bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Molecular Docking, MD Simulation and Evaluation of Anticancer Activity of Novel 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Derivatives against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) Cell Lines
Authors: Deshpande N. Shridhar , Shivakumar  , Udayakumar D. , Prabhu Ashwini , Rani Vinitha , Dixit Sheshagiri R. , Singh Deepshikha , Revanasiddappa B. C.
Published: February 2024

In this study, a new series of 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives (3a– 3h) was synthesized, characterized using various analytical techniques (FT-IR, 1H- and [Formula: see text]C-NMR, mass spectrometry), and tested for their effectiveness against Ehrlich’s Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cell lines in vitro. After 48 h of exposure to these test compounds, the EAC cells exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in their viability. Among the tested compounds, 3b and 3e demonstrated the most potent anticancer effects, with IC[Formula: see text] values of 352.69 [Formula: see text]M and 177.44 [Formula: see text] M, respectively. Consequently, these compounds were chosen for further investigation into their mechanisms of action on EAC cell lines. The assessment included the induction of apoptosis and the analysis of DNA damage, which were evaluated using fluorescence staining and the comet assay. These assessments revealed distinctive apoptotic characteristics such as nuclear fragmentation, cytoplasmic shrinkage and DNA damage. As a result, these compounds hold promise as potential anticancer agents. The study also delved into the binding affinities of these compounds through molecular docking analysis, and the findings showed that compounds 3b and 3e exhibited a strong binding affinity with the receptor Transforming Growth Factor-Beta Receptor I (TGF-[Formula: see text]RI) kinase (PDB ID: 1PY5), surpassing the reference compound 5-fluorouracil. Additionally, calculations related to Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) indicated favorable free binding energy. The compounds also displayed acceptable ADMET properties. To validate the stability of the bond between compounds 3b and 3e with the 1PY5 receptor, a molecular dynamics simulation lasting 100 ns was carried out.
Immune Profiling of Vulvar Squamous Cell Cancer Discovers a Macrophage-rich Subtype Associated with Poor Prognosis
Authors: Condic Mateja , Rohr Andrea , Riemann Soheila , Staerk Christian , Ayub Tiyasha H. , Doeser Anna , Zillinger Thomas , Merkelbach-Bruse Sabine , Buettner Reinhard , Barchet Winfried , Rudlowski Christian , Mustea Alexander , Kübler Kirsten
Published: February 2024

The incidence rates of vulvar squamous cell cancer (VSCC) have increased over the past decades, requiring personalized oncologic approaches. Currently, lymph node involvement is a key factor in determining prognosis and treatment options. However, there is a need for additional immune-related biomarkers to provide more precise treatment and prognostic information. Here, we used IHC and expression data to characterize immune cells and their spatial distribution in VSCC. Hierarchical clustering analysis identified distinct immune subtypes, of which the macrophage-rich subtype was associated with adverse outcome. This is consistent with our findings of increased lymphogenesis, lymphatic invasion, and lymph node involvement associated with high macrophage infiltration. Further in vitro studies showed that VSCC-associated macrophages expressed VEGF-A and subsequently induced VEGF-A in the VSCC cell line A-431, providing experimental support for a pro-lymphangiogenic role of macrophages in VSCC. Taken together, immune profiling in VSCC revealed tumor processes, identified a subset of patients with adverse outcome, and provided a valuable biomarker for risk stratification and therapeutic decision making for anti-VEGF treatment, ultimately contributing to the advancement of precision medicine in VSCC.

Significance:

Immunoprofiling in VSCC reveals subtypes with distinct clinical and biological behavior. Of these, the macrophage-rich VSCC subtype is characterized by poor clinical outcome and increased VEGF-A expression, providing a biomarker for risk stratification and therapeutic sensitivity.
Divine Omnipresence and Human Suffering
Authors: Antombikums Aku Stephen
Published: February 2024

Traditionally, it is believed that God is all-powerful and omnipresent. Given the notion of divine omnipresence, why does it seem like God is absent amidst suffering? This paper presents a philosophical and theological analysis of God’s omnipresence. I hope to show how we may construe a robust and viable doctrine of divine omnipresence amidst suffering. I argue that although God’s presence results in divine action, given that divine action is mostly experienced in a relational, covenantal context, his presence does not always lead to the absence of suffering. Although God is ontologically and maximally omnipresent, he is specially and covenantally present only with those who are open to a relationship with him. His presence with worshippers can be both interventional and noninterventional. In the former, he might remove suffering; in the latter, only inner peace and comfort might be experienced.
Does China Matter to the Chinese Overseas? A Case Study of Malaysian Chinese Businesses
Authors: Tan Miau Ing , Lee Kam Hing , Lee Kean Yew
Published: February 2024

Do businesses owned or operated by the Chinese diaspora engage more with China than businesses owned by non-ethnic Chinese? To answer this question, ethnic Chinese owned companies listed on the Malaysian stock exchange were compared with non-Chinese owned/controlled on the extent of their business in China. Of some 800 listed companies as of December 2017, 547 or 68% are Malaysian Chinese companies. Of the latter, some 18.4%, conduct business in China compared to just 8.5% among the non-ethnic Chinese listed companies. This finding needs to be qualified first, by the fact that the companies’ presence in China may not represent a major portion of their business. As some firms do not separate their China- from other Asian businesses, the extent of China engagement is likely to be underestimated. Second, while economic motives were responsible for their presence in China, “cultural citizenship” and family business patriarchs being first or second generations could help explain their affinity to China.
The Logic of Tong (Togetherness) or Why Guanxi Works in Chinese Societies?
Authors: Yau Hoi Yan , Wong Heung Wah
Published: February 2024

This article provides an analysis of the cultural meaning of guanxi (關係) in Chinese societies, specifically in the context of a workplace situation in Taiwan. Guanxi is a concept based on Confucian ethics, which was originally a positive concept connoting human closeness, has transformed into a manipulative and instrumentally used variant called “guanxi-practice”(關係學). The article argues that an effective way to understand the cultural meaning of guanxi is to examine the Chinese kinship system, which shares similarities with interpersonal relationships in Chinese culture. The guiding principle of Chinese familial ethics, tong (同), refers to members sharing the same breath who are expected to offer emotional and financial support in times of need. The study analyses the exchange of guanxi-work among men in Taiwanese society to clarify the logic of guanxi operation. The study aims to contribute to the broader discussion on the cultural meaning of guanxi in Chinese societies, explaining why guanxi can empower and entitle participants to seek favors and benefit from one another.
The Paratextual Functions of the Early Chinese Anecdote – with *Tang zai Chimen 湯在啻門 and *Tang chu yu Tangqiu 湯處於湯丘 as Examples
Authors: Du Heng
Published: February 2024

This article proposes a set of function-based criteria for identifying paratextual elements in manuscript texts. With *Tang zai Chimen and *Tang chu yu Tangqiu as examples, I show how their narrative frames perform functions akin to titles, authors’ names, and prefaces. This approach offers a new explanation for the prevalence of the anecdote genre as well as a renewed understanding of the functions of the paratext.
A Study on the Punishment Day Calculation Method and Related Issues in the “Punishment Day” Section of the Mawangdui Manuscript Yinyang wuxing A
Authors: Zhang Ting , Cheng Shaoxuan
Published: February 2024

First, through an analysis of the binary categorization of the heavenly stems and the earthly branches in calculations and arts (shushu 數術) literature in transmitted and excavated texts, this paper argues that the two characters meng 䖟（孟） and zhong 中（仲） next to the branches in the Punishment Day diagram do not connote substantive meaning, but constitute a set of binary categories in the same vein as the binarisms yin/yang, hard/soft, man/woman, female/male, heaven/earth, punishment/virtue, and so on. Next, this paper points out a mistake made in the previous calculation of punishment days in the Changsha Mawangdui Han mu jianbo jicheng before putting forward a new calculation method. Based on the new method, we find that the two columns of stem-branch binomes inscribed on the manuscript should be construed such that the stem-branch binomes in one column represent the punishment days resulting from the movements of a stem and a branch starting from contiguous branch positions, and those in the other column represent the punishment days resulting from the movements of a stem and a branch starting from branch positions six branches apart. The reason for the emphasis on the punishment days resulting from these two cases lies in the fact that the branches of these punishment days are the grave branches (muchen 墓辰) in the Three Unions Scheme of the Five Agents. The meaning of the grave branches as vanishing and decaying resonates with the activities of military display, battling, attacking, killing, imprisonment, and demolishing constructions that may be undertaken on punishment days. Therefore, particular attention is paid to the punishment days identified by the four grave branches. In the end, this paper argues against the view that correlates Punishment Day with Meeting Day. This paper maintains that despite their similarity on the surface, they are in fact two different types of calendar spirits and should not be confused.
Optimal Spectral Resolution for Infrared Studies of Solids and Liquids
Authors: Forland Brenda M. , Hughey Kendall D. , Wilhelm Michael J. , Williams Olivia N. , Cappello Benjamin F. , Gaspar Connor L. , Myers Tanya L. , Sharpe Steven W. , Johnson Timothy J.
Published: February 2024

Due to a legacy originating in the limited capability of early computers, the spectroscopic resolution used in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and other systems has largely been implemented using only powers of two for more than 50 years. In this study, we investigate debunking the spectroscopic lore of, e.g., using only 2, 4, 8, or 16 cm−1 resolution and determine the optimal resolution in terms of both (i) a desired signal-to-noise ratio and (ii) efficient use of acquisition time. The study is facilitated by the availability of solids and liquids reference spectral data recorded at 2.0 cm−1 resolution and is based on an examination in the 4000–400 cm−1 range of 61 liquids and 70 solids spectra, with a total analysis of 4237 peaks, each of which was also examined for being singlet/multiplet in nature. Of the 1765 liquid bands examined, only 27 had widths <5 cm−1. Of the 2472 solid bands examined, only 39 peaks have widths <5 cm−1. For both the liquid and solid bands, a skewed distribution of peak widths was observed: For liquids, the mean peak width was 24.7 cm−1 but the median peak width was 13.7 cm−1, and, similarly, for solids, the mean peak width was 22.2 cm−1 but the median peak width was 11.2 cm−1. While recognizing other studies may differ in scope and limiting the analysis to only room temperature data, we have found that a resolution to resolve 95% of all bands is 5.7 cm−1 for liquids and 5.3 cm−1 for solids; such a resolution would capture the native linewidth (not accounting for instrumental broadening) for 95% of all the solids and liquid bands, respectively. After decades of measuring liquids and solids at 4, 8, or 16 cm−1 resolution, we suggest that, when accounting only for intrinsic linewidths, an optimized resolution of 6.0 cm−1 will capture 91% of all condensed-phase bands, i.e., broadening of only 9% of the narrowest of bands, but yielding a large gain in signal-to-noise with minimal loss of specificity.
U.S. District Court Judicial Diversity: The Impact of Race and Sex Composition on Sentencing Outcomes at the District Level
Authors: Crow Matthew S. , Goulette Natalie
Published: February 2024

The demographic diversity of the federal bench has emerged as a salient issue for the American public. Although research has examined the impact of judges’ race and sex on various court outcomes, including sentencing, for several decades across different levels of courts, findings remain mixed. Race and sex diversity of the U.S. District Courts has increased in recent years, coinciding with the transition from mandatory to advisory sentencing guidelines. The current study examines the impact of changes in the race and sex composition of federal trial courts on district-level sentencing outcomes for different demographic groups of offenders. The findings provide evidence that the race and sex composition of the District Courts impacts sentencing outcomes in both expected and unexpected ways.
FDI–Growth Nexus in Emerging Economies: Role of Financial Sector Development
Authors: Dua Pami , Verma Neha
Published: February 2024

This paper examined the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and the growth rate in emerging and developing economies (EMDEs) and whether the development of the financial sector affects the growth-effect of FDI inflows for these economies. FDI enhances capital accumulation in the economy, and the level of financial sector development (FSD) affects the financial intermediation of funds, thereby enhancing the absorptive capability from investment. Using the dynamic panel threshold model (DPTM) for a balanced panel of 71 countries over the period 2000–2019, the paper finds a U-shaped relationship between the measures of FSD and the growth rate of an economy and does not find evidence for the ‘vanishing effect of finance’ for EMDEs. The growth-enhancing effect of FDI is much stronger for countries with a higher level of FSD. Our estimation techniques control for cross-sectional dependence and endogeneity in the case of a dynamic framework. The robustness results estimated using four-year non-overlapping averages as an observational unit support the findings.

JEL Codes: F23, F36, O16
Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture: Evidence from Major Crop Production in India
Authors: Choudhary Tahir Fazal , Gupta Meenakshi
Published: February 2024

The study examines the impact of climatic changes on the production of the major crops grown in India. The study estimates the panel data from 1970 to 2020 by using the Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag technique. The results of the study show that in the long run, maximum temperature has a negative impact on crop production, whereas carbon dioxide emissions have a positive impact on crop production. In the short run, maximum temperature and average precipitation positively affect crop production, whereas minimum temperature negatively affects the production of crops. Besides climatic variables, the study also incorporates non-climatic variable such as the area under crop. The results revealed that the area under crop has a positive significant effect on crop production both in the short run and long run.

JEL Codes: C50, Q1, Q15, Q54
Determinants of Export in Boom and Bust: Evidence from the Indian Electronics Industry
Authors: Ranjan Sahoo Smruti
Published: February 2024

India’s exports of electronics products underwent two major phases after 2000–2001. A boom phase from 2000–2001 to 2008–2009, where growth of Indian electronic exports increased significantly, and a bust phase from 2009–2010 to 2019–2020, with drastic decline in its growth. This gives us an opportunity to estimate and compare the factors that help firms to sustain exports in different phases of export growth. Using firm-level panel data and instrumental variable Tobit (IVTobit) model, this study shows that during the boom period, firms’ spending on research and development (R&D), imported technology and raw materials explain their exports. Firms’ age and multinational enterprises (MNEs) affiliation are also important for export in this phase. In the bust period, along with firms’ age, import of technology and raw materials, domestic raw materials, size, advertisement expenses and production efficiency of firms have emerged as important factors in determining export. These finding suggests that larger firms with high technical efficiency manage to export even during the bust period. Moreover, to export during the bust period, firms need to spend on domestic raw material, import of technologies and promotion of their products rather than spending on R&D activities.

JEL Codes: F440, L6, L63, F140, L250, C240, C260
Bi-objective optimization modeling for biomass supply chain planning
Authors: Wang Chia-Nan , Cao Thi-Be-Oanh , Duy Nguyen Duc , Dang Thanh-Tuan
Published: February 2024

Biomass energy plays an essential role in renewable energy for many reasons, such as reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, providing heat, electricity, and biofuels for various applications, and utilizing waste materials for helpful energy products. Besides, it can create employment opportunities and promote rural development, especially in developing countries where biomass resources are abundant and accessible. In the context of renewable energy research and application, this paper aims to develop a multi-objective mixed integer linear programming for designing multiple echelon biomass supply chain networks. The model is formulated to consider the economic costs and environmental impact of biomass distribution from the suppliers to the biomass plants. In this research, the Epsilon constraint method is adopted to generate Pareto fonts, which provides the trade-offs between two objectives. Moreover, sensitivity analysis is implemented to provide decision-makers with information about a network with changed parameters such as demand. Our model allows the decision maker to determine the capacity of warehouses and biomass power plants, inventory levels, type of trucks, etc. The proposed model is verified and evaluated using a practical dataset from Can Tho province, Central Mekong River Delta in Vietnam, generating several benefits for energy security and sustainability. Such a network includes 3 types of power plants, 3 scales of warehouses, 13 potential locations, and 41 suppliers. From the generated solutions, with the proportion of biomass electricity satisfaction varying from 5% to 30%, Hung Phu, O Mon, and Cai Rang industrial parks are the most suitable for power plants.
The Essential Role of Proteoglycans and Glycosaminoglycans in Odontogenesis
Authors: Chen J. , Sun T. , Lin B. , Wu B. , Wu J.
Published: February 2024

Tooth development and regeneration are regulated through a complex signaling network. Previous studies have focused on the exploration of intracellular signaling regulatory networks, but the regulatory roles of extracellular networks have only been revealed recently. Proteoglycans, which are essential components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and pivotal signaling molecules, are extensively involved in the process of odontogenesis. Proteoglycans are composed of core proteins and covalently attached glycosaminoglycan chains (GAGs). The core proteins exhibit spatiotemporal expression patterns during odontogenesis and are pivotal for dental tissue formation and periodontium development. Knockout of core protein genes Biglycan, Decorin, Perlecan, and Fibromodulin has been shown to result in structural defects in enamel and dentin mineralization. They are also closely involved in the development and homeostasis of periodontium by regulating signaling transduction. As the functional component of proteoglycans, GAGs are negatively charged unbranched polysaccharides that consist of repeating disaccharides with various sulfation groups; they provide binding sites for cytokines and growth factors in regulating various cellular processes. In mice, GAG deficiency in dental epithelium leads to the reinitiation of tooth germ development and the formation of supernumerary incisors. Furthermore, GAGs are critical for the differentiation of dental stem cells. Inhibition of GAGs assembly hinders the differentiation of ameloblasts and odontoblasts. In summary, core proteins and GAGs are expressed distinctly and exert different functions at various stages of odontogenesis. Given their unique contributions in odontogenesis, this review summarizes the roles of proteoglycans and GAGs throughout the process of odontogenesis to provide a comprehensive understanding of tooth development.
Separate School Placement for Students With Extensive Support Needs and the Potential Impact of Locale and Charter School Enrollment
Authors: Bowman Jessica A , Wu Yi-Chen , Wakeman Shawnee , Ghere Gail , Johnson Holly
Published: February 2024

Separate school placements persist for students with extensive support needs (ESN) despite longstanding federal mandates for all students with disabilities to be educated in the least restrictive environment. This study extends research on separate school placement for students with ESN to explore the potential impact of locale and charter school policy by determining (1) the percentage of separate schools in states across locales, (2) whether there is a relationship between the percentages of separate schools in each locale and separate school placement rates, and (3) how the number and location of separate special education charter schools change by state over time. Results showed varying proportions of separate schools among each locale in states with different placement rates, a significant moderate difference between the percentage of separate schools in suburban locales and overall separate school placement rate, and few separate special education charter schools. Implications for research and practice are highlighted.
The Association Between Organizational Justice and Organizational Trust Among Correctional Staff
Authors: Solinas-Saunders Monica , Lambert Eric G. , Haynes Stacy H. , Haynes Linda D. , Leone Matthew C. , May David C.
Published: February 2024

This study employed organizational justice theory to examine the influence of employee perceptions of distributive, procedural, and interactional justice on whether employees trust their supervisors and management. Analysis of survey results from 322 employees of a state prison located in the Southern United States indicate that procedural and interactional justice—but not distributive justice—predict employee trust in both supervisors and management. These findings present important policy implications that suggest that the employing organization would benefit from having mechanisms in place to ensure that decisions follow consistent rules and strategies. Considering the relevance of employee trust to the organization, transparency in the use of pre-determined standards to allocate resources and rewards fairly needs to become a priority in institutions of corrections.
Experimental study on the Klinkenberg effect for gas permeability in carboniferous shales, Eastern Qaidam Basin, China
Authors: Gao Jun , Li Zongxing , Wei Meihua , Zhang Changsheng
Published: February 2024

It is crucial to understand the conditions and influencing mechanisms of shale gas slip effect for predicting the productivity of shale gas reservoirs. This study focuses on the Carboniferous Hurleg Formation shales in the eastern Qaidam Basin and conducts gas permeability tests using different gases (He/N2), as well as geochemical and pore-structure tests. The slip behavior of different gases in micro- and nanopores as well as the anisotropy of gas permeability were analyzed and discussed. The results show that helium permeability is 1.81–3.56 times higher than nitrogen permeability, with a greater difference at lower pore pressures. These permeability differences are attributed to variations in gas molecule size and slip effects. Specifically, the slip effect of helium gas has a greater contribution to permeability at lower pore pressures, with a helium slip factor averaging 2.79 times that of nitrogen. The effective pore size of shale, calculated based on the helium slip factor, is 0.74 to 1.51 times larger than when nitrogen is used, with an average of 1.67 times. Helium molecules have smaller diameters and longer average molecular free paths, resulting in a more pronounced slip effect compared to nitrogen. While helium does not adsorb, nitrogen exhibits some adsorption, causing radial expansion during gas penetration. Furthermore, when testing with different gases, the horizontal permeability (S043∥; S052∥) is higher than the vertical permeability (S043⊥; S052⊥). The anisotropy of permeability is controlled by the pore system formed by the arrangement and combination of minerals. Calcium-rich samples (S052) tend to exhibit higher anisotropy compared to calcite-rich samples (S043). The effective pore size in the vertical sample is larger than that in the parallel sample, and the gas slip effect is significantly greater in the vertical sample. These findings provide valuable data for future studies on shale gas slip effects and productivity prediction.
Virtual Assistants’ Response to Queries About Nicotine Replacement Therapy: A Mixed-Method Analysis
Authors: Amin Samia , Uyeda Kylie , Pagano Ian , Tabangcura Kayzel R. , Taketa Rachel , Terawaki Kawamoto Crissy , Pokhrel Pallav
Published: February 2024

This study focused on investigating the potential of Artificial Intelligent-powered Virtual Assistants (VAs) such as Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, and Google Assistant as tools to help individuals seeking information about Nicotine Replacement Treatment (NRT) for smoking cessation. The researchers asked 40 NRT-related questions to each of the 3 VAs and evaluated the responses for voice recognition. The study used a cross-sectional mixed-method design with a total sample size of 360 responses. Inter-rater reliability and differences between VAs’ responses were examined by SAS software, and qualitative assessments were conducted using NVivo software. Google Assistant achieved 100% voice recognition for NRT-related questions, followed by Apple Siri at 97.5%, and Amazon Alexa at 83.3%. Statistically significant differences were found between the responses of Amazon Alexa relative to both Google Assistant and Apple Siri. Researcher 1’s ratings significantly differed from Researcher 2’s ( p = .001), but not from Researcher 3’s ( p = .11). Virtual Assistants occasionally struggled to understand the context or nuances of questions, lacked in-depth information in their responses, and provided generic or unrelated responses. Virtual Assistants have the potential to be incorporated into smoking cessation interventions and tobacco control initiatives, contingent upon improving their competencies.
Knowledge of Delirium Among ICU Nursing Staff: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mathew Chikku , Ashok Anju V. , Punnoose Varghese P.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Delirium is a reversible state that, if ignored, can result in increased morbidity and mortality. Studies from across the world have shown that nurses’ knowledge regarding delirium is inadequate. This study is one of the very few Indian studies addressing this issue. The study aims to infer an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse’s knowledge regarding delirium.

Materials and Methods:

This is a descriptive study carried out in the ICUs of a multispecialty general hospital. A convenient sample of 220 nurses was recruited after obtaining written informed consent. Knowledge regarding delirium was ascertained using the Delirium Knowledge Questionnaire; this, along with the sociodemographic variables, was circulated as Google Forms through WhatsApp groups. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26, and results were presented as means and percentages.

Results:

The present study reveals that out of 211 nurses 130 (61.6%) had an average knowledge about delirium. Out of the 211 nurses 108 (51.2%) had average knowledge about clinical features of delirium and 105(49.8%) had average knowledge about etiology of delirium. More than half of the nurses (53.1%) had awareness regarding the medical management of delirium. In the domain of knowledge regarding non-medical management, 81 (38.4%) had excellent knowledge and 114 (54%) respondents had average knowledge regarding the prevention of delirium.

Conclusion:

The study calls for the need to provide educational interventions to the nursing staff for prevention, prompt recognition, and treatment of delirium.
The Use and Perception of Reclaimed Group Labels for Lesbian Women and Gay Men
Authors: Klysing Amanda , Braun Maike , Buscicchio Giulia , Jacobs Catho , Formanowicz Magdalena , Fasoli Fabio
Published: February 2024

This research tests whether self-labelling with a derogatory or reclaimed label is perceived as an act of reclamation. A pilot study ( N = 102) identified English terms used to label lesbian women and gay men. The main study ( N = 276) used a between-groups vignette design in which participants read about a woman/man self-labelling with a descriptive (lesbian/gay), reclaimed (queer), or derogatory group (dyke/fag) label. We assessed perceptions of the speaker (control/influence, agency, and efficacy) and group power, label offensiveness, and the likelihood of using the label in the future. Descriptive labels were perceived as less offensive and more likely to be used compared to reclaimed and derogatory labels. For gay men, using a derogatory label compared to other labels decreased perceived agency, but did not influence control/influence and efficacy. For lesbian women, there were no differences in perceptions of power depending on the label used.
Embedding the Sustainable Development Goals Into Higher Education Institutions’ Marketing Curriculum
Authors: Tomasella Barbara , Akbar Bilal , Lawson Alison , Howarth Richard , Bedford Rebecca
Published: February 2024

The 21st century’s growing societal and environmental challenges are ubiquitous. The combination of knowledge, values, mindsets, and abilities needed to address these challenges requires educating society about the simultaneous pursuit of economic, environmental, and social goals as advocated by the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This research aims to review the academic literature on how Higher Education Institutions incorporate the SDGs into the marketing curriculum. In this regard, the expected outcome is to assist marketing academics in developing a curriculum aligned with the SDGs. An integrative literature review including 40 articles led to three core themes: Integration, Transformation, and Leadership. Building on these themes, the article contributes to marketing education through the 3Es framework (Engage, Expand, Enact) for embedding the SDGs in the marketing curriculum: “Engage” integrates sustainability knowledge into the existing marketing curriculum by fostering debates and reflection around the SDGs. “Expand” transforms values and attitudes among marketing students and staff using transformative and experiential pedagogical tools. This leads to “Enact” with leadership and partnerships within and outside the university, which leads to collaborative actions aligned with the SDGs.
The role of refundable accommodation deposits in financing aged care capital expenditure: Views from the sector
Authors: Gu Megan , Cutler Henry , Aghdaee Mona , Gu Yuanyuan , Bilgrami Anam
Published: February 2024

Residential aged care providers rely on refundable accommodation deposits (RADs) to finance capital expenditure, but changing consumer accommodation payment preferences may reduce their access. Our study evaluated the potential impact of a significant reduction in provider RAD balances. We surveyed 300 providers across Australia in 2020 and conducted focus groups and interviews with stakeholder executives, to develop key themes using an inductive constant comparative method couched within grounded theory. We found preferences for RADs vary across providers, with those seeking to undertake capital expenditure mostly preferring RADs. Stakeholder views suggested RADs facilitate low cost capital investment for some providers and allow banks to offer more debt to more providers. However, stakeholders suggested RADs may also create a more volatile financial structure and impose barriers to entry for equity. Stakeholders suggested a significant and sustained reduction in RADs would negatively impact capital expenditure and increase provider financial risk. Our study proposes that government intervention to stop a significant reduction in provider RAD balances should only occur if access to care is threatened. Intervention options could include enforcing liquidity and capital adequacy requirements, increasing investor returns to attract more equity and facilitate more commercial debt and establishing a government backed accommodation capital facility.

JEL Classification: D14, G41, G51, G53, I18
The birthplace cultural tightness of provincial party secretaries and innovation in their jurisdictions: Empirical evidence from 31 provinces in China
Authors: Shi Ye , Fan Xiaomin , Han Mary
Published: February 2024

While the Chinese government has played an important role in China’s tremendous progress in innovation, and provincial party secretaries serve as the main body of regional management, less is known about how the key characteristics of these key leaders play a role in promoting innovation development. From the perspective of cultural tightness, we use patent data for 31 Chinese provinces from 2000 to 2019 to explore the impact of cultural tightness of provincial party secretaries’ birthplaces in influencing innovation in their jurisdictions. Drawing on upper echelons theory and imprinting theory, we find that party secretaries born in provinces with higher cultural tightness promote innovation more in their jurisdictions, but this effect is prominent only for incremental innovation, not for radical innovation. The potential underlying mechanism is that party secretaries with high birthplace cultural tightness (BCT) tend to invest more in infrastructure construction and thus enhance incremental innovation. In addition, the positive relationship between BCT of provincial party secretaries and the innovation in their jurisdictions is weaker when the jurisdiction is more market-oriented but becomes stronger as the tenure of the provincial party secretary increases. Theoretical contributions and managerial implications of these findings are discussed.

JEL Classification: M0, M2
Multimodal Deep Learning for Estimating Lane-Level Urban Traffic by Fusing Closed-Circuit Television and Dedicated Short-Range Communication Data
Authors: Min Jin Hong , Shin Hosuk , Kim Dong-Kyu
Published: February 2024

Seamless, accurate, and reliable traffic information is critical for planning and operational strategies in traffic management. Urban networks are increasingly being equipped with various types of detectors to collect continuous traffic data. However, the widespread installation and management of these detectors at all intersections and road sections are limited by cost constraints and various problems. Moreover, the direct integration and utilization of heterogeneous data sources are challenging because of their distinct and interconnected characteristics. This study introduces a multimodal deep learning model, combining closed-circuit television (CCTV) and dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) data, to estimate lane-level urban traffic volumes. The proposed model employs a multilayer perceptron to extract features from each modality. These features are then fused and used as input into a recurrent neural network model that estimates the lane-level traffic volume. We present the multimodal deep learning model in three forms: (1) fusion of traffic volume, occupancy, and queue length from CCTV data; (2) fusion of traffic volume from CCTV data with travel time from DSRC data; and (3) fusion of different attributes from CCTV and heterogeneous DSRC data. In addition, we develop a single-modality model that solely utilizes CCTV data on traffic volume to compare the performance with the proposed multimodal model and identify scenarios where the multimodal approach is essential. The proposed model demonstrates significant improvements over the single-modality model, providing enhanced accuracy for higher temporal resolutions and lanes that permit left or right turns.
Role of Fly Ash in the Repair Interface between Magnesium Phosphate Cement and Cement Concrete
Authors: Liu Fei , Pan Baofeng , Zhou Changjun , Chen Zengtao , Wang Baomin , Sha Dong , Fan Chengcheng
Published: February 2024

This paper examines a rapid repair material for cement concrete pavement based on magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) blended with fly ash (FA). Three kinds of stress forms for rapid repair of Portland cement concrete pavement (PCCP) were evaluated and the role of FA in the repair interface was studied. The optimal mixture ratio of FA-MPC mortar was determined, and the compressive and flexural strength tested. The composite specimens were then designed to test the interfacial bonding, tensile, and plain shear strength. Finally, the multi-scale mechanism of FA in the interface was analyzed by a pull-off adhesion test, nanoindentation test, scanning electron microscope (SEM)/energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), Raman spectrum, and molecular dynamics simulation. The optimal content of FA in MPC mortar was 20%. The laminated beam structure had the maximum strength, and the interface load bearing capacity was the lowest. For further multi-scale analysis, the results of the pull-off adhesion test showed the adhesion strength of interface was increased by the curing age and loading rate. Adhesion capacity of basalt aggregate and FA-MPC was stronger than that of Portland cement mortar and FA-MPC. The elastic modulus of MPC-aggregate interface was more than that of MPC-OPC mortar. SEM/EDS and Raman spectrum results showed that the MPC blended with FA had cracks and defects at the interface formed with cement mortar. Less FA formed near the interface. The good adhesion ability of FA and basalt aggregate was verified by molecular dynamics simulation. By contrast, poor adhesion strength with cement mortar was confirmed.
Traffic Signs and Real-World Driver Interaction
Authors: Schnell Thomas , Smith Nathan , Cover Mathew , Richey Carlton , Stoltz Jon , Parker Bradley
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this field study was to compare nighttime traffic sign legibility under static (parked) and dynamic (driving) conditions using bottom-up legibility as a measure of performance. Drivers need more traffic sign luminance to recognize words on signs while driving than they need when sitting still (parked). The primary reason for this increase in luminance demand is that the driver must periodically shift visual attention away from the sign to attend to the driving task. Legibility performance was assessed with N = 18 observers driving at an assigned speed of 48 km/h (30 mph). Participants ranged in age from 55 to 77 with a mean of 66 years. At a distance of 36 m (120 ft) there was a 117% increase from the static to the dynamic demand luminance. At a longer distance of 55 m (180 ft), there was a 256% increase, and at a distance of 57 m (187 ft), the increase was 556%, and beyond that distance, we could no longer generate a luminance that was sufficient to meet the dynamic demand.
Data-Driven Framework for Generating Travelers with Demographic-Activity-Travel Information
Authors: Ye Jianhong , Hu Yifan , Gao Lei
Published: February 2024

Transportation demand models and traffic simulations, particularly in the realm of innovative activity-based models, necessitate comprehensive demographic-activity-travel data. Although cell phone data holds the potential to provide detailed insights into activity-travel patterns, transportation planners often resort to aggregate data, constrained by limited socio-demographic attributes because of stringent privacy protection policies. This creates a significant challenge: how to reconstruct detailed traveler profiles from such aggregate data. In this paper, we propose a novel data-driven integration framework, DATG, based on improved Markov and XGBoost classification models, with which we are able to reconstruct travelers with diverse socio-demographic attributes as well as their one-day activity-travel information. We test our model on a real cell phone data set and validate the proposed model by relying on travel survey data. Our framework is able to provide fundamental data support for agent-based models, activity-based models, and transportation planning.
Cytokine and soluble programmed death-ligand 1 levels in serum and plasma of cancer patients treated with immunotherapy: Preanalytical and analytical considerations
Authors: Cappelletto Elia , Fasiolo Laura Tiozzo , Salizzato Valentina , Piccin Luisa , Fabozzi Alessio , Contato Anna , Bianco Paola Del , Pasello Giulia , Chiarion-Sileni Vanna , Gion Massimo , Fabricio Aline S. C.
Published: February 2024

Aim

To evaluate cytokine and soluble programmed death ligand-1 (sPD-L1) levels in the serum and plasma of cancer patients treated with immunotherapy, and to test different assays.

Methods

Three Luminex xMAP assays and two ELLA microfluidic cartridges were used to screen 28 immune-related biomarkers in 38 paired serum and citrate-theophylline-adenosine-dipyridamole (CTAD) plasma samples collected from 10 advanced melanoma or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients at different time points during immunotherapy.

Results

Twenty-three of 28 biomarkers were detected both in serum and plasma by at least one of the assays, including IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, TNF-α, VEGF, IP-10, MCP-1, eotaxin, fractalkine, G-CSF, IFN-α, IL-1RA, IL-13, IL-17A, MIP-1β and sPD-L1. Conversely, FGF-2 and IL-1α were not detected in both matrices; GRO-α factor and EGF were detected only in serum and MIP-1α only in plasma. sPD-L1, MCP-1, IFN-γ, IL-8, MIP-1β and VEGF were, respectively, 1.15-, 1.44-, 1.83-, 2.43-, 2.82-, 6.72-fold higher in serum, whereas IL-10, IL-4, IL-2 and IL-5 were 1.05-, 1.19-, 1.92- and 2.17-fold higher, respectively, in plasma. IP-10 levels were higher in plasma but, as well as for VEGF, the bias serum versus plasma varied depending on the assay used (IP-10: −5.7% to −145%; VEGF: 115% to 165%). No significant differences were found for the remaining nine analyzed cytokines.

Conclusion

The cytokine and sPD-L1 levels may differ between serum and plasma samples collected from cancer patients treated with immunotherapy, and the results obtained can be influenced by the different characteristics of the tested assays. The standardization of pre-analytical and analytical procedures is therefore needed for the future implementation of these circulating biomarkers in clinical practice.
Effect of compatibilizer and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane on mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of polyamide6/poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) composites
Authors: Maghamirad Gholamreza , Ghorbanzadeh Ahangari Morteza , Karimi Majid , Hassani Niaki Mostafa
Published: February 2024

The mechanical properties and morphology of polyamide 6/maleic anhydride grafted ethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PA6/EVA-g-MA) ternary composites are considered a function of compatibilizer (EVA-g-MA) amount at a mixing combination of 20 wt% dispersed phase (combination of EVA and the compatibilizer). 1–7 wt% compatibilizer are added to PA6/EVA-g-MA, whereas the PA6 doping is kept constant at 80 wt% in the ternary composites. Furthermore, 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 wt% octa-Isobutyl POSS (OIP) is used for reinforcement. The thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of PA6/EVA-g-MA composites have been studied through DSC, TGA, DMTA, traditional mechanical measurements, and SEM. Tensile strength and Young’s modulus declined by increasing the compatibilizer concentration. The impact strength of PA6/compatibilizer improved considerably up to 3 wt% of the compatibilizer and then decreased. TGA analysis demonstrated a considerable improvement in the thermal stabilities of the nanocomposites by raising the OIP amount. The results of DMTA, including Tg, and DSC analysis demonstrated that the inclusion of OIP in PA6/compatibilizer considerably changed the thermal properties of only PA6 in PA6/compatibilizer. Incorporating OIP into the composite up to 1 wt% improved its modulus, tensile, and impact strength.
Role of Music Therapy in Palliative Care—Methods and Techniques
Authors: Ramesh Bhuvaneswari
Published: February 2024

Palliative care is a vulnerable area of practice that requires a team to cater to the needs of physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs and the requirements for unmet needs for patients under palliative care is quite large and increasing. India is creating awareness for palliative care stand at the foremost requirement as well as who can cater to patients who require palliative care. Along with many other treatments, therapies and supports being provided to patients, music therapy may play the role with preventative and curative periods of treatment, as well as support to cope and acceptance toward the inevitable for the patient as well for the caregivers. Music therapy provides a biopsychosocial and holistic approach to palliative care. Musical interventions include methods of receptive, improvisation, recreative, and creative spanning across many techniques and have been found to help with coping, expressing emotions, regulating emotions, acceptance, managing pain, and distress, supportive to caregivers through grief and bereavement. This paper hopes to provide an insight into the role of music therapy as a Salutogenic approach within a biopsychosocial framework and its need to be accepted in the Indian context.