bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary Peritonsillar Tuberculosis in a Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Treated With Methotrexate
Authors: Meherzi Samia , Khbou Amin , Omri Rihab , Jerbi Leila , Charfi Afifa
Published: May 2024

A 48-year-old man diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis was treated with methotrexate for 10 years. He presented left tonsil ulceration and ipsilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. A tonsillar biopsy revealed tuberculosis. The patient received antituberculous therapy for 8 months with a positive response. However, after resumption of methotrexate due to worsening rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms recurred. The patient initiated antituberculous therapy once more for 6 months, and methotrexate was stopped. At regular follow-up, the patient showed a positive clinical response with resolution of tonsillar ulceration and lymphadenopathy after 14 months of antituberculosis treatment.
Brain injury plasma biomarkers in patients on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A pilot prospective observational study
Authors: Ahmad Syed Ameen , Kapoor Shrey , Muquit Siam , Gusdon Aaron , Khanduja Shivalika , Ziai Wendy , Everett Allen D. , Whitman Glenn , Cho Sung-Min , on behalf of HERALD investigators
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Early diagnosis of acute brain injury (ABI) is critical for patients on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) to guide anticoagulation strategy; however, neurological assessment in ECMO is often limited by patient sedation.

Methods

In this pilot study of adults from June 2018 to May 2019, plasma samples of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament light chain (NFL), and tubulin associated unit (Tau) were collected daily after V-A ECMO cannulation and measured using a multiplex platform. Primary outcomes were occurrence of ABI, assessed clinically, and neurologic outcome, assessed by modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

Results

Of 20 consented patients (median age = 48.5°years; 55% female), 8 (40%) had ABI and 15 (75%) had unfavorable neurologic outcome at discharge. 10 (50%) patients were centrally cannulated. Median duration on ECMO was 4.5°days (IQR: 2.5–9.5). Peak GFAP, NFL, and Tau levels were higher in patients with ABI vs. without (AUC = 0.77; 0.85; 0.57, respectively) and in patients with unfavorable vs. favorable neurologic outcomes (AUC = 0.64; 0.59; 0.73, respectively). GFAP elevated first, NFL elevated to the highest degree, and Tau showed limited change regardless of ABI.

Conclusion

Further studies are warranted to determine how plasma biomarkers may facilitate early detection of ABIs in V-A ECMO to assist timely clinical decision-making.
Major brain injuries at term continue to influence DTI parameters in adolescents born very preterm: a 13-year follow-up study
Authors: Setänen Sirkku , Merisaari Harri , Saunavaara Virva , Uusitalo Karoliina , Lahti Katri , Ngum Peter , Haataja Leena , Parkkola Riitta
Published: May 2024

Background

Major brain injuries in structural brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at term affect concurrent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters in very preterm infants. White matter is known to gradually maturate along with increasing gestational age, which is characterized by increasing fractional anisotropy (FA) and decreasing mean diffusivity (MD).

Purpose

To study the difference between DTI parameters at term and 13 years in adolescents born very preterm with and without major pathologies in structural brain MRI at term.

Material and Methods

Adolescents born very preterm (gestational age <32 weeks and/or birth weight ≤1500 g) in 2004–2006 at Turku University Hospital, Finland were included. We evaluated FA and MD at term and 13 years in 18 regions of interest using the JHU-neonate-SS atlas to compare the differences in these parameters between adolescents with and without major injuries identified on MRI at term.

Results

A total of 24 adolescents underwent brain MRI including DTI both at term and 13 years. Adolescents with major brain injury pathologies (n = 6) in structural MRI at term had decreased FA in the left corpus callosum and right cingulate gyrus part, and increased MD in the left corpus callosum, right anterior limb of internal capsule, and right posterior limb of the internal capsule at 13 years, in comparison with adolescents without major brain injuries (n = 18) in structural MRI at term.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that major brain injuries identified on structural MRI at term affect brain maturation, with adverse effects in FA and MD still during adolescence.
Case report: Recombinant human type II tumour necrosis factor receptor-antibody fusion protein induced occult hepatitis B virus reactivation leading to liver failure
Authors: Qin Yujie , Zhou Wenxiu , Zhou Xingnian , Li Hong
Published: May 2024

Recombinant human type II tumour necrosis factor receptor-antibody fusion protein (rh TNFR:Fc) is an immunosuppressant approved for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This case report describes a case of hepatitis B reactivation in a patient with drug-induced acute-on-chronic liver failure. A 58-year-old woman with a history of RA was treated with rh TNFR:Fc; and then subsequently received 25 mg rh TNFR:Fc, twice a week, as maintenance therapy. No anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) preventive treatment was administered. Six months later, she was hospitalized with acute jaundice. HBV reactivation was observed, leading to acute-on-chronic liver failure. After active treatment, the patient’s condition improved and she recovered well. Following careful diagnosis and treatment protocols are essential when treating RA with rh TNFR:Fc, especially in anti-hepatitis B core antigen antibody-positive patients, even when the HBV surface antigen and the HBV DNA are negative. In the case of HBV reactivation, liver function parameters, HBV surface antigen and HBV DNA should be closely monitored during treatment, and antiviral drugs should be used prophylactically when necessary, as fatal hepatitis B reactivation may occur in rare cases. A comprehensive evaluation and medication should be administered in a timely manner after evaluating the patient’s physical condition and closely monitoring the patient.
Numerical simulation on coking process of coke oven with external flue gas recirculation
Authors: Wang Jimin , Han Wuwang , Chen Xi , Li Sitong
Published: May 2024

The coking behaviour and NOx emission characteristics of the coke oven are of great significance for coke production. Based on the realisation k-epsilon turbulence model, the P-1 radiation model, the species transport model with eddy dissipation, and the thermal NOx model. A comprehensive model for traditional regenerative coke oven was established with reversing mode and external flue gas recirculation model considering temperature-dependent thermophysical properties. The convective term of model equations was the discretised using the second-order upwind scheme, while the others were applied by the central difference scheme. The coking behaviour of the coke oven with external flue gas recirculation was numerically solved through the SIMPLE algorithm, and the effects of reversing period and external flue gas recirculation ratio on the coking behaviour were explored. When increasing the reversing period, the mean temperature of the vertical flue increases, and the coking time decreases, but the temperature uniformity of the carbonisation chamber becomes worse. As the external flue gas recirculation ratio increases, the average temperature of the vertical flue decreases, and the NOx concentration at the outlet decreases, yet the coking time increases. These results would provide useful information for guiding the improvement of coke oven operation and reducing NOx emissions.
Formation mechanism of inspection defects in hundred-ton class 55NiCrMoV7 die steel forging
Authors: Zhang Weifeng , Zhang Yanling , Cheng Guoguang , Wang Guanbo , Qiao Tong , Shi Ruxing
Published: May 2024

Using an ultrasonic flaw detector, this study precisely located the dimensions and distribution characteristics of defects during the manufacturing process of 55NiCrMoV7 die steel forgings weighing hundreds of tons. The probing defects of the forging are predominantly concentrated in the central region, spanning approximately 4200 mm in length, 400 mm height and 1500 mm width. Detailed research on the characteristics of these probing defects was conducted through dissection sampling and scanning electron microscope analysis. The research results reveal that the maximum diameter of an individual defect can reach Φ10 mm, and localised cracking phenomena exist in specific areas within the forging. The flaws exhibit characteristics such as millimetre-sized, large, elongated MnS inclusions, with spacing between inclusions ranging from 200μm to 500μm. Furthermore, based on elemental analysis, the sulphur content from the surface to the core of the forging increased from 0.001% to 0.002% to a maximum of 0.0085%. Through analysis using thermodynamic and growth kinetics models, it was determined that in regions with higher sulphur content (S = 0.0085) at a certain distance from the steel ingot surface, the radius of MnS inclusions can reach up to 380μm under low cooling rates (1 K/min). After forging deformation, these can evolve into millimetre-sized MnS inclusions, leading to internal inspection defects. Therefore, we propose that reducing the sulphur content in the molten steel and increasing the degree of undercooling can effectively inhibit the precipitation and growth of MnS inclusions. Practical results indicate that this improvement strategy effectively enhances the inspection quality of the 55NiCrMoV7 die steel forgings weighing hundreds of tons.
Machine learning predictions of regional steel price indices for east China
Authors: Jin Bingzi , Xu Xiaojie
Published: May 2024

From 1 January 2010 to 15 April 2021, this study examines the challenging task of daily regional steel price index forecasting in the east Chinese market. We train our models using cross-validation and Bayesian optimisations implemented through the expected improvement per second plus algorithm, and utilise Gaussian process regressions to validate our findings. Investigated parameters as part of model training involve predictor standardisation status, basis functions, kernels and standard deviation of noises. The models that were built accurately predicted the price indices between 8 January 2019 and 15 April 2021, with an out-of-sample relative root mean square error of 0.57%, root mean square error of 0.84, mean absolute error of 0.48, and correlation coefficient of 99.81%.
Health geographies III – Landscapes of care
Authors: Wiles Janine
Published: May 2024

In this third report, I focus on the concept of ‘landscapes of care’ in health geography. I explore three interrelated areas of recent work: landscapes of inequities and slow violence; landscapes of care as more than clinical, and more expansive ways to think about landscapes of care. All raise interesting questions about defining and understanding different kinds of care, complexities of familiar and new landscapes, the transformative potential of care, and the fraught and non-innocent politics of care. I argue that we still need to pay more attention to interdependence and experiences of receiving as well as giving care.
A short bibliographic review concerning biomethane production from wastewater sludge
Authors: Calabrò Paolo Salvatore , Elbeshbishy Elsayed , Laqa Kakar Farokh , Zema Demetrio Antonio
Published: May 2024

Biomethane production by anaerobic digestion (AD) of sludge from municipal wastewater treatment is a viable practice to valorise the residues of these plants. However, although the relevant literature is abundant, no comprehensive reviews have been recently published on this topic. Detailed information concerning the factors influencing the AD process and values of biomethane production from the sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWWTPs) on the global scale may support technicians and researchers in both the planning and the design steps of an AD process. This study proposes a systematic review and a meta-analysis of the factors that noticeably influence biomethane yield deriving from AD of sludge from MWWTP. The reported values were systematically analysed compared to the main factors driving AD, including publication year, geographical area of each study, type of digested sludge, treatment in the water line of the MWWTP, possible sludge pre-treatments, type of digestion process, hydraulic retention time (HRT) and temperature regime of the AD process. A higher biomethane production was registered in North American plants compared to countries in other continents. Older studies published between 2001 and 2005 reported lower mean values compared to the more recent experiments. A gradient of ‘primary sludge’ > ‘mixed sludge’ > ‘wastewater activated sludge’ was found for the mean biomethane yield in relation to the digested sludge type. The mean biomethane yields for different types of sludge on a global scale are 0.425, 0.296 and 0.176 Nm3 kg VS−1 for primary sludge, mixed sludge and waste activated sludge, respectively. Overall, the study demonstrates: (i) the very large variability of biomethane yields from AD of the residues from MWWTPs (mainly due to the different characteristics of sludge) and (ii) the non-significance of some factors (i.e. treatment in the water line, pre-treatments, type of process, HRT and temperature regime) on energy yields from the AD process.
Vers une solution au gaspillage alimentaire chez les distributeurs ? Influence de la transgression ordinaire sur les associations symboliques et la relation à l’enseigne
Authors: Hanan Audrey , Moulins Jean-Louis , Valette-Florence Pierre
Published: May 2024

Si la littérature marketing accorde un intérêt manifeste au concept de transgression, son caractère « ordinaire » reste encore largement méconnu. Pourtant, face aux enjeux sociétaux, les actes de transgression ordinaire des marques se succèdent. Cet article retient ainsi le concept novateur d’auto-transgression. Il l’étudie à travers le cas d’une rupture, par la grande surface, de ses propres normes de distribution pour diminuer le gaspillage alimentaire. Une étude en collaboration avec une enseigne nationale (896 consommateurs) démontre que bien qu’elle soit socialement engageante, la transgression peut finalement provoquer un effet négatif sur la relation à la marque. L’ambivalence de son influence contrastée sur les associations symboliques – perte du caractère légitime et gain du caractère entreprenant – rend nécessaire une réflexion stratégique afin de favoriser une valence positive de ces nouvelles normes plus vertueuses, en particulier celles touchant la consommation alimentaire.
Neurofilament Light Chain as a Biomarker of Global Cognition in Individuals With Possible Vascular Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Gaur Amish , Gallagher Damien , Herrmann Nathan , Chen Jinghan Jenny , Marzolini Susan , Oh Paul , Amemiya Yutaka , Seth Arun , Kiss Alex , Lanctôt Krista L.
Published: May 2024

Background

Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) is a biomarker of axonal injury elevated in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease dementia. Blood NfL also inversely correlates with cognitive performance in those conditions. However, few studies have assessed NfL as a biomarker of global cognition in individuals demonstrating mild cognitive deficits who are at risk for vascular-related cognitive decline.

Objective

To assess the relationship between blood NfL and global cognition in individuals with possible vascular MCI (vMCI) throughout cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Additionally, NfL levels were compared to age/sex-matched cognitively unimpaired (CU) controls.

Method

Participants with coronary artery disease (vMCI or CU) were recruited at entry to a 24-week CR program. Global cognition was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and plasma NfL level (pg/ml) was quantified using a highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Higher plasma NfL was correlated with worse MoCA scores at baseline ( β = −.352, P = .029) in 43 individuals with vMCI after adjusting for age, sex, and education. An increase in NfL was associated with worse global cognition ( b[SE] = −4.81[2.06], P = .023) over time, however baseline NfL did not predict a decline in global cognition. NfL levels did not differ between the vMCI (n = 39) and CU (n = 39) groups ( F(1, 76) = 1.37, P = .245).

Conclusion

Plasma NfL correlates with global cognition at baseline in individuals with vMCI, and is associated with decline in global cognition during CR. Our findings increase understanding of NfL and neurobiological mechanisms associated with cognitive decline in vMCI.
Personal, Private, Emotional? How Political Parties Use Personalization Strategies on Facebook in the 2014 and 2019 EP Election Campaigns
Authors: Russmann Uta , Klinger Ulrike , Koc-Michalska Karolina
Published: May 2024

In 2014, the EU introduced the lead candidate procedure to raise citizens’ awareness and interest in the European Parliament (EP) elections and, thereby, voter turnout. We study the use of personalization, centralized personalization (focusing on lead candidates), emotional personalization, and private personalization on Facebook by political parties across 12 countries during the 2014 and 2019 EP campaigns and the effects of personalization on user engagement. A standardized quantitative content analysis of 14,293 posts by 227 political parties shows that about half of the Facebook posts were personalized, but there is no general trend of rising personalization. While emotional personalization increased, parties hardly ever posted about their lead candidates and their private lives. Variations are not due to structural (e.g., party and media systems) or geographical/cultural factors. Positive effects are found for the use of emotional personalization attracting a higher volume of user reactions (likes, reactions, shares, and comments) in both elections.
Outcomes of peritoneal dialysis in cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mekraksakit Poemlarp , Suppadungsuk Supawadee , Thongprayoon Charat , Miao Jing , Leelaviwat Natnicha , Thongpiya Jerapas , Qureshi Fawad , Craici Iasmina M , Cheungpasitporn Wisit
Published: May 2024

Background:

Cirrhosis and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are significant global health concerns, contributing to high mortality and morbidity. Haemodialysis (HD) is frequently used to treat ESKD in patients with cirrhosis. However, it often presents challenges such as haemodynamic instability during dialysis sessions, leading to less than optimal outcomes. Peritoneal dialysis (PD), while less commonly used in cirrhotic patients, raises concerns about the risks of peritonitis and mortality. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess outcomes in PD patients with cirrhosis.

Methods:

We executed a comprehensive search in Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases up to 25 September 2023. The search focused on identifying studies examining mortality and other clinical outcomes in ESKD patients with cirrhosis receiving PD or HD. In addition, we sought studies comparing PD outcomes in cirrhosis patients to those without cirrhosis. Data from each study were aggregated using a random-effects model and the inverse-variance method.

Results:

Our meta-analysis included a total of 13 studies with 15,089 patients. Seven studies compared ESKD patients on PD with liver cirrhosis (2753 patients) against non-cirrhosis patients (9579 patients). The other six studies provided data on PD (824 patients) versus HD (1943 patients) in patients with cirrhosis and ESKD. The analysis revealed no significant difference in mortality between PD and HD in ESKD patients with cirrhosis (pooled odds ratio (OR) of 0.77; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.53–1.14). In PD patients with cirrhosis, the pooled OR for peritonitis compared to non-cirrhosis patients was 1.10 (95% CI: 1.03–1.18). The pooled ORs for hernia and chronic hypotension in cirrhosis patients compared to non-cirrhosis controls were 2.48 (95% CI: 0.08–73.04) and 17.50 (95% CI: 1.90–161.11), respectively. The pooled OR for transitioning from PD to HD among cirrhotic patients was 1.71 (95% CI: 0.76–3.85). Mortality in cirrhosis patients on PD was comparable to non-cirrhosis controls, with a pooled OR of 1.05 (95% CI: 0.53–2.10).

Conclusions:

Our meta-analysis demonstrates that PD provides comparable mortality outcomes to HD in ESKD patients with cirrhosis. In addition, the presence of cirrhosis does not significantly elevate the risk of mortality among patients undergoing PD. While there is a higher incidence of chronic hypotension and a slightly increased risk of peritonitis in cirrhosis patients on PD compared to those without cirrhosis, the risks of hernia and the need to transition from PD to HD are comparable between both groups. These findings suggest PD as a viable and effective treatment option for ESKD patients with cirrhosis.
Investigation of dual-ported shroud casing in a centrifugal compressor: Aerodynamic performance and aeroacoustics
Authors: Zhao Ben , Zhou Teng , Zhang Lei , Yang Ce
Published: May 2024

The dual-ported shroud casing has two ports over the impeller section in a centrifugal compressor, different from the traditional ported shroud casing. This paper uses numerical simulations and experiments to investigate the effects of the dual-ported shroud on the centrifugal compressor, including aerodynamic performance and aeroacoustics. According to the experimentally measured compressor performance map, the novel finding is that the dual-port casing treatment extends the compressor operating range by improving the instability margin and increasing the compressor choke flow capacity. The mechanism contributing to the choke flow capacity increase is the bypass function. The dual-ported shroud casing bypasses a part of the air to enter the impeller channels at the blade tips without going through the impeller geometry throat. Besides the benefits, the efficiency and aero-acoustic measurements identify the disadvantages of the dual-ports casing treatment: the peak efficiency deterioration at high rotational speeds and louder noise emission at the compressor inlet.
On-board model predictive control for autonomous lane keeping with fuzzy preview distance: Design and experiment
Authors: Huang Wei , Xia Wei , Wu Zhengxiao , Liu Xinjie , Shi Tianhua , Peng Yuhui , Zhu Shaopeng
Published: May 2024

This paper concerns with the development of computationally efficient lane keeping control method for the autonomous vehicles. To obtain autonomous lane keeping, model predictive control (MPC) scheme was intensively investigated in the previous studies owing to its inherent advantage of dealing with constrained multivariable systems. However, the tradeoff problem between the good tracking performance and the low computational complexity is inevitably raised in developing of MPC-based lane keeping technology. To alleviate the conflict between performance and cost, an on-board MPC with fuzzy preview distance is designed in this study. A linear system dynamics model is used in the MPC design to reduce the computational cost, and a fuzzy logic algorithm is developed to select an appropriate preview distance for enhancing the MPC performance. Further, hardware-in-the-loop test is adopted to explore the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed control method. In comparison to the proportional-integral controller, the experimental results show that the MPC is more sensitive to the selective value of fixed preview distance. Since the significant impact of preview distance selection on the MPC-based lane keeping performance, the fuzzy logic algorithm is of the essence in terms of selecting the appropriate preview distance for MPC enhancement under different vehicle speed and road curvature. Eventually, experimental results validate that the proposed fuzzy preview distance algorithm can effectively improve the MPC-based lane keeping performance for autonomous vehicles subject to limited computational resource.
Research on layered control of path tracking for unmanned industrial vehicles based on fully hydraulic steering leakage compensation
Authors: Xia Guang , Wu Shibiao , Tang Xiwen , Zhang Yang , Zhao Linfeng
Published: May 2024

Industrial vehicles work in complex terrain, the variable centre of mass position, leakage nonlinearity of full hydraulic steering and other issues lead to poor path tracking stability and accuracy. In this paper, an intelligent hierarchical controller for industrial vehicles’ path tracking is designed with full hydraulic steering leakage compensation, including an upper decision layer and a lower execution layer. The upper decision layer observes the pavement-tyre adhesion coefficients through an extended Kalman filter algorithm, and uses the real-time observations of the adhesion coefficients to establish a variable constraint control for the linear time-varying MPC, and thus performs the path tracking control. The lower actuator layer receives the upper layer’s target steering wheel angle output and performs steering operations. Based on the establishment of a mathematical model of full hydraulic steering considering the leakage characteristics, it analyses the leakage disturbance factors and constructs a fuzzy feed-forward steering leakage compensation controller to compensate for the leakage disturbances in real time for path tracking steering. Simulation and experimental results show that the lateral acceleration, sideslip angle, tyre side slip angle and tracking error of intelligent industrial vehicles under different loads and working conditions are improved by more than 32.4%, 35.8%, 40.2% and 45.8% respectively, and the designed hierarchical controller for the path tracking of intelligent industrial vehicles, which considers the compensation of all-hydraulic steering leakage, can effectively improve the path tracking stability and tracking accuracy of intelligent industrial vehicles under different loads and working conditions.
Exploring patient and staff member views on a ‘consent for contact’ system for sexual health research: A mixed methods study
Authors: Hudda Aliza , Bird Emily , Holmes Daisy , Khoury Emma G , Massias Joseph , Woods Hannah , Obasi Angela , Clarke Emily
Published: May 2024

Background

Recruitment in sexual health research is challenging. This study explores the potential of a Consent for Contact system (C4C) - generic consent for research contact - to improve participant recruitment and engagement in sexual health research. Our objectives were to understand patient and staff understanding of research, their views on a separate C4C system, and their preferences for its acceptability in a sexual health clinic setting.

Methods

A two-stage study was conducted at a large urban UK sexual health clinic from November 2021 to July 2022. Stage one involved a self-completed questionnaire administered to all patients and staff. In Stage 2, semi-structured interviews (SSIs) further explored patient concerns and preferences. Survey data were analysed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact test and thematic analysis was applied to free-text responses and SSIs.

Results

A total of 205/300 patient (68%) and 41/280 staff questionnaires (15%) were completed. Motivations for research participation included altruism and personal interest. Statistically significant differences were found between patients’ and staff members’ concerns on confidentiality and anticipated feeling of pressure to participate. The majority of staff ( n = 38, 93%) and half of patients ( n = 100, 49%) supported implementation of a sexual health C4C system. Participants recognised the potential benefits of a sexual health C4C system, including enhanced privacy and increased research opportunities. Concerns were raised about stigma, terminology, and signing-up methods.

Conclusion

This study found the C4C system has the potential to enhance participant recruitment and engagement in sexual health research, but implementation support is narrowly divided with concerns around privacy and sign-up processes. These insights call for a patient-centred design approach, emphasising clear communication and privacy. Future research should focus on implementing and evaluating a sexual health C4C system to further explore their effectiveness and acceptability in different contexts.
Everyday Mobilization: Tibetan Struggle for a Nation in Exile
Authors: Verma Vibhanshu , Shankar Shail , N. V. Amrutha
Published: May 2024

The present work focuses on the lived experiences of the Tibetan refugees in order to understand their way of life dedicated to the nation’s freedom, lived only through imagination and narratives. Tibetan communities living inside and outside two Tibetan settlements, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, and Bylakuppe, Karnataka, in India, were interviewed. An analysis of 15 interviews showed that for participants, the meaning of being a true Tibetan depends on identification with the cultural and religious values specific to Tibet, perceiving their enemy as a substantial threat to Tibet‘s existence, and following non-violent ways to struggle for Tibet’s cause. A determined sense of belonging only to a Tibet free from the atrocities of the enemy (thus not belonging to the current Tibetan Autonomous Region or anywhere else), along with challenges in exile and faith in present political strategies, motivates a phenomenon of everyday mobilization reflected in their rational life choices to free Tibet. This article contributes to a broader debate on the mobilization process for the continuity of a social movement amid statelessness.
Exploring Digital-based Therapies for Adolescents with Substance Use Disorders: A Brief Literature Review
Authors: Jo Youngsuhk , Edwards Nazaree , Shah Rishubh , Vas Sarah
Published: May 2024

The wide prevalence of substance use among adolescents has become a rising public health concern, demanding innovative approaches for effective intervention and support. Traditional therapeutic methods, such as individual counseling and group therapy, have demonstrated efficacy in addressing substance use issues. However, their reach and impact often fall short due to various barriers, including limited availability of specialized treatment providers, logistical challenges, and stigma associated with seeking help. The objective of this review was to explore the utility of digital-based therapies in the treatment of substance use disorders in adolescent populations. A review of the literature comparing digital-based psychological interventions for youth with substance use disor- ders compared to traditional therapy modalities was conducted using a set of search terms across established medical databases (EMBASE, PSYCINFO, PUBMED).

Therapies for specific use disorders that were successful and even superior to in-person intervention were identified. It was seen that digital therapies do not replace traditional therapies and treatments. However, with their wide scope, digital therapies can complement existing treatments to promote accountability and the development of recovery focused life skills. It can be concluded that the emergence of digital therapies demonstrates potential in the treatment of substance use. Multiple challenges and barriers exist, including funding, privacy, ownership of the data. However, due to the nature of addictive disorders, digital therapies might be most effective when required and monitored by the treating entities.
Self-consciousness and trait anxiety influence music performance in high-pressure situations
Authors: Hörster Annika , Hansen Jochim
Published: May 2024

High levels of mental pressure in musicians can lead to decrements in performance, but this effect may depend on individual dispositions. In this study, self-consciousness and trait anxiety were examined as predictors of decrements in performance in natural concert settings. The performance of 30 pianists was assessed in a condition without pressure (i.e., when playing alone) and in a condition with pressure (i.e., in a public concert). Audio recordings of the performances were evaluated on musical expression, technical precision, and overall performance by four independent jurors who were unaware of the condition in which they had been made. The differences between the pressure and no-pressure ratings were regressed on cognitive and somatic anxiety (assessed with an adaptation of the Competition Anxiety Inventory) as well as on public and private self-consciousness (assessed with the Self-Consciousness Scale). Participants performed better in the concert than when playing alone, despite increased state anxiety during the concert. The effect of the pressure condition on performance, however, was attenuated when participants scored high for private self-consciousness (i.e., the tendency to attend to one’s inner thoughts and feelings) but increased when they scored high for public self-consciousness (i.e., the tendency to see oneself from the outside as a social object). An attenuating effect of private self-consciousness emerged particularly for technical precision, whereas an enhancing effect of public self-consciousness emerged particularly for musical expression. The two subcomponents of self-consciousness were positively correlated, exerting a counteracting effect on overall performance ratings. Cognitive trait anxiety reduced performance quality, but only when somatic trait anxiety was not controlled for. The findings suggest a negative effect of inward-directed attention to the self (private self-consciousness) and a protective effect of habituation to outward-directed attention to the self as a social object (public self-consciousness) and may contribute to developing pedagogical activities or interventions to prevent fluctuations in performance.
Recommendations for the Use of Experimental Designs in Management Education Research
Authors: Bacon Donald R.
Published: May 2024

Hamdani et al. recently provided guidance for prospective authors on a wide range of issues encountered in quantitative research papers submitted for review at the Journal of Management Education. Building on their insights, this essay focuses on experimental designs and provides more specific guidance and recommendations for conducting valid and powerful research. I review the types of experimental designs, statistical tests, and measures that are commonly used in the management education literature and thus provide some sense of the state of practice to date while including specific examples of effective research and analytical techniques. As will be shown, methodological weaknesses exist even in published papers, and so the guidance should be useful to new and experienced authors alike.
Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis in the Human Brain: Updates, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: Simard Sophie , Matosin Natalie , Mechawar Naguib
Published: May 2024

The existence of neurogenesis in the adult human hippocampus has been under considerable debate within the past three decades due to the diverging conclusions originating mostly from immunohistochemistry studies. While some of these reports conclude that hippocampal neurogenesis in humans occurs throughout physiologic aging, others indicate that this phenomenon ends by early childhood. More recently, some groups have adopted next-generation sequencing technologies to characterize with more acuity the extent of this phenomenon in humans. Here, we review the current state of research on adult hippocampal neurogenesis in the human brain with an emphasis on the challenges and limitations of using immunohistochemistry and next-generation sequencing technologies for its study.
“Being Queer, It Was Really Isolating”: Stigma and Mental Health Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Young People During COVID-19
Authors: Ruprecht Megan M. , Floresca Ysabel Beatrice , Narla Shreya , Felt Dylan , Phillips Gregory , Macapagal Kathryn , Philbin Morgan M.
Published: May 2024

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) youth and young adults (YYAs) have poorer mental health outcomes than their cisgender, heterosexual peers in large part due to multilevel stigmatization and minority stress. This was exacerbated by psychological stressors stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic; these experiences intersected with YYA unique developmental stage. Here we explored LGBTQ+ YYA’s pandemic-related experiences, focusing on intersections between stigma and belonging, developmental processes, and their relationship to mental health. We conducted qualitative interviews from August to November 2021 with 34 LGBTQ+ YYA ages 14 to 24; interviews were nested within a quantitative study on YYA experiences during COVID-19. Interviews were transcribed and coded using thematic analysis. YYA described how pandemic impacts like quarantine and isolation directly impacted their mental health; these coalesced around four types of thematic shifts: shifts in (1) time, (2) living situations, (3) community supports, and (4) social and political climate. Multilevel stigmatization also created new mechanisms of norm enforcement for LGBTQ+ YYA. Interviews demonstrated how the pandemic also impacted key developmental processes including identity formation and autonomy seeking. The potential consequences of these pandemic-related shifts largely depended on YYA’s experiences of stigma and/or belonging throughout the pandemic. Findings suggested that isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic intersected with existing socio-ecological structures in LGBTQ+ young people’s lives. Efforts to investigate longitudinal impacts of the pandemic, as well as to intervene to reduce the stigmatization experienced by LGBTQ+ YYA, remain urgent.
Healthcare Waste Management Practices and Its Associated Factors Among Healthcare Workers in Health Facilities in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Atalay Yibeltal Assefa , Gelaw Kelemu Abebe
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Waste Management Practices have garnered growing interest in hospitals, research facilities, and laboratories over the past few years. However, there seems to be noticeable absence of a comprehensive understanding regarding research on waste management practices in health facilities among healthcare workers.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with healthcare waste management practices among healthcare workers in Ethiopia.

Methods:

The search was performed by using the Web of Science (WoS) database, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. To assess the presence of publication bias, by using funnel plots, contour-enhanced funnel plots, trim and fill analysis, and Begg and Egger regression test. A significance level of P ⩽ .05 was used to indicate potential publication bias. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the I2 statistics.

Results:

From retrieved original studies, 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis with a total of n = 5260 healthcare workers. The pooled prevalence of waste management practices in Ethiopia was 52.86% (95% CI = 51.57, 54.15), with significant heterogeneity observed between studies ( I2 = 97.0%; P ⩽ .001). Sub-group analysis based on regional distribution in Ethiopia revealed that the highest prevalence of waste management practices was observed in Southern Nation and Nationalities and People’s Region with 61.9% (95% CI = 52.953, 64.449).

Conclusions:

This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that the pooled prevalence of waste management practices among healthcare workers in Ethiopia was notably low. Training and the presence of guidelines were significantly associated with waste management practices. The healthcare facilities have improved access to and availability of policies related to waste management and the Ministry of Health promotes their use through various means, including training for healthcare professionals.
Medication Discrepancies in Hospitalised Medical Patients – Status After a Decade With Targeted Medication Reconciliation Measures, a Cross-sectional Multicenter Study
Authors: Mikaelsen Helena Zaitzow , Ulla Ingeborg Hjalland , Karimi David , Mathiesen Liv , Viktil Kirsten Kilvik , Olsen Syversen Malin , Nguyen Lilli Minh , Bengtsson Kajsa Rebecka , Ahmed Marc Vali , Parker Krystina , Heen Anja Fog , Njaastad Anne Mette , Qazi Rehman , Lea Marianne
Published: May 2024

Several targeted medication reconciliation (MR) initiatives have been introduced to reduce the number of medication discrepancies (MDs). The real-life quality of medication lists at hospital admission has however not been comprehensively investigated in the last decade. We aimed to examine the frequency and potential clinical relevance of MDs at hospital admission and investigate whether certain characteristics are associated with MDs. Patients ⩾18 years old admitted to medical wards at 4 hospitals in Norway were included. MR was performed, and discrepancies between the reconciled medication list and the medication chart were identified. The potential clinical relevance was assessed in a short-term and long-term perspective. We included 250 patients and 201 (80%) had 1 or more MDs, mean 3.2 (SD 2.9) per patient. Out of 824 identified MDs, 171 (20.8%) and 362 (43.9%) were of moderate, major, or extreme potential clinical relevance in short- and long-term perspective, respectively. The risk of MDs increased with increasing age, increasing number of medications, and the use of multidose drug dispensing. Although several targeted MR initiatives have been launched, the frequency of MDs upon hospital admission is still high. However, the potential clinical relevance of the MDs seems less severe, which indicates an improvement.
Task repetition versus task rehearsal: Understanding effects of task-readiness factors and elemental genres on L2 writing task performance
Authors: Tabari Mahmoud Abdi , Khezrlou Sima , Ghanbar Hessameddin
Published: May 2024

In the literature on task-based language teaching (TBLT), task repetition and task rehearsal have frequently been used interchangeably. However, this distinction, identified as potentially significant (Ellis, 2019), is noteworthy due to the potential impact of participants’ awareness of future repetitions on second language (L2) task performance. Given the lack of empirical exploration regarding task repetition and task rehearsal distinction in the context of L2 writing, this study investigates how task rehearsal and task repetition affect the narrative and argumentative writing performances of 120 students of English as a second language (ESL) from a U.S. university. They were randomly assigned to four groups. Groups 1 and 3 wrote the narrative text initially, repeated the same task, and then proceeded to write the argumentative text, which was also repeated. The intervals between these performances were one week apart. However, Group 3 knew in advance that they were going to repeat the task, whereas Group 1 lacked this knowledge. Conversely, Groups 2 and 4 began by writing the argumentative text, repeated that task, and then proceeded to complete the narrative text, which was also repeated within the same time intervals. Group 4 had forewarning of their future performance, while Group 2 did not. We analysed the essays using the complexity, accuracy, lexis, and fluency (CALF) measures. The results indicated that time significantly influenced almost all CALF measures in narrative and argumentative writing, irrespective of the forewarning condition. Additionally, task readiness and essay order had a significant impact on most CALF measures, particularly in narrative writing. Specifically, task readiness positively affected the majority of CALF measures in narratives, whereas essay order exhibited sporadic influence.
‘Building our own house’ as an insider-only Community-Partnered Participatory Research Council: Co-creating a safe space for Autistic knowledge production
Authors: Williams Gemma L , Ellis Rebecca , Holloway Willow , Caemawr Selena , Craine Monique , Williams Kathryn , Grant Aimee
Published: May 2024

This article describes and reflects on the first six meetings of a newly established Autistic community council, founded to steer a participatory, longitudinal qualitative study investigating the reproductive health of Autistic people with wombs. The two key aims of these initial six meetings – involving four Autistic community leader members and three Autistic researchers – was to (1) guide the start of the project and the development of accessible recruitment materials for the future eight lay members and (2) establish a safe space and a model of accessible communication. We draw on extracts from transcripts made during meetings, member ‘field’ notes and a reflexive co-writing practice to identify the ways in which a sense of safety was built during these first community council meetings. We explore what it means to be an insider-only Community Partnered Participatory Research Council and reflect on the praxis we developed to facilitate Autistic knowledge production.

Lay Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing call for participatory Autism research (i.e. research that meaningfully involves Autistic people in its design and delivery). Community Partnered Participatory Research is a research methodology that aims to share power between researchers and members of the researched community. There is some precedent for Community Partnered Participatory Research in Autism research, but it is still quite uncommon. At the start of our new research study (called Autism: From Menstruation to Menopause), we created a community council. For the first six meetings, our council was made up of four Autistic community members who were experienced in Autism advocacy and activism and three Autistic researchers. We seven are the authors of this article. In these first six meetings, we made plans for recruiting a larger number of lay community members who would join us later for the rest of the project (8 years in total). In this article, we describe and reflect what it felt like during these first six meetings to be part of a community research council where everybody is Autistic. We discuss how we co-created a safe space, how we helped each other feel valued and how we worked together to support each other’s sometimes-differing access needs so that everyone could fully participate. We provide recommendations for how to support Autistic people to lead research on their own terms with their unique insights.