bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome‐Wide Search for Nonadditive Allele Effects Identifies
PSKH2
as Involved in the Variability of Factor V Activity
Authors: Gendre Blandine , Martinez‐Perez Angel , Kleber Marcus E. , van Hylckama Vlieg Astrid , Boland Anne , Olaso Robert , Germain Marine , Munsch Gaëlle , Moissl Angela Patricia , Suchon Pierre , Souto Juan Carlos , Soria José Manuel , Deleuze Jean‐François , März Winfried , Rosendaal Frits R. , Sabater‐Lleal Maria , Morange Pierre‐Emmanuel , Trégouët David‐Alexandre ,   CHARGE Hemostasis Working Group
Published: October 2024

Background

Factor V (FV) is a key molecular player in the coagulation cascade. FV plasma levels have been associated with several human diseases, including thrombosis, bleeding, and diabetic complications. So far, 2 genes have been robustly found through genome‐wide association analyses to contribute to the inter‐individual variability of plasma FV levels: structural F5 gene and PLXDC2.

Methods and Results

The authors used the underestimated Brown‐Forsythe methodology implemented in the QuickTest software to search for non‐additive genetic effects that could contribute to the inter‐individual variability of FV plasma activity. QUICKTEST was applied to 4 independent genome‐wide association studies studies (LURIC [Ludwigshafen RIsk and Cardiovascular Health Study], MARTHA [Marseille Thrombosis Association], MEGA [Multiple Environmental and Genetic Assessment], and RETROVE [Riesgo de Enfermedad Tromboembolica Venosa]) totaling 4505 participants of European ancestry with measured FV plasma levels. Results obtained in the 4 cohorts were meta‐analyzed using a fixed‐effect model. Additional analyses involved exploring haplotype and gene×gene interactions in downstream investigations. A genome‐wide significant signal at the
PSKH2
locus on chr8q21.3 with lead variant rs75463553 with no evidence for heterogeneity across cohorts was observed (
P
=0.518). Although rs75463553 did not show an association with mean FV levels (
P
=0.49), it demonstrated a robust significant (
P
=3.38x10
−9
) association with the variance of FV plasma levels. Further analyses confirmed the reported association of
PSKH2
with neutrophil biology and revealed that rs75463553 likely interacts with two loci,
GRIN2A
and
POM121L12
, known for their involvement in smoking biology.

Conclusions

This comprehensive approach identifies the role of
PSKH2
as a novel molecular player in the genetic regulation of FV, shedding light on the contribution of neutrophils to FV biology.
Association of Prepregnancy Cardiometabolic Health With Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Among Historically Underrepresented Groups in the United States
Authors: Kwapong Yaa A. , Boyer Theresa , Adebowale Oluwalonimi , Ogunwole S. Michelle , Vaught Arthur Jason , Ndumele Chiadi E. , Hays Allison G. , Blumenthal Roger S. , Michos Erin D. , Selvin Elizabeth , Coresh Josef , Minhas Anum S.
Published: October 2024

Background

Prepregnancy diabetes and obesity are associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs). However, the proportion of cases of HDP in the population explained by diabetes and obesity (population attributable fraction), especially among American Indian and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, is not well characterized.

Methods and Results

We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of data on individuals with a live singleton birth from the US National Vital Statistics System between 2016 and 2019. We used adjusted logistic regression to estimate the prevalence odds ratios of HDPs and tested interaction for race and ethnicity. We calculated the population attributable fraction for the effect of obesity and diabetes on HDPs. Among 13 201 338 birthing individuals, (mean age, 29±6 years), 7% had HDP. The prevalence of HDP was highest among American Indian and Alaska Native individuals (9.1%). Prepregnancy diabetes (prevalence odds ratio, 2.63 [95% CI, 2.59–2.67]) and obesity (prevalence odds ratio, 2.95 [95% CI, 2.93–2.97]) were associated with HDPs. Compared with non‐Hispanic White individuals, the association of diabetes with HDPs was strongest among Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (prevalence odds ratio, 3.05 [95% CI, 2.48–3.77]), and the association of obesity with HDP was strongest among Asian individuals (prevalence odds ratio, 3.44 [95% CI, 3.35–3.54]; all
P
for interaction <0.05). Population attributable fractions for diabetes and obesity were highest among Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander individuals (diabetes, 3.7% [95% CI, 3.3%–4.0%]; and obesity, 45% [95% CI, 41.9%–47.8%]).

Conclusions

Prepregnancy diabetes and obesity are associated with HDP across all racial and ethnic groups. Diabetes and obesity have highest population attributable fractions among Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander individuals and should be aggressively targeted during childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood to reduce risk of HDPs.
Dose–Response Independent and Joint Associations of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior With Mortality Risk in 40 156 Australian Adults With Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Freene Nicole , Lönn Amanda , Carroll Suzanne , Niyonsenga Theo , Bauman Adrian , Gallagher Robyn , Ding Ding , Davey Rachel
Published: October 2024

Background

Little is known about the relationship between physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with death in people with coronary heart disease. The aim was to examine the independent and joint associations of PA and SB with death.

Methods and Results

This is a prospective cohort study including Australian participants aged ≥45 years with self‐reported coronary heart disease (2006–2020). Self‐reported PA (min/wk) and SB (h/d) were the exposures. Cardiac and all‐cause death were the main outcomes. The cohort included 40 156 participants (mean age, 70.3 (SD, 10.3) years; 15 278 women [38%]). During a median follow‐up of 11.1 (interquartile range, 6.2–14.4) years, 2497 cardiac and 12 240 all‐cause deaths were recorded. Compared with no PA, a 20% to 30% lower risk of cardiac and all‐cause death was associated with any level of PA. Walking and moderate to vigorous PA at 150 to 300 min/wk was associated with a 43% to 44% lower risk of cardiac death and 35% to 40% lower risk of all‐cause death. Compared with ≥10.5 h/d of SB, participants who were sedentary for 7 to 10.4 h/d experienced an ≈25% reduced associated risk of cardiac and all‐cause death. A 56% associated reduction in all‐cause mortality risk was found if SB was limited to <3.4 h/d. If participants completed >150 min/wk moderate to vigorous PA and spent <7 h/d in SB, the associated risk of cardiac and all‐cause death was reduced by ≈70%.

Conclusions

All people with coronary heart disease should be encouraged to meet the PA guidelines and limit SB to <7 h/d, noting any increase in physical activity and decrease in SB is better than none to prevent premature death.
Optimal Instruments for Measurement of Dietary Intake, Physical Activity, and Sleep Among Adults in Population‐Based Studies: Report of a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Workshop
Authors: Anaya Gabriel , Pettee Gabriel Kelley , St‐Onge Marie‐Pierre , van Horn Linda V. , Alfini Alfonso , Badon Sylvia E. , Boushey Carol , Brown Alison , Depner Christopher M. , Diaz Keith M. , Doherty Aiden , Dooley Erin E. , Dumuid Dorothea , Fernandez‐Mendoza Julio , Grandner Michael A. , Herrick Kirsten A. , Hu Frank B. , Knutson Kristen L. , Paluch Amanda , Pratt Charlotte A. , Reis Jared P. , Schrack Jennifer , Shams‐White Marissa M. , Thomas Diana , Tucker Katherine L. , Vadiveloo Maya K. , Wolff‐Hughes Dana L. , Hong Yuling
Published: October 2024

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute convened a virtual workshop in September 2022 to discuss “Optimal Instruments for Measurement of Diet, Physical Activity, and Sleep.” This report summarizes the proceedings, identifying current research gaps and future directions for measuring different lifestyle behaviors in adult population‐based studies. Key discussions centered on integrating report‐based methods, like questionnaires, with device‐based assessments, including wearables and physiological measures such as biomarkers and omics to enhance self‐reported metrics and better understand the underlying biologic mechanisms of chronic diseases. Emphasis was placed on the need for data harmonization, including the adoption of standard terminology, reproducible metrics, and accessible raw data, to enhance the analysis through artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. The workshop highlighted the importance of standardizing procedures for integrated behavioral phenotypes using time‐series data. These efforts aim to refine data accuracy and comparability across studies and populations, thereby advancing our understanding of lifestyle behaviors and their impact on chronic disease outcomes over the life course.
Trends in Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement Outcomes in Patients With Low‐Surgical Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Kazemian Sina , Fallahtafti Parisa , Sharifi Mohammad , Mohammadi Negin Sadat Hosseini , Soleimani Hamidreza , Moghadam Arman Soltani , Karimi Elaheh , Sattar Yaser , Jenab Yaser , Mehrani Mehdi , Hajizeinali Alimohammad , Iskander Mina , Sabet Mehrshad Fathian , Salehi Negar , Al‐Azizi Karim , Hakim Diaa , Alam Mahboob , Hosseini Kaveh
Published: October 2024

Background

Limited data exist on long‐term outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). This meta‐analysis aims to elucidate outcome trends following TAVR versus SAVR in patients with severe aortic stenosis and low‐surgical risk.

Methods and Results

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases from inception until May 2024, to identify studies comparing TAVR versus SAVR in patients with low‐surgical risk (Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality score <4%). The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included cardiovascular mortality, stroke, disabling stroke, rehospitalization, myocardial infarction, aortic valve reintervention, permanent pacemaker implantation, and new‐onset atrial fibrillation. Binary random‐effects models were used to compare the risk of each outcome across various follow‐up intervals and the risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias‐2 tool. The meta‐analysis included 6 randomized trials including 4682 patients. TAVR was associated with a lower risk of all‐cause mortality than SAVR in the 30‐day (hazard ratio [HR: 0.45] [95% CI: 0.26–0.77],
I
2
: 0%) and 30‐day to 1‐year (HR: 0.55 [95% CI: 0.37–0.81],
I
2
: 16%) follow‐ups. However, the risk of all‐cause mortality was similar during >1‐year follow‐ups. TAVR was associated with a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular mortality, disabling stroke, rehospitalization, new‐onset atrial fibrillation, and a higher risk of permanent pacemaker implantation compared with SAVR during the 30‐day follow‐up.

Conclusions

TAVR was associated with a lower risk of all‐cause mortality within the first year of post‐procedural follow‐up compared with SAVR. However, the risk of all‐cause mortality was similar in >1‐year follow‐ups.
The Crucible of Family, Money, and Conversion
Authors: Kang Sukhwan
Published: October 2024

This article examines the evolution of the French government’s policy concerning Huguenot mobility by analyzing legal petitions, primarily passport requests, submitted by nouveaux convertis (new converts) and rémigrés (returning Huguenot refugees) from the Revocation period to the Regency of the duke of Orléans. While the French state closely scrutinized the passport applications of nouveaux convertis and rémigrés, local officials increasingly recognized the practicality of easing harsh restrictions on Huguenot mobility to curb their emigration to Protestant countries and their resistance to conversion efforts. Huguenot families also carefully crafted their petitions, strategically considering familial connections, financial concerns, and the necessity of conversion for obtaining passports. The intersection of family, money, and conversion, as manifested through these passport narratives, shows us how interactions between state actors and passport petitioners nudged the government toward a moderation of the severe Revocation policy.
What’s Wrong with Some Having More than Others?
Authors: Hausman Daniel M.
Published: October 2024

According to Derek Parfit, “telic” egalitarians accept “The Principle of Equality,” which says, “It is in itself bad if some people are worse off than others” (1991, p. 4). This essay argues that there is no good reason to believe this principle and considerable reason to doubt it. Either egalitarianism is groundless, or this principle misconstrues egalitarianism. The latter is my view. The essay criticizes the main arguments in defense of this principle of equality and offers an explanation why so many mistakenly believe that distributional inequalities are bad.
Changing Dynamics of Political Party Communication: The Case of New Media in Bangladesh
Authors: Sakib Nurul Huda , Shishir Foysal Jaman , Rahman Mohammad Sajedur
Published: October 2024

Political parties are spending time, effort, and money on new media campaigns targeting users of Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms. This trend has been observed in the context of elections in Bangladesh where, over the past couple of years, one of the most critical tools for political campaigns in national and local elections has been social media (predominantly Facebook). To explore this communication trend, this study aims to investigate political campaigns on social media during Bangladesh’s 11th national election held in December 2018. Even though the election result was controversial, electoral campaigns by the major political parties recorded significant use of social media to attract citizens, including the 20 million new voters. This study presents evidence from content analysis of the official Facebook pages of two major political alliances (led by the Bangladesh Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party), as well as from individual social media campaigns by candidates from these two parties, as it investigates the changing dynamics of political party communication in Bangladesh. The study also analyzes similarities and dissimilarities of new media campaigns by the different major political parties and the impacts of new media use on the political system and democratic profile of Bangladesh.
From a ‘Peaceful and Prosperous China’ to ‘the China Virus’: Examining the Framing of China Through American Political Rhetoric
Authors: Maher Finnian
Published: October 2024

The period comprising the past thirty-two years since the collapse of the Soviet Union has seen a range of approaches taken by the United States in handling its relationship with China. Launched in November 2011, the ‘Pivot to Asia’ policy approach entailed new levels of engagement with ‘a peaceful and prosperous China’, but on the most challenging issues this approach also brought increasing confrontation. The West (in this case the United States) has a history of utilising Orientalist-style, ‘us vs them’ dichotomies to manipulate unequal relations of power with the East (known as the ‘Orient’) throughout history (originally with middle-eastern nations). By using tenets from Edward Said’s Orientalism and critical discourse analysis adapted from Normal Fairclough’s 3-dimensional model, this article seeks to establish whether the foreign policy rhetoric of the United States has shifted to frame China through an Orientalist worldview since the Obama Administration’s “Pivot to Asia” strategy in late 2011. The article analyses 52 speeches from the Obama and Trump Administrations, finding evidence of pro-orientalist themes and language being adopted for both. Whilst utilised to a lower degree, these ‘us vs them’ dichotomies do exist under President Obama’s more accommodating and calmer linguistic-style, being intertwined with language designed to project an image of welcoming cooperation (albeit in a condescending, back-handed way). The use of orientalist themes is more prominently provable under President Trump, with almost all major speeches pertaining to China containing high usage of orientalist tropes in a more openly xenophobic, racist fashion.
Digital Afterlife and the Future of Collective Memory
Authors: Meitzler Matthias , Heesen Jessica , Hennig Martin , Quinn Regina Ammicht
Published: October 2024

Digital technology increasingly addresses people dealing with dying, death and grief. The range of options now extends to ai-based forms of “digital afterlife”, in which the deceased are represented digitally in the form of a chatbot or avatar. Based on large amounts of personal data, they can simulate the person’s communicative behavior, including their visual appearance, thus enabling him or her to interact with users. The applications of the so-called Digital Afterlife Industry not only offer new possibilities in the fields of grief culture, the education sector, and the entertainment industry, but also raise ethical, legal and security-related questions that have so far received little attention. At the intersection of technological innovation (especially artificial intelligence), cultures of mourning and collective memory, this article discusses the (potential) social effects of a digital afterlife and its implication in terms of memory. We will particularly address the fact that more and more people in their everyday life are able to use a digital public representation, which continues after their death and with which users can interact.
The Evolution of Disaster and Counterterrorism Medicine—An Introduction
Authors: Lane Joshua E. , Tin Derrick
Published: October 2024

The specialties of disaster and counterterrorism medicine have continued to evolve based on the demand for medical responses to these unique and demanding environments. These medical responses are relevant to all medical specialties; however, surgeons play a particularly critical role. This is evidenced from decades of humanitarian and military surgical involvement. Numerous roles are present and include both administrative/leadership and active response.
Sinonasal Outcomes after Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery in Patients With Cushing’s Disease
Authors: Kolia Nadeem R. , Fleseriu Cara M. , Thavaraputta Subhanudh , Fazeli Pouneh K. , Gardner Paul A. , Snyderman Carl H. , Wang Eric W.
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has become the preferred treatment for pituitary tumors, with minimal sinonasal morbidity. However, patients with Cushing’s disease (CD) may represent a subgroup with prolonged impairment of sinonasal quality of life (QOL).

Methods:

We retrospectively identified patients with CD who underwent EEA at our institution. Control patients with non-functional tumors were matched by age, gender, and extent of EEA. The primary outcome was post-operative 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores.

Results:

Ten patients with CD met the selection criteria and 20 controls were selected for comparison. Nine of the CD patients achieved persistent endocrinologic remission post-operatively. Comparing the CD and control groups, there was no difference in post-operative SNOT-22 score at 1 or 3 months. At 6 months, SNOT-22 scores were significantly worse in the CD group (27.4 ± 21.6 vs. 2.8 ± 2.3, P = .039). SNOT-22 scores improved to normal from 1 to 6 months in the control cohort ( P = .007), but not in the Cushing’s group ( P = .726). Morbidity was present across all SNOT-22 domains, but was highest in the sleep domain ( P = .023). Only morbidity in the facial domain improved over time ( P = .032).

Conclusions:

Patients with CD have significantly prolonged postoperative sinonasal QOL impairment following EEA compared to patients with non-functioning tumors, who normalize within 6 months. In CD patients, only morbidity in the facial domain, likely related to post-operative pain and nasal packing, improved over time, while the sleep domain was the most affected.
Fostering Tourism Through Regional Culture in the Russian–Chinese Borderland: A Case Study of Zabaykalsky Krai and Northeast China
Authors: Morozova Valentina Sergeevna , Dondokov Dorzhi Dondokovich
Published: October 2024

The article focuses on the cultural and civilisational potential of Russian eastern borders and China border regions. The issues raised in this article seem to be topical in the context of two circumstances: first, tourist contacts have undergone significant transformations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and second, the aggravating situation with the emergence of barriers to entry into the European tourism space makes China one of the most attractive regions for tourism development. The concept of ‘border’ appears as a unique sociocultural space where regional culture functioning is mediated by the influence of three cultural dimensions (national, local and foreign). In the era of digitalisation, online platforms act as a modern space for the concentration and accumulation of tourist content. Updating the work on online platforms can become one of the ways of solving the identified problems in the border tourism sector. The article gives a possible solution to the above issues based on the original model of ‘regional cultures dialogueness in the borderland’, its integration into the concept of tourism development in the border areas. The authors suggest recommendations on the vector of modern state policy regarding the development of tourism initiatives in the Russian–Chinese border area.
Trust in artificial intelligence: Producing ontological security through governmental visions
Authors: Schmid Stefka , Pham Bao-Chau , Ferl Anna-Katharina
Published: October 2024

With developments in artificial intelligence (AI) widely framed as security concern in both military and civilian realms, governments have turned their attention to regulating and governing AI. In a study of United States (US), Chinese, and European Union (EU) AI documents, we go beyond instrumental understandings of AI as a technological capability, which serves states’ self-interests and the maintenance of their (supra)national security. Our specific interest lies in how AI policies tap into both problem-solving approaches and affective registers to achieve both physical and ontological securities. We find that in governmental visions, AI is perceived as a capability that enhances societal and geopolitical interests while its risks are framed as manageable. This echoes strands within human–computer interaction that draw on human-centered perceptions of technology and assumptions about human–AI relationships of trust. Despite different cultural and institutional settings, the visions of future AI development are shaped by this (shared) understanding of human–AI interaction, offering common ground in the navigation of innovation policies.
Too few or too many? Exploring the Link between gender dissimilarity and employee absenteeism
Authors: Guillén Laura , Reinwald Max , Kunze Florian
Published: October 2024

Despite well-intentioned gender diversity initiatives aimed at addressing gender imbalances by ensuring minimal female representation in predominantly male groups, such tokenism often exacerbates discrimination and social isolation for these women, potentially leading to absenteeism. Research suggests that the benefits of diversity are realized only when the ratio of women to men reaches a critical threshold that allows for genuine integration and participation. However, this threshold remains uncertain. We integrate tokenism theory with social identity and status characteristics theories to investigate the effects of gender ratios within organizational teams on individual absenteeism. Specifically, we theorize a U-shaped relationship between gender dissimilarity and absenteeism for women, but not for men. Study 1, with a one-year cross-lagged design, encompassing 10,332 blue-collar workers in 1064 teams, supports the U-shaped relationship for women, while the relationship for men was non-significant. In Study 2, we use an experimental design with a sample of 370 female blue-collar workers to explore two potential mechanisms that may together explain the U-shaped gender dissimilarity effect for women. We test whether the gender composition of the work group affects both women’s likelihood of reporting unpleasant experiences and the group’s norms regarding absence. We draw theoretical and practical implications from these findings.
Conceptual Complexity About Return Migration of Refugees/Asylum Seekers
Authors: Şahin-Mencütek Zeynep
Published: October 2024

Return migration is one of the complex categories of migration, which becomes even more complicated in the context of refugees’ return to their country of origin. A plethora of terms is used to describe the return of refugees/asylum seekers, having strong political and policy relevance. To unpack the features and drivers of conceptual complexity, I propose three interrelated arguments. The first is that labelling – the choice of one concept over another – in return migration often depends on who uses the term (e.g. scholars, policymakers, practitioners, migrants) and in which part of the world. The second argument is that return, similar to binaries in other areas of migration, is often associated with binaries, such as voluntary and forced return. Despite policy categories that reiterate the ‘voluntary’ character of return, the actual practices rarely confirm that return is voluntary and often remain in grey areas, as the emerging literature on bordering practices shows. The third argument is that there are multiple levels at which labelling and binaries are constructed in relation to each other. The identifiable scales include the academic level, the policy level and the migrants themselves.
Im/Mobility Dreams. Rethinking Young Eritreans’ Migratory Trajectories
Authors: Massa Aurora
Published: October 2024

Based on ethnography conducted in Tigray (northern Ethiopia), this article investigates narratives, experiences, and imaginaries of Eritrean refugees about their past journeys and their desired and hindered future ones. It aims at scrutinizing some of the analytical dichotomies through which contemporary migration is described (i.e., forced and voluntary mobility, mobility and immobility, spatial im/mobility and existential im/mobility, migration and mobility). By adopting a phenomenological approach, it recognizes the socially, historically, and politically constructed character of the categories of migration, as well as their inability to account for the complexity of individual experiences and collective frames.
Beyond Migration Categories: Amity, Conviviality and Mutuality in South Africa
Authors: Owen Joy , Juries Ingrid , Mokoena Mamokoena
Published: October 2024

Our ethnographic fieldwork with Congolese and Zimbabwean economic migrants, asylum seekers, refugees and educational migrants reveals a complex narrative of exclusion and inclusion in South Africa. Frontier Africans – South African citizens and African transmigrants alike – initiate and maintain connections that create a vexing and entangled narrative of hard and soft borders. A deeper consideration of how South African citizens and African transmigrants subvert and transcend state-centric categorisation of citizen and migrant other, through amity, conviviality and mutuality – a process of humaning – harasses the alignment of political categorisation with analytical elucidation.
Silence in the Synchronous Virtual Classroom: A Developing Country Perspective
Authors: Sekwati Lesego , Kolobe Mavis , Bakwena Malebogo
Published: October 2024

This paper addresses the pervasive absence of student verbal participation in the virtual classroom in a developing country context. While student non-verbal participation is not new, it has taken on new significance in the context of the virtual classroom as many institutions of higher learning continue to embrace online teaching post-COVID-19. The study focuses sharply on Botswana. A structured questionnaire that sought to capture students’ perception of the extent and impact on learning of student non-verbal participation in the virtual classroom was distributed to students at the largest university by student population in the country. Since the study is set in a developing country context, and such contexts are usually characterized by a pervasive lack of resources, the questionnaire also sought to capture students’ perceptions of the availability of resources to participate in virtual classrooms. The data collected were subjected to quantitative methods of analysis, with the help of STATA. The study revealed that student non-verbal participation in virtual classrooms is not unique to developed countries. The study also highlighted that students have different preferences regarding non-verbal participation in the virtual classroom: some prefer classroom engagement, while some prefer to listen to instructors rather than speak. The emerging policy implication is that it is essential for instructors to balance the needs and expectations of these different categories of students. There is an emerging literature that considers how instructors can enhance interaction in the virtual classroom. The best approach depends on context. The study also underlined the important role that institutions of higher learning can play in making online teaching accessible to students from different social backgrounds through program design. At the University of Botswana for instance, all students are introduced to information and communications technology (ICT) training in the first year of their programmes, equipping them with the necessary skills to gainfully participate in virtual classes. In terms of resource availability, the study revealed gaps that require policy intervention: there is a need for the government to consider subsidizing government-sponsored students to purchase digital devices within the context of their scholarships; it is also important for the government to continue investing in ICT infrastructure and developing pricing policies that make internet services accessible.
The Dilemma of Medium of Instruction in Tanzania: A Critical Analysis of its Language-in-education Policies
Authors: Li Dan , Mao Tiaoyuan
Published: October 2024

Ex-colonial languages have exerted influence on the development of education and the shaping of other socio-economic and political structures in post-colonial countries. Based on an overview of language-in-education policies in Tanzania, the article offers a nuanced account of the disparity between the use of English and Kiswahili as medium of instruction (MoI). The dominance of English and the marginalization of Kiswahili have given rise to a dilemma with far-reaching implications for every stakeholder in education. The article proposes that the weakness of Kiswahili in comparison to English is attributed to the trend that Tanzania has been divided along the lines of several pairs of dichotomies, together with the infiltration of neocolonialism in post-colonial era. In this vein, the article comes to the conclusion that the issues of MoI choice and continuity should not remain unresolved, as their dysfunction creates backlash in other social contexts.
The Decision to Switch to Alternative Cooking Energy in Maputo City: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Zandamela Ancha Omar Charifo Assane , Kim Kyungmi
Published: October 2024

The study investigated Maputo citizens’ decision to switch to clean energy. To measure residents’ intention and behavior, the study used Ajzen’s theory, suggesting that attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control influence intention and behavior. About 300 responses were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The survey revealed that perceived behavioral control was the best predictor of intention and behavior, and suggested that to encourage a widespread transition to sustainable cooking energy, policymakers should focus on increasing awareness of the benefits of this transition, making these energy sources financially accessible and providing education on the safe use of associated equipment.
Buckling analysis and parametric optimization of the metal-composite shell with voids under hydraulic pressure combined with sensitivity analysis
Authors: Guo Jian , Zhong Meijing , Liu Zan , Kang Chao , Deng Bo , Li Chunjin
Published: October 2024

Structural design parameters always impact the buckling properties of the composite shells due to the differences in the anisotropy of the materials and the varying enhancement capabilities of each component. This paper aims to analyze the parametric effect on the buckling load and optimize the design parameters of metal-composite shells with voids under hydraulic pressure. Firstly, the theoretical model of buckling load is established based on the microscopic model of hybrid materials and the Galerkin method. Then, four design parameters including fiber volume content, winding angles, and CNTs volume content are selected to discuss the parametric effect on the critical buckling load. Further, the global sensitivity analysis is conducted to determine the influence rank, and the GA-PSO algorithm is used to confirm the optimal parametric combination. The results imply that the fiber volume content and internal and external helical symmetrical angles significantly affect the buckling load. Besides, The winding layers of internal and external helical symmetrical angles enhance the hydraulic resistance of the anti-symmetric structure. The middle helical layer can be influenced by the outer layer, leading to directional changes in the critical buckling load at an angle of around 50°.
The Double-Edged Sword: How State Capacity Prolongs Autocratic Tenure but Hastens Democratization
Authors: Andersson Per F. , Teorell Jan
Published: October 2024

This paper is concerned with state capacity and autocrat survival. We argue that state strength in autocracies increases leader tenure but reduces the stability of the regime itself; stronger autocracies run a higher risk of transitioning to democracy. This trade-off arises as a result of how state capacity affects the behavior of elite challengers. A stronger state reduces the likelihood of the ruler being ousted by force, inducing rival elites to switch tactics to peaceful support for democracy. An autocrat may prolong his tenure by investing in state capacity, but this brings on the downfall of the autocratic regime itself. We analyze the implications of our argument using a variety of historical sources providing information on 47 autocracies from 1800 to 2012. Our empirical findings, in part based on original data collection, are in line with the theoretical expectations: in strong states autocrats survive, but autocracies die.
No Woman, No Cry: A Tribute to Dr. Donna Rockwell
Authors: Vallejos L. Xochitl
Published: October 2024

A tribute to Dr. Donna Rockwell, whose life ended too soon.
Donna Rockwell and Love
Authors: Serlin Ilene A.
Published: October 2024

This tribute to Donna Rockwell focuses on three aspects of her essential quality of love: her warm presence, her championing of meditative and embodied wisdom paths, and her selfless mentorship of other women students and colleagues.
The implications of digital school quality information for neighbourhood and school segregation: Evidence from a natural experiment in Los Angeles
Authors: Schachner Jared N , Owens Ann , Painter Gary D
Published: October 2024

A digital information explosion has transformed cities’ residential and educational markets in ways that are still being uncovered. Although urban stratification scholars have increasingly scrutinised whether emerging digital platforms disrupt or reproduce longstanding segregation patterns, direct links between one theoretically important form of digital information – school quality data – and neighbourhood and school segregation are rarely drawn. To clarify these dynamics, we leverage an exogenous digital information shock, in which the Los Angeles Times’ website revealed measures of a particularly important school quality proxy – schools’ value-added effectiveness – for nearly all elementary schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Results suggest that although the information shock had no detectable effects on residential sorting or neighbourhood racial segregation, it did exert modest effects on school sorting – particularly for Latino and Asian students – albeit not in ways that materially diminished school racial segregation because the racial compositions of high- and low-value-added schools were broadly similar both before and after the information shock. We conclude that the urban stratification implications of digital information may be more nuanced than often appreciated, with effects operating through mechanisms beyond residential segregation and reflecting racial heterogeneity in constraints and preferences vis-à-vis specific types of information.
The Interactive Effect of Extrinsic Controls and Public Service Motivation on Blame Avoidance
Authors: Tu Wenyan
Published: October 2024

Extrinsic and intrinsic systems of control are two prominent determinants of bureaucratic behavior. An exploration of the respective effects of the two forms of control may overlook that they often interact to exert impacts on bureaucrats. Drawing on a dataset of 870 civil servants in China, this study examines the interactive effect of extrinsic controls and intrinsic public service motivation (PSM) on blame avoidance. Three extrinsic interventions are explored: contingent rewards, punishment, and peer influence. The results show that contingent rewards may inhibit blame avoidance, and civil servants with higher PSM are more likely to be incentivized by reward contingency to contain their blame-avoiding propensity. Furthermore, extrinsic punishment may provoke bureaucrats’ intention to avoid blame, but PSM can inhibit this propensity. Finally, bureaucrats with higher PSM are more inclined to be invigorated by their peers’ industriousness, whereas those low in PSM tend to shift responsibilities to their more hard-working associates.
The Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) Pathway for Men in England and Wales: A Qualitative Study of Pathway User Views About Services, Perceived Impact on Psychological Wellbeing, and Implications for Desistance
Authors: Jarrett Manuela , Trebilcock Julie , Weaver Tim , Forrester Andrew , Cambell Colin D. , Khondoker Mizanur , Vamvakas George , Barrett Barbara , Moran Paul A.
Published: October 2024

The offender personality disorder (OPD) Pathway is a network of services across prison, health and community settings in England and Wales providing psychological support for high-risk people who have offended and are thought to have a personality disorder. As part of a national evaluation of the Pathway, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 36 Pathway users to determine their views about their experiences in these services; and whether and how these impacted on their psychological wellbeing. Framework analysis was used to analyze the data. Participants reported positive therapeutic relationships with staff; improved psychological wellbeing; and for some, a shift away from antisocial toward more pro-social identities. They also described a negative impact of staff turnover and uncertainty about the role of prison officers and psychologists within prison services. Pathway services are able to engage individuals who have not previously engaged with services. Constancy of staff is fundamental to the Pathway.
Selling Sex in the States: Religious Fundamentalism, Christian Nationalism, and Public Acceptance of Moral Problems
Authors: Begum Popy , Seto Christopher H.
Published: October 2024

The extent to which commercial sex, particularly sex work, should be regulated is an important and controversial policy conversation in the United States. Despite the salience of religion to informing attitudes about morality and bodily ethics, little is known about how some key dimensions of U.S. religion (e.g., religious fundamentalism and Christian nationalism) influence the public’s moral acceptance of prostitution. We investigate this gap using nationally representative survey data ( n = 1,219). Fundamentalist beliefs and Christian statism are both associated with lower moral acceptance of prostitution, adjusting for other religious and sociopolitical characteristics. Disaggregated models also revealed differences in the strengths of these associations by sex. Implications for policy and opportunities for future research are discussed.
Resistance Strategies of Traditional Fishers in Their Struggle for Territory on Paraná’s Coastline in Brazil: A Categorization of the Conflict
Authors: Mafra Tiago Vernize , Azevedo Natália Tavares de
Published: October 2024

This article categorizes the resistance strategies used by traditional fishers on the coast of Paraná, Brazil, against local authorities that seek to deterritorialize their territories. Documentary sources and interviews with informants were used as part of this research. The local traditional fishing sector is not immune to external pressure. The resistance strategies of this group can be classified into eight categories. We find that the local traditional fishers already lost much of their territory during the last few decades, and the pressures they face continue to increase. However, the rise in resistance actions throughout the twenty-first century allowed this group to engage with new perspectives concerning their struggle for territory. This is a fight that is active in its effort to guarantee the rights of traditional fishing communities in Paraná.
Extreme impact enhancement of epoxy using a sulfosuccinate-based anionic surfactant as a new modifier
Authors: Zavareh Siamak , Nozad Masumeh
Published: October 2024

In this study, disodium lauryl ether sulfosuccinate (DSL or sulfosuccinate), a commercially available anionic surfactant, was employed for the first time as an impact modifier for epoxy resin. Introducing only 5 phr of DLS into the epoxy matrix resulted in a remarkable 189% enhancement in impact strength without a significant detrimental effect on its tensile strength. According to FTIR and SEM results, the strong interaction between the modifier DLS and the epoxy matrix, along with the formation of a nano-blend morphology with a wide interfacial area, can be proposed as two key factors contributing to the remarkable enhancement in impact strength of epoxy/DLS hybrid. The thermal stability of the epoxy was not significantly affected by the incorporation of DLS up to 8 phr. The epoxy/DLS hybrid exhibited lower chemical stability against organic solvents, while the hybrid resistance to acids and bases remained largely unchanged. Based on the obtained results, DLS can be considered as a promising impact modifier for epoxy systems.
The Need to Reconnect Public Administration Education, Research, and Practice
Authors: Frank Howard , Kunz Dr. Karen
Published: October 2024

How relevant is current public administration pedagogy to the discipline and to those working in public service? Public administration education prepared leaders during World War II and the New Deal and once was viewed as a critical subfield of political science. Over the years, and despite various Minnowbrook incarnations, public administration has become a self-standing but narrowly defined body of knowledge characterized as “the business of government,” without any relational emphasis on its historical, legal, and economic context. This diminished intellectual scope poses a serious challenge to its practical relevance.
Vocabulary mapping for archaeological infrastructure
Authors: Binding Ceri , Tudhope Douglas
Published: October 2024

This article reports and reflects on vocabulary mapping techniques, tools and experience from the ARIADNE European archaeological infrastructure projects, where the widely differing terminology of subject indexing in the different partner languages posed significant challenges for effective data integration. The Getty Art & Architecture Thesaurus is employed as a central spine vocabulary for partners to map their native vocabularies and term lists – a hub structure enables a multilingual search capability via vocabulary mapping. Mappings are expressed via SKOS mapping relationships and output as structured JSON for use in the overall data aggregation process and in the ARIADNE portal. The approach followed offers some automatic support for final intellectual judgement. The method can be characterised as providing lexical support in an interactive tool that aims to intuitively visualise semantic context. The experience of partners in producing the vocabulary mappings is discussed in light of previous work in this area. Reflections on lessons learned both for the immediate project and for vocabulary mapping in general contribute to the conclusions. Future search functionality could take account of available vocabulary mappings via a range of search options, such as query expansion including compound mappings and mapping types. Further work on mapping guidelines and metadata is recommended.
Effect of Group Motivational Enhancement Therapy in Patients with Opioid Dependence (on Maintenance Treatment): Study Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mishra Sudha , Kar Sujita Kumar , Singh Amit , Nischal Anil , Agarwal Vivek
Published: October 2024

Background:

Relapse and treatment dropout are key challenges in opioid use disorder that need effective intervention strategies. Motivation enhancement therapy may be effective in improving opioid use disorder treatment outcomes.

Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of group motivational enhancement therapy (GMET) in patients with opioid dependence.

Methods:

It is an open-label, two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial (RCT). Participants include patients with opioid dependence and on opioid maintenance treatment, aged between 18 and 60 years. The intervention consists of six GMET sessions, each lasting about 45 minutes. Assessments will be conducted at four time points—baseline, six weeks, four months, and six months—using the Kessler psychological distress scale (K10), Recovery and Relapse Prevention Inventory Diagnostic (RAPID), WHO Quality of Life-BREF, Harm Reduction Self-Efficacy Questionnaire and Stage of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale for drugs (SOCRATES 8D).

Conclusion:

The customized GMET approach tailored to the specific needs of the local population is expected to enhance the effectiveness and feasibility of the intervention and its implementation.