bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors and Outcomes Associated With Venous Thromboembolism Following Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Mabeza Russyan Mark , Lee Cory , Verma Arjun , Park Mina G. , Darbinian Khajack , Darbinian Shushanna , Yetasook Amy , Benharash Peyman
Published: May 2022

Background

The present national study characterized the incidence and factors associated with VTE following bariatric operations and its association with postoperative outcomes and resource use.

Methods

Adults (≥18 years) undergoing elective sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass (laparoscopic and open) were identified in the 2016-2018 Nationwide Readmissions Database. International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision codes for deep venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism were used to ascertain the presence of VTE. Multivariable linear and logistic models were developed to evaluate the independent association of VTE with outcomes of interest.

Results

Of an estimated 537,522 patients meeting inclusion criteria, .55% developed VTE during index hospitalization (.14%) or within 90 days of index discharge (.41%). Compared to others, VTE patients were older (51.8 vs 44.9 years, P<.001), more commonly male (20.0% vs 31.5%, P<.001), and had gastric bypass (56.3% vs 31.9%, P<.001) or an open procedure (21.9% vs 2.6%, P<.001). After risk adjustment, several factors including increasing age, male gender, gastric bypass and open approach remained associated with increased odds of VTE. Patients with VTE during index hospitalization had greater odds of mortality (AOR 11.6, 95% CI: 6.12-22.19) and increased index LOS (β:+14.1 days, 95% CI: 11.7-16.5) and hospitalization costs (β: +$53,100, 95% CI: 43,100-63,500). Additionally, VTE patients had greater odds of readmission within 90 days (AOR 1.86, 95% CI: 1.40-2.47).

Conclusions

Although VTE is uncommon following bariatric operations, it is significantly associated with increased mortality, readmission, and resource use. Further research is necessary to ascertain optimal management of VTE for bariatric surgery patients.
Problematizing norms of heritage and peace: Militia mobilization and violence in Iraq
Authors: Isakhan Benjamin , Akbar Ali
Published: May 2022

The destruction of heritage in conflict has emerged as a key challenge to global security and the prospects of peace. In response to the deliberate targeting of heritage sites by the Islamic State (IS) and other actors in recent years, the international community has launched a number of initiatives designed to protect and reconstruct key heritage sites in complex (post-)conflict contexts. However, this article demonstrates that such initiatives are often underpinned by the norm that the protection of heritage in conflict can serve to enhance the prospects of reconciliation, stability and peace. This article problematizes this norm by focussing on the case study of Shia responses to the targeting of their religious heritage sites by the IS in Iraq from mid-2014. It documents the ways that key Shia leaders instrumentalized the case of protecting heritage not to advance peace and security, but to create entirely new militias, to recruit thousands of Shia faithful, to mobilize them to fight against the IS, and to engage in violence and human rights abuses. This raises significant concerns about whether the promotion of heritage as a pathway to peace could inadvertently exacerbate conflict and lead to renewed waves of violence and heritage destruction.
Is the Area Under Curve Appropriate for Evaluating the Fit of Psychometric Models?
Authors: Han Yuting , Zhang Jihong , Jiang Zhehan , Shi Dexin
Published: May 2022

In the literature of modern psychometric modeling, mostly related to item response theory (IRT), the fit of model is evaluated through known indices, such as χ2, M2, and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) for absolute assessments as well as Akaike information criterion (AIC), consistent AIC (CAIC), and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) for relative comparisons. Recent developments show a merging trend of psychometric and machine learnings, yet there remains a gap in the model fit evaluation, specifically the use of the area under curve (AUC). This study focuses on the behaviors of AUC in fitting IRT models. Rounds of simulations were conducted to investigate AUC’s appropriateness (e.g., power and Type I error rate) under various conditions. The results show that AUC possessed certain advantages under certain conditions such as high-dimensional structure with two-parameter logistic (2PL) and some three-parameter logistic (3PL) models, while disadvantages were also obvious when the true model is unidimensional. It cautions researchers about the dangers of using AUC solely in evaluating psychometric models.
The Effects of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus on the Cardiovascular System and Coagulation State Leading to Cardiovascular Diseases: A Narrative Review
Authors: Bhat Rafiq A. , Maqbool Syed , Rathi Akanksha , Ali Syed Manzoor , Hussenbocus Yoosuf Ali Ashraf Muhammad , Wentao Xiao , Qu Yongsheng , Zhang You , Sun Yuxiao , Fu Hai-Xia , Wang Ling Yun , Dwivedi Atul , Bhat Javaid Akhter , Iqbal Raja saqib , Islam Md Monowarul , Tibrewal Abhishek , Gao Chuanyu
Published: May 2022

The novel coronavirus pandemic has led to morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Until now, it is a highly virulent contagion attacking the respiratory system in humans, especially people with chronic diseases and the elderly who are most vulnerable. A majority of afflicted are those suffering from cardiovascular and coronary diseases. In this review article, an attempt has been made to discuss and thoroughly review the mode of therapies that alleviate cardiac complications and complications due to hypercoagulation in patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Presently a host of thrombolytic drugs are in use like Prourokinase, Retelapse, RhTNK-tPA and Urokinase. However, thrombolytic therapy, especially if given intravenously, is associated with a serious risk of intracranial haemorrhage, systemic haemorrhage, immunologic complications, hypotension and myocardial rupture. The effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus upon the cardiovascular system and coagulation state of the body are being closely studied. In connection to the same, clinical prognosis and complications of thrombolytic therapy are being scrutinized. It is noteworthy to mention that myocardial oxygen supply/demand mismatch, direct myocardial cells injury and acute plaque rupture are the multiple mechanisms responsible for acute coronary syndrome and cardiac complications in Covid-19 infection. However, this review has limitations as data available in this context is limited, scattered and heterogenous that questions the reliability of the same. So, more multi-centric studies involving representative populations, carried out meticulously, could further assist in responding better to cardiac complications among Covid-19 patients.
Youth’s own political interest can explain their political interactions with important others
Authors: Stattin Håkan , Russo Silvia
Published: May 2022

This study examines the idea that youth’s perceptions of their political interactions with important others are influenced by their own political interest to a greater extent than the perceived political interactions that influence youth’s political interest. Hence, it was proposed that youth’s perceptions of important others’ (parents’, teachers’, friends’) political views, political interest, political influence, and support, as well as of being susceptible to others’ political communication, are all affected by their own political interest. Community samples of 908 13-year-olds and 869 16-year-olds were followed over 1 year. Latent change models supported the idea that youth’s political interest significantly affected their perceptions of important others’ political views, influence, and support over time in both cohorts. In 11 out of 12 longitudinal analyses, youth’s political interest strongly affected perceptions of their political interactions with others, but none of the 12 analyses showed that the perceptions of political interactions with others strongly predicted a change in youth’s political interest. These results suggest that the political interest of young people is an input in their political development, making politically interested youth active agents in their political interactions with their important others.
Learning a Healthy Rhythm: An Intervention to Increase Children’s Resources for Stress Management
Authors: Haglund Kristin , King Amanda L. , Bekhet Abir K. , Garnier-Villarreal Mauricio , Olson Karen , Atshan Rasha , Ortiz Angela , de los Santos Johanna , Belknap Ruth Ann
Published: May 2022

This article describes a pilot test of a community engaged, culturally relevant, arts-based intervention. The purpose was to increase children’s personal protective buffering resources. Protective buffering resources help children cope with stressful stimuli, reduce activation of their systemic stress response, mitigate allostatic load, and promote optimal health. The “Learning a Healthy Rhythm” intervention included a stress management component and an ongoing Afro-Latino percussion program for 18 children ages 9–11. The stress management component included educational content about stress, self-assessment of stress symptoms, and stress management techniques. A mixed-method intervention evaluation design was used. Qualitative data, quantitative data, and biometrics including hair cortisol were collected. Six intervention parameters were evaluated: effectiveness, fidelity, feasibility, acceptability, necessity, and safety. Positive results were obtained for all parameters. Reduction in physiological and subjective measures of stress was evident. This stress management intervention was well-received and supported by participants.
Effective coordination and innovation-facilitating role of science parks: The place-based approach with paradoxical outcomes
Authors: Zhu Ying , Tang Ryan W , Xing Ke
Published: May 2022

The place-based regional industrial strategies provide a novel approach to examining the role of science parks in enhancing regional innovation with place-based policies. With qualitative interviews and case analyses, this study investigates how a place-based science park affects innovation activities of technology-focused companies. Our research findings demonstrate paradoxical nature with both positive and negative aspects of firms’ strategies that cope with obstacles such as the lack of funding for R&D and weak policy on IP protection. These obstacles hinder the collaboration on innovation and strengthen the effect of economic uncertainty on companies’ short-term survival orientation. Important implications for both theory and practice are discussed with possible future research directions identified.

JEL Classification: O32, M10, M38
Predictors of Achieving the Maximal Outcome Improvement Threshold for Willingness to Undergo Revision Hip Arthroscopy
Authors: Maldonado David R. , Kyin Cynthia , Owens Jade S. , Rosinsky Philip J. , Jimenez Andrew E. , Lee Michael S. , Domb Benjamin G.
Published: May 2022

Background:

The maximal outcome improvement threshold for willingness to undergo revision hip arthroscopy (MOWT) has not been defined yet.

Purpose:

To determine the percentage MOWT in patients who underwent revision hip arthroscopy and to identify predictors of achieving the MOWT.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

An anchor question was provided to patients who underwent revision hip arthroscopy between April 2008 and June 2020 who returned for follow-up between August 2019 and June 2021 at one institution. Patients were included if they underwent revision hip arthroscopy, had answered the anchor question, and had baseline and postoperative minimum 1-year follow-up scores for the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Exclusion criteria were Tönnis grade >1, hip dysplasia, previous hip conditions, or unwillingness to participate. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to determine the MOWT. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine intraoperative predictors of achieving the MOWT.

Results:

In total, 153 patients (163 hips) were included, with 117 female hips (71.8%), a mean patient age of 34.3 ± 12.4 years, and an average follow-up time of 61.6 ± 42.7 months. It was determined that 77.3% of the patients reported that they would choose to undergo the revision hip arthroscopy again. The MOWT for the mHHS, NAHS, and VAS was 43.1%, 53%, and 33.4%, respectively. The probability of choosing to undergo revision surgery if the MOWT was achieved was 77.5%, 77.6%, and 79.2%, for the mHHS, NAHS, and VAS, respectively. Patients with residual cam-type morphology, which was addressed during the revision, were 2.3 times more likely to achieve the MOWT for the VAS ( P = .014).

Conclusion:

Patients who improved 43.1%, 53%, and 33.4% of their MOWT for the mHHS, NAHS, and VAS, respectively, were likely to be willing to undergo revision hip arthroscopy again. Moreover, the presence of residual cam-type femoroacetabular impingement morphology before their revision surgery was identified as a predictor to achieve the MOWT for the VAS.
Association Between Glycemic Gap and Mortality in Critically Ill Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Lou Ran , Jiang Li , Wang Meiping , Zhu Bo , Jiang Qi , Wang Peng
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Dysglycemia is associated with poor outcomes in critically ill patients,which is uncertain in patients with diabetes regarding to the situation of glucose control before hospitalization. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of the difference between the level of blood glucose during ICU stay and before admission to ICU upon the outcomes of critically ill patients with diabetes.

Method

Patients with diabetes expected to stay for more than 24hs were enrolled, HbA1c was converted to A1C-derived average glucose (ADAG) by the equation: ADAG  =  [ (HbA1c * 28.7) – 46.7 ] * 18−1, blood glucose were measured four times a day during the first 7 days after admission, the mean glucose level(MGL) and SOFA (within 3, 5, and 7days) were calculated for each person, GAPadm and GAPmean was calculated as admission blood glucose and MGL minus ADAG, the incidence of moderate hypoglycemia(MH), severe hypoglycemia (SH), total dosage of glucocorticoids and average daily dosage of insulin, duration of renal replacement therapy(RRT), ventilator-free hours, and non-ICU days were also collected. Patients were divided into survival group and nonsurvival group according to survival or not at 28-day, the relationship between GAP and mortality were analyzed.

Results

431 patients were divided into survival group and nonsurvival group. The two groups had a comparable level of HbA1c, the nonsurvivors had greater APACHE II, SOFA, GAPadm, GAPmean-3, GAPmean-5, GAPmean-7 and higher MH and SH incidences. Less duration of ventilator-free, non-ICU stay and longer duration of RRT were recorded in the nonsurvival group. GAPmean-5 had the greatest predictive power with an AUC of 0.807(95%CI: 0.762-0.851), the cut-off value was 3.6 mmol/L (sensitivity 77.7% and specificity 76.6%). The AUC was increased to 0.852(95%CI: 0.814-0.889) incorporated with SOFA5 (NRI  =  11.34%).

Conclusion

Glycemic GAP between the MGL within 5 days and ADAG was independently associated with 28-day mortality of critically ill patients with diabetes. The predictive power was optimized with addition of SOFA5.
Effect of temperature on milling stability of thin-walled parts
Authors: Liu Yang , Cui Ningyuan , Chen Haiyang , Yan Xinxin , Zhao Chencheng , Bao Kuiyuan , Shan Yue , Yin Zijian
Published: May 2022

Milling, as a common machining method, is widely used in rough machining and final finishing of various materials. In this paper, according to the milling temperature produced in the milling process, the formula of heat distribution coefficient for workpiece milling is established. By means of Deform-3D finite element software to carry out orthogonal cutting simulation of workpiece, the influence of different machining parameters on milling heat distribution coefficient is studied, the optimal machining parameters are determined, and the milling temperature experiment is carried out to verify the simulation temperature. The experimental results show that the simulation temperature is very close to the experimental workpiece temperature, and the error is very small, which verifies the accuracy of the method. At the same time, the influence of different initial temperature of workpiece on the milling force and stability is also studied. The results show that proper heating of the workpiece can effectively improve the milling stability of the thin-walled parts.
Numerical investigations, development and control of a cartesian (3-PRRR) parallel manipulator
Authors: John Isaac , Mohan Santhakumar , Rybak Larisa
Published: May 2022

This paper focusses on the development of a Cartesian parallel manipulator (CPM) having multiple limb assembly configurations. An optimal configuration of the 3-PRRR CPM is identified after analysing the interference-free workspace of various limb assembly conditions, where each leg comprises an active prismatic joint followed by three revolute joints. The validation of the link interference detection algorithm is carried out using a virtual prototype. The Euler–Lagrange dynamic modelling of the CPM is validated using one of the well-known multi-body simulation packages namely, ADAMS. The paper proposes a detailed design and performance analyses of a motion controller for the proposed manipulator, based on a finite-time sliding mode scheme. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) is also developed using the MATLAB App Designer, which ensures easier and intuitive synthesis of the CPM. The development of an in-house functional prototype is also presented in this work.
Dynamic analysis of co-curing double-layer damping films embedded composite beam with fixed-support boundary
Authors: Yang Gongxian , Liang Sen , Zheng Changsheng , Wang Guanghe
Published: May 2022

Co-curing double-layer damping films embedded composite structure has many advantages over a tradition composite, such as large damping, high specific strength etc. In order to study the dynamic performance of this composite clamped beams, a theoretical model of the free vibration of the beam was established by the combination of first-order shear deformation theory with the Hamilton principle and variational principle. The Galerkin method was presented to find the free vibration theoretical solution under the fixed-support boundary conditions. The theoretical solution was compared with the experimental results through the established experimental platform. According to the comparison results, the validity of the theoretical model was proved. Finally, the effects of the damping layer distribution and the geometric parameters on the dynamic performance were further explored. It provides a theoretical basis for the optimal configuration of double-layer damping films embedded composite clamped beams structure.
Research on methods of tooth contact analysis and modification optimization for internal spur gear pair
Authors: Xijin Zhang , Zongde Fang , Xunmin Yin , Ke Wang , Yaoguo Ma
Published: May 2022

Internal spur gear pair is widely used in industry. There is little current research on how to analyze and modify internal spur gear pairs that affect design and transmission performance. In this paper, a modeling method and an improved tooth contact analysis (TCA) method for internal spur gear pair are presented. The comparison between the improved TCA method and conventional TCA method is done, and the correctness and advantage of the improved TCA method are proved. The loaded tooth contact analysis (LTCA) method for spur gear pair is studied, and its feasibility is verified by Romax. Based on the method of penalty function, a modification optimization method of internal spur gear pair is proposed. Compared with the conventional particle swarm modification optimization, the proposed modification optimization method of internal spur gear pair is suitable for engineering application from the view of time-consuming and result. In order to facilitate modification, a modification parameter conversion method is proposed, and the conversion formulas from the modification length on tooth root of pinion to that on tooth tip of ring gear is derived. A dynamic model for internal spur gear pair is built, and dynamic simulation is carried out. The analysis results show that the optimization of the correction can significantly reduce the mean square value of the vibration acceleration. The research results supply a basis for the analysis and the modification optimization of internal spur gear pair.
Wall thinning characteristics and prediction in numerical control bending of high strength Ti-3Al-2.5V tube
Authors: Fang Jun , Lu Shiqiang , Wang Kelu , Liang Chuang
Published: May 2022

Owing to the unique properties of high strength Ti-3Al-2.5V tube, wall thinning is prone to happen in tube bending. To accomplish tube precision bending forming, the wall thinning needs to be precisely predicted and effectively controlled. A theoretical model considering circumferential deformation was presented to reveal the inherent relationship for wall thickness distribution versus tube geometrical parameters, and its reliability was validated by published experimental results. Using finite element (FE) simulation combined with orthogonal test, the effect rules and significances of process parameters on wall thinning in numerical control (NC) bending for high strength Ti-3Al-2.5V tube were investigated. The results show that the significant factors sort from the largest to the smallest for wall thinning in tube bending as the clearance of tube versus mandrel C m, axial feed of mandrel e, friction of tube versus mandrel f m, clearance of tube versus bending die C b, clearance of tube versus wiper die C w and push assistant speed of pressure die v p; the wall thinning decreases for the larger C m and v p, while increases for the larger C b, C w, f m, and e. Furthermore, the prediction model of maximum wall thinning ratio was established based on the significant process parameters by multiple linear regression method. Compared with the results of orthogonal test, the relative error of that is less than 6.5%, which can be employed for rapidly predicting the wall thinning in tube bending.
Study the effect of different operation parameters on the reaction shaft performance of a copper flash smelting furnace: Mass and energy balance analysis
Authors: Afrouzeh Mohsen , Ehteshamzadeh Maryam , Jafari Saeed , Borhannejad Mehdi
Published: May 2022

Mass and energy balance analysis is one of the classical methods of modeling applied in the flash furnace smelting process. This method is an efficient method for degrading the theoretical parameters of silica flux and air required for oxidation processes. In this study, the reaction shaft of the Sarcheshmeh flash smelting furnace has been modeled using the mass and energy balance method. A modeling code has been developed to calculate the oxygen content required for oxidation processes and the silica flux for slagging. Different parameters are effective in the working conditions of the flash smelting furnace. In this research, the effect of concentrate mineralogical analysis, oxygen enrichment, flue dust share, and the amount of natural gas was investigated. The modeling results show that by increasing chalcocite in the feed mixture, the average temperature in the reaction shaft will decrease. Increasing the oxygen enrichment increases the temperature and reduces the amount of off-gases that leave the furnace. The calculation can be repeated via modeling from different modes until improved furnace conditions are achieved and smelting operation is controlled.
Effects of cryogenically treated physical vapor deposition-coated tools on the turning performance of nickel-based superalloy
Authors: Gökkaya Hasan , Akıncıoğlu Sıtkı
Published: May 2022

In recent years, cryogenic treatment has been applied to improve the performance of cutting tools. Improving the performance of cutting tools can improve the surface qualities of workpiece and reduce costs. Nickel-based superalloys are difficult to machine. It is necessary to improve the machinability properties of these hard-to-machine alloys and to increase the product quality. In this study, the effects of cryogenically treated physical vapor deposition-coated tools on the turning performance of nickel-based Hastelloy C22 superalloy were investigated. Deep cryogenic treatment (−145°C) and shallow cryogenic treatment (−80°C) were applied to the physical vapor deposition-coated tools. Experiments were carried out under dry conditions. The cutting parameters selected for the machining were cryogenically treated cutting tools, cutting speed, and feed rate. The deep cryogenic treatment had a favorable influence on the performance of the physical vapor deposition-coated carbide inserts. Thanks to the deep cryogenic treatment applied to the cutting tools, 99.5% and 19.7% improvement in surface roughness and cutting forces were achieved, respectively, compared to the untreated tool. The deep cryogenic treatment contributed more to the wear resistance of the tools than the shallow cryogenic treatment. A slight increase in the hardness and electrical conductivity of the tools was detected thanks to the cryogenic treatment.
Effect of unsteady passing wake on the aerodynamic and heat transfer performance of the turbine blade squealer tip
Authors: Jiang Shijie , Li Zhigang , Li Jun
Published: May 2022

By solving the Unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations and standard k-ω turbulence model, effect of unsteady passing wake on squealer tip heat transfer performance for a gas turbine stage with different rotating speed is numerically investigated. The results of turbulence model validation are in good agreement with the experimental data. The grid independence verification is also satisfied. The results indicate that the tip area-averaged heat transfer coefficient fluctuates periodically with time, and a “platform stage” is existed within the heat transfer curve from trough to peak. The heat transfer curve is divided into two independent phases by the “platform stage”. In the first phase, the heat transfer variation is concentrated in the tip front part, and the average heat transfer coefficient at this region increases by 3.4%. In the second phase, the variation of heat transfer in the tip rear part is obvious, and the average heat transfer coefficient of this region increases by 5.1%. Compared with the first and second phases, the heat transfer coefficient curve in the third phase shows the characteristics of uniform decline. The existence of the “platform stage” is closely related to the blade rotating speed. The “platform stage” will disappear as the blade rotating speed deviates from the standard condition.
Combined statistical decision limits based on two GH-2000 scores for the detection of growth hormone misuse
Authors: Liu Wei , Bretz Frank , Böhning Dankmar , Holt Richard I.G. , Han Yang , Böhning Walailuck , Guha Nishan , Cowan David A.
Published: May 2022

The growth hormone-2000 biomarker method, based on the measurements of insulin-like growth factor-I and the amino-terminal pro-peptide of type III collagen, has been developed as a powerful technique for the detection of growth hormone misuse by athletes. Insulin-like growth factor-I and amino-terminal pro-peptide of type III collagen are combined in gender-specific formulas to create the growth hormone-2000 score, which is used to determine whether growth hormone has been administered. To comply with World Anti-Doping Agency regulations, each analyte must be measured by two methods. Insulin-like growth factor-I and amino-terminal pro-peptide of type III collagen can be measured by a number of approved methods, each leading to its own growth hormone-2000 score. Single decision limits for each growth hormone-2000 score have been introduced and developed by Bassett, Erotokritou-Mulligan, Holt, Böhning and their co-authors in a series of papers. These have been incorporated into the guidelines of the World Anti-Doping Agency. A joint decision limit was constructed based on the sample correlation between the two growth hormone-2000 scores generated from an available sample to increase the sensitivity of the biomarker method. This paper takes this idea further into a fully developed statistical approach. It constructs combined decision limits when two growth hormone-2000 scores from different assay combinations are used to decide whether an athlete has been misusing growth hormone. The combined decision limits are directly related to tolerance regions and constructed using a Bayesian approach. It is also shown to have highly satisfactory frequentist properties. The new approach meets the required false-positive rate with a pre-specified level of certainty.
Peace that antagonizes: Reading Colombia’s peace process as hegemonic crisis
Authors: Georgi Richard
Published: May 2022

This article explores how disruptive political conflicts evolve in peace processes by studying Colombian human rights defenders’ discourses about the peace process with the FARC-EP. While post-conflict scholarship has predominantly discussed violence and societal frictions as caused by legacies of war or flawed peace governance, I focus on the confrontations over political imaginaries that are endemic to peace processes. Through the lens of post-foundational discourse theory, I read the peace process as hegemonic crisis. This allows me to unpack the entanglement of political change and conflict, to which my discussions with human rights defenders allude: On the one hand, the peace agreement opened a political moment, in which it seemed possible to leave behind the hitherto hegemonic imaginary of the conflict as terrorism that had protracted the ‘state of war’; the advocacy for peace with social justice, on the other hand, it restaged historical confrontations with elites of the political right as antagonistic conflict over the meaning of peace. My analysis not only challenges the paradigm of war-to-peace transition, but also defines discursive conditions under which disruptive conflicts turn a peace process into an enduring interregnum, where the dawn of the post-conflict epoch is perpetually deferred and activist lives are threatened.
Book review: Sunil Gupta, Driving Digital Strategy: A Guide to Reimagining Your Business
Authors: Bhandari Arabinda
Published: May 2022

Sunil Gupta, Driving Digital Strategy: A Guide to Reimagining Your Business, 2018, Harvard Business Review Press, 267 pp., ₹1250. ISBN: 9781633692688 (Hardcover).
Digital Density Escalates Cost-efficiency of Indian Commercial Banks: Myth or Reality? A Non-parametric DEA Approach
Authors: Deb Joyeeta , Maity Shrabanti
Published: May 2022

This article examines the impact of digitization of banking services on cost-efficiency of Indian commercial banks. The study develops an index named as the Digital Density Index (DDI) to measure the degree of banks’ digitization and examines its impact on cost-efficiency scores as estimated by the non-parametric data envelopment analysis technique. Results identify the scope of cost savings potentiality on the part of the banks which is higher in the case of private-sector banks than that of the public-sector banks. The sector also displays a rising trend in digitization as exhibited by the index value of DDI over the study period. DDI is found to be positively associated with the cost-efficiency of banks. However, the results are opposite for the country-level indicators of digitization which impact the cost-efficiency scores of the banks negatively. This is ascribed to the initial stage of digitization requiring huge outlay on building digital infrastructure. The results would change over time as the country matures in its level of technological change and development and with the adaptation of the bank with the changing circumstances.
Gender Authorship Trends Among Craniofacial Publications: A 20-Year Analysis
Authors: Wang Fei , Cheng Tiffany , Ricci Joseph A.
Published: May 2022

This study aims to identify gender disparities within the subspecialty of craniofacial surgery as women surgeons remain underrepresented in academia and leadership, arenas heavily dictated by research productivity.

All craniofacial articles published in 3 major research journals from 2000 to 2020 were reviewed and evaluated in 5-year increments.

Information regarding author gender, authorship distribution, geographic origin, and publication type was collected. ANOVA, χ2, and logistic regression modeling were used for analysis.

In total, there were 3684 articles with 15 206 total authors—3128 (20.6%) were women, including 665 (21.3%) first authors, 1980 (63.2%) middle authors, and 487 (15.7%) senior authors. Mean women authorship increased significantly from 2000 to 2020 (0.33 vs 1.22 P < .001) with corresponding significant increases in first and senior authorship (8.63% vs 27.02; 5.65% vs 16.13%; P < .001). Statistically significant trends across time were observed for first and senior authorships ( P < .001). Women were more likely to publish original publications as first and senior authors (OR: 1.83, P < .001; OR: 1.37, P = .0012). Women were less likely to publish editorial articles (OR 0.6, P < .001). The United States ranked third in publication output by female first authors but was behind all regions except Africa for output by female senior authors.

Although female authorship has increased significantly over the last 2 decades, women remain a minority within the craniofacial literature. Further research is needed to elicit the root of these disparities.
Human Factors and Ergonomics Considerations for Aging-in-Place Part 1: The Intersection of Users and Tasks
Authors: Beer Jenay M. , Owens Otis L.
Published: May 2022

This article is part 1 of a two-part series. The term aging-in-place has been increasingly used over the past 40 years to describe the process of remaining in one’s home. In attempt to advance the discussion on the future of aging-in-place, this feature series provides an overview of the grand challenges to aging-in-place with an emphasis on human factors and ergonomics considerations. Part 1 will discuss a variety of ways to conceptualize “aging,” and describe tasks related to healthy aging into three categories: home maintenance, health management, and socialization.
Email Marketing as a Tool for Strategic Persuasion
Authors: Thomas Jacquelyn S. , Chen Chaoqun , Iacobucci Dawn
Published: May 2022

Email marketing is an important staple of marketing communications. Emails from companies to customers may be promotional in nature, to drive short-term purchasing, or relational in nature, for customer relationship management (CRM) and brand-building objectives. Emails are also issued when customers have opted in to receive alerts and notifications. The authors posit that these different types of emails (promotional, CRM, alerts) reflect both overt and more subtle attempts at persuasion and are associated with different levels of persuasion knowledge. Insights from the persuasion knowledge model ( Friestad and Wright 1994 ) and advertising wear-out are offered as explanations to understand consumer response to different types of emails. The authors test a model comparing the relative effectiveness of these types of emails on the email opening rate, the spending amount, and the shopping cart abandonment rate. They show that emails associated with relatively lower levels of persuasion knowledge are the most effective at increasing the opening rate and spending amount but are counterproductive for reducing shopping cart abandonment. In contrast, emails that likely trigger higher levels of persuasion knowledge are better for reducing cart abandonment. Alert notifications are mostly ineffective at driving our focal outcomes. The authors show that email effectiveness varies over time and is different for each type of email. They assert that combinations of specific email types, if strategically managed, can be used to enhance the spending of customers who opt in to receive specific alert messages.
Extending the Laakso-Taagepera Index to integrate both party and ethnicity
Authors: Grofman Bernard , Fraenkel Jon
Published: May 2022

We show how to extend the Laakso-Taagepera measure of the effective number of parties so as to incorporate both party and ethnicity in a way that allows both ethnic-specific, party-specific, and composite measures that we refer to as extended L-T indices. While the aim of this article is methodological, we also illustrate our approach with U.S. two-party data from presidential elections, using two-group, three-group, and five-group categorizations of ethnicities to show how party ethnicization in that country has grown since 1952. For comparison, and to show the generality of our approach to situations with more than two parties, we present data from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina ( Federacija Bosne i Hercegovine), where we have three ethnic groups but also more than two parties.
Accurate analytical solution of the circular sector oscillation by the modified harmonic balance method
Authors: Farea Nadia M , Zayed Mohra , Ismail Gamal M
Published: May 2022

This paper aims to solve the nonlinear differential equation of the circular sector oscillator analytically via the modified harmonic balance method (MHBM). To assess the reliability and the precision of the present method, we have compared the obtained results with the global residue harmonic balance method, Akbari–Ganji’s method, and numerical Runge–Kutta method which reveals that the MHBM is more reliable than others methods.
Young people’s experiences of orthodontic retainers: A qualitative study
Authors: Frawley Tom , Parkin Nicola , Kettle Jen , Longstaff Sarah , Benson Philip
Published: May 2022

Objective:

To investigate young people’s experiences of retainers, the associated impact of retainers on their lives and their perceptions of what influences their own co-operation.

Design:

Qualitative, cross-sectional study.

Setting:

An orthodontic department in a UK dental hospital.

Participants:

Purposive sampling was used to recruit young people, aged 11–17 years, wearing a range of different types of retainers.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcribed. The resultant data were analysed using codebook thematic analysis.

Results:

Ten patients were recruited before thematic saturation was achieved. Four themes were identified: impact and experiences of wearing retainers; facilitators and barriers to retainer adherence; finding out about retainers; and, finally, involvement in decisions about retainers. Although some initial negative impacts were described, participants generally adapted quickly to retainers. Several factors were perceived to influence co-operation with removable retainers, including concerns about relapse and the associated waste of personal effort and wider resources. There were perceived deficiencies in the information provided by clinicians, which led participants to seek advice from other sources, including social media. Some young people wanted to be more involved in decisions about their retainers.

Conclusion:

While patients perceived retainers to be easier to wear than active appliances, some transient negative impacts occurred, largely related to initial periods of full-time wear. There were a range of factors which patients perceived to influence their adherence with removable retainers.
“The whole experience is still very high touch for parents”: Parent moves to support young children’s remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Carrell Moore Holly
Published: May 2022

This qualitative study examined families’ experiences supporting young children’s (ages 3–8) remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-three participants completed open-ended questions in an online survey and three of those participants shared further in an online, recorded focus-group interview. Parents revealed young children’s challenges with remote learning and the multiple strategies families took up to support their young learners, including many forms of managing and facilitating online work, several forms of communicating to seek support, information, or changes, and multiple forms of motivating their child(ren) to stay engaged and complete activities. Parents also shared the tensions that arose with more unfettered access to their child(ren)’s online classrooms, teachers’ variation in communication, and families differing levels of participation due to multiple responsibilities. The findings demonstrate both the challenges and families’ creative strategies to bolster their child(ren)’s remote learning, and they inform teachers and school personnel of the importance of developing continued recalibration of communication, family support, and family input on home learning experiences when young children cannot engage with in-person learning.
Effect of pulmonary hypertension on exercise capacity and gas exchange in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease living at high altitude
Authors: Gonzalez-Garcia Mauricio , Aguirre-Franco Carlos Eduardo , Vargas-Ramirez Leslie , Barrero Margarita , Torres-Duque Carlos A
Published: May 2022

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with decreased exercise tolerance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, but in the altitude the response to exercise in those patients is unknown. Our objective was to compare exercise capacity, gas exchange and ventilatory alterations between COPD patients with PH (COPD-PH) and without PH (COPD-nonPH) residents at high altitude (2640 m). Methods: One hundred thirty-two COPD-nonPH, 82 COPD-PH, and 47 controls were included. Dyspnea by Borg scale, oxygen consumption (VO2), work rate (WR), ventilatory equivalents (VE/VCO2), dead space to tidal volume ratio (VD/VT), alveolar-arterial oxygen tension gradient (AaPO2), and arterial-end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure gradient (Pa-ETCO2) were measurement during a cardiopulmonary exercise test. For comparison of variables between groups, Kruskal-Wallis or one-way ANOVA tests were used, and stepwise regression analysis to test the association between PH and exercise capacity. Results: All COPD patients had a lower exercise capacity and higher PaCO2, A-aPO2 and VD/VT than controls. The VO2 % predicted (61.3 ± 20.6 vs 75.3 ± 17.9; p < 0.001) and WR % predicted (65.3 ± 17.9 vs 75.3 ± 17.9; p < 0.001) were lower in COPD-PH than in COPD-nonPH. At peak exercise, dyspnea was higher in COPD-PH ( p = 0.011). During exercise, in COPD-PH, the PaO2 was lower ( p < 0.001), and AaPO2 ( p < 0.001), Pa-ETCO2 ( p = 0.033), VE/VCO2 ( p = 0.019), and VD/VT ( p = 0.007) were higher than in COPD-nonPH. In the multivariate analysis, PH was significantly associated with lower peak VO2 and WR ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: In COPD patients residing at high altitude, the presence of PH was an independent factor related to the exercise capacity. Also, in COPD-PH patients there were more dyspnea and alterations in gas exchange during the exercise than in those without PH.
When Friendship is Not Mutual: The Influence of Network Centrality Incongruence on Leadership Emergence and Organizational Identification
Authors: Zeng Wei , Peng Ann C. , Zhao Jiarui
Published: May 2022

Integrating balance theory with self-perception theory, we propose that the incongruence between in-degree and out-degree centrality in a friendship network (“centrality incongruence” hereafter) contributes to the emergence of informal leadership. Through leadership emergence, centrality incongruence has a positive and indirect influence on organizational identification. In-degree centrality reflects the extent to which one is sought by others in the group as a friend, whereas out-degree centrality captures the extent to which one sees others as a friend. We surveyed 257 employees from 38 self-management business units at three observation points. Results based on polynomial regression and surface response analysis supported our hypotheses. Besides, the relationship between centrality incongruence and informal leadership emergence was stronger when the in-degree centrality is greater than the out-degree centrality compared to when the out-degree centrality is greater than the in-degree centrality. Our study points out the value of jointly considering in-degree and out-degree centrality in a social network in understanding their effects on leadership emergence and other work outcomes.
Effects of Twenty Hours of Neurofeedback-Based Neuropsychotherapy on the Executive Functions and Achievements among ADHD Children
Authors: Liao Yu-Chi , Guo Nai-Wen , Su Bei-Yi , Chen Shin-Jaw , Tsai Hsing-Fang
Published: May 2022

Objective. Neurofeedback can reduce ADHD symptoms; however, current programs are relatively long, with fewer concerns about executive function (EF). The present study aimed to investigate a 20-hour combined computerized training neurofeedback program. Methods. Fifty ADHD children were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (EXP) or the wait-list control group (CON), who took training after the post-tests. The EF measures were the Tower of London (ToL), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and Comprehensive Nonverbal Attention Test (CNAT). SNAP-IV and questionnaires reported by parents constituted the behavioral measures. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and bootstrapping dependent t-tests were also used. Results. The F-tests revealed the interaction effects on ADHD symptoms and math scores. The EXP had increased the ToL scores, decreased the error and perseverative error rates on WCST, as well as the dysexecutive index on CNAT in the t-test. Conclusions. The training effects were related to behavioral symptoms and functions, EFs, and generalized achievement performances. We suggest that future studies could apply to different patients and examine the maintenance of the program.
The Effects of the Fair Sentencing Act 2010 on Sentencing Outcomes for Females Convicted of Cocaine Offenses
Authors: Wells Makeela J.
Published: May 2022

Initiatives have been implemented to reduce the federal sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine offenses. The current study investigated the impact of the Fair Sentencing Act 2010 (FSA) on sentencing outcomes for females convicted of federal cocaine offenses. Specifically, the study examined the influence of race, ethnicity, and drug-related factors on presentence detention, downward departures, and sentence length before and after FSA. Using federal sentencing data, results revealed a substantial decrease in the number of crack cocaine offenses and average sentence length after FSA. Additionally, results revealed that there were racial and ethnic differences in sentencing outcomes.