bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Comorbidities and Drug Interactions in Patients With Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Receiving Androgen Receptor Pathway Inhibitors
Authors: Zhong Ying Yan , Anton Angelyn , Xie Owen , Tan Natalie , O'Haire Sophie , Maleki Sam , Inderjeeth Andrisha–Jade , Parente Phillip , Spain Lavinia , Gibbs Peter , Tran Ben
Published: May 2024

PURPOSE

Androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) are widely prescribed in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Real-world frequencies and potential impacts of comorbidities and concomitant medication (conmed) interactions with ARPIs are not well described.

METHODS

Patients receiving ARPIs for mCRPC were identified from the electronic Prostate Cancer Australian Database (ePAD). Demographics, clinicopathologic characteristics, and outcome data were extracted. Conmeds and comorbidities were collected from medical records. Potential interacting comorbidities were defined from trial and post-trial data. Clinically significant drug-drug interactions (DDIs) were identified using UpToDate Lexicomp and Stockley's databases. Patient characteristics, comorbidity interactions, DDIs, and outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Two hundred thirty-five patients received first- or second-line ARPIs for mCRPC from 2012 to 2021, with a median follow-up of 27 months. One hundred sixteen received abiraterone acetate (AAP) and 135 received enzalutamide (ENZ). The median age was 74 years, and the median number of conmeds was 4. Clinically significant DDIs occurred in 55 (47%) AAP patients and 90 (67%) ENZ patients. Only 5% of DDIs were predicted to affect ARPI pharmacokinetics (PK) or pharmacodynamics, whereas 95% were predicted to impact conmed PK or increase toxicity risk. In patients receiving ENZ, DDIs were associated with lower PSA50 (50% v 74%, P = .04) and poorer overall survival (28 v 45 months, P = .04), although statistical significance was not maintained on multivariate analysis. No significant survival differences were seen with DDIs in patients receiving AAP. Potential interactions between comorbidities and ARPI were present in 72% on AAP and 14% on ENZ with no significant associated survival differences.

CONCLUSION

DDIs and drug-comorbidity interactions in real-world patients receiving ARPIs for mCRPC are common and may affect outcomes. Ongoing clinician education regarding DDIs is necessary to optimize patient outcomes.
Reflections on Imageries of Seductive Sublimity
Authors: Bagnole Rihab Kassatly
Published: May 2024

This essay presents a context for and appreciation of the works of Ethiopian artist Kebedech Tekleab in the exhibition Blue and Gray: This Era of Exile. Examining not only the author’s personal feelings and admiration for the works, the discussion shows how the selections strongly relate to contemporary issues, which are poetically anchored in relevant academic theories. This methodology complements the seductive beauty that infuses the array of colorful media and the aesthetic ideas contained therein. It also highlights the interpreted “truth” of well-grounded works of art.

The background of Tekleab is integral to her aesthetic preferences. The colors and movements within her works reveal much about her Ethiopian/African cultural background in terms of harmony and sublime sensitivity. The shimmering quality of translucent light, rhythmic shapes, wavy forms, and musical Amharic sounds create a sense of transcendence, tapping into what the viewers “see” and “hear” when they allow themselves to delve into observing and enjoying Tekleab’s sublime art.

Theories and concepts from philosophers, critics, and artists as varied as Plato, Clement Greenberg, Frank Stella, and John Cage are included as points of reference directing readers to the strengths of Tekleab’s achievements. Aiming not so much to authenticate her irrespressibly original works as to validate continuity between past and present in choice of topics and styles, the essay highlights the power of the artist in communicating the story of humanity and the unending struggle of people to survive.
Dialogues with the Carnivalesque
Authors: Nolasco Ana
Published: May 2024

Carnival emerges as an expression filled with nuances and paradoxes. While it challenges social norms and breaks established conventions, it is also vulnerable to governmental appropriation and its transformation into a tourist product. Examples of this duality can be seen in various forms, from the revered Afro bloc Ilê Aiyê in Bahia, Brazil, to the carnivals of Mindelo, Cape Verde; Bissau, Guinea-Bissau; and the Carnival of Vitória in Luanda, Angola. These celebrations highlight the power of Carnival to amplify marginalized voices and solidify national identities in areas of rich cultural diversity. Specifically, the Carnival of Quelimane in Mozambique stands as a testament to the celebration of local traditions, particularly from the Zambézia region. Broadening the lens to the “carnivalesque” universe, defined by its paradigm shifts, performance, humor, and a world of inversions, this article highlights the artistic contributions of figures such as Ayrson Heráclito, Alex da Silva, Kiluanji Kia Henda, and Filipe Branquinho. The works of these artists are analyzed as reflections of decolonial practices, intertwined with discourses of resistance against the exploitation of natural and cultural resources. Through their art, the ambiguous contours of Carnival are outlined, emphasizing its subversive and decolonial essence. In its choreography of celebration, resistance, and critique, Carnival establishes itself as a space for innovation, questioning, and sociocultural reflection.
The Verandah between Climate Determinism and Climate Consciousness
Authors: Akcan Esra
Published: May 2024

This article explores the architectural typology of the verandah by following its use in residential buildings during the post-Ottoman British colonization and Independence periods in Sudan and differentiating between the concepts of climate determinism and climate consciousness. It brings new archival family photographs and fieldwork to discuss a modern Sudan that is curiously absent from the scholarship of both African and Islamic architecture in order to write the global history of modernism in higher resolution. It shows that the verandah was a British colonial architectural device in the context of a distinct town planning strategy, conceived after the racist segregation of “white men” from “natives” and used for cooling purposes for the sake of colonizers’ comfort in perceived tropical climates. Comparing Abdel Moneim Mustafa’s designs to those of colonial architects such as Gordon Brock Bridgman and independence-era architects such as Peter Muller, the article defines climate consciousness as a position that resists colonial inequalities of climate determinism but does not reject international connections and the modern know-how of climatization. It shows that the colonial connotations of the verandah were transformed after Sudanese independence, thanks to its creative use by architects who critically employed the technical know-how progressed under the field of tropical architecture. The article identifies this approach as the search for a more equitable internationalism that struggled for self-determination in order to undo the domination of global empires but not foreclose cosmopolitanism.
OpenLogos in the context of custom language models for the business sector: A historical perspective on the roots of natural language generation
Authors: Barreiro Anabela , Cremers Lou
Published: May 2024

In the framework of Multi3Generation COST Action (CA18231), we have provided the OpenLogos tools and resources to the community with the belief that (i) they can be beneficial to Early Research Career researchers and (ii) they can also assist startup companies with limited resources in initiating endeavors to create their Natural Language Generation, Machine Translation, Paraphrasing or other Natural Language Processing systems. In this article, we explore OpenLogos capabilities in an industry case scenario. We provide historical background on the proven importance of the Logos commercial system in shaping the documentation process of a multinational. Understanding the historical significance of Machine Translation is crucial for grasping our present position in Generative Language Models and our role in the domain of Generative Artificial Intelligence. We explore how novel Custom Generative Language Models, drawing inspiration from the Logos Model, can prove beneficial across various industries worldwide.
Current Regulations and Disclosure Issues of Information Related to Sustainable Development in the Companies Reports
Authors: Puchkova S. , Sotneva Yu.
Published: May 2024

The article highlights the current regulation and sustainability and disclosure issues related to sustainability development. Analyze the recently released IFRS standards on sustainability disclosures — IFRS S1 «General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information» and S2 «Climate-related Disclosures». Highlight the main stakeholder requests for climate risk disclosure in reporting.
New Guarantees for Citizens’ Long-Term Savings
Authors: Smirnov E.
Published: May 2024

On January 1 of this year, Federal Law No. 632-FZ “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation” came into force in Russia, containing very serious legal guarantees for long-term savings of citizens.
Accounting Financial Reporting Information As a Social Phenomenon
Authors: Mislavskaya N.
Published: May 2024

The article is devoted to rethinking the social significance of accounting science and practice. Based on the results of research by modern sociologists, a comparative analysis was carried out and corresponding analogies were built between such concepts as “social information” and “accounting”. Guided by scientific criteria, the philosophical nature of accounting knowledge is convincingly proven. Based on the analysis of the functions of social information, certain accounting functions, as well as stages of the accounting process, are synthesized into it.
Blisko ludzi. Wybrane działania Biblioteki Pedagogicznej Wojewódzkiego Ośrodka Metodycznego w Gorzowie Wielkopolskim
Authors: Płatonow Magdalena
Published: May 2024

The text presents diverse endeavours of the Pedagogical Library of the Voivodship Methodical Centre in Gorzów Wielkopolski described from the perspective of activities focused on satisfying the needs of different groups of users. Innovations introduced over years, training activity with main receivers as teachers, and educational actions for students have been discussed here. Furthermore, exemplary activities and authorial projects devoted especially to promotion of reading and popularising of multifaceted learning have been presented. The most important initiatives in favour of local environment, including events based on cooperation with other institutions of the system of education and culture, have been indicated. The user and its changing needs over time constitute a starting point for all library achievements.
Rola łódzkiej książnicy pedagogicznej w popularyzacji historycznego dziedzictwa regionu na przykładzie funkcjonującego w jej strukturach Muzeum Oświaty Ziemi Łódzkiej
Authors: Figurska Katarzyna , Wachowicz Monika
Published: May 2024

The article discusses the activities of the Museum of Education of the Łódź Region, which has been operating within the structures of the Provincial Pedagogical Library in Łódź (currently the Education Development Centre of the Łódź Voivodship) for over 40 years. In particular, the focus is on showing the role of this museum in disseminating the historical heritage of the Łódź region, including the achievements of the educational and scientific community. To achieve the set goals, the following methods were used: bibliographic method, document analysis, critical literature review method.
Nowe wydanie, nowe wyzwanie – studium przypadku
Authors: Pazdur-Bąk Agata
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this case presentation is to show a new component feature of the publication for which common rules of action within creating of bibliographical description have not yet been fixed. Films, texts or broadly understood multimedia hidden in the form of codes QR require additional tools for reading. Information about such additions should be presented in the library catalogues in a standardised form.
El muro fronterizo entre Estados Unidos y México: la tentación de violar derechos humanos
Authors: Camarillo Govea Laura Alicia
Published: May 2024

Desde la llegada de Donald Trump a la presidencia de Estados Unidos, ha resultado rentable su discurso en contra de los migrantes, que siempre va acompañado del anuncio de la construcción de un muro fronterizo. A esas afirmaciones hechas por Trump, se le han sumado una serie de medidas o políticas por parte de su gobierno, que, a nuestro juicio, podrían resultar violatorias de derechos humanos. En ese sentido, es pertinente revisar si aquellas medidas o políticas cumplen con los parámetros mínimos de protección de los derechos humanos. Ante tal escenario, en el presente capítulo se identificarán algunas medidas tomadas por el Gobierno de los Estados Unidos y se analizarán a la luz del derecho interamericano, para valorar si en efecto hay una latente tentación de violar derechos humanos.
El patriarcado como arma de guerra: una reflexión sobre la violencia sexual en conflicto
Authors: Pascual Lagunas Eulalia
Published: May 2024

Silenciados durante siglos o enmascarados bajo eufemismos como el de “delitos contra el honor”, los delitos de violencia sexual en conflictos armados alcanzan hoy extremos alarmantes. Esta invisibilización pese a la gravedad de dichos crímenes y las consecuencias que provocan no solo en sus víctimas directas, sino en sus familias y comunidades, está obviamente relacionada con la discriminación que sufre la mujer, y, también, con el enorme tabú que rodea todo lo sexual. Desde la perspectiva del tiempo transcurrido desde la configuración jurídica de estos delitos como crímenes de guerra y de lesa humanidad en los tribunales ad hoc de Ruanda y de la ex-Yugoeslavia, y de forma definitiva en el Estatuto de Roma de la Corte Penal Internacional, se impone una reflexión crítica sobre dicha configuración y sobre si, desde la perspectiva de las víctimas, la praxis relativa a estos crímenes ha sido la adecuada.
El derecho internacional aplicable a los ciberataques
Authors: Farinella Favio
Published: May 2024

La responsabilidad internacional del Estado continúa siendo una temática en construcción. De todas sus aristas, este artículo se interesa por ciertas consecuencias producidas por la intersección entre el uso de la fuerza y las nuevas tecnologías de la información y la comunicación. La cuestión a conocer es la medida en que el derecho internacional es apto para responder las actividades ofensivas y defensivas ejecutadas mediante las nuevas tecnologías de la información y comunicación llamadas “ciberoperaciones”. El objeto principal del presente artículo es analizar las dificultades planteadasen la interpretación y aplicación del derecho internacional a un tipo especial de ciberoperaciones: los “ciberataques”. En lo específico, responderemos dos interrogantes: i) cuáles normas de derecho internacional general y particular son aplicables a los ciberataques; y ii) conocer los desafíos planteados por la posible aplicación del derecho internacional humanitario a este nuevo tipo de armamento.
Hacia una acertada judicialización de las violaciones a los DD.HH. e infracciones al DIH por parte de los grupos armados organizados (GAO) en Colombia
Authors: Gil Osorio Juan Fernando
Published: May 2024

El presente capítulo pretende sentar las bases de una adecuada construcción de contextos explicativos y de judicialización, referente a la dinámica criminal derivada de los grupos armados organizados (GAO) en Colombia (ELN, Clan del Golfo-Puntilleros-Pelusos y el GAO residual) en aquellas regiones del país en donde su notable influencia sociopolítica permite entender un mayor nivel de intensidad de las hostilidades, en un país en el que, a pesar del acuerdo de paz con la extinta FARC, todavía se vive un conflicto armado interno.
Crímenes de lesa humanidad juzgados bajo la aplicación de normativa interna y del derecho penal internacional en Guatemala
Authors: Silvia Patricia Juárez García
Published: May 2024

En Guatemala durante el conflicto armado interno ocurrieron una serie de violaciones a derechos humanos de la población civil, los cuales son consi- derados delitos de lesa humanidad (crímenes internacionales), cometidos por elementos del Ejército de Guatemala, logrando las víctimas llevar a juicio a dos de ellos, quienes fueron juzgados por las leyes guatemaltecas, siendo una sentencia histórica, por haber sido dictada por tribunal nacional.
La tensión comercio-cultura: una tensión olvidada en derecho internacional público
Authors: Dermer Miriam
Published: May 2024

El presente capítulo trata sobre la manera como Colombia ha gerenciado los debates en torno a la articulación entre el comercio y la cultura en los niveles nacionales e internacionales entre 2002 y 2013. El estudio de caso de Colombia revela una paradoja. En efecto, el país se comprometió en una agenda de tratados de libre comercio muy completa, pero a la vez mostrando una voluntad fuerte en materia de política cultural y de respeto por la diversidad cultural. El objetivo del texto es explicar la manera como Colombia ha gerenciado los debates en torno a la articulación entre el comercio y la cultura en el nivel nacional e internacional. El marco teórico que se utilizó para esta investigación fue el de Robert D. Putnam y uno de los conceptos centrales es el de win-set, que representa el conjunto de los acuerdos internacionales que pueden ser traídos al nivel nacional, es un concepto para analizar las interrelaciones entre lo nacional y lo y sus respectivas negociaciones. Se probó que Colombia tiene un win-set amplio y de doble ganancia.
Justicia restaurativa hacia la formación de la comunidad, con fundamento en los derechos humanos
Authors: Choconta Solano Lizeth Judith , Mora Cuervo Ruth Astrid
Published: May 2024

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar a la justicia restaurativa como un nuevo paradigma frente a la justicia penal tradicional, la cual busca orientar la creación de una nueva ética; desarrollando una alternativa a la pena y su tratamiento, lo que a su vez se propone como un modelo de justicia de los derechos humanos que reivindique a la víctima. Así mismo, se quiere dar una mirada a la construcción de la justicia restaurativa y la importancia que esta tiene para la comunidad en escenarios educativos, desde la formación de la niñez, para que pueda considerarse como una justicia preventiva de conflictos o de resolución, y que sea el primer paso de una verdadera justicia, con un enfoque aplicado a los derechos humanos.
Progresividad: apreciación de los avances jurisprudenciales de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos respecto a los DESCA a la luz de la responsabilidad del Estado de Guatemala: caso Cuscul Pivaral y otros c. Guatemala
Authors: Sales Juárez Mónica Alejandra
Published: May 2024

La Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos no posee abundante jurisprudencia respecto a los desca, sin embargo, en los últimos años, ha desempeñado un rol interesante al ampliar el alcance y contenido del artículo 26 de la Convención Americana sobre los Derechos Humanos, abordando una interpretación amplia y garante de los derechos económicos, sociales, culturales y ambientales, desde su justiciabilidad y exigibilidad en una aproximación a la progresividad expedita y eficaz de estos, y, en ese sentido, responsabilizó al Estado de Guatemala por la violación al principio de progresividad y al derecho a la salud.
Crimen, violencia y frontera Reconfiguraciones de las prácticas ilícitas y los grupos armados en la frontera San Antonio/Ureña-Cúcuta
Authors: Antillano Andrés , Sánchez Francisco , Ortiz Luz , Zubillaga Verónica
Published: May 2024

El propósito de este capítulo es comprender cómo ha cambiado en los últimos años la naturaleza de las actividades delincuenciales y de los actores armados en la frontera, y sugerir algunas hipótesis que permitan dar cuenta de estos cambios, con particular atención al conurbano Cúcuta-San Antonio-Ureña. Para este propósito, consultamos fuentes documentales, fundamentalmente hemerografía, bibliografía primaria y secundaria sobre la situación fronteriza, sumado a tres visitas de campo que tuvieron lugar entre julio y noviembre de 2018 y febrero de 2019, con una duración de cada una de ellas que varió entre una a más de tres semanas.
Effect of psychological nursing interventions on effectiveness and quality of life in schizophrenia patients receiving modified electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Lu Jing
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia is a common and severe mental disorder characterized by severe thought disturbances, hallucinations, delusions, and emotional instability. For some patients, conventional treatment methods may not effectively alleviate symptoms, necessitating the use of alternative therapeutic approaches. Modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) is an effective treatment modality for schizophrenia, inducing anti-depressive and antipsychotic effects through the stimulation of brain electrical activity.

AIM

To explore the impact of psychological nursing intervention (PNI) before and after MECT on the efficacy and quality of life of patients with schizophrenia.

METHODS

Eighty patients with schizophrenia who received MECT treatment from 2021 to 2023 were randomly divided into two groups: The intervention group (n = 40) and the control group (n = 40). The intervention group received PNI before and after MECT, while the control group received routine nursing care. The efficacy of MECT was evaluated by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) before and after the treatment. The quality of life was assessed by the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) after the treatment.

RESUITS

The intervention group had significantly lower scores of PANSS and CGI than the control group after the treatment (P < 0.05). The intervention group also had significantly higher scores of SF-36 than the control group in all domains except physical functioning (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

PNI before and after MECT can improve the efficacy and quality of life of patients with schizophrenia. It is suggested that nurses should provide individualized and comprehensive psychological care for patients undergoing MECT to enhance their recovery and well-being.
Effect of percutaneous electrical stimulation at the Baliao point on preventing postpartum urinary retention after labor analgesia
Authors: Wang Xiao-Qing , Guan Li-Sha
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Anesthetic drugs used in labor analgesia also paralyze the bladder muscle by blocking the sacral plexus, thereby affecting maternal postpartum spontaneous urination and increasing the risk of postpartum urinary retention (PUR).

AIM

To analyze the effect of percutaneous electrical stimulation at the Baliao point combined with biofeedback therapy for PUR prevention.

METHODS

We selected 182 pregnant women who received labor analgesia in obstetrics between June 2022 and December 2023. They were divided into the combined therapy group (transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the Baliao point combined with biofeedback therapy) and the control group (biofeedback therapy alone). The first spontaneous urination time, first postpartum urine volume, bladder residual urine volume, postpartum hemorrhage volume, pre-urination waiting time, PUR incidence, adverse reactions, and the intervention’s clinical efficacy were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The first spontaneous urination time after delivery was more delayed (2.92 ± 1.04 h vs 3.61 ± 1.13 h, P < 0.001), with fewer initial postpartum urine (163.54 ± 24.67 mL vs 143.72 ± 23.95 mL, P < 0.001), more residual bladder urine (54.81 ± 10.78 mL vs 65.25 ± 13.52 mL, P < 0.001), more postpartum bleeding (323.15 ± 46.95 mL vs 348.12 ± 45.03 mL, P = 0.001), and longer waiting time for urination (0.94 ± 0.31 min vs 1.29 ± 0.42 min, P < 0.001), in the control group than in the combined therapy group. The control group also had higher PUR incidence (4.65% vs 15.85%, P = 0.016). Both groups had no adverse reactions, but the clinical total efficacy rate of the intervention was significantly higher in the combined therapy group than in the control group (95.35% vs 84.15%, P = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous electrical stimulation of the Baliao point combined with biofeedback can significantly promote postpartum micturition of parturients with labor analgesia, thereby effectively preventing PUR occurrence.
Fat management in upper blepharoplasty: Addition or subtraction blepharoplasties, how and when
Authors: Miotti Giovanni , Di Filippo Jacopo , Grando Martina , Salati Carlo , Parodi Pier Camillo , Spadea Leopoldo , Gagliano Caterina , Musa Mutali , Zeppieri Marco
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

As one of the most common aesthetic surgical procedures carried out today, blepharoplasty should be in the repertoire of every plastic surgeon. The term blepharoplasty encompasses a wide range of techniques and options that must be tailored to the specific defect and patient one has to treat. A sound knowledge of the upper and lower eyelids’ anatomy is essential for proper surgical execution. Trends have shifted towards more conservative methods (especially of the fat compartment) and sometimes in combination with augmentation techniques, helping to reach a rejuvenated appearance.

AIM

To present an overview of the surgical techniques considered for upper lid blepharoplasty and fat pad management, in addition to information on how a surgeon may approach the best treatment for his patient based on current publications in literature.

METHODS

We searched the literature published between 2013, to 2023 using Medline and Reference Citation Analysis. The database was searched using the keywords “upper blepharoplasty” AND “fat”. Papers without full text/abstracts and reviews were excluded. The search strategy followed the PRISMA. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons guidelines for Therapeutic Studies checklist was used to assess all articles. Two authors individually reviewed each article and rated them for importance and relevance to the topic. A consensus was sought and the most relevant studies.

RESULTS

After the application of the selection criteria used in our review, 13 publications were found to address upper lid blepharoplasty specifically. Three of these studies were reviews and three were retrospective studies. Five publications were comparative studies and a further two were clinical trials.

CONCLUSION

The tendency of modern surgery is to be conservative, by removing adipose tissue only if strictly necessary and restoring the volume of the upper eyelid in a concept of beauty that espouses a "full" sight. There is no gold standard technique to achieve younger and enhanced eyelids. Long-term prospective comparative studies are fundamental in understanding which path is the best to follow.
Intersectional Socialism
Authors: Masquelier Charles
Published: May 2024

In the context of sustained economic and environmental crises, marked by extreme inequalities of wealth, rising xenophobia and racism, and acute precarity, never has the need for a radical change of system been so pressing. Yet, it has become immensely difficult to imagine an alternative to the status quo or, simply, accept that there is an alternative to it.
This book is an invitation to think the world otherwise. It does so by breathing new life into socialist thought through the deployment of an intersectional lens bringing diverse struggles for emancipation both within and outside of the Global North into dialogue with one another. The norms, practices, and institutions this book identifies are all directed at bringing capitalism’s counter-culture to life. They oppose a world of greed, fear, and self-interest with a world recognizing both the necessity for, and value of, radical interdependence. In short, it draws on the intersection of multiple resistant knowledge projects to offer the kind of bold and holistic thinking the present situation calls for.
Informed by a broad range of theoretical traditions and struggles for liberation, Intersectional Socialism will be of interest to students and scholars in the fields of sociology, politics, and philosophy, as well as those interested in the possibilities for social change.
Conclusion
Authors: Leccardi Carmen , Jedlowski Paolo , Cavalli Alessandro
Published: May 2024

The present time is characterized by the still weak but growing awareness of the possibility of the finiteness of the human species on earth, due to the risk of nuclear weapons and climate change. This situation places the responsibilities of current generations towards future generations and the need to act in the present to avoid risks that could occur in the future. This awareness could favor the creation of a form of global citizenship.
Thinking Through Family
Authors: Boddy Janet , Hanrahan Fidelma , Wheeler Bella
Published: May 2024

This is a book about family, based on learning from 35 young adults in England (aged 16–30 years) who were in state care during childhood. Participants were involved in one of two studies that took place between 2015 and 2020, both involving qualitative longitudinal methods. Against All Odds?, funded by the Research Council of Norway, was a cross-national study involving England, Denmark and Norway; the national Evaluation of Pause, funded by English government, examined a programme which provides intensive, individually-tailored practitioner support over an 18-month period for women who have had children removed into care and who are judged to be at risk of future removals of children. The studies differed in many ways; bringing them together in a new narrative analysis makes it possible to learn from participants’ diverse experiences and so to build new insights into connected lives, identities and practices. The people who took part were all young adults and have care experience in common, but their varied and complex lives resist any reduction to a ‘single story’ of the care-experienced family. Participants’ narratives document enduring kinship, love and care. They also highlight distinctive forms of disruption, and the need for the state to fulfil its role as ‘corporate parent’, through childhood and beyond, scaffolding young adults in their interconnected lives.
Feeding the Middle Classes
Authors: Gibson Kate
Published: May 2024

Feeding the Middle Classes takes everyday eating as a lens through which to observe class and identity formation. The book focuses on middle-class practice and habitus to highlight how class works through privilege and access, and in so doing, lays bare a range of social and cultural processes which work to legitimize ‘good’ food and the identities configured by those who consume it.
Based on detailed qualitative fieldwork, Feeding the Middle Classes explores how class is implicated in the myriad of practices surrounding domestic food provisioning. From shopping to planning to cooking through to feeding families, ideas about individuality, authenticity and critical reflexivity are shown to have classed significance within increasingly fragmented dynamics of taste. The book highlights how these ideas can be drawn upon as classed social markers, to mark boundaries around an individuated self, especially in relation to, and working against, an imagined uncritical mass implicitly marked as unreflexively consuming the wrong sorts of food.
In an era of individualized identities and a neoliberal emphasis on personal choice and responsibility, there is a lack of scrutiny about how access to ‘good’ foods relies on the possession of multiple forms of capital. In addressing this gap, Feeding the Middle Classes offers a new understanding of a hitherto undertheorized dimension of middle-class reproduction.
Conclusion
Authors: Matelski Maaike
Published: May 2024

This concluding chapter summarizes the main arguments regarding the forms and functions of civil society in Myanmar and presents policy recommendations to donors wishing to support civil society in restrictive environments. It argues for the need for donors, policy makers and researchers to take local circumstances into account, understand the activities and restrictions of civil society in repressive environments, and be willing to offer long-term engagement. The chapter ends with a cautious exploration of the future of civil society in Myanmar, highlighting the importance of local voices taking part in international policy and research debates.
Covert Violence
Authors: Levin Jack , B. Wiest Julie
Published: May 2024

Covert violence is a type of everyday violence that exists deep in the shadows of society. Until now, it has eluded not only the attention of victims but also largely that of academics, journalists, members of law enforcement, and others with an interest in understanding crime and violent behavior. This book introduces the novel concept of covert violence, establishes its links to powerlessness in society, and illustrates its incidence patterns within a variety of social contexts—each of which comprises unique power dynamics—including families and close relationships, formal education, workplaces, politics and government, healthcare, and mass media. The arguments presented in this book are grounded in an exploratory study of U.S. deaths that were originally classified as something other than homicide, but subsequently reclassified as homicide some weeks, months, or even years later and given official attention within a three-year period (June 2017 to July 2020). Although the findings provide support for the likelihood that covert acts of violence have been vastly under-represented in official reports of criminal homicide, the book concludes with a number of practical strategies for identifying, examining, and ultimately helping to prevent these violent events. This book will not only generate new ways of thinking about violence, but it also may expose flaws in current crime classification and investigative practices, as well as promote more accurate understandings about violent behavior, the social consequences of powerlessness, and the causes of human deaths and injuries more broadly.
Mistrust Issues
Authors: Benjamin Garfield
Published: May 2024

We are often expected to trust technologies, and how they are used, even if we have good reason not to. There is no room to mistrust. As trust wanes, we are expected to perform the conditions of trust, with legitimacy constructed not through social relations but through quantification and discourse. Exploring relations between trust and mistrust in the context of data, AI, platforms and technology at large, this book defines a process of ‘trustification’ used by governments, corporations, researchers and the media to legitimize exploitation and increase inequalities. Trustification evolves from processes of datafication, gamification and consentification, performatively creating the illusion of trust by measuring it through proxy variables like adoption rates. The book explains how trustification operates across logics of power, as well as through case studies that problematize the role of trust and technological discourses in COVID-19 contact tracing apps, humanitarian ‘tech for good’ initiatives, and facial recognition systems. Against the discursive positioning of trust as a measurable goal to be achieved, and extracted when necessary, Mistrust Issues calls for redressing power asymmetries by reinserting mistrust as a critical collective tool. Rather than a flaw, creating space for mistrust to be voiced can lead to new ways of thinking what technology is and who it is for.
A Research Agenda to Support Families of People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities With Intersectional Identities
Authors: Lahti-Anderson Lynda , Kardell Yoshiko , Hall Sarah , Magaña Sandra , Reynolds Michelle , Córdova Jeanette
Published: May 2024

Family members provide significant practical and emotional support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across the lifespan. In September 2022, the State of the Science Conference on Community Living: Engaging Persons With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities From Underserved Racial, Ethnic, Linguistic, and Cultural Groups in Research was held. This article summarizes the efforts of the workgroup that developed research goals related to supporting families of people with IDD. The focus was on families with intersectional identities and minoritized communities. Recommended areas of future research include exploratory research to better understand the experiences of these families, perspectives of families with intersectional identities about the formal support system, funding for family support and services, and inclusive research strategies.
Direct Support Professionals: Diversity, Disparities, and Deepening Crisis
Authors: Laws Carol Britton , Hewitt Amy , Boamah Daniel A. , Hiersteiner Dorothy , Kramme Julie E. D. , Reagan Jack
Published: May 2024

In the United States, direct support professionals (DSPs) support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) so they can live in the community. Thirty years of deinstitutionalization and the development of community living options would not have been possible without DSPs. Although life for people with IDD improved greatly, working conditions, wages/benefits, demands, stress/burnout, and trauma experienced by DSPs have worsened. Turnover and vacancy rates threaten the availability of community supports for too many people with IDD. DSPs from diverse racial, ethnic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds face significant workplace disparities. These issues were discussed during the Research and Training Center on Community Living’s 2022 State of the Science Conference. We propose important research questions needing solutions to continue constructively addressing these critical issues.
Criminal Justice and People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Stancliffe Roger J. , Frantz Beverly L.
Published: May 2024

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are overrepresented in the criminal justice system both as victims/survivors and as offenders. The needs and circumstances of individuals from underserved communities have received scant attention in the literature. Stakeholders met online at the 2022 State of the Science Conference on Community Living to discuss criminal justice and to identify goals for research involving people with IDD. The group focused more on victimization and less on offenders. Victimization issues examined included prevalence, people from underserved communities, sexual victimization, consequences of victimization, victim compensation, prevention, and risk reduction. Issues regarding offenders included prevalence, people from underserved communities, and competency to stand trial. Future directions are proposed for research on victimization and on offenders.
The State of Employment for People With IDD: Implications for Practice, Policy, and Equity
Authors: Butterworth John , Winsor Jean E. , Kamau Esther , Migliore Alberto , Mahoehney Danielle
Published: May 2024

Meaningful progress in improving employment outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities continues to be elusive, despite 40 years of investment in research, policy, and supports. This article reviews the current state of employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and describes policy, practice, and individual factors that influence employment outcomes. Research suggests the need for a holistic approach to change that addresses systems-level strategy, policy, and fiscal investment while strengthening individual experiences with employment and related day services. Recommendations address strengthening the implementation of employment policy, developing pathways to employment, and engaging individuals with IDD and, in particular, individuals with diverse social characteristics in reflecting on the quality of their experiences and supports.
Accurate measurement method for parallel edge spacing of sheet metal parts in aviation manufacturing
Authors: Tian Jiachun , Mei Biao , Fu Yun , Zhu Weidong
Published: May 2024

A new method, to our knowledge, is proposed to achieve high-precision measurement of parallel edge spacing for sheet metal parts in the complex industrial environment of aviation manufacturing. First, the sub-pixel edges of sheet metal parts are extracted by combining a what we believe to be a novel adaptive rolling bilateral filter and a sub-pixel edge detection algorithm based on the Canny–Steger algorithm. Then, the acquired edge data are denoised by using the clustering algorithm. Finally, a parallel line fitting algorithm, which combines an improved K-medoids algorithm with composite constraints on points and slopes, is proposed to calculate the parallel edge spacing. The results show that the method is robust to introducing noise in the edge data due to uneven illumination and various types of defects such as wear, scratches, and stains. The detection accuracy is high, with an average detection error of only 0.015 mm.
Ultra-low threshold deep-ultraviolet generation in hollow-core fiber
Authors: Sabbah Mohammed , Harrington Kerrianne , Murphy Leah , Brahms Christian , Yerolatsitis Stephanos , Stone James , Birks Tim , Travers John
Published: May 2024

We have lowered the pump energy threshold for the generation of tuneable deep-ultraviolet pulses to the tens of nano-joules level by pumping a record small-core anti-resonant fiber with a hollow core diameter of just 6 μm.
Effects of pain education on disability, pain, quality of life, and self-efficacy in chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sidiq Mohammad , Muzaffar Tufail , Janakiraman Balamurugan , Masoodi Shariq , Vasanthi Rajkumar Krishnan , Ramachandran Arunachalam , Bansal Nitesh , Chahal Aksh , Kashoo Faizan Zaffar , Rizvi Moattar Raza , Sharma Ankita , Rai Richa Hirendra , Verma Rituraj , Sharma Monika , Alam Sajjad , Vajrala Krishna Reddy , Sharma Jyoti , Muthukrishnan Ramprasad
Published: May 2024

Background

Low back pain stands as a prevalent contributor to pain-related disability on a global scale. In addressing chronic low back pain (CLBP), there is a growing emphasis on incorporating psychological strategies into the management process. Among these, pain education interventions strive to reshape pain beliefs and mitigate the perceived threat of pain. This randomized controlled trial sought to assess the effects of pain education on various aspects, including pain levels, disability, quality of life, self-efficacy, and prognostic characteristics in individuals grappling with CLBP.

Methods

The clinical trial, retrospectively registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2021/08/035963), employed a two-arm parallel randomized design. Ninety-two participants with CLBP were randomly assigned to either the standard physiotherapy care with a pain education program or the control group. Both groups underwent a 6-week intervention. Assessment of pain intensity (using NPRS), disability (using RMDQ), self-efficacy (using the general self-efficacy scale), and well-being (using WHO 5I) occurred both before and after the 6-week study intervention.

Findings

Post-intervention score comparisons between the groups revealed that the pain education intervention led to a significant reduction in disability compared to the usual standard care at 6 weeks (mean difference 8.2, p < 0.001, effect size Cohen d = 0.75), a decrease in pain intensity (mean difference 3.5, p < 0.001, effect size Cohen d = 0.82), and an improvement in the well-being index (mean difference 13.7, p < 0.001, effect size Cohen d = 0.58).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that integrating a pain education program enhances the therapeutic benefits of standard physiotherapy care for individuals dealing with chronic LBP. In conclusion, the clinical benefits of pain education become apparent when delivered in conjunction with standard care physiotherapy during the management of chronic low back pain.
Double layer capacitors in dye sensitized solar cells with large charge and energy storage capacity and controlled shape of output voltage signals
Authors: Vargas Susana , Rangel Domingo , Gallegos Juan Carlos , Rodríguez Rogelio
Published: May 2024

The output signals in natural dyes-based solar cells (DSSC) can be either rising or decaying depending on the type of ions present in the system; these ions called added ions, are introduced by the additives: mordant and brighteners. The photon-dye interaction produces electrons, which eventually reach the electrode giving place to a superficially charged electrode in contact with an electrolyte where are the added ions. This combination produces, automatically, an electrical double-layer EDL structure which has important effects on the performance of the system: a) the added ions control, to a large extent, the initial shape of the output signal, giving rise to rising or decaying profiles; b) it is possible to store large amounts of energy and charge at high electric fields. This structure is found in many other systems that have a surface charged in contact with an electrolyte like piezoelectric materials in human body. This assertion was supported by determining important parameters such as the force between charged surfaces on both sides of the interface, the charge density, the energy density, and the capacitance. The Debye length has very small values then, many important quantities depend on this; it is possible to obtain large values for energy UDL ~ 3.6x105 Jm-3 and charge density ρDL ≈ 1.1x107 Cm-3 for double layer capacitors; these values are orders of magnitude larger than the corresponding values for electrostatic capacitors: Uelec ≈ 4.5x10-3 Jm-3 and ρelec ≈ 1.2 Cm-3. A non-linear model was also developed to fit unstable oscillations found in the output profiles produced by abrupt lighting.