bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response to Christopher Insole’s Kant and the Divine: From Contemplation to the Moral Law (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2020)
Authors: Carlisle Clare
Published: April 2021

This is a response given at the book launch for Christopher Insole’s Kant and the Divine: From Contemplation to the Moral Law (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2020), hosted jointly, in November 2020, by the Centre for Catholic Studies, Durham University, and the Australian Catholic University. The response focuses on the continuity and rupture that Insole claims to find between Kant’s early and late philosophy, and draws attention to an aesthetic sensibility across Kant’s thought: a Platonic and rationalist aesthetics which focuses on the qualities of harmony, plenitude and perfection that Insole finds to be the ‘base notes’ of Kant’s thought.
Trajectory tracking of under-actuated quadcopter using Lyapunov-based optimum adaptive controller
Authors: Navabi M , Davoodi Ali , Mirzaei Hamidreza
Published: April 2021

In this article, optimum adaptive sliding mode controller (ASMC) optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is designed to solve the trajectory tracking control problems of a quadcopter with model parameter uncertainties. Quadcopters have nonlinear, multi-input multi-output, coupled and under-actuated dynamics. For comparison with the designed controller, an adaptive integral backstepping controller approach is applied to compensate mass and inertia uncertainties of the flying robot. These methods guarantee stability of closed-loop system and force the states to track desired reference signals. The performance of both controllers is evaluated by numerical simulations. The obtained results demonstrate the better effectiveness of the designed PSO ASMC in stabilization of tracking particularly with parameter uncertainties.
The effect of folding wingtips on the worst-case gust loads of a simplified aircraft model
Authors: Balatti Davide , Haddad Khodaparast Hamed , Friswell Michael I , Manolesos Marinos , Amoozgar Mohammadreza
Published: April 2021

In recent years, the development of lighter and more efficient transport aircraft has led to an increased focus on gust load alleviation. A recent strategy is based on the use of folding wingtip devices that increase the aspect ratio and therefore improve the aircraft performance. Moreover, numerical studies have suggested such a folding wingtip solution may incorporate spring devices in order to provide additional gust load alleviation ability in flight. It has been shown that wingtip mass, stiffness connection and hinge orientation are key parameters to avoid flutter and achieve load alleviation during gusts. The objective of this work is to show the effects of aeroelastic hinged wingtip on the problem of worst-case gust prediction and the parameterization and optimization of such a model for this particular problem, that is, worst-case gust load prediction. In this article, a simplified aeroelastic model of full symmetric aircraft with rigid movable wingtips is developed. The effects of hinge position, orientation and spring stiffness are considered in order to evaluate the performance of this technique for gust load alleviation. In addition, the longitudinal flight dynamics of a rigid aircraft with an elastic wing and folding wingtips is studied. Multi-objective optimizations are performed using a genetic algorithm to exploit the optimal combinations of the wingtip parameters that minimize the gust response for the whole flight envelope while keeping flutter speed within the safety margin. Two strategies to increase flutter speed based on the modification of the wingtip parameters are presented.
Comparative studies of shock-wave boundary-layer interactions in Earth and Mars atmospheres
Authors: Das Dipankar , Desai Siddesh , Kulkarni Vinayak
Published: April 2021

Investigations of ramp-induced shock-wave boundary-layer interaction have been carried out for real gas flows of air and carbon dioxide through hypersonic laminar flow simulations corresponding to Earth and Mars atmospheres. An in-house-developed solver, which accounts for the real gas effects, has been employed for these studies. Effects of various parameters like wall temperature, freestream stagnation enthalpy, freestream Mach number, and blunt leading edge are explored on the intensity of shock-wave boundary-layer interaction (SWBLI). In either case, an increase in separation length is observed with an increase in wall temperature and a decrease in Mach number as well as freestream stagnation enthalpy. Here, the intensity of alteration is always noted to have a higher percentage for the Mars gas model. Further, separation length is found to be almost equal for the same wall to total temperature ratio in both of the flow mediums. The present study also affirms the fact that the leading edge bluntness can be used as a tool to reduce the size of the separation region in these planetary atmospheres. Revised correlations have been proposed for hypersonic Earth atmospheric flow with real gas effects to predict the extent of upstream influence and separation bubble size. The outcomes of simulations have also helped to device new correlations for these flow features of SWBLI for Mars atmospheric conditions. In all, the need for consideration of real gas effects and an exclusive real gas flow solver for the Mars atmosphere are the prominent recommendations of current studies.
Determination of the flight trajectory in terms of emission and fuel consumption minimization
Authors: Pawlak Małgorzata , Kuźniar Michał , Majka Andrzej R.
Published: April 2021

The present-day world is characterized by the intense development of air transport. However, along with it, significant problems appear. Among these problems, the most important are those relating to safety and negative impact of air transport on the environment. Air transport efficiency and profitability issues, although not critical, must also be taken into account because they decide about the intensity of development of this branch of transport. There are currently two large programs in Europe oriented at improving safety, environmental, and efficiency indicators. These are SESAR 2020 and Clean Sky 2, being a continuation of previous ones. One of the ways to reduce negative impact of air transport on the environment and improve its efficiency is to reduce fuel consumption and pollutants emissions resulting from fuel combustion. To find solutions with the abovementioned features, it is necessary to have sufficiently accurate models to estimate the amount of fuel consumed and the amount of pollutants emitted. Developing a sufficiently accurate model to determine fuel consumption and pollutants emission was performed. Due to the specificity of the missions carried out by passenger aircraft, the focus was on the cruise stage when aircraft flies at a constant altitude with a constant air speed. The result of the analysis was the development of methodology for fuel consumption and emission of main pollutants in cruise conditions. Specific fuel consumption is calculated for the thrust required for horizontal flight at cruising altitude. Emission indexes for CO, NOx, HC, and CO2 for the cruise have been determined based on known indexes for the landing and take-off cycle phase, after applying appropriate corrections. An illustration of the application of the developed methodology was the optimization of a medium-sized transport aircraft trajectory on a selected connection to determine a trajectory characterized by a minimum emission value taking into account weather conditions.
Library of the National Congress of Argentina: How BCN Argentina has responded to the immediate crisis of the pandemic, development of protocols for reopening and the future of libraries
Authors: Santa Alejandro Lorenzo César
Published: April 2021

In the framework of the COVID-19 pandemic, BCN Argentina has faced new challenges in order to go on providing access to information and culture to all. At this particular time, we feel compelled to find new ways to achieve our goal of assisting the community and with quality services, through the incorporation of new digital services and the development of protocols for a safe reopening.
Mind and soul? Two notions in the light of contemporary philosophy
Authors: Berti Enrico
Published: April 2021

From the perspective of the Aristotelian notion of ‘Form’, the author explores the history of the concepts of mind and soul focusing on their ontologized version, as entertained by conventional science. He concludes that current neuroscience lacks the conceptual wherewithal required to deal with the meaning of mind and soul and with agential consequences such as free will and moral decision making. [GEB]
Experimental and simulation study of the performance of a desiccant loop cooling system
Authors: Venkatesh R , Ganesh Madhu , Suriyaprakash S , Deva Surya SE , Ashok Kumar L , Rudramoorthy R
Published: April 2021

The paper presents experimental data and results from a prediction tool for the performance of a desiccant loop cooling system. The experiments are performed under a variety of high humidity and hot ambient conditions and the system performance is described. One of the experimental conditions is typical of many Indian cities and the systems appropriate for those cities are established. A simulation program that can predict the performance of the desiccant loop is developed. The simulation results show that this system can work as effectively as vapor compression air-conditioning for certain ambient conditions whereas it can function as a pre-cooler to a vapor compression system under more severe conditions, resulting in a reduced power consumption. The results presented in the paper give a guideline to practicing engineers as to when a desiccant loop cooling system would be useful. A simple payback analysis and a lifecycle cost analysis shows that a desiccant cooling system with a waste heat recovery recuperator is an economically viable investment.
Intertemporal change in the effect of economic growth on carbon emission in China
Authors: Zhang Jingwen , Dai Yin , Su Chi-Wei , Kirikkaleli Dervis , Umar Muhammad
Published: April 2021

This research examines the factor of causality between the variables of economic growth and carbon emissions in China, by conducting full, and sub-sample Granger causality tests for the period of 1965 to 2019. The full-sample Granger causality test is not considered to be authentic, and is rather unstable, as indicated by the parameter stability tests. Therefore, we consider the time variation using a causality test, and the results indicate that the causality exists from the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions. This development essentially suggests that economic growth is critical for China's environment. It also implies that carbon emissions are mainly determined by the increase in economic growth, at some specific period in time. Thus, in this regard, the use of renewable energy sources should be encouraged by policymakers, in order to deal with rise in the energy demand, and promote industrial upgrading, so as to slow down the rate degradation that the environment have been experiencing. However, our empirical results indicate that CO2 emissions are not the Granger reason to GDP. In this case, the government can formulate more conservative reduction policies that pertain to carbon emissions, and will therefore, not impede the economic growth.
Effect of taxifolin/dapagliflozin combination on colistin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Kabel AM , Salama SA
Published: April 2021

Colistin is an antimicrobial agent that is used in resistant gram-negative infections. Its most common dose-limiting adverse effect is nephrotoxicity. The objective of our study was to explore the possible effects of each of taxifolin and dapagliflozin alone and in combination on colistin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Sixty male rats were randomized into six groups: Control; colistin; colistin + taxifolin; colistin + dapagliflozin; colistin + carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and colistin + taxifolin + dapagliflozin. Dapagliflozin, taxifolin, and CMC were given daily for 7 days, 4 hours before colistin injection. Kidney weight/body weight ratio and renal function tests were determined. Renal tissue nerve growth factor-β (NGF-β), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), proinflammatory cytokines, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), oxidative stress parameters, beclin-1 and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) activities were measured. Kidneys were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Taxifolin and/or dapagliflozin induced significant improvement in the renal functions and oxidative stress parameters with significant increase in tissue Nrf2, STAT3 and NGF-β accompanied with significant decrease in kidney weight/body weight ratio, tissue proinflammatory cytokines, TGF-β1, NF-κB (p65), TLR4, beclin-1 and JNK activities and improved the histopathological picture when compared to rats treated with colistin alone. This improvement was significant with taxifolin/dapagliflozin combination compared to rats treated with each of these agents alone. So, we concluded that the combined use of taxifolin and dapagliflozin may confer a therapeutic tool for attenuation of colistin-induced nephrotoxicity.
An empirical study of research ethics and their role in psychologists’ data sharing intentions using consequentialism theory of ethics
Authors: Kim Youngseek
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study is to examine how different ethical dimensions of egoism, utilitarianism, and deontology all help in the formation of psychologists’ research ethics for data sharing, and how the research ethics eventually affect psychologists making decisions regarding whether to engage in data sharing. This research utilized consequentialism theory of ethics as its theoretical framework to develop its research model of psychologists’ data sharing as mediated by research ethics. It conducted an online survey with psychologists in US academic institutions and collected a total of 362 valid responses. Then, it employed the structural equation modeling technique to evaluate the research model and related hypotheses of psychologists’ data sharing intentions as mediated by the profession’s research ethics. This research found that perceived career benefit, perceived community benefit, and norm of data sharing all significantly contribute to the formation of psychologists’ research ethics for data sharing, and then these research ethics, along with perceived community benefit and norm of data sharing, significantly influence psychologists’ data sharing intentions. This study suggests that the consequentialism theory of ethics nicely explains psychologists’ formation of their research ethics for data sharing and their decision to engage in data sharing. The study also suggests that research communities can better promote researchers’ data sharing behaviors by stimulating their research ethics through different ethical dimensions, including egoism (career benefit), utilitarianism (community benefit), and deontology (norm of data sharing).
Baseline characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus patients included in the Lupus Italian Registry of the Italian Society for Rheumatology
Authors: Sebastiani Gian Domenico , Spinelli Francesca Romana , Bartoloni Elena , Bortoluzzi Alessandra , Bozzolo Enrica , Canofari Claudia , Canti Valentina , Conigliaro Paola , Ditto Maria Chiara , Emmi Giacomo , Franceschini Franco , Frassi Micol , Iaccarino Luca , Iuliano Annamaria , Manfredi Angelo , Pacucci Viviana , Parisi Simone , Pazzola Giulia , Perricone Roberto , Prevete Immacolata , Ramirez Giuseppe Alvise , Scarpato Salvatore , Scirocco Chiara , Silvagni Ettore , Zen Margherita , Zanetti Anna , Carrara Greta , Scirè Carlo Alberto , Conti Fabrizio , Doria Andrea
Published: April 2021

Objective

To report baseline data of SLE patients enrolled in the Lupus Italian Registry (LIRE).

Methods

Patients affected by SLE aged ≥ 16 years were consecutively recruited in a multicenter prospective study comparing two cohorts: patients starting biologic immunosuppressants (BC) and patients starting non-biologic immunosuppresants (NBC).

Results

308 patients were enrolled, 179 in NBC and 129 in BC. Mean age at disease onset and at diagnosis was significantly higher in NBC (p = 0.023, p = 0.045, respectively). Disease duration was longer in BC (p = 0.022). Patients in BC presented arthritis more frequently (p = 0.024), those in NBC nephropathy (p = 0.03). Quality of life was worse in BC (p = 0.031). Anti-dsDNA, low C3, were significantly more frequent in BC (p < 0.001, p = 0.009, respectively). Mycophenolate, methotrexate and azathioprine were the drugs more frequently prescribed in NBC, Belimumab and Rituximab in BC.

Conclusion

The predominant organ involvement was different in the two cohorts: kidney involvement predominated in NBC, joint involvement in BC. Despite the younger age at disease onset, patients of the BC had a longer disease duration and more frequently had taken a cumulative prednisone dosage greater than 10 g. Even the pattern of clinical manifestations inducing to prescribe biological rather than conventional immunosuppressants was quite different. Keywords: Autoantibody(ies), autoimmune disease, belimumab, cohort studies, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, rituximab, systemic lupus erythematosus
Measurement of total soluble solids and moisture in puree and dry powder of Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) samples using hand-held near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Bobasa Eshetu M , Netzel Michael E , Cozzolino Daniel , Phan Anh Dao Thi , Sultanbawa Yasmina
Published: April 2021

Recent research has shown the potential of portable and handheld NIR instruments to monitor and measure the composition of fruits and vegetables. Current research has also shown the possibility of using portable instruments as tools to monitor composition along the entire food value chain. The objective of this study was to evaluate two sample presentation methods (dry powder and fruit puree) to measure total soluble solids (TSS) and moisture (M) in wild harvested Kakadu plum (KP) ( Terminalia ferdinandiana, Combretaceae). Kakadu plum is an endemic plant of Australia that contains high concentrations of vitamin C, ellagic acid as well as other bioactive compounds. These properties make this plant of high economic and social importance for the Aboriginal communities of Australia. Fruit samples were wild harvested in January 2020 from locations in the Kimberley region (Western Australia, Australia) and analysed using both reference and NIR spectroscopic methods. The SECV and RPD values in cross validation were 0.65% (RPD: 2.2) and 0.22% (RPD: 4.2) to predict M and TSS in the KP dry powder samples. The SECV and RPD values obtained in cross validation for the KP fruit puree samples were 0.56% (RPD: 2.8) and 0.24% (RPD: 3.8) for M and TSS, respectively. The results of this study demonstrated the ability of NIR spectroscopy to measure M and TSS in wild harvest fruit. These findings can be also utilised by the Aboriginal communities to develop a grading/sorting system to rapidly screen and evaluate relevant chemical parameters associated with fruit quality and safety.
Adaptation Strategies and Farmer-led Agricultural Innovations to Climate Change in Mbire Districtof Zimbabwe
Authors: Asare-Nuamah Peter , Mandaza Mclarence Shungu , Amungwa Athanasius Fonteh
Published: April 2021

This study explores adaptation and farmer-led agricultural innovation strategies of smallholder farmers in Mbire District of Zimbabwe. Guided by explanatory sequential mixed methods design, 201 smallholder farmers were selected through multistage probability sampling technique and 18 participants were purposively selected. The instruments for the study included questionnaire and interview, which were analysed through basic descriptive and thematic analysis, respectively. The results show that smallholder farmers have adapted to climate change through multiple strategies including planting improved and drought resistant crops, cultivating fewer plots, mixed cropping, keeping more livestock, applying agrochemicals and local ecological knowledge as well as livelihood diversification, which are influenced by gender, education and farm size of respondents. The respondents have diversified their livelihood by engaging in brick moulding, sales of livestock, petty trade and dependence on remittance and social safety net as well as reduction in size and number of diets. The study identified financial, technological, social, institutional and information barriers to farmers’ adaptation. Farmer-led innovations identified by this study included planting Kanongo open pollinated variety of maize, pen fattening, over mulching, cassava cultivation and staggered planting. The implications of the results are teased out and policy recommendations are suggested.
The European Public Prosecutor: Quintessential supranational criminal law?
Authors: Öberg Jacob
Published: April 2021

This article critically examines the extent to which the European Public Prosecutor’s Office can be claimed to constitute a prime example of supranational criminal law. The article observes that among policymakers and commentators, the Office appears to be a hallmark of the transformation of EU criminal law from an intergovernmental paradigm to a strong federal and supranational polity. The article discusses the scope, nature and limits to the powers of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, as well as its operating structure in light of Article 86 TFEU and the recently adopted EPPO Regulation. It departs from the basic assumption that the EPPO stands in the midst of supranationalism and intergovernmentalism. Whilst the EPPO is envisaged to be independent of the Member States, the Office’s complicated, multifaceted and vertical structure means that Member States are able to direct, to some extent, its activities. The article argues, however, that a general assessment of the Office’s operational and strategic direction (where its operational activities are managed and supervised by centralized ‘European’ prosecutors), and the type (direct criminal enforcement powers) of powers it has makes it distinctive as the most ‘integrated’ and ‘supranational’ EU agency.
Prison art programs: Art, culture and human rights for Indigenous prisoners
Authors: Horneman-Wren Brigid
Published: April 2021

This article argues that prison art programs are central to the human rights of Indigenous detainees. It examines how these programs are most commonly understood in terms of their rehabilitative value, an approach which fails to fully capture the right of Indigenous detainees to participation in them. It argues that a human rights framework should be applied to prison art programs. This recognises the pivotal role art programs play in realising a multitude of interconnected rights, upholds the voices of Indigenous prisoners and emphasises the crucial place of self-determination in the design, delivery and ultimate success of programs.
Reflections From Applying Intersectionality to a Constructivist Grounded Theory Study on Intimate Partner Violence and Trauma
Authors: Baird Dr. Stephanie L.
Published: April 2021

In this research note, I reflect on conducting a qualitative study on trauma and intimate partner violence (IPV), applying an intersectional lens to constructivist grounded theory methodology. I argue that despite offering an ability to critically examine socially constructed categories of identity, and providing a way to ensure the active inclusion of social justice goals into research, intersectionality is underused within social work research. I also reflect on the particular importance of an intersectional lens in countering the previously identified assumptions of sameness underlying IPV and trauma services. From recounting my research process, I discuss recommendations for further intersectional research, and research on trauma. Recommendations include allowing enough time for recruitment and analysis, making visible the researcher’s role, including a participatory element in studies, and ensuring continuous critical and reflexive processing at all research stages.
Sharing of Knowledge and Problem Solving When Teammates Have Diverse Hearing Status
Authors: Stinson Michael , Elliot Lisa B. , Marchetti Carol , Devor Daniel J. , Rentsch Joan R.
Published: April 2021

This study examined knowledge sharing and problem solving in teams that included teammates who were deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). Eighteen teams of four students were comprised of either all deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), all hearing, or two DHH and two hearing postsecondary students who participated in group problem-solving. Successful problem solution, recall, and recognition of knowledge shared by team members were assessed. Hearing teams shared the most team knowledge and achieved the most complete problem solutions, followed by the mixed DHH/hearing teams. DHH teams did not perform as well as the other two types of teams.
Finding Your Voice
Authors: Lewis Ariane
Published: April 2021

Despite being cognitively intact, patients with Guillain Barre Syndrome are often unable to communicate. Because of this, goals-of-care decisions may need to be made by family members/surrogates. Here, I describe a patient with Guillain Barre Syndrome whose voice was initially stifled by dysarthria, then hypophonia, then intubation, but who ultimately managed to express herself and convey her wishes regarding goals-of-care.
A Simple Method for Eye Protection During Prone Positioning for Craniofacial Surgery
Authors: Grant Jaime , Noons Peter , Carver Edmund D. , Evans Martin J. , White Nicholas , Dover M. Stephen , Rodrigues Desiderio
Published: April 2021

Surgery in the prone position risks vision loss due to a number of factors. Craniofacial surgery poses an even greater risk due to the anatomical and physiological makeup of these patients. Here, we describe a novel method of providing protection from direct pressure on the globe during prone positioning for craniofacial procedures and our protocol for improving safety and reducing the risk of postoperative vision loss.
A Pilot Project Exploring Rural Classroom Music Teachers’ Perceptions and Practices via an Online Professional Development Course
Authors: Johnson Daniel C. , Stanley Ann Marie
Published: April 2021

Music teachers in urban, suburban, and rural communities face a multitude of challenges and opportunities. To identify and examine specific experiences that may be unique to rural general music teachers, we recruited six teacher-participants to complete a 5-week online professional development (PD) course for this exploratory study. We created a teacher-led approach for this PD, implementing topics and solutions generated by the participants. Using qualitative content analysis, we found two categories of themes in the online discussion posts that either connected or disconnected our participants with other music teachers on their general music context or their geographic setting. Although participants clearly articulated the influences of setting and place-based pedagogy, we found shared issues related to general music that transcended location. Implications for future PD include the importance of online delivery methods and developing PD differentiated by teaching contexts and geographic settings.
Development, Practice Patterns, and Early Clinical Outcomes of a Multidisciplinary Liver Cancer Clinic
Authors: Jia Angela Y. , Popovic Aleksandra , Mohan Aditya A. , Zorzi Jane , Griffith Paige , Kim Amy K. , Anders Robert A. , Burkhart Richard A. , Lafaro Kelly , Georgiades Christos , Azad Nilofer S. , Liddell Robert P. , Baretti Marina , Kamel Ihab R. , Narang Amol , Yarchoan Mark , Meyer Jeffrey
Published: April 2021

Multidisciplinary care has been associated with improved survival in patients with primary liver cancers. We report the practice patterns and real world clinical outcomes for patients presenting to the Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH) multidisciplinary liver clinic (MDLC). We analyzed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, n = 100) and biliary tract cancer (BTC, n = 76) patients evaluated at the JHH MDLC in 2019. We describe the conduct of the clinic, consensus decisions for patient management based on stage categories, and describe treatment approaches and outcomes based on these categories. We describe subclassification of BCLC stage C into 2 parts, and subclassification of cholangiocarcinoma into 4 stages. A treatment consensus was finalized on the day of MDLC for the majority of patients (89% in HCC, 87% in BTC), with high adherence to MDLC recommendations (91% in HCC, 100% in BTC). Among patients presenting for a second opinion regarding management, 28% of HCC and 31% of BTC patients were given new therapeutic recommendations. For HCC patients, at a median follow up of 11.7 months (0.7-19.4 months), median OS was not reached in BCLC A and B patients. In BTC patients, at a median follow up of 14.2 months (0.9-21.1 months) the median OS was not reached in patients with resectable or borderline resectable disease, and was 11.9 months in patients with unresectable or metastatic disease. Coordinated expert multidisciplinary care is feasible for primary liver cancers with high adherence to recommendations and a change in treatment for a sizeable minority of patients.
Medicaid Expansion and Not-For-Profit Hospitals’ Financial Status: National and State-Level Estimates Using IRS and CMS Data, 2011-2016
Authors: Santos Tatiane , Singh Simone , Young Gary J.
Published: April 2021

Several studies have shown that Medicaid expansion has improved hospital financial performance. All of these studies have either used data from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and none of them has examined the state-level impact of expansion on hospital finances. Using data for not-for-profit hospitals from both IRS and CMS for 2011-2016, we described the difference in costs related to uncompensated care and Medicaid shortfalls. We then estimated the impact of Medicaid expansion on hospitals’ financial status nationally and by state. Nationally, the estimated net effect of expansion reduced not-for-profit hospital costs by 2 percentage points based on IRS data and 0.83 percentage points based on CMS data. Across expansion states, the estimated net effects varied widely with approximately a 10-fold difference for hospitals based on IRS data and a 2-fold difference based on CMS data. Future studies should further explore the differences across IRS and CMS data.
Downstream Consequences of Post-Transgression Responses: A Motive-Attribution Framework
Authors: Gollwitzer Mario , Okimoto Tyler G.
Published: April 2021

Victims commonly respond to experienced wrongdoing by punishing or forgiving the transgressor. While much research has looked at predictors and immediate consequences of these post-transgression responses, comparably less research has addressed the conditions under which punishment or forgiveness have positive or negative downstream consequences on the victim–transgressor relationship. Drawing from research on Social Value Orientation (SVO), we argue that both forgiveness and punishment can be rooted in either prosocial (i.e., relationship- or other-oriented), individualistic (i.e., self-oriented), or competitive (i.e., harm-oriented) motives pursued by the victim. Furthermore, we posit that downstream consequences of forgiveness and punishment crucially depend on how the transgressor interprets the victim’s response. The novel motive-attribution framework presented here highlights the importance of alignment between a victim’s motives and a transgressor’s motive attributions underlying post-transgression responses. This framework thus contributes to a better understanding of positive and negative dynamics following post-transgression interactions.
Choroidal neovascularisation in a predicted female choroideraemia carrier treated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: Ang Juan Lyn , Wright Alan F. , Dhillon Baljean , Cackett Peter
Published: April 2021

Purpose:

To report a case of choroidal neovascularisation and leakage in a myopic female predicted to be a choroideraemia carrier treated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF).

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A female magazine editor presented with sudden decrease in vision in her right eye, with Snellen visual acuities (VAs) of 1/60 and 3/60 in the right and left eyes respectively. She was diagnosed with choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) formation and subretinal haemorrhage in her right eye. This is on a background of previous presentations, the first of which was 20 years ago for declining left eye vision. She was subsequently found to be a predicted choroideraemia carrier. However, she also has high myopia, and it is unclear whether the predicted choroideraemia carrier status or high myopia is the main underlying cause of her CNV, although we believe that the former is more likely. The first episode of CNV in her right eye was treated successfully with intravitreal anti-VEGF. However, she experienced four further CNV reactivations in her right eye, all of which were treated successfully with anti-VEGF. At her last follow-up visit to date, Snellen VAs were 6/9 and 3/60 in her right and left eye respectively.

Conclusion:

This is a unique case of CNV formation in a predicted choroideraemia carrier who also has co-existent high myopia. Prompt treatment of CNV activity with anti-VEGF has been efficacious in prevention of subretinal fibrosis and irreversible vision loss and allowed the patient to continue working in her chosen career.
Climate Change and Extreme Temperature Trends in the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico
Authors: Martínez-Austria Polioptro F , Jano-Pérez José Alejandro
Published: April 2021

Climate change is one of the greatest threats that our civilization is facing because increases in extreme temperatures severely affect humans, the economy, and ecosystems. General circulation models, which adequately predict climate change around the world, are less accurate at regional levels. Therefore, trends must be locally assessed, particularly in regions such as the Baja California Peninsula, which is a thin mass of land surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California. Herein, we discuss extreme temperature trends in the Baja California Peninsula and whether they are statistically significant based on the Spearman’s nonparametric statistical test. For these purposes, 18 weather stations covering the entire region were analyzed, revealing that maximum temperatures for the hottest months are rising at a rate that is consistent with the RCP 8.5 scenario. Changes in minimum temperatures were also analyzed.
Learning to manage a mental health condition: Caring for the self and ‘normalizing’ identity at work
Authors: Elraz Hadar , Knights David
Published: April 2021

This article examines the internal and external pressures to ‘normalize’ identity in relation to individuals experiencing mental health conditions (MHCs) at work. The data takes the form of three vignettes extracted from a larger empirical study of 60 interviews. These explore the tensions surrounding identity for individuals experiencing MHCs as well as their interventions to suppress exhibiting the condition. The analysis captures a number of competing meanings surrounding identity in relation to learning to care for the self and managing MHCs. Our contribution is to explore the relationships between learning to care for the self and the performativity of ‘normalizing’ identity in managing MHCs at work. It also provides a potential means of integrating Foucault’s ethics of caring for the self with the literature on identity in ways that can be illuminating for those who manage their MHCs and the demands of work through processes of ‘normalization’. This analysis offers theoretical insights regarding how identity work may be self-defeating in exacerbating MHCs and therefore is of some practical benefit for managers, health professionals and those experiencing MHCs since they often leave individuals with little choice but to intensify their attempts to ‘normalize’ their identities.
Bridging the Gap Between Methodology and Qualitative Data Analysis Software: A Practical Guide for Educators and Qualitative Researchers
Authors: Kalpokas Neringa , Radivojevic Ivana
Published: April 2021

The interpretative and flexible nature of qualitative research is one of its hallmark strengths, yet this can pose a significant obstacle for researchers who wish to incorporate computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS), especially for educators of CAQDAS and researchers who may have abandoned CAQDAS following past frustrations. We seek to help qualitative researchers and teachers by illustrating how CAQDAS can be used to follow specific analytic strategies (e.g. inductive and deductive analysis, category identification and synthesis, and qualitative model building). To bridge the gap between qualitative methodology and CAQDAS, this article provides guidelines for researchers to familiarise themselves with widely used qualitative analysis strategies, and learn how ATLAS.ti, MAXQDA, and NVivo can be used in each phase of the qualitative analysis process. By effectively translating analytic strategies into CAQDAS features, CAQDAS can greatly facilitate data management, analysis, and collaboration when software features are harnessed to realise analytic strategies.
Adolescents’ and emerging adults’ judgments and justifications for social inclusion or exclusion of language-outgroup members: Language is just part of the story
Authors: Zheng Jiali , Jiang Ning , Mulvey Kelly Lynn
Published: April 2021

Language becomes an important intergroup category for children from early on in their lives; however, few studies have examined the role language plays in social inclusion and exclusion. This study examines how adolescents and emerging adults in China make inclusion judgments of language-outgroup members and what reasons they use to justify their inclusion judgments. High school and university students ( N = 376, 63.3% female) were recruited to complete a survey designed to examine their inclusion judgments and justifications. Our findings indicate that participants made different inclusion judgments toward speakers of different languages, and language was the most frequently used justification. They also used group identity, personal choice, and autonomy, group functioning, nationality, moral, and political/historical reasons as justifications. Adolescents were found to be more exclusive than emerging adults and used group identity and political/historical reasons more often to justify their inclusion judgments. The findings add to our understanding of the sophisticated ways in which adolescents and emerging adults make social decisions.
Overview of recent cases before the Court of Justice of the European Union (November 2020-March 2021)
Authors: Melin Pauline
Published: April 2021

In this reporting period (November 2020-March 2021), five cases will be presented. The first case is INPS v WS (C-302/19), dealing with the Italian legislation that excludes Single Permit holders from receiving family benefits for their family members residing in a third country. In the second report, two cases rendered on the same day by the Grand Chamber of the Court are discussed. In D.J. v Radiotelevizija Slovenija (C-344/19) and RJ v Stadt Offenbach am Main (C-580/19), the Court clarified the circumstances under which periods of stand-by time could be considered as ‘working time’ or, alternatively, ‘rest periods’ under Directive 2003/88. XI v Caisse pour l’avenir des enfants (C-129/20) is the third case reported. It concerns an interpretation of the Framework Agreement on parental leave in the light of the Luxembourg legislation, which requires parents to be employed at the time of their child’s birth to benefit from parental leave. Finally, the case report ends with VL v Szpital Kliniczny im. dra J. Babińskiego Samodzielny Publiczny Zakład Opieki Zdrowotnej w Krakowie (C-16/19), a case of discrimination on grounds of disability.
Factors associated with non-medical use of prescription drugs among individuals with a legitimate prescription for medical purposes: A population-based study
Authors: Pylväs-Korolainen Minna , Karjalainen Karoliina , Lintonen Tomi
Published: April 2021

Background:

Psychoactive prescription drugs are known to have abuse potential. This study was aimed at studying the non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) among individuals with prescriptions for anxiolytics, sedatives, or strong analgesics. We examined the association of socio-demographics, binge drinking, the number of drug prescriptions, and drug types prescribed for medical purposes with NMUPD among the general Finnish population.

Methods:

Data were derived from population-based (ages 15–69 years) Drug Surveys conducted in Finland in 2006, 2010, and 2014. The response rates varied between 48% and 55%. Individuals with prescriptions for one or more prescription drugs in the last 12 months were included ( n = 1,602) and divided into three groups: medical use only, NMUPD, and NMUPD with illicit drug use (ILLICIT USE). Multinomial logistic regression was used.

Results:

Among individuals with a prescription for at least one prescription drug, 5.7% reported NMUPD. Living alone and being outside the labour force were associated with NMUPD. Younger age, living in a large city, living alone, and unemployment were associated with ILLICIT USE. Frequent binge drinking and a high number of drug prescriptions were associated with both NMUPD and ILLICIT USE. Those reporting ILLICIT USE were more likely to have a prescription for sedatives.

Conclusions:

Although NMUPD is on a rather low level among those who have a prescription for legitimate purposes, having multiple prescriptions increased the likelihood of NMUPD. Low socio-economic position and binge drinking are associated with NMUPD and this should be taken into account when planning interventions and preventive actions.
Mobile netware, social graphs, and the reconfiguration of space
Authors: Agur Colin , Babones Salvatore
Published: April 2021

Scholars are well-aware that the smartphone is much more than just a mobile telephone. A plethora of applications have been developed to run on smartphones, covering just about every aspect of human life. What is distinctive about the fact that these apps run on smartphones (as opposed to other kinds of devices) is that the smartphone makes them mobile (the apps travel with the user) and locative (the apps know the location of the user). As a result, smartphone applications that take full advantage of these characteristics have the ability to bring users together in real space and real time. The key to the success of such “netware” apps is their generation and retention of social graphs that connect their users both socially and physically. Netware apps like ride hailing that are built around mobility and location have the potential to dramatically restructure economic and social life by reconfiguring their users’ experiences of the physical and temporal world. We use ride hailing as a case study to illustrate how the new social geographies generated by mobile netware apps interact with physical geography to generate a new sense of space that can only be mapped by the companies that “own” our social graphs.
Believing and sharing misinformation, fact-checks, and accurate information on social media: The role of anxiety during COVID-19
Authors: Freiling Isabelle , Krause Nicole M , Scheufele Dietram A , Brossard Dominique
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic went hand in hand with what some have called a “(mis)infodemic” about the virus on social media. Drawing on partisan motivated reasoning and partisan selective sharing, this study examines the influence of political viewpoints, anxiety, and the interactions of the two on believing and willingness to share false, corrective, and accurate claims about COVID-19 on social media. A large-scale 2 (emotion: anxiety vs relaxation) × 2 (slant of news outlet: MSNBC vs Fox News) experimental design with 719 US participants shows that anxiety is a driving factor in belief in and willingness to share claims of any type. Especially for Republicans, a state of heightened anxiety leads them to believe and share more claims. Our findings expand research on partisan motivated reasoning and selective sharing in online settings, and enhance the understanding of how anxiety shapes individuals’ processing of risk-related claims in issue contexts with high uncertainty.
Addition of compatibilized nanoclay to GFRCs for improved izod impact strength and tensile properties
Authors: Shelly Daksh , Nanda Tarun , Mehta Rajeev
Published: April 2021

This research examines the effect of nanoclay silanization/compatibilization on the izod impact strength and tensile properties of epoxy-clay-based glass fiber reinforced composites (GFRCs). As per the existing literature, a key step in silanization of clay is washing of the silanized clay with acetone to remove the excess of silane molecules. However, contrary to this, the present research shows that acetone washing of the silanized clay lowers the tensile properties. GFRCs containing 2 phr nanoclay were processed. Three different montmorillonite clays were used in the initial investigations (two organically modified nanoclays designated as “CA” and “IE” and one unmodified nanoclay designated as “PG”). Silane concentration was varied in the range of 100–400% as proportion of nanoclay loading (i.e. 1X, 2X, 3X, and 4X). Silanization was validated by FTIR. XRD/TEM revealed increased d-spacing for silanized nanoclay and a partially exfoliated clay morphology in GFRCs. Highest izod impact strength (37% higher than the reference GFRC) without any loss in tensile properties was observed for GFRC reinforced with acetone washed 2X silanized “PG” nanoclay. GFRCs reinforced with silanized unwashed nanoclay (3X) showed 27% improvement in izod impact strength with significantly improved tensile strength (16% higher than the reference sample).
Are byline biases an issue of the past? The effect of author’s gender and emotion norm prescriptions on the evaluation of news articles on gender equality
Authors: Dogruel Leyla , Joeckel Sven , Wilhelm Claudia
Published: April 2021

When female journalists write about issues of gender equality, they often become the target of incivility and their work is devaluated. Research has investigated such devaluations based on journalists’ gender under the scope of byline biases, analysing if it matters to readers whether a news piece is authored by a male or female journalist. In this paper, we set out to study if gender byline biases occur when journalists write about gender equality. As gender attributions become particularly salient through the presentation of gendered emotion norms, we also inquire in how it matters for readers’ interest in reading such an article and the attributed credibility of the author when an article prescribes gender-specific emotions. We report findings from two consecutive experimental studies, manipulating gender bylines and emotion norm prescriptions and include reader gender as a quasi-experimental factor. Our findings show that gender byline biases against female authors are depending on content and context characteristics and only become activated when gender cues are clearly visible. At the same time, we found a tendency to judge female authors as more credible for topics on gender equality, which (partly) mitigated negative effects on reading intention for female authors. The prescription of emotion norms did not further strengthen biases against female authors. Our study opens the path for further investigations into the question when gender bylines are activated and underlines the challenges for female journalists’ visibility when they address controversial issues such as gender equality.