bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of seawater corrosion environment on the impact behavior of multi-walled carbon nanotube and SiO2 reinforced basalt/epoxy hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Demirci İbrahim , Avcı Ahmet
Published: December 2021

In this study, the impact behaviors of nano silica (SiO2 nanoparticles), MWCNTs (multi-walled carbon nanotube), and SiO2+MWCNTs (nano silica vs multi-walled carbon nanotube hybrid) nanoparticle additives in basalt fiber reinforced composites exposed to seawater corrosion were investigated. The Mediterranean was chosen as the corrosive sea water due to its high salinity. Basalt fiber reinforced composites immersed in seawater have quick mass absorption during the first 30 days. However, it can also vary between the first 28 and 40 days depending on the structure of the composite and environmental conditions. Immersion times were determined as 0, 10, 20, and 40 days. Tensile and low velocity impact tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical performance after seawater corrosion. Low velocity impact tests were carried out at 10 and 20 J energy levels. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of corrosion caused by quick mass absorption on the tensile and impact behaviors of basalt fiber reinforced composites. And also to investigate the contribution of SiO2 and MWCNT nanoparticle additives to the mass absorption mechanism and mechanical performance of basalt fiber reinforced composites. SiO2 and MWCNT nanoparticle additives increased the tensile and impact strength of basalt fiber reinforced composites. However, the tensile and impact behaviors of nanoparticle filled and nanoparticles unfilled basalt fiber reinforced composites were adversely affected by the seawater corrosion environment. Due to the geometric structure of SiO2 nanoparticles, the best mechanical performance was observed in SiO2 filled basalt fiber reinforced composites.
Phonological Processing, Visuospatial Skills, and Pattern Understanding in Chinese Developmental Dyscalculia
Authors: Liu Saifang , Cheng Chen , Wu Peiqian , Zhang Liming , Wang Zhengjun , Wei Wenjun , Chen Yuan , Zhao Jingjing
Published: December 2021

A number of previous studies have identified cognitive deficits in developmental dyscalculia (DD). Yet, most of these studies were in alphabetic languages, whereas few of them examined Chinese DD. Here, we conducted a study aiming to determine the cognitive factors associated with DD in Chinese children. Five candidate cognitive factors of DD—phonological retrieval, phonological awareness, visual–spatial attention, spatial thinking, and pattern understanding—were examined in the present study. A total of 904 Chinese children ages 8 to 11 years participated in this study. From the sample, 97 children were identified with DD through tests of arithmetic ability, and 93 age- and IQ-matched typically developing children were selected as controls. Logistic regression analysis revealed that phonological retrieval, pattern understanding, visual–spatial attention, and phonological awareness significantly predicted DD, whereas spatial thinking failed to do so. Results of logistic relative weights analysis showed that all five factors explained statistically significant amounts of variance in arithmetic scores. Phonological retrieval had the most influence on DD, followed by pattern understanding, visual–spatial attention, phonological awareness, and spatial thinking. These findings have important clinical implications for diagnosis and intervention of Chinese DD.
Environmental control: charting a course for the Navajo reservation through road construction, 1945–1978
Authors: Shapiro Justin
Published: December 2021

This article examines the history of road planning in the decades following the Second World War on the Navajo Nation. Federal highway planners and Navajo residents had conflicting ideas about the role of roads in the Nation's postwar development. The planners’ support for highways near uranium mines undermined efforts towards Navajo self-development and modernization. Federally planned and subsidized highways granted extractive industries control over large portions of the Nation. Those highways locked in a regime of environmental exploitation that caused severe and debilitating public health consequences for Navajo communities.
Effects of temperature on melt electrospinning with auxiliary heating: experiment and simulation study
Authors: Ge Cheng , Zheng Yuansheng , Liu Kai , Xin Binjie
Published: December 2021

In this study, the effect of the heating temperature of the spinneret on the melt electrospinning process under the condition of application of auxiliary heating was investigated, in a systematical and comprehensive way. The temperature distribution of the melt jet during the melt electrospinning process was simulated by finite element software in order to provide a good deal of insight into the experimental results. In addition, high-speed photography was adopted to capture images of jet formation and jet motion during the melt electrospinning process. The experimental results indicated that the cooling rate of the polypropylene jet decreases obviously under the condition of auxiliary heating; in addition, the higher spinneret temperature leads to greater drafting force, a drawing fiber drafting rate, and greater jet whipping motion, which is conducive to secondary drawing and refinement of the jet.
Affective geographies: Family and friendship in the production of scientific knowledge
Authors: Goodman Dena
Published: December 2021

Through case studies of two early nineteenth-century French geologists, this article shows how relations of family and friendship were integral to determining where science took place. Digging up the traces of what I call the “affective geographies” of individual scientists that are entangled with their intellectual itineraries, I show how the practice of science is embedded in such affective relations and thus in everyday life.
Best Prosody for News: A Psychophysiological Study Comparing a Broadcast to a Narrative Speaking Style
Authors: Rodero Emma , Cores-Sarría Lucía
Published: December 2021

Studies in different languages have identified a broadcast speaking style, a particular manner that broadcasters have of reading news. This speaking style is characterized by an emphatic intonation with a fast speech rate easily recognizable by listeners. Some authors have stated that messages in this style are not positively perceived by listeners, as it is repetitive and regular, but there is no empirical data to support this conclusion, nor has the style been analyzed with physiological measures. The physiological approach has some advantages, such as a more objective assessment and real-time evaluation. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effectiveness, adequacy, and physiological response of this broadcast style compared to a narrative pattern. We combined self-report with physiological measures. Fifty-six participants listened to six news pieces in both styles and with two voices, male and female. They had to rate the effectiveness and adequacy of the news while we measured their physiological responses (heart rate and electrodermal activity). The results showed that news conveyed through the broadcast style elicited less cognitive resource allocation and emotional arousal than the narrative pattern, but there were no significant differences in self-report evaluations.
The Ups and Downs of Being Us: Cross-Relationship Comparisons in Daily Life
Authors: Thai Sabrina , Lockwood Penelope , Page-Gould Elizabeth
Published: December 2021

Cross-relationship comparisons are an integral part of relationship processes, yet little is known about the impact of these comparisons in daily life. The present research employed a dyadic experience-sampling methodology ( N = 78 couples) with end-of-day surveys, end-of-week follow-up, and a 6-month follow-up to examine how individuals make cross-relationship comparisons in daily life, the cumulative impact of these comparisons over time, and the dyadic consequences of such comparisons. Participants made more downward than upward comparisons; however, upward comparisons had a more lasting impact, resulting in decreased satisfaction and optimism, and less positive self-perceptions and partner perceptions, at the end of each day and the week. Individuals who made more upward comparisons were also less satisfied 6 months later. Individuals were also affected by their partner’s comparisons: On days when partners made more upward comparisons, they felt less satisfied and optimistic about their relationship and less positive about themselves and their partner.
Article promotion on Twitter and Facebook: A case study of Cell journal
Authors: Cui Yunxue , Fang Zhichao , Wang Xianwen
Published: December 2021

Social media has become an increasingly important channel of scholarly communication, especially for promoting the latest research outputs, so its role in facilitating access to academic texts is worth exploring. Based on 324 posts containing scholarly articles shared by journal Cell on Twitter and Facebook, this study compared the user engagement performance of articles posted on both platforms and examined the effect of such social media promotion and user engagement on article visiting. The user engagement performance of the articles was measured by retweets, shares, reactions, and likes, while click data tracked through bitly.com were used to indicate article visits. Statistical analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were applied to explore and understand these data. For Cell, Facebook posts have a more significant influence than similar tweets in terms of volume. The user engagement on Facebook is 2.5~4 times as much as on Twitter. Moreover, the click metric of short links shows that Cell’s posts on Facebook directed twice as many visitors to the papers as posts on Twitter. However, the efficiency of the two platforms is approximate when the difference in the volume of followers is eliminated. The correlation and regression analysis suggested that user engagement positively affects the visiting of Cell’s papers. Both reactions and shares would affect the clicks of the short links to paper text. The results shed light on the implications of sharing scholarly articles on social media platforms for the promotion of article visits.
Adult heart procurement following circulatory determined death from a donor on venous-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A case report
Authors: Nachum Eyal R , Hogan John , Osman Mohamed , Messer Simon , Baxter Jennifer , Olano Francisco , Berman Marius , Large Stephen
Published: December 2021

Donation after circulatory death in the context of heart transplants is attracting interest and becoming popular in clinical practice. Activity is growing in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. We believe that a prolonged warm ischemic time (time from asystole to reperfusion of the heart on an ex vivo perfusion system) is a primary indicator of adverse outcomes. However, 1.5 liters of blood must be retrieved from the right atrium following sternotomy prolonging warm ischemic time. The patient in the following case report was supported by veno-venous extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation following drowning, further complicated by aspiration-related lung failure. Following circulatory death and a mandatory five-minute stand-off period, 1.5 liters of blood was drained from the circuit as sternotomy began. Surgeons then proceeded to direct procurement of the heart, aiming for least functional warm ischemic time. Following standard implantation, the patient’s postoperative recovery has been unremarkable to date.
High-resolution relaxometry-based calibrated fMRI in murine brain: Metabolic differences between awake and anesthetized states
Authors: Xu Mengyang , Bo Binshi , Pei Mengchao , Chen Yuyan , Shu Christina Y , Qin Qikai , Hirschler Lydiane , Warnking Jan M , Barbier Emmanuel L , Wei Zhiliang , Lu Hanzhang , Herman Peter , Hyder Fahmeed , Liu Zhi-jie , Liang Zhifeng , Thompson Garth J
Published: December 2021

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques using the blood-oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal have shown great potential as clinical biomarkers of disease. Thus, using these techniques in preclinical rodent models is an urgent need. Calibrated fMRI is a promising technique that can provide high-resolution mapping of cerebral oxygen metabolism (CMRO2). However, calibrated fMRI is difficult to use in rodent models for several reasons: rodents are anesthetized, stimulation-induced changes are small, and gas challenges induce noisy CMRO2 predictions. We used, in mice, a relaxometry-based calibrated fMRI method which uses cerebral blood flow (CBF) and the BOLD-sensitive magnetic relaxation component, R2′, the same parameter derived in the deoxyhemoglobin-dilution model of calibrated fMRI. This method does not use any gas challenges, which we tested on mice in both awake and anesthetized states. As anesthesia induces a whole-brain change, our protocol allowed us to overcome the former limitations of rodent studies using calibrated fMRI. We revealed 1.5-2 times higher CMRO2, dependent upon brain region, in the awake state versus the anesthetized state. Our results agree with alternative measurements of whole-brain CMRO2 in the same mice and previous human anesthesia studies. The use of calibrated fMRI in rodents has much potential for preclinical fMRI.
Exploring the “Social” in Social Media: Adolescent Relatedness—Thwarted and Supported
Authors: West Monique , Rice Simon , Vella-Brodrick Dianne
Published: December 2021

The pervasiveness of social media in adolescents’ lives has important implications for their relationships. Considering today’s adolescents have grown up with social media, research capturing their unique perspectives of how social media impacts their relationships is needed to increase understanding and help guide behaviors that nurture social-connectedness. Utilizing multiple qualitative methods, this study explores adolescents’ perspectives of how their social media use impacts their relationships. The sample comprised 36, Year 9 students aged 15 years from four metropolitan schools in Melbourne, Australia. All participants completed a rich picture mapping activity and focus group discussions. To gain deeper understandings, a sub-sample of 11 adolescents participated in subsequent one-on-one interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis generated two overarching themes (1) developing and strengthening relationships and (2) diminishing relationships. Sub-themes included; making new friends, maintaining relationships, deepening connections, enhancing belonging, rifts and strains, and anti-social behavior. Findings revealed nuanced insights into “how” and “why” adolescents believe social media impacts relationships. Adolescents explained that social media transforms interactions through amplifying and intensifying relational experiences resulting in both beneficial and detrimental outcomes for their relationships. Cultivating the positive aspects of adolescents’ social media use whilst mitigating the negative is important toward supporting relatedness and fostering wellbeing.
Women’s Employment and Digital Technology: A Regional Analysis in India
Authors: Mehta Balwant Singh , Awasthi Ishwar , Mehta Nidhi
Published: December 2021

The article explores women’s employment and the future of work due to the changing nature of jobs as a result of the onslaught of new technologies. Adoption of new digital technologies, industry 4.0 technologies and the increasing influence of platform or gig economy has had intense effects on the ‘future of work’, causing dramatic changes. Further, COVID-19 has severely impacted the economy, especially women, reflected in the consistent fall in female labour force participation across states. The unemployment rate (UR) is significantly higher among urban women. A large proportion of woman workers are vulnerable from automation because of their low-skill and the unskilled and routine nature of their work. The risk of automation is much higher in the case of women working in manufacturing and modern services. Women in India are engaged largely in traditional jobs with low level of education and skill, and having limited or negligible social security, particularly in the unorganised sector. The article is based on the secondary data provided by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) and uses the International Labour Organization (ILO) skill framework. The analysis clearly shows that skill sets among women is abysmally low. Noticeably, enhancing skill development as per the emerging market demand, including digital literacy, will go a long way to expand job opportunities for women.
Cultural Competence of Turkish Nurses and Nursing Students: An Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Aydogdu Ana Luiza Ferreira
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Turkish population is characterized by its great cultural diversity, thus, Turkish nurses and nursing students often interact with patients of different cultural backgrounds from theirs. Cultural competence is needed to provide qualified contemporary nursing care. This study aimed to explore the literature on the cultural competence of Turkish nurses and nursing students.

Methodology:

The Whittemore and Knafl review methodology was used to extract, summarize, and synthesize data of 15 primary research articles published between January 2011 and January 2021. The search was done in the Turkish Academic Network and Information Center—ULAKBIM (PubMed, TRDizin, DergiPark).

Results:

Three themes were identified: cultural competence, cultural-related problems, and importance of training on transcultural nursing.

Discussion:

Appropriate educational courses on transcultural nursing should be implemented in Turkish nursing schools as well as in continuing education programs for Turkish nurses.
Abnormal Bone Morphology in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Authors: Michalski Max P. , An Tonya W. , Haupt Edward T. , Yeshoua Brandon , Salo Jari , Pfeffer Glenn
Published: December 2021

Background:

Although long suspected, it has yet to be shown whether the foot and ankle deformities of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) are generally associated with abnormalities in osseous shape. Computed tomography (CT) was used to quantify morphologic differences of the calcaneus, talus, and navicular in CMT compared with healthy controls.

Methods:

Weightbearing CT scans of 21 patients (27 feet) with CMT were compared to those of 20 healthy controls. Calcaneal measurements included radius of curvature, sagittal posterior tuberosity-posterior facet angle, and tuberosity coronal rotation. Talar measurements included axial and sagittal body-neck declination angle, and coronal talar head rotation. Surface-mesh model analysis of the hindfoot was performed comparing the average of the CMT cohort to the controls using a CT analysis software (Disior Bonelogic 2.0). Means were compared with a t test ( P < .05).

Results:

CMT patients had significantly less talar sagittal declination vs controls (17.8 vs 25.1 degrees; P < .05). Similarly, CMT patients had less talar head coronal rotation vs controls (30.8 vs 42.5 degrees; P < .001). The calcaneal radius of curvature in CMT patients was significantly smaller than controls (822.8 vs 2143.5 mm; P < .05). CMT sagittal posterior tuberosity–posterior facet angle was also significantly different from that of controls (60.3 vs 67.9 degrees respectively; P < .001). Surface-mesh model analysis demonstrated the largest differences in morphology at the navicular tuberosity, medial talar head, sustentaculum tali, and anterior process of the calcaneus.

Conclusion:

This is the first study to quantify the morphologic differences in hindfoot osteology seen in CMT patients. Patients identified with osseous changes of the calcaneus, especially a smaller axial radius of curvature, may benefit from a 3-dimensional osteotomy for correction.
Consistency and Construct Validity of the Five-Level System for Risk Communication Using Static and Dynamic Tools: An Investigation Using the Static-99R and VRS-SO
Authors: Hogan Neil R. , Olver Mark E.
Published: December 2021

This study examined the Council of State Governments’ five-level system for risk communication, as applied to the Static-99R and Violence Risk Scale–Sexual Offense Version (VRS-SO). Aims of the system include increasing consistency in risk communication and linking risk categories to psychologically meaningful constructs. We investigated concordance between risk levels assigned by the instruments, and distributions of VRS-SO dynamic needs associated with Static-99R risk levels, among a multisite sample ( n = 1,404) of persons who have sexually offended. Concordant categorical risk ratings were assigned in just over a third of cases, suggesting that consistency remains a concern with the system, particularly when conceptually disparate tools are applied. Densities of criminogenic needs varied widely among persons assigned the same risk level by the Static-99R and diverged from the descriptions ascribed by the system. These findings can inform clinical assessments and further refinement of the system.
Cost-effectiveness Analysis of AngioJet and CDT for Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis Among Chinese Population
Authors: Li Guanqiang , Xu Miao , Xu Zhouqian , Sun Yuan , Zhang Jingbo , Zhang Xicheng
Published: December 2021

AngioJet has sufficient safety and efficacy in the treatment of acute and subacute lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (LEDVT). But the price of consumables used by AngioJet is relatively high and there is a lack of relevant research on health economics to measure the benefits to patients. Objective of this study is to estimate the cost effectiveness of AngioJet compared with catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) among Chinese population. Using a Markov decision model, we compared the 2 treatment strategies in patients with LEDVT. The model captured the development of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), recurrent venous thromboembolism, and treatment-related adverse events within a lifetime horizon and the perspective of a third-party payer. Model uncertainty was assessed with one-way and Monte Carl sensitivity analyses. The clinical inputs were obtained from the literature. Costs obtained from the hospital accounts and the literature are expressed in US dollars ($). Utilities were defined as quality adjusted life years (QALY). In cost-effectiveness analysis, AngioJet accumulated $1064.6445/QALY compared with $2080.1561/QALY after CDT treatment alone. AngioJet has higher long-term cost-effectiveness than CDT at a willingness to pay threshold of $11 233.52. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that the utilities of PTS and post-LEDVT state had significant influence on the results and the model maintained a strong stability under  ± 10% fluctuation of utilities. Monte Carl sensitivity analysis shows that AngioJet model has strong stability and AngioJet has higher long-term cost-effectiveness than CDT. AngioJet is likely to be a cost-effective alternative to the CDT for patients with LEDVT.
Analysis of immune-mediated reactions in patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated with nivolumab and its association with effectiveness
Authors: Cortijo-Cascajares Susana , Cercós-Lletí Ana Cristina , Ortiz-Pérez Sara , Caro-Teller José Manuel , Ferrari-Piquero José Miguel
Published: December 2021

Objective

To study immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with nivolumab, as well as to assess whether these reactions could be predictors of further effectiveness of therapy.

Methods

Retrospective, observational and longitudinal study. All NSCLC patients who received nivolumab between February 2015-May 2020 were included. In terms of safety, irAEs and their severity were registered and to evaluate the effectiveness, overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) were calculated.

Results

75 patients were included. 32 patients (43%) were reported irAES. Mainly the irAEs affected the skin (36%). Followed by pneumonitis (20%), gastrointestinal reactions (12%), endocrine (12%) and hepatitis (12%). Regarding severity, 92% were moderate. The median PFS was 9.49 months on the group with irAEs versus 1.99 months on the group without irAEs group (p < 0.0001). The median OS was 17.44 months versus 7.67 months respectively (p = 0.0001). According to the incidence of irAEs developed ( = > 2 vs. 1 vs. 0), the median PFS was 20.53 versus 5.35 versus 1.99 months respectively (p < 0.0001). The median OS was 23.41 versus 15.80 versus 7.67 months, respectively (p = 0.0002)

Conclusion

In a significant number of patients irAEs occur, generally of grade 1–2 severity, affecting mainly the skin, lungs and gastrointestinal system. We confirm that the development of irAEs in patients with NSCLC treated with nivolumab is a strong predictor of treatment effectiveness in both PFS and OS, with statistically significant results. On those patients who experience two or more immunorelated adverse events the greatest benefit has been observed.
A Parametric Single-Case Analysis and Social Validation of the High-Probability Request Sequence
Authors: Baida Alissa N. , Azizi Sharon , Jessel Joshua
Published: December 2021

Noncompliance with adult instruction is a common problem exhibited by individuals diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The high-probability (high-p) request sequence was designed to increase compliance with low-probability (low-p) instructions by rapidly presenting high-p instructions immediately prior to the targeted low-p instruction. This study evaluated the use of three different levels of the high-p request sequence (i.e., one instruction, three instructions, and six instructions) to increase the compliance of five children who were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Results indicated that all three levels of the high-p request sequence were often successful in increasing compliance with low-p instructions; however, when given the opportunity to choose, participants and caregivers (i.e., mothers and therapists) tended to prefer the high-p request sequence with three instructions.
The impact of stress and lifestyle factors on short-term sickness absence in a large Danish industrial company
Authors: Nielsen Niss B.S. , Gunnarsen Lars , Iburg Kim M.
Published: December 2021

Objectives: Work-related stress and certain lifestyles have been associated with sickness absence among employees. We analysed relations between stress and lifestyles (as risk factors) and short-term sickness absence among employees of a large Danish industrial company. Moreover, we analysed the impact of risk factors on short-term sickness absence. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 7753 employees (67% response rate). Relations between risk factors (dyssomnia, low physical activity, alcohol, smoking, unhealthy food habits, overweight and stress) and short-term sickness absence were analysed by calculating etiologic fractions and binary logistic regression. Relations between the number of risk factors and short-term sickness absence were also analysed. Finally, the cost of short-term sickness absence from risk factors was estimated to illustrate the potential savings in avoided loss of productivity that could be gained from intervention programmes. Results: Stress, overweight, smoking and dyssomnia are significantly related to short-term sickness absence. Etiologic fractions revealed that these factors were associated with between 29.8% and 37.8% of short-term sickness absence. The number of risk factors was also related to the risk and length of sickness absence. Conclusions: This study identified risk factors that could be addressed by intervention programmes to reduce short-term sickness absence. Based on the results, focus on the risk factors that account for most short-term sickness absence and reduction of the number of risk factors could potentially reduce short-term sickness absence. A 30% reduction is equivalent to an avoidance of a loss of productivity of 4.5%, corresponding to €9.4 million per year.
Nonlinear discrete-time hazard models for women's entry into marriage
Authors: Turner Heather L. , Batchelor Andy D. , Firth David
Published: December 2021

We propose a hazard model for entry into marriage, based on a bell-shaped function to model the dependence on age. We demonstrate near-aliasing in an extension that estimates the support of the hazard and mitigate this via re-parameterization. Our proposed model parameterizes the maximum hazard and corresponding age, thereby facilitating more general models where these features depend on covariates. For data on women's marriages from the Living in Ireland Surveys 1994–2001, this approach captures a reduced propensity to marry over successive cohorts and an increasing delay in the timing of marriage with increasing education.
Virtual-Reality graph visualization based on Fruchterman-Reingold using Unity and SteamVR
Authors: Kortemeyer Gerd
Published: December 2021

The paper describes a method for the immersive, dynamic visualization of undirected, weighted graphs. Using the Fruchterman-Reingold method, force-directed graphs are drawn in a Virtual-Reality system. The user can walk through the data, as well as move vertices using controllers, while the network display rearranges in realtime according to Newtonian physics. In addition to the physics behind the employed method, the paper explains the most pertinent computational mechanisms for its implementation, using Unity, SteamVR, and a Virtual-Reality system such as HTC Vive (the source package is made available for download). It was found that the method allows for intuitive exploration of graphs with on the order of [Formula: see text] vertices, and that dynamic extrusion of vertices and realtime readjustment of the network structure allows for developing an intuitive understanding of the relationship of a vertex to the remainder of the network. Based on this observation, possible future developments are suggested.
The Science of Visual Data Communication: What Works
Authors: Franconeri Steven L. , Padilla Lace M. , Shah Priti , Zacks Jeffrey M. , Hullman Jessica
Published: December 2021

Effectively designed data visualizations allow viewers to use their powerful visual systems to understand patterns in data across science, education, health, and public policy. But ineffectively designed visualizations can cause confusion, misunderstanding, or even distrust—especially among viewers with low graphical literacy. We review research-backed guidelines for creating effective and intuitive visualizations oriented toward communicating data to students, coworkers, and the general public. We describe how the visual system can quickly extract broad statistics from a display, whereas poorly designed displays can lead to misperceptions and illusions. Extracting global statistics is fast, but comparing between subsets of values is slow. Effective graphics avoid taxing working memory, guide attention, and respect familiar conventions. Data visualizations can play a critical role in teaching and communication, provided that designers tailor those visualizations to their audience.
Exploring Player Understandings of Historical Accuracy and Historical Authenticity in Video Games
Authors: Burgess Jacqueline , Jones Christian
Published: December 2021

Video games such as the successful Assassin’s Creed series allow consumers to engage with various historical contexts and to explore them in engaging and influential ways. However, it is unclear what consumers understand as the difference between the historical authenticity and historical accuracy used by developers in these games. Therefore, this research explored players of Assassin’s Creed games’ understanding of these two concepts and how they expected developers to utilize them. The study used a qualitative analysis of 959 online forum comments and an online survey with 88 respondents. While it was found that players understood historical accuracy and valued it in video games, historical authenticity prompted confusion with 43% describing it as the same as historical accuracy. The results were used to develop a new player-centric definition of historical authenticity to clarify player understandings and present useful and practical implications for developers and publishers.
The ChallenGE Project: Using Design-Based Research to Determine the Effectiveness of a Design Thinking Approach to Professional Learning in Gifted Education
Authors: Henderson Lesley , Gilbert Desiree , Duffield Alice , Farrall Janet
Published: December 2021

Using a Design Thinking (DT) approach, the ChallenGE Project in South Australia (SA) was an innovative professional learning (PL) program that was developed, implemented, and researched by three Senior Educational Consultants from the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA) and one academic from Flinders University over three years. The aim was to support participating schools (n = 27) to improve outcomes for their highly able learners (HALs). The ChallenGE Design-Based Research (DBR) project developed principles and a framework for contextualised PL in gifted education through an inductive qualitative manual coding analysis of participants’ self-reported learning. This paper, applying the format for reporting DBR studies recommended by Jen et al. (2015) explains the goals and elements of the innovation, the setting within which it was implemented, a description of each phase, the outcomes, and the lessons learned. This research study contributes to an expanded view of effective PL in gifted education using insights gained from a DT approach.
Probiotic Fermented Beverage From Macroalgae
Authors: Trung Vo T. , Van Huynh Tran , Thinh Pham D. , San Pham T. , Bang Truong H. , Hang Nguyen T.
Published: December 2021

We have tested the hypothesis that a fermented beverage from the macroalgae Hydropuntia eucheumatoides exhibits antioxidant and enzymatic activity. The macroalga was hydrolyzed (maximum hydrolysis yield: 78%) with a mixture of the enzymes viscozyme and lactozyme. Then, the hydrolyzate was fermented with Lactobacillus casei and Saccharomyces boulardii. This beverage contained oligosaccharide prebiotics. The lactic acid, acetic acid, ethanol, methanol, cell count, pH, and heavy metal content of the beverage were determined. All tested heavy metals were either not detected (eg, As) or within the US Food and Drug Administration limits (eg, Fe).
Revisiting the Power to Forgive: A Dyadic Approach for Determining the Relations Between Power, Self-Esteem, and Forgiveness in Romantic Relationships
Authors: Körner Robert , Schütz Astrid , Zverling Erez , Sha’ked Ami
Published: December 2021

Power pervades interpersonal relationships and can impact relationship-related outcomes (e.g., forgiveness). Here, we expected a positive association between power and forgiveness in two studies involving German and Israeli couples ( N = 149/174 couples). Actor–partner interdependence mediator models showed the expected positive associations of actor’s power with both actor’s forgiveness and partner’s forgiveness. Independent self-esteem partially mediated and interdependent self-esteem completely mediated the power–forgiveness link for actors. Also, high experienced power was associated with high self-esteem, which in turn was positively related to benevolence motivation and negatively related to revenge and avoidance motivation. The implications of these findings are relevant for couple’s therapy and advance our understanding of associations between power and relationship variables. Future research may distinguish between authentic and instrumental forgiveness and use experimental settings.
Civic argumentation in the economic domain: Examining upper high school students’ arguments on socio-economic problems in a performance test by applying a domain-specific analytical framework
Authors: Ackermann Nicole , Kavadarli Bengü
Published: December 2021

Civic argumentation refers to societal problems that may affect various scientific disciplines. Societal problems are complex and their possible solutions controversial. Making informed and reasoned decisions on these problems requires domain-specific content knowledge and domain-specific argumentation skills. This study addresses argumentation on societal problems in the economic domain. It examines 159 high school students’ written arguments on two socio-economic problems in a performance test by applying a domain-specific analytical framework with quality criteria for argument structure and content and by using qualitative content analysis, cluster analysis and variance analysis. Our findings show that students’ argument structure did not substantially vary between the two test tasks, but their argument content did. Students tended to generate arguments with justifications that supported their own position, but seldom with justifications that qualified it. Of all arguments, a quarter were fully accurate, about half referred to scientific concepts and half included multiple perspectives. We identified three distinctive argument profiles regarding structure and content of argument quality. Moreover, the argument profile is a distinctive factor for students’ content knowledge. Our study gives insights into students’ written argumentation skills and content knowledge on socio-economic problems and offers a promising analytical framework for future research in this domain.
Rapid health evaluation in migrant peoples in transit through Darien, Panama: protocol for a multimethod qualitative and quantitative study
Authors: Gabster Amanda , Jhangimal Monica , Erausquin Jennifer Toller , Suárez José Antonio , Pinzón-Espinosa Justo , Baird Madeline , Katz Jennifer , Beltran-Henríquez Davis , Cabezas-Talavero Gonzalo , Henao-Martínez Andrés F. , Franco-Paredes Carlos , Agudelo-Higuita Nelson I. , Pachar Mónica , González José Anel , Rodriguez Fátima , Pascale Juan Miguel ,   Migrant Peoples in Transit Study Group
Published: December 2021

Background:

The world is currently unprepared to deal with the drastic increase in global migration. There is an urgent need to develop programs to protect the well-being and health of migrant peoples. Increased population movement is already evident throughout the Americas as exemplified by the rising number of migrant peoples who pass through the Darien neotropical moist broadleaf forest along the border region between Panama and Colombia. The transit of migrant peoples through this area has an increase in the last years. In 2021, an average of 9400 people entered the region per month compared with 2000–3500 people monthly in 2019. Along this trail, there is no access to health care, food provision, potable water, or housing. To date, much of what is known about health needs and barriers to health care within this population is based on journalistic reports and anecdotes. There is a need for a comprehensive approach to assess the health care needs of migrant peoples in transit. This study aims to describe demographic characteristics, mental and physical health status and needs, and experiences of host communities, and to identify opportunities to improve health care provision to migrant peoples in transit in Panama.

Study design and methods:

This multimethod study will include qualitative ( n = 70) and quantitative ( n = 520) components. The qualitative component includes interviews with migrant peoples in transit, national and international nongovernmental organizations and agencies based in Panama. The quantitative component is a rapid epidemiological study which includes a questionnaire and four clinical screenings: mental health, sexual and reproductive health, general and tropical medicine, and nutrition.

Conclusion:

This study will contribute to a better understanding of the health status and needs of migrant peoples in transit through the region. Findings will be used to allocate resources and provide targeted health care interventions for migrant peoples in transit through Darien, Panama.
Public patient views of artificial intelligence in healthcare: A nominal group technique study
Authors: Musbahi Omar , Syed Labib , Le Feuvre Peter , Cobb Justin , Jones Gareth
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The beliefs of laypeople and medical professionals often diverge with regards to disease, and technology has had a positive impact on how research is conducted. Surprisingly, given the expanding worldwide funding and research into Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare, there is a paucity of research exploring the public patient perspective on this technology. Our study sets out to address this knowledge gap, by applying the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) to explore patient public views on AI.

Methods

A Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was used involving four study groups with seven participants in each group. This started with a silent generation of ideas regarding the benefits and concerns of AI in Healthcare. Then a group discussion and round-robin process were conducted until no new ideas were generated. Participants ranked their top five benefits and top five concerns regarding the use of AI in healthcare. A final group consensus was reached.

Results

Twenty-Eight participants were recruited with the mean age of 47 years. The top five benefits were: Faster health services, Greater accuracy in management, AI systems available 24/7, reducing workforce burden, and equality in healthcare decision making. The top five concerns were: Data cybersecurity, bias and quality of AI data, less human interaction, algorithm errors and responsibility, and limitation in technology.

Conclusion

This is the first formal qualitative study exploring patient public views on the use of AI in healthcare, and highlights that there is a clear understanding of the potential benefits delivered by this technology. Greater patient public group involvement, and a strong regulatory framework is recommended.
Does the Scale or Speed of Immigration Generate Nativism? Evidence from a Comparison of New Zealand Regions
Authors: Wilson Chris , Shastri Sanjal , Frear Henry
Published: December 2021

Nativism, the belief that the rights of those who came first should be prioritized over immigrants, is an increasingly important driver of the rise of far-right populism. It is also leading to hate crimes and even terrorist attacks against immigrants. However, it remains unclear when and why local communities come to oppose immigration. One important set of questions concerns whether nativism is most likely to emerge in societies in which immigrants constitute a higher proportion of the total population or those where there is rapid growth in the immigrant population, even if absolute numbers or their proportion of society remain low.

This paper employs multivariate analysis to test these two hypotheses. We use data from a survey of nativist (and populist) sentiment in New Zealand conducted in 2020 along with population data from the national censuses of 2013 and 2018. We compare the results from all New Zealand regions. Our findings strongly support the second hypothesis regarding the importance of the rate of growth in the immigrant population. Those regions that have the highest rate of change in immigrant populations present the highest levels of nativist sentiment, despite their immigrant populations being both small in size and as a proportion of the local population. Conversely, those regions where immigrant numbers are high or they constitute a large proportion of the local population return low levels of nativist sentiment.
SunPower: A Path Toward Strategic Development
Authors: Singh Aarti
Published: December 2021

SunPower Corporation is an American organization working in the solar energy sector specialized in power generation and solar energy storage. This case highlights the strategic growth path of SunPower corporation, which originated as an outcome of effective solar cells production. This case also discussed how the energy sector considers solar energy the vital energy source, and solar energy organizations grow to capture the energy demand. The case also highlights the various consolidations of SunPower in terms of different mergers and acquisitions as essential strategies to succeed. The case also discusses the competitors’ strategy of the top five solar power generation and storage firms, which give a clear view of how different solar firms are building their space in the solar energy sector. With competitors’ discussion, this helps to understand the challenge faced by SunPower to beat the competition among the other solar firms. In the end, the case focused on the ongoing and future strategic choices of SunPower as SunPower Corporation.
Efficiency and Effectiveness Evaluation of Micro-credit Programme in Transforming Rural Women Entrepreneurs: Experiences from Balasore District of Odisha
Authors: Rajpal Navin Kumar , Tamang Sharmila
Published: December 2021

The micro-credit programme was introduced with multi-dimensional objectives and therefore was always under direct purview of various government agencies. Microfinance in Odisha works under umbrella of Mission Shakti and TRIPTI (a world bank initiated project). Balasore district is selected on the basis of MFPI index taking into consideration the saving, credit linkage and credit-deposit ratio indicators. The analysis had shown positive impact of programme on various economic, social and decision making dimensions. The linked financial institutions have undertaken SHGs as their major customers and therefore positive impact on loan disbursement and recovery rate is observed.
YES Bank Fiasco: Arrogance or Negligence
Authors: Akhtar Shakeb , Alam Mahfooz , Khan Mohd Mohsin
Published: December 2021

The present case study is based on the nation’s biggest-ever banking failure of India’s fastest-growing private bank, YES Bank. The YES Bank fiasco showcases the prevalent flaws of uprising NPAs and mounting bad debts in the financial sector. Post Asset Quality Review (AQR) conducted by RBI elucidate that the NPA of YES Bank is seven times higher than the actual reported amount in their audit book. The sudden trauma reflected the events unfolding in the bank as the share market plummets drastically and the losses enlarged exponentially. To stymie further deterioration, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) stepped in and took over YES Bank management. The economy is already set to decelerate to an 11-year low following demonetization and the outbreak threatens to delay a revival in an emerging economy like India. The subject that this case will fit in is Capital Structure, Corporate Governance and Ethics and Auditing.
The impact of therapeutics on mortality in hospitalised patients with COVID-19: systematic review and meta-analyses informing the European Respiratory Society living guideline
Authors: Crichton Megan L. , Goeminne Pieter C. , Tuand Krizia , Vandendriessche Thomas , Tonia Thomy , Roche Nicolas , Chalmers James D.
Published: December 2021

Hospitalised patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have a high mortality rate. There are an increasing number of published randomised controlled trials for anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and other treatments. The European Respiratory Society Living Guidelines for the Management of Hospitalised Adults with COVID-19 were published recently, providing recommendations on appropriate pharmacotherapy.

Patient, Intervention, Comparator and Outcomes questions for key interventions were identified by an international panel and systematic reviews were conducted to identify randomised controlled trials meeting the inclusion criteria. The importance of end-points were rated, and mortality was identified as the key “critical” outcome for all interventions. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool studies and provide effect estimates for the impact of treatments on mortality.

Corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, remdesivir, anti-interleukin (IL)-6 monoclonal antibodies, colchicine, lopinavir/ritonavir and interferon-β have been reviewed.

Our results found further evidence in support of the use of corticosteroids, particularly dexamethasone, and anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody therapy. These data support the need to identify additional therapies with beneficial effects on mortality.