bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstructing Adulthood: Revising the Markers of Adulthood Scale for Increased Ecological Validity
Authors: Norman Kaley B. , Grahe Jon E. , Lee Seungyeon
Published: December 2021

Young adults endorse more individualistic and internal adulthood milestones compared to prior generations. Arnett (1994) introduced the Markers of Adulthood (MoA) scale to capture this shift in the transition to adulthood using 38 markers associated with becoming an adult, including marriage, having children, and living independently. These items were based on psychological, anthropological, and sociological determinations concerning adulthood, and were arranged into subscales based on their theoretical association rather than statistical analysis. Since the scale was introduced, researchers have addressed crucial questions about the validity of the MoA scale’s milestones. A recurring theme was identifying items that could be sorted into reliable subscales. We examined a collection of original items and included new ones, such as “have a professional social media account” and “recognize personal capabilities and shortcomings” to configure a revised MoA model. A total of 861 participants in seven national locations responded to a demographic survey, the Inventory of the Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA; Reifman, et al., 2007), and a collection of MoA items. We conducted a principal component analysis to identify 22 items and four factors (role transitions, independence, legality markers, and relative maturity) which represented 55% of the total variance in the dataset. All factors except legality markers were identified by prior researchers. While four factors demonstrated the best fit for subscale configurations, the revised MoA was considered most reliable when used in its entirety. Our examination ends with a discussion of future directions for configuring items which may produce reliable subscales.
Novel and durable flame-retardant modification based on the Schiff base and Pudovik reaction for wool fabric
Authors: Cheng Xian-Wei , Jin Wen-Jie , Zhang Chen , Wu Yan-Xiang , Guan Jin-Ping
Published: December 2021

Durable and formaldehyde-free flame-retardant (FR) modification of wool fabric using phosphorous compounds is of great interest. In this study, Schiff base imine groups were firstly introduced onto wool fiber through aldehyde-amine condensation between p-hydroxybenzaldehyde and wool fiber. Then, an efficient and durable FR wool fabric was fabricated by incorporating diethyl phosphite (DEP) into a Schiff base intermediate via the Pudovik reaction. The potential reaction mechanism among p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, DEP and wool fiber was explored. The thermal stability, smoke generation ability, FR ability and washing durability of the modified wool fabric were studied. The FR modification significantly increased the thermal resistance of wool fabric and suppressed smoke generation by half. The wool fabric modified by 20 g/L DEP was able to self-extinguish during the burning test, suggesting the higher FR efficiency of the DEP-incorporated Schiff base system. The modified wool fabric still self-extinguished after 20 commercial launderings, which is attributed to the covalent grafting of DEP onto wool fiber. Char residue analyses revealed the condensed charring FR mechanism of the DEP-incorporated Schiff base system on wool. This work provides a novel approach to prepare efficient and durable FR functional wool fabric via the Schiff base reaction and Pudovik reaction among p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, DEP and wool fiber.
The prediction of loss tangent of sewed multilayer fabric
Authors: Zhang Yaya , Hu Jiyong , Yan Xiong , Tu Huating
Published: December 2021

The thickness and dielectric properties (dielectric constant and loss tangent) of fabric substrate play a key role in the design and properties of wearable antennas. Related research shows that a thicker substrate with a low dielectric constant and high loss tangent can enhance the bandwidth of antennas. Here, sewing multiple fabrics together was a good way to increase the thickness while maintaining flexibility, but it is hard to control the dielectric properties because of the lack of the relationship between the dielectric properties and that of the components. Although previous works have established the equivalent capacitance model of sewed multilayer fabric, they cannot obtain its dielectric properties completely. In this work, based on the circuit model proposed by Chin and Lee, the equivalent capacitance and resistance models of sewed multilayer fabric were established to predict its loss tangent. The sewed multilayer fabrics were fabricated and measured by split post dielectric resonator at 1.11 GHz to validate the model. From the comparison of the predicted and measured loss tangents of sewed multilayer fabrics, it was found that the predicted loss tangents agreed well with the experimental results. It is believed that the proposed model is beneficial to the rapid and rational configuration of the components for multilayer fabric according to thickness and dielectric properties of the components, and will provide a theoretical basis for the design of multilayer flexible electronic substrate.
Clinical Application of Low-Temperature Plasma Radiofrequency in the Treatment of Hemangioma in Nasal Cavity, Pharynx and Larynx
Authors: Long Xiaobo , Li Zhiyong , Liu Yang , Zhen Hongtao
Published: December 2021

Objective

Hemangioma is a common benign tumor in the head and neck. The therapeutic effect by conventional treatment was not very satisfactory. The purpose of this study is to explore the surgical strategy of low-temperature plasma radiofrequency in the treatment of hemangioma located in the nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx.

Methods

The clinical data of 29 cases with hemangioma in nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx treated by low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation were retrospectively analyzed. The strategy of ablation before resection was performed for 16 cases of nasal capillary hemangioma. The other 13 cases of cavernous hemangioma in the pharynx and larynx were treated by the strategy of direct ablation.

Results

All 29 patients underwent a successful operation with minimal intraoperative bleeding and no postoperative bleeding complications. There was no nasal septum perforation, dyspnea, dysphagia, dysphonia, or other complications. The patients were followed up for more than 3 years without recurrence.

Conclusion

Low-temperature plasma radiofrequency is a practical, minimally invasive, and accurate method for treating hemangiomas in the nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx. For capillary hemangiomas, the strategy of ablation before resection may be an effective way to reduce bleeding, and for cavernous hemangiomas, the strategy of direct ablation is a simple and efficient method.
Management Forecasting Ability and Predictive Ability of Dividend Changes for Future Earnings
Authors: Chang Hsihui , Ishida Souhei , Kochiyama Takuma
Published: December 2021

We revisit the predictive ability of dividend changes for firms’ future earnings and extend the literature by examining the effect of management forecasting ability. Although prior studies have examined the relationship between dividend changes and future earnings, the empirical evidence is mixed. The belief that dividend changes have implications for future earnings depends on the assumption that managers can accurately assess future earnings prospects. In this regard, we posit that the predictive ability of dividends can vary with managers’ forecasting ability. Analyzing a large sample of Japanese dividend-paying firms, we find that dividend changes, particularly dividend increases, are positively associated with increases in future earnings. Consistent with our hypothesis, this positive association is more pronounced for firms with high-forecasting ability managers. Our findings support the signaling theory of dividend changes and indicate that management forecasting ability has a moderating effect on the linkage between firms’ dividend changes and future earnings.
Are founder-CEOs resilient to crises? The impact of founder-CEO succession on new firm survival
Authors: Honjo Yuji , Kato Masatoshi
Published: December 2021

This article explores whether new firms managed by founder-chief executive officers (CEOs) are more likely to survive than those managed by successor-CEOs in times of crisis. Drawing on the concept of ‘resilience’ to adversity, we argue that founder-CEOs increase the likelihood of new firm survival, especially in times of crisis. Using a sample of Japanese firms founded during the 2003–2010 period, we examine the impact of founder-CEO succession on new firm survival. The analysis shows that new firms managed by founder-CEOs are less likely to liquidate than those managed by successor-CEOs, especially during the 2008–2009 financial crisis. This suggests that founder-CEOs are more resilient to crises than successor-CEOs. In contrast, new firms managed by successor-CEOs are more likely to exit via merger than those managed by founder-CEOs, regardless of macroeconomic conditions. These findings are robust after controlling for the endogeneity of CEO succession.
Influencing factors of depressive symptoms in patients with malignant tumour
Authors: Wang Dongmei , He Nana , Liu Yuwu , Pang Rui , Dilixiati Meikereayi , Wumaier Ainiwaer
Published: December 2021

Objective

To assess the influencing factors of depressive symptoms in malignant tumour patients.

Methods

Participants were 2079 inpatients with malignant tumour (1291: depressive symptoms; 788 no depressive symptoms). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to evaluate sociodemographic and clinical factors influencing depressive symptoms.

Results

Risk factors were family income ≤5000 yuan (odds ratio [OR]: 4.966, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.938–8.395) and 5001–10,000 yuan (OR: 3.111, 95% CI: 1.840–5.260); Karnofsky Performance Status of 70 (OR: 2.783, 95% CI: 1.281–6.042) and 80 (OR: 1.834, 95% CI: 1.139–2.953); disease course ≤1 year; palliative treatment (OR: 2.288, 95% CI: 1.292–4.055); progressive disease (OR: 1.876, 95% CI: 1.284–2.739); pain (OR: 1.973, 95% CI: 1.555–2.505); cancer type: lung (OR: 3.199, 95% CI: 1.938–5.279), oesophagus (OR: 3.288, 95% CI: 1.673–6.464), cervix (OR: 1.542, 95% CI: 1.056–2.253) and partial knowledge of disease condition (OR: 2.366, 95% CI: 1.653–3.385). Return to work (OR: 0.503, 95% CI: 0.348–0.727) and physical exercise (OR: 0.437, 95% CI: 0.347–0.551) were protective against depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Several factors affected depressive symptoms in malignant tumour patients, including income, disease type and course, palliative treatment, return to work and physical exercise.
The Philanthropic Poor: Prosocial Behavior in Rural India
Authors: Heist H. Daniel , Scott Marquisha Lawrence , Cnaan Ram A. , Moodithaya M. S. , Bennett Matthew R.
Published: December 2021

The study of philanthropy has largely been the purview of the wealthy and privileged in Western societies. However, the act of giving transcends race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, and socioeconomic conditions. This article adds to the philanthropic literature by providing empirical evidence of the prosocial behaviors of rural villagers throughout India. Using responses from a large-scale, door-to-door survey ( n=3,159), we found that high percentages of rural Indians regularly engage in both formal and informal giving and volunteering. Even among generally poor, rural Indian villagers, socioeconomic indicators still matter (with the exception of education), and minority religions and lower social groups tend to exhibit higher levels of prosocial behavior than dominant religious and social groups.
An anti-slip control strategy with modifying target and torque reallocation for heavy in-wheel motor vehicle
Authors: Wang Yuan , Yuan Liangxin , Chen Hao , Du Peng , Lian Xiaomin
Published: December 2021

In-wheel motors are used in heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks to improve efficiency and compactness, the safety of which is particularly important. Anti-slip control is applied to road vehicles to improve the active safety performance, and it is necessary for heavy in-wheel motor vehicles. However, the experiment results in this study show that the response delay of motors on the heavy vehicle is larger than that of the passenger car, and the vehicle mass often changes, which brings drawbacks to the rapidity and stability of its dynamics control. For these problems, an improved Proportional-Derivative Control with a modifying desired wheel rotational speed is proposed for the slip regulation. The modifying control target is intended to mitigate steady tracking error, the role of which is similar to the traditional Integral Control. The desired wheel rotational speed is modified through the response in the current period, and then is set as the new target in the next period. Because the anti-slip control of driving wheels on each side is independent, the torque reallocation strategy is introduced to coordinate with the yaw control and take the yaw dynamics into account, which therefore improves the lateral stability. To avoid the excessive driving torque increment causing the slipping phenomenon again, after the anti-slip control finishing, a transition process is applied. Finally, simulations and real vehicle experiments are conducted to verify the effectiveness and flexibility of the control algorithm, and the results indicate that the control strategy has an expected performance.
Healthcare utilization among persons living with HIV in Manitoba, Canada, prior to HIV diagnosis: A case-control analysis
Authors: Shaw Souradet Y , Ireland Laurie , McClarty Leigh M , Loeppky Carla , Bullard Jared , Van Caeseele Paul , Keynan Yoav , Kasper Ken , Moses Stephen , Blanchard James F , Becker Marissa L
Published: December 2021

Background

Understanding care patterns of persons living with HIV prior to diagnosis can inform prevention opportunities, earlier diagnosis, and engagement strategies. We examined healthcare utilization among HIV-positive individuals and compared them to HIV-negative controls.

Methods

Data were from a retrospective cohort from Manitoba, Canada. Participants included individuals living with HIV presenting to care between 2007 and 2011, and HIV-negative controls, matched (1:5) by age, sex, and region. Data from population-based administrative databases included physician visits, hospitalizations, drug dispensation, and chlamydia and gonorrhea testing. Diagnoses associated with physician visits were classified according to International Classification of Diseases chapters. Conditional logistic regression models were used to compare cases/controls, with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) reported.

Results

A total of 193 cases and 965 controls were included. Physician visits and hospitalizations were higher for cases, compared to controls. In the 2 years prior to case date, cases were more likely to be diagnosed with “blood disorders” (AOR: 4.2, 95% CI: 2.0–9.0), be treated for mood disorders (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.6–3.4), and to have 1+ visits to a hospital (AOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.4–3.6).

Conclusion

Opportunities exist for prevention, screening, and earlier diagnosis. There is a need for better integration of healthcare services with public health.
Electroacupuncture altered expression of microRNAs in Stat5 knockout obese mice
Authors: Hong Hao , Xu Hou-Xi , Meng Jian-Zhong , Zhu Bing-Mei
Published: December 2021

Background:

Increasing evidence shows that miRNAs contribute to the establishment and development of obesity by affecting many biological and pathological processes, such as adipocyte differentiation, hepatic lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and neurological regulation of obesity. As a clinical intervention approach, acupuncture has been shown to be effective in the treatment of obesity and other metabolic diseases. Our previous whole genome study in central nervous system (CNS)-specific Stat5 knockout (NKO) obese mice found that electroacupuncture (EA) could reduce body weight and promote white browning.

Objective:

To clarify the effect of EA on miRNAs and understand how it regulates gene expression.

Methods:

Twelve-week-old male Stat5NKO mice with body weight 20% greater than that of Stat5fl/fl (control) mice were divided into a Stat5NKO (model) group and EA-treated Stat5NKO + EA group. A cohort of Stat5fl/fl mice of the same age were included as the control group. EA was administered under isoflurane anesthesia at unilateral ST36 and ST44 daily (left and right sides were treated every other day), 6 times per week for a total of 4 weeks. The miRNA profile was generated and miRNA regulatory networks were analyzed in the Stat5 nestin-cre mice before and after EA treatment. Autophagy-related proteins in adipocytes were detected after over-expression of miR27a.

Results:

EA altered abnormal miRNA expression, including miRNA27a expression, and reduced the autophagy-related proteins ATG5 and ATG12.

Conclusion:

We found that EA could regulate miRNA27a-mediated autophagy-related proteins and promote white fat browning, which may contribute to weight loss. To our knowledge, this is the first report of miRNAs potentially driving the effect of EA on white fat browning through the autophagy process.
Electroacupuncture promotes microglial M2 polarization in ischemic stroke via annexin A1
Authors: Zou Jing , Huang Guo-fu , Xia Qian , Li Xing , Shi Jing , Sun Ning
Published: December 2021

Background:

Neuroinflammation is the leading cause of neurological sequelae in ischemic stroke. Recently, we reported that the anti-inflammatory mediator annexin A1 (ANXA1) favored microglial M2 polarization in brain injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate electroacupuncture (EA) treatment and its potentially ANXA1-mediated anti-inflammatory effects in the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) mouse model of stroke.

Methods:

Treatment with EA consisted of dense-sparse frequencies (alternating 4 Hz sparse waves for 1.5 s and 16 Hz dense waves for 1.5 s) at CV24 and GV26. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of Boc-2 (5 µM) or short hairpin RNA (sh)ANXA1 (2 µL) 3 days before EA was performed to block the effects of ANXA1.

Results:

EA pretreatment enhanced expression of ANXA1 and its receptor, formyl peptide receptor (FPR), when compared to MCAO/R alone. EA treatment also rescued MCAO/R-induced deficits in neurological performance, and learning and memory, and reduced infarct volume. Double immunofluorescent labeling showed that EA prevented MCAO/R-induced changes in microglial activation and morphology. EA also reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, while increasing the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as arginase-1 (Arg-1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). All EA-induced effects were either partially or completely prevented by prior administration of FPR antagonist Boc-2 or shANXA1.

Conclusion:

The current study provides strong evidence that EA treatment has protective effects against ischemic stroke in the MCAO/R mouse model and that the mechanism likely involves the promotion of M2 polarization in microglia via ANXA1.
Help When You Need It: Sources of Advice for Student Loan Borrowers Across the Life Course
Authors: Miller Julie , Balmuth Alexa , Brady Samantha , Coughlin Joseph
Published: December 2021

To promote the financial capabilities of student loan borrowers, practitioners must understand the experiences and needs of borrowers across the life course. A national survey ( n = 1,874) conducted by MIT AgeLab explored perceived loan-related effects across the life course and sources of advice for borrowers. Across age groups, repaying student loans had most regularly imposed negative perceived effects on multiple domains of borrowers’ financial well-being. Younger borrowers reported more negative perceived effects of loans across domains, whereas older borrowers reported fewer negative perceived effects. Few participants had sought professional advice about student loan repayment, although younger borrowers were more likely to have sought loan-related advice in general; perceived levels of helpfulness of advice and comfort consulting with contacts were mixed. Financial social work is uniquely situated to act as a resource for multiple generations of student loan borrowers and their families.
Parametric influence of magneto elasticity, initial stresses, porosity and thickness ratio on the phase and attenuation traits of SH-waves
Authors: Kumari Chandani , Kundu Santimoy , Maity Manisha , Gupta Shishir
Published: December 2021

The present study is devoted to investigate the traversal of shear horizontal wave (SH-waves) in an initial-stressed fluid saturated porous stratum bounded between an initial-stressed magneto-elastic upper stratum and an initial-stressed elastic substrate. We have obtained the exact solution of the governing equations and explained in detail for various effective parameters. The displacement relation is developed with the help of Maxwell’s fundamental equations and Maxwell’s tensor. The impact of diverse parameters such as initial stress, porosity, magneto-elasticity, thickness ratio of attenuation coefficient and phase velocity of SH-wave has been discussed extensively by means of graphical depictions. Results indicate that such parameters possess a great positive impact on attenuation coefficient. This model contains a huge potential to deal with many commercial and industrial applications in Geo-technical, earthquake engineering and Geophysics.
Empathic Validation in Physician–Patient Communication: An Approach to Conveying Empathy for Problems With Uncertain Solutions
Authors: Tietbohl Caroline K.
Published: December 2021

Interest in systematic approaches to improving clinical empathy has increased. However, conceptualizations of empathy are inconsistent and difficult to operationalize. Drawing on video recordings of primary care visits with older adults, I describe one particular communication strategy for conveying empathy—empathic validation. Using conversation analysis, I show that the design of empathic validations and the context in which they are delivered are critical to positive patient responses. Effective empathic validations must (a) demonstrate shared understanding and (b) support the patient’s position. Physicians provided empathic validation when there was no medical solution to offer and within this context, for three purposes: (1) normalizing changes in health, (2) acknowledging individual difficulty, and (3) recognizing actions or choices. Empathic validation is a useful approach because it does not rely on patients’ ability to create an “empathic opportunity” and has particular relevance for older adults.
Hospital-Based Palliative and End-of-Life Care in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review
Authors: Connolly Michael , Bell Mary , Lawler Fiona , Timmins Fiona , Ryder Mary
Published: December 2021

Aim: To identify the nature of the evidence reporting hospital-based palliative and end-of-life care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has seen an increase in the numbers of seriously ill people being cared for across all health services worldwide. Due to the rapid progression of severe symptoms, the majority of staff working in hospitals and other healthcare centres were providing end-of-life care. Little is known about the level of hospital-based palliative care service provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during surges in admission rates with an increased number of deaths accruing. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to search and select potential studies. The scoping review was guided by the framework of Arskey and O’Malley and advanced by the use of the methodology of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Results: Eighteen studies published between March 2020 and July 2021 were identified. Three broad categories included overall management strategy and logistics, symptom prevalence and management of patients with COVID-19 and end-of-life care needs within the current pandemic. Conclusions: This review highlights increased awareness and knowledge of palliative and end-of-life care provided in hospitals. The review also highlights the response of hospital-based palliative care teams to an evolving crisis, within the context of developed health systems under sustained and overwhelming pressure. Implications: Newly established clinical links and referral pathways developed during the initial COVID-19 surge between hospital-based palliative care and other healthcare teams, be continued and further enhanced. Understanding of the role of specialist palliative care providers in supporting palliative and end-of-life care within the hospital setting needs further investigation.
Solution for elliptic inclusion in an infinite plate with remote loading and Eshelby’s eigenstrain of polynomial type
Authors: Chen YZ
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a particular inhomogeneous inclusion problem is studied. In the problem, Eshelby’s eigenstrain takes the type [Formula: see text], where m+ n = 2, and the remote loadings [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] are applied. In the solution, the complex variable method is used. The continuity conditions along the interface of the matrix and the inclusion are formulated exactly. Because the stress field is no longer uniform in inclusion in this case, the studied problem has an inherent difficulty. After some manipulation, the final result for stress components [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in inclusion are obtainable. In the present study, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are no longer uniform.
Influence of geometric parameters on free vibration behavior of an aluminum honeycomb core sandwich beam using experimentally validated finite element models
Authors: Pourriahi Vahid , Heidari-Rarani Mohammad , Torabpour Isfahani Amir
Published: December 2021

The hexagonal honeycomb core sandwich panels used in the satellite structure are subjected to severe vibration during launch. Therefore, the amounts of natural frequencies of these panels are of great importance for design engineers. Three-dimensional finite element modeling of the core considering all geometric parameters (i.e., a high-fidelity model) to achieve accurate results is not cost-effective. The honeycomb core is traditionally equivalent to a homogenized continuum core (i.e., a low-fidelity model) using simple analytical relations with ignoring the adhesive layer at the double cell-walls and radius of inclined cell-wall curvature. In this study, analytical formulations are first presented for the prediction of the equivalent elastic properties of a hexagonal aluminum honeycomb with considering all geometric parameters including adhesive layer thickness, cell-wall thickness, inclined cell-wall length, radius of inclined cell-wall curvature at the intersection, internal cell-wall angle, and honeycomb height. Then, two aluminum honeycomb core sandwich beams with free-free boundary conditions are modeled and analyzed in Abaqus finite element software, one with 3D high-fidelity core and the other with 3D low-fidelity core. In order to validate the results of the equivalent model, the modal analysis test was performed and the experimental natural frequencies were compared. The obtained results show a good agreement between the 3D low-fidelity and high-fidelity finite element models and experimental results. In addition, the influence of the above-mentioned geometric parameters has been investigated on the natural frequencies of a sandwich beam.

[Formula: see text]
The process, benefits and challenges of providing psychological consultation in adoption services
Authors: Draper Rachel , Waters Cerith , Burns Gemma , Shelton Katherine
Published: December 2021

Psychological consultation is one way of reaching a greater number of families with limited resources, yet little is known about the benefits and challenges of this intervention in adoption. We qualitatively explored consultations provided to adoption social workers by clinical psychologists. Six social workers and four clinical psychologists participated in semi-structured interviews. Five themes with supporting sub-themes were identified: (1) A context of highly emotive work with scarce resources; (2) consultations draw on Dyadic Developmental Practice and systemic thinking and involve goal-oriented and interpersonal processes; (3) consultations experienced as valuable despite challenges; (4) consultations facilitate learning for both social workers and psychologists; and (5) a collaborative focus and the ‘expert role’. Our findings suggest consultation is experienced positively by social workers and psychologists, that it successfully facilitates the transfer of psychological knowledge, and has the potential to enhance multi-agency working. Future research needs to better understand the impact of consultation on adoptive families.
The role of behavioural immune system and belief in COVID-19 misinformation on COVID-19 protective behaviours in Indonesia
Authors: Prawira Benny , Pratama Annas Jiwa , Bella Adrianna , Nuraini Sri
Published: December 2021

This study ( N = 1306) investigated the role behavioural immune system and specific beliefs in COVID-19 misinformation in predicting COVID-19 protective behaviours. By analysing the data from an online survey, we found that germ avoidance significantly predicted social distancing and was negatively correlated to transportation use. Belief in conspiracy theories and non-psychological cures and prevention methods were negatively associated to social distancing, while the latter also predicted lower preventive commodities purchasing. These findings suggested that germ aversion should be incorporated in the promotion of COVID-19 prevention behaviours and that any misinformation related to COVID-19 should be minimized to improve people’s protective behaviours.
The smart pill sticker: Introducing a smart pill management system based on touch-point technology
Authors: Kataria Garvit , Dhyani Kshitij , Patel Darsh , Srinivasan Kathiravan , Malwade Shwetambara , Syed Abdul Shabbir
Published: December 2021

Older adults tend to suffer from multi-morbidity, requiring complex treatment methodologies demanding poly-pharmacy. The increasing medication usage can tend towards the mismanagement of prescriptions and irregular or faulty administration. Thus, there arises an urgent need for a proper pill management system for these prescribed medicines. To tackle this grave concern, we propose a mobile, cost-effective, robust, and easy to use solution involving the extension to the human body-smartphones and conductive stickers. The technology utilizes a unique combination of touch-points on the smartphone screen to recognize the medication and give information regarding the proper usage and dosage and gives a reminder of the intake of the medicine. Our tool is comprised of two components—(1) the conductive ink stickers containing a unique combination of conductive inks to be applied to the pill container and (2) the mobile application utilizing touch-points generated by the conductive ink sticker to give information of the corresponding medicine. The following functionalities could be performed by the application-detection of pill container: providing essential information about pill container and dosage; keeping a count of pills already taken, to be taken and remaining pills; reordering the medication and reminding about the medicine intake at the correct designated time.
Conservative news nonprofits: Claiming legitimacy without transparency
Authors: Buozis Michael , Konieczna Magda
Published: December 2021

This study examines the field of conservative news nonprofits, using discourse analysis to explore their missions and other public statements. We find that many of these organizations draw on the legitimacy of mainstream journalism outlets while critiquing them, at once associating with and dissociating from them. This enables them to justify their engagement in political activism even as they obscure their ideological orientations and funding sources, behaviors that challenge the normative boundaries of mainstream commercial journalism in the U.S. This work shows how self-described outsiders to a field build and maintain boundaries to legitimate their own work in relation to that field.
“Your English is so good”: Linguistic experiences of racialized students and instructors of a Canadian university
Authors: Kubota Ryuko , Corella Meghan , Lim Kyuyun , Sah Pramod K
Published: December 2021

Racism has increasingly been exposed and problematized in public domains, including institutions of higher education. In academia, critical race theory (CRT) has guided scholars to uncover everyday experiences of racism by highlighting the intersectionality of race with other identity categories, among which language constitutes an important, yet underexplored, component. Through the conceptual lens of CRT and counter-storytelling as a methodological orientation, this study investigated how racialized graduate students and faculty members at a Canadian university experienced racialization and racism in relation to issues of language, including communication and the use of ethnic names as semiotic markers. Individual and focus group interviews generated participants’ stories, to which we applied a thematic analysis. Participants generally felt that they were forced into pre-determined and essentialized categories of race, ethnicity, nationality, and language. Racialized non-native speakers of an official language—English or French—often received compliments or inquisitive comments on their language proficiency, which further accentuated their raciolinguistic Otherness and caused pain. Conversely, racialized native speakers did not report receiving compliments on language. For East Asian participants especially, speaking White English seemed to offset their racial stigma and psychologically separated them from non-native, English-speaking East Asian immigrants who looked like them. These experiences indicate normative expectations. The participants felt they were expected to not only speak, write, or communicate in the White normative language and manners, but also to use or not use an Anglicized name against their will. These impositions were questioned and resisted by some participants, and antiracist consciousness was expressed. The participants’ voices encourage universities to validate their stories as well as their ways of telling their stories.
‘Which part of the day is (wo)man o’clock?’: Desires, urges and possibilities of (un)becoming
Authors: Cheded Mohammed , Liu Chihling
Published: December 2021

Drawing on Butler’s and Deleuze and Guattari’s theorising of (un)becoming, we study how male to female crossdressers enact the many fantasies of the crossdresser persona through gendered market objects and rituals to undo gender norms in a body that is at times considered ‘lawful’ and at others ‘unlawful’. We highlight how fantasies participate in the processes of unbecoming and becoming to disrupt the existing gendered boundaries/subjectivities and create new possibilities of being. The market objects, including the mundane and the excess, are operating in the becoming/unbecoming, facilitating temporal gender transformations, while at the same time creating identity residues that persist between the many gendered bodily experiences (male, female or hybrid) permeating time and space. In particular, we highlight how these identity residues can be experienced as pleasurable or risky if not managed carefully, contributing to an enhanced understanding of the affective state of in-between gender and how it intersects with gendered market objects and rituals.
Interventions promoting family involvement with care homes following placement of a relative with dementia: A systematic review
Authors: Hayward Janine K , Gould Charlotte , Palluotto Emma , Kitson Emily , Fisher Emily R , Spector Aimee
Published: December 2021

There is a wealth of literature investigating the role of family involvement within care homes following placement of a relative with dementia. This review summarises how family involvement is measured and aims to address two questions: (1) which interventions concerning family involvement have been evaluated? And (2) does family involvement within care homes have a positive effect on a resident’s quality of life and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia? After searching and screening on the three major databases PsycINFO, MEDLINE and CINAHL Plus for papers published between January 2005 and May 2021, 22 papers were included for synthesis and appraisal due to their relevance to family involvement interventions and or family involvement with resident outcomes. Results show that in 11 interventions designed to enhance at least one type of family involvement, most found positive changes in communication and family–staff relationships. Improvement in resident behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia was reported in two randomised controlled trials promoting partnership. Visit frequency was associated with a reduction of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia for residents with moderate dementia. Family involvement was related to positive quality of life benefits for residents. Contrasting results and methodological weaknesses in some studies made definitive conclusions difficult. Few interventions to specifically promote family involvement within care homes following placement of a relative with dementia have been evaluated. Many proposals for further research made over a decade ago by Gaugler (2005) have yet to be extensively pursued. Uncertainty remains about how best to facilitate an optimum level and type of family involvement to ensure significant quality of life and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia benefits for residents with dementia.
The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on Young Women’s Educational Well-Being: A Systematic Review of Literature
Authors: Klencakova Lucia E. , Pentaraki Maria , McManus Cathal
Published: December 2021

Research highlights that romantic relationships of young people are not all ‘puppy love’ but can be also abusive. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a gendered phenomenon as it primarily affects women who are at a higher risk of more severe forms of violence and also suffer more severe consequences than young men. IPV leads to substantial negative outcomes such as mental health decline, economic insecurity and/or academic underachievement. Particularly for young females, education is a powerful protective factor against re-victimisation and economic dependence which often forces women to remain trapped in abusive relationships. This review was conducted to integrate and summarise research available on IPV and its impact on young women’s educational well-being to fill a significant gap in the literature. Under the guidance of PRISMA, terms related to the criteria of young women aged 10–24, IPV and education were searched in the databases EBSCO, PsycINFO, Scopus, ProQuest and CINAHL. While the initial search yielded 6005 articles, we were left with only 10 articles for the analysis. In summary, the evidence suggests that females tend to display issues around concentration, absenteeism and academic disengagement, as well as decline in performance such as failing grades and higher drop out rates.
Research on a PMSM control strategy for electric vehicles
Authors: Liao Guangliang , Zhang Wei , Cai Chuan
Published: December 2021

This paper proposes a novel state estimation based permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) control method for electric vehicle (EV) driving. Firstly, a state feedback decoupling control with disturbance feed-forward (SFDCDF) is described. As motor angular speed and rotary angle are key information for the proposed control algorithm and park’s transformation, a novel observer based angular speed estimator (OBASE) is proposed for angular speed estimation. Moreover, an extended Kalman filter (EKF) based rotary angle estimator (EBRAE) is used for rotary angle estimation with information of the estimated angular speed. The convergence of angular speed estimation is proven through Lyapunov stability theory. Simulation results also indicate that the proposed algorithms can control PMSM torque, current, and angular speed to accurately follow reference values without severe fluctuation. In addition, in order to provide SFDCDF with load torque information, the OBASE is slightly modified to work as a vehicle load estimator (VLE) so PMSM responds more rapidly and speed fluctuates more slightly when the load suddenly changes. Then a series of hardware in the loop (HIL) simulations are carried out. Results indicate that the proposed control strategy can precisely estimate PMSM’s angular speed and rotor angle. Also, it can improve the driving performance of PMSM used on EVs.
Clarifying selection bias in cluster randomized trials
Authors: Li Fan , Tian Zizhong , Bobb Jennifer , Papadogeorgou Georgia , Li Fan
Published: December 2021

Background

In cluster randomized trials, patients are typically recruited after clusters are randomized, and the recruiters and patients may not be blinded to the assignment. This often leads to differential recruitment and consequently systematic differences in baseline characteristics of the recruited patients between intervention and control arms, inducing post-randomization selection bias. We aim to rigorously define causal estimands in the presence of selection bias. We elucidate the conditions under which standard covariate adjustment methods can validly estimate these estimands. We further discuss the additional data and assumptions necessary for estimating causal effects when such conditions are not met.

Methods

Adopting the principal stratification framework in causal inference, we clarify there are two average treatment effect (ATE) estimands in cluster randomized trials: one for the overall population and one for the recruited population. We derive analytical formula of the two estimands in terms of principal-stratum-specific causal effects. Furthermore, using simulation studies, we assess the empirical performance of the multivariable regression adjustment method under different data generating processes leading to selection bias.

Results

When treatment effects are heterogeneous across principal strata, the average treatment effect on the overall population generally differs from the average treatment effect on the recruited population. A naïve intention-to-treat analysis of the recruited sample leads to biased estimates of both average treatment effects. In the presence of post-randomization selection and without additional data on the non-recruited subjects, the average treatment effect on the recruited population is estimable only when the treatment effects are homogeneous between principal strata, and the average treatment effect on the overall population is generally not estimable. The extent to which covariate adjustment can remove selection bias depends on the degree of effect heterogeneity across principal strata.

Conclusion

There is a need and opportunity to improve the analysis of cluster randomized trials that are subject to post-randomization selection bias. For studies prone to selection bias, it is important to explicitly specify the target population that the causal estimands are defined on and adopt design and estimation strategies accordingly. To draw valid inferences about treatment effects, investigators should (1) assess the possibility of heterogeneous treatment effects, and (2) consider collecting data on covariates that are predictive of the recruitment process, and on the non-recruited population from external sources such as electronic health records.
Redefining health promotion to reach the unreached: opportunities for transformative change in South and South-East Asia
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Alok , Kaur Nancepreet
Published: December 2021

The pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of our civilization and reinforced the importance of living in harmony with nature, not rampaging it in a conquering mode. South and South-East Asia have a vital role to play in achieving the global goal of ‘Health for All’ as the regions have a significantly large share of global income and multidimensional poor compared to other regions. Clearly, the progress in health and development outcomes of these regions cannot be achieved without addressing social determinants of health and ensuring active public participation. These regions must collectively address the social determinants of health following a realistic health promotion model. It is indeed a favourable time to look beyond the so-called predominantly reductionist biomedical model of health care to a more holistic model of health, that places humans and the environment at the centre, and emphasizes the importance of promoting health and wellbeing.
Immunotherapy, the promise for present and future of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) treatment
Authors: Gounant Valérie , Brosseau Solenn , Zalcman Gérard
Published: December 2021

Due to occupational asbestosis exposure, the incidence of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has continuously increased over the last 30 years, with a plateau anticipated around the year 2030 in Western countries. Molecular MPM carcinogenesis involves alterations of NF2, RASSF1, LATS2WT1, p16, as well as BAP-1tumor-suppressor genes, which usually regulate apoptosis, cell invasion, motility, cell division, chromatin remodeling, as well as control of DNA repair. In few selected patients, debulking surgery consisting of pleurectomy-decortication is carried out, resulting in unsatisfactory long-term results. For about 15 years, first-line chemotherapy has been primarily based on a doublet of pemetrexed and cisplatin. Adding the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab (Avastin®), which targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), has been shown to improve overall survival (OS) by nearly 19 months. The emergence of immune check-point inhibitors (ICIs) in MPM treatment has recently been associated with substantial survival improvements in both second- and first-line settings. Similarly to non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, on-going trials are presently exploring the chemotherapy-ICI combination in MPM management, and depending on their results, this combination could represent a further major advance in this previously orphan disease. The current article reviews recent clinical trial results, as well as future clinical developments in this moving field.