bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Mechanistic versus Organic Organizational Structure Models in Dental Services: Cross-Sectional Study and Review
Authors: Alsalman Wesam Talal , Alharbi Saad Mulhi , Almutairi Naif Sultan , Almuzaini Mohammed Brahim , Albattah Abeer Hani
Published: October 2022

Introduction: It is critical to understand both mechanistic and organic managerial models, as different approaches of management may need to be applied in different tasks within the same organization. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, single-facility-based study in dental care. A bilingual, electronically generated questionnaire (Arabic and English) was used at a large-scale dental center and distributed through a social media platform to a convenience sample (150 individuals). The questionnaire included demographic data, educational level, and Yes/No/I Don’t Know questions. Descriptive statistics were used for data summarization and presentation. Results: The response rate was 77%, with the age range from 18 to 54 years and female-to-male distribution of 34–66%, respectively. Participants were either clinical (75 [64.66%]) or administrative (41 [35.34%]) employees. One-hundred participants (94.83%) preferred the presence of clear job description, and 101 (87.07%) preferred working with the presence of organizational chart. In addition, when participants were asked about the possibility of training employees for performing tasks other than their own qualifications, there was some uncertainty in answers (Yes [40.52%]; No [49.14%]; I Don’t Know [10.34%]). There was a general agreement among the majority of participants that delegation of authority to lower-level employees is beneficial to the work environment (73.28%) and to the quality of provided dental services (78.45%), which is a more organic approach. When we asked our employees if they agree it is best to base workplace communication relationships on trust and cooperation and not on hierarchy and identified job description, the vast majority (81.90%) answered “Yes.” In addition, informality of communication was the main preference for most participants (61.21%), reflecting their preference for the organic model in the communication aspect. Discussion/Conclusion: It is concluded that contingency and situational theories are more preferred in participants working in dental settings. Mechanistic structures, in terms of the presence of an organizational chart, defined job descriptions, and workers performing tasks appropriate to their qualifications, seem to be preferred with dental workers. Furthermore, there is general agreement that delegation of authority as an organic approach is beneficial for the work environment in dental settings and has a positive effect on employee loyalty. Finally, informal organic communication methods are preferred by dental workers.
PD-1/CTLA-4 Blockade Leads to Expansion of CD8+PD-1int TILs and Results in Tumor Remission in Experimental Liver Cancer
Authors: Bufe Sandra , Zimmermann Artur , Ravens Sarina , Prinz Immo , Buitrago-Molina Laura Elisa , Geffers Robert , Woller Norman , Kühnel Florian , Talbot Steven R. , Noyan Fatih , Manns Michael Peter , Wedemeyer Heiner , Hardtke-Wolenski Matthias , Jaeckel Elmar , Davalos-Misslitz Ana C.
Published: October 2022

Background: Checkpoint inhibitors act on exhausted CD8+ T cells and restore their effector function in chronic infections and cancer. The underlying mechanisms of action appear to differ between different types of cancer and are not yet fully understood. Methods: Here, we established a new orthotopic HCC model to study the effects of checkpoint blockade on exhausted CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). The tumors expressed endogenous levels of HA, which allowed the study of tumor-specific T cells. Results: The induced tumors developed an immune-resistant TME in which few T cells were found. The few recovered CD8+ TILs were mostly terminally exhausted and expressed high levels of PD-1. PD-1/CTLA-4 blockade resulted in a strong increase in the number of CD8+ TILs expressing intermediate amounts of PD-1, also called progenitor-exhausted CD8+ TILs, while terminally exhausted CD8+ TILs were almost absent in the tumors of treated mice. Although transferred naïve tumor-specific T cells did not expand in the tumors of untreated mice, they expanded strongly after treatment and generated progenitor-exhausted but not terminally exhausted CD8+ TILs. Unexpectedly, progenitor-exhausted CD8+ TILs mediated the antitumor response after treatment with minimal changes in their transcriptional profile. Conclusion: In our model, few doses of checkpoint inhibitors during the priming of transferred CD8+ tumor-specific T cells were sufficient to induce tumor remission. Therefore, PD-1/CTLA-4 blockade has an ameliorative effect on the expansion of recently primed CD8+ T cells while preventing their development into terminally exhausted CD8+ TILs in the TME. This finding could have important implications for future T-cell therapies.
Triglyceride-Glucose Index Cutoff Point Is an Accurate Marker for Predicting the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Obese Caucasian Subjects
Authors: Primo David , Izaola Olatz , de Luis Daniel A.
Published: October 2022

Background: Recently, the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has been suggested as a surrogate insulin resistance marker. This index could act as an early screening marker in individuals with a high risk of metabolic syndrome (MS) such as obese subjects. Aims: The objective of this work was to detect the cutoff point of the TyG index for the diagnosis of MS according to ATPIII criteria on obese subjects and to compare with HOMA-IR. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 1,494 obese subjects. Measurements of adiposity parameters, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, insulin concentration, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile, C-reactive protein, adipokines, and the prevalence of MS were determined. The TyG index was calculated from the next equation: Ln (fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL))/2. Results: A total of 1,494 subjects were recruited, 421 males (28.1%) and 1,073 females (71.8%), with an average age of 45.8 ± 15.3 years (range: 29–62). A total of 677 subjects had MS (45.5%) and 817 did not show MS (54.6%). The averages of HOMA-IR and TyG index values increased as the components of MS were aggregated, and both indexes were higher in subjects with MS. The area under the curve (AUC) of the TyG index according to ATPIII criteria showed values of 0.746 (0.721–0.771; p = 0.001). The cutoff point according to the Youden index was 4.72, with sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 88.2%, respectively. For the HOMA-IR, AUC showed values of 0.682 (0.654–0.710; p = 0.01). The cutoff point was 3.23, with sensitivity and specificity of 78% and 70.1%, respectively. Conclusions: The TyG index is more powerful for predicting MS than HOMA-IR in Caucasian obese subjects.
Sex Differences in Health Conditions Associated with Sexual Assault in a Large Hospital Population
Authors: Lake Allison M. , Goleva Slavina B. , Samuels Lauren R. , Carpenter Laura M. , Davis Lea K.
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Sexual assault is an urgent public health concern with both immediate and long-lasting health consequences, affecting 44% of women and 25% of men during their lifetimes. Large studies are needed to understand the unique healthcare needs of this patient population. Methods: We mined clinical notes to identify patients with a history of sexual assault in the electronic health record (EHR) at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), a large university hospital in the Southeastern USA, from 1989 to 2021 (N = 3,376,424). Using a phenome-wide case-control study, we identified diagnoses co-occurring with disclosures of sexual assault. We performed interaction tests to examine whether sex modified any of these associations. Association analyses were restricted to a subset of patients receiving regular care at VUMC (N = 833,185). Results: The phenotyping approach identified 14,496 individuals (0.43%) across the VUMC-EHR with documentation of sexual assault and achieved a positive predictive value of 93.0% (95% confidence interval = 85.6–97.0%), determined by manual patient chart review. Out of 1,703 clinical diagnoses tested across all subgroup analyses, 465 were associated with sexual assault. Sex-by-trauma interaction analysis revealed 55 sex-differential associations and demonstrated increased odds of psychiatric diagnoses in male survivors. Discussion: This case-control study identified associations between disclosures of sexual assault and hundreds of health conditions, many of which demonstrated sex-differential effects. The findings of this study suggest that patients who have experienced sexual assault are at risk for developing wide-ranging medical and psychiatric comorbidities and that male survivors may be particularly vulnerable to developing mental illness.
HER2-Low Breast Cancer: Where Are We?
Authors: Molinelli Chiara , Jacobs Flavia , Marchiò Caterina , Pitto Francesca , Cosso Maurizio , Spinaci Stefano , de Azambuja Evandro , Schettini Francesco , Agostinetto Elisa , Lambertini Matteo
Published: October 2022

Background: Breast cancer is traditionally classified into three clinical subtypes based on hormone receptor and HER2 status (i.e., luminal-like, HER2-positive, and triple negative). Each subtype has distinct clinical-pathological and molecular characteristics and requires tailored treatments. Recent research efforts have been focusing on a new classification, identifying the so-called “HER2-low” category, including tumors characterized by a low level of HER2 expression (immunohistochemistry score 1+ or 2+ without in situ hybridization amplification). Emerging evidence shows that patients with HER2-low tumors can derive benefit from selected anti-HER2 therapies. This represents a major advancement in the field of breast oncology, where a broader proportion of patients with breast cancer can ultimately benefit from new effective targeted treatment strategies. Summary: The antibody-drug conjugate trastuzumab deruxtecan has proven impressive efficacy in patients with HER2-low breast cancer, and several other drugs are currently under investigation in this subset of patients. Additional investigation is needed to address open issues that exist in this field, including appropriate pathological assessment of HER2-low status, clarification of its prognostic implications, and global access to newly approved drugs. Key Message: Our review aims to summarize the available evidence regarding HER2-low breast cancer, illustrating the current challenges that are being addressed and the future perspectives in this exciting new field.
Regorafenib versus Cabozantinib as a Second-Line Treatment for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Anchored Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparison of Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Merle Philippe , Kudo Masatoshi , Krotneva Stanimira , Ozgurdal Kirhan , Su Yun , Proskorovsky Irina
Published: October 2022

Introduction: The tyrosine kinase inhibitors regorafenib and cabozantinib remain the mainstay in second-line treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There is currently no clear evidence of superiority in efficacy or safety to guide choice between the two treatments. Methods: We conducted an anchored matching-adjusted indirect comparison using individual patient data from the RESORCE trial of regorafenib and published aggregate data from the CELESTIAL trial of cabozantinib. Second-line HCC patients with prior sorafenib exposure of ≥3 months were included in the analyses. Hazard ratios (HRs) and restricted mean survival time (RMST) were estimated to quantify differences in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Safety outcomes compared were rates of grade 3 or 4 adverse events (AEs), occurring in >10% of patients, and discontinuation or dose reduction due to treatment-related AEs. Results: After matching adjustment for differences in baseline patient characteristics, regorafenib showed a favorable OS (HR, 0.80; 95% CI: 0.54, 1.20) and ∼3-month-longer RMST over cabozantinib (RMST difference, 2.76 months; 95% CI: −1.03, 6.54), although not statistically significant. For PFS, there was no numerical difference in HR (HR, 1.00; 95% CI: 0.68, 1.49) and no clinically meaningful difference based on RMST analyses (RMST difference, −0.59 months; 95% CI: −1.83, 0.65). Regorafenib showed a significantly lower incidence of discontinuation (risk difference, −9.2%; 95% CI: −17.7%, −0.6%) and dose reductions (−15.2%; 95% CI: −29.0%, −1.5%) due to treatment-related AEs (any grade). Regorafenib was also associated with a lower incidence (not statistically significant) of grade 3 or 4 diarrhea (risk difference, −7.1%; 95% CI: −14.7%, 0.4%) and fatigue (−6.3%; 95% CI: −14.6%, 2.0%). Conclusion: This indirect treatment comparison suggests, relative to cabozantinib, that regorafenib could be associated with favorable OS (not statistically significant), lower rates of dose reductions and discontinuation due to treatment-related AEs, and lower rates of severe diarrhea and fatigue.
Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Automatic Analysis of Children’s Language Samples: Where Do We Go from Here?
Authors: Lüdtke Ulrike , Bornman Juan , de Wet Febe , Heid Ulrich , Ostermann Jörn , Rumberg Lars , van der Linde Jeannie , Ehlert Hanna
Published: October 2022

Background: Language sample analysis (LSA) is invaluable to describe and understand child language use and development for clinical purposes and research. Digital tools supporting LSA are available, but many of the LSA steps have not been automated. Nevertheless, programs that include automatic speech recognition (ASR), the first step of LSA, have already reached mainstream applicability. Summary: To better understand the complexity, challenges, and future needs of automatic LSA from a technological perspective, including the tasks of transcribing, annotating, and analysing natural child language samples, this article takes on a multidisciplinary view. Requirements of a fully automated LSA process are characterized, features of existing LSA software tools compared, and prior work from the disciplines of information science and computational linguistics reviewed. Key Messages: Existing tools vary in their extent of automation provided across the process of LSA. Advances in machine learning for speech recognition and processing have potential to facilitate LSA, but the specifics of child speech and language as well as the lack of child data complicate software design. A transdisciplinary approach is recommended as feasible to support future software development for LSA.
Arteriovenous Fistulae in Chronic Kidney Disease and the Heart: Physiological, Histological, and Transcriptomic Characterization of a Novel Rat Model
Authors: Van den Eynde Jef , Jacquemyn Xander , Cloet Nicolas , Noé Dries , Gillijns Hilde , Lox Marleen , Gsell Willy , Himmelreich Uwe , Luttun Aernout , McCutcheon Keir , Janssens Stefan , Oosterlinck Wouter
Published: October 2022

Background

Arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) are the gold standard for vascular access in those requiring hemodialysis but may put an extra hemodynamic stress on the cardiovascular system. The complex interactions between the heart, kidney, and AVFs remain incompletely understood.

Methods and Results

We characterized a novel rat model of five‐sixths partial nephrectomy (NX) and AVFs. NX induced increases in urea, creatinine, and hippuric acid. The addition of an AVF (AVF+NX) further increased urea and a number of uremic toxins such as trimethylamine N‐oxide and led to increases in cardiac index, left and right ventricular volumes, and right ventricular mass. Plasma levels of uremic toxins correlated well with ventricular morphology and function. Heart transcriptomes identified altered expression of 8 genes following NX and 894 genes following AVF+NX, whereas 290 and 1431 genes were altered in the kidney transcriptomes, respectively. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed gene expression changes related to cell division and immune activation in both organs, suppression of ribosomes and transcriptional activity in the heart, and altered renin‐angiotensin signaling as well as chronodisruption in the kidney. All except the latter were worsened in AVF+NX compared with NX.

Conclusions

Inflammation and organ dysfunction in chronic kidney disease are exacerbated following AVF creation. Furthermore, our study provides important information for the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the management of cardiorenal syndrome.
Using Computational Models to Test Syntactic Learnability
Authors: Wilcox Ethan Gotlieb , Futrell Richard , Levy Roger
Published: October 2022

We studied the learnability of English filler-gap dependencies and the “island” constraints on them by assessing the generalizations made by autoregressive (incremental) language models that use deep learning to predict the next word given preceding context. Using factorial tests inspired by experimental psycholinguistics, we found that models acquire not only the basic contingency between fillers and gaps, but also the unboundedness and hierarchical constraints implicated in the dependency. We evaluated a model’s acquisition of island constraints by demonstrating that its expectation for a filler-gap contingency is attenuated within an island environment. Our results provide empirical evidence against the argument from the poverty of the stimulus for this particular structure.
The Census “Crisis Episode” and the Chronicler’s Mythic Agenda in 1 Chronicles 21
Authors: Leuchter Mark
Published: October 2022

The census narrative in 1 Chr 21 draws from the earlier version of the episode preserved in 2 Sam 24, which followed a mythological pattern we encounter in “crisis episodes” deriving from the monarchic era. The Chronicler introduces changes that not only depart from his source material on the literary level; they also break with the older mythological patterns found in earlier crisis episodes. These departures result from the influence of Persian imperial mythology on the Chronicler’s writing, with implications for the Chronicler’s own mythological agenda within his rendition of the census narrative and the chapters surrounding it.
Saul and David, Israel and Judah: The Book of Samuel as Paradigmatic History
Authors: Germany Stephen
Published: October 2022

This study makes the case that within the books of Samuel-Kings as a whole, the book of Samuel presents two nested iterations of paradigmatic history, each of which anticipates the subsequent monarchic history with a distinct thematic focus. The more detailed of these two iterations—the story of Saul’s and David’s reigns in 1 Sam 9– 2 Sam 24—typologically anticipates the subsequent history of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah as narrated in 1 Kgs 12–2 Kgs 25. This paradigmatic “preview” of the fates of Israel and Judah is further condensed in the stories about Eli and Samuel in 1 Sam 1–8, which anticipate elements from 1 Sam 9–2 Sam 24, the book of Kings, and beyond.
Moabite Ethnicity and Territorial Claims in the Mesha Stele (and the Hebrew Bible)
Authors: Thambyrajah Jonathan A.
Published: October 2022

This article seeks to clarify the use of “Dibonite” over “Moabite” in the Mesha Stele. To do so, it considers Mesha’s rhetoric, particularly as it pertains to ethnic divisions within the text. It also compares the rhetoric about Moab found in the Mesha Stele with the rhetoric found in the Hebrew Bible.
The Official Indonesian Qurʾān Translation
Authors: Lukman Fadhli
Published: October 2022

This book studies the political and institutional project of Al-Qur’an dan Terjemahnya, the official translation of the Qurʾān into Indonesian by the Indonesian government. It investigates how the translation was produced and presented, and how it is read, as well as considering the implications of the state’s involvement in such a work.

Lukman analyses the politicisation of the Qurʾān commentary through discussion of how the tafsīr mechanism functions in this version, weighing up the translation’s dual constraints: the growing political context, on the one hand, and the tafsīr tradition on the other. In doing so, the book pays attention to three key areas: the production phase, the textual material, and the reception of the translation by readers.

This book will be of value to scholars with an interest in tafsīr studies, modern and Southeast Asian or Indonesian tafsīr sub-fields, the study of Qurʾān translations, and Indonesian politics and religion more broadly.
4. The Hermeneutical Production
Authors: Lukman Fadhli
Published: October 2022

The fourth chapter goes into greater detail about QT's hermeneutical production. This chapter demonstrates that the state granted full interpretive authority to the ulama, and that the committee's composition ensured that the translation relied heavily on Sunnī sources. However, the production procedures mean that the translation is strongly attributed to the state rather than individual translators, which leads this translation to be considered more valuable than other, regular, individual translations. This chapter also shows that tafsīr has a strong presence in QT, making it a translation of a composite text (the Qur’an and tafsīr), and a shared hermeneutical idea: a reliance on Sunnī tradition and Arabic commentaries position it above any Indonesian commentaries.
5. Between Official Translation and the Official Reform
Authors: Lukman Fadhli
Published: October 2022

Chapter Five deals with the interpretive outcome of Al-Qur’an dan Terjemahnya across its various editions. It investigates the extent to which the rendering of QT represents the interests of the state. This chapter compares QT and the reform projects of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Islamic law and education, through selected relevant issues. This chapter reveals that there is no formal connection between QT and other reform projects of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Heavy reliance on classical Sunnī Qur’an commentaries remains the basic tenet of QT and it generally only selectively accommodates the ideas fashioned by the reform. Furthermore, the interpretive issues addressed by QT point to an important feature of this translation: it avoids controversy.
Rapid Response of the Norwegian Atlantic Slope Current to Wind Forcing
Authors: Brown Nicola Jane , Mauritzen Cecilie , Li Camille , Madonna Erica , Isachsen Pål Erik , LaCasce J. H.
Published: October 2022

We explore drivers of variability in the Norwegian Atlantic Slope Current, which carries relatively warm Atlantic Water toward the Barents Sea and Arctic Ocean, using Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS) satellite altimetry data and TOPAZ4 ocean reanalysis data. Previous studies have pointed to a variety of causes, on a variety of time scales. We use data with daily resolution to investigate day-to-day changes in ocean transport across three sections crossing the shelf-slope of Norway (Svinøy, Gimsøy, and the Barents Sea Opening). The highest (lowest) extremes in transport at all sections develop over two days as a cyclonic (anticyclonic) atmospheric pressure system approaches from the southwest, piling up (extracting) water at the coast of Norway. The actual peak is reached when the pressure system passes the site of measurement, and the transport then relaxes for the next two days as the system continues northward along the coast. Other sources of short-term variability, such as propagating continental shelf waves and baroclinic instability, are unlikely to yield covariability over large separations. Monthly variability in the current can also be explained by passing weather systems since their numbers and intensity vary greatly from month to month. Many studies of longer-term variability, especially in the Barents Sea Opening, have pointed to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) as the main cause of variability. Our results show that passing weather systems offer a better explanation of month-to-month variability.
Altruism, Jobs, and Alternative Certification: Mathematics Teachers’ Reasons for Entry and Their Retention
Authors: Callahan Pamela Catherine , Brantlinger Andrew
Published: October 2022

This study examines the relationship between alternatively certified mathematics teachers’ stated reasons for entry and their odds of retention at the school level and at the district level. Study participants were members of the 2006 and 2007 cohorts of New York City Teaching Fellows who completed three surveys over a 9-year period. Administrative data sets from the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) provided employment history of cohort members as well as demographic information about the teachers and sites of employment in New York City (NYC) public schools. Drawing on retention and survey data, we found that, of the four reasons for entry factors, two were predictive of NYCTF mathematics teacher retention (i.e., job benefits and alternative certification) and two were not (i.e., altruism and meaningful job). Given the cost associated with recruiting and training alternatively certified teachers, information to improve the initial selection process and increase the rate of retention makes financial sense for districts that employ alternatively certified teachers.
Modeling Human Steering Behavior in Haptic Shared Control of Autonomy-Enabled Unmanned Ground Vehicles
Authors: Li Chen , Cole Michael , Jayakumar Paramsothy , Ersal Tulga
Published: October 2022

Objective

A human steering model for teleoperated driving is extended to capture the human steering behavior in haptic shared control of autonomy-enabled Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs).

Background

Prior studies presented human steering models for teleoperation of a passenger-sized Unmanned Ground Vehicle, where a human is fully in charge of driving. However, these models are not applicable when a human needs to interact with autonomy in haptic shared control of autonomy-enabled UGVs. How a human operator reacts to the presence of autonomy needs to be studied and mathematically encapsulated in a module to capture the collaboration between human and autonomy.

Method

Human subject tests are conducted to collect data in haptic shared control for model development and validation. The ACT-R architecture and two-point steering model used in the previous literature are adopted to predict the operator’s desired steering angle. A torque conversion module is developed to convert the steering command from the ACT-R model to human torque input, thus enabling haptic shared control with autonomy. A parameterization strategy is described to find the set of model parameters that optimize the haptic shared control performance in terms of minimum average lane keeping error (ALKE).

Results

The model predicts the minimum ALKE human subjects achieve in shared control.

Conclusions

The extended model can successfully predict the best haptic shared control performance as measured by ALKE.

Application

This model can be used in place of human operators, enabling fully simulation-based engineering, in the development and evaluation of haptic shared control technologies for autonomy-enabled UGVs, including control negotiation strategies and autonomy capabilities.
Bi-exponential model and inverse model of magnetorheological damper for the semi-active suspension of a capsule vehicle
Authors: Yoon Ranhee , Negash Birhan Abebaw , You Wonhee , Lee Jinho , Lee Changyoung , Lee Kwansup
Published: October 2022

The capsule vehicle is a new transportation system that travels in a sub-vacuum tunnel at a speed of about 1000 km/h, and adopts the electrodynamic suspension type levitation system. Accordingly, although it differs according to the driving speed, the vibration of capsule vehicle is expected to be greater than that of the wheel/rail type high-speed rail vehicles. Therefore, a method of applying a semi-active control technique using an MR damper as a secondary suspension of a capsule vehicle to improve passenger comfort is being studied. When performing semi-active control using an MR damper, the most important thing is to determine the current for the MR damper. However, it is difficult to determine the appropriate current for the MR damper because of the hysteretic characteristics of the MR damper. In this study, a practical model named the Bi-exponential model is presented for the application of semi-active control using MR dampers on a capsule vehicle. This Bi-exponential model well reflects the hysteretic characteristics of the MR damper, which makes it easy to obtain the inverse model for determining the current supplied to the MR damper. The semi-active control performance of the Bi-exponential model was evaluated by simulation and a HILS experiment, taking into account the vertical motion of a 1/4-car capsule vehicle. Also, the Bi-exponential model has been validated against the performance of the most commonly used Bouc-Wen model. As a result, the Bi-exponential model showed better hysteretic characteristics of MR dampers compared to the Bouc-Wen model. Furthermore, despite the simpler model compared to the Bouc-Wen model, the semi-active control performance of the Bi-exponential model was found to be better.
Critical Livelihood Assets and Conflict Perceptions of Aweil and Yambio, South Sudan
Authors: Furukawa Mitsuaki , Deng Daniel
Published: October 2022

Since South Sudan’s independence, complex conflicts across the country have eroded trust, challenged nation-building, and displaced 4 million people, with hunger threatening millions more, continuing a long tradition of war inherited from the Sudan. This article examines people’s perceptions of conflict in Aweil and Yambio and found that for trust in the government to return, citizens must believe that development is ethnically and politically inclusive and coherent. In addition to a credible program, government’s effective communication of a “peace through development policy” could rebuild the torn social fabric within and across ethnic groups, and between them and Government.
Increased Handpiece Speeds without Air Coolant: Aerosols and Thermal Impact
Authors: Vernon J.J. , Lancaster P.E. , Black E.V.I. , Devine D.A. , Fletcher L. , Wood D.J. , Nattress B.R.
Published: October 2022

This study assessed the impact of increased speed of high-speed contra-angle handpieces (HSCAHs) on the aerosolization of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) surrogate virus and any concomitant thermal impact on dental pulp. A bacteriophage phantom-head model was used for bioaerosol detection. Crown preparations were performed with an NSK Z95L Contra-Angle 1:5 (HSCAH-A) and a Bien Air Contra-Angle 1:5 Nova Micro Series (HSCAH-B) at speeds of 60,000, 100,000, and 200,000 revolutions per minute (rpm), with no air coolant. Bioaerosol dispersal was measured with Φ6-bacteriophage settle plates, air sampling, and particle counters. Heating of the internal walls of the pulp chambers during crown preparation was assessed with an infrared camera with HSCAH-A and HSCAH-B at 200,000 rpm (water flows ≈15 mL min−1 and ≈30 mL min−1) and an air-turbine control (≈23.5 mL min−1) and correlated with remaining tissue thickness measurements. Minimal bacteriophage was detected on settle or air samples with no notable differences observed between handpieces or speeds ( P > 0.05). At all speeds, maximum settled aerosol and average air detection was 1.00 plaque-forming units (pfu) and 0.08 pfu/m3, respectively. Irrespective of water flow rate or handpiece, both maximum temperature (41.5°C) and temperature difference (5.5°C) thresholds for pulpal health were exceeded more frequently with reduced tissue thickness. Moderate and strong negative correlations were observed based on Pearson’s correlation coefficient, between remaining dentine thickness and either differential ( r = −0.588) or maximum temperature ( r = −0.629) measurements, respectively. Overall, HSCAH-B generated more thermal energy and exceeded more temperature thresholds compared to HSCAH-A. HSCAHs without air coolant operating at speeds of 200,000 rpm did not increase bioaerosolization in the dental surgery. Thermal risk is variable, dependent on handpiece design and remaining dentine thickness.
More Voices Persuade: The Attentional Benefits of Voice Numerosity
Authors: Chang Hannah H. , Mukherjee Anirban , Chattopadhyay Amitava
Published: October 2022

The authors posit that in an initial exposure to a broadcast video, hearing different voices narrate (in succession) a persuasive message encourages consumers’ attention and processing of the message, thereby facilitating persuasion; this is referred to as the voice numerosity effect. Across four studies (plus validation and replication studies)—including two large-scale, real-world data sets (with more than 11,000 crowdfunding videos and over 3.6 million customer transactions, and more than 1,600 video ads) and two controlled experiments (with over 1,800 participants)—the results provide support for the hypothesized effect. The effect (1) has consequential, economic implications in a real-world marketplace, (2) is more pronounced when the message is easier to comprehend, (3) is more pronounced when consumers have the capacity to process the ad message, and (4) is mediated by the favorability of consumers’ cognitive responses. The authors demonstrate the use of machine learning, text mining, and natural language processing to process and analyze unstructured (multimedia) data. Theoretical and marketing implications are discussed.
General and species-specific recommendations for minimal requirements for the use of cephalopods in scientific research
Authors: Ponte Giovanna , Roumbedakis Katina ,   COST Action FA1301, Galligioni Viola , Dickel Ludovic , Bellanger Cécile , Pereira Joao , Vidal Erica AG , Grigoriou Panos , Alleva Enrico , Santucci Daniela , Gili Claudia , Botta Giovanni , Imperadore Pamela , Tarallo Andrea , Juergens Lars , Northrup Emily , Anderson David , Aricò Arianna , De Luca Marianna , Pieroni Eleonora Maria , Fiorito Graziano
Published: October 2022

Here we list species-specific recommendations for housing, care and management of cephalopod molluscs employed for research purposes with the aim of contributing to the standardization of minimum requirements for establishments, care and accommodation of these animals in compliance with the principles stated in Directive 2010/63/EU. Maximizing their psychophysical welfare was our priority. General recommendations on water surface area, water depth and tank shape here reported represent the outcome of the combined action of the analysis of the available literature and an expertise-based consensus reached – under the aegis of the COST Action FA1301 – among researchers working with the most commonly used cephalopod species in Europe. Information on water supply and quality, environmental conditions, stocking density, feeding and handling are also provided. Through this work we wish to set the stage for a more fertile ground of evidence-based approaches on cephalopod laboratory maintenance, thus facilitating standardization and replicability of research outcomes across laboratories, at the same time maximizing the welfare of these animals.
Almond skin, a bio-waste for green dyeing of wool fibres
Authors: Gómez-Moreno Hector , Duran-Serra Aïda , Prieto-Fuentes Remedios , Álvarez del Castillo María Dolores , Macanás Jorge , Carrillo-Navarrete Fernando
Published: October 2022

During the industrial processing of almond fruits, tons of almond skins are generated. Valorization of blanched almond skin wastes by recovering natural polyphenols using water, instead of organic solvents, for direct application of aqueous baths for dyeing of wool fabrics was studied in this work. The results showed that it was possible to recover polyphenols from almond skins and use them as a dye for wool fibres. Kinetics of extraction was modelled by using the diffusion-based Chrastil’s model and Peleg’s empirical model, obtaining excellent fit in both cases (R2 > 0.96). The amount of polyphenol extracted was enough to achieve correct direct dyeing with excellent washing, rubbing and perspiration fastness although the shades obtained were dull. Nevertheless, it was possible to achieve a better coloration by using ion(II) sulfate as the mordant resulting in dyeings with reasonable good washing and rubbing fastness.
The Liberal International Ordering of crisis
Authors: Peoples Columba
Published: October 2022

This article analyses and critically reflects on how the concept of ‘crisis’ has tended to feature within prominent debates on ‘Crisis of the Liberal International Order’. Within such scholarship, the article argues, the concept of crisis most often functions as a technology of crisis management in itself: rather than disrupting narratives and assumptions of liberal progress and order, invocations of crisis within Liberal International Order scholarship tend to recapitulate those same narratives and assumptions. To make this case, the article undertakes an immanent critique of how crisis has been understood within debates on the Liberal International Order, drawing on wider critical and social theoretic reflections on ‘crisis talk’ as the basis for a more critical engagement. Doing so, it seeks to highlight the ways in which Crisis of the Liberal International Order debates constitute a particular way of understanding the relationship between crisis, liberalism and modernity.
Community College International Leaders’ Sensemaking: Entrepreneurial Leadership Skills and Behavior
Authors: Raby Rosalind Latiner , Fischer Heidi , Cruz Natalie Irby
Published: October 2022

Objective: This article explores entrepreneurial leadership behavior from the vantage point of mid- and senior-level administrators who lead international education initiatives at U.S. community colleges. Administrators’ choices are examined to understand how they develop and use strategies for targeted problem solving within their institutional context. Research questions posed in this study include: (1) How, if at all, do community college international education leaders (CC-IELs) self-identify as entrepreneurs? (2) What characteristics embody a CC-IEL entrepreneurial leader? (3) How are CC-IELs navigators of institutional contexts? Methods: Semi-structured interviews are used to investigate the perspectives and entrepreneurial leadership skills and behaviors of 14 CC-IELs. A narrative analysis approach allowed these leaders to reflect on their perspectives and narrate their decision-making process. Results: Findings indicated that the CC-IELs in this study identified as entrepreneurial leaders, used characteristics such as collaboration to build a culture of innovation, and strategically utilized relationships with stakeholders to ground themselves as navigators of institutional contexts. Contributions: This article contributes to the understanding of an under-studied group of leaders in community colleges, specifically those who lead international education programs. It also provides insight into the entrepreneurial dimensions of CC-IEL leadership roles.
COVID-19: Social Distancing and Physical Activity in United Kingdom Residents With Visual Impairments
Authors: Strongman Clare , Swain Patrick , Chung Henry , Merzbach Viviane , Gordon Dan
Published: October 2022

Introduction: The introduction of the COVID-19 lockdown and social distancing policy has the potential to restrict access to physical activity, change exercise behavior, and to increase sedentary behavior. This study was conducted with the support of British Blind Sport and evaluates the effect of the lockdown policy on adults with visual impairments in the United Kingdom (UK). Methods: An online survey based on the World Health Organization’s Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was completed by 73 participants (median age 35–44 years, 59% female) to gain information on how the implementation of the lockdown policy by the UK government has affected physical activity and sedentary behavior in adults that are visually impaired. Paired sample t-tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to analyze continuous and Likert scale data, respectively. Results: The majority of participants continued to exercise during lockdown, but the nature of this activity altered with a significant change to exercising in a private indoor space (+190% (always), z = −3.871, p < 0.001), and those exercising alone (+118% (always), z = −2.595, p = 0.009). The volume of activity reduced in all cases, between −11% and −52%, with significant changes in duration of vigorous day-to-day activity, moderate day-to-day activity, travel by foot or cycle, and vigorous recreational activity. Sedentary behavior increased on average by 21% ( t(59) = −2.050, p = 0.045), with a greater effect seen in females (+36%, t(35) = −2.525, p = 0.016). Discussion: Reductions in physical activity volume and increases in sedentary behavior are consequences of the UK lockdown for those with visual impairments. The health and well-being implications of these data to this specific population are of particular concern. Implications for Practitioners: Lockdown measures should be designed with consideration of the needs of people with disabilities. Innovative ways to engage these populations in physical activity are strongly encouraged.
The Equality Paradox: Gender Equality Intensifies Male Advantages in Adolescent Subjective Well-Being
Authors: Guo Jiesi , Basarkod Geetanjali , Perales Francisco , Parker Philip D. , Marsh Herbert W. , Donald James , Dicke Theresa , Sahdra Baljinder K. , Ciarrochi Joseph , Hu Xiang , Lonsdale Chris , Sanders Taren , del Pozo Cruz Borja
Published: October 2022

Individuals’ subjective well-being (SWB) is an important marker of development and social progress. As psychological health issues often begin during adolescence, understanding the factors that enhance SWB among adolescents is critical to devising preventive interventions. However, little is known about how institutional contexts contribute to adolescent SWB. Using Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2015 and 2018 data from 78 countries ( N = 941,475), we find that gender gaps in adolescents’ SWB (life satisfaction, positive and negative affect) are larger in more gender-equal countries. Results paradoxically indicated that gender equality enhances boys’ but not girls’ SWB, suggesting that greater gender equality may facilitate social comparisons across genders. This may lead to an increased awareness of discrimination against females and consequently lower girls’ SWB, diluting the overall benefits of gender equality. These findings underscore the need for researchers and policy-makers to better understand macro-level factors, beyond objective gender equality, that support girls’ SWB.
Speed and Accuracy Measures of School-Age Readers With Visual Impairments Using a Refreshable Braille Display
Authors: McCarthy Tessa , Holbrook Cay , Kamei-Hannan Cheryl , D’Andrea Frances Mary
Published: October 2022

This study provides information on the use of a refreshable braille display in relation to reading speeds and accuracy for students with visual impairments. The characteristics and variables which were statistically significant predictors of reading speed were explored. Forty-nine students in grades 1–9 participated with their teachers of students with visual impairments. In this 16-week study participants used the Reading Adventure Time! app to complete a pretest, intervention, and eight progress monitoring checks. Using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analyses the researchers found silent reading speeds averaged 16.80 WPM at grades 1–2, 46.43 WPM at grades 3–4, 46.12 WPM at grades 5–6, and 50.51 WPM at grades 7–9. Oral reading speeds averaged 18.37 WPM at grades 1–2, 49.05 WPM at grades 3–4, 45.62 WPM at grades 5–6, and 45.82 WPM at grades 7–9. On average, there were few miscues for participants at all grade levels. Statistically significant predictors of reading speed included the number of braille cells on the refreshable braille display, the proportion of students receiving free and reduced lunch recipients, time spent in literacy instruction with the general education teacher, and whether the student was a dual braille and print reader. Reading speeds were comparable to those found in studies which examined reading paper-based formats. The most common statistically significant predictor of reading speed was the number of cells on the refreshable braille display. Wise decisions about the types of refreshable displays used can potentially make a difference in students’ reading speeds.
Effect of vitamin A supplementation on the outcome severity of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients: A pilot randomized clinical trial
Authors: Somi Mohammad Hossein , Faghih Dinevari Masood , Taghizadieh Ali , Varshochi Mojtaba , Sadeghi Majd Elham , Abbasian Samaneh , Nikniaz Zeinab
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Vitamin A is one of the vitamins that is suggested as adjuvant therapy in viral infections due to its immune enhancing role. In the present clinical trial, we intended to assess the effect of vitamin A supplementation on Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in hospitalized patients.

Methods

The present pilot randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 30 hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Patients in the intervention group received 50000 IU/day intramuscular vitamin A for a maximum of two weeks. Patients in the control group continued their common treatment protocols. All participants were followed up until discharge from the hospital or death. The primary outcome of the study was time to achieve clinical response based on the six classes of an ordinal scale. Time to clinical response was calculated based on the days needed to improve two scores on the scale or patient's discharge.

Results

The time to clinical response was not significantly different between the two groups (7.23 ± 2.14 vs. 6.75 ± 1.85 days, respectively, p = 0.48). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding clinical response (hazard ratio: 1.76 [95% CI: 0.73, 4.26]). There were no significant differences between groups regarding the need for mechanical ventilation, duration of hospitalization, or death in the hospital.

Conclusion

The results of this pilot clinical trial showed no benefit of vitamin A compared with the common treatment on outcome severity in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Although the results are negative, there is still a great need for future clinical studies to provide a higher level of evidence.
Understanding knowledge sharing in online health communities: A social cognitive theory perspective
Authors: Bi Xiaoliang , Cao Xuejing
Published: October 2022

With the growing conflict between increased health awareness and the relative shortage of offline medical resources, online health communities (OHCs) have become an important resource for people seeking help with health difficulties. However, patients joining OHCs prefer to learn about health knowledge rather than to share. As a result, the supply and demand of health information in OHC are out of balance. We collected data from users of four major Chinese OHCs using a questionnaire survey to examine the knowledge sharing intention of OHCs users. A total of 324 cases were included in the final sample. We use structural equation modeling approach to test the proposed hypotheses. The results show that user environmental factors including informational support and emotional support affect trust toward members. Platform environmental factors including information quality and service quality affect trust toward community. Both trust toward members and trust toward community positively influence community commitment. Community commitment and trust toward members positively influence users’ attitudes toward knowledge sharing. Both community commitment and attitude toward knowledge sharing have been proven to be strong predictors of knowledge sharing intentions.