bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holism and Causal Responsibility: The Role of Number and Valence of Event Consequences
Authors: Santos David , Requero Blanca , Martín-Fernández Manuel
Published: August 2023

The present research examines the effect of holistic-analytic thinking style on causal responsibility. Across seven studies ( N = 4,103), participants’ thinking style was either measured or manipulated. Then, the valence or number of consequences varied in several scenarios involving a cause–consequence relationship. As a dependent measure, participants indicated the degree of responsibility attributed to the cause mentioned in each scenario. The results revealed that holistic (vs. analytic) participants assigned more responsibility to the cause when the consequences presented were a combination of positive and negative outcomes (vs. univalent), and when multiple (vs. single) consequences were triggered in the scenario. To explore the explanatory factor for these results, a final study manipulated the complexity of the consequences, along with the number. The results of this research suggested that holistic (vs. analytic) individuals consider the degree of complexity of consequences to establish causal attribution.
The Michigan Farmworker Project: A Community-Based Participatory Approach to Research on Precarious Employment and Labor Exploitation of Farmworkers
Authors: Iglesias-Rios Lisbeth , Valentín-Cortés Mislael , Fleming Paul J. , O’Neill Marie S. , Handal Alexis J.
Published: August 2023

Precarious employment is an important social determinant of health inequities. Through in-depth qualitative interviews ( n  =  35), we examine precarious employment and labor exploitation, their potential impact on the working environment, and, ultimately, the health of farmworkers. We present results from the community-based participatory Michigan Farmworker Project. Our analysis identified dimensions of precarious employment and labor exploitation that involved lacking access to fundamental labor and social rights—including dehumanization—discriminatory occupational practices, and insufficient access to health care and social benefits. Policy reform is needed to address precarious employment and labor exploitation among farmworkers due to their potential long-lasting health effects.
Will Adults’ Happiness be Affected by Childhood Parental Divorce? Evidence From China
Authors: Liu Yiwei , Ren Zhenglian
Published: August 2023

Happiness is an important dimension to measure the quality of life. The divorce rate of Chinese families has been increasing in recent years, so will adults' happiness be affected by childhood parental divorce? Data were derived from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, a nationwide social survey project that was conducted among Chinese individuals aged 45 or older in 2014. The results show that childhood parental divorce was significantly negatively associated with happiness, and health condition, education level, and social interaction mediated this relationship. We should analyze the influence of early age factors on happiness from the perspective of life cycle, and actively deal with the factors that have negative effects on happiness, thus improving the quality of life in adulthood.
Predictors of Positive and Negative Parenting Practices Among Mothers of Two-to-Three-Year-Old Children: Findings From Tirana, Albania
Authors: Ramaj Klea
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this article is to determine the predictors of positive and negative parenting practices among mothers of two-to-three-year-old children in Tirana, Albania. Cross-sectional data were obtained from a representative sample of 328 mothers of two-to-three-year-old children recruited through eight randomly selected public nurseries in Tirana. Results from bivariate regressions showed significant associations between the key relevant maternal characteristics and maternal parenting practices, in line with previous studies conducted in Western societies. Results from multiple regressions showed that maternal attitudes towards child maltreatment were a dominant significant predictor of negative parenting practices (punitive parenting, inconsistent parenting, and child maltreatment) and that maternal sense of parental competence was a dominant significant predictor of positive parenting practices. The findings suggest a strong, consistent link between maternal belief systems and parenting practices among mothers of toddlers in Tirana and call for the implementation of parent training programmes that address attitudes towards child maltreatment and sense of parental competence in the Albanian society.
Family Matters: The Impact of National Policies on Asylum Destinations
Authors: Brekke Jan-Paul , Røed Marianne , Schøne Pål
Published: August 2023

In political and academic debates, a knowledge gap exists regarding the impact of different strands of national policies on the number of asylum arrivals. This article analyzes the effects of policy reforms on the distribution of asylum seekers among a group of major European receiving countries. More specifically, we study significant changes in the legislation that regulate the following three areas: (i) access to the asylum procedure, (ii) the asylum processing, and (iii) the family reunification and family formation. Empirically, we study how national reforms within these policy areas in nine Northwestern European destination countries affect the distribution of yearly outflows from 48 countries of origin, during the period 1985 to 2015. Applying a statistical approach, which accounts for simultaneous changes in other destination countries’ asylum policies, we conclude that more restrictive legislation appears to have significant effects on the distribution of asylum seekers among destination countries. In relative terms, restrictions that make reunification with current and future family less probable have the strongest negative influence, followed by tightening of the rules that govern the outcome of the asylum procedures.
Determining perceptions of banking customers regarding fingerprint ATMs
Authors: Trawnih Ali Ahmad , Al-Adwan Ahmad Samed , Yaseen Husam , Al-Rahmi Waleed Mugahed
Published: August 2023

Biometrics, such as fingerprint technology, is a novel technology that verifies an individual's identity based on their distinct physical or behavioural features. Despite the technology's increasing prevalence in the public and private sectors due to its potential benefits, its adoption by end users is proceeding slowly. This study proposes a framework that explores the influence of various dimensions of perceived benefits and risks on banking customers’ intentions to use fingerprint ATMs. Empirical data was collected from banking customers of Jordanian banks that have implemented fingerprint technology at their ATMs. The proposed framework was evaluated with potential adopters of the target technology. The findings suggest that personal innovativeness positively influences banking customers’ perceived value of fingerprint ATMs. Perceived benefits, including time convenience, cognitive effort saving, increased security and perceived enjoyment, also positively influence the perceived value of fingerprint ATMs. Perceived risks, except for physical risk, have negative effects on perceived value. In addition, perceived value is recognised as a key enabler of fingerprint ATM adoption intention. The findings of this study provide valuable insights that can help Jordanian banks promote and encourage their customers to use fingerprint ATMs.
Comparison of cyanoacrylate closure and radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of small saphenous veins
Authors: Arslanturk Oguz , Gumus Fatih
Published: August 2023

Background

The objective of this study was to compare the early and mid-term results of radiofrequency ablation and cyanoacrylate ablation used in the treatment of small saphenous insufficiency.

Methods

A total of 84 patients with isolated small saphenous vein insufficiency who underwent either cyanoacrylate ablation (CA) (Group 1, n = 40) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (Group 2, n = 44) were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

The occlusion rate of target vessel was 95% in Group 1 and 93.1% in Group 2 patients, respectively, at 1-year follow-up without any significant difference. Sural nerve injury was observed in 3 (6.8%) patients in Group 2 due to the thermal damage of the RFA device.

Conclusions

While both techniques can be used with satisfactory and safe results in 1-year follow-up period, cyanoacrylate ablation may have a better safety profile compared to radiofrequency ablation due to lower complication rates in terms of paresthesia and sural nerve damage with similar occlusion rates.
Characteristics of goal-setting tools in adult rehabilitation: A scoping review
Authors: Okita Yuho , Kawaguchi Yuko , Inoue Yuki , Ohno Kanta , Sawada Tatsunori , Levack William , Tomori Kounosuke
Published: August 2023

Objectives

This scoping review aims to map the literature on goal-setting tools in adult rehabilitation, exploring their characteristics, target users and supporting evidence to inform practice and future research in this area.

Methods

We completed a comprehensive search of four databases to identify relevant articles on tools for goal setting in rehabilitation. We followed Arkey and O’Malley's scoping review process to guide article selection, data extraction and data analysis.

Results

We identified a total of 165 studies that reported on 55 different goal-setting tools, including tools for goal selection and goal documentation ( n = 31), goal setting and intervention planning ( n = 15), and for measuring the quality of the goal-setting process ( n = 9). Over half of the tools were primarily designed for use in rehabilitation of physical disabilities ( n = 32). Some tools fell under multiple sub-categories based on their characteristics as follows: 22 framework tools, 12 interview tools, 9 outcome measurement tools for goal achievement, 6 outcome measurement tools for goal quality and 25 documentation tools. The majority of goal-setting instruments targeted goals at the level of activity and participation ( n = 51) and aimed to facilitate a client-centred or shared decision-making approach to rehabilitation planning ( n = 46).

Conclusions

This study provides a comprehensive overview of existing goal-setting tools, highlighting their characteristics, target users and identified needs. These findings can enhance practitioners’ awareness of the range of goal-setting tools available and can enable more effective utilization of these tools in clinical practice. Further research should investigate how clinicians can combine multiple tools to deliver goal setting.
Cultural Adaptation of the Expectancy-Value-Cost Scale for Spanish-Speaking Students
Authors: Toma Radu Bogdan
Published: August 2023

The Expectancy-Value model has been extensively used to understand students' achievement motivation. However, recent studies propose the inclusion of cost as a separate construct from values, leading to the development of the Expectancy-Value-Cost model. This study aimed to adapt Kosovich et al.’s ( The Journal of Early Adolescence, 35, 5–6, 2015) instrument for assessing achievement motivation in science and math among Spanish-speaking students aged 9–12. The psychometric evaluation encompassed examining validity, reliability, and measurement invariance for gender. The findings support the applicability of the expectancy-value-cost model in elementary school students, providing a valid and reliable tool for assessing achievement motivation in the science and math domain. However, the findings for the measurement invariance for gender are less conclusive and warrant future psychometric evaluations. This study opens avenues for future research on achievement motivation in Spanish-speaking contexts and populations.
Police Mentoring of At-Risk Youth: Case Study of Police-Led Mentoring Program Leadership Development
Authors: Estorcien Vernise
Published: August 2023

Police-led organizations provide officers with the ability to mentor youth in a nurturing environment that empowers them to succeed academically, behaviorally, and socially. This article focuses on how police officers mentor youths in a major urban area in the southeast. A case study was presented of a police-led organization, which included in-depth interviews with program leaders and mentors, participant observations, and a review of secondary sources over 2 years. The main findings from the study are as follows: (1) program leaders emphasize that caring mentors need to be empathetic toward youth exposed to gun violence, (2) officers’ previous experiences matter for their motivation to become mentors, and (3) officers stimulate students by taking them out of their usual social environments. This research expands the theoretical understanding of how police-led organizations influence the lives of youth exposed to gun violence. The characteristics of police officers who serve as mentors are crucial and can impact program outcomes. Practical implications for program leaders are discussed.
Biologies and Beings: World-Making, Cognition, and the Making of Self
Authors: Ross Norbert
Published: August 2023

In this paper, I explore some of my previous and ongoing research at the intersection of folk biology and cognition, focusing on wider philosophical implications. Specifically, I intend to destabilize previous findings of my own research, interrogating them with data from my more recent work and a perspective of ontology, epistemology, and world-making. In doing so, I aim to inject folk biological data to the discussion of ontology and vice versa. In a sense, I address the question of whether ontology is just another word for culture, pushing for more specific definitions of what we might mean by ontology, culture, and reality.
Efficacy and safety of Hyadex for treatment of vesicoureteral reflux: a multicenter experience
Authors: Oguz Fatih , Yildiz Turan , Gecit Ilhan , Gungor Hasan , Ciftci Halil , Aksoy Yılmaz , Yagmur Ismail
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dextranomer/cross-linked hyaluronic acid (Hyadex) in patients with a clinical diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

Methods

In this cross-sectional multicenter observational study, Hyadex was used in four different centers for the endoscopic treatment of VUR from 2020 to 2022. The study involved 74 patients (93 renal units) who were diagnosed with VUR according to voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) findings and were considered suitable for subureteric endoscopic treatment. The follow-up time (control VCUG time) was 3 months.

Results

In the VCUG evaluation, grade I VUR was found in 13 renal units, grade II in 23 renal units, grade III in 42 renal units, and grade IV in 12 renal units. The success rates of Hyadex treatment according to the degree of VUR were as follows: 84.6% for grade I, 82.6% for grade II, 71.4% for grade III, and 66.0% for grade IV. No major complications were observed.

Conclusion

Endoscopic subureteric Hyadex injection had high success rates in appropriately selected patients with VUR and may be used as the first-line treatment for children with VUR.
Clinical, histopathological, and molecular characterization of canine pigmented viral plaques
Authors: Orlandi Margherita , Mazzei Maurizio , Albanese Francesco , Pazzini Luca , Mei Martina , Lazzarini Giulia , Forzan Mario , Massaro Maria , Vascellari Marta , Abramo Francesca
Published: August 2023

Canine pigmented viral plaques (PVPs) are proliferative epidermal lesions caused by canine papillomaviruses (CPVs). Although the lesions are benign, neoplastic transformation has been reported. Cases reported in the literature are few and mainly focused on genome sequencing. The aim of this study was to collect data on the epidemiology, clinicopathological features, and genotyping of PVPs. Fifty-five canine PVPs were retrospectively retrieved and histologically evaluated. Follow-up was available for 33 cases. The median age was 6.5 years and pugs were the most represented breed (25%). There were 4 clinical presentations: a single lesion (24%), multiple lesions (75%) in one (41%) or different sites (34%), and generalized lesions all over the body (24%). The abdomen and axillae were the most common sites. In single lesions, no recurrence was observed after conventional surgery, whereas different medical treatments reported for multiple lesions were not successful. Spontaneous regression was reported in 3 cases. Neoplasia in contiguity with PVPs was seen in 5 of 55 lesions (9%), and 1 dog was euthanized due to invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The most useful histopathological features for diagnosis were scalloped profile, epidermal spikes, hypergranulosis, and hyperpigmentation. L1 immunolabeling was present in 14 of 16 cases (87%). Sequencing revealed that 10 of 16 cases were associated with CPV-9 (71%), 2 cases were associated with CPV-4 (14%), and 2 cases were associated with CPV-8 (14%). In conclusion, this represents a large cohort study on canine PVPs reporting data on clinicopathological features, therapy, outcome, and the type of CPV involved for the first time in Italy.
Bicyclist and Motorist Behavior at Bike Boxes
Authors: Christofa Eleni , Ai Chengbo , Deliali Aikaterini , Tainter Francis , Cesic Leila , Hannon Thomas , Kostopoulou Efthymia
Published: August 2023

Bike boxes provide a designated space for bicyclists to gather at the front of the traffic queue and are intended to generally improve the visibility and predictability of their positions. Multiple bike box studies have been performed over the past 10 years in the United States, yet the impact of bike box design on motorist and bicyclist behavior is not well understood. This paper presents a field study that assesses motorist and bicyclist behavior at 11 bike boxes in Boston and Somerville, Massachusetts. Motorist behavior was assessed based on motorized vehicle encroachment on the bike box by vehicles arriving during the red signal. Bicycle behavior was studied by recording the positioning of bicyclists during the red signal. The study results indicate lower motorist compliance rates compared with previous studies and confirm the correlation between compliance rate and turning movement that had been previously reported in the literature. Motorists’ compliance could not be correlated with motorized vehicle or bicyclist demand, and only some initial hypotheses were extracted on the impact of bike box design characteristics on motorist compliance that warrant future exploration. Bicyclist behavior with regard to positioning within the bike box was comparable with earlier studies. Overall, this study reinforces the need for further research to understand user behavior at bike boxes and relate behavior to safety outcomes as well as the need for outreach and education efforts to support bike box effectiveness.
Performative versus Authentic Equity Work: An Assessment of Current Practices in Transportation Planning
Authors: McCullough Sarah Rebolloso , Erasmus C. Sequoia
Published: August 2023

With the growth of attention to equity in transportation, there is a need to understand differing definitions of transportation equity and what constitutes impactful equity work. This report examines definitions and assesses equity work within transportation in California. We do this by analyzing the expert perspectives of 28 transportation professionals who also identify as Black or people of color. Interviews were transcribed and coded for major themes. Results indicated that there is tension around what constitutes meaningful transportation equity work. Key findings centered around a distinction between “performative” equity work and “authentic” equity work. Performative equity work privileges the comfort and perspective of dominant groups, reinforces the status quo, stays in the realm of the rhetoric, and often results in superficial changes only. Authentic equity work centers the experience of Black people and people of color, embraces discomfort, transforms dominant culture, and results in measurable changes to the lives of those historically oppressed. Key recommendations include supporting action-oriented equity work, especially around resource allocation and redistribution of decision-making power to communities. The paper includes visions for more equitable transportation futures.
Waste Plastic Powder Coating on Acidic Aggregates: A New Hydrophobic Coating Technology to Build Moisture-Resistant Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Xiao Rui , Zhang Miaomiao , Zhong Jingtao , Baumgardner Gaylon L. , Huang Baoshan
Published: August 2023

The surface energy of aggregate in asphalt pavements has a huge impact on its moisture susceptibility. The commercial antistripping agents widely used in asphalt may not be effective enough to enhance the moisture resistance if large quantities of acidic aggregates exist in pavements. This is also the reason why moisture damage is still an issue in many U.S. regions primarily supplied with “problematic” aggregates. In this regard, a promising solution is to use waste-plastic-coated aggregate, the surface of which is fundamentally modified and has a high affinity with asphalt because of the hydrophobic nature of plastic. However, it has not been widely promoted in the industry since there needs to be a practical and reliable method for uniform coating and avoiding the agglomeration of fine aggregate. To this end, an entirely new coating technology (thermoplastic polyethylene powder coating [TPPC]) was developed to coat aggregate using polyethylene (PE) powder. This technology utilizes a cheap but highly wettable fluidized bed to stably disperse the hydrophobic PE powder. Then, the dispersion liquid is sprayed onto the hot aggregate where the fluidized bed will evaporate fast while the PE particles stay, melt, and coat the aggregate surface. The microstructures of the coated aggregate were directly observed by scanning electron microscopy. Surface energy-based thermodynamic parameters were used to demonstrate the effect of TPPC on the moisture resistance of asphalt mixtures. This technology can be extended to other types of waste plastic if suitable fluidized beds are developed.
Actual Conditions and Issues Concerning Barrier-Free Access for Tourist Boats
Authors: Aratani Taro , Miyazaki Keiko , Takahashi Toru , Inoue Shinichi , Fujimoto Yui
Published: August 2023

As an island nation, Japan has numerous remote islands that serve as tourist attractions, and, as such, involve the operation of many tourist boats. In Japan, it has been mandatory to comply with barrier-free technical standards for newly licensed tourist boats and passenger liners since April 2019. However, Japanese tourist boats tend to be older (i.e., licensed before April 2019) because daily sailing distances are shorter and hull damage is less severe compared with regular passenger ships. As a result, tourist boats are less likely to be barrier-free. Therefore, the present study aimed to clarify the existing conditions and issues concerning barrier-free access for tourist boats in Japan. First, we investigated several function parameters, such as the actual conditions of the structures, equipment, routes, and piers for representative tourist boats in Japan. Next, we conducted an interview survey with operators of representative tourist boats to clarify passenger demand for barrier-free access, the burden on seafaring crews, and the possibility of investment in barrier-free access. Based on the results of the survey, we organized the issues and discussed the best possible approaches to solving these problems. The findings suggested that the development of space-saving lifting equipment is a possible solution on the technical side, whereas the enhancement of subsidy programs and collaboration with industries other than those involved in maritime passenger transportation are possible solutions on the management side.
Serial evaluation of loop diuretic efficiency following left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Beargie Sarah M , Tolbert Lindsey , Tunney Robert K , Cox Zachary L , Gong Wu , Zalawadiya Sandip
Published: August 2023

More than 50% of heart failure (HF) patients require diuretic therapy after left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Although few data related to diuretic response (DR) exist in stage D patients, tubular sodium reabsorption may be clinically prognostic independent of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and proteinuria within this cohort. We aimed to characterize DR serially before and after LVAD implantation in a stage D population. We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study of HF patients receiving diuretics with plans to undergo LVAD implantation. We measured urine sodium (UNa) and creatinine (UCr) at three points after diuretic therapy: pre-LVAD, post-LVAD prior to discharge, and as an outpatient. Prior to LVAD, patients ( N = 19) had an average eGFR of 54.0 ± 18.0 mL/min/1.73 m2, spot UNa of 74.8 ± 28.0 mmol/L, and fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) of 3.1 ± 2.7%. Pre-LVAD, eGFR did not correlate with spot UNa nor FENa ( p > 0.05 for both). LVAD implantation did not improve DR post-LVAD (mean change FENa per 40 mg IV furosemide 0.5 ± 1.0%; p = 0.84), and 90% of patients required loop diuretics at 90 days post-surgery. Improved hemodynamics following LVAD may not improve DR or tubular function; larger studies are needed to confirm our results and assess the utility of DR to predict post-LVAD outcomes.
A Heterodox Approach to Masstige: Brand Fetishism, Corporate Pricing, and Rules of Consumer Choice
Authors: Lah Marko , Sušjan Andrej
Published: August 2023

Masstige, or luxury for the masses, is a phenomenon that requires a heterodox economic approach based on Original Institutional Economics view of corporate power combined with Marxian concept of brand fetishism and post-Keynesian theories of pricing and consumer choice. The attitude toward luxury in classical works on political economy is briefly outlined. By applying the post-Keynesian theory of oligopolistic pricing, we show how the power of luxury brands enables high profits of luxury conglomerates. We use the post-Keynesian theory of consumer choice to differentiate between various types of masstige buyers.

JEL Classification: B52, D11, D21, D43
Ukraine War: Policy Miscalculations or Contradictions of Capitalism?
Authors: Davis Ann E.
Published: August 2023

There are competing narratives regarding the causes of the war in Ukraine. One focuses on the provocation by the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, while others emphasize Russian aggression. The approach implemented below is to focus on the long-term contradictions of capitalism, including the formation of Communist states themselves in Russia in 1917 and China in 1949. The subsequent relation between capitalist industrial powers and the leading Communist powers has been an important factor in the post-World War II expansion of capitalism and its conflicts. The role of key ideological frameworks, such as the definition of money, is also a factor emphasized in this analysis. Such a wider lens may enable us to judge more accurately the potential for another “Great Transformation” or a Zeitenwende.

JEL Classification: B51, E58, F33, N20
Changes in Health and Well-Being of Care Aides in Nursing Homes From a Pre-Pandemic Baseline in February 2020 to December 2021
Authors: Song Yuting , Keefe Janice M. , Squires Janet , deGraves Brittany , Duan Yinfei , Cummings Greta , Doupe Malcolm B. , Hoben Matthias , Duynisveld Amber , Norton Peter , Poss Jeffrey , Estabrooks Carole A.
Published: August 2023

Nursing homes were profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, influencing work outcomes of care aides who provide the most direct care. We compared care aides’ quality of work life by conducting a repeated cross-sectional analysis of data collected in February 2020 and December 2021 from a stratified random sample of urban nursing homes in two Canadian provinces. We used two-level random-intercept repeated-measures regression models, adjusting for demographics and nursing home characteristics. 2348 and 1116 care aides completed the survey in February 2020 and December 2021, respectively. The 2021 sample had higher odds of reporting worked short-staffed daily to weekly in the previous month than the 2020 sample. The 2021 sample also had a small but significant drop in professional efficacy and mental health. Despite the worsening changes, our findings suggest that this workforce may have withstood the pandemic better than might be expected.
The China Daily’s framing of THAAD deployment: “A New Cold War in East Asia”
Authors: Ha Jae Sik
Published: August 2023

This study analyzed the presentations of the deployment of THAAD (Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense) on South Korean territory by conducting a qualitative framing analysis of editorials and columns in The China Daily. This media organ of the Chinese government largely condemned the United States and South Korea as falling captive to the mindset of the Cold War. This antagonistic coverage was surely influenced by the Chinese government, which views the THAAD deployment can damage China’s national security interests. The China Daily viewed the United States as a competitor and adversary to China. According to this newspaper, the United States is eager to wage a new Cold War and refuses to consider China as a potential partner in finding a solution to the North Korean crisis. In the opinion pages of The China Daily, Samuel Huntington’s “clash of civilization” paradigm is repeatedly invoked as the proper framework through which a globalized world should be viewed.
Exploring Citizens’ Zero-Waste Journeys Through Practice Theory: Empirical Investigation and Public Policy Implications
Authors: Martins Felix Sophie , Kreziak Dominique , Mencarelli Rémi
Published: August 2023

To confront considerable increases in household waste, public authorities encourage citizens to adopt zero waste. However, public policies rely mostly on individual “responsibilization,” which presents an obstacle to effective behavioral conversion. Although academic literature has explored citizens’ commitment to zero waste, it has focused mainly on intentions to act rather than on actual behavior. Using practice theory, the current research analyzes interview data from 24 participants in a local zero-waste action program to uncover how practices emerge, develop, are articulated, and become stabilized throughout participants’ zero-waste journeys. The implementation of these practices (i.e., routinized behaviors) depends not only on the specific components related to each practice (i.e., meanings, competences, and material arrangements) but also on existing relationships that articulate them within bundles and constellations of practices. To facilitate the reduction and elimination of waste, public authorities should target interventions in citizens’ zero-waste journeys that support the formation of new habits.
Acrolein increases the concentration of intracellular Zn2⁺ by producing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in A549 cells
Authors: Liu Xueqi , Sun Wenwu , Cao Jianping , Ma Zhuang
Published: August 2023

Smoking or occupational exposure leads to low concentrations of acrolein on the surface of the airways. Acrolein is involved in the pathophysiological processes of various respiratory diseases. Reports showed that acrolein induced an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS). Furthermore, exogenous H₂O₂ was found to increase intracellular Zn2⁺ concentration ([Zn2⁺]ᵢ). However, the specific impact of acrolein on changes in intracellular Zn2⁺ levels has not been fully investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of acrolein on mROS and [Zn2⁺]ᵢ in A549 cells. We used Mito Tracker Red CM-H2Xros (MitoROS) and Fluozin-3 fluorescent probes to observe changes in mROS and intracellular Zn2⁺. The results revealed that acrolein increased [Zn2⁺]ᵢ in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the production of mROS was observed in response to acrolein treatment. Subsequent experiments showed that the intracellular Zn2⁺ chelator TPEN could inhibit the acrolein-induced elevation of [Zn2⁺]ᵢ but did not affect the acrolein-induced mROS production. Conversely, the acrolein-induced elevation of mROS and [Zn2⁺]ᵢ were significantly decreased by the inhibitors of ROS formation (NaHSO₃, NAC). Furthermore, external oxygen free radicals increased both [Zn2⁺]ᵢ levels and mROS production. These results demonstrated that acrolein-induced elevation of [Zn2⁺]ᵢ in A549 cells was mediated by mROS generation, rather than through a pathway where [Zn2⁺]ᵢ elevation leads to mROS production.
Virtual Socializing and Nonlinear Effects on Victimization
Authors: Boccio Cashen M. , Protas Michelle E. , Jackson Dylan B. , Leal Wanda E.
Published: August 2023

Previous research documents relationships between unstructured socializing activities and in-person victimization in adolescents. In parallel, there is a body of research which has linked virtual socialization activities (i.e., social networking, texting, video chatting, phone usage) with both online and in-person victimization. The majority of research in this area, however, has assumed the relationship between time spent engaging in virtual socializing and victimization is linear. Yet, there are several reasons to anticipate that while virtual socializing may initially increase the risks for in-person victimization, after adolescents begin spending a significant portion of their free time socializing virtually this may function to displace time they would have otherwise spent engaging in unstructured socializing in-person. As a result, very high levels of engagement in virtual socializing may actually lower the risks for in-person victimization. This study addresses this gap in the literature by utilizing negative binomial regression and logistic regression to test for nonlinearity in the relationship between virtual socializing and three forms of in-person victimization (i.e., violent, property, and in-person bullying) using data from the 8th and 10th grade 2018 cohort of Monitoring the Future. In addition, this study tests for nonlinearity in the relationship between virtual socializing and one form of online victimization (i.e., cyberbullying). Our findings reveal that virtual socializing is associated with all four forms of victimization. In addition, tests for nonlinearity revealed that virtual socializing exhibits a nonlinear relationship with in-person property victimization and cyberbullying victimization. Additional analyses revealed differential relationships between individual virtual socializing activities and the risks for property victimization. On the other hand, three out of the four forms of virtual socializing activities were found to exhibit nonlinear relationships with the likelihood of cyberbullying victimization. Overall, these findings imply that virtual socializing activities appear to exhibit nonlinear relationships with several forms of victimization.
Continuous Lactation Support Provided Through the WhatsApp Messaging Application: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sevda Korkut Öksüz , Sevil İnal
Published: August 2023

Background:

Although WhatsApp can be used to provide continuous lactation support, there are few studies on this subject.

Research Aims:

To determine the influence of lactation support provided through WhatsApp on the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding, initiation of complementary feeding, breastfeeding problems, breastfeeding difficulties score, and the use of bottles and pacifiers.

Methods:

We conducted a randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of education and support provided through the cell phone based WhatsApp application. There were 129 primiparous participants recruited while attending a Baby-Friendly Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. Participants were randomized to intervention ( n = 64) and control ( n = 65) groups. All participants received the same routine postpartum breastfeeding education in the hospital, and the intervention group received additional continuous breastfeeding education for 6 months. For both groups, data was collected by telephone interview on Days 7 and 15, and Months 1, 2, 4, and 6 months. T-tests were used to assess inter-group differences in duration of exclusivity of breastfeeding. Mixed-model ANOVA was used to compare breastfeeding difficulties scores. Chi-square tests were used to compare breastfeeding problems, feeding practices, and the proportion of the use of bottles and pacifiers.

Results:

The mean duration of exclusive breastfeeding for groups receiving breastfeeding support was higher (4.75, SD = 1.72) than that of the control group (2.21, SD = 1.98; p = 0.001). The change in the mean breastfeeding difficulties severity score between the initial and final measurements (17.03, SD = 8.66) was more in the intervention group than the control group (11.42, SD = 10.34, F = 4.081, p = 0.001). The proportion of exclusive breastfeeding in the 6th month was higher in the intervention group (62.5%) than in the control group (10.8%; p = 0.001).

Conclusions:

The use of cellphone applications are accessible to both patients and health workers and offer a low-cost alternative for providing uninterrupted breastfeeding support.
Investigation of thermal and mechanical properties of new nitrogen-rich organic based heat stabilizers for poly (vinyl chloride)
Authors: Khaleghi Mahroo
Published: August 2023

Urea cyanurate, as a new nitrogen-rich organic-based heat stabilizer, for the enhancement to thermal properties of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is prepared via the simple precipitation method, in this study. Characterization, thermal and mechanical properties of the stabilized PVC were examined by means of fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements, discoloration test, congo red test and the weight-loss method, thermal aging test, and tensile analysis. Results showed that the thermal stability of PVC is improved after the addition of urea cyanurate in PVC formulation and weight loss related to HCl releasing in the normal PVC processing temperature (180°C) is less than 1%. Enhancement of the thermal properties and stability time of the PVC lead to decreased degradation tendency. Oven-aging test result showed that the color change during degradation process of PVC samples improved by adding the urea cyanurate. The tensile strength of stabilized samples were about 42%, higher as compared to the pure PVC. The optimum and best results for improving the thermal and mechanical properties of PVC were obtained by incorporating the 3 wt % of the urea cyanurate.
Regulating Pharmacist Clinical Services: Is Legal Silence Golden or Deafening?
Authors: Adams Alex J.
Published: August 2023

In the United States, the scope of practice of pharmacists is determined primarily at the state level. Not all state laws expressly permit or prohibit pharmacists from providing certain services; in between is a grey area of legal silence. Does legal silence permit pharmacists to perform a service that is not specifically permitted, but not expressly prohibited? Point-of-care testing provides a useful case study in legal silence: there are 1536 pharmacies currently holding a CLIA-waiver to administer tests in states reporting that pharmacists are not expressly permitted to administer tests. Legal silence may even provide a better framework for pharmacy based testing as it is naturally inclusive of any point-of-care test and no laws need updated when a new test comes to the market. Other health professions navigate this legal silence by governing according to a “standard of care.” Rather than specifying a list of services a health professional can or cannot provide in law, it provides a flexible framework for the health professional to provide any service that other similarly situated health professionals would provide in the same or similar situation. A standard of care regulatory framework should thus be the target of the pharmacy profession in order to advance patient care.
Antecedents of the Social Impact of Social Enterprises: A Systematic Review and Agenda for Future Research
Authors: Quilloy Karen , Newman Alexander , Pyman Amanda
Published: August 2023

Despite growing research interest in the social impact of social enterprises (SEs), limited attention has been paid to the antecedents of social impact. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review of 52 extant studies that examine the antecedents of SEs’ social impact. The paper synthesizes the antecedents identified from prior work and categorizes them into individual- and organizational-level factors. Based on the findings, we develop a future research agenda to advance our knowledge of the antecedents of SEs’ social impact. A key research opportunity is to explore the social impact antecedents related to the institutional and external environment of SEs, an area that has been overlooked in the literature. In terms of practical implications, the study can be used to consider which factors policy makers and practitioners should focus on to develop strategies for improving the social impact of existing and future SEs.
Exploring emergent collaborations for digital transformation in local governments: The engagement of public libraries in the development of smart cities
Authors: Buyannemekh Battulga , Gil-Garcia Jose Ramon , Gascó-Hernández Mila
Published: August 2023

Collaboration is increasingly perceived as essential for digital transformation in the public sector. Transforming services and internal operations through the use of information and communication technologies frequently requires the engagement of multiple stakeholders beyond government agencies. This is particularly important in the specific case of smart city initiatives, which intend to leverage technologies to address complex socio-economic and sustainability challenges in local jurisdictions. In addition, emergent research asserts that community organizations such as public libraries can be strategic partners in these multi-actor efforts but does not adequately assess the determinants of these collaborations for developing smart cities, which may result in significant digital transformation at the local level. Based on public management literature on collaboration, this article contributes to digital transformation research by quantitively testing the antecedents of existing collaborations between public libraries and other stakeholders to develop smart cities. Overall, our findings suggest that leadership, preexisting relationships, and agreement on initial aims significantly impact the extent and effectiveness of public libraries' collaborations in developing smart cities.
Structure and properties of thermoplastic polyimide based on 4′,4′—(oxybis (methylene)) bis ([1.1′- bipheny]3-amine) diamine
Authors: Lu Jinshui , Zhang Jinyuan , Liu Heng , Chen Weipeng , Luo Jiangrong , Wang Ziqing , Cui Tingting , Min Yonggang , Liu Yidong
Published: August 2023

In this work, a new diamine was designed by connecting flexible structures such as ether bond and aliphatic carbon chain between benzene rings, and was synthesized and purified through simple reactions such as Suzuki reaction. Finally, a series of polyimide (PI) films were synthesized by copolymerization with 4.4`-diaminodiphenyl ether (ODA)\pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) in different proportions. We prepared polyimide films with new monomer copolymerization ratios of 1% (PI-1), 5% (PI-2), 10% (PI-3), and 20% (PI-4). The polyimide films showed excellent glass transition temperatures, which were attributed to their unique bent architectures. The mechanical and thermal properties of the thermosets were studied using tensile testing, static thermomechanical analysis (TMA), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). As the results, the films exhibited the optimal glass transition temperatures (317.56°C–381.91°C), and the component with the highest copolymerization ratio has a 15% decrease in glass transition temperature compared to the component without copolymerization. Moreover, PI-1-PI-4 showed good heat resistance in the N2 atmosphere. The temperatures corresponding to a 5% heat loss in the films (T5%) were 458.12 °C–548.75°C, respectively.
Comparative analysis between size and mass ratio of nano-Al2O3 in the performance of dental composite and finding the optimum composition
Authors: Kumar Shiv Ranjan
Published: August 2023

Dental composites provide better bonding with tooth tissue as compared to other traditional materials such as amalgam. However, the development of dental composites relies on experimental results of physical, mechanical and thermal properties of the dental composite obtained after applying the strategy of filler technology, i.e., changing size, shape, surface modification and mass ratio of filler or reinforcement. In the present research, nano-Al2O3 particle size and filler mass ratio were varied to study their effect on the physical, mechanical and thermal behaviour of dental composite. The particle size was varied in the range of 30 nm, 50 nm and 70 nm. Nano-Al2O3 filler mass ratio was varied in the range of (0, 5, 10 and 15 wt. %). Fourier transform infrared analysis was done to check variations in absorption peak and band in the spectrum due to variation in the filler mass ratio and size. Physical properties, mechanical properties and thermal properties were investigated. It was observed that hardness, compressive strength, diametral tensile strength, flexural strength and stress intensity factor were increased by 133%, 13.6%, 27.4%, 25% and 20%, respectively, on adding 5 wt. % of nano-Al2O3 and decreased by 13.5%, 8.1%, 15.3%, 13.9% and 10.3%, respectively, on increasing particle size from 30 nm to 50 nm. The thermal degradation temperature was increased by 31.8% and 36% on adding 5 wt. % and increasing particle size from 30 nm to 50 nm, respectively. It can be concluded that in the case of nano-sized particulate filler, mass ratio played a more significant role than filler size in regards to optimization of physical, mechanical and thermal properties.
Digital libraries in crisis: The case of the national emergency library
Authors: Kjellström Zakayo
Published: August 2023

This paper explores the National Emergency Library (NEL) created by the Internet Archive (IA) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The NEL allowed unrestricted access to the IA’s collection of digitized books, suspending the waitlist imposed by the Controlled Digital Lending system. The study uses Carol Bacchi’s What’s the Problem Represented to be (WPR) approach to analyze problem representations in media narratives and understand the response to the NEL. The study covers articles written between March 2020 and 2 years after, using a threepronged reading consisting of a distant, middle, and close reading. The analysis reveals that the IA and NEL are not necessarily consistent with piracy or shadow libraries, but that they differ in complexity and compliance with copyright law. The paper contributes to a critical understanding of how problem representations are constructed and shaped in media narratives, and how this affects digital libraries in times of crisis, and subsequently, policy discourse for all libraries. Overall, the paper highlights the complexities and nuances surrounding the NEL and its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the implications of this response for digital libraries and copyright law.