bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loneliness and depressive symptoms among Australian female boarding school students
Authors: Rudrum Michelle , Houghton Stephen , Glasgow Ken
Published: June 2022

Loneliness in adolescence is a risk factor for the development and maintenance of a myriad of mental health conditions, especially among females. Adolescent females in boarding schools spend prolonged periods away from family and may therefore be more prone to experiencing loneliness and depression. Research into this significant issue is limited, however. The present study compared the levels of loneliness and depressive symptoms of 403, 13–17 year old adolescent females from a range of boarding and non-boarding secondary schools. Confirmatory Factor Analyses established the fit of the loneliness and depressive symptom measures. Multivariate Analysis of Variance revealed boarding school students scored significantly higher than non- boarding school students on levels of depressive symptoms and having a positive attitude to being alone. These differences remained significant when age was covaried. There were no differences in quality of friendships, feelings of isolation, and having a negative attitude to being alone. The implications of these findings for boarding schools are discussed.
Why and when job insecurity hinders employees’ taking charge behavior: The role of flexibility and work-based self-esteem
Authors: Lyu Yijing , Wu Chia-Huei , Kwan Ho Kwong , Lee Cynthia , Deng Hong
Published: June 2022

Job insecurity is negatively associated with employees’ extra-role behavior. Studies of this negative impact often use a social exchange or stress–strain perspective to explain how job insecurity impairs employees’ extra-role behavior. This study offers an alternative account. Based on a conservation of resources perspective, the authors propose that job insecurity denotes a threat of loss of resources, which will motivate individuals to focus on how to protect what they have and reduce further loss. Such conservation of resources will limit one’s flexibility, or the ability to consider alternatives and change a course of action in response to environmental changes, and thus undermine employees’ extra-role behavior for pursuing constructive changes at work (i.e., taking charge). The authors also propose that the impact of job insecurity on flexibility can be more detrimental to employees higher in work-based self-esteem (i.e., domain-specific self-esteem) due to the experience of self-concept dissonance. The results, obtained from 188 employees in 19 teams of a manufacturing company, supported the hypotheses, while mechanisms suggested by a social exchange perspective (i.e., felt obligation to organizations) and a stress–strain perspective (i.e., vigor) were taken into account. This investigation extends understanding of how and why job insecurity influences employees’ work behavior, as well as who is most vulnerable to job insecurity.
Lung Adenocarcinoma Metastasis to the Vocal Cord
Authors: Kim Do Hyung , Kim Nah Ihm , Jung Eun Kyung , Lee Joon Kyoo
Published: June 2022

Metastases to the vocal cord from a distant organ are extremely rare. This case showed metastatic adenocarcinoma on the vocal cord of lung origin in a 75-year-old nonsmoking female with a history of lung adenocarcinoma surgery 2 years earlier. The vocal cord mass was surgically removed, and the biopsy confirmed metastatic adenocarcinoma of lung origin with thyroid transcription factor (TTF)-1 positivity. A further evaluation found recurrence in the lung. The patient received gefitinib. Here, we report an extremely rare case of metastatic adenocarcinoma on the vocal cord from the lung which is the first report to our knowledge.
Transnational feminist sociology
Authors: Misra Joya , Rozario Tannuja Devi , Chakraborty Debadatta
Published: June 2022

This review essay explores a number of key books published in transnational feminist sociology over the last 20 years, including Kamala Kempadoo’s (2004) Sexing the Caribbean, Pei-Chia Lan’s (2006) Global Cinderellas, Smitha Radhakrishnan’s (2011) Appropriately Indian, Héctor Carrillo’s (2018) Pathways of Desire, Oluwakemi Balogun’s (2020) Beauty Diplomacy, and Rhacel Parreñas’ (2021) Unfree. The review analyzes three key themes found in transnational feminist sociology: migrant domestic work, sexuality and migration, and gender and nationalism. It also points to the important contributions transnational feminist research makes to sociology through its focus on global-local processes, intersectional inequalities, and the relationship between structure and agency.
The role of nutrition in children with cancer
Authors: Tripodi Serena Ilaria , Bergami Elena , Panigari Arianna , Caissutti Valentina , Brovia Carlotta , De Cicco Marica , Cereda Emanuele , Caccialanza Riccardo , Zecca Marco
Published: June 2022

In recent years, the influence of nutrition on the health and growth of children has become increasingly important. The relevance of nutrition is even greater for children who are facing cancer. Malnutrition, within the context of undernutrition and overnutrition, may impact not only the effectiveness of treatments and outcomes, but also the quality of life for patients and their families. In this article, we review nutritional assessment methods for children with cancer, focusing on the specific characteristics of this population and analyze the efficacy of nutritional interventions, which include enteral, parenteral, and nutritional education. From our analysis, two important conclusions emerged: i) there is a need to focus our attention on the nutritional status and the body composition of oncologic children, since these factors have a relevant impact on clinical outcomes during treatment as well as after their conclusion; ii) the support of skilled clinical nutrition personnel would be extremely helpful for the global management of these patients.
ERBB2 mutation landscape in non-small cell lung cancer patients in Northeast China
Authors: Li Hui , Li Xiang , Lan Shaowei , Zuo Xuerong , Du Tianying , Liu Ying , Zhang Caixia , Zhu Jing , Cheng Ying
Published: June 2022

Objective:

This study aimed to explore erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 ( ERBB2) gene mutations in patients with non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) in Northeast China, and to analyze ERBB2 mutation subtypes and clinicopathological characteristics related to the presence of ERBB2 mutations.

Methods:

In this study, 1087 tissue samples, 368 whole blood samples, and 68 pleural effusion samples from 1349 NSCLC were collected. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to perform genetic testing on the samples. The proportion of patients with ERBB2 mutations and related clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed.

Results:

The mutation rate of ERBB2 in NSCLC was 5.58% (85/1523). Of the patients with ERBB2 mutations, 27.63% (21/76) were over 65 years old, 59.21% (45/76) were women, and 68.42% (52/76) were non-smokers. The majority of tumors were adenocarcinomas (92.1%, 70/76) and stage III and IV diseases accounted for 81.58% (62/76) of all cases. There were 14 subtypes of ERBB2 mutations; the most frequently seen were ERBB2 copy number alteration (41.76%, 38/91) and ERBB2 exon 20 in-frame insertion (36.26%, 33/91). Of the patients with ERBB2 mutations, 24 had concurrent epidermal growth factor receptor mutations, seven had mesenchymal epithelial transition factor amplifications, and three had anaplastic lymphoma kinase mutations. The agreement between tissue and paired blood samples in the presence of ERBB2 mutations was 64.3% (9/14).

Conclusion:

ERBB2 mutations in Northeast China NSCLC patients have a unique molecular spectrum. Our work can provide guidance for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of patients with ERBB2 mutations in Northeast China.
Prevalence and risk factors of hepatic lipid changes in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps)
Authors: Barboza Trinita , Susta Leonardo , Reavill Drury , Beaufrère Hugues
Published: June 2022

Hepatic lipidosis is a common disease of captive bearded dragons ( Pogona vitticeps). Diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of this condition are challenging, as there is minimal information in the literature. Our study determined the prevalence and epidemiological risk factors associated with the grade and severity of hepatic lipid changes in bearded dragons submitted for necropsy in 2 North American institutions. A total of 571 postmortem cases were retrieved, and from each pathology report the demographic data (age, sex) and the list of final diagnoses were extracted. For each case diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis, the archived sections of liver were reviewed and the severity of lipid change was stratified using a standardized histologic grading system. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate the prevalence of each grade and severity class. Associations between grade and severity, as well as demographic data and concurrent diseases, were explored using ordinal logistic regression analysis. On multiple logistic models, the occurrence of infectious disease and neoplasia was associated with decreased grade and severity of hepatic lipid changes, while the female sex and adult age were associated with an increased grade and severity. None of the other variables were significantly associated with hepatic lipid changes. These results suggest that reproductively active females and adult bearded dragons are predisposed to increasing hepatic lipid changes, while those with an underlying disease process have reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and changes, possibly due to increased fat catabolism. Data in this study can serve to benchmark the prevalence of hepatic lipidosis in bearded dragons and allow further investigations.
Desistance, Disengagement, and Deradicalization: A Cross-Field Comparison
Authors: Raets Sigrid
Published: June 2022

This article provides a critical comparison of the present knowledge base on desistance from crime and current writings on disengagement and deradicalization from violent extremism. Underlying the comparison is the fundamental premise that while violent extremism is a particular and perhaps egregious form of crime, it is a form of crime nonetheless, meaning that violent extremist offenders are not beyond the remits of the desistance framework. As of yet, however, there have been few attempts to connect these two research domains in a systematic way. Against this background, the present article intends to trace the outlines of both bodies of knowledge so as to determine the degree of overlap between these two kindred literatures. The results of this integrative literature indicate that studies on criminal desistance and violent extremist disengagement echo the same basic mechanisms of change, but also that differences in context affect how these mechanisms take shape. In highlighting the implications for theory, the findings of this review illustrate, above all, how a closer association between these two fields of study enriches our understanding of both.
Flying Under the Radar: How Susceptible Are University Students to County Lines Victimization?
Authors: Burt Ashley Marie , Payne Libby , Stubbings Daniel Robert
Published: June 2022

We quantitatively investigated how susceptible university students are to engaging in activity that could lead to County Lines involvement by asking them to rate their willingness to participate in five hypothetical scenarios typical of County Lines engagement and one control scenario (bit-coin scam). About 62% of the 116 students were willing to engage compared to only 3% in the control scenario. Participant demographics, drug abuse, mental health, financial distress, and materialism were also measured and significantly predicted willingness to engage with the scenarios with weak to moderate effect. Findings suggest that university students are vulnerable to engaging in County Lines but the risk factors in the literature may not be good predictors of determining vulnerability.
An audit of the diagnostic accuracy of the ROTEM®sigma for the identification of hypofibrinogenaemia in cardiac surgical patients
Authors: A Matzelle Shannon , F Preuss James , M Weightman William , M Gibbs Neville
Published: June 2022

The ROTEM®delta (TEM Innovations GmbH, Munich, Germany) has been used extensively worldwide for the assessment of coagulation in cardiac surgical patients. Recently, a new cartridge-based ROTEM device (ROTEM®sigma, TEM Innovations GmbH, Munich, Germany) has become available. In this paper we report an audit of the diagnostic accuracy of the ROTEM sigma for the identification of hypofibrinogenaemia in cardiac surgical patients. We hypothesised that the diagnostic accuracy of the ROTEMsigma for the identification of hypofibrinogenaemia would be in a similar range to that previously reported for the ROTEMdelta. Simultaneous blood samples for Clauss laboratory fibrinogen and ROTEMsigma FIBTEM measurements were obtained immediately after heparin reversal post-cardiopulmonary bypass in 200 adult cardiac surgical patients. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for FIBTEM A5 and A10 for the identification of hypofibrinogenaemia (Clauss fibrinogen <1.5 g/l) were calculated. The prevalence of hypofibrinogenaemia across the 200 patients was 8%. The mean sensitivity and specificity of FIBTEM A10 ≤8 mm for the identification of hypofibrinogenaemia were 0.75 and 0.90 respectively, which are in a similar range to that reported in several previous studies using the ROTEMdelta. For FIBTEM A5 ≤6 mm the values were 0.63 and 0.98 respectively. The predictive values were also in a similar range to those previously reported for the ROTEMdelta, with low false negative rates (2% for A10 ≤8 mm; 3% for A5 ≤6 mm). These findings support the use of the ROTEMsigma as an alternative to the ROTEMdelta for the identification of hypofibrinogenaemia post-cardiopulmonary bypass in cardiac surgical patients. However, further studies are required in other settings.
A prediction model to determine the untapped lung donor pool outside of the DonateLife network in Victoria
Authors: Okahara Shuji , Snell Gregory I , Levvey Bronwyn J , McDonald Mark , D’Costa Rohit , Opdam Helen , Pilcher David V
Published: June 2022

Lung transplantation is limited by a lack of suitable lung donors. In Australia, the national donation organisation (DonateLife) has taken a major role in optimising organ donor identification. However, the potential outside the DonateLife network hospitals remains uncertain. We aimed to create a prediction model for lung donation within the DonateLife network and estimate the untapped lung donors outside of the DonateLife network. We reviewed all deaths in the state of Victoria’s intensive care units using a prospectively collected population-based intensive care unit database linked to organ donation records. A logistic regression model derived using patient-level data was developed to characterise the lung donors within DonateLife network hospitals. Consequently, we estimated the expected number of lung donors in Victorian hospitals outside the DonateLife network and compared the actual number. Between 2014 and 2018, 291 lung donations occurred from 8043 intensive care unit deaths in DonateLife hospitals, while only three lung donations occurred from 1373 ICU deaths in non-DonateLife hospitals. Age, sex, postoperative admission, sepsis, neurological disease, trauma, chronic respiratory disease, lung oxygenation and serum creatinine were factors independently associated with lung donation. A highly discriminatory prediction model with area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.91 was developed and accurately estimated the number of lung donors. Applying the model to non-DonateLife hospital data predicted only an additional five lung donors. This prediction model revealed few additional lung donor opportunities outside the DonateLife network, and the necessity of alternative and novel strategies for lung donation. A donor prediction model could provide a useful benchmarking tool to explore organ donation potential across different jurisdictions, hospitals and transplanting centres.
Successful laryngoscope view using oversized C-Mac® D-blade in children presenting with difficult airway
Authors: Tham Kar Mun , WT Liew Clarabella , EH Khoo Charis , Wang Hao , Dela Cruz Janine , YK Lie Mandy , Ing Hee Hwan
Published: June 2022

Management of the difficult paediatric airway is challenging due to anatomical differences, congenital anomalies, paucity of paediatric airway management algorithms, and the limited availability of paediatric-sized airway devices. In this case report, we describe two cases highlighting the potential use of seemingly oversized videolaryngoscopes in the management of the difficult paediatric airway. Recognising the cause of difficult airway in the paediatric population is potentially useful in the selection of a larger videolaryngoscope blade to aid laryngoscopy and intubation.
Updated guideline on equipment to manage difficult airways: Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
Authors: Endlich Yasmin , Hore Phillipa J , Baker Paul A , Beckmann Linda A , Bradley William P , Chan Kah L E , Chapman Gordon A , Jephcott Christopher G A , Kruger Peter S , Newton Alastair , Roessler Peter
Published: June 2022

The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) recently reviewed and updated the guideline on equipment to manage a difficult airway. An ANZCA-established document development group, which included representatives from the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine and the College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand, performed the review, which is based on expert consensus, an extensive literature review, and bi-nationwide consultation. The guideline (PG56(A) 2021, https://www.anzca.edu.au/getattachment/02fe1a4c-14f0-4ad1-8337-c281d26bfa17/PS56-Guideline-on-equipment-to-manage-difficult-airways ) is accompanied by a detailed background paper (PG56(A)BP 2021, https://www.anzca.edu.au/getattachment/9ef4cd97-2f02-47fe-a63a-9f74fa7c68ac/PG56(A)BP-Guideline-on-equipment-to-manage-difficult-airways-Background-Paper ), from which the current recommendations are reproduced on behalf of, and with the permission of, ANZCA. The updated 2021 guideline replaces the 2012 version and aims to provide an updated, objective, informed, transparent, and evidence-based review of equipment to manage difficult airways.
Safety Margin Evaluation of Pedestrian Crossing through Critical Thresholds of Surrogate Measures of Safety: Area with Zebra Crossing versus Area without Zebra Crossing
Authors: Sheykhfard Abbas , Haghighi Farshidreza , Bakhtiari Sarah , Pariota Luigi
Published: June 2022

Although many studies have been carried out on pedestrian crossing safety, comprehensive research evaluating vehicle–pedestrian conflict in areas with zebra crossing (AWZCs) versus areas without zebra crossing (AWOZCs) is still neglected. In the present study, through a naturalistic driving study (NDS), drivers’ behavior was recorded in AWZCs and AWOZCs. Vehicle–pedestrian conflicts were evaluated by examining the evasive maneuver behavior of drivers and pedestrians based on surrogate measures of safety (SMoS). The severity of conflicts was categorized by a K-means clustering method into three specific groups based on the critical thresholds of SMoS. The evasive maneuvers performed by pedestrians and drivers were classified into three levels: normal, slight, and serious. In conflicts resulting in normal and serious maneuvers, drivers would attempt to prevent collisions by changing the speed and direction of the vehicle. Moreover, a pedestrian at the slight level of conflict was the determinative factor in reducing the possibility of collisions by performing actions such as returning to the curb of the street or increasing walking speed. Also, the results showed that pedestrians were more likely to cross with a smaller margin of safety in AWOZCs than in AWZCs. This study explains how both pedestrians and drivers play a crucial role in preventing collisions during different levels of conflict. Given this finding, conducting future research to evaluate the interaction between drivers and pedestrians may lead to establishing a basic framework for designing an algorithm to detect the possibility of a pedestrian collision.
Patients Who Return to Sport After Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Have Significantly Higher Psychological Readiness: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 3744 Patients
Authors: Xiao Michelle , van Niekerk Maike , Trivedi Nikunj N. , Hwang Calvin E. , Sherman Seth L. , Safran Marc R. , Abrams Geoffrey D.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Although objective outcomes assessing knee function are essential measurements for return to sport, psychological factors have become increasingly recognized as equally important parameters for determining an athlete’s ability to return to sport after surgery.

Purpose:

To systematically review the literature to determine whether patients who returned to sport after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction had improved psychological scores (as measured with validated questionnaires) compared with patients who did not return to sport.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and was preregistered on PROSPERO. Four databases were searched for level 1 to 3 studies that compared at least 1 psychological outcome measured by a validated questionnaire for patients who did and did not return to sport after primary ACL reconstruction. The following data were recorded: study and patient characteristics; psychological metrics (ACL–Return to Sport Injury [ACL-RSI] scale, Knee Self-Efficacy Scale [K-SES], and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia [TSK/TSK-11]); International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score; and clinical metrics. Study methodological quality was analyzed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS), and the mean difference (MD) and 95% CI were calculated for each psychological outcome score using the inverse variance method.

Results:

We included and analyzed 16 articles (3744 patients; 38.9% female; mean age range, 17-28.7 years; mean MINORS score, 19.9 ± 1.4). Overall, 61.8% of athletes returned to sport (66.8% of male patients; 55.4% of female patients). Patients who returned scored significantly higher on the ACL-RSI scale (MD, 20.8; 95% CI, 15.9 to 25.7; P < .001), significantly higher on the K-SES (MD, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.2 to 2.3; P = .036), and significantly lower on the TSK/TSK-11 (MD, 10.1%; 95% CI, −12.1% to −8.2%; P = .004). Those returning to sport did not exceed the minimal clinically important difference for IKDC score versus those not returning to sport.

Conclusion:

Patients who returned to sport after primary ACL reconstruction had significantly higher psychological readiness, higher self-efficacy, and lower kinesiophobia compared with those who did not return to sport, despite having clinically similar knee function scores. Evaluation of psychological readiness, in combination with other objective measurements, is a critical component of return-to-sport evaluation in athletes after primary ACL reconstruction.

Registration:

CRD42021284735 (PROSPERO).
Long-term Outcomes After the Open Latarjet Procedure for the Surgical Management of Humeral Avulsion of the Glenohumeral Ligament Lesions
Authors: Domos Peter , Gokaraju Kishan , Walch Gilles
Published: June 2022

Background:

Recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability caused by a humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) lesion has been studied, but very limited long-term evidence is available.

Purpose:

To retrospectively review patients with a HAGL lesion who underwent an open Latarjet procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder instability.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 16 patients with complete clinical and radiological data were available for a review. Clinical outcomes were assessed by range of motion, apprehension testing, the visual analog scale for pain, the Walch-Duplay score, the Rowe score, the Constant-Murley score, the Subjective Shoulder Value, and return to sports. Radiographs were reviewed for osteoarthritis and complications.

Results:

The median age of patients at the time of surgery was 28 years (range, 18-42 years). All patients were male with no hyperlaxity. The median follow-up time was 10 years (range, 2.8-15 years). Postoperative range of motion showed recovered forward elevation (median, 175°), external rotation (median, 62°), and internal rotation (median, 9 points). Overall, 87% returned to sports, with 68% to the same level and 93% satisfied or very satisfied. Median clinical outcomes were the following: visual analog scale score, 1 (range, 0-2); Walch-Duplay score, 86 (range, 75-100); Rowe score, 95 (range, 90-100); Constant-Murley score, 77 (range, 74-79); and Subjective Shoulder Value, 88% (range, 80%-95%). There were no recurrent dislocations or subluxations. One patient described mild long-term pain, and 1 patient had persistent stiffness. Other complications included 12% with subjective apprehension, 1 patient with a wound infection, and another patient with delayed bone graft union. Additionally, 56% of cases had mild postoperative arthritis at the final follow-up. There were no reoperations.

Conclusion:

The open Latarjet procedure provided good outcomes with acceptable complication rates in the long term for patients with HAGL lesions. It is an effective treatment option and a safe alternative to arthroscopic or open HAGL repair.
Clinical significance of chromosomal integrity in gastric cancers
Authors: Zhang Rukui , Liu Zhaorui , Chang Xusheng , Gao Yuan , Han Huan , Liu Xiaona , Cai Hui , Fu Qiqing , Liu Lei , Yin Kai
Published: June 2022

Background

A whole-exome or targeted cancer genes panel by next-generation sequencing has been used widely in assisting individualized treatment decisions. Currently, multiple algorithms are developed to estimate DNA copy numbers based on sequencing data, which makes a comprehensive global glance at chromosomal integrity possible. We aim to classify gastric cancers based on chromosomal integrity to guide personalized therapy.

Methods

We investigated copy number variations (CNV) across the entire genome of 124 gastric carcinomas via exome or targeted sequencing. Chromosomal integrity was classified as chromosomal stability (CS), chromosomal instability (CIN) and intermediate state (CIN/CS) based on CNV results. Chromosomal integrity was correlated to molecular features and clinical characteristics.

Results

According the states of chromosomal integrity, gastric carcinomas can be stratified into two cohorts: CS and CIN. Our results showed a significant relationship between CIN status and TP53 mutation, but not RB1, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), or other reported DNA damage repair genes. The mutation frequency of the TP53 gene had great relevance. Our study initially revealed clinical significance of chromosomal integrity that CIN patients were prone to HER2-positive and mucinous adenocarcinoma, while CS patients were a diffuse subtype and poorly differentiated but had longer overall survival.

Conclusions

We classified gastric carcinomas into two states of chromosomal integrity with clinical implications. The dichotomy is applicable to clinical transformation. We proposed that classifying gastric cancers based on chromosomal integrity would enable us to achieve personalized therapy for patients and may be beneficial to patient stratification in future clinical trials.
Prime Suspect: Mechanisms of Labor Control at Amazon's Warehouses
Authors: Vallas Steven P. , Johnston Hannah , Mommadova Yana
Published: June 2022

What mechanisms has Amazon deployed in its effort to control the labor of its warehouse employees? This question holds both practical and theoretical interest, given Amazon's prominent position in the economy and the wider importance of the logistics sector for consumer capitalism. This paper, part of a broader mixed-methods study of Amazon's workplace regime, uses a small national sample of interviews with Amazon warehouse workers (N =  46) to identify the mechanisms of labor control the company invokes. In keeping with accounts propounded by activists and journalists, we find evidence of highly coercive labor controls, chiefly in the form of what we call techno-economic despotism (which applies algorithmic technology to a precariously employed workforce). Yet many workers also experience forms of labor control that rely not on coercion but on the generation of consent. We identify three such mechanisms of hegemonic labor control - normative, relational, and governmental – that Amazon uses to foster workers’ consent. The efficacy of Amazon's workplace regime stems largely from its ability to deploy a multiplicity of labor controls that resonate with different groups holding distinct positions in the labor process. Given shifts in the social and economic conditions that bear on the company's regime, cracks have begun to appear in Amazon's armor, potentially reducing the traction its labor control mechanisms have gained with segments of its employees.
Waste to energy incineration technology: Recent development under climate change scenarios
Authors: Khan Muhammad Sajid , Mubeen Ishrat , Caimeng Yu , Zhu Gaojun , Khalid Azeem , Yan Mi
Published: June 2022

With the huge generation of municipal solid waste (MSW), proper management and disposal of MSW is a worldwide challenge for sustainable development of cities and high quality of citizens life. Although different disposal ways are available, incineration is a leading harmless approach to effectively recover energy among the applied technologies. The purpose of the present review paper is to detail the discussion of evolution of waste to energy incineration and specifically to highlight the currently used and advanced incineration technologies, including combined incineration with other energy, for instance, hydrogen production, coal and solar energy. In addition, the environmental performance is discussed, including the zero waste emission, leachate and fly ash treatment, climate change contribution and public behaviour. Finally, challenges, opportunities and business model are addressed. Trends and perspectives on policies and techno-economic aspects are also discussed in this review. Different simulation tools, which can be used for the thermodynamic assessment of incineration plants, are debated; life-cycle inventory emissions and most critical environmental impacts of such plants are evaluated by life-cycle analysis. This review shows that waste incineration with energy yield is advantageous to handle waste problems and it affects climate change positively.
Simulation and prediction of the effect of aeration, recirculation and degradation on landfill temperature in aerobic operation
Authors: Li Ruoxin , Liu Lei , Ding Qianshen , He Chao , Hou Juan , Gao Tengfei
Published: June 2022

Much heat is released in aerobic landfills, which leads to temperature change. Quantitative prediction of temperature change with time and space is essential for the safe aerobic operation of landfill. In this article, based on the theory of porous media seepage mechanics and heat transfer, a seepage–temperature coupling model considering aeration, recirculation and degradation was established, which included internal energy change, heat conduction, convection and heat transfer. Moreover, combined with the long-time on-site monitoring temperature data from Wuhan Jinkou Landfill, the model’s reliability was preliminarily verified. Sensitivity analysis was carried out for aeration intensity, aeration temperature, recirculation intensity and recirculation temperature. Among the four factors, recirculation intensity influences the peak temperature most with a decrease of 20.11%. Compared with Borglin’s and Hao’s models, it is found that waste should not be assumed as a cell for temperature prediction. By comparing the results of Non-linear Ascent Stage model, Linear Ascent Stage model and Absent Ascent Stage model, it showed that the temperature difference of the three models decreases with the increase of operation time. In addition, the time point of peak temperature, t0, affects the temperature distribution. The above results provide a reference for predicting the spatial and temporal distribution of temperature and regulations for long-term aerobic landfill operations.
The effect of dietary awareness on household food waste
Authors: Wang Zhenhua , Jiang Jinqi , Zeng Qiyan
Published: June 2022

How to reduce household food waste has emerged as an important issue worldwide. Considering the potential endogeneity issue, the present study utilizes the treatment effects model to analyse the effect of dietary awareness on household food waste using data from China. The results showed that improving dietary awareness could significantly increase household food waste overall. However, this impact is heterogeneous among households of different characteristics. Improving dietary awareness leads to more food waste for households with young and old food decision-makers, but contributes to less food waste for households of middle-aged makers. Also, the positive effect of dietary awareness on household food waste weakens as income increases. These findings propose a new perspective to understand the heterogeneity in household food waste in the context of dietary awareness promotion.
Quantification and characterization of recovered materials in the cycle of the informal household electronic waste dismantling in Buriram province, Thailand: A challenge towards sustainable management and circular economy
Authors: Thongkaow Pattida , Prueksasit Tassanee , Siriwong Wattasit
Published: June 2022

The numerous amount of electronic waste (e-waste) has not been managed effectively resulting informal dismantling sites are being expanded in Thailand. The government attempts to improve the efficiency of an integrated e-waste management system, but baseline data of e-waste stream in informal sectors are insufficient. This research aimed to investigate the inflow and outflow of the materials throughout the informal e-waste dismantling processes at the well-known second-largest community in Buriram province during 2017–2018. To describe the quantities of dismantled materials, a material flow analysis was performed. The overall amount of e-waste taken to the community was estimated to be in the range of 1593–12,943 tonnes year−1. Valuable materials could be recovered at more than 90% (by mass) from fans, refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves and air conditioners. The amount of e-waste residue that the local administrative organization had to handle was up to 1144 tonnes year−1. The quantitative data retrieved from this study could provide a satisfactory equation for estimating the amount of separated valuable and non-valuable materials. Recyclable materials from dismantling have an economic incentive, e-waste dismantlers in a small and large household group that can earn approximately 798 and 1262 USD month−1 income, respectively. The notable e-waste characterization and quantification of recovered materials would be useful for improving the potential circular flow of e-waste in Thailand.
Wreading on Online Literature Platforms
Authors: Kraxenberger Maria , Lauer Gerhard
Published: June 2022

Millions of users write and read freely accessible texts every day on online literary platforms (OLPs). Intra-platform surveys aside, only very few studies have considered the demographics of digital readers and authors. Our exploratory study of avid OLP users helps to close this research gap. We requested an international sample of OLP users (13 years and above) to complete an online questionnaire. Our survey gathered demographic data and information about participants’ OLP usage, motivation, (communicative) relationship with other users, and perceptions of the positive effects of OLP usage ( Nmax = 315). Among others, our results not only reinforce the theoretical concept of wreading but also indicate that OLPs are likely to enhance the pleasure derived from writing and reading. Our data show that OLP usage is not limited to adolescent users. Reportedly, for participants from Generation Y as well as from Generation Z, the experience of creative freedom and the possibility to get direct reader feedback are major motivational factors to write on OLPs. Also, our data indicate that our surveyed writers on OLPs prefer short stories. We call for more longitudinal investigations and for a common theoretical framework, in order to strengthen future research on digital literature practices and to be able to implement the didactic potential of OLPs in the classroom.
Circadian Responses to Light in the BTBR Mouse
Authors: Vijaya Shankara Jhenkruthi , Horsley Katelyn G. , Cheng Ning , Rho Jong M. , Antle Michael C.
Published: June 2022

Animals with altered freerunning periods are valuable in understanding properties of the circadian clock. Understanding the relationship between endogenous clock properties, entrainment, and influence of light in terms of parametric and non-parametric models can help us better understand how different populations adapt to external light cycles. Many clinical populations often show significant changes in circadian properties that in turn cause sleep and circadian problems, possibly exacerbating their underlying clinical condition. BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice are a model commonly used for the study of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Adults and adolescents with ASD frequently exhibit profound sleep and circadian disruptions, including increased latency to sleep, insomnia, advanced and delayed sleep phase disorders, and sleep fragmentation. Here, we investigated the circadian phenotype of BTBR mice in freerunning and light-entrained conditions and found that this strain of mice showed noticeably short freerunning periods (~22.75 h). In addition, when compared to C57BL/6J controls, BTBR mice also showed higher levels of activity even though this activity was compressed into a shorter active phase. Phase delays and phase advances to light were significantly larger in BTBR mice. Despite the short freerunning period, BTBR mice exhibited normal entrainment in light-dark cycles and accelerated entrainment to both advanced and delayed light cycles. Their ability to entrain to skeleton photoperiods of 1 min suggests that this entrainment cannot be attributed to masking. Period differences were also correlated with differences in the number of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide–expressing cells in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Overall, the BTBR model, with their unique freerunning and entrainment properties, makes an interesting model to understand the underlying circadian clock.
Strategic planning in secondary schools in Rangwe sub-county, Kenya: Influence on student learning outcomes
Authors: Juma John James , Nyaga Milcah , Ndwiga Zachary N.
Published: June 2022

This paper reports on the extent of policy implementation on strategic planning in secondary schools in Kenya. To achieve the aim of the study, all the 41 sary schools in Rangwe sub-county were included. The targeted respondents were school principals and deputy principals. A purposive sampling method was used to select the respondents from each school. A principal questionnaire (PQ) and a document analysis checklist were used for data collection. The data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study affirms that strategic planning has not been fully embraced in Kenya. This study, therefore, amplifies the need for policies implementation as stipulated and within a time frame to realize their effectiveness in different cultural backgrounds.
The implementation of a precision case management model in a Canadian inpatient rehabilitation center: The 12-months post-implementation findings of a quality improvement project
Authors: Chislett Michael , Hurtubise Karen , McCarthy Jason , Hoyles Cathy
Published: June 2022

Despite recommendations, few have reported on quality improvement initiatives to implement length of rehabilitation stay benchmarks, while actively monitoring functional outcomes. This article describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a precision case management model across all inpatient rehabilitation client groups in a Canadian facility. To develop the length of rehabilitation-stay (LoRS) benchmarks, patient data was retrospectively analyzed. A severity specific method was used to stratify median length of stay. A target reduction on 8.6 days in LoRS was established. Functional discharge targets were also set and monitored at specific intervals via the Functional Independence Measure (FIM®). The implementation used an incremental quality improvement phased approach. Following 12-months, a statistically significant reduction in mean LoRS of 13.2 days was achieved, along with a small increase in FIM® change across all rehabilitation client groups. A similar pattern was seen across the three main client groups, where a LoRS reduction greater than the target was achieved, along with important improvements in LoRS efficiency. This study demonstrates how the implementation of a precision case management model can assist a facility in markedly reducing LoRS across inpatient groups, without compromising functional change or community discharge rates and begin its transformation to a value-based organization.
Theoretical and experimental research on damping characteristics of CDC shock absorber
Authors: Xie Fangwei , Shi Xiuwei , Wan Kuaidi , Gao Kuidong , Yu Chengcheng , Tian Zuzhi
Published: June 2022

CDC (Continuous Damping Control) shock absorber is the typical representative of the stepless valve-controlled type, which has the advantages of low cost and stable performance. Based on the throttling characteristics of the CDC valve, the damping force mathematical model of the CDC shock absorber is established. Through simulation analysis, the indicator characteristics and speed characteristics of the CDC shock absorber under different input currents and speeds are obtained. A CDC shock absorber testbed is built to study damping characteristics, and the results are compared with the simulation results. The results show that the indicator diagram obtained by simulation and experiment is smooth without distortion, and the speed characteristic diagram is smooth without a large mutation point. The experimental values of damping force are slightly larger than the simulation values. The relative error between the simulation data and the experimental data is basically less than 10% and the model has high accuracy. When the input current is the same, the damping force increases with the increase of piston rod speed. When the speed of the piston rod is the same, the damping force of the rebound and compression stroke decreases with the increase of input current.
An improved Dueling Deep Q-network with optimizing reward functions for driving decision method
Authors: Cao Jiaqi , Wang Xiaolan , Wang Yansong , Tian Yongxiang
Published: June 2022

Aiming at poor effects and single consideration factors of traditional driving decision-making algorithm in high-speed and complex environment, a method based on improved deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is proposed in this paper. We innovatively design and optimize the reward function of the Dueling Deep Q network (Dueling DQN), and the factors such as safety, comfort, traffic efficiency and altruism are taken into account. The weight of each influencing factor is determined by the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which makes the influence of each factor on driving behavior decision-making more acceptable. Subsequently, a decision-making model of autonomous vehicles (AVs) is built by using improved Dueling DQN. Furthermore, the action space is enriched and combined with the trajectory planner, so that AVs can take appropriate behaviors in the longitudinal and lateral directions according to the environment. The output of the decision model can be combined with the underlying controller with a view to make the AVs maneuver reasonably. The driving decision-making method in two different traffic scenarios is simulated. Moreover, the improved method compares with other methods. The results illustrate that the improved Dueling DQN can make the AVs take safe, comfortable, efficient, and altruistic behavior.
Unsteady thermally radiative Prandtl fluid flow past a magnetized inclined porous stretching device with double-diffusion, viscous dissipation, and Joule heating
Authors: Patil Amar B. , Patil Nalini S. , Patil Vishwambhar S. , Humane Pooja P. , Rajput Govind R
Published: June 2022

The extensive applications and complex nature of non-Newtonian fluids inspire researchers to explore them so it serves more precisely humankind. In this scenario, the Prandtl fluid over the inclined porous surface has been explored and formulated the mathematical model considering the magnetic, thermal radiation, and double diffusion effect. Also, the viscous dissipation and joule heating effect are taken into account to explore more features of the flow situation. The mathematical model of flow is renovated with the effective implementation of similarity invariants. The numerical investigation is carried out using the Runge–Kutta method and the results obtained are interpreted graphically. The effects of physical parameters such as Dufour and Soret number, radiation parameter, magnetic parameter, etc., on non-dimensional quantities, are graphically illustrated with MATLAB. The thermal boundary layer gets elevation for rising values of Eckert number, magnetic parameter, unsteadiness parameter, Dufour number, and thermal radiation.
Energy from livestock waste: Using circular economy and territorial intelligence to build sustainable businesses
Authors: Pereira Reinalda Blanco , Salvador Rodrigo , Sales Gabriel Fernandes , Obal Jonatas Santana , Piekarski Cassiano Moro , de Francisco Antonio Carlos
Published: June 2022

Pig waste can be used to generate energy through biogas and has been gaining importance for being a renewable energy source. The resulting biogas can be used in many forms, such as to produce electricity and supply local networks using microgrids. This helps bring greater stability and energy security to local electricity supply networks. Under this light, this article aims to (i) report on socio-environmental impacts, (ii) present lessons learned (from a circular economy and territorial intelligence perspective), and (iii) point out future business opportunities of value recovery from waste in rural properties. To that end, a case study was carried out in a rural property in Paraná, Brazil. The authors conducted local visits and surveys, and consulted documents provided by the property owners about projects making use of biogas produced from pig waste and used to generate electricity. Different partnerships between the property and public and private bodies enable business opportunities arising from projects that range from the commercialization of carbon credits, decentralized energy generation, to sale of energy to the State's energy provider and establishing Microgrids. From those projects, direct and indirect environmental and social benefits are primarily related to the replacement of non-renewable energy with renewable energy from waste, and impacts avoided from the inadequate handling of pig waste. The results show that it is possible to explore the energy potential of rural properties, based on livestock waste, by developing partnerships with public and private actors, producing energy from biogas, from circular economy and territorial intelligence perspectives.