bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic Alliance Governance Through Termination Provisions: Safeguard and Incentive, Flexibility and Commitment
Authors: Hanisch Marvin
Published: May 2024

Termination provisions establish vital governance mechanisms in alliances, offering essential safeguards and incentives by providing the flexibility to exit (underperforming) partnerships. However, they can also foster distrust and instability by potentially undermining commitment and continuity. We argue that the motivation behind termination provisions lies in the need to address safeguarding and flexibility concerns arising from increases in alliance scope, upfront payments, and technological uncertainty. Conversely, alliances with strong relational commitment and social embeddedness stemming from prior and indirect ties tend to omit termination provisions. Drawing on an analysis of 1,576 biopharmaceutical alliance contracts, we scrutinize various conditional and unconditional termination rights, along with their partner-specific allocations. Among other findings, we observe a positive association between broad alliance scope and termination rights for patent challenge, for lack of reasonable effort, and for specific countries assigned to the research and development (R&D) firm contributing technological expertise and, furthermore, termination rights for convenience for the client firm sponsoring the alliance. Larger unilateral upfront payments increase the likelihood that the client firm receives termination rights for lack of reasonable effort and for convenience. Higher technological uncertainty is associated with termination rights for convenience for the client or R&D firm. In contrast, prior ties negatively correlate with termination rights for convenience for the client firm, while indirect ties show a negative association with termination rights for convenience and specific countries for the R&D firm. Conceptually, our study highlights the relevance of termination provisions as elastic governance mechanisms that enable partners to accommodate postcontractual disturbances.
Operationalising intersectionality in equality and domestic abuse policy in Scotland: Contradictions, contestations and erasure
Authors: CHRISTOFFERSEN ASHLEE , McCABE LEAH
Published: May 2024

This article synthesises the findings from two studies on the operationalisation of intersectionality in Scotland: one in equality policy and NGOs, and the other in domestic abuse policy-making. Drawing upon Ashlee Christoffersen's framework of applied concepts of intersectionality, this article analyses the competing and contradictory ways that intersectionality is institutionalised in Scottish policy and practice. It highlights the contestations and debates that arise when actors with varying understandings, agendas, and levels of political will attempt to apply intersectionality. We argue that dominant approaches to applying intersectionality in Scottish equality and domestic abuse policymaking are additive and superficial, a consequence of power inequalities shaping who has access to policymaking processes and institutions. Beyond the Scottish case, the article highlights key lessons concerning how to operationalise intersectionality in policy and practice in ways that are truer to its original conceptualisation in Black feminism.
In the frontier zone of market transition: Economic possibilities across the market/non-market divide
Authors: Qian Junxi , Ma Yun , Tang Xueqiong
Published: May 2024

This paper engages with two important approaches theorising the co-existence and even close entanglement between the market and non-market to rethink the making of actually existing market economies. The first, that is, the diverse/community economies approach, underscores alternative relations and ethics to capitalism but often views community economies as external to market processes. A second approach on market frontiers rejects the idea of the non-market domain as a Utopian space but re-imagines it as a constituent part within capitalism, while powerful actors manage and utilise non-market differences to configure particular regimes of accumulation. However, it says relatively little about how the market/non-market divide is navigated and appropriated to suit the wellbeing of grassroots people and communities. This paper calls for a dialogue between the two approaches and argues that community economies provide important ‘background conditions of possibility’ for ordinary people to advance their needs, interests, and wellbeing by negotiating or traversing the market/non-market divide. Our empirical study investigates recent socioeconomic transformations in two villages, Lolong and Nyiru, located within the Potatso National Park, Yunnan Province, China. In both villages, local people keep alive communal norms of reciprocity and mutual support. The persistence of the non-marketised community economies is partly attributed to a state-capital coalition that outlaws grassroots participation in local tourism economy. Subsequently, villagers devise a number of tactics to penetrate the market realm and meet emerging lifestyle and consumer needs. Three of such tactics are discussed in this study.
Report of a small feasibility study involving group analysts and groupwork practitioners in facilitating self-practice/self-reflection groups in the training of cognitive behaviour therapists
Authors: Walker Nicola , de Geeter Davy , Anderson-Wallace Murray , Bhurruth Martin , Brooks Frederica , Harding Claudia , Davice Bird Jill , Fitzgerald Christina , Jennings Elaine , Collins Catherine
Published: May 2024

This article provides a narrative account of a small research study run with a grant from the Institute of Group Analysis (IGA) Legacy Fund. It discusses the challenges and opportunities of engaging in research involving interdisciplinary collaboration between trainee cognitive behaviour therapists working in the NHS and group analysts/groupwork practitioners. It makes the case for building on the results of this study by developing a protocol for a pre-post pilot study using a mixed methods approach to explore whether IGA-led groupwork in CBT training has any effect on patient outcomes and service key performance indicators.
Mechanical recycling of poly(lactic acid)/agave fiber biocomposites
Authors: Ramos-Hernández Tomas , Robledo-Ortíz Jorge Ramón , Martín del Campo Alan Salvador , Rodrigue Denis , Cano Alfredo , Pérez-Fonseca Aida Alejandra
Published: May 2024

This paper focuses on evaluating the mechanical recycling potential of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposites reinforced with agave fibers (AF). The biocomposites were prepared by extrusion using 5, 15, and 30 wt.% of agave fibers and reprocessed up to eight times. The results show that the fiber dimensions substantially decrease during reprocessing, especially after the first extrusion cycle, followed by a more gradual decrease in each subsequent cycle. The melt flow index (MFI) and the mechanical properties (except impact strength) tend to decrease as the fiber concentration increases. On the other hand, the glass transition temperature ( T g) and the crystallinity ( X c) of the biocomposites increased with increasing fiber concentration. It is important to highlight that closed-loop reprocessing does not significantly affect the overall behavior of the biocomposites under the conditions investigated. Therefore, PLA reinforced with AF is suitable for primary recycling since the final properties are mainly influenced by the fiber concentration and less by the number of reprocessing cycles.
Taking action towards climate-resilient, low-carbon, health systems: Perspectives from Canadian health leaders and healthcare professionals
Authors: Barber Brittany , Rainham Daniel G. , Tyedmers Peter , Vandertuin Trevor , Ritcey Gillian , Christie Sean D.
Published: May 2024

Climate change poses significant public health and health system challenges including increased demand for health services due to chronic and acute health impacts from vector-borne diseases, heat-related illness, and injury from severe weather. As climate change worsens, so do its effects on health systems such as increasing severity of weather extremes causing damage to healthcare infrastructure and interference with supply chains. Ironically, health sectors globally are significant contributors to climate change, generating an estimated 5% of global emissions. Achieving “net zero” health systems require large-scale change with shared decision-making to coordinate a pan-Canadian approach to creating climate-resilient and low-carbon healthcare. In this article, we discuss healthcare professionals’ and health leaders’ perceptions of responsibility for practicing and advocating for climate-resilient and low-carbon healthcare in Canada.
Characteristics of patients and facility of peritoneal dialysis in Korea: Results from the Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (PDOPPS) Korea
Authors: Kim Ji Hye , Kim Seon-Mi , Kang Minjung , Kang Eunjeong , Park Sun-Hee , Kim Yong-Lim , Pecoits-Filho Roberto , Bieber Brian , Pisoni Ronald L , Oh Kook-Hwan ,   PDOPPS Korea and Arbor Research Investigators
Published: May 2024

Background:

Varying peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related clinical outcomes have been reported in different countries. As a participant of the Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (PDOPPS), this study investigated the characteristics of Korean PD patients, PD facilities and the incidence rates of clinical outcomes including mortality and PD-related outcomes.

Methods:

From July 2019 to December 2021, a total of 766 Korean PD patients were included for analysis. Poisson regression analysis was used to explore the incidence rates of various clinical events including mortality, modality transfer, exit site or catheter tunnel infection and peritonitis.

Results:

Among the 766 patients (median age 55.5 years, males 59.5%), 276 were incident and 490 were prevalent PD patients. The incidence rates of events were as follows: all-cause mortality (0.048), modality transfer (0.051), exit site or catheter tunnel infection (0.054) and peritonitis (0.136) events per person year. The most common causative organism for exit site or tunnel infection was staphylococcus species (47%) and that for peritonitis was streptococcus (28%) followed by staphylococcus (27%) species.

Conclusions:

Up to now, PDOPPS Korea has recruited 766 Korean PD patients and started documentation of major PD-related outcomes which occurred during the follow-up period. The overall incidence rates of clinical outcomes in Korean PD patients were relatively favourable. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence rates of clinical outcomes according to both facility and patient factors.
Vexatious or Vulnerable: Permitted Roles for Litigants in Person in Civil Courts
Authors: Toy-Cronin Bridgette
Published: May 2024

Litigants in person (LiPs) are increasingly prominent players in the social world of the court. There is a growing literature addressing many questions relating to litigants in person and this article contributes to that literature, exploring the creation and maintenance of the social role of the litigant in person. I argue that the high-status actors and those in the inner circle of the social world of the court – the judiciary, lawyers, and court staff – engage in boundary work, defining the role of the litigant in person. In carrying out this work they shape two roles for the litigant in person: the vulnerable and the vexatious. Simultaneously they maintain the fiction that the ideal litigant in person is one who performs the lawyer's role. This role is neither possible nor desired by the high-status actors; litigants in person must remain differentiated. If court reform to address the challenges presented by litigants in person is to succeed, it must account for these role dynamics.
Strategic technological processes in hospitals: Conflicts and personal experiences of healthcare teams
Authors: Naamati-Schneider Lior , Arazi-Fadlon Mirit , Daphna-Tekoah Shir
Published: May 2024

Background

Global health systems operate amid dynamic factors, including demographic shifts, economic variations, political changes, technological progress, and societal trends that lead to VUCA reality (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity). To address these challenges, healthcare organizations are increasingly turning to Strategic Technological Processes and digital transformation.

Research objective

Against this background, the current study examined the personal experiences, conflicts, difficulties, and moral dilemmas attendant upon accommodating this digital transformation of healthcare professionals.

Participants

The study involved 27 healthcare professionals working in Israeli hospitals, whose experiences and perspectives were central to understanding the impact of digital transformation in healthcare settings.

Research design

The study methodology rested on in-depth interviews, which were analyzed through the prism of the Listening Guide analytical technique.

Ethical considerations

The research obtained pre-approval from the Ethics Committee at the researcher’s institution.

Findings

The study revealed that the healthcare professionals are indeed facing ethical conflicts and personal challenges related to digitalization (such as providing the best quality of care, being the best caregiver, and acting for the betterment of the hospital). It also identified dilemmas resulting from conflicts between the needs and demands of the health system and the healthcare professionals’ values and resources.

Discussion

The study findings highlight the impact of ethical and moral challenges accompanying strategic organizational and digital transformation changes implemented by healthcare organizations worldwide. These challenges arise as healthcare institutions adapt to the demands of the 21st century, potentially leading to burnout and moral distress among healthcare professionals, further exacerbating the already stressful reality they face.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study emphasizes the critical necessity for comprehensive support strategies to alleviate stress and burnout among healthcare professionals. As healthcare organizations and personnel navigate significant organizational changes to address contemporary challenges, prioritizing the well-being of healthcare workers through effective support mechanisms becomes imperative.
A Scoping Review of Barriers and Facilitators for Preconception Care: Lessons for Global Health Policies and Programs
Authors: Puliani Reedhika , Bhatt Yogita , Gupta Soumya , R. N. Agnita , B. D. Tejaswini , Jayanna Krishnamurthy
Published: May 2024

Preconception care (PCC) encompasses a set of actions taken before pregnancy to support the health and well-being of women before conception to improve maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes. The utilization of PCC services is influenced by multifaceted factors that can either enable or impede women’s capacity to access and utilize them effectively. This scoping review examined the barriers and facilitators influencing the utilization of PCC services among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) at both individual and community levels. Through an extensive review of published articles from 2004 to 2021, including peer-reviewed sources, barriers and facilitators were identified. At the individual level, barriers included limited knowledge about PCC, neglect of self-health, and financial constraints. Community-level barriers encompassed insufficient supply of supplements, restricted access to health care, high health care costs, and setbacks due to delayed delivery of MCH services. Conversely, individuals reported that credible sources of information, such as friends, family, and community health volunteers, facilitated their engagement with PCC services. At the community level, facilitators included government-regulated supply chains for supplements and the involvement of community workers in health monitoring. Understanding and addressing these factors can help improve the utilization of PCC services among women of reproductive age (WRA) and improve MCH outcomes.
“It's sort of help yourself” – DIY medical care and team-doctoring in amateur women's sport
Authors: Forbes Debra , AlHashmi Reem , Bowes Ali , Liston Katie , Matthews Christopher R.
Published: May 2024

It has become something of a truism, that within various athletic subcultures pain and injury are regularly normalised as ‘part of the game’. One clear consequence which flows from this empirical reality is that athletes often need medical care in various forms. Recent developments in the gendered structuring of sport means that sportswomen are increasingly centred within this process. Yet, there is a broad consensus from sportswomen and academics alike that access to medical support and the availability of associated resources in women's sport is inadequate. Based on interviews with 17 women located in the United Kingdom, we cast new light on how medical support and care appears to be structured across various women's amateur sports. Two key findings are highlighted, firstly, that the majority of medical support was via first aid kits, which is problematic in their inconsistent restocking, and the availability of someone trained to use them. And, secondly, that there was a DIY approach to medical care which we explore via a discussion of athlete-to-athlete ‘team-doctoring’ – wherein sportswomen provided medical advice, care and treatments to each other. Our analysis of these two findings shows how medical care might be inconsistent, compromised and otherwise poor in quality, especially when viewed through the lens of critical scholarship about the sociology of sports medicine. This has specific consequences for the sports women we spoke with, and wider implications for our understanding of amateur sportspeople generally.
Navigating Emotional Discomfort in Developing Equity-Driven School Leaders: A Conceptual-Pedagogical Framework
Authors: Kim Taeyeon , Wright James
Published: May 2024

Background

Given that K-12 schools necessitate leaders who can advance equity and justice, preparation programs in higher education institutions have prioritized the development of equity-oriented school leaders. However, there has been relatively limited exploration of pedagogical approaches that equip educational leaders to navigate adverse emotional responses and utilize their discomforting emotions as a source of transformation toward equity-oriented principles. When negative emotions are suppressed and/or unexplored within leadership development programs, adult learners will likely miss crucial opportunities for personal growth and transformative change.

Purpose

This theoretical article aims to enhance and expand existing scholarship on the pedagogies of emotional discomfort by developing a conceptual-pedagogical framework for preparing equity-driven school leaders.

Conceptual Model

We explore the role of emotions in/as learning, drawing insights from the learning science literature, and analyze empirical studies in leadership education to unravel how and why discomforting emotions are triggered and operationalized when learning about racism and inequities. We present a framework, the pedagogy of discomfort toward critical hope, drawing on scholarly work bridging emotional discomfort and critical pedagogy, and exemplified by various examples of pedagogies of discomfort. Building on this foundation, we introduce an emotional scaffolding design centered around three concepts: generating discomfort to make oppression and privilege visible, guided emotion participation for engaging critical reflection and dialogue, and appraising emotions with metacognitive and meta-affect tools.

Discussion and Implications

This article extends the scholarship on teaching and learning for developing equity leaders by bridging insights from learning science and critical pedagogy.
Engaging White Men in Allyship for Structural Change: A Systematic Review
Authors: Halvorsen Jeff , Humphrey Tamara , Lorenzetti Liza , Rolle Mario
Published: May 2024

While most violent crime declined during COVID-19, domestic and gender-based violence either remained the same or increased in most jurisdictions. Some social movements have turned to engaging men in change for gender equity initiatives—confronting intersecting oppressions. In this systematic review, we examine peer-reviewed studies on White men’s allyship across five electronic databases which resulted in seven studies that met the inclusion criteria. White men’s allyship is an emerging research area that is primarily qualitative and exploratory with few high-quality studies. Antecedents of White men’s allyship were a sense of fairness, justice, and equality; compassion; personal experiences of oppression; and caring community membership along with leadership skills. The processes allies experienced as they developed were turning points, learning and knowledge acquisition, joining social movements and engaging in social action, and skill building and maturation. Learning from the critiques of allyship is an opportunity for White men to engage in relationally accountable allyship.
A Social Cognitive Career Theory Study of Agricultural Mechanical Trade Workers
Authors: Black Rebecca , Hoare P. Nancey , McDonald Nicole , McIlveen Peter
Published: May 2024

Attracting and retaining skilled workers in agriculture is a global problem. Shortages of essential workers disrupt supplies of goods and services from the point of production on farms through manufacturing, transport, to ultimate consumption. The global pandemic’s effect on food supply was a salutary lesson in the effects of a diminished agricultural workforce. Agricultural mechanics are vital to productivity. The present research used the social cognitive career theory to explore agricultural mechanics’ careers. An exploratory qualitative study deployed interviews to collect data from N = 19 mechanical trade workers. Interviews were centered on participants’ descriptions of their work regarding theoretical constructs including self-efficacy, outcome expectations, satisfaction, dispositional traits, and contextual affordances. Reflective thematic analysis of the data produced concordance with key constructs of the social cognitive career theory sufficient to justify its utility for research with this specific agricultural occupation. This research makes an important contribution to the literature of vocational psychology which can and should contribute to solving the complex problem of supporting a workforce needed for agriculture’s ongoing challenge of feeding and clothing the world’s growing population.
Vibrational dynamics of a subjected system to external torque and excitation force
Authors: Amer T. S. , Galal A. A.
Published: May 2024

This work focuses on the dynamical response of a novel auto-parametric two-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) dynamical system when it is subjected to external torque and force. It consists of a forced oscillator with nonlinear stiffness that is connected to a linear spring. In accordance with the system’s DOF, an organizing system of equations of motion (EOM) is produced using Euler–Lagrange’s equations. To obtain the analytical approximate solutions (ASs) of the equations of this system, the multiple scales technique (MST) is employed. The provided solutions are being juxtaposed with the numerical solutions (NSs) for comparison to show how closely they agree, as well as the precision of the MST. In view of removing secular terms, the system’s solvability criteria are obtained. All arising resonance cases are classified, and two of them are then examined at once. The relevant system of modulation equations is solved numerically to illustrate the advantageous influence of diverse factors on the behavior of the modified phases and amplitudes. Based on the values of these parameters, the frequency response curves (FRCs) are drawn to explore different zones of stability and instability. A wide variety of values for the system’s parameters shows that its behavior is steady. The achieved outcomes are deemed novel, as the MST has been applied on a new dynamical model. The results have broad relevance and can be implemented in various engineering contexts, including the analysis of ship movements, in which nonlinear coupling between rolling and pitching motions can be found.
Social Vulnerability and Firearm Violence: An Examination of the Correlates of Fatal and Nonfatal Shootings
Authors: Gill Lexi , Novak Kenneth J. , Patterson Silas
Published: May 2024

The current study uses the CDC’s social vulnerability index (SVI), an underutilized measure in criminology, to examine patterns of fatal and nonfatal firearm violence. The SVI is an index that captures the level of social vulnerability within communities that can reflect a community’s ability to withstand many stressors, including firearm violence. Results indicate that vulnerable communities, as measured by the SVI, experience disproportionate firearm violence. Results also show that neighborhood firearm violence is influenced by nearby neighborhoods’ levels of social vulnerability. That is, neighborhoods that are surrounded by other neighborhoods with high levels of social vulnerability experience more firearm violence. These results are important for policymakers who seek to address the root causes of vulnerabilities that impact firearm violence indirectly, and the results provide a foundation for future application of the SVI within criminology.
Non-Newtonian thermal elastohydrodynamic mixed lubrication in elliptical contact for nutation-driven double circular-arc spiral bevel gear pair
Authors: Pan Ling , Yin Zhiqiang , Lin Bin , Zeng Yi , Zhang Jun
Published: May 2024

The new type of nutation reducer with double circular-arc bevel gears as the core is characterized by advantages such as high load-bearing capacity, large transmission ratio, and simple structure. The existing research focuses on the machining methods of gears and the analysis of tooth contact. This article first time establishes an elastohydrodynamic mixed lubrication model for nutation double circular-arc bevel gear. The model's accuracy is verified by comparing it with existing test results. On this basis, combined with the finite element method and tooth contact analysis, the meshing characteristics, tooth contact characteristics, and lubrication characteristics of the double circular-arc bevel gear tooth surface are analyzed. The results show that the entrainment velocity at the contact point of the tooth surface during transmission is much higher than the sliding velocity. Consequently, the meshing motion is close to pure rolling. In constant-speed transmission, the oil film thickness at the engaging-in and exit points near the edge of the tooth surface is smaller than that at other meshing points on the tooth surface. This phenomenon can easily lead to mixed lubrication and lubrication failure, as well as tooth surface wear. During deceleration, i.e., when the speed drops to 50 r/min, the oil film thickness approaches zero, indicating that the gear has entered a mixed lubrication state. The proposed model can be used for lubrication analysis and improving transmission accuracy of nutation double circular-arc bevel gears.
Artificial intelligence applied to MRI data to tackle key challenges in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Collorone Sara , Coll Llucia , Lorenzi Marco , Lladó Xavier , Sastre-Garriga Jaume , Tintoré Mar , Montalban Xavier , Rovira Àlex , Pareto Deborah , Tur Carmen
Published: May 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the branch of science aiming at creating algorithms able to carry out tasks that typically require human intelligence. In medicine, there has been a tremendous increase in AI applications thanks to increasingly powerful computers and the emergence of big data repositories. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting the central nervous system with a complex pathogenesis, a challenging diagnostic process strongly relying on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a high and largely unexplained variability across patients. Therefore, AI applications in MS have the great potential of helping us better support the diagnosis, find markers for prognosis to eventually design more powerful randomised clinical trials and improve patient management in clinical practice and eventually understand the mechanisms of the disease. This topical review aims to summarise the recent advances in AI applied to MRI data in MS to illustrate its achievements, limitations and future directions.
The impact of syndemic burden, age, and sexual minority status on internalized HIV stigma among people living with HIV in South Florida
Authors: Weinstein Elliott R , Mendez Noelle A , Jones Megan A , Safren Steven A
Published: May 2024

Internalized HIV stigma has been associated with several poor mental and physical health outcomes among people living with HIV (PLWH); yet, little research has explored how internalized HIV stigma may be affected by syndemic burden. This study sought to examine the relationship between syndemic conditions and HIV stigma over and above the potential effects of two social determinants of health, age and sexual minority status, using a linear regression approach ( N = 1343). Syndemic burden was significantly positively associated with internalized HIV stigma above and beyond the effects of age and sexual minority status ( b = 0.23). Additionally, age ( b = −0.02) and being a sexually minority ( b = −0.31) were significantly negatively associated with internalized HIV stigma. Findings should inform future treatment targets for this population by specifically working to reduce internalized HIV stigma for people with a greater syndemic burden and, potentially, among young adults and heterosexual PLWH.
Paving the way for COVID survivors’ psychosocial rehabilitation: Mining topics, sentiments, and their trajectories over time from Reddit
Authors: Farokhnia Hamedani Moez , Esmaeili Mostafa , Sun Yao , Sheybani Ehsan , Javidi Giti
Published: May 2024

Objective: This study examined major themes and sentiments and their trajectories and interactions over time using subcategories of Reddit data. The aim was to facilitate decision-making for psychosocial rehabilitation. Materials and Methods: We utilized natural language processing techniques, including topic modeling and sentiment analysis, on a dataset consisting of more than 38,000 topics, comments, and posts collected from a subreddit dedicated to the experiences of people who tested positive for COVID-19. In this longitudinal exploratory analysis, we studied the dynamics between the most dominant topics and subjects’ emotional states over an 18-month period. Results: Our findings highlight the evolution of the textual and sentimental status of major topics discussed by COVID survivors over an extended period of time during the pandemic. We particularly studied pre- and post-vaccination eras as a turning point in the timeline of the pandemic. The results show that not only does the relevance of topics change over time, but the emotions attached to them also vary. Major social events, such as the administration of vaccines or enforcement of nationwide policies, are also reflected through the discussions and inquiries of social media users. In particular, the emotional state (i.e., sentiments and polarity of their feelings) of those who have experienced COVID personally. Discussion: Cumulative societal knowledge regarding the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the patterns with which people discuss their experiences, concerns, and opinions. The subjects’ emotional state with respect to different topics was also impacted by extraneous factors and events, such as vaccination. Conclusion: By mining major topics, sentiments, and trajectories demonstrated in COVID-19 survivors’ interactions on Reddit, this study contributes to the emerging body of scholarship on COVID-19 survivors’ mental health outcomes, providing insights into the design of mental health support and rehabilitation services for COVID-19 survivors.
Design and experiment of electromagnetic-hydraulic-rubber integrated vibration isolator
Authors: Chai Kai , Liu Shuyong , Hu Junbo
Published: May 2024

Low-frequency radiated noise, characterized by a distinctive “acoustic fingerprint” is generated when vibrations from marine machinery propagate through a ship’s hull into the ocean. This type of noise travels long distances with concentrated and stable energy, posing a significant threat to a ship’s acoustic stealth capabilities. Active-passive hybrid isolation is the primary method for reducing low-frequency radiated noise from ships; however, technical challenges remain, such as effectively integrating active and passive components, achieving high output force in a compact design, and addressing the poor linearity of actuator output at low frequencies. To address these issues, this paper presented an innovative electromagnetic-hydraulic-rubber integrated vibration isolator. Firstly, the study analyzed the dynamic characteristics of a two-degree-of-freedom isolation system and investigated the influence of active-passive hybrid vibration isolator parameters on control force and vibration reduction performance. Secondly, it was established that the magnetic circuit model and magnetic field strength expressions for the electromagnetic actuator using magnetic circuit analysis derive the analytical relationship between electromagnetic force, current amplitude, and frequency using the energy method. Subsequently, a mathematical model was developed for the rubber-hydraulic suspension component to examine its dynamic characteristics, hydraulic damping, and hydraulic force amplification transmission laws. Lastly, we organically combine the electromagnetic actuator with the rubber-hydraulic suspension and conduct a multi-physics joint simulation of the integrated vibration isolator using Comsol software to verify the effectiveness of the optimized design and vibration isolation control. Experimental research was carried out on the dynamic characteristics, output force properties, and fatigue characteristics of the integrated vibration isolator prototype. Results indicated that the established models and methods can achieve over 90% accuracy in predicting the performance of the electromagnetic actuator’s output force and exhibit good linearity within the 5–400 Hz range. The rubber-hydraulic suspension can achieve an amplification factor of up to 1.5 for the electromagnetic force while reducing the transmission of vibrations to the base. The research findings can enhance the low-frequency vibration isolation performance of marine machinery equipment and improve their acoustic stealth capabilities.
Spatial circulatory networks based on the peripheral medial axis transform
Authors: Dritsas Stylianos , Lee Teng Teng Cheryl , Yeo Zi Yi Khystelle
Published: May 2024

This article presents a method for constructing circulatory networks that intrinsically combine geometric, topological, and semantic spatial attributes. The objective of this work is to generate concise graph representations extracted from spatial geometry that may be used for wayfinding and code compliance analyses to inform architectural design and urban planning. Our approach is based on shape analysis using the Medial Axis Transform skeletonization method. We present a process for the semantic classification of its nodes and edges by constructing an analytical rational piece-wise 3D surface representation. This overcomes the problem of identifying salient or otherwise graph features. Furthermore, we augment the networks with peripheral pathways. This addresses the fundamental limitation of skeletal graphs forcing paths exclusively through the middle of space and thus producing unreasonable detours. We demonstrate that our approach encompasses subtle circulatory features and generates concise graphs for open and free-form spaces that do not exhibit corridor-like structures.
Revisiting ‘Accuracy’ in Formal Grounded Theory: Ambiguities and Opportunities
Authors: Zaidi Shehr Bano
Published: May 2024

This study attempts to address the ‘scant attention’ (to use Barney Glaser’s words) given to formal grounded theory by revisiting and reformulating the concept of accuracy (interchangeably used with accurate descriptions and empirical evidence) which Glaser blames to be the reason behind grounded theorists neglecting formal grounded theorizing. A novel concept called pragmatic accuracy is introduced to meet the requirements of formal grounded theorizing. Pragmatic accuracy by supplementing inductive reasoning with abductive places methodological self-consciousness at the center of formal grounded theorizing as there is a continual need for scrutinizing the core assumptions of a researcher and those of their participants’. This study does not entirely reject Glaser’s approach of shunning accuracy. Rather it teases out the contradiction between Glaser’s words and practice towards qualitative descriptions and shows how he, in a coauthored formal grounded theory, recognizes the importance of empirical references and explanatory definitions. Along with Glaser, Charmaz’ and Kearney’s views on accuracy are also unpacked and brought in harmony with the requirements of formal grounded theorizing. A case is made through pragmatic accuracy to encourage a sustained focus on the inclusion of empirical content in an emerging formal theory to increase its applicability and generalizability. The reformulated pragmatic accuracy also offers two lengths for formal grounded theories, article-length and book-length, depending upon the requirements of the topic and the researcher.
Exploring local, experimenting with transnational: Producing Turkish television series
Authors: Bedir Semih
Published: May 2024

This study explores the factors influencing the rising global appeal of Turkish TV series, focusing on the production process and economic dynamics with the global and local media distribution of these dramas. It assesses how market-driven media production conditions and creative professionals’ roles influence the creation of Turkish series by interviewing nine industry insiders. The study found that market-oriented media practices and executives’ understanding of Turkish audience preferences significantly direct the creative output, which is predominantly aimed at local viewers.
City diplomacy as a mechanism of multi-level solidarity and support for Ukraine: A study of the changes following the 2022 Russian invasion
Authors: Matiaszczyk Natalia
Published: May 2024

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 changed the situation in Europe, impacting various aspects, such as politics, security, and international relations. It also underscored the significance of local authorities, particularly cities, in responding to and addressing the consequences of the crisis. The paper answers the questions on the impact of the Russian invasion on the international partnerships of Ukrainian cities, the role of city diplomacy in promoting solidarity and support for Ukraine, and the dynamics of multi-level cooperation in supporting Ukraine during the war. This research was based on a survey sent to 56 Ukrainian cities, of which 70% of them responded. The findings indicate that almost 90% of Ukrainian cities receive diverse forms of support from foreign partners, and two-thirds of them engage in forging new partnerships. Moreover, through many multi-level initiatives, they contribute significantly to the dynamic interplay between local, national, and international levels of governments. These results highlight the noteworthy role of cities in international relations as actors in times of war.
Absolute Configuration and Cytotoxicity of a New Vouacapane Diterpenoid from Coulteria velutina
Authors: Magallón-Chávez Odessa , Hernández-Padilla Laura , Rodríguez-García Gabriela , Talavera-Alemán Armando , Armenta-Salinas Concepción , Gutiérrez-Vázquez Ernestina , Campos-García Jesús , del Río Rosa E. , Cerda-García-Rojas Carlos M. , Gómez-Hurtado Mario A.
Published: May 2024

Objective: Determine the structure, absolute configuration, and antiproliferative activity of a new furan diterpenoid isolated from the leaves of Coulteria velutina (Britton & Rose) Sotuyo & G.P.Lewis (Fabaceae). Methods: The structures of the natural product and those of 2 derivatives were established mainly by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, while their absolute configurations were established using vibrational circular dichroism involving comparison of the experimental and calculated spectra of a rigid derivative. Results: Isolation of (−)-(4 R,5 R,6 R,8 S,9 S,10 R,14 R)-6-[( E)- p-coumaroyloxy]vouacapan-18-oic acid (1), an undescribed secondary metabolite from the leaves of C velutina, is reported hereafter. Hydrolysis of 1 provided (+)-(4 R,5 R,6 R,8 S,9 S,10 R,14 R)-6-hydroxyvouacapan-18-oic acid (2), identical to a diterpenoid isolated from Caesalpinia echinata, but whose absolute configuration remained undetermined. Subsequent lactonization of 2 yielded (+)-(4 R,5 R,6 R,8 S,9 S,10 R,14 R)-vouacapan-6,18-olide (3). The absolute configurations of compounds 1–3 were established by vibrational circular dichroism studies of 3. In addition, the antiproliferative activity of the natural product 1 against HeLa, MDA-MB-231, Caco-2, and NIH/3T3 cell lines is reported. Conclusions: The leaves of C velutina yielded the new vouacapane 1. It showed weak antiproliferative activity against HeLa and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines (IC50 = 92.2 and 106.2 μg/mL, respectively), but was also weakly active against the NIH/3T3 healthy cell line (IC50 value of 127.6 µg/mL). Its absolute configuration was determined by vibrational circular dichroism analysis of the conformationally rigid compound 3. This derivative can be used as a reference for the absolute configuration of related vouacapanes. In addition, this is the first phytochemical investigation of C velutina.
Working From Within: The Rural Community Participatory Design Framework
Authors: Johnson Elizabeth A. , Hellem Tracy L.
Published: May 2024

Objective:

This article describes the development of the rural community-based participatory design framework to guide healthcare design teams in their integration of rural community and clinical voice during the planning, design, and construction of a healthcare facility.

Background:

Rural communities are facing an alarming rate of healthcare facility closures, provider shortages, and dwindling resources, which are negatively impacting population health outcomes. A prioritized focus on rural care access and delivery requires design teams to have a deeper understanding of the contextual considerations necessary for a successful healthcare facility project, made possible through engagement and partnership with rural dwelling community members and healthcare teams.

Method:

The rural community participatory design framework is adapted from the rural participatory research model, selected due to its capture of key concepts and characteristics of rural communities. Underpinning theories included rural nursing theory and theory of the built environment.

Results:

The framework encompasses healthcare facility project phases, key translational concepts, and common traits across rural communities and cultures. As a middle-range theoretical framework, it is being tested in a current healthcare project with a Critical Access Hospital in Montana to facilitate design team and stakeholder collaboration.

Conclusion:

The rural community participatory design framework may be utilized by design teams as a means of familiarization with rural cultures, norms, values, and critical needs, which relate to meaningful design. The framework further enables design teams to critically appraise best practices of stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle.
Hospitality Front-line Employees: A Meta-Analysis of Emotion Management at Work
Authors: Shulga Lenna V. , Busser James A. , Molintas Denise H. R.
Published: May 2024

The main purpose of this study was to summarize extant empirical findings on how front-line service employees experience and manage emotions at work. When consolidated, the research on front-line employee emotions revealed mixed and contradictory results and knowledge gaps on workplace challenges of service-oriented employees. The PRISMA were followed for study selection, and the appraisal theory of emotions was used to classify the direct antecedents and outcomes of emotion management. To calculate meta-analytic effect sizes, comprehensive meta-analysis methodology wasapplied to analyze 79 studies (N=28,332). The summary effects of known antecedents, affective events (conflict, customer interactions), stimuli (personality characteristics), and workplace environment (support and display rules) on front-line employees’ emotion management were more modest than previously indicated. Organization, supervisor, and coworker support were found to be a moderator between conflict and employees’ emotion management. The most-researched outcomes of emotion management (burnout and job performance) also showed only modest effect sizes. Job satisfaction was a moderator between emotion management and job performance. The relationship between emotion management and customer-related antecedents and outcomes showed modest to small effect sizes. These results contribute to the ATE and highlight the knowledge gap on how customer emotions and behaviors affect front-line employees’ ability to manage their emotions and provide quality customer service and, in turn, how employee’s transference of emotions might influence customer satisfaction, loyalty, and trust. Managers should provide necessary support to mitigate the impact of affective events that may influence how front-line employees manage emotions at work to increase job satisfaction and performance.
Influence of Land Ownership Security on Land Use Changes in Mwatate Sub-County, Taita Taveta County, Kenya
Authors: Obeka Bonventure Mwanzi , Wacker Elisabeth , Shauri Halimu , de Vries Walter Timo
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims: The rising global population has increased land demand due to the increased need for agricultural and settlement spaces. Land ownership security tremendously impacts environmental sustainability because it influences ecological decisions. Kenya's land ownership and land use changes nexus has not received sufficient attention. Consequently, we explored this research gap in Mwatate Sub County, Taita County, Kenya. Methods: A sample size of 301 households was selected using stratified proportionate and simple random sampling techniques. A cross-sectional survey research design was used, while data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires. The Neo-Malthusian theory was adopted as a theoretical framework. Results: Results revealed that most (85.6%) households had insecure land ownership rights. Most (64.1%) households inherited land and had no Title deeds. Accordingly, findings reveal unsustainable land use practices, including deforestation, tree logging, high fuelwood use, bush clearance for human settlement and cultivation, poor farming methods, and overreliance on agriculture for livelihood. Using a 95% confidence level, Chi-square tests revealed a significant relationship between agricultural land use changes and land ownership security. Our findings concluded that insecure land ownership influenced agricultural expansion, deforestation, clearing of land for human settlement, and the type of farming techniques adopted by farmers. Implications for Conservation: Taita Taveta is a vital biodiversity hotspot that continues to be degraded by human activities. The correlation between land ownership and land use changes established by our study confirms the impending land degradation and threat to biodiversity loss. This is coupled with the concern that approximately 62% and 11% of the county are under a National Park and sisal estates, respectively, implying a growing threat to biodiversity loss and the need for enhanced conservation efforts in the area. This calls for the need to address the constant land issues in the area to incentivize sustainable land use practices.