bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Environmental Land Management Scheme: Public goods and levels of ambition
Authors: Cardwell Michael
Published: September 2024

The Environmental Land Management Scheme is now established as the central plank of financial assistance for farmers in England post-Brexit. Early articulations of policy directed the focus of the Scheme to the delivery of public goods, with a high level of ambition. More recently, however, greater weight is being accorded to food production and food security, with particular reference to the Sustainable Farming Incentive component, which is achieving broad coverage and accounting for the majority of the Scheme budget, but the environmental actions which it requires to unlock payment would not seem materially to be raising the bar. By contrast, the Landscape Recovery component remains ambitious in terms of scheme design, collaborative approach, emphasis on outcomes, duration and implementation at landscape scale, with the consequence that good reasons may be presented for its expansion within the policy mix.
Investigations on microstructural, mechanical, and tribological properties of Al-Cu-Ni alloy in cast, heat-treated, and strain-softened conditions
Authors: Raghu Ram Chowdary Unnam , Vaira Vignesh R. , Saravanan R. , Shanmugasundaram A.
Published: September 2024

This research investigates the microstructural, mechanical, and tribological properties of Al-Cu-Ni alloys in the as-cast, solutionized, artificially aged condition. In addition, the influence of cold-rolling followed by solutionizing/strain softening on the microstructure and microhardness was evaluated through a comprehensive analysis. Microstructural examination reveals that the addition of nickel to Al-Cu-Ni leads to refined dendritic structures and intermetallic phase formation. Texture analysis and microhardness measurements demonstrate the impact of mechanical and heat treatments on grain size, orientation, and material hardness. Tribological characterization reveals superior wear resistance in the heat treated Al-Cu-Ni alloy, attributed to intermetallic phases and refined microstructures.
The political effects of intra-EU migration: Evidence from national and European elections in seven countries
Authors: Toshkov Dimiter
Published: September 2024

This article studies the impact of immigration from Central and Eastern Europe on support for Eurosceptic parties. The analysis covers 30 national and European Parliament elections in seven Western, Northern and Southern European countries (2004 to 2019). For each election, I analyse how the local-level share of the vote for right- and left-wing Eurosceptic parties varies as a function of the levels and changes in the local-level share of Central and Eastern European immigrants from the population, controlling for the influence of relevant demographic, social and economic variables. I find that higher levels of immigration from Central and Eastern Europe are systematically related to higher voting shares cast for right-wing Eurosceptic parties at the local level in all of these countries, net of the influence of non-Western immigration, in elections for the European Parliament and in national elections as well. The effects on left-wing Euroscepticism are heterogeneous: positive in the Netherlands, Austria and Portugal, but negative in Italy, Denmark and Sweden. The effects have not diminished significantly over the past 15 years and are most visible in mid-sized localities.
Understanding the role of agency in the navigation of regional dementia care and support service pathways
Authors: Leone Carmela , Winterton Rachel , Chisholm Marita , Blackberry Irene
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Reliable dementia care and support service pathways are essential for timely diagnoses and for reducing the delay in time from diagnosis to care and support. However, carers commonly experience difficulties in finding information about where to go and what to do before and following a dementia diagnosis. In rural and regional areas, accessing dementia care and support services can be especially challenging. This qualitative, narrative inquiry study explores the agency of carers, and people living with dementia, in their navigation of regional dementia care and support service pathways. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten carers of people living with dementia from a regional location in Victoria, Australia. Data analysis was guided by the tripartite framework of Giddens’ Theory of Structuration which considered the carers’ intentionality, capacity and power to act in the navigation of their dementia care and support service pathways. Findings: Carers had intentionality; however, they did not always have the capacity and power to act. Information played a critical role in facilitating agency. Health literacy was important - as knowledge about where to look for/find information, and knowledge gained through experience, education or learning from others. Where carers encountered barriers, they lacked capacity and power. This occurred where there was an absence of information or knowledge, incorrect information (e.g. misdiagnoses), and where government bodies impeded carers’ efforts. Conclusions: Information and knowledge are critical to the progression of dementia care and support service pathways. Health literacy is a significant resource, and carers would benefit from dementia education/training. The agency of carers in navigating their dementia care and support service pathways relies on carers themselves finding information and seeking out knowledge and education. However, GPs, local health providers, and dementia organisations have an important role to play in helping carers to find information towards accessing dementia care and support services.
Integrating lived experience to develop a tailored sleep intervention for people living with dementia and carepartners
Authors: Brown Aimee D , Dowling Jasmine , Verma Sumedha , Gibson Rosemary , Valenta Tom , Piestch Ann , Cavuoto Marina G , McCurry Susan M , Bei Bei , Woodward Michael , Jackson Melinda L , Varma Prerna
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent and have adverse health consequences for both people living with dementia and their carepartners. Despite this, they are under-addressed caregiving settings. This study aimed to explore these sleep disturbances and co-design a multimodal sleep intervention for people living with dementia and their carepartners.

Methods

We conducted two focus groups and five semi-structured interviews ( n = 4 people living with dementia, n = 6 carepartners). Active involvement of community advisors was sought throughout the design, development, and facilitation phases. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to explore sleep-related experiences and receive feedback to shape intervention development.

Findings

People living with dementia reported disruptions to sleep and circadian rhythms, including sleep disturbances and confusion between day and night. Multiple sleep challenges were encountered by carepartners including insomnia, hypervigilance, and daytime impairment. The proposed sleep intervention was received positively, with significant insights emphasising the need for a multimodal toolkit approach, adaptation of the intervention across different dementia stages, and a focus on tailoring the program to carepartners.

Conclusion

Sleep interventions for caregivers and care-recipients should target both sleep and daytime functioning to ensure holistic support. Participants were receptive towards time-friendly, online, multimodal sleep interventions that combine cognitive behaviour therapies, light therapy, mindfulness, and exercise elements.
Enforced freedoms: Testing art students’ artistic engagements in a folk high school
Authors: Fürst Henrik , Millenberg Filippa , Nylander Erik
Published: September 2024

Drawing on convention theory and sociology of critique, this article examines how teachers at a Swedish folk high school coordinate students’ activities through tests. Through ethnographic descriptions of exercises, assignments, presentations, and exhibitions that test students’ engagement, it is shown how the teachers seek to depart from the standardized assessment procedure associated with formalized schooling. More specifically, the teachers’ tests destabilize the prevailing understanding of what art “is,” support the students to collectively explore and experiment with materials and highlight promising dimensions in their art-making. The article highlights “what is at stake” in art education and recognizes certain conventions as central in formatting, confirming, and interrogating the students’ understanding of their artistic practices. Through these tests, students face a contradiction of freedom: the freedom to find their unique voice and follow their inner calling, versus the explicit and imposed expectation to express their freedom in a certain way.
Adaptive variable sampling T-SSD algorithm
Authors: Zhang Feibin , Wang Yanliang , Liu Tongtong , Huang Jinfeng , Zhang Chao , Chu Fulei
Published: September 2024

Addressing the challenges of non-unique decomposition outcomes and prolonged decomposition durations in the fault feature adaptive extraction algorithm based on tensor decomposition, this paper presents a novel algorithm called the adaptive variable sampling tensor singular spectrum decomposition (T-SSD) algorithm. The proposed approach centers on decomposing multichannel time series with adaptive sampling frequency, leveraging tensor singular value decomposition. Initially, the embedding dimension and the number of resampling points were optimized by power spectral density analysis and adaptive sampling algorithm. Subsequently, a third-order tensor is constructed based on the principle of tensor-tensor-preserving order multiplication, combining trajectory tensor construction and embedding dimension. Finally, the signal decomposition and reconstruction of multichannel component signals are achieved through adaptive sampling, interpolation, and complementary back steps. Experimental signal analysis indicates that this algorithm can better extract fault characteristics from signals compared to common signal processing algorithms. In comparison with the traditional T-SSD algorithm, this method significantly improves decomposition efficiency, particularly for low-frequency components. It effectively tackles the efficiency challenge caused by data redundancy, enabling the organic fusion and adaptive decomposition of multichannel signals.
Contribution of geometrical infill pattern on mechanical behaviour of 3D manufactured polylactic acid specimen: Experimental and numerical analysis
Authors: Rizwee Mumtaz , Kumar Deepak
Published: September 2024

Additive manufacturing is regarded as a very efficient fabrication technique since it permits the manufacturing of any three-dimensional product. The present work determines the effect of various infill pattern on the mechanical properties in term of tensile strength, yield strength and hardness of poly-lactic acid (PLA) samples fabricated by fused deposition modeling method. The mechanical behaviour of the 3D-printed PLAs investigated using dog-bone specimens with six distinct infill patterns: line, triangle, tri-hexagon, cubic, octet, and gyroid. The mechanical characteristics were evaluated using the uniaxial tensile test and shore D type hardness tester. The strain and deformation criteria were employed to substantiate the ductile and brittle characteristics. The fractural surface morphology analyzed using the field emission scanning electron microscope. Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was employed to simulate the uniaxial tensile test and establish a Yeoh third order hyperelastic material model for the predictions of the stress-strain response. This model is chosen for its precise ability to predict the nonlinear stress-strain responses for significant deformation and is crucial in applications that involve high degrees of flexibility and elasticity, such as in tire modeling, polymer and elastomer analysis, sports equipment designing, 3D printed components etc. Results revealed that the cubic infill had a maximum tensile strength 32.648 ± 1.42 MPa and octet infill had a minimum tensile strength 22.373 ± 0.79 MPa. The majority of experimental data indicated a brittle behaviour for line-infilled, but triangular, trihexagonal, cubic, octet, and gyroid infill patterns demonstrated ductile behaviour. In comparison to other geometrical infills, cubic shown relatively superior mechanical responses. Consequently, the geometrical infill effect plays a significant role in finding the appropriate mechanical property for industrial applications. The developed material model possesses potential utility in non-linear FEA investigations pertaining to 3D printed PLA objects that are predicted to sustain tensile strength.
Advancing sustainable futures through education: A Montpellier case study on student-led advocacy for transdisciplinary approaches
Authors: Choukrani Hajar , Ghneim-Herrera Thaura
Published: September 2024

This paper examines the transformative potential of integrating transdisciplinarity and systems thinking into educational practices, anchored in a participatory initiative by the Montpellier Advanced Knowledge Institute on Transitions (MAK'IT). The study centres on engaging master’s and doctoral students in co-creating educational proposals, underscoring the importance of a student-centred approach to tackle the diverse challenges of the 21st century. A preliminary brainstorming session allowed students to express their motivations, identify key themes, and lay the groundwork for further development. This culminated in a public conference where students presented their transformative education proposals. This conference facilitated interactions between students, a panel of experts spanning education, research, policy domains, and a broader audience, fostering critical dialogue. Key findings from this conference underscore the necessity of allocating resources, dismantling knowledge silos, addressing student inequalities, and enhancing educator preparedness. The study highlights the significance of multi-stakeholder dialogues in co-constructing transformative educational frameworks and suggests that educational institutions have a pivotal role in bridging the gap between science, policy, and society. Despite the promise, several challenges to curriculum revision emerge, including the need for immersive learning environments that demand adequate resources. The structure of tertiary institutions, often segregated into distinct faculties and departments, presents another barrier to fostering transdisciplinarity. Additionally, administrative constraints, particularly for international students, add to these challenges and call for nuanced strategies in advancing transformative education.
Less than full-time training, barriers and future needs. A UK-wide online survey of doctors in training
Authors: Preston Hannah , Spencer Emma , Ker Robert , Guckian Jonathan , Giannoudi Marilena
Published: September 2024

Background:

The the current views of less-than full-time (LTFT) training by both LTFT and full-time (FT) doctors in training, with regards to health and well-being, clinical and non-clinical opportunities, in addition to associated future workforce implications and challenges, are uncertain.

Methods:

We performed a cross-sectional study of UK-based doctors in training via an online questionnaire, designed and piloted by the Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh (RCPE) Trainees and Members Committee. Design was informed by prior investigation into LTFT training undertaken amongst similar populations by RCPE in 2019. The survey was distributed from May to September 2023 via email to trainees across the United Kingdom and was open to all specialties and training grades. The survey focused on lived experience of both LTFT and FT training, as well as perceived challenges for the future workforce.

Results:

There were 648 responses from doctors in training across the United Kingdom, with an even spread of LTFT and FT trainees. Most responses (53%) were from trainees in medical specialties. Most LTFT trainees plan to train at this pace for more than 5 years. LTFT was commonly linked to improved work–life balance and well-being, with FT training perceived to feature high stress and burnout. Concerns around LTFT relate to administrative errors, reduced training opportunities and colleague prejudice. Trainees are concerned about LTFT leading to rota gaps and incoherent workforce planning around training numbers.

Conclusion:

With ever-increasing popularity in LTFT training, flexible and robust long-term workforce planning is necessary for the system to adapt to a new normal and improve retention of doctors in training.
Fitting spatial stochastic frontier models in Stata
Authors: Du Kerui , Orea Luis , Álvarez Inmaculada C.
Published: September 2024

In this article, we introduce a new command, xtsfsp, for fitting spatial stochastic frontier models in Stata. Over the last decades, stochastic frontier models have seen important theoretical progress via the incorporation of various types of spatial components. Models that can account for spatial dependence and spillovers have been developed for efficiency and productivity analysis, drawing extensive attention from industry and academia. Because of the unavailability of the statistical packages, the empirical applications of the new stochastic frontier models appear to be lagging. The xtsfsp command provides a procedure for fitting spatial stochastic frontier models in the style of Orea and Álvarez (2019, Journal of Econometrics 213: 556-577) and Galli (2023, Spatial Economic Analysis 18: 239-258), enabling users to handle different sources of spatial dependence. In this article, we introduce spatial stochastic frontier models, describing the syntax and options of the new command and providing several examples to illustrate its usage.
Development of an inline non-destructive monitoring method for ultrasonically welded seams during a continuous joining process
Authors: Saeed Hassan , Pietsch Kathrin , Asnafi Sepehr , Herzog Thomas , Walter Susan
Published: September 2024

The welding manufacturing process is increasingly being used as an alternative joining method to sewing for functional textiles including for medical and protective wear, high-performance reinforcement textiles for fiber-reinforced plastics, film materials, and smart textiles. Ultrasonic (US) welding technology is a universally applicable cost-effective joining method for thermoplastic membranes. A key issue with the quality of the welded seam is that many of the faults are not visible on the membrane surface. The traditional quality control of the seam cannot be performed because it is done by destructive testing methods. Therefore 100% assurance of compliance of product safety produced at a production scale is not possible. The objective of the study is to develop a nondestructive (NDT) inline testing method for the quality control of welded seams during the continuous ultrasonic welding process. Currently, the quality control of Ultrasonic (US) welded seams is performed based on sample destructive standard tests, where the quality control of complete welded seams is not ensured. The air-coupled US sensors are used to detect imperfections in the welded seam. A variety of membrane materials with base fabric made of polyester and coated with PVC coating were tested during this research. A superimposed type of seam was produced longitudinally by PVC-coated textiles with smooth surfaced anvil wheels and was welded using a welding width of 10 mm. These coated materials were provided by industrial partners and are used in diverse technical textile applications. A process-integrated NDT test method was developed. The imperfections in welded seams were identified during a continuous US welding procedure with the help of air-coupled ultrasonic sensors by developing an inline test method. A prototype to realize inline monitoring during continuous ultrasonic welding was developed and tested. Faults of different widths were artificially produced during welding. The inline monitoring of welded seams with faults was successfully performed and analyzed. The developed process can further pave the way for the development of inline monitoring of welding seams with US sensors for textile membranes joined with a continuous US welding technology.
Fishing for Topics in Teaching and Teacher Education: Finding Publishable Research in Large Data Pools
Authors: Craig Cheryl J. , You JeongAe , Zou Yali , Curtis Gayle A. , Poimbeauf Rita
Published: September 2024

Drawing on the history of ideas, the use of knowledge, and what is known about research links, linkages, and interactivity, this ‘fishing for topics’ article focuses on how funded narrative inquiries move from fieldwork to contribute to the literature and what is known about teaching and the teaching profession. This fluid inquiry addresses the following research questions: (1) How are patterns/themes identified in data pools? (2) How are exemplars created that become published research stories? and (3) How does one manuscript relate to other manuscripts in the same and different data pools? Initially, the featured scholarship was produced using narrative inquiry’s interpretive tools of broadening, burrowing, and storying/restorying. Then, serial interpretation was undertaken to elucidate how research ideas materialized within/across the Korea-U.S. and the U.S.- China data pools. This innovative approach involved organizing the two studies into two metalevel story serials. Through this layered narrative inquiry approach, the overarching themes of fluid inquiry, flow of topics, and links/linkages/interactivity across data pools were identified. Two new narrative conceptualizations were named: meta-level story serials and meta-level serial interpretation. The insights arising from this “fishing for topics” article reflect the never-ending ebb and flow of waves splashing up to shore.
Optimization of high-speed angular contact ball bearing for aircraft gearbox utilizing an evolutionary multi-objective algorithm, NSGA-III
Authors: Kim Jae-Hyun , Kim Beom-Soo , Im Dongu , Park Jung-Ho , Moon Dong-Joo , Park Young-Jun
Published: September 2024

We develop a program for predicting bearing performance, including the maximum contact stress, bearing power loss, minimum lubricating film thickness, static safety factor, and dynamic life, and an optimal design for high-speed angular contact ball bearings in aircraft gearboxes using optimization algorithms. A program is developed to predict bearing performance by calculating the loads and displacements of individual balls based on the bearing’s kinematic and static equilibrium equations. Next, an optimization program is developed with non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm III (NSGA-III), wherein calculated bearing performance indicators serve as constraints or objective functions. The performance of individuals within the final Pareto front is evaluated using the inter-criteria correlation (CRITIC) and weighted product methods. The optimization performances of NSGA-III and NSGA-II are compared based on their hypervolume indicators. A solution of the kinematic and static equilibrium equations under the load cases and duty cycles of real aircraft gearboxes is obtained, enhancing the prediction accuracy. Furthermore, optimization, including bearing performance metrics rarely considered in previous studies, is performed. Optimal specifications superior to reference bearings employed in aircraft gearboxes are obtained, enhancing all three objective functions or specific objective functions. The optimization performance of NSGA-III is confirmed to surpass that of conventional NSGA-II.
Enhanced ionic conductivity of NASICON-type NaTi2(PO4)3 solid electrolytes with sodium-ion conduction: based on NaF-assisted synthesis
Authors: Liu Xinzhu , Luo Zhiwei , Liu Xinyu , Tong Juxia , Liang Haozhang , Lu Anxian
Published: September 2024

The ceramic composite electrolytes in the NaTi2(PO4)3–NaF system were characterised by thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, Fourier infrared absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and impedance spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction confirmed that the ceramic composites have a Na Super Ionic Conductor (NASICON) structure. The scanning electron images showed that the addition of NaF significantly improved the microscopic morphology of the NaTi2(PO4)3 crystals and made the packing of crystal grains closer. The addition of NaF in a certain proportion is beneficial to the growth of crystals, making the crystal grains more compact and improving the density of the solid electrolytes. The ionic conductivity analysis was carried out by alternating current (AC) impedance spectroscopy. The conductivity can be effectively improved when a certain proportion of NaF is added to the ceramic composites. The maximum total conductivity is about 1.50 × 10−5 S·cm−1 obtained when the molar ratio of NaF to NaTi2(PO4)3 reaches 0.4.
Postpartum menstrual equity: Video and audio analysis of vaginal bleeding counseling during postpartum inpatient care at a southeastern US tertiary hospital
Authors: Darivemula Shilpa M , Massengale Kelley EC , Montiel Catalina , Stuebe Alison M , Tully Kristin P
Published: September 2024

Background:

Despite the universal nature of postpartum vaginal bleeding after childbirth and the importance of managing vaginal bleeding in the postpartum period to monitor health status, little is known about the information or products that birthing individuals are provided. Investigating current practices may offer insights to enacting more supportive and equitable postpartum care.

Objective:

To evaluate the patterns and content of vaginal bleeding counseling provided to birthing parents while on a postnatal inpatient unit.

Design:

Observational study of inpatient postpartum care. Birthing parents and their companions consented to video and audio recording of themselves, their infants, and healthcare team members during their postnatal unit stay.

Methods:

Following IRB approval and in coordination with clinicians at a tertiary hospital in the southeastern United States, data were collected with 15 families from August to December 2020. A multidisciplinary team coded video and audio data from each family from 12 h before hospital discharge. This analysis evaluates patterns of vaginal bleeding counseling timing, content, and language concordance and thematic content of this communication.

Results:

Birthing parent participants were self-identified Hispanic White ( n = 6), non-Hispanic Black ( n = 5), non-Hispanic White ( n = 3), and non-Hispanic multi-race ( n = 1). Six were Spanish-speaking and eight had cesarean section births. The timing, content, and language concordance of vaginal bleeding communication varied, with these topics mainly addressed in the hour preceding discharge. Twelve of the 15 birthing parents had communication on these topics between 2 and 5 times, 2 had one exchange, and 1 had no counseling on postpartum bleeding observed. Four of the six Spanish-speaking birthing parents had counseling on these topics that was not language concordant. Postpartum vaginal bleeding management involved the themes of access to products, patient safety, and meaningful counseling. There was a lack of adequate access, variation in accurate and respectful care, and a busy clinical environment with differences in information provided.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest that there are opportunities to strengthen clinical practices for more consistent, proactive, and language concordant vaginal bleeding and subsequent menstrual care postpartum. Menstrual equity is an important part of dignified and safe care.
Prevalence of urinary incontinence and knowledge of pelvic floor muscle training among older women in a Nigerian suburban community
Authors: Akobundu Uzoamaka Nwakaego , Onuzulu Mmunachiso Stephanie , Obiekwe Sochima Johnmark , Akosile Christopher Olusanjo , Daniel Jovita Ada , Nwankwo Mmaduabuchukwu Joseph , Ochiabuto Ogochukwu Mary-Theodora
Published: September 2024

Background:

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a highly prevalent condition in women with a profound influence on their well-being and quality of life. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is a widely accepted conservative management of incontinence. Adequate knowledge of PFMT can enhance the ability of individuals to perform them effectively unsupervised.

Objectives:

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of UI and knowledge of PFMT among older women in a selected suburban community in Nigeria.

Design:

A cross-sectional design.

Methods:

This study consecutively recruited 121 older women (65 years and above) with a mean age of 68.59 ± 4.94 years in Nnewi North LGA Anambra state, Nigeria. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form and an adopted pre-tested questionnaire were used to assess the prevalence of UI and knowledge of PFMT. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 Descriptive statistics, and the chi-square test was utilized with significance determined at an alpha level of 0.05.

Results:

The results revealed that 33.88% of the respondents experience UI, and 3.3% of them have heard about PFMT. There was significant association between prevalence of UI and number of pregnancies (χ2 = 11.16, p = 0.03) and children (χ2 = 9.77, p = 0.04). There was no significant association between the prevalence of UI and level of education (χ2 = 4.20, p = 0.12) and knowledge of PFMT (χ2 = 0.48, p = 0.42). There was no significant association between knowledge of PFMT and number of pregnancies (χ2 = 04.25, p = 0.37), and number of children (χ2 = 4.02, p = 0.40). There was a significant association between knowledge of PFMT and level of education among the participants (χ2 = 7.46, p = 0.02).

Conclusion:

The study showed a significant prevalence of UI and poor knowledge of PFMT in older women. Health professionals should sensitize older women in hospitals and care homes on the benefits of PFMT to improve their knowledge of PFMT.
Increasing providers’ PrEP prescription for Black cisgender women: A qualitative study to improve provider knowledge and competency via PrEP training
Authors: Kasal Nikki , Devlin Samantha , Johnson Amy K , Dawdani Alicia , Enaholo Ososese E , Liegeon Geoffroy , Pyra Maria , Hirschhorn Lisa R , Haider Sadia , Ducheny Kelly , Simon Jodi , Ridgway Jessica P
Published: September 2024

Background:

Awareness and uptake of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remains low among Black/African American cisgender women, partly due to low self-reported PrEP knowledge and comfort among primary care providers. Ensuring providers are trained on PrEP is crucial, as increased PrEP knowledge is associated with higher rates of PrEP prescription.

Objective:

We aimed to develop a PrEP training for providers to improve their self-efficacy in discussing and prescribing PrEP for Black women, with the ultimate goal of increasing PrEP awareness and utilization among Black women.

Design:

In this qualitative study, we conducted focus groups with medical providers at three federally qualified health centers in the Southern and Midwestern United States to identify themes informing the development of a provider PrEP training.

Methods:

Providers were asked for input on content/design of PrEP training. Transcripts underwent rapid qualitative analysis using the Stanford Lightning Report Method. Themes were identified and presented under the domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Results:

Ten providers completed four focus groups. Themes included the individual characteristics of providers (low comfort initiating PrEP discussions, particularly among White providers) and the outer setting of client attitudes (perceptions of potential provider bias/racism, varying levels of concern about HIV acquisition). Opportunities were identified to maximize the benefit of training design (e.g., developing case scenarios to enhance providers’ cultural competency with Black women and PrEP knowledge).

Conclusion:

This comprehensive PrEP training features both didactic material and interactive role-plays to equip providers with the clinical knowledge for prescribing PrEP while building their competency discussing PrEP with Black women. This training is particularly important for providers who have racial or gender discordance with Black women and express lower comfort discussing PrEP with these clients. Provider training could lead to minimizing racial- and gender-based inequities in PrEP use.
Unusual times: Remembering Turkey’s long sixties
Authors: Özdemir Özge
Published: September 2024

The two decades spanning from 1960 to 1980 in Turkey marked a period of profound socio-political change, characterized by the emergence of new ideas, movements, and transformations that significantly influenced the entire society. This era, punctuated by three coups d’état and other pivotal historical events, shaped the formative experiences of diverse members of the young generation of time, regardless of their level of involvement. This article seeks to present a pluralistic memory narrative of Turkey’s long sixties, derived from the lived experiences of ordinary people, rather than solely focusing on the perspectives of activist individuals of the time. In doing so, the article aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of Turkey’s long sixties, shedding light on both the violence and utopian ideals that characterized the era. Furthermore, it seeks to contribute to an “agonistic memory” narrative of this contested period by acknowledging its complexity and bringing to light other perspectives alongside the dominant narratives.
Inetetamab-based therapy in real-world treatment patterns with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer patients: a retrospective single-center study
Authors: Jiang Mingxia , Liu Jiaxuan , He Maiyue , Zhang Mengqi , Zhou Shihan , Chen Shanshan , Cai Ruigang , Mo Hongnan , Lan Bo , Zhang Pin , Xu Binghe , Li Qiao
Published: September 2024

Background:

Inetetamab is a novel antibody targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) developed in China. Due to its optimized antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity effect compared with trastuzumab, it has shown good efficacy and safety in the treatment of HER2-positive advanced breast cancer (ABC).

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of inetetamab combination therapy in the treatment of HER2-positive ABC in real-world clinical practice.

Design:

Retrospective study.

Methods:

A total of 133 patients with HER2-positive ABC who were treated with inetetamab-based regimens between March 2020 and January 2024 were retrospectively included in this study. The main endpoint was median progression-free survival (mPFS). The secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and safety.

Results:

The study included 133 HER2-positive ABC patients, and the median age was 55 years. The mPFS was 8.0 (6.7–9.3) months. The ORR was 50.4%, while the DCR was 88.7%. The mPFS for patients receiving inetetamab-based therapy as first to second, third to fourth, and later lines of metastatic treatment were 14.0, 7.0, and 6.0 months, respectively. Patients treated with inetetamab plus pyrotinib plus chemotherapy, especially with capecitabine, had the best outcomes (mPFS = 14.0 months). Multivariate analysis revealed that prior HER2-TKI treatment was significantly associated with worse PFS (hazard ratios 2.829, 95% confidence interval 1.265–6.328, p = 0.011). Subgroup analysis indicated that patients without visceral metastases had significantly better PFS (14.0 months vs 8.0 months, p = 0.003). The overall incidence of any grade adverse events (AEs) was 100%, with most being grades 1–2. Severe complications included neutropenia (37.6%) and leukopenia (33.1%).

Conclusions:

Inetetamab-based combination therapy shows promising efficacy and good safety in patients with HER2-positive ABC. It is one of the late-line treatment options for Chinese patients with HER2-positive ABC.
Potential Antihyperglycemic Effects of Adzuki (Vigna angularis) Polyphenols on Mice and Caco-2 Cells
Authors: Kuriya Kenji , Osumi Masahide , Ishihara Mana , Nishio Masahiro , Katsuzaki Hirotaka , Sono Junpei , Nakamura Masahiro , Umekawa Hayato
Published: September 2024

Background/Purpose

Some health-beneficial foods, including adzuki beans ( Vigna angularis), can show antihyperglycemic effects. Adzuki bean-derived polyphenols, such as (+)-catechin 7- O- β-d-glucopyranoside (C7G) and (+)-epicatechin 7- O- β-d-glucopyranoside (E7G), could be potential inhibitors of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, however, few studies of the activity of adzuki polyphenols have been performed in vivo. Thus, we evaluated the antihyperglycemic effects of crude adzuki bean extract containing polyphenols (ABP), and purified C7G or E7G using mice and Caco-2 cells.

Methods

Six-week-old male ICR mice were orally administered ABP (100 or 250 mg/kg), C7G or E7G (15 or 40 mg/kg), and sucrose (2 g/kg). Blood samples were taken from the lateral tail vein to measure the blood glucose levels at various times over 0–120 min. Cultured caco-2 cells, an intestinal model, were treated with ABP, C7G, or E7G. The glucose concentration in the medium was measured to examine the activity of α-glucosidase.

Results

Administration of adzuki polyphenols decreased blood glucose levels, especially E7G administration significantly showed antihyperglycemic effects in vivo. In Caco-2 cells, α-glucosidase activity was significantly decreased by ABP, C7G, or E7G addition in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxicity.

Conclusion

These results suggest that C7G and E7G in adzuki bean extract inhibited sucrose-degrading enzymes to elicit antihyperglycemic effects in vivo, which supports the results of previous studies using adzuki beans, and may contribute to health promotion.
Glochidion Species: A Review on Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
Authors: Linh Nguyen Ngoc , Hop Nguyen Quang , Nhung Phi Thi Tuyet , Dao Pham Thi Bich , Manh Vu Quoc , Pham Ty Viet , Son Ninh The
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The genus Glochidion (the family Phyllanthaceae) is used for various medicinal purposes, such as dysentery, diarrhea, cough, and skin protection. A review of phytochemical and pharmacological aspects for this remains unavailable. The current study tends to sum up a detailed list of phytochemicals, and their role in biological examinations.

Methods

References in English were obtained by an extensive search across various electronic data sources, encompassing Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. The “Sci-Finder” was also utilized to find references and revise chemical structures. Referenced documents have been gathered from the 1960s to date. It also noted that Glochidion, phytochemistry, and pharmacology are likely the keywords to seek for references.

Results

Over 240 naturally occurring phytochemicals were isolated and identified from various Glochidion tissues, including terpenoids, sterols, saponins, lignans, flavonoids, mono-phenols, megastigmanes, butenolides, glycosides, alkaloids, cyanogens, tocopherols, fatty acids, and others. Three naturally occurring triterpenoids glochidonol, glochidiol, and glochidone are the likely characteristic metabolites, being isolated frequently. Glochidion crude extracts and their isolated compounds have been demonstrated as potential agents in various pharmacological targets, such as cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antiinflammation, and neuron and liver protection.

Conclusion

Several isolates acted as promising agents in pharmacological assays. The anticancer mechanisms of various triterpenoids and saponins, especially new and potential compounds, are expected. Pharmacological advancements to enhance the efficacies of Glochidion constituents, such as synergistic combinations and nano-drug formulations, are encouraged.
Compositional Analysis and Network Pharmacological Strategy for the Treatment of Diabetic Kidney Disease by Shengjiang Powder Based on UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS
Authors: Yin Yongzhi , Yang Lu , Zhang Ke , Yu Silin , Liao Jinfa , Wang Jinhui
Published: September 2024

Objective: Shengjiang Powder (SJP) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound formula commonly used in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, its material basis and mechanism of action are still unclear. Methods: In this study, the aqueous extract of SJP was obtained by aqueous decoction method, and the in vivo and in vitro constituents of SJP were analysed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS), and a network pharmacological strategy was established in conjunction with molecular docking in order to investigate the mechanism of action of SJP in the treatment of DKD. Results: The results identified 162 components, of which 28 could be absorbed into the blood and exert therapeutic effects in vivo. The main active ingredients were CT-1, CT-2, CT-7, BJC-2, and BJC-5, and the main targets in vivo were related to AKT1, MAPK1, MAPK3, MAPK8, and MAPK14, which could exert their therapeutic effects through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Insulin resistance, and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, etc Conclusion: The present study adopts a comprehensive analytical strategy to reveal the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of action of SJP in the treatment of DKD, and to provide a scientific basis for its clinical application.
A Common Effort: New Divisions of Labor Between Journalism and OSINT Communities on Digital Platforms
Authors: Charlton Timothy , Mayer Anna-Theresa , Ohme Jakob
Published: September 2024

This article explores the interactions between journalistic actors and emerging open-source intelligence and investigation (OSINT) communities. It employs qualitative content analysis of discourse from two OSINT communities surrounding three events following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which received substantial coverage in news media. OSINT practices are rapidly becoming a mainstay of the contemporary political process by allowing ordinary citizens to verify information shared through digital platforms, which is traditionally the societal task assigned to journalism. In doing so, they provide a timely factual baseline for opinion formation and political decision-making. This research explores the role constellations resulting from this shift in verification duties from journalistic actors to amateur online communities on digital platforms and maps the fundamental dynamics involved in OSINT. We analyze how information is received and processed in OSINT communities, how digital platforms facilitate the fact-checking process, and how journalism and OSINT interact. Based on our findings, we develop a theoretical framework that distinguishes between the input, throughput, and output phases of OSINT. Our model contributes to a baseline understanding of the crucial and novel partnership between citizens and journalists on digital platforms.
‘Voluntary’ prison labour in the Netherlands
Authors: Noorda Hadassa
Published: September 2024

As of 2021, work in prisons in the Netherlands is voluntary, at least to some extent. In this article, I examine the protection of working prisoners’ labour rights after the shift to a voluntary work scheme for prisoners in the Netherlands. Work in Dutch prisons may be freely chosen to some extent, but the Dutch scheme for work in prison raises questions about offenders’ rehabilitation. Having work opportunities while in prison is said to contribute to the learning of skills, promote rehabilitation and societal reintegration and provide prisoners with income. However, prisoners in the Dutch prison perform their work for low pay and have limited meaningful options for the work they perform. This has a profound impact on their time in prison and on their reintegration into the labour market after having served their sentences. I argue that these issues demand an in-depth examination if prisoners’ rights are to be protected. I describe working prisoners’ labour rights in the Netherlands and address the normative question of the rights that working prisoners should have based on the principle that imprisonment itself is the punishment and that extensions of prison sentences in society are illegitimate. My proposal for considering the amendment of the approach to prison labour in the Netherlands aims to be useful for the analysis of prison labour in general.
The right to fair pay and two paradigms of prison work
Authors: Collins Hugh
Published: September 2024

Is the low level of wages paid to prisoners for their work morally wrong and contrary to the human right to fair pay? This article contrasts two paradigms of prison work, one in which it is an ordinary market transaction to which normal employment rights should apply, with the rival and dominant paradigm that prisoners do not have contracts for the performance of work and sums paid to them are not pay or remuneration but rather a small incentive to perform work in a diligent way. The article also considers what would be required for prisoners’ pay to comply with the human right to fair pay, which has been viewed in three different ways – the right to be a member of a trade union for the purpose of collective bargaining, the right to a living wage that enables a life of dignity, and the right to equal pay with others who perform similar work.
Intellectual property rights behind bars
Authors: Papadopoulou Skarp Frantzeska
Published: September 2024

This article investigates the conditions under which intellectual property rights are created in prison as well as the possibilities inmates are given to exercise these rights. The article adopts a predominantly Swedish perspective, while it also refers to illustrative examples of cases of creative works created behind bars in US prisons. The two penitentiary systems differ considerably, but there are some interesting conclusions to be drawn from the US experience and some unexpected similarities that may be noted in the way copyright protected works made in prison are treated. The article discusses, in its first part, the evolution of the penitentiary system in Sweden and the regulation of penal work and leisure times activities. The copyright system is briefly presented with a focus on the way copyright operates when the author is an inmate. Furthermore, the article provides illustrations of prison programmes that have resulted in the creation of copyright-protected works in the US, and how the US legal system has dealt with the question of copyright ownership of works created by inmates. Turning back to Sweden, the article reflects on the two writing programmes that have recently led to book publications authored by inmates, as well as on the fate of the ‘made in prison’ branded products. The article investigates yet another project, the Krimtech project that concerns other forms of inmate input to intellectual property, namely, the collection of data. The Foucauldian theory provides a theoretical umbrella under which the discrepancies between the copyright-law principle of equality of authors, and the actual practical implementation as well as the impact prison regulation has in this respect is discussed and analysed.