bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model-free robust adaptive control of overhead cranes with finite-time convergence based on time-delay control
Authors: Liu Suqi , Xu Weimin
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a model-free robust adaptive control scheme with finite-time convergence based on time-delay control is proposed for anti-sway and positioning control of two-dimensional underactuated overhead cranes. First, the whole overhead cranes system is simplified to an ultra-local model for time delay estimation (TDE). TDE brings a direct and effective model-free property but also an estimation error. Second, a sliding mode disturbance observer is designed to estimate and compensate for the TDE error. Third, sliding mode control (SMC) is used to enhance the robustness of the controller. An adaptive integral sliding surface is then designed to accelerate the sliding surface convergence rate and shorten the convergence time. To further optimize the selection of parameters, the parameter estimation is integrated to enhance the performance of model-free control. In the final analysis of the simulation, data yield that the introduction of parameter estimation increases the control performance by more than 20% on average, and the above facts verify the effectiveness of the scheme. Finally, the stability of the closed-loop control system is analyzed by using Lyapunov stability theory, and the effectiveness and robustness of the control scheme are verified through computer simulation results.
autoRasch: An R Package to Do Semi-Automated Rasch Analysis
Authors: Wijayanto Feri , Bucur Ioan Gabriel , Groot Perry , Heskes Tom
Published: October 2022

The R package autoRasch has been developed to perform a Rasch analysis in a (semi-)automated way. The automated part of the analysis is achieved by optimizing the so-called in-plus-out-of-questionnaire log-likelihood (IPOQ-LL) or IPOQ-LL-DIF when differential item functioning (DIF) is included. These criteria measure the quality of fit on a pre-collected survey, depending on which items are included in the final instrument. To compute these criteria, autoRasch fits the generalized partial credit model (GPCM) or the generalized partial credit model with differential item functioning (GPCM-DIF) using penalized joint maximum likelihood estimation (PJMLE). The package further allows the user to reevaluate the output of the automated method and use it as a basis for performing a manual Rasch analysis and provides standard statistics of Rasch analyses (e.g., outfit, infit, person separation reliability, and residual correlation) to support the model reevaluation.
How Shareholders Impact Stakeholder Interests: A Review and Map for Future Research
Authors: DesJardine Mark R. , Zhang Muhan , Shi Wei
Published: October 2022

Research on how shareholders influence the interests of stakeholders has proliferated in recent years, at pace with the active debate on the merits of “stakeholder capitalism.” This research has sought to unpack: (1) the types of shareholders that affect stakeholder-relevant firm outcomes, (2) the mechanisms through which shareholders exert their influence on stakeholders’ interests, (3) the types of stakeholders that are influenced by shareholders, and (4) the factors that moderate the influence of shareholders on stakeholder-relevant firm outcomes. However, this literature is highly fragmented, as it spans the boundaries of various disciplines, draws on different theoretical frameworks, and is based on diverse assumptions. Moreover, exsiting research discusses outcome variables that are relevant to stakeholders, but not from the perspective of stakeholder interests. A comprehensive review of the literature is essential for understanding the heterogeneity of shareholders in terms of their impact on other stakeholders. In the absence of such an endeavor, we systematically review, synthesize, interpret, and critique literature published over the past three decades in leading management, sociology, finance, and accounting journals. Focusing on articles about how shareholders influence stakeholder interests through firms' decisions and outcomes, we chart a promising path for future studies to more fully unpack the complex relationships between shareholders and various other stakeholders.
Pluralistic Collaboration in Science and Technology: Reviewing Knowledge Systems, Culture, Norms, and Work Styles
Authors: Halfon Saul , Sovacool Benjamin K.
Published: October 2022

This paper challenges the language of “interdisciplinarity,” suggesting “pluralistic collaboration” as a better alternative. Interdisciplinarity, team science, and transdisciplinarity frame academic and problem-focused collaborations narrowly, overemphasizing epistemology, downplaying extra-disciplinary divides and nonacademic collaborators, and either ignoring or psychologizing individual-level phenomena. We first paint a picture of the tensions and divides that exist in pluralistic collaborations, in three dimensions—epistemic, cultural, and normative—using a series of literature reviews to simultaneously map and extend these dimensions. We then introduce and explore a fourth dimension—academic work styles. Individual level considerations of collaboration in the literature generally rely on psychological types. We explore what a more sociologically oriented approach to individual dynamics within collaborations would look like by identifying and exploring four general academic work styles: isolationist, imperialist, pragmatist, and pluralist. We conclude by emphasizing and reflecting on pluralistic collaboration. Pluralism exists along a range of dimensions, and pluralizing or homogenizing different dimensions (pluralizing pluralism) can produce diverse effects on the outcome of interdisciplinary collaboration. While we thus advocate for pluralism along a greater range of dimensions when addressing complex problems, we suggest that over-pluralization can be a problem.
Determinants of Length of Stay after Neonatal Cardiac Surgery Using Path Analysis
Authors: Erickson Lori A. , Ricketts Amy , Swanson Tara , Weiner Julie , Hasnie Usman A. , Bonessa Katherine , Noel-Macdonnell Janelle , Russell Cynthia L.
Published: October 2022

After neonatal cardiac surgery, families, and the health care team strive for exclusive oral feedings before hospital discharge. With the hypothesis that exclusive oral feedings would reduce the length of stay (LOS), a multidimensional path analysis was used to examine a cross-section of 280 neonates from 2009 to 2013. Buttigieg, Abela, and Pace’s theoretical framework of structural and process-related determinants of LOS was modeled with hypothesis-driven correlation and directionality. The recursive path model had a good global and local fit with outcome variances of 26% for exclusive oral feeding and LOS. In the full cohort and model groups (single and biventricular), when controlling for covariances: sepsis, birth distance, necrotizing enterocolitis, genetic differences, specialty consults, the age at which neonatal cardiac surgery occurred (β = .23, p ≤ .001) and the duration of postoperative intubation (β = .47, p ≤ .001) more significantly influenced the LOS than intermediate mediation of exclusive oral feedings at discharge.
Factors associated with stunting among children in Mvomero district Tanzania
Authors: Maseta Elina Jacob
Published: October 2022

Background: Under nutrition has been a major problem in developing countries including Tanzania; hence, contributing to about half of the deaths among young children. Objective: The current study aimed at identifying child feeding practices and determinants of stunting in children under the age of five years in Mvomero District. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 150 mother-child pairs was carried out in Turiani ward, Mvomero district in Morogoro region. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with stunting. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered sta­tistically significant. Five focus group discussions comprising 5–9 mothers with children below five years participated in the study. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data from the in-depth interviews. Results: The prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting in Mvomero district was 16.8, 42.2, and 6.2% respectively. Pre-lacteal feeding was common in the study area (40%). Children were introduced to complementary food too early (<6 months) with plain maize porridge being the first food introduced. About 57.2% of children were on the lowest tercile (≤3 food groups per day) dietary diversity score. Significant determinants of stunting were the family source of income (AOR 1.63, 95% CI: 1.99–2.3), age of a child (AOR 2.66, 95% CI: 1.03–3.50) and family size (AOR 3.22, 95% CI: 1.61–4.27). Other factors were consumption of animal foods (AOR 5.30, 95% CI: 0.26–0.60) and dietary diversity score (AOR 1.615, 95% CI: 1.014–2.574). Conclusion: Child feeding practices in the study area are sub-optimal. These findings have important implications for interventions to address stunting among children.
Commentary on Cochrane review: “Ketamine and other glutamate receptor modulators for depression in adults with unipolar major depressive disorder”
Authors: Borentain Stephane , Desai Pooja , Fu Dong-Jing , Nancy Chen Li , Lane Rosanne , Mathews Maju , Canuso Carla M
Published: October 2022

Background:

Cochrane recently published a review of esketamine and other glutamate receptor modulators in depression.

Aim:

To address the limitations of the review, analyses of esketamine data were conducted to provide additional perspective to the reviewers’ interpretation of their findings.

Methods:

Response rate, remission rate, and change from baseline in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score were determined using data from all esketamine phase 2/3 registration studies of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and, separately, all esketamine phase 2/3 registration studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and active suicidal ideation with intent. Outcomes were assessed at all timepoints (i.e., 24 h, 72 h (MDD with active suicidal intent only), and 1, 2, and 4 weeks). Enrollment criteria of the TRD studies were different than those of the studies of MDD and active suicidal ideation with intent, resulting in differences in patients’ clinical characteristics and depression severity between the cohorts. Thus, we did not compare results between these cohorts (as was done in the Cochrane review).

Results/outcomes:

In the combined TRD studies, a statistically significant between-group difference favored esketamine plus antidepressant over antidepressant plus placebo at 24 h (based on response, remission, and change in MADRS score), 1 week (change in MADRS score), 2 weeks (response and change in MADRS score), and 4 weeks (response, remission, and change in MADRS score). In the combined studies of MDD and active suicidal ideation with intent, the between-group difference was statistically different, favoring esketamine plus standard-of-care over placebo plus standard-of-care, at 24 h (response, remission, and change in MADRS score), 72 h and 1 week (change in MADRS score), 2 weeks (response), and 4 weeks (response, remission, and change in MADRS score). For both study types, the between-group difference in outcomes was not statistically significant at the other timepoints.

Conclusions/interpretation:

Esketamine improves response, remission, and depressive symptoms as early as 24 h post-first dose among patients with TRD and among patients with MDD and active suicidal ideation with intent.
Creating Food Learning Opportunities for Adults Within Urban Settings: A Framework for Food Pedagogies
Authors: Park Soo Jin , Yeatman Heather , Russell Joanna , MacPhail Catherine
Published: October 2022

Globally, food is acknowledged as a primary focus for addressing challenges facing cities. City councils create and support food-related policies or strategies to enhance healthy and sustainable environments, and multiple food practitioners engage closely with these initiatives. However, the visibility of educational aspects of food within governments, policy development, public spaces, or across society is limited. There is a lack of evidence about how pedagogical frameworks can inform these initiatives. This study aims to develop a draft food pedagogies framework, whose application can inform food initiatives beyond the classroom to increase adults’ awareness of, engagement with and empowered action relating to food, with the goal to advance societal health and sustainability. A qualitative approach included semi-structured interviews with 39 experienced food leaders from diverse food-related fields in Australia. Using thematic analysis, five key themes to assist adults learn about food in everyday life settings were identified: (1) Making use of (in)formal pedagogical spaces in communities; (2) Encouraging interactions with a range of people related to food; (3) Creating enjoyable and practical experiences as part of daily lives; (4) Developing supportive and transparent systems that reflect communities’ needs; and (5) Utilizing broader social issues. A proposed framework, based on the five themes and existing theoretical frameworks, can be used to inform policy makers and diverse food practitioners to develop urban food strategies that aim to create food-centred changes within urban settings toward societal health and sustainability.
Characteristics and outcomes of surgical patients admitted to an overnight intensive recovery unit: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Costa-Pinto Rahul , Yanase Fumitaka , Kennedy Lucy M , Talbot Lachie J , Flanagan Jeremy PM , Opdam Helen I , Ellard Louise M , Bellomo Rinaldo , Jones Daryl A
Published: October 2022

Postoperative ‘enhanced care’ models that sit between critical care and ward-based care may allow for more cost-effective and efficient utilisation of resources for high-risk surgical patients. In this retrospective observational study, we describe an overnight intensive recovery model in a tertiary hospital, termed ‘recovery high dependency unit’, and the characteristics, treatment, disposition at discharge and in-hospital outcomes of patients admitted to this unit. We included all adult patients (≥18 years) admitted to the recovery high dependency unit for at least one hour between July 2017 and June 2020. Over this three-year period, 1257 patients were included in the study. The median length of stay in the recovery high dependency unit was 12.6 (interquartile range 9.1–15.9) hours and the median length of hospital stay was 8.3 (interquartile range 5.0–17.3) days. Hospital discharge data showed that 1027 (81.7%) patients were discharged home and that 37 (2.9%) patients died. Non-invasive ventilation was delivered to 59 (4.7%) patients and 290 (23.1%) required vasopressor support. A total of 164 patients (13.0%) were admitted to the intensive care unit following their recovery high dependency unit admission. Of the 1093 patients who were discharged to the ward, 70 patients (6.4%) had a medical emergency team call within 24 hours of discharge from the recovery high dependency unit. In this study of a recovery high dependency unit patient cohort, there was a relatively low need for intensive care unit admission postoperatively and a very low incidence of medical emergency team calls post-discharge to the ward. Other institutions may consider the introduction and evaluation of this model in the care of their higher risk surgical patients.
Washing of residues from the circular economy prior to sustainable landfill: Effects on long-term impacts
Authors: Luo Qingliu , Grossule Valentina , Lavagnolo Maria Cristina
Published: October 2022

Sustainable landfill continues to play a fundamental role in closing the loop of residual materials of the circular economy. The sustainable landfill relies on both pretreatments and in situ treatments to stabilize the residual waste and immobilize the contaminants, achieving the final storage quality (FSQ) within one generation (typically 30 years). The aim of the study was to investigate the efficiency of the waste washing pretreatment in reducing the waste leaching fraction prior to landfilling, and in decreasing the time needed to reach the FSQ. A laboratory scale washing test was performed on three different kinds of residues from municipal solid waste treatment, usually landfilled: residues sieved from separately collected bio-waste (RB); residues sieved from compost (RC); and residues sieved from mixed waste treatment-plastic line (RP). Column landfill simulation tests were performed to predict and compare the landfill long-term emissions of both washed and raw residues. The results revealed that the washing pretreatment significantly reduced the leachable fraction of contaminants, decreasing the time needed to reach the chemical oxygen demand and ammonia FSQ limits. However, RP residue was the only one respecting the FSQ limits within 30 years.
Performance evaluation of melamine derivatives as flame retardant additive in chicken feather containing thermoplastic polyurethane biocomposites
Authors: Mutlu Aysenur , Tayfun Umit , Dogan Mehmet
Published: October 2022

The objective of this research is to examine the potential use of melamine derivatives namely melamine cyanurate (MC), melamine phosphate (MP), and melamine polyphosphate (MPP) as flame retardant additives in chicken feather (CF) containing thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The performances of the composites are evaluated using limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical UL-94 (UL-94 V), and mass loss calorimeter (MLC) tests. The V0 rating is achieved with the addition of 10 wt% MC, 20 wt% MP, and MPP. The performances of the additives are ranked in the ascending order of MC, MP, and MPP in LOI test. MP and MPP show distinct better performance than MC in the condensed phase. However, the gas phase action of MC is much better. than MP, and MPP. The lowest pHRR (103 Kw/m2), THE (39 MJ/m2), and THE/TML ratio (1.4 MJ/m2g) are observed with the use of 20 wt% MPP, MP, and MC, respectively.
The Mediating Process of Social Learning in Cyberspace: Korean College Students’ Cyberbullying
Authors: Lee Gang , Jang Hyunseok , Lee Yun-Suk
Published: October 2022

Given the massive power of the virtual environment of online networks, the prevalence of cyberbullying and the misuse of information technology continue to increase with the development of more advanced information technology. This study investigated the process of cyberbullying in social media among the Korean college student population. The researchers sought to examine the effect of social structural factors on cyberbullying that are mediated by social learning (differential association, differential reinforcement, definitions, and imitation). A multistage cluster sampling technique was used to implement the in-class self-report survey of 711 undergraduate students from two Korean universities. Using the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique, the results indicated that the social learning constructs of differential association, differential reinforcement, definitions, and imitation substantially mediated the effect of the sociodemographic factors of age and gender on cyberbullying among Korean college students.
Generalized medians and electoral competition with valence
Authors: Kalandrakis Tasos
Published: October 2022

I establish conditions for existence of pure strategy equilibria in K-candidate Downsian electoral competition (K ≥ 2) with valence when the voting rule is monotonic, generalizing existing results to non-proper rules and possibly continuous electorates. The conditions are sufficient when K ≥ 2 and (essentially) necessary in the K = 2 candidate case. They compare the size of one candidate's valence advantage to the radius of a generalized median pivotal ball (P-ball). I flesh out the difference of this generalized median with a recent alternative which, in turn, I characterize both on the basis of a weaker median property and using pivotal hyperplanes.
Experimental study on unbalanced response characteristics of the impeller of mixed transport pump in deep-sea mining
Authors: Cheng Zhiming , Liu Houlin , Wang Kai , Tan Minggao , Sun Xuelei , Shen Dan
Published: October 2022

The mixed transport pump is the core equipment of hydraulic lifting deep-sea mining system. The conveying medium is a solid-liquid two-phase flow. The impeller is prone to mass eccentricity due to the wear of ore particles. Therefore, it is great significance to study the unbalanced response characteristics of the impeller of the mixed transport pump. The unbalanced test of the impeller of the pump was carried out in a closed-cycle test bench. The unbalanced response characteristics were proved by data analysis method. The results indicated the hydraulic performance of the pump with the rotor system balance quality grade in G2.5 (scheme 2) was better than that of the balance quality grade in G6.3 (scheme 1). The pump efficiency was increased by 3.12%. When the medium was a solid-liquid two-phase flow, the amplitude of the vibration acceleration level ( La) of the pump outlet flange in scheme 2 was generally lower in the low frequency range than that in scheme 1. The periodic variation law of the pump outlet pressure coefficient ( Cp) was obvious. With the increase in the volume fraction of ore particle, the amplitude of the main frequency of the La in scheme 1 gradually was increased, which were 91.16, 97.11, and 102.57 dB, respectively. The main frequency amplitude of scheme 2 was basically unchanged. The main frequency amplitude change rates of the two schemes were −1.72%, −7.58%, and −12.78%, respectively. With the increase in the running time, the periodic change trend of the time-domain signal of the pump outlet flange vibration acceleration in scheme 1 was more obvious than that in scheme 2. The axial passing frequency amplitude was gradually increased. The pump efficiency was gradually decreased. Finally, the sliding bearing B2 was severely worn and the service life was greatly reduced.
Frailty and prefrailty in people living with HIV, with focus on women living with HIV
Authors: Krankowska Dagny C , Załęski Andrzej , Wiercińska-Drapało Alicja
Published: October 2022

With the increasing lifespan of people living with HIV (PLWH), frailty and prefrailty are becoming topics which require more attention. The reciprocal interactions between chronic inflammation, comorbidities and frailty demonstrate the complex pathophysiology of frailty and its consequences. Female sex, HIV infection without antiretroviral treatment, reduced CD4 cell count, depression and cardiovascular disease are some of the risk factors for frailty among PLWH. Frailty predisposes to falls and can therefore lead to more frequent fractures, hospitalization and death, especially in women with osteoporosis. Continuous antiretroviral treatment, prevention of comorbidities such as depression and diagnosis of prefrailty are crucial interventions to slow the development of frailty. This review summarizes the literature on frailty in people living with HIV and discusses frailty management strategies in order to improve the health outcomes in women living with HIV.
The Visual Mandela Effect as Evidence for Shared and Specific False Memories Across People
Authors: Prasad Deepasri , Bainbridge Wilma A.
Published: October 2022

The Mandela effect is an Internet phenomenon describing shared and consistent false memories for specific icons in popular culture. The visual Mandela effect is a Mandela effect specific to visual icons (e.g., the Monopoly Man is falsely remembered as having a monocle) and has not yet been empirically quantified or tested. In Experiment 1 ( N = 100 adults), we demonstrated that certain images from popular iconography elicit consistent, specific false memories. In Experiment 2 ( N = 60 adults), using eye-tracking-like methods, we found no attentional or visual differences that drive this phenomenon. There is no clear difference in the natural visual experience of these images (Experiment 3), and these errors also occur spontaneously during recall (Experiment 4; N = 50 adults). These results demonstrate that there are certain images for which people consistently make the same false-memory error, despite the majority of visual experience being the canonical image.
Montreal cognitive assessment as a screening instrument for cognitive impairment in systemic lupus erythematosus patients without overt neuropsychiatric manifestations
Authors: Lim Xin Rong , Chew Pamela Oi Khuan , Lim Gek Hsiang , Low Yung Ling , Lim June Wei Ping , Ong Huey Ni , Law Weng Giap , Tan Justina Wei Lynn , Thong Bernard YH , Chia Faith Li-Ann , Lian Tsui Yee , Chan Grace Yin Lai , Chan Madelynn Tsu-Li , Koh Ee Tzun , Kong Kok Ooi , Howe Hwee Siew
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is an increasingly used screening tool for cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to examine how MoCA performed in identifying cognitive impairment (CI) domains in SLE patients compared with formal standardized neuropsychological testing (NPT). Factors related to SLE disease, immunologic and psychological state associated with CI were also explored.

Methods

This cross-sectional study recruited 50 SLE patients without overt neuropsychiatric manifestations from April 2017 to May 2018. The patients were evaluated with MoCA, formal NPT and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS) 42-item self-report questionnaire. Values of sensitivity and specificity were computed for different cut-offs of MoCA within each cognitive domain of NPT and descriptive analysis was used to identify the factors affecting cognitive function.

Results

The median score for MoCA was 27.5 (range 22–30). Using a MoCA cutoff of <26, 18 (36%) were identified to have CI using NPT compared to 8 (16%) using MoCA. The most frequently affected cognitive domain was executive functioning with 15 affected patients. Sensitivities and specificities of the MoCA range from 50% to 100% and 5.7% to 16.7%, respectively, across cognitive domains. A lower MoCA cutoff of <25 improve sensitivity of identifying impairment in executive functioning from 60% to 80%. In univariate analysis, DASS scores, disease activity, presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, presence of concurrent autoimmune disease, current, and cumulative corticosteroid therapy did not predict cognitive performance.

Conclusion

MoCA may be a useful screening tool to identify the most frequently affected cognitive domain which is executive functioning using a lower cutoff of <25 in SLE patients without overt neuropsychiatric manifestations.
Shotgun-2: A Bayesian phase I/II basket trial design to identify indication-specific optimal biological doses
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhang Jingyi , Jiang Liyun , Yan Fangrong
Published: October 2022

For novel molecularly targeted agents and immunotherapies, the objective of dose-finding is often to identify the optimal biological dose, rather than the maximum tolerated dose. However, optimal biological doses may not be the same for different indications, challenging the traditional dose-finding framework. Therefore, we proposed a Bayesian phase I/II basket trial design, named “shotgun-2,” to identify indication-specific optimal biological doses. A dose-escalation part is conducted in stage I to identify the maximum tolerated dose and admissible dose sets. In stage II, dose optimization is performed incorporating both toxicity and efficacy for each indication. Simulation studies under both fixed and random scenarios show that, compared with the traditional “phase I  +  cohort expansion” design, the shotgun-2 design is robust and can improve the probability of correctly selecting the optimal biological doses. Furthermore, this study provides a useful tool for identifying indication-specific optimal biological doses and accelerating drug development.
Nursing and Midwifery Managers’ Views on Compassion in Daily Practice: A Survey in Greece and Cyprus
Authors: Kouta Christiana , Apostolara Paraskevi , Rousou Elena , Maria Malliarou , Papadopoulos Irena
Published: October 2022

Compassionate care is a key component in nursing and midwifery quality care. It leads to positive patient outcomes, greater patient satisfaction, higher level of compliance, lower costs and reduction of nurse’s burnout. The aim of this article is to describe how nurses’ and midwives’ managers understand and practice compassion in Cyprus and Greece. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, exploratory online survey using close and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were applied. This is part of a larger study participating 17 countries. This article discusses Cyprus (Greek-Cypriots n = 47) and Greece data (n = 58). The sample included nurses and/or midwives in management positions, nurse educators/managers in the hospital, community or in educational setting. Participants in this study reported the necessity to be a compassionate manager. Some stated that nurses and midwives do not receive compassion from their managers. Thematic areas revealed include: (a) Defining compassion, (b) Giving/receiving compassion, (c) Manager as advocate (d) Importance of cultural characteristics (e) Advantages/barriers of compassion. Managing and leading staff with compassion have a positive effect in the quality, effectiveness and efficiency in daily practice. It enhances work satisfaction. Nurses’ and midwives’ managers in Cyprus and Greece highlight the importance of reinforcing themselves in providing compassionate care and supporting their staff.
Sacrifice, Protect, and Hope for the Best: Family Ownership, Turnaround Moves, and Crisis Survival
Authors: Bertschi-Michel Alexandra , Sieger Philipp , Wittig Thomas , Hack Andreas
Published: October 2022

A critical yet unanswered question for family-owned firms in a survival-threatening crisis is which turnaround moves to employ and for what reasons. Building on noneconomic goals associated with family ownership and related socioemotional wealth (SEW) considerations, we theorize that the higher the degree of family ownership, the more likely family owners are to sacrifice normative SEW dimensions and to protect instrumental SEW dimensions. This then affects which operational, portfolio, financial, and managerial turnaround moves are likely to be employed, and ultimately, the odds of insolvency. Analyzing a unique sample of responses from 209 bank turnaround managers generally confirms our theorizing.
The Influence of the Fear of Negative Evaluation on Activity Avoidance in Fibromyalgia: Exploring Pain Acceptance and Positive Affect as Resilience Variables
Authors: Ecija Carmen , Catala Patricia , Gutierrez Lorena , Javier Arrayás-Grajera Manuel , Peñacoba Cecilia
Published: October 2022

To examine the mediating role of pain acceptance (PAcc) between fear of negative evaluation (FNE) and activity avoidance (AV) at different levels of positive affect (PA) (moderator) among women diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FM) (moderate mediation model). This study was cross-sectional in design. A convenience sample of women with FM ( n = 231) completed measures of pain severity, FNE, PAcc, AV, and PA. A simple mediation model and a moderate mediation model was constructed and analyzed using the SPSS macro-PROCESS. First, PAcc mediated the effect of FNE on AV (β = .02, SE = 0.008; [95% CI [0.0075, 0.0394]). Second, a mediated effect of PAcc between FNE and AV moderated by PA at medium and high levels of PA were found ( m: 0.23; β = −.22, p = .0006; h: 9.59; β = −.34, p = .0002. Future work should seek to validate study findings in diverse samples of FM patients. Additionally, future work should explore how FM self-management interventions that include PAcc can promote increased activity among women suffering from FM with medium to high levels of PA.
Feminist Social Vision: Seeing Through the Lens of Marginalized Perceivers
Authors: Oswald Flora , Adams Reginald B.
Published: October 2022

Social vision research, which examines, in part, how humans visually perceive social stimuli, is well-positioned to improve understandings of social inequality. However, social vision research has rarely prioritized the perspectives of marginalized group members. We offer a theoretical argument for diversifying understandings of social perceptual processes by centering marginalized perspectives. We examine (a) how social vision researchers frame their research questions and who these framings prioritize and (b) how perceptual processes (person perception; people perception; perception of social objects) are linked to group membership and thus comprehensively understanding these processes necessitates attention to marginalized perceivers. We discuss how social vision research translates into theoretical advances and to action for reducing negative intergroup consequences (e.g., prejudice). The purpose of this article is to delineate how prioritizing marginalized perspectives in social vision research could develop novel questions, bridge theoretical gaps, and elevate social vision’s translational impact to improve outcomes for marginalized groups.

Public Abstract

Social vision research is a subfield of psychology and vision science which examines how people visually perceive social stimuli and what the downstream consequences of these perceptions are. Social vision work includes, for example, examination of how White people visually perceive racial minorities and how these perceptions lead to social categorizations of racial minorities as outgroups, and therefore contribute to behaviors such as stereotyping and prejudice. Social vision research has rarely prioritized the perspectives of marginalized group members. It therefore cannot fully explain the contributions of perception to intergroup relations, which are necessarily bidirectional. We offer a theoretical argument for diversifying understandings of social perceptual processes by centering marginalized perspectives to understand how people with marginalized identities see their social worlds. We believe that prioritizing these marginalized perspectives has the potential to contribute to the development of a psychological science with heightened capacity to improve the well-being of people with marginalized identities.
Socio-material assemblages: (De)colonizing literacy curriculum in transnational education
Authors: Zhang Zheng
Published: October 2022

Recent decades have witnessed rapid growth of K-12 transnational education programs, but little is known about how human/nonhuman assemblages impact K-12 transnational literacy curricula and how sociomaterial assemblages affect (de)colonizing literacy practices. This study of English and Mandarin literacy curricula at a Canadian transnational education program in postcolonial Hong Kong was informed by posthumanism and theories on decolonizing curriculum. The study combined ethnographic data collection tools (curriculum documents, interviews, classroom observations) and a diffractive methodology of reading, thinking, and writing with multiple data sources and theories to explore how sociomaterial relations between humans and nonhumans shaped the (de)colonization of literacy curricula. Findings show a generative sociomaterial assemblage in the transnational education program that enabled encounters of local-global curricula, local-global languages, and academic-multimedia literacies. New forms of imperialism and colonialism also joined the assemblage and normalized binaries of L1/L2, local/global, and academic/multimedia literacies, thus constraining students’ meaning making across languages, places, and semiotic resources. The article proposes literacy curriculum and pedagogies that could foster students’ ethical relationship building with humans and nonhumans in globalized schooling contexts.
Detecting dodgy behaviour: The role of autism, autistic traits and theory of mind
Authors: Brewer Neil , Lucas Carmen A , Lim Alliyza , Young Robyn L
Published: October 2022

We examined whether theory of mind difficulties often considered to characterise autistic individuals impair their ability to detect the presence of dodgy or suspicious behaviour in interactions, thereby rendering them especially vulnerable to becoming involved in criminal activity or being victimised. Using a signal detection theory approach, we compared autistic ( N = 72; Verbal Comprehension Index = 88–122, M = 106.6) and non-autistic ( N = 70; Verbal Comprehension Index = 86–120, M = 104.4) adults’ ability to detect dodgy or suspicious behaviour across a broad array of scenarios ( N = 136). Although theory of mind performance was poorer for the autistic group, frequentist and Bayesian analyses indicated there were no group differences in either the standard measures of discrimination performance obtainable using a signal detection theory approach or in terms of a bias towards reporting dodgy behaviour. Furthermore, there was no indication of a relationship between dodginess detection and autistic traits. However, regardless of group membership, theory of mind difficulties were associated with poorer discrimination of dodgy behaviour, highlighting an individual difference variable that may increase the vulnerability of both autistic and non-autistic individuals to involvement in some form of criminal activity or to becoming a victim of crime.

Lay abstract

Difficulties in reading others’ minds make it difficult to anticipate their future behaviour. It has often been argued that such difficulties contribute to autistic individuals becoming enmeshed in criminal activity. However, supportive scientific evidence is virtually non-existent. We compared the ability of groups of autistic and non-autistic adults of similar intellectual ability to detect dodgy or suspicious behaviour across a wide range of scenarios. Although the autistic group performed more poorly than the non-autistic group on an established measure of mindreading, there were no group differences in the ability to detect dodginess. Nor did we find any evidence that detecting dodgy behaviour was associated with the degree of autistic traits reported by individual participants. However, when we combined the two groups, difficulty reading the minds of others was indeed associated with poorer detection of dodginess, thus highlighting a characteristic of individuals that may well increase the likelihood of becoming involved in crime or exploited for autistic and non-autistic individuals alike.
The noise sense effects on the characteristic nonlinearly Schrödinger equation solitary propagations
Authors: Abdelwahed Hesham G , El-Shewy Emad K , Abdelrahman Mahmoud A E , Alghanim Salim S
Published: October 2022

The nonlinearly stochastic Schrödinger equation (NLSSE) predicts the nonlinear process that produces the waves decay in many physics applications. The unified method has been used in obtaining different new stochastic forms for NLSSE damped by noises in Itô sense. The derived structures appear in the form of rational, solitons, soliton-like shocks, and explosive propagations. The new stochastic solutions investigated the change of frequencies by noise term in NLSSE in nonlinear process that may be produced in many nonlinear wave applications. Finally, wave picture properties may controlled by noise term in Itô sense effect, which gives new information’s for NLSSE in physics applications which is believed to be affected by the influence of Brownian motion that change the shape and structures of the generated decaying and damping waves.
Media exposure and adoption of COVID-19 preventive behaviors in Brazil
Authors: Mesch Gustavo S , da Silva Neto Wilson Levy Braga , Storopoli Jose Eduardo
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this article is to study the effects of media communication regarding COVID-19 on the adoption of healthy behaviors. Specifically, we investigated the role of fear in the relationship between media exposure and adoption of healthy protective measures while also identifying individual effects for traditional media (TV and newspapers) versus social media. The study was based on a large sample of university students (n = 7554) during April 2020 in Brazil. Results showed that controlling for self-efficacy, age, and gender, total media exposure had greater indirect effect than direct effect on the adoption of healthy behaviors. The indirect effect was through the perception of fear of becoming ill (with COVID-19). We discuss the theoretical implications of the findings.
Effects of work-hardening and post thermal-treatment on tensile behaviour of solder-affected copper
Authors: Rahman M Muzibur , Ahmed S Reaz
Published: October 2022

In order to explore the reuse potential of waste/scraped copper, an effective characterization of its functional properties under various operating conditions is of great practical importance. The present paper is an attempt to reconnoiter the solder-affected waste copper for high-value engineering applications through the characterization of major mechanical properties. More specifically, the tensile properties of traditional lead-solder-affected copper are investigated and analyzed under the influence of work-hardening and post-thermal treatments. The influential effects of individual elements of the solder on the tensile properties of copper are discussed in a comparative fashion, in which two additional alloy samples, namely, high-copper/tin alloy and high-copper/lead alloy are taken into consideration together with those of copper–tin–lead–alloy as well as pure copper samples. The results of the investigation show that the inclusion of trace-amount of tin and lead in copper affects the corresponding tensile behaviour quite significantly. The strength rising trends due to cold working are observed to be more prominent for the inclusion of lead compared to that of tin. The post-thermal treatments of the work-hardened alloy samples have lowered ultimate strength, yield strength and elastic modulus, but increased the fracture elongation at elevated temperatures. Strain rate variations are also found to be highly influential on all the tensile properties of the solder-affected alloys. Micrographs of the alloy samples have verified the changes in grain shape and grain size responsible for the variation of tensile properties.
Acute cholecystitis complicated with gallbladder empyema due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a patient with diabetes mellitus: a case report
Authors: Ortiz-Hernández Alejandro , Castro Flores Jorge Andrés , Álvarez-Hernández Diego-Abelardo , Pérez Aldrett Fernando , Herrera González Laura Perfinka , Méndez Ibarra Jorge Uriel
Published: October 2022

Acute cholecystitis severity ranges from mild to very severe, and its most dreadful complication is gallbladder empyema. It can be caused by several etiologic agents, but Mycobacterium tuberculosis is not common among them. Here we present a 61-year-old female who lives in an area of high tuberculosis endemicity and has type 2 diabetes mellitus. She came to our hospital with a 2-day history of moderate-to-severe colicky right upper quadrant abdominal pain and other clinical manifestations compatible with AC. Imaging studies confirmed the diagnosis. An emergency open cholecystectomy was performed and the gallbladder was sent for histopathologic examination. M. tuberculosis was identified by molecular studies and the treatment was adjusted. The patient recovered uneventfully. The clinical history and physical examination are essential for raising the index of suspicion, but complementary evaluation with imaging studies is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate its complications. Tuberculosis is a major health problem worldwide, and health professionals should be aware of its clinical spectrum to approach and manage common and uncommon presentations within their scope of attention.
Health-related quality of life and its predictors among people living with epilepsy at Dessie Referral Hospital, Amhara, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Stotaw Alebachew Sisay , Kumar Prem , Beyene Dessale Abate , Tadesse Tamrat Assefa , Abiye Alfoalem Araba
Published: October 2022

Objectives:

Health-related quality of life of people living with epilepsy is significantly impaired. The disease causes a significant psychological and social impact on daily living conditions and usually has lifelong consequences for the patient and family. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the health-related quality of life of people living with epilepsy and its predictors in Dessie Referral Hospital, Dessie, Ethiopia.

Methods:

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2020. Systematic random sampling was used to recruit a total of 385 study participants. Written informed consent was obtained for each participant, and data were collected using World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine factors affecting the quality of life. P value ⩽ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

About 95.80% of the study participants had a generalized seizure, and 64.30% were on two antiepileptic drugs. Of the total, 12.20% and 37.00% suffered from depression and anxiety, respectively, based on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score. The mean total health-related quality of life score was 51.98 (standard deviation: ± 10.08; 95% confidence interval: 41.90–62.06) out of 100. Age, education level, marital status, occupation, residence, current comorbidity, family support, and recreational activities were associated with good health-related quality of life ( p ⩽ 0.05)

Conclusion:

The average overall quality of life of people living with epilepsy in the Dessie Referral Hospital was low. Therefore, concerted efforts must be made to improve the quality of life of patients over the healthcare services provided.
Giant splenic myelolipoma in a cat with hyperthyroidism
Authors: Rolph Kerry E , Vidana Beatriz , Field Elinor
Published: October 2022

Case summary

A 15 shorthair cat presented after having fallen down the stairs. Examination by the referring veterinarian had demonstrated tachycardia and a large abdominal mass. The cat was referred for investigations. Blood tests demonstrated hyperthyroidism. A large, poorly vascularised abdominal mass was identified on ultrasonography. The mass was hyperechoic compared with the normal liver; however, the origin could not be determined. Fine-needle aspirate biopsies of the mass demonstrated extramedullary haematopoiesis. Surgical exploration revealed a 12 cm × 8 cm × 8 cm pale mass arising from the spleen. Histopathology determined this was a giant splenic myelolipoma.

Relevance and novel information

Splenic myelolipoma is rarely reported in the domestic cat, with only five cases documented within the literature, and none of these having described giant myelolipoma. Indeed, giant myelolipomas are rarely reported in the human literature and are most commonly adrenal in origin. The pathogenesis of these masses is unclear; there have been several incidences in people with endocrine disorders, and it has been hypothesised that their occurrence may be related to endocrine stimulation. Here we report the first case of giant myelolipoma in a hyperthyroid cat.