bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence law and optimization analysis of technological parameters of TC4 titanium alloy on water cavitation peening
Authors: Li Fuzhu , Guo Jun , Chen Shangshuang , Guo Yuqin , Li Ruitao , Wang Yun , Tan Zhongrui , He Peiyu
Published: August 2021

TC4 titanium alloy is widely used in aerospace, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and other fields, which accounts for about 60% of the current titanium alloy products. Water Cavitation Peening (WCP) is a new material surface modification process and has great development potential. The improvement of the water cavitation peening is severely limited by the correlation and coupling between process parameters. Therefore, the influence law of each process parameter is the key problem that needs to be resolved. TC4 titanium alloy as research object is took and four main process parameters of WCP under four working conditions is construct (four factors and four levels orthogonal). The influence of process parameters on three evaluation indexes is studied, such as the surface residual stress, the surface roughness and the microhardness. Then, the fuzzy mathematics comprehensive evaluation is used to optimize. Results show that the peening time has the greatest influence on strengthening effect and the nozzle diameter has the least. The optimized combination is that the nozzle diameter is 1.4 mm, the incident pressure is 40 MPa, the dimensionless target distance is 72.5 and peening time is 27.5 min. The corresponding surface residual stress, the surface roughness and the microhardness can reach −612 MPa, 0.76 μm, and 405 HV respectively.
A non-fragile robust observer design for uncertain time-delay fractional Itô stochastic systems with input nonlinearity: An SMC approach
Authors: Khandani Khosro , Parvizian Majid , Efe Mehmet Önder
Published: August 2021

This article considers the problem of non-fragile observer design for uncertain fractional Itô stochastic systems. The design is based on a sliding surface whose reachability in finite time is guaranteed by introducing a novel sliding mode control law. Employing the fractional infinitesimal operator and the related lemmas, the stochastic stability of the overall closed-loop system is transformed to the problem of solving a set of linear matrix inequalities. Addressing the fragility issue, a norm-bounded term is added to the observer gain, which prevents failure of the estimation error system. The adverse effects of the input nonlinearity and time-varying delay are alleviated by the proposed approach. Furthermore, the present method is investigated for the fractional Itô stochastic systems with known states. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Adaptive multi-dimensional Taylor network control for nonlinear stochastic systems with time-delay
Authors: Zhu Shan-Liang , Wang Ming-Xin , Han Yu-Qun
Published: August 2021

In this article, the problem of adaptive multi-dimensional Taylor network control for strict-feedback nonlinear stochastic systems with time-delay is investigated. To overcome the control degradation resulting from the delay terms, the appropriate integral-type Lyapunov–Krasovskii functions are introduced. A novel adaptive multi-dimensional Taylor network control scheme is provided via backstepping technique. The proposed adaptive multi-dimensional Taylor network controller can ensure that all signals in the closed-loop system are bounded in probability and the tracking error eventually converges to a small neighborhood of the origin. Three simulation examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Boosting Job Satisfaction Through Emotional Intelligence: A Study on Health Care Professionals
Authors: Srivastava Shalini , Misra Richa , Pathak Deepti , Sharma Poonam
Published: August 2021

Emotional intelligence (EI) is possibly one of the most studied psychological factors of the twenty-first century. EI is very much relevant in service industry particularly in management, academics, life sciences or psychology. The purpose of the empirical study is to test the relationship between the defined constructs of EI and job satisfaction ( JS) amongst health care professionals of Delhi NCR region of India. It further tried to understand whether gender moderates the EI and JS relationship. Structured survey was used to solicit response from 260 health care professionals comprising doctors and nurses belonging to different hospitals of Delhi NCR region. Standardised instruments were used to assess the data. Linear and moderated regression were used to test hypotheses developed. The findings suggest that EI constructs significantly impact the level of JS among health care professionals. The result of moderated regression suggested that the relationship of EI and JS is significantly moderated by gender. The construct of EI is relevant in providing high quality health care service delivery to the patients.
A Study of PhD Courses and Curricula Across Schools of Social Work
Authors: Franklin Cynthia , Lightfoot Elizabeth , Nachbaur Melissa , Sucher Katharine
Published: August 2021

Objectives

This study explored courses offered by social work PhD programs, the variation in these courses by type of university, and how the courses compare to the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE) Quality Guidelines.

Study Methods

Course curriculums of 84 GADE-affiliated social work PhD programs were double-blind coded. PhD directors verified codes and answered a brief survey.

Findings

A total of 1146 courses were coded into 28 categories. An average of six research and statistics courses were offered per program. Few programs offered courses in measurement, intervention research, meta-analysis, program evaluation, or grant writing. Most programs indicated that diversity, equity, and inclusion was infused in the curriculum. Less than half (41%) of PhD program directors indicated that GADE Quality Guidelines were influential.

Conclusions

PhD programs are offering more research and statistics courses than in the past, but GADE Quality Guidelines are not consistently followed.
Gabapentinoid Dosing and Associated Toxicities in Patients With or Without Concomitant Opioids During Hospitalization
Authors: Tu Thanh Gia , Sadeghi Sohrab , Atayee Rabia , Lee Kelly
Published: August 2021

Gabapentinoid drugs (gabapentin and pregabalin) are increasingly used for pain as both patients and physicians seek opioid-sparing or opioid-reducing strategies. Such widespread use for off-label pain indications is not supported by robust evidence, risking potential unintended consequences relating to adverse events. This study evaluated adult patients who were administered at least one dose of a gabapentinoid during a hospital admission between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018. The primary objective was to compare the difference in administered gabapentinoid total daily dose in patients with or without concomitant opioid. Secondary objectives included comparing the difference in sedation documentation, renal function, fall risk scores using the Hester Davis Fall Risk Scale, and central nervous system (CNS) related side effects between the 2 study groups. Four hundred and ninety nine patients (pregabalin n = 32 and gabapentin n = 467) were included. Due to small sample size for pregabalin, outcome results were presented for gabapentin only. The mean gabapentin total daily dose was 706 mg (SD = 614 mg) in the non-opioid group versus 860 mg (SD = 553 mg) in the opioid group (p = 0.007). There was more sedation documentation observed in the opioid group (p < 0.001). Patients in the opioid group used a significantly higher gabapentinoid total daily dose. Sedation documentation was significantly more in the opioid group despite commonly reported CNS related adverse events with gabapentinoids.
Tarsoconjunctival-Skin Flap as Another Option in Correcting Ectropion for Oro-Ocular Cleft Reconstruction: Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Hutagalung Magda R. , Putri Indri L. , Wahdini Siti I. , Dachlan Ishandono , Zarasade Lobredia
Published: August 2021

Facial clefts are rare facial anomalies. Among them, oro-ocular cleft remains a challenging malformation due to ectropion of the inferior palpebra which can constitute an emergency when the patient's globe is exposed leading to exposure keratitis and blindness. Here we report surgical procedures to correct lower eyelid ectropion using tarsoconjunctival-skin flap performed on 2 cases. In conclusion, tarsoconjunctival-skin flap can be provided to effectively correct lower eyelid ectropion and is a better option when nose correction is not involved simultaneously.
Fracture simulations using edge-based smoothed finite element method for isotropic damage model via Delaunay/Voronoi dual tessellations
Authors: Hwang Young Kwang , Jin Suyeong , Hong Jung-Wuk
Published: August 2021

In this study, an effective numerical framework for fracture simulations is proposed using the edge-based smoothed finite element method (ES-FEM) and isotropic damage model. The duality between the Delaunay triangulation and Voronoi tessellation is utilized for the mesh construction and the compatible use of the finite element solution with the Voronoi-cell lattice geometry. The mesh irregularity is introduced to avoid calculating the biased crack path by adding random variation in the nodal coordinates, and the ES-FEM elements are defined along the Delaunay edges. With the Voronoi tessellation, each nodal mass is calculated and the fractured surfaces are visualized along the Voronoi edges. The rotational degrees of freedom are implemented for each node by introducing the elemental formulation of the Voronoi-cell lattice model, and the accurate visualizations of the rotational motions in the Voronoi diagram are achieved. An isotropic damage model is newly incorporated into the ES-FEM formulation, and the equivalent elemental length is introduced with an additional geometric factor to simulate the consistent softening behaviors with reducing the mesh sensitivity. The full matrix form of the smoothed strain-displacement matrix is constructed for optimal use in the element-wise computations during explicit time integration, and parallel computing is implemented for the enhancement of the computational efficiency. The simulated results are compared with the theoretical solutions or experimental results, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in the simulations of the quasi-brittle fractures.
Data-driven global weather predictions at high resolutions
Authors: Taylor John A , Larraondo Pablo , de Supinski Bronis R
Published: August 2021

Society has benefited enormously from the continuous advancement in numerical weather prediction that has occurred over many decades driven by a combination of outstanding scientific, computational and technological breakthroughs. Here, we demonstrate that data-driven methods are now positioned to contribute to the next wave of major advances in atmospheric science. We show that data-driven models can predict important meteorological quantities of interest to society such as global high resolution precipitation fields (0.25°) and can deliver accurate forecasts of the future state of the atmosphere without prior knowledge of the laws of physics and chemistry. We also show how these data-driven methods can be scaled to run on supercomputers with up to 1024 modern graphics processing units and beyond resulting in rapid training of data-driven models, thus supporting a cycle of rapid research and innovation. Taken together, these two results illustrate the significant potential of data-driven methods to advance atmospheric science and operational weather forecasting.
Finding a Role for Zalcitabine in the HAART era
Authors: Moyle Graeme J , Gazzard Brian G
Published: August 2021

Zalcitabine (ddC) is a nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor with demonstrated clinical benefit in combination use. More widespread use of zalcitabine has been limited by a number of factors including peripheral neuropathy and three times daily dosing. However, screening for the risk factors for peripheral neuropathy may enable a reduction in the incidence of neuropathy to below 10%. Additionally, new data on the use of zalcitabine twice daily suggest, based on the long intracellular half-life of the active triphosphate, that this is feasible. Additionally, while limited data exist for zalcitabine in true HAART combinations, data from small trials suggest a similar proportion of responders to standard HAART regimens.
Contesting constructs and interrogating research methods: Re-analysis of qualitative data from a hospital-based case study of self-harm management and prevention practices
Authors: Evans Rhiannon , Sampson Catherine , MacDonald Sarah , Biddle Lucy , Scourfield Jonathan
Published: August 2021

Discourses of self-harm, and also suicide, are often underpinned by a central tenet: prevention is the priority. This belief is seemingly so inscribed in research that it is rarely interrogated. The present paper re-analyses qualitative data from a hospital-based study of self-harm management and prevention practice. It aims to reflect upon, and disrupt, the authors’ latent assumptions about the construct of ‘prevention’, while reflecting on the research method used. Twenty-five individuals participated in semi-structured interviews: healthcare and affiliated professionals ( n = 14); parents and carers ( n = 8); and children and young people (aged 9–16 years) who had presented to an emergency department for self-harm, with or without suicidal intent ( n = 3). We offer two central discursive considerations: (1) Self-harm prevention is largely an unintelligible concept, having to be reflexively constructed in situ. As such, it is questionable whether it makes sense to discuss the prevention of this amorphous and dynamic phenomenon, which cannot always be disentangled from everyday life; (2) Interviews entail significant biographical work for participants, notably the performance of personal and professional competence for the audience. These interactional dynamics offer a glimpse into the priorities, meanings and needs for participants in relation to self-harm. Together these considerations provide useful insights into how the interview method can serve as both a limiting and illuminating site of knowledge creation.
Dementia caregiving in the Middle East and North Africa: A scoping review
Authors: Kane Tanya , Hammad Suzanne H. , Islam Nazmul , Al-Wattary Noor , Clark Justin , Daher-Nashif Suhad
Published: August 2021

Care for persons with dementia in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is undertaken predominantly by family members, domestic workers, and private nurses within the home. Domestic caregivers possess different understandings and varying degrees of knowledge of dementia that are influenced by complex socio-cultural and religious factors. With much of the burden falling on the shoulders of “invisible” caregivers, the role and needs of these individuals require deeper scrutiny. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the empirical studies published on caring for persons with dementia in Arab countries of the MENA region. Using a systematic review technique, searches were conducted on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar using database-specific terms associated with caregiving, dementia, aging, and the MENA region. To ensure local and regional research was captured, hand searches of regional journals, reference lists of included articles, and Arabic databases Al-Manhal and e-Marefa were also searched. No date restrictions were imposed. Twenty studies met inclusion criteria and the following themes were identified: caregiving experiences and the burden of care; barriers to caregiving; and caregiver recommendations to improve care. Results demonstrate that studies about informal caregivers and dementia within Arab-Muslim populations are underrepresented in the research. This review highlights the paucity of literature on service users’ experiences and underscores the need for future research specific to dementia care within the Arab-Islamic sociocultural context. These trajectories are especially pertinent given the unprecedented aging demographics of the MENA populations.
Living in the wake of punk
Authors: Grinnell George C
Published: August 2021

Almost since its inception, punk has been declared dead. What does it mean to live attached to something that is always, at least a little bit, gone? Examining how Justin Pearson merges personal accounts of death and mourning with a sense of punk that is rooted in loss in his memoir of his participation in a North American punk culture since the 1990s, From the Graveyard of the Arousal Industry, this article considers how a focus on living in the wake of the death of punk might shift scholarly and popular narratives told about punk. Punk outlives its death in the 1970s with a redemptive rebirth in which it became the subject of an anti-capitalist narrative. The article considers how Pearson’s memoir explores a different framework by insisting that punk may not be able to separate itself from the wider world, and that while this might appear to deal a death blow to punk, it also names a persistent set of conditions that define punk. After placing the memoir in the context of this redemptive account of punk as well as among those who see its limits, the article offers an analysis of several scenes addressing personal losses that merge with Pearson’s attachment to punk-as-something-dead-and-gone. The deaths that Pearson associates with punk rock are personal, but they also register the larger significance of loss for a subculture that cannot stop declaring its own demise, including especially the loss of a fantasy that sees punk as a refuge from the world.
Jack Monroe and the cultural politics of the austerity celebrity
Authors: Martin Jessica
Published: August 2021

This article conceptualises home cook Jack Monroe as an ‘austerity celebrity’, a mediated figure who forged her public persona directly through articulations with austerity culture. Drawing on an intertextual analysis of her blogs, cookbooks, interviews, speeches and representations across the media, I argue that Monroe demonstrates the paradox of anti-austerity celebrity in becoming economically successful as the face of modern poverty. Monroe’s navigation of a dual identity of celebrity and activist manifests in her critique of the government, her middle-class precarity, her status as a mother and her queer identity which requires consistent ‘authenticity labour’. In Monroe’s case, this labour is visible as a constant and politicised struggle over the terms of her ‘authenticity’. While unable to manage her more complex middle-class, queer identity, which confronts the established grounds of ‘feckless mothers’, the UK tabloid media attempts to frame Monroe’s success as a rags-to-riches style narrative reinforcing hegemonic rhetorics of resilience and creativity as routes to overcoming adversity. This analysis of the struggles at work in Monroe’s mediated presence demonstrates how the moral imperatives for women to offer to resourcefully manage the ‘challenges’ of austerity cuts, arguably draws attention away from austerity as structurally and politically motivated.
Let me take a photo with the Shabaken: Reflections on Ikam among the Bujuur Naga
Authors: Chara Elija
Published: August 2021

Feasts of merit were integral to the Bujuur traditional socio-cultural lives. Ikam was one such feast. Despite traditional significance, the celebration of Ikam abruptly ended with the Bujuur’s conversion to Christianity. The re-celebration of Ikam in the year 2018 is ethnographically discussed in the article in terms of changes in the spatial perceptions and attitudes with reference to Christianity and modernity’s effects on Ikam and the larger Bujuur identity. The objective is to assess the nature of cultural rejuvenations through an insider’s participatory path to present a critique on the dynamics and issues with cultural rejuvenations, perceived modernity and contemporal chauvinism. The article is premised within the Bujuur universe so that the dilemmas, observations and presentations are reflective of the narrations from within.
Interesting numbers: An ethnographic account of quantification, marketing analytics and facial coding data
Authors: Cluley Robert
Published: August 2021

This article asks why facial coding, a method for understanding emotions that was rejected by mainstream psychology for over century, has emerged as a popular method in contemporary marketing. Reading ethnographic, historic and technical data sets, the article argues that facial coding works because it shifts the task of quantification from humans to computers. This grants facial coding an appearance of objectivity that allows marketing practitioners to open up new ways of understanding, talking about and acting in markets that go beyond the data itself. Informed by science and technology studies, the article offers the concept of interesting numbers to illuminate these contradictory tendencies in the quantification of consumer behaviours. It alerts us to the importance of the agents and forms of quantification in selling a measure to marketers. In short, the article shows that, when it comes to marketing measures, the numbers count.
The plague of privatization: A futures analysis of the zombification of education
Authors: Fjellman Anna-Maria , Haley Aimee
Published: August 2021

The article re-imagines the current developments of Swedish education into a possible future. Historically, education was organized and funded by the state; however, reforms towards privatization in the 1990s implemented school choice, private schools and a tax-financed voucher system with the option of turning profits on education. A new judicial decision enforced the withholding of data on private ownership and economic spending in education from the public, as transparency was deemed to damage the competitiveness of private schools. Hence, generating profits and business advantage are prioritized over public interests as the organization and provision of education is progressively shaped by privatization. These changes are what prompted us to consider ‘what if all education was privatized’?

The first part of the article reviews important developments in public education towards privatization and introduces our theoretical framework. The second part draws on aspects of speculative fiction in a dystopian scenario of an imagined educational apocalypse. The scenario starts in contemporary times and ends in 2121 where the education system is dominated by a financial conglomerate called Nescience Ltd. In this technologically advanced society, artificial intelligence systems have replaced educational institutions and teachers. Expensive tuition and fees have made people indebted to Nescience while learning is transformed into the manufacturing of alienated labourers. To understand these economic transitions and the position of Nescience as a knowledge provider in the future, we use the concept of ‘zombification’ to theorize the infection of privatization in the educational sector.
Nonviolent struggle between norm and technique
Authors: Lambelet Kyle BT
Published: August 2021

Standard stories about the development of the study of nonviolent struggle characterize the maturation of the field as moving from principle to pragmatics, norm to technique. This big story about the field’s development is crystalized in the supposed dichotomy between principled and pragmatic nonviolence; a dichotomy that though common sense for those teaching and researching the repertoires of nonviolent struggle occludes the elision of critical normativity. Through a genealogical retrieval of Gene Sharp’s reading of Max Weber, this article unsettles this story. I argue that the turn to technique in the study of nonviolent struggle is itself a normative turn. Redescribing the turn to technique as itself normative, however, is not enough for a comprehensive description of the dynamics of nonviolent struggle. I develop this insight further by arguing that a recovery of the virtue of prudence, or practical reason, is necessary for a full account of nonviolent struggle.
Low-dose IL-2 in the treatment of immune-related diseases
Authors: Zhang Jiakui , Huang Yong
Published: August 2021

Since the discovery of interleukin-2 (IL-2) in 1979, increasing attention has been focused on its role in regulating immune function. IL-2 has been found to play an important role in maintaining autoimmune tolerance, and it is essential for the proliferation and differentiation of regulatory T cells (Treg) cells. Other studies have found that the role of IL-2 in vivo is closely related to its concentration. Low-dose IL-2 selectively stimulates the proliferation of Treg cells in vivo, while high-dose IL-2 primarily promotes the proliferation of effector T cells. In view of these findings, an increasing number of studies have focused on the use of low-dose IL-2 in the treatment of immune-related diseases in recent years. The results have been encouraging, with mild adverse reactions. This article mainly focuses on the latest progress made in the IL-2 treatment of immune-related diseases and its regulatory effect on the immune status in different diseases, providing a reference for the rational clinical application of IL-2.
Gender Difference in Perceived Symptoms and Laboratory Investigations in Suspected and Confirmed COVID-19 Cases: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ahmed Marwa Mostafa , Sayed Amal M. , El Abd Dina , Fares Samar , Said Marwa Sayed Mohamed , Elsayed Sedik Ebrahim Eman
Published: August 2021

Background:

Evaluating gender-specific effects of COVID-19 is important to develop effective therapeutic strategies. The aim of this study was to explore gender difference in perceived symptoms and laboratory investigations in suspected and confirmed cases.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study that included data from suspected COVID-19 patients during the first wave of the pandemic. Participants using the phone triaging system at Kasralainy outpatient clinics were included. The analyzed data included patient history and results of nasopharyngeal swab and laboratory data.

Results:

Out of 440 COVID-19 suspected cases, 56.36% were females. The perceived COVID-19 symptoms showed no significant gender difference in suspected cases while in confirmed cases females were 4 times more likely to complain of cough [OR (95% CI) 3.92 (1.316–11.68), P-value .014] and 5 times more likely to experience loss of smell or taste [OR (95% CI) 4.84 (1.62–14.43), P-value .005]. Laboratory markers revealed high levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, blood urea, serum creatinine, creatine kinase, and serum ferritin in males and this was statistically significant ( P-value <.001) in suspected and confirmed cases. Females confirmed with COVID-19 were 80%, 97%, and 97% less likely to have high levels of ALT, creatin kinase, and serum ferritin [OR (95% CI) 0.20 (0.07–0.54), 0.07 (0.01–0.38), and 0.07 (0.01–0.90), P-value .002, .002, and .041, respectively].

Conclusion:

Gender differences were found in laboratory markers in COVID-19 suspected and confirmed cases and in perceived symptoms in confirmed cases.
Levels of Physical Activity and Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Physicians in Saudi Arabia Post COVID-19 Lockdown: An Epidemiological Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: AlOmar Reem S.
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common worldwide. Recommendations to reduce discomfort often commence with increasing physical activity levels. In Saudi Arabia, levels of physical activity prior to the COVID-19 pandemic were low. This cross-sectional study aims at estimating the prevalence of MSDs among Saudi physicians, as well as determining the pattern and level of physical activity post lockdown and examining their association.

Methods:

Physical activity levels were assessed via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and MSDs were assessed via the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Chi-squared tests with significance levels of <.05 were performed to explore bivariate associations. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were given by binary logistic regression analyses.

Results:

A total of 3492 physicians participated in this study, and over half of them (63.55%) reported low physical activity. Risk of MSDs increased with aging and with increasing BMI ( P for trend <.05). Females were more likely to report MSDs (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.07-1.86), as well as physicians with a chronic condition (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.24-1.37) and those who work in shifts (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.03-1.37). Moderate activity conferred a non-significant protective effect (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.79-1.13), whilst high physical activity had a non-significant increased risk of MSDs in this population.

Conclusion:

Physical activity in this population is astonishingly low, while prevalence of MSDs is relatively high. Significant factors include age, sex, shift work, and the presence of chronic conditions. Current results warrant the consideration of preventive measures for physicians.
Climate of Conformism: Social Media Users’ Opinion on Homosexuality in Nigeria
Authors: Ukonu Michael O. , Anorue Luke I. , Ololo Ugochukwu , Olawoyin Habibat M.
Published: August 2021

Social media has emerged as a robust medium for discourses on sexuality given its capacity to challenge mainstream narratives and empower personal views on self-expression. In Nigeria, the growing interest in homosexual expressions through online platforms is yet to receive significant research attention, although scholars are hinting at the influences of social media. The present study examines social media as a relatively novel platform for discourses on homosexuality in Nigeria. It attempts to ascertain users’ willingness to express opinion, directions of opinion, and factors affecting opinion formation. Within the purview of social integration paradigms, the study reviews current perspectives in global homosexuality narratives. Using descriptive and hermeneutic analysis, it examines data from 323 Facebook users selected through snowball sampling technique as well as 300 comments purposively selected from “verified” Instagram accounts. The study finds significant willingness to express opinions, propelled by “rising interest in the topic.” Within a persisting climate of negative opinion, the study locates subsisting influences of socio-cultural institutions on opinion formation. It discusses the implications of the influences of the institutions and political propaganda, which nourish heterosexism and negative bias against homosexuality.
Opioid Use Disorder in Patients Undergoing Primary 1- to 2-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Is Associated With Longer In-Hospital Lengths of Stay and Higher Rates of Readmissions, Complications, and Costs of Care
Authors: Kim Nathan S. , Lam Aaron W. , Golub Ivan J. , Sheth Bhavya K. , Vakharia Rushabh M. , Saleh Ahmed , Razi Afshin E.
Published: August 2021

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Objective:

To determine whether opioid use disorder (OUD) patients undergoing 1- to 2-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (1-2ACDF) have higher rates of: 1) in-hospital lengths of stay (LOS); 2) readmissions; 3) complications; and 4) costs.

Methods:

OUD patients undergoing primary 1-2ACDF were identified within the Medicare database and matched to a control cohort in a 1:5 ratio by age, sex, and medical comorbidities. The query yielded 80,683 patients who underwent 1-2 ACDF with (n = 13,448) and without (n = 67,235) OUD. Outcomes analyzed included in-hospital LOS, 90-day readmission rates, 90-day medical complications, and costs. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds-ratios (OR) for medical complications and readmissions. Welch’s t-test was used to test for significance for LOS and cost between the cohorts. An alpha value less than 0.002 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

OUD patients were found to have significantly longer in-hospital LOS compared to their counterparts (3.41 vs. 2.23-days, P < .0001), in addition to higher frequency and odds of requiring readmissions (21.62 vs. 11.57%; OR: 1.38, P < .0001). Study group patients were found to have higher frequency and odds of developing medical complications (0.88 vs. 0.19%, OR: 2.80, P < .0001) and incurred higher episode of care costs ($20,399.62 vs. $16,812.14, P < .0001).

Conclusion:

The study can help to push orthopaedic surgeons in better managing OUD patients pre-operatively in terms of safe discontinuation and education of opioid drugs and their effects on complications, leading to more satisfactory outcomes.
Determinants of the Effects of Sustainability Marketing on consumers’ Purchase Intentions: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Sharma Rishi Raj , Kaur Tanveer
Published: August 2021

Sustainability Marketing (SM) is an innovative as well as a provocative area of research in the 21st century owing to the intensified competitive pressure in the business environment. Sustainability is conceptualized to constitute economic, social and environmental dimensions. These are originally premised on the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach. The present study examines these elements by acknowledging the nexus between marketing and sustainability to reveal the antecedents and consequences pertaining to SM. This study investigates the feasibility of joint application of sustainability and marketing along with a blueprint of SM’s effect on corporate reputation (CR) and consumers’ purchase intentions (PI). Four hundred and forty respondents from North India were surveyed through email. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was employed to examine SM’s effect on CR and PI through sustainability advertising (SA). The study implies that if the practitioners believe in sustainability and want to reap the benefits of favourable CR, they must adopt SA strategies for positioning the firm’s sustainability efforts in the desired way.
Does Credit Rating Revisions Affect the Price of Common Stock: A Study of Indian Capital Market
Authors: Dawar Gaurav , Bhatia Shivangi , Bindal Jai Parkash
Published: August 2021

The current investigation aims to assess the effect of credit assessment changes on the share prices of Indian companies from 2009 to 2019. The data of top 100 companies listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) across 10 industries stem from CMIE databases. The excess stock return is compared with the market in a 15-day window around credit rating changes. The event effect on share prices is more in the pre-event window compared to the post-event window. Positive abnormal stock returns around upgrades through downgrades are statistically significant compared to upgrades. Credit ratings are not significant across industries, and agency nationality is a critical factor for calculating the intensity of price reaction.
Factors Determining the Exchange Rate Exposure of Firms: Evidence from India
Authors: Sayed Zakiya Begum , Gayathri J.
Published: August 2021

Exchange rate exposure is a strategic decision in finance and risk management at both the micro and macro level of business operations. Literature on the measurement, and management of this risk, has had no consensus on the factors affecting it as these factors seem to be dynamic. In an effort to consider a comprehensive study at the firm level, this article examines the exchange rate exposure of 271 constituent firms from the BSE S&P 500 index. The study period was 2001 to 2020 divided into sub-periods around the financial crises of 2008. The study uses two contemporary approaches (the capital market approach and the cash flow approach) and five relevant exchange rates (USD, EURO, GBP, JPY, and REER) to measure the foreign exchange. The sample firms were divided into 10 industrial sectors to identify the factors that lead to exposure of firms to exchange rate volatility. We use multinomial logistic regression to regress the select factors with the measured value of exchange rate exposure. The findings of the article suggest that multinationality, fixed asset utilization ratio, hedging activities, industrial sectors, size, and age of the firms are the significant determinants of such exposure. The results varied during the sub-periods and across industries.
Current Concepts on Subtalar Instability
Authors: Pereira Bruno S. , Andrade Renato , Espregueira-Mendes João , Marano Ricardo P. Casaroli , Oliva Xavier Martin , Karlsson Jón
Published: August 2021

Subtalar instability remains a topic of debate, and its precise cause is still unknown. The mechanism of injury and clinical symptoms of ankle and subtalar instabilities largely overlap, resulting in many cases of isolated or combined subtalar instability that are often misdiagnosed. Neglecting the subtalar instability may lead to failure of conservative or surgical treatment and result in chronic ankle instability. Understanding the accurate anatomy and biomechanics of the subtalar joint, their interplay, and the contributions of the different subtalar soft tissue structures is fundamental to correctly diagnose and manage subtalar instability. An accurate diagnosis is crucial to correctly identify those patients with instability who may require conservative or surgical treatment. Many different nonsurgical and surgical approaches have been proposed to manage combined or isolated subtalar instability, and the clinician should be aware of available treatment options to make an informed decision. In this current concepts narrative review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the anatomy, biomechanics, clinical and imaging diagnosis, nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, and outcomes after subtalar instability treatment.
Establishing Age- and Sex-Specific Norms for Pediatric Return-to-Sports Physical Performance Testing
Authors: Magill John R. , Myers Heather S. , Lentz Trevor A. , Pietrosimone Laura , Risoli Thomas , Green Cindy L. , Reinke Emily K. , Messer Michael R. , Riboh Jonathan C.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Graft tears and contralateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are common in pediatric athletes after ACL reconstruction. Use of objective return-to-sports (RTS) criteria, in particular physical performance tests (PPTs), is believed to reduce the incidence of secondary injury; however, pediatric norms for these tests are unknown.

Purpose:

To establish a proof of concept for the creation of age- and sex-based norms for commonly used RTS PPTs in healthy pediatric athletes, allowing the creation of growth curves for clinical referencing.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 100 healthy people who were between the ages of 6 and 18 years and involved in organized sports were enrolled, with even distributions of age and sex. All participants underwent 9 common RTS PPTs: stork test, stork test on Bosu, single-leg squat, single-leg squat on Bosu, clockwise and counterclockwise quadrant hops, single-leg hop for distance, 6-m timed hop, and triple crossover hop for distance. Mean performance across limbs was calculated for each individual. Chronological age, height, weight, sex, and self-reported Pubertal Maturational Observational Scale (PMOS) score were recorded. Univariable and multivariable models were created for each PPT, assessing the importance of the recorded descriptive variables. Quantile regression was used to create growth curves for each PPT.

Results:

The cohort was 52% female, and the mean ± standard deviation age was 11.7 ± 3.6 years. PMOS was highly correlated with age ( r = 0.86) and was excluded from the regressions. In univariable regression, age, height, and weight were strong predictors of performance for all PPTs, whereas sex was a predictor of performance on the single-leg and triple crossover hops for distance (with males outperforming females). Height and weight were excluded from multivariable regression because of multicollinearity with age. Multivariable regression showed predictive patterns for age and sex that were identical to those shown in the univariable analysis. Given ceiling effects, quantile regression for the stork tests was not possible, but quantile regression growth curves were successfully created for the 7 remaining PPTs.

Conclusion:

Chronological age and sex accurately predicted performance on common RTS PPTs in pediatric patients. The growth curves presented herein could assist clinicians with benchmarking pediatric patients postoperatively against a healthy athletic cohort.
Market power and urban housing development
Authors: Ahn Sungin , Arnott Richard
Published: August 2021

This paper investigates the relationship between market power and urban housing development in a two-period, partial equilibrium model of a durable rental housing market with a fixed stock of homogeneous land, a convex housing construction technology, and no externalities. We contrast the planning solution and the monopoly solution. Since we employ social surplus analysis, the competitive equilibrium coincides with the planning solution. Thus, we contrast the competitive equilibrium and the monopoly solution. On a priori grounds, one expects less housing to be produced under monopoly than under competition. The monopolist can produce less housing by constructing housing at lower density, holding land off the market, or developing his land later. We show that the monopolist: (i) will never hold land off the market for both periods, (ii) may develop either a higher or lower proportion of her land in the first period than under competition, and (iii) in both periods will construct at lower density than under competition.
Relocating Subalternity: Dalit Rebellion in the Poetry of Sikhamani
Authors: Krishnaiah B.
Published: August 2021

The poet Sikhamani is a teacher and a Dalit poet who writes in Telugu. His contribution to the corpus of Dalit poetry in Telugu is significant. Sikhamani’s poetry exposes the hypocrisy, inhumanity, exploitation, atrocities, discrimination, etc., of the caste Hindu society. The Black Rainbow: Dalit Poems in Telugu (2000), a collection of Sikhamani’s poems, portrays the problems of Dalit lives. His use of mythological figures, metaphors, similes, allusions, etc., enrich his poetry. Every poem reflects a protest/rebellious attitude from which the identity of Dalits emerges. He attacks the physical, cultural, social and even literary atrocities perpetrated over Dalits and interrogates Brahmanism.
Amphiboles and phyllosilicates in the A-type Mandira Granite Massif, Graciosa Province, SE Brazil: Textures, composition and crystallisation conditions
Authors: Siachoque Astrid , Santos Caio A. , Vlach Silvio R.F
Published: August 2021

Amphibole and biotite were the principal mafic minerals precipitated during the magmatic and post-magmatic (including hydrothermal) crystallisation stages of coeval metaluminous to slightly peraluminous syenogranites and peralkaline alkali-feldspar granites of the Mandira Granite Massif, in the post-collisional A-type Graciosa Province, S-SE Brazil. Magmatic calcic (ferro-ferri-hornblende and hastingsite) amphiboles occur in the metaluminous syenogranites, whereas calcic (ferro-edenite), sodic–calcic (ferro-ferri-winchite) and sodic (arfvedsonite and riebeckite) amphiboles occur in peralkaline alkali-feldspar granites. Rare earth element (REE) contents decrease from hornblende to winchite and riebeckite, and the partition coefficients indicate increasing compatibility from light rare earth elements (LREE) to heavy rare earth elements (HREE), with a marked preference for the HREE over the LREE in the sodic–calcic and, particularly, the sodic amphiboles. Post-magmatic calcic- (ferro-actinolite) and sodic- (riebeckite) amphiboles are also present in the peralkaline granites. Magmatic biotite (annite) is dominant in syenogranites, whereas post-magmatic annite and late-to post-magmatic annite evolving to siderophyllite occurs in the peralkaline granites. Typical hydrothermal phyllosilicates are chlorite (chamosite) in syenogranites and related greisens, and ferri-stilpnomelane which is present in both peralkaline granites and metaluminous syenogranites. Lithostatic pressure estimates suggest that the main granites were emplaced under pressures of ~93–230 MPa, with close-to-liquidus temperatures varying from ~830°C for syenogranites to ~900°C for the peralkaline granites. The original magmas crystallised mainly under relatively reduced (buffered at ~ –1 ≤ QFM ≤ 0), and more oxidising (somewhat above QFM) environments, respectively. Chlorite, replacing biotite in syenogranites and as the main mineral in the related greisens, permits the temperature of the main hydrothermal event to have taken place between 250 and 272°C. Estimated log (fHF/fHCl) values from biotite compositions vary from ~ –2 to –1 (syenogranites) and ~ –3.5 to –2 (peralkaline granites) and indicate F preference over Cl in the hydrothermal fluid phase.
Validation and update of a multivariable prediction model for the identification and management of patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Bo , Zhao Youyun , Cai Wangxi , Ming Anping , Li Hanmin
Published: August 2021

Background

A hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prediction model (ASAP), including age, sex, and the biomarkers alpha-fetoprotein and prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence-II, showed potential clinical value in the early detection of HCC. We validated and updated the model in a real-world cohort and promoted its transferability to daily clinical practice.

Methods

This retrospective cohort analysis included 1012 of the 2479 eligible patients aged 35 years or older undergoing surveillance for HCC. The data were extracted from the electronic medical records. Biomarker values within the test-to-diagnosis interval were used to validate the ASAP model. Due to its unsatisfactory calibration, three logistic regression models were constructed to recalibrate and update the model. Their discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility were compared. The performance statistics of the final updated model at several risk thresholds are presented. The outcomes of 855 non-HCC patients were further assessed during a median of 10.2 months of follow-up. Statistical analyses were performed using packages in R software.

Results

The ASAP model had superior discriminative performance in the validation cohort [C-statistic = 0.982, (95% confidence interval 0.972–0.992)] but significantly overestimated the risk of HCC (intercept − 3.243 and slope 1.192 in the calibration plot), reducing its clinical usefulness. Recalibration-in-the-large, which exhibited performance comparable to that of the refitted model revision, led to the retention of the excellent discrimination and substantial improvements in the calibration and clinical utility, achieving a sensitivity of 100% at the median prediction probability of the absence of HCC (1.3%). The probability threshold of 1.3% and the incidence of HCC in the cohort (15.5%) were used to stratify the patients into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups. The cumulative HCC incidences in the non-HCC patients significantly differed among the risk groups (log-rank test, p-value < 0.001). The 3-month, 6-month and 18-month cumulative incidences in the low-risk group were 0.6%, 0.9% and 0.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

The ASAP model is an accurate tool for HCC risk estimation that requires recalibration before use in a new region because calibration varies with clinical environments. Additionally, rational risk stratification and risk-based management decision-making, e.g., 3-month follow-up recommendations for targeted individuals, helped improve HCC surveillance, which warrants assessment in larger cohorts.