bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Struggling at School: Are Exposure to Television's Eurocentric Appearance Norms and Objectified Body Consciousness Associated Factors?
Authors: Daniels Elizabeth A. , Ward L. Monique , Grower Petal , Rowley Stephanie J.
Published: January 2024

Theoretical work on objectified body consciousness, comprised of body surveillance and body shame, proposes several negative sequelae of holding an objectified view of the self (i.e., valuing the body primarily for its attractiveness to others). Few studies have examined associations between objectified body consciousness and academic beliefs and strategies among adolescent girls, especially girls of color. In the present study, we investigated a conceptual model whereby exposure to Eurocentric appearance norms through TV consumption is related to body surveillance and body shame which, in turn, are related to academic beliefs and strategies among a racially diverse sample of United States girls. Participants were 650 self-identified Asian American/Pacific Islander, Black, and White adolescent girls ( Mage = 15.45, SDage = 1.50). Higher Eurocentric appearance norms exposure was associated with higher body shame which, in turn, was associated with maladaptive academic beliefs and strategies for all three groups of girls. In contrast, higher Eurocentric appearance norms exposure was associated with higher body surveillance and just one academic belief, and in White girls only. Future work should continue to examine these associations among adolescent girls of color. In addition, we encourage educators to include body image content in media literacy curricula as a means of disrupting associations between Eurocentric appearance norms, body shame, and academic functioning.
Internal pressure testing of open-ended filament-wound cylinders using radial expansion of elastomeric inserts
Authors: Madrid Matheus , Almeida José Humberto S , Lisbôa Tales V , Spickenheuer Axel , Marczak Rogério J , Amico Sandro C
Published: January 2024

A novel approach for generating internal pressure in filament-wound cylinders using the compressed elastomer method is investigated. Pressure is exerted on the inner surface of the cylinder by radially expanding elastomeric discs inside the composite cylindrical shell. This is accomplished by applying a uniaxial compressive load to the discs with the aid of rigs placed between compression platens in an ordinary universal testing machine. The digital image correlation (DIC) technique is employed to assist the tests in mapping both strain and displacement fields during the entire testing process. Cylinders with six different winding angles (±35°, ±45°, ±55°, ±65°, ±75°, and ±90°) are prepared and analysed. Their load-carrying capacity increases up to an angle of ±75°, accompanied by systematic changes in deformation and failure mechanisms. The suggested testing setup offers benefits in evaluating the impact of processing parameters on the internal pressure strength of filament-wound cylinders. It serves as a secure and cost-efficient laboratory-scale alternative to conventional hydrostatic pressure testing.
Molecular simulation study on the influence mechanism of thermal and mechanical properties of boron nitride filled epoxy resin
Authors: Dongyuan Du , Yanpeng Hao , Yingying Zhang
Published: January 2024

Epoxy resin (EP) is used in electric power equipment due to its superior mechanical and insulating qualities. However, as power equipment advances towards high voltage and high frequency, the drawbacks of epoxy resin’s poor thermal conductivity become more apparent. This study studied the thermal and mechanical properties of an EP composite when the concentration of hydroxylated boron nitride (BN) was increased. The findings demonstrate that as BN content is increased, epoxy resin’s thermal conductivity also increases. When BN concentration reaches 40%, the heat conduction network is constructed. The mechanical characteristics of epoxy resin rapidly deteriorate and BN agglomeration occurs when the concentration exceeds this threshold. Better dispersion of the hydroxylated BN is made possible by the hydrogen bond formed between BN and epoxy resin, which regulates the mechanical properties of the EP.
From dumping to circular economy: There is no success like failure
Authors: Rylander Håkan , Lagerkvist Anders
Published: January 2024

Waste management has been developing in response to needs. The need to get rid of unwanted materials has always been a motivation but using the resource value of waste has also been a driver from the stone age and forwards. In affluent times not so much. Sanitation became a motivation with the discovery of pathogenic microorganisms in the mid-19th century, and after World War 2 (WW2) a strong focus on environmental protection developed, and in recent times, the resource aspect has received an interest despite material affluence. Legislation has been one of the drivers for recent developments, in the case of Sweden, the environmental protection legislation came in the late 1960s, and a few years later, the municipalities got the exclusive right to collect and manage household waste. Many local and regional waste management companies were established, owned by the municipalities. These organizations became agents of development, due to the increased scope and capacity. Adding to the environmental protection agenda, a renewed interest in waste as a resource was initiated by the oil crises of the 1970s, resulting in new waste incineration plants, with energy recovery, connected to already existing district heating networks. Mistakes, failures and alarms in the 1970s and the 1980s resulted in treatment method improvements and the establishment of source separation as an integral part of waste management. The waste management community stands strong today and is taking a more proactive role than before, which includes a stronger focus on communication with other stakeholders.
The Bio-Habitus: Using Pain Science to Reconstruct Bourdieusian Theory
Authors: Leeds Tyler
Published: January 2024

Habitus is society inscribed on the body, but Bourdieu does not explore how biological processes interact with habitus, namely, how action flows from a bio-habitus. I engage pain science to illustrate this point. First, I document how dispositions—specific components of habitus—mediate pain both before and after its onset. Second, I explain how pain alters cognition and affect, an interaction I contend inhibits the habitus. Far from placing the biological over the social, my discussion illustrates how the two are inseparable, a unity underlined by the term bio-habitus. I demonstrate how this concept intervenes in Bourdieusian debates over social reproduction and how the biological inhibition of habitus compares to work on hysteresis. I end by discussing resonances with and implications for disability studies.
Modified Posterior Triple Scoring as a Refinement Technique in Creating Aesthetic Antihelical Fold in Otoplasty
Authors: Brito Kenneth , Zacharia Michael
Published: January 2024

Objective:

To develop a precise and reliable technique in addressing underdevelopment of antihelical fold in patients with prominent ears.

Background:

Prominent ears remain to be a common presentation in aesthetic surgery. Multiple otoplasty techniques addressing the antihelical fold have been developed, but no standard technique is globally adopted. Creating a uniformly even, defined and smooth-edged antihelical fold without retropulsion of helix can be at times challenging and difficult to achieve. This study describes a modified way of refining a desirable antihelical fold by posterior triple scoring technique.

Methods:

A posterior approach was developed to access the posterior surface of antihelix and apply strategic triple linear scoring in conjunction with conchal repositioning. Ten patients underwent this procedure and followed up in 1-month and 1-year periods.

Results:

All patients were satisfied with the procedure. None of the patients developed complication or require secondary otoplasty.

Conclusion:

This novel technique provides a simple yet reliable and precise technique in conjunction with conchal setback or as a standalone procedure in selected patients to achieve the aesthetic curves of the external ear. We suggest this technique as an option to address the underdevelopment of antihelical fold in patients with prominent ears.
MIsgivings about measurement invariance
Authors: Funder David C , Gardiner Gwendolyn
Published: January 2024

This paper critically evaluates the conventional insistence on establishing measurement invariance (MI) in cross-cultural psychology. We argue that complex and seemingly arbitrary benchmarks for assessing MI can be unrealistic and effectively prohibit meaningful research. The widespread use of various MI criteria creates unnecessary and often unattainable hurdles for cross-cultural researchers who have made the effort to collect data in multiple cultural contexts. Additionally, the prohibitionist tone of discussions surrounding MI is unhelpful, unscientific, and discouraging. We argue that emerging findings that cultural differences might not be as widespread or profound as once assumed imply that significant cross-cultural differences in measurement should not be the default assumption. Additionally, we advocate a shift towards external validity as a more useful metric of measurement quality. Our overall message is that researchers who go to the considerable trouble of gathering data in more than one country should not be disadvantaged compared to researchers who avoid cross-cultural complications by gathering data only at their home campus.
Hemostatic Efficacy and Safety of Weight-Based Versus Fixed-Dose 4F-PCC for Vitamin K Antagonist Reversal
Authors: Milkovits Ashley E. , Sugrue David , Faris Janie , Schad Jessica L. , McAllister Kelly B.
Published: January 2024

Background: Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) is indicated for vitamin K antagonist (VKA) reversal but is associated with thrombotic events (TE). In 2018, the institution revised 4F-PCC dosing for VKA reversal from INR and weight-based dosing to a fixed-dose of 1500 units. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare hemostatic efficacy and TE rate of fixed-dose 4PCC to weight-based dosing. Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center, quasi-experimental study of adult patients who received 4F-PCC for VKA reversal from January 2014 through May 2016 (INR and weight-based dosing) or April through October 2018 (fixed-dosing). The primary endpoint was hemostatic efficacy, defined by achieving an INR of ≤1.4, or an INR of ≤1.7 with evidence of hemostasis. The key secondary endpoint was TE within 14 days of 4F-PCC administration. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared for nominal data and Mann-Whitney U for ordinal and continuous data. Results: The study included 163 patients who received weight-based dosing and 45 who received fixed-dose 4F-PCC. Hemostatic efficacy was 76.9% of patients in the weight-based group and 77.4% of patients in the fixed-dose group ( P = .229). TE occurred in 13.5% of the weight-based vs 6.7% of the fixed-dose group ( P = .181). Conclusion: This study found no difference in hemostatic efficacy with fixed-dose 4F-PCC for VKA reversal compared to INR and weight-based dosing. The occurrence of TE was reduced by 50% with the 4F-PCC fixed-dose strategy; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Further randomized studies are needed to confirm these results.
An experimental approach to characterize the performance of PCD and PCBN tools in milling nano Al-8081-Zr/Mg/TiO2 metal matrix composites using multi-sensor data fusion
Authors: Mouli Karaka VVNR Chandra , Reddy Yakkaluru Ramamohan , Prakash Kode Jaya
Published: January 2024

To prevent the quality of the finished product from declining, precision manufacturing procedures need reliable cutting tool wear detection. Cutting tool material, workpiece attributes, cutting conditions and conditions, and excessive cutting forces creating vibrations causing chatter impacting tool wear finally leading to tool failure all have an impact on tool performance. This paper presents a multisensory data fusion approach that assigns sensors at nearfield sites during the machining process to monitor the tool condition. The study investigates the performance of polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and Polycrystalline Cubic Boron Nitride (PCBN) cutting tools during the machining of nano metal matrix composites reinforced with Zr/Mg/TiO2 (15%). The method correlates signal features with experimental results to provide a reliable empirical approach to monitor the cause of tool flank wear and displacement, leading to failure. The experimental investigation it is found the cutting forces showed significant effect on flank wear affecting surface finish and tool life. Tool performance was successful monitoring and predicted instantly based on the signature analysis of vibrations and forces during machining helped accurately analyzed factors affecting tool wear at uncertain cutting conditions using FDA analysis. The study provides insights into the PCD and PCBN tools’ performance characteristics.
High-strength preload indicator inner washer forward design method
Authors: Liu Zhifang , Luo Yuanxin
Published: January 2024

The preload indicator bolt assembly is a fastener that achieves the desired preload effect by simply tightening the preload nut within a specified range without additional measuring tools. The inner washer is a critical component in this assembly, with its outer diameter and height serving as crucial design parameters. In this paper, an equivalent mechanical model is established for the preload indicator bolt assembly. Utilizing this model, an iterative search process is developed to determine the optimal outer diameter and height of the inner washer. The analytical relationship between the bolt preload force and nut displacement is compared and validated against finite element analysis and experimental results, yielding favorable agreement. Notably, the nut tightening angle can vary within the range of 187°–242°, while the preload force exhibits a minimal variation of only ±2% for type 10-0A bolt connection (Bolt diameter and bolt pitch are φ16 mm and 1.41 mm, respectively. The material of bolt, inner ring, and flat ring are GH4169, 40CrNiMoA, and 30CrMo, respectively). This feature significantly simplifies the installation process of the preload indicator bolt assembly in real-world applications, offering great convenience. The increment in tension force on preloaded bolts under external loads exhibits an almost identical trend for both connection methods. Under the same preload force and the same eccentric working load conditions, the thickness of the connected components follows the same trend as their contact area.
The Type 1 & 2 systemic lupus erythematosus model: Perspectives of people living with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Eudy Amanda M , Clowse Megan EB , Corneli Amy , McKenna Kevin , Pisetsky David S , Maheswaranathan Mithu , Burshell Dana , Doss Jayanth , Sun Kai , Sadun Rebecca E , Criscione-Schreiber Lisa G , Rogers Jennifer L
Published: January 2024

Objective

In the new Type 1 & 2 model for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Type 1 SLE represents classic inflammatory manifestations, such as arthritis, while Type 2 SLE encompasses symptoms such as pain and fatigue where the relationship to inflammation is less clear. The objective of this study was to interview individuals living with SLE to determine the content and face validity of the Type 1 & 2 SLE model.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with a purposeful sample of participants who met classification criteria for SLE. Participants were asked to describe their experiences with Type 1 & 2 SLE symptoms and treatments, and they indicated if and how their personal experiences aligned with the Type 1 & 2 SLE model. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed; applied thematic analysis identified the most frequent and salient themes.

Results

We interviewed 42 participants with SLE. Type 2 SLE symptoms, such as pain and fatigue, were very common, with almost all participants experiencing some Type 2 symptoms at some point during their disease course. Participants described Type 1 SLE symptoms as being acute flares and life-threatening and Type 2 SLE symptoms as “everyday lupus” that affected their daily lives and were a dominant part of their SLE disease experience. Most participants stated they want their rheumatologists to discuss Type 2 symptoms during clinical appointments in order to address their full symptom experience.

Conclusion

We demonstrated content and face validity of the Type 1 & 2 SLE model with people living with SLE. Participants in our study largely understood the model and felt it accurately reflected their experience living with SLE. Type 2 SLE symptoms are very common in individuals with SLE and impact patients’ quality of life. Using the model to address Type 2 SLE symptoms allows the rheumatologist to incorporate the patient’s perspective and provide patient-centered care.
Evaluation of Health Systems Performance of OECD Countries Using MOORA Method
Authors: Sevim Ferit , Aldogan Ece Ugurluoglu
Published: January 2024

International comparison of health systems performance provides evidence to countries, policymakers and decision-makers. This study was conducted in order to rank and compare the health systems performance levels of the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD) countries according to the determined health performance indicators. In the study, the data of the countries between the years of 2000–2017 were used and evaluated. The study consists of 36 member countries of the OECD. The data was analysed with the MOORA (Multi-Objective Optimization on the basis of Ratio Analysis) method, which is one of the multi-criteria decision-making methods, allowing the comparison of the performance of health systems across countries is compared. As a result of the health system performance evaluations of OECD countries. As a result of the health system performance evaluations of OECD countries, it has been concluded that countries such as Switzerland, Germany and Sweden have a high level of health systems performance, and Mexico, Colombia and Turkey have a lower performance compared to other countries. It is expected that countries with lower health system performance levels due to health system structures, demographic characteristics, education levels and technological development levels can still develop by selecting alternative countries suitable for their purpose and adopting the policies and strategies of such countries to their own systems.
Trends in Prenatal Polysubstance Exposure
Authors: Nichols Cynthia , Lloyd Sieger Margaret
Published: January 2024

Researchers are referring to polysubstance use as the “fourth wave” of the opioid epidemic. Prenatal polysubstance exposure is on the rise, leading to increased health and safety complications among infants and caregivers. This study examined the co-occurrence of polysubstance exposures and child maltreatment concerns using Child Abuse and Prevention Treatment Act (CAPTA) notifications made in Connecticut. Sixteen percent of notifications included polysubstance exposures. The average total number of substances identified among polysubstance cases was 2.39 (range: 2–7). Each additional substance identified was shown to have 2.5 times higher odds of maltreatment report controlling for maternal age, infant race/ethnicity, and toxicology test type. Findings from this study suggest that the total number of substances is a primary factor contributing to maltreatment reports among infants with prenatal substance exposure.
Validity of the Cleft Aesthetic Rating Scale Does Not Improve with Inclusion of Fixed Scores for Atypical Outcomes
Authors: Vroom Y. , Kornmann N. S. S. , Mosmuller D. G. M. , Niessen F. B. , Don Griot J. P. W.
Published: January 2024

Objective

The Cleft Aesthetic Rating Scale (CARS) is a valid tool to assess the aesthetic outcome after unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) repair. The goal of this study was to investigate whether the reliability of CARS increases by including fixed rates for atypical outcomes such as a smaller nostril, lower vermillion border or whistling deformity.

Design

197 patients with UCLP who underwent cleft repair were included. Three cleft experts rated the post-operative photos using the original CARS, followed by a second assessment employing the modified CARS.

Setting

Medisch Centrum Leeuwarden, Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, Radboud Universitair Medisch Centrum and Amsterdam University Medical Center.

Patients

Photographs of 16- to 25-year-old patients with repaired UCLP.

Interventions

Two separate assessments using the original and modified CARS.

Main outcome measures

The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used to test inter-rater reliability of the original and modified version of the CARS.

Results

The reported ICC for the nose scored by means of the original and modified CARS were 0.68 (95% CI 0.62-0.74) and 0.66 (95% CI 0.59-0.72) respectively. The reported ICC for the lip assessed with the original and modified CARS were 0.53 (95% CI 0.33-0.67) and 0.57 (95% CI 0.34-0.72) respectively.

Conclusions

No significant difference was found between the original and modified ICC of the nose and lip. The implementation of the fixed rates did not result in an increased reliability of the CARS. Therefore, we recommend the utilization of the original CARS.
Counselors’ Perceptions of Competencies in the Treatment of Children with Autism
Authors: Feather Katherine A. , Dahl-Jacinto Heather , Headley Jessica A.
Published: January 2024

The development of competencies specific to specialized populations is a growing area of interest in the counseling profession. The rise of rates of autism spectrum disorder in children in the United States has garnered the attention of service providers advocating for the advancement of practice to promote comprehensive, quality care to this underserved population. In an extension of these efforts, this phenomenological investigation examined counselors’ competencies in treating autism in children. Analysis of in-depth interviews with 14 counselors resulted in the identification of four themes: (a) Exposure to Autism, (b) Autism Knowledge, (c) Intervention Services, and (d) Counselor Identity. Contributions to promote services for this population in clinical practice and counselor education are discussed.
Biomechanical Effects of Subtalar Joint Fusion and Medial Ligament Reconstruction in Simulated Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity
Authors: Lee Wonyong , Tecle Nahom , Knapp Emma , Awad Hani , Oh Irvin
Published: January 2024

Background:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the biomechanical effect of medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy (MDCO), subtalar joint fusion (SF), and medial ligament reconstruction (MLR: deltoid-spring ligament) in a severe flatfoot model. We hypothesized that (1) combination of MDCO and SF improves the tibiotalar and foot alignment in severe progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) cadaver model. (2) However, if a residual valgus heel alignment remains after MCDO and SF, it can lead to increased medial ligament strain, foot malalignment, and tibiotalar valgus tilt, which will be mitigated by the addition of MLR.

Methods:

Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric foot specimens were used to create a severe flatfoot model. The foot alignment changes, including the talo–first metatarsal angle in the axial and sagittal planes, subtalar angle, and tibiotalar angle in the coronal plane, were measured. The angles were measured at the initial condition, after creating the severe flatfoot model, and after each successive reconstructive procedure in the following order: (1) MDCO, (2) SF, and (3) MLR.

Results:

Tibiotalar valgus tilt was decreased with the MDCO procedure: 4.4 vs 1.0 degrees ( P = .04). Adding in situ SF to the MDCO led to increased tibiotalar tilt to 2.5 degrees was different from the initial condition ( P = .01). Although the tibiotalar valgus tilt was significantly decreased after adding the MLR to the MDCO/SF procedure compared with the severe flatfoot model (0.8 vs 4.4 degrees, P = .03), no significant difference in the tibiotalar valgus tilt was observed between MDCO/SF and MDCO/SF with MLR.

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrated that MDCO significantly improved forefoot abduction and medial arch alignment, with no significant additional improvement observed with addition of SF. Following SF, a residual valgus heel alignment can contribute to subsequent tibiotalar valgus tilt. The addition of MLR did not show significantly decreased tibiotalar valgus tilt following SF.

Clinical Relevance:

Residual valgus heel alignment after subtalar joint fusion in the surgical treatment of PCFD can lead to increased medial ligament strain. Although MLR might be considered for providing medial stability, it may not necessarily prevent the development of tibiotalar valgus tilt.
Construction and Validation of a Simulation Scenario for Teaching Family-Focused Care in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Duarte Adriana Maria , Maria Cerqueira da Silva Carla , Barbieri-Figueiredo Maria do Céu
Published: January 2024

Clinical simulation can be a promising teaching strategy to help nurses develop behaviors that improve family care actions, promoting safe and high-quality care. The objective of this study was to build, validate, and test a simulation scenario in pediatric oncology family-focused care (FFC) following an initial diagnosis of cancer. It is a six-step methodological study based on the philosophy of Family-Centered Care (FCC), with a user-centered design. The evaluators established a Content Validity Index (CVI) > 0.8 for validation. Pilot testing included the Simulation Design Scale. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. A total of 35 experts participated in this study. All 19 items in the scenario were validated and considered relevant, in a single round, with the item-level CVI ranging between 0.8 and 1 and a scale-level CVI of 0.92. The high-fidelity developed and validated clinical simulation scenario is a consistent tool for the education of advanced practice nurses.
Is There a Causal Link Between Acute Myocarditis and COVID-19 Vaccination: An Umbrella Review of Published Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Authors: Bouchlarhem Amine , Boulouiz Soumia , Bazid Zakaria , ismaili Nabila , El ouafi Noha
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

A few months after the beginning of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination, several reports of myocarditis secondary to the vaccines were published, sometimes with fulminant cases, but until today there is no proven causal link between these 2 events, but with many hypotheses proposed.

Methods:

A systematic review of current evidence regarding myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination was performed by searching several databases including PubMed/Medline and Web of Science. The quality of Meta-analysis was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool as well as other qualitative criteria.

Results:

Our umbrella review appraised 4 Meta-analysis of retrospective studies (range: 5-12), The number of vaccine doses included ranged from 12 to 179 million, with the number of myocarditis cases observed ranging from 343 to 1489. All types of vaccines were evaluated, with no exclusions. The overall incidence ranged from 0.89 to 2.36 cases of myocarditis per 100 000 doses of vaccine received. Heterogeny was assessed in 3 of the Meta-analysis, and was highly significant (>75%) in all included studies, and with a significant P-value ( P < .05). Regarding publication bias, 3 of the Meta-analysis conducted the egger and begg regression, with a significant result in only 1. Regarding the assessment of the methodology by the AMSTAR-2 scale indicating that the quality was very critical in 1, low in 2, and moderate in 1 Meta-analysis.

Conclusion:

The quality of current non-randomized evidence on real causality and incidence of myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccine is still low.
Made to feel different: Families perspectives on external responses to autism and the impacts on family well-being and relationships
Authors: Trew Sebastian
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to investigate the impact of external factors on the experiences and family relationships of autistic adolescents and their families. A qualitative approach was used, with in-depth interviews conducted with 30 participants, including autistic adolescents, siblings and parents from within families with an autistic adolescent family member. The findings suggest that external factors significantly influence the well-being of autistic adolescents and their families. The school environment was identified as a significant factor, with sensory overload, bullying and adverse interactions with teachers having a negative impact on the mental health and quality of family relationships for participants. In addition, the study highlighted that isolation and stigma were major concerns for families, suggesting a need for public efforts to raise awareness and understanding of autism. The lack of appropriate support and services was also identified as a significant challenge that families face. The study highlights the need for person-centred approaches to service provision, which involves including autistic adolescents and their families in the design and delivery of support and services. The study recommends collaboration among schools, service providers, and families, as well as efforts to promote autism-friendly environments in schools and the broader community.

Lay abstract

The influence of the environment on different groups of people with disabilities has rarely been studied in the context of neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as autism, in adolescence. This study explored how external responses to autism affect the experiences, outcomes and family relationships of autistic adolescents and their family members, including siblings and parents. This study adds to the knowledge of factors that contribute to the social disadvantage and exclusion autistic adolescents and their families face in their communities. Interviews with 30 participants from families with an autistic adolescent show that external factors greatly impact the well-being of autistic adolescents and their families. The school environment, including sensory overload, bullying and negative interactions with teachers, was found to be a key factor that negatively influenced mental health and family relationships. The study also revealed that isolation and stigma are major concerns for families, indicating the importance of public awareness campaigns to increase understanding of autism. In addition, the lack of adequate support and services presented significant challenges for families. The study emphasises the importance of person-centred approaches to providing services, which involve including autistic individuals and their families in designing and delivering support.
Remembering the future; prospective memory across the autistic adult’s life span
Authors: Groenman Annabeth P , Torenvliet Carolien , Radhoe Tulsi A , Agelink van Rentergem Joost A , van der Putten Wikke , Altgassen Mareike , Geurts Hilde M
Published: January 2024

Prospective memory helps us to remember to perform tasks in the future. Prospective memory can be either time or event based. The goal of this study was to determine time- and event-based prospective memory in autistic adults across the life span. Autistic ( n = 82) and non-autistic ( n = 111) adults, aged between 30 and 86 years, performed the lab-based Amsterdam Breakfast Task, and several naturalistic prospective memory tasks. Preregistered analyses (AsPredicted #34249) were performed using classical frequentist as well as Bayesian statistics. On none of the prospective memory tasks, group differences were observed. Our results show no effect of age on naturalistic tasks, but age did affect our lab-based measure, indicative of the age paradox often described in non-autistic adults. Moreover, we found evidence for a parallel age-related effect of lab-based and naturalistic prospective memory in autistic and non-autistic individuals.

Lay abstract

What is already known: Prospective memory is an important function for daily living. It is the cognitive function that helps you remember that you are meeting your friend for coffee at 2 pm tomorrow, or that you need to take your vitamins after breakfast. This cognitive function is particularly important in autistic adults, but how prospective memory is associated with increasing age, we currently do not know. What this paper adds: Although performance on experimental tasks that measure prospective memory decreases with age, this pattern is similar in autistic and non-autistic adults. No age effects were found for tasks that were performed outside the lab. Autistic adults and non-autistic adults perform similarly on prospective memory, and this performance remains similar when autistic and non-autistic adults age. Implications for practice, research, or policy: While our results show that prospective memory decreased with increasing age, our results do point to parallel development of prospective memory in autistic and non-autistic adults. This finding serves as a reassurance for those individuals concerned that older autistic individuals might show quicker cognitive decline.
The unspeakable queerness in Romania’s communist period: Lesbian and queer accounts beyond gay men’s experiences
Authors: Dima Ramona
Published: January 2024

Informed by interviews with queer women, nonbinary persons, and a trans man, this article aims to fill a major gap in the Southeastern European sexuality studies. It does that by depicting and analyzing several microhistories from communism (1947–1989) and from the early 1990s Romania. The 1990s were also marked by the communist legacy and same-sex relationships continued to be criminalized until 2001. Since gay men’s accounts are much more represented in the public space and in the incipient literature on queerness in Romania, the article offers an alternative view beyond this tendency, by bringing forth the particularities and experiences of cisgender women and trans persons and their day-to-day lives within the patriarchal and homophobic society. The article argues that during communism matters of queerness were known, although rarely discussed, and that the accounts of queer women and trans persons were not absent but neglected. Another objective is to offer explanations for the lack of these marginal (ized) accounts in the incipient gender and queer studies literature on Romania.
‘Abstinence is panacea’: Reconstructing the ideal of Chinese masculinity through online community
Authors: Liu Chong , Huang Qiqi
Published: January 2024

This article discusses the experience of Chinese young men relating to sexual abstinence through the Abstinence Bar ( jiese ba 戒色吧) – an online community, with over six million members, dedicated to preaching the benefits of sexual abstinence – to identify how it represents a problematic strategy of ‘doing gender’ in post-socialist China. Based on a critical discourse analysis of the posts in the Abstinence Bar, we argue that the prosperity of the Abstinence Bar has re-stabilized the hegemony of dominant masculinities through cultural changes which intersect with individualism and nationalism. Consequently, it is essential to advocate evidence-based sexuality education among Chinese young people.
Employment Adjustment During the Initial Outbreak of COVID-19: Empirical Evidence from Tourism Workers in Bhutan
Authors: Choden Rinzin , Pholphirul Piriya
Published: January 2024

Even though quantifying the impacts of COVID-19 on jobs and employment has been studied in recent literature worldwide, not much research has attempted to investigate the impacts in terms of employment adjustment, especially during the initial outbreak of the pandemic. Using secondary survey data of 1,320 employees working in the tourism sector in Bhutan as a case study, our multinomial logit model estimations show that female workers were among the most vulnerable group to be asked to reduce some benefits from work, to receive only a partial salary or to leave without pay during the initial outbreak. However, when the situation became more severe (resulting in the laying off of employees), the tourism sector in Bhutan laid off male workers also. Negative impacts on their employment were likely to be found among workers with higher education, the relatively young and married workers. In addition, employment adjustments were also found to vary by tourism sub-sector during initial outbreaks. Workers in the entertainment sector seemed to experience the smallest hit from the initial outbreak since they still received some partial payments or were asked to only temporarily leave their jobs without receiving payment. Some sectors, especially tour guides, tour operations, river rafting and land transport, however, had to lay off their workers during the initial outbreak as those businesses rely mostly on international tourists. This study also discusses the policy recommendations to ensure employment stability during such a crisis in the future.

JEL Codes: J23, M51, Z39
Transaction cost economics in the digital economy: A research agenda
Authors: Nagle Frank , Seamans Robert , Tadelis Steven
Published: January 2024

Transaction cost economics theory explains when it is more efficient for a transaction between two parties to occur across the market or within an organization. How does transaction cost economics apply in the digital economy, which relies on digital transactions? In this article, we consider how digital transactions help us probe the boundary conditions of transaction cost economics and how, despite all the changes wrought by digital transactions, transaction cost economics can still provide a useful lens to help scholars and practitioners understand and measure the organization of economic activity and make strategic decisions. We highlight several characteristics of digital transactions and discuss how these characteristics offer opportunities for future research in the fields of strategy, organizations, and economics, and lay out a research agenda for this increasingly important area.
Refugees and school engagement: A scoping review
Authors: Molla Tebeje
Published: January 2024

With the global increase in forcibly displaced populations, understanding and improving educational opportunities and outcomes for refugee youth is of paramount importance. This scoping review focuses on understanding the extent and nature of evidence related to school engagement among refugee parents and students. The review’s scope was limited to peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2015 and 2023. The review reveals insights into research contexts, methodological and theoretical approaches, empirical interests, and key findings on enablers of and barriers to school engagement. Additionally, the paper identifies three significant themes requiring attention in future research: inconsistent framing of central themes, the prevalence of deficit accounts regarding refugee parents and students, and omissions concerning critical aspects of school engagement.
Unsupervised incremental transfer learning with knowledge distillation for online remaining useful life prediction of rotating machinery
Authors: Liang Yunjia , Mao Wentao , Wu Chao
Published: January 2024

Online remaining useful life (RUL) prediction has been solved by deep transfer learning, but is still with challenges as follows: (1) Incomplete and unlabeled data under actual operation; (2) Condition monitoring data is streaming with unknown distribution; and (3) The distribution of degradation data is variable. To solve them, an unsupervised incremental transfer learning approach with knowledge distillation (KD) is proposed. First, a time series recursive prediction model is built to generate pseudo labels. Second, an online KD network is constructed to realize unsupervised domain adaptation. Finally, an incremental updating mechanism is designed in the online KD network for online RUL prediction with the pseudo labels. Comparative experiments on the IEEE PHM Challenge 2012 rolling bearing dataset show that the proposed method, being computationally inexpensive, can effectively achieve dynamic prediction only with sequentially-collected data, which can provide an effective RUL prediction solution for rotating machinery under an open environment.
The totality of evidence approach in the development of AVT02 (adalimumab), a biosimilar to Humira
Authors: McClellan Joseph E. , Ómarsdóttir Sesselja , Roy Nivedita , Berger Verena , Michel Cecilia , Berti Fausto
Published: January 2024

The development of a biosimilar is based on comparative structural, physicochemical, functional and clinical assessments. The sum of these analyses encompasses the ‘totality of evidence’, which demonstrates no clinically meaningful differences between the biosimilar and the reference product (RP). Once biosimilarity has been established, provided there is suitable scientific justification, clinical data may be extrapolated to other indications of the RP. AVT02 has been developed as a biosimilar to high-concentration, low-volume Humira (adalimumab), an anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha monoclonal antibody approved for various chronic inflammatory indications. The totality of evidence for AVT02 is described, supporting its approval as an adalimumab biosimilar for all approved indications globally. Analytical similarity assessments using mass spectrometry methods demonstrated identical amino acid sequences for AVT02 and the RP, with high similarity in terms of primary structure, post-translational modifications and higher-order structural attributes. The mechanism of action was assessed by various cell-based potency assays and binding assays, and the results demonstrated that AVT02 is highly similar to the RP. No clinically meaningful differences in terms of purity, potency and safety were observed, and minor differences in a few physiochemical attributes did not impact the in vitro biologic activity and were not considered clinically relevant. Clinical similarity was demonstrated by comparing the pharmacokinetic, efficacy, safety and immunogenicity profiles of AVT02 with those of the RP. Clinical studies supported similar pharmacokinetic and comparable immunogenicity profiles between AVT02 and the RP in healthy participants and participants with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis, with no new safety signals detected. The totality of evidence described demonstrates the biosimilarity of AVT02 to the RP, thereby fulfilling the scientific and regulatory requirements for AVT02 as a high-concentration biosimilar for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis and all approved indications of the RP.
Review of alginate-based composites for 3D printing material
Authors: Bukit Bunga Fisikanta , Syamani Firda Aulya , Rochima Emma , Panatarani Camellia , Widiyastuti W. , Praseptiangga Danar , Nazir Novizar , Nurhamiyah Yeyen , Agustina Siti
Published: January 2024

The ability of alginates to form hydrogel solutions makes them a promising biomaterial for three-dimensional (3D) printing. Researchers are investigating several techniques to improve the alginate hydrogels’ quality, such as using alginate-based nanocomposites as materials for 3D printing. This review examines the material of alginate-based composites, the printing technique, and the applications of 3D printing alginate-based composites. Material composites for 3D printing include alginate with clay, a combination of alginate with polymers or biopolymers, and a mixture of alginate with metal oxide and carbon. The 3D printing material from alginate combined with polymers is usually used in the medical and green packaging industries, whereas a mixture of alginate with clay, metal oxide, and carbon 3D printing material is utilized in the environmental field. When considering printing procedures, extrusion techniques are the most affordable. Furthermore, the purpose of alginate composite characterization is to determine the impact generated by the material combinations. This characterization is carried out based on the intended application. However, it is common to employ mechanical, thermal, rheological, scanning electron, XRD, and FTIR analysis to identify the fundamental characteristics of the alginate composite according to research.
Exploring the perceptions of health service providers and adolescents on the utilization of adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in Tikur, 2023: A qualitative study
Authors: Tilahun Befkad Derese , Yilak Gizachew , Amena Shewangizaw , Abebe Gebremeskel Kibret , Ayele Mulat
Published: January 2024

Objectives:

Globally, twenty-three million adolescents aged 15–19 years have an unmet need for sexual and reproductive health services and are at risk of unintended pregnancy. In Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, it might be difficult for adolescents to get access to sexual and reproductive health services that are acceptable to use. Privacy, a fear of sharing health concerns, a sociocultural environment, the unfriendliness of current services, and traditional taboos are some of the key reasons. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of service providers and adolescents on the use of sexual and reproductive health services.

Methodology:

A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted from January to February 2023 in the Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital. Purposive sampling was applied to select the study participants. A total of 17 in-depth interviews (with 7 adolescents and 10 health providers) were held. Instead of relying on the number of participants, data saturation was used. Thematic analysis was employed in analyzing the data.

Result:

The findings indicate that obstacles to the use of sexual and reproductive health services include challenges related to the availability of resources and accessibility; resistance from religious beliefs, cultural beliefs, and customs; quality and institutional-related challenges; and stigma and discrimination in sexual and reproductive health services, which pose the biggest barrier to health professionals providing standardized sexual and reproductive health services.

Conclusion:

A multi-pronged approach should be created to overcome these challenges, including community outreach for sexual and reproductive health and increasing awareness of the importance of early access to sexual and reproductive health through appropriate community forums. Existing sexual and reproductive health services are not promoted to adolescents and youth, and a lack of and difficulty getting resources for sexual and reproductive health services should be resolved.