bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A polyphony of characteristics: An analysis of the categorisation of music’s subgenres
Authors: Hider Philip , Lee Deborah
Published: October 2023

We examine how music subgenres are differentiated from each other within seven parent genres – classical, folk, reggae, country, blues, electronic and jazz – according to two different sources, AllMusic and the Library of Congress Genre/Form Terms. Medium was by far the most common differentiator, but there were many others, with most subgenres defined according to multiple characteristic types, the use of which varied greatly across genres. Overall, differentiation was based more on characteristics intrinsic to the music, but prominent extrinsic characteristic types included culture and period. Also prominent was the identification of characteristics associated with other subgenres and genres, representing hybridisation. The resulting codebook of characteristics only partly overlaps with the major facets of music identified in the knowledge organisation literature. Our research conceptualises the musical subgenre, suggesting that music subgenres are differentiated from and connected to other subgenres, and to higher-level genres, in complex, familial ways – horizontally, vertically and obliquely.
A Vision for the Continued Success of the JLSP
Authors: Palomares Nicholas A.
Published: October 2023

In this essay, I share a story of how asking a naive question in office hours as an undergraduate sparked in me a sustaining passion for the study of language and social psychology (LSP). Now, as I enter a new LSP venture as Editor for this unique and important journal, I detail four publishing priorities. I assume this position with humility and gratitude in light of four-plus decades of editorial leadership from Howie Giles and his impressive and influential vision for the Journal of Language and Social Psychology.
Hyperperfusion profiles after recanalization differentially associate with outcomes in a rat ischemic stroke model
Authors: Franx Bart AA , van Tilborg Geralda AF , Taha Aladdin , Bobi Joaquim , van der Toorn Annette , Van Heijningen Caroline L , van Beusekom Heleen MM , Wu Ona , Dijkhuizen Rick M ,   on behalf of the CONTRAST consortium
Published: October 2023

Futile recanalization hampers prognoses of ischemic stroke after successful mechanical thrombectomy, hypothetically through post-recanalization perfusion deficits, onset-to-groin delays and sex effects. Clinically, acute multiparametric imaging studies remain challenging. We assessed possible relationships between these factors and disease outcome after experimental cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, using translational MRI, behavioral testing and multi-model inference analyses. Male and female rats (N = 60) were subjected to 45-/90-min filament-induced transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Diffusion, T2- and perfusion-weighted MRI at occlusion, 0.5 h and four days after recanalization, enabled tracking of tissue fate, and relative regional cerebral blood flow (rrCBF) and -volume (rrCBV). Lesion areas were parcellated into core, salvageable tissue and delayed injury, verified by histology. Recanalization resulted in acute-to-subacute lesion volume reductions, most apparently in females (n = 19). Hyperacute normo-to-hyperperfusion in the post-ischemic lesion augmented towards day four, particularly in males (n = 23). Tissue suffering delayed injury contained higher ratios of hypoperfused voxels early after recanalization. Regressed against acute-to-subacute lesion volume change, increased rrCBF associated with lesion growth, but increased rrCBV with lesion reduction. Similar relationships were detected for behavioral outcome. Post-ischemic hyperperfusion may develop differentially in males and females, and can be beneficial or detrimental to disease outcome, depending on which perfusion parameter is used as explanatory variable.
Dynamic assessment of brain perfusion in a middle cerebral artery occlusion rat model by contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging: a pilot study
Authors: Zhou Chenyun , Zhu Xiaoxia , Li Jin , Luo Yan , Zhou Yuqing
Published: October 2023

Background

The middle cerebral artery occlusion model (MCAo) is a commonly used animal model for cerebral ischemia studies but lacks accessible imaging techniques for the assessment of hemodynamic changes of the model.

Purpose

The study aims to explore the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in evaluating brain perfusion in the early stages after MCAo surgery.

Material and Methods

In total, 18 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to right MCAo using an intraluminal filament model, and CEUS was performed at the three following timepoints: before (T0), immediately after (T1), and 6 h after permanent MCAo (T2). Twelve rats successfully completed the study, and their brains were removed and stained using 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC). CEUS video images were visualized offline, and the time-intensity curves (TICs) were analyzed. Different cerebrovascular patterns and manifestations of the contrast enhancement in rat ischemic hemispheres were observed. Semi-quantitative parameters of TICs in ischemic areas (ROIi) and the surrounding normal- or hypo-perfused areas (ROIn) were calculated and compared between T0, T1, and T2, and also between ROIi and ROIn.

Results

A significant correlation was found between the lesion volume (%) determined by TTC and CEUS parameters (r = −0.691, P = 0.013 for peak intensity; r = −0.742, P = 0.006 for area under the curve) at T2. After the same occlusion, there were differences in contrast perfusion in each group.

Conclusion

This study suggests that CEUS could be an effective imaging tool for studying cerebral ischemia and perfusion in small animals as long as the transcranial acoustic window allows it.
In vivo study of the utility of selective intra-arterial injection of thiopental for neuroprotection in reversible cerebral ischemia
Authors: Gökten Murat , Öcal Osman , Sezer Can , Zırh Selim , Muftuoglu Sevda , Öcal Elif , Bilginer Burcak , Arat Anıl
Published: October 2023

Background

Neuroprotective agents are needed to reduce cerebral damage during surgical or neurointerventional procedures including stroke patients.

Purpose

To evaluate if thiopental can be used as a neuroprotective agent when injected intra-arterially in a transient ischemia model.

Material and Methods

In total, 24 rabbits were studied as four groups of six animals. Group 1 served as the control group. In group 2, transient ischemia was obtained by intracarotid administration of degradable starch microspheres (DSM). Group 3 was administered thiopental intra-arterially via the carotid artery. Group 4 (experimental group) received both thiopental and DSM intra-arterially. DSM and thiopental were administered through a microcatheter placed into the common carotid artery via the central ear artery access. After sacrifice, apoptotic cells in the cerebral tissues of the animals were evaluated in H&E and TUNEL stained slides.

Results

There was a significant increase in the number of apoptotic glial or neuronal cells in group 2 compared to the control group and group 3. The mean number of both the apoptotic neuronal cells (6.8 ± 2.1 vs. 2.5 ± 1.3, P < 0.001) and the apoptotic glial cells (9.4 ± 3.1 vs. 4.6 ± 1.6, P < 0.001) were higher in group 2 compared to group 4. In addition, a higher level of neurological improvement was observed in group 4 compared to group 2 based on neurological assessment score.

Conclusion

The intra-arterial administration of thiopental has a protective effect on both glial and neuronal cells during temporary cerebral ischemia in low doses.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bladder cancer patients: a multicenter real-world study
Authors: Wei Yong , Yang Xiao , Zhu Hongru , Zhuang Juntao , Cai Lingkai , Ji Qianying , Chen Peng , Cao Qiang , Qian Wenhui , Zhu Qingyi , Lu Qiang
Published: October 2023

Objective

Hospital management and medical treatment changed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with bladder cancer.

Methods

In this multicenter retrospective study, we collected information from the electronic medical records of outpatients who underwent cystoscopy and inpatients with confirmed bladder cancer in three hospitals in Nanjing (two province-level and one county-level hospitals) in 2019 and 2020. Patients’ home addresses, treatment methods, length of stay, and pathology were compared between the periods.

Results

In total, 4048 outpatients and 1242 inpatients were included. The average number of cystoscopies decreased significantly during the lockdown. In province-level hospitals, the number of cystoscopies increased gradually as the pandemic was brought under control but remained lower than that in 2019, whereas the number grew in 2020 in county-level hospitals. The rates of recurrence and radical cystectomy were higher in 2020 than in 2019. No significant difference in the pathological grade was observed. More patients who underwent radical cystectomy were diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer during the 2020 lockdown.

Conclusion

The pandemic severely affected patients with bladder cancer, mainly in their choice of institution and treatment.
HHV-6B- and HHV-7-associated choroiditis secondary to acute myelogenous leukemia: a case report
Authors: Xu Jing , Chen Linjiang , Cen Tao , Zeng Yuanping , Liu Qiong
Published: October 2023

We report a case of human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6)- and human herpes virus 7 (HHV-7)-associated choroiditis in an immunocompromised woman. A 42-year-old Chinese woman with a history of acute myelogenous leukemia presented with blurred vision and black floaters in her right eye. Anterior segment examination findings were normal. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed a subretinal lesion in the superonasal peripapillary region with several punctate hemorrhages. Optical coherence tomography showed a crater-like choroidal protuberance, associated with retinal pigment epithelium rupture and full-thickness retinal edema in the involved area. Indocyanine green angiography demonstrated a broad hypofluorescent lesion in the choroid. The patient was diagnosed with choroiditis. Subsequently, metagenomic next-generation sequencing revealed HHV-6B and HHV-7 DNA in the aqueous humor. Therefore, antiviral therapy was initiated. The patient experienced resolution of all symptoms and signs after treatment with intravenous foscarnet and oral acyclovir. The findings in this case indicate that HHV-6 and HHV-7 can cause ocular infection, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
Embedding the land market: Polanyi, urban planning and regulation
Authors: Shepherd Edward , Wargent Matthew
Published: October 2023

How land markets should be regulated is a fraught political question. This paper argues that the heterodox political economy of Karl Polanyi – underutilised in urban studies and planning scholarship – provides a useful language to analyse the role of urban planning in development land markets. We ground our analysis in the concept of embeddedness, building on Polanyi’s core contention that economic behaviour is not, and cannot be, distinct from social, political and cultural relations. We juxtapose an account of the institutionalisation of urban planning in England during the mid-20th century with contemporary neoliberal reforms, analysing the dynamic reconfigurations in how development land markets have been differently embedded via the planning system in relation to a shifting political, ideological and economic environment. The paper foregrounds the co-constitutive nature of state regulation and markets, moving past the simplistic regulation-deregulation dichotomy frequently adopted to frame government intervention via the planning system.
Examining Transit Activity Data from StreetLight Using Ridership Data from Virginia Transit Agencies
Authors: Raida Afrida , Ohlms Peter B. , Chen T. Donna
Published: October 2023

Researchers and planners require ridership data to study factors that influence people’s choice to use transit. However, the data can be challenging to obtain directly from transit agencies. Crowdsourced big data platforms such as StreetLight promise easily accessible ridership-related data in standard formats. It is important to assess the reliability of these data, particularly for transit agencies serving small- to medium-sized cities, which are less likely than agencies in large cities to have ridership data in standard formats. In this study, hourly ridership data from 2019 were collected from four bus transit agencies and one rail agency in Virginia and compared with StreetLight data. Comparisons for rail data were made on a station-to-station basis. Bus data comparisons were made at the city-limit level and at an aggregated-route level for each agency. In sum, StreetLight could not provide 2019 bus activity data for more than half of the localities in Virginia. Comparisons between transit agency and StreetLight data showed smaller root mean square errors when longer periods were analyzed (e.g., 4 versus 2 months). Although order of magnitude of ridership may indicate whether StreetLight can provide bus activity data, the former was not found to be correlated with the accuracy of the latter. Using data from StreetLight’s current algorithm might not be appropriate without verification against agency data, especially for agencies in small- to medium-sized cities.
The Molecular Circadian Clock Is a Target of Anti-cancer Translation Inhibitors
Authors: Berthier Alexandre , Gheeraert Céline , Johanns Manuel , Vinod Manjula , Staels Bart , Eeckhoute Jérôme , Lefebvre Philippe
Published: October 2023

Circadian-paced biological processes are key to physiology and required for metabolic, immunologic, and cardiovascular homeostasis. Core circadian clock components are transcription factors whose half-life is precisely regulated, thereby controlling the intrinsic cellular circadian clock. Genetic disruption of molecular clock components generally leads to marked pathological events phenotypically affecting behavior and multiple aspects of physiology. Using a transcriptional signature similarity approach, we identified anti-cancer protein synthesis inhibitors as potent modulators of the cardiomyocyte molecular clock. Eukaryotic protein translation inhibitors, ranging from translation initiation (rocaglates, 4-EGI1, etc.) to ribosomal elongation inhibitors (homoharringtonine, puromycin, etc.), were found to potently ablate protein abundance of REV-ERBα, a repressive nuclear receptor and component of the molecular clock. These inhibitory effects were observed both in vitro and in vivo and could be extended to PER2, another component of the molecular clock. Taken together, our observations suggest that the activity spectrum of protein synthesis inhibitors, whose clinical use is contemplated not only in cancers but also in viral infections, must be extended to circadian rhythm disruption, with potential beneficial or iatrogenic effects upon acute or prolonged administration.
Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Lynch Ylinne , Vande Vusse Lisa K.
Published: October 2023

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a morbid syndrome that occurs after autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in children and adults. DAH manifests most often in the first few weeks following transplantation. It presents with pneumonia-like symptoms and acute respiratory failure, often requiring high levels of oxygen supplementation or mechanical ventilatory support. Hemoptysis is variably present. Chest radiographs typically feature widespread alveolar filling, sometimes with peripheral sparing and pleural effusions. The diagnosis is suspected when serial bronchoalveolar lavages return increasingly bloody fluid. DAH is differentiated from infectious causes of alveolar hemorrhage when extensive microbiological testing reveals no pulmonary pathogens. The cause is poorly understood, though preclinical and clinical studies implicate pretransplant conditioning regimens, particularly those using high doses of total-body-irradiation, acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), medications used to prevent GVHD, and other factors. Treatment consists of supportive care, systemic corticosteroids, platelet transfusions, and sometimes includes antifibrinolytic drugs and topical procoagulant factors. Therapeutic blockade of tumor necrosis factor-α showed promise in observational studies, but its benefit for DAH remains uncertain after small clinical trials. Even with these treatments, mortality from progression and relapse is high. Future investigational therapies could target the vascular endothelial cell biology theorized to contribute to alveolar bleeding and pathways that contribute to susceptibility, inflammation, cellular resilience, and tissue repair. This review will help clinicians navigate through the limited evidence to diagnose and treat DAH, counsel patients and families, and plan for future research.
Techno-Social Experiences of Privacy and Intimacy in College Culture
Authors: Standlee Alecea
Published: October 2023

This work considers the contemporary intersections of intimacy, technology, and privacy among college students in the US. This article outlines a framework for shifting social meanings and theorizes some potential implications. This project includes data from two primary field sites, a private university in the northeast and a public college in the southeast. I used a combination of face-to-face interviews and online ethnographic data collection methods for this project. Findings from this study indicate that while the concepts of intimacy and privacy remain fundamentally important to participants, the definitions of such concepts and their relationship with one another are being changed by communication technologies. Increasingly, young adults are defining privacy as the experience of managing their digital identity and understanding intimacy as being potentially disconnected from shared exchanges of private information. However, these ideas are in transition, and still deeply contested by participants.
Uncertainty around Transgenerational Control: Implications for Innovation Prior to Succession
Authors: Dorsch Thomas , Jaskiewicz Peter , Combs James G. , Wulf Torsten
Published: October 2023

The transgenerational entrepreneurship perspective suggests senior-generation leaders with transgenerational control intentions (TCI) innovate to position the next generation for success, but many family firms fail to do so. We introduce transgenerational control uncertainty (TCU) as a theoretical mechanism explaining when TCI enhances innovation behaviors pre-succession. A multi-respondent, multi-time period survey of private German family firms shows that while TCI helps unleash innovation prior to succession, these effects also depend on lowering TCU as reflected in progress through the succession process. Our study suggests TCU might be a useful new construct for explaining other important differences among family firms.
Dentinogenesis Imperfecta in a 1-Year-Old Female Labrador Retriever Dog: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Venet Katherine
Published: October 2023

Dentinogenesis imperfecta is a rare, autosomal dominant, hereditary disorder that occurs in humans and animals. In humans, known causative genetic mutations have been elucidated; however, veterinary literature on the topic is limited. This case report describes a 1-year-old female Labrador Retriever who presented for evaluation of generalized discoloration of the permanent dentition with historical discoloration of the deciduous dentition. Radiographic and histopathological findings will be discussed, as well as an in-depth review of the current human and veterinary literature pertaining to the pathogenesis and treatment options for dentinogenesis imperfecta.
Analysis of heat transfer enhancement of passive methods in tubes with machine learning
Authors: Özgirgin Yapıcı Ekin , Aylı Ece , Türkoğlu Hasmet
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the efficacy of machine learning techniques and correlation methods for predicting heat transfer performance in a dimpled tube under varying flow conditions, including the presence of nanoparticles. A comprehensive numerical analysis involving 120 cases was conducted to obtain Nusselt numbers and friction factors, considering different dimple depths and velocities for both pure water and water-Al2O3 nanofluid at 1%, 2%, and 3% volume concentrations. Utilizing the data acquired from the numerical simulations, a correlation equation, SVM ANN architectures were developed. The predictive capabilities of the statistical approach, ANN, and SVM models for Nusselt number distribution and friction factor were meticulously assessed through mean average percentage error (MAPE) and correlation coefficients ( R2). The research findings reveal that machine learning techniques offer a highly effective approach for accurately predicting heat transfer performance in a dimpled tube, with results closely aligned with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. Particularly noteworthy is the superior performance of the ANN model, demonstrating the most precise predictions with an error rate of 2.54% and an impressive R2 value of 0.9978 for Nusselt number prediction. In comparison, the regression model achieved an average error rate of 6.14% with an R2 value of 0.8623, and the SVM model yielded an RMSE value of 2.984% with an R2 value of 0.9154 for Nusselt number prediction. These outcomes underscore the ANN model’s ability to effectively capture complex patterns within the data, resulting in highly accurate predictions. In conclusion, this research showcases the promising potential of machine learning techniques in accurately forecasting heat transfer performance in dimpled tubes. The developed ANN model exhibits notable superiority in predicting Nusselt numbers, making it a valuable tool for enhancing thermal system analyses and engineering design optimization.
Optimization of air-conditioning load due to different thermal parameters for a residential building using different techniques
Authors: Arif Rashique , Mondal Sharifuddin , Mandal Nimai Pada
Published: October 2023

Better insulation or material with low thermal conductivity is a crucial factor in new construction and retrofitting existing structures where energy efficiency is the objective. Effective energy savings need the careful selection of construction materials to accomplish this. For this purpose, in this research work, a typical residential flat is taken into account. Using the hourly analysis program (HAP 4.90) software, the cooling and heating load is determined. Eight influencing factors, including building orientation (A), overall heat transfer coefficient of wall (B), roof insulation material (C), roof insulation thickness (D), heat transfer coefficient of glass (E), window to wall ratio (F), air infiltration flow rate (G), and bypass factor of air-conditioner (H) at three levels, are chosen to optimize the cooling and heating load. An orthogonal L27 layout is considered for the optimization, and the cooling and heating load has been determined for each experimental attempt. At first using Taguchi method, ANOVA analysis is done separately for each response variable and later using GRA and TOPSIS based Taguchi analysis, multi-objective optimization has been done, and the results are compared with each other. By determining each factor’s percentage contribution to the cooling and heating load, the ANOVA approach is also used to identify the primary components that have a major impact on the cooling and heating load. The outcome demonstrates that A3B2C2D3E1F1G1H1 is the best possible combination of all eight variables, and overall heat transfer coefficient of wall is the most influencing parameter for the residential buildings.
Rheological behaviour of Carreau liquid past a wedge surface with binary chemical reaction
Authors: Gangadhar Kotha , Sarma S Venkata Krishna , Chamkha Ali J
Published: October 2023

The time-dependent stream of rheological Carreau nanoliquid carrying microbes through a rotating lodge through porous media in addition to irregular heat source or sink characteristics is the subject of this article. Due to the fact that the Carreau liquid can reveal the rheology of liquids with short-chain suspended particles, liquid crystals, surfactants, and human and animal blood, it is helpful to depict a range of physical problems. The influence of infinite shear rate thickness is combined to provide the mathematical formulation. Both the static and moving physical features are covered in great depth. Prior to using the finite element technique to solve revised equations numerically, pertinent similarity transformations are used to get equations in their dimensionless form. According to the findings of our study, the temperature and the thickness of the thermal boundary layer that corresponds to that temperature both improves the function that the thermal radiation factor plays in shear thickening and thinning liquids. Additionally, a moving wedge has a greater velocity than a static wedge. The thermophoresis factor's rising function is the concentration field. Furthermore, by increasing the Piclet number's magnitudes, the profile of microbes is diminished.
Residual stress and distortion control in wire-arc additive manufacturing process through novel modular substrate
Authors: Vishwanath N. , Suryakumar S.
Published: October 2023

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a proven technology in metal additive manufacturing (AM), which can produce large-scale components at a faster production rate. Since WAAM adopts a welding heat source for metal deposition over the substrate, severe thermal gradients develop around the deposition resulting in residual stresses in the substrate, thereby distorting the substrate. In the case of area filling in metal AM processes, heat accumulation is progressive and a large amount of heat is accumulated at the end of the deposition. This leads to thermal imbalance over the substrate and an increase in the shrinkage forces during cooling, thereby causing higher distortion. This paper mainly deals with the mitigation of distortion in the substrate for area filling caused by the thermal imbalance over the substrate. This thermal imbalance is addressed in two ways; a) by selectively insulating and b) by selectively conducting the heat from the substrate. Simulations are conducted to study the thermal evolution during area filling and counterbalance the heat by insulating and conducting the substrate selectively during experimental deposition. A comparative assessment of distortions of the full conduction, full insulation, selective conduction and selective insulation cases is detailed. The selective thermal management strategy showed lower thermal imbalance over the substrate resulting in lower distortion.
Political Person–Culture Match and Longevity: The Partisanship–Mortality Link Depends on the Cultural Context
Authors: Ebert Tobias , Berkessel Jana B. , Jonsson Thorsteinn
Published: October 2023

Recent studies demonstrate that Republicans live longer than Democrats. We examined whether these longevity benefits are universal or culturally varying. Following a person–culture match perspective, we hypothesized that Republicans’ longevity benefits occur in Republican, but not in Democratic, states. To test this argument, we conducted two studies among U.S. adults. In preregistered Study 1, we used large survey data (extended U.S. General Social Survey; N = 42,855). In confirmatory Study 2, we analyzed obituaries/biographies of deceased U.S. political partisans (novel data web-scraped from an online cemetery; N = 9,177). Both studies supported the person–culture match perspective with substantial effect sizes. In Republican contexts, up to 50.1% of all Republicans but only 36.3% of all Democrats reached an age of 80 years. In Democratic contexts, there was no such longevity gap. Robustness tests showed that this effect generalizes to political ideology and holds across spatial levels but is limited to persons with strong political convictions.
Local adaptation and subsistence strategy of Yangshao migrants in Northwestern Sichuan in China during the Middle Neolithic (5300–4700 cal. BP)
Authors: Tang Yiyi , Wang Jiajing , Liu Li , Chen Wei
Published: October 2023

Migration is a frequent phenomenon in human history. Previous studies mainly used migration as a simple process to account for any cultural changes observed in migrant communities. Recent studies, however, have recognized that migration is embedded in both environmental and social contexts, thus making it necessary to study the consequence of migration on a case-by-case basis. To better understand the changes associated with migrational processes, this case study investigates the subsistence pattern of a Neolithic site (5300-4700 cal. BP), Liujiazhai, in Northwestern Sichuan Highland by employing microbotanical residue analysis on pottery vessels. Our results on millet phytolith contribute to the overall picture of millet agriculture in Yangshao and Majiayao migrant communities and enrich our understanding of how varying crop patterns in Neolithic western China are likely a consequence of migration. In addition, we suggest that Liujiazhai migrants adapted to the high-altitude environment by utilizing more local wild plant resources. This study shows that, although Yangshao migrants were still connected to their homeland in terms of material culture, relocating to the challenging environment in NW Sichuan requires adaptive strategies that diverged the Yangshao migrants, including Liujiazhai, from their home culture. Hence, this study exemplifies how migration is an agent of change.
Forest stability during the Holocene in Santa Catarina, southern Brazil revealed by small mammals from Gruta do Presépio
Authors: Hadler Patrícia , Fernández Fernando J , Cherem Jorge José , Machado Juliana , Bueno Lucas , Pereira Thiago Umberto , Nascimento Marivaldo , Pardiñas Ulyses Francisco José
Published: October 2023

Quaternary small mammals are important proxies for paleoenvironmental reconstructions. The Brazilian record, although famous and continuously growing, is hampered by poor chronological control due to the nature of most of the published assemblages. Here, we present a taphonomic analysis and paleoenvironmental reconstruction based on marsupials, bats, and rodents (480 remains) from the Gruta do Presépio archeological site (GPR, hereafter), Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil. The site is a rock shelter located in an Atlantic Forest biome, an important biodiversity hotspot. The GPR sedimentary sequence spans the Early Holocene (8330 ± 30 years 14C BP) to recent Historical time (after the arrival of Europeans). Most of the small mammal remains were deposited by strigiforms, although for the oldest units some strongly digested remains could indicate the activity of diurnal birds or carnivorous mammals. The GPR small mammal assemblages include 28 taxa (five marsupials, nine chiropterans, and 14 rodents). Most of them indicate the occurrence and persistence of forested environments during the Holocene around the site, which is in overall agreement with regional palynological data. A major community change, implying the increment of rodents allied to disturbed ecosystems (e.g. Akodon, Oligoryzomys, Mus), is very recent and reflects human forest clearance as a signature of the Anthropocene.
This is not an act of euthanasia: Legally correct but ethically problematic?
Authors: Schweitser Frank , Stuy Johan , Distelmans Wim , Lemmens Christophe , Braeckman Johan
Published: October 2023

In 2015, the Belgian Federal Commission for the Control and Evaluation of Euthanasia referred a physician to the public prosecutor’s office because it concluded that the physician might have violated the legal conditions for euthanasia. It was the commission’s first referral since its establishment in 2002. However, in 2019, the Antwerp Court sitting in chambers decided not to pursue the physician in criminal court. News reports suggested that it had ruled that the physician did not perform euthanasia because the patient drank the lethal potion herself, thus classifying the act as physician-assisted suicide. However, the court did not make the reasons for its decision public.In this article, we consider the legal and ethical aspects of physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia. Although we discern clear differences between these end-of-life decisions, we also note important similarities. Countries that legalise voluntary physician-assisted dying may choose to legislate one or both end-of-life decisions. Providing a legal basis for both options can prevent major legal problems, ensuring that those doctors who violate the law are not acquitted.
Awareness and knowledge about HPV and primary HPV screening among women in Great Britain: An online population-based survey
Authors: Waller Jo , Waite Frances , Marlow Laura
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Human papillomavirus (HPV) primary testing for cervical screening is being implemented around the world. We explored HPV awareness, and knowledge about primary screening in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), where it has been in place for several years, ahead of extended screening intervals being implemented in England.

Setting/Methods

Women aged 18–70 ( n = 1995) were recruited by YouGov from their online panel in August 2022. The weighted sample ( n = 1930) was population-representative by age, region, education and social grade. We measured HPV awareness, knowledge (excluding those unaware of HPV) using eight true/false items, and understanding of the role of HPV testing in cervical screening.

Results

Overall, 77.6% (1499/1930) of women were aware of HPV. When asked to identify the statement describing how cervical screening works, only 12.2% (236/1930) correctly selected the statement reflecting HPV primary screening (13.5% (194/1436) in screening-eligible women). Excluding those unaware of HPV, most participants had heard about the virus in the context of cervical screening (981/1596; 61.5%) or HPV vaccination (1079/1596; 67.6%). Mean knowledge score was 3.7 out of 8 (SD = 2.2) in this group. Most knew that an HPV-positive result does not mean a woman will definitely develop cervical cancer (1091/1499; 72.8%) but far fewer were aware of the long timeline for HPV to develop into cervical cancer (280/1499; 18.7%).

Conclusions

Only three-quarters of women in Britain are aware of HPV, and knowledge of primary screening is very low, even among screening-age women. This points to continued need for awareness-raising campaigns to ensure informed choice about screening and mitigate public concern when screening intervals are extended.
Introduction. Making work better
Authors: Gesualdi-Fecteau Dalia , Lévesque Christian , Murray Gregor , Roby Nicolas
Published: October 2023

From the premise that better work makes for better societies, the challenge, taken up in the introduction to this special issue of Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, is to explore what makes work better, or worse, and how it can be improved. As a wide variety of experiments shape our economies and communities for the future, a key challenge is to engage in shared learning about these processes in order to stimulate a dialogue between the aspiration for better work and the conditions likely to hinder or facilitate making work better. It is an invitation to move from narrow conceptions of job quality to a broader lens of how world-of-work actors strategise, innovate and incorporate uncertainty into their search for sustainable solutions for better work. Key themes include: why work needs to be better (but is often worse); why better work makes for better societies; how work can be made better; the role of institutions in achieving better work; and, finally, how union strategies are essential to processes of experimentation to make work better.
Dear Norm
Authors: Valdivia Angharad N.
Published: October 2023

This is a letter to Norman Denzin, who passed away in August 2023.
Evaluation of gastroprotectant administration in hospitalized cats in a tertiary referral hospital
Authors: Ullal Tarini V , Marks Stanley L , Evenhuis Janny V , Figueroa Monica E , Pomerantz Leah K , Forsythe Lauren R
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the prescription patterns and appropriateness of the use of gastroprotectant medication in cats.

Methods

Pharmacy dispensation logs from an academic tertiary referral center were reviewed between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018. Cats that were administered proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), sucralfate, misoprostol, antacids or a combination were included. Data regarding medication, dosage, formulation, duration of administration, completeness of discharge instructions and clinical rationales for administration were obtained from medical records. The appropriateness of gastroprotectant use was assessed according to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine consensus statement guidelines.

Results

Of the 110 cases, 67 (60.9%) were prescribed a gastroprotectant medication without an appropriate indication. The most common reason for prescription was acute kidney injury in 26/67 (38.8%). PPIs were the most common gastroprotectant medication administered in 95/110 (86.3%) cats, followed by sucralfate in 18/110 (16.4%) and H2RAs in 11/110 (10%). Of the 35 cases in which gastroprotectant therapy was indicated, the medication chosen or dosage administered was considered suboptimal in 16 (45.7%). Instructions regarding the duration of administration, potential adverse effects and timing of administration in relation to meals or other medications were inconsistently provided in discharge instructions to pet owners. Of the 29 cases discharged with omeprazole, only 13 (44.8%) instructions included a duration of administration, while 6 (20.7%) recommended continuing gastroprotectants indefinitely until further notice, 16 (55.2%) discussed the timing of the administration in relation to a meal and six (20.7%) mentioned potential adverse effects; none advised tapering of omeprazole before discontinuation.

Conclusions and relevance

When prescribed, gastroprotectant medications were frequently prescribed injudiciously to cats in this referral population over a 12-month period. Discharge instructions to pet owners also often lacked information and recommendations regarding optimal administration, potential adverse effects, and tapering or discontinuation of the medications.
The mediating role of community identity in the relationship between social class and life satisfaction: Evidence from Chinese community residents
Authors: Wang Yanli , Hu Xiaoyong , Yang Chao
Published: October 2023

Research has shown that social class is an important predictor of life satisfaction. However, the underlying mechanism for this relationship is yet to be fully elucidated. The study examined the underlying mechanism based on the social identity approach to health. Study 1 recruited 577 community residents to complete self-report questionnaires. Correlation analysis showed that social class, community identity, and life satisfaction were positively correlated with each other. Regression analysis showed that community identity mediated the relationship. To increase the replicability and derive causal inference of the results, Study 2 was a randomized control trial ( N = 76) that used the resource-availability task to manipulate subjective social class, and found that life satisfaction in the lower-class group was significantly lower than that in the control group. Further analysis showed that social class predicted life satisfaction through the mediating role of community identity. The findings provide potential strategies to enhance community residents’ life satisfaction.
Provisioning Systems in Transition: A New Zealand Based Study of Co-Existing Logics, Values and Power Over in Emerging DER Systems
Authors: Renton Michelle , Hooper Valerie
Published: October 2023

Using case-based thematic analysis, this paper explores Layton and Domegan’s description of change and adaptation within provisioning systems. A 2017 consultation project on the use of Distributed Electricity Resources (DER) within New Zealand’s electricity provisioning system is examined. The project sought industry input into the institutional context required for DER to become an aid to electrification pathways and assist the country to reach carbon zero by 2050. Findings highlight tensions arising from multiple co-existing logics, norms, values and power bases within the electricity provisioning system. Findings also suggest that tensions between supply and market actors combine to stall system-wide acceptance of DER, despite all actors acknowledging its future role in creating additional renewable electricity resources. The paper emphasises the necessity of recognising the political dimensions of power in decision making within transitioning provisioning systems.
The effect of the cyclic hornification on the hygromechanical and surface characteristics of rice stubble agriculture waste
Authors: Somal Supreet Singh , Jain Deepak , Bhowmick Hiralal
Published: October 2023

An indiscriminate burning of rice stubble waste in the farms poses a major environmental challenge worldwide. The stubble waste can be utilized to fabricate the natural fibre polymer composites for several mild- to low-load-bearing applications in the civil construction. However, the susceptibility to long-term environmental moisture limits the use of stubble waste. In this work, we analyse the effect of water and alkali hornification as a pre-treatment technique on the moisture uptake, surface roughness, wettability and mechanical strength of rice stubble straw, and the results are compared with untreated stubble straw. The water retention value was reduced by ∼49% and ∼60% after four hornification cycles under the water and alkali mediums, respectively. Preliminary visual and microstructural assessments revealed the reduction in hydrophilic cellulose and lignin contents with both types of pre-treatments. It is observed that in comparison to alkali hornification, the water hornification technique leads to a significant improvement in hygromechanical characteristics of stubble straw. When compared to untreated stubble, one cycle of water hornification leads to approximately ∼16% reduction in the moisture uptake, and ∼42% increase in the tensile strength. On the other hand, the alkali hornification resulted in the improvement in tensile strength by ∼36%, but it led to an increased water uptake. The results indicated that the thinning and surface roughening of the fibres is primarily caused by the removal of amorphous contents during the pre-treatment. For an improved environmental durability with better mechanical strength, it is recommended to do the pre-treatment of the stubble waste using one water hornification cycle before it is used further.
An eco-social policy typology: From system reproduction to transformation
Authors: Schulze Waltrup Robin
Published: October 2023

Eco-social policy research has emerged to address the interconnected and escalating pressures of social reproduction, climate change, and biodiversity loss, which require structural and behavioural changes for environmental and social welfare. However, conceptual ambiguity persists in applying an eco-social policy perspective to empirical research. After reviewing the interconnections and tensions of environmental and social policy, this article proposes a novel eco-social policy typology to assess policy discourses for their eco-social potential and to imagine different pathways towards sustainable policy-integration. The typology discusses four perspectives: Green Economy, Green Keynesianism, Recomposing Consumption and Production, and Degrowth. Each perspective is analysed based on its approach towards economic growth, the extent to which it appreciates public modes of governance, and its potential to either perpetuate existing institutionalised policymaking frameworks or lead to transformative shifts. This typology fosters constructive debates on integrating environmental and social policy, facilitates empirical research on policy proposals’ eco-social potential and offers guidance in evaluating policy discourses through an eco-social lens.
Home learning environments and family socioeconomic status: Implications on early learning attainments in Tanzania
Authors: Ndijuye Laurent Gabriel , Dadi Ntide
Published: October 2023

This study examined the mediating roles of home learning environments and SES on early learning attainments of naturalised refugees in Tanzania using concurrent embedded mixed design. Data were collected by EGRA and EGMA, questionnaire and interviews. The sample were 400 grade one and grade two children (aged 70–86 months), 120 parents, eight teachers and four school principals. Findings indicated comparable early math and reading attainments of children from naturalised refugees/citizens and those of more advantaged urban majority. Family SES and HLE predicted early learning attainments while parental beliefs and expectations influenced it. There were gender divides in learning attainments across groups. These findings have policy, research and practice implications.
Men changing nappies: Dismantling a key barrier to gender-diversifying the early years workforce
Authors: Wilkinson Joann , Davies Jeremy , Warin Jo
Published: October 2023

Currently the number of men working in early years education in England is very low at 2%. This stubbornly resistant workforce pattern matters because it perpetuates the entrenched gender stereotype of young children’s education and care as women’s work. It is extraordinary to find this corner of gender statis in a world that is supposedly in the grip of a gender revolution. This gender revolution does not appear to have impacted on, or even dented, the gendered nature of the early years workforce. This is all the more remarkable because early years staffing shortages have now reached crisis point in England (the country where the authors reside and where they have carried out the research referred to in this paper). The small minority of men that do take up work in this sector often work interchangeably with their female counterparts, adopting a range of roles and responsibilities including reading, rough and tumble, comforting and food preparation. The task of intimate care however, or more specifically ‘nappy changing’, remains an area of tension within men’s presence in early years settings, with parents or carers sometimes requesting that male practitioners do not change their child’s nappy or nursery managers removing men from this role. Although the Sex Discrimination and Equalities Act 2010 stipulates that no employee should be discriminated against because of their sex, a 2-year study into the recruitment and support of men in early years education in England (GenderEYE) shows that discriminatory practices around intimate care are very much alive.