bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Assessment of Compounded Lurasidone Suspensions for Enteral Feeding Tubes
Authors: Wojcinski Jayson , Nathan Kobi , Zhao Fang
Published: November 2022

Purpose: Extemporaneously compounded drug suspensions are often necessary for patients who are intubated or receiving nutrition through enteral feeding tubes. Lurasidone is a relatively new antipsychotic medication available only as oral tablets (Latuda®), and there is no data to support its use in this patient population as a compounded liquid formulation. This study was designed to assess the feasibility of preparing lurasidone suspensions from tablets and their compatibility with enteral feeding tubes. Methods: Representative nasogastric tubes were selected for this study, including polyurethane, polyvinylchloride, and silicone tubes with a range of 8 to 12 Fr (2.7-4.0 mm) in diameter and 35 to 55″ in length. Two strengths of lurasidone suspensions, 1 and 8 mg/mL, were prepared by the standard mortar-pestle method. Latuda® tablet 120 mg was used as the drug source, and a 1:1 mixture of Ora-Plus®:water was used as the suspension vehicle. The drug suspensions were delivered through the tubes mounted on a peg board to simulate patient position in a hospital bed. The ease of administration through the tubes was evaluated visually. The drug concentration before and after the tube delivery was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In addition, a 14-day stability study of the compounded suspensions was performed at room temperature to support the beyond-use dating. Results: Freshly prepared lurasidone suspensions, 1 and 8 mg/mL, met the potency and uniformity requirements. Both strengths of suspensions exhibited satisfactory flowability through all the tube types studied with no signs of clogging. The HPLC results confirmed that greater than 97% of drug concentration was retained after tube delivery. During the 14-day stability study, the suspensions retained greater than 93% of their original concentration. There was no significant change in pH or visual appearance. Conclusions: The study demonstrated a practical procedure to prepare 1 and 8 mg/mL lurasidone suspensions that are compatible with commonly used enteral feeding tube materials and dimensions. A beyond-use date of 14-day was established for the suspensions stored at room temperature.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Weight Generates Different Spine Loads in Load-Handling Activity Performed Using Stoop, Semi-squat and Full-Squat Techniques; a Full-Body Musculoskeletal Model Study
Authors: Dehghan Parisa , Arjmand Navid
Published: November 2022

Objective

Adequacy of the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation (RNLE) in maintaining lumbosacral (L5-S1) loads below their recommended action limits in stoop, full-squat, and semi-squat load-handling activities was investigated using a full-body musculoskeletal model.

Background

The NIOSH committee did not consider the lifting technique adapted by workers when estimating the recommended weight limit (RWL). It is currently unknown whether the lifting technique adapted by workers would affect the competence of the RNLE in keeping spine loads below their recommended limits.

Method

A full-body subject-specific musculoskeletal model (Anybody Modeling System, AMS) driven by a 10-camera Vicon motion capture system (Vicon Motion Systems Inc., Oxford, UK) was used to simulate different static stoop, semi-squat, and full-squat load-handling activities of ten normal-weight volunteers (mean of ∼70 kg corresponding to the 15th percentile of adult American males) with the task-specific NIOSH RWL held in hands.

Results

Two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant effect of lifting technique on both the L5-S1 compression ( p = 0.003) and shear ( p = 0.004) loads with semi-squat technique resulting in significantly larger loads than both stoop and full-squat techniques ( p < 0.05). While mean of L5-S1 loads remained smaller than their recommended limits, it is much expected that they pass these limits for heavier individuals, that is, for the 50th percentile of adult American males.

Conclusion

Spinal loads are expected to pass their recommended limits for heavier individuals especially during semi-squat lifting as the most frequently adapted technique by workers.

Application

Caution is required for the assessment of semi-squat lifting activities by the RNLE.
Me? A Hero? Gendered Work and Attributions of Heroism among Volunteers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Leap Braden , Kelly Kimberly , Stalp Marybeth C
Published: November 2022

The gendered features of adults’ attributions of heroism to themselves and others has received substantially less scholarly attention than the gendered dynamics of media representations of (super)heroes. Utilizing 78 interviews and 569 self-administered questionnaires completed by adults in the United States who were voluntarily making personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, we show how respondents effectively deployed popularized assessments of the relative value of gendered labour in the private and public spheres to shift attributions of heroism from themselves to others. Though media portrayals at the outset of the pandemic depicted these volunteers working in their homes as heroes, respondents insisted that the real heroes were those working in the public sphere. Even if media representations increasingly frame women as heroes, these results suggest that the long-standing associations between men and heroism will likely remain in place if feminized labour associated with the private sphere of households remains devalued.
Functional relationship among pressure, displacement and angle for the waist of elastic pantyhose using finite element simulation
Authors: Dan Rui , Liu Zhiqin , Shi Zhen
Published: November 2022

The inward displacement perpendicular to the human body produced by external pressure is a key point to evaluate the pressure comfort and optimize the design of compression garment. However, it is hard to obtain the accurate displacement value using the existing instrument and equipment. In order to find a simple and feasible method to obtain displacement data after the human body wearing compression clothing, the waist cross-section model of human body was obtained by computerized tomography scanning and Mimics modeling, and then the displacement distribution was simulated after wearing four sample elastic pantyhose (A1, A2, B1, B2) using finite element method in this article. Finally, the functional relationship between pressure/displacement ratio and angle was obtained through quadratic curve fitting. Research indicated that the four fitting curves showed almost the same tendency, and we can approximate that the functional relationship between pressure/displacement ratio and angle remains almost unchanged no matter what kind of elastic pantyhose the human body wearing, and no matter what state the human body was in (static or dynamic). As a result, when the human body was under clothing pressure, the corresponding displacement value on the body can be calculated on the premise of the known pressure value at any point of the waist cross section using the quadratic equation. The conclusion provides an important reference for evaluating clothing pressure comfort and optimizing clothing structure. This method is also applicable to other types of compression garment.
Effect of structural parameters on tensile properties of alumina fabrics
Authors: Xie Zhiyun , Li Jiugang , Liu Yang , Liu Keshuai , Li Wenbin
Published: November 2022

Alumina fabrics is a high temperature resistant textile material, and its mechanical tensile were studied in this work. The effect of fabric weaves, yarn linear densities and weft counts on the tensile breaking strength of alumina fabrics was analyzed. The results show that the tensile strength of fabric increases in the order of plain, twill, rearranged twill and satin weave. The number of interweaving points of the warp and weft yarns are the main reason for this difference. In addition, with the weft count as the invariant, when the weft count is small, the fabric strength gradually increases as the linear density of the yarn increases from 440 to 660 tex and then to 880 tex, but the growth rate gradually decreases. When the weft count increases to 7 number/1 cm, the fabric strength first increases and then decreases as the yarn linear density increased from 440 to 660 tex and then to 880 tex. When the yarn linear density is invariant, the fabric strength gradually decreases as the weft count increases from 5 to 6 to 7 number/1 cm, and the decrease rate increases gradually with the increase of the yarn linear density. The above results expose the relation between strength efficiency of warp yarn and the mechanical properties of the fabric. This study provides a theoretical basis for the weaving process of alumina fabrics.
Thermal degradation and thermal kinetic of SEBS block copolymer compatibilized PS/HDPE blends
Authors: Ujcic Massimo , Levak Maja , Vranjes Penava Nina , Govorcin Bajsic Emi , Kosar Vanja
Published: November 2022

The effect of styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) on the thermal degradation of polystyrene (PS)/high density polyethylene (HDPE) blends have been investigated. Polystyrene and (HDPE) are widely used thermoplastics, which have extensive application in everyday life. The main disadvantage of PS/PE systems is their poor miscibility which can be improved by adding compatibilizer. The blends were prepared by melt mixing in a twin screw extruder Haake Record 90. The behavior of the thermal degradation of PS/HDPE and PS/HDPE/SEBS blends has been investigated in inert nitrogen atmosphere by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to obtain the degradation temperature and activation energy ( E a). The Ea for the PS/HDPE blends as well as for the PS/HDPE/SEBS blends was determined by the isoconversional Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) method. The results indicated that the HDPE enhance thermal properties of the blends. The addition of SEBS in PS/HDPE blends increased the E a in all blends.
The Parliament and Cooperative Oversight of the Indonesian Armed Forces: Why Civil–Military Relations in Indonesia is Stable but Still in Transition
Authors: Ng Jefferson , Kurniawan Yudha
Published: November 2022

Parliamentary oversight is a cornerstone of democratic control of the armed forces, but its influence on civil–military relations (CMR) remains underexplored. We argue that parliaments in transitioning democracies face unique structural challenges in developing robust oversight of the military compared to advanced democracies. We developed a typology of three distinctive types of parliamentary oversight and proposed that cooperative oversight potentially offers a solution to structural challenges faced by parliaments in transitioning democracies. In our case study of Indonesia, cooperative oversight promoted harmonious working relations between the Parliament and the military/executive, stabilizing CMR. However, cooperative oversight also stalled civil–military reforms, eroded democratic management of the defense sector, and reinforced an unhealthy dependence on the military to self-regulate and the President’s appointment power of the armed forces’ commander. Over the longer term, we believe that the Indonesian Parliament needs to incorporate a mix of oversight strategies and raise its institutional capacity to strengthen oversight of the defence sector.
Dependency resolutions of null and overt subjects in English speakers’ L2 Chinese: Evidence for the cue-based model
Authors: Xu Lilong , Yuan Boping
Published: November 2022

This study investigates whether there are different first-language–second-language (L1–L2) dependency resolutions by focusing on less-studied crosslinguistic variances in L2 acquisition of Chinese, a null-subject language, by speakers of English, a non-null-subject language. The overt subject pronoun of a Chinese main clause has free orientation and its antecedent can be the subject or object of the preceding causal subordinate clause, depending on pragmatic biases. The null subject of a Chinese main clause, however, is subject-oriented, and this subject orientation is not affected by any pragmatic bias. English does not allow null subjects and, like Chinese, overt subject pronouns in English have free orientation. An acceptability judgement task and an interpretation task were adopted, and the results suggest that only the free orientation of overt subjects, but not the subject orientation of null subjects, is acquirable for English-speaking learners; they are found to be influenced by the pragmatic bias. This provides evidence for the cue-based model (Cunnings, 2017), which states that L1–L2 differences in dependency resolution can be explained in terms of L1–L2 differences in susceptibility to interference and L2ers’ over-reliance on discourse-based/pragmatic cues. It is also observed that in L1 Chinese, competition between the target antecedent and distractors occurs during the reading of the sentence, while in L2 Chinese, this occurs after the reading of the sentence. These findings add to our growing understanding of different mechanisms in L1 vs. L2 dependency resolutions.
Effectiveness and safety of the direct oral anticoagulant in acute distal deep vein thrombosis: From the prospective multicenter observational study, J’xactly, in Japan
Authors: Mo Makoto , Fukuda Ikuo , Nakamura Mashio , Yamada Norikazu , Takayama Morimasa , Maeda Hideaki , Yamashita Takeshi , Ikeda Takanori , Yamazaki Tsutomu , Okumura Yasuo , Hirayama Atsushi ,   on behalf of the J’xactly Investigators
Published: November 2022

Objectives

We assessed the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban in patients with isolated distal deep vein thrombosis (IDDVT).

Methods

Symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) and major bleeding were assessed.

Results

Of 1016 patients with acute symptomatic/asymptomatic DVT and/or pulmonary embolism treated with rivaroxaban, 288 had IDDVT and 294 had proximal DVT (pDVT). The IDDVT group had fewer patients on the higher rivaroxaban dose (30 mg/day) (42.7% vs. 66.0%) and a shorter treatment duration (135.5 vs 369.5 days) than the pDVT group. VTE recurrence occurred in 14 and 11 patients with IDDVT and pDVT, respectively (2.89% vs. 2.29% per patient-year; p = 0.534). Major bleeding was less frequent in the IDDVT group (1.55% vs. 4.53% per patient-year; p = 0.044). Comparable effectiveness and safety were observed with 15 and 30 mg/day rivaroxaban in the IDDVT group.

Conclusions

Short-term, low-dose rivaroxaban seems safe and effective for IDDVT treatment.
LGBT+ partner bereavement and appraisal of the Acceptance-Disclosure Model of LGBT+ bereavement: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Bristowe Katherine , Timmins Liadh , Braybrook Debbie , Marshall Steve , Pitman Alexandra , Johnson Katherine , Day Elizabeth , Clift Paul , Rose Ruth , Yi Deokhee , Yu Peihan , Gao Wei , Roach Anna , Almack Kathryn , King Michael , Harding Richard
Published: November 2022

Background:

Support from social networks is vital after the death of a partner. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT+) people can face disenfranchisement and isolation in bereavement. The Acceptance-Disclosure Model (of LGBT+ bereavement) posits that experiences are shaped by the extent to which individuals feel able to disclose their bereavement to others, and whether that loss is acknowledged appropriately.

Aim:

To explore LGBT+ specific experiences of partner bereavement; determine decision-making processes regarding disclosure of relationships/identities; and appraise the Acceptance-Disclosure Model using primary qualitative data.

Design:

Exploratory in-depth qualitative interview study positioned within a social constructivist paradigm. Data were analysed using inductive and deductive reflexive thematic analysis.

Setting/participants:

21 LGBT+ people from across England bereaved of their civil partner/spouse.

Results:

Participants described LGBT+ specific stressors in bereavement: lack of recognition of their loss; inappropriate questioning; unwanted disclosure of gender history; and fears of discrimination when accessing support. Disclosure of LGBT+ identities varied across social networks. Some participants described hiding their identities and bereavement to preserve relationships, and challenging intersections between LGBT+ identities and other aspects of culture or self. These findings provide primary evidence to support the Acceptance-Disclosure Model.

Conclusions:

LGBT+ people face additional stressors in bereavement. Not all LGBT+ people want to talk directly about their relationships/identities. Sensitive exploration of support needs, aligned with preferences around disclosure of identities, can help foster trust. Five recommendations for inclusive practice are presented. Further research should consider whether the Acceptance-Disclosure Model has utility to explain bereavement experiences for other isolated or disenfranchised groups.
A qualitative service evaluation of patient and caregiver experiences of CAR-T therapy: Recommendations for service development and implications for palliative care teams
Authors: Stenson Charlotte L , Vidrine Jennifer , Dewhurst Felicity , Osborne Wendy , Menne Tobias , Stocker Rachel
Published: November 2022

Background:

Chimeric Antigen-Receptor-T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is a potentially life-saving treatment for refractory haematological malignancies. Internationally, CAR-T services are undergoing rapid development. Despite this, research on the lived experiences of patients receiving novel immunotherapies is limited. Little is known about their supportive care needs. Consequently, dedicated palliative and supportive care services may not be considered.

Aim:

To explore the patient and caregiver experience of CAR-T therapy and identify unmet needs to inform service development.

Design:

A qualitative longitudinal service evaluation. Sixteen interviews were conducted between December 2020 and March 2021 with patients ( n = 10) and family caregivers ( n = 4). Thematic analysis was underpinned by a constructivist approach.

Setting/participants:

All patients and caregivers attending one UK centre for CAR-T therapy were eligible. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at specific time points: prior to infusion, one month after infusion and follow-up post-treatment (5–18 months).

Results:

Identified themes described the unique challenges of CAR-T therapy. From the point of referral patients had a wide range of supportive care needs. Initially, this was attributed to prior receipt of multiple failed treatments. Subsequently, CAR-T side-effects impacted on quality-of-life and physical function. Significant psychological morbidity from prognostic uncertainty was described throughout. Patients and caregivers reported that a dedicated nurse specialist – an expert, consistent point of contact – was essential.

Conclusion:

Patients and caregivers would benefit from early and ongoing support from palliative care, allied-health professionals and psychology. As indications for CAR-T therapy expand, there is an urgent need for multi-centre studies incorporating patient-reported outcome data to ensure patient-centred service delivery.
Changes in music-evoked emotion and ventral striatal functional connectivity after psilocybin therapy for depression
Authors: Shukuroglou Melissa , Roseman Leor , Wall Matt , Nutt David , Kaelen Mendel , Carhart-Harris Robin
Published: November 2022

Background:

Music listening is a staple and valued component of psychedelic therapy, and previous work has shown that psychedelics can acutely enhance music-evoked emotion.

Aims:

The present study sought to examine subjective responses to music before and after psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression, while functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data was acquired.

Methods:

Nineteen patients with treatment-resistant depression received a low oral dose (10 mg) of psilocybin, and a high dose (25 mg) 1 week later. fMRI was performed 1 week prior to the first dosing session and 1 day after the second. Two scans were conducted on each day: one with music and one without. Visual analogue scale ratings of music-evoked ‘pleasure’ plus ratings of other evoked emotions (21-item Geneva Emotional Music Scale) were completed after each scan. Given its role in musical reward, the nucleus accumbens (NAc) was chosen as region of interest for functional connectivity (FC) analyses. Effects of drug (vs placebo) and music (vs no music) on subjective and FC outcomes were assessed. Anhedonia symptoms were assessed pre- and post-treatment (Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale).

Results:

Results revealed a significant increase in music-evoked emotion following treatment with psilocybin that correlated with post-treatment reductions in anhedonia. A post-treatment reduction in NAc FC with areas resembling the default mode network was observed during music listening (vs no music).

Conclusion:

These results are consistent with current thinking on the role of psychedelics in enhancing music-evoked pleasure and provide some new insight into correlative brain mechanisms.
French non-profit organizations after one year of Covid-19: Insights into organizational resilience
Authors: Plaisance Guillaume
Published: November 2022

The Covid-19 crisis has placed non-profit organizations in a new operational, human, financial, and economic situation. In France, “associations” (grassroots volunteer organizations, as specific NPOs) have experienced three lockdowns and numerous restrictive measures. The study of their resilience is therefore necessary, and contributes to the knowledge of the concept. A large-scale survey of 10,926 NPO leaders showed that French organizations are still suffering one year after the crisis began. Their recovery is still difficult and their dependence on their resource-providing stakeholders disadvantages them. A cubic analytical framework is also proposed to synthesize the research dedicated to non-profit resilience.
Kaizen blitz the muda out of the firm’s globalization strategy
Authors: Cawman Mark Wm
Published: November 2022

The global production and global supply chain environment of the 2020 decade and beyond requires strategic retooling by industries and firms, both for efficiency/viability and to minimize some of the negative impacts of globalization. This paper conceptualizes firms utilizing some LEAN manufacturing principles and extending these beyond the internal organizations to their global production and global supply chain environments. These considerations include value stream maps and spaghetti diagrams executed through Kaizen blitz events to remove muda (waste) with some expanded definitions and understanding. There are also arguments presented for increased discrimination in globalization strategies considering the value/volume dynamic.
Fire-extinguishing performance and gas-phase pollution characteristics of different foam agents in extinguishing transformer oil pool fire
Authors: Zhang Jiaqing , Shang Fengju , Zhou Wencheng , Xiao Fei , Cheng Dengfeng
Published: November 2022

In this study, aqueous film-forming foam, fluoroprotein foam, and synthetic foam were applied to extinguish the transformer oil pool fires. The fire-extinguishing performance and burn-back resistance were investigated using a laboratory fire-extinguishing system. Moreover, the emission products were analyzed to evaluate the gas-phase pollution characteristics. Results show that aqueous film-forming foam presents the highest fire-extinguishing efficiency, while fluoroprotein foam has the best burn-back performance. Flue gas and gas chromatography–mass spectrometer analyses demonstrate that the use of fluoroprotein foam results in much higher CO emissions than other foams, and the pollutants are mainly from various hydrocarbons produced by incomplete combustion of transformer oil. Synthetic foam and aqueous film-forming foam lead to higher SO2 and NO emissions, and pollutants are mainly dominated by alcohols and ethers. Noteworthily, when using aqueous film-forming foam to extinguish oil pool fire, a persistent organic pollutant, perfluorooctanoic acid, is detected in the gas phase.
Cytotoxic effects of crystalline silica in form of micro and nanoparticles on the human lung cell line A549
Authors: Rafieepour Athena , R Azari Mansour , Khodagholi Fariba
Published: November 2022

Airborne crystalline silica (SiO2) particles are one of the most common pollutants in stone industries. Limited studies have investigated the health effects of crystalline SiO2 nanoparticles. Hence, the objective of this study was to study the cytotoxicity of SiO2 in nano and micron sizes. A mineral quartz sample in the range of 0.2–0.8 mm sizes was purchased. These particles were ground at about 5 and 0.1 microns. Human cell line A549 was exposed to micro and nanometer particles at concentrations of 10, 50, 100, and 250 μg/ml for 24 and 72 h. Subsequently, the cytotoxicity of exposed cells was investigated by measuring cell survival, ROS generation, mitochondrial permeability, and intracellular glutathione content. The results showed that crystalline SiO2 nano and microparticles decreased cell survival, increased ROS generation, damaged the mitochondrial membrane, and lowered the antioxidant content of these cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The toxicity of crystalline SiO2 microparticles at concentrations ≤50 μg/mL was greater than for nanoparticles, which was the opposite at concentrations ≥100 μg/mL. Exposure time and concentration were crucial factors for the cytotoxicity of exposed A549 cells to crystalline SiO2 particles, which can affect the severity of the effect of particle size. Due to the limitation of exposure concentration and test durations in this study, further studies on the parameters of nanoparticle toxicity and underlying mechanisms could advance our knowledge.
Understanding Clinician's Experiences with Implementation of a Younger Onset Dementia Telehealth Service
Authors: Brown Aimee D. , Kelso Wendy , Velakoulis Dennis , Farrand Sarah , Stolwyk Renerus J
Published: November 2022

The successful implementation of telehealth services depends largely on clinician acceptance of telehealth as a viable healthcare option and their adoption of telehealth methods into their clinical practice. While growing research supports the feasibility of telehealth services, no research has evaluated clinicians’ experiences during the implementation of a younger onset dementia telehealth service. Semi-structured group interviews were conducted with 7 metropolitan (hub) clinicians and 16 rural (spoke) clinicians during the pre-and post-implementation phases of a novel Younger onset dementia (YOD) telehealth service. Reflexive thematic analysis identified five themes at pre-implementation: clinical need, previous experiences and views, potential telehealth barriers, solutions to potential telehealth barriers, and potential clinical outcomes. At post-implementation, nine themes were identified: clinical need, clinical relationships, concerns about the future of rural healthcare, clinical practice and resourcing factors, patient suitability, difficulties with technology, service quality, the way forward, and the impact of COVID-19. Most clinicians held positive views regarding the service, particularly the ability to provide more options to rural-dwelling patients. However, some concerns about threats to rural healthcare and the validity of telehealth assessments remained. Overall, this study has identified service implementation barriers and facilitators and contributes to the long-term sustainability of current and future telehealth YOD services.
Supersonic flow investigation of a drag reducing conical spike on a hemispherically blunted nose body
Authors: Sarwar MD Gulam , Kumar Priyank , Das Sudip
Published: November 2022

Experiments and computations were made at a Mach number of 2.0 on a hemispherical blunt nose body with a conical spike of L/D ratio = 1.0. Attempts were made to alter the axisymmetric cavity formation between the spike tip head and the blunt base body. Qualitative measurements and quantitative details indicate the changes which support the drag reduction beyond the conventional sharp spike. Additional drops in drag values were observed by the techniques used in the present investigation. A linear trend of drag reduction is obtained with conical spikes which lead to the drag of a pure conical body.
Strengthening legislation, weakening collective bargaining? Two faces of trade union strategies in Czechia and Slovakia
Authors: Kahancová Marta , Martišková Monika
Published: November 2022

The paper studies how unions used two types of resources, namely, access to national legislation/policy and to collective bargaining, to improve working conditions in healthcare and in agency work in Czechia and Slovakia. It examines how these two types of institutional resources interact, whether they are potentially in competition and how this affects union revitalization. Unions’ post-2008 strategies in the two sectors converged towards political action due to their preference for legislative regulation of issues previously bargained about or unregulated. The paper argues that extensive use of institutional safeguards contributes to improving working conditions; however, prioritizing political action may weaken other types of union strategies and undermine future access to collective bargaining. In other words, extensive utilization of one institutional resource (legislation) may gradually weaken other types of resources (collective bargaining) and thereby undermine the overall revitalization capacity of trade unions.
Stranded: Indian Travelling Ayahs Negotiating Waiting and Repatriation
Authors: Datta Arunima
Published: November 2022

The expansion of the British Empire facilitated movement across the globe for both colonisers and colonised. This article focuses on the experiences of travelling ayahs (servants and nannies) who travelled with colonial families both within and outside the British Empire. This study expands on the previous literature to focus on the experiences of ayahs in Britain and the rest of Europe under unusually difficult situations of waiting brought about by events at both global and individual levels: at the global level, the outbreak of the world wars and at the individual level, the actions of irresponsible employers who abandoned their ayahs in foreign countries. In so doing, the article contributes to a nuanced understanding of how the ayahs navigated waiting as gendered subjects, and simultaneously, how they actively attempted to craft their repatriation in the context of the highly gendered expectations attached to women of South Asian descent on the move.
Strategic Shift at Titan Watches: Will it work?
Authors: Kumar Rohit , Gupta Deeksha
Published: November 2022

This case study analyses the dilemma and strategic decision choices faced by Titan Watches (TW) regarding its growth aspirations and competitive challenges in the Indian context. The case reflects in detail the global watch industry and the competitive landscape from the company’s standpoint and highlights the journey covering more than three decades of its history. The case analysis is conducted based on secondary data gathered from various sources. The period considered to study the company and its competitive landscape is over three decades, that is, from its inception in 1984 to 2020. The financial data and other related data used in this case study were collected from different databases, that is, Euromonitor passport, Ace Knowledge Portal, CRISIL Research and ProQuest databases. It is found that the company is planning to achieve profitable growth in its revenue but faces tough competition from both analogue watchmakers (e.g. Seiko Holdings Corporation, Citizen Watch Co. Ltd and Swatch Group) and digital watch makers (e.g. Apple Inc., Fossil Group Inc., Samsung Electronics, Garmin Ltd. and Fitbit Inc.). To the best of our knowledge, there is no case study on TW highlighting the dilemma and strategic challenges the chief managing director faced in 2019. These include the challenges of capturing market share, achieving profitable growth and balancing the image of TW between a mass-market brand and a premium brand, etc. Furthermore, it discusses how TW needs to compete with global smartwatch companies like Apple and Samsung.
An Empirical Investigation on the Influence of Behavioural Factors on Investment Decision Making
Authors: Das Abhijit Ranjan , Panja Soma
Published: November 2022

The present research attempts to examine the influence of different behavioural factors such as overconfidence, self-attribution and under and over-reaction on investors’ investment decision-making, keeping the age and gender of the investors as control variables. To test and validate the proposed research hypotheses and model, 145 valid responses were collected using the snowball sampling technique from the investors of the North Eastern Region of India using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using a two-staged PLS–SEM–ANN approach. The result of the study indicates a significant and positive influence of different behavioural factors on investors’ decision-making. The current research provides numerous implications for academics as well as for practitioners. The present research findings will help to understand the key behavioural factors that impact retail investors’ decision-making in the North Eastern Region of India. The study also provides practical implications for retail investors, financial advisors and policymakers.
Impact of Livelihood Strategies on the Dependence on Agriculture in Arid Regions of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Sreelakshmi P  , Basavaraj Santosh
Published: November 2022

The livelihood risks tend to change households’ capital, assets, or resources by impacting the value of their asset portfolio. This study attempts to understand various risks and how these risks affect the farming community’s livelihoods in the designated areas. Also, this research attempts to understand the relationships between risks and livelihood capital to develop effective measures to improve their well-being and suggest various policies to help farmers cope with these risks in the most effective ways. The study used a sample of 827 farmers from Andhra Pradesh, India. The ordinal logistic regression findings revealed that knowledge capital (knowledge on nutrient deficiency, disease and pests and access to information), social capital (community membership and access to natural resources and services) and financial capitals have a significant impact on the selection of livelihood strategies.
What Determines MOOC Success? Validation of MOOC Satisfaction Continuance Model
Authors: Shah Jinal , Khanna Monica
Published: November 2022

Advancements in the field of educational technology have made Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) ubiquitous. MOOCs are accessible from anywhere, anytime and without any entry–exit criteria. The initial acceptance of MOOCs has been studied in the extant research, but limited studies have delved into understanding the factors impacting post-adoption usage behaviour. The aim of this research is to investigate the factors influencing MOOCs’ satisfaction and continuance intention using an integrated model derived from the Information System Success and Expectancy Confirmation Model. The study has proposed MOOC Satisfaction Continuance Model using existing scales and empirically tested it with a cross-sectional research design. Structured questionnaire was employed for collecting primary data from 513 respondents using a convenience sample. A partial least square structural equation modelling technique was employed using SMART PLS for testing the hypothesized relationships of the model. The study’s findings demonstrate that perceived usefulness, hedonic motivation, information quality and system quality positively impact the satisfaction of MOOCs. Moreover, perceived usefulness, hedonic motivation and satisfaction significantly influence the continued use intention. The study’s findings will be beneficial to MOOC platform providers, universities and facilitators in understanding and designing effective learning systems.
Voting behavior as social action: Habits, norms, values, and rationality in electoral participation
Authors: Becker Rolf
Published: November 2022

The aim of the study is to contribute, theoretically and empirically, to an improved understanding of the social processes and mechanisms generating a citizen’s decisions regarding electoral participation. It seeks to contribute to a solution for the legendary paradox of electoral participation based on formalized social-psychological dual process theories by integrating the Weberian typology of rationalities and related social action into a comprehensive explanation of voter turnout. The empirical analysis, based on two German surveys carried out in 1998 and 2017, reveals that the instrumentally rational voting (purposively rational action) emphasized in the classic rational choice theories used in economic electoral research is rather a special case among modal types of action such as habitual voting (traditional action), norm-related voting (norm-guided action), and voting due to value rationality (value-rational action). Most voters vote out of habit and based on norms and values, while purely purposive-rational voting is more of a special case.
Five Areas Which Make the Irish Organized Crime Milieu Distinctive
Authors: Windle James
Published: November 2022

This article critically assesses five areas that may together make the Irish organized crime milieu distinctive. First, there is minimal research. Second, organized crime groups and illicit enterprises are often characterized as “family-gangs.” Third, some violent conflicts are framed as family feuds. Fourth, a broad range of paramilitary groups have influenced Irish organized crime, in a variety of ways. Fifth, many organized crime groups and illicit enterprises are internationally mobile. Three types of mobility are identified: those commuting to other countries for one-off jobs, those migrating for longer periods, and mobile illicit enterprises. Allum’s push/pull model of criminal migration is employed to offer some suggestions as to why Irish criminals migrate and the choice of destination. The final section argues that some of the features that make Irish organized crime distinctive are changing or may have already changed. The article highlights key areas of further research needed to clarify the structure of organized crime in Ireland.
Development of B.R.A.K.E. the Cycle: A Culturally Responsive Bystander Intervention for South Asian Immigrants in the United States
Authors: Rai Abha , Perkins Nathan H. , Grossman Susan F. , Malazarte Nikki
Published: November 2022

South Asian (SA) immigrants are one of the fastest-growing immigrant groups in the United States. Due to the stigma associated with domestic violence among SAs, disclosing victimization experiences may be challenging. In circumstances where experiences are disclosed, informal help-seeking through family/friends is utilized more often than formal help-seeking. Therefore, it is essential for friends/family to be empowered to effectively intervene. B.R.A.K.E. the Cycle has been developed as an innovative online intervention for SA community members (informal resources) to provide support to those experiencing abuse. The goal of this intervention is to enhance responsibility and knowledge among bystanders. Utilizing a culturally responsive intervention is an integral step in enriching services provided by practitioners serving immigrants, which we highlight in this practice note.
Myths About Women in the Political Executive—How Gender Stereotypes Shape the Way MPs Assess the Competences of Ministers
Authors: Dingler Sarah C. , Kroeber Corinna
Published: November 2022

This article sheds light on the obstacles that women face as members of the government by answering the questions: How does the sex of ministers shape the way MPs’ assess the quality of their work? And, how does this relationship differ depending on the political ideology of MPs? We argue that legislators assess the competencies of women ministers differently after the activation of gender stereotypes, but that the way they react depends on the ideological orientation of their party. We investigate this topic in a real-word context using a unique survey experiment with German and Austrian MPs. The evidence reveals that, while MPs belonging to right-wing parties perceive women in the executive as less competent than men ministers, their colleagues from left-wing parties actually assess them more favorably. These findings highlight the persistence of old myths about women’s lacking political skills and the emergence of new ones about women’s superior ability to govern.
How National Culture Influences the Speed of COVID-19 Spread: Three Cross-Cultural Studies
Authors: Huang Xiaoyu , Gupta Vipin , Feng Cailing , Yang Fu , Zhang Lihua , Zheng Jiaming , Van Wart Montgomery
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected 222 countries and territories around the globe. Notably, the speed of COVID-19 spread varies significantly across countries. This cross-cultural research proposes and empirically examines how national culture influences the speed of COVID-19 spread in three studies. Study 1 examines the effects of Hofstede’s national cultural dimensions on the speed of COVID-19 spread in 60 countries. Drawing on the GLOBE study ( House et al., 2004 ), Study 2 investigates how GLOBE cultural dimensions relate to the speed of the pandemic’s spread in 55 countries. Study 3 examines the effect of cultural tightness in 31 countries. We find that five national cultural dimensions – power distance, uncertainty avoidance, humane orientation, in-group collectivism, and cultural tightness – are significantly related to the speed of COVID-19 spread in the initial stages, but not in the later stages, of the pandemic. Study 1 shows that the coronavirus spreads faster in countries with small power distance and strong uncertainty avoidance. Study 2 supports these findings and further reveals that countries with low humane orientation and high in-group collectivism report a faster spread of the disease. Lastly, Study 3 shows that COVID-19 spreads slower in countries with high cultural tightness.
Cervical Cancer-Related Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Self-Screening Acceptance Among Patients, Employees, and Social Media Followers of Major Brazilian Hospital
Authors: Perez Luiza , Tran Kimberley , Alvarenga-Bezerra Vanessa , Chadha Diya , Dotson Libby , Assir Fernanda , Cordioli Eduardo , Tamura Vieira Gomes Mariano , Podgaec Sergio , Lopes da Silva-Filho Agnaldo , Ramanujam Nimmi , Moretti-Marques Renato
Published: November 2022

Background

Brazil has a high burden of cervical cancer, even though it is preventable, traceable and treatable. Hence, this study evaluated levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to cervical cancer screening and diagnosis and acceptance of self-screening techniques among women aged 24 and greater.

Methods

A cross-sectional KAP survey was administered to n = 4206 women and spanned questions relating to cervical cancer, HPV, speculum, Pap test and colposcopy. Questionnaire was disseminated through a major hospital’s social media platforms, intranet and gynecologic-oncology clinics. Logistic regressions evaluated associations between sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and preventative behaviors against cervical cancer. Participants indicated willingness to try DNA-HPV self-sampling and cervix self-visualization (self-colposcopy).

Findings

Participants were mostly white individuals (70.5%) with higher education and from social classes A and B. They demonstrated superior levels of KAP than described in the literature, with over 57.8% having answered 80+% of questions correctly. KAP scores were predicted by social class, educational attainment, race, history of premalignant cervical lesions and geographic location. About 80% and 63% would be willing to try DNA-HPV self-sampling and cervix self-visualization, respectively. Interest in self-screening was associated with adequate attitude (OR = 1.85) and inadequate practice (OR = .83).

Interpretation

Adequate KAP are fundamental for the successful implementation of a self-screening program. Participants were interested in methods that provide them with greater autonomy, control and practicality. Self-screening could address barriers for under-screened women such as shame, discomfort, distance from clinics and competing commitments, enabling Brazil to reach the WHO’s cervical cancer elimination goals. It could also decrease excess medical intervention in over-screened populations by promoting shared decision-making.
The impact of stent-graft sizing on venous stenosis re-intervention and arteriovenous graft patency: Free-floating stent outflow is associated with improved outcomes
Authors: Stove Callum , Kingsmore David B , Stevenson Karen S , Thomson Peter C , Nath Alex , Kasthuri Ram
Published: November 2022

Background:

Early cannulation arteriovenous grafts (ecAVG) for dialysis access are limited by reintervention for venous stenosis (VS) despite their good initial patency. Whilst stent-grafts (SG) have shown promise, the optimal sizing is unclear. Therefore, this study aims to determine if outflow vein diameter, SG diameter or these relative to each other (V:Sr) alters outcomes, and if so, which is more important.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis was performed of Gore® Acuseal® ecAVGs with VS treated with Gore® Viabahn® SG over a 7-year period. Primary patency (PP), time to thrombosis and functional patency were analysed by SG length/diameter, vein diameter and V:Sr.

Results:

We identified 114 ecAVGs with median follow-up 492 days (IQR 189–770). SG length and diameter did not correlate with PP, however, there was a significant relationship between vein diameter and PP (RR = 0.901 (0.832–0.975), p = 0.01) and between V:Sr and PP (RR = 0.462 (0.255–0.838), x2 = 5.866, p = 0.0015). The optimal V:Sr was ⩾1.4 (i.e. vein diameter at least 40% greater than the stent-graft; or ‘free-floating’ stent outflow) (RR = 2.759 (1.670–4.558), p < 0.001), translating to a difference in median PP of 252 versus 496 days (IQR: 188–316; 322–670). On multivariate analysis, absolute vein diameter lost significance, whilst V:Sr remained an independently significant predictor of PP (RR = 3.247 (1.560–6.759), p = 0.02).

Conclusions:

Placement of the SG outflow into a relatively larger segment of vein was associated with a significant increase in PP independent of the absolute vein diameter. This suggests that larger calibre SG which are apposed to the vein wall are not required for optimal primary patency, and indeed should be actively avoided. Instead, a ‘free-floating’ stent outflow which is undersized relative to the recipient vein (whilst maintaining a minimum anchoring calibre) is recommended where possible. This should be considered during intervention and may require selection of longer devices, where practical, to bring the stent outflow into a larger vein segment.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3a, Non-randomised controlled cohort/follow-up study