bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive and robust fractional gain based interpolatory cubature Kalman filter
Authors: Mu Jing , Tian Feng , Cheng Jianlian
Published: October 2023

In this study, we put forward the robust fractional gain based interpolatory cubature Kalman filter (FGBICKF) and the adaptive FGBICKF (AFGBICKF) for the development of the state estimators for stochastic nonlinear dynamics system. FGBICKF introduces a fractional gain to interpolatory cubature Kalman filter to increase the robustness of state estimation. AFGBICKF is developed to enhance the state estimation adaptive to stochastic nonlinear dynamics system with unknown process noise covariance through recursive estimation. The simulations on re-entry target tracking system have shown that the performance of FGBICKF is superior to that of cubature Kalman filter and interpolatory cubature Kalman filter, and standard deviation of FGBICKF is closer to posterior Cramér-Rao lower bound. Moreover, our simulations have also demonstrated that AFGBICKF remains stable even when the initial process noise covariance increase, proving its adaptiveness, robustness, and effectiveness on state estimation.
Research on a novel fault diagnosis method for gearbox based on matrix distance feature
Authors: Li Jiangcheng , Dong Limin , Zhang Xiaotao , Liu Fulong , Chen Wei , Wu Zehao
Published: October 2023

Aiming at the problem of fault diagnosis and classification of rolling bearing and gear of gearboxes, a novel method based on matrix distance features of Gramian angular field (GAF) image is proposed based on sliding window compressible GAF transformation. The method converts the one-dimensional fault signal into a two-dimensional feature matrix and constructs the discrimination matrix of each fault category by establishing the mean value of the feature matrix of a priori samples. For the new sampled signal, after converting it into a two-dimensional feature matrix, the feature matrix is obtained. The fault classification is carried out by using the matrix distance between feature matrix and the discrimination matrix of each category. The method is validated by the test data of Case Western Reserve University and the acoustic emission data from a gearbox test bench. The classification accuracy is 99.17% and 95.71%, which presented the feasibility and effectiveness of the novel method proposed in this paper.
Designing and compiling the protocol of specialized interventions of hospital social workers in crisis situations in Iran
Authors: Sabzi Khoshnami Mohammad , Javadi Seyed Mohammad Hossein , Noruzi Sara
Published: October 2023

This article aims to explain the process of social worker interventions in emergency response situations in Iran. Content analysis techniques were used to analyze the experiences of hospital social workers (n = 40). The nominal group technique was used to design and compile the process (n = 10). Focus group discussion and the AGREE guidance critique technique were conducted in the presence of experts. In this study, the process of providing specialized interventions of hospital social workers in crisis situations, the challenges, and professional roles were identified. The principles and basis of work in crisis situations are similar, but at the same time, each one needs special consideration.
Clocks, Mirrors, Plants: Processes of Gender Shifts Among Adults During COVID-19
Authors: Moxie Jessamyn , Mesaeh Casey M. , Benson J. Kevin , Wilson Miguel , Williams Laura D.
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic created social disruptions and catalyzed gender shifts for some individuals. The Gender Identity Development Framework describes the domains of gender and processes by which individuals develop their gender identity. We examine this framework’s elements among adults in North Carolina who reported gender identity changes during the pandemic. We conducted 25 photo-elicitation interviews in which interviews were prompted by participants’ photographs. Using content and thematic analyses, our team analyzed both photos and interviews. We found media, self-reflection, and feedback to be major elements of navigating one’s gender identity shifts that were affected by the pandemic. More pandemic-specific components included the prevalence of Zoom and remote work, more time to oneself, and masks. Our research highlights key themes and elements of gender identity development during the pandemic.
Optimized design of sports bras with pressure comfort, thermal comfort, and shaping support
Authors: Guo Ning , Li Zhijiang , Chen Nanliang , Dai Hong , Liu Kaixuan , Xue Wen , Zhang Peihua
Published: October 2023

This study designed three different types of sports bras based on the physiological characteristics of female upper bodies. The dressing pressure, skin temperature, and shaping support effectiveness of one subject when wearing those sports bras were evaluated under static and dynamic states. The results indicated that all designed bras illustrated excellent pressure comfort. Regarding the thermal comfort and shaping support performance, sports bras B2 and B3 with further optimizations had improved performances compared to B1. Besides, it was found that the skin temperature would increase with the dressing pressures from sports bras. The increased but comfortable dressing pressure could also benefit the shaping and support performance of sports bras. B22 and B33 had superior support performance to B1, with excellent ability to lift and gather the breasts, and to retract the waist. In summary, optimized sports bras with a cross, hollowed-out, and split design could effectively meet body comfort needs.
Lightweight Single Shot Multi-Box Detector: A fabric defect detection algorithm incorporating parallel dilated convolution and dual channel attention
Authors: Liu Shuhan , Huang Limin , Zhao Yingbao , Wu Xiaojing
Published: October 2023

For the textile industry, fabric defect detection is an important part of production. In order to make the automatic fabric defect detection system used in production sites, this article proposes a lightweight algorithm Lightweight Single Shot Multi-Box Detector (LW-SSD) to address the issues of low detection accuracy, high computational complexity, and difficulty in deploying on hardware devices with limited computing power in fabric defect detection. Firstly, MobileNetv3 is introduced as the backbone network to reduce the number of model parameters. Secondly, in the feature fusion module, down-sampling stacking is used to fuse the feature maps processed by maximum pooling and regular 3 × 3 convolution, respectively, to enhance the generalization and small target feature extraction capability of the network. Then, the dilated convolution is incorporated into the Inceptionv3 to form a multi-branch parallel dilated convolution module, which can expand the receptive field of the feature layer and enhance the extraction of the target information. Finally, a dual-channel attention module is added, which adds the maximum pooling operation based on the efficient channel attention for deep convolutional neural networks (ECA) channel attention mechanism to highlight defect features and suppress background noise features. The experiments show that the accuracy of the system is improved while maintaining the faster detection speed. Among them, the LW-SSD algorithm has an accuracy improvement of 10.03% on the self-made dataset, a reduction of 58% in the number of model parameters compared to the Single Shot Multi-Box Detector (SSD) algorithm, and the detection speed reaches 48 frames per second.
The Adolescent Self-System and Academic Achievement: Youth Predictors of College Enrollment
Authors: Roberts Audrey Conway , Booth Margaret Zoller , Creamer Emily T
Published: October 2023

This study takes a social cognitive approach in examining the relationship between elements of the adolescent self-system (self-efficacy, self-esteem, ethnic-racial identity, and hope) in addition to state-mandated graduation tests, with students’ later participation in higher education. The quantitative investigation of 733 tenth-grade White (462) and Ethnically Minoritized (271) students and a sub-sample of 29 qualitatively studied adolescents in a semi-rural town in Ohio used a concurrent mixed-methods longitudinal approach. A logistic regression analysis found only adolescent math scores positively predicted later enrollment in higher education; but self-efficacy negatively predicted later college enrollment. Triangulation of additional analyses, including t-tests, and in-depth interviews, suggest how perceptions of the self-system may differ among White and Ethnically Minoritized populations. These differences may be influenced by the degree to which youth pay attention to academic success as a contributing factor to their own self-analysis of their self-system.
The relationship between psychiatric symptoms and the use of levetiracetam in people with epilepsy
Authors: Gammoh Omar , Al-Smadi Ahmed , Mansour Mohammad , Ennab Wail , AL Hababbeh Suha , Al-Taani Ghaith , Alsous Mervat , Aljabali Alaa AA , Tambuwala Murtaza M
Published: October 2023

Background: Mental health in people with epilepsy (PWE) is often overlooked, especially in developing countries.

Purpose: Consequently, the current work had two objectives: (1) to estimate the burden of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and stress, and (2) to examine the association of these psychiatric/psychological symptoms with levetiracetam and other relevant clinical factors in a cohort of Jordanian PWE.

Research Design: This is a cross-sectional study. The demographic and clinical data were recorded. Depression was measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9, Arabic-validated version) and anxiety by the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7, Arabic-validated version). The insomnia severity index (ISI-A, Arabic version) was used to assess sleep quality, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-A, Arabic version) was used to measure perceived stress.

Study Sample: Data were analyzed from 280 patients, of which 178 (63.6%) received levetiracetam as monotherapy or as adjuvant.

Results: Depression was reported in 150 (53.6%), anxiety in 110 (39.3%), insomnia in 131 (46.8%), and clinically significant stress in 211 (75.4%). At univariate analysis, levetiracetam was not associated with psychiatric symptoms. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that severe depressive symptoms were associated with family history (OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.42-4.33, P = .001) and seizure type (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.01-2.80, P = .04), severe anxiety symptoms were associated with family history (OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.12-3.23, P = .01), severe insomnia was associated with seizure type (OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.33-3.5, P = .002) and severe stress was associated with marital status (OR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.31-4.29, P = .004).

Conclusions: The high psychological burden of PWE is a challenging issue that requires attention and prompt action to control its risk factors. Levetiracetam was not associated with psychiatric symptoms in this study.
Stability analysis and L1-gain characterization of positive sampled-data systems
Authors: Hu Meng-Jie , Shi Xinchen , Sun Zhuoqi
Published: October 2023

In this study, the positive stability and [Formula: see text]-gain characterization problem are investigated for positive sampled-data systems. By constructing a new sampling-period-dependent copositive Lyapunov functional, and introducing the free weight matrix method to remove the single integral term, sufficient conditions for the asynchronous stability of the positive sampled-data system are established. Furthermore, system disturbances that occur frequently in engineering are taken into account. Conditions for robust stability of positive sampled-data systems that satisfy [Formula: see text]-gain performance are developed in the form of the linear programming technology. A numerical example and a practical simulation based on a communication network model are provided to illustrate the rationality and application of the theoretical results.
‘With the law behind us’: Resource mobilisation and legal repertoires in the Peruvian labour movement
Authors: Manky Omar
Published: October 2023

In contrast to the emphasis placed on the links between political parties and trade unions in many Global South labour studies, this article underscores the importance of analysing the role of legal advisors in labour dynamics. Focusing on the Peruvian experience, the author examines how legal advisors leveraging their networks and expertise have replaced activists as crucial players in a period of crisis in the country’s political party system. Based on extensive field research with trade unions and lawyers, the study highlights how this shift has influenced three interrelated aspects of labour strategies: the development of norms within the organisation, the framing of challenges faced by unions, and the choice of mobilisation repertoires, which have increasingly centred on legal proceedings rather than public demonstrations. The article explores the empirical and theoretical implications of these findings for labour studies in Latin America.
Funny Date, Creative Mate? Unpacking the Effect of Humor on Romantic Attraction
Authors: Langley Erika B. , Shiota Michelle N.
Published: October 2023

Extensive research shows that people are attracted to funny dating partners, with several competing, sometimes conflicting, explanations for why humor is strongly desired in a mate. The present research asks whether humor is interpreted as a reliable, hard-to-fake indicator of some other, valuable trait. Across six experiments, we manipulated humor in a hypothetical date, online dating profile, or video profile and asked which of several traits statistically linked to humor are reliably inferred about funny partners. Humor—specifically partners producing humor—consistently led to higher ratings of partner creative ingenuity. This effect was not moderated by gender, and mediated desirability for different types of partnership. Results further revealed stronger preference for a first-date activity requiring creative ingenuity with a funny versus non-funny partner. Humor may signal that a potential partner is skilled at creative problem-solving, which may be particularly important when considering various forms of partnership.
The Effects of Changes in Tick Size and Tax Rates on the Tax-Timing Option and the Market Response to Stock Distributions
Authors: Crawford Dean , Franz Diana R. , Gilstrap Collin , Lobo Gerald J.
Published: October 2023

This study examines how changes in tick size and the differential between short-term and long-term capital gain tax rates affect the market response to the announcement of stock distributions. Prior research finds that a stock distribution increases the volatility of the stock, which in turn increases the value of the stock’s tax-timing option. We show that the minimum tick size established by the exchange where the stock is traded affects a stock’s volatility and, therefore, the value of the tax-timing option and the market response to the stock distribution. We document a stronger relation between the market response and changes in volatility among large distributions than among small distributions. We also find a positive relation between the market response and the tax rate differential, although it is only significant for small distributions. Finally, we show that the relationship between the market response and changes in both volatility and tax rate differential is primarily driven by tax-sensitive institutional investors in the distributing firm.
Revisiting raters’ accent familiarity in speaking tests: Evidence that presentation mode interacts with accent familiarity to variably affect comprehensibility ratings
Authors: Carey Michael D. , Szocs Stefan
Published: October 2023

This controlled experimental study investigated the interaction of variables associated with rating the pronunciation component of high-stakes English-language-speaking tests such as IELTS and TOEFL iBT. One hundred experienced raters who were all either familiar or unfamiliar with Brazilian-accented English or Papua New Guinean Tok Pisin-accented English, respectively, were presented with speech samples in audio-only or audio-visual mode. Two-way ordinal regression with post hoc pairwise comparisons found that the presentation mode interacted significantly with accent familiarity to increase comprehensibility ratings (χ² = 88.005, df = 3, p < .0001), with presentation mode having a stronger effect in the interaction than accent familiarity (χ² = 59.328, df = 1, p < .0001). Based on odds ratios, raters were significantly more likely to score comprehensibility higher when the presentation mode was audio-visual (compared to audio-only) for both the unfamiliar (91% more likely) and familiar speakers (92.3% more likely). The results suggest that semi-direct speaking tests using audio-only or audio-visual modes of presentation should be evaluated through research to ascertain how accent familiarity and presentation mode interact to variably affect comprehensibility ratings. Such research may be beneficial to investigate the virtual modes of speaking test delivery that have emerged post-COVID-19.
Alterations of auditory sensory gating in mice with noise-induced tinnitus treated with nicotine and cannabis extract
Authors: Ciralli Barbara , Malfatti Thawann , Lima Thiago Z , Silva Sérgio Ruschi B , Cederroth Christopher R , Leao Katarina E
Published: October 2023

Tinnitus is a phantom sound perception affecting both auditory and limbic structures. The mechanisms of tinnitus remain unclear and it is debatable whether tinnitus alters attention to sound and the ability to inhibit repetitive sounds, a phenomenon also known as auditory gating. Here we investigate if noise exposure interferes with auditory gating and whether natural extracts of cannabis or nicotine could improve auditory pre-attentional processing in noise-exposed mice. We used 22 male C57BL/6J mice divided into noise-exposed (exposed to a 9–11 kHz narrow band noise for 1 h) and sham (no sound during noise exposure) groups. Hearing thresholds were measured using auditory brainstem responses, and tinnitus-like behavior was assessed using Gap prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle. After noise exposure, mice were implanted with multi-electrodes in the dorsal hippocampus to assess auditory event-related potentials in response to paired clicks. The results showed that mice with tinnitus-like behavior displayed auditory gating of repetitive clicks, but with larger amplitudes and longer latencies of the N40 component of the aERP waveform. The combination of cannabis extract and nicotine improved the auditory gating ratio in noise-exposed mice without permanent hearing threshold shifts. Lastly, the longer latency of the N40 component appears due to an increased sensitivity to cannabis extract in noise-exposed mice compared to sham mice. The study suggests that the altered central plasticity in tinnitus is more sensitive to the combined actions on the cholinergic and the endocannabinoid systems. Overall, the findings contribute to a better understanding of pharmacological modulation of auditory sensory gating.
Collecting Physicians’ Preferences on Medical Devices: Are We Doing It Right? Evidence from Italian Orthopedists Using 2 Different Stated Preference Methods
Authors: Armeni Patrizio , Meregaglia Michela , Borsoi Ludovica , Callea Giuditta , Torbica Aleksandra , Benazzo Francesco , Tarricone Rosanna
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Physician preference items (PPIs) are high-cost medical devices for which clinicians express firm preferences with respect to a particular manufacturer or product. This study aims to identify the most important factors in the choice of new PPIs (hip or knee prosthesis) and infer about the existence of possible response biases in using 2 alternative stated preference techniques.

Methods

Six key attributes with 3 levels each were identified based on a literature review and clinical experts’ opinions. An online survey was administered to Italian hospital orthopedists using type 1 best-worst scaling (BWS) and binary discrete choice experiment (DCE). BWS data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and conditional logit model. A mixed logit regression model was applied to DCE data, and willingness-to-pay (WTP) was estimated. All analyses were conducted using Stata 16.

Results

A sample of 108 orthopedists were enrolled. In BWS, the most important attribute was “clinical evidence,” followed by “quality of products,” while the least relevant items were “relationship with the sales representative” and “cost.” DCE results suggested instead that orthopedists prefer high-quality products with robust clinical evidence, positive health technology assessment recommendation and affordable cost, and for which they have a consolidated experience of use and a good relationship with the sales representative.

Conclusions

The elicitation of preferences for PPIs using alternative methods can lead to different results. The BWS of type 1, which is similar to a ranking exercise, seems to be more affected by acquiescent responding and social desirability than the DCE, which introduces tradeoffs in the choice task and is likely to reveal more about true preferences.

Highlights

Physician preference items (PPIs) are medical devices particularly exposed to physicians’ choice with regard to type of product and supplier. Some established techniques of collecting preferences can be affected by response biases such as acquiescent responding and social desirability. Discrete choice experiments, introducing more complex tradeoffs in the choice task, are likely to mitigate such biases and reveal true physicians’ preferences for PPIs.
A landscape-level study on vegetation richness of ancient landslide areas
Authors: Takaoka Sadao
Published: October 2023

Landslides have received significant attention as an important natural disturbance that maintains biodiversity, but most previous studies have focused on the early stages of succession during years or decades in sites or small watersheds. The present study aimed to determine what regional drivers influence long-term ecological succession in large, ancient landslide scarps across a mountainous region in Japan. A landscape-level analysis of 993 landslide scarps using GIS revealed that climatic factors, especially snowfall, are important regional drivers of vegetation development on landslide head scarps in the region. While vegetation has developed on ancient landslide scarps, not all of them have returned to their pre-landslide vegetation state even though hundreds or thousands of years may have passed. The relationship between the number of vegetation types and maximum snow depth shows that where the maximum snow depth is less than 100 cm, more than 50% of the landslide scarps are covered by one type of vegetation, and the percentage of scarps covered by one type of vegetation decreases with increasing snow cover. The deeper the snow, the more vegetation types tend to develop on the landslide scarps. Since forest vegetation cannot develop due to heavy snow, meadows, grasslands, and shrublands are found on the scarps. It is concluded that the combined effects of both landslide-caused disturbances and climatic factors are creating regional diversity in vegetation types.
System Identification Framework for Modeling of Static Creep and Dynamic Creep Behavior of Dense-Graded Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: G Manoj K
Published: October 2023

The response of two dense-graded asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures under static and dynamic creep tests conducted in compression is modeled using the principles of the system identification framework in this study. The AC materials under static and dynamic creep loading conditions exhibit complex behavior patterns such as history dependency, plasticity, and temperature dependency. It is desired to formulate a constitutive model describing these complex phenomena. The empirical approach is outside the scope of this study. A viscoelastic continuum damage model requires individual experimentation to characterize linear and damage behavior. A viscoplastic model requires incremental deviator stress for plastic deformation. Both static and dynamic creep tests do not satisfy this condition. Therefore, the “system identification” approach is used in this study. Two methods of system identification approach—that is, black box and grey box modeling—are adopted to characterize static and dynamic creep behavior of AC. Of these two models under consideration, the black box models were versatile in modeling complex loading situations with a high degree of accuracy but lacked physical interpretation. While the grey box models have a physical interpretation, they are not as versatile as black box models.
An active suspension system for enhancing running safety of high-speed trains under strong crosswind
Authors: Zhang Heng , Ling Liang , Zhai Wanming , Wang Kaiyun
Published: October 2023

The running safety of trains subjected to strong crosswinds has become a major concern for the high-speed railways passing through complicated mountain areas. This paper reports an active secondary suspension system to improve the operation stability and running safety of high-speed trains under strong crosswind. The goal of the active suspension system is to regulate the lateral, yaw, and roll motion attitudes of high-speed train carbody, in which a controller is designed by combining with a disturbance observer and the sliding mode control method. To further verify the proposed active suspension strategy, a crosswind-vehicle-track coupled dynamics model is established, where the unsteady aerodynamic loads and random track irregularity excitations are considered. The results show that the proposed active suspension system has the efficient potential to regulate the carbody motion attitudes and enhance the anti-rolling performance of high-speed trains. In comparison to a quasi-static control strategy of active suspension, the use of the proposed active suspension system has led to a significant reduction in both wheel-load reduction ratios and derailment risks of high-speed trains.
IFRS and ESG Disclosure in Indian Corporate Sector
Authors: Dayanandan Ajit , Donker Han , Kuntluru Sudershan
Published: October 2023

World-wide, there is movement toward embracing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues in corporate conduct and performance. These developments have led to movement toward “reimagining capitalism,” and many firms have ridden the wave of investor enthusiasm for firms that prioritize ESG disclosures. The present study examines the role of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in India on ESG and overall ESG reporting. The Indian capital markets regulator, SEBI, had made integrated reporting compulsory for listed firms to disclose information about matters that substantively affect the organization’s ability to create value over the short, medium, and long term at a time. Motivated by this episode, we examine how accounting regulations in the form of IFRS could influence ESG disclosures in India. Based on the ESG scores of 104 non-financial firms in India from 2013 to 2021, the study finds a positive relationship between ESG reporting and IFRS introduction in India. The performance of firms (return on assets) and leverage had a negative impact on ESG disclosures.

JEL Codes: G14, K22, L51, M38, M41
Aldous Glare Trade & Exports: The Dilemma of Establishing an Assessment Centre
Authors: Wasdani Kishinchand Poornima , Vijaygopal Abhishek , Antony Riju
Published: October 2023

Aldous Glare Trade & Exports (AGTE) operates as a B2B technology reseller, offering computers, laptops, accessories, mobile phones and smart TVs. Founded in 1995 in Kochi, India, AGTE started with three members and with a capital of USD 4,000. Over time, it gained recognition, establishing sister concerns: ITnet and Alps Distributors for B2C goods and high-end computer sales. With a four-layered structure—CEO, functional heads, and senior and junior executives—AGTE employed 60 people. The HR manager handled human resources (HR) for AGTE, ITnet and Alps Distributors. It expanded with sales offices in Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kochi. By 2016, AGTE achieved USD 27 million turnover. In 2018, AGTE adopted an automated customer relationship management (CRM) system, though employee familiarity was incomplete. Customer complaints surged in April–December 2018, citing delivery and helpline issues. Directors set a USD 100 million turnover by 2025, allocating USD 300,000 for an assessment centre managed by the Chief Operating Officer Mohan Joseph. It aimed to curb the attrition of senior staff members and enhance CRM proficiency and sales certifications. AGTE aimed to transition from ad hoc training to structured recruitment training, overseen by Mohan Joseph and HR Manager Charles D’Souza. Challenges included seamless integration, past issue resolution and attrition management of senior staff members, balancing established practices with innovative strategies aligned with AGTE’s mission.
Association Between Temporary Employment and Gradient Health Outcomes Among Chinese Workers
Authors: Hao Long , Lin Jing
Published: October 2023

Temporary workers’ health problems in China have raised concerns recently. This study aimed to assess the relationship between temporary employment and three health outcomes with gradient severity and explore mediating mechanisms. Data was obtained from a national cross-sectional survey (China General Social Survey 2018). Compared with regular workers, temporary workers reported more frequent mood disorders (β = 0.197) and disturbance of daily activities (β = 0.132), however, there was no significant difference in serious health risks (inpatient treatment) between temporary and regular workers. Income poverty, subjective social status, and family relative socioeconomic status were significant mediators. The results suggest that temporary workers have higher general health risks, and economic deprivation is the main mechanism. Therefore, Chinese policymakers should provide more inclusive preventive health services beyond the existing health care system focused on critical illness to reduce the general health risks of grassroots workers.
Aversive Reaction Between Disulfiram and Betel Quid Among Inpatients With Alcohol Use Disorder in Bhutan: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Dem Ugyen , Letho Zimba , Dorji Chencho , Nirola Damber K. , Choki Sonam , Dorji Tashi , Chejor Pelden
Published: October 2023

Betel quid (BQ) is commonly used in the Asia-Pacific region. Disulfiram is prescribed for people with alcohol use disorders (PwAUDs) after the completion of detoxification as an alternative to rehabilitation. This prospective observational study reported the aversive reactions and common symptoms of disulfiram and BQ in PwAUDs. Participants included PwAUDs admitted to the psychiatric ward at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital for detoxification, who were on Disulfiram and using BQ at the same time. Aversive reactions between disulfiram and BQ were observed for 100 patients over a year. Twenty participants showed aversive reactions between BQ and disulfiram. Common symptoms included sweating, diarrhea, dizziness, tremors, palpitations, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and headache. Since PwAUDs in Bhutan are inducted on disulfiram after detoxification, and most use BQ simultaneously, this study will help inform health care providers to educate people about the aversive reactions of disulfiram and BQ.
Osteoperiosteal Iliac Autograft Transplantation for Unreconstructable Tibial Plafond After Malunions of Pilon Fractures in Young Patients
Authors: Gan Ting-Jiang , Ma Xi-Kun , Li Ya-Xing , Chen Yu , Liu Xi , Li Jia , Zhang Hui
Published: October 2023

Background:

Malunion of tibial pilon fracture, especially with a large cartilage loss of the tibial plafond, is a tough clinical conundrum. This study describes a joint-preserving technique that mainly involves corrective intraarticular osteotomy and osteoperiosteal iliac autograft transplantation for treating these generally considered unreconstructable tibial plafond.

Methods:

Sixteen patients with an average age of 33.6 years who were treated with this joint-preserving method between 2013 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Ankle distraction was applied in all patients. Additional osteochondral autograft transplantation for talus was performed in 4 patients and supramalleolar osteotomy in 2 patients. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) score, and the ankle range of motion (ROM) were used for outcome analysis. Radiographic assessment was conducted, and the complications were recorded.

Results:

At a mean follow-up of 41.1 months, the mean VAS, AOFAS, and SF-36 scores improved from 6.3, 47.6, and 38.0 to 1.7, 84.4, and 70.8, respectively ( P < .001 for each). The ankle ROM improved from 27.5 to 32.2 degrees ( P = .023). The mean area of ilium blocks was 3.5 cm2, and the mean external fixation time was 94.1 days. Radiographs showed that good osteointegration was found in all patients and no significant progression of osteoarthritis in 15 patients. The major complications included poor incision healing in 2 patients and severe ankle stiffness in 2 patients, with one of them developing considerable varus-type osteoarthritis but reporting no pain. No deep infection, nonunion, or malunion occurred, and no secondary arthrodesis was performed during the final follow-up.

Conclusion:

Osteoperiosteal iliac autograft transplantation might be an alternative surgical option for reconstructing unreconstructable malunited pilon fractures with a large cartilage loss of the tibial plafond in young patients.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Affective Reactivity Index Among Children and Adolescents in China: A Multi-Method Assessment Approach
Authors: Lu Boqing , Fang Yuan , Cai Jimin , Chen Zhiyan
Published: October 2023

The Affective Reactivity Index (ARI) is one of the most studied scales for assessing youth irritability, but little is known about its measurement performance in community populations. This study applied item response theory (IRT), network analysis, and classical test theory (CTT) to examine the psychometric properties of the ARI in a sample of n = 395 community-based children ( Mage = 13.44, SD = 2.51) and n = 403 parents. In this sample, the ARI demonstrated good reliability, as well as convergent and concurrent validity. The one-factor structure was supported by both confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and network analysis. IRT analysis revealed that the ARI effectively distinguished between various levels of irritability within the community population. Network analysis identified “Loses temper easily,”“Gets angry frequently,” and “Often loses temper” are central aspects of irritability. The findings support the ARI as a brief, reliable, and valid instrument to assess irritability in community children and adolescents.
Using Behavior-Specific Praise to Support Intrinsic Motivation
Authors: Menzies Holly M. , Chang Ya-Chih , Smith-Menzies Lucia
Published: October 2023

This article discusses the use of behavior-specific praise (BSP), an effective technique for promoting prosocial behavior and managing classrooms. It addresses the criticism that BSP may reduce students’ intrinsic motivation and offers directions on how to use BSP to provide students, especially those with challenging behaviors, with useful feedback that encourages them to engage productively in school activities.
Coming to Terms With the Invective Latency of Ethnographic Relations: A Plea for (Auto)Ethnographic Positioning Analysis
Authors: Greschke Heike
Published: October 2023

In this article, I outline the framework of (auto)ethnographic positioning analysis. Using the example of an unpleasant field experience, I first develop the “metainvective positioning circle,” a heuristic model that I use to address the crisis of ethnography, its consequences for methodological development, and its implications for contemporary ethnographic practice. In the further sections, I outline how (auto)ethnographic positioning analysis combines various previously established methodological procedures, how it differs from them, and how it goes beyond them. Furthermore, I highlight key features of (auto)ethnographic positioning analysis and the most promising moments in the research process for its application.
A Song for Norman
Authors: Douglas Kitrina
Published: October 2023

In this short essay I offer a few reflections on how Norman Denzin has influenced my life, friendships, and scholarship. I feel there is little I can say or do that would match the gratitude I feel, so I offer a song.
Rising to the Challenge: Embedding Environmental Justice in Management and Organization Studies
Authors: Foster Alec , Wissman Nichole , Bray Laura A. , DeBoer Jennifer , Ergene Seray , Stewart Oscar Jerome , Dunham Ian M.
Published: October 2023

Management and organization studies (MOS) scholars have recently brought attention to the lack of engagement with social equity and justice in tackling grand challenges. We argue that environmental justice (EJ) can deepen MOS’ engagement with social equity in addressing grand challenges, particularly climate change. Through a bibliometric analysis and qualitative review, we explore scholarly communities within EJ literature and draw connections to MOS research. We develop three bridges between EJ and MOS scholarship: (a) investigating organizational roles and processes in distributing environmental benefits and burdens within socioecological systems, (b) situating the firm within structural and historical contexts that create and perpetuate environmental injustices, and (c) prioritizing the goals, perspectives, and agency of activists and neglected voices within environmental conflicts and solutions. Ultimately, this review aims to build meaningful pathways to embed EJ in MOS research on grand challenges.
Applying a Gene Reversal Rate Computational Methodology to Identify Drugs for a Rare Cancer: Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Authors: Ji Xiaojia , Williams Kevin P , Zheng Weifan
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to utilize a computational methodology based on Gene Reversal Rate (GRR) scoring to repurpose existing drugs for a rare and understudied cancer: inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). This method uses IBC-related gene expression signatures (GES) and drug-induced gene expression profiles from the LINCS database to calculate a GRR score for each candidate drug, and is based on the idea that a compound that can counteract gene expression changes of a disease may have potential therapeutic applications for that disease. Genes related to IBC with associated differential expression data (265 up-regulated and 122 down-regulated) were collated from PubMed-indexed publications. Drug-induced gene expression profiles were downloaded from the LINCS database and candidate drugs to treat IBC were predicted using their GRR scores. Thirty-two (32) drug perturbations that could potentially reverse the pre-compiled list of 297 IBC genes were obtained using the LINCS Canvas Browser (LCB) analysis. Binary combinations of the 32 perturbations were assessed computationally to identify combined perturbations with the highest GRR scores, and resulted in 131 combinations with GRR greater than 80%, that reverse up to 264 of the 297 genes in the IBC-GES. The top 35 combinations involve 20 unique individual drug perturbations, and 19 potential drug candidates. A comprehensive literature search confirmed 17 of the 19 known drugs as having either anti-cancer or anti-inflammatory activities. AZD-7545, BMS-754807, and nimesulide target known IBC relevant genes: PDK, Met, and COX, respectively. AG-14361, butalbital, and clobenpropit are known to be functionally relevant in DNA damage, cell cycle, and apoptosis, respectively. These findings support the use of the GRR approach to identify drug candidates and potential combination therapies that could be used to treat rare diseases such as IBC.
Latrine Utilization and its Associated Factors in Urban Slums Dwellers of Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yirdaw Getasew , Dessie Awrajaw , Azanaw Jember , Birhan Tsegaye Adane
Published: October 2023

Background:

Sanitation facilities are critical for interrupting the transmission of feco-oral disease through proper use, not simply their physical presence. Latrine utilization is the actual behavior in a practice of regularly using existing latrines for the safe disposal of excreta. In slum regions of developing nations, such as Ethiopia, poor latrine use is a prevalent concern. As a result, the purpose of this study was to examine the state of latrine utilization and its determinant factors in the urban slums of Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was done in slum regions of Gondar City from March 1 to April 30, 2021, with a total of 422 systematically chosen households. A structured pre-tested questionnaire and on-the-spot observational checklists were used to collect the data from each household.

Result:

Latrine utilization was observed among 31.5% of households. Latrine utilization was also significantly associated with the age of the latrine (age ⩽10 years) (AOR: 2.31; 95% CI (1.15, 4.63)), cleanliness of the latrine (AOR: 3.70; 95% CI (1.16, 11.78)), pit being lined (AOR: 6.33; 95% CI (2.09, 19.15)), depth of latrine (⩽3 m) (AOR: 0.43; 95% CI (0.24, 0.77)), and cleaning materials for handwashing (AOR: 0.33; 95% CI (0.15, 0.75)).

Conclusion:

Based on the present finding, most households didn’t have proper latrine utilization practices. The age of the latrine, cleanliness of the latrine, pit being lined, depth of the pit, and cleaning materials for handwashing were associated factors of latrine utilization. As a result, sanitation interventions such as health education about improving the cleanliness and sanitary condition of existing latrine facilities and constructing lined and deep new latrines as the goal’s standard should be implemented.
Multiword units in multilingual speakers
Authors: Hennecke Inga , Perevozchikova Tatiana , Wiesinger Evelyn
Published: October 2023

Aims and objectives:

This introductory article aims to set the scene for the special issue by discussing existing and future research directions on multiword units (MWUs) in multilingual speakers. It also outlines the purpose and structure of the special issue and presents the individual contributions.

Design, data and analysis:

The introductory article reviews the most relevant theoretical and methodological issues as well as the main research gaps related to the processing, learning, and use of MWUs in both mono- and multilingual speakers. In addition, it introduces the contributions to this volume and briefly presents the types of MWUs, the types of multilingual speakers and the data and methodologies that are in focus.

Conclusions, originality and implications:

The contributions in this special issue on different types of MWUs in different groups of multilingual speakers using different methodologies shed new light on open questions in various areas of multilingualism research, including psycholinguistic approaches to second-language learning and processing, contact linguistics as well as research on heritage speakers and language attrition. In this regard, the special issue contributes to a more complete and differentiated picture of the role of MWUs in multilingual speakers but also in language processing, learning, and use in general.
Differences in postpartum mental healthcare among women with identified needs: the role of migration status
Authors: Santiá Paula , De Montgomery Christopher Jamil , Pedersen Trine Pagh , Marti-Castaner Maria
Published: October 2023

Aims:

The aim of this study was to examine the association between women’s migrant status (majority, immigrant, descendant) and use of postpartum mental healthcare and investigate whether migration characteristics are associated with mental healthcare use.

Methods:

Retrospective cohort study. We included all mothers of children born between 2002 and 2018 in 34 municipalities of Denmark who had an identified mental health need as clinically assessed by a child health visitor (CHV) or by a score of 11 or more on the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). Women were followed until the first mental healthcare received 2 years’ postpartum, death or emigration. Using Cox regression models, we estimated the time to mental healthcare by migrant status and explored the role of migration characteristics.

Results:

A total of 29% of women ( n = 45,573) had a mental health need identified by the CHV, and 7% ( n = 4968) had an EPDS ⩾ 11. Immigrants accounted for 19.5%, and descendants for 4.7% of the sample. Immigrants were at lower risk of using mental healthcare than the majority group (CHV: hazard ratio adjusted (HRa) 0.75 (0.70–0.79), EPDS: HRa 0.67 (0.58–0.78)), as were descendants (CHV: HRa 0.77 (0.70–0.86), EPDS: HRa 0.69 (0.55–0.88)). Among migrants, those not refugees, newly arrived, whose partners were immigrants or descendants, and those originally from Africa showed a lower risk of using postpartum mental healthcare.

Conclusions:

Our findings emphasize the need to strengthen access to mental healthcare for immigrants and descendants experiencing postpartum mental health concerns and consider migration characteristics as indicators of potential inequalities in access to maternal mental healthcare.
Experimental characterization of the injected mass variation in a high-pressure GDI injector operating with a multiple injection strategy
Authors: Viscione Davide , Brancaleoni Pier Paolo , Silvagni Giacomo , Ravaglioli Vittorio , Bianchi Gian Marco , Moro Davide , De Cesare Matteo , Stola Federico
Published: October 2023

Increasingly stringent limits to pollutants released by Internal Combustion Engines pushed the automotive research to develop technologies to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Higher injection pressures are beneficial to accelerate the atomization phase, reducing the particulate matter and unburned hydrocarbon emissions. However, the spray protrusion inside the combustion chamber is enhanced and, consequently, the generation of a thick wall film, which tends to increase the latter emissions. Thus, multiple-injection strategies might be beneficial for both the atomization rate and the spray penetration, owing to a stratified charge inside the chamber. This paper investigates the effect of the adoption of multiple-injection strategies on the behaviour of a GDI injector operating in high injection pressure conditions. The resulting injected mass is influenced by electrical phenomena on the excitation circuit, which mainly depend on the relative time between the end of the first injection and the start of the following. Hence, the total amount of fuel injected with the multiple-injection pattern will differ from its nominal value. In this work, a specific experimental layout was developed to characterize the behaviour of the injector in different operating conditions and quantify the deviation between actual and nominal injected mass. The impact of the magnetized coils on the overall injected mass has been captured referring to the modification of the shape of the driving current profile with respect to the nominal one. Then, a correlation which considers the electric charge variation on the coils has been implemented to model the phenomenon and, consequently, to counterbalance the electro-magnetic effect on the injected mass. The resulting strategy successfully allowed to reduce the difference between the actual and target fuel mass from up to 30% to almost 5%, owing to its implementation on the injection control system to automatically correct the injection commands and compensate the fuel mass deviations.