bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning from the United States’ experience: Private equity and financing healthcare in Canada
Authors: Feldman Maryann , Kenney Martin
Published: August 2024

Private Equity (PE) investment in healthcare has grown substantially in recent years, raising alarm about its impact on patient care, healthcare professionals, and the overall integrity of the healthcare system. The influx of PE investments into healthcare has sparked debates regarding profit-driven motives, cost-cutting measures, and potential risks to patient safety and access to essential services. This article examines the extent and possible impacts of private equity in Canadian healthcare using data from a proprietary database. Drawing upon evidence from academic studies in the United States, this article provides evidence on the adverse impacts on the quality of care, the deterioration in working conditions, and degradation of the healthcare system. It provides suggestions to limit the predatory impacts of PE investment.
Innovating for impact: Standards and assessments as a catalyst for safer, integrated, people-centred care
Authors: Phillips Kaye , Thompson Leslee
Published: August 2024

In today’s evolving healthcare landscape, leaders must innovate and collaborate to ensure safe, accessible, and high-quality care. Addressing complex issues like climate change, workforce resiliency crises, and the erosion of public trust, alongside equity and inclusive services, is critical. This article offers insights into the role of quality standards and assessment programs as catalysts for innovation and future collective impact. Using examples from Health Standards Organization and Accreditation Canada, it illustrates how these levers of change enable leaders to improve patient and workforce safety, advance integrated care, and strengthen the health of communities. Embracing people-centred and evidence-informed solutions to enable new mindsets and ways of working lays the foundation for sustainable, resilient learning health systems.
Approaches to Cholecystitis: Surgical, Endoscopic, and Percutaneous Management
Authors: Cherng Nicole , Achebe Ikechukwu , Winkie Mason , Thomann Julie , Then Eric , Marya Neil B.
Published: August 2024

Acute cholecystitis (AC) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains the gold standard of treatment. Therapeutic endoscopy for management of AC continues to emerge as a favorable alternative to percutaneous gallbladder drainage in patients with prohibitive operative risk. Endoscopic management of AC includes transpapillary and transmural stenting. When patient-specific factors prevent both surgical and endoscopic treatment, percutaneous cholecystostomy tube (PCT) placement is an option. Early studies show PCT to have worse outcomes when compared against all other described treatment options for the management of AC.
Stroke Volume and Stroke Volume Variation, but not Cardiac Index Is Associated With Survival of Majorly Burned Patients in Early Burn Shock
Authors: Kruse Marianne , Plettig Philip , Josuttis David , Guembel Denis , Guethoff Claas , Hartmann Bernd , Kuepper Simon , Gebhardt Volker , Schmittner Marc Dominik
Published: August 2024

Adequate fluid therapy is crucial to maintain organ function after burn trauma. Major burns lead to a systemic response with fluid loss and cardiac dysfunction. To guide fluid therapy, measurement of cardiac pre- and afterload is helpful. Whereas cardiac function is usually measured after admission to intensive care unit (ICU), in this study, hemodynamic monitoring was performed directly after arrival at hospital. We conducted a prospective cohort study with inclusion of 19 patients (male/female 13/6, 55 ± 18 years, mean total body surface area 36 ± 19%). Arterial waveform analysis (PulsioFlexProAqt®, Getinge) was implemented immediately after admission to hospital to measure cardiac pre- and afterload and to guide resuscitation therapy. Cardiac parameters 3.75 (2.67-6.0) h after trauma were normal regarding cardiac index (3.45 ± 0.82) L/min/m², systemic vascular resistance index (1749 ± 533) dyn sec/cm5 m2, and stroke volume (SV; 80 ± 20) mL. Stroke volume variation (SVV) was increased (21 ± 7) % and associated with mortality (mean SVV survivors vs nonsurvivors 18.92 (±6.37) % vs 27.6 (±5.68) %, P = .017). Stroke volume was associated with mortality at the time of ICU-admission (mean SV survivors vs nonsurvivors 90 (±20) mL vs 50 (±0) mL, P = .004). Changes after volume challenge were significant for SVV (24 ± 9 vs19 ± 8%, P = .01) and SV (68 ± 24 vs 76 ± 26 mL, P = .03). We described association of SVV and SV with survival of severely burned patients in an observational study. This indicates high valence of those parameters in the early postburn period. The use of an autocalibrated device enables a very early monitoring of parameters relevant to burn shock survival.
Kinetics of Renin Concentrations in Infants Undergoing Congenital Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Kim Michael E. , Gist Katja M. , Brandewie Katie , Zang Huaiyu , Lehenbauer David , Winlaw David S. , Morales David L.S. , Alten Jeffrey A. , Goldstein Stuart L. , Cooper David S.
Published: August 2024

Background

Elevated renin has been shown to predict poor response to standard vasoactive therapies and is associated with poor outcomes in adults. Similarly, elevated renin was associated with mortality in children with septic shock. Renin concentration profiles after pediatric cardiac surgery are unknown. The purpose of this study was to characterize renin kinetics after pediatric cardiac surgery.

Methods

Single-center retrospective study of infants who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) utilizing serum samples obtained in the perioperative period to measure plasma renin concentrations (pg/mL). Time points included pre-bypass and 1, 4, and 24 h after initiation of CPB.

Results

Fifty patients (65% male) with a median age 5 months (interquartile range (IQR) 3.5, 6.5) were included. Renin concentrations peaked 4 h after CPB. There was a significant difference in preoperative and 4 h post-CPB renin concentration (4 h post-CPB vs preoperative: mean difference 100.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 48.9-152.4, P < .001). Median renin concentration at 24 h after CPB was lower than the preoperative baseline.

Conclusions

We describe renin kinetics in infants after CPB. Future studies based on these data can now be performed to evaluate the associations of elevated renin concentrations with adverse outcomes.
A Paradigm Shift: Implications for Social Worker Provision of LGBTQI+ Information and Support in Human Milk Feeding
Authors: Angeletti Michelle A. , Angeletti Victoria A.
Published: August 2024

Human milk feeding has generally been described using a heteronormative and cisnormative paradigm focusing on a mother and child dyad with the child nursing at the mother's breast and the father in a supportive role. However, there has been a paradigm shift that has emerged from the LGBTQI+ community that recognizes dynamic gender identities, gender roles, sexual orientations, and diverse family structures. Social workers can best provide support to people with dynamic and diverse gender roles and a variety of family structures. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of social work best practices, including de-sexed and gender-inclusive language, gender-affirming, and trauma-informed care in supporting lactation and infant feeding for LGBTQI+ families. This paper acknowledges and describes terminology that promotes equity and inclusivity in human milk feeding and provides examples of information and anticipatory guidance that social workers can use to protect, promote, and support human milk feeding in the LGBTQI+ community.
“You Need to be Able to Stand Up for What is Right”: MTV Shuga Naija’s Transformative Impact on Youth Attitudes Toward Sexual Violence in Nigeria
Authors: Hutchinson Paul , Beaudoin Christopher E. , Meekers Dominique , Omoluabi Elizabeth , Akinyemi Akanni
Published: August 2024

In Nigeria, approximately 10% of women of reproductive age report experiencing sexual violence in the past year, with potentially enduring health and social consequences. The effects can be especially severe for younger women and adolescents. MTV Shuga Naija utilizes an entertainment-education TV serial drama to promote gender equality and challenge norms around sexual violence. Using a two-wave panel survey of Nigerian youth (574 females; 317 males) aged 15 to 24 years, this study explores the impact of MTV Shuga Naija on disclosing experiences of sexual violence, reducing stigma, and fostering dialogue. Baseline data were collected in person, while endline data were collected by telephone due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey, informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), examined shifts in self-reported sexual harassment and attitudes toward victims of sexual violence. A doubly robust, difference-in-differences (DID) analysis compares changes in outcomes in treatment versus comparison areas, adjusting for observed and unobserved differences and using inverse probability weighting to enhance the precision of impact estimates. DID models show significant attitude shifts and increased disclosure of sexual violence among youth exposed to MTV Shuga Naija. Agreement with victim-blaming statements dropped significantly for both men and women in treatment versus comparison areas. However, contrary to hypotheses, respondents in comparison areas were more likely to discuss sexual violence with family, although the context and content of these discussions could not be examined. This study therefore confirms that MTV Shuga Naija’s entertainment-education effectively improves attitudes and behaviors concerning sexual violence. Even so, victim-blaming norms and experiences of sexual violence remain prevalent. While the program has made progress in addressing this sensitive issue in Nigeria, further research is needed to improve family and community dialogues and to enhance support for victims.
Agentic leaders: School principals as street-level managers
Authors: Davidovitz Maayan , Schechter Chen
Published: August 2024

School leaders fall into Michael Lipsky's category of street-level bureaucrats, meaning those who implement public policy on the frontlines and have significant discretion in how they do so. However, we know very little about how school principals exercise their discretion in implementing educational policy. Exploring school leaders from a street-level perspective can help both researchers and practitioners gain a better understanding of the political and institutional context in which they operate. Doing so should also provide insights into how they use their discretion to bridge the gap between the policy-as-designed and the policy-as-implemented on the frontlines. By providing empirical examples, we show how the decisions that school principals make based on their discretion have direct and indirect effects on shaping policy outcomes. This understanding, in turn, provides a framework with which to analyze the relationships between the staff, students and parents, thus improving our understanding of educational policy outcomes.
Enhancing the mechanical and electrical properties of irradiated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/magnetite nanocomposites for electromagnetic shielding applications
Authors: Mounir Rania , El Zayat MM , Sharaf A , El-Gamal AA
Published: August 2024

By using a traditional roll mill, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR)/magnetite nanocomposites for electromagnetic interference shielding applications were successfully prepared. The synthesized magnetite nanoparticles were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. The results from these techniques emphasis the preparation of Fe3O4 with a diameter range between 3.8 nm and 19 nm. Before and after gamma irradiation at different doses the impact of adding different contents of magnetite nanoparticles in NBR was carefully examined through mechanical and electrical measurements for all samples at room temperature. The mechanical parameters and the electrical properties of NBR were enhanced after adding Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI) for all fabricated nanocomposites before and after gamma-ray irradiation under the same conditions of pressure, humidity and temperature was performed as a promising application for these materials in practical life. The electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE) of the prepared samples was measured in the X-band of the radio frequency range. There are three global maxima around 9.4 GHz, 10.4 GHz, and 11.4 GHz. Subsequent reinforcement of Fe3O4 nanoparticles into NBR produced higher shielding effectiveness for radio frequency signals. Furthermore, applied gamma radiation doses improved the shielding properties of the fabricated nanocomposites.
From Being to Doing: Exploring the Situated Discourses and Performances of Work Engagement
Authors: Linehan Carol , O'Brien Elaine
Published: August 2024

What does work engagement mean to employees in contemporary work environments designed to be fun, highly engaging and productive? Engagement studies tend to focus on ‘being engaged’ rather than ‘doing engagement’ with little consideration given to organisational processes which influence employee agency in engagement. This study aims to contextualise the concept of engagement as a situated performance that involves navigating organisational discourses and expectations. Through in-depth interviews, we explore what engagement means to workers, and what performances are required in a contemporary technology company. Our analysis uncovers how ‘engagement’ functions as a discourse to normalise particular behaviours, moving the theoretical focus from the state-based focus on ‘being’ engaged to ‘doing’ engagement. We elucidate the discursive forces dictating what engagement means and the kinds of work/worker that hold value, providing an alternative to the current individualistic framing of engagement, illuminating a missing element in discussions on engagement - the performative element.
Feminicide: Unravelling the State’s Data Infrastructures
Authors: Mobayed Vega Saide
Published: August 2024

In this paper, I unravel the socio-materiality of the Mexican State’s data infrastructures measuring feminicide. Based on 14 semi-structured in-depth interviews with experts and dozens of content analyses of secondary sources, I argue that feminicide data are better understood as iteratively multiple rather than singularly factual. That is, the seeming singularity of a woman’s dead body shifts into many as her case is classified differently along the choreographed interactions between people, tools, protocols and techniques enacting feminicide as data. I propose the concept of ‘permeability device’ to showcase how power unevenly accrues through the different methods and mediums by which information is documented and transferred across data infrastructures. By opening feminicide data in their everyday multiplicity, I demonstrate how the unequal distribution of power becomes evident in the lack of gender perspective in crime investigations aggravated by public patriarchy, the challenges of processing information incited by the scarcity of resources resulting in data debris and the affective resonance experienced by public servants exposed to gruesome content. In the discussion, I point to precarity as a condition that cuts through the State’s infrastructures enacting feminicide as data.
Environmentally friendly fire retardant natural fibre composites: A review
Authors: Jefferson Andrew J , Sain Mohini , Ramakrishna Seeram , Jawaid M , Dhakal Hom N
Published: August 2024

There is a growing drive in replacing conventional non-renewable fibres such as glass and carbon reinforced composites with more sustainable and renewable reinforcements such as flax, hemp, jute in biobased composites in key industry sectors such as automotive, marine, building and construction motivated by lower carbon footprint and sustainability. Despite this drive, flammability characteristics of these sustainable biobased composites are not fully understood. Through an up-to-date review, this article meticulously discusses the theme of bio-based and eco-friendly flame retardants (FRs), delving into their intricate mechanisms, flammability testing methodologies, and emerging research trends. It underscores the pivotal necessity of developing tailor-made eco-friendly FRs customised for a diverse range of materials to bolster fire safety in sustainable material applications. Furthermore, it illuminates the limitations associated with prevalent methods for assessing flammability and advocates for advancements in dynamic testing and multi-scale analyses to more accurately simulate real-world fire scenarios. This review also highlights the key characteristics of natural plant fibres and their composites critical for the development of sustainable and fire safe materials for key applications areas. Additionally, it highlights the diverse spectrum of strategies employed in the realm of flame-retardant materials research, emphasizing a pronounced shift towards eco-friendly alternatives, innovative coatings, and the ongoing exploration of synthetic biopolymers, nanocomposites, and fibres in the pursuit of heightened fire safety. Amidst the inherent challenges, this comprehensive review unequivocally underscores the pivotal role of interdisciplinary research collaboration in driving forward fire safety within the domain of sustainable materials.
Prioritization of lean manufacturing strategy for eliminating non-value adding activities through analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Kumar Duraisamy Ramesh , Devadasan Samuel Rajkumar , Elangovan Dharmalingam
Published: August 2024

During the past three decades, implementation of lean manufacturing in organizations has been subjected to wide researches. The outcomes of these researches have revealed that the results of implementing lean manufacturing have not been impressive when non-value adding activities (NVAAs) exist in organizations. On making this interpretation, the research reported in this paper was carried out to determine a prioritized lean manufacturing strategy for eliminating NVAAs in organizations. After surveying the literature, 51 NVAAs spotted in earlier researches were identified. Then, an expert possessing ample theoretical and practical knowledge on implementing lean manufacturing was chosen. Subsequently, the Multi-Criteria Decision Making(MCDM) technique called “Analytic Hierarchy Process” (AHP) was applied. The relationship between NVAAs and lean manufacturing strategies were assessed by interviewing the expert. The final weights of five lean manufacturing strategies toward eliminating NVAAs were determined. Finally, poka-yoke was found to be having highest final weight toward eliminating NVAAs in organizations. In other words, the outcome of this research has suggested to prioritize the implementation of poka-yoke to eliminate NVAAs. The paper is concluded by suggesting to expand the research by gathering data from many experts and considering many lean manufacturing strategies to eliminate NVAAs in organizations.
Influencing the optimum AWJM key factors on drilling quality of biochar-interlaced glass fibre-reinforced epoxy composites: Multi-response optimisation approach
Authors: Saravanan KG , Gokulraj S , Rajesh M , Ram Prakash S
Published: August 2024

In recent years, the inclusion of biochar fillers in the polymer matrix has been used to enhance the mechanical, dielectric and dynamic properties of the composite. High-performance structural components are often made using polymer composites. This work focuses on the development of glass fibre interleaved almond biochar filler (ABC-5, 10 and 15%) reinforced polymer composites through a hand layup process. The machinability of the composite was then investigated in abrasive water jet machining by considering the biochar filler quantity, water pressure (WP), traverse speed (TS) and standoff distance (SOD). The kerf angle (KA) and surface roughness (SR) were used to assess the machining performance. The addition of a biochar filler in the composite increases the SR and KA quality. The machining performance of the biochar-filled composite is better when there is an increase in water pressure and a decrease in SOD and TS. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) reveals that the ABC% significantly influence the SR and KA trialed by JP. The combination of WP 200 MPa with ABC10% composite laminate results in decreased values of KA (1.09o) and SR (2.754 µm). The ideal parameters for achieving lower SR and KA are TS of 20 mm/min, 3 mm of SOD, 200 bar of WP and 10% biochar composite in combination. Moreover, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images ensure the smoothness of the surface texture at high water pressure (WP) with 10% almond biochar composite laminate, cutting and finishing are smooth. The biochar fillers reinforced in hybrid composites exhibited good surface quality, free of pullouts and fibre delamination.
Impact of disaggregated level clean electricity on CO2 emissions: Evidence from EU-5 countries by bivariate and multivariate QQ approaches
Authors: Kartal Mustafa Tevfik , Pata Ugur Korkut , Taşkın Dilvin , Mukhtarov Shahriyar
Published: August 2024

Considering the energy crisis in Europe and searching for alternatives, this study investigates the impact of clean electricity generation (EG) types on the environment. So, the study focuses on EU-5 countries (Germany-DEU, Spain-ESP, France-FRA, United Kingdom-GBR, and Italy-ITA), uses CO2 emissions as environmental indicator, and considers clean EG types as explanatory variables by controlling geopolitical risk. Accordingly, the study uses data from 2nd January 2019 to 29th February 2024 and applies bivariate and multivariate quantile-on-quantile regression (BQQ & MQQ) and Granger causality-in-quantiles (GCQ) as the fundamental approaches, while quantile regression (QR) is performed for the consistency check. The outcomes reveal that (i) hydro EG increases CO2 emissions across countries excluding DEU at lower and middle quantiles; (ii) solar EG curbs CO2 emissions at middle quantiles in DEU, higher quantiles in ESP and FRA, and middle and higher quantiles in ITA; (iii) wind EG has an almost decreasing impact across quantiles excluding higher quantiles in DEU and FRA; (iv) clean EG types are almost causally impactful on CO2 emissions across quantiles; (v) geopolitical risk decreases the power of the impact of clean EG alternatives on CO2 emissions, but does not change them in a reverse way. To sum up, the impact of clean EG types on CO2 emissions in EU-5 countries varies across EG types, quantiles, and countries. Thus, the study suggests that wind EG is highly beneficial for all EU-5 countries, while there is also room for growth to benefit from hydro and solar EG for some countries.
Hopper-air distribution impact on the low-NOx combustion and hopper environment in a 600 MWe staged arch-firing furnace
Authors: Cheng Shuting , Kuang Min , Chen Jiaqi , Zhang Qihao , Xie Wenhao
Published: August 2024

In today's call for environmental protection and sustainable development, it is urgent to solve the environmental pollution problems caused by industrial coal-fired boilers. Aiming at the ultra-low NO x combustion against with poor burnout and hopper overheating of a 600 MWe arch-firing furnace, this article developed the allocation scheme of hopper air (HA) as the third air-staging layer under a staged arch-firing framework (SAF). Investigations were devoted to the staged HA distribution between the upper and lower HA jets (called the UHA and LHA, respectively). The flow field, coal combustion, NO x emissions, and hopper environment were compared comprehensively at five HA distribution setups of UHA:LHA = 4:6, 5:5, 6:4, 7:3, and 8:2. With increasing moderately UHA to raise the distribution ratio, the comprehensive benefits of the staged HA were obvious. That is, the UHA's function in promoting char combustion was strengthened and again, the roles of LHA to hold up the downward flame and protect hopper were guaranteed. The reductive atmosphere in the reburning zone was maintained at an optimal status added by the staged HA. While these positive improvements were reversed as raising excessively the distribution ratio. Trends of final performance indexes showed that with raising the distribution ratio, residual O2 and CO emission decreased in the whole, while both burnout loss in fly ash and NO output first descended and then ascended. Among the five setups, UHA:LHA = 6:4 gained the best low-NO x combustion merits with NO x output of 582 mg/m3 (O2 = 6%) and unburnt matter in fly ash of 4.97%. Compared with its previous deep-air-staging low-NO x furnace, the SAF incorporating with this optimal staged hopper-air distribution dropped further NO x emissions by 36%, improved combustion, and raised burnout, thereby achieving the simultaneous NO x reduction and burnout improvement. Again, the hopper environment was improved to be moderate-oxygen and low-temperature, alleviating the previous overheating problem to ensure the furnace's safe operations.
Nonsingular robust geometric attitude control based on fictitious tracking state
Authors: Zhang Hanbing , Yin Zeyang , Wei Caisheng
Published: August 2024

The attitude tracking control problem of rigid spacecraft is addressed in this work with external disturbances, parameter uncertainties, and input saturation. A novel nonsingular robust geometric control method is presented, which leverages the advantages of the exact linearization method, active disturbances rejection control (ADRC), and a novel fictitious tracking state technique. Firstly, the global exact linearization of the system is achieved with the aid of the exact linearization method so that the complicated nonlinear system is simplified as a linearized form. Then, ADRC is combined with the linearized system to guarantee its tracking performance and robustness against uncertainties. Furthermore, a serious singularity problem existing in the linearization procedure is pointed out and analyzed, and the novel fictitious tracking state technique is first proposed to avoid the singularity problem and satisfy the input saturation constraint. Finally, some numerical simulations are organized to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Changing labour migration flows after Brexit: An analysis of UK survey and administrative data
Authors: Cusimano Alessandro , Donegani Chiara Paola , McKay Stephen
Published: August 2024

Following ‘Brexit’, the UK leaving the EU, we analyse the effects of changes in the legal framework on EU residents and compare them with UK citizens, employing a difference-in-differences framework. The research focuses on several dependent variables, including labour supply and wages, self-employment rates, and changes in industry, using the Annual Population Survey (APS) data 2012−2022 in the UK (itself based on the Labour Force Survey (LFS)), National Insurance Number registrations, and visas issued. The evidence from our analysis on EU post-Brexit migration towards the UK, together with the observed overall increase in rates of (non-EU) net migration, shows rebalancing between EU and non-EU groups. Effects are strongest at the lower-skilled end of the labour market. However, wages for UK natives and EU migrants did not change with respect to each other, controlling for occupation, industry, and other factors.
Comparison of clinical and serological features in thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome patients, with and without associated systemic lupus erythematosus, followed for up to 42 years: A single centre retrospective study
Authors: Mittal Prabal , Pacheco Marina , Trives-Folguera Laura , Rua Joana , Tohidi-Esfahani Ibrahim , Cohen Hannah , Efthymiou Maria , Isenberg David
Published: August 2024

Objective

To assess the impact of concomitant systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on the clinicopathological manifestations of thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

Methods

This single-centre, retrospective study compared clinical and antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) data from 118 patients, 58 with SLE-associated APS (SLE-APS), and 60 with primary APS.

Results

Median follow-up was 13.9 (IQR 7.7–19.3) and 8.6 years (3.5–10.6) for the SLE-APS cohort and PAPS cohort, respectively. Age at diagnosis of APS was lower in the SLE-APS cohort (mean 35.9 vs PAPS: 46.7 years; p < 0.05). Distribution of aPL subtypes was similar across cohorts. 198 thrombotic events were identified overall (index plus recurrent), with venous thromboembolism (VTE) and arterial thrombosis each occurring in just over half of patients in both cohorts. Microvascular thrombosis (12.1% vs 0%), and a mixed (any combination of venous, arterial and microvascular) thrombotic phenotype (19.0% vs 6.7%, p = 0.05) were more prevalent in SLE-APS patients. Recurrent thrombosis incidence rates (∼0.5 events/10-patient years), and Kaplan-Meier recurrence-free survival after index thrombosis, were similar. In the PAPS cohort, only: (i) triple-aPL-positivity was associated with a significantly higher recurrent thrombosis event rate (incidence rate ratio 2.22, p = 0.03) and lower recurrence-free survival after first thrombosis (log-rank test p = 0.01); (ii) lupus anticoagulant (LA)-positivity was associated with higher prevalance of arterial thrombosis (RR 2.69, p = 0.01), and lower prevlance of VTE (RR 0.48, p < 0.001), versus LA-negativity.

Conclusion

Concomitant SLE does not appear to modify long-term recurrent thrombosis risk, or aPL phenotypes, in patients with APS. Triple-aPL-positivity and LA-positive status may have less influence on thrombotic outcomes in patients with SLE-APS compared to PAPS.
Spatial Governance of the Unhoused: On Social Death in the Contemporary City
Authors: Lundberg Kajsa , Popovski Hristijan , Young Alison
Published: August 2024

In this article, we examine tactics in municipal policy and the criminal law regarding socio-spatial governance of unhoused individuals in city spaces. We explore the intentions and effects of tactics such as sweeps, which remove or destroy unhoused people's possessions, move on orders targeting the mobility and immobility of unhoused people and spatial banning which prohibits the presence of unhoused people in particular locations. We argue here that such tactics respond to houselessness by associating the presence of unhoused individuals with that of waste. Examination of legal and municipal tactics managing the presence of unhoused people in public space shows they are being discursively aligned with waste matter, and their presence in city spaces strictly regulated. Such spatial exclusion strategies result in a kind of social death. The article argues tactics of spatial exclusion should be abandoned by recognising the right of unhoused individuals to be in public places.
A Network Analysis of the Relationship Between Automation and Job Characteristics
Authors: Lee Eunsoo , Kim Hyojin , Hong Sehee
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study is to identify core occupational characteristics that affect the potential for a job to be automated and to reveal the relationship and paths between those characteristics, such as skill(s), work environment and knowledge. In this study, a network was estimated and visualised to identify the relationship between occupational characteristics using the Gaussian graphical model method and to reveal the occupational characteristics linked to the potential for automation variable. As a result of estimating and visualising the network, it was found that the occupational characteristics with low potential for automation were art, decision-making, assisting and caring for others and working in cramped spaces, while those with high potential for automation involved repeating the same tasks. Furthermore, after analysing the shortest paths from each occupational characteristic node to the automation node, it was revealed that even occupational characteristics with high potential for automation can have varying levels of automation possibility depending on the mediators. Based on the results, education and vocational training policies for low- and middle-skill workers, young workers and potential workers are suggested.
Exploring Health Workers’ Perspectives on Referral System Challenges in Nigeria
Authors: Ogueji Ifeanyichukwu Anthony , Ogunsola Olabanjo Okunlola , Abdalla Nuha Mohamed , Helmy Mai
Published: August 2024

Referral, the transfer of care for a patient from one health worker or facility to another by request, is imperative for patients to access different tiers of care. The Nigerian referral system is faced with challenges, but there is limited understanding of the challenges. Addressing this gap may help the Nigerian government, health service managers and other stakeholders to plan appropriate actions for improving the referral system. Health workers are key actors in the referral system who can offer in-depth information on the challenges in the referral system. A wide range of 46 Nigerian health workers participated in this online qualitative survey. Participants were selected from social media using purposive sampling between February and April 2023. Responding to five open-ended questions, participants described challenges in the referral system and highlighted solutions. Thematic analysis was performed on the data. Findings reveal that health workers face infrastructure challenges. These include a lack of ambulances, long distances between health facilities that make and receive referrals, and the limited physical space to accommodate patients in health facilities receiving referrals. Health workers face challenges of a communication gap between health facilities that make and receive referrals, as well as a lack of specialist care. In addition, health workers face challenges of two patient-related factors. The first is patients’ lack of funds to access health services in health facilities receiving referrals, which is linked to increased morbidity and mortality that places work pressure on health workers. The second is the challenge of convincing patients of the reasons for referrals, which is a result of patients’ false beliefs about referrals. Health workers also describe the challenges patients face in the referral system. According to health workers, patients face the challenge of long waiting times in health facilities receiving referrals. Just as health workers, patients face infrastructure challenges. These include a lack of ambulances and a lack of bed spaces to accommodate patients and caregivers in health facilities receiving referrals. Health workers report that patients also face challenges of lack of funds to access specialist care, anxiety about referrals and poor directions on how to navigate the health facilities receiving referrals. To address the challenges, health workers recommend infrastructure improvements. These include the availability of ambulances and spacious health facilities. Finally, health workers recommend improved communication between health facilities that make and receive referrals, employment of more medical specialists, health insurance and health education. The study provides comprehensive information on actions to take to strengthen the referral system in Nigeria.
Visual Entrainment Improving Working Memory of Children With and Without ADHD/ASD: Preliminary Observations
Authors: Basu Sandhya , Phogat Richa , Banerjee Bidisha , Parmananda Punit
Published: August 2024

Background:

Children, especially those with neurodevelopmental disorders, often experience challenges in memory functioning. This literature directs to the imperative implications of working memory (WM), especially in academics.

Objective:

Given the distinct nature of WM in children and those with neurodevelopmental disorders, our study explored the role of alpha and beta visual entrainment on their WM performances.

Methods:

NCPs ( n = 19) and CPs with ADHD and comorbid conditions of autism ( n = 15) participated in our study. We adopted a repeated measure intervention-based design along with alpha-and-beta visual entrainment. Pretest, posttest, and follow-up data were collected using digit span tests. Electroencephalography (EEG) was further recorded during the entrainment phase. We administered statistical and coherence factor analysis to derive our results.

Results:

We observed that experimental participants performed better following the visual entrainment sessions. We further observed that alpha entrainment affected the digit span scores among clinical participants, whereas beta entrainment affected the performance of the nonclinical group. The entrainment effects additionally varied depending on the participant’s clinical symptoms. However, we found negligible long-term entrainment effects on their WM.

Conclusion:

Our observations explore the probability of individual effects of alpha and beta entrainment sessions on children’s WM performances and open an avenue for further research in the clinical domain. The study suggests translating brainwave entrainment into an intervention to promote cognition among children, especially those with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Doubling Farmers’ Incomes in India by 2022: A Farmers’ Perspective
Authors: Singh Sukhwinder , Venkateshmurthy Nikhil Srinivasapura , Prabhakaran D. , Mohan Sailesh
Published: August 2024

In 2016–2017, Indian government set a policy target of doubling farmers’ incomes by 2022. This article investigates farmers’ perspectives on this contentious policy. Results suggest that only 18% of farmers were aware of this policy. Most farmers blamed the government’s support, high cost of cultivation and low MSP for their inability to increase their farm profitability. While synthesizing farmers’ perspectives, past trends, and the debate among agricultural scientists and policy analysts, this policy could not help farmers in doubling their incomes by 2022. However, it could have been possible if the governments had initiated some targeted programmes to provide them with farm inputs at lower prices and bought their crops at a higher MSP.
Biomechanical and histological evaluation of aspirin in rotator cuff tear rat model
Authors: Chung Seok Won , Chung Seung Ho , Kim Dong-Hyun , Lee Hyun Joo , Park Eugene J , Shim Bum-Jin , Cho Chul-Hyun , Yoon Jong Pil
Published: August 2024

Background: Aspirin is a representative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) and has been commonly used for the treatment of tendinopathy in clinical practice. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the biomechanical and histological healing effects of aspirin on the healing of the tendon-to-bone interface after rotator cuff tear repair. Methods: A total of 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups of 10 rats each. Group-C performed repaironly, and group-aspirin treated with aspirin after tendon repair. Group-aspirin rat were intraperitoneally injected with aspirin at 10 mg/kg every 24 h for 7 days. Eight weeks after surgery, the left shoulder of each rat was used for histological analysis and the right shoulder for biomechanical analysis. Results: In the biomechanical analysis, there was no significant difference in load-to-failure (group-C: 0.61 ± 0.32 N, group-aspirin: 0.74 ± 0.91 N; p = .697) and ultimate stress (group-C: 0.05 ± 0.01 MPa, group-aspirin: 0.29 ± 0.43 MPa; p = .095). For the elongation (group-C: 222.62 ± 57.98%, group-aspirin: 194.75 ± 75.16%; p = .028), group-aspirin confirmed a lower elongation level than group-C. In the histological evaluation, the Bonar score confirmed significant differences in collagen fiber density (group-C: 1.60 ± 0.52, group-aspirin: 2.60 ± 0.52, p = .001) and vascularity (group-C: 1.00 ± 0.47, group-aspirin: 2.20 ± 0.63, p = .001) between the groups. Conclusions: Aspirin injection after rotator cuff tear repair may enhance the healing effect during the early remodeling phase of tendon healing.
Identity politics and comparative law
Authors: Siems Mathias
Published: August 2024

Identity politics refers to the notion that social and collective identities should be a fundamental focus of politics. Comparative law provides at least two points of connection to identity politics. First, rules in many countries address topics of identity politics, such as gender, race, religion and indigenous cultures. These rules can therefore be compared using the tools of comparative law; yet we still lack work that presents these topics in a cross-cutting and comparative manner. Second, identity politics can be seen as a challenge to comparative law. Notably this is the case for forms of exclusionary identity politics that apply an essentialist position of group identities and may argue against the ability to understand or transplant legal ideas and rules across identity groups. This paper suggests that comparative lawyers should push back against such trends and their negative impact on comparative law.
Comparative law's pyrrhic victory?
Authors: Husa Jaakko
Published: August 2024

In the article the author sketches the present state of comparative law, discusses the change and expansion in scholarship and concludes with a remark on what possibly is in store for the comparative study of law. The article depicts the present state of comparative law as ‘a jungle’ and then proceeds to explain why ‘one size fits all’ is not possible or desirable any more. Instead of building a unified discipline it is argued that it is more important that those who study law comparatively commit to using methods of investigation and analysis applicable to satisfying their intellectual curiosity. Instead of looking back at the past of the discipline seeking to build a unified field, it is more fruitful to adapt to the global pluralism of today.
Getting robots in ‘our own hands’: Structural drivers, spatial dynamics and multi-scalar industrial policy in China
Authors: Andreoni Antonio , Frattini Federico , Prodi Giorgio
Published: August 2024

Robots are a key digital production technology of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In 2020, China accounted for one third of all industrial robots in operation globally. The emerging literature has mainly focused on the effects of robotization, while evidence on its drivers and spatial diffusion remain limited. We address this gap by producing new evidence on the complex mix of structural and policy factors driving fast robotization across China and its regions. We identify three ‘structural drivers’ of robotization – demand pull, supply push and capability preconditions – and study the resulting spatial dynamics of technology adoption. We find significant heterogeneity in robots’ adoption across regions and sectors, in robots manufacturing and technological capabilities. Furthermore, we highlight the key role of a fourth ‘policy driver’ – industrial policy – and conduct an in-depth analysis of robotization policies at the national and province levels since 2016. We identify four main robotizing regional hubs in China – Guangdong, Yangtze-River-Delta, Beijing-Tianjin and Jilin-Liaoning. We finally analyse three emerging policy interfaces linking Made in China 2025 (within which China’s robotization policy is framed) and the Belt and Road Initiative – that is, opening markets, shaping industry and standards, and directing finance. With this new multi-scalar industrial policy configuration, China is further reshaping the domestic and international political economy of robotization, ultimately moving the country ahead in the digital technology race.
GenAI-Infused Adult Learning in the Digital Era: A Conceptual Framework for Higher Education
Authors: Adarkwah Michael Agyemang
Published: August 2024

Adult learners are a neglected species in the generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) era. The sweeping changes brought by GenAI in the educational arena have implications for adult learning. GenAI in education will usher in a world of adult learning that will be radically different from its predecessor. However, how adult learners will apply GenAI technologies to achieve their educational and professional goals remains blurred. To address this gap, it is crucial to examine essential principles for integrating GenAI into adult learning. For effective digital transformation of education, GenAI should optimize adult learning and ensure the safety of adult learners. This study proposes a “GenAI adult learning ecology” framework (GenAI-ALE) for higher education institutions in this digital era permeated by GenAI. The GenAI-ALE considers eight (8) essential principles categorized into two main themes; institutional factors (GenAI curriculum design, GenAI divide, GenAI policy, GenAI ethics) and interpersonal factors (GenAI human-centered andragogy, GenAI literacy, GenAI interest, and GenAI virtual learning). Malcolm Knowles’ andragogical model is used to provide a context for integrating GenAI into adult learning. Applying the framework in a real-world context follows four iterative systematic steps; pre-perception and perception, GenAI readiness, assessment, and outcome. Reimagining new forms of adult learning in the GenAI revolution calls for higher education institutions to develop education systems where there is a synergy between humans (adult learners) and GenAI.
Using Social Media Data to Understand Citizen Perceptions of Urban Planning in a City Simulation Game
Authors: Qiu Yujia , Lin Yanliu , He Junyao , Lu Hongmei
Published: August 2024

Background

City simulation games provide players a gaming experience by simulating different aspects of the real city. While there is an increasing scholarly interest in games for social learning and education, little research has been conducted to understand citizen perceptions and understanding of urban planning issues in city simulation games.

Aim

This study aims to understand the affective perception and cognitive learning of citizens regarding urban planning elements in the online communities of Cities: Skylines.

Research Methods

We develop a new methodological approach based on social media data analytics. Large datasets were scraped from Reddit, the most popular social media platform for video game players. The collected data were subjected to content analysis and sentiment analysis that identify different types of topics and emotions to understand citizens’ cognitive and affective perspectives.

Key Findings and Conclusion

The findings show that positive emotions were often about the game design, while negative emotions conveyed real-world planning problems such as transportation concerns. The cognitive dimension uncovered citizens’ urban recognition tied to personal experiences in various geographical contexts. This study has practical implications for game design for urban planning.