bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified active power-MRAS for limited range variable speed sensorless brushless doubly-fed reluctance machine drive
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Das Sukanta
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to suggest a parameter independent and simple speed estimator for primary field-oriented control of a promising electro-mechanical energy conversion device in the form of brushless doubly-fed reluctance machine (BDFRM) drive.

Design/methodology/approach

The speed estimation algorithm, in this context, is formulated using a modified secondary winding active power (mPs)-based model reference adaptive system (MRAS). The performance of the proposed estimator is verified through computer aided MATLAB simulation study, compared with conventional active power-based MRAS and further supported with experimental validation using a 1.6 kW BDFRM prototype run by a dSPACE-1103 controller.

Findings

The formulation of mPs-MRAS is insensitive to any machine parameters and does not involve any integration/differentiation terms. Thus, any deviation therein does not hinder the performance of the mPs-MRAS-based speed estimator. The proposed speed estimator shows stable behavior for variable speed-constant load torque operation in all the four quadrants.

Originality/value

The formulation of mPs-MRAS is insensitive to any machine parameter and does not involve any integration/differentiation terms.
The mediating role of real earnings management in the relationship between CSR practices and cost of equity: evidence from European ESG data
Authors: Chouaibi Yamina , Zouari Ghazi
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The goal of this article was to look into the direct and indirect links between corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and the cost of equity, using real earnings management (REM) as a mediator.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypotheses, the authors applied linear regressions with panel data using the Thomson Reuters ASSET4 and I/B/E/S database on a sample of 540 European companies selected from the environmental, social and governance (ESG) index over the period 2011–2019.

Findings

The results show that REM partially mediates the relationship between CSR practices and the cost of equity in European firms belonging to the ESG index.

Practical implications

Instead of beautifying their business, companies should make efficient managerial and organizational improvements to meet their social duty. Regulators in Europe must strive for tighter enforcement while also attempting to raise public awareness of CSR. CSR can be profitable and helpful for primary stakeholders, according to the research.

Originality/value

Although previous literature has investigated the direct correlation between CSR practices and the cost of equity, the present work focuses on considering the direct and indirect association between CSR and cost of equity through the mediating effect of REM, which has not been widely used in CSR studies so far.
Developing entrepreneurial competencies through deliberate practice
Authors: Van Gelderen Marco
Published: July 2022

Purpose

In the context of the question of how entrepreneurship education can contribute to entrepreneurial competency development, this paper aims to outline the deliberate practice (DP) method and showcase how it can be applied in entrepreneurship education. To this end, this paper presents a learning innovation in which DP improves entrepreneurial competencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes an entrepreneurship training in which participants, over a seven-week period, learn about DP and use this approach to develop an aspect of an entrepreneurial competency of their choosing.

Findings

Evaluations show that participants find both short- and long-term gains in their competency development, and value having learnt a competency development method as well.

Practical implications

The presented format is designed in accordance with the DP principles as originally described in the literature on expert performance, and shows that DP can be applied in the context of entrepreneurial competency development at lower levels of proficiency. Entrepreneurship educators interested in competency development can consider to adopt (aspects of) the described approach.

Originality/value

The format applies DP principles as described in the literature on expert performance. The value lies in the short- and long term effects of the training.
The effect of health expenditure on average life expectancy: does government effectiveness play a moderating role?
Authors: Bunyaminu Alhassan , Mohammed Ibrahim , Yakubu Ibrahim Nandom , Shani Bashiru , Abukari Abdul-Lateef
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of total health expenditure on life expectancy in a panel of 43 African countries from 2000 to 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic panel generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation method developed by Arellano and Bond (1991) is used in this study. This approach generates estimates that are heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation consistent, as well as controls for unobserved time-invariant country-specific effects and eliminates any endogeneity in the panel model.

Findings

The results reveal that health expenditure on its own has a positive significant influence on life expectancy. However, health expenditure via the moderating effect of government effectiveness reduces life expectancy. The authors also observe that school enrollment and the level of economic activity significantly drive life expectancy.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to 43 out of 54 African countries, and it covers a period of 18 years: 2000 to 2018.

Practical implications

The authors argue that larger health expenditure will aid in improving the life expectancy rate in Africa. However, in practice, this would be difficult given the needs of other priority sectors.

Social implications

Since most developing countries' health expenditures are small, a policy option is that healthcare services should be subsidized such that the poorest people can also access them.

Originality/value

The study differs from the previous attempts, and with this, the authors contribute significantly to the literature. First, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the authors are unaware of any study considering the role of government effectiveness as a moderating factor in investigating the effect of health expenditure on life expectancy in the African context. Thus, the authors fill a yawning gap in the literature. Second, the authors employ a recent dataset with larger sample size. Finally, to address the problem of endogeneity and simultaneity bias, the authors use the system GMM technique.
Maqasid-based consumption intelligence: an empirical model of its application to the intention of halal purchase
Authors: Sholihin Muhammad , Shalihin Nurus , Ilhamiwati Mega , Hendrianto Hendrianto
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to gain new insight into how a set of maqasid-based consumption intelligence variables mediates exogenous variables (i.e. religiosity, Islamic university role and normative belief) and halal purchase intention as an endogenous variable.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model is empirically tested with a data set of 370 responses retrieved from the students of the millennial generation from the cross Islamic state university in Indonesia. Data were analysed with Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The sample size of this study is computed with preliminary power analysis.

Findings

The SEM finding revealed that two maqasid-based consumption intelligence variables had mediated the exogenous and endogenous variables, i.e. halal purchase intention. These variables mediating the exogenous and endogenous variables have explained 63.5 R2 variances in halal purchase intention. Concerning individual impact size of cognition and motivation as a component of maqasid-based consumption intelligence has shown medium-level effect size (f2) in mediating the halal purchase intention. Interestingly, the exogenous variable does not directly affect halal purchase intention but must be mediated with maqasid-based consumption intelligence variables. However, before including variables of maqasid-based consumption intelligence, the R2 was relatively small. It is just 30.4% in R2 that explains the variance of halal purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

This study explores maqasid-based consumption intelligence as a relatively new model to explain the variable halal purchase intention. Therefore, it takes many types of exogenous variables to test how relevant maqasid-based consumption intelligence variables can define endogenous variables. Notwithstanding, this study does not do that because it only limits three exogenous variables (i.e. religiosity, Islamic university role and normative belief). Therefore, in further research, these limitations seem to be perfected by other scholars concerned about halal purchase intention.

Practical implications

The findings of this study allow Islamic universities to mainstream halal issues as a subject of learning, especially concerning consumption ethics. In addition, the empirical results of this study encourage the industry to pay attention to the essential components in determining the halal quality of the products offered because the millennial generation is now very aware of the importance of halal products.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature on halal purchase intention by testing maqasid-based consumption intelligence variables as mediators. Moreover, this is a pioneer study to consider and construct maqasid-based consumption intelligence as a model that explains halal purchase intention.
Lean Six Sigma case studies literature overview: critical success factors and difficulties
Authors: Francescatto Matheus , Neuenfeldt Júnior Alvaro , Kubota Flávio Issao , Guimarães Gil , de Oliveira Bruna
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Recently, several areas are successfully applying the Lean Six Sigma methodology, specifically in healthcare, public services, higher education institutions and manufacturing industries. This study aims to present an extensive literature review involving Lean Six Sigma practical applications in the last five years, described in a case studies format.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted, and 39 articles were selected and analyzed.

Findings

An increase in Lean Six Sigma applications in healthcare and higher education institutions was identified. Furthermore, Lean Six Sigma is effectively applied in several areas and is continuously used in traditional industries. The main critical success factor identified was leadership and management involvement, project management and organizational infrastructure, as well as training and education. Also, the main difficulties found are related to the organization's culture and developing communication with leaders and managers.

Research limitations/implications

The main difficulties found in this research are related to the lack of data presented in some articles analyzed, where only information about how the Lean Six Sigma application was conducted is shown, not mentioning difficulties or success factors identified.

Originality/value

Case studies are fundamental to help popularize Lean Six Sigma applications, showing a real-life scenario of how the methodology is implemented, the main difficulties encountered and critical success factors found. Thus, the value of this study is promoting and developing research involving Lean Six Sigma case study applications to guide new researchers and practitioners on the subject.
Dynamics of relationship between stock markets of SAARC countries during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Arya Vandana , Singh Shveta
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The paper investigates the dynamic relationship among the stock markets of South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Daily time-series data of four SAARC countries: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, from February 13th, 2013 to March 31st, 2021 are used. The study considers stock prices prior to the blowout of COVID-19 and during the onset of the pandemic. The novel estimation procedure of the autoregressive distributed lag model is used while the results are also confirmed by post-estimation techniques.

Findings

The study confirms that the COVID-19 contagion has adversely influenced the stock returns of SAARC countries. The findings signify that the pattern of cointegration has significantly different regularities in the pattern of causality in the long run and short run during the COVID-19 crisis. Overall, the study revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has weakened the dynamic connection among the stock markets of SAARC countries.

Practical implications

To dampen uncertainties generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the authorities and central banks should be equipped with efficient strategies and guidelines to cope with the crisis created by the pandemic. Further, governments should focus on assuaging the panic faced by investors and enhancing the confidence of domestic as well as foreign investors. Further, the weakened integration of financial markets during the crisis offers opportunities for speculative and arbitrage gains for investors.

Originality/value

The research work is an innovative effort to analyze the impression led by COVID-19 on the SAARC stock markets integration.
Uncertainty due to pandemics and epidemics and the behavior of Travel & Leisure stocks in the UK, the USA and Europe
Authors: Salisu Afees , Tchankam Jean Paul
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the response of Travel & Leisure (T&L) stocks of some advanced economies (the USA and United Kingdom) as well as Europe to uncertainty due to pandemics and epidemics. The motivation for the study is derived from the expectation that pandemics and epidemics which are infectious would limit activities and events that require physical interactions such as those associated with T&L, and therefore, returns on related investments may decline during this period.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors formulate a model in line with Westerlund and Narayan (2012, 2015) where uncertainty due to infectious diseases is included as a predictor in the valuation of T&L stocks while also controlling for endogeneity bias (for omitted variables bias), conditional heteroscedasticity effect (typical of high frequency data) and persistence (typical of most financial and economic time series).

Findings

The authors’ results suggest that contrary to the negative impact of previous cases of pandemics and epidemics on the T&L stocks, the behavior of these stocks during COVID-19 pandemic is modest owing to the positive nexus between equity market volatility due to infectious diseases (EMV-ID) (our proxy for pandemics and epidemics) and the T&L returns during the COVID-19 period. The authors maintain that investors in this market need not panic as the market tends to be resilient to pandemics over time albeit with a lower resilience during daily trading. The results leading to this conclusion are robust to alternative measures of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

The peculiarity of this paper on T&L stocks is premised on the introduction of the new datasets for infectious diseases, and the need to include the COVID-19 pandemic given its peculiarity. Essentially, we utilize the Bakeret al.(2020) dataset which captures all the pandemics including COVID-19 and a complementary dataset on the COVID-19 pandemic using an alternative approach.
New mobility technologies as incentive to location decisions: relocation strategy in the automotive industry
Authors: Turienzo Javier , Lampón Jesús F.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the new technologies that condition location strategy and enable the reindustrialization of European countries involved in the automotive industry. Business relocation has seen an upsurge in recent years. The development of the technologies linked to new mobility (connected, autonomous and electric vehicles) in European countries is increasing interest in relocating high value activities in origin countries to preserve high quality jobs and maintain competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes the changes in location factors and relocation trends through qualitative research based on a multiple case study methodology of first level suppliers in the automotive industry.

Findings

This study reveals the capacity technology has to reconfigure the automotive value chain and to change traditional location factors and relocation trends. The results show relevant differences between the traditional components production divisions characterized by offshoring processes, in a continuous decrease of activity and deindustrialization, and the new technologies divisions linked to new mobility with strong growth, reshoring of the high value activities, reindustrialization plans and links with research and development. For these new mobility divisions, protection of innovation to prevent the core knowledge transfer and strong collaboration with local research institutions are key in this highly technological location context.

Originality/value

The research analyzes the impact of new mobility technologies on the relocation processes in the automotive industry through an original approach based on the evolution of traditional suppliers with divisions linked to new mobility.
Leader boundary-spanning behavior and creative behavior: the role of need for status and creative self-efficacy
Authors: Kim Seckyoung Loretta , Lee Donghwan , Yun Seokhwa
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the positive relationship between leader's boundary-spanning behavior and employee creative behavior. Moreover, the research investigates a three-way effect by exploring leader's boundary-spanning behavior, need for status and creative self-efficacy on employee creative behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a cross-sectional survey involving 260 supervisor-subordinate dyads from various companies in South Korea. The research tests the hypotheses through a hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

The authors provided empirical evidence that leader's boundary-spanning behavior positively related to employee creative behavior. Moreover, the result demonstrated that the effect of leader's boundary-spanning behavior on creative behavior was the strongest in the context of high need for status and high creative self-efficacy.

Research limitations/implications

The research contributes to the three streams of literature on boundary spanning, creativity, and leadership by exploring leaders' boundary-spanning behavior, employees' need for status, and employees' creative self-efficacy.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that organizations should promote leaders' boundary-spanning behavior, thereby enhancing employees' creative behavior. Also, the study highlights the critical role of individual factors, such as the need for status and creative self-efficacy, and situational factors that determine the level of creative behavior.

Originality/value

Integrating the componential model of creativity and the interactionist perspective of creativity, this research examines the positive influence of leaders' boundary-spanning behavior on creative behavior. Furthermore, the research exhibits how leader's boundary-spanning behavior, need for status and creative self-efficacy could develop creative conditions to promote employee creative behavior.
Factors that make a destination fascinating and motivate (re)visit
Authors: Pessoa Rosângela Andrade , Oliveira Oderlene , Souza Lucas Lopes Ferreira
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to identify how destination fascination is perceived by all participants involved in the tourism sector.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory and qualitative study was undertaken based on a literature review and three focus groups with travelers and tourism and marketing professionals.

Findings

The findings revealed that different perceptions precede a destination fascination among the three groups and that the construction of fascination is related to other variables. Through consulting the three groups, 12 variables were identified, and a framework was proposed addressing the background of destination fascination and how it relates to memorable experiences and the intention to (re)visit. Another important finding is the need for tourism professionals to collaborate with marketing professionals to meet tourists’ expectations. In addition, it was found that fascination can occur before visiting a place.

Originality/value

This paper advances the literature on four points: it presents evidence that fascination can occur even before visiting a destination; it verifies which variables are related to the multidimensional construct of destination fascination and how this relationship is observed by the three distinct groups; it identifies how the construction of destination fascination occurs; and it explains how tourism and marketing professionals can help fulfill travelers’ wishes.
Moderna’s Spikevax: a prickly pricing decision
Authors: Arora Sunny Vijay , Dhir Vidyut Lata , Krishna Malay
Published: July 2022

Research methodology

The case was compiled using secondary research, including the following sources, all of which are cited in the References List section of the case: Company annual reports, press releases and company websites and news media, podcasts, video recordings, websites of trade associations and other public domain sources.

Case overview/synopsis

This case highlights the decisions facing Moderna, Inc. (Moderna) related to pricing of its COVID-19 vaccine in the European Union (EU) in July of 2021. The CEO, Stéphane Bancel, must balance the need for improving shareholder returns with the call to act responsibly during a global pandemic. Should Moderna raise prices or hold prices constant? What other options might be available to the CEO?

Complexity academic level

At the authors’ institute, instructors use this case in a second-year marketing elective in pricing at the MBA level. Within the elective, the case enables a discussion on concepts of value realization through pricing and leadership decision strategies. The case may also be used in at the Executive MBA level, in a course of strategic leadership.
Circular beauty at Nafigate Cosmetics: balancing new brand concepts with growth through contract manufacturing
Authors: Olšanová Květa , Cook Gina , Král Petr
Published: July 2022

Research Methodology

This case was developed from both secondary and primary sources. The secondary sources include the company’s website and social media, social media sites and PR news reports. Primary sources include in-depth interviews with Nafigate Cosmetics executives. This case was classroom-tested with graduate students in an International Marketing course in Autumn 2021 and Spring 2022.

Case overview/synopsis

Nafigate Corporation is a small Czech company with a global presence and a solid organizational philosophy to create a better world through scientific knowledge and active use of technology. With innovative new products, Nafigate is poised to revolutionize the cosmetics industry. The case explores elements of branding, strategic decision-making and how to balance competing priorities during a company’s growth phase.

Complexity academic level

This case was written for use in International Marketing classes at the graduate level. In addition, the case could be used in International Marketing Communication courses and in CSR subjects. Students are encouraged to discuss building a competitive advantage, portfolio decisions in terms of brand differentiation, branding strategies, and most importantly, understand the complexity of the business decision-making process.
Hsa_circ_0097922 promotes tamoxifen resistance and cell malignant behaviour of breast cancer cells by regulating ACTN4 expression via miR‐876‐3p
Authors: Liang Xiuju , Liu Xiao , Song Zhonghua , Zhu Jian , Zhang Jinqing
Published: July 2022

An increasing number of findings have verified the critical roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in human cancers, and chemotherapy resistance is a poor prognostic factor for breast cancer (BC). This study is designed to explore the function of hsa_circ_0097922 in the tamoxifen resistance of breast cancer. Hsa_circ_0097922, microRNA‐876‐3p (miR‐876‐3p), and alpha‐actinin 4 (ACTN4) level were detected by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Cell survival, proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were detected by Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8), 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU), and flow cytometry, wound healing and Transwell assays. Protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2), cleaved caspase 3, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and ACTN4 were determined using western blot assay. Using bioinformatics software, the binding between miR‐876‐3p and hsa_circ_0097922 or ACTN4 was predicted, followed by confirmation by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull‐down assays. A xenograft tumour model in vivo analysed the biological role of hsa_circ_0097922 on BC tumour growth and drug resistance. Hsa_circ_0097922 and ACTN4 were increased, and miR‐876‐3p was decreased in tamoxifen resistance BC cells. Moreover, hsa_circ_0097922 knockdown can block BC cell malignant behaviour and tamoxifen resistance in vitro. Mechanically, hsa_circ_0097922 acted as a sponge of miR‐876‐3p to regulate ACTN4 expression. Hsa_circ_0097922 silencing increased the drug sensitivity of BC in vivo. Hsa_circ_0097922 might regulate BC cell malignant behaviour and tamoxifen resistance partly by regulating the miR‐876‐3p/ACTN4 axis, hinting at a promising therapeutic target for the BC treatment.
State of the Field: Disability History
Authors: BLACKIE DANIEL , MONCRIEFF ALEXIA
Published: July 2022

Historical studies of bodily and cognitive difference have flourished in the past decade. This article surveys recent work in disability history to provide a sense of the state of the field today. Concentrating on work published in English, the article outlines three main pillars of the field: its political impetus; its commitment to a sociocultural approach to disability, and its insistence that disability constitutes a powerful category of historical analysis. Following this, the article discusses the sources and methods used by disability historians, as well as some of the ethical issues their work raises. Major themes and areas of strength in the field are also identified. The article concludes by suggesting how disability history might develop in the future and encourages disability historians to push beyond a Cartesian separation of body and mind when considering human difference.
Marital betrayal, culture and prejudice
Authors: Galiás Iraci
Published: July 2022

In our consulting rooms we find, depending on the period, certain conditions that relate closely to current cultural prejudices. In our culture, divorce and the reconstituted family can bring both creativity but also emotional difficulty, often triggered by marital betrayal. This paper explores marital betrayal in relation to childhood experiences of fidelity, infidelity and the lack of love. It asks whether there is a cultural prejudice related to marital fidelity, and whether sexuality only belongs in a loving couple, whether this is a patriarchal contract, and what role the anima plays in a loving bond; this is related to ‘altericide’ and need for respect for the other, as the libido seeks ‘living symbols’.
The symbolic and non‐symbolic aspect of image: clinical and cultural reflections
Authors: Kawai Toshio
Published: July 2022

It is fundamental for analytical psychology to understand images symbolically. However, Jung was aware of the non‐symbolic and direct appearance of image in synchronistic visions and dreams. Therefore, there are two aspects of the non‐symbolic: literal and synchronistic. Firstly, the pathology of the non‐symbolic was explored in psychosomatic syndromes, trauma, borderline syndromes and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Then the historical and cultural considerations show that dreams were shared and understood directly and non‐symbolically in Japanese medieval times. Historically, the symbolic aspect emerged through the loss of this directness and is characteristic for the modern, western, and adult consciousness. However, the increasing prevalence of ASD and ambiguity between reality and virtual reality show that the contemporary world is again dominated by directness and the non‐symbolic, which can be called ‘postmodern consciousness’.
How to maintain mental health in today's world?
Authors: Mandacarú Guerra Maria Helena R.
Published: July 2022

Consumerism favours the culture of the disposable, excessive extroversion, and superficiality. Data manipulation, the shadow of information technology, harms individual and collective lives. In a world filled with prejudice, intolerance, violence and social inequality, nature is neglected putting our survival at risk. The lack of appreciation for subjectivity and self‐knowledge and the demand for greater performance foster physical and emotional problems expressed through anxiety, depression, anguish and burnout.

It is thus urgent to develop a pattern of consciousness that allows us to overcome polarization and cope with the opposites by the means of dialogue and an appreciation of the dialectical and symmetrical relationship between the polarities. Carlos Byington, in his symbolic psychology, named this the archetypal pattern of alterity, and considered it the basis of solidarity, respect for difference, democracy and sustainability.
Borderline states: a topography of contemporary psyche
Authors: Ancona de Faria Alvaro
Published: July 2022

This paper presents a discussion of issues concerning the concept of borderline personality disorder. We start from the constitution of the borderline structure, and move towards understanding particular aspects of borderline development, both on an individual and a collective level. This discussion is based on the examination of a progression in three different concentric circles: first, the context of child‐parent relationships; second, interpersonal relationships established in the school environment; and, finally, an amplification of some aspects of contemporary culture that could be related to the current importance of this condition.
Archetype and epigenetics – approximations: contributions of epigenetics to the clinical practice of analytical psychology
Authors: Caetano Aurea Afonso M. , Machado Teresa Cristina
Published: July 2022

In this paper we address the question of epigenetics by evidencing some mechanisms related to gene expression, which, we understand, can in a way be used as metaphors for movements occurring during the psychotherapeutic process.

The possibility of a dialogue between epigenetics and analytical psychology begins with the hereditary and archetypal question and takes shape in the dimension of the analytical encounter. Through the Jungian attitude model, we propose a way of moving between the two sciences.

This paper provides a brief review of the concept of archetype, covering recent publications. It then describes the main mechanisms of epigenetics and, finally, addresses the analytical process and presents the authors’ proposal to consider the archetypal expression in the light of epigenetics.
Interculturality: a place to experience multiplicity
Authors: Butler David , Steinwascher Stella Maximo
Published: July 2022

The mobility of people around the world is nothing new and brings with it different impacts on interpersonal relationships. In this paper we will reflect on this subject starting from certain questions: what dialogues can be had from those who bring new ideas from their travels with the keepers of traditions in their communities? Is it possible to entertain the image of a pluralistic and globalized world? We begin by tracing the movement of peoples through the centuries, the two major ways in life which developed: nomadism and sedentarism – and how the differences generated conflicts and discrimination. Finally, we reflect on the attributes of the god Hermes from which there is the possibility of creating space to live out our intercultural encounters with reciprocity and generosity within the hospitality ritual of ‘giving and receiving’.
Mode of delivery and maternal sexual wellbeing: A longitudinal study
Authors: Martin Florence Z. , Madley‐Dowd Paul , Ahlqvist Viktor H. , Jónsson‐Bachmann Egill , Fraser Abigail , Forbes Harriet
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To investigate the association between mode of delivery and subsequent maternal sexual wellbeing.

Design

Prospective birth cohort study.

Setting

Avon (in Bristol area), UK.

Population

Participants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).

Methods

Mode of delivery was abstracted from obstetric records and sexual wellbeing measures were collected via a self‐report questionnaire. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation, and ordinal logistic regression models for ordered categorical outcomes were adjusted for the covariates maternal age at delivery, pre‐pregnancy body mass index, diabetes during pregnancy, socio‐economic position, parity, depression and anxiety.

Main outcome measures

Sexual enjoyment and frequency at four time points postpartum (between 33 months and 18 years) and two types of sex‐related pain (pain in the vagina during sex and elsewhere after sex) at 11 years postpartum.

Results

We found no association between mode of delivery and sexual enjoyment (e.g. adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.11, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.97–1.27 at 33 months) or sexual frequency (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.88–1.12 at 33 months). Caesarean section was associated with an increased odds of pain in the vagina during sex at 11 years postpartum as compared with vaginal delivery in the adjusted model (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.46–2.08).

Conclusions

These findings provide no evidence supporting associations between caesarean section and sexual enjoyment or frequency. However, mode of delivery was shown to be associated with dyspareunia, which may not be limited to abdominal scarring.
Location distribution of randomly acquired characteristics on a shoe sole
Authors: Kaplan‐Damary Naomi , Mandel Micha , Yekutieli Yoram , Shor Yaron , Wiesner Sarena
Published: July 2022

Footwear comparison is used to link between a suspect's shoe and a shoeprint found at a crime scene. Forensic examiners compare the two items, and the conclusion reached is based on class characteristics and randomly acquired characteristics (RACs), such as scratches or holes. An important question concerns the distribution of the location of RACs on shoe soles, which can serve as a benchmark for comparison. This study examines the probability of observing RACs in different areas of a shoe sole using a database of approximately 13,000 RACs observed on 386 outsoles. The analysis is somewhat complicated as the shoes are differentiated by shape and contact surface, and the RACs' locations are subject to measurement errors. A method that takes into account these challenges is presented. All impressions are normalized to a standardized axis to allow for inter‐comparison of RACs on outsoles of different sizes and contact areas, and RACs are localized to one of 14 subareas of the shoe sole. Expected frequencies in each region are assumed to be Poisson distributed with rate parameters that depend on the subarea and the contact surface. Three different estimation approaches are studied: a naive crude approach, a shoe‐specific random effects model, and an estimate that is based on conditional maximum likelihood. It is shown that the rate is not uniform across the shoe sole and that RACs are approximately twice as likely to appear at certain locations, corresponding to the foot's morphology. The results can guide investigators in determining a shoeprint's evidential value.
Work, development, and refusal in urban Ethiopia
Authors: DI NUNZIO MARCO
Published: July 2022

Marxist autonomists and postwork theorists argue that work ought to be refused. Refusing work, they say, is the first step toward breaking the moral nexus between work, entitlement, and citizenship that constrains people from imagining progressive political projects. In this theorization, the refusal of work is a strategy for revolution. But ethnographic research shows us that acts of refusal can also take place outside the conjunctures of revolutionary change. They can be ordinary, individual, and often invisible. In urban Ethiopia, acts of refusal occurred during an economic boom, when work seemed as if it might have delivered on its promise of collective and individual empowerment. In these circumstances, refusal was less about the possibilities of a revolution and more about the terms of poor people's adverse incorporation through work. Acts of refusal consisted of workers’ individual and ordinary attempts to recapture some ownership over their lives in a moment when work both integrated and marginalized workers. [work,refusal,development,inclusion,Ethiopia]
Necropolitics Beyond the Exception: Parapolicing, Milícia Urbanism, and the Assassination of Marielle Franco in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Hutta Jan Simon
Published: July 2022

Engaging with the assassination of black city councillor Marielle Franco, the paper discusses how “milícia urbanism”, a formation of power and capital accumulation driven by parapolice networks, intensifies the necropolitical governance of Rio de Janeiro. Specifically, this necropolitics is characterised by liaisons among armed, political, institutional and economic actors that enable acts of violence with impunity, aggravating the conditions of violence for subaltern populations. Dialoguing with the Black Studies debate on necropolitics and works on violent democracies, the paper situates milícia urbanism within a postcolonial genealogy of parapolicing. Ever since the colonial plantation, it is argued, parapolicing has been integral to a power technology that avoids sovereign accountability while serving white capital interests. Whereas previous accounts of necropolitics have centred on the sovereign exception, this genealogy furthers an understanding of necropolitics “beyond the exception”. The paper concludes that Marielle Franco’s black‐feminist politics has been vital to contestations of this necropolitics.
Who gets injured at home? Evidence from older people in France
Authors: Bonnal Liliane , Buitrago Gámez Greivis , Favard Pascal , Oros Cornel
Published: July 2022

The study analyses unintentional home and leisure injuries (HLIs) for the French senior population using data from the 2012 wave of the French health, health care and insurance survey. The results of our logit models reveal that health status, age, and risky attitudes are the main characteristics associated with HLIs for older people. When the severity of injuries is taken into consideration, the highest exposure to HLIs concerns the oldest seniors, aged 85 years old or older, with deteriorated health. This result is confirmed in the case of severe indoor HLIs, whereas for severe outdoor injuries, the most vulnerable individuals seem to be younger seniors, that is, 75–79 years old. Moreover, our findings suggest that HLIs, and mainly severe home HLIs, generate a short‐term influence on a person's health.
ELIOT: A platform to navigate the E3 pocketome and aid the design of new PROTACs
Authors: Palomba Tommaso , Baroni Massimo , Cross Simon , Cruciani Gabriele , Siragusa Lydia
Published: July 2022

Proteolysis‐targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are novel therapeutics for the treatment of human disease. They exploit the enormous potential of the E3 ligases, a class of proteins that mark a target protein for degradation via the ubiquitin–proteasome system. Despite the existence of several E3 ligase‐related databases, the choice of the functioning ligase is limited to only 1.6% of those available, probably due to the fragmentary understanding of their structures and their known ligands; in fact, none of the existing databases report detailed studies covering their 3D structure or their pockets. Here, we report ELIOT (E3 LIgase pocketOme navigaTor), an accurate and complete platform containing the E3 ligase pocketome to enable navigation and selection of new E3 ligases and new ligands for the design of new PROTACs. All E3 ligase pockets were characterized with innovative 3D descriptors including their PROTAC‐ability score, and similarity analyses between E3 pockets are presented. Tissue specificity and their degree of involvement in patients with specific cancer types are also annotated for each E3 ligase, enabling appropriate selection for the design of a PROTAC with improved specificity. All data are available at https://eliot.moldiscovery.com.
How clinicians can provide support during the transition to adulthood for young people with cerebral palsy: A parent and healthcare worker's perspective
Authors: Fogel Lynne
Published: July 2022

This commentary is on the original article by Ryan et al. on pages 285–293 of this issue
House price volatility in China: Demand versus supply
Authors: Germaschewski Yin
Published: July 2022

This paper studies the transmission mechanisms that underlie China's house price fluctuations using a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model. The model is estimated with Bayesian methods, which accounts well for business cycle properties of the housing market. Results show that shocks to housing productivity and the government land supply to housing developers are the primary contributors to house price volatility, accounting for 37% of house price volatility in the short run and 32% in the long run. The importance of housing valuation shocks and shocks to migration only increases in models without the supply side of the housing market.
Assessment of mechanical and fatigue crack growth properties of wire + arc additively manufactured mild steel components
Authors: Shamir Muhammad , Igwemezie Victor , Lotfian Saeid , Jones Rhys , Asif Huzaifa , Ganguly Supriyo , Mehmanparast Ali
Published: July 2022

A study has been conducted to evaluate the mechanical and fatigue crack propagation properties of wire + arc additively manufactured ER70S‐6 components. A parallel‐built deposition strategy was employed to fabricate the additively manufactured wall. The hardness values were slightly higher at the bottom and top of the wall due to the presence of Widmanstätten ferrite and carbides. The characterization of mechanical properties in both orientations; parallel and perpendicular to the deposition direction showed a marginal difference in yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. The crack growth rates were correlated with linear elastic fracture mechanics parameter ΔK and compared with an oscillation‐built deposition strategy from the literature. The crack growth rates of both deposition strategies were found to be very similar to each other. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the variability in the crack growth histories can be reasonably well captured by using the NASGRO crack growth equation.
Distribution and photosynthetic potential of epilithic periphyton along an altitudinal gradient in Jue River (Qinling Mountain, China)
Authors: Li Nan , Hao Yongrong , Sun Haotian , Wu Qiong , Tian Yulu , Mo Jiezhang , Yang Fangshe , Song Jinxi , Guo Jiahua
Published: July 2022

Periphyton in aquatic ecosystems play a crucial ecological role in element cycling and are susceptible to natural disturbances and anthropogenic activities. To understand the responses of periphytic communities to water quality factors and altitude gradients, DNA metabarcoding was employed to investigate the distribution characteristics of epilithic periphyton (comprising prokaryotes and eukaryotes).

Epilithic periphyton and water were sampled at 26 sampling sites with an altitude ranging from 445 to 1,565 m in the Jue River and its three tributaries in Qinling Mountain, China. The altitudinal patterns of water quality variables were initially investigated, followed by redundancy analysis and distance‐based linear models to explore the responses of community structure to altitudes and water quality. Meanwhile, the relationship between these variables and fluorescence parameters to reflect the photosynthesis of epilithic periphyton along an altitudinal gradient was examined.

The results indicated that with decreasing elevation, water quality variables including total dissolved solids (TDS), water temperature, conductivity, salinity, and concentrations of ‐N, total nitrogen, and ‐N increased. This pattern was closely associated with the intensification of anthropogenic disturbance downstream. Specifically, higher salinity and water temperature downstream may reduce the prokaryotic biodiversity but promote the diversity and evenness of eukaryotes; higher concentrations of total nitrogen may increase the diversity, richness, and evenness of the whole periphyton community. Furthermore, salinity, nutrients, and TDS were identified as crucial variables shaping periphyton community structure, especially salinity and TDS, which were linked to the growth of chlorophytes.

The attenuated maximum photochemical efficiency of periphyton at high altitudes indicated that photosystem II was inhibited, while the enhancement of maximum photochemical efficiency at low altitudes may be attributed to the reduced abundance of synurophyceae and increased chlorophyte abundance with strong photosynthetic capacity.

The spatial distribution of the structure and photosynthetic activity of the periphyton community along the altitudinal gradient of the Jue River and its tributaries showed that most water quality variables were negatively correlated with altitude. The photosynthetic efficiency of periphyton declined at high altitudes because the abundance of chlorophytes was lower at higher altitude reaches. This pattern of periphyton structural composition and function with altitude may also exist in other alpine rivers influenced by anthropogenic impacts.