bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Against tiebreaking arguments in priority setting
Authors: Jølstad Borgar , Gustavsson Erik
Published: June 2023

Fair priority setting is based on morally sound criteria. Still, there will be cases when these criteria, our primary considerations, are tied and therefore do not help us in choosing one allocation over another. It is sometimes suggested that such cases can be handled by tiebreakers. In this paper, we discuss two versions of tiebreakers suggested in the literature. One version is to preserve fairness or impartiality by holding a lottery. The other version is to allow secondary considerations, considerations that are not part of our primary priority setting criteria, to be decisive. We argue that the argument for preserving impartiality by holding a lottery is sound, while the argument for using tiebreakers as secondary considerations is not. Finally, we argue that the instances where a tiebreaker seems necessary are precisely the situations where we have strong reasons for preferring a lottery. We conclude that factors that we consider valuable should all be included among the primary considerations, while ties should be settled by lotteries.
Prehospital transdermal glyceryl trinitrate for ultra-acute ischaemic stroke: data from the RIGHT-2 randomised sham-controlled ambulance trial
Authors: Appleton Jason Philip , Woodhouse Lisa J , Anderson Craig S , Ankolekar Sandeep , Cala Lesley , Dixon Mark , England Timothy J , Krishnan Kailash , Mair Grant , Muir Keith W , Potter John , Price Christopher I , Randall Marc , Robinson Thompson G , Roffe Christine , Sandset Else C , Saver Jeffrey L , Shone Angela , Siriwardena Aloysius Niroshan , Wardlaw Joanna M , Sprigg Nikola , Bath Philip M
Published: June 2023

Background

The effect of transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN, a nitrovasodilator) on clinical outcome when administered before hospital admission in suspected stroke patients is unclear. Here, we assess the safety and efficacy of GTN in the prespecified subgroup of patients who had an ischaemic stroke within the Rapid Intervention with Glyceryl trinitrate in Hypertensive stroke Trial-2 (RIGHT-2).

Methods

RIGHT-2 was an ambulance-based multicentre sham-controlled blinded-endpoint study with patients randomised within 4 hours of onset. The primary outcome was a shift in scores on the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at day 90. Secondary outcomes included death; a global analysis (Wei-Lachin test) containing Barthel Index, EuroQol-5D, mRS, telephone interview for cognitive status-modified and Zung depression scale; and neuroimaging-determined ‘brain frailty’ markers. Data were reported as n (%), mean (SD), median [IQR], adjusted common OR (acOR), mean difference or Mann-Whitney difference (MWD) with 95% CI.

Results

597 of 1149 (52%) patients had a final diagnosis of ischaemic stroke; age 75 (12) years, premorbid mRS>2 107 (18%), Glasgow Coma Scale 14 (2) and time from onset to randomisation 67 [45, 108] min. Neuroimaging ‘brain frailty’ was common: median score 2 [2, 3] (range 0–3). At day 90, GTN did not influence the primary outcome (acOR for increased disability 1.15, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.54), death or global analysis (MWD 0.00, 95% CI −0.10 to 0.09). In subgroup analyses, there were non-significant interactions suggesting GTN may be associated with more death and dependency in participants randomised within 1 hour of symptom onset and in those with more severe stroke.

Conclusions

In patients who had an ischaemic stroke, ultra-acute administration of transdermal GTN in the ambulance did not improve clinical outcomes in a population with more clinical and radiological frailty than seen in previous in-hospital trials.
Higher-group structure in lattice Abelian gauge theory under instanton-sum modification
Authors: Kan Naoto , Morikawa Okuto , Nagoya Yuta , Wada Hiroki
Published: June 2023

We consider the U(1) gauge theory on a four-dimensional torus, where the instanton number is restricted to an integral multiple of p. This theory possesses the nontrivial higher-group structure, which can be regarded as a generalization of the Green–Schwarz mechanism, between $$\mathbb {Z}_q$$

Z
q

1-form and $$\mathbb {Z}_p$$

Z
p

3-form symmetries. Here, $$\mathbb {Z}_q$$

Z
q

is a subgroup of the center of U(1). Following the recent study of the lattice construction of the $$U(1)/\mathbb {Z}_q$$

U

(
1
)

/

Z
q

principal bundle, we examine how such a structure is realized on the basis of lattice regularization.
Revisiting the universal texture zero of flavour: a Markov chain Monte Carlo analysis
Authors: Bernigaud Jordan , de Medeiros Varzielas Ivo , Levy Miguel , Talbert Jim
Published: June 2023

We revisit the phenomenological predictions of the Universal Texture Zero (UTZ) model of flavour originally presented in [1], and update them in light of both improved experimental constraints and numerical analysis techniques. In particular, we have developed an in-house Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm to exhaustively explore the UTZ’s viable parameter space, considering both leading- and next-to-leading contributions in the model’s effective operator product expansion. We also extract – for the first time – reliable UTZ predictions for the (poorly constrained) leptonic CP-violating phases, and ratio observables that characterize neutrino masses probed by (e.g.) oscillation, $$\beta $$
β
-decay, and cosmological processes. We therefore dramatically improve on the proof-in-principle phenomenological analysis originally presented in [1], and ultimately show that the UTZ remains a minimal, viable, and appealing theory of flavour. Our results also further demonstrate the potential of robustly examining multi-parameter flavour models with MCMC routines.
Local RNA folding revisited
Authors: Waldl Maria , Spicher Thomas , Lorenz Ronny , Beckmann Irene K. , Hofacker Ivo L. , Löhneysen Sarah Von , Stadler Peter F.
Published: June 2023

Most of the functional RNA elements located within large transcripts are local. Local folding therefore serves a practically useful approximation to global structure prediction. Due to the sensitivity of RNA secondary structure prediction to the exact definition of sequence ends, accuracy can be increased by averaging local structure predictions over multiple, overlapping sequence windows. These averages can be computed efficiently by dynamic programming. Here we revisit the local folding problem, present a concise mathematical formalization that generalizes previous approaches and show that correct Boltzmann samples can be obtained by local stochastic backtracing in McCaskill’s algorithms but not from local folding recursions. Corresponding new features are implemented in the ViennaRNA package to improve the support of local folding. Applications include the computation of maximum expected accuracy structures from RNAplfold data and a mutual information measure to quantify the sensitivity of individual sequence positions.
Students’ Alternative Conceptions and Risk Perceptions of Radiation and Radioactivity
Authors: Wong Darren , Leong Tze Kwang , Ravindran S. , Lin Lee Siew
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we share and discuss findings from our study involving Grades 9–12 Singapore students’ conceptions and perceptions of radiation and radioactivity. The students would have learned in science lessons about electromagnetic waves and the basic atomic structure but had no prior formal classroom lessons on radioactivity and nuclear physics. We found similar alternative conceptions and risk perceptions held by the students as reported in literature. These findings provide useful background knowledge for teachers to consider when developing learning experiences for students in this topic, with the goal to develop a strong foundation in the related key concepts and address risk perception gaps for students to make responsible and informed decisions on scientific and technological applications associated with radiation and radioactivity.
Using Feedforward to Reveal Interaction Possibilities in Virtual Reality
Authors: Muresan Andreea , Mcintosh Jess , Hornbæk Kasper
Published: June 2023

In virtual reality (VR), interactions may fail when users encounter new, unknown, or unexpected objects. We propose using feedforward in VR to help users interact with objects by revealing how such objects work. Feedforward lets users know what to do and how to do it by showing the available actions and outcomes before an interaction. In this article, we first chart the design space of feedforward in VR and illustrate how to design feedforward for specific VR interactions. We discuss starting the feedforward, previewing actions and outcomes, and returning the virtual world to its state before the feedforward. Second, we implement three real-world VR applications to show how feedforward can be applied to multistep interactions, perceived interactivity, and discoverability. Third, we conduct an evaluation of the design space with 14 VR experts to understand its usefulness. Finally, we summarize the findings of our work on VR feedforward in 15 guidelines.
Addressing Interpersonal Harm in Online Gaming Communities: The Opportunities and Challenges for a Restorative Justice Approach
Authors: Xiao Sijia , Jhaver Shagun , Salehi Niloufar
Published: June 2023

Most social media platforms implement content moderation to address interpersonal harms such as harassment. Content moderation relies on offender-centered, punitive approaches, e.g., bans and content removal. We consider an alternative justice framework, restorative justice, which aids victims in healing, supports offenders in repairing the harm, and engages community members in addressing the harm collectively. To assess the utility of restorative justice in addressing online harm, we interviewed 23 users from Overwatch gaming communities, including moderators, victims, and offenders; such communities are particularly susceptible to harm, with nearly three quarters of all online game players suffering from some form of online abuse. We study how the communities currently handle harm cases through the lens of restorative justice and examine their attitudes toward implementing restorative justice processes. Our analysis reveals that cultural, technical, and resource-related obstacles hinder implementation of restorative justice within the existing punitive framework despite online community needs and existing structures to support it. We discuss how current content moderation systems can embed restorative justice goals and practices and overcome these challenges.
Emerging Penetrating Neural Electrodes: In Pursuit of Large Scale and Longevity
Authors: Luan Lan , Yin Rongkang , Zhu Hanlin , Xie Chong
Published: June 2023

Penetrating neural electrodes provide a powerful approach to decipher brain circuitry by allowing for time-resolved electrical detections of individual action potentials. This unique capability has contributed tremendously to basic and translational neuroscience, enabling both fundamental understandings of brain functions and applications of human prosthetic devices that restore crucial sensations and movements. However, conventional approaches are limited by the scarce number of available sensing channels and compromised efficacy over long-term implantations. Recording longevity and scalability have become the most sought-after improvements in emerging technologies. In this review, we discuss the technological advances in the past 5–10 years that have enabled larger-scale, more detailed, and longer-lasting recordings of neural circuits at work than ever before. We present snapshots of the latest advances in penetration electrode technology, showcase their applications in animal models and humans, and outline the underlying design principles and considerations to fuel future technological development.
An online flipped classroom approach improves the physiology score and subsequent course scores of the top-performing students
Authors: Xu Yangting , Chen Chen , Ji Ming , Xiang Yang , Han Yang , Feng Dandan , Luo Ziqiang
Published: June 2023

An online flipped classroom approach achieved the same teaching effect as online live teaching but had a more positive impact on high-achieving students. The positive impact was not only in Physiology but also in subsequent courses where logical thinking prevailed. However, for low-achieving students, the effect of online live teaching was better.
The duration of glucocorticoid treatment alters the anabolic response to high-force muscle contractions
Authors: Dunlap Kirsten R. , Steiner Jennifer L. , Hickner Robert C. , Chase P. Bryant , Gordon Bradley S.
Published: June 2023

Glucocorticoid myopathy is the most common, toxic, noninflammatory myopathy. Our work shows that high-force contractions increase protein synthesis in skeletal muscle following short-term glucocorticoid treatment. However, longer duration glucocorticoid treatment results in anabolic resistance to high-force contractions despite activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin in complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway. This work defines potential limits for high-force contractions to activate the processes that would restore lost muscle mass in glucocorticoid myopathic patients.
Renal vascular conductance is unrelated to leg vascular conductance or muscle sympathetic nerve activity at rest and during stress in humans
Authors: Teixeira André L. , Lee Jordan B. , Nardone Massimo , Burr Jamie F. , Millar Philip J.
Published: June 2023

The sympathetic nervous system plays a critical role in cardiovascular regulation at rest and during stress. We demonstrate that renal artery vascular conductance is unrelated to superficial femoral artery vascular conductance or muscle sympathetic nerve activity at rest or during laboratory-based sympathetic stressors in young healthy adults. These findings support the concept of differential control of peripheral sympathetic outflow at rest and during stress in humans.
Targeting BCL2 Overcomes Resistance and Augments Response to Aurora Kinase B Inhibition by AZD2811 in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Ramkumar Kavya , Tanimoto Azusa , Della Corte Carminia M. , Stewart C. Allison , Wang Qi , Shen Li , Cardnell Robert J. , Wang Jing , Polanska Urszula M. , Andersen Courtney , Saeh Jamal , Pease J. Elizabeth , Travers Jon , Fabbri Giulia , Gay Carl M. , Urosevic Jelena , Byers Lauren A.
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

Therapeutic resistance to frontline therapy develops rapidly in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Treatment options are also limited by the lack of targetable driver mutations. Therefore, there is an unmet need for developing better therapeutic strategies and biomarkers of response. Aurora kinase B (AURKB) inhibition exploits an inherent genomic vulnerability in SCLC and is a promising therapeutic approach. Here, we identify biomarkers of response and develop rational combinations with AURKB inhibition to improve treatment efficacy.

Experimental Design:

Selective AURKB inhibitor AZD2811 was profiled in a large panel of SCLC cell lines (n = 57) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Proteomic and transcriptomic profiles were analyzed to identify candidate biomarkers of response and resistance. Effects on polyploidy, DNA damage, and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry and Western blotting. Rational drug combinations were validated in SCLC cell lines and PDX models.

Results:

AZD2811 showed potent growth inhibitory activity in a subset of SCLC, often characterized by, but not limited to, high cMYC expression. Importantly, high BCL2 expression predicted resistance to AURKB inhibitor response in SCLC, independent of cMYC status. AZD2811-induced DNA damage and apoptosis were suppressed by high BCL2 levels, while combining AZD2811 with a BCL2 inhibitor significantly sensitized resistant models. In vivo, sustained tumor growth reduction and regression was achieved even with intermittent dosing of AZD2811 and venetoclax, an FDA-approved BCL2 inhibitor.

Conclusions:

BCL2 inhibition overcomes intrinsic resistance and enhances sensitivity to AURKB inhibition in SCLC preclinical models.
Data from Type I Interferon Signaling via the EGR2 Transcriptional Regulator Potentiates CAR T Cell–Intrinsic Dysfunction
Authors: Jung In-Young , Bartoszek Robert L. , Rech Andrew J. , Collins Sierra M. , Ooi Soon-Keat , Williams Erik F. , Hopkins Caitlin R. , Narayan Vivek , Haas Naomi B. , Frey Noelle V. , Hexner Elizabeth O. , Siegel Donald L. , Plesa Gabriela , Porter David L. , Cantu Adrian , Everett John K. , Guedan Sonia , Berger Shelley L. , Bushman Frederic D. , Herbst Friederike , Fraietta Joseph A.
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has shown promise in treating hematologic cancers, but resistance is common and efficacy is limited in solid tumors. We found that CAR T cells autonomously propagate epigenetically programmed type I interferon signaling through chronic stimulation, which hampers antitumor function. EGR2 transcriptional regulator knockout not only blocks this type I interferon–mediated inhibitory program but also independently expands early memory CAR T cells with improved efficacy against liquid and solid tumors. The protective effect of EGR2 deletion in CAR T cells against chronic antigen-induced exhaustion can be overridden by interferon-β exposure, suggesting that EGR2 ablation suppresses dysfunction by inhibiting type I interferon signaling. Finally, a refined EGR2 gene signature is a biomarker for type I interferon–associated CAR T cell failure and shorter patient survival. These findings connect prolonged CAR T cell activation with deleterious immunoinflammatory signaling and point to an EGR2–type I interferon axis as a therapeutically amenable biological system.
Significance:
To improve CAR T cell therapy outcomes, modulating molecular determinants of CAR T cell–intrinsic resistance is crucial. Editing the gene encoding the EGR2 transcriptional regulator renders CAR T cells impervious to type I interferon pathway–induced dysfunction and improves memory differentiation, thereby addressing major barriers to progress for this emerging class of cancer immunotherapies.
Design and Evaluation of Virtual Reality Environments for Claustrophobia
Authors: Francová Anna , Jablonská Markéta , Fajnerová Iveta
Published: June 2023

Claustrophobia is a specific phobia characterized by fear of enclosed spaces (such as elevators, subway tunnels, etc.). While some individuals with claustrophobia might experience only mild anxiety and discomfort in enclosed spaces, others might suffer from panic attacks usually triggered by a fear of losing control or being unable to escape when needed. One of the most recent and successful treatment methods applied in specific phobias are virtual reality (VR)-based exposure therapy techniques. This feasibility study aimed to design and validate a set of immersive virtual environments (VEs) for exposure therapy in claustrophobia, with interactive scenarios enabling systematic, gradual, and controlled induction of claustrophobic fear. In total, eighteen individuals participated in the feasibility study. Participants were recruited from a general population and divided into two groups (phobic vs. control group). Each participant was asked to evaluate a set of various virtual environments. The study results indicate that the designed virtual environments have the potential to induce claustrophobic fear and are thus considered suitable for use in the exposure therapy of claustrophobia. These virtual environments also evoked a sense of presence, particularly the spatial presence component, while the reported cybersickness symptoms were none or minimal.
Queer Mediated Practices as a Method to Center and Sustain Critical Health and Media Literacies
Authors: Vera A. Nick , Kitzie Vanessa L. , Wagner Travis L.
Published: June 2023

Queer communities experience challenges when accessing accurate and comprehensive health information. These challenges span across media and information environments and threaten queer health promotion. This paper explored how 11 queer community health workers (chw s) in a Southeastern US state respond to, subvert, and resist these challenges when creating digital health information resources for their queer communities. This longitudinal action research occurred over two years and included multiple qualitative data types. We analyzed these data using qualitative coding, following deductive and inductive strategies. Findings demonstrate how queer chw s: 1) identified risks and barriers to health promotion their communities experienced; 2) created health information resources that proactively guarded against risks and reactively resisted barriers; 3) borrowed content, format, and logic from other digital media sources, remixing and repurposing them in ways relevant to their communities. Findings denote implications for decentering deficit-based approaches to framing the health and media literacies of queer populations.
Understanding Spatial Context in Convolutional Neural Networks Using Explainable Methods: Application to Interpretable GREMLIN
Authors: Hilburn Kyle A.
Published: June 2023

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are opening new possibilities in the realm of satellite remote sensing. CNNs are especially useful for capturing the information in spatial patterns that is evident to the human eye but has eluded classical pixelwise retrieval algorithms. However, the black-box nature of CNN predictions makes them difficult to interpret, hindering their trustworthiness. This paper explores a new way to simplify CNNs that allows them to be implemented in a fully transparent and interpretable framework. This clarity is accomplished by moving the inner workings of the CNN out into a feature engineering step and replacing the CNN with a regression model. The specific example of the GOES Radar Estimation via Machine Learning to Inform NWP (GREMLIN) is used to demonstrate that such simplifications are possible and to show the benefits of the interpretable approach. GREMLIN translates images of GOES radiances and lightning into images of radar reflectivity, and previous research used explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) approaches to explain some aspects of how GREMLIN makes predictions. However, the Interpretable GREMLIN model shows that XAI missed several strategies, and XAI does not provide guarantees on how the model will respond when confronted with new scenarios. In contrast, the interpretable model establishes well-defined relationships between inputs and outputs, offering a clear mapping of the spatial context utilized by the CNN to make accurate predictions, and providing guarantees on how the model will respond to new inputs. The significance of this work is that it provides a new approach for developing trustworthy artificial intelligence models.

Significance Statement

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are very powerful tools for interpreting and processing satellite imagery. However, the black-box nature of their predictions makes them difficult to interpret, compromising their trustworthiness when applied in the context of high-stakes decision-making. This paper develops an interpretable version of a CNN model, showing that it has similar performance as the original CNN. The interpretable model is analyzed to obtain clear relationships between inputs and outputs, which elucidates the nature of spatial context utilized by CNNs to make accurate predictions. The interpretable model has a well-defined response to inputs, providing guarantees for how it will respond to novel inputs. The significance of this work is that it provides an approach to developing trustworthy artificial intelligence models.
A New Conceptual Picture of the Trade Wind Transition Layer
Authors: Albright Anna Lea , Stevens Bjorn , Bony Sandrine , Vogel Raphaela
Published: June 2023

The transition layer in the trades has long been observed and simulated, but the physical processes producing its structure remain little investigated. Using extensive observations from the Elucidating the Role of Clouds–Circulation Coupling in Climate (EUREC4A) field campaign, we propose a new conceptual picture of the trade wind transition layer, occurring between the mixed-layer top (around 550 m) and subcloud-layer top (around 700 m). The theory of cloud-free convective boundary layers suggests a transition-layer structure with strong jumps at the mixed-layer top, yet such strong jumps are only observed rarely. Despite cloud-base cloud fraction measured as only 5.3% ± 3.2%, the canonical cloud-free convective boundary layer structure is infrequent and confined to large [O(200) km] cloud-free areas. We show that the majority of cloud bases form within the transition layer, instead of above it, and that the cloud-top height distribution is bimodal, with a first population of very shallow clouds (tops below 1.3 km) and a second population of deeper clouds (extending to 2–3 km depth). We then show that the life cycle of this first cloud population maintains the transition-layer structure. That is, very shallow clouds smooth vertical thermodynamic gradients in the transition layer by a condensation–evaporation mechanism, which is fully coupled to the mixed layer. Inferences from mixed-layer theory and mixing diagrams, moreover, suggest that the observed transition-layer structure does not affect the rate of entrainment mixing, but rather the properties of the air incorporated into the mixed layer, primarily to enhance its rate of moistening.

Significance Statement

The physical processes producing the structure of the trade wind transition layer, a thin atmospheric layer thought to be important for regulating convection, are not yet well understood. Using extensive observations from a recent field campaign, we find that the cloud-free convective boundary layer structure, with an abrupt discontinuity in thermodynamic variables, is infrequent, despite cloud-base cloud fraction being small. We show that very shallow clouds both forming and dissipating within the transition layer smooth vertical gradients compared to a jump, except in large [O(200) km] cloud-free areas. This condensation–evaporation mechanism, which is fully coupled to the mixed layer, does not appear to affect the rate of entrainment mixing, but rather the properties of air incorporated into the mixed layer.
An Analytic Formula for Entraining CAPE in Midlatitude Storm Environments
Authors: Peters John M. , Chavas Daniel R. , Su Chun-Yian , Morrison Hugh , Coffer Brice E.
Published: June 2023

This article introduces an analytic formula for entraining convective available potential energy (ECAPE) with an entrainment rate that is determined directly from an environmental sounding, rather than prescribed by the formula user. Entrainment is connected to the background environment using an eddy diffusivity approximation for lateral mixing, updraft geometry assumptions, and mass continuity. These approximations result in a direct correspondence between the storm-relative flow and the updraft radius and an inverse scaling between the updraft radius squared and entrainment rate. The aforementioned concepts, combined with the assumption of adiabatic conservation of moist static energy, yield an explicit analytic equation for ECAPE that depends entirely on state variables in an atmospheric profile and a few constant parameters with values that are established in past literature. Using a simplified Bernoulli-like equation, the ECAPE formula is modified to account for updraft enhancement via kinetic energy extracted from the cloud’s background environment. CAPE and ECAPE can be viewed as predictors of the maximum vertical velocity wmax in an updraft. Hence, these formulas are evaluated using wmax from past numerical modeling studies. Both of the new formulas improve predictions of wmax substantially over commonly used diagnostic parameters, including undiluted CAPE and ECAPE with a constant prescribed entrainment rate. The formula that incorporates environmental kinetic energy contribution to the updraft correctly predicts instances of exceedance of by wmax, and provides a conceptual explanation for why such exceedance is rare among past simulations. These formulas are potentially useful in nowcasting and forecasting thunderstorms and as thunderstorm proxies in climate change studies.

Significance Statement

Substantial mixing occurs between the upward-moving air currents in thunderstorms (updrafts) and the surrounding comparatively dry environmental air, through a process called entrainment. Entrainment controls thunderstorm intensity via its diluting effect on the buoyancy of air within updrafts. A challenge to representing entrainment in forecasting and predictions of the intensity of updrafts in future climates is to determine how much entrainment will occur in a given thunderstorm environment without a computationally expensive high-resolution simulation. To address this gap, this article derives a new formula that computes entrainment from the properties of a single environmental profile. This formula is shown to predict updraft vertical velocity more accurately than past diagnostics, and can be used in forecasting and climate prediction to improve predictions of thunderstorm behavior and impacts.
Violent Elections and Citizens’ Support for Democratic Constraints on the Executive: Evidence From Nigeria
Authors: Deglow Annekatrin , Fjelde Hanne
Published: June 2023

How do violent elections affect the willingness of citizens to defend democratic institutions? We argue that in the wake of violent elections, support for democratic constraints on the executive will diverge amongst ruling and opposition party supporters. To protect their position, ruling party supporters become more likely to endorse weakening constraints on executive power, even if it violates democratic principles. Opposition supporters, on the other hand, become more likely to reject democratic transgressions that de facto render them more vulnerable to political abuse. We examine these expectations using a vignette experiment embedded in a nationally representative 2019 post-election survey of 2400 Nigerians. Our findings suggest that incumbent supporters are overall more likely to endorse weaker constraints on the executive, but these attitudes are not reinforced by information about election violence. Opposition supporters, in contrast, become less likely to accept transgressions when informed about election violence.
Preparation of clay-supported sodium benzoate and its effect on the rheology, crystallization and foaming of long chain branched polypropylene
Authors: Cao Jing , Zou Jingwen , Zheng Siying , Wen Na , Xu Weijie , Zheng Yuying
Published: June 2023

The foaming of PP has encountered challenges because of its low melt strength and semi-crystalline characteristics. Introducing long chain branching (LCB) onto the PP backbone and the addition of particles as cell nucleating agent are the commonly used methods to improve the cell structure of PP foams. In this paper, clay-supported sodium benzoate (NaB-OMMT) was prepared from Na-montmorillonite (Na-MMT) via the partial ion exchange reaction with surfactant and subsequent reaction with benzoic acid. The as prepared NaB-OMMTs were then applied to prepare LCBPP/NaB-OMMT nanocomposites and their foams. The dispersion state of clay, crystallization behaviors and rheological properties of the nanocomposites, as well as the cell structure and compression properties of the foams were investigated. The results show that clay layers are mostly exfoliated in the nanocomposites with low NaB-OMMT content, while intercalated layers dominant with the content reaches 2% or higher. The melting temperature of the nanocomposites decreases and the crystallinity increases, while the spherulite size decreases compared to LCBPP. The melt viscosity and elasticity of nanocomposites increase significantly when the content of NaB-OMMT reaches 2% or higher. LCBPP/NaB-OMMT nanocomposites foams exhibit higher cell density, smaller cell size and its standard deviation. Therein, the foam with 1% of NaB-OMMT shows the maximum cell density and the minimum cell size. It is concluded that the cell structure of the foam is highly dependent on the content, dispersion state and structure of the cell nucleating agent. When NaB is supported on well dispersed and exfoliated clay layers, the cell nucleation efficiency is significantly enhanced. The compression properties of the foams depend on their cell structures and exhibit the similar variation trend with the latter with the content of NaB-OMMT increasing.
Numerical analysis on the strength prediction of composite bonded repairs under different loading scenarios
Authors: Couto RFM , Couto AMS , Arachchige DDS , Nascimento DR , Moreira RDF , de Moura MFSF , Vaz MP
Published: June 2023

In the last years, aeronautical industry has developed certified composite patch bonded repairs for damage tolerant structures, but only restoring metallic components. The mechanical behaviour of composite bonded repairs has been investigated since the development of composite damage tolerant structures is directly dependent on this technology. This study presents a strength prediction on carbon-epoxy adhesively repaired component, using ARALDITE® 2015 for the repairing and recurring to ABAQUS®, applying cohesive zone modelling (CZM), four different load conditions: tension, compression, upward bending and downward bending were tested. Four types of repairs are analysed: Single-Strap, Double-Strap, Scarf and Two-Stepped. The obtained results state that the Double-Strap repair withstand higher loads considering all the applied load cases when compared with the other geometries. Scarf and Two-Stepped repairs could achieve promising behaviours and they should be optimized, considering the advantages related to embedded patch repairing. Generally, the overlap length revealed to favour higher strengths, specially increasing from 5 to 10 mm. Failure paths were demonstrated, revealing proper relations with strength predictions.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of a Lifestyle Evaluation Instrument for Older Adults
Authors: Ferreira Luana Karoline , Filgueiras Meireles Juliana Fernandes , de Oliveira Gomes Grace Angélica , Caputo Ferreira Maria Elisa
Published: June 2023

Brazil is experiencing an accelerated period of population aging, with important implications for individuals, families, and the society at large. Lifestyles for the elderly can have both positive and negative health effects and are characterized by behaviors that individuals constantly reproduce in day-to-day life. However, few assessment instruments are aimed at evaluating lifestyles, and this has hampered research development. Thus, our aim in this study was to develop and evaluate the psychometric qualities of a new instrument to assess older adults’ lifestyles. We developed this single scale to assess the lifestyles of older men and women using the sequential mixed method. Individuals over 60 years old of both sexes participated in this study of several phases. In Phase 1, we produced a 96-item single scale instrument, based on a literature review, previous scales, and qualitative research. In Phase 2, we verified the scale’s content validity with help from 12 experts and 20 members of a target audience, aged between 60-84 years, deleting some items and reworking others. In Phase 3, we analyzed the psychometric qualities of the new scale in a sample of 700 older adults, aged 60 and above, from the five regions of Brazil, using both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Our completed “Older Adult Lifestyle Scale” (OALS) is composed of 19 items divided into four subscales. The OALS has shown good psychometric qualities for Brazilian older adults over 60 years of age, and we can now recommend its use in this population.
Tax Havens and Tourism: The Impact of the Panama Papers and the Crowding Out of Tourism by Financial Services
Authors: Cao Zheng Chris , Jones Chris , Temouri Yama
Published: June 2023

Tax havens are often connected to growth in tourism, as finance and tourism conveniently share infrastructural prerequisites. This paper addresses the detrimental impacts of a tax haven development strategy adopted by small open economies in relation to the development of their tourism industry. Utilizing the synthetic control method, we find that since the 2016 Panama Papers scandal, Panama’s tourism exports have fallen relative to an estimated counterfactual level that would have otherwise been attained. Moreover, based on an analysis of panel data drawn from 20 small open economies, we find that in the long run, the growth of the financial industry crowds out the tourism industry. Our findings warn tourism practitioners, based in tax havens, that they face an additional risk linked to potential tax scandals. Furthermore, the tourism industry may suffer reputational harm due to tax haven blacklisting and the crowding out of productive resources by the financial industry.

JEL classifications: F43, H26, O57, Z32
Combatting Climate Change Through Message Framing? A Real Behavior Experiment on Voluntary Carbon Offsetting
Authors: Ropret Homar Aja , Knežević Cvelbar Ljubica
Published: June 2023

Findings from behavioral economics suggest the currently low take-up of voluntary carbon offsets (VCOs) could be increased by changing the way choices are presented. In this article, we lean on prospect theory to test the effect of loss framing on air traveler’s VCO behavior and whether this contrasts with attitudes and behavioral intentions. Borrowing from experimental economics, we conduct an incentive-compatible online experiment with a real-effort task. We find that under certain conditions a loss-framed VCO message leads to higher likelihood of offsetting, indicating some presence of loss aversion. The results also reveal a substantial attitude-behavior gap and intention-behavior gap, previously postulated to be particularly strong in the tourism setting but not yet quantified. Importantly, 28% of participants with a negative attitude toward VCOs chose to offset nonetheless, indicating positive attitudes are not a pre-requisite for behavior, as hitherto stipulated. Practical, theoretical, and methodological implications of the findings are discussed.
Social Norms and Agent Types: Bridging the Gap Between the Theoretical Models and Their Applications
Authors: Zachník Vojtěch
Published: June 2023

The paper presents a novel view of social norms that reflects the importance of different agent types, their specific motivations and roles. How one identifies with a role and behavioral options available to the agent is crucial for the sustainability of the social norms. The analysis of a simple case of social norm is suggested as a default model for analysis, and then the classification of subjects, enforcers, and audience is introduced. This triangular typology of agents is extended by introducing a network of interlocking patterns underlying social behavior. Lastly, the paper describes two categories of transgressions based on misidentification.
Refugees versus ‘refugees’: the role of Islamophobia in Swedish alternative media’s reporting on Ukrainian asylum seekers
Authors: Palmgren Amanda , Åkerlund Mathilda , Viklund Lisen
Published: June 2023

This paper analyses how immigrants are understood by Swedish alternative media and the role that Islamophobia plays, if at all, in these representations. What is remarkable is that although all articles were sampled explicitly to discuss Ukraine, the analysis showed that Muslim immigrants figured with unexpected frequency throughout. The value of these two immigrant groups were antagonistically contrasted through arguments of alleged differences in culture and geographical origin, perceived legitimacy as asylum seekers, and in terms gratitude and supposed level of threat to Swedish society. With this, the unity that is formed around Islamophobia trumps any nationalist views of the Swedish nation state as particularly superior or white and the social and economic consequences which are usually believed to be at risk due to immigration. By extension, the war in Ukraine is articulated as a matter of whiteness and works to exploit war for strengthening the transnational far right.
A Large-Scale Test of the Reality Constraint and Ingroup Bias Accounts of Women's Support for Male Privilege
Authors: Owuamalam Chuma Kevin , Caricati Luca , Bonetti Chiara
Published: June 2023

Why do women sometimes support systems of male privilege that clearly undercut the interests of their gender group? According to some explanations from the social identity model of system attitudes, they do so: (a) due to a preference for their country's ways of doing things (i.e., a bias in favor of their superordinate ingroup) and (b) because the incontrovertible reality of gender inequality in their society makes it difficult to challenge it (i.e., social reality constraint). Using a nationally representative dataset of 157,019 women from 91 nations that spanned close to four decades, we found supportive evidence for these two propositions. Moreover, both explanations interact, in that the superordinate ingroup bias explanation was visible only when social reality constraints were weak. Additionally, even women with nontraditional worldviews increased their support for male privilege when the constraint imposed by the gender reality in their society was high. In short, women support male privilege to the extent that (a) they feel proud of their society's traditions, and (b) it is the reality in their country. These findings are useful for activists because they shed important light on the psychological and systemic barriers to overcome when seeking women's participation in rallies against gender inequality. Additional online materials for this article are available on PWQ's website at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/03616843231176222 .
Women Managers and the Gender Wage Gap: Workgroup Gender Composition Matters
Authors: Fuller Sylvia , Kim Young-Mi
Published: June 2023

Women's representation in managerial positions is a common metric for gender equity in organizations. Whether women managers improve gender equity among their subordinates is, however, less clear. Drawing on rich longitudinal personnel data from a large Korean food company, we provide new insight into this question by focusing attention on key micro-contexts for interaction and relational politics within organizations: workgroups. Building on social-psychological theories about in-group preference and value threats, we theorize that workgroup gender composition conditions the relationship between supervisor gender and gender earnings differentials. Results from regression models with workgroup fixed effects confirm this insight. Women supervisors are associated with smaller gender earnings gaps in workgroups when they are male-dominated. This relationship is stronger for less-advantaged workers, with supervisor gender and workgroup gender composition mattering more for “sticky floors” than “glass ceilings.”
Who’s a Vaccine Skeptic? Framing Vaccine Hesitancy in Post-Covid News Coverage
Authors: Campeau Kari
Published: June 2023

U.S. print news coverage of Covid vaccine hesitancy represents a departure from previous depictions of vaccine skepticism as a problem of wrong belief. This article reports on a mixed methods study of 334 New York Times texts about Covid nonvaccination and vaccine hesitancy published between December 2020–December 2021. Texts were analyzed for common themes and compared with prior media depictions of vaccine skepticism. Findings show that texts published during phased Covid vaccine distribution framed nonvaccination as a response to structural inequities, while later texts returned to blaming individuals for their hesitancy. These findings attest to the durability of individualistic framings of health while also illustrating possibilities of alternative frames.
The Role of Focused 2-Dimensional Echocardiography in Managing Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction Mimicking Cardiogenic Shock
Authors: Harrington Julia , Aron Jonathan , Lashin Hazem
Published: June 2023

Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) is a common cardiogenic shock (CS) mimic. We present 3 cases of patients presenting with CS following myocardial infarction, exhibiting a poor response to conventional treatment with inotropy and mechanical circulatory support. This triggered echocardiographic assessment by critical care physicians using focused 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiography. This timely assessment identified anterior mitral valve leaflet entrainment into the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), causing LVOTO as the underlying shock mechanism. Echocardiographic findings have led to significant changes in management. The patients underwent fluid administration, weaning from inotropy, and mechanical circulatory support explantation, leading to relief of LVOTO and improved hemodynamics. Critical care basic 2D echocardiography accreditations focus on myocardial function and pericardial effusions. Relevant societies administering these accreditations should consider adding LVOT assessment to enable timely diagnosis of this life-threatening CS mimic.
Determinants of Spiritual Well-Being That Impact Breast Cancer Patients’ Quality of Life
Authors: Dewi Inggriane Puspita , Gartika Nina , Sanusi Santy , Suryatiningsih Dewi
Published: June 2023

Background: Breast cancer affects patients’ quality of life, which is influenced by the body's functional abilities and the patients’ spiritual well-being. Currently, there is no research on the spiritual determinants that affect quality of life in the Indonesian context. Purpose: This research analyzes the determinants of spiritual well-being in terms of breast cancer patients’ quality of life using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-Sp). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 112 participants who were selected using purposive sampling. Women with breast cancer who had a Palliative Performance Scale version 2 score of 60 and who were able to read and write were included. The instruments used included the RAND SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire, which was modified to the Indonesian context and was used to survey breast cancer patients (Cronbach coefficient of >0.90), in addition to the FACIT-Sp (Cronbach coefficient of 0.768). The multivariate data were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: The determinants of spiritual well-being for the participants’ quality of life included meaning (odds ratio of 0.436) and peace (odds ratio of 0.303). Conclusion: The meaning and peace domains of spiritual well-being significantly affect breast cancer patients’ quality of life.
Eco-label knowledge versus environmental concern toward consumer's switching intentions for electric vehicles: A roadmap toward green innovation and environmental sustainability
Authors: Fang Wanli , Xin Yongrong , Zhang Zhenhua
Published: June 2023

The Chinese authorities firmly encourage the use of electric cars to decrease global pollution and fossil fuel consumption (electric vehicles). Nevertheless, research aimed at determining customers’ switching intentions toward electric vehicles and pro-environmental behavior are scarce in the country. The purpose of this study is to fill the knowledge gap by scrutinizing the linkage among general environmental knowledge, environmental concern, eco-label knowledge, eco-label attitude (ATT), switching intentions(SIN), and pro-environmental behavior that might affect customers’ SIN and PEB in the Chinese context. The present research has additionally improved the theoretical foundation of the Theory of Planned Behavior by adding three new aspects in along with the ongoing customers’ motive elements (eco-label knowledge, general environmental knowledge, and ATT). In a survey, 549 electric vehicle users in China were polled and their data were analyzed. The structural equation modeling method is used to assess theories that have been put forth. According to empirical evidence, general environmental knowledge, environmental concern, and eco-label knowledge have a favorable and substantial impact on ATT. In a similar vein, ATT has a positive impact on consumers’ SIN and PEB. The research adds to the field of study on renewable buying behavior and offers crucial and practical future paths for researchers and professionals.