bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Charging infrastructure facilitate a large-scale Introduction of electric vehicle in urban areas using hybrid technique: A RBFNN-SPOA approach
Authors: Chitra J. , Lal Raja Singh R. , Leena Rose R.
Published: August 2022

A hybrid technique is proposed for the effects of different roll-out techniques for charging the infrastructure that enables large-scale introduction of electric vehicles (EVs). The proposed hybrid technique is the combined execution of both Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) and Student psychology optimization algorithm (SPOA), together called as RBFNN-SPOA strategy. The proposed method contains 3 kinds of agents operate in the environment from which charging stations is located. The communication among these agents are simulated in 3 ways. They are (1) charging process from which the EV driver cooperates with available charging stations and other electric vehicle drivers, (2) the process of purchasing a vehicle of non-electric vehicle car owners from which they take current charging infrastructure utilization into account, (3) the installment process of new charging stations through charging point operator (CPO) is based on placement tactic depends on charging station (CS) utilization. Firstly, a larger dataset on real charging patterns are utilized to design the charging behaviour of agents by RBFNN. Secondly, the proposed approach contains significantly more communication among electric vehicle drivers compared to existing approaches and also more precisely specifies the difficult system of on-street electric vehicle charging at an urban context. Thirdly, the relation among charging infrastructure and electric vehicle adoption based on experimental choice, while the existing methods provides assumptions by using SPOA. Finally, the proposed approach is implemented in MATLAB or Simulink platform and its performance is compared with existing approaches.
Trauma to self and other: Reflections on field research and conflict
Authors: Howe Kimberly
Published: August 2022

Researchers who wish to engage with survivors of conflict and violence face a range of complex ethical issues – including psychological dimensions of research – often with few resources or little support. This article draws on the author’s reflections as both a trauma therapist and field researcher and bridges the fields of mental health and conflict studies to explore two questions: 1) How can a researcher reduce the possibility of retraumatizing or causing psychological harm to study participants? 2) How can she diminish the possibility of being psychologically harmed herself? The author argues that a researcher must have a foundational understanding of psychological trauma, cultivate an awareness of the differences between research and healing, sharpen her interviewing skills, and identify means of co-producing knowledge to reduce the possibility for retraumatization. Researchers can prepare themselves for the psychological impacts of research by increasing self-awareness, engaging a variety of social and professional supports, and limiting exposure to traumatic material. The author argues for institutions to increase their responsibility for the well-being of researchers. This article begins to sketch the contours of ‘trauma-informed methodologies’ and contributes to the broader discussion of research ethics of fieldwork and conflict.
Persuading them to Fly: Modeling the Impact of Airline Advertisements on the Travel Behaviour of Air Passengers in Nigeria
Authors: Celestine Gever Verlumun , Sanusi Bernice O. , Adefemi Victor Oluwole , Bello Samson Adedapo , Ige Ise-Oluwa , Talabi Felix Olajide , Apuke Oberiri Destiny
Published: August 2022

Even though competition in the aviation sector has led to a corresponding increase in advertisements from airline operators, literature on the impact of such adverts on air passengers is scanty. This study explored the impact of airline advertisements on the travel behaviour of passengers in Nigeria. The study utilized a descriptive survey and sampled 600 respondents from Nigeria. The participants were scheduled for an air trip as at the time of the study. The study tested the impact of such adverts using the five stages of consumer behaviour-awareness, interest, conviction, patronage and past patronage. The study also examined the impact of airline adverts based on five selected media platforms-TV, Internet, radio, newspaper and magazine. The study also used attitude toward air travel to ascertain if it moderates the impact of airline adverts. It was found that the impact of airline adverts on air passengers' travel behaviour differs based on the media platform. The results also showed that attitude to air travel significantly moderates the impact that airline adverts have on air passengers. Based on these results, it is concluded that a combination of at least TV and the Internet or magazine and the Internet is a sure way of influencing air passengers in the 21st Century aviation industry.
Economic Determinants of Changing Integration: A Study on India and Its Major Trading Partners
Authors: Jana Samiran
Published: August 2022

This article has investigated, first, the changing degree of integration the using Geweke Feedback method between the stock indices of India and its 13 major trading partners, and second, the relationship between trade and this changing integration. Geweke feedback helped to measure the contemporaneous feedback between stock markets of India and the sampled countries, and it also measured the lead of Indian stock market on other markets and vice versa. Geweke feedbacks have been measured between the stock market of India and those of the sampled countries for the whole sample period and every year during 1999–2020. It helps to reach the conclusion that the contemporaneous effect is very high between the Indian stock market and other stock markets. The Indian stock market leads stock markets of Asian countries, whereas European countries and USA lead the Indian stock market. The effect of trade and other economic variables, on these Geweke feedbacks have been assessed through pooled time series regression. Import of India and inflation differential are statistically significant to assess contemporaneous feedback. Export from sampled countries to India, inflation, and interest rate differential and trend are statistically significant to explain lead feedbacks.
Predictors of Resilience Among Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Care in Kerala, India
Authors: Thomas Tissy Mariam , George Samuel , Sarma U. Arathi , Prabhakar Biju , Menon J. Anitha
Published: August 2022

Background:

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a trauma that creates havoc in the personal and social lives of CSA survivors. The survivors in Kerala, India, struggle amidst the cultural background that silences CSA. Rehabilitation efforts in the state are channelized through government-run shelter homes that serve as the second home for CSA survivors. Aim: This study aims to examine the role of emotional health and sociodemographic factors in predicting resilience among CSA survivors under institutional care in Kerala.

Method:

We used a correlational research design with purposive sampling. From shelter homes in Kerala, 267 female participants (age range: 10-18 years, mean age: 16 years) were recruited. A personal data sheet and an emotional health questionnaire (EHQ) were used to collect data. Spearman rank correlation coefficient, linear regression, Kruskal–Wallis H test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Dunn’s post hoc test were used to analyze data.

Results:

Positive relationships among the emotional health variables namely aggression, anxiety, and depression were found, whereas a negative relationship existed between these variables and resilience. Further analyses found that the emotional health variables significantly predicted the resilience among survivors of CSA. In addition, there exists significant differences in resilience based on sociodemographic variables, such as age, duration of stay, and friendships, but resilience did not vary based on the religion and birthplace of survivors.

Conclusion:

Results suggest that participants experience moderate levels of emotional distress. Provision for integrated psychological support is recommended in the present rehabilitation process in Kerala. The mentoring relationships developed in the institutions are found to be instrumental in building confidence and hope in the participants, which is reflected in the trends in their resilience scores.
Critical Review of the Policy Framework for Internationalisation of Higher Education in South Africa
Authors: Heleta Savo
Published: August 2022

In 2019, the South African government approved the Department of Higher Education and Training's (DHET) Policy Framework for Internationalisation of Higher Education in South Africa. The framework provides policy guidelines universities will need to follow when developing institutional internationalisation policies. Using critical discourse analysis, this review posits that the DHET missed an opportunity to rethink internationalisation in line with critical debates and scholarship on transformation and decolonisation of knowledge. Instead of aligning internationalisation of higher education in South Africa with progressive visions of contextually relevant and decolonised education, the framework reflects dominant Eurocentric approaches, practices and definitions of internationalisation. As such, DHET’s framework fails to provide a much-needed guide for development of institutional policies that can contribute to higher education internationalisation in South Africa becoming more authentically international and embracing a more representative set of global knowledges and ways of knowing in a horizontal, pluralistic and non-hegemonic way.
Tracing change during music therapy for depression: Toward a markers-based understanding of communicative behaviors
Authors: Knight Sarah , Spiro Neta
Published: August 2022

This article focuses on behavioral markers—changes in communicative behaviors that reliably indicate the presence and severity of mental health conditions. We explore the potential of behavioral markers to provide new insights and approaches to diagnosis, assessment, and monitoring, with a particular focus on music therapy for depression. We propose a framework for understanding these markers that encompasses three broad functional categories fulfilled by communicative behaviors: semantic, pragmatic, and phatic. The disordered interactions observed in those with depression reflect changes in many types of communicative behavior, but much research has focused on pragmatic behaviors. However, changes in phatic behaviors also seem likely to be important, given their crucial role in facilitating interpersonal relationships. Given the strong phatic element of music-making, music represents a fertile context in which to explore these behaviors. We argue here that the uniquely multimodal and profoundly interactive environment of music therapy in particular allows for the identification of changes in pragmatic and phatic communicative behaviors that reliably indicate depression presence/severity. By identifying these behavioral markers, we open the door to new ways of assessing depression, and improving diagnosis and monitoring. Furthermore, this markers-based approach has broad implications, being applicable beyond depression and beyond music therapy.
Decolonised law degrees: A misnomer
Authors: Loban Heron
Published: August 2022

Despite evidence of efforts to embed Indigenous cultural competencies in law degrees there is a distinct absence of an instrument to measure a university’s performance. Currently, broad statements are the norm, with a subjective assessment focus. Instead, a tool that objectively measures embeddedness is required. This article raises the concept of a decolonising continuum measure with basic, intermediate and advanced attributes. It embraces the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarship and the possible risks of poor implementation.
A mindfulness-based cognitive therapy informed virtual psychiatry trainee wellbeing programme: Development and preliminary feedback
Authors: Chacko Emme , Vara Alisha , Cheung Gary , Naskar Chandrima , Ramalho Rodrigo , Bell Rātahi
Published: August 2022

Objective

To report the development and feedback on a newly created mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) informed virtual wellbeing programme for psychiatry trainees.

Methods

Thirteen of the 14 trainees participated in the programme provided feedback via an online questionnaire. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Thematic analysis revealed three main themes: timing of the intervention in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic; trainees were connected to the facilitator, their peers and within oneself; and trainees were going through a transformative experience.

Discussion

Our findings support including an optional MBCT informed wellbeing programme in psychiatry training programmes. Future research could measure efficacy of this online programme by utilising pre- and post-outcome measures of dispositional mindfulness and stress.
Impact of an Online Course to Improve School Nurses’ Mental Health Competencies
Authors: Bohnenkamp Jill H. , Hoover Sharon A. , McCullough Shannon Nemer
Published: August 2022

School nurses play a key role in supporting student mental health, and many school nurses report the need for additional mental health education. The Mental Health Training Intervention for Health Providers in Schools (MH-TIPS) is a training and implementation support system for school nurses to enhance their skills in promoting student mental health. The current study evaluated the feasibility of the MH-TIPS online curriculum for school nurses, and its impact on their preparedness and ability to support student mental health. Participants included 1,282 registered nurses and nurse practitioners. Descriptive statistics indicated that MH-TIPS online was feasible, relevant, and accessible for school nurses and helped them support student mental health. School nurses reported significant improvements in their preparedness to conduct brief mental health interventions with students and motivate students to seek help. MH-TIPS online is a promising tool to increase the ability of school nurses to support student mental health.
Transgender and Gender non-Conforming Mental Health Training and Knowledge for High School Staff: A Scoping Review
Authors: Bastian Maya J.S. , Rohlik Lindsay N.
Published: August 2022

Youth who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming (TGNC) are at greater risk than their peers for mental health concerns. School staff knowledge and training on supporting the mental health of these students may have a significant effect on this population. To better understand where school staff are provided such training, we conducted a scoping review to determine any differences in staff knowledge and training between urban, suburban, and rural high schools. We searched five electronic databases using keywords: transgender or gender variant or gender non-conforming, mental health, school, and student. Twelve articles met the criteria for review. We found no comparative studies that differentiate staff training and knowledge across high school settings. Most articles demonstrated the efficacy of training school staff in supporting TGNC students, and demand from school staff for access to such training. School nurses can lead and advocate for such training to support TGNC students.
On the new Hadamard fractional optimal control problems
Authors: Zguaid Khalid , Tajani Asmae , Jajarmi Amin , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: August 2022

The main goal of this manuscript is to investigate a fractional optimal control problem subject to a dynamical system involving Hadamard fractional derivatives. Necessary conditions for the optimality of the considered problem are derived in terms of the corresponding Euler–Lagrange equations. An iterative method is also proposed to numerically solve the obtained equations from the necessary optimality conditions. Two illustrative examples are considered and simulated in order to show the applicability and efficiency of the proposed method. Numerical simulations show that the used method presents some satisfying results regarding the absolute error values.
Parents’ Attitudes Regarding Their Children’s Play and Sport During COVID-19
Authors: Szpunar Monika , Vanderloo Leigh M. , Bruijns Brianne A. , Truelove Stephanie , Burke Shauna M. , Gilliland Jason , Irwin Jennifer D. , Tucker Patricia
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures have interrupted the daily routines of parents and children. The purpose of this study was to explore parents’ attitudes regarding their children’s play/sport during COVID-19. A secondary objective was to explore the influence of parent demographics and parent-reported physical activity levels and risk tolerance on these attitudes. Ontario parents of children aged 12 and younger completed an online survey (August—December 2020) that assessed their attitudes (grouped by support, safety and socialization-related attitudes; n = 14 items) regarding their child(ren)’s play/sport, their physical activity levels ( n = 2 items), and demographic details ( n = 16 items). Two open-ended items were used to gather a deeper understanding of attitudes. Parents’ tolerance for risk was measured via the validated Tolerance of Risk in Play Scale. Descriptive statistics were calculated to describe attitudes and risk tolerance. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regressions were conducted to examine factors influencing parents’ attitudes. Multiple linear models were computed using the identified predictors for each attitude category. Deductive content analysis was undertaken on open-ended responses. Participants ( n = 819) reported the highest scores for safety-related attitude items ( M = 3.54, SD = .63) followed by socialization and support, which all influenced attitudes regarding children’s play/sport (p < .05). Demographics and parents’ physical activity levels were identified as important predictors of parents’ attitudes. Qualitative data revealed that parents had mixed levels of comfort with respect to their children’s return to play/sport. Findings from this study reveal that increased support is needed to guide future play/sport decision-making.
Transcriptomics of a Greenlandic Snailfish Reveals Exceptionally High Expression of Antifreeze Protein Transcripts
Authors: Burns John A , Gruber David F , Gaffney Jean P , Sparks John S , Brugler Mercer R
Published: August 2022

Polar fishes have evolved antifreeze proteins (AFPs) that allow them to survive in subzero temperatures. We performed deep transcriptomic sequencing on a postlarval/juvenile variegated snailfish, Liparis gibbus (Actinopterygii: Scorpaeniformes: Cottoidei: Liparidae), living in an iceberg habitat (−2°C) in Eastern Greenland and report detection of highly expressed transcripts that code for putative AFPs from 2 gene families, Type I and LS-12-like proteins (putative Type IV AFPs). The transcripts encoding both proteins have expression levels among the top <1% of expressed genes in the fish. The Type I AFP sequence is different from a reported Type I AFP from the same species, possibly expressed from a different genetic locus. While prior findings from related adult sculpins suggest that LS-12-like/Type IV AFPs may not have a role in antifreeze protection, our finding of very high relative gene expression of the LS-12-like gene suggests that highly active transcription of the gene is important to the fish in the iceberg habitat and raises the possibility that weak or combinatorial antifreeze activity could be beneficial. These findings highlight the physiological importance of antifreeze proteins to the survival of fishes living in polar habitats.
The effect of core materials on flexural behaviour of sandwich panels with basalt FRP facesheets
Authors: Ding Lining , Jiang Kaidi , Wang Xin , Li Duo , Wu Zhishen , Zhu Zhongguo
Published: August 2022

The flexural behaviour of sandwich panels with basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) facesheets was investigated. A total of 10 sandwich panels were subjected to six-point flexural tests to simulate uniformly distributed loading conditions. The variable parameters were the core thickness (30, 50, 60 and 100 mm), core category (polyurethane [PU], extruded polystyrene [XPS], rock-mineral wool [RW]), and hybrid core (PU+RW and XPS+RW). Finally, the shear distribution coefficient of core material for sandwich panels with BFRP facesheets was modified depending on the experimental data. The experimental results showed that an increase in the PU core thickness significantly increased the flexural strength and rigidity of the sandwich panels. For different core materials, the maximum loads of the panels were positive with the shear strength of the core materials. Whereas, XPS+RW hybrid core not only can significantly decreases the costs, but also exhibits the highest bearing capacity and stiffness as compared with the PU+RW hybrid and PU cores.
Damage-based strength reduction factor spectra of structures subjected to bidirectional ground motions
Authors: Wang Feng , Li HN , Zhang CQ , Zhang YZ
Published: August 2022

The current research on the damage-based strength reduction factor has been completely based on the inelastic single-degree-of-freedom systems that are more suitable for two-dimensional analyses. Therefore, it is necessary to construct damage-based strength reduction factor spectra for systems subjected to bidirectional ground motions. In this study, an inelastic single-mass bi-degree-of-freedom (SMBDOF) system subjected to the orthogonal bidirectional ground motions with the hysteretic property of two-dimensional yield-surface plasticity function is presented, and the x-component of the system is used to construct the damage-based strength reduction factor spectra of the system ( R b spectra). The Park-Ang damage model is used to determine the constant damage index of the R b spectra. In addition, 178 ground motion records for site classes C, D, and E are considered as ground excitations of the SMBDOF system to construct the mean R b spectra with the format of R b- D- T for a given ductility capacity and R b- μ u- T for a given damage level. The R b spectra of the SMBDOF system is compared with the corresponding R spectra of the SDOF system. Statistical analysis considering different values of the natural period, ductility capacity, damage index, period ratio, and site condition is conducted. Analysis results show that the coupling of two-component responses of an inelastic system could increase the strength demand of the system in certain cases; the trend of the R b spectra presented in this study is approximately consistent for different site classes, but the spectral values have the characteristic of site conditions. Therefore, the influence of the period ratio should be considered because a large period difference between two components of the SMBDOF system could aggravate seismic damage in certain situations. Based on the statistical analysis, the expression of R b spectra curves with a period ratio γ = 1 is derived using the regression analysis, and the correction expression is obtained considering the influence of the period ratio on the R b spectra. Then, the construction procedure of the R b spectra is introduced. The predicted R b spectra obtained by the proposed procedure is compared with the actual mean spectra, and comparison results indicate a good match.
Charpy impact properties of uni-directional carbon fiber-reinforced polymer tendons with protective layers
Authors: Fang Yawei , Fang Zhi , Xiang Yu , Feng Lixin , Zhou Xuhong
Published: August 2022

The present study explored potential forms of impact protection for carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) tendons. Charpy impact tests were performed on CFRP rods and strands under protections of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and poly-ethylen (PE). In the experimental program, the impact damage pattern and absorbed energy of CFRP tendons with and without external protection were obtained. The results show that the energy absorption capacity of CFRP tendons was improved under the protection of surface layers; and PE layers exhibited the highest protection effectiveness among all protection forms in terms of the increased absorbed energy and caused additional structural weight. Besides, two empirical expressions were established to quantify the relationship between the thickness of PE layers and the energy absorption capacity of the protected CFRP tendons, which may provide a simple tool to estimate the thickness of the layer required for the protection of a specific CFRP tendon in practical applications.
Effect of the helical-spiral shroud intake valve on flow in cylinder of internal combustion engine
Authors: Choe Tong Ho , Kang Song Gun , Ri Myong Chol , Kim Yong chol , Maeng Jong Gyun , Kim Yong Ho
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we proposed a method to increase the mixing performance of gasoline and intake air by attaching a helical-spiral shroud to the intake valve. The effect of the height and revolution number of helical-spiral shroud on the generation of swirl in the engine cylinder are analyzed. The height is 20 and 25 mm, and the revolution number is changed to 1 and 1.5 turns. A three-dimensional simulation model using the shear stress transport k–ω model is used as the turbulence model to predict the air flow characteristics through the intake valve and engine cylinder in the intake and compression strokes. As a result, the helical-spiral shroud intake valve (HSSIV) generally increases the swirl ratio compared to the general valve, and the swirl ratio in the HSSIV with a height of 20 mm and revolution number of one turn has a maximum value of 77 around 90CAD. It also shows that HSSIV has little effect on the volumetric efficiency reduction while increasing the swirl ratio from different geometrical properties than the conventional shroud valves.
Is there a penalty for going to trial in Spain? Plea bargaining and courtroom efficiency
Authors: Kemp Steven , Varona Daniel
Published: August 2022

The plea bargain is now the most frequent mode of conviction in many countries, yet several problems have been highlighted, such as loss of rights, enhanced sentencing disparities or increased false confessions. A central element to many of the issues is the sentence discount obtained by pleading or the penalty associated with going to trial. However, outside the United States and the United Kingdom, there have been few attempts to analyse plea-trial disparities, and in Spain research is almost non-existent. To help fill this gap, the present article provides the first quantitative examination of plea discounts and trial penalties in Spain. Regression models, covariate balancing propensity score and counterfactuals are estimated to show that, in comparison to going to trial, agreeing to a plea in the initial stage of the process is associated with shorter sentences and, more importantly, the results demonstrate that the probability of entering prison is significantly greater for those convicted at trial compared to both plea types analysed. In addition, evidence of concerning inequalities is found between Spanish nationals and foreigners. The findings indicate courtroom actors may be working conjointly to expedite the criminal process and we discuss the implications of this in relation to the fundamental principles of criminal justice systems, such as proportionality, equality and the presumption of innocence.
The association of work-related extended availability with recuperation, well-being, life domain balance and work: A meta-analysis
Authors: Thörel Eberhard , Pauls Nina , Göritz Anja S.
Published: August 2022

Work-related extended availability (WREA; the availability of employees for work-related matters in their leisure time) seems to be associated with decreases in well-being and life-domain balance, but to date there is no quantitative synthesis of the scattered evidence. We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis (113 articles with 121 studies relying on k = 117 independent samples with N = 131,872) on the associations between WREA and employee outcomes while examining potential moderators as well as differences between availability demands and behaviors. WREA was adversely associated with recuperation, well-being and private life, but favorably with some work-related criteria. There were no systematic differences in effect sizes between availability demands and behaviors; however, segmentation preferences were a moderator. Overall, these results suggest that WREA may pose a threat to employee recuperation, well-being and private lives, especially when employees prefer separating work and private life. However, positive potentials of WREA should not be overlooked.

Work-related extended availability (WREA) refers to the availability of employees for work-related matters in their leisure time. Studies have shown that WREA may go along with primarily negative consequences for employees, but to date, there is no comprehensive overview of the literature statistically summarizing the current state of research, which was done in the study at hand. We assumed that WREA be related to problems with recovery, poorer well-being and difficulties to find a balance between work and private life. We also assessed in how far WREA goes along with attitudes towards work, absence from work and the intention to change jobs. Moreover, we considered differences between demands to be available and behaviors of actually taking care of work-related matters during leisure time. Finally, we investigated factors that may be associated with stronger consequences of WREA. We included 113 scientific papers with a total of 131,872 participants. WREA was related to problems with recovery, poorer well-being and difficulties to find a balance between work and private life, but also to more positive attitudes towards work. We did not find systematic differences between demands to be available and availability behaviors. However, we found that the relationship between WREA and work creating conflict with family life were stronger in samples with higher preferences to segment work and private life. Our findings suggest that WREA may pose a threat to employee recuperation, well-being and private lives, especially when employees prefer separating life domains. Still, positive potentials of WREA should not be overlooked.
Accuracy of GenoQuick MTB test in detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum from TB presumptive patients in Uganda
Authors: Kaswabuli Sylvia , Musisi Emmanuel , Byanyima Patrick , Sessolo Abdul , Sanyu Ingvar , Zawedde Josephine , Worodria William , Huang Laurence , Okeng Alfred , Bwanga Freddie
Published: August 2022

Objective:

The objective of the study was to determine the diagnostic performance of the GenoQuick MTB test on heated sputum against the conventional Lowenstein–Jensen Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture as the reference method for tuberculosis diagnosis.

Introduction:

Fast, reliable, and easy-to-use tests for tuberculosis diagnosis are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of diagnosing and treating 90% of tuberculosis patients by 2030. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of the GenoQuick MTB, a polymerase chain reaction–lateral flow test, in Uganda, a resource-constrained, high tuberculosis- and HIV-burden setting.

Methods:

Fresh sputum samples from presumptive tuberculosis patients at Mulago Hospital were tested for M. tuberculosis using smear microscopy, GenoQuick MTB test, and Lowenstein–Jensen culture. For the GenoQuick MTB test, mycobacterial DNA was extracted by heating sputum at 95°C for 30 min while DNA amplification and detection were done following the manufacturer’s protocol (Hain Lifescience, Nehren, Germany). Sensitivity, specificity, and kappa agreements were calculated against Lowenstein–Jensen M. tuberculosis culture as a reference test using STATA V12.

Results:

Of the 86 tested samples, 30.2% had culture-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis. Overall, sensitivity was higher for GenoQuick MTB (81%, 95% confidence interval: 60%−93%) than for smear microscopy (69%, 95% confidence interval: 48%−86%). Among people living with HIV, sensitivity was identical for GenoQuick MTB and smear tests (75%, 95% confidence interval: 42%−95%). Contrastingly, smear had a higher overall specificity (98%, 95% confidence interval: 91%−100%) than for GenoQuick MTB (92%, 95% confidence interval: 81%−97%). A similar trend of specificity was observed among the people living with HIV for smear microscopy (100%, 95% CI: 87%−100%) and for GenoQuick MTB (96%, 95% confidence interval: 81%−100%).

Conclusion:

The GenoQuick MTB test could be a potential tuberculosis diagnostic test given its higher sensitivity. Evaluation of this test in larger studies is recommended.
How to read a paper on the short-term impairing effects of cannabis: A selective and critical review of the literature
Authors: White Michael A , Burns Nicholas R
Published: August 2022

The prosecution of cannabis-presence driving offences (in the absence of any behavioural evidence of impairment) is ultimately based on the assumption that there is a tight causal relationship between positive toxicology for cannabis and impairment. The main purpose of this review is to examine the evidence for that relationship. We show that most experimental studies have failed to elicit statistically-significant cannabis-induced impairments for many of their possible outcomes. And many studies failed to demonstrate any impairment at all in regular users of cannabis (because of the development of tolerance). We argue that selective reporting by researchers, editors and the media has created the false impression that the evidence for cannabis-induced impairment is strong and consistent. Human beings are ‘over-engineered’ for the psychomotor skills required to drive safely. A benchmark level of cannabis-induced impairment is therefore required to distinguish unproblematic from ‘real-world’ impairment. The conventional benchmarks of statistical significance, effect size and BAC-equivalence are shown to be inadequate. However, a benchmark in terms of 30 years of normal cognitive aging has good face validity. The recent use of cannabis is indicated toxicologically by the presence of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in blood or oral fluid. Evidence is provided that most THC-positive drivers are not impaired, and certainly not meaningfully impaired. It follows that the justice of stand-alone cannabis-presence driving offences must be questioned.
Predictive Parameters for Chêneau Brace Efficacy in Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Wanke-Jellinek Lorenz , Krenauer Alexander , Wuertinger Christoph , Storzer Bastian , Haasters Florian , Mehren Christoph
Published: August 2022

Study Design

Retrospective consecutive cohort study.

Objective

For patients with mild to moderate adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), bracing is the standard therapy to prevent progression of deformity. Still, not all patients benefit from treatment in the same way. Therefore, predictive parameters are needed to determine if patients are likely to benefit from brace therapy.

Methods

Fourty-five AIS patients treated with a Chêneau brace were evaluated retrospectively. Inclusion criteria were based on SRS-criteria. Whole spine X-rays were performed pre-brace, in-brace, and at least 6 months after termination of brace treatment. Gender, age, Risser’s sign, vertebral rotation determined by Nash and Moe grading system, in-brace correction and in-brace time per day were parameters evaluated. Treatment success and failure groups were compared to determine possible predictive parameters for successful brace treatment.

Results

Chêneau brace treatment was successful preventing curve progression in 69%. We found significant differences between success and failure group concerning age (14 ± .22 vs 12.4 ± .4; P < .001) and Risser’s sign (1.71 ± .16 vs .5 ± .17; P < .001) at beginning of brace treatment. Most significantly, initial in-brace curve correction was correlated with successful outcome after brace treatment (r = .64 ( P < .001)).

Conclusions

As one of few studies adhering to the criteria defined by the Scoliosis Research Society our study shows reliable predictive parameters for Chêneau brace treatment success in patients with AIS. Data shown in this paper will help to differentiate AIS patients who are likely to benefit from adequate bracing therapy from those who could rather benefit from early surgical treatment.
Testing the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis in Africa: A focus on the moderating effect of Sino-African economic cooperation
Authors: Elekeleme Rodrick Molonga , Hong Minjun
Published: August 2022

This study tested whether the Sino-African economic partnership, represented by the share of Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI), affected the validity of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis in Africa. Therefore, we zeroed in on 41 countries and ran a panel analysis, covering the period ranging from 2003 to 2018, to examine whether the effect of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita on carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) emissions per capita was moderated by the share of Chinese FDI stock. We found an overall inverted U-shaped relationship between GDP per capita with CO2 and CH4 emissions per capita. We also found that the impact of the GDP per capita on pollutants emissions per capita was contingent upon the level of the share of Chinese FDI. We estimated the turning points of GDP per capita and found that the share of Chinese FDI stock was making the turning point of CO2 per capita move left and made the data shift from the inverted U-shaped to U-shaped, and the EKC hypothesis was rejected when the share of Chinese FDI increased. On the contrary, the share of Chinese FDI stock was making the turning point of CH4 per capita move left, and still maintained the inverted U-shaped, and the EKC hypothesis was supported regardless of the magnitude of the share of Chinese FDI. These findings highlight the varying effect of the Sino-African economic ties on the environment depending on the types of pollutants. This conclusion suggests the attainment of economic growth simultaneously with the improvement of environmental quality if the Sino-African economic ties effectively help increase the GDP per capita of African countries, and become environmentally friendly driven. Controlling the type of cooperation on which the Sino-African economic partnership is grounded will be the most determinant factor in lessening the degradation of the environment in Africa.
Mapping the Field of Social Media Engagement: A Literature Review Using Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Kaur Avneet , Khandai Sujata , Mathew Jones
Published: August 2022

The aim of this article is to analyse the existing literature on social media engagement using bibliometric techniques to examine its evolution since its introduction in the business, management and accounting domains. This study comprises the following techniques based on a bibliometric analysis of 305 research papers extracted from Elsevier’s Scopus from 2011 to February 2021: citation analysis, co-citation analysis, co-occurrence of author keywords. The analysis highlights the essence of research in the field of social media engagement over the last 10 years. Social media engagement based on content, different platforms and various industries emerges as prominent themes in the extant literature. Further, the analysis identifies the most influential authors and journals, pertaining to the field of social media engagement. Lastly, directions for future research have been explained. Journal of Business Research has been a significant contributor to this concept among various other journals. This research will help practitioners obtain a deep understanding of the concept of social media engagement, which they can then use as a strategy to engage with customers.
Lockdown and the list: Mexican refugees, asylum denial, and the feminist geopolitics of esperar (waiting/hoping)
Authors: Torres Rebecca Maria , Glockner Valentina , Niño-Vega Nohora , García-Figueroa Gabriela , Faria Caroline , Danze Alicia , Borzacchiello Emanuela , Slack Jeremy
Published: August 2022

Between 2018 and 2020, dramatic changes in US-Mexico policy transformed experiences of asylum on the border. Quotas on applications at ports of entry (known as "metering"), the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and the deployment of the pandemic era “lockdown” through Title 42, each severely limited asylum opportunities. In response, a host of informal waiting lists emerged, developed and were utilized by a binational network of non-governmental and government agencies, shelters, cartels, and individuals. In this article we use a feminist geographic lens to examine the intimate geopolitics of esperar created by these lists. Via in-depth oral histories with Mexican asylum-seekers, shelter staff, legal advocates, and the wider border bureaucracy, we examine their formation, everyday management, the slow violences and immediate threats they posed, and their work as an informal technology of state control. Our analysis demonstrates how the lists operated as informal tactics of diversion and delay, producing a false sense of certainty while using indefinite waiting times as soft and surreptitious mechanisms to block displaced people’s legal claims for asylum. This imposed distinctly gendered burdens on women and youth. However, we also identify how the lists, where appropriated by migrants themselves, became tools to resist the hierarchies of the US nation-state and its territorial impositions. Our work extends established political geographic analyses of migration by attending to the interscalar, quotidian, and embodied realities of border practice – manifest amidst today’s lockdown by the slow violences of waiting.
Tools for a comprehensive assessment of public health risks associated with limited sanitation services provision
Authors: Okaali Daniel A. , Bateganya Najib L. , Evans Barbara , Ssazi Job Gava , Moe Christine L. , Mugambe Richard K. , Murphy Heather , Nansubuga Irene , Nkurunziza Allan G. , Rose Joan B. , Tumwebaze Innocent K. , Verbyla Matthew E. , Way Celia , Yakubu Habib , Hofstra Nynke
Published: August 2022

Three water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) support tools were applied to Kampala city, Uganda, to evaluate areas with the highest health hazard due to poor wastewater and faecal sludge management and to develop interventions to improve sanitation and reduce exposure. The Pathogen Flow and Mapping Tool (PFMT) assessed how different sanitation management interventions influence pathogen emissions to surface water using rotavirus as the indicator pathogen, while the HyCRISTAL health hazard tool evaluated how flooding and drainage infrastructure influence the presence of human excreta in the environment. The SaniPath tool identified common high-risk pathways of exposure to faecal contamination in food, open drains and floodwater. An overlap in high health hazard hotspot areas was identified by the PFMT and the HyCRISTAL tools. Across the city, the most important hazard sources were the indiscriminate disposal of faecal waste into open stormwater drains from onsite sanitation technologies, open defecation and the insufficient treatment of wastewater. The SaniPath tool identified drain water, floodwater, street food and uncooked produce as the dominant faecal exposure pathways for selected parishes in the city, demonstrating the presence of excreta in the environment. Together, the tools provide collective evidence guiding household, community, and city-wide sanitation, hygiene and infrastructure management interventions from a richer assessment than when a single tool is applied. For areas with high spatial risks, those practising open defecation, and for low-lying areas, these interventions include the provision of watertight pit latrines or septic tanks that are safely managed and regularly emptied. Faecal sludge should be emptied before flood events, direct connections of latrines to open storm drains should be prevented, and the safe handling of food and water promoted. The tools enhance decision making for local authorities, and the assessments can be replicated in other cities.
sCD25 as an independent adverse prognostic factor in adult patients with HLH: results of a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Wimmer Thomas , Mattes Raphael , Stemmler Hans-Joachim , Hauck Fabian , Schulze-Koops Hendrik , Stecher Stephanie-Susanne , Starck Michael , Wendtner Clemens-Martin , Bojko Peter , Hentrich Marcus , Nickel Katharina E. , Götze Katharina S. , Bassermann Florian , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Spiekermann Karsten
Published: August 2022

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare but often fatal hyperinflammatory syndrome caused by an inborn or acquired error of immunity. In adults, the underlying immunodeficiency generally arises alongside severe infections, malignancies, autoimmune diseases, and immunosuppressive treatment. To analyze risk factors and outcome in adults, we conducted a multicenter retrospective study. A total of 62 adult (age ≥18 years) patients met at least one of the following inclusion criteria: (1) ≥5 of 8 HLH-2004 criteria, (2) HScore ≥ 200 plus 4 HLH-2004 criteria, or (3) mutation compatible with an HLH diagnosis. Most patients (65%) were male, and the median age at diagnosis was 53.5 years (range, 19-81 years). All patients were assigned to 4 etiologic subgroups based on their most likely HLH trigger. The survival probability of the 4 etiologic subgroups differed significantly (P = .004, log-rank test), with patients with an underlying malignancy having the worst clinical outcome (1-year survival probability of 21%). The parameters older age, malignant trigger, elevated serum levels of aspartate transferase, creatinine, international normalized ratio, lactate dehydrogenase, sCD25, and a low albumin level and platelet count at treatment initiation were significantly (P < .1) associated with worse overall survival in the univariate Cox regression model. In multivariate analysis, sCD25 remained the only significant prognostic factor (P = .005). Our results suggest that sCD25 could be a useful marker for the prognosis of patients with HLH that might help to stratify therapeutic interventions.
Too advanced for assessment? Advanced materials, nanomedicine and the environment
Authors: Berkner Silvia , Schwirn Kathrin , Voelker Doris
Published: August 2022

Advanced materials, and nanomaterials, are promising for healthcare applications and are in particular in the spotlight of medical innovation since rapidly developed nano-formulated vaccines provide relief in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Further increased rapid growth is to be expected as more and more products are in development and reach the market, beneficial for human health. However, the human body is not a dead end and these products are likely to enter the environment, whereas their fate and effects in the environment are unknown. This part of the life-cycle of advanced medicinal products tends to be overlooked, if the perspective is human-centered and excludes the connectedness of human activity with, and consequences for our environment. Gaps are reviewed that exist in awareness, perspective taking, inclusion of environmental concerns into research and product development and also in available methodologies and regulatory guidance. To bridge these gaps, possible ways forward start to emerge, that could help to find a more integrative way of assessing human and environmental safety for advanced material medicinal products and nanomedicines.