bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Role of MELD-Lactate in Cirrhotic Patients’ Short- and Long-Term Prognosis, Stratified by Causes of Cirrhosis
Authors: Chen Xiao-Fu
Published: March 2022

Objectives. Recently, model for end-stage liver disease-lactate (MELD-LA) proved to be a superior predicting factor of inpatient mortality in patients with chronic liver disease. The study’s objective was to evaluate the ability of MELD-LA to predict both short- and long-term mortality in critically ill cirrhotic patients stratified by causes of cirrhosis. Materials and Methods. This was a retrospective observational research of 469 cirrhotic patients entering intensive care unit. Clinical parameters and prognostic scores were measured and collected in the first 24 hours after entering intensive care unit. Follow-up duration was at least 5 years. Independent relationship between MELD-LA and mortality was evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analyses. Discrimination of scoring system was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Calibration of the score was evaluated by Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test for significance. Results. The MELD-LA score (odds ratio: 1.179, 95% confidence interval: 1.112–1.250,

P
<
0.001

) was an independent risk factor for 15-day mortality. The area under the curve of MELD-LA was the highest (0.808, 95% confidence interval: 0.765–0.852) in predicting 15-day mortality and it had superior calibration. We found MELD-LA showed the best discrimination ability in cirrhotic patients caused by both alcohol and hepatitis (0.783, 95% confidence interval: 0.651–0.915) or alcohol alone (0.805, 95% confidence interval: 0.743–0.867). Conclusions. MELD-LA performs better for predicting short-term prognosis in critically ill cirrhotic patients, especially caused by both alcohol and hepatitis or alcohol alone.
Pemetrexed for Recurrent Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma in the Elderly: Results of a Retrospective Study
Authors: Xiao Jing , Wang Shishu , Xu Bing , Yu Lisha , Han Yan
Published: March 2022

Aim. Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an aggressive, destructive, and rapidly progressive malignant brain tumor. Although aggressive therapies were studied trying to increase the median survival of PCNSL, the high relapse rate of PCNSL is still a big problem for the oncology medicine. A retrospective study was made to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pemetrexed in the treatment of patients with recurrent PCNSL. Methods. Twenty-three confirmed recurrent PCNSL patients were selected during April 2012 and August 2016. Dexamethasone, B12, and folic acid were used to produce the toxicity related to pemetrexed. The patients were intravenously given pemetrexed (900 mg/m2) every three weeks for 6 weeks. Results. After the treatment, 7 patients were in complete remission, 6 patients in partial remission, 4 patients in stable condition, and 6 patients in progression. There were 56.5% and 73.9% in the overall response rate and the disease control rate, respectively. The median overall survival (OS) was 6.6 months (95% CI, 4.6–8.6). Conclusion. This study has been the first time to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of pemetrexed on elderly recurrent PCNSL patients. Results demonstrate that using high-dose pemetrexed might be a feasible and effective treatment for recurrent PCNSL in the elderly, and clinical trials should be conducted to further confirm it.
Crianza kichwa en Medellín: tensiones entre lo ancestral y lo occidental
Authors: Buitrago-Restrepo Laura Vannessa , Alvarez-Herrera Laura Cristina
Published: March 2022

(analítico)El abordaje de la crianza indígena en el ámbito científico y occidental es complejo e interesante, en un contexto de realidades diversas que requieren ser visibilizadas para ampliar la comprensión de la crianza infantil. La investigación es cualitativa, apoyada en el interaccionismo simbólico, y cuenta con la participación de cuatro familias y cinco líderes de la comunidad kichwa. Los resultados dan cuenta de la noción de infancia y de las prácticas que implementa esta comunidad para mantener la identidad kichwa. Asimismo, se evidencian las tensiones que produce la crianza, según el entorno. Como conclusión, los kichwa han buscado mantener sus tradiciones en la crianza de los infantes; sin embargo, las dinámicas de la ciudad afectan su cotidianidad, en especial en entornos citadinos como el comercio y la educación.
Palabras clave: Crianza del niño; infancia; grupo étnico; quechua.
Prehospital‐Stroke‐Scale Parameterized Hospital Selection Protocol for Suspected Stroke Patients Considering Door‐to‐Treatment Durations
Authors: Wang Chun‐Han , Chang Yu‐Chen , Yang Yung , Chiang Wen‐Chu , Tang Sung‐Chun , Tsai Li‐Kai , Lee Chung‐Wei , Jeng Jiann‐Shing , Ma Matthew Huei‐Ming , Hsieh Ming‐Ju , Lee Yu‐Ching
Published: March 2022

Background

To mitigate uncertainty that may arise in the judgment of emergency medical technicians when relying on a prehospital stroke scale at the scene, we propose a hospital selection protocol that considers the uncertainty of a prehospital stroke scale and the actual door‐to‐treatment durations, and we have developed a web‐based system to be used with mobile devices.

Methods and Results

This hospital selection protocol incorporates real‐time, estimated transport time obtained from Google Maps, historical median door‐to‐treatment duration at hospitals that only provide the standard intravenous thrombolysis treatment, and at hospitals with endovascular thrombectomy for probable large‐vessel occlusion cases. We have validated the efficiency of the proposed protocol and compared it with other strategies used by emergency medical technicians when deciding on a receiving hospital. Using the proposed protocol for the triage reduces the time from onset to receiving definitive treatment by nearly 11 minutes. We found that the nearest endovascular thrombectomy–capable hospital from the scene may not be the most ideal if the door‐to‐treatment durations are discriminative. The results show that, when the tolerable bypass transport threshold and administration time are reduced to 9 minutes and 30.5 minutes, respectively, 228 patients out of 7678 cases, whose receiving hospitals were changed to endovascular thrombectomy–capable hospitals, received definitive treatment in a shorter time. The results of our analysis give recommendations for appropriate allowable bypass transport time for regional planning.

Conclusions

By applying almost‐real value parameters, we have validated a web‐based model, which can be universally adapted for optimal, time‐saving hospital selection for patients with stroke.
Atomic Ecology
Authors: Angus Siobhan
Published: March 2022

Susanne Kriemann's Pechblende explores the material histories and visual (im)possibilities of uranium. Through a focus on the materiality of uranium, the article explores how the medium of photography is entangled with atomic histories by focusing on a series of exhibitions that explore the histories of photography, mining, and the damage slowly wrought by environmental change. While the violence of uranium exposure eludes vision, atomic light materially challenges the boundaries of the visible and the invisible, most tangibly shown in X-rays and autoradiographs, the camera-less exposures “taken” by uranium. Reading Kriemann's work through an eco-critical lens that centers environmental justice and labor, I explore the role of photography and the archive in the Anthropocene. Kriemann's counter-archival photographic practice draws attention to the socio-ecological costs of resource extraction while probing the limits of the visible. The materiality of the climate crisis necessitates thinking about materials—and the tangible consequences of their use—alongside questions of representation.
Quantifying the Rainfall Cooling Effect: The Importance of Relative Humidity in Guangdong, South China
Authors: Liu Wei , Dong Shaorou , Zheng Jing , Liu Chang , Wang Chunlin , Shangguan Wei , Zhang Yajie , Zhang Yu
Published: March 2022

In this study, we used hourly observations to investigate the cooling effect of summer rainfall on surface air temperature (Ta) in a subtropical area, Guangdong province, South China. Data were categorized step-by-step by rainfall system (convection, monsoon, and typhoon), daily rainfall amount, and relative humidity (RH) level. Moreover, the average hourly Ta variation due to solar radiation was removed from all observations before statistical analysis. The results showed that the linear relationship between hourly Ta variation and rainfall intensity did not exist. However, the cooling effect of rainfall on Ta variation was dominant. In addition, convective rainfall does cause a greater temperature drop than the other two rainfall systems. After further partitioning all samples by RH level preceding the rainfall, the relationship between hourly Ta variation and rainfall intensity became distinctive. When RH was below 70%, rainfall-induced cooling became more substantial and scaled linearly with event intensity, but when RH exceeded 70%, the rainfall cooling effect was generally restrained by the RH increase. A strong correlation between hourly Ta variation and RH level preceding the rainfall suggests the importance of RH on the rainfall cooling effect.
In-Hospital Bleeding in Elderly Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome: Are Potent Antiplatelet Agents Safe?
Authors: Keskin Kudret , Sığırcı Serhat , Gürdal Ahmet , Ser Özgür S. , Kilci Hakan , Sümerkan Mutlu Ç. , Er Arzu , Alyan Ömer
Published: March 2022

Despite implementation of new interventional techniques and therapeutic advances, elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) continue to be susceptible to in-hospital bleeding compared with younger ones. Thus, we investigated the incidence of in-hospital bleeding events and associated risk factors in elderly (≥ 75°years) ACS patients. We also wanted to define the bleeding sites, characteristics, and associated mortality. Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) classification type 2, 3, or 5 was used to define bleeding events. Overall, 539 patients were included in the study (mean age: 82.5 ± 4.8°years; 282 (52.3%) females). Of these patients, 69 (12.8%) developed in-hospital bleeding. Factors that were independently related with in-hospital bleeding were age (odds ratio (OR): 1.08; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.011.14, P = .01), acute kidney injury (OR: 3.66; 95% CI: 2.016.69; P < .01), tirofiban (OR: 4.43; 95% CI: 1.7810.99; P < .01), and ticagrelor (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.013.73; P = .04) administration. The urinary tract was the most frequent bleeding site, followed by femoral arteries. In conclusion, ticagrelor and tirofiban should be used with caution in elderly ACS patients.
Engagement in Sustainability Behaviors in Normative Social and Utilitarian Economic-Driven Organizations
Authors: Carmeli Abraham , Dothan Ari , Boojihawon Dev Kumar
Published: March 2022

We delineate a dual-pathway process that links two different types of organizational identity to members’ engagement in sustainability-related behaviors. Specifically, we explain how organizations with a normative social identity and those with a utilitarian economic identity foster such engagement by specifying two distinct human resource management (HRM) practices (commitment- and transaction-based) and demonstrating the different mechanisms whereby this process unfolds. This endeavor informs the community of scholarship and practice on sustainability by opening up new avenues for research and offering implications for policy and practice regarding the ways by which sustainability behaviors of members (employees and managers) in organizations with seemingly opposing identities can be promoted.
Contribution of adhesive-reinforced interface on the performance of light-weight sustainable sandwich composites
Authors: Fatima Narin Sara , Dhaliwal Gurpinder Singh , Newaz Golam
Published: March 2022

Sandwich constructions are widely used in numerous sectors such as aerospace, marine, architectural, and transportation industry acknowledging their excellent light-weight, exceptional corrosion characteristics, and rapid installation capabilities. The combination of the face-sheet and core should be profound so the sandwich structure’s functionality is maintained over its life-span and guarantee structural integrity. The interfacial adhesion between the core and face-sheets plays a vital role to ensure structural integrity. The adhesion is primarily responsible for load transfer between the face-sheets and core and its failure results in severe degradation of the sandwich structure’s functionality. Therefore, this study investigates the significance of adhesive layer application at the skin-core interface while manufacturing Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic/End-Grain Balsawood sandwich composites and its impact on the composite’s mechanical performance. Interface adhesive application demonstrated overall improved mechanical behavior under quasi-static flexural loading; which essentially accounts for superior interfacial skin-core bonding. The technique enhances structural performance without a considerable density variant. Numerical results agreed well with the experimental findings and aided in further understanding of the associated damage mechanisms. Sandwich composite’s flexural damage mechanisms were essentially the same irrespective of the presence of reinforced interfacial bond; however; the improved interfacial bond resulted in higher load capacity and reduced skin-core debonding.
Collaborating Successfully with Community Partners and Clients in Online Service-Learning Classes
Authors: Dumlao Rebecca J.
Published: March 2022

Teaching online students to collaborate effectively with community partners and to solve problems through service-learning projects are “on trend” topics for technical communication faculty. This article presents collaboration specifics as well as the author's Collaborative Communication Framework (CCF) to show the types of communication needed to work well with community partners/clients in service-learning. Tips for teaching, including using the CCF and service-learning, will be highlighted so faculty can make choices about how to meet curricular goals while addressing community partner/client needs. Resources for teaching will be offered. Successful student projects will show detailed examples of key ideas throughout the article.
Kawasaki Disease with Peripheral and Facial Gangrene: A Case report and review of literature
Authors: Madan Dolly , Maheshwari Anu , Mahto Deonath , Mendiratta Vibhu , Sharma Sunita
Published: March 2022

With the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, Kawasaki Disease (KD) has come to the fore with its many atypical manifestations. Atypical clinical neurological, ophthalmological, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal and pulmonary manifestations in a febrile child with raised markers should prompt the clinician to think of Kawasaki disease. Peripheral gangrene is a rare atypical manifestation of KD reported in infancy. We present a three-and-a-half-year-old boy with extensive gangrene all four limbs and face along with purpura fulminans. He was successfully treated with two doses of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and infliximab, with no residual gangrene. This case highlights that very severe forms of Kawasaki disease require IVIG, pulse steroids as well as infliximab for adequate control and complete resolution of the disease.
Consensus of multi-agent systems via prescribed-time sliding mode control method
Authors: Zhou Yingjiang , Liu Jingyu , Jiang Guo-Ping , Li Cheng
Published: March 2022

The consensus of multi-agent systems (MASs) by way of prescribed-time sliding mode control (PTSMC) is investigated in this paper. For the nonlinear system, a continuous and monotone controller is devised to attain the prescribed-time stable (PTS). A prescribed-time sliding mode surface (PTSMS) is selected for the second-order system, and a prescribed-time controller is designed to ensure that all states arrive at the PTSMS within the prescribed time. Then, the PTSMC method is applied to the distributed consensus of the second-order MASs. The efficiency of the presented methods is validated by the simulations.
Quantitative evaluation of hydrocarbon lateral diversion migration through the oil-source fault
Authors: Lyu Xueying , Jiang Youlu , Liu Jingdong , Jiang Wenya , Xu Jiangen , Ma Junjie , Zhu Yuyu
Published: March 2022

As the hydrocarbon vertical migration pathway, fault and its relationship with reservoir extremely affect the distribution and accumulation of oil and gas in the non-hydrocarbon generating layers. On both sides of the fault, there are frequently various sand bodies with different oil and gas enrichment. However, previous researches on this differential charging are mostly based on empirical formulas or physical simulation experiments instead of fluid seepage mechanism. This paper proposed a quantitative evaluation method on the basis of Darcy's law to analyze the difference in hydrocarbon lateral diversion capacity through the oil-source fault. It can be seen that in the process of hydrocarbon migrate along the oil-source fault, hydrocarbons could divert laterally into sand bodies through the fault when there is a downward pressure gradient. Conversely, hydrocarbons can only migrate upward along the fault. Furthermore, among the four normal fault-sand body configuration types, the opposite fastigium type is most favorable for hydrocarbons laterally charging whereas the fastigium type is the least beneficial. The ratio of resistance in the sand body to in the fault was proposed as the evaluation index ( Fs) to quantitatively evaluate the hydrocarbon lateral diversion migration capacity, on the assumption that hydrocarbons in different sand bodies are sourced from the same source rocks. The index ( Fs) is directly proportional to the lateral diversion capacity of hydrocarbon, and is complex controlled by many geological factors including the reservoir permeability, fault-sand body contact length and dip angles of sand body and fault. And the higher the value of Fs, the stronger the hydrocarbons laterally divert ability of the sand body. In addition, the calculation result of well GG16102 in the Beidagang buried hill coincide well with the oil and gas interpretation result indicating that the method is practical to quantitatively evaluate the laterally diverting hydrocarbons of sand bodies under the condition of fault-sandstone configuration.
A tool for the psychophysical assessment of olfactory dysfunction in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Kim Kyung Soo , Min Hyun Jin
Published: March 2022

Numerous studies have reported that patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experience alterations in the sense of smell. Therefore, there is an increased need for a psychophysical evaluation tool for olfactory dysfunction in patients with COVID-19 without increasing the risk of virus spread. We applied a single-use sniffing-bead system, which consisted of small beads and a disposable plastic handpiece, to patients with COVID-19 presenting with olfactory dysfunction. The bead sets contained eight concentrations of 2-phenylethyl alcohol (PEA), which has been used in olfactory function tests for many years, and the lowest concentration at which the participant detected the PEA odor was recorded as the PEA threshold. The test was easily administered at the clinic during the consultation with the doctor without increasing the risk of virus spread. Based on the test results, anosmia was objectively confirmed in a patient with subjective anosmia, and another patient with subjective hyposmia was diagnosed with normosmia. Both patients started olfactory training after diagnosis. In conclusion, we present a system to psychophysically assess olfactory dysfunction in patients with COVID-19 using a universal odorant without the risk of virus spread, and suggest that this system might enable early diagnosis and management of patients with COVID-19.
A Comparison of Potassium Titanyl Phosphate Laser and Pingyangmycin as Treatment for Adult Laryngeal Hemangioma
Authors: Wu Xiufa , Ma Jingru , Zhang Jing , Wei Chunsheng
Published: March 2022

Objective: To evaluate the curative effect of Potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser and pingyangmycin injection for adult laryngeal hemangiomas (ALH). Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted on patients treated with either KTP laser or pingyangmycin injection to assess the efficacy of both treatment and compare the effects on different types of adult laryngeal hemangioma. Results: The ordinal logistic regression test showed the surgery methods had no effect on the therapeutic results. On the contrary, the shape of ALH and the interaction between surgical procedures and ALH shape affected the prognosis of the ALH. This meant that the shape of ALH might be a confounding factor affecting the therapeutic effect of ALH. Thus, the Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel test which is a stratification analysis was used to assess the interaction between surgical procedures and ALH shape. Then better results were achieved using the KTP laser for the plane and raised types of ALH. Conclusions: The selection of surgical procedures (the KTP laser or pingyangmycin injection approaches) affects the treatment of ALH. For plane and raised ALH, the KTP laser may be recommended.
Pivot or perish: hazards of selling clothes on Instagram
Authors: Ayres Jennifer Lynn
Published: March 2022

In this paper I outline some of the hazards vintage sellers experience, and the pressure they face, while selling online via Instagram. I argue that the conditions of precarity, overwork, and burnout common to these informal and self-made enterprises were magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Subtle Art of Effecting a Four-day Workweek to Drive Performance
Authors: Chakraborty Debarun , Bhatnagar Shakti Bodh , Biswas Wendrila , Dash Ganesh
Published: March 2022

Organizations have long been experimenting with shortened workweeks. This study investigates the finer points that can make a four-day workweek efficacious. Though studies have revealed that the four-day workweek delivers well on productivity goals, extant literature has not yet examined the details of how to bring about a transformational change in employee performance as a result of the change. The current study empirically explores different nuanced factors that can translate a strategic vision into an achievable tactical plan, one that hones the skills and learning of employees. The present study takes into consideration psychological well-being as a possible moderator. A sample of 604 employees was taken from the service and manufacturing companies in India. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) has been used to analyse the inter relationships among the variables. The findings revealed that the following factors had a significant effect on the performance of employees practising the four-day workweek: ‘strategic planning at work’, ‘viewing the company as a brand’, ‘continually connecting’ and ‘inspiring happiness at work’. The various implications of this study are discussed in depth in light of these findings.
Will you be happy for me? Associations between self-reported, perceived, and observed responses to positive events and sexual well-being in cohabiting couples
Authors: Bosisio Myriam , Rosen Natalie O. , Dubé Justin , Vaillancourt-Morel Marie-Pier , Daspe Marie-Ève , Bergeron Sophie
Published: March 2022

Whereas greater levels of intimacy have been shown to promote couples’ sexual well-being, recent theories suggest that satisfying sex is maintained via the capacity to encourage the partner’s individuality, while remaining intimately connected. Responses to capitalization attempts (i.e., the disclosure of a positive personal event) provide an opportunity to strengthen both the couple’s intimacy and each partner’s autonomy. Although responses to capitalization attempts are linked to couples’ greater relationship adjustment, very little is known about their relation to couples’ sexual well-being. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between self-reported, perceived, and observed responses to capitalization attempts and sexual satisfaction, sexual distress, and sexual function in 151 cohabiting couples who participated in a filmed discussion in the laboratory. They also completed self-report questionnaires pertaining to their responsiveness and to that of the partner during the discussion, as well as their sexual well-being. Results indicated that one’s higher levels of self-reported and partner-perceived active–constructive responses (enthusiasm/elaboration) during the discussion were associated with one’s own greater sexual satisfaction. Higher levels of perceived passive–constructive responses (quiet but interested) from one’s partner were associated with one’s own lower sexual satisfaction, and one’s higher levels of self-reported and perceived passive–destructive responses (lack of interest/self-focus) were associated with one’s own greater sexual distress. Finally, higher levels of observed active–destructive responses (undermines/denies the positive nature of the event) were associated with one’s own lower sexual function, while in women, they were associated with their lower sexual satisfaction. Findings contribute to a growing body of literature underscoring the importance of intimacy for sexual well-being in long-term relationships.
A structural design approach for a droop nose morphing demonstrator with shape memory alloy patches
Authors: Stamatelos Dimitrios G , Kappatos Vassilios
Published: March 2022

An innovative concept has been devised for assisting an actuator to morph a Droop Nose (DN) structure, which is comprised from the skin and three longitudinal omega stringers. The concept is based on the development of a suitable composite patch, with embedded shape memory alloy (SMA) wires, and the appropriate design of a DN configuration for morphing purposes. The integration of composite patches, to the DN structure, has a dual innovative role: (a) it can either provide/extend the morphing capabilities of the structure, in terms of displacement or (b) it can reduce the required actuation forces for obtaining morphing of the DN structure. For determining the most suitable DN configuration, for the application, a sensitivity analysis, with the aid of ANSYS finite element (FE) software and a design of experiments (DoE) approach, has been carried out. The investigated parameters (geometrical and lamination characteristics) are selected to vary the stiffness of the DN structure. Additionally, a numerical parametric FE model, of the SMA patch and its configuration, is developed and analysed. The developed FE models simulated the shape memory effect of SMA wires considering their activation temperature and hence their thermo-mechanical behaviour. Eventually, a possible integration of the SMA patches to the DN structure is proposed and the respective remarks are highlighted.
On recurrent-event win ratio
Authors: Mao Lu , Kim KyungMann , Li Yi
Published: March 2022

The win ratio approach proposed by Pocock et al. (2012) has become a popular tool for analyzing composite endpoints of death and non-fatal events like hospitalization. Its standard version, however, draws on the non-fatal event only through the first occurrence. For statistical efficiency and clinical interpretability, we construct and compare different win ratio variants that make fuller use of recurrent events. We pay special attention to a variant called last-event-assisted win ratio, which compares two patients on the cumulative frequency of the non-fatal event, with ties broken by the time of its latest episode. It is shown that last-event-assisted win ratio uses more data than the standard win ratio does but reduces to the latter when the non-fatal event occurs at most once. We further prove that last-event-assisted win ratio rejects the null hypothesis with large probability if the treatment stochastically delays all events. Simulations under realistic settings show that the last-event-assisted win ratio test consistently enjoys higher power than the standard win ratio and other competitors. Analysis of a real cardiovascular trial provides further evidence for the practical advantages of the last-event-assisted win ratio. Finally, we discuss future work to develop meaningful effect size estimands based on the extended rules of comparison. The R-code for the proposed methods is included in the package WR openly available on the Comprehensive R Archive Network.
Sustainable Leadership and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour: Exploring Mediating Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Sikand Ratika , Saxena Shaily
Published: March 2022

In this era of cut-throat competition, organizations are always in search of employees who can go one step beyond their formal job description in an effort to enhance productivity. This has drawn considerable attention among management researchers to the concept of organizational citizenship behaviour. Despite the fact that there have been a few studies to understand leadership as a precedent for organizational citizenship behaviour, literature aimed at studying the impact of sustainable leadership on organizational citizenship behaviour is relatively inadequate. The present article aims to analyse and integrate the mediating role of employees’ perceived CSR on the relationship between sustainable leadership and organizational citizenship behaviour. Skewness and kurtosis were performed to check the normality of the data, EFA and CFA were performed to check the validity of the instruments, and path analysis was done to check the direct and indirect relationships between the constructs. The results indicate that in IT organizations, where sustainable leadership is encouraged and CSR is also performed well, employees show increased organizational citizenship behaviour. Further, sustainable leadership also increases the CSR initiatives taken by IT organizations. Lastly, CSR acts as a mediator between sustainable leadership and OCB relationship.
Socioeconomic Determinants of Household Investment Portfolio in India
Authors: Rampal Priya , Biswas Shreya
Published: March 2022

This study examines the determinants of asset holding by low- income households in India using the second wave of the Indian Human Development Survey. Our exploratory analysis indicates that even low-income households seem to hold portfolios that are in line with financial goals such as education and marriage. Employing parametric and non-parametric methods, the study finds that affordability is one of the critical predictors of asset holding by households. Further, we find that higher educational attainment, being more socially connected and having confidence in financial institutions are positive predictors of individual asset holding and the likelihood of holding a diversified portfolio. The study discusses policy implications emanating from the findings for designing financial products along with improving penetration.
Sindh Fruit Traders: Expanding Abroad
Authors: Umrani Waheed Ali , Solangi Rukhman , Mirani Manzoor , Ahmed Umair , Abro Muhammad Azeem
Published: March 2022

This case examines the establishment of a small-scale business, Sindh Fruit Traders, owned by Mr Imtiaz and Mr Tehseen. The saturated local market condition is compelling them to look at export markets as means of expansion. The core challenges they face are identifying and selecting an appropriate export country and making the necessary preparations for the expansion. All these decisions have to be made before the next harvest season in July 2017.

This case describes in detail the dates business in Khairpur, Pakistan. It provides information about how an individual commences business at a small scale and then expands with time by learning the techniques of the business.

This case also explains the local trading of crops and traditional ways of conducting business in the date market of Khairpur and looks into ways in which research should be conducted to expand the business for exports. After discussion, the students will be able to understand the production and sales business of dates in general. More specifically, the students will understand how entrepreneurs are attracted to a business, what role research can play in making informed decisions, and the potential means to expand a local business into an international venture.
Older Adults in Adult Learning 1989–2020: A Literature Review
Authors: Baumgartner Lisa M. , Jin Bora , Kim Junghwan
Published: March 2022

Older adults are a growing population. This article reviews the literature on older adults in Adult Learning from its inception in 1989 through 2020. Topics focus primarily on program reports, programmatic learning needs, personal reflections, and classroom methods. Key findings include that “older adult” is not well-defined and adults are portrayed as active learners. In addition, the demographics of authors and study participants are discussed. Findings have implications for researchers and practitioners.
Investigation into machine learning with impedance SHM for damage detection and classification within simulated total knee replacements
Authors: Miller Brandon A , Anton Steven R
Published: March 2022

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is currently one of the most common orthopedic surgeries worldwide. While TKA is generally successful, revision due to pain and failure is inevitable and adversely impacts patient outcomes. Catastrophic failure rates may be reduced by early detection of damage. This work evaluates the ability of machine learning to detect and classify damage from piezoelectric impedance measurements of total knee replacements (TKRs). Multiple simulated TKR test samples are constructed and artificially damaged to varying degrees, and impedance spectra are recorded. Five machine learning architectures are examined including decision trees, k-nearest neighbor (KNN) classifiers, discriminant analysis classifiers, naïve Bayes classifiers, and support vector machines (SVMs). Hyperparameters for each architecture are first manually tuned. Next, the best-performing model of each architecture is retrained on an impedance bandwidth subset in attempt to reduce dimensionality required for classification. Finally, Bayesian optimization is performed on each architecture to determine the best-performing hyperparameters. Results demonstrate that lower-frequency bandwidths are most sensitive to damage. The best-performing optimized model is a KNN model that attains an accuracy of 76.67%, an average AUC score of 81.85%, an overall performance score of 80.03%, as well as macro-recall and macro-F1 scores of 75.33% and 75%, respectively.
The Ethics of Financial Incentivization for Health Research Participation Among Sex Workers in a Canadian Context
Authors: Bungay Vicky , Guta Adrian , Slemon Allie , Varcoe Colleen , Comber Scott
Published: March 2022

Research incentivization with sex workers is common, yet limited guidance exists for ethical incentives practice. We undertook a critical qualitative inquiry into how researchers ( n = 17), community services staff ( n = 17), and sex workers participating in research ( n = 53) perceive incentives in a Canadian context. We employed an interpretive thematic approach informed by critical perspectives of relational autonomy for analysis. Four themes illustrate how (un)ethical use of incentives is situated in transactional micro-economies among groups experiencing severe marginalization: i) transactional research economy, ii) incentive type: assumptions and effects, iii) incentive amount: too much too little?, and iv) resistance, trauma, and research-related harm. Paternalistic assumptions about capacities of sex workers to act in their own best interests conflicted with participants’ rights and abilities for self-determination; with researchers maintaining ultimate decision-making authority. Power differentials create conditions of harm. Safe, equitable approaches concerning research incentive use must redress relations of power that perpetuate oppression.
‘I Think It’ll All Blow Over in the End’: How Young People Perceive the Impact of COVID-19 on Their Future Orientations
Authors: Henkens Juul H. D. , Visser Kirsten , Finkenauer Catrin , Stevens Gonneke W. J. M.
Published: March 2022

Since the beginning of 2020, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and its lockdowns have changed the current lives of young people drastically. Given the importance of future orientations for young people’s mental well-being, it is important to investigate if and how this lockdown affected young people’s future orientations. In this study, 34 Dutch young people (aged 16–24) with diverse backgrounds were interviewed during the lockdown of spring 2020 in the Netherlands. Results showed that young people experienced effects of COVID-19 on their current lives and short-term futures, but according to these young people, their long-term futures would not be affected by the first COVID-19 lockdown. The latter finding may be explained by young people’s assumed temporality of the pandemic, their general optimistic attitudes, two-track thinking, strong feelings of agency and flexibility.
Pathways to Aesthetic Education in a World of Profitability
Authors: Allelin Majsa
Published: March 2022

The cultural sector has become an important part of the ‘new economy’ and has affected artistic practices as well as the road to becoming an artist. By discussing two female students’ paths to aesthetic education, the article sheds light on some of the sociopolitical and economic conditions that students in transition between elementary and upper secondary school in Sweden encounter when entering aesthetic education with musical aspirations. The results give insight into the ways in which young people reason when entering a precarious sector that demands a high amount of personal investment and planning. It also shows the ways in which social class still plays a pivotal role in the choice of and reflection on educational goals. Further, the article discusses how creative desires can transcend the economic instrumental expectations that surround the world in which the students live. Thus, it provides a contemporary understanding of how young people navigate a world of profitability.
E-Cigarettes—a review of the evidence—harm versus harm reduction
Authors: Feeney Susan , Rossetti Victoria , Terrien Jill
Published: March 2022

The World Health Organization estimates there are 1.1 billion cigarette smokers across the globe and that tobacco related deaths number 7 million per year. Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are available to contribute options for smoking cessation and include e-cigarettes, e-hookahs, vape pens, mods, and vaping. The growing use of ENDS, or e-cigarettes, in the US and globally across populations is dramatic. Although users may think that e-cigarettes are less harmful than combustible tobacco products, the evidence shows that there are known risks and harms for users. E-cigarettes have varying amounts of toxicants, nicotine, and carcinogens and put the user at risk for lung diseases and COVID-19 similar to smokers. Currently, most governing bodies have not approved e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool but do state if a person has failed conventional smoking cessation treatments that e-cigarettes used alone for the short term may help those to quit combustible tobacco and nicotine. A shared decision-making approach should be used when discussing e-cigarettes as a harm reduction tool. More studies and long-term data are needed to assess potential benefits and harms. What is known is that prevention efforts and policy are needed to avoid adolescents and other vulnerable populations from initiating tobacco or e-cigarette use.
Ordinary people, criminals, addicts and recreational users: Swedish court of law descriptions of persons sentenced for online drug purchases
Authors: Tiberg Fredrik , Nordgren Johan
Published: March 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze how Swedish courts describe persons sentenced for purchasing illicit drugs online. Methods: Qualitative analysis of naturally occurring data through 201 sentences that included 248 individuals sentenced for having purchased drugs online between January 1 2010 and January 1 2020. Results: The analysis resulted in the construction of four ideal types regarding the described characteristics of the sentenced persons; the ordinary person, the recreational user, the addict and the criminal. The courts operate with a notable dichotomy between traditional drug markets and online drug markets, that can be understood in relation to descriptions of Bourdieusian capital forms, specifically street capital and digital capital. Conclusion: Descriptions relating to street capital were of larger interest to the courts compared to digital capital, although there were examples of when the courts argued that uses of digital capital should be viewed as an aggravating circumstance. The courts largely held a dichotomous view of online and offline drug markets that focus on street-based criminality, which may have implications for how emerging digital drug markets are responded to by drug law enforcement and judicial systems.
Peer support facilitates post-traumatic growth in first responders: A literature review
Authors: Donovan Nicole
Published: March 2022

Introduction

First responders are routinely exposed to traumatic workplace incidents that can result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). First responder organizations utilize different types of peer led programs to support first responders following a critical incident including the Critical Incident Stress Management Program (CISM) and stand-alone peer support programs. Little research has been done to determine the benefits or limitations of stand-alone peer support programs on the mental health of first responders. The aim of this project was to understand what characteristics of peer support facilitate post-traumatic growth (PTG) in first responders.

Methods

A literature search was completed using the City University of Seattle library database, ResearchGate and Google Scholar. The studies used in this review were found on EBCSOhost, ProQuest, PubMed and Wiley Online. This review includes literature published since 2006 that references post-traumatic growth in first responders, and/or their preferences for support, their coping styles and organizational impacts on growth. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify the themes and patterns in the final 10 research papers.

Results

This literature review identified five themes of formal and informal peer interactions that support PTG in first responders. (1) Peer support assists first responders with the processing of traumatic events and (2) managing organizational stressors. (3) Peer support alone may not lead to PTG and requires the use of adaptive coping behaviours. (4) First responders who actively engage with peer support experience increased well-being and (5) relational safety with peers encourages disclosure that leads to post-traumatic growth.

Conclusion

Formal and informal peer support contribute to post-traumatic growth (PTG) in first responders. Further research needs to be done to differentiate between the effects of trained peer support and support from colleagues.
Natural vibrations of double bi-directional functionally graded Euler–Bernoulli beams connected by a variable Winkler elastic layer
Authors: Sari Ma’en S
Published: March 2022

The free transverse vibrations of two-dimensional functionally graded double Euler–Bernoulli beam system connected through a variable Winkler elastic layer are presented. The Modulus of elasticity and the density of the material of the beams are assumed to vary along the thickness and the length of the beams according to power-law and exponential functions, respectively. The governing differential equations of motion are established by the means of Hamilton’s principle. The Chebyshev Spectral Collocation Method (CSCM) is used to calculate the natural frequencies of the two-dimensional functionally graded (2D-FG) double beams. The effects of several parameters such as the height ratio of the beams, the stiffness of the coupling layer, the axial and transverse functionally graded indexes, and the boundary conditions on the natural frequencies of the 2D-FG double beams have been investigated. The frequencies obtained from the CSCM have been validated by comparing them with those available in previous literature.
Tensile and compressive damage assessment of a novel sandwich composite structure made of Kevlar/flax/epoxy hybrid laminates
Authors: Sarwar Ahmed , Bougherara Habiba , Zdero Radovan
Published: March 2022

This is a study to quantify damage progression of a new Kevlar/flax/epoxy (KFE) hybrid composite made with 12 layers of pure flax fiber fabric sandwiched between 4 layers of pure Kevlar fiber weave. There were four versions of the composite: 0° unidirectional, 0°/90° cross-ply,  ± 45° angle-ply flax fibers, and Kevlar fibers-only as the control. Composite plates were subjected to progressive load-unload levels in tension and compression until failure and were evaluated for stiffness degradation, permanent strain, and crack density. Unidirectional KFE laminates exhibited less damage accumulation compared to cross ply and angle ply configurations. Damage progression and failure of KFE hybrids mainly involved cracks through flax fiber bundles and at flax fiber/epoxy interfaces. The reported data are useful for damage-limited design structures made from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers.
The impact of EU Cohesion Policy on European identity: A comparative analysis of EU regions
Authors: Borz Gabriela , Brandenburg Heinz , Mendez Carlos
Published: March 2022

This article investigates the role of European Union Cohesion Policy in the development of European identity, drawing on an original and representative survey in 17 regions across 12 member states. We advance a theoretical model which distinguishes cognitive, instrumental and communicative drivers of identity formation. Contrary to existing scholarship, we find that EU Cohesion Policy does contribute to European identity. Citizens that perceive benefits for themselves and for their region's development from EU Cohesion Policy are more likely to develop a European identity. We also find that awareness of the EU Cohesion Fund and exposure to publicity on EU funded projects is positively correlated with European identity. However, while Cohesion Policy contributes to citizens’ self-categorization as European, it does not associate with their emotional attachment to Europe. The study has important implications for understanding European identity formation and communicating the benefits and role of the EU in regional policy.