bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Discrimination Widespread or Concentrated? Evaluating the Distribution of Anti-Black Discrimination in Judicial, Hiring, and Housing Decisions
Authors: Galvan Manuel J. , Alvarez Gabriella M. , Cipolli William , Cooley Erin , Muscatell Keely A. , Payne B. Keith
Published: October 2024

Is anti-Black discrimination concentrated among a discriminatory few, or widespread across many decision-makers? The handful of studies that have addressed this question have reached divergent conclusions, with some suggesting that discrimination follows the 80/20 rule (i.e., a Pareto distribution) and others suggesting that discrimination is normally distributed. This paper explores the distribution of discrimination in hiring, housing, and judicial decisions. Study 1 examined the distribution of anti-Black discrimination in judges’ repeated sentencing decisions. The distribution of discrimination was more consistent with a normal distribution than a Pareto distribution. In Study 2, meta-analyses of hiring and housing field experiments revealed anti-Black discrimination in more than 80% of studies. Simulations of widespread discrimination using a normal distribution were more consistent with these experimental data than were simulations of concentrated discrimination using a Pareto distribution. These findings suggest that discrimination is not concentrated in the behaviors of a few highly biased individuals.
Wellbeing at the Edges of Ownership: The Impacts of Housing Tenure, Social Capital, and Institutions
Authors: Clark William A. V. , ViforJ Rachel Ong , Smith Susan J. , Wood Gavin A. , Truong N. T. Khuong , Lisowski William
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a three-country analysis of the relationship between housing, indicators of social capital, and life satisfaction (a proxy for wellbeing) using cross-sectional data from national surveys in Australia, the UK and the US. Addressing a key policy debate we construct, for each jurisdiction, models of life satisfaction as a function of housing and social capital, with a view to better targeting policy interventions to achieve wellbeing outcomes. First, we show that the wellbeing premium associated with homeownership remains resilient despite housing market instability early in the 21st century. Second, we find that while social capital is an important independent positive influence on life satisfaction, its effect is weaker than that of housing tenure. Third, we include two measures of housing risk (repayment risk and investment risk). These position mortgagors on a continuum across the edges of owner-occupation, placing them closer to, or further from, the ‘ideal’ of outright ownership. The impact of these measures varies across the three countries, raising questions about the way life satisfaction at the edges of ownership may be shaped by institutional forces.
‘State Brokerage’ in Migration Infrastructure: A Case of State-Led Multilevel Governance of the Employment Permit System in South Korea
Authors: Park Weejun
Published: October 2024

This paper examines ‘state brokerage’ in migration infrastructure through South Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS). It introduces the concept of state-led multilevel governance (sMLG)—a synthesis of multilevel governance (MLG) and state transformation (ST)—as a framework for understanding state brokerage, thereby contributing to the greater diversity in migration infrastructure scholarship. By analyzing state archival documents, the paper examines how South Korean state has developed a governance framework that spans multiple political-territorial boundaries through state transformation. The transformation encompasses forging diplomatic relationships with foreign governments and orchestrating cross-border policy collaborations as well as (re)arranging domestic governance by establishing new institutions, enacting and revising laws, and reconfiguring the relationships among these entities. These processes have allowed the EPS to facilitate the migration of less-skilled labor without the involvement of private actors.
Retained austenite in medium manganese steel with dissimilar morphology and composition
Authors: Ding Wei , Zhang Tan , Feng Jike , Zhang Guangying , Li Yan , Zhang Min
Published: October 2024

The microstructure and mechanical properties of medium manganese steel with a composition of 0.2C-5Mn-0.5Si-1.5Al (wt.%) were investigated, employing a two-stage heat treatment process. The microstructure following pretreatment comprised pearlite, martensite, and ferrite. Subsequent intercritical annealing resulted in the formation of retained austenite with varying morphology and composition. The filmy retained austenite transformed from pearlite exhibited a higher Mn content compared to the blocky retained austenite transformed from martensite, while also displaying a slower growth rate. Moreover, the filmy retained austenite exhibited superior thermal and mechanical stability. Tensile tests showed that the test steels not only obtained high strength (>1000 MPa) and high elongation (>30%), but the stress-strain curves also showed continuous yielding behaviour and a more reasonable ratio of tensile strength to yield strength.
Enhancing Daily Crash Count Prediction using Deep Learning with Window Size Selection and Seasonality Predictor Integration
Authors: Cheng Wen , Rogovoy Kirill , Sharifiilierdy Seyedbamdad , Mora Omar , Lu Rosalyn , Cheng Yichi
Published: October 2024

The escalating need for proactive safety measures, coupled with advancements in data collection and analytical techniques, has significantly refined the accuracy of crash count predictions, shifting from annual scales to finer daily or hourly estimates. This research places emphasis on recurrent neural networks (RNNs), specifically the long short-term memory (LSTM) model, acknowledged for effectively managing sequential data in time series predictions. Paramount considerations encompass the treatment of input data, including the decision to incorporate temporal features alongside endogenous historical target values, and the establishment of an optimal window size for data input. Despite the critical nature of these facets, exhaustive studies concurrently investigating both under controlled conditions are scarce. This research addresses this gap, assessing diverse scenarios featuring distinct temporal treatments and window sizes, and employing an LSTM model with uniform fine-tuned parameters to ensure a fair comparison. Findings indicate a significant variation in performance among models employing different window sizes and month predictor integration, under identical RNN structures and LSTM configurations. The best model outperformed the least effective by roughly 30% concerning root mean square error (RMSE) and ranking correlation between predicted and actual target crash counts in the test datasets. Unlike seasonality predictor treatment, diverse window size selections did not lead to statistically significant differences in model performance. Generally, a window size of 3 performed worst under most conditions, followed by a size of 14. Sizes of 7 and 28 performed best in nearly an equal numbers of cases.
Modeling and Estimating the Effect of a Mix of Varying Levels of Automated Vehicles on Operational Performance of Urban Freeways
Authors: Gajera Hardik , Pulugurtha Srinivas S. , Gore Ninad , Ghasemi Amirhossein , Duvvuri Sarvani , Kodupuganti Swapneel R.
Published: October 2024

Automated vehicles (AVs) will likely influence various aspects of the existing transportation system in the next few decades. Existing literature documents the operational benefits of AVs at different penetration rates. However, estimating the effect of the mix of different levels of AVs on the operational performance of traffic flow has not been explored in the past. This study employs a microsimulation approach to model and estimate the potential effect of varying levels of AVs on the operational performance of freeways. The proposed approach involves a two-step process for calibrating the simulation model. In the first step, the model is calibrated from an operational perspective. In the second step, the calibration is performed from a safety perspective. Thirteen scenarios were generated considering varying penetration rates of different levels of AVs. Congestion index (CI), buffer time (BT), travel time uncertainty (TTU), and delay were computed for each scenario and segment type. The estimations indicate that increasing the penetration of level 3 to level 5 AVs significantly reduces CI, BT, TTU, and delay. In contrast, the effect of level 1 and 2 AVs on freeway operational performance is negligible. Notably, the operational benefits are more pronounced with higher penetration of level 3 and higher AVs. Additionally, the reduction in delay is greater on interchange segments compared with basic freeway segments. The study findings are valuable insights concerning the operational performance of freeways under varying penetration of different levels of AVs, assisting practitioners in formulating AVs-inclusive policies.
Sustainable Horizons: Exploring Attitudes and Beliefs on Electric Aircraft Usage in General Aviation
Authors: Leonard Andrew , Wilson Nicholas , Lents Michael
Published: October 2024

This research was conducted to better understand the perceptions surrounding electrically powered aircraft in the general aviation (GA) sector. The study employed survey methodologies to collect responses from ( N = 780) participants, with an emphasis on data from collegiate aviation students as well as a broad subset of the GA community. The study focused on factors such as generational differences, gender, the impact of flight training, and prior exposure to electric or hybrid cars, and how these factors influence the aviation industry’s sustainable transformation. The results indicate a significant and positive correlation between attitudes toward electric aircraft and prior exposure to or ownership of electric or hybrid cars. Generational differences, gender-based variations, and the impact of flight training on willingness to pay for electric aircraft utilization also had significant relationships with attitudes toward electric aircraft. The findings provide valuable insights for industry stakeholders and policymakers in promoting sustainable aviation practices, and complements prior research into the feasibility of electric flight.
Axial compression behavior of mechanized filament-wound GFRP-steel tubed concrete stub columns
Authors: Du Tianyu , Fang Hai , Li Bennben , Li Chong , Feng Dengyi , Zhang Yang
Published: October 2024

Filament-wound is presently the prevailing and efficient process in the field of molding, known for its ability to achieve optimal molding effects. This technique offers numerous advantages, including high precision, a high fiber content. Traditional FRP-steel tubed concrete stub columns (FSTCSCs) are fabricated by longitudinally wrapping FRP sheet, which results in low production efficiency. This paper introduces a mechanized filament-wound FSTCSC, which can achieve overall molding and effectively improve production efficiency. This paper presents an examination of the axial compression performance of mechanically wound FSTCSC. Two variables were considered including FRP wrapping angle and concrete strength. The experimental results reveal that fiber fracture of mechanized filament-wound FSTCSC is a gradual process, with damage starting from the outermost layer. When GFRP undergoes fracture, a higher wrapping angle results in enhanced restraint stiffness but reduced ductility. Moreover, the validated finite element model is used to analyze the parameters such as the wrapping angle and the thickness of GFRP tube, and it is found that adjusting both upward and downward wrapping angles plays a role in boosting the peak load carrying capacity. Furthermore, five models for predicting ultimate strengths were evaluated using test results, followed by the provision of recommendations for practical design.
Filling in the missing pieces: Personality traits (un)related to dishonest behavior
Authors: Hilbig Benjamin E. , Thielmann Isabel , Heck Daniel W.
Published: October 2024

Despite notable progress in the study of dishonest behavior and in particular the identification of personality traits (most notably, Honesty-Humility) that are robust predictors of individual differences in dishonesty, prior research has also left several traits untested or yielded inconsistent or inconclusive findings for other traits. We herein provide corresponding evidence, testing the associations between dishonesty and six operationalizations of Big Five Agreeableness, the dark tetrad traits, impression management and lie scales, and self-control versus impulsivity. We relied on a large dataset ( N = 1,916) across two incentivized measurements of dishonesty (separated by about 5 weeks) and tailored hierarchical modeling, and preregistered all hypotheses prior to data analysis. As expected, neither impression management and lie scales nor self-control versus impulsivity were related to dishonesty. By contrast, dark tetrad traits were consistently associated with dishonesty, though almost entirely due to their shared aversive core, the dark factor of personality. Finally, several (but not all) operationalizations of Big Five Agreeableness were associated with dishonesty, but none explained incremental variance above Honesty-Humility whereas the opposite was always the case. We discuss the implications of these findings for recent controversies about basic personality structure, the question of theoretical parsimony, and the dangers of jingle-fallacies.
Basic personal values and vote choice in 20 European countries
Authors: Lönnqvist Jan-Erik , Ilmarinen Ville
Published: October 2024

Employing European Social Survey data (ESS Round 7) from 20 countries ( N = 20,464), we tested several pre-registered hypotheses regarding the associations between basic personal values—as conceptualized by Schwartz’ Values Theory—and vote choice in national elections. To operationalize vote choice, we relied on the Chapel Hill Experts Survey for expert ratings of party positioning on ideology, policy, and populism. Personal values, and particularly universalism, were associated with the cultural gal-tan (green-alternative-liberal vs. traditional-authoritarian-nationalist) dimension (8% shared variance) and the economic left-right dimension (4% shared variance). The associations with gal-tan were even stronger when the dimension was salient in the party agenda. Associations between specific policy positions (e.g., multiculturalism, redistribution) and values were very similar to those between values and ideology. Voting populist was weakly associated with lower universalism and higher security (1% shared variance). The associations were generally stronger among the more educated and in western European countries. Our results suggest that Universalism values could help explain why the “left” and the “gal” poles tend to go together and are also more generally consistent with accounts of political conflict and cleavage centered around cultural issues and rooted in values.
Characterization and machinability analysis of aluminium-based metal matrix composites (MMC): A critical review
Authors: Mishra Rasmi Ranjan , Panda Amlana , Sahoo Ashok Kumar , Kumar Ramanuj
Published: October 2024

Hybrid nanocomposite has progressively attracted advanced industrial and automotive sectors in recent years. Hybrid nanocomposites have emerged as a viable material for a wide variety of engineering uses because of their excellent thermal, mechanical, and environmental characteristics. This article introduces reviews on the turning process of metal matrix composites (MMC) and its examination of the improvement of the machining indicators of MMCs. Furthermore, this review reviews the latest research progress in sustainable turning of aluminium based composite particularly hybrid nanocomposite. Moreover, a summary regarding the impact of machining variables on measured outputs is also discussed. Machinability evaluations, along with other factors, are considered critical analyses that directly determine the cost of machining processes. The point of this review is to focus on the impact of essential cutting variables on hybrid turning processes. Furthermore, this paper draws extensive conclusions based on experimental findings. This research also identifies potential future topics that need to be solved to improve the development and characterization of hybrid nanocomposites. In brief, the paper presents a comprehensive review for developing a sustainable machining approach for these fabricated hybrid metal matrix composites.
Surface modification of high-speed steel (HSS) drills by plasma nitriding and cathodic cage tin deposition
Authors: da Silva Lucas Pereira , de Sousa Brito Marcos Cristino , da Silva Mendes Marcus Vinicius , de Sousa Nôleto Brenda Jakellinny , Monção Renan Matos , da Luz Silva Lauriene Gonçalves , de Sousa Ediones Maciel , de Oliveira Patrick Abreu , de Carvalho Costa Thercio Henrique , Barbosa Marcos Guilherme Carvalho Braulio , de Sousa Rômulo Ribeiro Magalhães
Published: October 2024

Cutting tools made of high-speed steel have significant economic and technological importance. To enhance their productivity, thermochemical treatments are sought to improve both surface mechanical and tribological properties. Plasma nitriding and thin film deposition are widely employed for this purpose. In this study, modifications were made to M2 high-speed steel drills through plasma nitriding at temperatures of 400°C and 450°C. Cathodic cage TiN plasma deposition was also performed, varying the dwell time at a fixed temperature of 450°C. Characterization techniques included optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Vickers microhardness testing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Performance tests were carried out to evaluate the behavior of the drills in relation to wear when machining AISI 1020 steel. It was observed that longer deposition times promote more uniform and thicker layers, and higher nitriding temperatures result in thicker nitride layers. An increase in hardness was noticeable in all deposition and nitriding treatments, with the nitrided samples exhibiting the highest hardness. During performance tests, the cathodic cage plasma TiN deposition demonstrated greater potential for application in HSS drills, with a treatment lasting 4 h providing the best results.
Dynamic compressive impact behavior of CFRP composite under high strain rate loading
Authors: Chaurasia Bipin Kumar , Kumar Deepak , Paswan Mani Kant
Published: October 2024

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) composite exhibits significant sensitivity to strain rate. In this work, authors investigated the CFRP composite’s dynamic compressive impact behavior under a high strain rate. The vacuum bagging technique was used to fabricate the composite specimens to reduce the presence of voids. Compressive mechanical behavior was examined for the CFRP composite for strain rate ranging from 1384 to 1953 s−1 using a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) test setup. The experiment aims to investigate the effect of strain rate on stresses, strains, failure strengths, fracture energies, and failure of quasi-isotropic CFRP composites. Furthermore, the specimens’ strength initially increases and achieves its maximum strength, followed by a decrease in strength value. Moreover, an optical microscopic examination reveals that damage in composite laminate grows as the strain rate increases.
A Real Options Perspective on Entrepreneurial Orientation and Government Ties
Authors: Mbaraonye Izuchukwu , Titus Varkey , Cavanaugh Jeffrey
Published: October 2024

Firms’ strategic orientation toward entrepreneurship exposes them to regulatory uncertainties. Prior research suggests that addressing these uncertainties through corporate political activities (CPA) may require costly trade-offs, such as the loss of strategic flexibility. We argue that some of these trade-offs can be mitigated by the way firms structure their CPA. We extend the insights from real options reasoning (ROR) to offer a framework for how firms may circumvent some of these trade-offs through greater CPA breadth, which allows firms to retain their strategic flexibility while reaping some of the benefits of CPA.
Empowering Teachers as Users in Human-Centered Design
Authors: Islam Rezwana , Lum Heather C.
Published: October 2024

Teachers play a crucial role as end-users of technology in educational settings but seldom get recognition as a group of technology users with varying needs and perspectives. This paper analyzes the unique user characteristics of teachers, both in terms of general user nature and within the context of established ed-tech frameworks and technology acceptance models. The authors argue that existing frameworks and models inadequately address the distinct characteristics of teachers as users and therefore provide specific recommendations for the development of a specialized framework that accounts for the teacher’s specific user criteria.
LOST and Found in Walmart: Walmart's Effect on Local Option Sales Tax (LOSTs) Adoption and Sales Tax Revenue
Authors: Young Matt
Published: October 2024

Throughout the period of adoption of Local Option Sales Taxes (LOSTs) by local governments research has found many causes and associations for adoption and utilization of LOSTs. This research explores the impact that the rise of Large Supply Chain retailers, which expanded along much the same timeline as LOSTs, had on the adoption of LOSTs and collection of sales tax revenue. Leveraging LOST adoption along different timelines in three states and hundreds of Walmart openings, a Cox Proportional Hazard Model is used to estimate the impact a Walmart opening has on time to adoption of LOST at the county level. A Difference in Difference with multiple validity and robustness checks is used to estimate the impact on sales tax collection. Results indicate that a Walmart opening has a large impact on the hazard ratio—indicating it speeds time to adoption. Unsurprisingly, this leads to larger sales tax revenue collections by host jurisdictions.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presentations among referrals to a child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) inpatient unit in Ireland
Authors: O’Connor Molly , Griffin Clair , Corrigan Jennifer , Somers Carol , Delaney Maura , Larkin Fionnuala
Published: October 2024

This retrospective chart review aimed to identify the intersection between young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)’s needs and CAMHS inpatient service needs. A retrospective chart review was conducted on all referrals to a CAMHS inpatient unit over three years ( n = 352). Referrals which specified a formal diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of ASD were identified ( n = 111), and basic demographic data were collected. Young people with either a formal or suspected diagnosis of ASD referred to the unit presented with a wide range of co-occurring conditions. Of these young people, 30 were admitted to the unit and only 6 of them were engaged with an ASD specialist service. Young people with diagnosed or suspected ASD were more likely to be admitted if they presented with suicidality. Males with diagnosed or suspected ASD were more likely to have a diagnosis of OCD while females with diagnosed or suspected ASD were more likely to present with eating and feeding disorders and personality development difficulties. Findings highlight the lack of a clear care pathway for young people with co-occurring autism or suspected autism and complex mental health problems.
China as data coloniser? rethinking cultural production, cultural mediation, and consumer agency on Kenyan and Chinese e-commerce platforms
Authors: Tse Tommy , Zhang Yin , Van Noord Nanne
Published: October 2024

Has China become a neo-colonizer, exporting its cultural and economic power to the world based on its agenda of building soft power? Existing scholarship on neocolonialism and data colonialism largely focuses on how China's infrastructural expansion and increasingly platformised cultural sectors can achieve its ambitious platformised cultural sectors overseas. Yet, how China's cultural power is manifested, negotiated, or resisted in people's daily lives in a South–South setting remains under-researched and under-theorised. This article uses everyday fashion in Kenya as a case study to investigate China's cultural and economic power expansion in the Global South. We examined how cultural differences are negotiated and mediated on two Chinese(-invested) e-commerce platforms. Through focus groups and platform walkthrough method, our findings serve to enrich existing theories of cultural production–platform relationships applicable in the study of various cultural and creative sectors, to offer new understandings of how symbolic, sociopolitical and cultural meanings of fashion are constructed through divergent platform affordances, and to reveal the various forms of cultural negotiations and resistance in different contexts, multiplying our frames of reference.
Global perspectives on platforms and cultural production
Authors: Poell Thomas , Duffy Brooke Erin , B. Nieborg David , Mutsvairo Bruce , Tse Tommy , Arriagada Arturo , de Kloet Jeroen , Sun Ping
Published: October 2024

Research on platforms and cultural production is dominated by studies that take the Anglo-American world and Northwestern Europe as their main points of reference. Central concepts in the field, consequently, bear the imprint of Western institutions, cultural practices, and ideals. Critically responding to this state of affairs, this opening essay of the special issue on Global Perspectives on Platforms and Cultural Production, consisting of 20 articles, aims to: 1) challenge universalism, 2) provincialize the US, and 3) multiply our frames of reference. Pursuing these objectives, we bring together ideas from postcolonial and decolonial theory and platform studies in a systematic research program. This global perspectives program allows us to: denaturalize and rethink dominant concepts and ideas through research from around the globe; explicitly thematize and examine the global power relations that structure platform economies; and critically interrogate the knowledge production about these economies.
Effect of pre-chamber volume and nozzle number on turbulent jet combustion characteristics of GDI engines
Authors: Sun Qianbo , Lee Timothy , Shi Zhicheng , Zhu Decan , Wu Han , Lee Chia-fon
Published: October 2024

There are few studies on the effect of turbulent jets on the combustion characteristics of passive pre-chamber (PC) gasoline engines, and their mechanism needs to be elucidated. Therefore, a 3-D simulation was performed using CONVERGE software. The results reveal that a modest expansion in the PC volume contributes to combustion due to the increased jet energy, but when it is too large, the above effect is weakened. In this study, at a smaller 0.8 ml volume, the combustion is still similar to traditional spark plug ignition. At middle 1.6 ml volume, the mixture concentration in the PC increases and the uniformity is better, resulting in the highest jet velocity and shortest jet duration, thus achieving the fastest flame propagation and the highest heat release rate (HRR). However, at a larger 1.8–2.0 ml volume, the mixture concentration near the spark-plug is sharply reduced, thus the reduced combustion rate in the PC leads to insufficient jet energy in the subsequent jets and resulting deterioration in combustion. An appropriate increase in nozzle number also improves combustion by introducing more ignition sources. But more nozzles not always improving the combustion. In the eight-nozzle case, three nozzles are close to the exhaust valve so that the intake is inhibited, resulting in a worsening of the ignition. The combustion under six-nozzle shows the highest HRR and shortest combustion duration. However, the combustion deteriorates at eight-nozzle, since the increase in the ignition point is not enough to compensate for the negative impact of the reduced jet intensity on combustion.
Simulation study on the cavitation flow characteristics of liquid ammonia in the nozzle under high-pressure injection conditions
Authors: Yu Zhiqing , Wu Lixuan , Markov Vladimir , Han Dong , Zhao Jianhui
Published: October 2024

In this study, a non-isothermal compressible cavitating flow simulation model for liquid ammonia in high-pressure injector, accounting for the phase change properties, was established. The model was validated using experimental data from existing literature. The cavitation phase change process of liquid ammonia within the injector nozzle was investigated, and the differences in cavitation distribution between ammonia and diesel were explored. The results indicate that with increasing injection pressure, the vapor volume fraction of ammonia increases linearly, while that of diesel fuel shows a rapid initial rise followed by a decelerating trend. In terms of flow coefficient, ammonia is lower than diesel, though the two values converge at higher injection pressures. Under low injection pressure, the heat absorbed by the cavitation phase change of ammonia exceeded the heat generated by the high-speed friction of ammonia flow against the nozzle wall, leading to a temperature drop at the nozzle inlet. Conversely, at high injection pressure, the temperature of ammonia on the nozzle wall increases by more than 20 K, resulting in a rapid rise in saturated vapor pressure and significantly intensifying the cavitation effect. Compared to ammonia, diesel experienced a higher temperature rise within the nozzle but exhibited smaller variations in saturated vapor pressure, making the temperature effect on cavitation less pronounced. Diesel’s higher density and viscosity resulted in lower flow velocities compared to ammonia, leading to more developed cavitation in the lower wall region of the nozzle and creating a higher pressure region on the upper wall of the nozzle, which was more distant from the nozzle inlet and inhibited cavitation development there. The research results provide theoretical support for the design of liquid ammonia injectors.
Constituent power and independence movements: On the founding and foundation of political orders and the meaning of political independence
Authors: Meine Anna
Published: October 2024

This paper links the debates on constituent power and European independence movements in order to develop a theoretically compelling and empirically grounded conception of constituent power, as well as to assess in how far constituent power contributes to the meaning of political independence. In its first part, it builds upon recent republican contributions to the debates on corporate, joint and collective agency and argues that, even on individualist grounds, constituent power can convincingly be understood as a surplus of collective agency that corporate agency cannot encompass. In the second part of the paper, these preliminary theoretical considerations are confronted with the debates about Scotland's constitutional future and the 2014 independence referendum. This examination suggests further differentiation, but also facilitates insights into the interplay of the constituent power of the people with corporate forms of agency, as well as into changes of constituent peoples. In the final part, the paper inverts the perspective of inquiry to show that, once one is conscious of the complex relation between popular sovereignty and sovereignty that conceptions of corporate and collective agency help us to grasp, constituent power also proves to be an element of a compelling political conception of political independence.
Post-Traumatic Growth Promoting and Inhibiting Factors Among Intimate Partner Violence Survivors: A Systematic Review
Authors: Machinga-Asaolu Rujeko O.
Published: October 2024

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a traumatic experience that is universally present across the globe. Undeniably, there are expected adverse outcomes. However, it is also conceivable that IPV survivors might see, feel, and experience a hopeful, positive future after their IPV experience. Notably experienced by IPV survivors is post-traumatic growth (PTG). PTG is a type of positive psychological change that occurs following the struggle with a traumatic experience. The changes are then reflected across five domains. As more studies on PTG among IPV survivors continue to rise, there must be a better understanding of the process. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol, this systematic review consolidated findings from existing literature guided by the research questions: (a) What areas of PTG do IPV survivors most experience positive psychological growth? (b) What factors are associated with PTG among IPV survivors? A total of 22 studies met the criteria and were included. Spiritual growth and new possibilities domains were experienced the most by adult IPV survivors. Contributing and inhibiting factors toward PTG were identified and categorized as interpersonal, contextual, or intrapersonal. Targeted interventions aiding the process toward PTG for IPV survivors were also identified, including commonly maladaptive coping strategies. This systematic review contributes to the literature by increasing knowledge that can be used for more effective support, interventions, and policies that promote PTG for adult IPV survivors.
Food as Folklife: Public Folklore Practice in the Museum and Archive
Authors: Siegel Virginia
Published: October 2024

This article examines folkloristic methods for collecting and presenting foodways in museum and archival settings. Drawing on the author’s experience as a public folklorist and exhibit curator, the article offers two case studies on foodways collection and presentation. The first case study explores the Smithsonian Center for Intangible Cultural Heritage’s annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C., in which the author presented in 2023. The second case study highlights the Kentucky Folklife Program of Western Kentucky University’s exhibit, “A Culture Carried: Bosnians in Bowling Green” (mounted at the Kentucky Museum 2017–2019). As the then-folklife specialist for the Kentucky Folklife Program, the author served as a co-curator for the exhibit and associated programming. Through these case studies, the article aims to provide concrete ideas and methods for documenting and presenting foodways for museum professionals and archivists.
Sample Sizes for 10 Types of Qualitative Data Analysis: An Integrative Review, Empirical Guidance, and Next Steps
Authors: Wutich Amber , Beresford Melissa , Bernard H. Russell
Published: October 2024

There has been a recent explosion of articles on minimum sample sizes needed for analyzing qualitative data. The purpose of this integrated review is to examine this literature for 10 types of qualitative data analysis (5 types of saturation and 5 common methods). Building on established reviews and expanding to new methods, our findings extract the following sample size guidelines: theme saturation (9 interviews; 4 focus groups), meaning saturation (24 interviews; 8 focus groups), theoretical saturation (20–30+ interviews), metatheme saturation (20–40 interviews per site), and saturation in salience (10 exhaustive free lists); two methods where power analysis determines sample size: classical content analysis (statistical power analysis) and qualitative content analysis (information power); and three methods with little or no sample size guidance: reflexive thematic analysis, schema analysis, and ethnography (current guidance indicates 50–81 data documents or 20–30 interviews may be adequate). Our review highlights areas in which the extant literature does not provide sufficient sample size guidance—not because it is epistemologically flawed, but because it is not yet comprehensive and nuanced enough. To address this, we conclude by proposing ways researchers can navigate and contribute to the complex literature on sample size estimates.
Comparative analysis of negative pressure wound therapy (PICO) and standard dressing application after arterial vascular reconstructions
Authors: Kostiuk Valentyna , Fereydooni Soraya , Setia Ocean , Loh Sarah A , Strosberg David , Tonnessen Britt H , Ochoa Chaar Cassius Iyad , Aboian Edouard
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Surgical site infections following arterial reconstructions with femoral exposures are common and potentially preventable. Negative pressure wound therapy has emerged as a potential solution to minimize groin wound complications. Our study evaluates efficacy of a negative pressure therapy (PICO dressing) in reducing groin wound complications after vascular reconstructions.

Methods

A retrospective single center comparative analysis of vascular reconstructions involving common femoral artery dissection was performed between July 2021 and June 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: patients treated with PICO device and patients who received standard dressing (non-PICO). Patient demographics, comorbidities, vascular evaluation, and procedure indications were compared. Previous interventions, incision orientation and procedure types were noted. The wound complication categories were graded according to the Szilagyi classification: grade 1 (superficial infection/minor dehiscence), grade 2 (deep infection/major dehiscence), and grade 3 (artery or prosthetic involvement). Statistical significance level was determined at p < .05 for all analyses.

Results

A total of 217 groin dissections in 184 patients were analyzed with 132 and 85 groin dissections in the PICO and non-PICO groups, respectively. The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups in terms of age, sex, BMI, and procedure indications. Prior endovascular procedures and re-operative groin surgeries were more prevalent in the PICO group. The use of antibiotics post-operatively for groin wound complication was greater in the non-PICO group. The incidence of wound complications was higher in the non-PICO group (29.4% vs 10.6%, p < .001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis determined that PICO dressing as well as hybrid and endovascular index procedures were associated with lower risks of groin complications.

Conclusion

PICO dressing decreased the incidence of groin wound complications in patients undergoing open vascular reconstructions. This study highlights the value of adjunctive negative pressure therapy in reduction of wound complications after arterial reconstructions in the inguinal region.
A path planner enabling second-order continuity across multiple motion modes of the generalized bicycle model
Authors: Chen Yu-Lin , Huang Yeh-Chih , Chan Kuei-Yuan
Published: October 2024

In mobile robotics, the generalized bicycle model is notable for its agility and diverse motion capabilities. However, current path planning methods often overlook its potential for multiple motion modes, leading to impractical paths and collision risks in complex environments. To address this, our study introduces a novel path planning algorithm that utilizes the generalized bicycle model and ensures second-order continuity, crucial for smooth and safe navigation. We establish rigorous second-order continuity conditions for seamless motion mode transitions and derive criteria for each mode. Our algorithm integrates these conditions with the rapidly exploring random tree concept to generate optimal paths that accommodate the model’s mode-changing capabilities. Through tests in challenging environments, our method demonstrates improved performance, especially in narrow passages, enhancing path planning safety and efficiency for mobile robots. This advancement significantly contributes to the field of robotic path planning by offering a more dynamic and reliable approach to autonomous navigation.
The effect of chronic academic stress on attentional bias towards value-associated stimuli
Authors: Song Zhaoxiang , Gao Heming , Qi Mingming
Published: October 2024

Individuals typically exhibit attentional bias towards stimuli that are considered valuable. This study aimed to investigate the effect of chronic academic stress on attentional bias towards value-associated stimuli. Both the stress group (preparation for a critical academic examination) and the control group performed a modified dot-probe task. Two-colour stimuli were presented simultaneously, one of which was associated with high or low monetary rewards through the value-associated training. The participants were then instructed to respond to the location of a probe dot which was presented either congruent or incongruent towards the value-associated stimuli. In the neutral condition, both stimuli were not value-associated ones. The results showed that (1) in the value-associated training task, shorter reaction times (RTs) and higher accuracies were observed for the high-value trials compared with the low-value trials in both groups, suggesting a successful association between neutral stimuli and value; (2) in the dot-probe task, the RTs were shorter for the high-/low-value congruent conditions compared with the high-/low-value incongruent conditions in both groups, suggesting an attentional bias towards value-associated stimuli; (3) compared to the control group, the stress group showed an increased disengagement (RTincongruent − RTneutral) effect but a similar orienting (RTneutral − RTcongruent) effect. These results suggested that chronic academic stress may promote attentional bias towards value-associated stimuli by impairing attentional disengagement.
Prehospital blood pressure lowering in patients with ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yuan Xiang , Gan Qi , Zhang Yu , Wang Peng , Chong Weelic , Hai Yang , Fang Fang
Published: October 2024

Background:

Whether prehospital blood pressure control improves outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke is uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of prehospital blood pressure reduction treatment in patients with ischemic stroke.

Methods:

We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomized controlled trials that compared prehospital blood pressure reduction treatment with usual treatment or no treatment in patients with stroke. The primary outcome was functional outcome, assessed with the distribution of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days, while secondary outcome was mortality at 90 days.

Results:

Of 428 studies reviewed, three were appropriate for analysis, totaling 3878 patients. In patients with ischemic stroke, prehospital blood pressure reduction treatment was associated with higher mRS scores at 90 days (common odds ratio (OR) for worse mRS, OR: 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–1.49) and increased risk of mortality at 90 days (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.02–1.61) compared with the usual treatment.

Conclusion:

In patients with ischemic stroke, prehospital blood pressure reduction treatment was associated with a higher likelihood of poor functional outcome and an elevated risk of mortality.
Patterns and trends of global social media censorship: Insights from 76 countries
Authors: Al-Zaman Md. Sayeed
Published: October 2024

We investigated global social media censorship trends in this research, addressing three essential scholarly gaps: (a) Variations in censorship across countries, (b) the platforms most heavily impacted, and (c) the evolution of censorship over time. With a focus on eight frequently targeted platforms—Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Telegram, Twitter, and Reddit—we scrutinized 360 instances of social media censorship spanning 76 countries from 2006 to 2023. Our findings illustrate a growing governmental control, particularly noticeable in the Global South, with Turkey (6.39%), Sri Lanka (6.11%), Venezuela (5.56%), and Pakistan (5%) at the top of the list of frequently censoring countries. Among the platforms, Facebook (22.22%) and YouTube (21.94%) bear the brunt. Moreover, the escalating control over social media since 2018 signals an emergent global digital authoritarianism. Discernible geographical disparities in platform-specific restrictions prompt reflection on the nexus between censorship and political motivations. Additionally, our results suggest a plausible correlation between censorship practices and prevailing political systems. Enhanced comprehension of this problem could be derived from an augmented focus on the underlying reasons for censorship. This study offers a foundational evaluation of global social media censorship, setting it apart from internet censorship and laying the groundwork for further exploration.
A review of the use of CT pulmonary angiography in pregnant and postpartum women at an academic centre
Authors: Herbst Wilhelm , Bhoora Shastra , Moodley Halvani , Ranchod Ashesh , Westgarth-Taylor Tracy , Zamparini Jarrod
Published: October 2024

Background

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common cause of maternal death during pregnancy and the puerperium yet data on its prevalence in middle-income countries is lacking.

Methods

We examined the medical records and CTPA (computed tomography pulmonary angiography) images of 67 women in an obstetric high care unit during pregnancy and the puerperium. We aimed to determine the prevalence of PE in a high-risk obstetric population undergoing CTPA, assess associated clinical features in this cohort, and determine the prevalence of alternative CT findings.

Results

CTPA detected PE in 11 women (16.42%) and alternative CT findings in 46 (68.6%). Women with PE had a lower systolic blood pressure than those without PE ( P = 0.001). Multiple gestation, preterm rupture of membranes, and gestational diabetes were linked to higher PE prevalence.

Conclusions

This study, set in an upper middle-income country, demonstrated a higher CTPA yield for PE and alternative diagnoses than in international literature, emphasising context-specific assessments.
Testing Theories of Threat, Individual Difference, and Ideology: Little Evidence of Personality-Based Individual Differences in Ideological Responses to Threat
Authors: Cassario Abigail L. , Brandt Mark J.
Published: October 2024

Recent attempts to establish the veracity of the conservative shift hypothesis have failed to find supportive evidence. Instead, this work yields inconsistent results and reveals considerable individual differences in ideological responses to ecological threats. In two studies, we build upon this work in two ways. First, we test the conservative shift hypothesis across five ecological threats: unemployment, immigration, racial diversity, COVID-19, and violent crime, more than has been examined previously. Second, we test whether, in line with political personality theories, openness to experience and conscientiousness predict who is likely to shift to the right in the face of threat and who is not. In one nationally representative panel study from the Netherlands ( N = 11,189) and one nationally representative repeated cross-sectional study in the United States ( N = 9,040), we find minimal support for the conservative shift hypothesis and theories that predict personality-based individual differences in ideological responses to threat.