bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ARDL Approach to Drivers of Inclusive Growth In India
Authors: Rasool Haroon , Adil Masudul Hasan , Tarique Md.
Published: September 2022

The call for inclusive growth has been unanimously declared by policymakers across the world. With India’s rapid economic growth rate, Indian policymakers also set its economy on the track of inclusive growth while formulating the 11th Five Year Plan. Despite, India’s fast-growing and vibrant economy, it fails poorly in Human Development Index ranked 131 in 2016. An unfortunate aspect of the current phase of high growth of the Indian economy has been its ‘non-inclusive’ nature. The distribution of income has been highly iniquitous. The richest 1% in India cornered 73% of the wealth generated in 2017, presenting a worrying picture of rising income inequality. In this regard, the study attempts to identify the determinants of inclusive growth in India by using annual data from 1981 to 2015. The study employs the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model and the error correction method (ECM) to investigate the long-run and short-run relationship between inclusive growth and its determinants. The bounds test findings confirm the cointegrating relationship among variables. The ARDL estimates suggest that growth in initial income, government expenditure, human development, investment and financial development fosters inclusive growth; while inflation and population growth dampens it. The results also imply that increasing trade openness and foreign direct investment would not be beneficial for India in terms of growth inclusiveness. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the Government of India should take appropriate steps to increase per capita income and social spending with particular attention to macroeconomic stability while they work at improving the quality of population in order to achieve sustainable and robust inclusive growth.

JEL Codes: Q4, F1, H7, D31, O43
Phonetic Cues in Auditory Identification of Bulgarian, Czech, Polish, and Russian Language of Origin
Authors: Kudera Jacek , Stenger Irina , Möbius Bernd , Avgustinova Tania , Klakow Dietrich
Published: September 2022

This work presents the results of an auditory language of origin identification experiment. Disyllabic and trisyllabic logatomes were recorded by speakers of Bulgarian, Czech, Polish, and Russian, and presented to L1 speakers of the abovementioned Slavic languages. The goals of the test were to verify the ability of lay listeners to recognize the linguistic origin of speakers, based on spoken samples with limited segmental and suprasegmental information, and to correlate the signal features with the subjects’ performance. It was found that position of word stress is not an important predictor in language recognition. However, inherent vowel characteristics such as duration and vowel space computed by the means of Pillai scores correlate with subjects’ performance. Both the linguistic profile and the familiarity with closely related languages also appear to be relevant predictors of listeners’ performance. Finally, the information-theoretic notion of surprisal applied on regular cross-linguistic sound correspondences was correlated with recognition scores; though, the correlations did not reach the threshold of statistical significance. We conclude that auditory identification of linguistic origin by lay persons, native speakers of closely related languages, is possible even when exposed to limited segmental information, which can serve as a cue in the identification of linguistic origin.
Optimization insulation thickness and reduction of CO2 emissions for pipes in all generation district heating networks
Authors: Terhan Meryem
Published: September 2022

District heating systems are provided solutions for the increasing energy problems in high-population cities. Energy costs go up depending on increasing heat loss in DHS's distribution network. Heat loss from the network consists of 5–20% of transferred energy, and this loss is higher than the other losses in the heating system. In the study, heat losses from the pipes such as supply-return pipes, hot water and circulation pipes into heat canals are investigated based on energy, exergy, economic and environmental. Optimum insulation thicknesses, energy savings, reduction of CO2 emissions, the first investment costs and payback periods of the pipes in the network of all-generation district heating systems are investigated by using Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) method for fuel types like natural gas, fuel oil and coal. Optimum insulation thicknesses are calculated for different nominal sizes of pipes and various insulation materials such as glass wool, and rock wool for the different climatic zones. According to the results of the study, the heat losses from pipes in the 4th generation DHS network are decreased between 38.19% and 33.33% from the warmest climate zone to the coldest climate zone according to the 3rd generation. Energy savings, reduction of CO2 emissions, payback periods and optimum insulation thickness values of supply and return pipes in the network are respectively changed between 7.80–98.86 $/m, 39.61–322.32 kg CO2/year, 0.028–0.38 years and 0.025–0.0105 m depending on various fuel types, insulation materials, nominal size pipes, climatic zones and all generation types.
The Influence of Spiritual Well-Being on Depression among Protestant College Seminarians in Korea With a Focus on the Mediating Effect of Self-Esteem
Authors: Yoo Jieun
Published: September 2022

Spirituality and depression have been studied in relation to mental health for many years, but not in the context of Korean seminarians. This study explored the association between spiritual well-being, depression, and self-esteem—the latter playing a mediating role—using a sample of Korean Protestant College seminarians. In addition, gender differences in the values of variables were examined using the latent mean analysis (LMA) method; the mediational pathway from spiritual well-being to depression via self-esteem was investigated through the multigroup structural model analysis. A total of 434 seminarians from one Baptist theological university/seminary and one Presbyterian college in South Korea responded to survey questions about spiritual well-being—it was categorized into religious well-being (RWB) and existential well-being (EWB)—self-esteem, and depression. Male seminarians ( N = 177) obtained a higher mean score on a measure of self-esteem; female seminarians ( N = 246) obtained a higher mean score on a measure of depression. EWB had a significant direct effect on self-esteem and depression in both groups. However, EWB had a significant indirect effect on depression via self-esteem as a mediator only for female seminarians. Meanwhile, RWB did not influence self-esteem or depression in either group. Implications based on these findings are discussed.
Jail-Based Competency Restoration Services in the United States: The Need, the Controversy, the Impact of COVID-19, and Implications for Future Treatment Delivery
Authors: Lewis Douglas E. , Ash Peter , Roberts Victoria C. , Schwenke Tomina J. , Pagán-González Melvin , Egan Glenn J.
Published: September 2022

Jail-based competency restoration largely emerged as a method to address the backlog at forensic hospitals around the United States, as the number of justice-involved persons in need of restoration outgrew available beds. Jail-based competency restoration units (JBCRUs) appear to be highly effective and cost-saving. However, after the COVID-19 outbreak, services at some JBCRUs were stalled, as providers were forced to either quickly initiate or ramp up technology use to maintain services. The present study describes the course of programming for a JBCRU in Fulton County, Georgia, prior to and after the onset of COVID-19, during which time all treatment shifted to telehealth. A matched comparison group of prepandemic defendants was used to compare in-person versus telehealth services and findings indicated that while defendants’ length of stay remained effectively the same, the restoration rate for telehealth increased remarkably over prepandemic levels (χ2 = 10.1, p = .001). Such findings suggest that telehealth services are an effective mode of delivery for competency restoration.
Decentralized position–force zero-sum approximate optimal control for reconfigurable robots with unmodeled dynamic
Authors: Zhu Xinye , An Tianjiao , Wang Gang
Published: September 2022

In this paper, the position–force–based approximate optimal control method is developed for reconfigurable robots using zero-sum game strategy. By utilizing the Newton–Euler iteration technique, the robotic system’s dynamic model is formulated and the state space equation is derived. According to adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) and neural network algorithm, the trajectory tracking control problem is transformed into a zero-sum game-based optimal control issue. The optimal control policy and worst disturbance policy are obtained by Hamilton–Jacobi–Issacs (HJI) function, respectively. Unlike the conventional learning–based robotic control method, the proposed zero-sum game-based method no need extra sub-controller that can reduce the computational burden. The reconfigurable robot system’s tracking error is uniformly ultimately bounded by the Lyapunov theorem. Finally, simulation experiments demonstrate the advantages of the proposed method.
Classroom practices and peer social status in junior high school
Authors: Di Stasio Maria Rosaria , Savage Robert
Published: September 2022

This study investigates the association between classroom practices and individual social status outcomes in junior high. A nested design using 678 grade 7 and 8 students in 38 classrooms showed that classroom practices are associated with peer social status. Classrooms rated high on instruction were associated with a decreased probability of students with rejected status. In contrast, classrooms rated high on atmosphere and student engagement were associated with an increased probability of students with rejected and popular status. Student perceptions of classrooms revealed that social comparison was associated with an increased probability of students with both rejected and popular status, while competition was associated with an increased probability of students with popular status. Results inform intervention programs that target the peer ecology of the classroom by raising teachers’ awareness of the intersection between pedagogical practices and student social status among peers.
Pore characteristics of black shale in Da’anzhai member of Jurassic in central Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Xie Shengyang , Yang Xiyan , Wang Xingzhi , Huo Fei , Ma Zhongliang , Zhang Caiming , Jia Mengyao , Kang Jiahao , Yi Qinfan , Huang Zisang , Li Yang , Yang Rong
Published: September 2022

The lacustrine shale in the Da’anzhai member of Jurassic in the central Sichuan Basin is a key exploration target for shale oil and gas resources in China in the future. This paper presents a detailed study of shale rock types and component characteristics, shale pore types and structural characteristics, and shale pore evolution characteristics under thermal simulation conditions through experimental analyses such as rock thin section and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) observation, conventional physical property test, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, TOC test, liquid nitrogen adsorption (LNA) test, and thermal simulation (pore) experiment. The results show that minerals in the Da’anzhai shale are mainly clay minerals, quartz, and calcite, with a small amount of feldspar, dolomite, and pyrite. In the shale oil reservoirs, there are dominantly inorganic pores (e.g. clay intergranular pores), and relatively few organic pores. The specific surface area ranges from 1.064 m2/g to 9.227 m2/g, with an average of 4.949 m2/g. The pore volume is 0.003–0.016 cm3/g, with an average of 0.010 cm3/g. Mesopores contribute the most to the total pore volume and total specific surface area. With the increase of thermal simulation temperature, the degree of shale thermal evolution increases, and the shale porosity increases, predominantly, owing to the contribution of organic pores. It is concluded that inorganic pores, especially clay intergranular pores, are the dominant pore type in the Da’anzhai shale oil reservoirs, and the evolution degree, burial time and depth of organic matter can obviously improve the organic pores.
Endoscopic Management of a Post-Traumatic Internal Maxillary Artery Pseudoaneurysm: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Miller Jessa E. , McCormick Justin P. , Raskin Jonathan , Borrelli Michela , Nasrollahi Tasha , Suh Jeffrey D.
Published: September 2022

Internal maxillary artery (IMA) pseudoaneurysms are rare, and typically occur following trauma or orthognathic surgery. Pseudoaneurysms are life-threatening conditions, and expeditious workup and treatment is critical. Endoscopic treatment of an IMA pseudoaneurysm is a feasible option and should be considered when IR embolization is not available. The objective of this study is to review the literature on IMA pseudoaneurysms and present the first reported case of an IMA pseudoaneurysm successfully treated endoscopically.
Understanding the Rise of Anti-Political Correctness Sentiment: The Curious Role of Education
Authors: Baird Andrew F. , Roos J Micah , Carter J. Scott
Published: September 2022

The anti-politically correct (PC) stance has been a key defensive position held by many conservative Americans for more than three decades. This position holds that being forced to be politically correct hinders open dialogue and debate on important yet sensitive issues, especially those around race and racism. However, scholars have questioned this anti-PC orientation and tied it to political orientation and racism. One caveat that stands as the basis of this paper is the role of education in moderating the impact of racial emotions on various outcomes. While some scholars, such as Seymour Lipset, highlight the liberalizing impact of education, others question such impact. Accordingly, this research examines how educational attainment, racial resentment, and White guilt concerning racial injustice interact to impact the likelihood of White Americans taking an anti-PC stance. Our data is drawn from the American National Election Study 2016 pilot survey. In line with past research, we find that racial resentment and White guilt indeed predict views toward political correctness; however, we find educational attainment does not change the effect of these variables on views toward political correctness. We discuss the importance of these findings in relation to prominent social theories on race and social dominance.
Infrastructure-as-a-service: Empty skies, bad roads, and the rise of cargo drones
Authors: Umlauf Rene , Burchardt Marian
Published: September 2022

In this article, we draw on the case of experimental drone uses in African health care systems in order to explore how diverse actors use digital innovation to stimulate critical changes in infrastructural provision and the ways in which the global role of places such as Silicon Valley, Rwanda, and Ghana, as well as their connections, are configured in such processes. Developing the idea of ‘infrastructure-as-service’ as a concept, we suggest that data extractivism and fantasies of infrastructural leapfrogging are major forces behind emergent fields of infrastructural experimentation. Revisiting dominant theories of infrastructure, the article scrutinizes the promises of digital infrastructures and sheds light on the specific ways in which regions in the Global South participate in, and offer indispensable services for infrastructural changes.
Socio-Economic and Spatial Disparity of Bus Ridership Impacts in King County, Washington, During COVID-19
Authors: Lin Joanne Yuh-Jye , Chen Cynthia , Angah Ohay
Published: September 2022

Transit ridership has been seriously affected around the world by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on bus service ridership patterns in King County, Washington, using clustering and multinomial logit (MNL) models. Ridership patterns of King County Metro buses during different study periods are detected using clustering. The characteristics of ridership patterns and cluster assignment spatial distributions are further examined. The MNL models were developed using explanatory factors, including socio-demographic, transit service, and land use characteristics at each stop, that are correlated with the ridership pattern cluster assignments. Results of the developed models demonstrate disparities across socio-economic groups and unevenness throughout different neighborhoods in ridership reduction and peaking patterns during COVID-19.
Experiment Study on Residual Flexural Capacity of Prestressed Concrete Deck Slab Under Fatigue Loading
Authors: Zhang Xieli , Wu Chong , Su Qingtian , Su Hang , Tang Jian
Published: September 2022

The deterioration of a concrete deck damaged by repeated traffic loads could directly affect its performance. Two full-scale specimens modified from a precast, prestressed concrete (PC) deck slab on a 12.65-m-wide composite bridge with twin I-girders spaced at 7.05 m were tested to study the degradation of mechanical performance of the slabs under fatigue loading. The depth of the slabs was 30 cm at the midspan and 40 cm at the two supports. One specimen was 3.0 m wide and conducted a three-stage fatigue loading before the static destructive loading, the other was 1.5 m wide and performed a static load test to failure only. The ultimate strength of specimens was obtained, and the variation of deflection, reinforcing strain, and cracks were discussed. The test results showed that the failure mode of the PC slabs was flexure subjected to static load. Fatigue loading significantly degenerated the stiffness of the slab, and the maximum stiffness reduction was about 35.2 %. The distribution scale of cracks was expanded about twice as much at the same load level under the fatigue loading. It could be deduced that the fatigue loading could enlarge the crack width, by comparing the measured results of concrete crack widths of the two specimens, however, the design provisions did not take this into account. A comparison between the transformed flexural capacity of the two specimens showed the residual flexural capacity was reduced by 7.8 %. Moreover, an analysis model was developed to predict the residual flexural capacity of PC slabs.
Enhancing Knowledge, Skills, and Identity Development Through Collaborative Student-Led Learning: Experiences With the Gradual Empowerment of Students in a Planning Studio Course
Authors: Purkarthofer Eva , Mäntysalo Raine
Published: September 2022

Studio courses are a common way to teach problem-based and applied skills in the field of urban and regional planning. In this article, we reflect on the experiences from a planning studio course that builds on the idea of gradually increasing student autonomy, peaking in the final phase of the course when the whole class self-organizes the content and delivery of a strategic plan. We term this approach “collaborative student-led learning,” arguing that it enables students to learn subject-related knowledge and skills related to communication, organization, and negotiation, while also supporting students’ personal and professional growth and identity development.
Addressing Misinformation About the Canadian Breast Screening Guidelines
Authors: Yong-Hing Charlotte J. , Gordon Paula B , Appavoo Shushiela , Fitzgerald Sabrina R. , Seely Jean M.
Published: September 2022

Screening mammography has been shown to reduce breast cancer mortality by 41% in screened women ages 40–69 years. There is misinformation about breast screening and the Canadian breast screening guidelines. This can decrease confidence in screening mammography and can lead to suboptimal recommendations. We review some of this misinformation to help radiologists and referring physicians navigate the varied international and provincial guidelines. We address the ages to start and stop breast screening. We explore how these recommendations may vary for specific populations such as patients who are at increased risk, transgender patients and minorities. We identify who would benefit from supplemental screening and review the available supplemental screening modalities including ultrasound, MRI, contrast-enhanced mammography and others. We describe emerging technologies including the potential use of artificial intelligence for breast screening. We provide background on why screening policies vary across the country between provinces and territories. This review is intended to help radiologists and referring physicians understand and navigate the varied international and provincial recommendations and guidelines and make the best recommendations for their patients.
Covid-19 WhatsApp sticker memes in Oman
Authors: Al Zidjaly Najma
Published: September 2022

In this paper, the form and function of personalized Covid-19 WhatsApp sticker memes created and shared as social laments by citizens in Oman are examined. The compiled data set of 288 WhatsApp stickers was taken from a larger ethnographic project on Arabs and Covid-19. To collect and analyze the data, perspectives from visual semiotics were integrated with participatory and geosemiotic approaches to ground the stickers socially and globally. Six functions of Covid-19 WhatsApp stickers in Oman were identified: expressing political dissent, creating public signs, promoting religious agenda, indexing frustration, expressing levity, and constructing counter-discourse. Based on this analysis, it is suggested that by creating and using WhatsApp stickers during the 2020–2021 Covid-19 pandemic, Omani citizens positioned themselves as agentive participants in charge of their own lives, thus, solidifying a decade-long request for a new form of public-government relationship. The paper adds to research on Arabic digital communication and pandemic discourse.
Effect of Exchange Rate Volatility on Exports: An Empirical Analysis of Disaggregated Data of the Indian Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Jyoti * , Bhatt K. N.
Published: September 2022

The effect of real exchange rate volatility on real exports is explored empirically in this article. The study uses disaggregated Indian manufacturing sector data consisting of seven categories: leather & leather manufactures, chemicals and related products, engineering goods, electronic goods, textiles (excluding readymade garments), readymade garments and other manufactured goods. The analysis is focused on India’s quarterly data from 2004Q2 to 2018Q2 using the ARDL bound test procedure. The ARDL bound test results show that real exports are co-integrated with fluctuations in real exchange rates and world real GDP. The study also reveals that exchange rate volatility has mixed effects on manufacturing exports both in the long run and short run. The impact of real-world GDP (WGDP) on real exports has been found positive and significant in the long run except for leather and leather manufacturers where it is negative and significant. In the case of the short-run, real-WGDP has mixed effects on exports.

JEL Classification: C22, F14, F31, F1
“Husbands Are Pregnant, Too”: Caring Masculinities in Pregnancy Books for Men
Authors: Allan Jonathan A.
Published: September 2022

This article studies pregnancy books that are written largely by men for men and that account for men’s roles in pregnancy. Drawing on an analysis of the texts themselves, this study shows recurring themes across these books, which include: Expecting, too! which frames men as having a role in pregnancy beyond fertilization; fatherhood as a rite of passage; Unlike our dads, in which men are taught to be different from their fathers recognizing that expectations of fathers have changed; and, expectations of expectant fathers, namely, how men are to be caring partners. This article explores how these books frame masculinity and the roles men play in pregnancy. This article thus shows how these books contribute to a growing body of scholarship interested in “caring masculinities.”
Brown Boxes: An Autoethnographic Exploration of Cultural Identity and Fluid Positionality
Authors: Mohammed Sarah Shandie
Published: September 2022

Through personal vignettes, the author explores how racial, religious, and citizenship aspects of cultural identity shift in meaning both across the lifespan and across borders. The author evokes tension and growth in the vignettes to communicate a felt understanding of the emotional implications of colonial displacement, offering an opportunity for readers to resonate with the diasporic experience. The author further calls for social scientists to reframe positionality as a persistent reflexive process that is as fluid and dynamic as we are (rather than a methods section feature) and similarly reframe diversity to find new ways to relate to one another.
Early Childhood Teachers’ Inclusion in Their Elementary School’s Social-Emotional Multitiered System of Supports: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Steed Elizabeth A. , Leech Nancy L. , Shapland Dorothy
Published: September 2022

In this mixed methods study, we used a state-wide survey to explore the perceptions of 936 preschool through second-grade teachers about inclusion in their elementary school’s social-emotional multitiered system of supports (MTSS). Overall, early childhood teachers reported feeling included in their school’s social-emotional MTSS. Results of a one-way between-subjects analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that preschool teachers working in elementary schools reported general agreement about being included, but not as strongly as kindergarten, first-, and second-grade teachers. Qualitative analyses of teachers’ open-ended responses revealed similar grade-level patterns. When early childhood teachers did not feel included, they described feeling separate from the rest of the school, using a different social-emotional approach, or the school’s social-emotional MTSS approach not being appropriate for their students. Inclusion in school-wide activities and implementation issues, such as consistency across teachers, an efficient behavioral MTSS process, and training opportunities, affected teachers’ feelings of inclusion in the social-emotional MTSS.
Social support and pre-operative anxiety in patients undergoing elective surgical procedures: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kok Xiu Ling Florence , Newton J Timothy , Jones Elinor M , Cunningham Susan J
Published: September 2022

Pre-operative anxiety may adversely affect post-operative recovery and treatment satisfaction. This systematic review assessed the impact of social support on pre-operative anxiety in elective surgery patients. MEDLINE via Ovid, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus, Emcare and LILACS were searched for publications (1950–2021). Fourteen studies were included for descriptive analysis and five for meta-analysis. The pooled estimate in the meta-analysis was r = −0.372 (95% CI: −0.578 to −0.122). Stronger social support was weakly associated with reduced pre-operative anxiety, but the quality of available evidence was low. The findings suggest potential benefit in enhancing utilisation of support networks before elective surgery.
Toddler-directed and adult-directed gesture frequency in monolingual and bilingual caregivers
Authors: Molnar Monika , Leung Kai Ian , Santos Herrera Jodee , Giezen Marcel
Published: September 2022

Aims and objectives:

This study was designed to assess whether bilingual caregivers, compared with monolingual caregivers, modify their nonverbal gestures to match the increased communicative and/or cognitive-linguistic demands of bilingual language contexts – as would be predicted based on the ‘Facilitative Strategy Hypothesis’.

Methodology:

We examined the rate of gestures (i.e., representational and beat gestures) in monolingual and bilingual caregivers when retelling a cartoon story to their child or to an adult, in a monolingual and a bilingual context (‘synonym’ context for monolingual caregivers).

Data and analysis:

We calculated the frequency of all gestures, representational gestures, and beat gestures for each addressee (adult-directed vs. toddler-directed) and language context (monolingual vs. bilingual/synonym), separately for the monolingual and the bilingual caregivers. Using linear mixed models, we contrasted monolingual versus bilingual caregivers’ gesture frequency.

Findings/conclusions:

Bilingual caregivers gesture more than monolingual caregivers, irrespective of addressee and language context. Furthermore, we found evidence in support of the Facilitative Strategy Hypothesis across both monolingual and bilingual caregivers, as both groups increased the rate of their representational gestures in the child-directed retelling. Furthermore, both bilingual and monolingual caregivers used more gestures in the context of increased communicative demands (language mixing or using synonyms for monolingual caregivers).

Originality:

To our knowledge, this is the first study of gesture use in child-directed communication in monolingual and bilingual caregivers.

Significance/implications:

Independent of their monolingual or bilingual status, caregivers adjust their multimodal communication strategies (specifically gestures) when interacting with their children. Furthermore, under increased communicative demands, both groups of caregivers further increase their gesture rate.
User information processing mechanisms for news quality judgment conformity to professional standards: Comparing combinations of news content/formal cue processing
Authors: Choi Sujin
Published: September 2022

It is more difficult to judge news quality on digital news platforms because editorial cues (such as size and placement of news articles that signal the quality of articles in the traditional news environment) are far less obvious. Without these editorial cues, how do users process news cues to judge news quality in conformity to professional standards? Relying on dual information processing literature, this study investigates five combinations of news content/formal cue processing to identify user information processing mechanisms for news quality judgment conformity to professional standards. A total of 88 news articles were evaluated by 3547 survey respondents and two professional editors. Based on the partial-least-squares structural equation modeling, we found that the joint functioning of content/formal cue processing better explains news quality judgment conformity than other combinations (such as the independent functioning of each cue processing and the biased functioning of content cue processing affected by formal cue processing). The large, negative effect of joint functioning suggests that the less the respondents relied on formal cues, the greater they achieved news quality judgment conformity as they elaborated more on content cues. Elaboration on a given article’s believability/depth as a content cue and heuristics regarding its number of quotes as a formal cue had greater impact on judgment conformity. These results imply how the elaborative and heuristic routes of news processing interact and in what ways news cues can be processed to identify quality news which is necessary for democratic decision making.
What Kinds of Support are Alaska Native Youth and Young Adults Reporting? An Examination of Types, Quantities, Sources, and Frequencies of Support
Authors: Markowski Kelly L. , White Lauren , Harcey Sela R. , Schmidt Tara , McEachern Diane , Habecker Patrick , Wexler Lisa
Published: September 2022

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth, particularly males, experience disproportionately high rates of suicide compared to other young people in the United States. Therefore, enacting suicide prevention efforts for AI/AN youth is especially important. Since research shows that strengthening social, cultural, and emotional support can reduce suicide risk, many recent prevention efforts focus on these strategies. Yet, to reinforce and to extend the positive impact of these strategies for suicide risk reduction, we argue it is useful to identify baseline levels and other features of already-existing support. Toward this end, we describe the types (i.e., category), quantities (i.e., distribution and average number), sources (i.e., from whom), and frequencies (i.e., how often) of social support that AN young people report receiving, and we examine if these “support profiles” differ by age and sex. We use survey data from 165 ANs under age 30, collected as part of a participatory intervention study focused on Promoting Community Conversations About Research to End Suicide (PC CARES). We find that: 1) most ANs reported receiving nearly all supports, 2) compared with females, males reported receiving fewer supports on average, 3) family was the most selected support source, followed by close friends and service providers, and 4) family (e.g., parents, siblings, and grandparents) provided support regularly (i.e., monthly or more). Though our findings may suggest fruitful avenues for interventions targeted toward AN males, we discuss these findings in relation to the gendered nature of suicide prevention and assessment.
Celastrol attenuates renal injury in 5/6 nephrectomized rats via inhibiting epithelial–mesenchymal transition and transforming growth factor-β1/Smad3 pathway
Authors: Tang Yue-Wen , Yang Ru-Chun , Wan Feng , Tang Xuan-Li , Zhang Hua-Qin , Lin Yi
Published: September 2022

Renal injury is an important factor in the development of chronic kidney diseases that pathologically manifested as renal fibrosis and podocyte damage. In the disease state, renal fibroblasts lead to high expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), while podocytes undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition, leading to proteinuria. Celastrol, a bioactive compound in the medicinal plant Tripterygium wilfordii, was found to delay the progression of early diabetic nephropathy and attenuate renal fibrosis in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction. However, its effect on the renal system in 5/6 nephrectomized (Nx) rats remains unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effects of celastrol and its underlying mechanisms in 5/6 Nx rats. We found that 24 h proteinuria and levels of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, triglycerides, serum P, renal index and cholesterol significantly increased ( P < 0.05), while that of serum albumin decreased significantly in 5/6 Nx rats. After intervention with celastrol, 24 h proteinuria and levels of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, triglycerides, serum P, renal index, and cholesterol significantly decreased, while that of serum albumin significantly increased. Renal tissue pathological staining and transmission electron microscopy showed that celastrol ameliorated kidney injury and glomerular podocyte foot injury and induced significant anti-inflammatory effects. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting results revealed that nephrin and NEPH1 expression levels were upregulated, whereas α-SMA and Col4a1 expression levels were downregulated in the celastrol group. Celastrol inhibited the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway-related molecules such as TGF-β1 and P-Smad3. In summary, celastrol contributes to renal protection by inhibiting the epithelial–mesenchymal transdifferentiation and TGF-β1/Smad3 pathways.
Interventions Facilitating Recovery of Consciousness Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review
Authors: Weaver Jennifer A. , Watters Kelsey , Cogan Alison M.
Published: September 2022

People who experience disorders of consciousness (DoC) following a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) have complex rehabilitation needs addressed by occupational therapy. To examine the effectiveness of interventions to improve arousal and awareness of people with DoC following a TBI. For this systematic review, we followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched six databases in collaboration with a research librarian. Twenty-seven studies were included and grouped thematically. Multimodal sensory stimulation, familiar voices telling structured stories, and transcranial direct current stimulation had a moderate level of evidence. Multimodal sensory stimulation had the strongest evidence in support of its use in clinical practice. Occupational therapy practitioners should administer multimodal stimuli frequently as studies reported administering these interventions at least twice daily. Occupational therapy practitioners should incorporate personally relevant, meaningful, salient stimuli into interventions when treating patients with DoC.
Foam sclerotherapy of great saphenous vein: The need for further improvement and ill-defined issues
Authors: Georgakarakos Efstratios , Dimitriadis Konstantinos , Tasopoulou Kalliopi-Maria , Koutsoumpelis Andreas
Published: September 2022

Foam sclerotherapy is considered an acceptable method to treat great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency, promoting occlusion of its trunk and eradicating reflux. Yet, certain technical points have not been standardized while issues regarding the ultrasonographic appearance of successful or acceptable GSV obliteration or the end-points of the method are not clearly defined. This article comments on the aforementioned using examples based on personal experience.
Effects of Mg-Nd-Gd-Sr alloy on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell function derived from SD rats
Authors: Li Qiangqiang , Xie Ben , Liu Xiaorong , Liang Wenqiang , Zhang Xiaobo , Wang Yongping
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a new type of Mg-3Nd-1Gd-0.3Sr-0.2Zn-0.4Zr (abbreviated to Mg-Nd-Gd-Sr) alloy on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSCs) function derived from SD rats.

Methods

BMSCs were first isolated and cultured in vitro using the whole bone marrow adherence method, and identified by BMSC surface biomarkers and osteogenic induction. The in vitro biological safety of the Mg-Nd-Gd-Sr alloy was studied by cytotoxicity and apoptosis experiments, and the in vitro biological functions were studied by cell adhesion and cell proliferation experiments.

Results

The results showed that high-purity BMSCs were isolated using the whole bone marrow adherence method. Flow cytometry showed high expression of CD44 and CD90, and low expression of CD31 and CD45 in the BMSCs. Osteogenic induction showed that the BMSCs differentiated into osteoblasts, and mineralized nodules were observed. The cytotoxicity of the Mg-Nd-Gd-Sr alloy to SD rat BMSCs was 0–1 grade, suggesting that the Mg-Nd-Gd-Sr alloy had no significant cytotoxic effect on SD rat BMSCs; compared with the control group, there was no significant cell apoptosis in any of the experimental groups ( p > 0.05). Cell adhesion experiments showed that the number of adherent cells increased with the duration of culture with the exception of the 100% concentration group; compared with the control group, the 75% concentration group had the highest number of adherent cells at the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th hours ( p < 0.05). Cell proliferation experiments showed that the number of cells in all experiment groups was higher than the control group ( p < 0.05) on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th days, with the highest number of cells in the 75% concentration group ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our data indicate that the extracts of new type of Mg-Nd-Gd-Sr alloy has no apparent cytotoxicity to BMSCs, does not affect cell apoptosis, and has good biocompatibility. Different concentrations of Mg-Nd-Gd-Sr alloy extracts promoted the adhesion and proliferation of BMSCs. The alloy had good biological functions, and is thus a promising bone repair material.
Habit or lack of education? Hypohydration is present in elite senior judo athletes even during a weight-stable training camp
Authors: Ceylan Bayram , Taşcan Mesut Burak , Simenko Jozef , Balcı Şükrü Serdar
Published: September 2022

It has been well-documented that high-level judo athletes presented a high level of hypohydration during weight-cutting and competition periods. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the hydration status of high-level judo athletes during a weight-stable training period. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate elite judo athletes’ hydration status, body mass change, and fluid intake during a weight-stable training camp. Twenty-seven judo athletes (women n = 8, men n = 19, body weight = 79.6 ± 20.9 kg) from the senior national judo team voluntarily participated in this study. Data were collected in the morning after waking up and before and after the morning and evening training sessions. On the second day, the measurements were taken again in the morning after waking up. Urine-specific gravity (USG) was classified as hydrated (USG < 1.020) and hypohydrated (USG ≥ 1.020). The athletes’ USG values measured on two consecutive mornings increased (1.025 ± 0.007 to 1.029 ± 0.006) during 24 h, in which athletes performed judo training in the morning and evening. Moreover, sex and weight category did not affect the changes in USG values ( p > .05). Most of the elite judo athletes presented hypohydration (92.6%). The relationship between the fluid intake of the athletes and the changes in USG and body weight values during 24 h was not significant ( p > .05). The current study’s findings revealed that high-level judo athletes present a high level of hypohydration even during a weight-stable training camp. Furthermore, the training sessions during the experiment period (24 h) worsened the hydration status of the senior athletes in all weight categories for both women and men.
Mortality and subsequent fractures of patients with olecranon fractures compared to other upper extremity osteoporotic fractures
Authors: Rantalaiho Ida K , Laaksonen Inari , Kostensalo Joel , Ekman Elina M , Ryösä Anssi J , Äärimaa Ville O
Published: September 2022

Background

The incidence rate of olecranon fractures is highest in the elderly population. The aim of this study was to determine whether patients with olecranon fractures have similar demographic and risk characteristics compared to patients with osteoporotic upper extremity fractures.

Methods

A retrospective data analysis was performed with diagnoses for olecranon fracture, distal radius fracture and proximal humerus fracture between 2014 and 2016.

Results

A total of 157 olecranon, 1022 distal radius and 451 proximal humerus fractures were identified. The risk of mortality after olecranon and distal radius fractures was comparable but statistically significantly higher after proximal humerus fractures (HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.19–3.27). The risk of subsequent osteoporotic fractures after an olecranon fracture was 10% at 1 year and 14% at 5 years and the risks did not differ statistically after a proximal humerus fracture, 6% and 11% (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.40–1.06). After a distal radius fracture, the risks were statistically significantly lower: 2% and 5% (HR 0.35, 95% CI 0.22–0.56).

Discussion

Patients with olecranon fractures have essentially similar demographic characteristics compared to patients with distal radius fractures, but the probability for a subsequent fracture is significantly higher and more comparable to patients with proximal humerus fractures.
Hate-motivated Crime/Incidents Against Asians in the United States of America: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kim Chunrye , Lee Claire Seungeun , Lim Hyeyoung
Published: September 2022

Although hate-motivated incidents and crimes against Asians are not a new phenomenon, there has been a lack of scholarly attention on the topic. Using a systematic review, we examine, assess, and analyze 23 published peer-reviewed articles that have explored hate-motivated crime/incidents against Asians in the United States of America between 2000 and 2020. We found all studies included in this systematic review examined microaggressions and/or discrimination, and tended to lump all different Asian subgroups into “Asians.” In addition, most studies focused on the consequences of hate-motivated incidents, such as mental and physical health. We suggest a future research agenda and direction that fills the gap in scholarly journal articles on Asian hate-motivated incidents in the United States.
Effects of a Nonviolent Communication Program on Nursing Students
Authors: Kim Hyun Kyoung , Jo Hae Kyung
Published: September 2022

Communication skills are important in life, especially in a clinical setting. The NVC (non-violent communication) model facilitates communication skills in schools, hospitals, and other environments. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of NVC in fostering the communication skills of nursing students. The study included a total of 117 participants, including a test group of 62 nursing students and a control group of 55 students. Eight sessions of data collection and program adaptation were conducted between September and December 2016. The data were analyzed using t-tests, Chi-squared tests, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) using SPSS version 24.0. Following the intervention, the primary and secondary levels of anger were lower, whereas empathy and the communication efficacy were higher in the test group than the control group. This study demonstrated that an NVC program can improve the affective aspects of communication skills of nursing students.
The Effect of Heartfulness Meditation Program on Burnout and Satisfaction With Life Among Accounting Professionals
Authors: Gupta Pradeep K. , Thimmapuram Jayaram , Krishna Prasanna , Karmarkar Yamini , Madhusudhan Divya K.
Published: September 2022

Background

Accounting professionals experience a stressful working environment with previous studies demonstrating a high prevalence of burnout. Meditation-based interventions have a potential role in decreasing burnout and improving satisfaction with life. However, the benefits of Heartfulness meditation intervention have not been demonstrated among accounting professionals.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of an 8-week Heartfulness Meditation program on burnout and satisfaction with life in chartered accountants.

Methods

The study was a prospective cohort analysis comparing burnout and satisfaction with life outcomes among accounting professionals who either self-selected to participate in the Heartfulness Meditation Program (intervention group) or with no particular intervention (control group). Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) scores were collected at baseline and at the end of the study period.

Results

Two hundred and six participants completed the study. Participants in the intervention group (n = 107) experienced statistically significant improvement in MBI emotional exhaustion from 2.17 to 1.75 ( P = .00) and overall MBI score decreased from 2.99 to 2.83 ( P = .020). Participants in the control group (n = 99) experienced statistically significant improvement for emotional exhaustion only, from 1.82 to 1.52 ( P = .009). Further, participants in the intervention group demonstrated statistically significant improvement with SWLS from 4.90 to 5.17 ( P = .005). While participants in the intervention group experienced higher levels of decline (19.55%) compared to the control group (16.41%) for emotional exhaustion, it was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The current study is one of the first attempts of a Heartfulness meditation intervention to reduce burnout and improve satisfaction with life among accounting professionals. Both the intervention group and the control group showed an improvement of emotional exhaustion. The statistically significant improvements observed in the overall MBI and SWLS outcomes in the intervention group suggest an online Heartfulness meditation program could serve as a potential tool for reducing burnout and improving satisfaction among accounting professionals.