenerational trauma. To create a suitable foundation for the integration of psychodynamic theory and CHAT in psychotherapeutic practice, there is a need to apply critical pedagogical strategies in the training programmes of psychotherapists. Thus, this article further highlights the possibilities of employing critical pedagogical principles that incorporate ontological reflection, pedagogic discomfort, troubled knowledges, mutual vulnerability, strategic empathy, and compassion.
Understanding, schizophrenia, and the limits of phenomenology
Authors: Pienkos Elizabeth
Published: July 2024

Karl Jaspers’ assertion of the un-understandability of schizophrenic psychosis, which rests on a division between what is psychologically understandable and what must be explained via natural causation, has faced numerous challenges from within phenomenological psychopathology. But despite significant developments in the phenomenology of schizophrenia, I suggest that this dichotomy, between psychological understandability and naturalistic explanation, is still present in some phenomenological research on schizophrenia today, even in work that explicitly critiques the limitations of empathic understanding and the purported incomprehensibility of schizophrenic delusions. Other theories of subjectivity, particularly those in the Lacanian tradition, offer one way to recognize the impossibility of understanding without turning to naturalistic explanation. These theories may encourage us to better integrate other key insights in phenomenology, most clearly articulated in the work of Merleau-Ponty, that look beyond “conscious” awareness—those that allow for a renewed appreciation of the un-understandable in schizophrenia, and indeed in all human experience.
Book review: Thea Buckley, Mark Thornton Burnett, Sangeeta Datta and Rosa García-Periago (Eds.), Women and Indian Shakespeares
Authors: Multani Angelie
Published: July 2024

Thea Buckley, Mark Thornton Burnett, Sangeeta Datta and Rosa García-Periago (Eds.), Women and Indian Shakespeares. The Arden Shakespeare-Bloomsbury, 2022, 297 pp., ₹11,782 (Hardback). ISBN: 978-1-3502-3432-1.
Book review: Shannon Philip, Becoming Young Men in a New India: Masculinities, Gender Relations and Violence in the Post Colony
Authors: Chowkhani Ketaki
Published: July 2024

Shannon Philip, Becoming Young Men in a New India: Masculinities, Gender Relations and Violence in the Post Colony. Cambridge University Press, 2022, 197 pages, £75. ISBN: 978-1-009-15871-8.
A Rare Case of Haemoperitoneum Secondary to Spontaneous Splenic Rupture in a Patient with AL Amyloidosis
Authors: Manjunath Jayalakshmi , Patil Pooja Chandrakant , Venkategowda Pradeep Marur , Sudarshan Rakshith Katikere
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

Haemoperitoneum due to spontaneous splenic rupture is a rare condition.

Methods:

We present a case of AL-type amyloidosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) who is presented with diffuse abdominal pain. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen revealed moderate to large amounts of free fluid in the peritoneum, indicating splenic rupture causing haemoperitoneum.

Result:

The patient underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy and splenectomy. After the operation, the patient was closely monitored in the ICU and was transferred to the ward on postoperative day 3. He was discharged home on day 6.

Conclusion:

This case report highlights a rare occurrence of haemoperitoneum secondary to spontaneous splenic rupture in a patient with AL amyloidosis.
Caring for a Parent With a Blood Cancer: Sibling Communication Challenges and Psychosocial Outcomes
Authors: Wright Kevin B. , Bylund Carma L. , Bagautdinova Diliara , Hampton Chelsea N. , Campbell-Salome Gemme , Weiss Elisa S. , Sae-Hau Maria , Fisher Carla L.
Published: July 2024

This exploratory survey study used quantitative and qualitative analyses to (a) identify challenges communicating with siblings that adult child caregivers of a parent with a blood cancer encounter and (b) examine how these challenges are related to caregivers’ burden, social support, family openness, and clinical communication quality. A total of 95 caregivers with siblings participated in an online survey. We conducted a qualitative content analysis on an open-ended response to understand their challenges and statistical analyses on responses to validated scales to examine associations between the challenges and psychosocial/communication outcomes. Caregivers encountered nine challenges communicating with siblings (lack of agreement and competing obligations). Caregivers’ family openness, social support, and caregiver burden differed based on several challenges. The number of siblings was linked to poorer outcomes (burden). Adult child caregivers face sibling-related challenges, which may inhibit their communication and well-being.
Examining Factors Related to Medical Home Attainment for Youth in Working Poor Households
Authors: Parada Mackaully L. , Kim Rosa
Published: July 2024

The medical home model has been recognized as an effective approach for promoting comprehensive primary health care services. Even though income-related disparities have been highlighted as a barrier for equal access to health care, within pediatrics, youth in working poor households have been vastly understudied regarding risk factors for medical home attainment. To address this gap, this study uses conceptual guidance from the Andersen Health Care Utilization Model and applies hierarchical logistic regression methods to examine factors related to medical home attainment for youth in working poor homes. Results indicate that race, parental education, insurance coverage, English language proficiency, and health status are all significant predictors of medical home attainment, yielding important implications for policy and program planning.
Using Interpersonal Continuity of Care in Home Health Physical Therapy to Reduce Hospital Readmissions
Authors: Engel Patrick , Vorensky Mark , Squires Allison , Jones Simon
Published: July 2024

This paper is an examination of the relationship between continuity of care with home health physical therapists following hospitalization and the likelihood of readmission. We conducted a retrospective cohort study. Using rehospitalization as the dependent variable, a continuity of care indicator variable was analyzed with a multivariable logistic regression. The indicator variable was created using the Bice-Boxerman Index to measure physical therapist continuity of care. The mean of the index (0.81) was used to separate between high continuity (0.81 or greater) of care and low continuity of care (lower than 0.81). The sample included 90,220 patients, with data coming from the linking of the Outcome Assessment and Information Set (OASIS) and an administrative dataset. All subjects lived in the NYC metro area. Inclusion criteria was a patient’s admission to their first home health care site following discharge occurring between 2010 and 2015, and individuals who identified as Male or Female. In comparison to low continuity of physical therapy, high continuity of physical therapy significantly decreased hospital readmissions (OR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.71-0.76, p ≤ .001, AME = −4.28%). Interpersonal continuity of physical therapy care has been identified as a key factor in decreasing readmissions from the home care setting. The research suggests an increased emphasis in preserving physical therapist continuity following hospitalization should be explored, with the potential to reduce hospital readmissions.
“Me aviento el English y el Spanish”: Spanish-English code-switching in Texas conjunto artist Nick Villarreal
Authors: Loureiro-Rodríguez Verónica , Moyna María Irene
Published: July 2024

Aims and objectives:

This study focuses on Nick Villarreal (1951–2017), a bilingual and bicultural conjunto musician from San Antonio. It ascertains the frequency, formal features, and socio-pragmatic functions of the Spanish/English code-switching found in his songs.

Methodology:

Quantitative and qualitative approaches are utilized to explore Nick Villarreal’s use of code-switching in song lyrics.

Data and analysis:

Nick Villarreal’s commercially available discography (178 non-repeated tracks) was classified by matrix language. All instances of code-switching were identified and classified by type, syntactic category, and function. Song themes were inductively analyzed.

Findings:

Most of Nick Villarreal’s lyrics are in Spanish (73%), while 22% contain code-switching. Lexical insertions are the most common type of switches (65%). Villarreal also employs other contact phenomena, such as fully nativized borrowings, and syntactic and semantic calques. His virtuosity is apparent in his humorous bilingualism, especially in the creative nominalizations of English clauses as nicknames (e.g., la I-didn’t-do-it). The main function performed by switches is poetic—that is, stylistic uses of language, such as rhyming, joking, and puns. He conveys authenticity through code-switching and other enregistered linguistic sources such as border slang, or caló, and working-class/rural Mexican Spanish. He shows loyalty toward a working-class rural Spanish-speaking audience of conjunto that shares his background, while simultaneously appealing to second-generation Mexican Americans through his use of English and references to Anglo culture.

Originality:

Only recently have scholars begun to describe the linguistic features of borderland styles. This study focuses on an artist who has never received scholarly attention before but who turned his music into a meaningful vehicle for linguistic and cultural anti-assimilatory subversion.

Implications:

Villarreal employs strategies common to other borderlands bilingual musicians while innovating creatively. He actively stylizes the local to evoke a sense of authenticity and is thus a meaningful example of the intersection between language representation, class allegiance, linguistic attitudes, and cultural stance.
Acoustic signals analysis from an innovative UAV inspection system for wind turbines
Authors: Bernalte Sánchez Pedro , Segovia Ramírez Isaac , García Márquez Fausto Pedro , Pliego Marugán Alberto
Published: July 2024

Wind energy is emerging as a leading renewable energy source, with the deployment of large and more innovative wind turbines (WTs). This expansion requires new condition monitoring systems (CMS) and diagnostic techniques to reach competitiveness, improve reliability and availability, and minimize maintenance costs associated with WT operations. This research proposes a novel CMS based on acoustic analysis of WTs, combined with advanced analytics for pattern recognition. An acoustic CMS embedded in an unmanned aerial vehicle is developed to capture, send, and process the sound emitted in the nacelle to an acoustic receiver by a ground station for further analysis to assess the viability of the methodology. The article presents initial results from the laboratory using the fast Fourier transform algorithm, studying the signals in the time-frequency domain aspect and measuring the energy. An advanced signal processing method is presented to filter and define patterns that identify the state and condition of different proposed scenarios. The methodology is tested in a working WT, and the results demonstrate that the acoustic analysis is suitable for maintenance management in WTs.