bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meningitis due to Streptococcus parasanguinis after percutaneous radiofrequency treatment for trigeminal neuralgia: A case report
Authors: Wang Jianfei , Hu Wenjie , Zhang Ruirui , Jin Fanfu , Hu Jia , Bai Qingqing , Wang Qi , Zhao Shoucai , Chu Zhaohu , Xu Yang
Published: May 2023

Bacterial meningitis after percutaneous radiofrequency trigeminal ganglion is a rare but severe complication. In this article, we report a case of meningitis due to Streptococcus parasanguinis and review the related literature. A 62-year-old male patient with uremia and severe trigeminal neuralgia presented to another hospital and was offered to undergo radiofrequency treatment for a trigeminal ganglion lesion (2022.08.05). The next day (2022.08.06), he presented with a headache and right shoulder and back pain. The pain continued to worsen, so he came to our hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College) and received a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, which was confirmed by a lumbar puncture. The patient was treated with appropriate antibiotics, and subsequently recovered before being discharged. Although this complication is relatively rare, its progression is rapid. Meningitis must be suspected when a patient presents with headache, fever, and other symptoms associated with meningitis within days after undergoing radiofrequency treatment for a trigeminal ganglion lesion, especially if the patient has an underlying disease that causes a decline in immunity. We discuss this case in terms of clinical presentation, time of onset, treatment, prognosis, past history, and sex. Although early detection of this complication is beneficial, it is better to effectively prevent its occurrence.
Research on clutch position control based on backstepping method for small-sized tractors
Authors: Gao Jie , Yin Chengqiang , Jiang Chao
Published: May 2023

Tractors installed automated manual transmission can avoid discomfort for the drivers because of excessive limbs intervention as well as improve shift quality. Automatic clutch control is critical for the performance of the automated manual transmissions. For a good operation, precise and fast control of clutch position is mandatory. In order to meet these requirements, an enhanced strategy focused on the clutch is presented adopting a simple tracking control method based on the detailed models in this study. Clutch models including DC motor model and mechanical actuator model are established and transformed to a controllable model. On the basis of the control model, a clutch position tracking control scheme is proposed composed of motor control circuit and motor angle tracking controller designed according to the backstepping method. Simulations are carried out in comparation with the internal model control method, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented control scheme by superior rapidity and accuracy of the controller response for the clutch position tracking system.
Chironomidae in shallow water bodies of a protected lowland freshwater floodplain ecosystem
Authors: Čerba Dubravka , Vlaičević Barbara , Davidović Ramona-Ana , Koh Miran , Ergović Viktorija , Turković Čakalić Ivana
Published: May 2023

Lowland floodplains are complex ecosystems comprised of standing and flowing waters interacting with terrestrial habitats, and the main force creating, shaping and influencing, both habitats and biotic communities, is a hydrological regime and water supply from the parent river. In areas not much altered by anthropogenic influence, the Danube creates such floodplain areas, and temporary shallow water bodies within represent biodiversity important habitats. In the Kopački Rit Nature Park floodplain in Croatia, diversity based on Chironomidae (Diptera) in both benthic and epiphytic communities was studied in eight ponds (temporary shallow water body) and at two channel locations (permanent shallow water body). At each location samples of sediment and macrophytes were taken at three sites. The benthic chironomid community was comprised of 29 taxa, most abundant being representatives of the Chironomus genus and Tanypus kraatzi in ponds, and Polypedilum nubeculosum and Cladotanytarsus sp. in channel samples. Cricotopus gr. sylvestris, Paratanytarsus sp. and Endochironomus tendens were dominant epiphytic chironomids (18 taxa). Non-metric multidimensional scaling and analysis of similarity analyses showed there was a clear grouping of sampling locations based on their position in the park and the distance from each other, more evident in the case of benthic chironomid communities. Furthermore, when the water bodies were compared based on the community structure from different locations and substrates, there was also a statistically significant separation. Community composition indicates high productivity and organic matter production of studied water bodies, but moreover, the differences in substrate preferences evident in 16 common out of 31 recorded chironomid taxa, indicate the importance of habitat complexity preservation in a floodplain.
The Complex Nature of Student Retention at America’s Community Colleges
Authors: Sullivan Patrick , Bell Abigail , Nielsen David
Published: May 2023

Objectives: Responding to Tinto’s call for studies of retention that center on “the students’ view of their experience” (p. 11), this research project reports findings from telephone interviews of 131 students who stopped out at our home institution, a large open admissions community college in the northeast. Our objective was to find out why these students stopped out and what our institution might have done to keep them enrolled. Method: Adopting a phenomenological approach, we analyzed our data set following the principles of thematic analysis. Results: We found that a large percentage of the students we contacted—previously identified as stopping out—had, in fact, either continued their education at another institution or met their educational goals. Furthermore, a large proportion of students we interviewed did not return for reasons that were beyond the control of the institution. The majority of these were related to personal and family matters or work responsibilities. Contributions: Our findings suggest that retention at community colleges is a highly complex, individualized process, with a host of variables that can affect individual students in different ways. Our findings also suggest that retention at community colleges may be more complex than traditional protocols currently in place can accurately measure.
Sustainable solar energy potential on marine passenger ships of Bay of Bengal: A way of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and disaster risk reduction
Authors: Abdullah-Al-Mahbub Md , Towfiqul Islam Abu Reza Md. , Alam Edris , Asha Mahbuba Redowan
Published: May 2023

In Bangladesh, there are roughly 31 marine passenger ships that are in operation. These ships might be a good location for solar photovoltaic (PV) plants since solar energy is the best renewable energy to replace the fossil fuel used in the ships. A “tower rounded flower-shaped solar PV” system of PV panel arrangement—just looks like a “sunflower,” is proposed in this research. To harness maximum power, solar towers are designed in such a way that they may be freely rotated on their vertical axes and that the tilt angles of their solar panels can be adjusted from 0° to 50° on their horizontal axes freely. The “tower rounded flower-shaped solar PV” architecture of the PV array atop a maritime vessel is presented in this research along with a unique method for calculating the PV system's anticipated energy production. Finally calculated the realistic CO2 emission reduction by using this approach for a sustainable future. Applying globalsolaratlas (for horizon and sun's path estimation); PVsyst 7.2, HOMER Pro, and NREL's PVWatt calculator (for solar radiation calculation); vesselfinder (for the number of vessels analysis); shiptraffic (for vessels path analysis), this research suggests that marine passenger vessels are one of the best places to construct a proposed “tower rounded flower-shaped solar PV” power plant. According to estimates, 17 passenger ships can produce roughly 1240 MW of electricity per year and may save approximately 325.56 tons of CO2 gas emissions annually to the environment per year as compared to using fossil fuel-based power plants to produce electricity.
Upper Echelon Employment: A Review of the Fundamental Questions Related to the Executive Labor Market
Authors: Withers Michael C. , Lee Kyung Hwan , Bermiss Y. Sekou , Boivie Steven
Published: May 2023

The executive labor market (ELM) is a topic of interest that spans several academic fields. The outcomes of the ELM, including executive selection, succession, and compensation, are important considerations as they influence executive decision making and other organizational outcomes. Yet, a comprehensive framework of ELM dynamics currently does not exist. To address this shortcoming, we reviewed the existing literature using five fundamental questions: (1) What executive jobs are available? (2) Who is available to fill executive jobs, and what is valued on the ELM? (3) Who signals interest in the executive jobs? (4) Who gets offered/accepts the executive job, and what is the agreed-upon compensation? (5) How do status and social capital influence ELM outcomes? By answering these questions, our review provides a framework for integrating existing research on the ELM while suggesting avenues for future research.
Creative compliance and selective visibility: How Chinese queer uploaders performing identities on the Douyin platform
Authors: Ai Qi , Song Yuchen , Zhan Ning
Published: May 2023

The growth in video-sharing social media platform use has changed modes of communication, which has helped to improve the visibility of gender and sexual minority groups. This tendency became evident given the social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Likewise, the use of these platforms empowers LGBTQ individuals living in China to share knowledge and experiences, receive social and emotional support and so on. Previous studies rarely interrogate Chinese queer groups’ socially sanctioned performance of identities on popular video-sharing platforms such as Douyin. This article undertakes a preliminary discussion of that research gap. It examines the conditions that enable such activities and concludes with a discussion of the strategies and methods that Chinese queer uploaders use in the process. Simply put, this article explores how the queer uploaders accommodate and negotiate their identity performances within a heterosexual and mainstream popular social media environment.
The international significance of the Northern Ireland peace process: Revisiting the lessons 25 years after the Good Friday Agreement
Authors: Mitchell David
Published: May 2023

This article revisits scholarly, political, and practitioner debates surrounding the international implications of the Northern Ireland peace process: the so-called lessons. It begins by reviewing the literature on the epistemological and political dimensions of comparing conflicts. It identifies three different approaches to learning from peace processes. These are termed analytical-technical, political-strategic, and educative-psychological. The article applies this framework to Northern Ireland, assessing the conduct, potential, and challenges of each approach. The analysis draws on academic and political sources, as well as unique primary research on ‘lesson-sharing’ dialogues. The article discusses how the educative-psychological approach – which has been the dominant mode of lesson learning/sharing in Northern Ireland and is under-researched – demonstrates the potential for local-to-local connections to support ongoing learning within peace processes. Applying the threefold framework to other peace arenas can further advance understanding of the global dissemination of conflict resolution knowledge.
A civic and sustainable 15-minute campus? Universities should embrace the 15-minute city concept to help create vibrant sustainable communities
Authors: Barratt Paul , Swetnam Ruth
Published: May 2023

This article looks at the value of applying the 15-minute city concept to city-based university campuses. We argue that attention to the public realm within and beyond university campuses has the potential to reduce carbon emissions, enhance civic engagement and improve the vibrancy and liveability of cities. The 15-minute approach addresses aspects of poverty and inequality through the relative affordability of sustainable travel and access to affordable goods and services. To realise these benefits universities must focus on three areas; (1) Establishing porous campus boundaries where services can be shared with the local community and vice-versa. (2) Playing an active role in evaluating and improving the sustainability and liveability of the area surrounding the campus. (3) Promoting, enhancing and enabling high-quality public transport and active travel networks to reduce reliance on private vehicles. The 15-minute campus approach marks a change from the idea of a ‘sticky campus’ where the university is seen as an enclosed one-stop resource for staff and students – often set apart and secured from its host city. Our notion of a 15-minute campus is a more civic minded conception that promotes an awareness of what lies both within and beyond the confines of the campus, challenging the definition of what the university is, and who it is for.
End-of-Life Preferences: A Randomized Trial of Framing Comfort Care as Refusal of Treatment in the Context of COVID-19
Authors: Hodges Juliet S. , Stoyanova Lilia V. , Galizzi Matteo M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Rates of advance directive (AD) completion in the United Kingdom are lower than in the United States and other western European countries, which is especially concerning in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. UK residents typically complete an advance decision to refuse care (ADRT), whereas US versions of ADs present a more neutral choice between comfort-oriented or life-prolonging care. The purpose of this study is to test whether this framing affects decision making for end-of-life care and if this is affected by exposure to information about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

In an online experiment, 801 UK-based respondents were randomly allocated to document their preferences for end-of-life care in a 2 (US AD or UK ADRT) by 2 (presence or absence of COVID-19 prime) between-subjects factorial design.

Results

Most (74.8%) of participants across all conditions chose comfort-oriented care. However, framing comfort care as a refusal of treatment made respondents significantly less likely to choose it (65.4% v. 84.1%, P < 0.001). This effect was exacerbated by priming participants to think about COVID-19: those completing an ADRT were significantly more likely to choose life-prolonging care when exposed to the COVID-19 prime (39.8% v. 29.6%, P = 0.032). Subgroup analyses revealed these effects differed by age, with older participants’ choices influenced more by COVID-19 while younger participants were more affected by the AD framing.

Conclusions

The UK ADRT significantly reduced the proportion of participants choosing comfort-oriented care, an effect that was heightened in the presence of information about COVID-19. This suggests the current way end-of-life care wishes are documented in the United Kingdom could affect people’s choices in a way that does not align with their preferences, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlights

Participants completing an AD framed as an advance decision to refuse treatment were significantly less likely to choose comfort-oriented care than participants completing an AD with a neutral choice between comfort-oriented and life-prolonging care. Exposure to a COVID-19 prime had an interactive effect on documented preferences in the refusal of treatment condition, with these participants even less likely to choose comfort-oriented care. Policy makers and organizations that design templates for advance care planning, particularly in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, should be aware how the framing of these forms can influence decisions.
A quantitative analysis of long-term follow-up computed tomography of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: the correlation with the progression and prognosis
Authors: Kunihiro Yoshie , Matsumoto Tsuneo , Murakami Tomoyuki , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Kamei Haruhito , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Ito Katsuyoshi
Published: May 2023

Background

Quantitative analyses of computed tomography (CT) images using computer-aided detection (CAD) are correlated with visual assessments and pulmonary function test findings and might be useful for predicting the prognosis of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Purpose

To evaluate the association between the quantitative analysis of long-term follow-up CT of IPF and the progression and prognosis.

Material and Methods

A total of 48 patients with IPF who received over one year of follow-up CT were included in this study. The results of quantitative analyses (emphysema, ground-glass attenuation [GGA], consolidation, reticulation, and honeycombing) using a CAD software program of initial and follow-up CT findings were evaluated, and the association with the progression of the total lesion of IPF and prognosis using Spearman's rank correlation and Cox regression analyses was considered.

Results

Results of quantitative analyses of consolidation, reticulation, honeycombing, and the total lesion on initial CT were correlated with progressive changes in the total lesion of IPF per year (r = 0.4375, 0.4128, 0.4649, and 0.4095, respectively). The results of quantitative analyses of honeycombing (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03−1.89, P = 0.0314) and GGA (HR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.72−0.99, P = 0.0384) at initial CT were prognostic factors according to a multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Conclusion

The quantitative analysis of honeycombing using a CAD software program of CT findings may be useful for predicting the progression and prognosis of patients with IPF.
Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystic neoplasm of borderline malignancy with KRAS and GNAS co-mutation: a case report
Authors: Son Seung-Myoung , Woo Chang Gok , Yun Seok Jung , Lee Ok-Jun
Published: May 2023

Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystic neoplasms are rare retroperitoneal tumors, which are histologically similar to mucinous cystic neoplasms of the ovaries. Only 31 cases of primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystic neoplasm with borderline malignancy (PRMCN-BM) have been reported (26 in women and five in men). We describe an additional male patient with PRMCN-BM. A 39-year-old man presented to our hospital with back pain. Twelve years earlier, he had undergone an orchiectomy for a germ cell tumor. Computed tomography showed a 6.9- × 4.4-cm cystic mass in the left pararenal space. Laparoscopic mass excision was performed, and a unilocular cystic mass was found in the pararenal space near the lower pole of the left kidney. A histopathological examination showed a cyst lined by atypical mucinous intestinal epithelium without stromal invasion. Targeted next-generation sequencing identified two hotspot mutations, with one each in the KRAS and GNAS genes. Outpatient follow-up 10 months after surgery showed no evidence of tumor recurrence. PRMCNs are extremely rare retroperitoneal neoplasms, especially in men. These neoplasms are rarely considered in the differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal masses, and their preoperative diagnosis is difficult. Evaluation of additional patients is required to better determine the prognosis of PRMCNs and the optimal postoperative follow-up.
The effect of lipopolysaccharide on liver homeostasis and diseases based on the mutual interaction of macrophages, autophagy, and damage-associated molecular patterns in male F344/DuCrlCrlj rats
Authors: Takami Yuki , Tanaka Miyuu , Izawa Takeshi , Kuwamura Mitsuru , Yamate Jyoji
Published: May 2023

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has dose-dependent biphasic functions (cell protective versus cell toxic). To clarify the different effects of LPS on liver homeostasis or liver diseases, comparisons were made between low and high doses of LPS, in terms of the mutual relation of hepatic macrophages, autophagy, and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in male F344/DuCrlCrlj rats. Rats injected with low dose (0.1 mg/kg) or high dose (2.0 mg/kg) of LPS were examined at 6, 10, and 24 hours following single injections. Histologically, focal hepatocellular necrosis was occasionally present in high-dose animals, whereas there were no significant changes in low-dose animals. In low-dose animals, Kupffer cells reacting to CD163 and CD204 were hypertrophic and regarded as M2 macrophages, which promote resolution of inflammation and tissue repair, whereas in high-dose animals, infiltration of M1 macrophages expressing CD68 and major histocompatibility complex class II, which enhance cell injury, was seen. Hepatocytes with high-mobility-group box-1 (HMGB1) (one of DAMPs)-positive cytoplasmic granules appeared more frequently in high-dose animals than in low-dose animals, indicating the translocation of nuclear HMGB1 into the cytoplasm. However, although light-chain 3 beta–positive autophagosomes in hepatocytes increased in both doses, abnormally vacuolated autophagosomes were only seen in injured hepatocytes in the high-dose group, indicating possible extracellular release of HMGB1, which might result in cell injury and inflammation. These findings suggested that low-dose LPS induced a favorable mutual relationship among hepatic macrophages, autophagy, and DAMPs leading to cytoprotection of hepatocytes, whereas failures of the relationship in high-dose LPS caused hepatocyte injury.
Regional economic resilience: A scoping review
Authors: Sutton Jesse , Arcidiacono Alessia , Torrisi Gianpiero , Arku Robert Nutifafa
Published: May 2023

Since the late 2000s, the concept of regional economic resilience has become the new buzzword in economic geography. Despite considerable attention, a common sentiment in the literature is that regional economic resilience is an underdeveloped and fuzzy concept. Therefore, this paper conducted a scoping review of 168 articles on the concept of regional economic resilience from 2000 to 2022 to assess its present conceptual state. The paper finds that the notion of regional economic resilience has become a well-developed concept and does not bear the markers of a fuzzy concept anymore. A conceptual framework is advanced.
The CSE and Simon’s Clarke legacy: An interview with John Holloway, Sol Picciotto and Hugo Radice
Authors: González Cruz Edith , Doulos Panagiotis , Rodríguez Aza Milena
Published: May 2023

In this interview with Hugo Radice, John Holloway and Sol Picciotto (early Conference of Socialist Economists (CSE) members) conducted by Edith González, Panagiotis Doulos and Milena Rodríguez Aza (postdoctoral and PhD students from the Benemérita Autonomous University of Puebla, Mexico), we find a reflection on the CSE early days and a recalling of significant debates among CSE members exploring their relevance today. Above all, Clarke’s CSE fellows tell us what it meant to be a socialist economist working together with Simon Clarke.
The value of Simon Clarke
Authors: O’Kane Chris
Published: May 2023

This contribution outlines the value of Simon Clarke’s work on Marxist theory for contemporary heterodox Marxian critical theory in the context of the Marx revival. After speculating about why Clarke’s work has largely been overlooked in the Marx revival, I offer an interpretation of the importance of the double character of Clarke’s critique of political economy as a critical social theory, and the relevance of his critique of crisis-ridden accumulation, the state and periodisation for contemporary heterodox Marxian critical theory.
An inspired collaboration with Russian sociologists: An interview with Simon Clarke
Authors: Ashwin Sarah , Yakubovich Valery
Published: May 2023

In 1990, Simon Clarke inaugurated two decades of research of the former Soviet Union through an international collaboration with Russian sociologists that examined a society in the throes of transformation. Along with his colleague Peter Fairbrother, Simon developed a network of Russian researchers in the Institute of Comparative Labour Relations Research. Together they produced a corpus of work that meticulously analysed the impact of economic reform on workplaces and households and the response of workers and their organisations. This piece is an extended version of a published interview with Simon conducted by two of his former students, Sarah Ashwin and Valery Yakubovich.
Shared Micro-Mobility Services for University Communities: A Multivariate Ordered Probit Approach
Authors: Gkartzonikas Christos , Dimitriou Loukas
Published: May 2023

The market penetration of shared micro-mobility services (shared bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters) suggest that young and highly educated people constitute a group of people that is more eager to use such services. However, little is known about the factors influencing their behavioral intention as a system. The analysis may provide insights on the adoption of shared micro-mobility services by modeling them as a system using multivariate ordered probit. This paper contributes to the existing literature by evaluating similarities and differences to these services focusing on assessing the behavioral intentions of a large sample of young and highly educated people that traditionally show a higher tendency of adopting technologically innovative services. It is hypothesized that the mobility patterns can affect people's adoption of these shared services in a car-dependent empirical setting. The analysis suggested that a variety of variables affect the behavioral intention to use shared micro-mobility services, such as employment situation, household size, travel patterns, level of awareness, and attitudinal variables in the form of perceptions on incentives and infrastructure. This study can enhance the current understanding of the factors affecting the behavioral intention, facilitating the development of policies toward such means of transportation. The results could convincingly answer key questions on the market adoption of these shared services, and characteristics of distinct market segments; thereby providing a deployment pathway for adoption. Additionally, the results could be useful to original equipment manufacturers for marketing and pricing-scheme decisions, planning agencies for policy-making decisions, and to transportation planners for provisions in infrastructure.
Vision-Based Work Zone Safety Alert System in a Connected Vehicle Environment
Authors: Cui Haibo , Hou Kaizhe , Zhang Jiarui , Yan Siqi , Seraj Mudasser , Wang Yingke , Tavakoli Mahdi , Qiu Tony
Published: May 2023

Work zones, being a critical component of roadway transportation systems, can benefit greatly from computer vision-enabled roadway infrastructures, specifically in connected vehicle (CV) environments. Connected infrastructures, such as roadside units (RSU) and on-board units (OBU), can greatly improve the environmental awareness and safety of CVs driving through a work zone. The contribution of this paper lies in developing a vision-based approach to generate work zone safety messages in real time, utilizing video streams from roadside monocular traffic cameras that can be used by CV work zone safety apps on mobile devices to reliably navigate through a work zone. A monocular traffic camera calibration method is proposed to establish the accurate mapping between the image plane and Global Position System (GPS) space. Real test scenarios show that our algorithm can precisely and effectively locate work zone boundaries from a monocular traffic camera in real time. We demonstrate the capabilities and features of our system through real-world experiments where the driver cannot see the work zone. End-to-end latency analysis reveals that the vision-based work zone safety warning system satisfies the active safety latency requirements. This vision-based work zone safety alert system ensures the safety of both the worker and the driver in a CV environment.
What Would a “Reasonable Person” Do? Exploring the Gap Between Experienced and Anticipated Responses to Sexual Harassment
Authors: Morton Thomas A. , Dimitriou Elena , Barreto Manuela
Published: May 2023

Individuals who are sexually harassed often do not formally report their experience. Current understandings of this focus on the procedural barriers to reporting rather than examining whether and how reporting meets the needs of those who experience harassment. We document the repertoire of needs experienced by those who are sexually harassed and the actions they take to meet them. In two quasi-experimental studies ( Ns = 415 and 589), we compared the needs and actions described by those who experience sexual harassment with those anticipated by others who have not encountered sexual harassment (Study 1 also compares across gender identities). Results of multivariate analyses of variance and general linear mixed models revealed a persistent gap between perspectives. People who have experienced sexual harassment reported a range of needs and engaged in a variety of actions to meet these needs. Safety and social support were prioritized over formal actions. Those who had not encountered sexual harassment anticipated having stronger needs and taking more actions—especially formal ones. The results encourage those who seek to support individuals who are sexually harassed to address a wider variety of needs than is typically considered. Additional online materials for this article are available on PWQ's website at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/03616843231170761 .
The Process of Leaving Abuse: Midlife and Older Male Experiences of Female-Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Carthy Nikki , Best Daisy , Divers Andrew
Published: May 2023

Leaving an abusive relationship is a difficult process for all survivors. For men, this can be particularly challenging due to the current knowledge and support for survivors being heavily influenced by a feminist discourse, despite a growing body of research that examines men’s experiences. This raises concerns about how men make sense of abuse, where they seek support for injuries and psychological distress, and what services are available to them to help them move on from abuse. Narrative interviews with 12 midlife and older men (aged 45–65 years) who had experienced intimate partner violence from a female were conducted with the aim to explore their journey of leaving abuse. The men’s stories revealed themes of how they made sense of what was happening to them (legitimacy as a survivor and self-help), their experiences of service readiness to respond to male victimization (discrimination from police, legal system set up to support women, and service readiness for males), and how men can leave abuse (post-separation abuse and support from friends and family). Implications of the findings demonstrate that many services are still not equipped to support male survivors. The men in our study found it difficult to comprehend their experience as abuse and this is negatively reinforced by ineffective services and stereotypical beliefs about abuse. However, informal support through friends and family is a powerful tool in supporting men to leave abusive relationships. More work is needed to increase awareness of male survivors and ensure that services, including legal systems, are inclusive.
Vulnerability-Making at Europe’s Edge: How Policies, Documents, and Spatiality Intra-Act in the Context of Young Refugees
Authors: McAdam-Otto Laura
Published: May 2023

When young refugees who arrive in the European Union (EU) are categorized as “unaccompanied minors,” an implicit assumption and ascription coincides with their categorization, namely that they are vulnerable. Being underage and being vulnerable are inextricably linked and often equated. Thus, vulnerability is understood as a bodily fact linked to a person’s age, and discourse consequently overlooks how vulnerability is enacted in the EU’s border regime. To demonstrate how vulnerability is produced and stabilized through entangled practices of human and nonhuman agencies, I examine vulnerability-making in the context of young refugees who were classified as “unaccompanied minors” in Malta. I pay specific attention to policies, documents, and spatiality and ask: How is vulnerability of young refugees in the EU’s border regime produced and stabilized? And, how are nonhuman agencies implicated in these dynamics? The article, on one hand, makes an important empirical contribution to understanding the construction of vulnerability in respect to unaccompanied minors. The theoretical contribution of the article, on the other hand, lies in offering a new way of conceptualizing vulnerability in the border regime and within bordering practices in the EU by examining it through the epistemic lens of intra-action.
Virtual Group Music Therapy for Apathy in Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Shah-Zamora Deepal , Anderson Sharlet , Barton Brandon , Fleisher Jori E.
Published: May 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effect of virtual group music therapy on apathy in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Introduction

Apathy affects 40% of people with PD, lacks effective therapies, and independently predicts poorer quality of life and greater caregiver burden. Music therapy is the clinical application of music to address a person’s physical or emotional needs and is effective in treating apathy in dementia.

Methods

People with idiopathic PD and apathy (Movement Disorders Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, apathy item ≥ 2) and their caregivers participated in twelve, weekly virtual group music therapy sessions, with session attendance signifying adherence. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention assessments of apathy (Apathy Scale (AS)), quality of life (Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-short form), functional ability (Schwab & England Activities of Daily Living Scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II)), and cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Blind). Among secondary outcomes, we assessed caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview-short form) and strain (Multidimensional Caregiver Strain Index).

Results

Sixteen PD participants (93.8% men, mean age 68.3 ± 8.4 years, median 6 years PD duration) and their caregivers (93.8% women, mean age 62.6 ± 11 years) completed the study. All PD participants and 88% of caregivers were >70% adherent to the intervention. Apathy (AS, effect size = 0.767, P = 0.002) and depression (BDI-II, effect size = 0.542, P = 0.03) improved, with no change in caregiver measures.

Conclusion

Group music therapy is an effective treatment for apathy in PD and may improve mood. The virtual format is a feasible alternative to in-person sessions with high adherence and satisfaction.
Citizens’ intention to follow recommendations from a government-supported AI-enabled system
Authors: Wang Yi-Fan , Chen Yu-Che , Chien Shih-Yi
Published: May 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) applications in public services are an emerging and crucial issue in the modern world. Many countries utilize AI-enabled systems to serve citizens and deliver public services. Although AI can bring more efficiency and responsiveness, this technology raises privacy and social inequality concerns. From the perspective of behavioral public administration (BPA), citizens’ use of AI-enabled systems depends on their perception of this technology. This study proposes a conceptual framework connecting citizens’ perceptions, trust, and intention to follow instructions from the government-supported AI-enabled recommendation system in the pandemic. Our study launches an online-based experimental survey and analyzes the data with the partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM). The research findings suggest that algorithmic transparency increases trust in the recommendations, but privacy concerns decrease the trust when the system asks for sensitive information. Additionally, citizens familiar with technologies are more likely to trust the recommendations in the feature-based communication strategy. Finally, trust in the recommendations can mediate the impacts of citizens’ perceptions of the AI system. This study clarifies the effects of perceptions, identifies the role of trust, and explores the communication strategies in citizens’ intention to follow the AI-enabled system recommendations. The results can deepen AI research in public administration and provide policy suggestions for the public sector to develop strategies to increase policy compliance with system recommendations.
The crisis of modern society: Richard Titmuss and Emile Durkheim
Authors: Stewart John
Published: May 2023

This article examines the influence of Emile Durkheim's sociology on Richard Titmuss, founder of the academic field of social policy. While operating in different environments and historical eras, they shared concerns about modernity's impact on contemporary societies, heightened by their experiences of living in periods of considerable political and socio-economic upheaval. Their social thought embraced crucial complementarities, and understanding these adds a previously under-explored dimension to Titmuss's influential analyses of Britain's post-war ‘welfare state’.
Optimization of surface roughness parameters in Hybrid-Chemo Magnetorheological Finishing (HC-MRF) process using Response Surface Methodology and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Rajput Atul Singh , Das Manas , Kapil Sajan
Published: May 2023

Hybrid Chemo-Magnetorheological Finishing ( HC-MRF) process is an advanced surface finishing process that utilizes the interaction of Magnetorheological Finishing and chemical etching to reduce the surface roughness of the cemented carbide cutting tools. Herein, Murakami’s reagent is used as a Magnetorheological (MR) fluid carrier medium to trigger chemical etching and mechanical abrasion. The synergic action reduces surface finishing time and increases process efficiency. However, optimizing process parameters during the HC-MRF process is required to improve process efficiency further. Response Surface Methodology ( RSM) is used to develop the regression model to study the impact of process parameters (i.e. spindle speed, feed rate, and vol.% of Murakami’s reagent in MR fluid) on the surface quality. Three surface roughness parameters, namely average surface roughness ( Ra), skewness ( Rsk), and kurtosis ( Rk), are opted to analyze the surface characteristics of the polished surface. Furthermore, optimization is performed with the help of a Genetic Algorithm ( GA) to achieve the best surface quality following input parameters. The surface roughness ( Ra) is reduced by 88.97% as the initial Ra value decreases to 34.50 nm from 312.87 nm after the HC-MRF process. The results obtained from RSM and GA are in good agreement with the experimental results. The optimum value of feed rate, spindle speed, and vol.% of Murakami’s reagent in the MR fluid while achieving minimum surface roughness value (i.e. 31.26 nm) through GA are 1.2 mm/min, 23 rpm, and 53%, respectively. The measured kurtosis ( Rku) value of 0.64 at the optimum process parameter condition represents flat peaks on the surface roughness irregularities of the polished surface. Similarly, a skewness ( Rsk) value of 1.46 signifies that the number of peaks is higher than the number of valleys on the polished surface. Furthermore, it is observed that the Vol.% of Murakami’s reagent in MR fluid is the most significant process parameter compared with other parameters among all responses.
Dynamic surface event-triggered control for unmanned sailboat path following based on adaptive tanh line-of-sight
Authors: Shen Zhipeng , Zhang Liangyu , Liu Yuchen , Yu Haomiao
Published: May 2023

In this article, a dynamic surface control algorithm based on the adaptive tanh line-of-sight with speed adjustment is proposed to solve the problem of path-following control of unmanned sailboat with event-triggered input, considering the dynamic model uncertainty and unknown external disturbance. First, the adaptive tanh line-of-sight method is used to improve the following accuracy and robustness, then an extended state observer is used to estimate the external disturbance and the uncertainty of the internal model, the heading error and the yaw angular velocity error are considered to design the recursive sliding mode dynamic surface controller, at the same time, the speed of the unmanned sailboat is constrained to improve its stability. In addition, to reduce the action frequency of the steering gear, the relative threshold event-triggered control is applied to the controller. According to the Lyapunov stability analysis, it is proved that the proposed control scheme can ensure that all errors in the closed-loop system are semi-globally consistent and ultimately bounded, while the Zeno behavior can be avoided. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed scheme is verified by simulation and comparative experiments.
Monomer elution model of composite resin material
Authors: Petronijevic Sarcev Branislava , Sarcev Ivan , Atanackovic Teodor
Published: May 2023

As a part of this study, a mathematical model based on two-compartment pharmacokinetic system with general fractional derivatives was developed. Its aim was to describe the release of BisGMA and TEGDMA monomers from composite core resin over three time periods. For this purpose, five Clearfil Photo Core resin samples were prepared and elution was measured using high performance liquid chromatography at 1, 7 and 28 days post-immersion in 75% ethanol. The findings confirmed good model fit to the data related to released monomer quantity.
Corporate Entrepreneurship Environment and Younger Workforce Engagement: An Empirical Examination
Authors: Ghura Amarpreet Singh , Chaudhary Sanjay , Sangroya Deepak
Published: May 2023

As organizations strive to engage and retain the younger generations, the increasing growth of the younger workforce as a percentage of the organizational workforce has inadvertently created difficulty in integrating them with the older workforce. With younger employees embracing significantly different values and expectations than the older workforce, organizations are increasingly working to promote corporate entrepreneurship as a potential means of engaging them. Nonetheless, we lack clarity on how the corporate entrepreneurship environment enables organizations to engage the younger workforce is unexplored. Therefore, this study uses the mixed method approach to explore the relationship between the corporate entrepreneurship environment and younger workforce engagement. Adopting a qualitative research design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with six chief people officers and four middle-level human resource managers from six different organizations in India. The findings revealed key themes, including (a) top management support, (b) work discretion, (c) rewards and younger workforce engagement, (d) time availability, and (e) organizational boundaries. We followed up with the survey research conducted on 120 younger employees to examine the hypothesized relationship. The findings indicate a direct relationship between corporate entrepreneurship environment dimensions and young workforce engagement. The study adds to the literature on younger employee engagement by explaining the critical role of corporate entrepreneurship environment dimensions as a driver of younger workforce engagement. An improved understanding of the expectations of the younger workforce will assist organizations in designing work and creating organizational environments that are more likely to engage the younger workforce.
The Experience of Women From Underrepresented Groups With Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review
Authors: Blanco Gutiérrez Verónica , Hundley Vanora A. , Way Susan
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Urinary incontinence (UI) in women is a global public health issue. However, there is a limited understanding of the experience of women from underrepresented groups suffering from UI. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine current evidence regarding the experience of women with UI from these groups.

Methodology:

A systematic search was undertaken to retrieve research studies that answered the research question. Four qualitative research studies were included. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guided this review.

Results:

Four themes emerged from this review: the perceived origin of UI, the physical, psychological, and social impact of UI, the impact of culture and religion on UI, and vice versa, and the interaction of women with health services.

Discussion:

Social determinants of health, such as religion and culture, need to be considered by professionals providing care if women from underrepresented groups experiencing UI are to receive optimal care.
Three-dimensional Analysis of Facial Asymmetry in Unilateral Lambdoid Craniosynostosis
Authors: Harrison Lucas M. , Ferrari Eliza J. , Mathew Denzil P. , Derderian Christopher A. , Hallac Rami R.
Published: May 2023

Objective

Unilateral lambdoid synostosis (ULS) is characterized by occipital flattening, mastoid bulging, and contralateral parietal bossing. Anterior craniofacial features are less well-defined. This study utilizes volumetric, craniometric, and composite heat maps of three-dimensional (3D) rendered CT scans to analyze anterior craniofacial asymmetry in ULS and compared to controls.

Design

A retrospective review of three-dimensional CT scans.

Setting

Tertiary care pediatric institution.

Patients, Participants

30 ULS and 30 control patients.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Volumetric and craniometric analysis of the anterior fossa, orbits, zygomas, maxilla, and mandible was performed.

Results

The anterior fossa volume was greater bilaterally (0.047, 0.038), and the fossa angle was more anterior contralaterally (<0.001) and more anterior bilaterally than controls (0.038, 0.033). The orbits had greater height and lesser depth bilaterally compared to controls (0.006, 0.009; < 0.001, < 0.001). Zygoma length was significantly greater on the contralateral side than controls (0.048; < 0.001). Nasal contralateral deviation of 3.57  ±  1.97°. The maxillary length was longer on the contralateral side (0.045). The mandibular angle was more anterior on the ipsilateral side and posterior on the contralateral side (<0.001) compared to controls (0.042, < 0.001). Chin had a contralateral deviation of 1.04  ±  3.74°.

Conclusions

ULS has significant asymmetry in the anterior craniofacial skeleton. There is a bilateral expansion of the anterior cranial fossa with greater frontal bossing on the contralateral side. Increased orbital height and decreased depth. Contralateral zygomatic and mandibular body lengthening with posterior mandibular deviation. These features may provide more effective diagnosis and potential clinical management strategies.
Connecting to (Re)connect: Video Calling as a Resource to Unite Families and Children in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit During the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Moraes Erika Sana , Chiaradia Mendes-Castillo Ana Márcia
Published: May 2023

Video calling emerged as an important resource during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to reconnect child and family, bringing the possibility of communication even during isolation. The objective of this study was to understand the experiences of families who communicated with their children through video calls during isolation by COVID-19 in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). This was a qualitative study employing the theory of symbolic interactionism and the research method of grounded theory, with 14 families of children in PICU who used video calling as a communication resource. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The analysis revealed the main category of “Connecting to (re)connect: Video calling as a resource to unite families and children in PICU in the COVID-19 era,” from which a theoretical model explaining the experience was built. Video calling is an important resource to mitigate the effects of family–child separation during hospitalization, and its use is encouraged in other contexts.