bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A revision of the genus Omalium Gravenhorst, 1802 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Omaliinae) of the Himalayan region
Authors: SHAVRIN ALEXEY V.
Published: November 2023

Five species groups are established for 18 species of the genus Omalium Gravenhorst, 1802 from the Himalayan region: Acutangulum group containing O. acutangulum sp. n. (central Nepal) and O. amicorum sp. n. (Nepal); Amplissimum group containing O. amplissimum sp. n. (eastern Nepal) and O. bilobum sp. n. (eastern Nepal); Caesum group containing Palaearctic O. littorale Kraatz, 1857 and O. humerale Cameron, 1924 (India: Uttarakhand); Oxyacanthae group containing O. alticola Cameron, 1941 (India: Kashmir, Uttarakhand; western Nepal), O. altivagans Bernhauer, 1915 (India: Kashmir), O. beesoni Cameron, 1924 (India: Uttarkhand; western Nepal) O. marginatum Cameron, 1941 (India: Kashmir, Punjab; eastern Nepal), O. scapulare Coiffait, 1982 (India: West Bengal; western Nepal); Rivulare group containing O. angustissimum sp. n. (central Nepal), O. cariosum Cameron, 1924 (India: Uttarakhand), O. flavotestaceum sp. n. (India: West Bengal; eastern Nepal), O. kumari sp. n. (western Nepal), O. latocavum sp. n. (central Nepal), O. nigrum Coiffait, 1982 (Nepal) and O. secretum Cameron, 1924 (India: Uttarakhand; Nepal). Each species group is briefly discussed and keyed. Species in each group are (re-) described, illustrated, and their geographical distributions are mapped. Three synonyms are established: O. alticola = O. monticola Cameron, 1941 syn. n., O. beesoni = O. parallelicollis Coiffait, 1982 syn. n., O. littorale = O. gartneri Coiffait, 1982 syn. n. Lectotypes are designated for O. (s. str.) beesoni, O. (s. str.) cariosum, O. (s. str.) humerale and O. (s. str.) secretum. Additional material on O. littorale from Middle Asia is provided. Several species of the genus are recorded for the first time from certain areas: O. alticola for Uttarakhand (India) and Nepal, O. littorale for Pakistan, O. marginatum for Punjab (India) and Nepal, O. scapulare for India (Uttarakhand, West Bengal), and O. secretum for Uttarakhand (India).
The genus Blanus (Reptilia: Blanidae) in Iraq: distribution, species identification and genetic affiliation
Authors: JABLONSKI DANIEL , MOHAMMED SARBAZ IBRAHIM , AZEEZ DARYA MOHAMMED , AFRASIAB SAMAN R.
Published: November 2023

N/A
Statistical Treatment of Convolutional Neural Network Superresolution of Inland Surface Wind for Subgrid-Scale Variability Quantification
Authors: Getter Daniel , Bessac Julie , Rudi Johann , Feng Yan
Published: November 2023

Machine learning models have been employed to perform either physics-free data-driven or hybrid dynamical downscaling of climate data. Most of these implementations operate over relatively small downscaling factors because of the challenge of recovering fine-scale information from coarse data. This limits their compatibility with many global climate model outputs, often available between ∼50- and 100-km resolution, to scales of interest such as cloud resolving or urban scales. This study systematically examines the capability of a type of superresolving convolutional neural network (SR-CNNs) to downscale surface wind speed data over land from different coarse resolutions (25-, 48-, and 100-km resolution) to 3 km. For each downscaling factor, we consider three convolutional neural network (CNN) configurations that generate superresolved predictions of fine-scale wind speed, which take between one and three input fields: coarse wind speed, fine-scale topography, and diurnal cycle. In addition to fine-scale wind speeds, probability density function parameters are generated through which sample wind speeds can be generated, accounting for the intrinsic stochasticity of wind speed. For assessing generalization to new data, CNN models are tested on regions with different topography and climate that are unseen during training. The evaluation of superresolved predictions focuses on subgrid-scale variability and the recovery of extremes. Models with coarse wind and fine topography as inputs exhibit the best performance when compared with other model configurations, operating across the same downscaling factor. Our diurnal cycle encoding results in lower out-of-sample generalizability when compared with other input configurations.
Documenting the Progressions of Secondary Eyewall Formations
Authors: Cheung Alex Alvin , Slocum Christopher J. , Knaff John A. , Razin Muhammad Naufal
Published: November 2023

Intense tropical cyclones can form secondary eyewalls (SEs) that contract toward the storm center and eventually replace the inner eyewall, a process known as an eyewall replacement cycle (ERC). However, SE formation does not guarantee an eventual ERC, and often, SEs follow differing evolutionary pathways. This study documents SE evolution and progressions observed in numerous tropical cyclones, and results in two new datasets using passive microwave imagery: a global subjectively labeled dataset of SEs and eyes and their uncertainties from 72 storms between 2016 and 2019, and a dataset of 87 SE progressions that highlights the broad convective organization preceding and following an SE formation. The results show that two primary SE pathways exist: “No Replacement,” known as “Path 1,” and “Replacement,” known as the “Classic Path.” Most interestingly, 53% of the most certain SE formations result in an eyewall replacement. The Classic Path is associated with stronger column average meridional wind, a faster poleward component of storm motion, more intense storms, weaker vertical wind shear, greater relative humidity, a larger storm wind field, and stronger cold-air advection. This study highlights that a greater number of potential SE pathways exist than previously thought. The results of this study detail several observational features of SE evolution that raise questions about the physical processes that drive SE formations. Most important, environmental conditions and storm metrics identified here provide guidance for predictors in artificial intelligence applications for future tropical cyclone SE detection algorithms.
The Prognostic Nutritional Index and Mortality in Patients With Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Infection
Authors: Nergiz Sebnem , Aydin Ozturk Pinar
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between mortality and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in the pediatric patient group with ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) infection. A total of 63 pediatric patients with a VPS infection and positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture were retrospectively registered. The CSF specimens were analyzed to conduct culture and microscopic evaluation. A total of 44.4% of the cases were men and 55.6% of the cases were women. Patients were divided into 2 groups (survivor and non-survivor patients). When survivor and non-survivor patients were compared, it was found that CSF leukocytes, CSF glucose, CSF protein, CSF/blood glucose ratio, lymphocyte, albumin, and PNI levels were lower in the non-survivor patients’ group. Nevertheless, blood glucose and CRP (C-reactive protein) were significantly higher in the non-survivor patients’ group than in the survivor patients’ group. In our investigation, we suggested that low PNI was related to high mortality in cases of VPS infection.
Road Users Fail to Appreciate the Special Optical Properties of Retroreflective Materials
Authors: King Savana L. , Szubski Ellen C. , Tyrrell Richard A.
Published: November 2023

Objective

To determine whether typical road users appreciate the special optical properties of retroreflective materials.

Background

Retroreflective surfaces reflect light back towards the source of the illumination. All drivers benefit from retroreflective materials, as they are required on road signs, on large trailers, in lane delineation, and other traffic control devices. Retroreflective markings can also greatly enhance the conspicuity of pedestrians at night, but pedestrians typically underuse retroreflective markings. One possible reason is that pedestrians may not appreciate the special optical properties of retroreflective materials.

Method

Two experiments tested whether observers could correctly predict that retroreflective materials appear remarkably bright when illuminated by a source that is aligned with the observers’ eyes. Observers used a magnitude estimation procedure to predict how bright retroreflective and non-retroreflective stimuli would appear during a demonstration designed to highlight retroreflectivity. They then judged the brightness again during the demonstration.

Results

In general, observers underestimated how bright retroreflective stimuli would be and overestimated how bright diffuse reflective and fluorescent stimuli would be. The underestimates for retroreflective stimuli were particularly striking when the observers had not closely examined the stimuli in advance.

Conclusion

The fact that road users do not appreciate retroreflectivity may help explain why pedestrians underuse retroreflective markings at night.

Application

Educational interventions could prove useful in this domain.
Changing Employment Patterns: An Analysis of Rural Labour Force in Punjab
Authors: Sharma Manjit , Sharma Pushpak
Published: November 2023

The story of Punjab’s economic development witnessed an asymmetrical shift in the structure of output and employment due to the intensive capitalistic model of production in agriculture. The present study, based on National Sample Survey Office data, examines the patterns of employment and output in rural economy of Punjab during the pre-reform and post-reform period. Rural Punjab witnessed fall of work participation rate and phenomenon of ‘defeminisation’ of the labour force in agriculture during the post-reform period. There is a paradigm shift as the share of non-agriculture employment increased to 59.3% as per Periodic Labour Force Survey 2018; consequently, the non-agriculture sector becomes a major driving force in the state economy. An increase in employment elasticity among all sectors (except construction sector) during the post-reform period is a good sign. But a substantial decline in employment elasticity for all the sectors (except the construction sector) of Punjab is a disquieting phenomenon during the study period. Amidst the agrarian crisis, the rural non-farm sector can emerge as a silver lining, but evangelists of market economy disregarded the rural non-farm sector. Hence, the state should abdicate its neoliberal policies and adopt post-Washington consensus for the development of the rural non-farm sector within a given mode of production.

JEL Codes: E24, J16, J43, J46, O11
Marginal-Preserving Imputation of Three-Way Array Data in Nested Structures, with Application to Small Areal Units
Authors: Thomas Loring J. , Huang Peng , Iris Luo Xiaoshuang , Hipp John R. , Butts Carter T.
Published: November 2023

Geospatial population data are typically organized into nested hierarchies of areal units, in which each unit is a union of units at the next lower level. There is increasing interest in analyses at fine geographic detail, but these lowest rungs of the areal unit hierarchy are often incompletely tabulated because of cost, privacy, or other considerations. Here, the authors introduce a novel algorithm to impute crosstabs of up to three dimensions (e.g., race, ethnicity, and gender) from marginal data combined with data at higher levels of aggregation. This method exactly preserves the observed fine-grained marginals, while approximating higher-order correlations observed in more complete higher level data. The authors show how this approach can be used with U.S. census data via a case study involving differences in exposure to crime across demographic groups, showing that the imputation process introduces very little error into downstream analysis, while depicting social process at the more fine-grained level.
Control & synchronization of a unified chaotic system using an adaptive controller with an extended Kalman–Bucy-filter based Auto-Tuner
Authors: Kızmaz Hakan
Published: November 2023

A current challenge with adaptive controllers is to define efficient tuning methods of the controller parameters. Unlike linear systems, nonlinear systems may need parameters that are continuously tuned at different operating points to provide stability and desired behaviours. This study aims to develop a solution for tuning proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller parameters as opposed to changing the operating points of a nonlinear system. Most tuning methods calculate parameters according to the system’s step or frequency response. However, adaptive controllers have self-tuneable parameters or control rules. The proposed algorithm in this paper contains a controller, an estimator, and a reference model, and uses the system model. Unlike the model reference adaptive control method, the proposed controller has tuneable controller parameters estimated by the extended Kalman–Bucy filter. The filter estimates the controller parameters to make the system perform like the auxiliary ideal reference model to ensure minimum-time consumption. Hence, this study aims to develop an algorithm that will automatically calculate controller parameters for each operating point of the controlled chaotic or nonlinear system to minimize settling time at each operating point. The proposed algorithm is implemented in a unified chaotic system in which the estimator and controller of the system run together. Simulation results confirm the performance of the proposed algorithm. In addition, the simulation results provide strong evidence that the proposed algorithm can be an effective tool for controlling nonlinear or chaotic systems.
Centralized model matching integer/fractional-order controller design for multivariable processes with real-time validation
Authors: Muthukumari S , Kanagalakshmi S , Sunil Kumar TK
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes a novel approach to design a centralized model matching integer/fractional-order (FO) controller for multivariable processes. As a first step, for a linear time-delay process, a desired closed-loop reference model is formulated with the inclusion of a linear quadratic regulator with integral controller. The reference model is formulated with the objective of embodying the desired closed-loop specifications. The second step involves equating the closed-loop system with the reference model, leading to a synthesis equation that yields a higher-order controller. In the third step, the lower-order approximant of the controller is obtained by matching a set of approximate generalized time moments/approximate generalized Markov parameters of the higher-order controller to that of its lower-order approximate at a few expansion points in the s-plane. The selection of an optimal set of expansion points is formulated in an optimization problem frame with the aim of minimizing the area between responses of the desired and designed closed-loop systems, keeping the stability of the designed closed-loop system as a constraint. The efficacy of the proposed approach is illustrated by the design of different controllers for time-delay-dominated nonsquare process and FO square process. Comparative analysis is carried out using time-domain performance indices by introducing parameter uncertainty and disturbance signals. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method, a real-time investigation is carried out with the design and implementation of a controller for interacting hybrid (conical and spherical) tank process setup.
How is mental health associated with adolescent alpha-amylase and cortisol reactivity and coordination?
Authors: Vänskä Mervi , Kangaslampi Samuli , Lindblom Jallu , Punamäki Raija-Leena , Heikkilä Mirva , Heikkilä Lotta , Tiitinen Aila , Flykt Marjo
Published: November 2023

To better understand the role of neuroendocrinological regulation in adolescent mental health, stress reactivity needs to be analyzed through both the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Accordingly, this study examined how adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing mental health symptoms are associated with their salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol levels, responses, and coordination (symmetry versus asymmetry). We utilized a developmentally salient stress task of mother–adolescent conflict discussion. Eighty 18–20-year-old late adolescents (55% girls) participated in a home laboratory assessment involving a 10-min conflict discussion with their mothers. Five adolescent saliva samples were collected to measure alpha-amylase and cortisol levels before, immediately after, and in 10-min intervals following the conflict discussion, to indicate stress reactivity. Adolescents had reported their internalizing (depression, anxiety, somatization) and externalizing (inattention, hyperactivity, anger control problems) symptoms 1 year earlier as part of a prospective family study. Internalizing symptoms were associated with adolescents’ high baseline cortisol levels, but not with cortisol responses or alpha-amylase levels or responses. In contrast, externalizing symptoms were associated with blunted alpha-amylase responses. Neither internalizing nor externalizing symptoms were associated with asymmetry between alpha-amylase and cortisol reactivity. The mother–adolescent conflict discussion was relevant as a stress stimulus to induce neuroendocrinological stress responses in adolescents. The nature of mental health problems was important for stress reactivity, yet, we found no evidence about mental health problems being related to endocrinological asymmetry in adolescents.
Are Your Students Aware of Social Media Wellness? A Necessary Macromarketing Curriculum Extension
Authors: Anderson Kelley Cours , Zmich Louis J. , Mertz Breanne A. , Hass Ashley
Published: November 2023

Social media wellness is an emerging topic due to the numerous adverse effects of social media (SM) usage, yet it is an uncommon topic in marketing curricula and research. This paper introduces this novel topic as an opportunity to extend macromarketing curricula. Following a class survey and activity, an analysis of 187 respondents indicates that the majority of students feel that too much SM consumption may impact their time management, course success, and well-being. Many students note they consume more SM than desired, and they overwhelmingly agree that this topic should be included in marketing curricula and that marketers should consider consumers’ SM wellness. These findings highlight the importance of the SM wellness topic integration into course materials to enhance students’ awareness and behavior with SM, with an opportunity to enhance systems-thinking. We close with recommended resources and activities where students take an active role to reflect, critically evaluate, and ideate on how this impacts consumers and marketers.
Music and young people with intellectual disability: A scoping review
Authors: Després Jean-Philippe , Julien-Gauthier Francine , Bédard-Bruyère Flavie , Mathieu Marie-Claude
Published: November 2023

Despite recent reviews of the effects of arts therapies and music therapy on people with intellectual disabilities (IDs), significant knowledge gaps remain in this field, notably concerning informal music activities and the role that young participants play in music interventions. A scoping review was conducted in January 2021 to explore music interventions implemented in youth with ID and their effects. In total, 74 studies were retained, including 12 reviews and 62 empirical studies. We apply a bibliometric analysis to identify the evolution of publications and research trends in the field. We then attempt to answer the question: “What is the state of knowledge on music education for youth with ID?”. To do so, we describe the music interventions examined in the research to date and the main measured effects. Overall, the findings show that music interventions in youth with ID facilitate overall development in terms of a range of functional skills, that technology-assisted music training has excellent educational promise, and that learner voice merits greater attention in the music research. Nevertheless, studies have largely neglected to consider self-determination and creativity, qualities that are likely to foster youth engagement, and in the longer term, promote social participation.
Compressive performance of paper honeycomb core layer with double-hole in cell walls
Authors: Guo Yanfeng , Sun Yuxi , Fu Yungang , Liu Jiaxue , Wang Huineng , Yu Niuniu
Published: November 2023

The perforated paper honeycomb structure with double-hole in cell walls is one kind of innovative sandwich structure also to improve drying process of traditional honeycomb paperboard. Based on the analytical calculation, experiment inspection and finite element analysis, this paper is focus on the paper honeycomb core layer with double-hole in cell walls, and especially studies the bending and folding deformation and the compressive strength under out-of-plane quasi-static compression for different humidity. The structure first appears elastic buckling and folds near the circular holes in the cell wall, and goes on buckling, folding and crushing until to the densification with the continuously increase of compression set. Its quasi-static compressive stress and strain curve mainly shows four kinds of compression deformation processes, such as linear elastic stage, elastic yielding stage, plastic collapse stage, and densification stage. The critical stress and plateau stress of the structure slowly decrease with the increase of humidity and aperture, and the multiple linear regression analysis result illustrates that the relative humidity has much more influence on the critical stress and plateau stress. For different humidity and aperture, the analytical calculation result is close to the experiment result. However, the finite element simulation result greatly deviates from the above two results, especially for relative humidity 50% and 60% cases.
Anti-plane analysis of a crack terminating at interface of the isotropic half-planes bonded to intact orthotropic layers
Authors: Sadeghi Jaber , Vafa Jalil Pourmohammadi , Fariborz Shahriar
Published: November 2023

The analysis of a cracked isotropic half-plane perfectly bonded to an intact orthotropic layer is accomplished. A crack tip terminates at or is adjacent to the interface of the orthotropic layer and substrate while sustaining anti-plane traction. The power of stress singularity at the crack tip, situated in the interface, is obtained for different crack orientations and composite layers. Employing the integral transform method stress field caused by a screw dislocation in the substrate is determined. The dislocation solution is used to construct an integral equation for the density of dislocations on the crack surface. The numerical solution to integral equations is utilized to obtain stress intensity factors at the crack tip inside the substrate, crack opening displacements, and contours of the second invariant of stress deviator around the crack tip, situated at or close to the interface, for different crack orientations and orthotropic layers.
Additional Plate Fixation of Hinge Fractures After Varisation Distal Femoral Osteotomies Provides Favorable Torsional Stability: A Biomechanical Study
Authors: Peez Christian , Grosse-Allermann Arian , Deichsel Adrian , Raschke Michael J. , Glasbrenner Johannes , Briese Thorben , Wermers Jens , Herbst Elmar , Kittl Christoph
Published: November 2023

Background:

Hinge fractures are considered risk factors for delayed or nonunion of the osteotomy gap in distal femoral osteotomies (DFOs). Limited evidence exists regarding the treatment of hinge fractures after DFO, which could improve stability and thus bone healing.

Purpose:

To (1) examine the effect of hinge fractures on the biomechanical properties of the bone-implant construct, (2) evaluate the biomechanical advantages of an additional fixation of a hinge fracture, and (3) test the biomechanical properties of different types of varisation DFOs.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 32 fresh-frozen human distal femora equally underwent medial closing wedge DFO or lateral opening wedge DFO using a unilateral locking compression plate. The following conditions were serially tested: (1) preserved hinge; (2) hinge fracture along the osteotomy plane; (3) screw fixation of the hinge fracture; and (4) locking T-plate fixation of the hinge fracture. Using a servo-hydraulic materials testing machine, we subjected each construct to 15 cycles of axial compression (400 N; 20 N/s) and internal and external rotational loads (10 N·m; 0.5 N·m/s) to evaluate the stiffness. The axial and torsional hinge displacement was recorded using a 3-dimensional optical measuring system. Repeated-measures 1-way analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferroni correction were used for multiple comparisons. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.

Results:

Independent from the type of osteotomy, a fractured hinge significantly ( P < .001) increased rotational displacement and reduced stiffness of the bone-implant construct, resulting in ≥1.92 mm increased displacement and ≥70% reduced stiffness in each rotational direction, while the axial stiffness remained unchanged. For both procedures, neither a screw nor a plate could restore intact rotational stiffness ( P < .01), while only the plate was able to restore intact rotational displacement. However, the plate always performed better compared with the screw, with significantly higher and lower values for stiffness (+38% to +53%; P < .05) and displacement (–55% to −72%; P < .01), respectively, in ≥1 rotational direction. At the same time, the type of osteotomy did not significantly affect axial and torsional stability.

Conclusion:

Hinge fractures after medial closing wedge DFO and lateral opening wedge DFO caused decreased bone-implant construct rotational stiffness and increased fracture-site displacement. In contrast, the axial stiffness remained unchanged in the cadaveric model.

Clinical Relevance:

When considering an osteosynthesis of a hinge fracture in a DFO, an additional plate fixation was the construct with the highest stiffness and least displacement, which could restore intact hinge rotational displacement.
Social Work in a Post-Dobbs World: The ‘Adoption Fallacy’, Decolonization, and Reproductive Justice
Authors: Cheney Kristen , Rotabi Karen Smith
Published: November 2023

This article takes as its departure a critique of the ‘adoption fallacy’ underlying the US Supreme Court decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization to argue that the Dobbs decision incentivizes a reconsideration of social work practice as a site for advancing reproductive justice. To do this, however, social work must strive to decolonize the profession by critically reflecting on its role in reproductive policy and politics, particularly its complicity in abortion and adoption decisions that may have limited—and continue to limit—reproductive justice. Only then can social work effectively counter the adoption fallacy and advocate more broadly for reproductive justice.
Combinations of Parent-Related Risk Factors Explaining Family Violence Toward Children and Spouse
Authors: Leppäkoski Tuija , Vuorenmaa Maaret , Paavilainen Eija
Published: November 2023

The purpose of the study was to investigate parent-related risk factor combinations that explain family violence (FV), which refers to intimate partner violence and child maltreatment (CM). The data were collected from parents with a 4-year-old child using a nationwide retrospective cross-sectional survey conducted in Finland (FinChildren) ( N = 10,737). The research questions were as follows: (a) How are parent-related risk factors associated with FV against children and the spouse? (b) How does the accumulation of parent-related risk factors within three risk factor clusters explain FV? Analyses were carried out using cross-tabulations with χ2 tests, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and binary logistic regression analyses. The risk factor clusters built based on the EFA were as follows: parental well-being, parent’s childhood adversities, and parent’s health. Our results indicated that even a single risk factor predicted the likelihood of FV. In the well-being risk factor cluster, the odds for the occurrence of FV in parents with one well-being risk factor were double (odds ratios [OR] = 2.21; confidence intervals [CI]: [1.99, 2.45]) and in parents with at least four risk factors was six times (OR = 6.05; CI: [4.48, 8.18]) compared to those with no risk factor. We concluded that (a) the more different risk factors parents had, the more likely they were to report FV and (b) the accumulation of risk factors for well-being contributes most to the occurrence of the risk of FV. As a result, we emphasize the importance of identifying families with concurrent risk factors. However, any individual concerns must be addressed with parents and they must be supported in coping with their everyday life.
They’re Coming for You! How Perceptions of Automation Affect Public Support for Universal Basic Income
Authors: Haglin Kathryn , Jordan Soren , Ferguson Grant
Published: November 2023

Media stories on the economy tout automation as one of the biggest contemporary technological changes in America and argue that many Americans may lose their jobs because of it. Politicians and financial elites often promote a policy of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a solution to the potential unemployment caused by automation, suggesting Americans should support UBI to protect them from this technological disruption. This linkage and basic descriptive findings are largely untested: we don’t know much about whether Americans support UBI, see automation as a threat to their job, or connect the two in any meaningful way. Using a Mechanical Turk survey of 3600 respondents, we examine the relationship between Americans’ perception of how much automation threatens their jobs, how much automation actually threatens their jobs, and their support for UBI. Our results indicate that while the public does not view automation as the same threat that elites do, Americans who believe their jobs will be automated are more likely to support UBI. These relationships, however, vary considerably by political party.
William Sheldon, Aldous Huxley, and the Dartington connection: Body typing schemes offer a new path to a utopian future
Authors: Ramachandran Aishwarya , Vertinsky Patricia
Published: November 2023

When George Bernard Shaw described Dartington Hall as a ‘salon in the countryside’, he was referring to the maelstrom of ideas, conversations, and experimentation around psychology, mysticism, and spirituality within the estate's larger ethos of community living and rural reform. Disenchanted with the effects of industrialization and the ravages of the First World War, American railway heiress Dorothy Whitney Elmhirst and her second husband, Leonard Elmhirst, purchased the extensive Devonshire estate in 1925 and began to encourage regular visits and social and spiritual advice from prominent British interwar intellectuals such as Aldous Huxley and Gerald Heard. As the estate's activities expanded during the 1930s, Dorothy enlisted the help of visiting American constitutional psychologist William Sheldon to assess and advise upon the well-being of children attending Dartington's experimental school. Sheldon's ‘Promethean Psychology’ and ‘Somatotyping’ body classification system offered the Dartington group, a social, spiritual, and ‘scientific’ alternative to Freudian understandings of the mind. Visitors such as Huxley, decades later, relied on Sheldon's somatotyping system to fashion a utopian education in Pala (in his last novel, Island) where the population might live in nonmaterialistic cooperative harmony. Dartington's attraction to the use of Sheldon's Promethean psychology in supporting a utopian view of progressive education was as short-lived as were Pala's utopian ambitions decades later. In years to come, however, elements of Sheldon's views continued to find an audience among physical educators and sports scientists, who saw in somatotypes a useful guide for assessing talent identification and future sporting success.
Fabric defect detection using AI and machine learning for lean and automated manufacturing of acoustic panels
Authors: Cheung Wai Hin , Yang Qingping
Published: November 2023

Fabric defects in the conventional manufacturing of acoustic panels are detected via manual visual inspections, which are prone to problems due to human errors. Implementing an automated fabric inspection system can improve productivity and increase product quality. In this work, advanced machine learning (ML) techniques for fabric defect detection are reviewed, and two deep learning (DL) models are developed using transfer learning based on pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures. The dataset used for this work consists of 1800 images with six different classes, made up of one class of fabric in good condition and five classes of fabric defects. The model design process involves pre-processing of the images, modification of the neural network layers, as well as selection and optimisation of the network’s hyperparameters. The average accuracies of the two CNN models developed in this work, which used the GoogLeNet and the ResNet50 architectures, are 89.84% and 95.45%, respectively, showing statistically significant results. The interpretability of the models is discussed using the Grad-CAM technique. Relevant image acquisition hardware requirements are also put forward for integration with the detection software, which can enable successful deployment of the model for the automated fabric inspection.
Meshing characteristics analysis of planetary roller screw mechanism with misalignment
Authors: Cai Wei , Fu Xiaojun , Ma Shangjun , Liu Geng
Published: November 2023

In this study, a meshing model for planetary roller screw mechanism (PRSM) with misalignment is established, considering misalignment angle and misalignment azimuth angle. By incorporating these misalignment variates into space coordinate transformation matrices, the meshing equations of screw-roller and nut-roller interfaces are derived to explore the meshing characteristics of PRSM with misalignment. Furtherly, the maximum misalignment angle of PRSM is obtained by the bisection method to research the limit position in misalignment. The effectiveness of the misalignment meshing model is verified by comparing with a previously published model. In addition, a typical PRSM is taken as an example to investigate the effect of misalignment angle and misalignment azimuth angle on meshing positions and axial clearances of PRSM. The results demonstrate that the meshing characteristics of PRSM with misalignment have an enormous difference from that of PRSM in an ideal state.
The Islamic State’s use of the Qur’an in its Magazines, Dabiq and Rumiyah
Authors: Jacoby Tim
Published: November 2023

This paper looks at the verses of the Qur’an that are most heavily cited by the Islamic State across all 28 editions of its magazines, Dabiq and Rumiyah. Published from July 2014 to September 2017, covering both the organisation’s rise to power and subsequent decline, these contain around 1500 references to the Qur’an. Here, the five verses that appear most often are considered. While all quotations are necessarily discerning (and it is no surprise to see that the Islamic State’s authors relay the scriptural extracts that best suit their purposes), it is, nonetheless, valuable to trace out the contours of, and reasons behind, such selectivity. To this end, it is argued that these five verses are firstly used to support notions of loyalty and disavowal, and, secondly, to justify its use of violence. Together, it is further concluded, they act in concert to serve the Islamic State’s primary imperatives of recruitment, power projection and mobilisation.
Neonatal Meningitis Outbreak by Elizabethkingia: A Case Series and Epidemiological Investigation Findings
Authors: Francis Febi , Balasundaran Karthik , Kumar K. C. Sreejith , Sankar K K. Lekshmi
Published: November 2023

This study is a case series ( n = 7) of neonatal meningitis caused by Elizabethkingia at a tertiary-level hospital in South India. All cases occurred in premature and low-birth-weight neonates over a short period of 4 months, constituting an outbreak. The bacterial pathogen was identified in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in all cases and was found to be sensitive to vancomycin and ciprofloxacin. All neonates survived, but one developed ventriculomegaly. The outbreak was investigated, but the source of contamination was not identified in the environment. However, new cases ceased to occur after revamping the feeding practices. Hence, it was assumed that the feeding utensils might have been the source of contamination. The study highlights the importance of source elimination and implementing appropriate infection control measures in neonatal intensive care units (NICU).
Sport and policy in ‘contested nations’: Analysing policy and political considerations in Taiwan and Scotland
Authors: Jiang Ren-Shiang , Whigham Stuart
Published: November 2023

Policy learning from other international contexts is an important strategy during the sports policymaking process for the government of Taiwan, and recent research has examined potential parallels between Taiwan and Scotland with regards to sports policy. Although the status of Taiwan and Scotland is not the same, interesting comparisons can be made given their shared status as ‘contested nations’ that are often in the shadow of their closest neighbours with whom there is an uneasy political relationship – respectively, China and England. As a consequence, sport is regarded in both countries as an important vehicle for establishing and promoting a distinctive identity, albeit with contrasting political and policy considerations. Drawing upon 15 semi-structured interviews with sports policymakers and politicians from both Taiwanese and Scottish contexts, this paper critically examines the similarities and contrasts with regards to the political considerations which shape and constrain the nature of sport policy in each context. This analysis will focus on the role of central government, local government, sport policy organisations, and sporting National Governing Bodies in both Taiwan and Scotland, with particular emphasis on the position of sport within the broader policy, political, ideological and constitutional considerations for policymakers in each context.
Entrepreneurship, Management, and Cognitive Reflection: A Preregistered Replication Study With Extensions
Authors: Fossen Frank M. , Neyse Levent
Published: November 2023

Intuition is a central element of entrepreneurial decision-making. We conceptually replicate a published study by using new representative data from 1961 adults and the widely used Cognitive Reflection Test, which assesses the ability to avoid intuitive decisions and to switch to an analytical process. We extend the analysis by exploring occupational sorting versus environmental influence as mechanisms, the role of overconfidence, and heterogeneity. Our results confirm that entrepreneurs do not resist intuitive (but potentially wrong) decisions as much as hired managers do. Our extensions suggest that this difference is not fully explained by occupational sorting, but partially by overconfidence.
Theorizing Post-Incarceration Transition Crisis and Readiness Through Veteran Identity Work
Authors: Arxer Steven L. , P. LePage James , Flake Jason , M. Crawford April , Hooshyar Dina , Jeon-Slaughter Haekyung , A. Philippe Michel
Published: November 2023

Interest in adjustment issues Veterans face following incarceration has grown rapidly in response to the prevalence of stress-related disorders as well as the physical, social, and occupational challenges when reintegrating into communities. While reintegration may be a positive event that includes the reunification of family, friends, and a return to civilian life, transition can also involve a wide range of difficulties and crises impacting readjustment. Veteran reintegration has been understood as a complex process influenced by different levels, such as at the individual, interactional, and socio-cultural level. This article takes a Veteran standpoint to explore how Veterans’ lived experiences are a basis to understand their transition readiness. Specifically, identity work clarifies the empirical self-constructions of Veterans’ standpoint and their everyday strategies used for post-incarceration transition efficacy.
Causes of University Students’ Disaffection: Study of Professional and Non-professional Courses
Authors: Aarti  , Kadian Ravin , Prakash Chand
Published: November 2023

Students’ disaffection from academic institutions is becoming a widespread problem. Academicians and researchers are more concerned about the causes of an increasingly high level of students’ disaffection. The researcher has conducted this empirical investigation to know the causes of students’ disaffection and to measure their perceptual differences among professional and non-professional course students. A sample of 425 students from public universities in Haryana, India, has been drawn to fulfill the study's goal. A Google form has been created and shared in university student groups based on the snowball sampling technique. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) has been used to confirm the significant causes of students’ disaffection identified through a review of literature and expert opinions. An independent sample t-test was used to measure the significant difference in students’ disaffection causes among professional and non-professional course students. The results of the study highlighted that delayed administration, academic stress, lack of academic environment, unmet promises, conflict with management, and fellow students’ behavior significantly cause students’ disaffection. The study further highlighted that professional and non-professional course students significantly differ based on delayed administration, lack of academic environment, and unmet promises. The remaining causes: academic stress, conflict with management, and fellow students’ behavior were equally significant in both courses. In the end, the implication of the research has been discussed.
Impact of relative dose intensity on pathologic complete response in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant TCHP
Authors: Collette Kaylyn , Perkey Cassandra L. , Adams Val , Shelton Brent J. , Corum Lauren S. , Butts Allison
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The standard of care for locally advanced, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2+) breast cancer includes neoadjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel, carboplatin, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab (TCHP). Many patients do not receive the full course of therapy due to various complications, possibly affecting the potential to achieve a pathologic complete response (pCR). The amount of therapy received is typically measured by relative dose intensity (RDI). This study aimed to evaluate pCR rates in patients receiving optimal and suboptimal RDI TCHP.

Methods

This study was a retrospective chart review of patients treated between 2014 and 2021 at UK HealthCare. Patients included were 18 years of age or older with HER2+ breast cancer and received at least one cycle of neoadjuvant TCHP. The primary objective compared pCR rates in patients receiving ≥ 85% RDI or <85% RDI. Secondary objectives included pCR rates based on clinical stage, age, body mass index, or hormone receptor status; factors leading to discontinuation or delay in treatment; and impact of dose reductions and delays on pCR.

Results

A total of 101 patients were included and divided into two cohorts: 54 patients received ≥ 85% RDI and 47 patients received <85% RDI. Patients who received ≥ 85% total RDI had an approximate increase of 17% in pCR rates (59.3% vs 42.6%, p = 0.11). Additionally, 82% of patients experienced a dose delay or adjustment.

Conclusions

Patients who received ≥ 85% RDI had increased pCR rates compared to patients receiving <85% RDI. A larger patient population is needed to formulate definitive conclusions on the impact of RDI and pCR rates.
Use of antithymocyte globulin (rabbit) in a patient with known alpha-gal syndrome undergoing allogenic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Peterson Hannah , Wells Drew A , Marjoncu Dennis , Holman Kori
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a hypersensitivity disorder in which tick bites—most commonly from the lone star tick ( Ambylomma americanum)—trigger immunoglobulin E-mediated hypersensitivity reaction upon exposure to oligosaccharide galactosse-alpha-1,3-galactose (α-gal). α-gal is most notorious for being found in “red meat” products but is present in mammalian meats such as beef, pork, lamb, rabbit, and others. Manifestations of AGS hypersensitivity are variable. There is currently no in vivo data describing allergic reactions against rabbit products in patients with AGS.

Case Report

Here, we describe a case of a 44-year-old male with myelodysplastic syndrome and a known history of AGS undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) with the use of rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis.

Management and Outcome

The risk of cross-reactivity against rATG in our patient with AGS could not be ruled out and, therefore, a test dose was administered. The patient tolerated the test dose with no signs of anaphylaxis. After demonstrating tolerance to the test dose, rATG was utilized for GVHD prophylaxis.

Discussion

Due to the heterogeneity of AGS manifestations in patients, the use of rATG in patients with known AGS should be considered on a case-by-case basis. The administration of a test dose may help predict the occurrence of severe hypersensitivity reactions. The limited data surrounding the risk of AGS with rabbit-containing products and the various indications for the use of rATG warrants more in-depth study of the reactivity of this medication in this population.
Optimizing Service Productivity With Substitutable and Limited Resources
Authors: Hogreve Jens , Hübner Alexander , Dobmeier Mirjam
Published: November 2023

This article develops a decision model which enables service firms to optimize their productivity. Companies must efficiently determine the necessary resource input to increase service productivity to meet customer demand. In so doing, managers face service-specific challenges: They must select the appropriate type and quantity of limited resources to deliver services efficiently, consider the volatility of demand to provide services effectively, and integrate the interaction effects of resources in terms of substitution to utilize constraint resources optimally. In addressing these challenges, we develop an interdisciplinary approach by combining insights from service research and operations research to create a decision model that helps managers select the optimal type and quantity of resources available to overcome the abovementioned challenges. We validate our model in several case studies and further generalize our findings by applying it to different data settings. Ultimately, we prove that productivity can be increased significantly if firms optimize resource selection by considering stochastic demand, the effects of substitution among resources, and resource constraints.