bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Mediating Effect of Internal Communication on Strategic Human Resource Management and Perceived Performance: An Intersectoral Comparison
Authors: Suh Jiwon , Battaglio Paul
Published: March 2021

Using five waves of Korean Workplace Panel Survey (KWPS) data, we examine the mediating effects of internal communication channels on the relationship between strategic human resource management and organizational performance. Comparing public, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations, we demonstrate significant sector differences in communication. Our analyses show that only for-profit firms have been able to tap into the advantages of internal communication channels in an effort to improve the alignment between strategic human resource management and perceptions of organizational performance. From the findings, we suggest that public and nonprofit human resource managers may have a number of structural, cultural, and knowledge barriers to effective communication.
Neuroradiologic Features Associated With Severe Restriction of Functional Mobility in Children With Cerebral Palsy in North India
Authors: Prabha Jayanti , Alam Areesha , Kumar Chandrakanta , Kumar Rashmi , Kohli Neera
Published: March 2021

Background:

Few studies have focused on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain findings associated with functional mobility in cerebral palsy.

Objective:

To determine association between MRI findings and Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) levels in cerebral palsy.

Methods:

Prospective-observational study conducted in Pediatric Neurology Clinic at a public teaching hospital, Northern India. First 3 new cases of cerebral palsy were enrolled on particular neuro-clinic day per week for 1 year. Functional mobility was classified according to GMFCS. Association between MRI findings, cerebral palsy type, and GMFCS levels were evaluated using χ2 test.

Results:

A total of 138 cases (mean age 2.71 [SD = 1.91] years; male [64.5%]) were enrolled. Reported types of cerebral palsy were as follows: spastic quadriplegia (47.8%), spastic diplegia (28.35%), spastic hemiplegia (11.6%), extrapyramidal (6.5%), and ataxic/hypotonic (5.8%). GMFCS were classified into level 1 (13%), level 2 (7.2%), level 3 (4.3%), level 4 (10.9%), and level 5 (64.5%). Spastic quadriplegia and extrapyramidal cerebral palsy were significantly associated with higher (severe) levels (IV and V), whereas spastic diplegia and hemiplegia were significantly associated with lower (mild) levels (I-III) of GMFCS. MRI features of periventricular white matter injury, deep gray matter injury, basal ganglia and thalamic changes, and superficial gray matter injury were significantly associated with severe levels of GMFCS (V and IV). MRI was normal in 8 children (5 = mild category, 3 = severe category).

Conclusion:

Severe cerebral palsy is most often associated with spastic quadriplegia, extrapyramidal cerebral palsy, superficial gray matter lesions, deep gray matter lesions, and periventricular white matter injury. This information is useful for anticipating and addressing the needs of children with cerebral palsy and for prognostication.
Methods, Developments, and Technological Innovations for Population Surveys
Authors: Tomaselli Venera , Battiato Sebastiano , Ortis Alessandro , Cantone Giulio G. , Urso Salvatore , Polosa Riccardo
Published: March 2021

This article reviews contemporary issues in survey research, connecting established methods to innovative tools and technologies like real-time sensors and computer vision. This link takes into account the idea about the “organical” nature of Big Data, which represents a challenge toward a modernization of population studies in the light of technological innovations. The adopted dominant paradigm of data gathering is web survey (computer-assisted web interviewing), which is explored through the formalization of chain-referral methods as respondent-driven sampling. The general orientation is toward a computational social science approach. Weaknesses of such methodology is studied and solutions are provided with insights from empirical research on panel management. Contribution from gamification techniques is critically discussed.
The wound and the opening
Authors: Farneth Molly
Published: March 2021

Joseph Winters’s Hope Draped in Black insists on the ethical imperative of resisting closure. Drawing on examples from Black literary and artistic traditions, Winters describes an ethos of “melancholic hope” that dwells in loss while remaining vulnerable to others and an unknowable future: a wound and an opening. Winters is captivated by the repetitions and ruptures that frustrate easy assumptions about healing or progress. In these reflections on Winters’s work, I consider the ambivalent role of repetition in practices of mourning untimely and unjust death, and suggest the possibility of rituals that create and perform melancholic hope.
Enhanced adhesion between PEEK and stainless-steel mesh in resistance welding of CF/PEEK composites by various surface treatments
Authors: Li Xuekuan , Sun Mingchen , Song Jiupeng , Zhang Tong , Zhao Yan , Wang Kai
Published: March 2021

In order to improve the interfacial adhesion of stainless-steel mesh reinforced poly(ether-ether-ketone) (SSM/PEEK) heating elements (HEs) used in the resistance welding process for continuous carbon fiber reinforced PEEK composites (CF/PEEK composites), three kinds of surface treatments, sandblasting, aryl diazonium grafting and silane grafting, were adopted on SSM surfaces. The functional groups were grafted successfully according to the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) results and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) results, and the surface morphologies of SSM changed significantly after different treatments. Although the tensile performances of sandblasted stainless-steel (SS) wire and sandblasted SSM were distinctly reduced, the lap shear strength (LSS) of joints with sandblasted SSM still slightly improved. Besides, the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) increased from 28 MPa for untreated SSM to 34 MPa for diazonium grafted SSM and 38 MPa for silane grafted SSM. Furthermore, the LSS results were in agreement with this trend, representing a 9% improvement for joints with diazonium grafted SSM and a 23% improvement for joints with silane grafted SSM compared with untreated CF/PEEK joints. After comparison, silane grafting was the most suitable surface modification for resistance-welded CF/PEEK joints. The interfacial bonding mechanism of CF/PEEK joints with silane grafted SSM was compared with that of untreated CF/PEEK joints, suggesting that the mechanical interlocking contributed to improved interfacial bonding.
The association of peak systolic velocity in the carotid artery with coronary heart disease: A study based on portable ultrasound
Authors: König Carola S , Atherton Mark , Cavazzuti Marco , Gomm Corinna , Ramachandran Sudarshan
Published: March 2021

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the highest cause of death globally with more people dying annually from it than from any other cause. CVD is associated with modifiable risk factors (dyslipidaemia, hypertension and diabetes) and treating each of these factors lowers the risk of CVD. It is impossible to estimate the benefit of risk factor modification in the individual patient and extrapolating data from multiple trials is difficult. It would be useful to have a marker of risk that accurately estimates real time risk by measuring blood flow factors associated with the pathogenesis of atheroma. The aim of this preliminary study was to validate a low-cost measurement technique for obtaining blood flow velocity profiles and assess whether any of the measured and calculated factors, based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation, known to be associated with atheroma was associated with coronary heart disease (CHD), thus establishing its feasibility and acceptability as a clinical tool and suggesting areas for future research. Our study identified (i) that mean peak systolic (PS) velocity being associated with CHD; individuals without CHD: mean (SD) = 62.8 (16.1) cm/s, with CHD: mean (SD)  = 53.6 (17.3) cm/s, p = 0.042; and (ii) that low-cost, portable ultrasound, which is routinely available in general practice, is a suitable assessment tool.
Dynamic characteristic difference of steel-spring floating slab track between single-carriage and multi-carriage models
Authors: Chang Wenhao , Cai Xiaopei , Wang Qihao
Published: March 2021

The steel-spring floating slab track (SSFST) is a low-stiffness structure, sensitive to the vehicle loads. Due to the coupling effect of the superposition of adjacent bogies, it is difficult for conventional single-carriage models to meet the simulation requirements. To find a balance between computation efficiency and authenticity of analytical model results, the influence of carriage number on SSFST should be studied. Based on the finite element method and multi-body dynamics, a refined three-dimensional coupled model of multi-carriage-SSFST-tunnel was established. The difference in the dynamic response of the SSFST between single-carriage and multi-carriage models was analyzed and compared with the measured data. The field test results show that structural displacements and accelerations under the two-carriage model are much closer to the measured data. The dynamic model analysis results show that the maximum displacement of the rail and SSFST in the midspan of the slab increase by 0.48 mm and 0.34 mm under the multi-carriage model, and the vibration reduction effectiveness increases by 1.4–2.0 dB. Dynamic responses of the rail and SSFST show minor differences under the two-carriage and three-carriage models. The article is expected to provide a reference for the theoretical research, design, and layout optimization of subway SSFST.
Analyzing chatter vibration during turning on computer numerical control lathe using ensemble local mean decomposition and probabilistic approach
Authors: Gupta Pankaj , Singh Bhagat
Published: March 2021

Chatter vibration is an undesired and indispensable phenomenon in turning operation, which cannot be completely avoided. However, it can be suppressed by early identification and with the proper choice of input turning parameters. The key issue of chatter detection is to process the acquired signals and extract the features pertaining to it. In the present work, a methodology has been proposed for exploring tool chatter features in the incipient stage during turning on lathe. Chatter signals generated during the turning of Al 6061-T6 have been acquired using a microphone. A stability lobe diagram has been plotted to access the stability regime. Further, in order to study the effect of feed rate on stability, the recorded signals have been processed using a local mean decomposition signal processing technique, followed by the selection of dominating product functions using the Fourier transform. The decomposed signals have been used to evaluate the new output parameter, that is, chatter index. Further, the Nakagami probability distribution has been used to ascertain stability region (threshold). From the experimental validation, it has been inferred that cutting combinations obtained from the Nakagami probability distribution are significant and capable of limiting chatter vibrations. The present methodology will serve as guidelines to the researchers and machinist for the identification of tool chatter in the incipient stage, explore its severity, and finally suppress it with the proper selection of input turning parameters.
Towards developing library and information science practicum supervision competency framework
Authors: Khan Arif
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this article is to discuss competencies required for practicum supervision within the field of library and information science (LIS) education. In doing so, this study attempts to propose Practicum Supervision Competencies Framework for professionals working in libraries and similar information organisations. The study aims to contribute to the body of knowledge on supervision of experiential learning programmes such as practicum and internships in the field of library and information science. Constructivist Grounded Theory approach was used for collection and analysis of data. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 43 participants that included library and information science professionals and students. Using constant comparative method, suggested in the Constructivist Grounded Theory literature, the components of the framework were developed and then validated and strengthened through the literature on competencies for library and information science professionals. Qualitative data analysis software NVivo 12 pro was used to support coding, category development and constant comparison methods in the data analysis process. Results of this study propose a framework for library and information science practicum supervision competencies and signify its importance for the academia and industry. The proposed framework is composed of five distinct but interrelated components, that is, Interactive, Management, Pedagogical, Professional and Technology which are important for practicum supervision in the field of LIS. The study also discusses empirical insights about the significance of research on practicum supervision within the field of library and information science as a distinct area. Practical implication of research encompasses several dimensions: methodological, theoretical, managerial and academic. For example, the framework should attempt to help better understand gaps between potential and actual competencies required by practicum supervisors in the field of library and information science. Research results may lack generalisability because of the chosen research method. However, researchers in other regions of the world are encouraged to test the proposed framework further.
Elicüra: The “Feasts of Merit” Shawl of the Chakhesang Naga of Northeast India
Authors: Yekha-ü  , Marak Queenbala
Published: March 2021

Feasts of Merit are an important social way of life among different tribes in the world, especially in Southeast Asia. In Northeast India, the different Naga tribes were well-known for this practice before the advent of Christianity. However, among the Chakhesang Nagas, after the advent of Christianity, the practices of giving feasts continue to this day with minor modifications in terms of rituals and taboos while the symbolic meaning and values behind this practice are retained. The Feasts of Merit, among them, are intricately connected to their worldview, whereby the feast-givers distribute their wealth in terms of sacrificing mithun, buffalo, and/or other livestock, in consecutive feasts, and receiving in return a higher social rank and the right to wear a special shawl (“Feasts of Merit” shawl), variously known as hapidasa, elicüra, and thüpikhü and the right to adorn the house with special architecture (mithun and buffalo wood carvings on the wall, and to put up a horn at the pinnacle of the house front). This article discusses the “Feasts of Merit” shawl and how it is connected intrinsically to the ethos of the tribe, and in doing so it states that the Chakhesang feasts can be looked upon as gift economy.
Campus Service Use Among Students With Disabilities Who Have Experienced Sexual Violence: A Conceptual Model
Authors: Richter Rachael K. , Anderson Jocelyn C. , Miller Elizabeth , Bonomi Amy E. , De Genna Natacha M. , Feinstein Zoe , Kass Gabriel , Lampe Kelli , Mathier Abigail , Chugani Carla D.
Published: March 2021

Students with disabilities are one student group with elevated risk of sexual violence. Although they would benefit from streamlined access to campus support, little is known about their patterns of campus service use. This qualitative analysis includes data from semi-structured interviews with 51 students with disabilities who experienced sexual violence focused on service use across campus. The resultant conceptual model shows that greater accessibility is associated with positive experiences, and lower accessibility is associated with negative experiences. Students with disabilities who experienced or expected negative reactions (e.g., judgment) were less likely to use services and were less satisfied. Advocacy and support in connecting students with disability or sexual violence services was associated with positive experiences and increased accessibility. These findings highlight key facilitators and barriers to campus service use for students with disabilities with sexual violence histories and suggest key intervention points for increasing accessibility, reducing stigma, and improving student experiences with campus providers, staff, and faculty.
Mesoscale damage modelling of concrete by using image-based scaled boundary finite element method
Authors: Zhang Zihua , Guo Jialong , Zhang Zhenwen , Song Xiaogang
Published: March 2021

As a thin layer surrounding aggregates, the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) has a significant influence on the mechanical performance of concrete, a large number of small elements is required to discretize the ITZ and its vicinity owing to its small thickness. In this contribution, the mesostructure of concrete is explicitly built by a novel method named improved random walking algorithm (IRWA), with which the grading, content, shape of aggregates and the thickness of ITZs, can be conveniently controlled by users, and high volume fraction of aggregate and remarkable efficiency can be achieved. In the framework of the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM), the image-based quadtree decomposition is employed to automatically generate the multi-level mesh for the concrete composites, with no trouble in dealing with hanging nodes or the dramatically changing element size in the vicinity of the material interface. The nonlocal damage model in integral format is extended to simulate progressive damage of concrete at mesoscale with good mesh independence. Four benchmarks are modelled to demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach, and the effects of model parameters on the structural responses are also discussed.
Cooperative Learning Strategies for Building Relationship Skills in Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Wattanawongwan Sanikan , Smith S. D. , Vannest Kimberly J.
Published: March 2021

Cooperative group activities in classrooms provide an opportunity for children to learn and demonstrate relationship skills, particularly when clear expectations and explicit instruction are provided. Relationship skills are one of the five competency areas of social and emotional learning. This article provides directions and illustrations for using cooperative group activities to improve the relationship skills of students with or at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders.
Dispersion and attenuation of shear wave in couple stress stratum due to point source
Authors: Kumari Richa , Singh Abhishek K
Published: March 2021

This study discusses the propagation of a horizontally polarised shear wave in a layered composite structure consisting of couple stress stratum over a functionally graded orthotropic viscoelastic substrate due to point source existing at an imperfect interface of the stratum and substrate. Because of the CS effect in the stratum, the existence of the second kind of dispersive (shear) wave is established along with conventional first kind of a shear wave. The closed-form dispersion equations and damping equations of the first and second kind of a dispersive wave are derived by adopting non-traditional boundary conditions and Green’s function technique. The effect of characteristic length of microstructure, imperfect bonding parameter and functional gradient parameters on velocity profiles and attenuation profiles of the first and second kind of dispersive wave has been computed numerically and delineated graphically. For validation, established results are matched with the classical one.
Cone dystrophy with supernormal rod responses: A rare KCNV2 gene variant
Authors: Esteves-Leandro João , Torres-Costa Sónia , Estrela-Silva Sérgio , Santos-Silva Renato , Brandão Elisete , Grangeia Ana , Fernandes Susana , Oliveira Renata , Falcão-Reis Fernando , Rocha-Sousa Amândio
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

To describe the clinical, electrophysiological, and genetic findings of three Portuguese families with a rare variant in the KCNV2 gene resulting in “cone dystrophy with supernormal rod responses” (CDSRR).

Methods:

Retrospective clinical revision of five individuals from three unrelated families with CDSRR. Ophthalmological examination was described in all patients and included color vision testing, fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging, spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), pattern electroretinogram (ERG), and full-field ERG. The mutational screening of the KCNV2 gene was performed with Sanger and Next Generation Sequencing.

Results:

All patients showed childhood-onset photophobia and progressive visual acuity loss with varying degrees of severity. In multimodal imaging, various degrees of retinal pigment epithelium disturbances and outer retinal atrophy, which tend to be worst with advancing age, were observed. Molecular screening identified a rare presumed truncating variant (p.Glu209Ter) in homozygosity in two families and in compound heterozygosity in a third family. Three patients showed ERG changes characteristic of CDSRR, however, two patients presented with incomplete electrophysiological features of the disease.

Conclusion:

A rare variant in the KCNV2 gene was identified in five patients from three Portuguese families. This variant often leads to a severe and progressive form of retinopathy. Considerable variability in the ERG responses among patients with this KCNV2 variant was observed.
Surgical management and outcomes of pediatric open globe injuries requiring vitrectomy
Authors: Liu Xin , Wang Lufei , Yang Fengjuan , Xie Jia’nan , Zhao Jinsong , Liu Zaoxia , Su Guanfang , Yang Longfei
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

To describe surgical management and establish visual outcomes of open globe injury (OGI) in pediatric patients requiring vitrectomy.

Methods:

Forty-eight eyes of 48 pediatric patients underwent vitrectomy for OGI with secondary vitreoretinal complications in the eye center of Jilin University were included. Characteristics of patients, details of ocular examination and operation, presenting and final visual acuity were recorded.

Results:

Presenting visual acuity less than 20/400 was found in 44 eyes (91.7%), which included no light perception (NLP) in four eyes. At last visit, there was no eyes with visual acuity of NLP, and 19 eyes (39.6%) had a vision recovery to 20/400 or better. Mechanisms of injury, intraocular contents prolapse, presence of hyphema, intraocular foreign body, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and total time from injury to PPV > 2 weeks were significant predictors of visual prognosis. Logistic regression analysis showed that hyphema was a significant predictive factor for poor visual outcome.

Conclusion:

Visual acuity was improved in most of the patients with OGI in this study. Hyphema is an important presenting ocular sign in estimating the post-vitrectomy visual outcome for OGI in children. Proper timing of vitrectomy is suggested, and in this study patients may benefit more with early vitrectomy as less proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) was found together with a better visual acuity.
Comparing outcomes of tunnelled dialysis catheter insertions and exchanges with or without fluoroscopy
Authors: Chang Zi Yun , Wong Weng Kin , Chan Yiong Huak , Khan Behram A , Leo Christopher CH
Published: March 2021

Background/objective:

To study the safety and outcome profiles of tunnelled dialysis catheter (TDC) insertions and exchanges with fluoroscopy versus without fluoroscopy.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study of all TDC insertions or exchanges performed at our centre, between January 2017 and December 2017. Patient demographics, laboratory results and catheter placement information were obtained from electronic records. Immediate technical success, early and late catheter associated complications were collected. Outcomes for TDC inserted with or without fluoroscopy were statistically analysed.

Results:

A total of 351 TDC insertions and 253 TDC exchanges were performed. Out of 351 TDC insertions, 261 were done with fluoroscopy while 90 were done without. Out of 253 TDC exchanges, 219 were done with fluoroscopy while 34 were done without. For both TDC insertions and exchanges, there were no significant differences in complication rates when done with or without fluoroscopy. Mean duration of catheter patency was longer for TDC inserted without fluoroscopy, after adjusting for site of insertion and presence of previous TDC.

Conclusions:

The technique of inserting TDC in the right internal jugular vein (IJV) without fluoroscopy is a safe and effective method in selected patients. This supports the practice of performing the procedure without fluoroscopy, especially in institutions where fluoroscopy facilities are not readily available. This potentially translates into reduced healthcare resources and hospitalisation days, which is particularly valuable in times of limited resources such as the current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Metagenomics Approaches to Investigate the Gut Microbiome of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Sehli Sofia , Allali Imane , Chahboune Rajaa , Bakri Youssef , Al Idrissi Najib , Hamdi Salsabil , Nejjari Chakib , Amzazi Saaïd , Ghazal Hassan
Published: March 2021

Over the last decade, it has become increasingly apparent that the microbiome is a central component in human well-being and illness. However, to establish innovative therapeutic methods, it is crucial to learn more about the microbiota. Thereby, the area of metagenomics and associated bioinformatics methods and tools has become considerable in the study of the human microbiome biodiversity. The application of these metagenomics approaches to studying the gut microbiome in COVID-19 patients could be one of the promising areas of research in the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 infection and disparity. Therefore, understanding how the gut microbiome is affected by or could affect the SARS-CoV-2 is very important. Herein, we present an overview of approaches and methods used in the current published studies on COVID-19 patients and the gut microbiome. The accuracy of these researches depends on the appropriate choice and the optimal use of the metagenomics bioinformatics platforms and tools. Interestingly, most studies reported that COVID-19 patients’ microbiota are enriched with opportunistic microorganisms. The choice and use of appropriate computational tools and techniques to accurately investigate the gut microbiota is therefore critical in determining the appropriate microbiome profile for diagnosis and the most reliable antiviral or preventive microbial composition.
Didactic principles: A proposal from the theory of subjectivity
Authors: González Hernández Walfredo
Published: March 2021

Didactics as a science is based on psychology and has developed a system of principles that underpin its theoretical body using psychological results. The article analyzes the principles that have been addressed in the literature so far. Subsequently, the essential postulates of the Subjectivity Theory as a slope of the historical–cultural approach are discussed. Finally, new principles that support a didactic system based on the theory of subjectivity are defined.
Developing an ethical rationale for collaborative approaches to evaluation
Authors: Chouinard Jill Anne , Cousins J. Bradley
Published: March 2021

As a deeply relational, dialogic, engaged and political approach, the collaborative research context is fairly unique in the world of research, and as such opens up an entirely new set of ethical considerations that serve to differentiate it from other approaches, repositioning ethics as a fundamental rationale for collaborative inquiry. In this paper, we revisit the justifications for collaborative approaches to evaluation—the three Ps—which have become integral to our discourse about the genre. We then elaborate on our rationale for exploring ethics as a legitimate interest in collaborative approaches to evaluation, with special consideration given to why ethics should become an essential consideration moving forward, specifically in terms of the moral obligations of collaborative approaches to evaluation practitioners. We then re-envision the inclusion of an “ethic of engagement” along seven interconnected dimensions, what we refer to as the Seven Rs of collaborative practice: reflexivity, relationality, responsibility, recognition, representation, reciprocity, and rights.
Novels as data: Health humanities and health psychology
Authors: Kaptein Ad A
Published: March 2021

Novels represent a corpus of data that offers innovative opportunities for research and theory in health psychology. This article discusses how adding ‘health humanities’ to health psychology opens up a potentially rich domain for research and clinical application. The concept of ‘health humanities’ is discussed and put into a context of related fields. The concepts of ‘illness perceptions’ and ‘models of patient–health care provider interaction’ are used as illustrations. Applications are given, focusing on patients and their caregivers, health care providers and society at large (bibliotherapy and expressive writing). Suggestions for further development of the area are included.
Parametric study on application of Voronoi patterns in design of 2-D beams
Authors: Sehat Salar , Khatami Alireza , Shahbeykk Sharif
Published: March 2021

The trend of engineering has been towards modern innovation in designs by maintaining not only the esthetic point of view but also stability and efficiency. In this regard, in this study, one of the nature-inspired structures, Voronoi tessellation, is introduced and applied as a structural configuration in the design of beams. Thus, various models of beams built with Voronoi diagrams are considered. To this end, first, the rules and regulations which govern the structure of Voronoi tessellation will be presented. Then various stages of generating the geometry of Voronoi beams will be described in detail. Considering the logical architectural requirements, the presented models are prepared as 2D-beams with different degrees of uniformity comprising the minimum and maximum Voronoi cells, which will be designed according to guidelines. In the next step, uniform loading under different boundary conditions will be applied to all Voronoi beams, and the results including structural weight, maximum displacement, and load-bearing capacity will be presented. The results of beams designed with Voronoi structures reveal that increasing the size of minimum cell will result in the rise of the maximum displacements as well as load-to-weight ratios and considerably reduce the weight of Voronoi beams but demonstrate sufficient load-bearing capacity. It also proves that as the non-uniformity of cells increases, displacements will grow. In addition, although the weight of samples will reduce, the load-to-weight ratios of the archetypes remain almost constant. Placing more supports for these structures will lead to an improvement in all aspects of design, especially on the response of beams with large spans.
Reporting the unsayable: Scandalous talk by right-wing populist politicians and the challenge for journalism
Authors: Ekström Mats , Patrona Marianna , Thornborrow Joanna
Published: March 2021

This paper focuses on the moral work of journalism as displayed and enacted in the reporting practices used in news coverage of scandalous talk by right-wing populist (RWP) politicians. Using a qualitative discourse-analytic approach, we analyze a set of cases of journalistic framing of RWP talk recently circulating in Sweden, Greece, France and the UK, and examine ways in which anti-democratic or racist talk is represented within print, online and broadcast news media. We show how the complex dynamics of different kinds of discursive framing of scandalous talk construct boundaries between right and wrong which contribute to processes of normalising populist discourses and agendas. Moreover, we call attention to the challenge that this poses for contemporary journalism both within public service and commercial networks, as reporting on right-wing populism involves a balancing act between disparate constraints and exigencies of journalism.
Covering sustainable finance: Role perceptions, journalistic practices and moral dilemmas
Authors: Strauß Nadine
Published: March 2021

Sustainable Finance (SF) has been identified as one of the biggest trends in the financial industry in the past years. By channeling capital into sustainable investments, it is hoped that finance can accelerate the transition towards a greener and more sustainable future. However, given that the discussion about SF lacks consistency and a common understanding of SF, the role of financial journalists in reporting about this trend and in enacting their role as watchdogs becomes of paramount interest. To do so, 33 semi-structured interviews with journalists who have covered SF in six countries (AT, BE, CH, DE, NL, UK) were conducted to find out about journalistic role perceptions and daily journalistic practices (such as sources, style of writing and role of the audience). Findings show that journalists mainly enact the role of a chronicler, informant and educator when writing about SF, but fail to fulfil an active watchdog role. Furthermore, the coverage of SF is predominately event-driven, directed at a financial elite, and has become highly professionalized at financial news outlets. Given the urgency of the climate crisis, journalists reported that they found themselves in a moral dilemma between enacting their professional role as a journalist on the one hand and providing a platform for unsubstantiated claims about SF (greenwashing) made by the industry, on the other hand.
“Names doing rounds”: On brands in the bazaar economy
Authors: Deka Maitrayee , Arvidsson Adam
Published: March 2021

This article draws on fieldwork form Delhi’s garment and electronics bazaars to articulate an alternative perspective on the role of brands in the global bazaar economy. Knockoffs and counterfeit brands have mostly been viewed as problematic manifestations of counterfeiting and piracy, or framed in terms of authenticity or marginal practices of imitation. In this article, we suggest that bazaar brands also function as central to a growing popular innovation system able to provide material goods as well as immaterial experiences to the world’s poorer consumers in ways that stay in close contacts with the mediated fluctuations of popular affects. Bazaar brands develop a unique relationship with consumers based on an ability to seize the moment rather than the creation of enduring loyalties. We suggest that bazaar brands can be understood as central to an emerging postcapitalist consumer economy that has been substantially empowered by the spread of digital technologies.
How Chinese expatriates’ cultural intelligence promotes supervisor-subordinate Guanxi with Thai Employees: The mediating effect of expatriates’ benevolence
Authors: Charoensukmongkol Peerayuth
Published: March 2021

This research examines the role of the cultural intelligence (CQ) of Chinese expatriates in supervisory positions at subsidiaries in Thailand, concerning the quality of the supervisor-subordinate guanxi they establish with their Thai employees. Based on the framework of supervisor trust-building, this research tests whether the effect of Chinese expatriates’ CQ on the guanxi established with Thai employees can be mediated by the Chinese expatriates’ benevolence characteristic. This study also examines whether supervisor-subordinate guanxi predicts the Chinese expatriates’ leadership effectiveness. Survey data were collected from 201 dyads of Chinese expatriates and Thai employees at the subsidiaries of Chinese multinational enterprises in Thailand and were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. The subsequent results do not significantly support a direct link between the Chinese expatriates’ CQ and supervisor-subordinate guanxi with their Thai employees. However, the effect of Chinese expatriates’ CQ on supervisor-subordinate guanxi is shown to be fully mediated by supervisor benevolence. The analysis also indicates that supervisor-subordinate guanxi significantly explains the leadership effectiveness of Chinese expatriates.
Employer Support as a Predictor of Online Master’s Student Retention
Authors: Lenio Jim A.
Published: March 2021

Enrollment in master level programs, particularly online, have been increasing nationwide. Students enrolled in online master’s programs tend to be older and more ethnically diverse, and are likely to be balancing work, finances, and family responsibilities with their educational pursuits. These challenges have resulted in higher attrition rates and lower completion rates. This study examined the extent that 1st year retention is predicted by employer support when controlling for demographics, student background, external factors, integration/socialization, and intent to graduate. Development of an online master’s student retention model using logistic regression analysis identified four variables that significantly predict 1st year retention including, employer support, household income, overall satisfaction, and importance of graduating from the institution. Master’s students who received employer support were almost two times more likely to be retained at 1-year. Having students seek these employer benefits may lead to increased graduation rates, higher pay, and job satisfaction.
Interviewer Effects in Biosocial Survey Measurements
Authors: Cernat Alexandru , Sakshaug Joseph W.
Published: March 2021

Increasingly surveys are using interviewers to collect objective health measures, also known as biomeasures, to replace or supplement traditional self-reported health measures. However, the extent to which interviewers affect the (im)precision of biomeasurements is largely unknown. This article investigates interviewer effects on several biomeasures collected in three waves of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). Overall, we find low levels of interviewer effects, on average. This nevertheless hides important variation with touch sensory tests being especially high with 30% interviewer variation, and smell tests and timed balance/walk/chair stands having moderate interviewer variation of around 10%. Accounting for contextual variables that potentially interact with interviewer performance, including housing unit type and presence of a third person, failed to explain the interviewer variation. A discussion of these findings, their potential causes, and their implications for survey practice is provided.
The Vagus Nerve Somatosensory-evoked Potential in Neural Disorders: Systematic Review and Illustrative Vignettes
Authors: Leon-Ariza Juan S. , Mosquera Mario A. , Siomin Vitaly , Fonseca Angelo , Leon-Ariza Daniel S. , Gualdron Mayra A. , Leon-Sarmiento Fidias E.
Published: March 2021

Objective. To review the scientific publications reporting vagal nerve somatosensory-evoked potential (VSEP) findings from individuals with brain disorders, and present novel physiological explanations on the VSEP origin. Methods. We did a systematic review on the papers reporting VSEP findings from individuals with brain disorders and their controls. We evaluated papers published from 2003 to date indexed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scielo databases. We extracted the following information: number of patients and controls, type of neural disorder, age, gender, stimulating/recording and grounding electrodes as well as stimulus side, intensity, duration, frequency, and polarity. Information about physiological parameters, neurobiological variables, and correlation studies was also reviewed. Representative vignettes were included to add support to our conclusions. Results. The VSEP was studied in 297 patients with neural disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, mild cognitive impairment, subjective memory impairment, major depression, and multiple sclerosis. Scalp responses marked as the VSEP showed high variability, low validity, and poor reproducibility. VSEP latencies and amplitudes did not correlate with disease duration, unified PD rating scale score, or heart function in PD patients nor with cerebrospinal fluid β amyloid, phosphor-τ, and cognitive tests from patients with mental disorders. Vignettes demonstrated that the VSEP was volume conduction propagating from muscles surrounding the scalp recording electrodes. Conclusion. The VSEP is not a brain-evoked potential of neural origin but muscle activity induced by electrical stimulation of the tragus region of the ear. This review and illustrative vignettes argue against assessing the parasympathetic system using the so-called VSEP.
Adapting Motor Imagery Training Protocols to Surgical Education: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Goble Mary S. L. , Raison Nicholas , Mekhaimar Ayah , Dasgupta Prokar , Ahmed Kamran
Published: March 2021

Objective. Motor imagery (MI) is widely used to improve technical skills in sports and has been proven to be effective in neurorehabilitation and surgical education. This review aims to identify the key characteristics of MI protocols for implementation into surgical curricula. Design. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO databases were systematically searched. The primary outcome was the impact of MI training on measured outcomes, and secondary outcomes were study population, MI intervention characteristics, study primary outcome measure and subject rating of MI ability (systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42019121895). Results. 456 records were screened, 60 full texts randomising 2251 participants were reviewed and 39 studies were included in meta-analysis. MI was associated with improved outcome in 35/60 studies, and pooled analysis also showed improved outcome on all studies with a standardised mean difference of .39 (95% CI: .12, .67, P = .005). In studies where MI groups showed improved outcomes, the median duration of training was 24 days (mode 42 days), and the median duration of each individual MI session was 30 minutes (range <1 minute-120 minutes). Conclusions. MI training protocols for use in surgical education could have the following characteristics: MI training delivered in parallel to existing surgical training, in a flexible format; inclusion of a brief period of relaxation, followed by several sets of repetitions of MI and a refocusing period. This is a step towards the development of a surgical MI training programme, as a low-cost, low-risk tool to enhance practical skills.
An Aerosol Containment and Filtration Tent for Intubation During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Brant-Zawadzki Graham M. , Ockerse Patrick , Brunson Justin R. , Smith Jared L. , McRae Bryan R. , Fonnesbeck Annie , Ledyard Holly , Ruechel Adam , Fassl Bernhard A.
Published: March 2021

Background. Exposure to infectious droplets confers a high risk for infection transmission by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Aerosolizing procedures pose particular concern for increasing healthcare workers’ (HCWs) risks of infection. Multiple creative personal protective equipment solutions have been utilized to minimize exposure to infectious particles; however, the overall benefit of many of these devices is limited by a number of factors. Methods. We designed an intubation tent consisting of a metal frame and a clear plastic sheet. The flexible walls of our tent offer increased maneuverability & access, although the efficacy in reducing risk of transmission to HCWs remained unclear. Using an atomizer, particle generator, and matchstick smoke, we simulated the generation of infectious respiratory droplets and aerosols and tested whether our device effectively decreased the concentration of these particles to which a provider might be exposed. Finally, we tested whether the addition of a vacuum fan fit with a high efficiency particulate air filter designed to evacuate contaminated air would influence particle concentrations inside and outside the tent. Results. Droplet dispersion tests with the tent in place showed that the simulated droplet distribution was limited to surfaces within the tent. Aerosol testing under a variety of circumstances consistently showed only a minor rise in particle concentration in the air outside the tent despite an initial peak of particle concentration during generation within. All testing demonstrated declining inside concentrations over time. Conclusions. Our simulations suggest our device has the potential to effectively decrease HCWs’ exposure to infectious droplets and aerosolized viral particles.
Physical Activity and Associated Constraints Following the Transition From High School to University
Authors: Wilson Oliver W. A. , Walters Simon R. , Naylor Michael E. , Clarke Jenny C.
Published: March 2021

The considerable changes in physical activity (PA) during the transition to university are likely associated with changes in PA constraints during this transition. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in PA and associated constraints among first-year university students during the transition to university. Data concerning sociodemographic characteristics, PA behaviors, and changes in PA and constraints were collected from 121 first-year New Zealand university students via an online survey. Data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. Findings revealed that following the transition, PA declined significantly, that PA participation patterns/trends had changed (from team/group sports to individual activities and to less competitive and/or more social activities), and that changes in constraints (intrapersonal, interpersonal, and time management) may have influenced changes. Findings shed light on how changes in constraints potentially influence PA following the transition and provide evidence to inform the development of policies and interventions to promote student PA.