bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-concept and the academic achievement of students from collectivist countries: A scoping review of empirical findings
Authors: Weva Vanessa K , Napoleon Jenilee-Sarah , Arias Karen , Huizinga Mariëtte , Burack Jacob A
Published: August 2023

The relationship between self-concept and academic achievement that is commonly cited has primarily been found in studies of students from Western countries with individualistic societies. Thus, this relationship may not be evident among students from non-Western countries, which are thought to largely adopt collectivist cultural values and behaviors that are inconsistent with the way that students from individualist nations perceive and evaluate their academic functioning. This lack of clarity motivates the present scoping review about the relationship between self-concept and academic achievement among students from collectivist countries who study in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools. A final review of 27 empirical articles involving student populations across educational levels and from several collectivist countries provided support for the same general relationship between self-concept and academic achievement that has been found in Western countries. Accordingly, the development of a favorable self-concept was associated with greater academic achievement. In some cases, this relationship was dependent on self-concept and academic achievement being measured in the context of a school-related discipline and on the time interval between the examination of both variables. Our findings provide insight into pathways to academic success that are effective across cultures, and we offer considerations for successful academic self-concept interventions for collectivist students.
Avoiding the Ties That Bind: Entrepreneurial Orientation and the Creative Constraint of Corporate Political Activity
Authors: Titus Varkey , Mbaraonye Izuchukwu , Abdurakhmonov Mirzokhidjon , Parker Owen
Published: August 2023

A widely accepted benefit of corporate political activities (CPA) is lowering a firm's overall level of uncertainty. Yet CPA is fundamentally an exchange: something is given for the benefit received. The exchange concept is important, as how a firm is strategically oriented will influence whether it deems the exchange worthwhile. We unpack one of the things given up in the CPA exchange – the loss of strategic flexibility, which occurs because CPA binds firms to the government, tends to be sticky in nature, and costs finite resources that firms could otherwise use to pursue different opportunities. In other words, CPA is a creative constraint, and this is too hefty a burden for entrepreneurially oriented (EO) firms, which are less offput by uncertainty and prioritize experimentation with market opportunities relative to their low EO counterparts. We also examine how the calculus of CPA changes based on two major ways the government treats rival firms: the provision of subsidies or the imposition of regulatory sanctions. We test our hypotheses on a sample of S&P 1500 firms and find support for our theorized model.
Creative Destruction in the Afterlife of Slavery: A Comment on Revaluing Work(ers): Toward a Democratic and Sustainable Future
Authors: de Leon Cedric
Published: August 2023

In this review of Revaluing Work(res), I argue that the labor studies approach must move forward in two directions. First, it must anchor the conversation on the future of work in the concept of “creative destruction” and in doing so advocate a socialist alternative to organizing production. Second, it must highlight the specific legacy of Black labor in the afterlife of slavery in the forms of labor control that characterize new forms of work.
Children’s domain-specific self-evaluations and global self-worth: A preregistered cross-cultural meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Yixin , Brummelman Eddie , Novin Sheida , Assink Mark , Thomaes Sander
Published: August 2023

Which domain-specific self-evaluations are most central to children’s global self-worth? And does this differ between countries with different levels of collectivism–individualism? We conducted a preregistered cross-cultural meta-analysis to address these questions. We included 141 independent samples (21 countries/regions, 584 cross-sectional effect sizes), totaling 33,120 participants in middle to late childhood, a critical age for self-worth development. Overall, global self-worth was most strongly correlated with self-evaluations in the domain of physical appearance ( r = .64), followed by behavioral conduct, peer relations, academic competence, athletic competence, and parent relations ( rs = .39 to .54). Global self-worth was equally strongly correlated with agentic and communal self-evaluations ( r = .51 and .52, respectively). The strength of these associations did not vary significantly by country-level collectivism–individualism. These findings reveal the robust correlates of self-worth across cultures and raise important new questions about when and how culture shapes the development of children’s global self-worth.
Hours of Work and Early Childhood Education and Access to Care Services in Latin America: Evidence From Colombia, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay
Authors: Amarante Verónica , Rossel Cecilia , Scalese Federico
Published: August 2023

This paper explores the relationship between access to early childhood education and care (ECEC) services and family arrangements in the distribution of work in four Latin American countries. We find that households in which all children aged 0 to 5 receive ECEC services exhibit smaller gender gaps in unpaid work, mainly due to a decrease in the amount of time women devote to care work. Women in these households devote more time to paid work, such that the gender gap in total work does not differ between households based on use of ECEC services. However, use of ECEC services for children aged 0 to 5 is associated with reduced hours of unpaid work among women and an increase in women’s hours of paid work. These findings confirm the importance of increasing access to early childhood care and education services to reduce gender gaps in the region.
Toward a Joyful Environmental Ethic: Open-Ended Curiosity as an Environmental Virtue
Authors: Simpson Justin
Published: August 2023

This paper seeks to advance the joyful environmental ethic of Robin Wall Kimmerer. According to Kimmerer's environmental ethic of gratitude and reciprocity, each person has a responsibility to share their unique gifts with the world in return for the gifts they have received from nature. Drawing on Karen Barad, this paper contends that nonhumans are active, open-ended, and relational singularities that also provide ontological gifts by coconstituting the very being of humans and the world. Since sharing one's gifts to make good gifts for a nonhuman requires knowing oneself and the nonhuman, this paper argues that open-ended curiosity is an onto-epistemic, environmental virtue because it enables humans to understand nonhumans as open-ended and relational singularities. Epistemically, a person must be open to transforming their beliefs and questions in relation to nonhumans. Ontologically, a person must be open to transforming their bodies, practices, and world in relation to nonhumans. To develop this account of open-ended curiosity, this paper engages the work of Vinciane Despret.
Ethnobiology, the Ontological Turn, and Human Sociality
Authors: Wilson Robert A. , Neco Lucia C.
Published: August 2023

The ontological turn (OT) is a loose cluster of theoretical approaches within cultural anthropology that advocates a synthetic, overarching way forward for ethnographically oriented cultural anthropology. We argue that in order to contribute substantively to ethnobiology the OT needs to distance itself from a long-standing tradition of thinking within ethnography that assumes some kind of fundamental divide between the natural and the social sciences. This distancing seems especially unlikely in light of the meta-anthropological nature of the OT as primarily a perspective on ethnographic methodology. Instead, we advocate for naturalistic theoretical alternatives for thinking about human sociality, where philosophical innovation develops in concert with ongoing empirical work across the biological, cognitive, and social sciences. We illustrate this perspective by drawing on two naturalistic accounts likely to prove more fruitful for ethnobiological practice, namely, trans-genera models of sociality and progenerative views of kinship.
Applicability of IOTN Index for Quality Assessment of Orthodontic Treatment Difficulty
Authors: Alwakeel Reem , Barakah Deena
Published: August 2023

Background

Evaluating the need and assessing the severity of the problem help in concluding the actual need for orthodontic treatment. Many indices had been developed over the years for this purpose, and one of the most used indices is IOTN. This study was carried out for assessment of the grade of treatment difficulty utilizing the IOTN index for patients seeking orthodontic treatment at King Abdulaziz Dental Center, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Random casts and digital photos of residents’ patients were collected, and statistical analysis afterward was performed for concluding the research results.

Methods

Fifty random samples were collected from seven residents who are attending King Abdulaziz Dental Center. Casts and photos were utilized for the IOTN components. The IOTN score and the incidence of each variable were calculated statistically by SPSS and Python’s libraries (Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib). AC and DHC categories were compared to assess the correlation by using the Chi-Square and Spearman’s correlation tests.

Results

Among 50 participants, 24% do not need or have a slight need for the treatment, 42% expresses a moderate need for the treatment, and 34% actually need the treatment in regard to esthetic component. As for the dental component, 10% do not need or have a slight need for the treatment, 26% express a moderate need for the treatment, and 64% need the treatment. Spearman’s correlation test proved a correlation ( r = 0.861) between the two components. AC and DHC comparison showed significant differences ( p < .001).

Conclusion

IOTN index is a valid index for screening the patients’ need for orthodontic treatment. The application of IOTN index concluded that moderate to severe need for orthodontic treatment is required for patients attending King Abdulaziz Dental Center. Adapting such a simple way through applying this index by utilizing the casts, X-rays, and digital photographs can save time and effort. However, more trials are needed to evaluation of this technique’s accuracy.
Authentic leadership in a bureaucratic environment: A qualitative study
Authors: Ahmad Hal Mahera , Kaliannan Maniam , Mutum Dilip S
Published: August 2023

Authenticity is a crucial component of leadership for developing moral and ethical leaders in the public sector. Despite that, authentic leadership has struggled to progress into a more advanced theory. Therefore, this study serves as a foundation for new developments in authentic leadership studies. The research is valuable because it investigates aspects of authenticity and leadership drawn from public sector leaders’ experiences. It employs a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews of 15 top executive leaders in Malaysian public administration. The interpretive study is underpinned by authentic leadership and self-determination theory, and content analysis is applied to understand the subjective interpretation of the interviews through the identification of specific themes and patterns of coding facilitated by the NVivo software. The participants describe authenticity in leadership as a combination of mindset and qualities, such as purposeful intention, spiritual connection and sustainable legacy. This study provides a new perspective on authenticity in leadership from the public sector context. A new important factor emerged from the study, namely, spiritual connection, which is unique to the Malaysian context. Another theoretical contribution to the body of knowledge is that the element of personal growth, which is connected to human motivation by addressing autonomy from the self-determination theory perspective, is important to describe authenticity. These elements suggest the third wave of the leadership model that is derived from the interpersonal process between leader and followers in a bureaucratic environment. These results may be used to develop a new instrument for examining the public leadership context – as a new leadership model or design development intervention for future leaders in the public sector.
Environmental heterogeneity as a driver of terrestrial biodiversity on a global scale
Authors: Wan Ji-Zhong , Wang Chun-Jing , Marquet Pablo A
Published: August 2023

To improve the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation and risk assessments under global changes, it is necessary to understand the drivers of terrestrial biodiversity on a global scale. Environmental heterogeneity is an important umbrella term for different environmental factors that contribute to species diversity. Previous studies have shown that there are significant relationships between geodiversity and biodiversity on a global scale, and that heterogeneity in geodiversity features and environmental variables, that is indicators of environmental heterogeneity (EH), drive biodiversity at local and regional scales. However, we do not yet know how terrestrial biodiversity is maintained, how well represented are the different taxa, and where would they be more at risks considering their abundances and diversities. In this study, we quantified EH of climate, topography, and land cover. We used four theoretical indexes (i.e., Fisher’s alpha, Shannon’s H, Hurlbert’s PIE, and Good’s u) to quantify terrestrial biodiversity based on abundance and diversity. We used regression models to explore the relationships between environmental heterogeneity and terrestrial biodiversity across different organismic groups (ants, bats, birds, butterflies, frogs, ground beetles, mosquitoes, odonates, orthopterans, rodents, scarab beetles, and trees) globally. We found significant relationships between environmental heterogeneity and terrestrial biodiversity, particularly for trees across the three EH components (climate, topography, and land cover), however, the effects of environmental heterogeneity on terrestrial biodiversity may vary among different groups of organisms. Land cover EH could affect the terrestrial biodiversity for ants, bats, birds, butterflies, frogs, mosquitoes, odonates, orthopterans, rodents, and scarab beetles. Furthermore, there were significant relationships between topographic EH and the terrestrial biodiversity for bats, butterflies, ground beetles, odonates, and trees. Climatic EH had significant effects on the terrestrial biodiversity for all organism groups. Our study provides new insights into biodiversity conservation by considering the terrestrial biodiversity based on EH, an indicator of geodiversity.
Modeling Adjustment Factors for Pedestrians and Bicycles on Turning Vehicle Movements at Signalized Intersections
Authors: Schmitz Julian , Wu Ning , Geistefeldt Justin
Published: August 2023

At signalized intersections, the capacity of turning vehicle streams can be affected by conflicting pedestrians and bicycles who share the same signal phase. To analyze this effect, measurements at 12 pedestrian and bicycle crossings at signalized intersections in Germany covering more than 4,300 signal cycles were conducted. The reduction in capacity can be accounted for by estimating the blockage time of possible turning vehicle departures. In addition to the pedestrian or bicycle volume, the empirical analyses revealed several other parameters influencing the blockage time such as the duration of the green time and the cycle time of signal control as well as the width of the pedestrian crossing. The influencing parameters were further analyzed by microscopic simulation. Since the current quality-of-service assessment procedures in the U.S. Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) and the German Highway Capacity Manual (HBS) do not consider all of these parameters sufficiently, a new model based on the gap-acceptance theory has been derived. The new model uses the relevant influencing parameters directly as input variables so that a precise calculation of the blockage time is achieved. The new model has been derived in such a way that it can be incorporated into the existing quality-of-service assessment procedures to determine the adjustment factors of the saturation flow rate or the capacity for turning movements. For practical applications, a simplification of the exact model is also presented with a good fit of the data.
Prediction of Retear After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Based on Intraoperative Arthroscopic Images Using Deep Learning
Authors: Cho Sung-Hyun , Kim Yang-Soo
Published: August 2023

Background:

It is challenging to predict retear after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). The usefulness of arthroscopic intraoperative images as predictors of the ARCR prognosis has not been analyzed.

Purpose:

To evaluate the usefulness of arthroscopic images for the prediction of retear after ARCR using deep learning (DL) algorithms.

Study Design:

Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

In total, 1394 arthroscopic intraoperative images were retrospectively obtained from 580 patients. Repaired tendon integrity was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging performed within 2 years after surgery. Images obtained immediately after ARCR were included. We used 3 DL architectures to predict retear based on arthroscopic images. Three pretrained DL algorithms (VGG16, DenseNet, and Xception) were used for transfer learning. Training and test sets were split into 8:2. Threefold stratified validation was used to fine-tune the hyperparameters using the training data set. The validation results of each fold were evaluated. The performance of each model in the test set was evaluated in terms of accuracy, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), F1-score, sensitivity, and specificity.

Results:

In total, 1138 and 256 arthroscopic images were obtained from 514 patients and 66 patients in the nonretear and retear groups, respectively. The mean validation accuracy of each model was 83% for VGG16, 89% for Xception, and 91% for DenseNet. The accuracy for the test set was 76% for VGG16, 87% for Xception, and 91% for DenseNet. The AUC was highest for DenseNet (0.92); it was 0.83 for VGG16 and 0.91 for Xception. For the test set, the specificity and sensitivity were 0.93 and 0.84 for DenseNet, 0.89 and 0.84 for Xception, and 0.70 and 0.80 for VGG16, respectively.

Conclusion:

The application of DL algorithms to intraoperative arthroscopic images has demonstrated a high level of accuracy in predicting retear occurrences.
Incidence and Outcomes of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Brain-Injured Patients Receiving Invasive Ventilation: A Secondary Analysis of the ENIO Study
Authors: Taran Shaurya , Stevens Robert D. , Perrot Bastien , McCredie Victoria A. , Cinotti Raphael , Asehnoune Karim , Pelosi Paolo , Robba Chiara ,   for the ENIO Study Group, on behalf of the PROtective VENTilation network, the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine, the Colegio Mexicano de Medicina Critica, the Atlanréa group, and the La Société Française d’Anesthésie et de Réanimation (SFAR) research network
Published: August 2023

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an important pulmonary complication in brain-injured patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). We aimed to evaluate the incidence and association between ARDS and clinical outcomes in patients with different forms of acute brain injury requiring IMV in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: This was a preplanned secondary analysis of a prospective, multicenter, international cohort study (NCT 03400904). We included brain-injured patients receiving IMV for ≥ 24 h. ARDS was the main exposure of interest and was identified during index ICU admission using the Berlin definition. We examined the incidence and adjusted association of ARDS with ICU mortality, ICU length of stay, duration of IMV, and extubation failure. Outcomes were evaluated using mixed-effect logistic regression and cause-specific Cox proportional hazards models. Results: 1492 patients from 67 hospitals and 16 countries were included in the analysis, of whom 137 individuals developed ARDS (9.2% of overall cohort). Across countries, the median ARDS incidence was 5.1% (interquartile range [IQR] 0-10; range 0-27.3). ARDS was associated with increased ICU mortality (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29-5.48), longer ICU length of stay (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.59; 95% CI, 0.48-0.73), and longer duration of IMV (adjusted HR 0.54; 95% CI, 0.44-0.67). The association between ARDS and extubation failure approached statistical significance (adjusted HR 1.48; 95% CI 0.99-2.21). Higher ARDS severity was associated with incrementally longer ICU length of stay and longer cumulative duration of IMV. Findings remained robust in a sensitivity analysis evaluating the magnitude of unmeasured confounding. Conclusions: In this cohort of acutely brain-injured patients, the incidence of ARDS was similar to that reported in other mixed cohorts of critically ill patients. Development of ARDS was associated with worse outcomes.
A Scoping Review of Interventions to Improve Occupational Safety and Health of Construction Workers
Authors: Hayashi Hana , Li Yue , Sussman David D. , Okuzono Sakurako , Viswanath Kasisomayajula , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: August 2023

Objective

This review comprehensively examines interventions which sought to improve the occupational safety and/or health of construction workers. Factors that explain the (in)effectiveness of interventions were also summarized.

Data Source

This review consisted of a search using two electronic databases, PubMed and Web of Science.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Targeted workers in the construction industry; had at least one primary outcome that aimed to improve occupational safety and/or health; were published between January 01, 1990 and December 01, 2019; and were written in English.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Two researchers independently carried out the process of reviewing the titles, abstracts and full texts, and extracted all data. If there were differences, discussions were held until a consensus was reached.

Results

A total of 1297 articles were retrieved and 24 were selected for final evaluation. Seventeen studies reported significant intervention effects, while 7 found their primary outcome not significantly improved.

Conclusion

Future research should place more effort on interventions aimed at improving both occupational safety and health outcomes in an integrated manner, with environmental interventions that accompany behavioral interventions at the individual level. Besides, additional effort is also needed to ensure the involvement of relevant stakeholders in designing the intervention, avoiding contamination effects (through cluster randomization), optimizing the “dosage” of intervention, and improving measurement of outcomes.
Does the Etiology, Phenomenology and Motor Subtype of Delirium Differ When It Occurs in Patients With An Underlying Dementia?: A Multi-Site, International Study
Authors: Glynn Kevin , McKenna Frank , Lally Kevin , Grover Sandeep , Chakrabarti Subho , Mattoo Surendra K. , Avasthi Ajita , Sharma Akhilesh , Adamis Dimitrios , Awan Fahad , Dunne Colum P. , McFarland John , Jabbar Faiza , O’Connell Henry , Leonard Maeve , Meagher David J.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To compare the etiology, phenomenology and motor subtype of delirium in patients with and without an underlying dementia.

Methods

A combined dataset (n = 992) was collated from two databases of older adults (>65 years) from liaison psychiatry and palliative care populations in Ireland and India. Phenomenology and severity of delirium were analysed using the Delirium Symptom Rating Scale Revised (DRS-R98) and contributory etiologies for the delirium groups were ascertained using the Delirium Etiology Checklist (DEC). Delirium motor subtype was documented using the abbreviated version of the Delirium Motor Subtype Scale (DMSS4).

Results

Delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD) showed greater impairment in short term memory, long term memory and visuospatial ability than the delirium group but showed significantly less perceptual disturbance, temporal onset and fluctuation. Systemic infection, cerebrovascular and other Central nervous system etiology were associated with DSD while metabolic disturbance, organ insufficiency and intracranial neoplasm were associated with the delirium only group.

Conclusion

The etiology and phenomenology of delirium differs when it occurs in the patient with an underlying dementia. We discuss the implications in terms of identification and management of this complex condition.
Decolonising Disability in Contexts of Illiberalism and Social Abandonment: The Case for a Double-Edged Critique from the Postsocialist Margins
Authors: Dimitrova Ina , Mladenov Teodor
Published: August 2023

This paper explores the relevance of the decolonial approach for analyses of postsocialist disablement, taking as its test case the analytical tool of the ‘postsocialist disability matrix’. The question we pose is how much decolonial critique can the analyses of postsocialist disablement embrace without becoming reactionary amidst growing illiberalism and social abandonment in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)? We provide an overview of postsocialist illiberalism, assess critically some central arguments in decolonial disability studies and outline the production of ‘southern bodies/minds’ as a key feature of social abandonment in CEE. We conclude that decolonising disability in the postsocialist region needs to go beyond the North versus South binary to account for the specific experiences of disabled people inhabiting the ‘poor North’. Given these considerations, the double-edged critique implied in the original formulation of the ‘postsocialist disability matrix’ as scepticism towards both the state and the market could also help embrace the decolonising imperative while remaining sceptical towards both Northern and Southern theory production in disability studies.
Mission invisible? Managing boundaries for flood protection
Authors: Martinius Evelijn
Published: August 2023

Although boundaries are typically seen as hampering inter-organizational collaboration, a lack of clear boundaries does not kindle collaboration either. This paper investigates how boundary spanners manage boundaries in inter-organizational collaboration. I draw on data from a 12-month ethnography of an inter-organizational innovation pilot between water authorities and utility owners in the Netherlands. The aim of this pilot was to improve the logistical and budgetary efficiency of renovations on dykes with underground utility systems, through collaboration between utility companies and water authorities. Findings show how pilot staff and participants were challenged by the invisibility of collaborative work: collaboration was undervalued, seen as a nuisance, and not as a core responsibility. Within the pilot potential measures of collaborative success and action were formulated, and participants learned about potential obstacles. This helped participants to see the potential of collaborative work clearer, and formulate collaborations that could move forward in acknowledgement of limitations. This paper contributes to the boundary work literature by proposing that managing the (in)visibility of boundaries is substantial to the competency of boundary spanners.
Dissecting the organization matters: Gauging the effect of unit-level and organization-level factors on perceived innovation outcomes
Authors: Dockx Emmanuel , Verhoest Koen
Published: August 2023

Public sector innovation theory argues that the extent to which governments innovate is a question of factors such as capacity, collaboration, leadership, orientation, size, and autonomy. However, public sector organizations cannot be treated as uniform entities. Different units in an organization may have different challenges, networks, and exposure to innovation resources and pressures. Using multi-level survey data from Belgian federal and Flemish public sector managers ( N=351), we provide important new knowledge to understand what characteristics and incentives at both levels (units and their organizations) should be promoted and leveraged to support managers’ perceived innovation outcomes.
Synthesis and characterization of epoxy resin composites modified by reactive polyimide containing hydroxyl groups
Authors: Xu Gang , Tan Liyun , Nie Yong , Fang Xingzhong , Chen Guofei
Published: August 2023

Reactive polyimide (PI) containing phenolic hydroxyl groups was prepared by the polymerization of 2,2-bis(3-amino-4-hydroxyphenyl) hexafluoropropane and mixed thiodiphthalic anhydride. A series of epoxy resin composites were obtained by adding reactive PI to N,N,N′,N′-tetraglycidyl-4,4′-diamino-diphenylmethane (TGDDM) epoxy resin in different proportions. The effect of PI content on curing behavior, thermal properties, and mechanical properties was carefully investigated. Even a small amount of PI addition improved the mechanical properties and heat resistance of the epoxy resin, particularly the fracture toughness. Among them, epoxy resin composites EP-PI-1.5 with the addition of 1.5 wt% PI showed the best mechanical properties, whose impact strength, fracture toughness, and tensile strength were increased by 114%, 59%, and 34%, respectively. The phase morphology was also investigated to illustrate the fracture mechanism by scanning electron microscope (SEM) characterization.
Study of refrigeration system with minichannel condenser using R1234ze, R134a, R152a, R600a, R290 and mixture of R290/R600a (50/50)
Authors: Bhatkar Vijay W , Sur Anirban , Kumar Ramesh
Published: August 2023

A versatile vapor compression refrigeration (VCR) system is designed, developed and manufactured for testing different alternative refrigerants to R134a. The refrigerants such as R1234ze, R152a, R600a, R290 and mixture of R290/R600a (50/50) refrigerants are tested with an aluminum minichannel condenser which is designed for R134a. All the refrigerants are experimented for condensation temperature varying from 40 to 55°C while evaporation temperature varying from −10 to +15°C for every condensing temperature. The performance parameters like volumetric refrigerating capacity, actual work consumption of compressor, coefficient of performance (COP) and condenser capacity are compared for different alternative refrigerants. Aluminum minichannel condenser has reduced condensing temperature by 2–3°C with an increase in COP by 10%. The ratio of volumetric refrigerant capacities for R152a, R1234ze, R600a, R290 and HC mixture of R290/R600a (50/50) with respect to R134a are found to be 1.296, 1.143, 0.736, 1.749 and 1.067, respectively which is useful to select specific compressor. The ratio of compressor work for R600a, R290, HC mixture of R290/R600a, R152a and R1234ze with respect to R134a are found to be 1.81, 1.812, 1.867, 1.6 and 1.1, respectively. The ratios of condenser capacity of R600a, R290, HC mixture of R290/R600a, R152a and R1234ze with respect to R134a are found to be 1.914, 2.061, 1.939, 1.65 and 1.064, respectively. It is found that COP of R152a, R600a and R1234ze are larger by 11.53, 5.38 and 27% over R134a whereas COP of R290/R600a (50/50) and R290 are decreased by 0.75% and 14.23% over R134a, respectively. The exergy loss analysis for VCR system components is carried out at condensing temperature of 44°C while evaporating temperature ranging from −10 to +15°C for all the refrigerants and found that total exergy loss is more for R600a among all refrigerants.
Orthogonal optimization design of a Sirocco fan and numerical analysis on the internal flow characteristics
Authors: Liu Zhengfeng , Wang Zhengdao , Du Shouhua , Yang Hui , Wei Yikun , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2023

The forward-curved multi-blade centrifugal fan, also termed as Sirocco fan, is characterized by its complex characteristics of internal flow within the impeller and volute. Currently most of the fans are designed with modifications or optimizations for certain geometric parameters which could not ensure the well compatibility of flow in the impeller and volute, thus it is difficult to improve the aerodynamic performances of the fans. In this paper, we performed a multi-parameter design of a Sirocco fan with optimizations on the geometric parameters of the impeller and volute. The geometric parameters of the volute were designed based on analysis of the internal flow patterns, and the influence from the impeller is also considered. Optimization on the geometric parameters was carried out using the steepest descent method to improve the static pressure rise and efficiency under the designed flow rate by taking into account the relevance of flow in the impeller and volute. The effect of the parametric optimization is evaluated and analyzed by large-eddy simulation (LES). It was found that the static pressure rise and efficiency of the optimized model increase by 1.8% and 5.0% compared with the baseline model, respectively. The static pressure rise fluctuates in a regularly periodic manner. The optimized model reduces the area of low-pressure recirculating flow at the center of the fan and the separated flow on the suction surface of the blades. The near-wall flow on the volute surface is more stable, and the pressure fluctuation around the volute tongue is reduced. The outflow of the volute exhibits better uniformity than the baseline model.
Carbon emission reduction effect of the low-carbon pilot policy in China: Mechanism testing and path identification
Authors: Wang Kaike , Yin Ru , Dai Hongshuai , Wang Shuhong
Published: August 2023

Since China's low-carbon pilot policy (LCPP) was launched in 2010, it has moved closer to accomplishing its carbon peak and neutrality targets. However, there is still scant literature on how to accurately consolidate the achievements of the policy in the pilot cities within which it was implemented. This research seeks to address the gap in the current literature by providing a theoretical basis for estimating the effect of LCPP on urban CO2 using a multi-period difference-in-differences model. Panel data from 283 Chinese cities from 2006 to 2019 was utilized. We found that: (1) The LCPP evidently reduced the pilot cities’ CO2. (2) Mechanism verification shows that the LCPP curbs CO2 emissions by improving urban technological innovation and reducing energy consumption. (3) Heterogeneity analysis displays that the CO2 reduction effect is more pronounced in eastern areas, non-resource-based cities, and urban agglomerations. The LCPP has accelerated China's CO2 reduction process and provided Chinese characteristics methods for limiting CO2 emissions and reducing climate change. This is crucial for advancing urban low-carbon governance in the broader country.
Investigation of Neuroprotective Effects of Sulforaphane and Allyl Isothiocyanate in an in vitro Alzheimer’s Disease Model
Authors: Hacet Fatma , Becer Eda , Vatansever Hafize Seda , Yücecan Sevinç
Published: August 2023

Background

This study aimed to establish an in vitro model of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) to investigate the neuroprotective activities of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and sulforaphane (SFN).

Materials and Methods

Human neuroblastoma cell lines (SKNAS) were used for the in vitro model of AD after amyloid-β25−35 (Aβ25–35) treatment. Cytotoxicity analysis was performed using the (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. Indirect immunocytochemical methods were used to assess the tau protein, alpha-synuclein (α-synuclein), and β-amyloid distribution in the in vitro model of AD and SKNAS cells.

Results

An in vitro AD model was induced by treatment of SKNAS cells with 1 µM of Aβ25–35 for 48 h. AITC and SFN were applied for 48 h, and the optimal concentrations were determined as 50 µM AITC and 15 µM SFN. Reduced tau immunoreactivity was shown after AITC and SFN administration in SKNAS cells and in vitro models, demonstrating that AITC and SFN prevented amyloid plaque production in the in vitro AD model control group by reducing the β-amyloid level, α-synuclein levels were similar in control and in vitro AD model cells. Reduced α-synuclein levels were observed after SFN treatment in the AD model cells and AITC treatment in the control cells.

Conclusion

It could be concluded that AITC and SFN are potential components as neuroprotective agents against AD.
Aggression, Suicide, and Self-Harm in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Chhabria Anjali , Khar Prerna
Published: August 2023

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents in the age group of 15 to 19 years. As per the National Crime Record Bureau, India loses 1 student to suicide every hour. The COVID pandemic saw an alarming rise in the number of children/adolescents attempting suicide. The state of Kerala lost 173 children in the age group of 10 to 18 years, during the first wave of the pandemic (March-October 2020). This review article has been written with the aim of exploring causes of aggression, suicide, and self-harm in children and adolescents. It also strives to bring forth the various interventions which can be taken in order to reduce the rate of suicide and self-harm in children and adolescents.
BRICS Economies: Assessing the Influence of Economic Policy Uncertainty and Fiscal Consolidation on Government Debt and Economic Growth
Authors: Buthelezi Eugene Msizi
Published: August 2023

This article investigates the impact of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and fiscal consolidation on government debt share to GDP and GDP in BRICS countries. Using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model from 2009 to 2022. The article gives insights into the relationship between EPU, fiscal consolidation and government debt share to GDP with the GDP in the BRICS countries, then advance economies which are mostly undertaken in literature. The findings of the article are that EPU has an insignificant impact on government debt share to GDP in the short and long run. However, fiscal consolidation has a significant impact on reducing government debt share to GDP in the long run. In terms of GDP, EPU has a significant negative impact in the long run but not in the short run. Fiscal consolidation has a significant positive impact on GDP in the short run. Fiscal consolidation is recommended as a growth policy that does not reduce government debt share to GDP.
Reference intervals for trace mineral and heavy metal concentrations in horse livers in the Netherlands
Authors: van der Merwe Deon , van den Wollenberg Linda , van Hees-Valkenborg Jolien , de Haan Tara , van der Drift Saskia
Published: August 2023

We determined reference intervals (RIs) for concentrations of trace minerals and toxic elements based on liver samples from 122 apparently healthy horses at 2 slaughter facilities in the Netherlands. Samples were collected during the spring and fall of 2021, and the sex and age of the horses were registered upon sampling. Concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, vanadium, and zinc were measured in liver samples using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after nitric acid digestion. RIs were calculated using Reference Value Advisor software. The concentrations of most elements were not significantly different between sexes or in different seasons. Cadmium concentrations were higher than the European maximum residue limit of 2 mg/kg DW in 89% of livers. Positive significant correlations were observed between some elements (iron, molybdenum, lead, vanadium), and significant negative correlations between others (manganese, iron).
Change in U.S. Hospice Quality Measure Scores During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Correlation With Exposure to State Policies for Protection of Older Adults
Authors: Baker Rogers Janna , Cagle John
Published: August 2023

Background

To limit spread of COVID-19, many U.S. states adopted policies affecting access to older adults, including those in hospice. This study aimed to assess differences in hospice quality measures from before COVID-19 to during the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate for any correlation with these state policies.

Methods

Scores (treatment preferences, believes/values, pain screening and assessment, dyspnea screening and treatment, bowel regimen, and a composite score) and Denominators (population being measured) for CMS’s Hospice Item Set were compared using a paired t-test between a pre-pandemic period (01/2019-12/2019) and a period early in the pandemic in the U.S (7/2020-6/2021). Correlations between HIS composite scores from 9 months (7/2020-3/2021) and exposure to state policies for older adult protection, and covariates, were assessed by linear regression.

Results

Data were collected on 3535 hospices. Seven of 8 HIS scores increased during the pandemic period. The remaining score was unchanged. All Denominators decreased. There was negative correlation between composite score (7/2020-3/2021) and exposure to state policies for protecting older adults. There were positive correlations with hospice age, for-profit status, 2019 average daily census, and 2019 composite score.

Conclusion

Most HIS scores increased during this COVID-19 pandemic period; there was a small, significant negative correlation between the composite quality score and exposure to state policies for older adult protection. Further research is needed to better understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospice care in the U.S. and globally, and future additions in quality reporting may facilitate real-time assessment during future public health emergencies.
Symptom Clusters in Adults with Post-COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Larson Janet L. , Zhou Weijiao , Veliz Philip T. , Smith Sheree
Published: August 2023

More than 100 symptoms have been reported for post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and this study aimed to organize self-reported symptoms by identifying symptom clusters. We used a cross-sectional survey with a convenience sample of 491 adults who reported experiencing prolonged symptoms of COVID. A list of 25 symptoms of post-COVID-19 was used to measure the symptoms, and exploratory factor analysis was undertaken to identify symptom clusters for people with symptoms lasting 5 to 8 weeks and 9 weeks or longer. Six symptom clusters were identified for each of the two groups, and five clusters were similar across both groups: respiratory, general viral, smell/taste, cognitive cardiac, and mental health. The >9-week group reported symptoms primarily from two factors: respiratory-muscular and mental health. Post-COVID-19 symptom clusters differ across timeframes. Symptom clusters were useful in establishing coherent patterns of multiple complex symptoms.
Who Do They Think We Are? Reflexivity and Participant Constructions of the Researcher
Authors: Rostron Ali
Published: August 2023

This article addresses an underexplored issue within management and organizational studies researcher reflexivity, namely how participants perceive and construct the researcher. However, reflexivity which includes how our participants see us is necessary for a more complete understanding of the research process and ourselves as researchers, and for how participants choose to talk about themselves and their practice. I therefore present a novel method for reanalyzing research data to construct a version of myself-as-researcher from the talk and responses to me of my manager participants, addressing the question: “to whom were my participants speaking?” which identifies multiple constructions of the researcher as auditor, consultant, and therapist. I extend the literature on the researcher–participant relationship by highlighting the role of emotion and uncertainty of managers in making sense of the research occasion, and I add to the suite of tools available to researchers to review and reflect on their research practice.
A composite acoustic black hole for ultra-low-frequency and ultra-broad-band sound wave control
Authors: Liang Xiao , Liang Haofeng , Chu Jiaming , Yang Zhen , Zhou Zhuo , Gao Nansha , Zhang Siwen , Zhou Guojian , Hu Congfang
Published: August 2023

Achieving ultra-low and ultra-broad-band sound absorption and full-band sound insulation is a major challenge. Here, we propose a composite structure of a multilayer micro-perforated plate and acoustic black holes to achieve this purpose. Combining the stable sound absorption effect of the multilayer micro-perforated plate in the full frequency band and the sound insulation effect of the acoustic black hole in the low frequency and the excellent sound absorption effect in the high frequency, the excellent sound control effect of 600–3150 Hz absorption coefficient greater than 0.8 and 100–3150 Hz sound transmission loss greater than 50 dB is achieved. The acoustic properties of different components and different acoustic black hole outlet were evaluated by finite element method, and the principles of sound absorption and insulation of the composite structure were elaborated. Finally, the results of finite element method are verified by impedance tube experiments. This work can make further progress in elucidating the acoustic properties of the ABH and open up new avenues in the control of ultra-low and ultra-wide frequency acoustic waves.
Rasburicase dose optimization for tumor lysis syndrome management in a network of community oncology practices
Authors: Gilmore Steven , Carroll Melissa , Koselke Elizabeth , Hough Shannon
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Single, fixed-dose rasburicase administration has been evaluated as an effective strategy in the management of hyperuricemia in the hospital setting, but this has not yet been described within ambulatory community oncology practices. The objective of this study is to evaluate and optimize the dosing strategy for rasburicase in the management of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)-associated hyperuricemia in The US Oncology Network (The Network).

Methods

A network-wide guideline was revised to standardize rasburicase dosing from a previous recommended fixed doses of 4.5 or 7.5 mg to either 3 or 6 mg for outpatient rasburicase use in management and prevention of TLS. The primary outcome evaluated mean dose of rasburicase among all patients before and after guideline revision. A retrospective chart review evaluated secondary endpoints.

Results

The primary analysis included 291 patients (128 pre-revised and 163 post-revised guideline implementation). The primary outcome, mean rasburicase dose, was reduced in the post-revision compared to the pre-revision population (mean 6.2 mg pre vs. 4.5 mg post, p < 0.00001) resulting in a reduced cost per rasburicase dose of $974. Fifty patients were included for the secondary analysis. Guideline concordance was identified in 12 (48%) and 16 patients (64%), and uric acid <8 mg/dL post-rasburicase administration occurred in 14 (56%) and 16 patients (64%) before and after guideline revision, respectively.

Conclusions

Guideline revision and electronic health record modification resulted in a 27% reduction in the mean rasburicase dose and a 50% reduction in repeat rasburicase dosing without a negative impact on clinical efficacy.