bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The humiliation of the abused woman: the internalization of self-devaluation as a key factor in victim inaction / La humillación de la mujer maltratada: la interiorización de la devaluación del yo como factor clave en la inacción de la víctima
Authors: Agudo Rut , Gaviria Elena , Fernández Saulo
Published: May 2024

We used the theoretical perspective of humiliation to study the cognitive-emotional and behavioural responses of 242 women regarding episodes of sexist psychological abuse they experienced in relationships. First, we measured the degree of abuse experienced. This was followed by the two key cognitive assessments that underlie humiliation (internalization of self-devaluation and injustice), emotion (humiliation, shame, guilt and anger) and participants’ levels of passivity and confrontation. The results show that women who reported higher levels of self-devaluation internalization experienced more humiliation, shame and guilt. Conversely, those who did not demonstrate internalized devalued views of themselves showed higher levels of anger. We identified an indirect significant effect between abuse and passivity via humiliation, shame and guilt, and an indirect significant effect between abuse and confrontation via anger. Therefore, it appears that the internalization of self-devaluation is a key variable in understanding the emotional and behavioural responses of women who experience sexist violence.
A ‘weight’ on the shoulders of our youth: The pains of probation on young adult men with a sexual conviction. An exploratory study
Authors: Darby Hannah
Published: May 2024

This article is about the ‘pains of probation’ experienced by young adult men with a sexual conviction. It draws on the findings from a research study completed between July and August 2022. Seventeen participants who were subject to a probation Community Order or Suspended Sentence Order in England and Wales were interviewed about their experiences, and the impact, of community punishment on their lives. Three groups of pains were identified, which are pervasive, reaching beyond the boundaries of the Order. The strategies utilised by the young adults to manage these pains are explored, with the supervisory relationship a key factor in alleviating pains. This article argues that being subject to a probation order is experienced as painful, with the nature and type of deprivation affected by offence type and demographic variations. Despite the limitations of the exploratory study from which this article is drawn, there are implications for penal policy and future research.
Determinants of internet of things (IoT) smart home technology (SHT) adoption behavior of consumers: Empirical evidence from a least developed country (LDC)
Authors: Hossain Md Imran , Rahman Md Shahinur , Jun Kim Hyung
Published: May 2024

Though millions of users in developed countries utilize IoT smart home technology, its applicability in underdeveloped countries is limited. This study addresses this gap by unveiling the determinants of IoT smart home technology adoption behavior among consumers in the least developed country. The study has extended the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) by including perceived hedonism, lifestyle, and well-being constructs in the research framework. Data from 355 IoT smart home users were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings reveal that performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, perceived hedonism, and lifestyle positively affect behavioral intention. Moreover, behavioral intention positively affects use behavior. In the post-adoption stage, use behavior positively affects multifaceted user well-being. However, effort expectancy and social influence did not affect behavioral intention. The study has a novel theoretical contribution to the extant literature and significantly contributes to technology designers, marketers, elderly users, and government agencies.
Investigation of fibre distribution and orientation in SFRC specimens and their influence on flexural properties
Authors: Deng Yonggang , Chen Linshen
Published: May 2024

The distribution and orientation of fibres were qualitatively estimated using statistical methods, and finite element analysis was conducted to evaluate the flexural behaviours based on these characteristics. The results demonstrate that the fibres disperse well in the concrete matrix when the water-to-binder ratio is 0.35, and the concrete mixture is prepared by sequentially adding coarse/fine aggregates, powder materials, water and steel fibres. In contrast to the order of fibre addition, the water-to-binder ratio significantly influences the fibre distribution coefficient and orientation factor. A water-to-binder ratio of 0.35 results in a higher orientation factor ( gh) of 0.7. Furthermore, statistical analysis reveals that the orientation of fibres on the cutting section follows a Gaussian distribution, with the peak occurring at approximately 40° to 50°. Finite element analysis revealed that the orientation distribution of fibre affects not only the flexural strength, more significantly, the post-cracking flexural stiffness.
What is the weakest point of a secured aortic cannula in central extracorporeal membrane oxygenation?
Authors: Lucas Kayla V. , Stukov Yuriy , Purlee Matthew S. , Delaleu Tatiana , Sharaf Omar M. , Bleiweis Mark S. , Jacobs Jeffrey Phillip , Peek Giles J.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare techniques for securing the aortic extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannula, using in vitro models.

Methods

Two models were studied: a tissue model using porcine aortas and a stand model replacing the aorta with a metal stand to study the system independent of the tissue. Interventions in each model were divided into three experimental groups: Group 1 (3-0 Prolene® + 20-French Medtronic Arterial Cannula EOPA™), Group 2 (4-0 Prolene® + 16-French Medtronic Arterial Cannula DLP Pediatric), and Group 3 (5-0 Prolene® + 8-French Medtronic Arterial Cannula DLP Pediatric). In separate experiments, both gradual and rapid forces were applied to the cannulas, starting with 9.8 Newtons and increasing exponentially if the cannula remained secured. Additionally, the method of securing the tourniquet and the number of ties securing the tourniquet to the cannula were evaluated.

Results

In the tissue model, even with a minimum force of 9.8 Newtons, the suture pulled through the aortic tissue, leaving sutures and ties intact. In the stand model, two purse-string sutures secured by two ligaclips held the cannula reliably and withstood higher total force. Dislodgement was prevented at forces close to 60 Newtons with only two hemostatic clips included in cannulation.

Conclusions

The weakest part of the aortic ECMO cannulation system using in vitro experiments was the tissue. Assuming that these experiments translate in vivo, it is therefore critical to prevent any pull on the cannulas by securing ECMO cannulas and ECMO tubing to both the patient and the patient’s bed. Sutures with a larger diameter withstand more force. Two medium hemostatic clips can secure Prolene® sutures within snares as safely as a mosquito hemostat. Two polypropylene purse-string sutures secured by two hemostatic clips were most reliable at greater forces. The rationale for publishing our experiments in this manuscript is to (1) communicate our quantification of possible contributing factors to this rare and likely catastrophic complication of unintended decannulation, (2) increase awareness about this potential complication, and (3) increase vigilance to assure prevention of this dreaded complication.
Grandparental childcare and maternal labor supply in Chinese families with young children: Evidence from the China Family Panel Studies
Authors: Bai Hua , Li Min , Hong Yu
Published: May 2024

With the implementation of the three-child policy and delayed retirement policy, the conflicts between childcare responsibility and mothers’ labor supply in China have increased dramatically. The present study utilized data from the 2018 China Family Panel Studies to investigate the impacts of grandparental childcare on the labor supply of mothers with children aged 0–6 years. The results of the Probit model and Tobit model indicated that grandparental childcare could significantly increase mother’s labor force participation rate and extend their weekly working hours. The relation of grandparental childcare to mothers’ labor force participation in one-child families was stronger compared with multi-child families. However, its relation to mothers’ working hours in one-child families was smaller than that in multi-child families. Furthermore, the effect of grandparental childcare on mothers’ labor supply was more pronounced when children were younger, particularly for those with children aged 0–2 years. The findings highlight the important role of grandparental childcare and have several implications for family support policies.
Chronic hypertension alters the relationship between collateral blood flow cortical cerebral blood flow, and brain tissue oxygenation
Authors: Hunt Ryan D , Cipolla Marilyn J
Published: May 2024

This study measured the relationship between pial collateral (leptomeningeal anastomoses, LMA) flow, intraparenchymal cortical cerebral blood flow (cCBF) and brain tissue oxygenation (btO2) during acute ischemic stroke to investigate how pial flow translates to downstream cCBF and btO2 and examined how this relationship is altered in hypertension. Proximal transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) was performed in male Wistar (n = 8/group) and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR, n = 8/group). A combination laser Doppler-oxygen probe was placed within the expected cortical peri-infarct in addition to a surface laser doppler probe which measured LMA flow. Phenylephrine (PE) was infused 30 minutes into tMCAO to increase blood pressure (BP) by 30% for 10 minutes and assessed CBF autoregulation. During the initial 30-minute period of tMCAO, btO2 and cCBF were lower in SHR compared to Wistar rats (btO2: 11.5 ± 10.5 vs 17.5 ± 10.8 mmHg and cCBF: −29.7 ± 23.3% vs −17.8 ± 41.9%); however, LMA flow was similar between groups. The relationship between LMA flow, cCBF and btO2 were interdependent in Wistar rats. However, this relationship was disrupted in SHR rats and partially restored by induced hypertension. This study provides evidence that cCBF and btO2 were diminished during tMCAO in chronic hypertension, and that induced hypertension was beneficial regardless of hypertensive status.
A Computationally Efficient Approach to Fully Bayesian Benchmarking
Authors: Okonek Taylor , Wakefield Jon
Published: May 2024

In small area estimation, it is sometimes necessary to use model-based methods to produce estimates in areas with little or no data. In official statistics, we often require that aggregates of small area estimates agree with national estimates for internal consistency purposes. Enforcing this agreement is referred to as benchmarking, and while methods currently exist to perform benchmarking, few are ideal for applications with non-normal outcomes and benchmarks with uncertainty. Fully Bayesian benchmarking is a theoretically appealing approach insofar as we can obtain posterior distributions conditional on a benchmarking constraint. However, existing implementations may be computationally prohibitive. In this paper, we critically review benchmarking methods in the context of small area estimation in low- and middle-income countries with binary outcomes and uncertain benchmarks, and propose a novel approach in which posterior samples of small area characteristics from an unbenchmarked model can be combined with a rejection sampler or Metropolis-Hastings algorithm to produce benchmarked posterior distributions in a computationally efficient way. To illustrate the flexibility and efficiency of our approach, we provide comparisons to an existing benchmarking approach in a simulation, and applications to HIV prevalence and under-5 mortality estimation. Code implementing our methodology is available in the R package stbench.
Effect of calcium treatment on evolution of inclusions in low-carbon aluminum-killed steel
Authors: Gao Fu-bin , Deng Xiaodong , Wang Fuming , Wang Xinhua , Li Jianli
Published: May 2024

Based on the steel samples collected from low carbon aluminum-killed steel at ladle furnace start, end of ladle furnace heating, ladle furnace end and tundish pouring process for inclusions analysis, the influence of calcium treatment on the evolution of inclusions in steel from ladle furnace refining to continuous casting was investigated under the condition of using Al2O3-lining ladle. The results show that when calcium treatment is not used, the inclusions in steel are mainly Al2O3 and MgO-Al2O3 spinel, and the mass fraction of Al2O3 in the inclusions composition is ≥90% from ladle furnace refining to continuous casting. After calcium treatment is carried out, the types of inclusions in steel are mainly MgO-Al2O3-CaS (-CaO) inclusions, in which the content of Al2O3 and CaS is higher than the samples without calcium treatment, and low-melting point calcium-aluminate inclusions were not found in the samples. The average size of inclusions in the steel was similar for both processes during ladle furnace refining, but the number density of inclusions in the steel increased significantly after calcium treatment. At the end of LF, the number density of inclusions in the calcium-treated is about twice that of the non-calcium-treated.
Safety Impact of Introducing Automated Road Debris Removal System in South Korea
Authors: Park Subin , Kim Jinguk , Yang Choongheon
Published: May 2024

Road debris should be removed quickly because it can cause road damage and traffic accidents. An automated road debris removal system—called ROBOS—was developed in South Korea to remove road debris automatically and quickly. It can be mounted and used on vehicles over 3.5 tons. The effects of ROBOS on the traffic flow need to be studied before it can be used on actual roads. In this study, these effects were investigated by performing driving and microscopic traffic simulations. The former can be used to analyze drivers’ reactions to new road equipment and driving behavior when detecting road debris. Driving behavior results that met the research purpose were employed in the microscopic traffic simulation to imitate reality. Finally, the number of conflicts and the conflict rate were compared between manual and ROBOS vehicle road debris removal scenarios to analyze traffic safety. The results showed that the overall traffic safety was low when road debris was present in curved sections, where it was generally difficult for the driver to easily detect it, and in the first lane and third lane, where lane changes were limited. Assuming that a ROBOS vehicle was used in these sections, the number of conflicts and the conflict rate can be significantly reduced. This study evaluated traffic safety after the use of a ROBOS vehicle input and obtained basic information needed for decision-making in future road debris removal work, such as the priority of input when choosing between manual removal and removal by a ROBOS vehicle.
Construction of Resilient Pavement Using Proper Interface Layers and Pavement Solar Collectors
Authors: Omranian Seyed Reza , Ghalandari Taher , Djug Ermin , Craeye Bart , Vuye Cedric , Van den bergh Wim
Published: May 2024

The resilience of pavements depends not only on asphalt mixture performance and structural design but also on the bonding between two adjacent pavement layers and interlayer performance as well as on traffic and environmental conditions. This paper thus aims to assess the impacts of several parameters on the interface shear resistance. Accordingly, the response surface method (RSM) was initially employed to design an experimental matrix based on the factors that exhibit the highest impacts on the shear resistance of the interface including the dosage of emulsions, temperature, and loading rate (as the independent variables) and responses obtained from the Leutner shear test. A pull-off test was also performed to evaluate the bonding between layers. Furthermore, the possibility of moderating the influence of ambient temperature on the interface using the pavement solar collector (PSC) system was investigated. The results showed that temperature is the most influential factor that can compromise the interface performance. The applied loading rate and dosage of emulsions also affected the bonding between pavement layers. The optimization analysis indicated that the utmost interface shear resistance could be attained at mid-range temperatures, coupled with the application of emulsions up to a specific limit. While the emulsion dosage can be controlled during pavement construction, it is beyond human capability to restrain the environmental temperature throughout the pavement’s lifespan. Nevertheless, the PSC system exhibited a superb ability to effectively reduce and increase the interface temperature during summer and winter, respectively, beneficially resulting in higher interface shear strength and consequently construction of more climate-resilient pavements.
Multiproxy studies on the spatially distinct surface samples to reconstruct palaeoecology and palaeoclimate from the Core Monsoon Zone of India
Authors: Quamar Mohammad Firoze , Thakur Biswajeet , Sharma Anupam , Kumar Kamlesh , Tiwari Pooja , Tiwari Arvind , Prasad Nagendra , Srivastava Jyoti , Phartiyal Binita , Manoj M.C. , Roy IpsHita , Saraf Pooja Nitin , Prasanna K. , Ali Nazakat , Khan Ikram , Pandey Shilpa , Trivedi Anjali
Published: May 2024

Palaeoclimatic reconstructions necessitate an understanding of the various biotic and abiotic responses to develop a modern analogue. The interpretation and calibration of the modern data allow us to check the lead-lag effect in different proxy parameters, which could be applied for robust palaeoclimatic reconstructions. We, in the present study, analysed pollen and diatom (biotic proxies), as well as grain size, magnetic susceptibility and geochemistry (abiotic components) of the modern soil samples, collected from the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the Core of the Monsoon Zone (CMZ) in central India. The weathered materials of the Palaeocene Cretaceous extrusive rocks and sedimentary rocks of the Late Triassic to the Upper Carboniferous are underlying the soil cover in these areas, respectively. The study revealed that the overall pollen and diatom preservation is comparatively good in the areas where the Palaeocene Cretaceous extrusive rocks are found except for the areas of human settlements, whereas the preservation of pollen and diatom was comparatively poor in areas where sedimentary rocks of the Late Triassic to Upper Carboniferous are found. The most plausible reason for this difference is the availability of nutrients which are supplied more abundantly by the easily weatherable Deccan basalt rocks compared to their sedimentary counterparts. The present study will serve as baseline information about biotic-abiotic interactions operating in the central Indian Core Monsoon Zone (CMZ). Since the intensity and duration of the rainfall in the CMZ are largely governed by the annual Indian summer monsoon rainfall (AISMR), therefore, the present study could help trace the weak or intense monsoon periods (break and active spells, respectively) of the past hundreds to thousands of years by studying the sediment profiles/cores.
Patient and Care Partner Perspective on Potential Undertreatment of Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment for Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Wang Jing , Blair Emilie M. , Forman Jane , Zahuranec Darin B. , Reale Bailey K. , Cao Zihao , Plassman Brenda L. , Welsh-Bohmer Kathleen A. , Kollman Colleen D. , Levine Deborah A.
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) affects up to 22% of US older adults aged 65 and older. Research suggests that physicians may recommend less cardiovascular disease (CVD) treatment for older adults with MCI due to assumptions about their preferences. To delve into the disparity between patient preferences and physician assumptions in CVD treatment recommendations, we conducted a multi-site qualitative study to explore the underlying reasons for this discrepancy, providing insights into potential communication barriers and strategies to enhance patient-physician relationships. Research Design and Methods: Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, we conducted interviews with 20 dyads, comprising older adults with MCI ( n = 11) and normal cognition NC ( n = 9), and their respective care partners. During these interviews, participants were prompted to reflect on physicians recommending fewer guideline-concordant CVD treatments to older adults with MCI than those with NC and physicians presuming that older adults with MCI desired less care or treatment in general than those with NC. Results: We identified three primary themes: (1) Most participants had negative reactions to the data that physicians might undertreat patients with MCI for CVD; (2) Participants suggested that physicians may undertreat patients with MCI due to physician assumptions about treatment effectiveness, patient prognosis, value, and treatment adherence, and (3) Participants proposed that physicians may elicit less input from patients with MCI about treatments because of negative physician assumptions about patient decision-making capacity and physician time limitations. Discussion and Implications: This study underscores the pressing need for person-centered communication and involvement of older adults with MCI and their care partners in the decision-making process to ensure that decisions are well-informed, reflecting patients' genuine preferences and values. Addressing these concerns has the potential to substantially enhance the quality of care and treatment outcomes for this vulnerable population, ultimately promoting their overall well-being.
The Discursive Boundary Work of Recontextualizing Science for Policy: Opening the Black Box of an Organization’s Genre System and Intermediary Genre Sets
Authors: Falconer Matthew
Published: May 2024

Governments the world over require scientific knowledge to inform policy makers’ decision-making processes. The recontextualization of this information for nonscientific audiences has received much attention, though it has primarily focused on publicly available texts. Little is known about the discursive nature of how science is transformed and repurposed and the confidential writing performed by boundary organizations that are working between science and policy. This ethnographic study explores the collaborative discursive activity involved in efforts by a boundary organization—the Council of Canadian Academies—to recontextualize science for policy makers. The analysis opens the discursive black box of the genre system and intermediary genre sets involved in one project, which led to the publication and distribution of the boundary object of an advisory report, Older Canadians on the Move. I claim that the discursive boundary work involves a complex genre system containing several sequential genred activities through which science is transformed and a boundary object created.
Health optimization of older people in prison
Authors: Chan Ian
Published: May 2024

This article examines the leadership challenges of prison healthcare, specifically focusing on the ageing inmate population. It highlights the distinct health burdens faced by this demographic, including higher disease prevalence and an accelerated ageing process. The concept of prison activities of daily living is central to addressing these challenges, emphasizing the need to tailor health assessments and care plans to the unique prisoner-environment interactions. This article advocates for inclusive person-centred care. It suggests that involving older prisoners in their care planning, aligned with the “ageing in the right place” principle, can significantly improve their quality of life. Additionally, it explores strategies to combat social isolation and loneliness among older prisoners, such as intergenerational activities and prison-community partnerships. Health leaders can echo these findings in policy development and incorporate collaborative, inclusive, diverse, and intergenerational models that address the complex health needs of older prisoners.
An adaptive backstepping control strategy based on radial basis function neural networks for the magnetorheological semi-active suspension
Authors: Pan Zeyu , Xiong Xin , Chen Jialing , Zhang Lingfeng , Xu Fei , Zhu Bing
Published: May 2024

Owing to nonlinear issues such as external disturbances and uncertain parameters within the semi-active suspension system (SASS), the vibration amplitude of the suspension system tends to increase, and the time required for the suspension system to reach a steady-state response is prolonged. Hence, this paper proposes an adaptive backstepping control strategy based on radial basis function neural networks (RBF-NNs). Firstly, the damping force characteristics of the magnetorheological (MR) damper are tested, and the experimental data are utilized for parameters identification and fitting of the Bouc-Wen model. To establish a connection between the controller and the forward model of the MR damper, the forward model of the MR damper, the inverse model of the MR damper, and the model of the MR-SASS are constructed. Secondly, the backstepping controller and the adaptive backstepping controller based on RBF-NNs are designed. The stability and reliability of the closed-loop suspension system are verified through stability analysis using Lyapunov function. Finally, the dynamic characteristics of the passive control, backstepping control, and adaptive backstepping control strategies based on RBF-NNs applied to MR-SASS are analyzed under B-Class road excitation and speed bump road excitation. The acceleration, suspension dynamic deflection, and tire dynamic load are selected as the evaluation indices. The results demonstrate that the adaptive backstepping controller based on RBF-NNs significantly enhances the ride comfort of the SASS.
Implementation of inverse method for identification of process parameters in a laser heating process
Authors: Nath Utpal , Yadav Vinod
Published: May 2024

Changes in process parameters can alter the temperature data of a solid body during the laser heating process. This paper proposes an inverse method to determine the laser heating parameters, namely, sheet width, sheet thickness, laser power, and scan speed of the work specimen for the given temperature response which is assigned by the user. The method uses an analytical tool on moving heat source as a forward model capable of real-time temperature prediction of the sheet under the laser heating process. The effectiveness of the present forward model that incorporated the temperature-dependent material properties is tested by experimental findings performed on Al 6061-T6 sheets. Next, an iterative search process based on heuristic method is carried out for satisfying a prescribed temperature response by the optimization of unknown parameters. To illustrate the implementation and assess the practicality of the inverse method, two examples based on laser heating applications are used. The method proposed herein recover the unknowns for the prescribed temperature response after a few iterations, provides an efficient way to optimize the laser heating process. Additionally, the effect of measurement error on the findings of the inverse problem is addressed.
Kinematics analysis of planetary roller screw mechanism with misalignment
Authors: Cai Wei , Fu Xiaojun , Ma Shangjun , Li Xin , Liu Geng
Published: May 2024

The misalignment is unavoidable for planetary roller screw mechanism (PRSM) in practical application due to many uncertainties. The misalignment has a strong effect on the kinematic characteristics of PRSM. However, the relevant research has been rarely reported in the past. In order to clearly present the motion characteristics, a novel kinematics model of PRSM with misalignment is established in this article. The rotational tensor theory is introduced to obtain the coordinate transformation equations. The position vectors of PRSM with misalignment are acquired to calculate the position of the contact point. The motion model of PRSM with misalignment is derived by analyzing the velocity of the contact point. Compared with some published literature, the kinematic model of PRSM is verified. Moreover, a relationship between the misalignment variates, which are the misalignment angle, the misalignment azimuth angle, and the offset distance of the nut's ending point, respectively, and the kinematic characteristics of PRSM are investigated. The results indicate that those misalignment variates have a great influence on the kinematics of PRSM and lead to fluctuations in the PRSM's transmission velocity and angular velocity ratio. The fluctuation amplitude of transmission velocity is positively correlated with misalignment angle.
Cheerfulness in the history of psychiatry
Authors: Walusinski Olivier , Fitzgerald Anna
Published: May 2024

In 1762, Louis-Antoine Marquis de Caraccioli (1719–1803), a prolific writer of the eighteenth century, dedicated a book to a psychological theme that medicine has forgotten: ‘ gaité’ in French, which we will translate as ‘cheerfulness’. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, this work inspired two doctoral theses in medicine, one defended in Montpellier, the other in Paris. In their texts, Louis Monferran (1785–?) and Vincent Rémi Giganon (1794–1857) explored the therapeutic benefits of the medical prescription of cheerfulness. In addition to lifestyle recommendations, they focused on the psychotropic substances available to them: alcohol, coca, hemp and opiates. In an original and novel way, Giganon introduced and recommended ‘ le gaz oxydule d’azote inspiré’, or inhaled nitrous oxide gas.
The Increasing Nationalization of Local Elections: The Case of Prosecutors
Authors: Carson Jamie L. , Cann Damon , Yates Jeffrey L. , Wright Ronald F.
Published: May 2024

To what extent are local races across the country being increasingly driven by politics at the national level? In this article, we examine the nationalization of elections for state executive branches' primary front line legal actors in the criminal courts—local prosecutors. We seek to better understand the factors influencing prosecutor election outcomes and why these types of elections have become more nationalized in recent years. More specifically, we aim to evaluate what effect this greater nationalization has had on the electoral fates of incumbent prosecutors seeking re-election. To date, there is a paucity of scholarship on prosecutor election outcomes within political science despite their importance historically and in light of recent events. This article seeks to fill an important gap in our understanding of what drives prosecutor elections in the United States. More broadly, we believe this research helps us better understand how even these local elections can be impacted by national events.
The Development and Validation of the Emotionally Focused Therapy Skills Rubric
Authors: Flynn Stephen V. , McKibben William B. , Willis Ben T.
Published: May 2024

This article outlines the initial psychometric evidence for the emotionally focused therapy skills rubric (EFTSR). The EFTSR is designed to assess clinician's emotionally focused therapy (EFT) skill proficiency, identify how EFT skills are used within the basic movements of EFT, and evaluate a clinician's ability to use the EFT attachment injury resolution model . The EFTSR content validity was confirmed with two overall content validity indexes of .86 and .87. There was substantial item-level internal consistency reliability, with α scores ranging from .70 to .99 for both videos. Item-total correlations were higher than .20 for most items demonstrating substantial interrater reliability. Thus, results indicate initial support for using the EFTSR as theoretically based instrument designed to assess counselors’ ability to execute the skills of the EFT model.
Nonlinear vibration analysis of thin plate with periodically distributed tunable-stiffness nonlinear oscillators in subsonic flow
Authors: Wang Chao , Yao Guo
Published: May 2024

This paper provides a new passive control method for nonlinear vibration of subsonic thin plates. The control method uses periodically distributed tunable-stiffness nonlinear oscillators (NLO). By using von Karman’s nonlinear plate theory and subsonic aerodynamic model, the nonlinear dynamic model of thin plate is established based on Hamilton’s principle. Through analyzing the system’s nonlinear dynamics bifurcation, the impact of periodic distribution on the stability is discussed. The amplitude-frequency responses are discussed under different NLO installation modes and design parameters by using Matcont software. The results show that the periodically distributed tunable-stiffness nonlinear oscillators can improve the stability of the system and have a remarkable suppression effect. The optimal control scheme for vibration suppression by periodically distributed tunable-stiffness nonlinear oscillators is obtained. The results obtained from this research can offer a valuable understanding of nonlinear vibration control, thereby enabling the identification of various control approaches that can be implemented in practical applications during future design endeavors.
Interactive Effects of Racism and Racial Centrality on ADHD Symptoms
Authors: Boyd Kaylee , Ware Maryam , Mekawi Yara
Published: May 2024

Objective:

Although race-related stress is associated with numerous mental health outcomes, no previous research has examined associations with ADHD symptoms. We examine how such associations differ in Black Americans based on racial identity to allow for more nuanced understandings of racial discrimination’s association with ADHD symptoms.

Methods:

This study asked a sample of Black Americans to answer questionnaires assessing race-related stress, ADHD symptoms, and racial centrality.

Results:

In predicting ADHD symptoms, we found a positive effect of race-related stress and a negative effect of centrality. At low levels of centrality, the association between ADHD symptoms and race-related stress was stronger than at mean and high levels of centrality. Through additional sub-group analyses we found the interaction effect not replicating in one of our conditions.

Conclusion:

These results suggest experiences of race-related stress and racial identity are important factors for consideration in the treatment of ADHD symptoms.
Hesitant or Confident: A Qualitative Study Examining Latinos’ Perceptions of COVID-19 Vaccines in Arizona
Authors: Mercado Micaela , Lopez Gilberto , Ignacio Matt , Ayers Stephanie , Carver Ann , Hamm Kathryn , Wolfersteig Wendy , Oesterle Sabrina
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to understand vaccine hesitancy and confidence toward the COVID-19 vaccines among Latino adults in Arizona. Latinos ( n = 71) aged 18 years or older who resided in Arizona participated in 14 focus groups between February and June 2021. Theoretical thematic analysis was used to examine drivers of these two behaviors, namely, vaccine hesitancy and confidence toward the COVID-19 vaccines, using the COM-B model, comprising capability, opportunity, and motivation factors that generate a behavior. Vaccine hesitancy stemmed from the need for vaccine information (capability factor) and fear of the vaccines, religious beliefs, and perceived barriers stemming from government mistrust (motivation factors). Vaccine confidence arose from trust in science and doctors (capability factor), and a fear of getting sick, protection against COVID-19, getting vaccinated as a civic duty, and a desire to return to normal life (motivation factors). The influence of opportunity factors, such as having access to vaccinations, were not discussed as contributing to vaccine confidence or hesitancy. As predicted by the COM-B model, factors reflecting capabilities and motivations contributed to vaccine hesitancy and confidence, all of which need to be considered in public health messaging. These factors can be targeted to facilitate efforts to promote vaccine uptake and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Experiential Marketing to Gen Z: Fine-Tuning Brand Experience Through Virtual Reality
Authors: Bogicevic Vanja , Liu Stephanie Q. , Kandampully Jay A. , Seo Soobin , Rudd Nancy A.
Published: May 2024

Market research highlights Generation Z’s increasing demands for digital brand experiences that inspire word-of-mouth sharing. Virtual reality (VR), an immersive affordances technology, holds promise for experiential marketing due to its power to transform experiences. Yet, limited research has examined how VR influences different facets of brand experiences that empower brand engagement and word-of-mouth. In Study 1, a laboratory experiment demonstrates that VR prompts higher sensory, intellectual, and behavioral brand experiences and word-of-mouth compared to static images and 360° tours, with equal brand engagement as a 360° tour. Study 2 corroborates these findings through a thematic analysis of qualitative insights from Generation Z consumers. This research underscores VR’s vital role in fine-tuning brand experience and brand engagement in the experiential marketing context.
Mucopolysaccharidosis type II B complicated by optic disc swelling, pigmentary retinopathy and macular edema
Authors: Olivieri Chiara , Ricardi Federico , Coletto Andrea , Marica Valentina , Serafino Sonia , Marolo Paola , Reibaldi Michele , Borrelli Enrico
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To report clinical and imaging features of optic nerve and retinal involvement in a patient with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type II B.

Methods

A 27-year-old man, diagnosed with MPS type II B and undergoing enzymatic substitution therapy for the past 19 years, was referred to the retina service. An ophthalmological evaluation, which included multimodal imaging, was conducted to investigate potential retinal and optic disc involvement.

Results

The eye examination revealed a pigmentary retinopathy with a predominant loss of the outer retinal loss, primarily in the parafoveal and perifoveal regions. Notably, multimodal imaging identified macular edema without any signs of leakage, implying an association between macular edema and retinal neurodegeneration. Additionally, both eyes exhibited an optic disc with blurred margins.

Conclusion

We herein describe the multimodal imaging findings of retinal and optic disc involvement in a patient with MPS type II B. This report describes for the first-time the presence of macular edema without leakage alongside photoreceptor damage and optic disc swelling.
Identification of Molecular Mechanisms of Ameloblastoma and Drug Repositioning by Integration of Bioinformatics Analysis and Molecular Docking Simulation
Authors: Chujan Suthipong , Vajeethaveesin Nutsira , Satayavivad Jutamaad , Kitkumthorn Nakarin
Published: May 2024

Background:

Ameloblastoma (AM) is a benign tumor locally originated from odontogenic epithelium that is commonly found in the jaw. This tumor makes aggressive invasions and has a high recurrence rate. This study aimed to investigate the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), biological function alterations, disease targets, and existing drugs for AM using bioinformatics analysis.

Methods:

The data set of AM was retrieved from the GEO database (GSE132474) and identified the DEGs using bioinformatics analysis. The biological alteration analysis was applied to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and hub gene identification were screened through NetworkAnalyst. The transcription factor-protein network was constructed via OmicsNet. We also identified candidate compounds from L1000CDS2 database. The target of AM and candidate compounds were verified using docking simulation.

Results:

Totally, 611 DEGs were identified. The biological function enrichment analysis revealed glycosaminoglycan and GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) signaling were most significantly up-regulated and down-regulated in AM, respectively. Subsequently, hub genes and transcription factors were screened via the network and showed FOS protein was found in both networks. Furthermore, we evaluated FOS protein to be a therapeutic target in AMs. Candidate compounds were screened and verified using docking simulation. Tanespimycin showed the greatest affinity binding value to bind FOS protein.

Conclusions:

This study presented the underlying molecular mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, biological alteration, and important pathways of AMs and provided a candidate compound, Tanespimycin, targeting FOS protein for the treatment of AMs.
Targeting decaprenylphosphoryl-β-D-ribose 2′-epimerase for Innovative Drug Development Against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Drug-Resistant Strains
Authors: EL Haddoumi Ghyzlane , Mansouri Mariam , Kourou Jouhaina , Belyamani Lahcen , Ibrahimi Azeddine , Kandoussi Ilham
Published: May 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health challenge with the emergence of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis variants, necessitating innovative drug molecules. One potential target is the cell wall synthesis enzyme decaprenylphosphoryl-β-D-ribose 2′-epimerase (DprE1), crucial for virulence and survival. This study employed virtual screening of 111 Protein Data Bank (PDB) database molecules known for their inhibitory biological activity against DprE1 with known IC50 values. Six compounds, PubChem ID: 390820, 86287492, 155294899, 155522922, 162651615, and 162665075, exhibited promising attributes as drug candidates and validated against clinical trial inhibitors BTZ043, TBA-7371, PBTZ169, and OPC-167832. Concurrently, this research focused on DprE1 mutation effects using molecular dynamic simulations. Among the 10 mutations tested, C387N significantly influenced protein behavior, leading to structural alterations observed through root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF), radius of gyration (Rg), and solvent-accessible surface area (SASA) analysis. Ligand 2 (ID: 390820) emerged as a promising candidate through ligand-based pharmacophore analysis, displaying enhanced binding compared with reference inhibitors. Molecular dynamic simulations highlighted ligand 2’s interaction with the C387N mutation, reducing fluctuations, augmenting hydrogen bonding, and influencing solvent accessibility. These collective findings emphasize ligand 2’s efficacy, particularly against severe mutations, in enhancing protein-ligand complex stability. Integrated computational and pharmacophore methodologies offer valuable insights into drug candidates and their interactions within intricate protein environments. This research lays a strategic foundation for targeted interventions against drug-resistant TB, highlighting ligand 2’s potential for advanced drug development strategies.
Service withdrawal: The uncertain future of the games-as-a-service model
Authors: Dubois Louis-Etienne , Chalk Alex
Published: May 2024

The last decade has seen a rapid growth of service-based offerings – also known as Game-as-a-Service or GaaS – in the video game industry, among which are some of the most popular franchises, such as Fortnite or League of Legends. Yet, even though these games are designed to be played and supported for an indefinite period of time, many studios have recently chosen to curtail services after introducing them, making for unclear outlooks on the future of this business model. Hence, based on secondary sources – including company documents, industry press and dedicated player forums – this multiple case study sets out to investigate the reasons behind studios’ decision to discontinue parts of five popular GaaS. Three main motives for withdrawing services emerge from the cases. Namely, rather than supporting services, studios decide to (1) attend to the company, to (2) attend to players and (3) to attend to the core product itself. The results contribute to the nascent GaaS literature, in particular with respect to business models and product-life cycle considerations. Implications for studios are offered in closing.
Co-creating sustainable value within a social enterprise: The case of digital homes housing association
Authors: Brown David M , Pattinson Steven
Published: May 2024

This case focuses on how a social enterprise, Digital Homes Housing Association, collaborates with diverse stakeholders to co-create value that is mutually beneficial. It examines how value can be achieved in a sustainable manner while helping to address the prioritised social objectives of the social enterprise. The case outlines how Cormac Redpath, the Chief Executive of Digital Homes Housing Association, attempts to maximise the positive impact derived from stakeholder collaboration and engagement. The case explores Cormac's audit of the organisation's stakeholder activities, and his intention to formulate a streamlined value co-creation strategy that contributes to its social objectives more effectively than currently. The concept of co-creating sustainable value within a social enterprise is explored in the context of the Scottish social housing market, in which not-for-profit Housing Associations work with communities to provide safe, secure, comfortable and affordable homes to individuals who may otherwise not be able to access them.
New agendas and old legacies? Comparing international organisations’ proposals on health and long-term care systems in Latin America
Authors: Sternkopf Meika , de Carvalho Gabriela , Fischer Johanna
Published: May 2024

The way in which international actors formulate proposals for reforming or establishing public social policies not only varies between different organisations but is also dependent on the policy field in question. This article compares the positions of two international organisations (IOs), the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), on the two related social policy fields of health and long-term care in Latin America. We apply qualitative document analysis to reports and strategy articles published by ECLAC and PAHO between 2000 and 2015. The analysis finds that despite some similar proposals by both organisations, there are also clear differences between their positions depending on the policy areas. While both organisations see the need to establish healthcare and long-term care as a human right, they have different ideas on targeted and universal approaches. Moreover, with long-term care as a new and emerging policy field, there is still much more variation in how the IOs address the topic, while proposals on healthcare are shaped by previous debates at international and regional levels.
Urban routines, spatial occupancy, and their effects on outdoor crime in Barcelona
Authors: Valente Riccardo
Published: May 2024

Based on mobile phone data from the city of Barcelona, Spain, generalized linear models are used to analyse the relationship between urban mobilities and the spatial and temporal patterning of robbery and theft. The hypothesis was made that mobility fluxes may undermine social control mechanisms by altering the socio-demographic composition of urban populations, therefore increasing the risk of crime victimization. The analysis brought together indicators of land use and a measure of the ambient population disaggregated by different profiles of public space users (by sex, age, and place of residence). The results indicate that robbery and theft tend to cluster around locations that attract a higher proportion of non-residents (i.e. national and international visitors). Non-local visitors, who visit the city occasionally or once in a lifetime, lack a comprehensive knowledge of the environment which would help them to navigate safely through the urban space. Therefore, their presence not only unsettles the social routines of public spaces in Barcelona but also reflects negatively in terms of crime occurrence. This finding raises questions about how to accommodate growing mobilities in our cities without detriment to incumbent residents and their safety, which seems to be critical in post-COVID-19 urban planning.