bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Item Selection With Collaborative Filtering in On-The-Fly Multistage Adaptive Testing
Authors: Xiao Jiaying , Bulut Okan
Published: August 2022

An important design feature in the implementation of both computerized adaptive testing and multistage adaptive testing is the use of an appropriate method for item selection. The item selection method is expected to select the most optimal items depending on the examinees’ ability level while considering other design features (e.g., item exposure and item bank utilization). This study introduced collaborative filtering (CF) as a new method for item selection in the on-the-fly assembled multistage adaptive testing framework. The user-based CF (UBCF) and item-based CF (IBCF) methods were compared to the maximum Fisher information method based on the accuracy of ability estimation, item exposure rates, and item bank utilization under different test conditions (e.g., item bank size, test length, and the sparseness of training data). The simulation results indicated that the UBCF method outperformed the traditional item selection methods regarding measurement accuracy. Also, the IBCF method showed the most superior performance in terms of item bank utilization. Limitations of the current study and the directions for future research are discussed.
Resilience, infrastructure and the anti-social contract in neoliberal Britain
Authors: Bowles Benjamin OL
Published: August 2022

‘Resilience’, a quintessentially neoliberal concept, has never been a politically neutral discourse, its intellectual roots situated in the work of Friedrich Hayek and the birth of neoliberal economics. Nevertheless, resilience in infrastructure is often cast as a technocratic, apolitical consideration. This article argues that this is not the case. Using data collected during fieldwork with the UK Government Cabinet Office during a consultation on how to make infrastructure ‘resilient by design’, resilience discourse is shown to be a tool with which government departments, regulators and companies make communities increasingly responsible for the provision and maintenance of their own infrastructure while justifying service failures as inevitable. This is an under-explored discursive battleground in the neoliberal reframing of the social contract as anti-social; concerning the profit-driven logics of corporate entities as balanced by the rights of individual consumers, and no longer about the relationship between ‘the state’ and a collective civil society.
A new indicator: The diagnostic value of CD8+T/B lymphocyte ratio in sepsis progression
Authors: Peng Yizhi , Wang Xiaofan , Yin Sheng , Wang Min
Published: August 2022

Objective

To reveal the value of single lymphocyte subpopulation and their ratios in the progression of sepsis.

Methods

From January 2019 to March 2021, 39 sepsis patients, 16 septic shock patients, and 50 healthy volunteers were recruited in the Second Xiangya Hospital for this cross-sectional study. The absolute quantitation of CD4+T, CD8+T, B lymphocytes, and NK cells in peripheral blood were determined by flow cytometry. SPSS Software was used to analyze the results.

Results

On the whole, the numbers of lymphocytes in the sepsis group and in the septic shock group were lower than that in the healthy control group. Surprisingly, the percentage of CD8+T lymphocytes in the septic shock group was slightly higher than that in the sepsis group. The percentage of B lymphocytes in the sepsis group was higher than that in the healthy control group. The AUC of CD8+T/B was 0.724, with the sensitivity and specificity being 75.00% and 71.79%, respectively.

Conclusion

The immune expression pattern of patients with sepsis was not a simple decrease in the number of lymphocytes. The change in the ratios of lymphocyte subpopulation might be more meaningful along the development and progression of sepsis. The ratio of CD8+T/B could be used to diagnose the progression of sepsis and reduce the misdiagnosis rate to a certain extent.
Do Tip Percentages Affect Server Job Tenure, or Vice Versa?: Evidence From a Panel Dataset
Authors: Lynn Michael
Published: August 2022

Increasing compensation reduces turnover in other industries, but it is unclear if increasing tip percentages will reduce turnover among tipped service workers. This question was examined using a panel data set on the charge tips of restaurant servers over time from POS systems. The results indicate that tip percentages were generally consistent across servers’ running workday counts (in other words, across growing levels of server experience), but were slightly higher overall for those servers who ultimately stayed in the job for more workdays. These findings provide more compelling evidence of a potential tip percentage effect on server tenure than is provided by existing cross-sectional correlational data sets. However, the effect of servers’ average tip percentages on their tenure was relatively small—accounting for only 5% of the variance in server tenure, as compared to 14% accounted for by servers’ average dollar tips per day and 33% accounted for by servers’ average number of daily checks. Compensation is important, but when it comes to restaurant waitstaff turnover, other things may matter more.
Effect of weld-line on tensile properties for thermoplastic glass filled material
Authors: Jadhav Ganesh , Gaval Vivek , Divekar Mahesh
Published: August 2022

In an injection molding process, a weld-line forms when two flow fronts meet each other. Weld-line is a weak area which reduces the strength of the part locally. For multiple gate and complex part, molding weld-lines are unavoidable, therefore mechanical behavior of the weld-line needs to be predicted. This paper presents the effect of weld-lines on tensile properties of glass fibers reinforced polyamide-6 composite. An injection molding plaque tool has been designed and manufactured with the inputs from mold flow simulation software. The gating system is designed in such a way that the angle between two flow fronts is as minimum as possible, which theoretically gives the lowest strength at weld locations. The plaques are manufactured with BASF material Ultramid B3WG6 grade (glass filled 30%) which is a widely used engineering plastic material. Test specimens have been cut on a plaque for various angular positions. Experimental evaluation for tensile testing, tensile modulus, and stressstrain behavior for specimens with and without weld-line at different angular positions was evaluated as per ISO 527-2 standards. It has been established that the weld line significantly influences the tensile properties of the part. The presence of a weld line results in a significant decrease in the tensile strength of the part. Experimental results show approximately 58% reduction in tensile modulus and 49% reduction in stress at break values in specimen with weld-lines as compared to specimen without weld-lines.
The Interactive Effects of Education and Social Support on Cognition in African Americans
Authors: Byrd DeAnnah R. , Jiang Yanping , Zilioli Samuele , Lichtenberg Peter , Thorpe Roland J. , Whitfield Keith E.
Published: August 2022

Objectives: This study examines whether the effects of receiving and providing social support on cognition differ by education. Methods: Data from 602 African American adults (48–95 years) enrolled in the Baltimore Study of Black Aging—Patterns of Cognitive Aging were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Results: We found no main effects of receiving or providing social support on global cognition. Main effects for receiving or providing social support on memory were detected. Further, a significant moderation effect was observed for memory, such that received social support was more strongly associated with higher working memory among less-educated individuals than those with high levels of education, adjusting for age, sex, marital status, chronic conditions, and depressive symptoms. Discussion: Study findings demonstrate that social support and education have joint effects on memory outcomes, highlighting the importance of considering psychosocial protective factors that might alleviate, reduce, or even eliminate cognitive health disparities in African Americans.
A 6-DOF extended state observer–based adaptive generalized super twisting algorithm of fault-tolerant control for coupled spacecraft with actuator saturation
Authors: Mei Yafei , Gong Kejie , Liao Ying
Published: August 2022

This paper aims to address an integrated relative attitude and position fault-tolerant control strategy between a follower spacecraft and a leader spacecraft for coupled spacecraft tracking maneuver in the case of inertia parametric uncertainties, external disturbances, actuator failures, and saturation. The coupled rotational and translational kinematics and dynamics of the rigid spacecraft are derived on the Lie group SE(3), where the actuator failures and saturation are taken into account. Then, a 6-DOF extended state observer is proposed by using terminal sliding mode technique to estimate the lumped disturbance in finite time. An adaptive generalized super twisting algorithm of fault-tolerant controller is developed to guarantee the finite-time stability based on the estimated lumped disturbance information. The stability of the closed-loop system is proved in spite of the aforementioned disturbances via the Lyapunov analysis. Finally, the numerical simulation illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Involvement of caspase-3 in apoptosis of human lymphocytes exposed to cadmium chloride
Authors: Mirkamali Mona , Momeni Hamid Reza , Etemadi Tahereh , Mosayebi Ghasem , Komijani Majid
Published: August 2022

Background

Lymphocytes are a group of white blood cells with a variety of roles their integrity is crucial for the body’s immune responses. Cadmium, a heavy metal and environmental pollutant, is known as a toxicant to exert its adverse effects on some sort of cells including blood cells.

Research Design

In this study, human lymphocytes were divided into 3 groups: (1) lymphocytes at 0-h, (2) lymphocytes at 24 h (control), (3) lymphocytes treated with cadmium chloride (15 μM). Lymphocyte viability and plasma membrane integrity were assessed in these groups. In addition, the occurrence of apoptosis was investigated by assessment of nucleus diameter and flow cytometry. Activation of caspase-3 was also detected by immunocytochemistry.

Results

Result showed that lymphocyte’s viability and plasma membrane integrity decreased in lymphocytes treated with cadmium as compared with the control group. Decreased nucleus diameter and result of flow cytometry demonstrated cadmium-induced apoptosis in human lymphocytes. Furthermore, lymphocytes treated with cadmium displayed intensely activated caspase-3 immunoreactivity in their cytoplasm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cadmium not only negatively effect on viability and plasma membrane, but also induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in human lymphocytes.
Music therapy for reducing anxiety in patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery under subarachnoid anesthesia
Authors: Abdul Hamid Mohd Rahmat , Mansor Marzida B , Zainal Abidin Mohd Fitry
Published: August 2022

Background

Non-pharmacological interventions such as music are being increasingly used in clinical settings.

Objective

To assess the effects of music on patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR) surgery under subarachnoid anesthesia.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial examined participants (45/group) in a music and non-music group. Anxiety was measured in both the groups using (1) the adapted hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), (2) Spielberger state trait anxiety inventory (STAI-S), (3) visual analog scale (VAS), (4) cortisol levels, and (5) blood pressure. Music was delivered using an MP3 player and headphones. Hemodynamic data was collected before, during, and after music therapy. Cortisol and stress levels were measured postoperatively. VAS was assessed 30 min before surgery, 30 min after the administration of anesthesia, and 30 min after the surgery ended in the recovery room to obtain comparative data on pain levels at 3 different phases using a numeric rating scale.

Results

Changes in the mean VAS scores from the pre-to postoperative phase were significantly different between the music and non-music groups ( p = .001). The mean (±standard deviation [SD]) HADS and STAI-S scores of the non-music group were higher than those in the music group (HADS:15.58 ± 2.231 vs 11.91 ± 3.218; STAI-S: 54.04 ± 2.899 vs 48.87 ± 4.595). There were significant differences in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and mean heart rate between the groups based on time (both, p < .001). Correlation regression analysis for the cortisol level revealed a certain relationship between age and cortisol level ( p < .05).

Conclusions

These results suggest that music can reduce patients’ anxiety level in the operating room. Studies on music therapy for patients undergoing lower limb orthopedic surgery, especially under subarachnoid anesthesia, are extremely limited. Therefore, this study can serve as a reference regarding the application of music therapy in the medical field.
Performance through the lens of evaluation: How to stretch evaluative thinking with strategic decision-making tools
Authors: Harris Benjamin , Alderman Lyn
Published: August 2022

Australian higher education continues to be plagued with decreases in funding and increases in regulation. This is leading to a reality within many universities where quality alone is not enough to consider academic programs viable and sustainable. Today, universities compete fiercely for students, as increasing or retaining market share is required to remain financially sound. Universities usually make these difficult decisions through an analysis of internal student data as a metric of performance. Factors such as declining student enrolments, high attrition rates, low progression rates and poor student feedback would typically strike university executives as alarming; however, this is often not the full picture. This process can often become political and not grounded in evidence-based informed decision-making, as strategic decision-making to reduce academic programs may have direct impact on academic employment. Moreover, these analyses often lack independent evaluation and consideration of the broader environment. This can lead to tensions between faculty and university administration, which may lead to political outcomes guided by passionate academic debate rather than strategic evidence-based decision-making. This theoretical article outlines how an internal evaluation team can contribute to this exercise to stretch evaluative thinking by applying a range of strategic decision-making tools to evaluate academic program performance.
The Continuous Learning Framework: Applying accountability for widespread organisational change
Authors: Alderman Lyn
Published: August 2022

This article introduces the Continuous Learning Framework for quality within higher education and other internal evaluation contexts. The framework maps the terrain of this special issue, and consists of four elements: accountability, improvement, performance and investment. The article briefly describes the evolution of the framework including its application to a government reform package, before focussing on its practical application within a specific university context to stimulate widespread organisational change and improve the use of data in academic decision-making. For internal evaluators, the framework offers a structured way to step into strategic decision-making conversations with executives and a structured approach to embed quality or internal evaluation within policy, protocols and practice of governments, organisations, teams and individuals. Moreover, it facilitates capacity building and creates an environment conducive to continuous improvement leading to continuous learning. The framework and its application directly align with Deming’s work from the 1980s.
Medical emergency training for doctors and nurses in psychiatry: A quality improvement study
Authors: Sharma Divya Kiran , Dham Pallavi , McDermott Brett
Published: August 2022

Objective

We evaluated the impact of medical emergency simulation training on self-reported attitudes, confidence level and knowledge amongst psychiatric doctors and mental health nurses.

Methods

Before and following Essential Life Support (ELS) simulation training for medical emergencies, pre and post-questionnaires were employed. Paired t-tests were used to analyse change in self-reported attitudes, confidence in self and the team, and theoretical knowledge.

Results

In 37 participants we found significant improvement in doctors and nurses attitudes (t = 2.168 p < .05 and 2.651 p < .05) and doctor’s confidence t = 3.711 p < .001) following training. Knowledge increased for all participants and was significant for doctors (t = 2.112, p < .041). Comments supported training.

Conclusion

Many doctors and nurses in mental health feel inadequately prepared and lack confidence in themselves and their colleagues to respond to medical emergencies. A structured simulation course was useful to change attitudes and increase confidence and knowledge which could benefit the team and patients.
Management of Gynecologic Cancer During COVID-19 Pandemic: South Asian Perspective
Authors: Singh Nilanchali , Mishra Neha , Jayraj Aarthi S. , Ghatage Prafull
Published: August 2022

Management of gynecological cancers has suffered during the pandemic, partly due to lockdown and partly due to directing resources to manage COVID-19 patients. Modification of gynecological cancer management during this pandemic is recommended. Cervical cancer patients who present with stage IA1 disease can have a delay of up to 8 weeks for surgical treatment, considering the slow tumor growth rate. Women with stages IA2, IB1, IB2, IIA1 must undergo radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy within 6 to 8 weeks. In areas where surgical treatment is not available, patients should be referred for radiation therapy/areas with adequate surgical expertise. The surgical option is attractive for early cancers during the COVID era, as it involves a single visit compared to the multiple visits required for chemoradiation. The value of lymph node staging needs to be reconsidered. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy should be given preference over primary cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancers. Surgeries, which demand extended surgical time such as Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy and pelvic exenterations, should be avoided during this pandemic. For patients scheduled for interval surgery after two or three neoadjuvant cycles, six cycles of chemotherapy should be considered before surgery is performed. For early-stage, low-grade endometrial cancer, consideration should be given to medical management until surgery is possible. The above recommendations have been made keeping in mind the geography, patient load, and availability of resources available to health care providers from southeast Asia. They might not be applicable globally and every practitioner should take call regarding patient’s management as per availability of resources and loco-regional circumstances. The implementation of recommended international guidelines for the management of gynecologic cancers should take precedence. Each modification to the standard approach should be approved by a multidisciplinary team depending on the condition of the patients and the locoregional circumstances.
Colorectal Cancer Cell Differentiation Trajectory Predicts Patient Immunotherapy Response and Prognosis
Authors: Qin Yuling , Li Meiqin , Lin Qiumei , Pan Xiaolan , Liang Yihua , Huang Zhaodong , Liu Zhimin , Huang Lingsha , Fang Min
Published: August 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the differentiation state and clinical significance of colorectal cancer cells, as well as to predict the immune response and prognosis of patients based on differentiation-related genes of colorectal cancer.

Introduction

Colorectal cancer cells exhibit different differentiation states under the influence of the tumor microenvironment, which determines the cell fates.

Methods

We combined single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from The Cancer Genome Atlas source with extensive transcriptome data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. We obtained colorectal cancer differentiation-related genes using cell trajectory analysis and developed a colorectal cancer differentiation-related gene based molecular typing and prognostic model to predict the immune response and prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer.

Results

We identified 5 distinct cell differentiation subsets and 620 colorectal cancer differentiation-related genes. Colorectal cancer differentiation-related genes were significantly associated with metabolism, angiogenesis, and immunity. We separated patients into 3 subtypes based on colorectal cancer differentiation-related gene expression in the tumor and found differences among the different subtypes in immune infiltration status, immune checkpoint gene expression, clinicopathological features, and overall survival. Immunotherapeutic interventions involving a highly expressed immune checkpoint blockade may be selectively effective in the corresponding cancer subtypes. We built a risk score prediction model (5-year AUC: .729) consisting of the 4 most important predictors of survival (TIMP1, MMP1, LGALS4, and ITLN1). Finally, we generated and validated a nomogram consisting of the risk score and clinicopathological variables.

Conclusion

This study highlights the significance of genes involved in cell differentiation for clinical prognosis and immunotherapy in patients and provides prospective therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer.
Enabling efficient execution of a variational data assimilation application
Authors: Dennis John M , Baker Allison H , Dobbins Brian , Bell Michael M , Sun Jian , Kim Youngsung , Cha Ting-Yu
Published: August 2022

Remote sensing observational instruments are critical for better understanding and predicting severe weather. Observational data from such instruments, such as Doppler radar data, for example, are often processed for assimilation into numerical weather prediction models. As such instruments become more sophisticated, the amount of data to be processed grows and requires efficient variational analysis tools. Here we examine the code that implements the popular SAMURAI (Spline Analysis at Mesoscale Utilizing Radar and Aircraft Instrumentation) technique for estimating the atmospheric state for a given set of observations. We employ a number of techniques to significantly improve the code’s performance, including porting it to run on standard HPC clusters, analyzing and optimizing its single-node performance, implementing a more efficient nonlinear optimization method, and enabling the use of GPUs via OpenACC. Our efforts thus far have yielded more than 100x improvement over the original code on large test problems of interest to the community.
A nondestructive approach to predict buckling load of composite lattice-core sandwich conical shells based on vibration correlation technique
Authors: Zarei Mehdi , Rahimi Gholamhossein H
Published: August 2022

In this paper the vibration correlation technique (VCT) has been used as a nondestructive method for predicting the buckling load of the composite lattice-core sandwich conical shells. This technique is capable of predicting the buckling load of different structures without reaching the failure point through modal testing. The composite lattice-core sandwich conical shell has been fabricated using a filament winding process. To perform the expriment, the fundamental natural frequency of the specimen is measured under stepped axial compression loading. The procedure is followed up without actually reaching the instability point when the structure collapses and is no longer usable. A finite element model has also been built in ABAQUS in order to determine the correlation between natural frequency and applied compressive load. A comparison of the results indicated that the VCT has provided a reliable estimate of the buckling load of composite lattice-core sandwich conical shells, especially when the structure is loaded up to at least 66% of the experimental buckling load and accuracy of the VCT decreases when the maximum load is lower than 43% of the buckling load. Results also revealed that the linear fitted curve is unsuitable for the correlation between frequency of vibration and applied load in order to predict buckling load.
Polymorphisms in Cytokine Receptor and Regulator Genes are Associated with Levels of Exercise in Women Prior to Breast Cancer Surgery
Authors: Haas Nadia D. , Viele Carol , Paul Steve M. , Abrams Gary , Smoot Betty , Melisko Michelle , Levine Jon D. , Miaskowski Christine , Kober Kord M.
Published: August 2022

Background: Little is known about the genetic characteristics associated with exercise in women undergoing breast cancer surgery. Purpose: In a sample of women who were evaluated prior to breast cancer surgery ( n = 310), we evaluated for differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between patients who did and did not exercise on a regular basis and evaluated for associations between polymorphisms in genes for pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, their receptors, and their transcriptional regulators. Methods: Patients completed an investigator-developed exercise questionnaire. Based on the recommended level of exercise (≥150 minutes/week), survivors were classified into no exercise (NoEx), less exercise (LessEx), or recommended exercise (RecEx) groups. Candidate gene analyses were done to identify relationships between polymorphisms and exercise group membership (i.e., NoEx vs. RecEx). Only 23.5% of the total sample met the recommendations for regular exercise. Results: Compared to the RecEx group ( n = 78), patients in the NoEx group ( n = 120) had less education; were less likely to report being White or Asia/Pacific Islander; more likely to report a lower household income; had a higher body mass index (BMI), had a poorer functional status; had a higher comorbidity burden; were more likely to self-report high blood pressure; and were more likely to have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Polymorphisms in IFNGR1 and NFKB1 were associated with membership in the NoEx group. Conclusions: While they warrant replication, our findings suggest that variations in cytokine-related genes may play a role in exercise behavior, and that clinicians need to assess for barriers to regular exercise and educate patients on its benefits.
Multi-objective optimization of a sandwich structure with a hybrid composite grid core
Authors: Kermani Alireza , Ehsani Amir
Published: August 2022

This study evaluated two multi-objective optimization problems of a hybrid composite grid core sandwich structure, aiming at maximizing the critical buckling load while minimizing the structural weight or the costs of raw materials. The sandwich structure had a core with a composite isogrid pattern covered by two composite skins, and design variables included the space between core ribs, the core rotation angle, and the dimensions and materials of ribs. The stiffeners of the core were considered with I and box cross sections to investigate the cross section effect of ribs. The results showed that materials with high density and low mechanical properties are not suitable for reducing cost and weight. Geometrically, the use of cross-section and box has a significant effect on the buckling load capacity of the structure. Although two different criteria have been used to design the structure, the end results are almost the same. Moreover, the First-order Shear Deformation Plate Theory and the Ritz method were utilized to obtain the buckling load. Finally, the optimal alternative was found among the existing ones using the continuous genetic algorithm approach.
A variable stiffness energy dissipation device for drift control of steel frames
Authors: Zheng Tie , Lui Eric M
Published: August 2022

A novel variable stiffness energy dissipation device is conceptualized and numerically studied in this paper. The proposed device is a passive device that consists of an array of helical springs arranged in the form of a series of von Mises trusses anchored between two tubes. Under an external excitation, the tubes move relative to each other and energy is dissipated when the von Mises trusses undergo snap-through and snap-back actions. After presenting the theoretical underpinning of this device, its behavior is programmed using C++ and incorporated into the framework of an open-source software OpenSees. Non-linear time history analyses are then performed on several shear, moment resisting and braced frames to demonstrate the effectiveness of the device in dissipating energy and reducing structural deformations. The results show that the proposed device is capable of reducing both the peak and residual displacements of shear and moment frames, and preventing brace buckling of braced frames under three different levels of earthquake severity.
Effect of size on the eccentric compression performance of damaged square RC columns strengthened with CFRP: An experimental study
Authors: Si Jianhui , Li Kai , Zeng Zhaobao , Liu Zewei , Hu Jiannan
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to experimentally analyze the effect of size on the eccentric compression performance of damaged square Reinforced concrete (RC) columns reinforced with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) in a bid to improve the rationality of the design of CFRP-reinforced large concrete members. In the experiment, 18 square RC columns with proportional sizes were prepared, and the principle of the proportional changes in the size was strictly controlled. The effects of the size, eccentricity, pre-damage, and number of CFRP layers were considered in the experiment, and the bearing capacity, lateral deflection, rebar strain, CFRP strain, and failure modes of RC columns of different sizes before and after the reinforcement were studied. The experimental results showed that the CFRP reinforcement could improve the bearing capacity and deformability of damaged square RC columns under small eccentric compression; however, the reinforcement effect gradually decreased with increasing size. When the cross-sectional dimensions were 100, 200, and 300 mm, the bearing capacity increased by 26.17%, 17.27%, and 12.98%, respectively, and the ductility coefficient increased by 104%, 44.80%, and 35.20%, respectively.
Reclaiming the witch: Processes and heroic outcomes of consumer mythopoesis
Authors: Zanette Maria Carolina , Rinallo Diego , Mimoun Laetitia
Published: August 2022

Although previous research has investigated consumer mythopoesis (consumers’ identity work using marketplace myths), little is known about its enactment involving ambiguous myths. Here, we investigate the myth of the witch (predominantly depicted by dominant mythmakers as a villain but recently repositioned more positively) and describe how consumers reclaim the empowering and heroic aspects of the ambiguous witch myth. Based on a qualitative study using archival data and in-depth interviews with self-proclaimed witches, we argue that the witch’s ambiguity originates in different mythopoetic cycles. Then, we describe the following processes through which consumers reclaim positive cycles: incarnating the myth, coming out to selected others and practising myth-related craft. Finally, we show that reclaiming results in new forms of heroic agency that amplify the myth’s ambiguity and identity value. Our results reveal that consumers cope with market-wide paradoxical injunctions, stressful situations and marginalisation by transforming these pressures into acts of self-heroism.
An examination of the mediating effect of Islamic Work Ethic (IWE) on the relationship between job satisfaction and job performance in Arab work environment
Authors: AL Smadi Audai Naji , Amaran Safiya , Abugabah Ahed , Alqudah Nader
Published: August 2022

Studying the role of religion and its relationship to work outcomes is not new in cross-culture management, especially in globalization with the increase of interaction in cross-cultural settings. Islamic work ethics (IWE) have attracted the attention of academics studying the attitudes and behaviors of workers in Muslim societies. This study investigates the role of IWE as a mediator in the relationship between job satisfaction and performance. A stratified sampling technique was used to select 11 emergency departments from hospitals in Jordan. In total, 475 questionnaires were distributed to healthcare providers. Only 299 questionnaires were completed and returned to the research team. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. Descriptive analysis, correlation, Cronbach alpha, and regression analyses were performed. The findings indicated that job satisfaction has a significant positive impact on IWE and job performance (B = 0.66, p < 0.001), (B = 0.58, p < 0.001), respectively. The findings also indicated that IWE directly and positively affects job performance (B = 0.70, p < 0.001). Overall, the results supported that IWE partially mediates the relationship between job satisfaction and performance. Similarly, job satisfaction was also found to be an essential predictor of IWE. In addition, job satisfaction indirectly affects job performance through IWE. Therefore, IWE plays an essential role in job satisfaction and performance relationship. This study is an attempt to create a conceptual framework that incorporated IWE into the relationship between job satisfaction and performance in the Arab working culture and tried to broaden the cross-cultural management study of religion by investigating the mediation role of IWE in the relationship between job satisfaction and performance. The current study contributes to expand our understanding of the importance of IWE to the relationship between job satisfaction and performance in the Arab cultural context, which has received less attention in management research.
Visualizing connections: University campus and social infrastructure
Authors: Pavan Luís H , Oliveira Lucas F , Mangrich Camila P , Harthmann Gabriela , Kos Jose R
Published: August 2022

As a social infrastructure, the material substrates of a campus intertwine with the sociabilities it supports. Intending to identify the integration potential between a Brazilian public university campus and its surrounding neighborhoods, we mapped the campus’ social infrastructures and identified through diagrammatic studies its morphological dimensions. Internet routers distributed on the university campus provided georeferenced data of the human dynamics on campus. Counting user connections in groups of access points, we obtained the population density of the potential social infrastructure use. Afterward, associating Wi-Fi data and typological information, we traced itineraries that connect these infrastructures. The results encompass a systemic view that highlights the campus’ potential to develop sociability within a complex service network. Furthermore, through new readings of the social infrastructures, we suggest alternative potential uses. These results highlight the hybrid methodologies that associate objective characteristics of the built environment with data-driven methodologies, such as Wi-Fi-generated datasets.
Effects of Question Characteristics on Item Nonresponse in Telephone and Web Survey Modes
Authors: Lipps Oliver , Monsch Gian-Andrea
Published: August 2022

Telephone surveys face more and more criticism because of decreasing coverage and increasing costs, and the risk of producing socially desirable answers. Consequently, survey administrators consider switching their surveys to the web mode, although the web mode is more susceptible to item nonresponse. Still, we do not know whether this is true for all question types. In this article, we analyze to what extent item nonresponse depends on question characteristics such as their form or difficulty in the telephone and the web mode. We use data from an experiment in which individuals randomly sampled from a population register are experimentally assigned to these two modes. Distinguishing effects on the frequency of don’t know responses, item refusals, and mid-scale responding, we find more don’t know responses and item refusals for the web mode generally, but no differences for mid-scale responding. However, this relationship depends on the characteristics of the question.
“The Second Sentencing”: A Qualitative Exploration of Women Going Up for Parole
Authors: Sanders Kaelyn
Published: August 2022

Most prior studies of parole hearings focus on the parole board members’ vantage point rather than the parole-seeking individual. When parole-seeking individuals’ experiences are explored, the research typically uses male samples with few women. Therefore, little is known about parole-seeking women’s experiences. Using a thematic analysis and data from 15 interviews with system-involved women, the current study examines their parole hearing experiences and reflections. Findings contribute to the literature on parole-seeking individuals by explaining women’s feelings throughout the process, the support they receive, and how they prepared for their hearing. The findings inform recommendations for future research and practical implications.
Effects of a mitochondrial-acting drug on ischemia/reperfusion-induced ventricular arrhythmias, cardiac mitochondrial function and inflammatory cytokines in rat: Role of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels
Authors: Zhang Xin , Li Geng
Published: August 2022

Objective

Ischemia/reperfusion (IR)-induced myocardial arrhythmias are a common clinical manifestation in patients with myocardial infarction after reperfusion therapy. Mitochondria play a critical role in cardioprotection. Here, we investigated the effects of KH176 as a new mitochondrial-acting drug on IR-induced ventricular arrhythmias, mitochondrial function, pro-inflammatory cytokines production, and the role of mitochondrial ATP-dependent K (mK-ATP) channels in rats’ hearts.

Methods

The hearts of Sprague Dawley rats (250 ± 30 g; 36 rats) underwent 35 min of ischemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion. Myocardial in vivo ischemia was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. KH176 at concentrations of 10 and 50 μM was intraperitoneally injected to rats 10 min before reperfusion onset. Ventricular arrhythmias were quantified during reperfusion, and cardiac mitochondrial function, nitric oxide, and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels were measured by fluorometric, spectrophotometric, and ELISA techniques.

Results

Administration of KH176 significantly reduced lactate-dehydrogenase release and the number, duration, incidence, and severity of ventricular arrhythmias induced by reperfusion injury. IR-induced elevation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, and cardiac pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, as well as reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP and nitric oxide levels were significantly restored by KH176 at 50 μM. However, the blockade of mK-ATP channels by 5-hydroxydecanoate considerably inhibited the effects of KH176 on all parameters except nitric oxide.

Conclusion

KH176 showed strong cardiac antiarrhythmic effects on IR-induced injury through improving mitochondrial function and reducing inflammatory and oxidative responses, and these protective effects are mediated by cardiac mK-ATP channels.
Comparison of Two Anterior Reconstructive Techniques in the Treatment of 3-Level and 4 Level Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Meta-analysis of Last Decade
Authors: Wang Tao , Guo Junfei , Long Yubin , Hou Zhiyong
Published: August 2022

Study Design

A meta-analysis.

Objective

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) are widely used in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). However, the clinical outcomes and complications between ACDF and ACCF treating multi-level CSM remain poorly understood. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to compare the clinical outcomes and complications of the two procedures in the treatment of 3-level and 4-level CSM.

Methods

An extensive search of the literature was performed in the English databases of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library and the Chinese databases of CNKI and WANFANG. We collected factors, including demographic data, surgical factors, and complications. Data analysis was conducted with RevMan 5.3 and STATA 12.0.

Results

Finally, 14 articles (5429 patients) were included in our study. No significant difference was found in preoperative and 3-month follow-up Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, neck disability index, preoperative C2-C7, segmental angle, operation time, as well as the number of dysphagia, hoarseness, cerebral fluid leakage, infection, epidural hematoma, axial pain, hardware breakage, and pseudarthrosis between ACDF and ACCF. However, our findings showed that blood loss ( P < 0.00001), the number of total complications ( P < 0 .00001), C5 palsy ( P = 0.0004), graft dislodgement ( P = 0.02), graft subsidence ( P = 0.0003), and revision surgery ( P = 0.0008) in ACDF were significantly less than in ACCF. Additionally, postoperative and change of C2-C7 ( P < 0.00001), segment angle ( P < 0.00001), and fusion rate ( P = 0.001) in ACDF were significantly higher than in ACCF. Post-operative JOA in ACDF was significantly higher than in ACCF ( P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Although the clinical efficacy of both surgeries was similar, ACDF was superior to ACCF in the reconstruction of cervical lordosis and the number of complications in the treatment of 3-level and 4-level CSM.
Response of Local Government towards the Rural Dalits during the Second Wave of COVID-19: A Ground Experience from Remuna Block in the Balasore District of Odisha
Authors: Malik Gayadhar
Published: August 2022

Dalit masses have historically been deprived of all sorts of privileges both socially and economically. But the debacle experience of rural Dalits during the pandemic in developing countries like India pose serious difficulties and challenges for accessing state-sponsored package and the state of Odisha is not an exception in this regard. Though Dalits’ conditions still remain unchanged due to ill practices of untouchability, the recent surge of coronavirus further pushed them into a deep catastrophic situation. This new experience brought multiple burdens on Dalits that affects their livelihood where poverty and malnutrition increased to some extent. In addition, the response of local governments during the first wave of COVID-19 across the country proved encouraging, but with the emergence of the second wave of COVID-19, it becomes pathetic in all aspects, which caused thousands of infections and deaths. The condition of rural Dalits of Odisha remains unchanged though the Constitution of India guarantees rights for all-round development of all sections of people, Dalits still suffer from exploitation and discrimination. This study attempts to understand the response of local government towards the rural Dalits of Odisha during the second wave of COVID-19 and tries to explore the ground reality that there is inherent local corruption and mismanagement of local funds, which caused the worst conditions for rural Dalits in the villages where majority populations are Dalits. The findings and inferences of the study reveal that Dalits of Odisha in general and Remuna Block of Balasore district in particular, faced more challenges in income, education and lack of health facilities during the second wave of COVID-19 due to their marginalization and lack of knowledge about COVID-19 having low economic status. The suggestive measures have been made at the end of the article to minimize such unpleasant conditions of Dalits and their miserable conditions at any stage, especially during the outbreak of any pandemic, natural calamities must be taken into consideration by focusing on different social and economic dimensions that empower the Dalits.
Insights into turning points from the perspective of young people with out-of-home care experience: events, impact and facilitators of change
Authors: Roberts Louise , Scourfield Jonathan , Taussig Heather
Published: August 2022

Young people with experience of out-of-home care have usually faced significant adversities whilst growing up. Adults aged 18–22 from a Western US state, who were part of a longitudinal study and originally recruited when in out-of-home care, were asked whether they had experienced a major turning point that changed the way they thought about something or how they behaved. Four in five reported having had such a turning point and the vast majority saw theirs as positive. A qualitative overview is provided of themes from these responses. Turning points were linked to actions and achievements, positive relationships and resources, and personal reflection. Reference was made to both objective and subjective change and turning points arising both from specific events and from extended processes. Some seemingly mundane events and interactions had a powerful impact. The findings suggest the on-going potential for care-experienced children and young people to have turning points, despite past adversity and current challenges. Opportunities need to be offered to support the development of agency, bolster self-esteem and aspiration, and offer reassurance, so that in the event of future adversity, care-experienced young people might have the personal resources to navigate and create meaning.
The key role of education for Flemish care leavers
Authors: Gypen Laura , West Delphine , Stas Lara , Verheyden Camille , Van Holen Frank , Vanderfaeillie Johan
Published: August 2022

Research consistently shows that both foster- and residential care leavers achieve lower levels of educational qualification in comparison to the general population. However, in Western society, education remains an important gateway to success in employment, income and housing opportunities. This study explores and predicts educational achievement of care leavers in Flanders and investigates the effect of educational attainment on other outcomes (employment, income and housing). The study involves 220 care leavers (both family foster care ( n = 138) and residential care ( n = 82)). Data was collected using a self-reporting questionnaire touching multiple domains. The participants of the study (77 male, 143 female) are between 21 and 27 years old. Both foster- and residential care leavers achieve significantly lower qualifications, earn less and more often experience homelessness than their peers from the general population. Residential care leavers achieve lower qualifications and are more often unemployed than foster care leavers. Multiple regression analyses indicate that the level of qualification is a key factor in determining the results on employment, income and education. More placements and less support during the time in care are significantly associated with lower educational achievements. This lower qualification brings significantly higher risks of unemployment, financial- and housing obstacles in the long term. It is therefore important to support young care leavers in attaining their qualification, therefore providing equal opportunities in our society. Policy makers should focus on increased support regarding education during the time in care. School- and placement changes should be minimized, and society ought to invest in psychological support during placement.