bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces
Authors: WICKSTEN MARY K.
Published: April 2023

Approximately 325 species of decapod crustaceans are reported from the Californian and Oregonian zoogeographicprovinces, a figure that includes all freshwater, estuarine, and marine (intertidal zone to 4000 m) decapods from the area.At least six of these species have not been reported from California since 1921, three species cannot be recognized fromtheir descriptions and lack type material and illustrations and another five species may have ben reported from mistakenlocalities or are the result of misidentification.The area is mostly inhabited by cold-temperate species. Genera endemic to the northeastern Pacific include theanomurans Janetogalathea (Galatheidae), Acantholithodes, Phyllolithodes, and Rhinolithodes (Lithodidae); and thebrachyurans Mimulus (Epialtidae), Loxorhynchus, and Scyra (Pisidae). Families that are particularly diverse in speciesinclude carideans of the families Thoridae, Pandalidae, and Crangonidae; anomurans of the families Hapalogasteridae,Lithodidae, and Paguridae and brachyurans of the families Epialtidae, Cancridae, and Pinnotheridae. Crayfishes of thegenus Pacifastacus (Astacidae) were endemic to the area prior to human introductions elsewhere. At least three estuarineand two freshwater decapods belonging to the families Palaemonidae, Cambaridae, Panopeidae and Varunidae have beenintroduced into the area and maintain reproducing populations.Keys are provided to all the families, genera, and species treated. A major synonymy, short description, andinformation on habitat, biogeography, type locality, and color in life are provided for each species. References areprovided to the original descriptions of all taxa mentioned. Additional remarks on taxonomy, symbiotic associations,characteristic behavior, and other information that may help in identification also are given.New generic designations for Hippolyte affinis Owen, 1839 and H. layi Owen, 1839 (Thoridae) are supported.Expanded diagnoses are given for Heptacarpus franciscanus (Schmitt, 1921) (Thoridae), Isocheles pilosus (Holmes, 1900), and Paguristes parvus Holmes, 1900 (Diogenidae).
Impact of Exchange Rate on Trade Balance of India: Evidence from Threshold Cointegration with Asymmetric Error Correction Approach
Authors: Mallick Lingaraj , Behera Smruti Ranjan , Bhattacharya Mita
Published: April 2023

In this research, we investigate the dynamic relationship between the trade balance and exchange rate in the case of India using threshold cointegration and an asymmetric error-correction model. Empirical results validate that the long-run dynamic relationship between the trade balance and exchange rates is asymmetric. In the short run, the trade balance responds only due to positive deviations in the exchange rate. In contrast, in the exchange rate model, the exchange rate reacts only due to negative deviations in the trade balance. In addition, the results exhibit that the adjustment following variation in the exchange rate seems higher than the adjustment in the trade balance in the short run. Besides, the results indicate that the speed of adjustment due to the positive and negative shocks differs in the trade balance and the exchange rate models. Further, the uni- directional Granger causality result suggests that the trade balance substantially affects the exchange rate. However, the Granger causality effect of the exchange rate on the trade balance seems minimal. Finally, our results validate the impact of momentum equilibrium adjustment path asymmetric effects between the trade balance and exchange rate, indicating that the adjustment path is asymmetric in the long run. Therefore, policy planners in India should consider the asymmetric adjustment between these two drivers to overcome trade balance discrepancies in the short and long run.

JEL Codes: F40, F41, C22, C32, C12
Roots and routes: Literary archaeologies of British museums in contemporary Black and Asian poetry
Authors: Gregory Fox Rachel
Published: April 2023

This article explores some of the ways in which contemporary poets are tracing the roots and routes via which objects have come to, and continue to, reside within the walls of the museum. Focusing on poetic mediations of British Museums — on the Museum of London, the Manchester Museum, and the British Museum — the article analyses the works of Bernardine Evaristo, Inua Ellams, and Daljit Nagra. These poetic mediations can be read as literary archaeologies — as the concept is used by Evaristo — which speak to the histories, movements, and contemporaneous moments of colonial encounter that take place within the institution of the museum. The article moves to consider the way in which literary archaeologies might chart both a history of migration — looking at Bernardine Evaristo’s The Emperor’s Babe — and the migration of objects which are displayed in museums in Britain — with a focus on Inua Ellams’s poem Tusk — before going on to examine the museum as institution, as it is presented in Daljit Nagra’s collection British Museum. Setting these distinct, but complementary poetic interventions alongside one another, the article asks: how do these literary archaeologies respond to the histories and present-day stories told by — and about — British museums in the twenty-first century?
Expanding the Boundary Conditions of the Communicative Ecology Model of Successful Aging to Include Communication About Religion
Authors: Bernhold Quinten S. , Blue Jalen , Devereux Sarah , Bertram Victoria , Julius Kylie
Published: April 2023

This study expanded the communicative ecology model of successful aging (CEMSA) to include communication about religion. Older adults ( N = 272, MAge = 64.96 years) reported on the most important memorable message about religion that has shaped their lives, as well as on their own religious communication (i.e., religious helping and seeking religious support). Memorable messages with a theme of (a) developing a personal relationship with God and (b) eternal damnation were associated with higher and lower perceptions of memorable message motivational effect, respectively. Perceived memorable message motivational effect, religious helping, and seeking religious support were indirectly associated with successful aging, via aging efficacy. Communication about religion is a worthwhile theoretical addition to the CEMSA. The use of multiple sources of data—namely the memorable message themes (as coded by outside research assistants) and subjective aging experiences (as self-reported by older adults)—is also a noteworthy methodological contribution to CEMSA research.
Does Criminal Thinking Predict Prison Misconduct? An Evaluation of TCU’s Criminal Thinking Scales
Authors: Duwe Grant , Clark Valerie , McNeeley Susan
Published: April 2023

To date, only one published study has tested the predictive validity of the Texas Christian University–Criminal Thinking Scales (TCU-CTS), and no studies have tested whether these scales are predictive of prison misconduct. Using a sample of more than 2,000 people incarcerated in Minnesota’s prison system, this study examined the predictive validity of the TCU-CTS with multiple measures of prison misconduct. The results showed the overall TCU-CTS score significantly predicted misconduct, although the strength of this association was relatively modest (AUC = 0.62). Among the six scales on the TCU-CTS, Cold-Heartedness significantly predicted both measures of misconduct, whereas Power Orientation and Criminal Rationalization were each significantly associated with one misconduct measure.
Moral Coping or Simply Uncomplicated Soldiering? How Soldiers Avoid Moral Injury Through Simplification, Justification, Rationalization, and Compartmentalization
Authors: Molendijk Tine
Published: April 2023

A substantial number of soldiers develop moral injuries, yet just as many do not. Therefore, it is important to explore the question: How do military service members generally interpret and cope with moral challenges related to their profession? This article analyzes the accounts of 80 (former) soldiers, examining how they perceived their profession and the coping strategies they tend to use in the face of moral challenges. The findings show that they generally did not experience as much moral tension as one might expect. Yet, when they did, they used coping strategies of simplification, justification, and rationalization, including doing good, rules and instructions, reciprocity, numbing, and compartmentalization. This leads to a middle position between the view that military personnel never experience moral challenges and the position that they find violence actually highly problematic, with important implications for research on moral injury, trauma, and soldiers’ experience.
Observer-based time-varying group formation tracking for one-sided Lipschitz nonlinear second-order multi-agent systems
Authors: Li Jiacheng , Han Tao , Xiao Bo , Yang Qingsheng , Yan Huaicheng
Published: April 2023

This paper discusses the observer-based time-varying group formation tracking (TVGFT) control problem for one-sided Lipschitz nonlinear second-order multi-agent systems (MASs). The followers in the MASs are divided into multiple groups, where only one follower in each group knows the leaders information, and a control protocol is designed through the interactions among the followers. Based on the one-sided Lipschitz definition and the properties of Laplacian matrices, sufficient conditions are provided to achieve the TVGFT for one-sided Lipschitz nonlinear MASs. By solving the linear matrix inequality (LMI), sufficient criteria for achieving TVGFT can be obtained. Finally, it is demonstrated from simulations that the designed control protocol can achieve TVGFT effectively.
Effects of Video Prompting with Augmented Reality on Functional Living Skills of Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Wu Chu-Lung , Tsai Yi-Hsuan
Published: April 2023

Training functional living skills is crucial for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) because they are directly related to their independence. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of an augmented reality (AR)–based video prompting (VP) teaching model on the learning of functional living skills among elementary school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A multiple-probe, across-subjects, single-case research design was adopted to recruit three participants, namely, fifth- and sixth-grade students with IDDs in a special education program in an elementary school in Taichung City. The independent variable was the AR-based VP teaching model, and the dependent variable was the participants’ performance of functional living skills (cooking rice in a rice cooker). The results indicate that the intervention had immediate, maintenance, and generalization effects on all three participants. In addition, the participants noted that the teaching model relaxed and motivated them. The teachers also indicated that the teaching model motivated the students, resulted in positive learning outcomes, and strengthened the students’ ability to learn independently. Through this AR-based VP teaching model, students with developmental disabilities can improve their functional living skills.
Shifting peripheries: Dhaka's rickshaw garages and mess dormitories as spaces of work and movement
Authors: Prins Annemiek , Dasgupta Shreyashi
Published: April 2023

This article considers how urban peripheries are made and unmade by forms of “shifting”. We examine these shifts from the perspective of rickshaw garages and mess dormitories in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which both offer makeshift working and living arrangements to rural–urban migrants. By explicitly situating these spaces as part of the movements and crisscrossing trajectories that animate urban peripheries, we challenge the tendency in urban scholarship to analyze peripheral and marginalized spaces primarily through the lens of habitation. Breaking with residentialist and sedentarist approaches to urban space, we present rickshaw garages and mess dormitories as spaces that are enabling and undergoing various forms of shifting, as their occupants move and alternate between different places, neighborhoods, and spatial arrangements to establish a continuity of work and income. We argue that these forms of manoeuvring are made possible by a degree of spatial malleability that reflects the territorial impermanence of the periphery itself, which is continuously pushed sideways through tandem processes of precariousness and improvement. By directing attention to the “shifting” in “makeshift”, we contribute to a less static understanding of how labor migrants try to hold their place in the city amidst wider processes of exclusion, expansion, and densification.
Perceptions of oneself and one’s spouse following a stressor discussion predicting attachment insecurity over one year
Authors: Jakubiak Brett K. , Fuentes Julian D. , Feeney Brooke C.
Published: April 2023

The Attachment Security Enhancement Model (ASEM) posits that attachment anxiety decreases when people revise their negative working model of self, whereas attachment avoidance decreases when people revise their negative working model of others. These revisions are expected to occur in diagnostic situations that provide relevant information about the self and close others. Guided by this theory, the current research assessed whether state perceptions of oneself (state self-efficacy, state self-esteem) and of one’s spouse (state perceived partner responsiveness [PPR]) following a personal stressor discussion provide an impetus for changing trait-level perceptions and decreasing the relevant attachment insecurity dimension over time. In a sample of 164 newly married couples, we found that people who reported greater post-discussion state self-efficacy and state self-esteem reported greater increases in trait self-efficacy and trait self-esteem over the following year. These changes to the model of self in turn predicted greater decreases in attachment anxiety over that year, consistent with the ASEM. Regarding perceptions of one’s spouse, neither state nor trait PPR predicted declines in attachment avoidance, and state PPR did not predict changes in trait level perceptions. Finally, we observed some ASEM-inconsistent changes in attachment insecurity: Increases in trait PPR predicted declines in attachment anxiety, and increases in trait self-esteem and self-efficacy predicted declines in attachment avoidance. These findings suggest that personal stressor discussions may catalyze changes in trait perceptions and attachment change. Additionally, this work shows that improving the model of self and the model of others promotes attachment security but that the processes for reducing attachment anxiety and avoidance may not be entirely separable.
Strain, depression, and deviant behavior among left-behind and non-left-behind adolescents in China
Authors: Xu Xiaohua , Sun Ivan Y , Wu Yuning
Published: April 2023

China’s massive rural to urban migration has created a vast number of left-behind children (LBC) whose parents moved to cities for work. Drawing upon data from LBC and non-left-behind children (NLBC) in three Chinese cities, this study tests the applicability of general strain theory in explaining deviant behavior among adolescents. The analysis results show that LBC status is directly related to lower involvement in deviant behavior, whereas it is also directly linked to academic difficulty and depression, leading to more deviant acts. Compared with NLBC, LBC have an overall lower risk of deviance. Male and middle school students and students experiencing parental abuse and family poverty are more inclined to express greater depression, subsequently promoting higher participation in deviance.
3D zero-echo time and 3D T1-weighted gradient-echo MRI sequences as an alternative to CT for the evaluation of the lumbar facet joints and lumbosacral transitional vertebrae
Authors: Kaniewska Malwina , Kuhn Daniel , Deininger-Czermak Eva , Wolharn Lucas , Finkenstaedt Tim , Guggenberger Roman
Published: April 2023

Background

Computed tomography (CT) is the reference standard for assessment of the bone. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) developments enable a CT-like visualization of the osseous structures.

Purpose

To assess the diagnostic performance of 3D zero-echo time (3D-ZTE) and 3D T1-weighted gradient-echo (3D-T1GRE) MRI sequences for the evaluation of lumbar facet joints (LFJs) and the detection of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) using CT as the reference standard.

Material and Methods

In total, 87 adult patients were included in this prospective study. Evaluation of degenerative changes of the facet joints at the L3/L4, L4/L5, and L5/S1 levels on both sides was performed by two readers using a 4-point Likert scale. LSTV were classified according to Castelvi et al. Image quality was quantitatively measured using the signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise (CNR) ratios. Intra-reader, inter-reader, and inter-modality reliability were calculated using Cohen's kappa statistic.

Results

Intra-reader agreement for 3D-ZTE, 3D-T1GRE, and CT was 0.607, 0.751, and 0.856 and inter-reader agreement was 0.535, 0.563, and 0.599, respectively. The inter-modality agreement between 3D-ZTE and CT was 0.631 and between 3D-T1GRE and CT 0.665. A total of LSTV were identified in both MR sequences with overall comparable accuracy compared to CT. Mean SNR for bone, muscle, and fat was highest for 3D-T1GRE and mean CNR was highest for CT.

Conclusion

3D-ZTE and 3D-T1GRE MRI sequences can assess the LFJs and LSTV and may serve as potential alternatives to CT.
Responding to a societal crisis: How does corporate social responsibility engagement influence corporate reputation?
Authors: Rolf Skylar
Published: April 2023

While both an “insurance” and “penance” effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been discussed within prior literature, it is unclear how a firm’s CSR engagement in response to a societal crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic impacts its short-term and long-term corporate reputation. Drawing from case examples of firms’ responses to the recent COVID-19 pandemic and from relevant aspects of crisis management theory, expectancy violations theory, and signaling theory, this paper presents a conceptual framework of corporate reputation change during and after a societal crisis that describes how the direction and speed of a firm’s visible CSR engagement during a societal crisis can change its corporate reputation. Specifically, this paper suggests that firms who exceed stakeholder expectations with lower pre-crisis levels of visible CSR engagement have greater opportunities for increasing their short-term corporate reputations while firms with higher pre-crisis levels of visible CSR engagement are at greater risk for experiencing a decline in their short-term corporate reputations. These changes in short-term corporate reputations are expected to diminish over time, though this depends upon whether firms return to their pre-crisis levels of visible CSR engagement. Finally, building on the case examples and conceptual framework presented, this manuscript concludes with practical guidelines for managers of firms preparing to navigate future societal crises and provides an alternative pathway for both qualitative and quantitative inquiry that has the potential to illuminate important insights for both organizational studies and firms.
Simplified Earned Value Analysis Method for Highway Construction Projects
Authors: Son Junghye , Khwaja Nabeel , Milligan Duane S. , Honey Brenan D.
Published: April 2023

Earned value (EV) methodology has been widely studied and implemented in academia and industry. Nonetheless, state departments of transportation (DOTs) are lagging in their acceptance and utilization of EV techniques to measure progress and assess performance for highway construction projects. Difficulty securing cost progress data and other information, such as a cost and resource-loaded schedule, necessary to generate EV metrics, is one of several reasons. This paper suggests DOTs adopt the simplified earned value analysis (SEVA) method, which uses project contract information and project progress payment data to calculate EV metrics. The SEVA method is proposed as an intermediate approach for DOTs to apply the EV concept without the burden of additional data collection. The study also addressed front-loading and auxiliary item costs and their impact on measuring project progress. By removing the costs of front-loading and auxiliary items, for example, mobilization and preparing right-of-way, from metrics calculations, the SEVA method provided a more accurate picture of project progress and performance. The SEVA method is also expected to help DOTs move toward wider earned value management implementation in highway construction. This study contributes to the academic body of knowledge by exploring little-studied challenges to EV application and their practical solutions in highway construction, and by introducing potential future research avenues in EV implementation in highway construction.
Statistical Analysis of Delay-Causing Factors in Indian Highway Construction Projects under Hybrid Annuity Model
Authors: Sharma Kamal , Trivedi Manoj Kumar
Published: April 2023

National highways are major transportation projects that greatly contribute to the economic and overall development of India. For speedy construction of national highways, in 2016, the Indian government rejuvenated the public–private partnership (PPP) model and approved the hybrid annuity model (HAM). In the HAM, government and contractor share 40% and 60% of total project cost, respectively, which reduces the financial burden on both. But in the present scenario, more than 200 HAM highway projects are facing delay for various reasons. To investigate the causes of delay in HAM highway projects, this paper provides a questionnaire-based, detailed statistical study of 35 identified delay-causing factors. The severity of each delay factor is elicited from 384 HAM highway construction experts including 123 government/client, 159 concessionaire/contractor and 102 consultant employees. Besides, 14 delay factors are identified using principal component analysis (PCA). Based on PCA and various other statistical analysis methods, such as ranking of delay-causing factors, correlation analysis, and hypothesis testing, results of the study indicate that delay because of land acquisition; delay in issuing various approvals/clearances; change in government laws and regulations; and inefficient planning, scheduling and controlling of projects are four major delay-causing factors of HAM highway construction projects. Moreover, this paper also provides some important suggestions to prevent delay in HAM highway construction projects.
Using Crude Vegetable-Based Oils and Antioxidants to Improve the Performance of Asphalt Binders
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad , Khedmati Mahdieh , Haghshenas Fatmehsari Hamzeh
Published: April 2023

Vegetable-based oils have been the center of attention in research on reclaimed asphalt pavement in recent years, since they are sustainable sources of recycling agents (RAs). However, there could be concern about the long-term performance and the resistance to moisture damage of asphalt binders modified by these oils. Crude corn oil (CO) and crude soybean oil (SO) have been studied as RAs for aged asphalt binder to improve their physical and rheological performances. It is hypothesized that the efficacy of vegetable-based RAs can be improved by the simultaneous addition of these RAs and an antioxidant to the binder. This study evaluates the synergy between vegetable-based RAs (i.e., CO and SO) and two antioxidants (zinc diethyldithiocarbamate [ZnDEC] and dilauryl thiodipropionate [DLTDP]) using physical and rheological characterization at high, ambient, and sub-zero temperatures. The results show that CO and SO improved the high-temperature rutting and mid-temperature cracking index of asphalt binders while worsening their low-temperature cracking index. The efficacy of CO and SO was improved by the simultaneous addition of ZnDEC. However, the asphalt binders modified by CO or SO with ZnDEC had lower resistance to moisture damage. The results also show that the simultaneous addition of DLTDP and CO or SO did not improve the efficacy of CO and SO and even resulted in inferior asphalt binders.
The “Control Space” of the State: A Key Element to Address the Nature of Money
Authors: Garzón Espinosa Eduardo , Cruz Hidalgo Esteban , Medialdea García Bibiana , Sánchez Mato Carlos
Published: April 2023

The academy has traditionally tended to classify the study about money into two approaches that are often considered incompatible: commodity money and debt money. The first one presents money as a commodity that, thanks to its particular characteristics, allows transactions to be carried out in a much more efficient way than the simple barter. The second one considers that money is a type of debt used in a certain institutional context to facilitate transactions, normally issued by one State to distribute the resources produced in the territory over which it exercises its power. In this work, it is argued that these two approaches are not necessarily incompatible and that an analytical tool can be used to detect a common framework and thus better address the nature of money: the “control space” of the State.

JEL Classification: E40, E42, E52
g-C3N4 based Chitosan Schiff base bio Nanocomposite for water purification
Authors: Anush SM , JR Sinchana , Gayathri BH , Girish YR , Naveen YP , Harshitha MH , Udayabhanu  , Sagar Rohan N , KP Ajeya , Prashantha K
Published: April 2023

A novel adsorbent material for the removal of Copper and chromium metal ions from aqueous solution was prepared by modifying chitosan. Cross linked chitosan material was prepared using vanillin as a crosslinking agent and further it was incorporated with graphitic-C3N4 to obtain the polymeric matrix. The composite material thus obtained was characterized using various characterization techniques such as FTIR, TGA, SEM and XRD. A peak at 1658 cm−1 indicates the formation of Schiff base and the peaks at 2θ = 9°, 15°, 21° and 24° indicates the incorporation of g-C3N4 and the increased crytallinity of the composite material. Adsorption studies were done in order to obtain the maximum capacity of the adsorbent for the Copper and Chromium ions which were found to be 166.66 and 250 mgg−1 respectively. The adsorption isotherm best fitted a Langmuir model and the adsorptive process was found to have pseudo second-order kinetics showing the chemical sorption type. Thermodynamic studies indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic in nature.
Analysing the Antecedents of Entrepreneurial Bootstrapping and Bricolage: A Modified Total Interpretive Structural Modelling and MICMAC Approach
Authors: Singh Mansi , Dhir Sanjay , Mishra Harsh
Published: April 2023

This article seeks to systematically identify and model antecedents of entrepreneurial bootstrapping and bricolage to determine and interpret the relationships and hierarchy between them. Entrepreneurial bootstrapping and bricolage are key dynamic capabilities that help entrepreneurs access, accumulate and enhance resources to adapt to scarce business environments. The article employs a modified total interpretive structural modelling analysis to determine hierarchical inter-relationships between the antecedents and a Matrice d’ Impacts Croises Multiplication Applique An Classment analysis to understand their driving and dependence powers. The results highlight that founder characteristics and human capital are placed at the lower levels, making them critical driving elements of the model along with environmental hostility and resource constraints. Entrepreneurial orientation, slack, external financial capital and entrepreneurial frugality are dependent variables, with social capital as a linkage variable. This study will guide entrepreneurs trying to implement resourcefulness behaviours to respond to the coronavirus disease-2019 crisis by prioritising driving antecedents to impact the dependent factors further.
Spiritual Leadership and Organizational Commitment: A 21-year Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Lahmar Hakim , Chaouki Farid , Rodhain Florence
Published: April 2023

In this article, we will attempt to answer the following question: What is the state of 21 years of scientific production regarding spiritual leadership (SL) in its relationship with organizational commitment (OC)? To accomplish this objective, we used a rigorous bibliometric approach employing two scientific databases: Scopus and Web of Science. Eighty-two articles were identified for the period between 2000 and 2021, but only 52 articles have been appropriate for the analysis. Two software were used for the data analysis: IRAMUTEQ and VOSviewer. This systematic literature review was performed to shed more light on our current understanding and to identify patterns and gaps in previous studies of SL as it relates to OC.

The results assert that the literature on the relationship between SL and OC has an important role for individuals and organizations. Theoretically, it highlights grey areas that need to be exploited to enrich the scientific literature, including constructs that will moderate or mediate the relationship between SL and OC. Practically, the research perspectives indicate the significant role that the SL can play in paying attention to the spiritual needs of employees and its positive effects on the organization. The findings have implications for both the employees and the organization.
Short-Term Outcomes of Singleton Newborns Born to Very Advanced Age Mothers—A Case Control Study in a Single Maternity and Neonatal Center in Israel
Authors: Schushan-Eisen Irit , Maayan-Metzger Ayala , Strauss Tzipora , Elisha Naama , Gavri-Beker Ayelet , Leibovitch Leah
Published: April 2023

Background:

Increasing rates of very advanced maternal age (VAMA, 45 years of age and older) are reported worldwide. Data are available on maternal pregnancy-related morbidity, but they are lacking on the infants’ overall post-partum well-being, including congenital malformations, neonatal complications, and breastfeeding status.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective review during the period of 7 years (January 2013 to December 2019). Clinical data recorded in the medical files of 626 VAMA mothers and their singleton newborns in comparison to matched controls comprised advanced maternal age (AMA) mothers and mothers between 20 and 35 years of age. Univariate and multivariate analysis of the data was performed.

Results:

The infants were significantly less exclusively breastfed during hospitalization (17.4% vs 33.9% and 32.1%, respectively, P <.001). The rate of early transient hypoglycemia was also significantly higher among the newborns of VAMA mothers compared to the AMA and younger-aged mothers (14.7% vs 11.8% and 7%, respectively, P <.001), as was special care unit hospitalization (18.7% vs 15.5% and 13.3%, respectively, P =.03). There was no difference in any other analyzed parameters.

Conclusions:

Newborns of VAMA mothers are less likely to be exclusively breastfed during hospitalization. They do not exhibit significantly increased major neonatal morbidities, but are more likely to sustain hypoglycemia and neonatal caregivers should be alert to the possibility of newborn early transient hypoglycemia. In an era of growing evidence of the beneficial impact of breast milk on development and immunization, VAMA mothers should be guided and encouraged to breastfed their newborns.
4D printing of hard magnetic soft materials based on NdFeB particles
Authors: Xu Zhiqiang , Wang Xiaodong , Chen Feng , Chen Kewen
Published: April 2023

Magnetic soft materials (MSM) show excellent potential in soft robotics, biomedicine, and sensors because of their excellent magnetic response, reversible deformation, and controlled motion. A hard magnetic soft material (HASM) that can be obtained by adding hard magnetic particles to a soft material matrix. By programing the spatial magnetization profile of the HASM object and manipulating the driving magnetic field, it exhibits excellent shape manipulation performance with unconstrained, reversible deformation transformation and controlled motion. In this study, a HASM ink consisting of hard magnetic NdFeB particles with a soft silicone rubber matrix was prepared. A 4D printing strategy using 3D injection printing technology combined with origami magnetization technology is used to fabricate 3D structured HASM objects for flexible shape programmability. A variety of programed shapes of HASM straight beams with bionic fish tails were fabricated by 4D printing strategy. The HASM straight beam is driven by the magnetic field, which can quickly realize the transformation and change of the preset shape as well as the shape of the HASM beam. The HASM bionic fish tail can swing rapidly under the action of the driving magnetic field. It shows a broad potential in the field of soft and bionic robots.
Clinical Outcome of Deep Vein Thrombosis Is Related to Thrombophilic Risk Factors
Authors: Simon Miriam Anna , Klaeffling Christina , Ward Josephine , Rauchfuss Steffen , Miesbach Wolfgang
Published: April 2023

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and the associated possible complication of pulmonary artery embolism (LAE) represent a recognized reason for significant perioperative morbidity and mortality. There is a risk of pulmonary artery embolism through embolization. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of various risk factors on the clinical outcome of the therapy, particularly regarding whether maintenance therapy offers a benefit in terms of the frequency of bleeding and thrombotic events. 80 patients were included, some of them retrospectively from July 2018. The observational period was set to 12 months after the DVT event. In the present sample with n = 80, with 57.5% men and 42.5% women (after 12 months of observation: n = 78), a success rate of the therapies administered of 89.7% was recorded. Only 8.9% showed partial recanalization. 3.8% of the patients had a relapse (also beyond the localization of the leg and pelvic veins) and 8.8% had a residual thrombus during the first 12 months of observation. In this study, BARC (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium) and HAS-BLED (Hypertension, Abnormal renal and liver function, Stroke, Bleeding, Labile INR, Elderly, Drugs or alcohol) scores for identifying the risk of bleeding and Wells scores for assessing the risk of having a thrombosis were used. The Villalta score tested in this study showed significant correlations with residual thrombus ( P < .001), recurrence within 12 months ( P < .001), and the risk of bleeding ( P < .001) and is capable to provide an assessment of the variables mentioned not only at the possible end of therapy but also at the start of anticoagulant therapy.
Investigation of the effects of frequency veering phenomenon in a pre-twisted and double-tapered rotating Timoshenko beam
Authors: D Sachin , Reddy Degalhal Mallikarjuna
Published: April 2023

The natural frequency curve veering phenomena have been significant and used in several structural dynamic problems. By formulating a pre-twisted and double-tapered rotating Timoshenko beam as a structural problem, variations in mode interactions among coupled axial, chordwise, and flapwise motions were presented. Rotordynamic effects such as gyroscopic couple, centrifugal stiffening, and spin softening effects were taken into account while establishing the equations of motion. Hamilton’s principle was used in deriving the equations of motion and is discretized based on Galerkin finite element method. Using dimensionless parameters, the model was verified with the existing literature for rotation, pre-twist, and double-taper configurations. A comparison of the frequency veering regions among the Euler–Bernoulli beam and Timoshenko beam theories is presented. Two-dimensional mode shape plots were used to show the coupled motions between axial displacement, chordwise bending, and flapwise bending. The effects of pre-twist and double-taper in the non-rotating Timoshenko beam on the modal properties of the rotating beam were examined. Natural frequency maps were drawn to locate the frequency veering curves. Mode interactions around different veering regions were shown with variations in mode shapes. An investigation on 60° pre-twisted and 0.5 ratio double-tapered rotating Timoshenko beam is presented.
Using YouTube Playlists for Qualitative Research: A Classroom Activity for Content Analyzing Video Ads
Authors: Hettche Matt , Clayton Michael J. , Leichtentritt Sophia
Published: April 2023

Research skills are essential for lifetime learning. Content analysis is an excellent research method to introduce and practice at the undergraduate level. Utilized by academic and industry researchers alike, content analysis involves higher order critical thinking skills for organizing and interpreting complexity. This article outlines a seven-step process for content analyzing video ads on YouTube with the aim of introducing proper research methodology to undergraduate advertising students. Building upon students’ prior procedural knowledge of the YouTube platform, core notions of “validity,” “reliability,” and “coding consistency” are explained and illustrated as part of a formal qualitative method for assessing audiovisual content. A teaching example, sample prompts for a classroom activity and reference studies for further research are provided.
The Relative Importance of Hospital Discharge and Patient Composition in Changing Post-Acute Care Utilization and Outcomes Among Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Cao Ying (Jessica) , Wang Yang , Mullahy John , Burns Marguerite , Liu Yao , Smith Maureen
Published: April 2023

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic changed care delivery. But the mechanisms of changes were less understood.

Objectives:

Examine the extent to which the volume and pattern of hospital discharge and patient composition contributed to the changes in post-acute care (PAC) utilization and outcomes during the pandemic.

Research design:

Retrospective cohort study. Medicare claims data on hospital discharges in a large healthcare system from March 2018 to December 2020.

Subjects:

Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries, 65 years or older, hospitalized for non-COVID diagnoses.

Measures:

Hospital discharges to Home Health Agencies (HHA), Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF), and Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRF) versus home. Thirty- and ninety-day mortality and readmission rates. Outcomes were compared before and during the pandemic with and without adjustment for patient characteristics and/or interactions with the pandemic onset.

Results:

During the pandemic, hospital discharges declined by 27%. Patients were more likely to be discharged to HHA (+4.6%, 95% CI [3.2%, 6.0%]) and less likely to be discharged to either SNF (−3.9%, CI [−5.2%, −2.7%]) or to home (−2.8% CI [−4.4%, −1.3%]). Thirty- and ninety-day mortality rates were significantly higher by 2% to 3% points post-pandemic. Readmission were not significantly different. Up to 15% of the changes in discharge patterns and 5% in mortality rates were attributable to patient characteristics.

Conclusions:

Shift in discharge locations were the main driver of changes in PAC utilization during the pandemic. Changes in patient characteristics explained only a small portion of changes in discharge patterns and were mainly channeled through general impacts rather than differentiated responses to the pandemic.
Structural MRI in Migraine: A Review of Migraine Vascular and Structural Changes in Brain Parenchyma
Authors: Xu Wilson J , Barisano Giuseppe , Phung Daniel , Chou Brendon , Pinto Soniya N. , Lerner Alexander , Sheikh-Bahaei Nasim
Published: April 2023

Migraine is a complex and common disorder that affects patients around the world. Despite recent advances in this field, the exact pathophysiology of migraine is still not completely understood. Structural MRI sequences have revealed a variety of changes to brain parenchyma associated with migraine, including white matter lesions, volume changes, and iron deposition. This Review highlights different structural imaging findings in various types of migraine and their relationship to migraine characteristics and subtypes in order to improve our understanding of migraine, its pathophysiologic mechanisms, and how to better diagnose and treat it.
Parties, preferences and influence in legislative decision-making
Authors: Clark Jennifer
Published: April 2023

Political scientists have a long-standing interest in the acquisition and exercise of power in democratic institutions. Although considerable attention has been devoted to understanding the role of political parties in legislative decision-making, empirical studies relying upon observational data, such as roll call voting, have faced difficulty in disentangling the effects of party and preferences on legislative behavior. This research uses new measures on individual roll rates of state legislators in the nonpartisan Nebraska legislature and a sample of partisan state legislatures to provide unambiguous evidence of causal effects of party influence in legislative decision-making. The results demonstrate that preferences provide the most consistent prediction of individuals’ roll rates.
Indoor non-uniform environmental characteristics of local convection heating and its background radiation field correction
Authors: Dong Binyan , Wang Dengjia , Song Cong , Su Ling
Published: April 2023

Insufficient partial heating based on the actual thermal demand of people or spaces becomes a revolutionary approach to reducing energy consumption. However, current research on local heating is case-specific and lacks standardized and unified guidelines for describing the formation of non-uniform indoor environments. In this paper, the local temperature imbalance rate and Part-Air Diffusion Performance Index (P-ADPI) parameters are proposed for multidimensional evaluation of indoor non-uniform environment characteristics. On the basis of the characteristic parameters, a unified indoor environment characterization partition was performed in the study. The results indicate that an increase in air supply temperature and air supply velocity could enlarge the characteristic core area and transition area. The intervention of background radiation conditions could intensify the inhomogeneity of the indoor environment, but it would have a minimal impact on the classification of the environment. The background radiation condition was incorporated into the characteristic boundary function model as a correction factor, and the correction factors for determining the background radiation temperature, position and the area fall within the ranges of 0.97–1.44, 0.82–1.01 and 0.98–1.10. This study has provided the groundwork for future studies on the local convection heating and the creation of a non-uniform indoor environment.
Renal Benefits of CO2 as a Contrast Media for EVAR Procedures: New Perspectives on 1 Year Outcomes
Authors: Busutti Marco , Sensoni Alice , Vacirca Andrea , Abenavoli Chiara , Donadei Chiara , Croci Chiocchini Anna Laura , Righini Matteo , Comai Giorgia , Pini Alessia , Faggioli Gianluca , Gallitto Enrico , La Manna Gaetano , Gargiulo Mauro
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives:

Endovascular aneurism repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Iodine contrast medium (ICM) is considered the gold standard, at the high price of related nephrotoxicity and allergic reactions. Carbon dioxide (CO2) has been suggested as an alternative non-nephrotoxic contrast media agent. We aimed to evaluate the safety and the renal impact of the administration of CO2, compared with ICM in EVAR procedures.

Design, Setting, Participants, and Measurements:

We retrospectively reviewed data of patients who underwent EVAR at the Vascular Surgery Department of the Sant’Orsola Hospital in Bologna. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was evaluated before intervention, immediately after and at 12 months.

Results:

In total, 22 patients received CO2 and low-dose ICM (CO2 Group) and 22 received standard ICM (Control Group), matched for clinical characteristics and renal function at the time of procedure. Pre and post-operative renal function values (eGFR) were compared between the two groups: in the immediate post-operative the group treated with CO2 and low-dose ICM globally showed a slight improvement in renal function (mean eGFR +5.10%±3.2), meanwhile the group treated with standard dose of ICM presented a significant worsening of renal function compared with pre-procedure values (mean eGFR −9.65%±4). Incidence of post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI) was 9% in the CO2 group vs 27% in the Control group. At 12 months, the renal impairment was significantly greater in the ICM group than in the CO2 group (mean eGFR decrease −19.2%±11.1 and −7.40%±3.5, respectively).

Conclusions:

Administration of either CO2 alone or along with low-dose ICM showed to be safer than full-dose ICM alone, lowering the incidence of PC-AKI in patients undergoing EVAR. Unexpectedly, our study revealed also a significant worsening of renal function in patients treated with standard dose of ICM in 1-year follow-up, introducing the concept that acute renal damage caused by ICM could elicit a chronic injury process that affect long-term renal outcomes.

Clinical Impact

Evaluating the safety and the renal impact of the administration of CO2, compared to Iodinate Contrast Medium, in EVAR procedures represents a first step in order to further tayloring medical procedures on patients characteristics. Our findings can guide the clinicians and surgeons in the procedures choice, not considering only the immediate effect of ICM on renal function but also the potential long-term effects.
Economics, COVID, Election Forecasting: Did Trump Escape Blame?
Authors: Tien Charles , Lewis-Beck Michael S.
Published: April 2023

Given Trump’s provocative personal profile, coupled with boasts of his political prowess, one might expect that the electorate would not allocate praise or blame at the ballot box in the usual reward and punishment way. They might blame him more than other candidates or, indeed, they might blame him less. Utilizing election forecasting as a benchmark, in particular the structural model of political economy, we assess whether voters blamed him less for his faltering performance with respect to leading policy issues, particularly the economy and COVID-19. Our findings suggest that, contrary to claims from supporters, voters punished him at least as much as they punished past presidents, when confronted with similar issue contexts. The Trump image of a leader with superior powers has the character of fiction, rather than fact.
Criminal records and employment restrictions in Argentina: Between post-sentence discrimination and resistance strategies
Authors: Gastón Leandro , Carnevale Carlos
Published: April 2023

The current growth of criminal background screening for non-criminal justice purposes observed in the Global North is also found in Latin America. The aim of this article is twofold. First, it contextualises, analyses and discusses recent changes in criminal record policies in Latin American jurisdictions. Second, the article focuses on Argentina – a jurisdiction that has not passed any significant reforms to mitigate the disclosure and the effects of criminal records for employment purposes. Specifically, attention is devoted to worker co-operatives created and owned by people with a criminal record – a strategy specifically designed to overcome post-sentence discrimination in the employment setting. Through the analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with members of Argentine worker co-operatives, we explore the reasons behind the establishment of these organisations as well as their advantages in terms of reintegration and desistance from crime. The article concludes by examining the extent to which this ‘resistance strategy’ against stigma and discrimination in the labour market can be replicated in other countries of the region.