bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spying on Americans: US Intelligence, Race Protests, and Dissident Movements
Authors: Walton Calder
Published: December 2021

Protests against racism erupt in cities across America. A White House, under siege, believes a vast conspiracy is at work, and, to uncover it, instigates a policy to spy on Americans. This is not the United States in 2020, but half a century earlier. Using a wealth of declassified records, this article explores a domestic intelligence collection program (CHAOS) instigated by two successive US administrations and conducted by the Central Intelligence Agency in the late 1960s and early 1970s. By studying this historical chapter, we observe how quickly an agency, equipped with intrusive powers, can infringe on Americans’ civil liberties when tasked by a US president. Applying this case to our contemporary context, this article argues that robust whistleblower procedures, as well as informal oversight, are powerful defenses against such abuses. Understanding why CHAOS occurred is an essential public policy first step to prevent similar abuses happening again.
‘… for peace comes dropping slow’
Authors: Craig Tony
Published: December 2021

This article considers Northern Ireland’s history of conflict through a lens that emphasizes conciliation over conflict. It demonstrates how numerous state, social and economic groups actively attempted to avoid, rectify or oppose Northern Ireland’s conflict. In doing so, the article argues that long before (and after) the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 was reached subtle changes at the societal level helped both restrain and later ameliorate the conflict there. This emphasis questions the utility of more (para)militarized histories of Northern Ireland’s Troubles by seeing the peace process as the growth of conciliation rather than the attenuation of violence. Applying this to what is widely regarded as the polarization of politics in the contemporary United States, the article highlights how the emphasis on violent events in the public mind can actively obscure a more consistent, if gradual, current flowing in a different direction.
Energetics of Interactions between African Easterly Waves and Convectively Coupled Kelvin Waves
Authors: Sridhar Mantripragada Rama Sesha , Schreck III C. J. , Aiyyer Anantha
Published: December 2021

Perturbation kinetic and available energy budgets are used to explore how convectively coupled equatorial Kelvin waves (KWs) impact African easterly wave (AEW) activity. The convective phase of the Kelvin wave increases the African easterly jet’s meridional shear, thus enhancing the barotropic energy conversions, leading to intensification of southern track AEWs perturbation kinetic energy. In contrast, the barotropic energy conversion is reduced in the suppressed phase of KW. Baroclinic energy conversion of the southern track AEWs is not significantly different between Kelvin waves’ convective and suppressed phases. AEWs in the convective phase of a Kelvin wave have stronger perturbation available potential energy generation by diabatic heating and stronger baroclinic overturning circulations than in the suppressed phase of a Kelvin wave. These differences suggest that southern track AEWs within the convective phase of Kelvin waves have more vigorous convection than in the suppressed phase of Kelvin waves. Barotropic energy conversion of the northern track AEWs is not significantly different between Kelvin waves’ convective and suppressed phases. The convective phase of the Kelvin wave increases the lower-tropospheric meridional temperature gradient north of the African easterly jet, thus enhancing the baroclinic energy conversion, leading to intensification of northern track AEWs perturbation kinetic energy. In contrast, the baroclinic energy conversion is reduced in the suppressed phase of KW. These results provide a physical basis for the modulation of AEWs by Kelvin waves arriving from upstream.
A Longitudinal Comparison of Telemedicine Versus In-Person Otolaryngology Clinic Efficiency and Patient Satisfaction During COVID-19
Authors: Hoi Karen K. , Brazina Sloane A. , Kolar-Anderson Rachel , Zopf David A. , Bohm Lauren A.
Published: December 2021

Objectives:

Telemedicine was increasingly adopted in otolaryngology as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but how it compares to in-person visits over the longitudinal course of the pandemic has not been characterized. This study compares telemedicine visits to in-person visits on measures of clinical efficiency and patient satisfaction.

Methods:

We examined all in-person and telemedicine encounters that occurred during the 13-month period from April 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021 at a pediatric otolaryngology clinic associated with a large tertiary care children’s hospital. We compared patient demographics, primary encounter diagnoses, completions, cancellations, no-shows, cycle time, and patient satisfaction.

Results:

A total of 19 541 (90.5%) in-person visits and 2051 (9.5%) telemedicine visits were scheduled over the study period. There was no difference in patient age or gender between the visit types. There was a difference in race (75% White or Caucasian for in-person and 73% for telemedicine, P = .007) and average travel distance (53.3 miles for in-person vs 71.0 for telemedicine, P = .000). The most common primary diagnosis was Eustachian tube dysfunction for in-person visits (11.8%) and sleep disordered breathing for telemedicine visits (13.7%). Completion rate was greater for telemedicine visits (52.4% in-person vs 62.5% telemedicine). Cancellations were greater for in-person visits (42.6% in-person vs 24.2% telemedicine), but no-shows were greater for telemedicine (5.0% in-person vs 13.3% telemedicine, all P = .000). Average cycle time was shorter for telemedicine visits (56.5 minutes in-person vs 47.6 minutes telemedicine, P = .000). Patient satisfaction with provider interactions and overall care experience was high for both visit types.

Conclusions:

Telemedicine was utilized more during months of heightened COVID-19 cases, with higher completion rates, fewer cancellations, shorter cycle times, saved travel distance, and comparable patient satisfaction to in-person visits. Telemedicine has the potential to remain an efficient mode of care delivery in the post-pandemic era.
Evaluation of Unfractionated Heparin Dosing by Antifactor Xa During Targeted Temperature Management Post Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Belcher Carrigan , Kataria Vivek , Ryman Klayton M , Wang Xuan , Moon Joon Yong , Modrykamien Ariel , Mora Adan
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

To evaluate unfractionated heparin (UFH) dosing guided by antifactor Xa levels during targeted temperature management (TTM) post-cardiac arrest.

Methods:

Single-center, retrospective, observational study between January 1, 2014 and September 1, 2020. Patients initiated on TTM post-cardiac arrest and UFH were evaluated for inclusion. Patients included were ≥18 years of age and received weight-based UFH for ≥6 hours with 2 antifactor Xa levels drawn at target temperature. Excluded patients had no available temperature readings, received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or factor Xa inhibitor (within 72 hours), or had hypertriglyceridemia or hyperbilirubinemia. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the proportion of patients that achieved a therapeutic antifactor Xa level between 0.3 and 0.7 IU/mL at steady state during TTM. Secondary endpoints included average UFH dose and average time to therapeutic antifactor Xa level at steady state; percent of first and total antifactor Xa levels subtherapeutic, therapeutic, and supratherapeutic during TTM.

Results:

A total of 73 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 21 patients achieved steady-state therapeutic antifactor Xa levels during TTM. The average time and dose to steady-state therapeutic antifactor Xa levels were 8.1 ± 4.5 hours and 9.9 ± 3.2 units/kg/hour. Overall, 61.7% of first and 47.4% of all antifactor Xa levels were supratherapeutic during TTM. Three (4.1%) patients experienced a major bleeding event.

Conclusions:

Guideline recommended UFH dosing, 12 or 18 units/kg/hour, during TTM resulted in more supratherapeutic antifactor Xa levels. Reduction of UFH infusion dose to 10 units/kg/hour may be required during TTM to maintain therapeutic antifactor Xa levels.
Effects of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Using Algodoo to Prospective Science Teachers' Scientific Process and Education Orientation Skills
Authors: Alan Burcu , Zengin Fikriye K. , Kececi Gonca
Published: December 2021

This study investigated the effects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) applications carried out with the purpose of supporting the integrated knowledge of prospective science teachers on the scientific process skills and STEM education orientation skills of prospective teachers. According to the results, the STEM application was effective on the scientific process skills of the prospective teachers in the experiment group in comparison to those in the control group; however, it was not effective on their levels of orientation towards STEM education. The prospective teachers stated that Algodoo is a good tool for integration of STEM disciplines.
“Trickle-Down” Racial Empathy in American Higher Education: Moving Beyond Performative Wokeness and Academic Panels to Spark Racial Equity
Authors: Ezell Jerel M.
Published: December 2021

Recent racial justice protests in response to police-related brutality in the U.S. illuminate tensions reflective of persistent power differentials and social and racial traumas of which the U.S. education system has played a pronounced role in both historically producing and, more recently, reproducing by trafficking in an ethos of “trickle-down” racial empathy. Asking questions of the reader, this reflection explores how institutions of higher education persistently fail to accurately diagnose and problematize systemic racism and their role in mediating it, thus failing to engender impactful policy toward diversity, equity, and inclusion within and outside of their academic communities.
The Association Between Racial Privilege and Ethnocultural Empathy
Authors: Uehline D. Alexis , Yalch Matthew M.
Published: December 2021

Racial minorities living in U.S. society hold fewer privileges in day-to-day life than those in the racial majority. Some propose that the shared experience of a lack of racial privilege among minorities may promote increased empathy for people of other ethnicities and cultures, although there is a lack of evidence demonstrating this empirically. In this study, we examine the intersection of racial privilege and ethnocultural empathy in a diverse sample ( N = 404) of U.S. residents recruited using Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. Results indicated statistically significant differences in racial privilege and ethnocultural empathy between racial groups such that White participants had higher levels of racial privilege than racial minority participants and lower levels of ethnocultural empathy than Black participants. Results further suggested that the difference in ethnocultural empathy between White and Black participants remained even after racial privilege was controlled for statistically. These results integrate and advance research on the intersection between racial privilege on ethnocultural empathy.
Foundations for an Arab/MENA Psychology
Authors: Awad Germine , Ikizler Ayse , Abdel Salam Laila , Kia-Keating Maryam , Amini Bahaur , El-Ghoroury Nabil
Published: December 2021

Arab/Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) American psychology is a field rooted in ethnic studies and multicultural psychology. Although its study is relatively nascent in U.S. psychology, it has slowly been growing since the 1990s. The events of 9/11 resulted in an increase in psychological research on the Arab/MENA population in the United States, providing empirical evidence to inform the historical and social foundations for an Arab/MENA psychology. This article seeks to identify key elements and factors present in an Arab/MENA psychology focusing on issues of identity and recognition, discrimination, cumulative racial-ethnic trauma, acculturation, and cultural values, such as hospitality and generosity, morality, family centricity, honor and shame, religiosity, and communication style.
Using Spelling Error Analyses to Examine Individual Differences in German Students From Diverse Linguistic Backgrounds: A Latent Class Approach
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Breuer Esther Odilia , Grünke Matthias , Joshi R. Malatesha
Published: December 2021

The current study examined German spelling errors among students with German as their first language (L1) and those with German as their second language (L2) in Grades 3–4 (elementary school students; n = 127) and Grades 5–7 (secondary school students; n = 379). Five hundred and six students participated in the study. We performed two separate latent class analyses on elementary and secondary school students. Results indicate that elementary school students can be categorized as good (Class 1), consonant error dominant (Class 2), or poor (Class 3) spellers. However, secondary students can be categorized as addition and sequence error dominant (Class 1), substitution and omission error dominant (Class 2), or poor (Class 3) spellers. The three-step multinomial logistic regression analyses suggested that decoding was associated with the highest chances of being poor spellers in both elementary and secondary schools. Speaking German as L1 or L2 was a significant predictor of heterogeneities in secondary, but not elementary, school students. Polish L1 secondary students had the highest possibility of being poor spellers. The results suggest heterogeneities of student profiles. In addition, special attention should be given to secondary school students with the Polish L1 background in their spelling struggles associated with German orthography.
Views From the Inside: Insights About Restrictive Housing From Prison System Officials, Officers, and Staff
Authors: Mears Daniel P. , Pesta George B. , Aranda-Hughes Vivian
Published: December 2021

Restrictive housing substantially limits inmate movement and privileges. Proponents argue it creates safer prison systems, while opponents claim it does not and harms inmates. However, few studies have systematically examined restrictive housing through the perspective of those who work in prison systems or scrutinized the diverse dimensions relevant to its appraisal. This study addresses this gap by drawing on qualitative data to examine how such individuals view the housing, its operational challenges, effectiveness, possible improvements, and potential alternatives. We present findings along each of these dimensions and then discuss their implications for research and policy.
Suicide in Mexican Prisons: Mental Health Symptomology and Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation and Suicidal Behavior
Authors: Pérez-Ramírez Berenice , Barthelemy Juan J. , Gearing Robin E. , Olson Lindamarie , Giraldo-Santiago Natalia , Torres Luis R.
Published: December 2021

In Mexico, suicide and suicidal behaviors (SB) have increased 275% since 1990. Prisoners constitute a growing population in Mexico and have been identified as high suicide risk. Using a sample of 194 male prisoners, we measure what demographics and mental health symptomology are associated with suicidal ideation (SI) and SB, and identify what demographics and mental health symptomology predict SI and SB. Global Severity and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) were significant predictors of experiencing SI, whereas global severity, ACEs, and age were significant predictors of experiencing SB. Findings support increased identification and comprehensive mental health services addressing suicidality in prisons.
Male Prisoners’ Perspectives of Access to Quality Health Care at a Prison Infirmary in Ghana
Authors: Adomah-Afari Augustine , Kojo Ntow Samuel , Awuah-Werekoh Kwasi , Baffoe-Bonnie Terrylyn
Published: December 2021

This study assessed factors that influence access to quality health care among a prison population nearing its release in Ghana. A structured quantitative questionnaire was administered to 200 inmates using a total population sampling. Gap analysis was performed between inmate expectations and perceptions of health provider factors to determine quality. There was an overall negative gap due to expectations exceeding perceptions. This article recommends that a policy document on the health and welfare of inmates be developed and implemented to improve their access to quality health care.
Association of the Magnitude of Nurses With the Use of Health Information Exchanges: Analyzing the National Health Insurance Claim Data of Hospitals and Clinics in Korea
Authors: Park Young-Taek , Kim Yeon Sook , Heo Yun-Jung , Lee Jae-Ho , Chang Hyejung
Published: December 2021

Background

Many features of health care organizations (HCOs) have been identified to be associated with health information exchange (HIE), but subcategories of organizational factors focusing on nurse workforces still need to be identified. The objective of this study is to investigate the association of number of nurses with HIE use in Korea.

Methods

This study had a retrospective study design and used health insurance claim data from June 1, 2016 to June 30, 2018. The unit of analysis was the HCO, and any health insurance claims having HIE were counted by HCO. There were a total of 1490 HCOs having any HIE and 24 026 HCOs not having HIE. For statistical analysis, two-part model was used: logistic regression for HIE participation and the generalized linear model for the volume of HIE use.

Results

HIE was used by 44.6% of general hospitals, and 8.6% and 5.3% of small hospitals and clinics, respectively. Both HIE use and its volume were significantly positively associated with nurse variables. The use of HIE was significantly positively associated with nurse-to-bed ratio in general hospitals (OR 1.028; 1.016 to 1.041) and in small hospitals (OR 1.021; 1.016 to 1.027), and with the number of nurses (OR 1.041; 1.028 to 1.054) in clinics (P<.001). The volume of HIE use was also positively associated with nurse-to-bed ratio in general hospitals (OR 1.010; 1.004 to 1.017) and in small hospitals (OR 1.014; 1.006 to 1.022), and with the number of nurses (OR 1.055; 1.037 to 1.073) in clinics (P<.01).

Conclusion

This study found that there was a low rate of HIE use in small hospitals and clinics. The number of nurses was critically associated with the use of HIE and the volume of HIE claims. HIE policy makers need to be aware of this factor in seeking to accelerate HIE.
Finnish Military Officer Identities and Micro-Political Resistance
Authors: Kouri Suvi
Published: December 2021

Drawing on the concept of micro-political resistance, this article presents an empirical analysis of how officers of the Finnish Defence Forces challenge, resist, and reinforce the collective military identities constructed within the prevailing organizational discourses. There is a need for identity work to meet the norms and ideals of the military, but individuals can also work as change agents. Micro-political resistance derives from feelings of otherness as well as conflict between the dominant organizational identities and individuals’ personal interests. This study presents a thematic discourse analysis based on texts written by 108 officers and 12 interviews on the theme of “the ideal soldier.” Three main discourses of micro-political resistance were identified: perceiving the profession of a military officer as a job like any other rather than a sacred calling, putting family first, and being oneself instead of embodying the traditional masculine ideal soldier.
All in the (Definition of) Family: Transnational Parent–Child Relationships, Rights to Family Life, and Canadian Immigration Law
Authors: Redmond Melissa , Martin Beth
Published: December 2021

International human rights conventions, Canadian law and academic research all support the right to family life. Internationally and domestically, multiple definitions of family are recognized, acknowledging that long-term interpersonal commitments can be based on biological relationships as well as co-residential, legal, and emotional ties. Yet, the Canadian immigration system’s limited and exclusionary understanding of parent–child relationships complicates migrant family reunification. Drawing on qualitative interview and survey data from separated families and key informants who support them, we analyze national status and class assumptions embedded in Canadian immigration standards. We argue that Canadian immigration policies disproportionately deny the right to family life to transnational Canadians and their children who hail from the Global South and/or who are socio-economically disadvantaged. Immigration policies neither recognize the globally accepted “best interests of the child” welfare standard nor the human right to family life. We offer suggestions for addressing these inequities in practice and policy.
COVID-19: Financial Stress and Well-Being in Families
Authors: Rodrigues Margarida , Silva Rui , Franco Mário
Published: December 2021

In all areas of knowledge, research has shown the devastating effects of COVID-19, and the impact on families’ financial stress and well-being is one of them. Crises are predictors of families’ financial stress as they produce changes in their income and negative feelings, such as fear and demotivation, which affect well-being. This study analyses the financial and social impact of COVID-19 on families, supported by the ABCE-WB model, with data collection being the result of snowball sampling. The results obtained allow the conclusion that the current pandemic crisis has caused financial stress in families, to a greater or lesser degree, and caused feelings of fear and demotivation as consequences of the general lockdown. The empirical evidence also shows that these effects are positively associated with the perception of their level of well-being. The contribution of the study lies in corroborating the model used. Final considerations are presented together with the limitations and suggestions for future research.
How to save the World: Replacing “Giftedness” with “Giftingness” based on individual strengths and interests
Authors: Glück Judith , Tischler Kornelia
Published: December 2021

This paper is framed as an email conversation between the authors, a lifespan developmental psychologist with expertise in the field of wisdom and an educational scientist with expertise in the field of giftedness. We discuss how giftedness is defined and whether the definition, and the concept in general, is still useful in today’s world. We draw three conclusions. First, “giftedness” has taken on a particularly literal meaning as it tends to favor students that are already privileged. Second, educational systems should aim to identify and promote all students’ individual profiles of strengths and interests instead of focusing on promoting the “gifted” ones. Third, given the current state of the world, educational systems should aim to empower “gifting” students who engage themselves for a greater good, instead of “gifted” students competing for grades and achievements.
Understanding Families’ Experiences Raising Young Children With Challenging Behavior Through an Ecological Lens: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis
Authors: Freedle Agata , Wahman Charis L.
Published: December 2021

Raising a young child with challenging behavior can have a significant impact on families’ well-being and family functioning. Despite advancements in the field, there is a paucity of research focused on effective ways to address their unique experiences. This qualitative meta-synthesis aims to identify the needs of families with young children who exhibit challenging behavior to inform more robust and responsive family-centered practices. Employing a constant comparative approach, we used axial coding to examine six studies involving 49 families and a critical appraisal approach to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, based on recommendations articulated by the Cochrane Collaboration. We determined that six major themes were most salient: (a) the family system, (b) families’ self-concept, (c) families’ capacity, (d) families’ social and emotional needs, (e) families’ experiences with professionals, and (f) families’ initial concerns. Our findings indicate that studies were conducted with acceptable rigor and all studies established credibility and trustworthiness of their results. The importance of family-centered practices, parenting interventions, and addressing the mental health needs of families are discussed.
Differentiating Categories of Violent Adolescent Offending and the Associated Risks in Police and Youth Offending Service Records
Authors: Ashton Sally-Ann , Valentine Michael , Chan Bonnie
Published: December 2021

Historical risk assessment forms for a sample of 173 males with a history of violent offending and under supervision by Merseyside Youth Offending Services (YOS) were investigated. Subsequent arrest records were scrutinised in order to obtain a better understanding of the relationship of social and psychological risk factors to offending behavior. The mean age of the sample at the point of contact with YOS was 16.01 ( SD = 1.37) with a range between 12 and 18 years. Assault was associated with solo expressive offending, a history of domestic violence, low school attendance and an inability to control impulsivity and aggression. Robbery was associated instrumental and escalated violent offending, psychological disorders, and deviant groups, including family criminal involvement. Risk assessments by professionals and the young people indicated that substance misuse co-occurred with robbery. The findings suggest that solo offenders commit the majority of violent offences and that targeted interventions should distinguish between expressive and instrumental offending.
Heterogeneity in Generational Effects: Case Study of Ride-hailing Behavior Among Millennials
Authors: Asgari Hamidreza , Gupta Rajesh , Azimi Ghazaleh , Jin Xia
Published: December 2021

This paper presents an investigation of the use and frequency of use of ride-hail services. In particular, we explored the role of generational effects and the heterogeneity involved in Millennials’ decision making when it comes to ride-hail choices. Using an ordered logistic regression structure, different statistical models were developed and tested, including fixed-effects and random parameter models, as well as the inclusion of interaction effects and attitudinal factors. Initial results from the fixed-effects model showed that the younger cohorts, including Millennials and Generation Z, showed a significantly positive preference for more frequent ride-hail use, whereas the older cohorts’ preferences (Generation X, Baby Boomers, and older) did not show any significant effects on ride-hail frequency. In the next step, the presence of heterogeneity among Millennials was tested using random parameters. The results confirmed that Millennials’ usage of ride-hail was heterogeneous, and this was statistically significant at the 90% confidence interval [Formula: see text]. To identify sources of heterogeneity, interaction effects were added to the model. Accordingly, use of ride-hail was more popular among middle-aged Millennials (30 to 34 years old) and Millennials with higher incomes. Likewise, attitudes such as cost sensitivity (toward private vehicle ownership), and being a rational user resulted in higher frequency ride-hail use across Millennials. On the contrary, unemployed Millennials were less likely to utilize ride-hail. The results from this study provide a more transparent picture of current ride-hail market segmentation, which could help predict the future market comprising autonomous vehicles and other emerging mobility options.
Evaluation and Load Rating of a Steel Girder In-Span Hinge Connection
Authors: Tchemodanova Sofia Puerto , Baxter Daniel , Olson Shayla
Published: December 2021

Continuous steel plate girder bridges often use intermediate expansion joints located at in-span hinges to divide the superstructure into individual units with shorter expansion lengths. One common type of in-span hinge is often termed a “shiplap joint.” This type of joint is located away from piers near the moment inflection point of the span, maximizing girder efficiency. It consists of a cantilevered portion of the superstructure supporting a suspended portion of the latter on bearings placed on dapped portions of the steel plate girders. Few references are available for the evaluation and load rating of shiplap in-span hinges used in steel girder bridges. In this study, the strength and stability of a typical shiplap hinge connection is evaluated using two methodologies: a 3D finite element model including a detailed mesh of the connection; and a proposed simplified methodology based on design equations. Load ratings of the connections based on these methodologies are compared. The proposed approach allows for a conservative assessment of the hinge without the need for a detailed finite element model.
What Drives Commuters to Pay for Autonomous Vehicles?
Authors: Rahimi Alireza , Azimi Ghazaleh , Jin Xia
Published: December 2021

Although commuters have been identified as potential early adopters of autonomous vehicles (AVs) that can boost the adoption rate of this technology, there is a lack of knowledge on their willingness to pay (WTP) for this technology and the attitude that influences this decision. Using data from a consumer survey conducted in the United States, this study presents a comprehensive analysis of the decision to pay for AVs among commuters. An integrated choice and latent variable (ICLV) model was applied in this study, considering its robust performance in modeling choice behavior for integrating users’ attitudes. The results showed that commuters with a favorable view toward multitasking tended to put a higher value on driverless cars. On the other hand, although a favorable view toward technology motivated commuters to pay more for AVs, data privacy and trust issues with the technology could outweigh this factor and discourage commuters from adopting and paying for AVs. This study also provides in-depth insights and comprehensive views on the impacts of commuters’ socioeconomic and demographic attributes on the decision to pay for AVs. Notably, although age and educational attainment did not directly affect WTP behavior, they played important roles in this decision, with significant effects mediated through latent attitudes. These in-depth analyses provide useful insights that can help develop customized marketing strategies for different market segments according to their specific and unique preferences and concerns.
Gradation Effects on Strength and Deformation Properties of High-Quality Crushed Rock Base Materials
Authors: Fouad Ali , Hassan Rayya , Mahmood Abdulrahman
Published: December 2021

The importance of specifying proper aggregate grading for achieving satisfactory performance in pavement applications has long been recognized. To improve the specifications for superior performance, there is a need to understand how differences in aggregate gradations within the acceptable limits may affect unbound aggregate base behavior. The effects of gradation on strength, modulus, and deformation characteristics of high-quality crushed rock base materials are described here. Two crushed rock types commonly used in constructing heavy-duty granular base layers in the State of Victoria, Australia, with three different gradations each were used in this study. The gradations used represent the lower, medium, and upper gradation limits for heavy-duty base materials specified by the State of Victoria’s road agency (VicRoads). Modified compaction tests were conducted first to determine the moisture-density relationship of all mixes. Further, California bearing ratio (CBR), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and repeated load triaxial (RLT) tests were then performed to study the effects of different gradations on strength, resilient modulus (MR), and deformation resistance. Further, permanent deformation and MR results were modeled using two popular models for each to explain the effect of gradation on the mixtures’ characteristics. The results indicate that the gradation that provides the best characteristics varies depending on the type of material used. For the materials tested here, coarse and medium gradations provide the best mixture characteristics in relation to CBR, MR, and permanent deformation. Fine gradation mixtures of these materials have lower values of these measures but are still considered acceptable considering relevant specification for the intended application.
The Utility of Brief Mattering Subscales for Adolescents: Associations with Learning Motivations, Achievement, Executive Function, Hope, Loneliness, and Risk Behavior
Authors: Somers Cheryl L. , Gill-Scalcucci Stefanie , Flett Gordon L. , Nepon Taryn
Published: December 2021

The current study examined the feasibility of adapting an existing measure to create a brief mattering measure suitable for use with adolescents. We then evaluated this brief measure by testing the hypothesis that mattering in adolescents is associated broadly with positive achievement outcomes and associated motivational orientations and behavioral tendencies. A sample of 206 high school students completed a slightly modified version of the Mattering Index, the Pattern of Adaptive Learning Scales, and a measure of executive function. School grades, school risk behavior, and social risk behavior were also assessed. Participants also completed measures of hope and loneliness. Psychometric analyses resulted in two brief four-item mattering subscales tapping a) general mattering and b) mattering by giving value to others. Correlational and regression analyses established that both mattering factors were associated with a positive academic orientation and higher grades. Mattering was also associated with less risk behavior, lower levels of loneliness, and higher levels of hope. Gender differences were found in terms of levels of mattering and the correlates of mattering. The findings are discussed in terms of how a focus on the promotion of mattering should contribute to an adaptive academic orientation, enhanced self-regulation, and the capacity to be adaptable and resilient.
Time of Day of Vaccination Affects SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Responses in an Observational Study of Health Care Workers
Authors: Wang Wei , Balfe Peter , Eyre David W. , Lumley Sheila F. , O’Donnell Denise , Warren Fiona , Crook Derrick W. , Jeffery Katie , Matthews Philippa C. , Klerman Elizabeth B. , McKeating Jane A.
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global crisis with unprecedented challenges for public health. Vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 have slowed the incidence of new infections and reduced disease severity. As the time of day of vaccination has been reported to influence host immune responses to multiple pathogens, we quantified the influence of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination time, vaccine type, participant age, sex, and days post-vaccination on anti-Spike antibody responses in health care workers. The magnitude of the anti-Spike antibody response is associated with the time of day of vaccination, vaccine type, participant age, sex, and days post-vaccination. These results may be relevant for optimising SARS-CoV-2 vaccine efficacy.
Exploring Survivor Experiences on Social Media in the #MeToo Era: Clinical Recommendations for Addressing Impacts on Mental Health and Relationships
Authors: PettyJohn Morgan E. , Anderson Grace , McCauley Heather L.
Published: December 2021

Since the inception of the viral #MeToo Movement in 2017, news coverage of sexual assault incidents and related public discourse have become much more prevalent on social media platforms. While this hashtag activism has prompted important social discourse, little is known about how exposure to this type of trauma-related content affects survivors of sexual violence navigating these online spaces. To explore this phenomenon, we conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with young adult women survivors of sexual assault who regularly use social media (e.g., Facebook and Twitter). Participants were asked to reflect on sexual assault–related content (i.e., news stories and related public discourse) which they have observed on social media platforms. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data found survivors described (1) negative changes to their mental health and relationships in the face of these exposures, (2) certain types of content (e.g., rape culture narratives) which were particularly distressing to them, (3) how they coped with distress tied to this exposure, and (4) recommendations for clinicians on how to help survivors navigate social media in a healthier way. The present study is a first step toward understanding the impact of online social movements on trauma survivors and provides concrete clinical recommendations for therapists working with sexual assault survivors in this unique post-#MeToo context.
Understanding the Development, Evaluation, and Sustainability of Community Health Networks Using Social Network Analysis: A Scoping Review
Authors: Simpson Vicki Lynn , Hass Zachary Joseph , Panchal Jitesh , McGowan Bethany
Published: December 2021

Objective

Identify the scope of the literature which reports use of social network analysis to inform, support, or evaluate health promotion–focused community network/partnership development.

Data Source

A comprehensive search (not date-limited) of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Library Database for Systematic Reviews.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Criteria for inclusion included published in the English language and used social network analysis to inform, support, or evaluate development of community networks/partnerships aiding health promotion efforts. Studies were excluded if they did not use social network analysis or were not focused upon health promotion.

Data Extraction

Three of the four authors extracted data using a summary chart to document information regarding study aims, target issue/population, methods, and key outcomes of the social network analysis.

Data Synthesis

The extracted data were qualitatively analyzed by 3 authors to categorize key social network analysis outcomes into categories.

Results

Ninety-seven studies representing 9 geographical regions were included, with the majority (69) published after 2010. Key outcomes included the effectiveness of social network analysis to identify network characteristics, track network change over time, compare similar networks across locations, and correlate network attributes with outcomes.

Conclusion

Findings support the utility of social network analysis to inform, support, and evaluate development of sustainable health promotion–focused networks/partnerships.
Numerical study of geometric parameters effects on the suspended solid particles in the oil transmission pipelines
Authors: Moafi Madani Seyed Mostafa , Alinejad Javad , Rostamiyan Yasser , Fallah Keivan
Published: December 2021

The innovation of this paper is geometric parameters effects of the oil transmission pipelines on the suspended solid particles. This geometry has been simulated with the Lattice Boltzmann Method based on D2Q9 model for analyzing solid particle tracing, streamlines, solid particle volume fraction, and nondimensional velocity field of fluid flow. These parameters have been investigated in 9 cases of the oil transmission pipelines at two different intensity of fluid flow. The results signified that maximum and minimum ranges of fluid velocity at [Formula: see text] were in case 3 that the oil transmission pipelines with diameter of the pipeline and bending radius, D and 2D, respectively. Also, maximum volume fraction of solid particles at bending radius at [Formula: see text] was in case 3 with diameter of the pipeline and bending radius, D and 2D, respectively. Also, in case 9, solid particles in the oil transmission pipelines were almost symmetrical. Finally, with comparison between figures of solid particles tracing and volume fraction of solid particles, by increasing of the diameter of oil transmission pipelines, the sediment of solid particles was decreased, also, by increasing of the bending radius of oil transmission pipelines, the sediment of solid particles was increased.
Thermo-hydraulic assessment of non-Newtonian MWCNT nanofluid flows inside microchannels with different cross-sections
Authors: Ramezan AR , Ahmadpour A , Hajmohammadi MR
Published: December 2021

In the present study, the convective heat transfer of MWCNT/water nanofluid was investigated along microchannels with different cross-sectional geometries. This class of carbon-based nanofluid exhibited a notable non-Newtonian shear-thinning behavior, which made them suitable for different heat transfer applications. A two-phase mixture model with a well-tuned non-Newtonian viscosity function was adapted. The effects of the volume fraction of nanoparticles, Reynolds number, and the geometrical shape of the cross-section were examined on the pressure drop and heat transfer rate across various microchannels. The obtained results showed that the microchannel cross-section geometry had a significant effect on the thermal performance of MWCNT/water nanofluids under certain thermal conditions. Moreover, it was deduced that for all Reynolds numbers and nanoparticle volume fractions considered, the flattened geometry exhibited the most superior thermal performance, which is around 19.03% larger than the circle geometry at Re = 1000 and volume fraction of 2%.
Barriers to Adoption of Commercial Green Buildings in India: A Review
Authors: Saha Sayani , Hiremath Rahul B , Prasad Sanjay , Kumar Bimlesh
Published: December 2021

The global construction sector accounts for 13.2% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP). It not only contributes to the economic growth engine of the world but also climate changes due to its high energy footprint. Sustainable buildings have the potential to reduce the adverse impacts of the construction industry, but their adoption is slow due to hindrances. The aim of this paper is to study literature on barriers to green building adoption to date and highlight the overlapping and unique barriers specific to India in comparison to a few prominent countries, and provide solutions and recommendations for future research. The methodology has been an extensive literature review of the barriers to green building (GB) adoption. The key findings, namely barriers, were classified under economic, governmental, organizational and social perception, information, technology and material categories. Barriers unique to India and a few other developing countries are an extension of project schedules, lack of research and developmental works, lack of public motivation, poor building code enforcement, high payback period, uncertain supply of green materials, improper implementation of policy framework and performance of green building technologies (GBT’s). The GB construction sector is fragmented around the world. Even the GB definition is not the same across the globe although the environmental aspect is the same. Similarly, there are unique and overlapping challenges in GB adoption globally. Buildings in usage perspectives can be classified into residential and non-residential. This study looks only at non-residential GBs due to their homogenous nature. There is a dearth of specific studies related to the adoption of GBs in India. This study aims to fulfil the gap of India’s standing in the barriers to GB adoption with respect to the developed and developing countries.

JEL Classification: I18
Pandemic effects on public service employment in Australia
Authors: Colley Linda , Woods Shelley , Head Brian
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is sending shockwaves through communities and economies, and public servants have risen to the novel policy challenges in uncharted waters. This crisis comes on top of considerable turmoil for public services in recent decades, with public management reforms followed by the global financial crisis (GFC) leading to considerable change to public sector employment relations and a deprivileging of public servants. The research adopts the lens of the ‘public service bargain’ to examine the effects of the pandemic across Australian public services. How did Australian public service jurisdictions approach public employment in 2020, across senior and other cohorts of employees? How did this pandemic response compare to each jurisdictions’ response to the GFC a decade earlier? The research also reflects more broadly of the impact on public sector employment relations and to what extent pandemic responses have altered concepts of the diminished public service bargain or the notion of governments as model employers?
Investigation of Intercultural Sensitivity and Ethnocentrism Levels of Midwife Candidates in Turkey Sample: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Guner Sevil , Ocak Akturk Sibel , Oner Aydın Semra , Karaca Saydam Birsen
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

As women experience cultural practices during their lifespan, midwives’ displaying a culture-specific approach from the school years is of great importance for the quality of care. This study was conducted to determine the intercultural sensitivity and ethnocentrism levels of midwife candidates in Turkey.

Method:

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,616 midwifery students who studied in seven different regions of Turkey in the 2018–2019 academic year. Data were collected through a questionnaire, Intercultural Sensitivity Scale, and Ethnocentrism Scale.

Results:

It was determined that the variables such as the region where the midwife candidates grew up and location of the university, their years at school, and having friends from different cultures were effective on their intercultural sensitivity and ethnocentrism levels ( p < .05).

Discussion:

Consequently, it is concluded that international student exchange programs and culture-sensitive-based care approaches during midwifery education will increase the intercultural sensitivity levels of students and contribute to reducing ethnocentrism levels.
Educational Attainment, Literacy Skills, Nativity, and Motivation to Learn Among Middle-Aged Adults in the United States
Authors: Sahoo Shalini , Millar Roberto J. , Yamashita Takashi , Cummins Phyllis A.
Published: December 2021

Research on factors associated with motivation to learn (MtL) is limited, particularly among middle-aged adults and immigrants. This study examines educational attainment, literacy skills, and nativity (foreign-born vs. native-born) as predictors of MtL in middle-aged adults living in the United States. Nationally representative data of middle-aged adults between the ages of 40 and 65 years were obtained from the 2012/2014 Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). Structural equation models were used to assess the validity of the latent MtL construct and to examine the associations with the selected determinants in middle-aged adults. Postsecondary education degrees and higher literacy skills were linked with greater MtL. However, foreign-born individuals had lower MtL than their US-born counterparts. Educators and researchers should be aware of lower educational attainment, limited literacy skills, and being an immigrant as possible demoting factors of MtL, and in turn, barriers to lifelong learning participation among middle-aged adults.