bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurial fear of failure and exit intention: The moderating role of a conducive social environment
Authors: Shahid Subhan , Mei Maggie Qiuzhu , Battisti Martina
Published: February 2024

This article investigates the relationship between entrepreneurial fear of failure, exit intentions and the moderating impact of a conducive social environment, particularly business incubators, in the context of a developing economy. It provides empirical evidence on how different sources of fear of failure influence an entrepreneur’s intention to exit a venture. Building on social-cognitive theory and leveraging survey data collected from 255 practising entrepreneurs, we show that sources of failure related to the self lead to higher exit intentions whereas external sources of failure do not trigger such intentions. Notably, the positive relationship between self-related fear of failure and exit intention is reduced when entrepreneurs operate within the supportive framework of business incubators. This study highlights the specific dynamics of developing economies that can have profound impacts on the psychology of entrepreneurs. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into how fear of failure shapes entrepreneurial outcomes and how a supportive social environment can mitigate its negative impact, particularly in a developing country context such as Pakistan.
The Delphi of ORACLE: An Expert Consensus Survey for the Development of the Observational Risk Assessment of Contractures (Longitudinal Evaluation)
Authors: Tariq Hina , Collins Kathryn , Dunn Joel , Tait Desiree , Porter Sam
Published: February 2024

Objective

Despite rising prevalence rates, no standard tool is available to identify individuals at risk of developing contractures. This study aimed to gain expert consensus on items for the development of the Observational Risk Assessment Tool for Contractures: Longitudinal Evaluation (ORACLE) for care home residents.

Design

A two-round, online modified Delphi study.

Participants

Panellists were qualified healthcare professionals with a background in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and rehabilitation medicine.

Main outcome measures

In the first round, the experts were asked to rate the predesigned list of items on a Likert scale while in the second round, consensus was sought in the areas of disagreement identified in the previous round.

Results

The two rounds of the Delphi survey included 30 and 25 panellists, respectively. The average clinical and academic experience of the panellists was 22.2 years and 10.5 years, respectively. The panel demonstrated a high level of consensus regarding the clinical factors (10 out of 15 items); preventive care approaches (9 out of 10 items), and contextual factors (12 out of 13 items) ranging from 70% to 100%.

Conclusion

This Delphi study determined expert consensus on items to be included in a contracture risk assessment tool (ORACLE). The items were related to factors associated with joint contractures, appropriate preventive care interventions, and potentially relevant contextual factors associated with care home settings. The promise of a risk assessment tool that includes these items has the capacity to reduce the risk of contracture development or progression and to trigger timely and appropriate referrals to help prevent further loss of function and independence.
A semi-naturalistic open-label study examining the effect of prescribed medical cannabis use on simulated driving performance
Authors: Manning Brooke , Arkell Thomas R , Hayley Amie C , Downey Luke A
Published: February 2024

Background:

Despite increasing medical cannabis use, research has yet to establish whether and to what extent products containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) impact driving performance among patients. Stable doses of prescribed cannabinoid products during long-term treatment may alleviate clinical symptoms affecting cognitive and psychomotor performance.

Aim:

To examine the effects of open-label prescribed medical cannabis use on simulated driving performance among patients.

Methods:

In a semi-naturalistic laboratory study, 40 adults (55% male) aged between 23 and 80 years, consumed their own prescribed medical cannabis product. Driving performance outcomes including standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP), the standard deviation of speed (SDS), mean speed and steering variability were evaluated using the Forum8 driving simulator at baseline (pre-dosing), 2.5 h and 5 -h (post-dosing). Perceived driving effort (PDE) was self-reported after each drive. Oral fluid and whole blood samples were collected at multiple timepoints and analysed for THC via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results:

A significant main effect of time was observed for mean speed (p = 0.014) and PDE (p = 0.020), with patients displaying modest stabilisation of vehicle control, increased adherence to speed limits and reductions in PDE post-dosing, relative to baseline. SDLP (p = 0.015) and PDE (p = 0.043) were elevated for those who consumed oil relative to flower-based products. Detectable THC concentrations were observed in oral fluid at 6-h post-dosing (range = 0–24 ng/mL).

Conclusions:

This semi-naturalistic study suggests that the consumption of medical cannabis containing THC (1.13–39.18 mg/dose) has a negligible impact on driving performance when used as prescribed.
Mifepristone decreases nicotine intake in dependent and non-dependent adult rats
Authors: Chellian Ranjithkumar , Behnood-Rod Azin , Bruijnzeel Adriaan W
Published: February 2024

Background:

Addiction to tobacco and nicotine products has adverse health effects and afflicts more than a billion people worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new treatments to reduce tobacco and nicotine use. Glucocorticoid receptor blockade shows promise as a novel treatment for drug abuse and stress-related disorders.

Aim:

These studies aim to investigate whether glucocorticoid receptor blockade with mifepristone diminishes the reinforcing properties of nicotine in rats with intermittent or daily long access to nicotine.

Methods:

The rats self-administered 0.06 mg/kg/inf of nicotine for 6 h per day, with either intermittent or daily access for 4 weeks before treatment with mifepristone. Daily nicotine self-administration models regular smoking, while intermittent nicotine self-administration models occasional smoking. To determine whether the rats were dependent, they were treated with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist mecamylamine, and somatic signs were recorded.

Results:

The rats with intermittent access to nicotine had a higher level of nicotine intake per session than those with daily access but only the rats with daily access to nicotine showed signs of physical dependence. Furthermore, mecamylamine increased nicotine intake during the first hour of access in rats with daily access but not in those with intermittent access. Mifepristone decreased total nicotine intake in rats with intermittent and daily access to nicotine. Moreover, mifepristone decreased the distance traveled and rearing in the open field test and operant responding for food pellets.

Conclusion:

These findings indicate that mifepristone decreases nicotine intake but this effect may be partially attributed to the sedative effects of mifepristone.
Tram-Pedestrian Collision Modeling Using Experimental Data—Its Validation, Repeatability, and Challenges: A Pilot Study
Authors: Purs Hynek , Kuklik Martin , Lopot Frantisek , Kubovy Petr , Jelen Karel , Tikkanen Tommi , Jezdik Roman , Fara Lukas , Tomsovsky Lubos
Published: February 2024

To satisfy the needs of growing urban populations, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and improve the environmental conditions and quality of life in cities, there has been an increasing demand for public transport, especially effective and economically beneficial trams. As a consequence, the issue of pedestrians’ safety has become more important because of a higher risk of tram-pedestrian collisions. The article is focused on the development of a computational model that can accurately simulate such collisions, and its challenges and limitations. Experiments were conducted using various types of trams, different impact speeds, and an anthropomorphic test device (dummy). Computational models of the tram front ends were created based on CAD geometry supplied by VÚKV a.s. The finite-element mesh itself used a combination of 1D, 2D, and 3D elements. Depending on the shape of the individual components, TRIA, QUAD, HEX, PENTA, and TETRA elements were used for modeling. The results showed that the consequences of these collisions are sensitive to small differences in the posture of the dummies. Therefore, it is difficult to identify a generally more pedestrian-friendly shape for trams using the dummy-tram crash test method.
Adopting the Performance Margin in Horizontal Curve Design
Authors: Jaisohn Kim Troy , Ferris John B.
Published: February 2024

A vehicle negotiating a curve experiences a centripetal force that is partially supplied by the tire–pavement friction. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ design handbook, A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (“Green Book”), dictates the design of horizontal curve segments according to the side friction (demand) factor, which is a fraction of the available friction used during a maneuver. However, the Green Book casts the side friction factor not as a measure of tire–pavement friction but as a measure of lateral acceleration. In this way, the Green Book conflates these independent concepts (tire–pavement friction versus lateral acceleration). It is shown in this work that keeping these curve design parameters independent has meaningful benefits. A rigorous mathematical clarification of the differences among the side friction (demand) factor, lateral acceleration, and coefficient of friction is developed. It is shown that changing the coefficient of friction affects the side friction factor, but the opposite is not necessarily true. An alternate metric is proposed, the performance margin [Formula: see text], that has several advantages for assessing friction margins. Currently, horizontal curves are designed only with a lateral friction reserve. Excluding longitudinal dynamics may not be realistic given the manner in which drivers react in limit handling maneuvers. The [Formula: see text] accounts for both bidirectional dynamics and road geometry, and highlights regions where the Green Book’s standards are inconsistent with vehicle performance capabilities. The work concludes by posing recommendations aimed at implementing the [Formula: see text] in future Green Book editions.
Primary Hip Arthroscopy in Patients With Acetabular Dysplasia: A Systematic Review of Published Clinical Outcomes at Minimum 5-Year Follow-up
Authors: Boos Alexander M. , Nagelli Christopher V. , Okoroha Kelechi R. , Sierra Rafael J. , Krych Aaron J. , Hevesi Mario
Published: February 2024

Background:

Hip arthroscopy in patients with borderline hip dysplasia has satisfactory outcomes at short-term follow-up; however, the data on midterm outcomes are inconsistent, and failure rates are high in some studies, limiting understanding of the role and utility of hip arthroscopy in this patient cohort.

Purpose:

To provide an up-to-date, evidence-based review of the clinical outcomes of primary hip arthroscopy in patients with frank or borderline hip dysplasia at ≥5-year follow-up and report the failure rate and progression to total hip arthroplasty in this cohort.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies were included if they evaluated outcomes of primary hip arthroscopy in patients with lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) <25° at ≥5-year follow-up. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies scoring system. Level of evidence was determined using criteria from the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine.

Results:

Nine studies were included in this review. Patients with LCEA <25° demonstrated satisfactory clinical outcomes, high patient satisfaction, and significant postoperative improvements in patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at follow-up ranging from a ≥5 to 10 years. Studies comparing patients with dysplasia to those without did not demonstrate significant differences in preoperative, postoperative, or delta PROs or in failure, reoperation, or revision rates. There was no overall significant correlation between outcomes and LCEA stratification.

Conclusion:

Hip arthroscopy in carefully selected patients with LCEA <25° can be successful at mid- to long-term follow-up and may provide clinical outcomes and failure rates comparable with patients with normal LCEA, understanding that this is a singular, 2-dimensional radiographic measure that does not differentiate instability from impingement or combinations thereof, warranting future studies delineating these differences. These findings suggest that hip dysplasia may not be an absolute contraindication for isolated hip arthroscopy and may serve as a viable intervention with consideration of staged future periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). Importantly, this review does not suggest that hip arthroscopy alters the natural history of dysplasia; therefore, patients with dysplasia should be counseled on the potential utility of PAO by appropriate hip preservation specialists.
Increasing Street-Level Bureaucrats’ Well-Being in Times of Crisis: A Survey Experiment With Two Social Belonging Interventions
Authors: de Boer Noortje , Schott Carina , Loyens Kim
Published: February 2024

This study increases our understanding on how to improve the well-being of street-level bureaucrats. We test the effect of social belonging interventions on street-level bureaucrats’ well-being in times of crisis. We argue stimulating social belonging is especially relevant during crises, because it mitigates identity threats caused by high levels of uncertainty and adversities. We conducted a pre-registered survey experiment during the Covid-19 pandemic among Belgian inspectors ( n = 423). We find social belonging interventions have a small, positive effect ( d = 0.26) on street-level bureaucrats’ work engagement but have no effect on street-level bureaucrats’ burnout. We outline directions for future research by discussing explanations for our (in)significant findings.
“Children Are Like Vuvuzelas Always Ready to Blow”: Exploring How to Engage Young Children in Violence Research
Authors: Woollett Nataly , Christofides Nicola , Franchino-Olsen Hannabeth , Silima Mpho , Fouche Ansie , Meinck Franziska
Published: February 2024

Children’s participation and inclusion in violence research, particularly in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) contexts, is scant and not well understood. To assess how young children can be engaged in violence research, 4- to 7-year-old children were recruited into our pilot study in a rural area of South Africa. Six interviewers, recruited from the community, were trained to complete cognitive interviews ( n = 24), interviewer-administered questionnaires ( n = 21), and qualitative interviews ( n = 18) with young children. Three focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with interviewers. Findings from FGDs and assessment of interview performance highlighted that young children could feasibly and meaningfully appraise violence they experience and articulate their view in a research context. Art- and play-based approaches offered participants an easier and developmentally appropriate platform for communication, expression, and engagement, and asking directly about violence was acceptable. The ease with which children participated was determined both by their level of development and the sensitivity of the interviewers; thus, intensive training and mentorship were required over time to assist interviewers in understanding child development and mental health and increase recognition of these issues and their presentation. Interviewers critically engaged with personal values regarding children’s rights and voice in research, reflecting that some of the stories were difficult to listen to. They were able to use and value novel methods to facilitate the ethical involvement of young children to yield rich data. Without young children’s involvement and dynamic participation in violence research, the field will not have the evidence to build best practices, respond appropriately to the needs of this vulnerable population, and interrupt the intergenerational transmission of violence that develops in these formative years. Our study adds to the burgeoning evidence that young participants are vital to the research process and are valuable active contributors to understanding violence in LMICs.
Therapeutic governance in Hong Kong’s anti-narcotics war, 1959–1980s
Authors: Chan Kelvin
Published: February 2024

This article examines the medical front of the anti-narcotics war in post-war Hong Kong. Situating Hong Kong in the American global drug war, this article traces colonial Hong Kong’s development of addiction treatment and cooperation with American medical experts in conducting a controversial experiment, methadone maintenance. It argues that the colonial government constructed a new form of therapeutic governance to medicalize social issues as behavioural problems. Through large-scale rehabilitation and methadone maintenance, the colonial government claimed to transform addicts in the island colony into useful subjects and justified its radical intervention into social life. To American experts, Hong Kong was an ideal laboratory to examine the controversial treatment. Hong Kong’s methadone experiment became an international success and a model reimported into the United States in the 1980s. A medical history of the anti-narcotics war not only offers a new way to reassess the social reform in the 1970s but also helps us understand the contemporary hard-line approach against drugs in Hong Kong and post-colonial Asia.
Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) applied in the manufacture of Master Sample for the automotive industry
Authors: Fischer Lucas Aurélio Stelziner , Foggiatto José Aguiomar , Marcondes Paulo Victor Prestes , Lajarin Sérgio Fernando
Published: February 2024

In order to supply auto parts to the automotive industry the companies must meet all Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) requirements. One of the biggest difficulties in obtaining the approval of the APQP is in the preparation of the “Master Sample,” which will be used for the validation of jigs, production, and dimensional control devices. The procedures for manufacturing Master Samples through conventional manufacturing processes are outdated, slow, and cost-effective, which goes against the concepts of Industry 4.0. Therefore, this work aims to propose a procedure for Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) that analyzes the feasibility and systematizes the manufacture of Master Sample through Additive Manufacturing (AM). Two model parts were submitted to the procedure, manufactured by AM and validated as Master Samples. In this work, a comparative analysis between the parts produced conventionally and those produced by AM showed that the time and costs in order to obtain the Master Samples using the proposed procedure was significantly shorter. The reduction in time to obtain Master Samples speeds up the evaluation and validation of control devices from suppliers, can speed up the acquisition of APQP documentation and reduce the time in the development of the serial parts by manufacturing process. Furthermore, the use of the proposed DFAM procedure is innovative in the context of the automotive industry, as it suggests a change in the production concept and inserts AM as another option in the manufacturing process and not just as a rapid prototyping tool.
Accuracy characteristics of the testing bench for dynamic transmission error
Authors: Shi Zhaoyao , Yu Zhiyong , Cheng Huiming , Yu Bo , Zuo Guangxiang
Published: February 2024

A high-precision testing bench is required for accurately assessing the dynamic Transmission error (TE) of precision reducers. However, the relationship between the testing bench’s accuracy and deviations in testing conditions has not been determined, leading to an inaccurate evaluation of its metrological performance. In this study, we examined the accuracy characteristics of the testing bench. We analyzed the structure of the bench and identified the main error sources that affect its accuracy, including mechanical system deviation, sensor measurement deviation, and testing condition deviation. In addition, we studied the mechanism of these error sources and proposed a method to convert drive speed deviation and load torque deviation into angle deviation by using a three-dimensional characterization model of lost motion. Based on the expression of TE, we proposed an evaluation method for the accuracy of the testing bench. Furthermore, we presented the methods for calculating the error sources and proposed a method for determining the TE of adjacent units based on the specific coupling structure. Finally, we conducted practical tests to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method in evaluating the accuracy characteristics of the testing bench. We found that the relative test error between quasi-static TE and dynamic TE is small, and more accurate test results are obtained when applying an appropriate load.
Analysis of the influence of geometric difference among rear child occupants on injury outcomes
Authors: Liu Diyi , Xiao Sen , He Yaoxin , Wang Gang , Zhang Hao , Jing Guoxi
Published: February 2024

This study aims to determine the influence of differences in geometric characteristics on lower extremity injury in frontal impact. Occupants with different lower extremity geometries were placed in the same impact environment, and the positioning angles of the lower extremities were consistent. After model validation, multiple sets of experiments were conducted. Responses to injury and kinematics of different lower extremities were compared, and the influence of lower extremity geometric properties on lower extremity injury was analyzed. Results showed that lower extremities with different geometric features produced different injuries and motion responses during impact. Long lower limbs with large femur-tibia length ratios had a wide range of motion. Additionally, the large femur-tibia length ratios increased the load transmitted by the foot to the femur and tibia, and the lower extremity was subjected to high-impact loading. The narrow femur and tibia were subjected to great compressive force and synthetic bending moments at both ends and had a large tibial index. The effects of differences in geometric properties on lower extremity biomechanical injuries can provide insight into lower extremity injury.
Topology optimization of wheel spoke under fatigue tests considering the rotation characteristics of automobile wheels
Authors: Li Aifeng , Jin Run , Zhao Yanlong , Wu Fenghe , Wang Zhaohua
Published: February 2024

The topology structure of wheel spoke has a great impact on the safety and lightweight of automobile wheels. However, the rotation process of the wheels is difficult to be reflected in the design and optimization. In this paper, the topology optimization of wheel spoke under fatigue tests considering the rotation characteristics is studied. The bending fatigue test and radial fatigue test are first introduced and the corresponding computation models are presented to calculate the mechanical performances of the wheel hub. The relationship between the internal stress and the number of the wheel spokes is established, and the mechanical performances with different number of wheel spokes are analyzed to guide the selection to the number. Then, the rotation characteristics of the wheel hub are simplified as static loads at different directions or positions according to the configuration of the wheel spokes. A comprehensive evaluation function which includes the test and load levels is defined by the compromise programming method to simulate the stress during the rotation process. Two levels of topology optimization methods are determined. Next, a mathematical model of multi-objective topology optimization for the wheel spoke is established based on the Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization, and a new wheel hub is obtained. Finally, the mechanical performances are compared with the original wheel hub. The obtained results show that the stiffness and strength of the wheel hub are improved under two test conditions, while the weight is reduced by 2.75%.
The Relationship Between Workplace Drug Policies, Opioid Misuse, and Psychological Distress: Evidence From the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
Authors: Le Aurora B. , Urban-Wojcik Emily , Seewald Meghan , Mezuk Briana R.
Published: February 2024

Background: This study, using a nationally representative dataset of the U.S. workforce, examines how punitive workplace drug policies relate to opioid use/misuse and psychological distress. Methods: The sample included adults aged ≥18 years who participated in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and were employed in 2020. Hierarchical multivariate logistical models were constructed to address the research questions. Results: The weighted, design-based estimates indicate that of 147 831 081 workers, 3.38% reported misusing opioids in the last 12 months. Having a punitive workplace policy was associated with higher rates of opioid use/misuse among workers aged ≤ 34 compared to their same-aged counterparts in nonpunitive workplaces, and among workers identifying as Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color who also experienced severe psychological distress the past year. Conclusion: Some employers may think drug testing policies are net-beneficial to worker well-being; these findings indicate such policies may interact in harmful ways with psychological distress.
More Than Meets the Eye: Misconduct and Decoupling Against Blockchain for Supply Chain Transparency
Authors: Marques Leonardo , Morais Dafne , Terra Ana
Published: February 2024

The fashion industry has consistently ranked high in terms of its association with modern slavery. While scandals like the Rana Plaza incident have focused the world's attention on Asia, in Brazil, over 35,000 people have been rescued from conditions analogous to slavery in the past 15 years. Outsourcing and the underlying social structures that blur the implementation of outsourcing are central to this problem. Fashion supply chains are highly fragmented and labour intensive, exhibiting power asymmetry and informality. Although supply chain research has focused on how focal firms can control or improve supplier practices, this study examines focal firm misconduct and decoupling. Our research presents an intervention aimed at developing a blockchain solution to create a census of fashion working conditions in Brazil. The project included two non-governmental organisations, two fashion brands and their suppliers, the fashion retail association, a blockchain start-up and the research team (18 organisations). We contribute to both theory and practice, revealing that the blockchain's potential to ease transaction costs is outweighed by governance costs related to third-party supervision. We show that focal firms justify unfair purchasing practices via victimisation and diverting attention from themselves to consumers (‘unwilling to pay’) and suppliers (‘not behaving as expected’), unveiling how these drivers of organisational misconduct lead to supplier decoupling (means–end) and focal firm decoupling (policy–practice). Such underlying social structures sustain inaction or, at best, advance focal firms’ visibility of their supply chains while offering no true transparency to the broader society.
Managing Sales via Livestream Commerce: Implications of Price Negotiation and Consumer Price Search
Authors: Lin Xi , Gui Luyi , Lu Yixin
Published: February 2024

Livestream commerce has become an important sales channel with billions of revenue potential. A major challenge that brands often face in managing livestream sales in practice is negotiating sales prices and commission rates with key opinion leaders (KOLs) who promote products in such sales. On the one hand, KOLs can increase consumer reach, enhance consumer valuation of a product, and improve profitability of a sale. On the other hand, KOLs—who typically promise low sales prices in livestream sales—are subject to reputation damage risks if their followers find cheaper prices of the same product elsewhere. As a result, KOLs often bargain for deep discounts, which lead to price reduction in negotiation and reduce brands’ profit margins. In this article, we examine this tradeoff based on a Nash bargaining game framework. We show that price reduction may not be the brand’s optimal negotiation strategy to mitigate the KOL’s reputation concern. Instead, increasing the commission rate to the KOL may be more effective especially when product availability in the livestream sale is low. We further show that the presence of consumer price search can either improve or undermine the profitability of a livestream sale depending on the competitive features of the sale. Our study indicates that the negotiation dynamics in livestream sales can have significant profit impact for the brand, and the brand should be mindful about the operational features of livestream sales and stakeholder incentives such as KOLs’ reputation concerns and consumer price search when developing the optimal negotiation strategy.
Crowding-Out in Content Monetization Under Pay What You Want: Evidence From Live Streaming
Authors: Yao Dai , Lu Shijie , Chen Xingyu
Published: February 2024

Live streaming has emerged as an innovative means for content providers (broadcasters) to monetize their content in real time under pay-what-you-want pricing. In a typical live stream, consumers (viewers) watch the content and decide whether and how much to tip the broadcaster in the form of virtual gifts that have been purchased with real money. Unlike offline contexts where payment is often nontransparent, both payment activities and sender identities are transparent or publicly observable in live streams. Hence, understanding to what extent and how tipping influences broadcasters’ emotional reactions and peer viewers’ engagement activities becomes relevant and meaningful. In this study, we examine the social impact of viewer tipping activity by running a field experiment on a popular live-streaming platform in China. We deploy synthetic viewers to both treated and control streams. These synthetic viewers send random tip amounts at random times in only the treated and not the control streams, which then exogenously alters the tips that are observed by the audience. We find that broadcasters tend to provide an emotional and reciprocal reaction in response to additional viewer tips, which is measured by the broadcasters’ level of happiness as discerned from their facial expressions. Viewers tend to tip less, chat less, and leave the current stream sooner when seeing more tips from peers, suggesting a negative crowding-out effect on viewer engagement. Nevertheless, the crowding-out effect does not apply to the number of likes, which are displayed without viewer identities in a live stream. In addition, such crowding-out effects manifest mainly in those viewers who tipped heavily before the experiment, possibly because heavy tippers care more about social status than their counterparts. These results collectively suggest that the pursuit of social status is a plausible driver of the observed crowding-out effects.
A Case Report of Carcinoid With Teratoma Arising From the Renal Hilum
Authors: Shokei Sachiko , Nagase Mamiko , Araki Asuka , Nakajima Hirochika , Wada Koichiro , Niino Daisuke
Published: February 2024

Teratoma is a germ cell tumor composed of 2 or 3 germ cell layers, and it can occur in various parts of the human body. However, teratomas of the renal hilum are particularly rare, and those complicated by carcinoids are even more uncommon. Herein, we report the example of an asymptomatic 49-year-old woman in whom a tumor in the right renal hilum was unexpectedly discovered on imaging. Histological examination revealed a carcinoid tumor arising from a simple cyst composed of teratomatous tissue. Although the tumor was located in the renal hilum and touched the renal parenchyma, it appeared independent of the kidney and urinary tract. This report highlights the rare occurrence of teratomas with carcinoids and provides insights into their origins.
Quality (and Qualities) in Qualitative Inquiry?
Authors: Badley Graham Francis
Published: February 2024

I address some of the issues connected with the elusive concept of quality, especially in the process of qualitative inquiry. I do so by contrasting the relatively simple term “qualities” (or characteristics) with the more contentious idea of quality. I begin by considering aspects of psychogeography (assuming it to be one form of qualitative inquiry) and then by concentrating on the concept of quality itself in autoethnography, specifically as well as in higher education in general.
Lamb waves at a non-semisimple degeneracy of the fundamental matrix
Authors: Kuznetsov Sergey V
Published: February 2024

Anomalous guided waves appearing at a non-semisimple degeneracy of the fundamental matrix are observed and analyzed in the framework of the Cauchy sextic formalism. The non-semisimple degeneracy condition is explicitly constructed for the most general case of Lamb waves propagating in a traction-free layer with arbitrary elastic anisotropy. A new type of dispersion equation and the corresponding dispersion solution are obtained. The connection with surface waves of the non-Rayleigh type is discussed.
Local Health Service Response to COVID-19 in Mexico: Notes From an Exploratory Qualitative Study
Authors: Gutiérrez-Alba Gaudencio , Muños Hernández José Alberto , Juárez-Ramírez Clara , Reartes-Peñafiel Diana L. , Reyes-Morales Hortensia
Published: February 2024

Background

The main goal of a health system is to maintain or improve people’s health. The COVID-19 pandemic showed the fragility of health systems worldwide. In Mexico, the pandemic affected the performance of the health system, along with the presence of contextual conditions such as its segmentation and high prevalence of chronic diseases.

Aims

To analyze from an approach to the functions of the health system, the service delivery, human resources, financing, and stewardship/governance in the local health services of five states of Mexico, from the perspective of the staff working in health centers.

Methods

This is an exploratory qualitative study conducted from November 2020 to August 2021, involving 124 health professionals from 39 health facilities (18 rural and 21 urban). The technique used was the semi-structured interview. Interview guides were developed according to core topics. Subsequently, the thematic analysis method was used.

Results

The lack of financial resources delayed prevention efforts and made it difficult for health centers to adapt to the crisis. Inequity was found in the distributive efficiency of staff between rural and urban areas and levels of care. In addition, there was evidence of capacity for coordination, capacity sharing, and joint participation between health institutions, civil authorities, and the population to face the emergency.

Conclusions

We identified relevant public health actions that showed the capacity of local health services to organize a response to the pandemic at the level of the actors responsible for these services.
Association of sleep timings, duration, consistency, and chronotype with premyopia and myopia among Indian children
Authors: Hussain Azfira , Mohammad Arbaaz , Tharsis Asha , Badakere Akshay , Agarkar Sumita
Published: February 2024

Background

To explore the association of sleep timings, duration, consistency, and chronotype with premyopia and myopia among Indian children.

Methods

This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 453 children, aged 6–12 years. Two myopia participants were selected for each individual with the corresponding premyopia or emmetropia. All children underwent cycloplegic autorefraction and ocular biometric tests. The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and parental information on behavioral habits were used to assess the association of sleep parameters with myopia and premyopia using logistic regression models.

Results

Both myopia and premyopia exhibited significant late bedtime, short sleep duration, early wakeup time on only weekdays, and longer weekend catch-up sleep than emmetropia children (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, late bedtime (more than 24:00 a.m.) on weekdays (Odds ratio, OR = 3.63, 95% CI [0.74, 8.68]) as well as on free days (OR = 1.04, 95% CI [0.02, 8.08]); and early wake-up time only on weekdays (5:00–6:00 a.m., OR = 2.16, 95% CI [0.24, 6.76] and 06:00–07:00 a.m., OR = 2.42, 95% CI [0.51, 8.44]) were associated with increased risk of myopia (all p < 0.05) but not premyopia. After adjusting the confounding factors, when each of the eight CSHQ subscale components was analyzed, only bedtime resistance, night waking, and daytime sleepiness scores were significantly associated with a higher risk for premyopia and myopia (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The sleep quality components, including bedtime resistance, night waking, and daytime sleepiness, equally involve a higher risk for myopia as well as premyopia.
Improving the tribological performance of CFRPTFE at elevated temperature by sliding against Ti-TiCx/DLC film
Authors: Deng Yipan , Liu Yinshui , Pang Hao , Xu Runzhou , Ke Peiling
Published: February 2024

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has been widely used in industrial field for sealing parts. However, it is well known that PTFE is always subject to serious wear at high temperature (over 150 °C), which has become the main drawback limiting serve life of important equipment such as compressors. In this paper, a new solution is proposed for improving the wear resistance of carbon fibers-reinforced PTFE (CFRPTFE). Multilayer Ti-TiCx/DLC film is prepared and used as the counterface of CFRPTFE. Friction and wear tests at high temperature (200 °C and 250 °C) are carried out. The uncoated 17-4PH steel disks precisely polished by abrasive papers with different grain sizes are used as the reference counterface (SS80 and SS7000). It is found that by sliding against Ti-TiCx/DLC film, the tribological behaviors of CFRPTFE at high temperature can be improved. The friction coefficient between CFRPTFE and DLC under different test conditions can be kept in stable state. The wear rates of CFRPTFE reduce by 50%–70% compared to SS80, and reduction of 20%–40% can be observed when compared to SS7000. It can be found that graphitization transition at high temperature promotes the transfer layer formation and contributes to lower friction and lower wear compared to traditional processed counterface at high temperature. These significant improvements can prolong the lifetime of CFRPTFE moving parts used in high-temperature and heavy-load applications. Finally, engineering verification of the proposed friction pair is carried out in miniature oil-free high-pressure compressor.
Gene–environment interactions: Epstein–Barr virus infection and risk of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ziaei Amin , Solomon Olivia , Casper T Charles , Waltz Michael , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca , Aaen Greg , Wheeler Yolanda , Graves Jennifer , Benson Leslie , Gorman Mark , Rensel Mary , Mar Soe , Lotze Tim , Greenberg Benjamin , Chitnis Tanuja , Waldman Amy T , Krupp Lauren , James Judith A , Hart Janace , Barcellos Lisa F , Waubant Emmanuelle
Published: February 2024

Background and Objective:

Prior Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with an increased risk of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) and adult-onset multiple sclerosis (MS). It has been challenging to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying this association. We examined the interactions between candidate human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and non-HLA variants and childhood EBV infection as it may provide mechanistic insights into EBV-associated MS.

Methods:

Cases and controls were enrolled in the Environmental and Genetic Risk Factors for Pediatric MS study of the US Network of Pediatric MS Centers. Participants were categorized as seropositive and seronegative for EBV-viral capsid antigen (VCA). The association between prior EBV infection and having POMS was estimated with logistic regression. Interactions between EBV serostatus, major HLA MS risk factors, and non-HLA POMS risk variants associated with response to EBV infection were also evaluated with logistic regression. Models were adjusted for sex, age, genetic ancestry, and the mother’s education. Additive interactions were calculated using relative risk due to interaction (RERI) and attributable proportions (APs).

Results:

A total of 473 POMS cases and 702 controls contributed to the analyses. Anti-VCA seropositivity was significantly higher in POMS cases compared to controls (94.6% vs 60.7%, p < 0.001). There was evidence for additive interaction between childhood EBV infection and the presence of the HLA-DRB1*15 allele (RERI = 10.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.78 to 16.72; AP = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.47 to 0.75). There was evidence for multiplicative interaction ( p < 0.05) between childhood EBV infection and the presence of DRB1*15 alleles (odds ratio (OR) = 3.43, 95% CI = 1.06 to 11.07). Among the pediatric MS variants also associated with EBV infection, we detected evidence for additive interaction ( p = 0.02) between prior EBV infection and the presence of the GG genotype in risk variant (rs2255214) within CD86 (AP = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.58).

Conclusion:

We report evidence for interactions between childhood EBV infection and DRB1*15 and the GG genotype of CD86 POMS risk variant. Our results suggest an important role of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in EBV-associated POMS risk.
Drop-out, adherence, and compliance in randomized controlled trials of exercise training in multiple sclerosis: Short report
Authors: Motl Robert W , Russell Daniel I , Pilutti Lara A , Metse Alexandra P , Marck Claudia H , Chan Bryan , Zheng Peixuan , Learmonth Yvonne C
Published: February 2024

We documented reporting and rates of drop-out, adherence, and compliance from 40 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included in our meta-analysis on safety of exercise training (ET) in MS. We adopted definitions and metrics of adherence and compliance provided by the MoXFo adherence group. Drop-out was reported in 100% of the RCTs and approximated 10% for intervention and control conditions. Adherence and compliance were reported in approximately 50% and 10% of the RCTs, respectively, and approximated 80% and 70%, respectively. Standardized metrics for reporting adherence and compliance are important in future RCTs for understanding the impact on outcomes and translation of research evidence into practice.
Capillaroscopic differences between primary Raynaud phenomenon and healthy controls indicate potential microangiopathic involvement in benign vasospasms
Authors: Brunner-Ziegler Sophie , Dassler Eva , Müller Markus , Pratscher Marco , Forstner Nikolaus Franz-Ferdinand Maria , Koppensteiner Renate , Schlager Oliver , Jilma Bernd
Published: February 2024

Background:

For primary Raynaud phenomenon (PRP), an otherwise unexplained vasospastic disposition is assumed. To test the hypothesis of an additional involvement of distinct ultrastructural microvascular alterations, we compared the nailfold capillary pattern of patients with PRP and healthy controls.

Methods:

A total of 120 patients with PRP (with a median duration of vasospastic symptoms of 60 [IQR: 3–120] months) were compared against 125 controls. In both groups, nailfold capillaroscopy was performed to record the presence of dilatations, capillary edema, tortuous capillaries, ramifications, hemorrhages, and reduced capillary density and to determine a semiquantitative rating score. Further, the capacity of finger skin rewarming was investigated by performing infrared thermography in combination with cold provocation.

Results:

Unspecific morphologic alterations were found in both, PRP, such as controls, whereby the risk for PRP was four times as high in the presence of capillary dilations (CI: 2.3–7.6) and five times as high if capillary density was reduced (CI: 1.9–13.5). Capillary density correlated with thermoregulatory capacity in both hands in the PRP group, but not in controls. In addition, a negative correlation between the microangiopathy score and the percentage degree of rewarming in both hands was found for patients with PRP only.

Conclusion:

We found specific differences within the microvascular architecture between patients with PRP and controls. As a conclusion, PRP may not be an entirely benign vasospastic phenomenon, but might be associated with subtle microcirculatory vasculopathy. In addition, we suggest that the implementation of a scoring system might serve as guidance in the diagnostic process at least of patients with long-standing PRP.
Cultural adaptations of third-wave psychotherapies in Gulf Cooperation Council countries: A systematic review
Authors: Alrashdi Duaa H. , Alyafei Aisha H. , Alanazi Samar A. , Meyer Carly , Gould Rebecca L.
Published: February 2024

The effectiveness of third-wave psychotherapies has been demonstrated in a range of mental and physical health conditions in Western cultures. However, little is known about the cultural appropriateness and effectiveness of third-wave psychotherapies for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) populations. This review aimed to critically evaluate cultural adaptations to third-wave psychotherapies and explored the effectiveness of these interventions on physical and mental health outcomes in GCC populations. Five bibliographic databases and grey literature were searched; both English and Arabic studies conducted in the GCC were included. Mental and physical health-related outcomes were included. Eleven studies were identified. The overall degree of cultural adaptation ranged from 2 to 5, based on Bernal et al.'s cultural adaptation framework. Language and assessment tools were most frequently adapted. Several studies incorporated goal, method, and context adaptations, whereas metaphor and content were least frequently adapted. None of the studies incorporated person or concept adaptations. Culturally adapted third-wave psychotherapies were associated with improvement in numerous mental health outcomes, including psychological distress, well-being, and psychological traits. No physical health outcomes were identified. Although findings are promising with respect to the effectiveness of third-wave psychotherapies for GCC populations, they should be interpreted with caution due to the small number of studies conducted, cultural adaptation evaluations relying on explicit reporting in studies, and the weak methodological quality of studies. Future rigorous research is needed in the evaluation of culturally adapted third-wave psychotherapies in GCC populations, with more comprehensive reporting of cultural considerations.