bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maintaining the Meritocracy Myth: A critical discourse analytic study of leaders’ talk about merit and gender in academia
Authors: Clarke Jean , Hurst Cheryl , Tomlinson Jennifer
Published: February 2024

The belief in meritocracy – that advancement is based solely on individual capabilities and hard work – remains ingrained in organizations despite evidence that it is a flawed concept perpetuatings gender and other social inequalities. Critical streams of research have highlighted the ideological character of meritocracy discourse, its entrenched nature and acceptance as ‘common-sense’. Less is known about how this ‘meritocracy myth’ is maintained, that is, how this hegemonic discourse retains its potency in day-to-day talk in organizations. We argue that leaders, given their active discursive roles and opportunities to establish and control discourses, play an important but underexamined role in the reproduction and legitimization of this seemingly progressive yet ultimately destructive discourse. We conduct a critical discourse analysis (CDA) drawing on qualitative interviews with leaders in higher education institutions in the United Kingdom focusing on their talk about women’s recruitment and progression in academic roles. We identify three discursive interventions through which leaders routinely maintain and reinforce and on occasion challenge the existing system of meritocracy: invisibilizing gender inequality through gender-neutrality; denying constraints through individualization; and problematizing meritocracy to uphold or challenge the status quo. We argue that by uncovering the means through which meritocracy discourse retains its resilience, our paper offers the opportunity to scrutinize and challenge these discursive underpinnings that uphold the ‘meritocracy myth’. We suggest that it is possible to re-imagine what might be considered ‘merit worthy’ in universities, recognizing and centring structural gender and other social inequalities to create more equal institutions.
Studying Parole Revocation Practices: Accounting for Dependency Between Competing Events
Authors: Rhodes William , Gaes Gerald , Sabol William
Published: February 2024

When individuals are released from prison, they typically enter a period of post confinement community supervision. While under community supervision, their behaviors are subject to special conditions requiring them to report to supervisors and prohibiting certain behaviors such as drug and alcohol use. Many supervisees are returned to prison because they violate those special conditions, or because they commit minor crimes that would not result in prison were they not being supervised. But others are returned to prison for serious new crimes. We distinguish the two as nuisance behaviors (the former) and pernicious behaviors (the latter). Our research applies competing events survival analysis to distinguish a structural model that accounts for nuisance behaviors from a structural model that accounts for pernicious behaviors. We demonstrate that returning offenders to prison for technical violations and minor crimes may reduce the incidence of major crimes because the occurrence of nuisance behaviors and pernicious behaviors are highly correlated. Our findings support the theory that nuisance behaviors signal the likelihood of pernicious behaviors.
Does Materialism Make Indian Millennials Miserable or Is It a Key to Life Satisfaction? Exploring the Moderating Role of Gratitude
Authors: Srivastava Pallavi , Jain Shilpi
Published: February 2024

Materialism as a concept has captured extensive attention across the world for more than two decades. In the extant literature, the relationship between materialism and life satisfaction remains inconclusive and has limited explanation in different cross-cultural contexts. This article extends the existing research on this relationship in a unique cultural context among Indian millennials. It also explores the role of gratitude and need satisfaction in the said relationship. A moderated mediation model is derived to represent the relationship. Data from 309 respondents in the age group of 18–35 years was collected using a questionnaire survey. A moderated mediation analysis was carried out using the PROCESS macro for SPSS. The findings establish that different levels of gratitude have a different impact on the relationship between materialism and life satisfaction. They highlight the importance of gratitude in attaining life satisfaction and reinforce the importance of studying this relationship in a different cross-cultural context.
Labor organizing at chokepoints along Amazon’s supply chain: Locating geo-strategic nodes
Authors: Potiker Spencer Louis , Smith David A. , Ciccantell Paul S. , Sowers Elizabeth , McKenzie Luc
Published: February 2024

Amazon seems to be creating a new hybrid model of capitalism combining some elements of classical Fordist vertical integration, or even the over hundred-year-old “Taylorism” of scientific management, with 21st century elements of labor “flexibility” and reliance on gig labor and subcontracting. This hybrid model offers opportunities for organized labor to gain a foothold within some of Amazon’s vertically integrated nodes as the firm lengthens its corporate commodity chain to grow increasingly close to consumers. Building on earlier work on opportunities for, and constraints on, labor in a variety of global commodity chains, our empirical cases examine how Amazon’s corporate strategies may open opportunities for labor in three illustrative cases ensconced in fulfillment centers—the Fordist vertical integration side of the model—in the Inland Empire and Otay Mesa (both in southern California) and Northern Kentucky.
A Simulation-Based Bayesian Network Approach to the Joint Decision of the International Transportation Mode and Safety Inventory Policy
Authors: Zhou Jianpin , Zhang Shuliu
Published: February 2024

Uncertainty in international transportation can have a significant impact on inventory costs and customer service levels in a global supply chain network. A very limited number of studies in the literature have addressed the international transportation mode and safety inventory policy (ITM-SIP) issues simultaneously. This study formulates the problem and proposes a simulation-based Bayesian network (SBN) approach for the joint decisions on ITM-SIP, where Bayesian networks are used to dynamically estimate international replenishment lead times for railway and maritime transportation modes. We implement our approaches in an international automotive spare parts supply chain experiencing fluctuations in its shipping supply market and with dynamic demand. For this joint decision problem, we build an international supply chain network simulation model in which the time-delay uncertainties of key bottleneck nodes in maritime and railway transportation routes are considered. The simulation experiment results show the performance improvement of the SBN approach in substantially reducing total costs and achieving service levels. We also provide insights into the value of decision tactics for responding to different fluctuation modes in the shipping supply market in the global supply chain network.
Effective Practices in Flood Adaptation by Recognizing System, Organization, and Project Interdependencies
Authors: Cuadra Manuel , Garrett Adair , Tennakoon Mandani , Amekudzi-Kennedy Adjo , Woodall Brian , Ashuri Baabak
Published: February 2024

Flooding is a historical and intensifying challenge to transportation infrastructure and system performance and the interconnected systems it supports. Resilience programs attempt to meet the challenges flooding poses by adapting the infrastructure to withstand environmental pressures and preserve function during and after disasters. Current adaptation practices, however, often take the form of hard protective measures, implemented exclusively on transportation assets with little coordination between organizations. As a result, projects can be overly expensive, offer incomplete protection, and result in catastrophic failures across multiple infrastructure systems, such as in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. To build adaptive capabilities effectively, this study recognized the interdependencies among multiple infrastructure systems at the system-, organizational-, and project levels of planning. At the system level, adaptations addressing hazard-based threats to infrastructure systems—such as stormwater and transportation—strengthened infrastructure against cascading failures and improve efficiency in adapting interdependent infrastructure networks. At an organization level, teams that self-reorganized to fit project needs were found to respond more effectively to change and overcame difficulties in implementing adaptations. At a project level, anticipating and addressing causal relationships between the environment and infrastructure were found to improve the reliability of adaptations against catastrophic failure. The effective practices presented came from Malaysia, Sweden, Poland, and other countries around the world. Implementation of these complementary practices, together with asset-based adaptations as needed, can build adaptive capabilities by addressing the interdependencies between infrastructure planning at multiple levels.
Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Documented Knee Dislocation Versus Multiligamentous Knee Injury: A Comparison of KD3 Injuries at Mean 6.5 Years Follow-up
Authors: Hughes Andrew J. , Li Zachary I. , Garra Sharif , Green Joshua S. , Chalem Isabel , Triana Jairo , Jazrawi Laith M. , Medvecky Michael J. , Alaia Michael J.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Previous research has found that the incidence of neurovascular injury is greatest among multiligamentous knee injuries (MLKIs) with documented knee dislocation (KD). However, it is unknown whether there is a comparative difference in functional recovery based on evidence of a true dislocation.

Purpose:

To determine whether the knee dislocation-3 (KD3) injury pattern of MLKI with documented tibiofemoral dislocation represents a more severe injury than KD3 MLKI without documented dislocation, as manifested by poorer clinical outcomes at long-term follow-up.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed of patients who underwent surgical treatment for KD3 MLKI between May 2012 and February 2021. Outcomes were assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, Tegner activity scale, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Documented dislocation was defined as a radiographically confirmed tibiofemoral disarticulation, the equivalent radiology report from outside transfer, or emergency department documentation of a knee reduction maneuver. Subgroup analysis was performed comparing lateral (KD3-L) versus medial (KD3-M) injuries. Multivariable linear regression was conducted to determine whether documented dislocation was predictive of outcomes.

Results:

A total of 42 patients (25 male, 17 female) were assessed at a mean 6.5-year follow-up (range, 2.1-10.7 years). Twenty patients (47.6%) were found to have a documented KD; they reported significantly lower IKDC (49.9 vs 63.0; P = .043), Lysholm (59.8 vs 74.5; P = .023), and Tegner activity level (2.9 vs 4.7; P = .027) scores than the patients without documented dislocation. VAS pain was not significantly different between groups (36.4 vs 33.5; P = .269). The incidence of neurovascular injury was greater among those with documented dislocation (45.0% vs 13.6%; P = .040). Subgroup analysis found that patients with KD3-L injuries experienced a greater deficit in Tegner activity level than patients with KD3-M injuries (Δ: –3.4 vs −1.2; P = .006) and had an increased incidence of neurovascular injury (41.7% vs 11.1%; P = .042). Documented dislocation status was predictive of poorer IKDC (β = −2.15; P = .038) and Lysholm (β = −2.85; P = .007) scores.

Conclusion:

Patients undergoing surgical management of KD3 injuries with true, documented KD had significantly worse clinical and functional outcomes than those with nondislocated joints at a mean 6.5-year follow-up. The current MLKI classification based solely on ligament involvement may be obscuring outcome research by not accounting for true dislocation.
A Direct Functional Measure of Text Quality: Did the Reader Understand?
Authors: Grabowski Joachim , Mathiebe Moti
Published: February 2024

Assessing text quality as an indication of underlying skills still remains challenging; irrespective of the approach, many studies struggle with reliability or validity problems. If writing is considered problem-solving, a report must make the reader understand the described situation and call for its mental reconstruction. Therefore, text quality may not only comprise linguistic aspects but also the cognitive-functional power of a text. The presented study aims at exploring the functionality of students’ reporting texts in relation to general text-quality measures, using a corpus of accident reports written by German fifth- and ninth-graders (n = 277) prompted by a pictorial stimulus of a bike accident scenario. An online tool was developed in which 277 university students graphically reenacted the situation from one respective text according to the existence, position, and color of the involved elements. Thereafter, the match of the resulting spatial reconstructions with the original situation was assessed by two raters. While most subscales showed sufficiently high interrater reliabilities, the aggregated functionality score (α = .74) had medium-high correlations with other text-quality ratings and was comparably dependent on grade, education level, and linguistic family background. However, the correlational pattern, regression analysis, and factor analysis showed that the functionality score also contributed unique portions of variance to the assessment of writing skill that were not represented by rating measures. Moreover, the direct indication of whether a text allows for the reader’s adequate cognitive representation is evident. Altogether, the approach of indicating text functionality through practical understanding offers a sound, though empirically laborious, alternative for text-quality measurement. Results are discussed with regard to the didactical strategy according to which students can improve their writing when they observe whether others can make use of their texts.
Toward Genre Access: A Micro-level Analytical Approach
Authors: Russell Alisa
Published: February 2024

Many genre scholars have focused on how individuals might build genre knowledge, generally understood as the enculturation processes, gradual stages, or ingredients that lead to one’s facility with a genre in context. While genre knowledge describes whether people can engage genres, it does not describe the various factors that shape how people may engage genres. By consolidating scholarship across Rhetorical Genre Studies (RGS), this article characterizes genre access as the power, opportunity, permission, and/or right to engage genre. Furthermore, this article integrates Network Gatekeeping Theory to develop a micro-level analytical approach for explicitly describing genre access. The author demonstrates and develops genre access as a concept and analytical approach with an illustrative example from a larger ethnographic project. Specifically, this illustrative example explores genre access for the Staff Report, a common genre in local government that proposes recommendations from individual departments to their elected City Commissioners for voted approval. Overall, the purpose of this article is (1) to consolidate and extend RGS’s exploration of the power, opportunity, permission, and/or right to engage genres; (2) to identify and name genre access as a fundamental aspect of how genres work; and (3) to provide a micro-level analytical language for researchers to tease out the various factors the shape genre access.
Social Positioning and Learning Opportunities in One Student’s Textual Transition to College Writing
Authors: Jacobson Brad
Published: February 2024

Developing academic writers must continually position themselves discursively as they negotiate institutional, programmatic, and disciplinary contexts. The inextricable relationship of writing and identities raises questions of access to social identities in schools, a particularly salient issue when considering the complexities and challenges of the high school to college transition for students from historically marginalized groups. This study focuses on Jain, a first-generation Latino college student, as he positions himself as a writer over 18 months in response to a range of school-based writing tasks. My analysis finds that Jain’s identity negotiations are influenced by a history of social positioning in schools, as his stance-making patterns and sense of self as a writer reflect resources and opportunities he encounters. This study adds to research demonstrating the role teachers and institutions can play in (in)validating certain aspects of students’ identities and influencing belonging in school spaces, indicating a need for educators and researchers across K-12 and college contexts to continue to challenge the standardization of school writing and the prevalence of assessments that limit curricula and constrain identities.
Associations Between Sociodemographic Variables, Social Determinants of Health, and Diabetes: Findings From a Congregational Health Needs Assessment
Authors: San Diego Emily Rose N. , West Nathan T. , Pichon Latrice C. , Jiang Yu , Powell Terrinieka W. , Rugless Fedoria , Lewis Jonathan , Campbell Bettina , McCann Lauren , McNeals Sterling , Harmon Brook E.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To examine associations between sociodemographic variables, social determinants of health (SDOHs) and diabetes using health needs assessment data.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Faith-based communities in the Mid-South U.S.

Sample

Of the 378 churches, 92 participated in the study (24% response rate); N = 828 church leaders and members completed the survey.

Measure

The Mid-South Congregational Health Survey assessed perceived health-related needs of congregations and the communities they serve.

Analysis

Generalized linear mixed modeling examined the associations between sociodemographic variables (age, sex, race/ethnicity, educational level), SDOHs (affordable healthcare, healthy food, employment), and diabetes.

Results

Individuals with less education had lower odds of reporting all SDOHs as health needs compared to individuals with more education (ORrange = .59-.63). Men had lower odds of reporting diabetes as a health need or concern compared to women (OR = .70; 95% CI = .50, .97). African Americans had greater odds of reporting diabetes as a health need compared to individuals in the ‘Other’ race/ethnicity category (OR = 3.91; 95% CI = 2.20, 6.94). Individuals who reported affordable healthcare (OR = 2.54; 95% CI = 1.73, 3.72), healthy food (OR = 2.24; 95% CI = 1.55, 3.24), and employment (OR = 3.33; 95% CI = 2.29, 4.84) as health needs had greater odds of reporting diabetes as a health need compared to those who did not report these SDOHs as needs.

Conclusions

Future studies should evaluate strategies to merge healthcare and faith-based organizations’ efforts to address SDOHs impacting diabetes.
Assessing the Impact of Posaconazole Cessation on Tacrolimus Serum Concentrations and Incident Cardiac Allograft Rejection: Take Caution
Authors: Meyer Ethan , Dhingra Ravi , Berei Theodore
Published: February 2024

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a rare and often fatal complication of immunosuppression following orthotopic heart transplant. Prophylaxis plays a crucial role in preventing the emergence of this opportunistic infection. The azole class of medications are the bellwether agents utilized in this patient population. Unfortunately, given their impact on the Cytochrome P450 enzyme system, significant fluctuations in serum tacrolimus concentrations occur when initiating and stopping azole therapy, increasing the risk for prolonged periods of sub-optimal immunosuppression. While there are recommended dosing adjustments for these transition periods based on small data sets primarily with fluconazole, there is no published literature on recommended dosing adjustments for posaconazole. Given our institution utilizes posaconazole as the primary therapeutic for aspergillosis prophylaxis, we aimed to explore and report our local data to better guide dosing decisions during these transition periods.
Analysis of hot band effects on the vibration and stability of a rotating FGM heavy vehicle disc brake
Authors: GhasemiPourMasoule Seyed Hooman , Saeidi Googarchin Hamed
Published: February 2024

In this paper, vibration and stability analysis of a rotating Functionally Graded Material (FGM) disc brake considering the hot band phenomena are studied. In order to model the hot band phenomena, the disc brake is divided into two sections, the inner disc and the outer ring. The latter is where thermal and mechanical loads are applied. Based on Hamilton’s total potential energy principle and applying first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT), the governing equations are derived. Furthermore, the derived equations of motion are solved via the Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) method. The results reveal that using a functionally graded material would improve the mechanical and thermal characteristics of a disc brake, most notably higher buckling temperature and smaller deflection in a disc brake. Moreover, using a functionally graded material for a disc brake will result in increasing the natural frequency of the disc, that is to say, the buckling will occur at higher rotational speeds. Following this further, the effects of the radius of loading annular ring, where thermal and mechanical loads are applied, as well as gradation index and mechanical and thermal loading, are also studied. The results show there is a non-linear relation between the radius of the loading annular ring and deflection as well as critical buckling temperature. Furthermore, a comparison of results with those available in the literature shows good agreement.
Research on incremental forming simulation based on an improved constitutive model
Authors: Shi Yujie , LU Shihong , Liu Luteng , Zhang Zhijuan , Zhang Haojia
Published: February 2024

The incremental sheet metal forming process, characterized by the step-by-step deformation of sheet metal using a simple die, is classified as a type of plastic deformation technology. This method allows for the formation of complex-shaped parts even without the use of a specialized die. Its notable characteristic lies in its low forming load and high flexibility. To accurately forecast finite element simulation outcomes for the incremental sheet forming of 2024-O aluminum alloy sheets, constructing a precise constitutive model is essential. Typically, the uniform strain range in traditional unidirectional tensile tests does not surpass 0.3, primarily due to the necking phenomenon. This limitation hampers the accurate prediction of the actual large plastic deformation process. To address this issue, a theoretical model describing the stress-strain relationship in metal plastic deformation processes is developed using crystal plasticity theory. The constitutive model for the forming of 2024-O aluminum alloy is then constructed by adjusting the hardening coefficient and hardening index. Utilizing the improved constitutive model, the incremental sheet forming process is simulated using ABAQUS software. Upon comparison with experimental results, it is observed that the Thickness Average Absolute Relative Errors (TAARE) of the adjusted constitutive model at forming angles of 60°, 55°, and 50° are 0.414%, 0.467%, and 0.256%, and The Thickness Root Mean Square Errors (TRMSE) are determined as 0.0121, 0.0116, and 0.0094, respectively. These results indicate that the constitutive model and parameters established in this study can adequately capture the mechanical behavior of 2024-O aluminum alloy during the incremental sheet forming process.
An experimental and numerical study on the influence of interlayer time interval in wire-arc additive manufacturing process
Authors: Singh Ankit , Kumar Vishal , Mandal Amitava
Published: February 2024

Wire arc additive manufacturing is the derivative of the metal AM process based on arc welding and a preferred technology for manufacturing large metallic components with medium to low complexity. The major problem with the WAAM process arises due to severe heat accumulation within the built structure and repeated heating-cooling cycles during layer-by-layer material deposition. Therefore, the interlayer time interval influences the microstructure and mechanical properties of the components. This paper has characterized the impact of interlayer cooling time on the microstructure and mechanical properties of SS-316L build. The local thermal cycle causes a non-uniform cooling rate, which alters the structure of the grains. The grain size decreases with increased interlayer time interval due to a faster cooling rate brought on by the low inter-pass temperature. A wider and smaller wall was deposited with less time interval. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the formation of austenite and ferrite phases in all WAAM components with a slight difference in intensity. The wall constructed with a maximum time interval has a maximum value of average Vickers micro-hardness 244.00 HV0.5 and possesses the least coefficient of friction due to its improved property by the formation of fine grains. The maximum volume of materials was worn out from the wall deposited with lesser cooling time. The designed numerical model predicts the peak temperature and heat accumulation within the built structure which further relates to the morphological and mechanical properties of printed parts.
Earthquake response evaluation of cylindrical latticed roofs supported by BRBs: Comparison of responses based on Chinese codes and Japanese regulations
Authors: Takiuchi Yuji , Kato Shiro , Nakazawa Shoji , Niho Yutaka
Published: February 2024

The present study investigates the effectiveness of design strategies that induce yielding in the substructure of a single-layer latticed roof. The roof has a span of 28.9 m and a half-open angle of 30°. It is supported by a ductile substructure consisting of buckling-restrained braces (BRBs), and the substructure is designed to initiate yielding under a base shear coefficient of 0.40. The responses are analyzed using artificial earthquake motions corresponding to Chinese and Japanese design acceleration response spectra. The responses demonstrated that the dynamic amplification within the roof is considerably suppressed in comparison with a roof supported by elastic substructures. The negligible variance in the roof responses to the Japanese and Chinese spectra is also illustrated, suggesting the potential for reciprocal applicability of research results.
‘I didn’t count “willingness to pay” as part of the value’: Monetary valuation through respondents’ perspectives
Authors: Isacs Lina , Håkansson Cecilia , Lindahl Therese , Gunnarsson-Östling Ulrika , Andersson Pernilla
Published: February 2024

A frequent justification in the literature for using stated preference methods (SP) is that they are the only methods that can capture the so-called total economic value (TEV) of environmental changes to society. Based on follow-up interviews with SP survey respondents, this paper addresses the implications of that argument by shedding light on the construction of TEV, through respondents’ perspective. It illuminates the deficiencies of willingness to pay (WTP) as a measure of value presented as three aggregated themes considering respondents’ unintentionality, their retraction once they understood that their WTP could be decisive in cost-benefit analysis and the inherent incompleteness of WTP. We discuss why the TEV discourse persists, how it conceals rather than reveals broader notions of value and in what ways our results support the development of alternative approaches that truly endorse plurality in environmental valuation and decision-making.
Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) and Startup Ecosystem in Vietnam
Authors: Thuong Luong Van , Sinh Bach Tan
Published: February 2024

Research on science, technology and innovation policy (STI policy) in Vietnam has mainly focused on the role of government and business—the two main groups of social actors shaping the development of the Government. From the cultural perspective of STI policy, the article analyses the interactions between four policy cultures representing four groups of social actors (academic, state, business and civil society) that affect the formation and development of STI policy in Vietnam through four stages of development. From there, the article provides a general picture of the role of four groups of policy actors involved in the policymaking process, considering aspects including: (a) the nature of the policy; (b) policy objectives; (c) policy makers; (d) policy instruments; (e) policy specificity and (f) group of agents representing policy culture. Next, the article analyses the formation and development of an innovation-based startup ecosystem that represents the concerns of a third policy culture—an economic policy culture. Finally, the article proposes some initial recommendations to promote the interaction between the components of the STI ecosystem, especially those related to the innovation-based startup ecosystem.
The Increasing Trend in Effective Tax Rates in India: Role of Macroeconomic Factors, Tax Policy Changes and Firm Characteristics
Authors: Athira A. , Lukose P. J. Jijo
Published: February 2024

We show that over the last two decades, India’s effective tax rates (ETRs) have increased by 7.8 percent, which contrasts with the downward trend in ETRs for US firms documented by Dyreng et al. (2017). After controlling for changes in firm characteristics, macroeconomic factors, and tax policy changes, our findings show that ETRs increased by 0.37 percent per year during the sample period. Further, we examine the proposition that public firms are more likely to engage in non-conforming tax management than private firms. We observe a stronger upward trend in ETRs among private firms than public firms, consistent with the capital market pressure hypothesis. The permanent book-tax difference is the primary driver of the ETR trend for both private and public firms. Our findings contribute to the recent debate about the trend in ETRs by undermining concerns regarding rising corporate tax avoidance and reinforcing the argument that improved tax efficiency and economies of agglomeration in countries with large domestic markets contribute to higher ETRs.

JEL Codes: G38, H25, H26, H32
Body Dissatisfaction, Weight Status and Health-related Quality of Life in Adolescents
Authors: Pogodina Anna , Astakhova Tatyana , Dolgikh Olga , Lebedeva Lyudmila , Rychkova Lyubov
Published: February 2024

Background:

Studies on the effect of weight on quality of life provide conflicting results. The purpose of the research was to assess the interconnection between the anthropometric variables and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a community-based sample of schoolchildren and to establish the role of body dissatisfaction (BD) in this association.

Methods:

A number of tenth-year schoolchildren ( n = 413) completed a questionnaire making it possible to describe their sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics and assess body satisfaction and HRQoL (PedsQL 4.0, France). The hypothesis of BD as reflecting the relationship between anthropometric variables and HRQoL was tested using the logistic regression method.

Results:

No significant correlation was found between BMI and integral HRQoL scores. Waist circumference showed a significant negative correlation with the HRQoL scores in the girls, but not in the boys. The frequency of BD was 60.3% ( n = 249). The relationship between BD and anthropometric variables proved to be differently directed in the boys and the girls. BD had a significant negative correlation with psychosocial and total HRQoL scores in adolescents of both sexes and with the girls’ physical functioning scores. The relationship between HRQoL and anthropometric indices in the girls, after making adjustment for sociodemographic, behavioral variables and BD in multivariate models, was no longer significant.

Conclusion:

This study has shown that BD is widespread among adolescents and has a significant impact on HRQoL. The impact of actual weight status on girls’ quality of life is entirely mediated by their dissatisfaction with their own bodies, thus justifying the approach to BD as a stand-alone problem having important psychosocial implications and requiring active identification and targeted intervention.
Using PROMIS Scores to Provide Cost-Conscious Follow-up After Foot and Ankle Surgery
Authors: Hunter Jefferson , Ramirez Gabriel , Thirukumaran Caroline , Baumhauer Judith
Published: February 2024

Background:

National campaigns in the United States, such as Choosing Wisely, emphasize that decreasing low-value office visits maximizes health care value. Although patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are frequently used to quantify postoperative outcomes, they have not been assessed as a tool to help guide clinicians consider alternatives or discontinue in-person follow-up visits. The purpose of this study is to assess the frequency and cost of in-person follow-up visits after patients report substantial improvement defined as 2 consecutive improvements above preoperative Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pain interference (PI) scores.

Methods:

Retrospective PROMIS PI data were obtained between 2015 and 2020 for common elective foot (n = 759) and ankle (n = 578) surgical procedures. Patients were divided into quartiles according to their preoperative PI score. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate time to substantial improvement. Substantial improvement was defined as having 2 consecutive postoperative minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) above preoperative PROMIS PI scores. MCID was measured using the distribution-based method. Multivariable negative binomial models were used to determine the number of visits and direct associated costs after substantial improvement. The cost to payors was estimated using reimbursement rates.

Results:

Within 3 months, 12% to 46% of foot and 16% to 61% of ankle patients achieved substantial improvement. Results vary by preoperative pain quartile, with patients who report higher preoperative pain scores achieving earlier improvement. After achieving substantial improvement, foot and ankle patients averaged 3.60 and 4.01 follow-up visits during the remaining 9 months of the year. Visit costs averaged $266 and $322 per foot and ankle patient respectively.

Conclusion:

Postoperative follow-up visits are time-consuming and costly. Physicians might consider objective measures, such as PROMIS PI, to determine the need, timing, and alternatives for in-person follow-up visits for elective foot and ankle surgeries after patients demonstrate reliable clinical improvement.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort study at a single institution.
Infection Rates and Surgical Procedures Associated With Isolated Open Talar Neck and Body Fractures
Authors: Jaeblon Todd , Demyanovich Haley , Talwar Sneh , Bonyun Marissa , Benzel Caroline , Harris Brett
Published: February 2024

Background:

Open fractures of the talar body and neck are uncommon. Previous reports of associated deep infection rates and resulting surgical requirements vary widely. The primary objective of this study is to report the incidence of deep infections for isolated open talar body and neck fractures, and secondarily the incidence and number of total surgeries performed (TSP), secondary salvage procedures (SSPs), and nonsalvage procedures (NSPs).

Methods:

Retrospective case-control study of 32 consecutive isolated open talus fracture patients (22 neck, 10 body) were followed for an average of 39.2 months.

Results:

Five (15.6%) fractures developed deep infections. Fifty percent of open body fractures became infected compared with 0% of neck fractures ( P < .001). There was no difference between infected group (IG) and uninfected fracture group (UG) with respect to age, sex, body mass index, tobacco, diabetes, vascular disease, open fracture type, wound location, hours to irrigation and debridement, or definitive treatment. The majority (92.6%) of UG fractures used a dual incision with open wound extension. There were more single extensile approaches in the IG group ( P = .04). The IG required 5.8 TSP per patient compared with 2.1 in the UG ( P = .004). All (100%) of the IG required an SSP compared with 29.6% of the UG ( P = .006). All (100%) of the IG required an NSP compared to 40.7% of the UG ( P = .043). In the IG, 2.8 NSPs per patient were required after definitive surgery compared with 1.18 in the UG ( P = .003). Of those followed 1 year, the incidence of SSP remained higher in the IG ( P = .016).

Conclusion:

The incidence of deep infection following isolated open talar fractures is high and occurs disproportionally in body fractures. Infected fractures required nearly 6 surgeries, and all required SSP.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, prognostic.
Flexural wave bandgaps of corrugated-core sandwich metabeam with inertial amplified resonators using the spectral element method
Authors: Li Xunyu , Hu Yong , He Tao , Li Yinggang , Ouyang Wu , Li Xiaobin
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we present a theoretical investigation of flexural wave propagation and vibration bandgap properties in corrugated-core sandwich metabeam with inertial amplified resonators. The complete analytical solutions for the flexural wave propagation with free boundary conditions are obtained through the spectral element method. Finite element calculation of transmission characteristics of sandwich metabeam with inertial amplified resonators are carried out to validate the accuracy of the proposed complete analytical solutions. In addition, the vibration reduction effect of sandwich metabeam with inertial amplified resonators is compared with that of the corrugated-core metabeam with local resonance. The influences of system parameters on the flexural wave attenuation are analyzed. Results show that the complete analytical solution for the proposed sandwich metabeam structure can be effectively used to predict the vibrational properties. In addition, significant enlargement of low-frequency bandgap can be obtained by using an inertial amplification sandwich metabeam structure. The proposed sandwich metabeam structure has good bandgap adjustment ability.
A Pediatric Primary Cardiac Spindle Cell Neoplasm With a Rare PDGFRA::USP8 Gene Fusion: A Case Report
Authors: Gershon Ariel , Nagy Anita , Somers Gino R. , Yoo Shi-Joon , Shaikh Furqan , Honjo Osami , Siddaway Robert , Chen Haiying
Published: February 2024

We report a case of a primary cardiac spindle cell neoplasm with concerning histological features and a rare PDGFRA::USP8 gene fusion in a 3 year old boy. The patient presented with a large cardiac mass predominantly in the right ventricle, originating from the ventricular septum. The mass was resected with grossly negative margins. Pathology revealed an unclassified spindle cell neoplasm with a PDGFRA::USP8 gene fusion. This gene fusion has only been previously reported twice in the medical literature, one in a pediatric cardiac sarcoma and the other in an abdominal soft tissue tumor in an adult woman. The patient is alive and well with no evidence of recurrence 11 months after excision.
Multi-Tiered Systems of Educator Professional Development: A Systematic Literature Review of Responsive, Tiered Professional Development Models
Authors: Bloomfield Bradley S. , Fox Russell A. , Leif Erin S.
Published: February 2024

Teachers and clinicians report feeling underprepared to implement evidence-based behavior supports. As such, effective models of professional development that lead to improved outcomes for all individuals are required. Critical components of high-quality professional development include explicit instruction, modeling, practice, direct feedback, and, potentially, individual coaching. However, delivering all components may be resource intensive. Professional development approaches that extend the tiered logic of multi-tiered systems of support to adult learning may address these challenges. In such models, universal professional development is provided to whole-staff groups on specific skills using explicit instruction, modeling, practice, and feedback. Data are then collected and used to inform targeted, individualized supports. The current systematic literature review addressed a gap in the literature by identifying, summarizing, and appraising 20 published studies that examined tiered, responsive professional development models. While consistent practices were identified (e.g., group didactic training at Tier 1 and coaching at Tiers 2 and 3), the form and shape of specific interventions at each tier differed across studies. The same was observed in the data-based decision-making processes employed to determine the need for additional trainee support. Practical implications to inform the ongoing examination of tiered responsive professional development models are discussed.
What do you mean? Linguistic sensitivity and relational reflexivity in scholarly writing
Authors: Lehman Iga Maria , Tienari Janne
Published: February 2024

We argue that privileged forms of scholarly writing in the English language perpetuate inequalities in academia. While writing and language, on the one hand, and marginalization and exclusion, on the other, are subject to critique, we propose that these are considered together as interrelated elements of an unequal academic system. We call for linguistic sensitivity to challenge the systemic inequalities that condition our writing in English and discuss this by elaborating what relationally reflexive writing can mean in organization studies. We highlight the Polish and Finnish linguistic positions from which we speak and confront hegemonic rhetorical conventions in the English language to argue for more dialogical and inclusive forms of scholarly writing.
Theaters, social media, and streams: Evaluating social word-of-mouth patterns of pandemic-era blockbuster films on Twitter
Authors: DeFelice Chris , Porter Lance
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the U.S. film industry, prompting major studios to release blockbuster films on streaming platforms. This study examines the impact of pandemic-related changes on the film industry by analyzing social media conversations on Twitter as a proxy for success. We introduce a novel metric to measure social word-of-mouth (sWOM) longevity for 40 movies released across different genres and franchises. Results indicate that pandemic-era films experienced shorter sWOM lifespans than pre-pandemic counterparts, and streaming releases generated shorter sWOM conversations than theatrical releases. This suggests that streaming releases risk quicker cultural obsolescence due to limited social media discussion time. This study offers valuable insights for industry practitioners navigating the evolving cinematic landscape.
Facilitators and barriers to using telemedicine for gender-affirming care in gender-diverse youth: A qualitative study
Authors: Inwards-Breland David J , Yeh Debra , Marinkovic Maja , Richardson TR , Marino-Kibbee Bixby , Bayley Ava , Rhee Kyung E
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Access to gender-affirming care (GAC) is limited for gender-diverse (GD) youth, with the potential for further limitations given the current political climate. GAC has been shown to improve the mental health of GD youth and telemedicine (TM) could increase access to GAC. With limited data on the acceptability and feasibility of TM for GAC among GD youth, we sought to further explore their perspectives on the use of TM in their care.

Methods

We used a semi-structured interview guide, with prompts developed to explore participants’ knowledge of TM, identify factors that influenced use, and advantages or disadvantages of use.

Results

Thirty GD participants aged 13–21 years old participated in TM. While TM was not the preferred option for medical visits, it was recognized as a practical option for providing GAC. Various actual and perceived disadvantages noted by youth included, technical issues interrupting the visit, not receiving care equivalent to that of an in-person visit, having to see themselves on the screen, family members interrupting visits, and meeting new staff while connecting to a TM visit. The advantages, however, were an increased autonomy and convenience of TM, especially when used for specific aspects of GAC.

Discussion

The use of TM in GAC could be optimized by limiting camera use, eliminating/reducing staff involvement, being sensitive to privacy issues, and alternating TM with in-person visits. Clinicians should be cognizant of patient preferences and concerns and be flexible with visit types.
Physical activity, posttraumatic stress, and gender: A longitudinal study of post-9/11 veterans
Authors: Gnall Katherine E , Sacco Shane J , Sinnott Sinead M , Park Crystal L , Mazure Carolyn M , Hoff Rani A
Published: February 2024

Given the importance of physical activity (PA) for both physical and mental health, the present study characterizes post-9/11 veterans’ leisure-time PA engagement over time. Further, this study examines the relationship between PA and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), as well as whether this relation differs by gender and time since military discharge. This study was a secondary analysis of a 12-month longitudinal observational investigation of 410 (39.5% female) post-9/11 veterans. Participants completed self-report questionnaires at baseline and 12 months. Over a third of post-9/11 veterans were not engaging in any weekly leisure-time PA at study baseline and PA engagement significantly decreased in the subsequent year. The longitudinal relationship between PA and PTSS depended on both gender and time since military discharge. These results underscore the importance of considering both gender and time since discharge when tailoring interventions to support leisure-time PA as a key health habit in post-9/11 veterans.
Strategic use of video face filter types: Influence of audience, gender, and culture
Authors: Herring Susan C , Dedema Meredith , Rodríguez Enrique , Yang Leo
Published: February 2024

Video face filters play an increasingly important role in digitally mediated self-presentation for people around the world. We interviewed young adult video filter users from China, India, South Korea, Spain, and the United States, asking what video filters they use, who they use filters with, and how. Participants demonstrated sensitivity to public versus private spheres when determining what filter type was appropriate for particular audiences. Those audiences included the self-only, in what we call the “dressing room,” extending Goffman’s dramaturgical metaphor for self-presentation. We further identify a tendency for the women and East Asians we interviewed to be more attuned to different kinds of audiences, as well as East-West differences in acceptance of beauty filter enhancement. Implications for video filter research are discussed.