bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TÜRKİYE VE PIIGS ÜLKELERİNDE ÜÇÜZ AÇIK HİPOTEZİNİN TESTİ: PANEL VERİ ANALİZİ
Authors: GEDİZ ORAL Burcu , ARPAZLI FAZLILAR Tuğba
Published: March 2022

Bu çalışma 1986-2018 döneminde Türkiye ve PIIGS ülkelerinde Üçüz Açık Hipotezi’nin geçerliliğini test etmektedir. Çalışmada ele alınan döneme ait veriler gözlem eksikliği içerdiğinden dengesiz panel veri analizi geçerlidir. Serilerde heteroskedasite tespit edildiğinden durağanlık sınaması yapılmış ve beklentiye uygun olarak seriler aynı düzeyde durağan çıkmamıştır. Değişkenler arasında uzun vadede eş bütünleşme ilişkisi olduğu Gengenbach, Urbain ve Westerlund Eşbütünleşme Testi ile ortaya konmuştur. Serilerde güçlü yatay kesit bağımlılığı olduğu görülmüştür. Tüm bu göstergeler ışığında panel için hem Havuzlanmış Ortalama Grup Tahmincisi (PMGE) hem de iki aşamalı Sistem Genelleştirilmiş Momentler Yöntemi (Sistem GMM) ile modele ait katsayılar tahminlenmiştir. PMGE yaklaşımında panel ortalaması ve her bir birim için ayrı ayrı hem kısa dönem hem uzun dönem katsayılar tahmin edilmiştir. Elde edilen bulgulara göre uzun dönemde Sistem GMM yaklaşımı Türkiye ve PIIGS ülkeleri için Üçüz Açık Hipotezi’ni doğrulamamıştır. Ancak PMGE yaklaşımına göre uzun dönemde panel ortalaması için hipotezin geçerli olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Birimlere ait katsayılar ise kısa dönemde tüm ülkelerin cari açık-tasarruf açığı ilişkisini doğrulamaktadır. Uzun dönemde ise katsayılar İrlanda, İtalya, Yunanistan ve İspanya için Üçüz Açık Hipotezi’nin geçerli olduğunu, Portekiz için kısa ve uzun dönemde üçüz açıkların söz konusu olmadığını ve Türkiye için yalnızca kısa dönemde üçüz açıktan söz edilebileceğini ortaya koymaktadır.
ÖRGÜTLERDE İŞTEN AYRILMA NİYETİNİ ETKİLEYEN FAKTÖRLER OLARAK; PSİKOLOJİK SÖZLEŞME İHLALİ VE ÜCRET TATMİNİ
Authors: ÖRÜCÜ Edip , BAYRAMOV Surac
Published: March 2022

Bu araştırmanın amacı, psikolojik sözleşme ihlali ve ücret tatminin işten ayrılma niyetini etkileyip etkilemediğini belirlemektir. Ayrıca eğer bağımsız değişkenler işten ayrılma niyetini etkiliyorsa bu etkinin hangi düzeyde olduğunu araştırmak amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmanın evrenini Eskişehir / Tepebaşı ilçe merkezinde çalışmakta olan yaklaşık 400 gıda sektörü çalışanı oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmaya 121 gıda sektörü çalışanı dahil edilmiş ve analize tabii tutulmuştur. Bu çalışma nicel bir çalışmadır. Araştırma kapsamında toplanan veriler bir paket programı aracılığı ile analiz edilmiş ve yorumlanmıştır. Araştırma hipotezlerini test etmek amacıyla çalışmada korelasyon ve regresyon analizleri yapılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda psikolojik sözleşme ihlali ve ücret tatminin çalışanın işten ayrılma niyetini etkilediği ve bu etkinin %33 olduğu belirlenmiştir.
PAZARLAMADA DÖNÜŞÜMÜN LOKOMOTİFİ “DİJİTALLEŞME”: DEĞİŞEN MÜŞTERİ TALEPLERİ ÜZERİNE BİR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: ÇAKIR Musa
Published: March 2022

Dünya özellikle son yüzyılda sürekli bir değişim içerisindedir. Bu değişimin en büyük ilham kaynağı özellikle 70’li yıllardan sonra sürekli gelişen bilim ve teknolojidir. Yaşamın teknolojik evrimiyle ortaya çıkan değişim ve gelişmeler sonucunda pazarlama disiplini de dinamik ve yenilikçi yapısıyla dönüşüme uyum sağlayarak müşterilerine hızlı ve keyifli alışveriş sunmayı amaçlamaktadır. Bu araştırmada, pazarlama dünyasında son yıllarda hızla yaygınlaşan dijitalleşme ile yaşanan dönüşümün müşterilerin değişen talep ve memnuniyetlerinin tespitine yönelik bilimsel temelli veriler sunabilmek, internet üzerinden yapılan alışverişte hedef kitlenin tercihleri ve davranışlarının demografik özelliklere göre değişim gösterebileceğini ortaya koymak ve sanal alışveriş kültürünün yaygınlaşmasına bilimsel verilerle katkı sağlanması amaçlanmaktadır. Bu nedenle tüketici eğilimleri doğrultusunda talep ve memnuniyet merkezli kavramlardan oluşan anket formu hazırlanmıştır. Anket, sık olarak kullanılan nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden basit tesadüfi örneklem yöntemi kapsamında yüz yüze görüşme tekniği kullanılarak elde edilmiştir. Uygun fiyat, erişilebilirlik, garanti, ürün çeşitliliği, değişim ve iade, müşteri tatmini ve taksitlendirme boyutuyla müşterilerin değişen talep ve memnuniyet algıları arasındaki benzerlikler ve farklıklar tespit edilerek, işletmelerin, interaktif yöntemler kullanarak tüketici ile daha sıcak ve yakın ilişkiler kurabilmeleri, geri dönüşlerin alınmasında ve sorunların giderilmesi noktasında hızlı çözümler üretebilmelerine yönelik öneriler sunulmuştur.
Effect of the Botanical Art and Illustration Coloring Program on the Emotional Development of Students with Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Kim Soo Yeon
Published: March 2022

Background and objective The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the botanical art and illustration coloring program on the emotional development of students with developmental disabilities in the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, this study analyzed the changes in the subfactors of emotional development of students with developmental disabilities. Methods In the first stage, the botanical art and illustration coloring program was defined by a focus group comprised of specialists in the industry and academia. The second stage was to perform 8 sessions of the botanical art and illustration coloring program. The third stage was to examine the effects of the botanical art and illustration coloring program on the emotional development of students with developmental disabilities. The participants of this study were 26 students with developmental disabilities attending N University, and 10 students (excluding 2 students who dropped out) were placed in the experiment group and 14 in the control group. Results The control group showed no statistically significant difference in the four subdomains of emotional development, while the experimental group showed a statistically significant difference in all four subdomains such as non-dependence (p = .033), interaction (p = .029), internal control (p = .017), and stability (p = .000). The botanical art and illustration coloring program was thereby designed to have a positive effect on the emotional development of students with developmental disabilities in the current situation limited by COVID-19. Conclusion These results suggest that the botanical art and illustration coloring program could improve the ability of students with developmental disabilities to promote emotional development. These positive changes are related to the mental stability of students with developmental disabilities in the current situation limited by COVID-19.
The State of African Studies and Studies of the African State: The Theoretical Softness of the , “Soft State”
Authors: Fatton Robert
Published: March 2022

In spite of profound ideological and methodological differences, African political studies have tended to subscribe to the concept of the "soft state". The concept is grounded in the perception that the typical African state constitutes a weak and corrupt bureaucratic apparatus because it consistently fails to promote the general interest. This perception is flawed because it implies the theoretical expulsion of dass interests from the concept of the state. The reality is that states are never divorced from the material, political, and ideological interests of the ruling dass. The state is therefore never “soft”, it is always an organ of dominance, all the more so in African societies which are traversed by processes of ruling dass consolidation requiring the brutal accumulation and dosure of wealth, privilege, and status.
Religion, Violence and Displacement in Nigeria
Authors: Williams Pat Ama Tokunbo
Published: March 2022

The present displacement of Nigerians is attributable to religious politics even though there is a reluctance on the part of people to acknowledge this as a problem in the Nigerian body politic. Since the 1980s, Muslim functionaries have allowed their religious inclinations to dictate their public actions, thereby creating the fear that further developments in Nigeria would assume an Islamic stance. Consequently, Christian groups which have been out of favour with the government adopted steps to safe-guard their interests. This evolution of sectarian groupings has adversely affected overall security in Nigeria. Its diverse society now includes pockets of displaced people within the country and a growing and widely dispersed population outside the country. This exodus cannot be stopped unless the security of Nigerians is assured within the confines of a secular state.
Modernity in Hindu Monasticism: • Swami Vivekananda and the Ramakrishna Movement
Authors: Miller David
Published: March 2022

This paper attempts first to define "modernity" within a Hindu context, using Religion in Modem India (Robert D. Baird, ed.) and Modem Religious Movements in India (J.N. Farquhar) as points of departure. Many of the Hindu thinkers studied by both the Baird and the Farquhar texts were either monastic or ascetic leaders, and of the four Hindu modem movements described in the Baird edition, three were monastic centered movements. Thus, "modem" in the Hindu context is closely interrelated with a monastic or an ascetic way of life and with monastic movements as institutions of socio-religious change. Indeed, Agehananda Bharati, in his insightful article entitled, "The Hindu Renaissance and its Apologetic Patterns" (1970), identifies Swami Vivekananda, who is a key figure in the Baird and Farquhar texts, as an ideal model of a scientific, modem man, who, nevertheless is a monastic. Bharati concludes that "Modern Hindus derive their knowledge of Hinduism from Vivekananda, directly or indirectly." The remainder of the paper provides an analysis of Swami Vivekananda's definition of modernity, which he first formulated in 1893 at the World's Parliament of Religions. The paper concludes with notes on the monastic institution, the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, that Vivekananda founded in order to carry out his vision of Hindu modernity.
How Shame and Guilt Influence Perspective Taking: A Comparison of Turkish and German Cultures
Authors: Söylemez Sinem , Koyuncu Mehmet , Wolf Oliver T. , Türkan Belgüzar Nilay
Published: March 2022

Shame and guilt are negative social emotions that are sensitive to culture, and findings from past research have suggested that shame impairs perspective-taking cognitive ability more than guilt does. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is a lack of research that has considered culture and experimentally tested the effect of shame and guilt on perspective-taking. Taking an experimental perspective, this study aimed to examine how shame and guilt states affect perspective-taking performance in two different cultures (Turkish vs. German). Data from German and Turkish female college students provided support for the effect of emotional state and culture on perspective-taking, but there was no interaction between them. We discussed the results and possible explanations for them in light of the literature.
The Development of Theory of Mind in Saudi Children
Authors: Moawad Ruba Abdelmatloub
Published: March 2022

Theory of Mind is considered a person’s ability to understand his or her own mind and the minds of others, it includes a social-cognitive skill with implications for many aspects of children’s life, such as social competence, peer acceptance and early success in school. The aims of this research were to study the development of Theory of Mind and to investigate differences in the performance of Theory of Mind tasks across age groups and by gender in Saudi children. 264 children, ranging from 3–12 years of age, participated in this study and were divided into three age groups. A Theory of Mind task battery was conducted individually, and the overall results indicated age and gender differences among our participants, as girls perform better than boys, and the older age groups perform better than they younger groups.
First island species of Hyalella (Amphipoda, Hyalellidae) from Florianópolis, state of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil
Authors: RANGEL CAROLINA , DA SILVA AUREA LUIZA LEMES , SIEGLOCH ANA EMÍLIA , LIMBERGER MÁRCIO , DA SILVA CASTIGLIONI DANIELA
Published: March 2022

The Hyalella comprises a group of freshwater amphipods endemic to the Americas. In Brazil, the greatest diversity of species known so far is concentrated in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, but recently discoveries were made in the neighboring state of Santa Catarina. The present work describes the first island species of the genus Hyalella in Brazil and the fifth with occurrence in the state of Santa Catarina. The species was found in streams of two watersheds, located at the Monumento Natural Municipal da Lagoa do Peri, an important environmental protection area on the island of Florianópolis, Southern Brazil. Hyalella insulae n. sp. shows the following characters: inner face of propodus of gnathopod 1 with 7 serrate setae, gnathopod 2 with propodus ovate, peduncle of uropod 3 with 10 cuspidate setae, telson rectangular, wider than long, with 6 cuspidate setae and 2 plumose setae laterally close to each distal seta. H. insulae n. sp. differs from the other species with occurrence in Santa Catarina, H. catarinensis, H. rioantensis, H. sambaqui and H. lagoana, mostly concerning to the number and shape of setae of the gnathopods, uropods and telson. A comparison was also made with species from the neighboring states, Rio Grande do Sul and Paraná. The description of H. insulae n. sp. in the present study contributes to increasing the knowledge of the Hyalella diversity in the state of Santa Catarina, little known so far.
Two new species of Ptecticus Loew, 1855 (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), from bat guano in a Colombian cave
Authors: TORRES-TORO JULIANA , PUJOL-LUZ JOSÉ ROBERTO , WOLFF MARTA
Published: March 2022

Genus Ptecticus is widespread distributed in the world, in the Neotropics 51 species have been documented and only four are recorded in Colombia so far. Herein we describe two new species, Ptecticus benecki sp. nov. and Ptecticus pseudospatulatus sp. nov. reared from bat guano in the Colombian Andes. This study contributes to the species richness in the region, ecological records and natural history for the family.
Thesea pyrrha sp. nov., a new shallow-water octocoral (Cnidaria, Anthozoa) from southwestern Atlantic, and implications on the systematics of the genus
Authors: CARPINELLI ÁGATHA NASCIMENTO , CORDEIRO RALF TARCISO SILVA , CASTRO CLOVIS BARREIRA , KITAHARA MARCELO VISENTINI
Published: March 2022

The family Plexauridae Gray, 1859 is characterized by grouping octocorals that have thick branches and coenenchyme. However, due to their relatively simple body plan, the establishment of homologous and, therefore, systematically informative morphological characters is a challenge for the systematics of Octocorallia. During the last decade, molecular studies suggested that Plexauridae is polyphyletic, with representatives grouping with Acanthogorgiidae Gray, 1859 and also Gorgoniidae Lamouroux, 1812. Represented by 22 extant species, mostly of which occur in the Atlantic Ocean, the plexaurid genus Thesea Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1860 has also been purported to be polyphyletic, with a Pacific lineage related to the former “Paramuriceidae” and an Atlantic lineage more closely related to Gorgoniidae. Thus, aiming to further improve our understanding of the evolutionary position of the Southwestern Atlantic Thesea, sequencing of the extended Octocorallia barcode reinforces the need for a re-evaluation of the position of the genus within plexaurids. Molecular and macro and micromorphological analyzes indicate the occurrence of an undescribed species distributed from Rio de Janeiro to Santa Catarina, here named Thesea pyrrha sp. nov. Results presented herein also suggest that T. pyrrha is close related to Adelogorgia and Psammogorgia, both genera exclusive to the Pacific Ocean.
An Intercomparison of Antarctic NWP during the Austral Summer Special Observing Period for the Year of Polar Prediction
Authors: Schroeter Benjamin J. E. , Bindoff Nathaniel L. , Reid Phil , Alexander Simon P.
Published: March 2022

The special observing periods (SOPs) of the Year of Polar Prediction present an opportunity to assess the skill of numerical weather prediction (NWP) models operating over the Antarctic, many of which assimilated additional observations during an SOP to produce some of the most observationally informed model output to date for the Antarctic region and permitting closer examination of model performance under various configurations and parameterizations. This intercomparison evaluates six NWP models spanning global and limited domains, coupled and uncoupled, operating in the Antarctic during the austral summer SOP between 16 November 2018 and 15 February 2019. Model performance varies regionally between each model and parameter; however, the majority of models were found to be warm biased over the continent with respect to ERA5 at analysis, some with biases growing to 3.5 K over land after 48 h. Temperature biases over sea ice were found to be strongly correlated between analysis and 48 h in uncoupled models, but that this correlation can be reduced through coupling to a sea ice model. Surface pressure and 500-hPa geopotential height forecasts and biases were found to be strongly correlated over open ocean in all models, and wind speed forecasts were found to be generally more skillful at higher resolutions with the exception of fast modeled winds over sloping terrain in PolarWRF. Surface sensible and latent heat flux forecasts and biases produced diverse correlations, varying by model, parameter, and gridcell classification. Of the models evaluated, those which couple atmosphere, sea ice, and ocean typically exhibited stronger skill.

Significance Statement

We evaluated the performance of six numerical weather prediction models operating over the Antarctic during the Year of Polar Prediction austral summer special observing period (16 November 2018–15 February 2019). Our analysis found that several models were as much as 3.5 K warmer than the reference analysis (ERA5) at 48 h over land and were strongly correlated over sea ice in uncoupled models; however, this correlation is reduced through coupling to a sea ice model. Surface pressure biases are communicated to the midtroposphere over the ocean at larger spatial scales, while higher resolution showed an increase in positive wind biases at longer forecasts. Surface turbulent heat fluxes produced complex correlations with other forecast parameters, which should be quantified in future studies. Coupled models that included an ocean/sea ice component typically performed better; providing evidence that the inclusion of such components leads to improved model performance, even at short time scales such as these.
White Racial Solidarity and Opposition to American Democracy
Authors: Jardina Ashley , Mickey Robert
Published: March 2022

Political observers have expressed concern about the failure of some Americans to uphold democratic principles. We argue that support for antidemocratic authoritarian governance is associated with some whites’ psychological attachment to their racial group and a desire to maintain their group’s power and status in the face of multiracial democracy. Drawing on historical work, we posit that whites’ efforts to restrict democracy are deeply rooted in America’s past; and we present empirical analysis demonstrating that today, whites with higher levels of racial solidarity are notably more supportive of authoritarian leadership than whites who do not possess a racial group consciousness.
The Growing Rural-Urban Political Divide and Democratic Vulnerability
Authors: Mettler Suzanne , Brown Trevor
Published: March 2022

Throughout American history and as recently as the early 1990s, each of the major political parties included both rural and some urban constituencies, but since then the nation has become deeply divided geographically. Rural areas have become increasingly dominated by the Republican Party and urban places by the Democratic Party. This growing rural-urban divide is fostering polarization and democratic vulnerability. We examine why this cleavage might endanger democracy, highlighting various mechanisms: the combination of long-standing political institutions that give extra leverage to sparsely populated places with a transformed party system in which one party dominates those places; growing social divergence between rural and urban areas that fosters “us” versus “them” dynamics; economic changes that make rural areas ripe for grievance politics; and party leaders willing to cater to such resentments. We present empirical evidence that this divide is threatening democracy and consider how it might be mitigated.
Challenges to Subnational Democracy in the United States, Past and Present
Authors: Mickey Robert
Published: March 2022

After a half century of stable performance, American democracy is now under threat. The threat emerged from nationalized party competition, but it is made manifest largely in the actions of Republican politicians at the state level. This article describes these actions and suggests how and why the current threat to democracy differs from past periods.
Locating Du Bois, a Product of His Time, Ahead of his Time: Du Bois’ Contributions to Development of an Afrocentric Discipline
Authors: Richardson Tarik A.
Published: March 2022

This article seeks to investigate Du Bois’ contributions to the development of an Afrocentric paradigm, the discipline of Africology, and his academic relationship with Africa; as both conceptual idea and as the ancestral motherland to Black people around the world. Furthermore, this article seeks to investigate the cultural location, or the paradigm in which Du Bois operates out of politically and academically, his role in the creation of Black Studies as a discipline, his methodology, and the intergenerational responsibility of African descendent academics. This article will utilize a plethora of Dubois’ work. Principally, the writings and speeches collected in Eugene F. Provenzo, Jr. and Edmund Abaka’s book W.E.B. Du Bois on Africa; as well as Dubois’ 1947 book The World and Africa: An Inquiry into the Part Which Africa has Played in World History.
Ecological uncivilisation: Precarious world-making after progress
Authors: Savransky Martin
Published: March 2022

Responding to the proposition that learning to live in the Anthropocene involves learning how to die, this article problematises the modes of world-making upheld in some of the contemporary proposals for the global reorganisation of societies towards just, socio-ecological transitions beyond the techno-fixes of geoengineering, green growth, and their attendant ideals of progress. Specifically, it critically examines one such proposal that, inspired by process philosophy, has proven deeply influential in China’s recent shift in ecological (geo)politics: the idea of an ‘ecological civilisation’ based on principles of ontological relationality, democratic responsibility, and a new alliance between the sciences and the humanities. The article argues that while such a project rejects the substantive values of modern progress, its regulative notion of civilisation retains the modern story of progress as a mode of valuation and therefore reinscribes imperial, colonial values at the heart of ecology. In response, the article suggests that learning to die in the wake of ecological devastation requires making life outside the modern coordinates of progress, which is to say living without the ideal of civilisation. Seeking to expand the political imagination at a time of socio-ecological transformations, it calls for ‘ecological uncivilisation’ as a permanent experimentation with improbable forms of world-making and methodologies of life that are envisaged thanks to ongoing histories of decolonisation and not in spite of them; that strive to live and die well but not always better.
Clinical value of O-RADS combined with serum CA125 and HE4 for the diagnosis of ovarian tumours
Authors: Wang Rongling , Li Xiumei , Li Shuqin , Fang Shibao , Zhao Cheng , Yang Hui , Yang Zongli
Published: March 2022

Background

Ovarian tumors (OTs) are common gynecological tumors in women. It is very important to correctly distinguish benign and malignant OTs.

Purpose

To assess the diagnostic performance of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) and evaluate the clinical value of O-RADS combined with serum carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) and human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) in differentiating benign from malignant OTs.

Material and Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 431 cases including pathology and clinical data. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn, and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were calculated.

Results

In premenopausal women, O-RADS and O-RADS combined with serum CA125 and HE4 showed sensitivity at 92.2% and 94.8%, specificity at 91.8% and 93.4%, and accuracy at 91.9% and 93.8%, respectively. In postmenopausal women, the sensitivity of O-RADS, O-RADS combined with serum CA125 and HE4 was 94.8% and 95.8%, specificity was 83.9% and 93.6%, and accuracy was 90.5% and 95.6%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of O-RADS combined with CA125 and HE4 in premenopausal and postmenopausal women were higher than that of O-RADS ( P<0.05).

Conclusion

O-RADS has high diagnostic performance in OTs. When O-RADS is combined with CA125 and HE4 in the diagnosis of OTs, the sensitivity and specificity are improved, which is helpful to improve the diagnostic efficiency of OTs and has high clinical application value.
Investigating the Ridership Impact of New Light-Rail Transit and Arterial Bus Rapid Transit Lines in the Twin Cities
Authors: Berrebi Simon Jonas , Lind Eric , Brakewood Candace , Erhardt Gregory , Watkins Kari
Published: March 2022

Cities in the United States and across the world are investing in high-capacity modes with enhanced reliability, including light-rail transit (LRT) and arterial bus rapid transit (BRT), to regain ridership. However, the impact of replacing high-frequency bus service with these modes is not well understood. This paper investigates the ridership effect of implementing LRT and arterial BRT on corridors that were already well served by local bus routes. Using data from Metro Transit in Minneapolis/Saint Paul between 2012 and 2017, overall ridership and frequency on the corridors are evaluated to distinguish between trips that were newly generated and trips that were drawn from the local bus routes running in the same corridor. Fixed-effects models are fitted to estimate how much of the new ridership can be attributed to the high-capacity modes and to the reliability improvements they provide while controlling for covariates. Results show that the Green Line LRT generated 86% more ridership and the arterial BRT A Line generated 12% more ridership than if the transit agency had relied on local bus service. These results demonstrate the potential ridership impacts of replacing and supplementing existing bus service with reliable high-capacity modes.
Free Flow Capacity and Queue Discharge Rate: Long-Term Changes
Authors: Knoop Victor , Hoogendoorn Serge
Published: March 2022

Traffic jams are caused by a traffic demand that exceeds road capacity. Road capacity, therefore, is an important road feature. This capacity might change as function of time, even for the same road stretch, owing to changing driving behaviors or vehicle characteristics. In this study, we empirically analyzed the changes in road capacity over a 5- to 10-year period. The study differentiated between free flow capacity and queue discharge rate. We used three road stretches that remained unchanged to study free flow capacity. For 143 other locations that experienced changing properties over time, we analyzed queue discharge rates and corrected for external changes. We found that free flow capacity decreased, and queue discharge rates (slightly) increased over time. It is remarkable that one decreased, whereas the other increased. These results could be used in policies for road planning and design. Moreover, they provide an interesting background for further studies analyzing the effects of particular behavioral changes or driver assistance systems.
Evaluation of High Los Angeles Abrasion Loss Aggregate in Stone Matrix Asphalt
Authors: James Tommy , Prowell Brian
Published: March 2022

Stone matrix asphalt (SMA) was developed in Germany over 40 years ago to resist rutting from studded tire wear. In recent years, there has been increased interest in SMA in the U.S.A. The foundation of SMA mixes is a coarse aggregate stone skeleton that forms a load-bearing matrix. Typical requirements of aggregate are between 30% and 40% loss measured by Los Angeles abrasion test. South Carolina’s granitic aggregate sources are mostly between 45% and 60% loss. In this study, sources with 44%, 53%, and 56% loss were evaluated for pavement rutting, moisture susceptibility, draindown, and cracking potential. The original plan started with designs using 12.5 mm nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) to increase macrotexture, from a safety standpoint, but eventually changed to 9.5 mm NMAS to be more consistent with typical coarse aggregate stockpile gradations in South Carolina. The designs were tested with and without fiber. The fiber designs met draindown requirements while the fiberless ones failed at elevated temperatures. The designs met the rut susceptibility criteria and the data indicated that moisture damage did not compromise the designs. The cracking test index (CTindex), a measure of cracking potential, showed good resistance for all of the designs with the exception of the 9.5 mm NMAS with fiber, which had poor results even when compared with high RAP (reclaimed asphalt pavement) dense-graded mixtures. The macrotexture for the 12.5 mm NMAS designs was comparable with other South Carolina open-graded friction course mixtures. Overall, the sources with 44% and 53% loss by Los Angeles abrasion test performed equivocally, with the 9.5 mm fiber design having lower cracking resistance.
Occurrence and Progression of Dental Abnormalities in the Black Fronted Duiker (Cephalophus niger) Due to Deficient Diet and Extreme Weather Phenomena
Authors: Samuel Michael O. , Femi-Akinlosotu Omowumi M. , Olopade James O.
Published: March 2022

This study aims to assess the contributory and predisposing effects of prolonged drought and climate phenomena on the occurrence of dental abnormalities among three age groups of the black duiker ( Cephalophus niger). 36 skulls comprised of 18 females and 18 males were examined. Each group consisted of 8 kids (age range 0-10 months) (4 males and 4 females), 14 mature individuals (age range 1-3 years) (7 males and 7 females) and 14 adults (age range older than 3½ years) (7 males and 7 females). It was observed that the most severe defects occurred in mature and old females during prolonged drought. Morphologic disruptions of the dentition occurred more frequently on the mandible relative to the maxilla. 93% showed apical dental aberration. Bone resorption occurred in 30% and 6% of females and males respectively with profile aberrations at both time stages, tooth staining was observed in 40% of females and 8% of males, attrition accounted for 15% in each of both sexes, 28% and 3% of the females and the males had missing teeth respectively with more occurrence in the premolars and the molar teeth. Calculus was found in 4% and 9% of the females and males respectively. These findings may be useful in determination of likely age and season for occurrence of dental pathologies, in evaluation of response to irrigation and may provide information to assist in bioremediation of dental pathology.
A Grand Challenge for Psychology: Reducing the Age-Related Digital Divide
Authors: Charness Neil , Boot Walter R.
Published: March 2022

Worldwide population aging and rapid diffusion of digital technology have converged to produce an age-related digital divide in the adoption of technology, as seen in use of the Internet and ownership of smartphones. Given the centrality of these technologies for full participation in modern society, reducing that gap is an important challenge for psychologists. We outline more and less malleable factors associated with the adoption of technology and argue that interventions that can change both the aging user and the design of products will be necessary. Adaptive technology systems that incorporate artificial intelligence and extended reality are promising new approaches to reducing the age-related digital divide.
Retrospective immunohistochemical investigation of suspected non-visceral leiomyosarcoma in dogs
Authors: Brady Rachel V. , Rebhun Robert B. , Skorupski Katherine A. , Burton Jenna H. , Al-Nadaf Sami , Choi Eunju , Willcox Jennifer L.
Published: March 2022

Visceral leiomyosarcoma is well described in dogs, but information about non-visceral locations and prevalence is lacking. The diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma is challenging without a gold standard, and often includes the use of immunohistochemical (IHC) stains. We used defined histopathologic patterns, histochemical staining, and IHC staining for smooth muscle actin (SMA), desmin, and laminin to characterize suspected non-visceral leiomyosarcoma in dogs at a single academic institution. In a retrospective search, we identified 24 dogs with a definitive or suspected histologic diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma in a non-visceral location. Histopathology results and clinical details were obtained. Biopsy sections were reviewed by a single pathologist using standardized histologic criteria, including light microscopic appearance, immunohistochemistry (more than two-thirds of neoplastic cells labeled with SMA and desmin or laminin), and histochemical staining (minimal-to-mild matrix deposition by Masson trichrome). Of the 24 cases of possible non-visceral leiomyosarcomas, 4 were consistent with a definitive diagnosis of non-visceral leiomyosarcoma (3) or leiomyoma (1) based on the established criteria. Only the leiomyoma had more than two-thirds of neoplastic cells label with all 3 markers; all 3 leiomyosarcomas had more than two-thirds of neoplastic cells label with SMA and laminin. Our data highlight the uncommon nature of non-visceral leiomyosarcoma and the importance of IHC for their diagnosis. A definitive diagnosis could not be made based on SMA alone, and desmin was not useful in this cohort. Further studies are needed to clarify the histopathologic, IHC, and clinical features of canine non-visceral SMA-positive mesenchymal tumors.
Simulation Versus Written Fall Prevention Education in Older Hospitalized Adults: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: DeWalt Nancy C. , Stahorsky Kenneth A. , Sturges Susan , Bena James F. , Morrison Shannon L. , Drobnich Sulak Laura , Szczepinski Lynn , Albert Nancy M.
Published: March 2022

Using a randomized controlled, non-blinded, two-group design, differences in fall risk assessment, post-discharge sustainable fall risk changes, fall events and re-hospitalization were examined in 77 older adults who received a simulation ( n = 36) or written ( n = 41) education intervention. Between-group differences and changes in pre- versus post-fall risk assessment scores were examined using Pearson’s chi-square, Wilcoxon rank sum or Fisher’s exact tests (categorical variables) and two-sample t-tests (continuous variables). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in demographic characteristics. Patients who received simulation education had higher fall risk post-assessment scores than the written education group, p = .022. Change in fall risk assessment scores (post-vs.-pre; 95% confidence intervals) were higher in the simulation group compared to the written education group, 1.43 (0.37, 2.50), p = .009. At each post-discharge assessment, fall events were numerically fewer but not significantly different among simulation and education group participants. There were no statistically significant between-group differences in re-hospitalization.
Effects of cyclic freeze-thaw by liquid nitrogen on the coal breakage properties and fragment size distribution
Authors: Chong Zhaohui , Yao Qiangling , Li Xuehua , Yan Lun , Su Fengsheng
Published: March 2022

Transforming intact coal seams into broken coals that are convenient to transport is one of the technical problems of fluidized coal mining. In this paper, cyclic freeze-thaw by liquid nitrogen (CFT-LN2) was adopted to improve the fragmentation degree of coal seams. The coal pore structure evolutions and coal breakage properties were explored using the acoustic emission (AE) parameter method (the kernel density estimation method), the fractal theory, and the nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. The main factors discussed include the number of freeze-thaw cycles, the LN2 freezing time and the moisture content of the coal sample. Variations of these factors alter the mechanical and physical characteristics and pore structures of coal samples treated with CFT-LN2. The results reveal that the kernel density estimation method can distinguish the density region determined based on the rise angle (RA) and average frequency (AF) values and visualize the rupture modes of coal samples formed after CFT-LN2. As the number of freeze-thaw cycles grows, the tensile rupture mode gradually transits to shear rupture mode; the fractal dimension gradually increases; the equivalent average size gradually decreases; and the mass of different fragment sizes tend to be more uniform. Only freezing in LN2 without CFT-LN2 cannot notably change the rupture mode or fragmentation degree of a coal sample. During CFT-LN2, the coal matrix is subjected to repeated action of contraction in LN2 and expansion at room temperature. As a result, new micro-pores are formed easily in the matrix, and micro-pores incline to connect into larger pores. Meanwhile, increasing the moisture content is conducive to coal fracturing through CFT-LN2.
University Spaces as Sites of Conscience
Authors: van Marle Karin
Published: March 2022

In this article, I reflect on the idea of university spaces as potential sites of conscience. I explore how these spaces act not only as continuous reminders of past violence, marginalization, and exclusion, but as reminders also of ethical accountability and redress. The latter discloses opportunities and possibilities for a reinterpretation of such spaces, keeping in mind that the traces of the past will remain and that every attempt at erasure will be incomplete. The article considers how spaces or places that remain in the process of decolonization can be mobilized as sites of conscience. These sites/spaces/places manifest relationality also between materiality and symbol and between judgment and ethical accountability. The article focuses on issues surrounding the removal of a statue of the past president of the Republic of the Orange Free State, President M. T. Steyn at the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein, South Africa. The university has a long and troubled history of exclusion, racism, and authoritarianism, among others. Since the early 1990s, many attempts have been made to transform, not all in vain. The statue itself was a site of contention at the UFS for many years and was removed over the last weekend in June 2020. I conclude that space that remains on the UFS campus is one of haunting that urges a certain sense of place and atmosphere that could forge learning, education, and transforming citizenship.
Australian regional journalists’ role perceptions at a time of upheaval
Authors: Fisher Caroline , Nolan David , McGuinness Kieran , Park Sora
Published: March 2022

Almost 200 journalism outlets closed, decreased their service, ended print editions, or merged with other newsrooms between January 2019 and Februrary 2021, accelerated by the COVID-19 crisis. Regional news outlets were among the hardest hit, intensifying calls for effective government policy and industry interventions to bolster the sector. Although there is a well-established tradition of local and regional journalistic role performance scholarship, few studies in an Australian context have taken a multiplatform approach, investigating the perceptions of TV, radio, online news, and print journalists. To help address this gap, this paper draws on survey data of 307 regional Australian journalists and 31 in-depth interviews. Our analysis reveals differences in the way regional reporters understand and narrate their roles, highlighting important distinctions between media platforms that need to be considered in contemporary debates about the sustainability of Australian regional journalism.
Participatory Design Application in Youth Sexual Violence and Abuse Prevention: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review
Authors: Willmott Taylor Jade , Mathew Alieena , Saleme Pamela , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn
Published: March 2022

Youth sexual violence and abuse (SVA) are leading public health and human rights issues around the world. Prevention is key to reducing SVA rates and minimising resultant harms. Despite advocacy for more collaborative approaches, knowledge of how to effectively engage young people and key stakeholders in the design, implementation, and evaluation of SVA prevention programs is limited. This mixed-methods systematic review aimed to synthesise available evidence on participatory design (PD) application in primary and secondary SVA prevention targeting young people. A systematic search was executed across seven electronic databases. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, published in English, reported primary or secondary SVA prevention, described application of PD or a related approach, and targeted young people aged 12–25 years. Quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Overall, 20 articles reporting 15 studies were included. Most (55%; n = 11) employed a qualitative design. Descriptions, methods, and scope of PD application varied across included studies. A lack of empirical evaluations prevented conclusions regarding the utility of PD application in terms of measured outcomes. The methodology, agent of change, training, and engagement (MATE) taxonomy was subsequently developed to describe and classify PD application. As illustrated in the MATE taxonomy, PD methods promoting agency, encouraging input, and facilitating empowerment are likely to facilitate more meaningful engagement of participants. Integration of participant and expert views, community consultation, and appropriate socio-cultural adaption appear to be critical determinants of program acceptability and feasibility. Empirical evaluations are needed to assess the relative utility of PD methods in line with SVA prevention objectives.
Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies Between Self- and Balloon-Expandable Bridging Stent Grafts in Branched Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Nana Petroula , Spanos Konstantinos , Brodis Alexandros , Panuccio Giuseppe , Kouvelos George , Behrendt Christian-Alexander , Giannoukas Athanasios , Kölbel Tilo
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

Currently there is no robust evidence which type of bridging stent graft provides better outcomes after branched endovascular aortic repair (BEVAR). Self-expanding (SESG) and balloon-expandable (BESG) stent grafts are both commonly used to connect branches to their respective target vessels (TV). The aim of the current review was to evaluate the impact of the type of bridging stent grafts on TV outcomes during the mid-term follow-up after BEVAR.

Materials and Methods:

The study protocol was registered to the PROSPERO (CRD42021274766). A search of the English literature was conducted, using PubMed and EMBASE databases via Ovid and Cochrane database via CENTRAL, from inception to June 30, 2021, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Only comparative studies on BEVAR reporting TV outcomes related to BESG vs SESG were considered eligible. Individual studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. The primary outcomes were primary patency, freedom from endoleak, TV instability, and re-intervention between BESG and SESG, used as bridging stents in branches. The outcomes were summarized as odds ratio along with their 95% confidence intervals (CI), through a paired meta-analysis.

Results:

Five out of 609 articles published from 2016 to 2020 were included in the analysis. In total, 1406 TV were revascularized, 547 (38.9 %) with BESGs and 859 with SESGs. The overall pooled primary patency (odds ratio [OR], 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29–1.09; p=.256, I2=4.24%) and freedom from branch-related endoleak (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.17–1.48; p<.122, I2=0.18%) did not differ between the stent types during the available follow-up (17 months, range = 12–35 months). In 4 studies (619 TV), SESG required fewer secondary interventions (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.23–1.83; p=.009, I2=0%) and TV instability rate was lower (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.33–1.65; p=.003, I2=0%) compared with BESG during the available follow-up.

Conclusion:

BESG and SESG seem to perform similarly in terms of primary patency and branch-related endoleak during the mid-term follow-up. Current data from retrospective studies suggest that overall TV instability and re-intervention rates are favorable for SESG as bridging stent grafts in BEVAR.
Retrograde Guidewire-Assisted Remodeling Technique: A Novel Technique for Endovascular Recanalization of Occluded Arterial Origins in Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Danışan Gürkan , Ateş Ömer Faruk , Taydaş Onur , Özdemir Mustafa , Küpeli Ali , Erkin Alper
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

The main objective of this study is to describe the retrograde guidewire-assisted remodeling technique (REGART), a novel technique, and assess its feasibility, safety, and effectiveness in the recanalization of ostial arterial occlusions without a visible stump in the critical limb ischemia (CLI).

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review of 387 patients who underwent endovascular treatment (EVT) for peripheral artery disease between January 2020 and June 2021 was performed. Among these, 23 patients (14 males [60.8%]) with a mean age of 64.2 (range: 55–72) years who underwent REGART were included. Patient demographics, procedural details, and outcomes were noted.

Results:

The technical success rate was 95.6% (22/23). The angiographic success rate was 86.3% (19/22). The procedure-related complication rate was 21.7% (5/23), with 4 (17.4%) major complications and 1 (4.3%) minor complication.

Conclusion:

In the CLI, results of this trial suggest that REGART is feasible, effective, and with acceptable safety in the catheterization of occluded artery origins without a visible stump when conventional anterograde and retrograde techniques fail. Thus, the target occluded artery can be recanalized while preserving other arterial origins by minimizing dissection risk through subintimal balloon angioplasty at the bi-trifurcation level.