bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speech Act Set in TripAdvisor Conflictive Exchanges
Authors: Hernández Toribio María Isabel , Mariottini Laura
Published: September 2023

In the present article, taking a ‘polylogal’ perspective, we carry out a cross-linguistic analysis of speech act sets in conflictive exchanges (SASCs) on TripAdvisor (TA) in Spanish and Italian. These exchanges involve, on one hand, reviewer opinions concerning hospitality and travel experiences and, on the other, hospitality/travel-industry representative responses to form a review-response pair that is part of a polylogue with other TA users. These exchanges are characterised as potentially conflictive since, where travellers rate their experiences as poor, this micro-act of complaint may be responded to in a more or less confrontational fashion with hospitality-industry representatives responding in ways that either encourage, minimise, or avoid conflict.

Our research is based on a total of 1,000 TripAdvisor (TA) posts forming two sub-corpora (Spanish and Italian) each of 500 review-response pairs where users gave opinions concerning their experiences of certain hotels or restaurants and were responded to by representatives from these hotels or restaurants. Our objective is to analyse these SASCs in order to identify a) the different categories of SASCs used in, firstly, reviews (opposition) and, secondly, in responses (reactions); b) to what extent each of these categories are used; c) if there is variation between the Spanish and Italian sub-corpora in terms of the use of different types of SASCs in opposition and reaction, and finally, d) how this variation might be related to sociocultural factors in the two sub-corpora. Data show several dissimilarities between the Spanish and Italian sub-corpora in terms of communication strategies used on the TA platform. For example, Italian hotel/restaurant representatives adopted a confrontational style using mostly unmitigated disagreement, acts of disqualification or self-praise while, in contrast, Spanish respondents were more supportive using mostly convivial acts, mitigating supportive moves and linguistic strategies.

Besides giving a range of insights into cross-cultural variation in digital communication strategies, this work also provides a methodological model for the analysis of macro conflictive speech acts and their modification strategies. It is hoped that this model will prove useful in future research concerning digital communication, especially TA exchanges.
Credible messengers, formers, and anti-war veterans: Former fighters as resources for violence/war disruption
Authors: Wallace M.S.
Published: September 2023

This article considers an unlikely source for non-militarized approaches to disrupting war and other forms of violence: fighters themselves. How can engaging with fighters/former fighters realize novel forms of violence/war disruption across various contexts, and what are the barriers to and implications of such engagement? Fighters’ exit from their armed organizations can be a source of violence/war disruption in two ways: first, through the sheer act of leaving and thereby diminishing the fighting capability of an armed organization, and, second, through using their credibility as former fighters to engage in activism to influence other current fighters, as well as the broader public, to refuse participation in or support for violence/war. Examining the work of “credible messengers,” “formers,” and anti-war veterans to disrupt street violence, extremist violence, and wartime violence, respectively, reveals surprising commonalities among them, as well as strikingly different reactions to their respective forms of disengagement/refusal and the policies they require.
The Stigma of Diseases: Unequal Burden, Uneven Decline
Authors: Best Rachel Kahn , Arseniev-Koehler Alina
Published: September 2023

Why are some diseases more stigmatized than others? And, has disease stigma declined over time? Answers to these questions have been hampered by a lack of comparable, longitudinal data. Using word embedding methods, we analyze 4.7 million news articles to create new measures of stigma for 106 health conditions from 1980 to 2018. Using mixed-effects regressions, we find that behavioral health conditions and preventable diseases attract the strongest connotations of immorality and negative personality traits, and infectious diseases are most marked by disgust. These results lend new empirical support to theories that norm enforcement and contagion avoidance drive disease stigma. Challenging existing theories, we find no evidence for a link between medicalization and stigma, and inconclusive evidence on the relationship between advocacy and stigma. Finally, we find that stigma has declined dramatically over time, but only for chronic physical illnesses. In the past four decades, disease stigma has transformed from a sea of negative connotations surrounding most diseases into two primary conduits of meaning: infectious diseases spark disgust, and behavioral health conditions cue negative stereotypes. These results show that cultural meanings are especially durable when they are anchored by interests, and that cultural changes intertwine in ways that only become visible through large-scale research.
Steroid-Eluting Implants: An Adjunctive Therapy After Double-Stage Laryngotracheal Reconstruction
Authors: Drury Emily , Anderson Brian , Haupert Michael , Thottam Prasad John
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

The primary objective is to describe a case in which a steroid-eluting implant was utilized to help prevent postoperative granulation and restenosis in a patient who underwent double-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction (dsLTR) for subglottic stenosis.

Methods:

This case presents a 3-year-old female who underwent dsLTR with anterior cartilage graft placement and posterior sagittal split for subglottic stenosis. A silicone stent was placed at the time of the dsLTR. After stent removal, direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy (DLB) was performed at 4 to 5 week intervals. These visits revealed a significant amount of supraglottic and glottic edema, and granulation tissue at the proximal aspect of the graft contributing to airway obstruction and restenosis. This was treated twice with CO2 laser excision, balloon dilation, and triamcinolone injection. On the third treatment with these modalities, a mometasone furoate implant was inserted as an adjunctive therapy. The implant was inserted to lateralize the vocal folds, prevent webbing, and to extend to the narrowed area within the subglottis to prevent granulation and restenosis. These same treatments were repeated at the fourth visit with another mometasone furoate implant of a smaller size placed in the same location.

Results:

Findings on DLB since treatment with the steroid-eluting implants have shown persistent granulation tissue limited to the tracheostomy stoma site. Treatments with CO2 laser, balloon dilation, and triamcinolone injection have continued, with occasional use of silver nitrate cautery at the external stoma site. There has not been any significant evidence of edema, granulation, or stenosis in the glottis or subglottis to require another steroid-eluting implant.

Conclusions:

Steroid-eluting implants appear to be a safe and effective adjunctive therapy in the routine surveillance of pediatric patients with a tracheostomy who have undergone dsLTR. They may help combat granulation formation and restenosis seen in some dsLTR patients.
Unlocking Uniqueness: Analyzing Online Reviews of Airbnb Experiences Using BERT-based Models
Authors: Zhang Huaxi , Liu Ruihong , Egger Roman
Published: September 2023

As the tourism industry navigates post-pandemic recovery, understanding customer perceptions of uniqueness in tourism experiences is critical. It enables businesses to tailor offerings that stand out and attract travelers seeking novel and distinct experiences after a period of limited travel opportunities. The current study bridges this knowledge gap by employing the Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) model to analyze online reviews of Airbnb Experiences. BERT, a tool for contextual and sentiment analysis, aids us in identifying and categorizing experiences that contribute to value creation for tourists. We propose four dimensions of uniqueness, grounded in the service-dominant (S-D) logic framework. Our research enriches academic discourse surrounding the role of uniqueness in value creation and provides organizations with strategic insights into enhancing the distinctiveness of their offerings.
Sublingual Epidermoid Cyst: Diagnosis, Surgical Treatment, and Follow-Up in a 22-Year-Old Male—A Case Report
Authors: Javeria  , Shah Hussain Haider , Seher Muskan , Shiakh Khubeb Yousif , Ahmed Zeba , Rana Dua , Zehra Syeda Alishah , Subash Arun
Published: September 2023

Epidermoid inclusion cysts are rare in the oral cavity, accounting for less than 0.01% of cysts found there. These cysts are defined as epidermoid if they contain only epithelial lining, dermoid if skin appendages, and teratoid if they contain other tissues such as muscle, cartilage, and bone. This case report describes a case of a plunging ranula that was later diagnosed as an epidermoid inclusion cyst. The patient is a 22-year-old male who presented with swelling in the floor of the mouth and difficulty eating solid foods for the past 4 months. Upon examination, a shiny, pink-colored mass measuring 1 cm × 5 cm was observed, which displaced the tongue upward and backward. MRI scan of the brain, face, and neck revealed a well-defined, non-enhancing cystic mass measuring 6.6 cm × 4.5 cm that extended beyond the sublingual area. Histopathological examination after surgical removal of the cyst revealed that the cyst wall was lined with stratified squamous keratinized epithelium with a retained granular layer, and the cavity was filled with lamellated keratin flakes. The patient recovered well after surgery; no recurrence was observed at the 6-month follow-up.
Diversity of Group Memberships Predicts Well-Being: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Evidence
Authors: Charles Sarah J. , Stevenson Clifford , Wakefield Juliet R. H. , Fino Emanuele
Published: September 2023

Groups have their health and well-being impacted by satisfying their members’ needs and providing resources to help cope with threats. Multiple group memberships serve to accumulate these benefits and also provide resilience to the effects of group loss. However, the additional well-being benefits of belonging to multiple different types of group remain to be determined. In a preregistered cross-sectional survey in Nottingham, England (Study 1, N = 328), we found that group-type diversity predicted well-being and that this effect was fully serially mediated by increased creative self-efficacy, then reduced loneliness. To confirm our hypothesis in a more robust sample we conducted longitudinal analyses on the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA) dataset (Study 2, N = 5,838) finding that group-type diversity at time one (T1) predicted well-being at T2 (4 years later), even when accounting for wellbeing and loneliness at T1. We discuss the implications for enhancing group-based health interventions.
Analysts’ Institutional Client Catering and Reputation Tradeoff: Strategic Timing of Recommendations
Authors: Agapova Anna , Filatova Uliana
Published: September 2023

We examine whether sell-side analysts strategically time their favorable recommendations to cater to institutional investors while preserving analysts’ reputational capital. Although prior literature documents that analysts provide more positive recommendations for stocks that are part of their institutional clients’ (specifically, mutual funds’) portfolios, it does not explicitly address a reputation cost associated with such practice. Using a sample of analysts’ recommendations on U.S. firms for the 2002–2017 period, we document a pattern of analysts’ recommendations being more optimistic in the end month of a quarter and less optimistic in the beginning month of a quarter. This timing pattern ties to quarterly reporting periods of portfolio managers, with actively managed mutual funds’ holdings being affected the most. Analysts with Institutional Investor All-Star ranking do not engage in such stock recommendation timing practices. The market participants seem to believe rosy recommendations issued for stocks with more institutional holdings in the end month of a quarter with more positive cumulative abnormal returns to upgrade and downgrade recommendations.

JEL classifications: G14, G24
Partner Choice and Economic Outcomes among the Children of Immigrants
Authors: Wiik Kenneth Aarskaug , Bergsvik Janna
Published: September 2023

Several studies have shown that immigrants marrying natives experience better economic outcomes than those marrying other immigrants, but we know less about partner choice and the economic outcomes of the children of immigrants and among those forming cohabiting unions. Utilizing Norwegian register data from all cohabiting and marital unions formed between 2006 and 2018 involving second-generation and childhood immigrants ( N = 49,692 couples, 65% cohabiting), we explored how partner choice relates to employment status, individual income, and household income for up to 14 years after union formation. Overall, children of immigrants with native partners were more frequently employed and earned higher incomes than those who chose partners from migrant-backgrounds. Fixed effects model results confirmed that children of immigrants who partnered endogamously experienced less favorable employment and individual income trajectories compared to those partnering with natives. We discovered similar negative impacts on the likelihood of employment and on the individual incomes of men who partnered exogamously with migrant-background women. However, when ignoring initial selection and shifting focus solely to changes post-union formation, we found that partnering endogamously had a positive effect on household income. In general, we observed the strongest effects among women and those married, and we noticed important differences across global regions of origin.
The many ways of Puerto Rican community music
Authors: Reyes Peguero Francisco Luis , Lorenzino Lisa , Low Bronwen
Published: September 2023

For several decades, scholars in the field of community music have largely concentrated on community music practices in the Global North. Such interest has not been as prevalent in certain parts of the world, like the Caribbean. Consequently, this qualitative multiple case study focuses on three Puerto Rican community music initiatives that foster the country’s indigenous music: Bomba, Plena, and Música Campesina. Scholars have documented the evolution and characteristics of these musical traditions. In contrast, this article centers around the practices of Taller Tambuyé, a female-led Bomba organization, Decimanía, a national Música Campesina initiative that funds other community music projects, and La Junta, a community-based project tied to the sector of El Machuchal in the capital of Puerto Rico. This paper presents and analyzes their practices through the lens of Australia’s Sound Links project and its nine domains of community music. The multiple case study methodology’s cross-case analysis revealed notable divergences among the projects in terms of learning practices, promotion of the indigenous music tradition, and the connection between the musical initiative and their community. Additionally, researchers found the framework established by Sound Links to be a comprehensive tool to analyze community music practices outside of Australia.
Educating for the Sustainable Future: A Conceptual Process for Mapping the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Marketing Teaching Using Bloom’s Taxonomy
Authors: Deo Sheetal , Hinchcliff Mercedez , Thai Nguyen T. , Papakosmas Mary , Chad Paul , Heffernan Troy , Gibbons Belinda
Published: September 2023

This qualitative study aims to explore how a university-level School of Marketing integrates the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into curriculum, using Bloom’s Taxonomy, and to develop a reflective process that could be applied within tertiary education, more broadly. The research investigates the depth of SDG integration, with marketing subject coordinators mapping the Goals within their teachings across Bloom’s dimensions, then identifying and reflecting on how they are embedded. The reflective process has revealed that some subjects are directly mapped to SDGs, for example where students are required to work on an assessment task which relates to a specific Global Goal [1]. The results also show that other subjects are indirectly mapped, such as where subject coordinators discuss topics linked to Goals or Targets but do not explicitly state this content is SDG-related. To effectively implement SDGs within teaching and learning practice, marketing subjects require an evaluation method to identify gaps and opportunities. Therefore, this reflective process enabled subject coordinators to recognize gaps in their own SDG knowledge and teaching, a process through which future marketing subject curriculum modifications can be developed, with possible applications in other disciplines.
Flight Conflict Resolution and Trajectory Recovery Through Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming Based on Speed and Heading Angle Change
Authors: Liu Xiaoqin , Xiao Gang
Published: September 2023

A scheme for conflict resolution with trajectory recovery is proposed to solve the problem of multi-aircraft flight conflict. First, the conflict resolution problem is modeled as an optimal control problem. The weighted sum of the speed change and the heading angle change is defined as the objective function. The limitations of distance, aircraft performance, and route width are taken as constraints. Second, the optimization problem is resolved by mixed integer nonlinear programming. Conflict resolution with trajectory recovery is then achieved by speed and heading angle changing three times based on the optimal solution; whether the speed and heading angle need to be changed depends on the corresponding weight coefficients in the objective function. Finally, the applicability and superiority of the designed conflict resolution scheme are verified, which is of great significance to the application of conflict resolution with trajectory recovery schemes in automated air traffic control systems.
Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Framework for Determining Public Microtransit Service Zones
Authors: Erdoğan Sevgi , Nohekhan Amir , Shokputov Alibi , Sadabadi Kaveh Farokhi
Published: September 2023

The paper addresses a critical research gap in the literature by focusing on the identification of service areas for microtransit. It presents a framework for identifying areas where microtransit would have a higher potential for success. The primary objective is to assist agencies in their efforts to provide microtransit services by offering a robust and flexible decision-making framework. This framework serves as an intermediate step between an initial planning study that identifies candidate zones and a detailed feasibility study, which is currently missing in the literature. The framework is a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) process that can be applicable to various contexts. Specifically, our approach utilizes a lexicographic decision rule for ranking microtransit service priority measures for each census block of a selected region, such as a county. We employ two composite measures for ranking: Microtransit Propensity Index (MPI) and Weighted Accessibility Score (WAS). The latter combines transit access to work and to eight points of interest (POIs). This framework can be adapted to identify zones suitable for microtransit service based on different objectives, such as connecting residents to transit centers, providing first- and last-mile connections, providing services in transit deserts, providing flexible transit service to low-income communities, or providing access to the POIs within a zone. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is evaluated using the case of Prince George’s County in Maryland. The results reveal that our approach provides greater insights into the feasibility of an area for microtransit compared with relying solely on a single index such as MPI.
Using Wi-Fi Connection Data to Analyze Performance of the Subway System in Toronto, Canada
Authors: Grenville Aidan , Klumpenhouwer Willem , Shalaby Amer
Published: September 2023

Typical performance measurements of public transit operations make use of vehicle-based data such as automated vehicle location data or passenger-based data at specific fare collection points. Ideally, the performance of a transit system from a reliability perspective and according to passenger experience should be measured through individual passenger journeys. The growing prevalence of smartphones provides one potential source for this analysis, because passive data collection methods such as obtaining Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth connection data allow us to observe devices as they move throughout the system. In this study we present a collection of methods and performance measures for using Wi-Fi connection data to measure various aspects of customer experience and reliability, including methods for detecting train arrivals at platforms, estimating wait times, measuring origin–destination travel time variation, and developing profiles of various journey types for comparison. In contrast with many other advances toward passenger-based measures, these methods do not require the combination of diverse data sets to generate useful results. These methods are applied to data from the Wi-Fi service in the subway system in Toronto, Canada.
Resilience Enhancement of an Urban Rail Transit Network by Setting Turn-Back Tracks: A Scenario Model Approach
Authors: Chen Jinqu , Jiang Chengzhen , Liu Xiaowei , Du Bo , Peng Qiyuan , Yin Yong , Li Baowen
Published: September 2023

The resilience of an urban rail transit (URT) network when faced with disruptions is affected by the locations of stations equipped with turn-back (TB) tracks. However, limited studies have enhanced the resilience of a URT network by setting new TB tracks. The present work addresses this gap by proposing and solving a scenario model for improving the operation of a URT network under normal conditions and disruptions by considering uncertain disruptions. A solution algorithm combined with the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II is proposed to solve the model. Numerical experiments conducted on the Chengdu subway system indicate that the resilience of a URT network is significantly affected by TB operations provided at stations equipped with TB tracks. Compared with a network without new TB tracks, the matching degree between passenger flow spatial distribution and TB convenience, and the network’s overall resilience metric (NORM) are improved by 12.05% and 0.58%, respectively, when five new TB tracks are installed. The solution effectiveness of the model is related to the number of new TB tracks, and the NORM decreases by an average of [Formula: see text] after adding new TB tracks to a station.
Comparative analysis of standard, tubeless and total tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A prospective study
Authors: Kamble Vaibhav Balu , Gupta Sandeep , Pal Dilip Kumar
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

This study was done to review and compare safety, effectiveness and advantages of total tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), tubeless PCNL with standard PCNL.

Methodology:

This prospective comparative study involving 30 patients in each total tubeless PCNL, tubeless PCNL and standard PCNL group from Feb 2021 to June 2022.

Result:

Significant difference was found in mean duration of surgery ( p < 0.01), mean hospital stay ( p < 0.01), mean VAS post op score ( p < 0.01), mean time to return to normal activity ( p < 0.01) in total and tubeless PCNL group as compared with standard PCNL. While no significant difference found in mean haemoglobin drop ( p = 0.1417), blood transfusion ( p = 3721), incidence of urine leak ( p = 0.13), need of accessory secondary procedure ( p = 0.1322) and associated complications ( p = 0.5939) among three groups.

Conclusion:

Study observed that total tubeless, tubeless PCNL is a safe and efficient technique. It is significantly associated with the advantages of shorter hospital stay, shorter time to return to normal activity, lower postoperative pain scores. Total tubeless PCNL obviates need of second procedure of removing DJ stent. Standard, tubeless and total tubeless PCNL have similar post op complication rate. Study thus concludes that total tubeless, tubeless PCNL can be used as a substitute for traditional standard PCNL.
Does Revenue Concentration Really Bring Organizational Efficiency? Evidence From Habitat for Humanity
Authors: Berrett Jessica L. , Hung ChiaKo
Published: September 2023

Past empirical studies demonstrate a positive connection between revenue concentration and organizational efficiency. This supports the idea that concentrating revenue helps minimize transaction costs of nonprofit organizations, resulting in greater efficiency. However, this finding contradicts the belief that revenue concentration increases the risk of revenue volatility, leading to service delivery disruptions and reduced efficiency in nonprofits. Moreover, these studies have used an efficiency measure that might not be suitable. To address this, our study examines the relationship between revenue concentration and organizational efficiency using a more appropriate measure. Analyzing data from Habitat for Humanity, we discover a U-shaped relationship: nonprofits are most efficient when fully diverse or fully concentrated in revenue. These findings contribute to the ongoing debate on nonprofit revenue diversification, with significant implications for nonprofits. They also highlight the importance of using more appropriate efficiency measures in future scholarly research.
Study on the chip shape for micromilling of Polyether-Ether-Ketone
Authors: Xu Hao , Cheng Xiang , Zheng Guangming , Tang Mingze , Liu Huanbao
Published: September 2023

Microscale parts made of Polyether-Ether-Ketone (PEEK) are widely used in biomedical, aerospace, and manufacturing industries. The formation mechanism of the chip and machining quality of PEEK are closely related during the micromilling process. However, they have not been sufficiently studied yet. Therefore, the chip shape during the micromilling process is investigated in this research to gain an in-depth understanding of the micromilling process of PEEK. Firstly, a finite-element simulation model is constructed and used to investigate the relationships of feed speed in relation to strain rate and chip shape. Secondly, the chip shape is classified from the experimental results and process intervals are explored corresponding to each kind of chip shape. Then, the relationships between the chip shape and evaluation indexes (milling force F, maximum cutting temperature Tmax, surface roughness Ra) are investigated. It turns out that four main types of chip shapes are produced during the micromilling process of PEEK, namely, the flake chip, the ribbon chip, the curl chip, and the broken chip. Different kinds of chip shapes can be obtained by controlling the process parameters during the micromilling process. The stability of the cutting process can be judged and the machining quality can be initially discerned based on the chip shapes.
Investigation on the sandwich aircraft lift surface structural layout with a prefabricated hexagonal cellular core strength characteristics
Authors: Mikhailovich Kolpakov Andrey , Valentinovich Korolskii Vladislav , Dmitrievich Grigorovich Oleg , Seyranovich Khchoyan Ruben , Dolgov Oleg Sergeevich  , Nazarov Egor Vadimovich  , Leonidovich Vasiliev Sergei
Published: September 2023

The possibility of using a new type of core structure for the aircraft lift surface, which is an alternative to the conventional structural layout, was reviewed. The study was carried out using the rudder of the ultralight aircraft "MC-15 Cri-Cri" as the example. A comprehensive comparative analysis of the prototype design with the proposed alternative option was made. The analysis of the studied structural layout variants strength characteristics was carried out using FEM calculations due to the complexity of the geometric shape of the proposed alternative. The prospects of using a prefabricated faceted core structure instead of the classical structural layout of the aircraft lift surface were revealed.
Laser textured Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy for biomedical applications: An investigation of texturing parameters on surface properties
Authors: Ozan Sertan , Bilgin Abdurrahman , Kasman Şefika
Published: September 2023

Surface texturing with a laser beam is an effective method for engraving on the surface of biomaterials. The four laser texturing parameters (scan speed, frequency, fill spacing, and pulse width) having five different values were associated with five different scanning strategies (scan direction), and a total of 25 texturing conditions were tested on the Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy surface. The surface roughness and wettability of the textures created with a 20 W nanosecond fiber laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm on the surface of Ti-6Al-7Nb biocompatible alloy were investigated. Laser texturing parameters were analyzed according to the lowest surface roughness and a hydrophilic surface by creating L25 orthogonal arrays. The surface roughness values ranged between 2 and 26 µm. The lowest surface roughness with a value of 2.21 µm was achieved when the texture was processed with a frequency of 150 kHz, a fill spacing of 0.02 mm, a scan speed of 800 mm/s, a pulse width of 250 ns, and a cross-hatch strategy of 0°/90°. Considering the wettability test results, it was revealed that most of the textured surfaces have super hydrophilic and hydrophilic characteristics except the surface with a contact angle of 92.93°. The relevant surface was textured with 75 kHz frequency, 1000 mm/s scan speed, 0.05 mm fill spacing, 200 ns pulse width, and 45°/−45° cross-hatch strategy.
About the number of hinges at failure of semicircular and pointed masonry arches
Authors: Sipos András A
Published: September 2023

The collapse of masonry arches under static loads mainly occurs because some voussoir interfaces open and form hinges and eventually transform the structure into a mechanism. There is an interest in the maximum number of concurrent hinges at a given arch geometry and stereotomy, which latter refers to the cutting pattern of the voussoirs. This paper applies the governing equations of a geometrically exact rod to thrust line analysis while it adopts the Heymanian assumptions. With the new model, the number of concurrent hinges can be investigated in an organized and predictive manner generalizing the numerical and analytical results of the literature. Specifically, this paper proves that the number of hinges for a symmetric, circular pointed arch loaded by self-weight cannot exceed seven in the cases of vertical stereotomy and constant thickness in the vertical or normal directions. The maximum number of hinges is also seven for an arch with constant thickness and radial stereotomy.
The Home Healthcare Boom: Opportunities and Obstacles in India’s Changing Healthcare Landscape
Authors: Gupta Pallavi , Randhawa Sonali , Nandraj Sunil
Published: September 2023

India is currently experiencing a demographic and epidemiological transition characterized by an aging population and an increase in chronic diseases, resulting in a greater demand for home healthcare services. Despite the critical nature and expansion of this area, home healthcare delivery in India remains under-researched. There is a dearth of information about the services, providers and organizations that offer services at home. There are various concerns in the provision of home healthcare services. These relate to accessibility and availability, information on providers, regulatory issues, standards of care, costs, safety concerns, and grievance redressal mechanisms for providers and users, which are among the topics discussed in this article. The article concludes that there is a need to recognize the “home” as a place for providing healthcare and as a “workplace” of care providers, develop standardized processes and guidelines for delivering care for different conditions at home, adopt standard human resource practices in deployment of care providers, bring transparency in the calculation of the cost of services and regulation of costs, and establish grievance redressal mechanisms for users, providers, and organizations. Further research is recommended on aspects such as user and provider perspective, training and supervision of providers, and financing, accreditation, and quality of services.
Understanding the Scope of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples: A Longitudinal Examination of the Understudied Population of Indigenous Males in Arizona
Authors: Fox Kathleen A. , Stanek Kayleigh A. , Harvey Cassie L. , Sharp Christopher , Imus-Nahsonhoya Valaura
Published: September 2023

National attention has recently shed light on a crisis surrounding Missing and Murdered Indigenous people (MMIP). Indigenous women and girls are murdered and missing significantly more than females of other races. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the current study examines the understudied population of Indigenous males to broaden knowledge of MMIP and provide specific recommendations to address MMIP. Longitudinal homicide data (1978–2018) reveals important patterns regarding victim-offender relationships and surrounding circumstances among 474 Indigenous male homicide victims in Arizona. Missing persons data (2022) reveal that 48 Indigenous males were missing across 3 months. Culturally-appropriate research and policy implication are discussed.
Lard and Lard-Derived Ingredients
Authors: Becker Lillian C. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Gill Lillian J. , Fiume Monice , Heldreth Bart
Published: September 2023

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety reviewed information that has become available since their original assessment from 2001, along with updated information regarding product types, and frequency and concentrations of use, and reaffirmed their original conclusion that Lard, Hydrogenated Lard, Lard Glyceride, Hydrogenated Lard Glyceride, Lard Glycerides, and Hydrogenated Lard Glycerides are safe as cosmetic ingredients in the practices of use and concentration as described in this report.
Homologous Recombination Abnormalities Associated With BRCA1/2 Mutations as Predicted by Machine Learning of Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Data
Authors: Albitar Maher , Zhang Hong , Pecora Andrew , Waintraub Stanley , Graham Deena , Hellmann Mira , McNamara Donna , Charifa Ahmad , De Dios Ivan , Ma Wanlong , Goy Andre
Published: September 2023

Background:

Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) is the hallmark of breast cancer gene 1/2 ( BRCA1/2)-mutated tumors and the unique biomarker for predicting response to double-strand break (DSB)–inducing drugs. The demonstration of HRD in tumors with mutations in genes other than BRCA1/2 is considered the best biomarker of potential response to these DSB-inducer drugs.

Objectives:

We explored the potential of developing a practical approach to predict in any tumor the presence of HRD that is similar to that seen in tumors with BRCA1/2 mutations using next-generation sequencing (NGS) along with machine learning (ML).

Design:

We use copy number alteration (CNA) generated from routine-targeted NGS data along with a modified naïve Bayesian model for the prediction of the presence of HRD.

Methods:

The CNA from NGS of 434 targeted genes was analyzed using CNVkit software to calculate the log2 of CNA changes. The log2 values of various sequencing reads (bins) were used in ML to train the system on predicting tumors with BRCA1/2 mutations and tumors with abnormalities similar to those detected in BRCA1/2 mutations.

Results:

Using 31 breast or ovarian cancers with BRCA1/2 mutations and 84 tumors without mutations in any of 12 homologous recombination repair (HRR) genes, the ML demonstrated high sensitivity (90%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 73%-97.5%) and specificity (98%, 95% CI = 90%-100%). Testing of 114 tumors with mutations in HRR genes other than BRCA1/2 showed 39% positivity for HRD similar to that seen in BRCA1/2. Testing 213 additional wild-type (WT) cancers showed HRD positivity similar to BRCA1/2 in 32% of cases. Correlation with proportional loss of heterozygosity (LOH) as determined using whole exome sequencing of 51 samples showed 90% (95% CI = 72%-97%) concordance. The approach was also validated in an independent set of 1312 consecutive tumor samples.

Conclusions:

These data demonstrate that CNA when combined with ML can reliably predict the presence of BRCA1/2 level HRD with high specificity. Using BRCA1/2 mutant cases as gold standard, this ML can be used to predict HRD in cancers with mutations in other HRR genes as well as in WT tumors.
Impact of Climate and Land Use/Cover Changes on Streamflow in Yadot Watershed, Genale Dawa Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Mustefa Abdule Abay , Muluneh Alemayehu , Woldemichael Abraham
Published: September 2023

Climate and land use/cover (LULC) changes are essential factors that influence hydrological regimes by altering the groundwater recharge and river flow. This study investigated the separate and combined impact of climate and LULC changes on streamflow. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to simulate streamflow under near-term (2021–2050) and mid-term (2051–2080) period against 1985 to 2015 baseline period. The Cellular Automata (CA)-Markov chain model was used to predict the future LULC change. The three-ensemble average of regional climate models (CCLM4.8, RACMO22T, EC-EARTH) under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 emission scenarios were applied for future climate projection. The LULC predictions between 2035 and 2055 showed an increase in agricultural land, grassland, settlement areas and woodlands by 44.02%, 30.35%, 69.2%, and 55.05%, respectively, while forest and scrub/bush lands showed a decrease by decrease by 21.53% and 11.08%, respectively. The annual, wet, and dry seasons rainfall projections increased by 0.13%, 0.02%, and 0.85% respectively, during the near term period under RCP 4.5 scenarios. Overall, the annual, wet, and dry season rainfall projections showed slightly increasing tendency. The temperature projection consistently indicated a warmer future with the highest mean annual projected temperature being 2.0°C under high emission scenario during the midterm period. The projected streamflow under the combined impact of climate and LULC changes will increase by up to 8.72% in wet seasons and by up to 6.62% in dry seasons during the near-term period under RCP4.5 scenarios. Similarly, the projected mean annual streamflow will increase by up to 8.13%. The annual, wet and dry season’s streamflow projections showed a consistent increase during both near and midterm periods under both climate scenarios. Understanding the future response of streamflow under climate and LULC changes is crucial to plan adaptation options for water resources management under future warming condition.
Young people navigating musical lives: Considering arts participation as agency in cultural authorship
Authors: Kuoppamäki Anna , Vilmilä Fanny
Published: September 2023

This study explores young people’s arts participation through music-making in Finland and the factors that may regulate that participation. It seeks to understand the construction of active modes of arts participation in and through adolescents’ musical life courses. The interview study was conducted with young people ( N = 18) participating in musical activities in formal and nonformal learning spaces, such as music institutions or activities offered by municipal youth programs. By introducing five musical pathways based on young people’s life courses, we explore the ways that adolescents negotiate individual and collective meanings as creative agents in their musical lives. The study shows that access to music education, webs of support, and continuity of musical activities are the key factors regulating young people’s arts participation through cultural authorship.
Detecting isolated cognitive relapses in persons with MS
Authors: Morrow Sarah A , Weinstock Zachary L , Mirmosayyeb Omid , Conway Devon , Fuchs Tom , Jaworski Michael G , Eckert Sveltlana , Hojnacki David H , Dwyer Michael G , Zivadinov Robert , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca , Benedict Ralph H B
Published: September 2023

Background:

The existence of isolated cognitive relapses (ICRs) in persons with MS (PwMS) has been debated.

Objective:

To examine relapses with decline on Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) but no change on Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

Methods:

This 3-year prospective cohort study identified PwMS experiencing a relapse with decrease on SDMT. Participants with SDMT decline/stable EDSS were labeled “ICR,” while those with a corresponding decrease on EDSS were classified “Relapse with Cognitive Decline (RCD).” Two definitions of SDMT decline were explored: (1) ⩾ 8 points, and (2) ⩾ 4 points. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between ICR and RCD.

Results:

The full cohort had 592 participants: 83 experienced relapses; 22 (26.5%) had an SDMT decrease of ⩾ 8 points; 14 (63.6%) met ICR criteria. Logistic regression (X2(1) = 5.112, p = 0.024) using demographics and disease characteristics explained 28.4% of the variance in ICR versus RCD. Only the MS Neuropsychological Questionnaire was associated with ICR (odds ratio (OR): 8.6; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–16.4) 40 relapsing participants with SDMT decrease of ⩾ 4 points were identified: 26 (65%) had a stable EDSS (ICR). Logistic regression did not find any variable predictive of ICR.

Conclusion:

This prospective study demonstrates evidence of ICR in PwMS.
Are destinations reverting to the pre-pandemic “normal”?
Authors: Duro Juan Antonio , Osório António , Pérez-Laborda Alejandro , Rosselló-Nadal Jaume
Published: September 2023

With three years having elapsed since the pandemic onset, a comprehensive assessment of the adaptation process and its extent becomes crucial. In this research note, we provide evidence in this regard by analyzing the tourism resilience determinants of the Spanish provinces throughout the entire 2020–2022 period. The results show that some determinants have played a time-varying role during shock absorption in 2020, adaptation in 2021, and market recovery in 2022. Although the previous equilibrium has been partially reached, there are still persistent effects that remain in 2022. These include the tourist preferences for natural tourism in front of the urban product or the incomplete recovery of distant markets. These insights provide valuable perspectives on the dynamics of the tourism industry and inform strategies to achieve a complete rebound.
‘Definitions did not effectively help my students’: Pre-service teachers’ language modification strategies in Thai language-driven CLIL classrooms
Authors: Tachaiyaphum Nutthida , Gurney Laura , Daly Nicola
Published: September 2023

Content and language integrated learning (CLIL) requires a synthesis of language and content teaching. However, language teachers who are employed to teach CLIL may lack the preparation and knowledge to teach other curriculum subjects. It is therefore necessary to understand how language CLIL teachers make subject-specific language comprehensible to students when they themselves are unfamiliar with subject-specific terms and concepts. However, no research has yet been conducted to explore this in the Thai context. To address this gap, this article presents the findings of a qualitative study exploring pre-service teachers’ use of language modification as negotiation of meaning (NoM) strategies to make accessible subject-specific terms or concepts in the target language to students. Data are drawn from language-driven CLIL classroom video observations and stimulated recall interviews with six pre-service teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) at two Thai secondary schools. The findings show that the participants used various language modification strategies, including definitions, elaboration and simplification, recognizing both the affordances and limitations of these strategies. It is concluded that the capacity to flexibly employ a range of strategies, responsive to the content and students’ comprehension is needed for effective language-driven CLIL practice. We offer practical recommendations for language-driven CLIL practice and professional development to enhance teachers’ language awareness and understanding of how language strategies can be used to support NoM in a language-driven CLIL setting.
‘New politics’, crisis effects and format effects: A comparative study of hostility and positivity in exchanges between leaders during UK Prime Minister’s questions and Scottish and Welsh First Minister’s questions
Authors: Ludwicki-Ziegler Sebastian , Shephard Mark
Published: September 2023

Existing research on party leader questioning in legislatures usually focuses on single case studies, less-than-ideal behaviours across leaders, and often post-election periods. Our article compares hostility and positivity in behaviours across three parliaments and, because of the COVID-19 crisis, across different time periods and modes of operation (live, hybrid, and online) while controlling for the same leaders. Using content analysis at the sentence level (N = 3554), our data contrast parliamentary leader hostility and positivity levels in the UK, Scottish, and Welsh Parliaments across three time periods: pre-COVID-19, initial, and lockdown COVID-19. Findings for positivity are mixed, but for hostility, we find that while the initial shock of the COVID-19 crisis suppressed hostility, Westminster has higher ratios of hostility across all three time periods, and that format of operation has little effect on behaviour. Findings suggest less hostility in Scotland and Wales than in Westminster adding possible weight to ‘new politics’ arguments.
Redistributive politics and the temporalities of crisis: Reconfiguring social protection in a post-pandemic South Africa
Authors: Fouksman E. , Dawson H. J.
Published: September 2023

How does crisis open-up – or foreclose – new possibilities for alternative economic futures? This article explores the possibilities afforded by crisis for reconfiguring redistribution and welfare in contexts where access to income via work is increasingly tenuous. To do so, we turn to South Africa, where we examine the unfolding political possibilities and support for more generous and universal forms of social protection and (re)distribution during and after the Covid pandemic. In particular, we analyse visions of alternative redistributory policies both from above and from below, via original empirical data on the views of low-income inner-city residents in Johannesburg; interviews with government actors and civil society activists; and a close reading of media and policy discourse around social protection between 2020 and 2023. We argue while framing Covid as a crisis forced the state to embrace less workerist approaches to social protection, the very fact that new policies were rooted in an emergency context may have blunted more radical redistributory visions. This argument is underscored by the vacillations and internal contradictions of the South African government’s expansion of its social grant system, as well as by the delimited scope of grassroots demands for more generous or unconditional economic support during and after the pandemic. We make the case that ‘crisis temporalities’ – and the temporality of work and welfare more generally – is critical to understanding the lack of political will and popular demands for more radical forms of redistribution and economic security beyond work.