bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond the Three Sisters Additional Botanical Remains From Native American sites in the Upper Delaware Valley, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York
Authors: Stewart R Michael
Published: April 2024

Botanical remains from dated Native American archeological contexts in the greater Upper Delaware Valley region are cataloged. This foundational chronology is necessary for future research related to paleoenvironments, human management of the environment, and the transition to a mixed farming, gathering and hunting subsistence economy. The chronologies of select botanicals and their relative importance for understanding Native American lifeways are highlighted.
With and against Max Weber: A Conversation with Wendy Brown on Politics and Scholarship in Nihilistic Times
Authors: Raza Sebastian , Davison-Vecchione Daniel
Published: April 2024

The following discussion with philosopher and political theorist Wendy Brown revisits some of the arguments of her latest book, Nihilistic Times, in the light of her larger diagnosis presented in Undoing the Demos and In the Ruins of Neoliberalism. Thinking with and against Max Weber, Wendy Brown guides us through and to ways of doing politics and conducting scholarship capable of informing world-making practices that face up to the challenges of a nihilistic world. Picking up on some topics from a previous interview, the larger questions guiding those of this interview were how to redo the demos and how to remake our world democratically. We would like to thank Wendy Brown for the generous contribution of her time.
Inheritance at the Limits
Authors: Lehman Jessica
Published: April 2024

Inheritance is both an unsettled and structuring concept of contemporary life. This paper argues that inheritance is an analytic through which difference comes to matter. Following Casarino’s (2002) discussion of ‘last’ and ‘other’ limits, I show that inheritance both serves as a mechanism through which difference is captured and domesticated into systems of technoscience and law, and that it evidences the inability of these systems to capture fully its alterity. Taking a wide-ranging and interdisciplinary approach, the paper develops an analytic that explores and expands biosocial understandings of inheritance through two ‘limit cases’: first, the search for and reclamation of inheritance dispossessed in the Transatlantic trade in enslaved people; second, questions of queer reproduction and inheritance. The paper concludes by offering an analytic of inheritance not simply as a force of difference but also as a way of orienting political and ethical thought in the Anthropocene.
Influence of GABAA and GABAB receptor activation on auditory sensory gating and its association with anxiety in healthy volunteers
Authors: de la Salle Sara , Piche Justin , Duncan Brittany , Choueiry Joëlle , Hyde Molly , Aidelbaum Robert , Baddeley Ashley , Impey Danielle , Rahmani Noreen , Ilivitsky Vadim , Knott Verner
Published: April 2024

Background:

Dysfunctional sensory gating in anxiety disorders, indexed by the failure to inhibit the P50 event-related potential (ERP) to repeated stimuli, has been linked to deficits in the major inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Aims/Methods:

This study, conducted in 30 healthy volunteers, examined the acute effects of GABAA (lorazepam: 1 mg) and GABAB receptor (baclofen: 10 mg) agonists on P50 measures of auditory sensory gating within a paired-stimulus (S1-S2) paradigm and assessed changes in gating in relation to self-ratings of anxiety.

Results:

Compared to placebo, lorazepam reduced ERP indices of sensory gating by attenuating response to S1. Although not directly impacting P50 inhibition, baclofen-induced changes in gating (relative to placebo) were negatively correlated with trait but not state anxiety.

Conclusions:

These preliminary findings support the involvement of GABA in sensory gating and tentatively suggest a role for GABAB receptor signaling in anxiety-associated gating dysregulation.
Are Women Commissioners More Compassionate Spenders? Evidence From Florida County Governments
Authors: Estorcien Vernise , Chen Can , Deb Apu , Neshkova Milena I.
Published: April 2024

While the number of women in government has increased, prior research on whether enhancing women's political representation alters policy choices has produced inconclusive findings. This study asks if higher women's participation in electoral institutions at the local level is associated with a different spending profile. Using Peterson’s typology of developmental, redistributive, and allocational government programs, we argue that legislative bodies with more female members will spend more on redistributive programs than on developmental or allocational. Using data from Florida's 67 counties between 2005 and 2015, our analysis supports this theoretical expectation. In line with critical mass theory, women's representation in county commissions must reach a threshold of about 33% to sway budgetary decision-making toward more extensive redistribution. We also find that the traditional commission form of government intensifies the redistributive effect of women commissioners on county spending while having a home rule charter has no significant effect.
Tumor-associated macrophages and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in canine cutaneous and subcutaneous mast cell tumors
Authors: Bertola Luca , Pellizzoni Benedetta , Giudice Chiara , Grieco Valeria , Ferrari Roberta , Chiti Lavinia E. , Stefanello Damiano , Manfredi Martina , De Zani Donatella , Recordati Camilla
Published: April 2024

Cutaneous and subcutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs) are common canine neoplasms characterized by variable biological behavior. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) can be effective prognostic markers in numerous human neoplasms and are increasingly investigated in dogs. The aim of this study was to characterize immune cells in canine MCTs and their relationship with histological location (cutaneous, subcutaneous) and histologic nodal metastatic status (HN0-3). Thirty-eight MCTs (26 cutaneous, 12 subcutaneous) from 33 dogs with known sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastatic status were immunolabeled for Iba1 (macrophages), CD20 (B cells), CD3 (T cells), and Foxp3 (regulatory T cells). Semiquantitative scoring of interstitial and perivascular CD3+, CD20+, and Foxp3+ cells and morphological evaluation of Iba1+ cells were performed. For each marker, the percent immunopositive area was evaluated by image analysis. All MCTs were diffusely infiltrated by Iba1+ cells and variably infiltrated by CD20+, CD3+, and rare Foxp3+ cells. Stellate/spindle Iba1+ cells were associated with HN2 and HN3 SLNs. Perivascular Foxp3+ cells, CD3+ cells, and percent CD3+ areas were increased in subcutaneous MCTs. Interstitial CD3+ cells were increased in cutaneous MCTs with HN0 SLNs. No differences in CD20+ cells were identified between cutaneous and subcutaneous MCTs and among SLN classes. MCTs were markedly infiltrated by TAMs and variably infiltrated by TILs. Stellate/spindle morphology of TAMs associated with HN2 and HN3 SLNs is suggestive of a pro-tumoral (M2) phenotype. Cutaneous and subcutaneous MCTs have different tumor-immune microenvironments, and T-cell infiltration might contribute to prevention of nodal metastatic spread of cutaneous MCTs.
Clinicopathological role of Cyclin A2 in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma: Integration of tissue microarrays and ScRNA-Seq
Authors: Mo Wei-Jia , Liang Zi-Qian , Huang Jie-Zhuang , Huang Zhi-Guang , Zhi Zhi-Fu , Chen Jun-Hong , Chen Gang , Zeng Jing-Jing , Feng Zhen-Bo
Published: April 2024

Background

The comprehensive expression level and potential molecular role of Cyclin A2 (CCNA2) in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) remains undiscovered.

Methods

UCEC and normal endometrium tissues from in-house and public databases were collected for investigating protein and messenger RNA expression of CCNA2. The transcription factors of CCNA2 were identified by the Cistrome database. The prognostic significance of CCNA2 in UCEC was evaluated through univariate and multivariate Cox regression as well as Kaplan–Meier curve analysis. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis was performed to explore cell types in UCEC, and the AUCell algorithm was used to investigate the activity of CCNA2 in different cell types.

Results

A total of 32 in-house UCEC and 30 normal endometrial tissues as well as 720 UCEC and 165 control samples from public databases were eligible and collected. Integrated calculation showed that the CCNA2 expression was up-regulated in the UCEC tissues (SMD = 2.43, 95% confidence interval 2.23∼2.64). E2F1 and FOXM1 were identified as transcription factors due to the presence of binding peaks on transcription site of CCNA2. CCNA2 predicted worse prognosis in UCEC. However, CCNA2 was not an independent prognostic factor in UCEC. The scRNA-seq analysis disclosed five cell types: B cells, T cells, monocytes, natural killer cells, and epithelial cells in UCEC. The expression of CCNA2 was mainly located in B cells and T cells. Moreover, CCNA2 was active in T cells and B cells using the AUCell algorithm.

Conclusion

CCNA2 was up-regulated and mainly located in T cells and B cells in UCEC. Overexpression of CCNA2 predicted unfavorable prognosis of UCEC.
Material testing for injection molded and 3D printed pristine/glass reinforced nylon at various strain rates
Authors: Jain Mohit , Patil Santosh
Published: April 2024

With the advent of new polymer material and non-conventional methods of manufacturing, the effect of loading conditions on mechanical properties has now been in huge demand to facilitate their industrial applications. Present paper has been focused on investigating the strain rate effects on mechanical properties of pristine nylon-6 and 20% glass reinforced nylon-6 material fabricated using injection molding and SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) printing manufacturing methods, respectively, at three strain rates of 0.0003, 0.003, and 0.01 per second. Tensile strength of injection molded nylon-6 has shown a positive relationship with strain rate whereas compressive strength has shown a reciprocal effect. At highest strain rate of 0.01 s−1, tensile strength exhibits 10.27% more as compared to lowest strain rate of 0.0003 s−1. Tensile strength at highest strain rate is found 60 MPa whereas at lowest strain rate it exhibits 54.41 MPa. At higher values of strain rate, rising of maximum strain is found very much sensitive than the rise in tensile strength. It also shows high percentage of deformation at higher value of strain rate. On the other hand, SLS printed 20% glass reinforced nylon-6 shows variable tensile strength with respect to strain rate due to uneven distribution of glass particles into nylon matrix created due to manufacturing process of SLS printing. FESEM images shows the cavity formation as observed before loading conditions whereas the glass fracturing phenomenon observed at the after loading conditions. However, compressive strength is found minimal with strain rate with an average value of 175.61 MPa. The findings of this study have contributed in avoiding the improper selection of material and its strain rate application during numerical modeling for industrial application purpose.
Crisis bargaining, domestic politics and Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Authors: de Vogel Sasha , Sun Jessica S
Published: April 2024

How do domestic political considerations constrain or enable the initiation of interstate wars? We answer this question in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While prominent theories predict that domestic constraints reduce the likelihood of conflict, we show how structural features of Putin's regime rendered these concerns moot. Fighting was not likely to shift the domestic distribution of power favorably for Putin, although invading stood to enrich certain domestic groups and Putin himself. Instead, the invasion is more consistent with evidence that Putin perceived Ukraine to be bluffing, or expected fighting to yield pro-Russia shifts in Ukrainian domestic politics.
The bargaining framework and Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Authors: Wolford Scott
Published: April 2024

I introduce this issue's symposium on the Russo-Ukrainian War by giving a brief overview of the bargaining framework, which asks why states sometimes use war to resolve disputes despite common knowledge that fighting is wasteful. I describe two types of mechanism—costly war and costly peace—and briefly discuss each symposium contribution in relation to its proposed mechanism(s). I also discuss the advantages of the bargaining framework for identifying and ruling out potential causal mechanisms in historical cases and close with some suggestions for continued work in the modeling dialogue between theory and evidence in the study of war.
Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsies, Transbronchial Forceps Lung Biopsies, and Surgical Lung Biopsies in Mechanically Ventilated Patients with Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Qi , Lafrance Dominique , Liberman Moishe , Leduc Charles , Charbonney Emmanuel , Titova Polina , Manganas Hélène , Chassé Michaël
Published: April 2024

Importance

Lung biopsies are sometimes performed in mechanically ventilated patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) of unknown etiology to guide patient management. While surgical lung biopsies (SLB) offer high diagnostic rates, they may also cause significant complications. Transbronchial forceps lung biopsies (TBLB) are less invasive but often produce non-contributive specimens. Transbronchial lung cryobiopsies (TBLC) yield specimens of potentially better quality than TBLB, but due to their novel implementation in the intensive care unit (ICU), their accuracy and safety are still unclear.

Objectives

Our main objective was to evaluate the risk of adverse events in patients with AHRF following the three biopsy techniques. Our secondary objectives were to assess the diagnostic yield and associated modifications of patient management of each technique.

Design, Settings and Participants

We conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing TBLC, TBLB, and SLB in mechanically ventilated patients with AHRF.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with at least one complication, and secondary outcomes included complication rates, diagnostic yields, treatment modifications, and mortality.

Results

Of the 26 patients who underwent lung biopsies from 2018 to 2022, all TBLC and SLB patients and 60% of TBLB patients had at least one complication. TBLC patients had higher unadjusted numbers of total and severe complications, but also worse Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores and P/F ratios. A total of 25 biopsies (25/26, 96%) provided histopathological diagnoses, 88% (22/25) of which contributed to patient management. ICU mortality was high for all modalities (63% for TBLC, 60% for TBLB and 50% for SLB).

Conclusions and Relevance

All biopsy methods had high diagnostic yields and the great majority contributed to patient management; however, complication rates were elevated. Further research is needed to determine which patients may benefit from lung biopsies and to determine the best biopsy modality.
Advances in smart materials soft actuators on mechanisms, fabrication, materials, and multifaceted applications: A review
Authors: Enyan Michael , Bing Zhang , Amu-Darko Jesse Nii Okai , Issaka Eliasu , Otoo Samuel Leumas , Agyemang Michael Freduah
Published: April 2024

The soft actuators of smart materials have attracted significant attention in recent years due to their unique functions and distinctive characteristics. The actuators are composed of smart materials that can demonstrate substantial alterations in their dimensions, shape, or mechanical characteristics when subjected to external stimuli, including but not limited to temperature, light, electricity, or magnetic fields. These aforementioned characteristics render them highly advantageous for various applications, including tissue engineering, prosthetics, surgical robots, drug delivery, and soft robotics. A deeper understanding of the principles of the actuators is crucial for their development and application expansion. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of soft actuators made from smart materials, explaining their underlying concepts, operational mechanisms, material composition, production techniques, and the diverse range of applications across various fields, including tissue engineering, prosthetics, surgical robotics, drug delivery systems, and the emerging field of soft robotics. This review further highlights the current challenges and prospects to address these problems to enable their ability to revolutionize into a variety of different technical fields.
Women’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Persistence After University Graduation: Insights From Kazakhstan
Authors: Kuchumova Gulfiya , Kuzhabekova Aliya , Almukhambetova Ainur , Nurpeissova Aigul
Published: April 2024

Women’s persistence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has been widely researched in educational settings, whereas less is known about their STEM persistence after graduation. Drawing on social cognitive career theory and in-depth semi-structured interviews with twenty women graduates majoring in STEM fields, this article explores women’s persistence in STEM fields in Kazakhstan within four years after university graduation. The findings of the study are mapped around four themes—STEM self-efficacy beliefs, STEM career outcome expectations, organizational factors, and socio-structural factors—that are found important in shaping STEM women’s post-graduation career choices. The study also reveals factors accounting for disparities in women’s STEM persistence across different STEM fields. Implications highlight the need for more work at organizational and socio-structural levels to develop favorable conditions motivating and enabling women to persist in STEM careers within a patriarchal context.
Real-World Performance Benchmarks in the Reading Ability of Prescription Drug Labels by Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Hakim Ryan , Li Matthew , Gorbien Martin , Gaynes Bruce I.
Published: April 2024

Background: Despite known recommendations regarding standards for print size and the intuitive importance of vision in reading prescription labels, the predictive nature of vision and prescription label readability remains largely undefined. Furthermore, while the importance of vision is recognized, various demographic factors associated with the ability to read prescription labels have not been fully elucidated. Objective: Describe relationships between visual acuity, point size, and readability of prescription labels and provide insight into demographic factors associated with prescription label readability. Methods: Cross-sectional examination of prescription label readability by older, community-dwelling adults. Subjects were evaluated as to demographics, visual acuity, and ability to read test instruments consisting of unaltered prescription label features of five medications dispensed by community pharmacies and two drug samples. Descriptive statistics in conjunction with a logit predictive model were employed for data analysis. Results: Instructions for medication use were most recognizable, identified and correctly read by 95.60% of the study cohort while directions for the use of drug samples were lowest (34.91%). Among prescription label features, auxiliary labels consistently demonstrated poor readability. Level of visual acuity was statistically related to the ability to read prescription labels while identifying prescription label components increased proportionally with point size. Race, gender, and history of a recent eye examination were statistically significant predictors of prescription label reading ability. Visual acuity alone was found to explain approximately 26% of the variablity in ability to read Rx labels. Conclusion: Visual acuity is predictive of the ability to access Rx label information and should be considered a modifiable variable for improving prescription label reading ability amenable by appropriate eye care and spectacle correction.
Treatment of an Infrabony Defect of a Maxillary Canine Tooth Using Enamel Matrix Derivatives with Allogeneic Bone Augmentation in a Dog
Authors: Kim Se Eun , Lee Gahyun
Published: April 2024

A 5-year-old Miniature Dachshund was presented having an infrabony pocket on the palatal aspect of the right maxillary canine tooth. The bony defect had worsened despite previous closed root planing and administration of a perioceutic agent. A second surgery using an allogeneic cancellous bone augmentation with an enamel matrix derivative was performed in the infrabony defect following open root planing. Eight months after the periodontal surgery, the osseous defect showed healing by improved periodontal probing measurements and increased radiopacity using dental radiography and computed tomography.
The Impact of Relocation Patterns on Psychological Stress
Authors: Deng Chuan-Zhong , Lee Hsiang-Chieh , Chen Lu-Yen A. , Chen Sue-Huei
Published: April 2024

This study investigated how relocation patterns affect disaster survivors’ psychological stress on the diverse durations and spaces of relocation. It analyzed a 10-year data set of 1,236 families affected by 2009’s Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan, identifying six relocation patterns through dynamic time warping (DTW). A hierarchical linear model was utilized, revealing the discernible impacts of environmental factors, sociocultural factors, and family-level socioeconomic factors on psychological stress. The study revealed that survivors who quickly found stable residences after the disaster initially experienced lower stress levels, but in the long term, their stress increased. Conversely, those with unstable residences experienced higher initial stress but lower long-term stress. Comparing similar patterns, we found that survivors who had more time for preparation and who sought opportunities, coped, or adapted to secondary stressors before long-distance relocation faced lower stress levels. These findings suggest that relocation patterns have a greater impact on the psychosocial stress of disaster survivors than time or relocation distance.
Designing a sustainable municipal solid waste management system over multiple periods using extended exergy accounting method – a case study of Shanghai
Authors: Liu Jianrui , Kua Harn Wei , Wang Chi-Hwa , Tong Yen Wah , Zhang Jingxin , Peng Yinghong
Published: April 2024

Waste-to-energy technologies can significantly alter urban metabolism and sustainability. This article proposes a multicriteria analysis framework based on the extended exergy accounting method to assess and plan a sustainable municipal solid waste management system from urban metabolism perspective. This framework includes three components. Firstly, an accounting model that integrates material, energy, social, economic, and environmental criteria was developed to identify the contribution of municipal solid waste management system to urban sustainability and to decide whether it is sustainable. Then, a multiperiod municipal solid waste management system planning model was developed to provide the optimal strategy for waste-to-energy facilities deployment and municipal solid waste allocation for different periods. Finally, multidimensional indicators were proposed for a sustainability comparative analysis in overdeployment, pressure on urban ecosystem and urban resource conversion efficiency. The proposed method was applied to the case study of household solid waste management in Shanghai and two scenarios were considered. Our comparison showed that the hybrid scenario (in which various waste recycling technologies were applied together) theoretically performs significantly more sustainable than the incineration scenario in terms of material investment, emissions, economic performance, resource depletion, and recovery. Sensitivity analysis of three parameters—the maximum deployment number of each unit waste-to-energy facility ([Formula: see text]), the minimum utilization rate ([Formula: see text]), and the capacity budget ([Formula: see text])—were carried out. The proposed hybrid method was found to be sensitive to [Formula: see text], but less sensitive to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Lessons learnt can be used to plan similar waste-to-energy strategies in other countries.
Racial and ethnic disparities in prostate cancer screening following the 2018 US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement
Authors: VanderVeer-Harris Nathan , Zippi Zachary D , Patel Dev P , Manoharan Murugesan , Caso Jorge R , Vaidean Georgeta D
Published: April 2024

Objective

In 2018, the United States Preventive Services Task Force promoted shared decision making between healthcare provider and patient for men aged 55 to 69. This study aimed to analyze rates of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing across racial and ethnic groups following this new recommendation.

Methods

A secondary analysis was conducted of the 2020–2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System database to assess men aged 55 or older without a history of prostate cancer. We defined four race-ethnicity groups: non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs), non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs), Hispanics, and Other. The primary outcome was the most recent PSA test (MRT), defined as the respondent's most recent PSA test occurring pre-2018 or post-2018 guidelines. Logistic regression adjusted for covariates including age, socioeconomic status factors, marital status, smoking history, and healthcare access factors.

Results

In the age 55 to 69 study sample, NHW men had the greatest proportion of MRT post-2018 guidelines (n = 15,864, 72.5%). NHB men had the lowest percentage of MRT post-2018 guidelines (n = 965, 66.6%). With NHW as referent, the crude odds of the MRT post-2018 guidelines was 0.68 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.53–0.90) for NHB. The maximally adjusted odds ratio was 0.78 (0.59–1.02).

Conclusions

We found that NHB aged 55 to 69 reported decreased rates of PSA testing after 2018 when compared to NHW. This was demonstrated on crude analysis but not after adjustment. Such findings suggest the influence of social determinants of health on preventative screening for at-risk populations.
Study on the Mechanism of Anti-atopic Dermatitis by Herba Siegesbeckiae Based on System Pharmacology
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Wang YingYue , Zhang Xin , Liu Chang , You Chunxue , Xu Yubin
Published: April 2024

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common but complex chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by intense pruritus, severely impacting patients’ quality of life. At present, there is no specific drug for AD. Herba Siegesbeckiae (HS) had a therapeutic effect on AD, but its mechanism has not been completely elucidated.

Purpose

We aimed to understand the mechanism of HS in the treatment of AD in this study.

Materials and Methods

To investigate the mechanism of HS for AD, including active components, key targets and pathway analyses, systemic pharmacology was used. Molecular docking was conducted to validate the interactions between the key components and their targets. Afterwards, an AD-like animal model was established, skin pathology was observed and immunohistochemical staining was used to confirm the key targets.

Results

Six vital active components (daucosterol, d-mannitol, hythiemoside B, 15,16-di- O-acetyldarutoside, 19-acetoxy-15-hydroperoxy-12-oxo-13,14E-dehydro-10,11,14,15-tetrahydr-ogeranylnerol and 17- O-acetyldarutoside) highly correlated with potential targets and the key targets (TNF-α, VEGFA, TLR4, STAT3, TLR2, STAT1, MMP9, IL-6, TRPV1 and PPARG) highly correlated with disease processes were identified, pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the toll-like receptor, PI3K-Akt and HIF-1 signalling pathways were significantly enriched with key targets, suggesting their involvement in the anti-Alzheimer’s disease mechanism of HS. As a result of animal experiments, AD-like mice from the model group showed epidermal thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration; TNF-α, VEGFA, TLR4, STAT3, TLR2, STAT1, MMP9, IL-6, TRPV1 levels are significantly up-regulated and PPARG levels were significantly down-regulated; those of which could be reversed by 3.0 g/kg.

Conclusion

HS might exert its anti-AD effects by up-regulating PPARG and down-regulating TNF-α, VEGFA, TLR4, STAT3, TLR2, STAT1, MMP9, IL-6 and TRPV1. This study laid a foundation for understanding HS’s bioactive components and mechanism against AD.
Diversity in Frontline Employee Perceptions: Policies and Procedures, Training, and Leadership as Drivers of Service Equality
Authors: Rosenzweig Eve D , Kelley Ken , Bendoly Elliot
Published: April 2024

Excellent service is often discussed with an assumption of equivalency in its application, yet the reality is far more complex. Customers have distinct needs that pose distinct challenges for frontline service employees. In hotel settings, providing excellent service to a diverse set of guests is more nuanced when frontline employees themselves are from a wide variety of backgrounds. Whereas the literature considers operational tactics to promote excellence in guest service, it is unclear whether training, policies and procedures, and leadership designed to advance excellence have the same impact on employees who, by virtue of their background, are more attuned to guests’ needs. We extend the literature by empirically demonstrating that operational tactics impact frontline employees’ perceptions of service equality, with racial/ethnic minority employees seeing statistically distinct impacts. Employing a sample of 25,698 employee-year observations across 32 luxury hotels in the United States over 3 years, we find that codified policies and procedures, as well as training, improve assessments of guest service equality. In contrast, racial/ethnic minority employees are less impacted than their White counterparts by leadership stances that seem to promote equality more broadly. After controlling for time and other relevant employee- and hotel-level variables, operational tactics (a) improve perceptions of service equality, and (b) reduce the disparity between White and racial/ethnic-minority service-quality assessments. Our findings provide further direction for managers to elevate such perceptions of customer service equality across the board by leveraging training and by reinforcing clear operating policies and procedures.
Price Optimization for a Multistage Choice Model
Authors: Shi Jiaqi , Ke Ginger Y , Wang Zizhuo , Zhang Lianmin
Published: April 2024

Considering the real-world situations where a customer’s purchase choices in previous stages can influence the prices she encounters in subsequent stages, this research examines the multiproduct price optimization problem under a multistage choice model. Particularly, the seller commits to a multistage pricing policy and determines product prices based on the customer’s purchase history, and the customer makes purchase decisions such that the total expected utility is maximized. We show that the pricing problem has a unique optimal solution under some mild conditions and the optimal solution satisfies a modified equal adjusted markup property. Based on the property, the problem can be solved efficiently by reducing it to a single-dimensional search problem. Moreover, the optimal pricing policy has an important property, namely, the product with a higher adjusted markup in earlier stages should always lead to lower prices in subsequent stages. We also show that compared to customers who are myopic, the seller should offer higher first-stage prices and lower second-stage prices to forward-looking customers, which will lead to a higher profit. Numerical analyses are also conducted to demonstrate the above results.
Optimizing Production Relocation Timing Decisions
Authors: Fruchter Gila E , Prasad Ashutosh , Reutterer Thomas
Published: April 2024

In a globalized economy, companies face a range of challenges and opportunities related to relocating production activities to a new country. Relocation can yield significant cost savings and other benefits, but there are also risks including potential damage to the brand image. Thus, firms need to carefully evaluate when to relocate and when to stop production in a particular location. We formulate an optimal control model and derive analytical as well as numerical results to provide insights into the optimal relocation timing and production stoppage decisions. We show that factors like higher relocation costs, higher production costs in the relocation country but high brand image in the country of origin, can postpone production relocation. Competitive effects alter relocation timing, particularly when the firm faces direct competition and asymmetric negative cross-image spillover effects with the rival brand in the home or relocation country. The paper discusses illustrative examples and derives implications for the timing of relocation and the duration of production in the relocation country.
Period Product Resources and Needs in Missouri Schools: Focus Group Discussions with School Nurses
Authors: Kuhlmann Anne K. Sebert , Palovick Kirstin A. , Allen Casey , Teni Mintesnot T. , Marshall Cheleia
Published: April 2024

This study explored period product resources and needs in Missouri schools from the perspective of school nurses. We conducted eight focus groups with school nurses (n = 51) across Missouri using purposive sampling. Focus group data were analyzed in Dedoose via multiple coders and achieved strong inter-rater reliability (Cohen's Kappa = 0.92). Several interconnected themes with associated sub-themes were identified. First, school nurses do not have sufficient resources to help students manage menstruation and minimize menstruation-related absenteeism. Second, schools’ heavy reliance on donations can lead to inconsistencies in supply and a mismatch between what is donated and what is most needed. Third, school nurses desire additional educational resources around menstruation management for students and caregivers. Nurse-identified themes can help inform recommendations for improving schools’ response to students’ menstrual hygiene needs by highlighting priorities for educational content, resources, and product acquisition with a goal of ensuring the suitability and sustainability of MHM in schools.
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis With Unusual Hexagonal Crystals in Addition to Usual Charcot-Leyden Crystals. Report of a Patient With Possible Process of Crystal Formation and Clinical Significance of a “Necrotic” Change
Authors: Ando Sayaka , Miyatake Jun-ichi , Takeda Maiko , Amakawa Ryuichi , Nakamine Hirokazu
Published: April 2024

Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare neoplastic disorder characterized by the proliferation of Langerhans cells and often accompanied by eosinophil infiltration. Charcot-Leyden crystals, composed of galectin 10, are occasionally observed in Langerhans cell histiocytosis; however, histological images are rarely reported. We herein present a patient with Langerhans cell histiocytosis with Charcot-Leyden crystals and hexagonal crystals by describing the histologic and immunohistochemical features of a lymph node. A unique distribution of Charcot-Leyden crystals and hexagonal crystals was observed in this patient, shedding light on their possible formation process of the latter. We discuss the biological significance of eosinophilic abscesses in Langerhans cell histiocytosis and propose that these crystals may be linked to extracellular trap-cell death (ETosis). This example challenges the conventional characterization of “necrosis” in Langerhans cell histiocytosis and underscores the importance of recognizing ETosis as a potential mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Further studies are underway to validate significance of these findings in a larger cohort of Langerhans cell histiocytosis patients.
Help-Seeking After Intimate Partner or Sexual Violence: Exploring the Experiences of International Student Women in Australia
Authors: Tran Giang , Forbes-Mewett Helen , Tran Ly Thi , Hach Maria , Tarzia Laura
Published: April 2024

Research suggests that many international students experience intimate partner violence (IPV) or sexual violence (SV) whilst attending tertiary institutions. Yet, little is known about how they engage in help-seeking and what types of support they need following IPV/SV. In this paper, we present findings from a qualitative analysis of 30 in-depth interviews with international student women who experienced SV/IPV while studying in Australia. The findings highlight how isolation and structural factors can create significant barriers to help-seeking for international student women. Yet, the findings also highlight the agency and resourcefulness of international student women in overcoming challenges. The provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate and tailored support for international students is crucial in order to help reduce the harms of SV/IPV.
Impact of Laughter Yoga on Test Anxiety and Education Stress of 8th Grade Students: An Experimental Study
Authors: Kalanlar Bilge , Kuru Alıcı Nilgün
Published: April 2024

Objective: In an exam-based education system, it is of utmost importance to identify levels of test anxiety and educational stress that directly affect success, and to reduce anxiety. A study was conducted to examine the effects of laughter yoga on test anxiety and educational stress in 8th grade students in Turkey. Methods: A cluster sampling, parallel-group randomized controlled trial with pre-test/post-test design studied 64 students (32 in the intervention group and 32 in the control group). The intervention group received laughter yoga sessions twice a week for 6 weeks. The control group received no intervention. Data were collected by a demographic questionnaire, the Westside Test Anxiety Scale, and the Educational Stress Scale. Results: After laughter yoga, the intervention group showed a significant decrease in test anxiety (d = 0.859; p < 0.005) and educational stress scores (d = 0.52875; p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Conclusion: Laughter yoga was associated with decreased test anxiety and educational stress. Laughter yoga activities in schools are recommended to decrease educational stress and test anxiety of students.
Analyzing Social Interaction in Organizations: A Roadmap for Reflexive Choice
Authors: Jakob Sadeh Linda , Baikovich Avital , Zilber Tammar B.
Published: April 2024

This article proposes a framework for reflexive choice in qualitative research, centering on social interaction. Interaction, fundamental to social and organizational life, has been studied extensively. Yet, researchers can get lost in the plethora of methodological tools, hampering reflexive choice. Our proposed framework consists of four dimensions of interaction (content, communication patterns, emotions, and roles), intersecting with five levels of analysis (individual, dyadic, group, organizational, and sociocultural), as well as three overarching analytic principles (following the dynamic, consequential, and contextual nature of interaction). For each intersection between dimension and level, we specify analytical questions, empirical markers, and references to exemplary works. The framework functions both as a compass, indicating potential directions for research design and data collection methods, and as a roadmap, illuminating pathways at the analysis stage. Our contributions are twofold: First, our framework fleshes out the broad spectrum of available methods for analyzing interaction, providing pragmatic tools for the researcher to reflexively choose from. Second, we highlight the broader relevance of maps, such as our own, for enhancing reflexive methodological choices.
From the Section Editors: Teaching & Learning Section Vision: Innovate, Evaluate, Disseminate
Authors: Schröter Daniela , Woodland Rebecca
Published: April 2024

This editorial introduces the new editorial team and vision of the Teaching and Learning of Evaluation (T&L) Section. With deep expertise in evaluation theory, methodology, and practice, Schröter and Woodland bring a vision of advancing the pedagogy, andragogy, and heutagogy of evaluation through innovative practices and inclusivity. This note outlines the section's focus on systematically examining T&L in evaluation, showcasing articles that inform instructional innovations, curriculum development, and educational research. The editors invite contributions from diverse perspectives, encompassing formal and informal settings, transdisciplinary boundaries, and various dimensions of T&L environments in evaluation. Highlighting recent articles aligned with the section's goals, the editors invite feedback and involvement from readers and contributors to further enhance the T&L section's impact. As they embark on this journey, Schröter and Woodland express their commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community dedicated to advancing evaluation through transformative T&L practices.
Recommendation endpoints and safety of an online self-triage for depression symptoms
Authors: Miller Nathaniel E , North Frederick , Curry Elizabeth N , Thompson Matthew C , Pecina Jennifer L
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Online symptom checkers are a way to address patient concerns and potentially offload a burdened healthcare system. However, safety outcomes of self-triage are unknown, so we reviewed triage recommendations and outcomes of our institution's depression symptom checker.

Methods

We examined endpoint recommendations and follow-up encounters seven days afterward during 2 December 2021 to 13 December 2022. Patients with an emergency department visit or hospitalization within seven days of self-triaging had a manual review of the electronic health record to determine if the visit was related to depression, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempt. Charts were reviewed for deaths within seven days of self-triage.

Results

There were 287 unique encounters from 263 unique patients. In 86.1% (247/287), the endpoint was an instruction to call nurse triage; in 3.1% of encounters (9/287), instruction was to seek emergency care. Only 20.2% (58/287) followed the recommendations given. Of the 229 patients that did not follow the endpoint recommendations, 121 (52.8%) had some type of follow-up within seven days. Nearly 11% (31/287) were triaged to endpoints not requiring urgent contact and 9.1% (26/287) to an endpoint that would not need any healthcare team input. No patients died in the study period.

Conclusions

Most patients did not follow the recommendations for follow-up care although ultimately most patients did receive care within seven days. Self-triage appears to appropriately sort patients with depressed mood to emergency care. On-line self-triaging tools for depression have the potential to safely offload some work from clinic personnel.
Precarity revisited: Exploring camming work in Brazil and experiences of precarity in platform-based (erotic) content production
Authors: Caminhas Lorena
Published: April 2024

The article addresses labour precarity in platform-based cultural production from the perspective of Brazilian camming work, examining it through cammers’ perceptions and experiences. Precarity has been a framework for assessing work conditions in platformised cultural industries. This framework stems from a normative standpoint of standard work and employment, which neither represents labour markets nor marginalised cultural labour in the majority world. This article tackles precarity from marginalised Global South cultural producers’ perspectives. Drawing on 15 in-depth interviews with cisgender female cammers, I show that local work and employment realities, and the positionality of platforms within them, are critical to cammers’ sense-making of labour precarity. For the cammers, the parameters for evaluating quality and precarity are unstable and adjusted according to their position within and outside platform economies. Conclusions suggest that precarity is situated and derives its meaning from a complex articulation of workers’ experiences and positions across various economies.
Public cultural institutions in Mexico and precarisation of creative labour
Authors: Garduño Bianca , Molina Ahtziri E. , Pertierra Anna Cristina
Published: April 2024

The Mexican state has been an active agent in the construction of cultural institutions and infrastructure for more than a century. But the symbolic and political currency of the cultural sector is not reflected in stable conditions for creative workers who exist precariously. In this article, we explore a manifestation of the simultaneous state of prominence and precarity in procurement regimes implemented by federal government agencies before the Covid-19 crisis, and support programmes from the federal and local government of Mexico City to employ creative workers during the early phases of the pandemic. We examine the content and arguments of these programmes to highlight how cultural policies and institutional structures developed by the government are a continuation, and even a deepening, of the already precarious work opportunities in the cultural sector. Through policy analysis and qualitative interviews, we contrast the officially stated goals of government institutions with the lived experiences of creative workers.
Excessive, flexible and (still) seen as gender neutral: Journalists’ perceptions about their job during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Alcantara Juliana , Simões Rita Basílio
Published: April 2024

Mainstream newsroom routines have faced significant shifts in the last decades. Regardless of its nature, these changes can be seen from a gender perspective and framed within neoliberalism, seen as a structural force affecting people’s lives and an ideology of governance that shapes subjectivities. In this paper, we aim to discuss how neoliberalism influenced the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic on newsrooms and journalists’ working conditions from a gender lens. For this purpose, thirty semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted between October and December 2021 with Portuguese female and male junior and senior journalists of different levels of hierarchy working in mainstream media. Their perceptions of the pandemic impact on news production show the intersections of sexism and neoliberalism in the newsroom settings. Journalists accept as part of the job the long working hours and the personal cost of health protection material and essential equipment to work from home while normalising the work-home conflict as a private woman’s matter. These findings are discussed as reflecting how neoliberal logic has made the impacts of the pandemic heavier, especially for women.