bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalised Ellis–Bronnikov wormholes embedded in warped braneworld background and energy conditions
Authors: Sharma Vivek , Ghosh Suman
Published: November 2021

Ellis–Bronnikov (EB) wormholes require violation of null energy conditions at the ‘throat’. This problem was cured by a simple modification of the ‘shape function’, which introduces a new parameter $$m\ge 2$$

m
≥
2

($$m=2$$

m
=
2

corresponds to the EB model). This leads to a generalised (GEB) version. In this work, we consider a model where the GEB wormhole geometry is embedded in a five dimensional warped background. We studied the status of all the energy conditions in detail for both EB and GEB embedding. We present our results analytically (wherever possible) and graphically. Remarkably, the presence of decaying warp factor leads to satisfaction of weak energy conditions even for the EB geometry, while the status of all the other energy conditions are improved compared to the four dimensional scenario. Besides inventing a new way to avoid the presence of exotic matter, in order to form a wormhole passage, our work reveals yet another advantage of having a warped extra dimension.
Halo uncertainties in electron recoil events at direct detection experiments
Authors: Maity Tarak Nath , Ray Tirtha Sankar , Sarkar Sambo
Published: November 2021

The dark matter direct detection rates are highly correlated with the phase space distribution of dark matter particles in our galactic neighbourhood. In this paper we make a systematic study of the impact of astrophysical uncertainties on electron recoil events at the direct detection experiments with Xenon and semiconductor detectors. We find that within the standard halo model there can be up to $$ \sim 50\%$$

∼
50
%

deviation from the fiducial choice in the exclusion bounds from these observational uncertainties. For non-standard halo models we report a similar deviation from the fiducial standard halo model when fitted with recent cosmological N-body simulations while even larger deviations are obtained in case of the observational uncertainties.
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Infections among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Single-Centre Study in Somalia
Authors: Jeele Mohamed Osman Omar , Addow Rukia Omar Barei , Adan Faduma Nur , Jimale Liban Hassan
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Hemodialysis patients have the highest risk for developing hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) than the general population. There is no study available for HBV and HCV in this population in Somalia. The main objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors of HBV and HCV infections among hemodialysis patients in Somalia. Methods. A cross-sectional assessment of hemodialysis patients from January 2021 to June 2021 was used in this study. 220 patients were included in this study. Age, sex, duration of hemodialysis, number of hemodialysis sessions per week, history of blood transfusion, HbsAg, and anti-HCV antibodies were examined. Results. Out of the 220 patients, males were predominant (113 (51.4%)). The mean age of the participants was 52.70. The prevalence of HBV was 7.3% (16 respondents), while the prevalence of HCV was 3.2% (7 respondents). 1 respondent (0.5%) had both HBV and HCV. There is a positive correlation between the duration of hemodialysis and the prevalence of HBV and HCV (r(218) = 0.298,

p

value <0.001), blood transfusion and prevalence of HBV and HCV (r(218) = 0.347,

p

value <0.001), and the number of hemodialysis sessions per week and prevalence of HBV and HCV (r(218) = 0.402,

p

value <0.001). The regression model of the combined predictors of history of blood transfusion, duration of hemodialysis, and number of dialysis sessions per week is R2 = 0.25, which indicates a 25% variance in the prevalence of HBV and HCV with a significance of F (3,216) = 23.67,

p
<
0
.001

. Conclusions. The prevalence of HBV and HCV among hemodialysis patients in this study was 7.3% and 3.2%, respectively. 0.5% of the respondents had both HBV and HCV. History of blood transfusion, duration of hemodialysis, and number of hemodialysis sessions per week appear to have a strong correlation with the prevalence of HBV and HCV.
Septo-Optic Dysplasia Diagnosed in a Newborn Infant with Normoglycemia: The Importance of Thorough Physical Examination
Authors: Palorath Aishwarya , Kharode Ishita
Published: November 2021

A newborn male infant was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit due to suspected sepsis. He was clinically stable with normal electrolyte levels on admission. However, he was noted to have micropenis and bilateral nonpalpable testes. Ultrasound imaging confirmed the presence of both gonads in the inguinal canal, with no Müllerian structures visualized. Laboratory examination revealed an undetectable random plasma cortisol level; subsequent ACTH stimulation testing confirmed adrenal insufficiency. Further testing revealed additional pituitary hormone deficiencies, and the infant was started on multiple hormone replacement therapies. Magnetic resonance imaging identified absent septum pellucidum, pointing of the frontal horns, and optic nerve hypoplasia. A diagnosis of septo-optic dysplasia was made based on this combination of findings. This case highlights the importance of thorough physical examination in newborn infants, which may reveal the only sign of underlying pathology in the absence of other concerning findings.
Association between Attitude towards Wife Beating and Childhood Diarrhea: A Demographic and Health Survey-Based Study in 25 Sub-Saharan African Countries
Authors: Zegeye Betregiorgis , Keetile Mpho , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Yaya Sanni
Published: November 2021

Background. Childhood diarrhea remains a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Women empowerment reduces child mortality, and wife beating attitude is one of the indicators of women empowerment. There is a dearth of evidence about wife beating attitudes and childhood diarrhea in SSA. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the association between attitude towards wife beating and diarrhea among under-five children. Methods. We used Demographic and Health Surveys from 25 countries in SSA that were conducted between 2010 and 2020. Using Stata version 14 software, we carried out the analysis on 153,864 children under five. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied, and the results were presented using adjusted odd ratios (aOR) at 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. The pooled results show that 71.4% of married women disagreed with wife beating. About 20.5% of under-five children of married women had diarrhea. Childhood diarrhea varied from highest prevalence in Chad (27.9%) to the lowest prevalence in Sierra-Leone (8.5%). The study showed lower odds of diarrhea among children of married women who disagreed with wife beating (aOR = 0.66 95% CI; 0.54–0.80) compared to children of married women who agreed with wife beating. Moreover, the study results show that women’s age (35–39 years-aOR = 0.48, 95% CI; 0.31–0.74, 40–44 years-aOR = 0.57, 95% CI; 0.35–0.93, 45–49 years-aOR = 0.35, 95% CI; 0.16–0.79) was negatively associated with childhood diarrhea, while husband’s education (primary school-aOR = 1.36, 95% CI; 1.05–1.77), parity (ever born 3-4 children-aOR = 1.36, 95% CI; 1.09–1.70, and 5+ children-aOR = 1.56, 95% CI; 1.14–2.12), and religion (Muslim-aOR = 3.56, 95% CI; 1.44–8.83) were positively associated with diarrhea among under-five children. Conclusions. The study shows association between women attitude towards wife beating and childhood diarrhea. Therefore, empowering women, especially young women by increasing awareness about domestic violence, their rights, and empowering them through education and economic advancement need to be considered in order to reduce childhood diarrhea. Moreover, fertility control or birth spacing and working closely with religious leaders are important factors to consider in reducing childhood diarrhea.
Influence of Lidocaine including Buprenorphine for Postoperative Analgesia after the Extraction of Mandibular Third Molars: A Randomized Controlled, Double-Blind, Split-Mouth Study
Authors: Jawanda Nimrat K. , Shukla Anand , Singh Anupam , Pentapati Kalyana C. , Gadicherla Srikanth
Published: November 2021

Background. The presence of opioid receptors around the peripheral nerves offers the possibility of providing postoperative analgesia, thereby encouraging the study of the effect of opioids in combination with local anesthesia (LA). Studies have also reported the efficacy of peripherally administered opioids in achieving adequate analgesia in regions with inflammation. Applying the concept of peripheral opioid receptors, our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of opioid analgesia in managing postoperative pain. The split-mouth study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of buprenorphine added to lidocaine 2% in providing postoperative analgesia after the surgical extraction of the impacted mandibular third molar. Materials and Methods. We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, split-mouth trial among 21 patients with impacted mandibular third molars bilaterally. In all patients, bilateral impacted mandibular third molars were extracted at different periods. The primary outcomes assessed were postoperative analgesia by the VAS score and the number of rescue analgesics consumed by patients at 24, 48, and 72 hours of interval via a questionnaire. Results. There was a statistical significant difference in postoperative analgesia duration at 24 (P = 0.012) and 48 hours (P = 0.024), respectively, between the test and control group. Even though the mean number of rescue analgesics consumed by the test group was less than that of the control group, no significant difference was seen. Conclusion. Buprenorphine added to lidocaine 2% showed a minimal decrease in the pain score and duration of postoperative analgesia with no difference in the frequency of rescue analgesics consumed between the test and control.
Efpeglenatide and Clinical Outcomes With and Without Concomitant Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibition Use in Type 2 Diabetes: Exploratory Analysis of the AMPLITUDE-O Trial
Authors: Lam Carolyn S.P. , Ramasundarahettige Chinthanie , Branch Kelley R.H. , Sattar Naveed , Rosenstock Julio , Pratley Richard , Del Prato Stefano , Lopes Renato D. , Niemoeller Elisabeth , Khurmi Nardev S. , Baek Seungjae , Gerstein Hertzel C.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Both sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists reduce cardiovascular events among patients with type 2 diabetes. However, no cardiovascular outcome trial has evaluated the long-term effects of their combined use. The AMPLITUDE-O trial (Effect of Efpeglenatide on Cardiovascular Outcomes) reported that once-weekly injections of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists efpeglenatide (versus placebo) reduced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs); MACEs, coronary revascularization, or unstable angina hospitalization (expanded MACEs); a renal composite outcome; and MACEs or death in people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular or renal disease. The trial uniquely stratified randomization by baseline or anticipated use of SGLT2 inhibitors and included the highest prevalence at baseline (N=618, 15.2%) of SGLT2 inhibitor use among glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist cardiovascular outcome trials to date. Its results were analyzed to estimate the combined effect of SGLT2 inhibitors and efpeglenatide on clinical outcomes.

Methods:

Cardiovascular and renal outcomes were analyzed with Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for region, SGLT2 inhibitor randomization strata, and the SGLT2 inhibitor–by–treatment interaction. Continuous variables were analyzed with a mixed-effects models for repeated measures that also included an interaction term.

Results:

The effect (hazard ratio [95% CI]) of efpeglenatide versus placebo in the absence and presence of baseline SGLT2 inhibitors on MACEs (0.74 [0.58–0.94] and 0.70 [0.37–1.30], respectively), expanded MACEs (0.77 [0.62–0.96] and 0.87 [0.51–1.48]), renal composite (0.70 [0.59–0.83] and 0.52 [0.33–0.83]), and MACEs or death (0.74 [0.59–0.93] and 0.65 [0.36–1.19]) did not differ by baseline SGLT2 inhibitor use (
P
for all interactions >0.2). The reduction of blood pressure, body weight, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio by efpeglenatide also appeared to be independent of concurrent SGLT2 inhibitor use (all interaction
P
≥0.08). Last, adverse events did not differ by baseline SGLT2 inhibitor use.

Conclusions:

The efficacy and safety of efpeglenatide appear to be independent of concurrent SGLT2 inhibitor use. These data support combined SGLT2 inhibitor and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist therapy in type 2 diabetes.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT03496298.
A new genus and seven new species of chrysopetalids (Annelida, Chrysopetalidae) from the Tropical Eastern Pacific
Authors: CRUZ-GÓMEZ CHRISTOPHER
Published: November 2021

Chrysopetalids annelids have been little studied in the Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP), with only 24 species recorded in the region. Most records are from northwestern Mexico and Costa Rica, leaving many sites along the Tropical Pacific coast of America unexplored. Furthermore, there are species recorded and described from the region with problems in their status, including questionable records, modest illustrations or descriptions, and lost type material. This paper aims to improve the knowledge of this family in the TEP. Almost 290 specimens were revised, provided from five scientific collections, covering 51 sites along the TEP and nearby. Two subfamilies: Calamyzinae and Chrysopetalinae, nine genera and 20 species were determined. Of these, ten species have been previously recorded, three are indeterminable and seven are new species: Paleanotus karlyae n. sp., Arichlidon mucropaleum n. sp., Bhawania bastidai n. sp., Chrysopetalum mexicanum n. sp., C. tovarae n. sp. A new genus is proposed, Bhawatsonia n. gen. which includes two new species, B. fusa n. sp. as its type species, B. nenoae n. sp. and, the new combination and neotype of B. purpurea n. comb. An updated and revised checklist of all chrysopetalids species recorded in the region is included, currently composed of 16 genera, 30 species, and four morphospecies.
Phylogeography and Genetic Structure in the California Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus): Impacts of current and historic landscape features
Authors: LAVIN BRIAN R , CALLAHAN BRIANA S , CONNELL REGAN A , GIRMAN DEREK J
Published: November 2021

The California Floristic Province contains numerous ecological regions and a complex geological and geographical history that make it one of the worlds biodiversity hotspots. A number of wide-ranging taxa span across these regions and show complex patterns of dispersal, vicariance and lineage diversification, making localized small ranged species with lower levels of vagility essential to understanding the overall region. Here, we investigate the biogeography and population structure of the California Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus) (Eschscholtz 1833), an endemic species localized to a narrow coastal region between two areas of biological significance in the California Floristic Province, the North Coast Divide and Monterey Bay. We sequenced one mtDNA fragment (control region) for 133 individuals and a subset of 38 individuals for the anonymous nuclear locus E16C7. We analyzed these sequences with phylogenetic, coalescent, Bayesian clustering, and population genetic approaches in order to infer population structure, phylogenetic structure, and biogeographic history. Additionally, we examined occurrence data with species distribution modeling to generate a habitat suitability map to aid our interpretation of geographic structure. Our analyses recovered 4 major mtDNA lineages, two of which are combined into 3 major lineages when nuDNA is examined. These 3 major lineages are bounded by 4 major current or past geological features; the North Coast Divide, the former Wilson Grove Embayment/current Petaluma Gap, San Francisco Bay, and Monterey Bay. Other low-vagility species linked to moist microclimates and forest habitat do share similarities with the genetic patterns of D. ensatus hinting at a larger role for the past Wilson Grove embayment and modern Petaluma Gap in California biogeography.
Two new species of Rhinogobius (Gobiiformes: Oxudercidae) from Palawan, Philippines, with their phylogenetic placement
Authors: MAEDA KEN , SHINZATO CHUYA , KOYANAGI RYO , KUNISHIMA TAIGA , KOBAYASHI HIROZUMI , SATOH NORIYUKI , PALLA HERMINIE P.
Published: November 2021

Two new species of Rhinogobius found in streams on central part of Palawan Island, Philippines are described. The two new species, Rhinogobius estrellae and Rhinogobius tandikan share unique transverse rows of sensory papillae on the cheek with Rhinogobius similis Gill, 1859, but differ from the latter in fin ray counts, arrangement of the scales, etc. The two new species are distinguished from each other by the pectoral-fin ray count, the longitudinal- and predorsal-scale counts, and colouration of the body. Rhinogobius estrellae new species and R. tandikan new species have been found allopatrically in a stream within Malatgao River system flowing into the Sulu Sea and in the Cayulo River flowing into the South China Sea, respectively. The Malatgao River system is the southernmost habitat of the genus Rhinogobius. Rhinogobius similis had been considered as the only member of the most basal lineage of this genus, but our mitochondrial genome analysis suggested that the two new species are additional members of this lineage. They are considered to be relicts of their common ancestor with R. similis, which probably had a wider distribution.
Discovery of the first leaf litter inhabiting flea beetles in Brazil (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae) with description of two new genera and three new species
Authors: DE OLIVEIRA DENIZE WGLIANA G. , LINZMEIER ADELITA M. , KONSTANTINOV ALEXANDER S.
Published: November 2021

Two new genera of flea beetles are described and illustrated: Brasilplatus Oliveira, Linzmeier & Konstantinov new genus, monotypic, type species B. bahianus Oliveira, Linzmeier & Konstantinov new species, and Tupiniquim Linzmeier, Oliveira & Konstantinov new genus, containing two species, T. pronotalis Linzmeier, Oliveira & Konstantinov new species and T. confusa Linzmeier, Oliveira & Konstantinov new species and type species of the genus. These are the first described genera of flea beetles inhabiting leaf litter in Brazil. Brasilplatus belongs to the subtribe Monoplatina and is compared to other Monoplatina genera known to occur in leaf litter or moss cushions: Andersonaltica Linzmeier & Konstantinov, 2012, Apleuraltica Bechyné, 1956 and Ulrica Scherer, 1962. Tupiniquim is unique among New World flea beetles, it allies cannot be immediately identified. Here it is compared to several New World and Old World genera.
Two new species of Amphinemurinae (Plecoptera; Nemouridae) from Yunnan Province, China
Authors: REHMAN ABDUR , ZHAO MENG-YUAN , DU YU-ZHOU
Published: November 2021

Two new species of Nemouridae stoneflies, Amphinemura oblonga Rehman, Du & Zhao sp. nov. and Mesonemoura diqinga Rehman, Du & Zhao sp. nov., are described from China (Yunnan Province, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Shangri-la city, Gezan township, Langdu Village). Diagnosis, description of terminalia, illustration of terminalia appendages and terminalia similarities with closely related species are provided and discussed.
First record of the snail-killing fly genus Dichetophora Rondani (Diptera: Sciomyzidae) in Korea, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: SON YEONGJIN , SUH SANG JAE
Published: November 2021

This paper provides the first report of the snail-killing fly genus Dichetophora Rondani, 1868 on the Korean peninsula with the discovery of two new species, D. koreana sp. nov. and D. nigricorpa sp. nov. Descriptions and illustrations of the new species and keys to the Palearctic species of this genus are given.
Contribution to the knowledge of Chinese Gryllacrididae (Orthoptera) III: New additions of Metriogryllacris Karny, 1937
Authors: LIU JING , BIN WEI , BIAN XUN
Published: November 2021

In this paper, one new species is described from Yunnan province viz. Metriogryllacris (Metriogryllacris) nigrilimbis Liu & Bian sp. nov.. Based on the specimens from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the morphological characters of Metriogryllacris (Metriogryllacris) permodesta (Griffini, 1914) are provided. All specimens are deposited in Guangxi Normal University.
A Rare Case of Urinothorax as a Result of Penetrating Trauma
Authors: Connors Casey , Faizi Zaheer , Ratnasekera Asanthi
Published: November 2021

Urinothorax, defined as urine within the pleural space, is an uncommon finding in published trauma literature. To date, there are less than ten recorded cases of non-iatrogenic trauma-induced urinothorax, most resulting from blunt traumatic injuries from motor vehicle collisions. Given the rarity of the condition, the diagnosis is often missed or delayed. Once the diagnosis is suspected, the most reliable finding is a pleural fluid to serum creatinine ratio of >1. A confirmed diagnosis of urinothorax then requires drainage of pleural fluid and management of distal ureteral obstruction. Unfortunately, the added complexity of the poly-trauma patient obscures this difficult diagnosis often leading to a delay in treatment and prolonged hospital stay. No current published literature exists on penetrating trauma as a cause of urinothorax. Here, we describe a unique case of urinothorax in a 32-year-old male as a result of penetrating trauma.
Productive Contribution of Public Spending and Human Capital in Developing Countries Revisited: The Role of Trade Openness
Authors: Su Thanh Dinh , Nguyen Canh Phuc
Published: November 2021

This study examines the catalytic role of trade openness in the relationships between human capital and public spending and total factor productivity (TFP) growth in 44 developing countries over the 1980–2014 period. Applying various estimation techniques to deal with autocorrelation, heteroscedasticity and cross-section dependence, the study finds that (a) the effect of human capital on TFP is nonlinear, (b) government consumption positively affects TFP but military spending is a negative factor and (c) trade openness significantly improves the positive influences of these factors on TFP. The results imply the important role of trade liberalisation in productivity evolution in developing countries.

JEL Codes: F43, H52, O47
A Dependent Economy Model of Employment, Real Exchange Rate and Debt Dynamics: Towards an Understanding of Pandemic Crisis
Authors: Basu Moumita , Basu Rilina , Nag Ranjanendra Narayan
Published: November 2021

Given the unforeseen and uncertain circumstances during the pandemic, the role of government expenditure becomes extremely relevant in sustaining lives and livelihoods of the masses. This brings forth public sector deficit as a key issue of macroeconomic policy debate. This article aims at investigating the effects of an unanticipated adverse shock like COVID-19, on the real value of public debt, in a small open economy, consisting of traded and non-traded sectors, along with proposed management of such crisis with fiscal and monetary expansion. The results of policy-induced and exogenous shocks depend on the difference in the speeds of adjustments in real exchange rate, interest rate and real value of debt, and the associated multitudes of cross effects. While an unanticipated adverse shock like COVID-19 causes contraction of both traded and non-traded sectors and reduces consumption expenditure, investment expenditure and level of employment and real value of aggregate income in the short run, fiscal expansion causes higher real value of debt and lower real exchange rate.

JEL Codes: E12, E62, H63
Improved method of manufacturing carbon nanotube infused multifunctional 3D woven composites
Authors: Shimpi Prasad , Aniskevich Andrey , Zeleniakiene Daiva
Published: November 2021

This research work aimed to develop smart multifunctional composites via a process for uniformly dispersing carbon nanotubes (CNT) on an orthogonal three-dimensional (3D) woven glass fabric with minimised filtering effect. These smart composites could detect strain under tensile and flexural loading by the piezoresistive response of the infused CNT network. Conventional vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding was modified to control the infusion of 0.25 wt% CNT on the 3D woven glass fabric by varying the vacuum pressure. Results showed that at 101.3 kPa vacuum pressure, the CNT percolated through the thickness of the orthogonal 3D woven glass fabric while being marginally filtered by the fibres and were suitable for sensing tensile strain, whereas at 30.4 kPa, the CNT were deposited only on the surface of the fabric preform without getting filtered and were suitable for sensing flexural strain.
Educating ‘Temple Cultures’ Heterogeneous Worship and Hindutva Politics in Kerala
Authors: Roopesh O. B.
Published: November 2021

Contrary to the popular imagination of Kerala as a secular, rational left bastion, the state is witnessing Sangh Parivar’s active presence in the domain of temples and everyday culture. This study attempts to examine the anxiety of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and its sympathisers about the ‘true’ knowledge on temple culture, and their efforts to teach everyday Brahmanical rituals and other forms of worship such as srividya and kuladevathas. I argue that Sangh Parivar is interested in heterogeneous worship practices in Kerala as part of their ideological expansion. Their obsession for the didactics of temple culture is a response to the modern secularisation process and ambition to educate the Other Backward Classes and Dalits in Brahmanical knowledge, for they are not traditionally inclined to the Brahmanical temples. Finally, the study aims to document the ethnographic details of Sangh Parivar activities in the world of worship and temple culture.
Buddhist Majoritarianism and Ethnocracy in Sri Lanka
Authors: DeVotta Neil
Published: November 2021

Majoritarianism rarely, if ever, accompanies good governance, and Sri Lanka is a case in point. Unwilling to build on a history of pluralism, the island’s post-independence elites manipulated ethnoreligious fissures for political gain. Besides leading to a civil war that lasted nearly three decades, it has also unleashed violence on Muslims and Christians even as the island has consolidated its status as a Sinhalese Buddhist ethnocracy. The ensuing political Buddhism has compromised Buddhism and democracy and placed the country on a militarised and authoritarian trajectory.
Making (Ab)sense of Women’s Agency and Belonging in Citizenship Debates in India: Analysing the Shaheen Bagh Protests as ‘Act(s) of Citizenship’
Authors: Sengupta Papia
Published: November 2021

The developments in citizenship in India that took place in 2019–2020 witnessed intervention from women belonging to minority communities who have emerged as forebears of resistance to the authoritarian-masculine imposition of citizenship as religious exclusion in the form of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019. The article revisits the women protests against the Act through the lens of ‘acts of citizenship’. The Shaheen Bagh protests, as these are called popularly, have been studied mainly as Muslim women exhibiting their defiance against a draconian law adversely affecting them. I argue that these protests can be interpreted as acts of citizenship where women spearheaded demonstrations against the Indian state to withhold their rights of citizenship as ‘activist citizens’, asserting the constitutional value of respecting diversity and democratic citizenship, thereby demonstrating ‘constitutional patriotism’. The article contributes to the ongoing debate on gendered citizenship in India providing an alternative approach, moving away from the popular binaries of ‘cultural diversity’ and ‘cultural nationalism’.
Social Identity of an Ancestral Religious Group: A Study of the Hamai People in Northeast India
Authors: Samson Kamei
Published: November 2021

An ancestral group, with a native religion, views its religion from a strictly confined group’s identity perspective. This narrowly confined identity narrative of their origin, rooted in their relationship with their proto-ancestor’s creator, contributes towards their belief systems that naturally precludes all other groups and thus results in a cautiously guarded religion of their ancestral group. The social identity process of religion shields it from evolving into a more universal belief system that cuts across cultures and languages. Nevertheless, the social identity process of the religion of an ancestral group is certainly a phenomenon that allows one to better comprehend the various intricate dynamics within an ancestral group and their inter-group dynamics. The article is contextualised within an ancestral group known as Hamai who come under Zeliangrong, an organisation formed for the socio-economic and political objectives of a section of the Hamai people of Manipur, Nagaland and Assam.
Assessing Issues of Caste and Selfhood in Rural Society: Some Reflections
Authors: Prasad Devi , Akundy Anand
Published: November 2021

Based on a field study of Tandawa village located in east Uttar Pradesh, the article examines the pattern of caste cohesion in a rural society and studies how divisions and hierarchy still surface and remain a reality. This ethnographic study shows that though many socio-cultural traditions are practiced in northern India, some are undergoing subtle changes. The younger generation, especially its leaders, the yuva neta, have been taking initiatives over the last two decades to bring about a change in thinking. This study examines these new changes and challenges, and also tries to explore how these yuva neta have taken some initiatives to resolve internal caste-based hierarchical divisions and social contradictions. Using interviews, oral history, narratives and participant observation techniques, an ethnographic account of a small village has been put together. The research article also revisits a few significant studies to understand the debate on the caste system and how deeply it is entrenched in the day-to-day life of rural India.
Clinical Legal Education—A Robust Instrument for Attainment of Justice: An Indian Perspective
Authors: Singh Ravindra Kumar
Published: November 2021

Legal education is to serve the purpose of creating well-versed and proficient professionals who can render the best legal service to the people and help them get justice. Moreover, it is also to produce law-abiding and well-informed citizens who can carry out their duties in their professional life (irrespective of the nature of profession) for maintaining the rule of law. Along with a very strong foundation of substantive law, law students must also be oriented to the application of law during their undergraduate programme. This goal is to be realized through clinical legal education (CLE), which was introduced with an aim of combining the theory with practice. It also helps inculcate a sense of social justice in law students, as they closely see the application of law in a real life situation; they realize how law benefits people; they get closely connected to the society; they learn professional ethics; they develop problem solving approach; they get immeasurable satisfaction and confidence in the power of law; and more particularly, they comprehend that law is the real robust instrument to ensure and secure inclusive justice in the society. CLE, thus, makes the legal education all-inclusive and wholesome by making law students the agents of social change and champions of justice. This research article argues that CLE is indispensable for the attainment of inclusive justice. It also gauges the state of CLE in India from this perspective. Lastly, the article offers a few convincing suggestions which need to be incorporated in the legal education framework of India in order to ensure the higher goal of attainment of inclusive justice in India.
Leadership Style and Work Engagement: A Comparison of Private and Public Sector Firms in India
Authors: Mathew Jain , Rajam Kohila , Nair Sridevi
Published: November 2021

Post-privatization, public sector organizations were encouraged to borrow and learn from private sector firms. The popular belief was that the human resource practices followed by private sector organizations were far superior and more effective than those of the public sector organizations. However, this claim lacks empirical proof. This study adds to this body of knowledge by comparing the level of work engagement in private and public sector firms of India. Given that the leadership is crucial in setting the tone of an organization, the study also analyses the dominant leadership styles and their relationship to the levels of work engagement. The study is descriptive in nature and utilizes a structured questionnaire to collect data. Individuals currently employed in Indian public and private sector firms, in managerial roles, were invited to record their responses. The final sample consisted of 240 employees, with equal representation from both sectors. The collected data was then analysed using SPSS. The findings suggested that the dominant leadership styles were not significantly different in public and private sector organizations. Private sector employees were found to be more engaged and the leadership style appeared to be significantly related to the levels of engagement in public sector firms only.
E-Learning in Era of COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact of Flexible Working Arrangements on Work Pressure, Work–Life Conflict and Academics’ Satisfaction
Authors: Ghali-Zinoubi Zohra , Amari Amina , Jaoua Fakher
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study is to better understand the effect of flexible working arrangements (FWAs) on three academics’ outcomes, which are work pressure, work–life conflict and satisfaction during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A quantitative approach using probability-sampling technique was performed to collect the data. A total of 132 responses were considered in this study. The sample includes academics from Middle East and North Africa region. This research used the method of partial least squares to test the research hypotheses. The findings showed that there are significant effects between flexible working-time arrangements, work pressure, work–life conflict with academics’ satisfaction. Yet, both work pressure and work–life conflict do not have moderator roles on the relationship between FWAs and academics’ satisfaction. The research results could be applied by university human resources’ managers seeking to introduce flexible schedules in the workplace in the context of uncertainty. The study makes a novel contribution to the effect of flexible schedules on the attitude of academics during a health crisis (COVID-19).
Investigating Environmental Kuznets Curve: A Panel Data Analysis for India
Authors: Pandey Sweety , Mishra Mrutyunjaya
Published: November 2021

The main objective of this study is to examine the relevance of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis in describing the relationship between air pollution and development of a panel of 21 Indian states, using data for the period 2001–2016. This article attempts to use panel unit root, the panel cointegration test and panel dynamic ordinary least square approach to examine the relationship among various variables, including the atmospheric concentration of sulphur dioxide (SO2)/nitrogen dioxide (NO2), net state domestic product, social sector expenditure and other variables used as a proxy for the composition effect and development effect. The empirical analysis indicates that there exists a long-term relationship between the concentration of SO2 and NO2 with per capita income and other variables. In terms of the EKC hypothesis, the findings recommend the existence of a cubic relationship in the long run and emphasise the need to bring environment-friendly structural changes in economic activity and to enhance sustainable development through technological innovation.
Three Ways of Seeing a Forest: On the Social Life of Economization in Indian Carbon Forestry
Authors: Harms Arne
Published: November 2021

Irrespective of controversies and frustrated efforts, carbon forestry—the sequestering of greenhouse gases in forests—remains a key element of climate change mitigation. Carbon forestry drives regularly rely on a market-based conservation framework, where forest dwellers are remunerated for their service of maintaining forests through dedicated financial instruments routing global funds. In this article, I turn to India’s first large-scale carbon forestry project, situated in the hills of Himachal Pradesh, and trace how carbon forestry plots are subjected to different temporal trajectories on different levels. I show that the marketing of emission reduction certificates (CER), underpinning carbon forestry, posits emergent forests as permanent sinks. The administrative procedures of this Indian carbon forestry project, however, aim at providing for these forests for sixty years. Finally, I show that villagers perceive a sense of closure, suspending dedicated care and governance routines as the project appears to dismantle and future payments become uncertain. I argue that these different temporal registers not only reveal contradictions within carbon forestry approaches but they also highlight the fragility of attempts to economize forests through supposedly green financial instruments and, therefore, the limited impact of what might appear as neoliberal agendas, in time.
Globalization and the Changing Geography of Social Life in Rural Kerala
Authors: Luke Mijo
Published: November 2021

This article contributes to the study of globalization and social change in rural Kerala by examining the historical trajectories of educational, occupational and spatial mobility among three communities—Syrian Christians, Ezhavas and Pulayas—in the village of Kavakad, Kerala. It addresses the involvement of each community in transnational migration and related mobilities away from the village. The article is based on quantitative data collected through an intergenerational family survey and semi-structured interviews conducted in Kavakad. The research reveals that while the dominant Syrian Christian community gained most from transnational migration, all three communities benefited from forms of upward mobility. However, our findings also confirm that, despite various forms of mobility, longstanding social inequalities between Syrian Christians, Ezhavas and Pulayas in the village persist. The article highlights the ways in which spatial mobility is a key factor in shaping the relative social mobility of each community. As such, it contributes to our understanding of the reproduction of inequality in contemporary Kerala and, in particular, of the ways in which historically accumulated resources and community networks enabled Syrian Christians to turn transnational migration into lasting forms of upward mobility. It also suggests a need for alternative development interventions at the local level to support the spatial mobility of marginalized rural communities.
Does Multidimensional Poverty Affect Depression? Evidence from Peru
Authors: Barrantes Nicolas , Clausen Jhonatan
Published: November 2021

The number of people in low- and middle-income countries who suffer from depression is increasing, and a significant proportion of people in these countries live in poverty. We estimated the effect of living in multidimensional poverty on experiencing symptoms associated with major depression using the 2018 Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey. We used an instrumental variables approach to overcome the potential endogeneity bias caused by the simultaneous relationship between multidimensional poverty and depression. We found that living in multidimensional poverty significantly increases depression symptom severity. This has urgent policy implications for low- and middle-income countries with limited provision of mental health services.
A Critical Overview of Social Marketing in Asia
Authors: Pang Bo , Deshpande Sameer A. , Nguyen Tuyet-Mai , Kim Jeawon , Almosa Yara A. , Arif Amna , Arli Denni , Bakpayev Marat , Erdogan Bayram Zafer , Fujihira Haruka , Gallage H. P. Samanthika , Kadir Mohammad A. , Ong Lai Teik Derek , Satawedin Patama , Weinreich Nedra Kline , Yousef Murooj
Published: November 2021

Background

Social marketing has been used in Asia to combat various social issues (Deshpande & Lee (2013). However, our understanding of social marketing awareness, adaptation, and achievement in Asian countries is limited.

The focus of the Article

An historical overview of social marketing developments in Asia.

Importance to the Social Marketing Field

This paper is one of the first attempts to integrate social marketing theory and practice in Asia to understand its strengths and weaknesses and to provide a recommendation to enhance the adoption and effectiveness of social marketing program design, implementation, and evaluation to generate social and behavioral change.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors representing 18 Asian countries searched for social marketing growth and trends in prominence, conceptual developments, social issues and solutions, and effectiveness in English and local language literature. This paper describes themes by highlighting examples of initiatives.

Findings

Our analysis reveals a broad spectrum of social marketing practices in Asia, focusing traditionally on managing overpopulation and preventing communicable diseases and, more recently, non-communicable diseases and climate action. The practice also revealed close integration with policies, overreliance on the government sector, lack of robust research studies, theorizing, documentation, training, and community involvement, and challenges presented by cultural factors and the confusion of understanding the term.

Recommendations for research or practice

The study recommends establishing the Asian Social Marketing Association and Asian Social Marketing Institute, adopt a Total Market Approach, improve documentation, clarify the boundaries of social marketing, enhance the effectiveness of strategies by embracing research, involving the beneficiary communities, and by learning from others.
Multistage Endovascular Management of a Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm in a Post–Heart Transplant Patient
Authors: Malinowski Maciej , Młodzik Jakub , Jodłowski Grzegorz , Borkowski Artur , Skóra Jan , Janczak Dariusz
Published: November 2021

The development of aneurysms of thoracoabdominal aorta (TAAA) in a post-transplant patient is a rare clinical situation and requires special attention. Endovascular treatment is the most suitable option for these patients due to numerous comorbidities. Particular emphasis should be placed on the ejection fraction as one of the main criteria for qualifying for surgery. The treatment itself remains a major challenge relating to anatomical constrains; however, it is possible in select patients in experienced centers.
The electoral implications of uncivil and intolerant rhetoric in American politics
Authors: Gervais Bryan T.
Published: November 2021

Can political incivility bolster support for American candidates? Conventional wisdom holds that it does and Donald Trump’s 2016 electoral victories demonstrate the power of uncivil rhetoric—particularly, when it is paired with racially intolerant rhetoric. However, recent studies have demonstrated that leveraging political incivility can backfire on elites. As such, it is unclear whether uncivil rhetoric has electoral value, or if its utility is bolstered when it is joined by intolerant rhetoric. Leveraging a survey experiment, I find that both political incivility and racial intolerance induce feelings of disgust. The presence of intolerance in a message weakens the effects of incivility on disgust for out-group elites, suggesting that multiple rhetorical norm violations result in diminishing (negative) returns. Moreover, the effects of intolerance on disgust are moderated by a subject’s level of racial resentment. These aversive reactions to incivility and intolerance reduce electoral support for the elite sponsoring the message. In-group candidates pay a larger electoral penalty, although the penalty for intolerance is moderated by subject racial resentment. I conclude that, contra claims that political incivility works, uncivil messaging serves as a strategic liability for candidates.
A Paradigm for Validating Organisational Citizenship Behaviour Scale in Indian Context
Authors: Yadav Priyanka , Punia B. K.
Published: November 2021

Despite the fact that organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) is unprompted by the organisations, it supports the effective running of organisations throughout a discretionary entity of employees’ behaviour. OCB contributes to the organisation in several ways and helps organisations in achieving sustainable competitiveness. Though, owing to individual behaviour and cultural differences, the magnitude of OCB possibly will change across the countries. This research article intends to validate the instrument for assessing OCB in an Indian context. A sample of 549 employees working in public and private organisations situated in the northern part of India was collected. The study has applied a descriptive research design and the quantitative approach. Five constructs for the OCB assessment were selected for their reliability and validity, using first-order and second-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results show that there is no reliability and validity issue in this particular scale, and the confirmatory factor analysis of OCB signified that there was a good fit of CFA model data. Findings of this article add to the theoretical and practical legitimacy of OCB measure from an emerging country context.
Antecedents of Customer Loyalty and Word of Mouth: A Study on Consumer Durables in Emerging Economies
Authors: Upamannyu Nischay Kumar , Rajput Sneha , Bhakar S. S.
Published: November 2021

In the era of Marketing 4.0, where customers and companies interact online as well as offline, an immense need to understand the actions and reactions of a potential customer is generated. The expectation of the customer is sure to rise in the time ahead. There are challenges for organizations to prove their sustainability with all this. Among all challenges, developing loyalty among customers remains foremost, keeping into consideration the supremacy of customer loyalty (CL) in influencing other customers by using word of mouth (WOM). Organizations strategically use many tools to maintain a positive WOM and its image, that is, corporate image (CI) and brand image (BI) lead the confrontation. This article reveals that people are very rational while buying durables. The customer evaluates the CI and BI differently to buy high-priced and low-priced electronic products, which is a price-sensitive industry. The finding indicates that CI and BI have a significant impact on CL and WOM in the case of both high-priced and low-priced products, with a strong distinction in their intensity. Organizations must understand the presence of variation, as a loyal customer is the right source of positive WOM. Furthermore, the contribution of gender towards CL, BI and WOM is not seen, but is present in CI. Thus, the study provides new phenomena for using CI and BI as marketing tools to improve CL and WOM.