bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wavelet-based multi-class support vector machine for stator fault diagnosis in induction motor
Authors: Almounajjed Abdelelah , Sahoo Ashwin Kumar
Published: August 2022

This work proposes a novel online detection scheme to diagnose incipient inter-turn short circuit fault and estimate the failure severity in induction motor. Incipient detection of the stator failure during the machine running, as well as identification of its intensity can reduce the risk of additional damage to the phase winding, improve the operational efficiency, and ensure machine availability. Hence, the incipient fault diagnosis provides a safe operating area for the motor. This work aims to specify the percentage of defective turns in the shorted winding by proposing a new mathematical parameter based on wavelet analysis, in addition to employ a multi-class support vector machine to perform the classification task. Discrete Wavelet Transform is used to analyze the stator currents after modeling the motor utilizing Clarke-Concordia transformation. From the detailed coefficients, Max and L2 norms are calculated. The adopted parameter is computed depending on the previous norms, which form the input vector to feed the classifier. The multi-class support vector machine–based one versus one algorithm is used to determine accurately the defect intensity. The acquired outcomes prove that the proposed approach, depending on the novel parameter along with multi-class support vector machine can give a robust and accurate indication about the machine status, which enables the estimation of the fault severity. To verify the competency of the methodology, various hardware experiments are carried out on the motor. The experimental results demonstrate the validity and practicability of the method, with a higher level of correctness, exceeding 96%.
Children’s acquisition of negation in L1 Afrikaans
Authors: White Michelle Jennifer , Southwood Frenette , Huddlestone Kate
Published: August 2022

Afrikaans is a West Germanic language that originated in South Africa as a descendent of Dutch. It displays discontinuous sentential negation (SN), where negation is expressed by two phonologically identical negative particles that appear in two different positions in the sentence. The negation system is argued to be an innovation that came about through the reanalysis of a discourse-dependent (pragmatically conditioned) structure in Dutch, reinforced by proponents of the standardisation of Afrikaans who prescriptively imposed a negative concord structure onto the Dutch negation system. The Afrikaans negation system is therefore argued to be artificially created, making it crosslinguistically rare and syntactically complex, the latter possibly having a delaying effect on acquisition. This study investigates both the comprehension and production of negation by young child speakers of Afrikaans. Sentences containing negative indefinites (NIs) ( niks ‘nothing’ and geen ‘no’/ ‘none’ with a final negative particle) are compared with those containing two negative particles (referred to as SN), which are syntactically less complex. We examined (1) whether the comprehension of sentences with NIs is more difficult to acquire than that of sentences using SN and (2) when and how negation is produced by young children. Data were collected through a picture selection task (comprehension) and recordings of spontaneous speech during free play (production). Results show that the comprehension of SN was acquired before that of NI, indicating that sentences containing NIs were indeed more difficult to comprehend than those containing SN. The production data showed that even the youngest participants (age 3;0) could produce grammatically well-formed negated constructions, but that errors occurred until age 4;3. In comparison with that found for other West Germanic languages, Afrikaans’ complex system of expressing negation seems to have a delaying effect on the comprehension of negation, specifically NIs, but not on production.
Cultures of Digital Architectures: Power and Positionalities in the Backend of Online Journalism Production
Authors: Gutsche Robert E.
Published: August 2022

This essay complicates interpretations of digital architectures in online journalism production in terms of journalistic interlopers and intralopers during an age of increased influence of technologists on online news development. While much normative scholarship revolves around social media, metrics, algorithms, artificial intelligence, VR, and other forms of digital innovation applied to journalism, the essay argues that such work must not focus merely on the actions of today's tech-savvy journalism but should interrogate social and cultural relationships at the center of journalistic production so not to as become distracted away from the embedded practices of ideological incorporation that shapes media messages and reproduces inequalities through what and how journalism covers. In the future, as we approach a notion of the Metaverse, scholars must interrogate the long-standing embedding of elite ideologies into the news as journalists collaborate with technologists (or as journalists become technologists), interact (and re-interact) with elite ideologies at accelerating rates in networked societies, and move into new digital realms we have not yet imagined.
Vascular topology and blood flow are acutely impacted by experimental febrile status epilepticus
Authors: Salehi Arjang , Salari Sirus , Jullienne Amandine , Daglian Jennifer , Chen Kevin , Baram Tallie Z , Obenaus Andre
Published: August 2022

Febrile status epilepticus (FSE) is an important risk factor for temporal lobe epilepsy and early identification of those at high risk for epilepsy is vital. In a rat model of FSE, we identified an acute (2 hrs) novel MRI signal where reduced T2 relaxation values in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) predicted epilepsy in adulthood; this T2 signal remains incompletely understood and we hypothesized that it may be influenced by vascular topology. Experimental FSE induced in rat pups reduced blood vessel density of the cortical vasculature in a lateralized manner at 2 hrs post FSE. Middle cerebral artery (MCA) exhibited abnormal topology in FSE pups but not in controls. In the BLA, significant vessel junction reductions and decreased vessel diameter were observed, together with a strong trend for reduced vessel length. Perfusion weighted MRI (PWI) was acutely increased cerebral blood flow (CBF) in cortex, amygdala and hippocampus of FSE pups that correlated to decreased T2 relaxation values compared to controls. This is consistent with increased levels of deoxyhemoglobin associated with increased metabolic demand. In summary, FSE acutely modifies vascular topological and CBF in cortex and BLA that may underlie acute MRI signal changes that predict progression to future epilepsy.
Factors Affecting the Adoption of Slow Fashion – An Exploratory Study of Multiple Stakeholders
Authors: Chhabra Sakhhi , Sindhi Sumita , Nandy Merlin
Published: August 2022

The growing consumer consciousness is accelerating the interest in sustainable products that offer better value and longevity. Slow fashion is one such philosophy that aims to provide meaningful and sustainable products advocating the needs of stakeholders. In this exploratory study, we find the barriers and support mechanisms affecting the adoption of slow fashion, specifically Indian handloom. The handloom industry is gradually depleting, posing challenges for stakeholders in the value chain. Though the extant literature delineates several factors, it does not explain the inter-factor interactions nor integrates these factors into themes. We conducted 36 in-depth multi-stakeholder interviews and found eight barriers preventing handloom adoption as a slow fashion alternative and five support mechanisms that counter these barriers. An extensive thematic analysis, led to seventeen sub-themes as barriers and eleven sub-themes as support mechanisms. We established a framework through matrix analysis to map support mechanisms addressing the corresponding barriers. The study's practical implications can be related to UN SDGs.
Broadening the Concept of Luxury: Transformations and Contributions to Well-Being
Authors: Cristini Hélène , Kauppinen-Räisänen Hannele , Woodside Arch G.
Published: August 2022

Luxury has always been an intrinsic part of human societies. Prior research shows how luxury transforms from being-to-having and owning-to-searching for meaningfulness via shifting from having-to-being and from owning-to-experiencing. The study here is a critical commentary of foundational literature that includes examining the ongoing luxury transformation in the ongoing COVID-19 era in a world of climate change and disaster displacements, environmental degradation, and awareness of future pandemics. Building on prior advances in luxury transformations and the macromarketing literature on well-being, this commentary takes a fresh look at the prevailing role of luxury and its accompanying well-being in Western European societies amid the progressing tripartite storm. This critical commentary serves to clarify and broaden luxury's meaning and roles in making the shift from a micro individualistic focus to a macromarketing sustainable foundation. Entering the fourth year of COVID-19, the commentary implies that luxury goes beyond experiencing to catalyze cherishing self-care, nurturing, and the well-being of others.
Spatial Analysis of Relationships Between Intersection Safety, the Urban Built Environment, and Average Income Level: A Case Study of Des Moines
Authors: Okaidjah Dorcas , Haddad Monica , Day Christopher , Das Biswa
Published: August 2022

This study makes a methodological contribution by exploring the relationship between motor vehicle traffic crashes at intersections and the built environment. The study focuses on specific neighborhoods within the city of Des Moines, Iowa, with contrasting socio-economic characteristics to examine variation between the neighborhoods. Exploratory spatial data analysis was used to locate crash clusters at intersections using seven-year crash data (2013–2019) obtained from the Iowa Department of Transportation. Google Street View was used to survey the built environment variables. Regression modeling was then utilized to establish a relationship between intersection crash clusters and the built environment. The results show that commercial/institutional land uses, bus stops, and signalized intersections are statistically significant and have a positive impact on intersection crash incidence. Additionally, crash incidences were higher in neighborhoods with below-average income percentages. These findings potentially can enlighten policymakers to focus on appropriate safety treatments such as traffic-calming measures and identify areas where traffic safety policies need to be prioritized. Policy re-evaluation for bus stop locations and design ideas for the urban form could be established to reduce motor vehicle intersection crashes.
Relationship Between Daylight Saving Time and Traffic Crashes in Florida
Authors: Molina Jesus E. , Kitali Angela , Alluri Priyanka
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of transitions between daylight saving time (DST) and standard time (ST) on traffic crashes in Florida. The study was conducted using 37 years of crash data from Florida from 1983 to 2019. The analysis was based on crashes that occurred during the week before and the week following the time change. The paired Wilcoxon rank test implemented using a Bayesian approach was used to compare the difference in crash frequency following the clock shift to DST. The analysis showed that the time shift has a significant effect on traffic crashes. More specifically, the beginning of DST in the spring, when the clock moves forward by one hour, was associated with a higher frequency of fatal and nighttime crashes. The shift at the end of DST in the fall, when the clock moves back by one hour, resulted in a significant increase in all, no injury, morning peak hours, afternoon off-peak hours, two-vehicle, and multiple-vehicle crashes. Crashes during evening peak hours decreased in the week immediately following the time change. These findings were particularly significant on the Sunday when the shift occurred and the following Monday and Tuesday. It can be inferred from these findings that the impact of DST on safety may be attributed to the disruption of circadian rhythms as well as to the one-hour loss in the spring and one-hour gain in the fall. The study findings could assist researchers and practitioners in understanding the impacts of DST on roadway safety.
Leveraging Transformer Model to Predict Vehicle Trajectories in Congested Urban Traffic
Authors: Xu Yufei , Wang Yu , Peeta Srinivas
Published: August 2022

Accurate vehicle trajectory prediction enables safe, comfortable, and optimal proactive motion planning for connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs). Because of rapid advances in learning techniques and increasing access to massive amounts of data, deep learning techniques have been applied to predict vehicle trajectories, especially the long short-term memory (LSTM) model. However, the accurate prediction of vehicle trajectories for congested urban traffic remains problematic, as existing LSTM models do not perform well. To address this gap, this paper proposes to leverage an emerging deep learning technique—transformer—and utilizes a recently released dataset (pNEUMA) for predicting vehicle trajectories in congested urban traffic. The proposed transformer model uses the self-attention mechanism, which helps to identify dependencies within the model inputs, to systematically determine the impacts of vehicular interactions on the target vehicle’s future trajectory. The pNEUMA dataset, which provides drone-based large-scale data of congested urban traffic, is processed to fit a typical trajectory prediction scenario, and used to train the transformer model. Numerical studies are conducted to analyze the effectiveness of the proposed modeling approach. A comparison of the proposed model with representative LSTM models highlights the advantages of leveraging the transformer model characteristics for the vehicle trajectory prediction of congested urban traffic. By contrast, existing LSTM models may suffice for the trajectory prediction of freeway traffic. The results also indicate that, unlike for vehicle trajectory prediction for freeway traffic, a longer time window of inputs does not guarantee better prediction performance for congested urban traffic.
Does Degeneration of the Patellofemoral Joint After Medial Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy Affect Clinical Outcomes?
Authors: Yoon Wan-Keun , Kim Kang-Il , Kim Jun-Ho , Lee Sang Hak , Jo Myeong-Guk
Published: August 2022

Background:

Although biomechanical and clinical studies have reported adverse effects on the patellofemoral joint after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO), there is a paucity of literature that describes outcomes longer than midterm follow-up.

Purpose:

We aimed to evaluate the mid- to long-term radiologic and clinical outcomes of the patellofemoral joint after MOWHTO and to assess whether radiologic deterioration of the patellofemoral joint affected clinical outcomes or survivorship after MOWHTO.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 170 knees that underwent MOWHTO and had a minimum 5-year follow-up. In radiologic evaluation, serial postoperative changes in the patellofemoral joint compared with the preoperative status were evaluated on the Merchant view according to the Kellgren-Lawrence grade. The American Knee Society (AKS) score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Kujala score, incidence of anterior knee pain, and survivorship were used to assess clinical outcomes. Using radiologic assessment of the patellofemoral joint, we divided the patients into a radiologic progression group and a radiologic nonprogression group to evaluate whether radiologic progression of patellofemoral arthritis affected long-term clinical outcomes and survivorship after MOWHTO.

Results:

The mean follow-up period was 96.3 months (range, 60-163 months). Arthritic progression of the patellofemoral joint on the Merchant view was observed in 44.9%, 56.3%, 66.0%, and 84.0% of the cases at 5, 7, 9, and 11 years, respectively. Clinical outcomes such as AKS scores and KOOS significantly improved after MOWHTO ( P < .001) at the latest follow-up. The incidence of anterior knee pain was 5.3% (9/170 knees). One knee (0.6%) underwent conversion to TKA due to progressive medial osteoarthritis, so the survival rate was 99.4% at a mean follow-up of 96.3 months. Despite patellofemoral degeneration over time, there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes or survivorship between patients with and without radiologic progression at the latest follow-up.

Conclusion:

Although degeneration of the patellofemoral joint was observed with time after MOWHTO, the related symptoms were minimal and arthritic changes in the patellofemoral joint did not affect the clinical outcomes or survivorship after MOWHTO over a mid- to long-term follow-up.
Enhanced Robustness of the Mouse Retinal Circadian Clock Upon Inherited Retina Degeneration
Authors: Gegnaw Shumet T. , Sandu Cristina , Mazzaro Nadia , Mendoza Jorge , Bergen Arthur A. , Felder-Schmittbuhl Marie-Paule
Published: August 2022

Daily biological rhythms are fundamental to retinal physiology and visual function. They are generated by a local circadian clock composed of a network of cell type/layer-specific, coupled oscillators. Animal models of retinal degeneration have been instrumental in characterizing the anatomical organization of the retinal clock. However, it is still unclear, among the multiple cell-types composing the retina, which ones are essential for proper circadian function. In this study, we used a previously well-characterized mouse model for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa to examine the relationship between rod degeneration and the retinal circadian clock. This model carries the P23H mutation in rhodopsin, which induces mild rod degeneration in heterozygous and rapid loss of photoreceptors in homozygous genotypes. By measuring PER2::LUC bioluminescence rhythms, we show that the retinal clock in P23H/+ heterozygous mice displays circadian rhythms with significantly increased robustness and amplitude. By treating retinal explants with L-α aminoadipic acid, we further provide evidence that this enhanced rhythmicity might involve activation of Müller glial cells.
‘I Had to Take a Casual Contract and Work One Day a Week’: Students’ Experiences of Lengthy University Placements as Drivers of Precarity
Authors: Oke Nicole , Hodge Lisa , McIntyre Heather , Turner Shelley
Published: August 2022

University students are increasingly required to undertake lengthy unpaid placements, and for many students this needs to be balanced with the paid work they already do. The literature about internships has focused on whether internships help students get jobs post-graduation, or if placements are exploitative, given pay is minimal or non-existent. This article contributes to this literature by examining how placements affect students’ current paid employment. Vosko’s framework, published in 2010, which identifies the precarious features of the employment relationship and interrogates the social context and location of this employment, is drawn on here. The article is based on a quantitative and qualitative survey of social work students at an Australian university, who need to complete a lengthy placement. The argument made here is that the requirements of lengthy placements restrict the conditions in which students can engage in the workforce and by doing so increase the precarity of their workforce participation.
A structural approach to 3D-printing arterial phantoms with physiologically comparable mechanical characteristics: Preliminary observations
Authors: Guest Bruce , Arroyo Luis , Runciman John
Published: August 2022

Pulse wave behavior is important in cardiovascular pathophysiology and arterial phantoms are valuable for studying arterial function. The ability of phantoms to replicate complex arterial elasticity and anatomy is limited by available materials and techniques. The feasibility of improving phantom performance using functional structure designs producible with practical 3D printing technologies was investigated. A novel corrugated wall approach to separate phantom function from material properties was investigated with a series of designs printed from polyester-polyurethane using a low-cost open-source fused filament fabrication 3D printer. Nonpulsatile pressure-diameter data was collected, and a mock circulatory system was used to observe phantom pulse wave behavior and obtain pulse wave velocities. The measured range of nonpulsatile Peterson elastic strain modulus was 5.6–19 to 12.4–33.0 kPa over pressures of 5–35 mmHg for the most to least compliant designs respectively. Pulse wave velocities of 1.5–5 m s−1 over mean pressures of 7–55 mmHg were observed, comparing favorably to reported in vivo pulmonary artery measurements of 1–4 m s−1 across mammals. Phantoms stiffened with increasing pressure in a manner consistent with arteries, and phantom wall elasticity appeared to vary between designs. Using a functional structure approach, practical low-cost 3D-printed production of simple arterial phantoms with mechanical properties that closely match the pulmonary artery is possible. Further functional structure design development to expand the pressure range and physiologic utility of dir"ectly 3D-printed phantoms appears warranted.
Why do experts disagree? The development of a taxonomy
Authors: Deroover Kristine , Knight Simon , Burke Paul F. , Bucher Tamara
Published: August 2022

People are increasingly exposed to conflicting health information and must navigate this information to make numerous decisions, such as which foods to consume, a process many find difficult. Although some consumers attribute these disagreements to aspects related to uncertainty and complexity of research, many use a narrower set of credibility-based explanations. Experts’ views on disagreements are underinvestigated and lack explicit identification and classification of the differences in causes for disagreement. Consequently, there is a gap in existing literature to understand the range of reasons for these contradictions. Combining the findings from a literature study and expert interviews, a taxonomy of disagreements was developed. It identifies 10 types of disagreement classified under three dimensions: informant-, information- and uncertainty-related causes for disagreement. The taxonomy may assist with adoption of more effective strategies to deal with conflicting information and contributes to research and practice of science communication in the context of disagreement.
Imagined futures for livestock gene editing: Public engagement in the Netherlands
Authors: Middelveld Senna , Macnaghten Phil , Meijboom Franck
Published: August 2022

Gene editing is an emerging technology with diverse applications in the making, including in livestock. While the technology is commonly represented as offering unbounded possibilities and societal benefit, it remains unclear how to characterise public views and the process through which responses are developed. Rather than simply being about individual attitudes, beliefs or preferences, we explicate an interpretative approach that seeks to understand how people make sense of the technology in the form of shared cultural idioms and stories. Based on five anticipatory focus group discussions with Dutch publics, we found the prevalence of five narratives shaping public talk, namely, technological fix, the market rules, in pursuit of perfection, finding the golden mean and governance through care. We explore the implications of these findings for governance and reflect on the virtues of sophrosyne and phronesis as offering ways to reconfigure the practice and politics of gene editing.
Measuring the Impact of Country-level Governance on Corporate Investment: A New Panel Data Evidence
Authors: Farooq Umar , Tabash Mosab I. , Al-Rdaydeh Mahmoud , Al-Faryan Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh
Published: August 2022

Governance plays a key role in determining industrial investment. In addition, it has a dynamic impact on multiple business decisions. Given that, this study measures the role of country-level governance in protecting industrial investment. Using the 10-year (2007–2016) panel data from 12 Asian economies, we employ panel estimated generalized least square (EGLS), fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) and two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) models to establish the relationship between defined variables. The empirical findings suggest that the countries with good governance situations subsequently enjoy a positive industrial investment. Following investors and property rights protection, a country with a good governance situation may have a voluminous industrial investment stemming from minimum default risk. The empirical findings of the current analysis highlight the significance of a good governance system in boosting industrial investment. A piece of important policy advice for corporate managers is to consider the governance condition while making an industrial investment. In addition, government officials should focus more on shaping better governance to ensure industrial growth. This study provides innovative insights into how country governance shapes corporate investment decisions specifically in Asian economies.
Are Children with Cleft Palate at Increased Risk for Laryngeal Pathology?
Authors: Fujiki Robert Brinton , Thibeault Susan L.
Published: August 2022

To determine the prevalence of laryngeal pathology in children presenting with cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP ± L) who underwent nasoendoscopy to assess palatal function. A secondary aim was to determine the relationship between patient demographics, resonance, articulation, and prevalence of laryngeal pathology in this population.

Retrospective, observational cohort study

Outpatient pediatric cranio-facial anomalies clinic

Children ≤18 years of age presenting with CP ± L (N = 215) who underwent nasoendoscopy, speech language pathology, plastic surgery, and otolaryngological evaluations between 2009 and 2020.

Laryngeal diagnosis by pediatric otolaryngologists.

21.9% of children presented with laryngeal pathology. Diagnoses included benign vocal fold lesions and laryngeal edema sufficiently severe to alter vocal fold edge contour. Likelihood of laryngeal pathology increased by approximately 12% with every increase of 1 year in age ( P = .001, OR = 1.12). Children with laryngeal pathology were 50% more likely to have undergone palatal repair ( P < .001, OR = 1.50). In addition, children with severely hypernasal resonance were 78% less likely to present with laryngeal pathology ( P =.046, OR = 0.22).

This population is at increased risk for laryngeal pathologies as determined by nasoendoscopy. This finding underscores the importance of careful laryngeal imaging in assessing these children. Additional research is warranted to identify the mechanisms underlying the increased risk for morphological vocal fold changes.
Social Movements and Identification: An Examination of How Black Lives Matter and March for Our Lives Use Identification Strategies on Twitter to Build Relationships
Authors: Edrington Candice L.
Published: August 2022

This project presents a comprehensive understanding of how social movements use identification strategies across multiple digital platforms to build relationships with their publics. Drawing from a theoretical framework that blends dialogic communication, public relations, and rhetorical message strategies, and digital social advocacy, this study examines the Black Lives Matter and March For Our Lives movements. A Twitter content analysis found that Black Lives Matter and March for Our Lives use the sympathy identification strategy most frequently although this strategy did not generate the most engagement from their followers. This project concludes with implications in the areas of public relations and social movement studies.
Shear-Thinning and piezoviscous lubricant behavior of spiral grooved hybrid thrust pad bearing configurations
Authors: Kumar Narendra , Sharma Satish C.
Published: August 2022

The present study investigates the effects of shear-thinning and piezoviscous lubricant on the behavior of inwardly and outwardly spiral grooved hybrid annular thrust pad bearing configurations. The performance of spiral grooved circular and annular hybrid thrust pad bearing configurations with a capillary restrictor is also compared in this study. The influence on fluid film reaction, lubricant flow rate, fluid film stiffness, and damping coefficients have been carried out. The numerically simulated results show that the synergistic effect of spiral grooves and shear-thinning and piezoviscous behavior of the lubricant, have a significant impact on lubrication performance. The maximum percentage difference in the value of fluid film stiffness between outwardly spiral grooved annular recessed hybrid thrust pad bearing with non-Newtonian lubricant and inwardly spiral grooved annular recessed hybrid thrust pad bearing with Newtonian lubricant is found to be 80.6 percent.
Combat, commitment, and the termination of Africa’s mutual interventions
Authors: Tamm Henning , Duursma Allard
Published: August 2022

African states fight each other far more often by simultaneously supporting rebels in each other’s intrastate conflicts than by engaging in direct warfare. While nearly half of these mutual interventions between 1960 and 2010 were resolved via bilateral negotiated settlements, the majority of cases ended due to events in, or actions by, only one of the two states. What explains this variation? We argue that different combinations of combat outcomes in the two intrastate conflicts determine the severity of interstate commitment concerns and, therefore, the likelihood of a successful settlement. Specifically, we hypothesize that commitment problems are likely to be overcome only when both states experience stalemates or successes in their battles with rebels. By contrast, if both states suffer combat defeats, major commitment concerns on both sides make a settlement very unlikely. Finally, a combination of defeats and stalemates or successes also makes a settlement unlikely, as the state with the upper hand is likely both unwilling and unable to commit credibly to a settlement. We use several cases to illustrate our theory and then demonstrate how its causal mechanism works by leveraging within-case variation from the Chad–Sudan mutual intervention. We show that the two states reached a settlement only once both were winning at home while their rebel clients were losing abroad. Three alternative explanations—third-party threats, pressure, and security guarantees—cannot explain the settlement. Overall, our study extends bargaining theory to a new empirical domain and contributes to theorizing how its information and commitment logics interact.
Psychometric properties of two mental health screening tools in southeast Liberia: The Liberian Distress Screener and Patient Health Questionnaire
Authors: Fabian Katrin E. , Fannoh Josiah , Washington George G. , Geninyan Weetol Wilfred B. , Nyachienga Bethuel , Cyrus Garmai , Hallowanger Joyce N. , Beste Jason , Augusto Orvalho , Wagenaar Bradley H.
Published: August 2022

Evidence suggests that locally developed and/or adapted screening tools for mental ill-health can have higher validity than directly translated tools developed in other settings. We administered the locally developed Liberian Distress Screener (LDS) and the Liberian-adapted Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9L) to a random sample of 142 outpatients at a regional hospital in Maryland County, Liberia. In the LDS, seven items demonstrated poor model fit and were excluded, resulting in an 11-item screener (LDS-11). Exploratory factor analysis of the 11-item screener (LDS-11) showed a single latent variable construct with significant factor loadings. Cronbach’s alpha revealed good internal consistency (α = 0.81). Rasch analyses showed that “brain hot” and “heart fall down” were the most difficult idioms of distress to endorse while “things playing on the mind” was the easiest. All LDS-11 elements were associated with elevated function impairment, with “things playing on the mind,” “worry too much,” “head is hurting,” and “heart cut/beat fast” achieving statistical significance. One item in the PHQ-9L demonstrated poor model fit and was excluded from psychometric analyses. The resultant eight-item PHQ demonstrated internal consistency (α = 0.76) and Rasch analysis revealed that “moving/talking too slowly/fast” was the most difficult item to endorse, while “not happy when doing things” was the easiest. Twelve items were significantly associated with functional impairment. Exploratory analyses reveal items that demonstrate ease and appropriateness of use for assessing mental distress in this population. Implementation research is needed to incorporate idioms of distress and screeners into Liberia’s mental healthcare system.
The Nordic Connection: The impact of the Finnish basic income pilot on the Australian basic income debate
Authors: Henderson Troy , Spies-Butcher Ben
Published: August 2022

This article examines the impact of recent European basic income experiments on the re-emergence of basic income in Australian public policy and political debate. We argue that while basic income experiments in general have garnered some attention in Australia, the Finnish basic income pilot has been particularly significant. We trace this influence back to the historical tendency of sections of the Australian Left to view Nordic industrial and social policy as an aspirational model, and to the stronger institutional and interpersonal connections between Nordic and Australian policy communities. Finally, we emphasise how the recent history of imposing welfare policy experiments on Indigenous communities complicates the perception and prospects of basic income pilots in Australia and the potential for successful policy transfer.
Immersive 3D Virtual Reality–Based Clip Sizing for Thoracoscopic Left Atrial Appendage Closure
Authors: van Schaagen Frank , van Steenis Yvar P. , Sadeghi Amir H. , Bogers Ad J.J.C. , Taverne Yannick J.H.J.
Published: August 2022

Objective: Surgical left atrial appendage (LAA) closure using epicardial clips has become popular in stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. Optimal placement of the clip is essential to achieve complete LAA occlusion and to prevent complications due to compression of the circumflex artery. We determine the added value of immersive virtual reality (VR) in accurately assessing LAA base size and selection of an appropriately sized clip. Methods: We studied the feasibility of measuring the LAA base using VR and conventional computed tomography (CT). A retrospective analysis was performed of LAA base measurements in 15 patients who had undergone thoracoscopic LAA clipping. Subsequently, we compared the placed clip size with imaging-acquired LAA base size to retrospectively evaluate intraprocedural sizing. Results: We successfully applied a VR platform to measure LAA base size. The median LAA base size measured in CT (23.8 mm, interquartile range [IQR] 22.3 to 26.4 mm) and intracardial virtual reality (23.4 mm, IQR 21.6 to 25.5 mm) did not differ significantly ( P = 0.416). VR measurements of the LAA base in surgeon's view (25.7 mm, IQR 24.2 to 29.2) were significantly higher than those of 2-dimensional CT ( P = 0.037) and intracardial 3-dimensional (3D) VR ( P < 0.05) measurements. All measurements differed significantly with placed clip sizes ( P < 0.05). There were no clip malpositioning-related events. Conclusions: Immersive VR is a feasible method for obtaining anatomical information on LAA base size. In this retrospective analysis, CT and VR-based measurements of LAA base size differed significantly from intraoperatively placed LAA clips, indicating potential oversizing when measured intraoperatively. Using intuitive 3D VR-based imaging might be a useful method to assist in accurate preprocedural sizing of LAA base and can potentially prevent oversizing.
Return to work after chronic disease: A theoretical framework for understanding the worker-employer dynamic
Authors: Popa Adela Elena , Bejenaru Anca , Mitrea Elena Cristina , Morândău Felicia , Pogan Livia
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Return to work after chronic disease is important for workers, employers and society. The process, however, is challenging. This article provides an analytical and theoretical framework for explaining this process informed by the person-environment fit theory.

Methods

This article uses a narrative method to (1) review the key concepts, benefits and influencing factors in the literature on return to work after chronic diseases, (2) analyse and critique the most important theoretical models used for explaining return to work after chronic diseases, and (3) review the person-environment fit theory and how it has been used so far.

Results

The existing models highlight different aspects, but they overlook the relationship between the worker and the employer. An analytical and theoretical framework is proposed to comprehensively explain the worker-employer dynamic. The framework also considers the role of broader factors (policy, labour market) and other stakeholders (health professionals, civil society actors) emphasising the idea that return to work is a phased and cyclical process.

Discussion

The framework can be used to guide future qualitative and quantitative studies, or as a map for identifying problematic areas related to the worker or the work environment. The model should be empirically tested in future studies.
Worlding war as a primary institution of international society
Authors: Williams John
Published: August 2022

Through interaction with decolonial IR this paper develops a research agenda extending recent English School (ES) work engaging a Global IR agenda. It argues recent developments in ES work that look to world history and which substantially improve ES accounts of “primary institutions” of international society can be further enhanced by decolonial concepts and methods. By focusing on war as a major primary institution of international society, and specifically Counterinsurgency and Counter-Terrorism, the paper shows how “worlding” as a decolonial approach can extend ES theory’s critical reach. Key benefits include enriching its account of political space and identifying ways to open research to perspectives and insights from marginalized populations with deep knowledge and understanding of war through lived experience. Decolonial research methods and associated distinctive ontological and epistemological claims can open ES research to additional world histories its present methods close, further invigorating the principal sociological approach to theorizing international relations.
Male factor infertility: A contemporary overview of investigation, diagnosis and management
Authors: Krishan Anil , Vukina Josip , Pearce Ian , Modgil Vaibhav
Published: August 2022

Infertility, defined as the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 1 year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse, is a public health issue of global concern. It affects up to 12% of couples worldwide. While traditionally, research and treatment have focused on female causes of infertility, male factors contribute to up to 70% of cases and therefore deserve appropriate recognition. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to detail the diagnostic work-up, investigations and management of male factor infertility. We discuss much-debated pathologies, such as varicocele, and novel investigations, including sperm DNA fragmentation and reactive oxygen species.

Level of evidence: Not applicable
Shall AI moderators be made visible? Perception of accountability and trust in moderation systems on social media platforms
Authors: Ozanne Marie , Bhandari Aparajita , Bazarova Natalya N , DiFranzo Dominic
Published: August 2022

This study examines how visibility of a content moderator and ambiguity of moderated content influence perception of the moderation system in a social media environment. In the course of a two-day pre-registered experiment conducted in a realistic social media simulation, participants encountered moderated comments that were either unequivocally harsh or ambiguously worded, and the source of moderation was either unidentified, or attributed to other users or an automated system (AI). The results show that when comments were moderated by an AI versus other users, users perceived less accountability in the moderation system and had less trust in the moderation decision, especially for ambiguously worded harassments, as opposed to clear harassment cases. However, no differences emerged in the perceived moderation fairness, objectivity, and participants confidence in their understanding of the moderation process. Overall, our study demonstrates that users tend to question the moderation decision and system more when an AI moderator is visible, which highlights the complexity of effectively managing the visibility of automatic content moderation in the social media environment.
Materiality and the mediating roles of eHealth: A qualitative study and comparison of three cases
Authors: Frennert Susanne , Petersson Lena , Muhic Mirella , Rydenfält Christofer , Nymberg Veronica Milos , Ekman Björn , Erlingsdottir Gudbjörg
Published: August 2022

Against the backdrop of eHealth solutions increasingly becoming a part of healthcare professionals’ ways of doing care work, this paper questions how the solutions mediate the experience of healthcare professionals when deployed. We undertook a qualitative study of three eHealth solutions, conducting qualitative interviews with a diverse sample of 102 healthcare professionals from different care settings across the south of Sweden. Materiality and postphenomenology serve as analytic tools for achieving an understanding of the mediating roles of eHealth solutions. The analysis emphasises the mediating roles consisting of interrelated paradoxes: (1) changing and perpetuating boundaries between patients and professional groups, (2) (dis)enabling augmented information and knowledge processes and (3) reconfiguring professional control over work. This contribution provides critical insights into materiality as a category of analysis in studies on the deployment of eHealth solutions, as these technologies have both intended and unintended consequences for care work. Our study identified general positive consequences of all three solutions, such as the increased feeling of closeness to patients and colleagues over time and space; increased ‘understanding’ of patients through patient-generated data; and increased autonomy, due to the fact that asynchronous communication makes it possible to decide when and which patient to attend to. We also identified general unintended consequences of the solutions, such as maintenance of power relations maintained due to organisational structures and professional relations, disabled information and knowledge processes due to the lack of non-verbal clues, reduced professional autonomy due to technical scripts determining what data is collected and how it is categorised, and uneven workload due to the dependency on patient input and compliance.
Immune cell subset profiling in multiple sclerosis after fingolimod initiation and continued treatment: The FLUENT study
Authors: Mao-Draayer Yang , Cohen Jeffrey A , Bar-Or Amit , Han May H , Singer Barry , Williams Ian M , Meng Xiangyi , Elam Chelsea , Weiss Jamie L , Cox Gina Mavrikis , Ziehn Marina , Cree Bruce AC ,   on behalf of the FLUENT study investigators
Published: August 2022

Background

Fingolimod is a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator approved for relapsing MS. Long-term effects on the immunological profile are not fully understood.

Objective

Investigate fingolimod's temporal effects on immune cell subsets, and safety outcomes.

Methods

In FLUENT, a 12-month, prospective, non-randomized, open-label, phase IV study, adult participants received fingolimod 0.5 mg/day. Changes in immune cell subsets, anti-John Cunningham virus (JCV) antibody index, and serum neurofilament levels were assessed.

Results

165 fingolimod-naive and 217 participants treated for 2–12 years in routine clinical practice were enrolled. Levels of all monitored peripheral lymphocyte subsets were reduced from month 3 in fingolimod-naive participants. Greatest reductions occurred in naive and central memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and in naive and memory B cells. Most lymphocyte subset levels remained stable in the continuous fingolimod group. Components of the innate immune system remained within reference ranges. No increase in JCV seropositivity was observed. No single cellular subset correlated with anti-JCV antibody index at any time point. Neurofilament levels remained within healthy adult reference limits throughout. No opportunistic infections were reported; no new or unexpected safety signals were observed.

Conclusion

FLUENT provides insights into the utility of immunological profiling to evaluate therapy response and potential infection risk.
A Neonatal Case of Mild Encephalopathy/Encephalitis with a Reversible Splenial Lesion
Authors: Oki Yuzuki , Yoshida Tomohide , Yogi Akira , Kurokawa Shingo , Goya Hideki , Tsukayama Mayumi , Nakamura Sadao , Mekaru Keiko , Nakanishi Koichi
Published: August 2022

The neurological symptoms of pediatric mild encephalopathy/encephalitis with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) are mild and have a good prognosis. However, some aspects of neonatal MERS are unclear due to a lack of clinical knowledge. We present a neonatal case of MERS with features of poor activity and prolonged poor oxygenation after birth without asphyxia. He was diagnosed with MERS by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on day10, because the diffusion restriction of the splenium of the corpus callosum (SCC) seen on diffusion-weighted MRI on day 5 was attenuating. He was discharged due to good progress on day 26, but growth issues and developmental delay were observed in the follow up from 1-10 months. In rare neonatal cases, many aspects of the clinical course and prognosis are thus unclear. MERS should be considered in newborns who show unexplained non-neural or other encephalopathic symptoms.
Experiences of Students with Disabilities in Indian Higher Education: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study
Authors: Mir Afaq Ahmad , Waheed Abdul
Published: August 2022

Using interpretative phenomenological approach, this article aims to explore the experiences of students with disabilities within the context of their higher education in India. The study aims to understand the question of inclusive education of the disabled students and discusses the challenges and opportunities these students face within universities. The findings are drawn from qualitative data collected from 24 participants using semi-structured interviews. The results revealed complex accounts on specific issues such as perceptions about inclusive education, infrastructure accessibility, physical access, institutional support networks and issues of teacher’s attitude towards learning. The findings reveal that disabled students face lot of challenges while accessing higher education in Indian universities. We also found that students with disabilities are capable of dialogue about the challenges faced by proposing suggestions/alternatives for the future development of their education. In conclusion, the findings suggest that to be inclusive, institutions need to reconsider and reframe their inclusive policies and practices and eliminate the barriers that hinder the participation and learning of students at the university level.