bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Corruption Distance Affects FDI Inflows in India?
Authors: Bewtra Poonam
Published: May 2023

As firms invest in foreign countries, they face additional costs of doing business in the form of liabilities of foreignness. The liabilities of foreignness are aggravated by the distance in the institutional environment of the home country in which the firms are embedded and the host country in which they invest. Within this context, the aim of this research paper is to examine if a specific form of institutional distance, that is, corruption distance, affects the quantum of inward foreign direct investment (FDI) in India, which is a large emerging market and an important receiver of global FDI flows. Using country-wise FDI inflows data from 2008 to 2020, the results of panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method reveal the presence of a long-run relationship between FDI inflows and corruption distance between India and the home country of the investor firm. The disequilibrium in the long-run relationship, if any, gets adjusted at the rate of 38.1% per year. The findings also suggest that an improvement in the control of corruption is expected to lead to greater FDI inflows in the country, thereby providing an important policy implication. To attract FDI and to fully realise its benefits which are essential for an emerging country like India, policymakers need to make concerted efforts to control the level of corruption.
Overnutrition and COVID Prevalence in India: Evidence and Implications
Authors: Dang Archana , Gupta Indrani
Published: May 2023

Overnutrition has emerged as a major public health issue in India. Being overweight or obese lowers immunity and has been linked to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which in turn is associated with vulnerability and severe illness due to COVID. This paper investigates the association of overnutrition indicators with COVID prevalence and case fatality rates in India. Analysis of data from the nationally representative dataset National Family Health Survey-5 and COVID data shows that overnutrition is significantly associated with NCDs and, therefore, overnutrition indicators are also utilised as a surrogate for NCDs. District-level analysis indicates strong and significant relationships between overnutrition and COVID prevalence and fatality rate. Results underscore the importance of addressing obesity in general for successful NCDs prevention strategies, targeting messages of COVID prevention among obese individuals as well as the development of additional vaccination strategies for COVID that take into account the link between COVID and obesity.
Mental Health, Loneliness, and Social Support Among Undergraduate Students: A Multinational Study in Asia
Authors: Backhaus Insa , Fitri Mustika , Esfahani Mahdi , Ngo Huyen Thi , Lin Li-jung , Yamanaka Akira , Alhumaid Majed M. , Qin Ling , Khan Azizuddin , Fadzullah Nur ’Ashikin , Khoo Selina
Published: May 2023

In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of poor mental health and its association with loneliness and social support among 3531 undergraduate students in nine Asian countries. Mental health was assessed using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire, which was developed by the World Health Organization. Across the entire sample, we detected that nearly half of the students reported poor mental health according to the Self-Reporting Questionnaire and nearly one out of seven students felt lonely. While feeling lonely increased the odds of experiencing poor mental health (odds ratio [OR]), moderate (OR: 0.35) and strong social support (OR: 0.18) decreases the odds of experiencing poor mental health. The high prevalence of poor mental health calls for further in-depth investigations and implementation of mental health support interventions.
Sensing inclusion among visually impaired and guide runners
Authors: Hiemstra Marit , Rana Jasmijn
Published: May 2023

People with visual impairments partake in recreational running with sighted guide runners. In the Netherlands, the Running Blind foundation enables blind and visually impaired runners and their guides to experience the social and physical benefits of outdoor recreation together. While sport policies and programs in the Netherlands call for more inclusive sport practices, it is often unclear what ‘inclusion’ means for the people involved. This article explores how a sense of inclusion is constituted, experienced and reflected on within guided running. Based on three months of immersive, sensory ethnographic fieldwork in guided running, we argue that merely integrating disabled sports practitioners into mainstream, that is, ableist sporting contexts does not increase inclusion for people with different abilities. Instead, guided running ensembles challenge ‘the language of inclusion’ by showing how a sense of inclusion evolves from an empathic engagement with the environment, the people and the tethered running bodies.
Assessing Psychosocial Health Impacts of Climate Adaptation: A Critical Review
Authors: Miller Mary E. , Nwosu Chijioke O. , Nyamwanza Admire M. , Jacobs Peter T.
Published: May 2023

The urgency of dealing with risks associated with climate change and the need for effective response measures to their impacts are increasing daily the world over. Literature abounds regarding the impacts of climate change on physical, psychosocial, and other health outcomes. In contrast, little research exists on the health impacts of response measures to climate change. This critical review seeks to contribute towards closing this gap through a synthesis of current literature on the psychosocial health outcomes of climate adaptation actions. Our results found both positive and negative outcomes associated with psychosocial health that may result from climate adaptation actions. We propose the utilization of well-developed conceptual frameworks and evaluation tools in assessment and analysis of these outcomes. Ultimately, there is need to expand similar and related areas of research more broadly and on psychosocial effects, specifically.
Mandibular Radiomorphometric Characteristics of Individuals with Bilateral or Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Ozturk Taner , Soylu Sertan , Coban Gokhan , Turker Gokhan
Published: May 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate and compare the mandibular radiomorphometric characteristics of patients with unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP) with those of individuals without CLP and to determine whether there was a difference.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Orthodontic Department in Faculty of Dentistry.

Patients and Interventions

Mandibular cortical bone thickness was measured on high-quality panoramic radiographs taken from 46 patients with unilateral or bilateral CLP aged 13–15 years and 21 control patients.

Main Outcome Measures

Three radiomorphometric indices [antegonial index (AI), mental index (MI), and panoramic mandibular index (PMI)] were measured bilaterally. AutoCAD software was used for MI, PMI, and AI measurements.

Results

Left MI values were significantly lower in individuals with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP; 0.029 ± 0.04) than in individuals with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP; 0.033 ± 0.07). In addition, right MI values of individuals with right UCLP (0.26 ± 0.06) were significantly lower than those of individuals with left UCLP (0.34 ± 0.06) or BCLP (0.32 ± 0.08). No difference was observed between individuals with BCLP and left UCLP. These values did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

Antegonial index and PMI values did not differ between individuals with different types of CLP or when compared with control patients. In patients with UCLP, cortical bone thickness was found to be reduced on the cleft side compared to the intact side. Patients with UCLP with a right-sided cleft had a more substantial decrease in cortical bone thickness.
Closing the Product Utility Gap: How Tech Entrepreneurs Imagine Unknown Client Markets
Authors: Manning Stephan
Published: May 2023

What drives the entrepreneurial imagination of unknown client markets? Based on a multi-case study of tech entrepreneurs operating out of Boston, this study examines this under-researched question. Findings suggest that tech entrepreneurs imagine unknown client markets in increasingly sophisticated ways, starting from envisioning primary users of the product, to considering multiple parallel client populations, to imagining interdependent client groups using the product in complementary ways. This evolution in thinking seems to be driven by product utility gaps - perceived gaps between the range of product uses and client constellations in which the product can create value. Importantly, at an early stage of the entrepreneurial process, these product utility gaps do not result from market feedback, but from ongoing reciprocal imagination of client markets and underutilized product value. Findings inform research on entrepreneurial imagination and opportunity idea formation, and the strategizing of business ecosystem relationships.
The Social Media Use Scale: Development and Validation
Authors: Tuck Alison B. , Thompson Renee J.
Published: May 2023

Social media (SM) use has been primarily operationalized as frequency of use or as passive versus active use. We hypothesize that these constructs have shown mixed associations with psychological constructs because the factor structure underlying social media use (SMU) has not been fully identified. We conducted three studies with college students. In Study 1 ( N = 176), we collected data about participants’ SMU, informing item generation. In Study 2 ( N = 311), we tested two factor structures: (a) passive, active social, and active non-social and (b) a hypothesized four-factor structure. Neither confirmatory model produced acceptable fits, but an exploratory factor analysis suggested a four-factor model: belief-based, consumption-based, image-based, and comparison-based SMU. This four-factor structure was supported in Study 3 ( N = 397), which was preregistered, via a confirmatory factor analysis. The subscale items showed good internal consistencies, and evidence is presented for convergent validity. These factors represent a novel classification of people’s SMU that can be measured with the Social Media Use Scale.
Differences in Cervical Cancer Outcomes by Caribbean Nativity in Black and White Women in Florida
Authors: Jeudin Patricia P. , Sanchez-Covarrubias Alex P. , Thiele Amanda R. , Reis Isildinha M. , Kobetz Erin , George Sophia H. L. , Schlumbrecht Matthew P.
Published: May 2023

Objective

Racial disparities among women with cervical cancer have been reported but are understudied in Caribbean immigrants. The objective of this study is to describe the disparities in clinical presentation and outcomes between Caribbean-born (CB) and US-born (USB) women with cervical cancer by race and nativity.

Methods

An analysis of the Florida Cancer Data Service (FCDS), the statewide cancer registry, was performed to identify women diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer between 1981 and 2016. Women were classified as USB White or Black and CB White or Black. Clinical data were abstracted. Analyses were done using chi square, ANOVA, Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models, with significance set at P < .05.

Results

14 932 women were included in the analysis. USB Black women had the lowest mean age at diagnosis, while CB Black women were diagnosed at later stages of disease. USB White women and CB White women had better OS (median OS 70.4 and 71.5 months, respectively) than USB Black and CB Black women (median OS 42.4 and 63.8 months, respectively) ( P < .0001). In multivariable analysis, relative to USB Black women, CB Blacks (HR .67, CI .54–.83), and CB White (HR .66, CI .55–.79) had better odds of OS. White race among USB women was not significantly associated with improved survival ( P = .087).

Conclusion

Race alone is not a determinant of cancer mortality in women with cervical cancer. Understanding the impact of nativity on cancer outcomes is crucial to improve health outcomes.
Improving Consumer Understanding of Short-Term Health Insurance: An Experiment
Authors: Taha Ahmed E. , Saks Michael J. , Hall Mark A. , Ellman Ira M.
Published: May 2023

Short-term health insurance policies—made available with longer durations during the Trump Administration—offer substantially fewer consumer protections than do Affordable Care Act (“ACA”)–compliant policies. Federal regulations require short-term policies’ sellers to disclose possible ACA noncompliance to prospective buyers. This controlled experiment finds, however, that the federally required disclosure does not substantially improve consumer understanding of these policies’ coverage limitations. The experiment also finds that an enhanced disclosure greatly improves this understanding. Importantly, consumers’ preferences for ACA-compliant policies also increased with their comprehension of the coverage differences. Thus, the study demonstrates not only that easily implemented changes in the federally required disclosure would improve consumer understanding of the coverage differences but also that the improved understanding matters to consumers. However, even the enhanced disclosure left many respondents mistaken about some key limitations of short-term policies, suggesting that policymakers should consider other strategies to protect buyers of short-term health insurance.
On the Kelvin–Voigt model in anisotropic viscoelasticity
Authors: Coco Marco , Saccomandi Giuseppe
Published: May 2023

We propose an anisotropic and nonlinear generalization of the Kelvin–Voigt viscoelastic model obtained considering the additive splitting of the Cauchy stress tensor in an elastic and a dissipative part. The former one corresponds to a fiber-reinforced hyperelastic material while the dissipative effect is described by the most general linear transverse-isotropic tensorial function of symmetric part of the velocity gradient. In a such a way we characterize the dissipative contribution via three viscoelastic moduli. We then show, by a detailed analysis of the simple shear quasistatic motion and the corresponding creep phenomena, that this motion may be used to determine experimentally the viscoelastic parameters.
The Relationship Between Screen Time and Symptom Severity in Children with ADHD during COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Sriwaranun Thanchanok , Sittanomai Napat , Chantaratin Sasitorn , Boon-yasidhi Vitharon
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

To investigate the relationship between screen time and symptom severity in children with ADHD during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Methods:

Caregivers of children with ADHD aged 7 to 16 years completed the screen time questionnaire and ADHD rating scales of the SNAP-IV-Thai version during and after the COVID-19 lockdown. The correlation between screen time and ADHD scores was assessed.

Results:

Of the 90 children, aged 11.31 ± 2.29 years, enrolled, 74.4% were male, 64.4% were in primary school, and 73% had electronic screens in their bedrooms. After adjusting with other factors, recreational screen time, both on weekdays and on weekend days, were positively correlated with ADHD scores (both inattention and hyperactive/impulsive scores). Studying screen time, on the other hand, was not associated with ADHD symptom severity. Compared to during the lockdown, studying screen time decreased after the lockdown, but recreational screen time and ADHD scores were not changed.

Conclusion:

Increasing recreational screen time was associated with worsening ADHD symptoms.
Evaluation of a smartphone-based colorimetric method for urinalysis dipstick readings in cats
Authors: Leynaud Vincent , Gillet Candice , Lavoué Rachel , Concordet Didier , Reynolds Brice S
Published: May 2023

Objectives

The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic performances of a smartphone-based colorimetric method (SBCM) for urinalysis with a semi-automated point-of-care (POC) analyser using standardised solutions and cat urine.

Methods

Artificial solutions (negative and positive quality controls, and purposely designed artificial urine) and natural urine from 216 cats were used. Two urine reagent strips were simultaneously dipped in each sample. One dipstick was read by the SBCM and the other by the POC analyser at the same time. Results for pH, proteins, bilirubin, ‘blood’, glucose and ketones were considered. Overall agreement and sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the SBCM were determined based on selected cut-offs.

Results

For the artificial solutions, 80 comparisons were obtained for each analyte and each expected concentration. The overall agreement (exactly the same result) between the two methods was 78.4%. SBCM sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 99.0%, 100% and 99.3%, respectively. The correlation between the two methods was almost perfect (Cohen’s kappa coefficient = 0.9851). For natural urine samples, the overall agreement (including pH) was 68.6%. Using optimal cut-offs for the SBCM determined from the results of analysis of artificial solutions, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the SBCM were 100%, 76.02% and 80.5%, respectively. In this situation, the correlation between the two methods was moderate (Cohen’s kappa coefficient = 0.5401). This was mostly due to a high rate of false-positive results for bilirubin (61.1%).

Conclusions and relevance

With proper cut-off use (ie, considering positive or negative results) the SBCM evaluated here has a perfect sensitivity and appropriate diagnostic performances for proteins, ‘blood’, glucose and ketones. Based on these experimental data, this method appears suitable for dipstick urinalysis but positive results for bilirubin and proteins have to be confirmed.
Evaluation of the effects of environmental factors and eating habits on exfoliation syndrome and glaucoma in a Turkish population
Authors: Bezci Aygun Figen , Bagci Bosi Ayse Tulay , Kocabeyoglu Sibel , Irkec Murat
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the possible effect of environmental factors and eating habits on patients with the exfoliation syndrome (XFS) and exfoliative glaucoma (XFG) in a Turkish population.

Methods

A questionnaire was applied to 1,000 individuals, including 290 patients with XFS, 210 patients with XFG, and 500 age- and sex-matched healthy control participants. Sociodemographic characteristics, home type and warming methods, living and working conditions (indoor–outdoor), dietary habits based on the the guidance of Turkey Dietary Guidelines, (Determination of Nutritional Status Report and Turkey National Nutrition and Health Survey) and using sunglasses were evaluated. The chi-square test, Student t test, and analysis of variance were used for the statistical analysis with SPSS v. 23.0 software.

Results

The case–control groups were matched during data collection, and age and sex distribution in groups was analyzed; however, no difference was found. The average years and hours spent outdoor were statistically different between case and control groups ( P < 0.05). The disease risk among individuals wearing sunglasses was 2.74 times less than that among those who did not wear sunglasses. Individuals born in the city had 1.46 times lower risk. Also, living out of the city until the age of 12 years increased the risk of getting the disease 1.36 times. In addition, while living in an apartment decreased the risk of disease, using a stove increased. The control groups had more healthy eating habits than the case groups.

Conclusion

This case–control study showed that time spent outdoors, wearing sunglasses, home type, heating method, and eating habits might be associated with XFS and XFG.
Ground and Near-Rock Surface Air Thermal Regimes in the High Mountain of the Picos De Europa (Cantabrian Mountains, NW Spain)
Authors: Ruiz-Fernández Jesús , García-Hernández Cristina , Ochoa-Álvarez Mirella , Van den Bergh Mariana , Gallinar Cañedo David , González-Díaz Benjamín
Published: May 2023

Even when the influence of climate on the geomorphological dynamics of mountain areas is well known, the ground and near-rock surface air thermal regimes of the highest altitude Cantabrian massifs still being poorly understood. This study, based on the examination of the thermal data obtained through the use of air and soil temperature dataloggers, aims to characterize the thermal regime of one of the most representative high mountain massifs of the Cantabrian Mountains: the Western Massif of the Picos de Europa. Results show the severe climatic conditions that prevail in the highest areas, where the snow cover lasts for 8 months on average, exerting an important insulating role of the soil. Thus, except on the uncovered rocky walls, the number of freeze-thaw cycles per year is low (0–16), with these cycles having a short duration and a low thermal amplitude. Significantly differences on annual thermal regimes have been confirmed; with two main phases (continued thaw phase and isothermal phase) and two minor transition phases at the ground, and only two main phases in near-rock surfaces (continued thaw phase and phase with a high number of FTCs).
Exploring health misinformation on WhatsApp within the African migrant and refugee community in Southeast Queensland (SEQ)
Authors: Coulibaly Souleymane
Published: May 2023

Health misinformation, a major public health challenge, is increasingly spread through social networking sites such as WhatsApp which is popular among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities including the African migrant and refugee community, a relatively disadvantaged minority in Australia. Knowledge remains limited about how health misinformation spread occurs through WhatsApp in this community. The present study explored the mechanism of health misinformation circulation on WhatsApp, and the ways members of the African community in Southeast Queensland (SEQ) respond to it. Findings include a technological aspect of WhatsApp, especially technological affordances that facilitate health misinformation spread with features such as sharing and forwarding buttons. Also, at a user or an individual level, trust in significant others favour the reception and sharing of unverified health information to WhatsApp contacts and group members. Although WhatsApp group members, especially leaders usually set up rules to moderate content including health misinformation to primarily preserve harmony in groups, lack of or suboptimal content moderation on WhatsApp exacerbates its spread among community members whose responses vary. Responses include fear and mistrust which could confuse them and hinder acceptance and compliance to public health measures from credible sources such as governments. Therefore, it is essential that public health stakeholders acknowledge and foster information-sharing culture on WhatsApp in the African community. They should also raise awareness among community members and train them on how to deal with health misinformation. The training could focus on reducing negative individual and social influences by improving literacy and self-efficacy in detecting health misinformation and decreasing echo chamber effects. Additionally, the training could emphasise health misinformation management on WhatsApp by leveraging African community leaders’ gatekeeping role and involving them in content moderation.
Candidate visibility, voter knowledge, and the incumbency advantage in preferential-list PR
Authors: Bräuninger Thomas , Däubler Thomas , Pilet Jean-Benoit
Published: May 2023

Our knowledge about how voters decide which candidate(s) to vote for under preferential-list proportional representation (PLPR) systems remains limited. In particular, it is debated whether incumbent MPs enjoy an electoral advantage over outsiders also under PLPR. We argue that such an incumbency advantage critically depends on candidate visibility (in the media) and differs across voters with varying levels of political knowledge. Our empirical analysis combines candidate information with rich individual-level voting data collected via “mock ballots” in the 2014 Belgian PartiRep election study. We show that the vote premium linked to incumbency increases with increasing media visibility, and while high-visibility incumbents outperform incumbents among the entire electorate, low-visibility incumbents enjoy an advantage only among knowledgeable voters. The results contribute to a better understanding of candidate voting and the incumbency advantage in PLPR. They also have implications for campaign strategies and the regulation of media access.
Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of influenza A viral variants in study participants treated with pimodivir in the phase 2b TOPAZ study
Authors: Vingerhoets Johan , Van Dromme Ilse , van Duijnhoven Wilbert , Anderson David , De Meyer Sandra , Leopold Lorant
Published: May 2023

Background

Pimodivir is a first-in-class polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2) subunit inhibitor of the influenza A polymerase complex. The randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled phase 2b TOPAZ study demonstrated antiviral activity and safety of twice daily pimodivir alone (300 mg, 600 mg) or in combination with oseltamivir (pimodivir 600 mg, oseltamivir 75 mg) in adult study participants with acute uncomplicated influenza A. The detailed genotypic and phenotypic characterization of viral variants observed in this study are reported.

Methods

Population sequencing of PB2 and neuraminidase genes, and phenotypic susceptibility testing, were performed using baseline and last virus-positive post-baseline nasal swab samples.

Results

Sequencing of baseline samples in 206 of 223 (92.4%) randomized study participants with confirmed influenza A infection identified no polymorphisms at any predefined PB2 positions of interest for pimodivir and no phenotypic reduced susceptibility to pimodivir was observed. Post-baseline sequencing data for 105/223 (47.1%) participants identified emergence of PB2 mutations at amino acid positions of interest in 10 (9.5%) participants (pimodivir 300 mg: n = 3; 600 mg: n = 6; combination: n = 1; placebo: n = 0) and included positions S324, F325, S337, K376, T378, and N510. These emerging mutations were typically associated with decreased pimodivir susceptibility, but not viral breakthrough. No reduced phenotypic susceptibility was observed in the one (1.8%) participant with emerging PB2 mutations from the pimodivir plus oseltamivir group.

Conclusions

Participants with acute uncomplicated influenza A treated with pimodivir in the TOPAZ study infrequently developed reduced susceptibility to pimodivir and combining pimodivir with oseltamivir further decreased the risk of reduced susceptibility development.
Teachers’ digital pedagogies and experiences in virtual classrooms
Authors: Teichert Laura , Piazza Susan , Hinga Jennifer
Published: May 2023

The global pandemic has revealed a number of inequalities in education for students in Michigan, USA. Teachers were tasked with a sudden shift to online instruction as school closures across the state (and globe) forced education to operate in virtual classrooms. Given the continued need for online learning, it is necessary to examine the perspectives and experiences of teachers who worked throughout the school closures of spring 2020 and to identify ways to better support both teachers and students as they navigate virtual learning. The purpose of this exploratory qualitative study was to investigate K-12 teachers’ experiences shifting their classrooms online and their overall perspectives on the use of digital literacies as a central part of student learning. Reported in this paper are the survey results from 389 teachers’ perceptions of their effectiveness during the Covid-19 pandemic during the semester spring of 2020. Additionally, a randomly selected a subset of 12 elementary and 13 secondary teachers’ semi-structured interviews were analyzed. Unsurprisingly, teachers reported many challenges meeting their students’ needs as they transitioned to online learning. Findings revealed students who lacked access to reliable Internet and digital devices. Even when access was not an issue, students lacked the necessary digital literacy skills to navigate their online education. Teachers reported many challenges associated with online learning, particularly those related to student engagement, communication, and shifting pedagogies online. Therefore, there is a need for schools and curricula to include operational digital literacy skills earlier in formal education settings, and to prioritize these skills even when face-to-face instruction resumes.
Prevalence and heritability of alcohol use disorders in 18-year old Swedish twins
Authors: Hildebrand Karlén Malin , Lindqvist Bagge Ann-Sophie , Berggren Ulf , Fahlke Claudia , Andiné Peter , Doering Sabrina , Lundström Sebastian
Published: May 2023

Background: Heritability of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) varies widely, with reported estimates of 30–78% in twin studies. This variation might be due to methodological differences (e.g., using different thresholds for AUDs, age differences between samples). Aim: To investigate the heritability of AUDs in a nation-wide sample of male and female twins in late adolescence (18 years). Participants: The study is based on data from 8,330 18-year-old Swedish monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins from the Child and Adolescent Twin Study (Sweden). Method: Univariate sex-limitation twin analyses were performed using (a) total AUDIT score, (b) different AUDIT cut-offs (AUDIT-10: potentially harmful alcohol use and most likely alcohol dependent ; AUDIT-C: potential hazardous alcohol consumption/active alcohol use disorders), and (c) a risk-group classification for alcohol dependence based on AUDIT total score. Results: Prevalence of potential hazardous alcohol consumption/active alcohol use was 57.1%, and for potentially harmful alcohol use prevalence was 26.5%. Prevalence was higher among females (59.0% and 31.1% respectively) than males (54.4% and 20.0% respectively). Overall, the results of the univariate model fitting indicated that there were qualitative sex differences in the genetic and environmental influences on AUDs, with generally moderate heritability estimates ranging between 0.37 and 0.50. Discussion: At odds with previous research, a harmful/hazardous drinking pattern was more common in this age group among females than a low-risk drinking pattern (where males were overrepresented). Heritability estimates were moderate throughout all measures and cut-offs, with equally high contributions from shared and non-shared environment. Sex-limitation models revealed qualitative sex differences for AUDs, suggesting that different genetic and/or environmental factors influence variation in AUDs in males and females.
An unscented Kalman filter based velocity estimation method for articulated steering vehicle using a novel dynamic model
Authors: Yang Changlin , Zhu Qingyuan , Liu Qianjie , Chen Xuanwei
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a novel velocity estimation method for an articulated steering vehicle to improve the automation and safety of articulated steering vehicle. The estimation method process is done in three steps: First, the articulated steering vehicle's tire forces are calculated separately against articulated steering vehicle's asymmetric tire load transfers. Then the tire forces are used to build a concise dynamic model, which only needs to consider the single centroid's dynamics in a fixed direction of the vehicle body. Finally, an unscented Kalman filter estimator is developed further based on the articulated steering vehicle dynamics model for velocity estimation. The main contribution of this paper to the related literature lies in two aspects. On the one hand, by converting the velocity vectors of each vehicle body to a fixed coordinate system, a concise dynamic model is built to avoid complex calculations and high sensor costs. On the other hand, an additional moment equilibrium equation is introduced to assist the simplified estimator in calculating the asymmetric tire dynamics of articulated steering vehicle, which ensures the accuracy and universality of the method. The simulation results from ADAMS/MATLAB indicate that the proposed model can effectively reflect the dynamics of articulated steering vehicle even under obvious load transfer. In addition, the developed unscented Kalman filter estimator can obtain accurate and robust estimation results in several typical vehicle manoeuvres.
A numerical study of piston bowl geometry and diesel injection timing in a heavy-duty diesel/syngas RCCI engine
Authors: Seddiq Mahdi , Delprete Cristiana , Brusa Eugenio , Razavykia Abbas
Published: May 2023

The current numerical study aims to examine the single and combined effects of various piston bowl geometries, diesel main Start of Injection (SOI) timing, and syngas energy ratio on the combustion characteristics, specific emissions (g/kW·h), energy distribution, and exergy of a heavy-duty off-road Reactivity-Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI) diesel engine. The examined geometries include the stock chamber (baseline combustion chamber), wide-shallow chamber, dual-swirl chamber, stepped-lip chamber. The main SOI timing was varied from −20 to −5 Crank Angle (CA) After Top Dead Center (ATDC) with 5 CA steps. Also, syngas energy ratio including 0% Conventional Diesel Combustion (CDC) mode, 20%, 40%, and 60% of total fuel energy per cycle. To accomplish this goal, the SAGE combustion model coupled with a reduced chemical kinetic mechanism consists of 360 reactions, and 72 species was applied to conduct this investigation. The numerical findings showed that the use of the wide-shallow chamber extended the engine operable range under diesel-syngas combustion operating conditions. In comparison to the baseline CDC case, the application of the dual-swirl chamber under CDC conditions, and main SOI timing of −15 CA ATDC led to reduction of Carbon Monoxide ([Formula: see text]), Hydro-Carbon ([Formula: see text]), Particle Matter ([Formula: see text]), Carbon Dioxide ([Formula: see text]), Indicated Specific Energy Consumption (ISEC), Gross Indicated Efficiency (GIE), and exergy efficiency but with a Nitrogen Oxides ([Formula: see text]) penalty rate. In general, an increase in the bore to bowl diameter ratio caused a shorter ignition delay period and combustion duration. The utilization of the stepped-lip chamber at both CDC and diesel-syngas combustion operating modes resulted in a shorter ignition delay period, but a longer combustion duration. Nonetheless, the stepped-lip combustion chamber reduced the diffusive flame temperature. Also, it is noteworthy that the utilization of the stock chamber along with the main SOI timing at −5 CA ATDC under diesel-syngas 60% combustion mode is a suitable technique to pass EURO-VI [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] emissions regulations.
Dilemmas of the activist-researcher: Balancing militant ethnography, security culture, and reflexive ethics in Australia
Authors: Imray Papineau Élise
Published: May 2023

Ethnographic practice in contentious and high-risk spaces raises important ethical and methodological questions. When working with grassroots activists who actively avoid forms of surveillance, the boundary between consensual observation and potentially harmful documentation becomes difficult to discern. This article aims not only to identify the gaps in qualitative research methodologies for scholars working with grassroots activists, but also to think of practical ways in which researchers should mitigate concerns both for participants and themselves. Based on fieldwork in Australia, the author explores the ethical, methodological, and emotional dilemmas of conducting research with activists as a militant ethnographer. The article argues that activist-centred project designs must consider the challenges between the researcher's mandate to collect data and their responsibility to uphold security culture both in and outside activist spaces. Reflexive research ethics, further, should be a part of ongoing research engagement to address the emotional tensions overlooked in standardized ethical protocols.
A critical analysis of universal design for learning in the U.S. federal education law
Authors: Zhang Ling , Carter Richard Allen , Hoekstra Nicholas J
Published: May 2023

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) has been frequently discussed as a framework that guides the design of inclusive learning environments for all students with and without disabilities. This policy brief reports on findings of a content analysis of how UDL was referenced in three major U.S. federal education laws. Results indicate that UDL was not explicitly defined although it was closely tied to alternative assessment and technology in K-12 education laws. References to UDL in the higher education law suggested using UDL to guide inclusive educational practices for post-secondary students and the need to integrate the framework into educator preparation.
Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and Perpetration in Adolescents and Young Adults in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Johnson Savannah L. , Rasmussen Justin M. , Mansoor Mahgul , Ibrahim Hawo , Rono Wilter , Goel Pari , Vissoci João R.N. , Von Isenburg Megan , Puffer Eve S.
Published: May 2023

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health crisis with long-term adverse consequences for both victims and perpetrators. Patterns of violence often begin during adolescence, yet most interventions target adult relationships. A systematic review was conducted to identify correlates of IPV victimization and perpetration among adolescents and young adults in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Eligible studies included participants 10 to 24 years old, took place in SSA, and tested a statistical association between a correlate and an IPV outcome. Correlates were defined as any condition or characteristic associated with statistically significant increased or decreased risk of IPV victimization or perpetration. PsycInfo, PubMed, Embase, and African Index Medicus were searched and included studies published between January 1, 2000 and February 4, 2022. The search resulted in 3,384 original studies, of which 55 met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Correlates were first qualitatively synthesized by developmental period (e.g., early adolescence, older adolescence, and young adulthood) and then organized in a conceptual framework by correlate type (e.g., socio-demographic; health, behavior, and attitudes; relational; or contextual). Over two decades of literature reveals variability in evidence by developmental period but also substantial overlap in the correlates of victimization and perpetration. This review identifies multiple points for intervention and results suggest the urgent need for earlier, developmentally appropriate prevention efforts among younger adolescents as well as combined approaches that target both victimization and perpetration of IPV.
You’ve Got Three Choices: Give in, Give up, or Give it All You’ve Got: Does Contest Heterogeneity Affect Effort in Individual Competitions?
Authors: Scholten Hendrik
Published: May 2023

This study focuses on the effect of contest heterogeneity on individuals’ effort provision in rank-order tournaments. We add to the literature by analyzing data from a well-suited setting (professional darts tournaments) that differs significantly from those previously examined (mental effort task without direct interaction between contestants), while applying two different temporal types of heterogeneity, pre-contest and within-contest heterogeneity. We do not find consistent evidence for heterogeneity to influence players’ effort.
Effect of wire and needle spinning on the direct manufacturing PAN/amine nanofibrous membranes for CO2 sorption
Authors: Syrový Michal , Čapková Pavla , Ryšánek Petr , Benada Oldřich , Vostiňáková Monika
Published: May 2023

Manufacturing of membranes for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture is a significant research topic. Achieving maximum CO2 sorption capacity while maintaining air permeability with a minimum number of technological steps was the main motivation of this work. The greatest advantages of this approach are its simplicity, low cost and easy transition to industrial scale. Electrospun nanofibrous membranes polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/triethylenetetramine (TETA) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) were prepared by one-step technology (modifying amines TETA, TEPA in different weight concentrations dissolved directly in spinning solution) using two different spinning conditions: needle spinning (electric field attached to a hollow needle through which a polymer solution is extruded under pressure) and wire spinning (electric field connected to a thin wire that is coated with a layer of polymer solution, and the spinning thus takes place from the free surface). Wire electrospinning turns out to be more suitable for a one-step technology with a modifying substance in the spinning solution. The best result as to the CO2 sorption capacity has been obtained for wire spinning PAN_TEPA_2% 11.7 ± 1.3 cm3/g with air permeability 53 ± 5 L/m2/s, which gives a good chance for the design of a sandwich functional unit for practical use. In addition to studies of CO2 adsorption, the article also deals with the comparison of both spinning methods for the PAN polymer, which have not yet been compared for this polymer in the literature, not only from the point of view of the possibility of preparing PAN nanofibers, but also their functional use precisely for CO2 capture.
The Differential Diagnostic Value of Radiomics Signatures Between Single-Nodule Pulmonary Metastases and Second Primary Lung Cancer in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Yu Yu , Tan Jiaqing , Yang Yi , Zhang Bin , Yao Xiaodong , Sang Shibiao , Deng Shengming
Published: May 2023

Background

Differential diagnosis of single-nodule pulmonary metastasis (SNPM) and second primary lung cancer (SPLC) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) prior to lung surgery is relatively complex. Radiomics is an emerging technique for image information analysis, while it has not yet been applied to construct a differential diagnostic model between SNPM and SPLC in patients with CRC. In the present study, we aimed to extract radiomics signatures from thin-section computed tomography (CT) images of the chest. These radiomics signatures were combined with clinical features to construct a composite differential diagnostic model.

Method

A total of 91 patients with CRC, including 66 patients with SNPM and 25 patients with SPLC, were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to the training cohort (n  =  63) and validation cohort (n  =  28) at a ratio of 7 to 3. Moreover, 107 radiomics features were extracted from the chest thin-section CT images. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to filter these features, and clinical features were screened by univariate analysis. The screened radiomics and clinical features were combined to construct a multifactorial logistic regression composite model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were adopted to evaluate the models, and the corresponding nomograms were created.

Results

A series of 6 radiomics characteristics was screened by LASSO. After univariate logistic regression analysis, the composite model finally included 4 radiomics features and 4 clinical features. In the training cohort, the area under the curve scores of ROC curves were 0.912 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.813-0.969), 0.884 (95% CI: 0.778-0.951), and 0.939 (95% CI: 0.848-0.984) for models derived from radiomics, clinical, and combined features, respectively. Similarly, these values were 0.756 (95% CI: 0.558-0.897), 0.888 (95% CI: 0.711-0.975), and 0.950 (95% CI: 0.795-0.997) in the validation cohort, respectively.

Conclusions

We constructed a model for differential diagnosis of SNPM and SPLC in patients with CRC using radiomics and clinical features. Moreover, our findings provided a new assessment tool for patients with CRC in the future.
Development of Automated Delivery Quality Assurance Analysis Software for Helical Tomotherapy
Authors: Yoon YH , Shin Han-Back , Han MC , Kim Hojin , Kim DW , Hong Chae-Seon , Kim Jihun , Kim JS
Published: May 2023

Background

To develop a fully automated in-house gamma analysis software for the “Cheese” phantom-based delivery quality assurance (QA) of helical tomotherapy plans.

Methods

The developed in-house software was designed to automate several procedures, which need to be manually performed using commercial software packages. The region of interest for the analysis was automatically selected by cropping out film edges and thresholding dose values (>10% of the maximum dose). The film-measured dose was automatically aligned to the computed dose using an image registration algorithm. An optimal film scaling factor was determined to maximize the percentage of pixels passing gamma (gamma passing rate) between the measured and computed doses (3%/3 mm criteria). This gamma analysis was repeated by introducing setup uncertainties in the anterior–posterior direction. For 73 tomotherapy plans, the gamma analysis results using the developed software were compared to those analyzed by medical physicists using a commercial software package.

Results

The developed software successfully automated the gamma analysis for the tomotherapy delivery quality assurance. The gamma passing rate (GPR) calculated by the developed software was higher than that by the clinically used software by 3.0%, on average. While, for 1 of the 73 plans, the GPR by the manual gamma analysis was higher than 90% (pass/fail criteria), the gamma analysis using the developed software resulted in fail (GPR < 90%).

Conclusions

The use of automated and standardized gamma analysis software can improve both the clinical efficiency and veracity of the analysis results. Furthermore, the gamma analyses with various film scaling factors and setup uncertainties will provide clinically useful information for further investigations.
IL-8 Produced Via Bidirectional Communication Between Prostate Cancer and M2 Macrophages as a Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker
Authors: Fan Huihui , Tang Zheng , Tian Yaling , Lv Qingsong , Zeng Fangyin
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Owing to the mortality associated with metastatic prostate cancer and the shortcomings of the current parameters in predicting the disease prognosis, we require the identification of viable biomarkers, which would help in the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. We aimed to determine whether the interleukin-8 level in the tumor microenvironment could serve as a potential clinical diagnostic marker and prognostic factor for prostate cancer.

Methods

The migration assay of prostate cancer cells was performed in an in vitro co-culture model. Cell lines PC3 and DU145 were divided into two groups and co-cultured with M0 and M2 macrophages, respectively. We used reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect M2 macrophage marker expression levels. Immunohistochemistry analyses of tissue microarrays were performed to analyze the correlation between the increased expression of interleukin-8 and the prognosis of prostate cancer. A retrospective analysis based on 142 residual serum specimens was performed to analyze the level of interleukin-8.

Results

We observed that M2 macrophages promoted the migration of prostate cancer cells and significantly increased the concentrations of interleukin-8 in the co-culture supernatants. We observed increased expression of CD163 and interleukin-8 in prostate cancer tissues. Furthermore, the levels of interleukin-8 in the serum of prostate cancer patients were higher than those in healthy controls. Untreated patients had higher levels of interleukin-8, which could be a predictor of a higher metastasis rate.

Conclusion

These results suggest that interleukin-8 produced via bidirectional communication between prostate cancer cells and M2 macrophages is a putative biomarker for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.