bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yes, It’s that Common and Yes, It’s that Bad: An Estimation of the Prevalence and Psychological Correlates of Rape and Sexual Assault in College Women
Authors: Trierweiler Emma J , Pashak Travis J , Bradley Sophia M
Published: November 2022

Rape myths play a role in rape denialism, in which individuals deny the prevalence and severity of sexual assault. This project aimed to address two common rape myths: that rape is uncommon and its effects are exaggerated. To test these claims, we explored two archival samples consisting of undergraduate women. Study 1, a 5-year chart review of university counseling center intake forms ( n = 883), demonstrated that 30.2% of clients had experienced “sexual violence,” “sexual contact without consent,” or both. Study 2, a re-analysis of an emerging adulthood resilience survey dataset ( n = 359), demonstrated that 20.6% of subjects had a history of sexual assault, and that those women reported lower life satisfaction and more severe psychological symptoms than those who did not. These findings are in line with previous literature debunking harmful rape myths that contribute to the perpetuation of rape culture. Our data help validate these rape notions as mythical; rape is indeed common and devastating.
Transforming the master of public administration education for a changing world of work: A personal account of a South African case
Authors: Wessels Jacobus S
Published: November 2022

Public administration managers are confronted with new and highly complex challenges emerging at a rapid rate. This situation requires a reimagining of public administration education to prepare public administration managers to capably deal with these challenges. While the Master of Public Administration (MPA) is globally used as vehicle for preparing public administration managers for performing their functions, the question posed is: How can MPA programmes be transformed to prepare students for dealing with emerging complex challenges in the changing world of work? This article provides a personal exploratory account of the transformation of teaching and learning of a South African MPA case. The research design was not selected for generalising findings to the universe of MPA offerings, but for obtaining case-specific information and insights. The study draws from insider’s memory work supported by a variety of textual data such as notes, reports, official documents, curriculum documentation and the content of the 2020 online module sites. The article proposes a transformed curriculum to provide for the learning of public administration capabilities appropriate for dealing with emerging challenges. It subsequently reports on the curriculum transformation project of the selected case by reflecting on some philosophical assumptions and assumptions on how people learn and explaining the use of the inquiry-driven learning strategy to facilitate the learning of appropriate capabilities for dealing with public administration challenges. This article contributes to the existing literature on the role of the MPA in the mid-career education of public administration managers by suggesting the learning of public administration capabilities through an inquiry-driven learning strategy.
A novel model for predicting mortality in the management of deep neck infections
Authors: Tao Xiaoyao , Hua Hongting , Liu Yehai
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Deep neck infections (DNIs) are a common and intractable disease encountered in ENT clinics that impose a significant medical and financial burden on affected individuals and their families. However, insufficient data are currently available for predicting outcomes in cases of DNI. The present study thus sought to develop a novel model capable of predicting treatment outcomes of DNI patients just using indicators at the visit.

Methods

Patients with DNIs treated from 2010 to 2022 were included in the present study. Patient data were retrospectively collected from medical records. Risk factors associated with mortality were identified using logistic regression models. A predictive model was constructed based on odds ratios for factors calculated using a multivariate regression model.

Results

In total, 153 patients were enrolled in the present study. Risk factors associated with mortality included age >50 years, residence in a rural area, dyspnea at visit, the involvement of multiple infected sites, serum albumin<34 g/L, renal insufficiency, mediastinitis, pulmonary infection, and septic shock. A multivariate regression model revealed that mediastinitis (OR: 7.308, P < 0.001), serum creatinine>95 μmol/L (OR: 23.363, P < 0.05), and serum albumin<34 g/L (OR: 13.837, P < 0.05) were independent predictors of mortality in deep neck infection patients, with serum creatinine>95 μmol/L being particularly critical to the outcomes. Diabetes was not the predictor of mortality but was associated with long-term hospitalization ( P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In summary, the model constructed in the present study was capable of estimating the potential for poor outcomes in DNI patients before the initiation of treatment. These findings may help improve doctor–patient communication, especially for those struggling financially.
How has the COVID Crisis Impacted Local Governments’ Sustainability Efforts? An Examination of Initial Effects
Authors: Krause Rachel M. , Hawkins Christopher V. , Park Angela Y. S.
Published: November 2022

Although many U.S. municipalities have adopted climate protection and sustainability as explicit objectives, they are not among their traditional responsibilities. As a result, compared to policies focused around core functions, those related to sustainability may be at greater risk of retrenchment or change in times of crisis. This research examines how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted local governments’ sustainability efforts. Using data from a nation-wide survey, we examine the degree to which the pandemic has affected programmatic priorities, resources, and operations related to sustainability. Findings indicate that the pandemic hurt the implementation of sustainability initiatives in almost half of U.S. cities. At the same time, many cities increased the priority of economic and social sustainability initiatives in response to the pandemic. Cities which have formally included sustainability principles into a city plan appear more sensitive to COVID-induced challenges to their program operations.
A Gender Differentiated Analysis of Healthy Life Expectancy in South Asia: The Role of Greenhouse Gas Emission
Authors: Abbas Shujaat , Shah Muhammad Ibrahim , Sinha Avik , Olayinka Olohunlana Aminat
Published: November 2022

The sluggish progress concerning SDG-9 and SDG 13 has made South Asia an epicentre of household and ambient greenhouse gases emissions. Furthermore, the regional progress concerning attainment of SDG-3 is considerably low. The major research objectives are twofold. First, to explore the impact of GHGs emissions from agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing sector on disaggregated life expectancy. Second, to examine the mitigating impact of renewable energy use, trade integration, and human capital development for practice policy recommendations. These research objectives are realized by employing recently advanced cross-sectional auto regressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) model on panel data of five South Asian countries such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka from 1990 to 2019. The estimation outcome reveals that the emissions from transportation, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors significantly deteriorate healthy life expectancy of male and female healthy life expectancy in South Asia with different intensity. Especially, we find that long-run impact of GHG is more profound on male healthy life expectancy than female life expectancy. The result further shows that renewable energy and human capital substantially improve healthy life expectancy, whereas the effects of trade integration are insignificant. The finding of moderating variables shows that renewable energy, human capital development, and trade integration have high potential to reduce GHGs emissions. The findings of this study urge South Asia for investments in human capital development and renewable energy along with fostering regional integration to decrease GHG and improve healthy life expectancy.
The Experience of Frontline Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Phillips Janice , Alipio Justine K. , Hoskins Jackie L , Cohen Marlene Z.
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experience of frontline nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first author conducted two individual audiotaped interviews with 23 qualified staff nurses. All the authors analyzed the professionally transcribed data according to hermeneutic principles. The researchers identified five major themes: (a) we are family; (b) heroes work here; (c) fear of contagion; (d) mental health and well-being; and (e) new reality. Given the uncertainties of working during the COVID-19 pandemic, findings revealed the value of supportive collegial relationships and the need to support the mental health and well-being needs of frontline nurses during the pandemic. Nurses need supportive environments to help ease the challenges associated with serving on the frontline during times of crisis. Findings have implications for future public health preparedness and response efforts.
Belief changes associated with psychedelic use
Authors: Nayak Sandeep M. , Singh Manvir , Yaden David B. , Griffiths Roland R.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Psychedelic use is anecdotally associated with belief changes, although few studies have tested these claims.

Aim:

Characterize a broad range of psychedelic occasioned belief changes.

Survey:

A survey was conducted in 2374 respondents who endorsed having had a belief changing psychedelic experience. Participants rated their agreement with belief statements Before and After the psychedelic experience as well as at the time of survey administration.

Results:

Factor analysis of 45 belief statements revealed five factors: “Dualism,” “Paranormal/Spirituality,” “Non-mammal consciousness,” “Mammal consciousness,” and “Superstition.” Medium to large effect sizes from Before to After the experience were observed for increases in beliefs in “Dualism” (β = 0.72), “Paranormal/Spirituality” (β = 0.90), “Non-mammal consciousness” (β = 0.72), and “Mammal consciousness” (β = 0.74). In contrast, negligible changes were observed for “Superstition” (β = −0.18).). At the individual item level, increases in non-physicalist beliefs included belief in reincarnation, communication with the dead, existence of consciousness after death, telepathy, and consciousness of inanimate natural objects (e.g., rocks). The percentage of participants who identified as a “Believer (e.g., in Ultimate Reality, Higher Power, and/or God, etc.)” increased from 29% Before to 59% After.” At both the factor and individual item level, higher ratings of mystical experience were associated with greater changes in beliefs. Belief changes assessed after the experience (an average 8.4 years) remained largely unchanged at the time of survey.

Conclusions:

A single psychedelic experience increased a range of non-physicalist beliefs as well as beliefs about consciousness, meaning, and purpose. Further, the magnitude of belief change is associated with qualitative features of the experience.
The distinct experience of supportive care needs among cervical cancer patients: A qualitative study
Authors: Dhakal Kamala , Wang Panpan , Mboineki Joanes Faustine , Getu Mikiyas Amare , Chen Changying , Shrestha Daya Laxmi
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

Patients with cervical cancer report experiencing physical, psychological, economic, and social problems daily. An exploration of supportive care needs is important for patients and their families to cope with diagnosis, treatment, recovery or even death.

Objective:

This study explores the perceived supportive care needs of Nepali patients with cervical cancer who are undergoing cancer treatment.

Methods:

A descriptive qualitative research design was utilized with semi-structured interviews to probe patients with cervical cancer’s supportive care needs. The study was conducted at a cancer-specific hospital in Nepal. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 30 patients with cervical cancer. Qualitative thematic analysis techniques were employed to identify the supportive care needs of Nepalese patients with cervical cancer.

Results:

Supportive care needs were identified with five main themes and sixteen sub-themes: 1) psychological trauma (regret on delaying medical consultation, fear of disease, death and dying, ambivalence about the future and treatment, feeling of loss, caring/rearing of children, feeling and burden to partner/family); 2) financial distress (loss of income and challenges with treatment costs); 3) sexual disharmony; 4) physical dependency on others for day-to-day care and; 5) hunger for information (cause of disease, prognosis of disease, dietary counseling, and information on sexuality).

Conclusion:

Recognizing the supportive care needs of patients with cervical cancer during treatment by health care professional and family members is vital to facilitate optimal care at the hospital and home for overall improvement in the patient’s quality of life. Acknowledgment that the expensive treatment regime creates an economic and psychological burden for the patients.
Assessing the EU’s and Turkey’s Triangular Development Cooperation partnership in the Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Parlar Dal Emel , Dipama Samiratou
Published: November 2022

This paper investigates whether the Triangular Development Cooperation (TDC) in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is foreseeable or not between the EU and Turkey. In doing so, we first built a new and original framework based upon five independent variables as follows: (1) foreign policy interests and strategic areas in the recipient country; (2) Convergence of development policy modalities and practices; (3) level of interdependence between DAC-donor and southern provider; (4) friendly relations and share of norms and values between the development cooperation providers and (5) African leaders’ perception about the added value of the TDC. Second, we tested these five variables in our case studies to determine the TDC’s likelihood level between the EU and Turkey in the SSA by using three indicators as follows: positive, negative or partially positive. In this vein, it first profiles Turkey’s and the EU’s position as development aid providers in the SSA to highlight their specificities. Then, it examines the TDC's main features, strengths and weaknesses.
Predictors of Death From Physical Illness or Accidental/Intentional Causes Among Patients With Substance-Related Disorders
Authors: Fleury Marie-Josée , Cao Zhirong , Grenier Guy , Huỳnh Christophe
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study identified patient clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, and, more originally, service use patterns as predictors of death from physical illness or accidental/intentional causes.

Methods

A cohort of 19,015 patients with substance-related disorders (SRD) from 14 addiction treatment centers was investigated using Quebec (Canada) health administrative databases. Death was studied over a 3-year period (April 1, 2013, to March 31, 2016), and most predictors from 4 years to 12 months prior to the time of death, using multinomial logistic regression.

Results

Frequent emergency department (ED) use strongly predicted both causes of death, suggesting that outpatient care responded inadequately to patient needs. Only receipt of specialized SRD and psychiatric care significantly decreased the risk of death from physical illness, with trends toward significance for accidental/intentional death. Hospitalization, greater material deprivation and having SRD-chronic physical illnesses or alcohol-related disorders most strongly predicted risk of death from physical illness. Sociodemographic characteristics, mainly social deprivation, were more likely to predict accidental/intentional death.

Conclusions

Outpatient services could be improved by increasing outreach and motivational interventions and, for ED and hospital units, better screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment, particularly for men and socially deprived patients at high risk of accidental/intentional death. Patients with more severe health conditions, notably older or materially deprived men at higher risk of death from physical illness, could benefit from programs like assertive community treatment or intensive case management that respond well to diverse and continuous patient needs. Collaborative care between SRD and health services could also be improved.
Mapping Computational Thinking Skills Through Digital Games Co-Creation Activity Amongst Malaysian Sub-urban Children
Authors: Othman Mohd Kamal , Jazlan Syazni , Yamin Fatin Afiqah , Aman Shaziti , Mohamad Fitri Suraya , Anuar Nurfarahani Norman , Saleh Abdulrazak Yahya , Abdul Manaf Ahmad Azaini
Published: November 2022

This study investigates how digital game co-creation promotes Computational Thinking (CT) skills among children in sub-urban primary schools. Understanding how CT skills can be fostered in learning programming concepts through co-creating digital games is crucial to determine instructional strategies that match the young students' interests and capacities. The empirical study has successfully produced a new checklist that can be used as a tool to describe the learning of CT skills when children co-create digital games. The checklist consists of 10 core CT skills: abstraction, decomposition, algorithmic thinking, generalisation, representation, socialisation, code literacy, automation, coordination, and debugging. Thirty-six 10–12 year-olds from sub-urban primary schools in Borneo participated in creating games in three separate eight-hour sessions. In addition, one pilot session with five participants was conducted. The game co-creation process was recorded to identify and determine how these young, inexperienced, untrained young learners collaborated while using CT skills. Analysis of their narratives while co-creating digital games revealed a pattern of using CT while developing the games. Although none of the groups demonstrated the use of all ten CTs, conclusively, all ten components of the CT were visibly present in their co-created digital games.
Palestinian Erasure and Dehumanization in Introductory Sociology Texts
Authors: Weiner Melissa F.
Published: November 2022

Settler colonial projects erase Indigenous peoples and their histories to justify expropriation of sovereign land. Educational curriculum plays a central role in settler colonialism by denying both long-standing connections to the land and dehumanizing those on it, relegating them to objects to be controlled or assimilated by colonizers, positioned as the colonized land’s rightful owners. This has long been the case for Palestinians. Violent expulsion from their land began with the settler colonial Zionist project in the late-19th century, a time of global colonization, and continues into the present, alongside the denial of Palestinian subjectivity and ‘permission to narrate’ their own history in public, political, and academic discourses. This paper examining US-based college-level introductory sociology textbooks finds that they replicate and perpetuate colonial narratives through Orientalist ascriptions and Palestinian de-Indigenization, while eliding the settler colonial and apartheid conditions under which they live, thereby contributing to the settler project themselves.
Insight into the significance of relative humidity on Nusselt number of crossflow heat exchangers with staggered elliptic tubes
Authors: Ahmed Arshan , Hashmi Atta ul Mannan , Butt Fahad Rafi , Bangash Zafar , Ghani Shahbaz , Akhtar Imran
Published: November 2022

Heat exchangers provide means to maintain the temperature of a system at its desired level. In this paper, numerical simulations of a heat exchanger with staggered arrangement of elliptical-shaped tubes have been performed to analyze its performance. Keeping the Reynolds number of dry and humid cooling air between 5000 and 20,000, the impact of relative humidity on the forced convection and the average Nusselt number is analyzed for a typical radiator cross-section. Numerical results indicate an increasing trend of the Nusselt number (up to 4.5%) with relative humidity. This variation becomes more pronounced when the capacity of air to absorb water increases with the same relative humidity but at higher temperatures.
Influence of runner eccentricity on the hydraulic performance of tubular turbine: A comparative case study
Authors: Wang Huanmao , Wu Yanzhao , Wang Xiaohang , Hu Zilong , Lei Xingchun , Yang Xiaolong , Zhu Di , Tao Ran , Xiao Ruofu
Published: November 2022

The self-excited vibration of runner is an important factor affecting the stable operation of hydro-turbines. Due to the particularity of structure, there is always a gap between the runner and the shell of the tubular turbine, and the eccentricity of the runner often occurs due to manufacturing or installation. The uneven clearance caused by runner eccentricity will lead to Alford effect and may induce the self-excited vibration. Based on a model tubular turbine, the Alford effect and Alford force of different runner eccentricity is deeply explored through the combination of experiment and numerical simulation. Based on the investigation under a common high-efficiency condition, it is found that the difference of runner eccentricity will cause obvious changes in performance. With the increase of runner eccentricity, the average value of runner radial force increases gradually. The overall frequency of radial force shows several frequency bands and the frequency may shift with the increase of eccentricity level. The runner eccentricity causes obvious changes of internal flow and tip leakage vortex in the blade tip clearances. In the narrowest clearance due to eccentricity, the turbulence kinetic energy and vortex intensity obviously rise up. The pressure in the clearances with different widths are also different. The influence of flow field inside clearance will be the main reason of Alford effect. This study is meaningful for tubular turbines for the operation stability and security.
Synergic Effect of Combined Therapy of Hyperbaric Oxygen and Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Improving Locomotor Recovery After Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in Rat Mainly Through Downregulating Inflammatory and Cell-Stress Signalings
Authors: Yin Tsung-Cheng , Shao Pei-Lin , Chen Kuan-Hung , Lin Kun-Chen , Chiang John Y. , Sung Pei-Hsun , Wu Shun-Cheng , Li Yi-Chen , Yip Hon-Kan , Lee Mel S.
Published: November 2022

This study tested whether combined hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and allogenic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) would be superior to either one for improving the locomotor recovery in rat after acute traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in rat. Adult-male Sprague–Dawley rats were equally categorized into group 1 (sham-operated control), group 2 (TSCI), group 3 (TSCI + HBO for 1.5 h/day for 14 consecutive days after TSCI), group 4 (TSCI + ADMSCs/1.2 × 106 cells by intravenous injection at 3 h and days 1/2 after TSCI), and group 5 (TSCI + HBO + ADMSCs), euthanized, and spinal cord tissue was harvested by day 49 after TSCI. The protein expressions of oxidative-stress (NOX-1/NOX-2), inflammatory-signaling (TLR-4/MyD88/IL-1β/TNF-α/substance-p), cell-stress signaling (PI3K/p-AKT/p-mTOR), and the voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav1.3/1.8/1.9) biomarkers were highest in group 2, lowest in group 1, and significantly lower in group 5 than in groups 3/4 (all P <0.0001), but they did not differ between groups 3 and 4. The spinal cord damaged area, the cellular levels of inflammatory/DNA-damaged biomarkers (CD68+/GFAP+/γ-H2AX+ cells), mitogen-activated protein kinase family biomarkers (p-P38/p-JNK/p-ERK1/2), and cellular expressions of voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav.1.3, Nav.1.8, and Nav.1.9 in NF200+ cells) as well as the pain-facilitated cellular expressions (p-P38+/peripherin+ cells, p-JNK+/peripherin+ cells, p-ERK/NF200+ cells) exhibited an identical pattern of inflammation, whereas the locomotor recovery displayed an opposite pattern of inflammation among the groups (all P < 0.0001). Combined HBO-ADMSCs therapy offered additional benefits for preserving the neurological architecture and facilitated the locomotor recovery against acute TSCI.
The Impact of Green Supply Chain Management Practices on Firm Performance: Evidence from Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Afzal Nimra , Hanif Aamer
Published: November 2022

Global climate change, environmental pollution and depleting natural resources have necessitated major changes in the way businesses undertake procurement, manufacturing, operations and provision of goods and services to customers. Therefore, green supply chain management (GSCM) practices have caught the attention of researchers in many different countries. However, the adoption of GSCM practices and their influence on firm performance is still in its early stages. This study examines the influence of GSC determinants on firm performance in Pakistan’s manufacturing industry. Survey data was collected from 317 respondents working at various managerial levels in supply chains from manufacturing firms of Pakistan. Green supply chain management practices were assessed using five variables; ‘eco-design, green purchasing, green information systems, cooperation with customers and green manufacturing’. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that green supply chain (GSC) initiatives had a significant impact on firm performance. Excluding green purchasing, the remaining four elements of GSC were shown to be statistically significant in predicting firm performance. This study highlights the importance of employing green strategies and practices in supply chains in order to improve overall organizational performance. In addition to practical implications for supply chain related environmental concerns, some directions for future research have also been suggested.
The Relationship between Human Resource Diversity, Innovation Activity and Internationalization Intensity in Colombian and Mexican Firms
Authors: Zwerg-Villegas Anne Marie , Bernal-Torres César A. , Thoene Ulf , Camacho Fernando , Guzmán-Ibarra Luz Elena , Torralba-Chávez Efraín
Published: November 2022

Extant developed country-based literature suggests that human resource diversity is a significant predictor of both innovation and internationalization. Equally, this literature consistently finds innovation to be a clear contributor to internationalization and vice versa. This study tests these assumptions in an emerging market context, thus responding to the call for increased business research in under-represented regions and Latin America, specifically. Executives of 343 firms responded to a Likert-scale survey to identify recent HR diversity practices, firm innovation activity and firm internationalization intensity. Principal components, logistic regression and multivariate regression analysis provide insight into how diversity and innovation impact internationalization and how diversity and internationalization impact innovation. As the first study of these relationships in the Latin American setting, our research contributes to the literature on emerging markets by providing evidence of firm behaviour in Colombia and Mexico and demonstrating that Latin American firms do not perform as developed country-based literature would suggest. Diversity, innovation and internationalization do not act as complementary activities in the Colombian and Mexican firms in this study, which contrasts with findings in developed market firms. This study contributes to the literature by exploring the relationships among HR diversity, firm innovation activity and firm internationalization intensity.
The Digitisation of a Firm Process and Its Impact on Corporate Governance
Authors: Seete Matthews
Published: November 2022

Digitisation can be considered as the continuing convergence of both real and virtual worlds by transforming data from analogue to electronic format. This has been the primary driver of innovation and change in various sectors of the economy. The exponentially growing amount of data has made it essential for firms to transform them into digital format for ensuring better flow and sharing of information across the organisation. Digitisation has been referred to as the process of converting various diverse forms of information, such as text, images, sound or voice, into an electronic format that leads to improved operations and reduced costs for firms. The research paper has discussed this digitisation process of a firm and analysed its consequent impact on the corporate governance. In this regard, various articles have been explored for the purposes of understanding how digitisation can improve or threaten corporate governance of firms. Digitisation has created some big disruptive storms some of which have resulted in a reimagined manner of doing business, affecting demand and supply principles in any company. As a result, in order to gain market confidence, businesses must establish credibility and integrity.
Role of Information and Communication Technology in Agricultural Development of India
Authors: Shah Deepak
Published: November 2022

The desired higher growth in the agricultural sector can be achieved only when there is proper application of information and communication technology (ICT) with adequate investments from both public and private sectors. There is a great scope to implement ICT in order to communicate and integrate the entire agri-food supply chain. The beneficiaries of ICT in agriculture are not only confined to farmers but also encompass food processing companies and suppliers within the agri-food sector. The tools of ICT applications have the potential to provide networking of agriculture sector within the country and globally. It is against this backdrop that the present study not only addresses issues relating to the applications of ICT for economic change in the agricultural sector of India but also identifies the past and present major ICT initiatives in agriculture, the factors responsible for the success of ICT services and the elements of an appropriate framework for assessing the impact of ICT on agricultural development. It is observed that the application of ICT solutions for the development of rural India have been opening a vast range of possibilities to a majority of the population living in rural settings to cross the digital divide. The e-governance strategy for the agriculture sector is capable of exhibiting strategic flexibility to simultaneously integrate the opposing forces.

JEL Classification: D83, D85, Q13, Q16
A Prospective, Observational Study of the Spontaneous Reporting Patterns of Adverse Drug Reactions in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital
Authors: Raju Santhosh Kumar , S. Geetha , Kamble Shobha
Published: November 2022

Objectives:

To analyse the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported from clinical departments of a tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective, observational study to analyse the reported ADRs to the pharmacovigilance unit, Department of Pharmacology, East Point College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, between 2019 and 2021. Institutional Ethics Committee approval was taken before doing the study. The data pertaining to various parameters were recorded in the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) approved ADR reporting form and were analysed with respect to each reported data using descriptive statistics and expressed as numbers and percentages using Microsoft Excel.

Results:

Overall, 114 ADRs were reported during the study duration, and ADRs were most commonly reported amongst females (69) and 31–45 years (27.2%) age group. Causality assessment was done using the World Health Organization-Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO-UMC) scale, which showed 75 (66%) probable and 39 (34%) possible ADRs. The highest number of ADRs were reported by Medicine department (48.2%), emergency and intensive care unit (ICU) (16.6%) followed by Dermatology department (9.6%). The majority of them were due to antimicrobial agents (53.5%). The most commonly affected organ system was found to be dermatological (68.4%) followed by the body as a whole (15.7%) and gastrointestinal system (8.7%). The presentations of ADRs were diverse; itching and rashes (34 cases) were most commonly reported.

Conclusion:

This study gives an overall understanding of the current situation and trends in ADRs and their reporting status by health professionals in a tertiary care hospital, which would help to strengthen the pharmacovigilance activities at all levels of health care.
Assistant investigation of energy dissipation in non-obstructive particle damper based on a neural network using simulated annealing backpropagation
Authors: Yin Zhongjun , Huang Xiaoming , Yi Bingjie , Han Tian , Wang Chao
Published: November 2022

The particle damper has been widely used as an efficient passive vibration control device in recent years. The highly non-linear characteristic of the energy dissipation mechanism is essential for our increased understanding of non-obstructive particle damper (NOPD). To connect motion modes of the granular system and energy dissipation, we developed a neural network using simulated annealing backpropagation (SA-BP) to predict the loss factor of NOPD in this paper. The simulations based on the verified discrete element method (DEM) model are carried out, and the data is used to train and test the neural network. Based on the prediction of a well-trained neural network using SA-BP, the relationship between the loss factors and the rheology behaviors of the granular system is discussed. This paper effectively combines intelligent algorithms (SA-BP) and particle damping characteristics. The algorithm is expected to be further used as an auxiliary method for the experimental study of the granular system.
Customer–Salesperson Price Negotiations During Exceptional Demand Contractions
Authors: Cardy Claire , Chaker Nawar N. , Habel Johannes , Klarmann Martin , Plötner Olaf
Published: November 2022

Extant literature has studied how customer–salesperson price negotiations evolve in “normal” circumstances. However, recent economic recessions illustrate the need to advance theory on the question of how price negotiations evolve in “abnormal” times when customer demand significantly contracts beyond expected variation. In response to this gap in the literature, this study uses a multi-method design to investigate price negotiations during exceptional demand contractions. Our results from a theories-in-use study reveal that during such circumstances, salespeople’s perceived dependency on customers increases while customers’ perceived dependency on salespeople decreases. The inherent “power shift” should benefit customers in subsequent price negotiations. However, customers are less likely to capitalize on their power if they have a close relationship with a salesperson, implying that salespeople do not have to concede on price negotiations. This effect is likely due to increased sympathy during periods of exceptional demand contractions. The authors further validate key propositions from this qualitative study in a field study and a scenario-based experiment. Altogether, this study suggests that managers should not be too hasty in approving and encouraging salespeople to offer unnecessary price discounts during exceptional demand contractions as buyers may become more sympathetic and lenient during price negotiations.
Effects of Ethnocentrism on International Hospitality Brands: A Cross-Country Study of Starbucks
Authors: Cassia Dr.Fabio , Magno Dr.Francesca
Published: November 2022

Ethnocentrism is anticipated to have a growing impact on international hospitality brands, but current understandings of its effects is limited. Using the traditional, unidimensional conceptualization of ethnocentrism, prior hospitality research concluded that ethnocentrism drives people to favor domestic over foreign brands. This study proposes a model wherein ethnocentrism’s emotional and cognitive dimensions influence perceptions of international brands through separate direct and indirect mechanisms, which vary between the brand’s domestic and foreign markets. The model was assessed using multigroup analysis of perceptions of Starbucks in two samples of 186 and 235 consumers from the United States and Italy, respectively. The findings highlight that ethnocentrism’s emotional and cognitive dimensions have positive and negative effects, respectively, on brand image in the domestic market (United States) and vice versa in a foreign market (Italy). In the foreign market, ethnocentrism influences brand image only indirectly. The study concludes with implications for brand managers.
MOG-IgG positive optic neuritis after SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Gilardi Marta , Cortese Antonio , Ferraro Elisabetta , Rispoli Marco , Sadun Riccardo , Altavista Maria Concetta , Sadun Federico
Published: November 2022

Background

Many neurologic complications have been described after severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) including atypical cases of optic neuritis (ON), positive to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) IgG.

Objective

To report a case of MOG-IgG-associated ON and discuss why SARS-CoV-2 infection could be a potential trigger.

Methods

Retrospective single case report.

Results

We report a case of ON with positive MOG-IgG developed 15 days after presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusion

This report suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection may have triggered autoantibodies production against MOG leading to ON.
The Association Between Gut Microbiota, Toll-Like Receptors, and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Fang Yongkun , Yan Cheng , Zhao Qi , Zhao Bin , Liao Yiqun , Chen Yuji , Wang Daorong , Tang Dong
Published: November 2022

The large number of microbes found in the gut are involved in various critical biological processes in the human body and have dynamic and complex interactions with the immune system. Disruptions in the host’s gut microbiota and the metabolites produced during fermentation promote the development of intestinal inflammation and colorectal cancer (CRC). Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize specific microbial-associated molecular patterns specific to microorganisms whose signaling is involved in maintaining intestinal homeostasis or, under certain conditions, mediating dysbiosis-associated intestinal inflammation. The signaling pathways of TLRs are described first, followed by a discussion of the interrelationship between gut microbes and TLRs, including the activation of TLRs by gut microbes and the effect of TLRs on the distribution of gut microbiota, particularly the role of microbes in colorectal carcinogenesis via TLRs. Finally, we discuss the potential roles of various TLRs in colorectal cancer.
Urban Space, Functional Differentiation, and Conditions of Religious Place-Making in 19th-Century German and British Cities
Authors: Karstein Uta
Published: November 2022

The article discusses the urbanization process of the 19th century against the background of the theory of functional differentiation. It is assumed that functional differentiation is an essential prerequisite for today’s forms of urban religion. For this purpose, the urbanization process of the 19th century is understood as an arena in which major social upheavals and changes were negotiated. This also applies to the changing social status of religion. The challenges this posed for the major Christian denominations in Western Europe are described here on the basis of three fundamental problems of reference: (1) the issue of material presence in the urban space; (2) the pursuit of symbolic significance, and (3) the question of social inclusion. Using contemporary source material, the spatial and material aspects of these challenges in particular will be discussed.
Pregnancy and multiple sclerosis: 2022 recommendations from the French multiple sclerosis society
Authors: Vukusic Sandra , Carra-Dalliere Clarisse , Ciron Jonathan , Maillart Elisabeth , Michel Laure , Leray Emmanuelle , Guennoc Anne-Marie , Bourre Bertrand , Laplaud David , Androdias Géraldine , Bensa Caroline , Bigaut Kevin , Biotti Damien , Branger Pierre , Casez Olivier , Cohen Mikael , Daval Elodie , Deschamps Romain , Donze Cécile , Dubessy Anne-Laure , Dulau Cécile , Durand-Dubief Françoise , Guillaume Maxime , Hebant Benjamin , Kremer Laurent , Kwiatkowski Arnaud , Lannoy Julien , Maarouf Adil , Manchon Eric , Mathey Guillaume , Moisset Xavier , Montcuquet Alexis , Pique Julie , Roux Thomas , Marignier Romain , Lebrun-Frenay; Christine
Published: November 2022

Objective:

The objective of this study was to develop evidence-based recommendations on pregnancy management for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Background:

MS typically affects young women in their childbearing years. Increasing evidence is available to inform questions raised by MS patients and health professionals about pregnancy issues.

Methods:

The French Group for Recommendations in Multiple Sclerosis (France4MS) reviewed PubMed and university databases (January 1975 through June 2021). The RAND/UCLA appropriateness method was developed to synthesise the scientific literature and expert opinions on healthcare topics; it was used to reach a formal agreement. Fifty-six MS experts worked on the full-text review and initial wording of recommendations. A group of 62 multidisciplinary healthcare specialists validated the final proposal of summarised evidence.

Results:

A strong agreement was reached for all 104 proposed recommendations. They cover diverse topics, such as pregnancy planning, follow-up during pregnancy and postpartum, delivery routes, locoregional analgesia or anaesthesia, prevention of postpartum relapses, breastfeeding, vaccinations, reproductive assistance, management of relapses and disease-modifying treatments.

Conclusion:

The 2022 recommendations of the French MS society should be helpful to harmonise counselling and treatment practice for pregnancy in persons with MS, allowing for better and individualised choices.
The Eastern cousins of European sovereign states? The development of linear borders in early modern Japan
Authors: Mukoyama Naosuke
Published: November 2022

The conventional accounts of the history of the sovereign state system assume that territorial sovereignty originated in Europe and spread to the rest of the world through colonial expansion. This implies that territory, which is a core feature of the modern state, and more specifically, linear borders, had not existed outside Europe before other societies encountered the West. Focusing on early modern Japan, this article challenges that assumption by showing that there was a similar territorial order outside Europe that developed in parallel with its European counterpart. Through an investigation of boundary disputes, boundary markers, and map-making during the Edo period (1603–1868), it demonstrates that linear borders were not foreign to early modern Japan. Domains in Edo Japan were already well into the process of building a territorial order with demarcated borders and mutual exclusion. This article contributes to International Relations scholarship by addressing the “Westphalian myth” from a geographical rather than temporal perspective and shifting the focus of the study of non-Western international systems from differences to similarities. It also suggests a potential revision of scholarly understandings of discontinuity before and after the Meiji Restoration in Japan.
Scour diagnosis index based on cross-correlation analysis of bridge dynamic response under vehicle braking
Authors: Zhang Zhenhao , Li Yan , Zhong Yichen , Lin Xueqi
Published: November 2022

Several innovative scour diagnostic indexes are proposed based on the cross-correlation analysis for bridge dynamic response excited by vehicle braking. Firstly, a vehicle-bridge coupled vibration model considering vehicle braking is established and its accuracy is verified by a field loading test. Secondly, the fixed shape characteristic of cross-correlation function amplitude vector of the braking-induced dynamic response is theoretically deduced and verified numerically with a continuous girder bridge example considering various test parameters, which is the basic for scour diagnosis. Further, two scour diagnostic indexes are proposed, one is the cross-correlation function amplitude change rate vector, which is used to identify the scour location with a threshold of 2%, and the other is the transversal cross-correlation function amplitude change rate vector, which is used to identify the scour uniformity. The good applicability and accuracy of proposed indexes for different scour states is verified by numerical simulation for above bridge example. The proposed diagnostic indexes are very sensitive to foundation scour and have strong error tolerance for test parameters. The dynamic response required for scour diagnosis can be obtained with regular bridge loading test.
Modified enhanced collaborative optimization method for artillery launching dynamic model with sequential process
Authors: Xie Jipeng , Yang Guolai , Sun Quanzhao
Published: November 2022

The artillery launch system directly influences the muzzle energy and launching accuracy, and therefore it is important to optimize the artillery launch system’s complete process to improve the launch performance. As the objective function of the artillery launch system is non-smooth with coupling parameters in sequential processes, conventional optimization methods are hard to converge for the muti-sequential process of the interaction between the projectile and the barrel. This paper develops a coupled dynamic model for artillery launching, which can predict the performance of the engraving process of the rotating band and the projectile motion in the barrel. The independent optimization problem of the artillery launch system is divided into two subspace problems, and a modified enhanced collaborative optimization (MECO) method with global search capability is proposed, in which the distance criterion and penalty design boundary method are implemented. Results show that the MECO is dedicated not only to satisfying compatibility between coupling parameters of the two sequential processes effectively but also to improving the projectile axial speed at the muzzle and launching accuracy. The MECO maintains a much stable level of convergence than the ECO when the original optimization problem is multimodal.
Assessment for learning within Australia's Early Years Learning Framework: What is the place of Learning Stories?
Authors: Minson Victoria , Nuttall Joce
Published: November 2022

Early childhood assessment in Australia is guided by Australia's Early Years Learning Framework and a ‘storied’ approach. This article argues that Australia's policy and practice discourses of assessment in early childhood education lack clarity. The article situates early childhood assessment practice within Australia's curriculum, policy and regulatory context. Literature regarding Learning Stories assessment as a dominant discourse is presented to illustrate the ‘borrowed’ and underdeveloped nature of Australia's storied approach. Data is drawn on to provide insight into two educators’ assessment practices. The analysis suggests that storied assessment is being conflated with the Learning Stories approach within a wider practice of assessment eclecticism, whereby educators are taking a ‘grass-roots’ approach to assessment and doing ‘what works’. The article argues for urgent attention to concepts of assessment in the scheduled update of the Early Years Learning Framework.