bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The disruption of an institutionalised and polarised party system: Discontent with democracy and the rise of Nayib Bukele in El Salvador
Authors: Perelló Lucas , Navia Patricio
Published: February 2022

Studies on party system collapse or individual-party breakdowns view programmatic inconsistency or convergence as necessary for abrupt party system change. In theory, a new or fringe contender can suddenly emerge and disrupt the party system under such circumstances. We test that claim by examining Nayib Bukele’s 2019 presidential election victory in El Salvador. With data from the AmericasBarometer, we estimate probit models and predictive margins to examine the individual-level determinants of disruption in an institutionalised and ideologically polarised party system. The empirical results reveal that Bukele won amid salient ideological differences between traditional parties and that critical views towards democracy fueled his core support. Therefore, we conclude that a significant disruption in an institutionalised party system can occur notwithstanding robust ideological differences between leading contenders. Critical attitudes towards democracy can represent a driving force behind a party system’s disruption.
Internet-of-Things System to Protect Police Officers From Collisions While on Duty on the Roadway
Authors: Mohammadi Ahmad , Park Peter Y. , Asgary Ali , Mukherjee Abir , Liu Xia
Published: February 2022

Police officers on duty on the road for traffic stops, vehicle collisions, traffic direction, and so forth, are exposed to the risk of being hit or even killed by a passing vehicle. Very few studies have tried to develop a system that can warn pedestrians or police officers on duty on the road to take proactive evasive action. This study proposes an Internet-of-Things protection system for police officers on duty on the road. The development of the system envisaged involves three essential phases: 1. detection, 2. risk analysis, and 3. warning and communication. This study focused on the risk analysis phase. We applied a fuzzy rule-based algorithm that integrates four input indicators (lateral distance from police officer to traveled lane, magnitude of speeding, stopping sight distance, and direct distance) into a single estimate of the risk of a collision. The study used data from a real-world situation on Highway 416 in Ontario, Canada to demonstrate the application of the proposed model. The results clearly demonstrated that the proposed model could generate risk estimates that could be used to give timely warning of a possible collision risk to police officers at work on a road.
Production from One, Distribution to All? Examining Effort-Based Distributional Norms in a Controlled Lab Study
Authors: Carr Michael , Mellizo Philip
Published: February 2022

In the standard Ultimatum Game, a proposer is provided with a sum of money by the experimenter. The proposer makes a take-it-or-leave-it offer to a responder that, if accepted, is divided in the proposed manner. If the responder rejects the offer, both receive nothing. We modify this framework by providing the proposer with an endowment created by work performed by the responder prior to participating in an Ultimatum Game. We find that average offers by proposers increase. Responders, however, are less likely to reject a given size offer when compared with the standard, experimenter-provided endowment. We take this as evidence that the mode of production affects distributional outcomes, a result that is at odds with conventional economic approaches, but consistent with arguments expressed by Marx and others.

JEL Classification: C91, D30, D63
Gun Ownership, Threat, and Gun Attitudes in an Experiment
Authors: Vegter Abigail , Haider-Markel Donald P.
Published: February 2022

Researchers have considered the role of perceived threat and fear of crime in shaping attitudes about gun regulation. We contribute to this literature by examining whether gun owners, who tend to oppose gun regulations, moderate their gun views when exposed to a gun-related threat. We argue that although exposure to threat can increase the desire to be armed, gun owners primed with a threat may soften their views on gun regulation relative to non-gun owners. We employ an experiment embedded within a nationally representative survey to test our hypotheses. Our analysis of the data from our survey supports the notion that gun owners generally oppose gun regulations, but exposure to a gun-related threat moderates their opposition to gun regulations. We discuss the limitations of our study and conclude with a discussion of the implications of these results for understanding public support for gun regulation in America.
Assessment of cure cycle shortening for advanced composites via ultrasonics and dynamic mechanical analysis
Authors: Mahfoud Elie , Harb Mohammad
Published: February 2022

Composite materials are incorporated in various applications and their industry is widely growing. They offer cost savings and are more environmentally friendly than conventional metal structures. Some of the concerns this industry faces are the energy and time spent on long curing cycles to achieve permanent bonding between the matrix and fibers. In our previous work, a reusable sensing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) system that can monitor the degree of cure of the composite while curing was developed and tested through Lamb waves analysis. This thin film is now used to monitor the same cure parameters for a shorter curing cycle than that suggested by the CFRP manufacturer. The results show that the three cure parameters: Minimum viscosity, full gelation, and vitrification are offset by the same time deducted from the cycle, highlighting the feasibility of using such technology. To verify the viability of this approach, tensile testing and dynamic mechanical analysis are performed on these composites. Tensile testing results show that the average tensile modulus for the shortened cycle is of similar values if not slightly higher than that of the normal cycle. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results verify both previous conclusions: Time shift of cure parameters and enhanced mechanical properties of the shortened cycle.
Learning Analytics Based on Wearable Devices: A Systematic Literature Review From 2011 to 2021
Authors: Liu Zhi , Ren Yupei , Kong Xi , Liu Sannyuya
Published: February 2022

Wearable devices are an emerging technological tool in the field of learning analytics. With the help of wearable technologies, an increasing number of scholars have a strong interest in studying the associations between student data and learning outcomes in different learning environments. This systematic review examines 120 articles published between 2011 and 2021, exploring current research on learning analytics based on wearable devices in detail from both descriptive and content analysis. The descriptive analysis reviewed the included literature in five dimensions: publication times of the reviewed literature, wearable devices and data types used in studies, stakeholders, objectives, and methods involved in the analysis procedure. The content analysis aims to examine the literature covered in terms of three categorical domains of educational objectives: cognitive, affective, and behavioral, to investigate the practical applications and potential issues of learning analytics based on wearable devices. After that, based on the overall research content of the reviewed literature, a framework for learning analytics based on wearable devices is present, and its application process is summarized and analyzed for the reference of related researchers. At last, we summarize the limitations of existing studies and present several recommendations to further promote research and development in this field.
Hydroxyapatite gradient on poly (vinyl alcohol) hydrogels surface to mimic calcified cartilage zone for cartilage repair
Authors: Shi Lin , Chen Jiongrun , Tian Ye , Ren Li
Published: February 2022

Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels are considered promising artificial articular cartilage. However, the weak attachment between PVA hydrogels and subchondral bone limit its application in the biomedical field. In this article, we present a new method to improve the mineralization of PVA hydrogels, and fabricate PVA hydrogels with continuously graded hydroxyapatite coating. The surface of the hydrogels was modified by dopamine self-polymerization and alendronate conjugation subsequently. Based on these, we used simulated body fluids to mineralize the hydrogels to mimic calcified cartilage zone. The modified surface of the PVA hydrogels showed excellent mineralization ability with continuously graded hydroxyapatite (HA). As the main component of human bones, HA can be chemically bonded body tissue on the interface, showing great biological activity. With the content of HA increasing, the cell adhesion ability of the hydrogels was enhanced, which helped the hydrogels integrate tightly with subchondral bone. These results demonstrate that the modified hydrogels could be promising substitutes for articular cartilage.
Predictors of Non-Compliance with a National Early Care and Education-Based Obesity Prevention Initiative: Go NAPSACC
Authors: Willis Erik A. , Chang Xiuya , Smith Falon , Clarke Emily , Ward Dianne S.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose is to examine predictors of intervention non-compliance and develop a risk stratification score.

Design

Prospective cohort.

Setting

Early care and education (ECE).

Subjects

Early care and education programs (n = 3883) randomly allocated (3:1) to a development (n = 2909) or validation (n = 974) sample.

Intervention

Go NAPSACC provides a structured, web-based process to help improve the health of children around 7 modules (nutrition, physical activity, oral health, breast/infant feeding, farm to ECE, outdoor play, and screen time).

Measures

Program characteristics and participation data are collected via Go NAPSACC tool.

Analysis

Multivariable Lasso logistic regression was used to identify predictors. Discriminative ability was based on area under the ROC curve (AUC).

Results

Overall, ECE program non-compliance (lack of valid pre-/post self-assessment) was 65.5%. Six predictors were retained in the final development model: type of program ( P = .002), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) participation ( P = .065), acceptance of subsidies ( P < .001), past modules attempted ( P < .001), past modules completed ( P < .001), and action plans created ( P < .001). These factors generated a non-compliance risk score which showed good discrimination in the validation sample (AUC: .922, 95% CI: .903–.940).

Conclusion

Lack of qualitative data limits the ability to fully understand the context of non-compliance; however, this study demonstrates readily available data captured by Go NAPSACC are strong predictors of future success. Early identification of high-risk programs will inform targets for future implementation strategies geared toward improving program success.
Autoethnography of Holy Death: Belief, Dividuality, and Family in the Study of Santa Muerte
Authors: Kingsbury Kate
Published: February 2022

Through an autoethnographic account that interweaves academic observations, my story of how I came to study Santa Muerte in Mexico and the entangled, emotive tale of Abby, a Santa Muerte devotee whom I grew very close to, I discuss the topic of belief in the ethnography of the occult and the “politics of integration”, derisively referred to “as going native”. I reveal how being an ethnographer of the Mexican female folk saint of death has taught me the necessity of dividuality and embracing belief in both the epistemological worlds of academia and the occult. I argue that slipping fluidly between the realm of science and the cosmos of magic has given me access not only to arcane knowledge and networks of practitioners but also through shared experiences of participatory consciousness with devotees of death during our rituals, proffered unique experiences, and new insights through intersubjectivity and interexperience, allowing me to understand the mystical power of Death Herself.
Mothers and Workers in the Time of COVID-19: Negotiating Motherhood within Smart Working
Authors: Rania Nadia , Parisi Rosa , Lagomarsino Francesca
Published: February 2022

The article is an autoethnographic account written by three Italian academic researchers and mothers with children of different ages. The authors engage in a reflection starting with their experience as working women committed to the work–family negotiation process while facing the COVID-19 health emergency that has affected the whole world. This article focuses on how we, as middle-class, heterosexual, white mothers working in a privileged employment context during the period of the pandemic lockdown, negotiated the complex mother and worker roles, balancing work and family time while smart working (teleworking from home). We start with a reflection on the use of autoethnography as a research tool and then propose an analysis of work–family balance strategies in an anomalous situation, such as that of the lockdown, highlighting the tensions in gender roles within dual-career families.
Getting to the Core of Credit Transfer: How Do Pre-Transfer Core Credits Predict Baccalaureate Attainment for Community College Transfer Students?
Authors: Schudde Lauren , Bicak Ibrahim , Meghan Shea
Published: February 2022

The majority of community college entrants aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree; yet fewer than a third do. States use several strategies to support community college’s transfer function, including a transferrable core curriculum, a block of pre-major coursework universally accepted at public postsecondary institutions. In this study, we used statewide administrative data from Texas—a state with a transferable core—to examine pre-transfer credit accumulation and how pre-transfer core credits predict bachelor’s degree attainment and time to degree for community college transfer students. Our results illuminate high variation in pre-transfer core credit accumulation among community college transfer students. Each additional pre-transfer core credit improves students’ probability of earning a bachelor’s degree, but only up to core completion status. Soon after students are core complete—at which point universities are no longer required to transfer in additional core credits, students experience a negative relationship between core credits and bachelor’s degree attainment.
Achievement and Growth for English Learners
Authors: Johnson Angela
Published: February 2022

This study reports achievement and growth from kindergarten to fourth grade for three groups of English Learners (ELs): (a) ever-ELs; (b) ELs consistently eligible for service; and (c) EL and Special Education dually-identified students. All three EL groups had lower test scores than never-ELs throughout K-4. In math, ELs grew more than never-ELs during academic years but lost more during summers. In reading, ELs grew less than never-ELs in K-1 and grew more in later grades, but ELs also lost more during summers. These findings suggest summer support is required to help ELs maintain and develop academic skills.
Clinical Utilization of Stress Dose Hydrocortisone in Adult Patients With Septic Shock: A Retrospective Observational Study at a Large Academic Medical Center
Authors: Sacha Gretchen L. , Chen Alyssa Y. , Palm Nicole M. , Wang Xiaofeng , Li Manshi , Duggal Abhijit
Published: February 2022

Background: The use of stress dose corticosteroids, specifically, hydrocortisone, in septic shock is heterogeneous, and current clinical trials yield conflicting results. Regardless, they are still recommended by guidelines for vasopressor-dependent septic shock. Objectives: This study sought to characterize current practice of hydrocortisone use in patients with septic shock and secondarily to compare clinical outcomes of those who received hydrocortisone to those who did not. Methods: This single center, retrospective cohort study evaluated patients with septic shock admitted to a tertiary care center between 2012 and 2017. Patients receiving hydrocortisone for at least two doses were compared to those without. Results: 3411 septic shock patients were included; 1593 (47%) received hydrocortisone and 1818 (53%) did not. Patients who received hydrocortisone had higher lactate (4.0 vs 3.4 mmol/L; P < .01) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) III scores (104.1 vs 91.0; P < .01). Vasopressor duration was 1.7 days longer in the hydrocortisone group ( P < .01), and the hydrocortisone group had higher hospital mortality (52% vs 38%; P < .01). A propensity score–matched population was conducted in patients with APACHE scores >100: vasopressor duration was longer in those who received hydrocortisone (3.9 vs 2.0 days; P < .01), and hospital mortality was higher (59.3% vs 53.1%; P = .036); however, after multivariable adjustment, no association between receipt of hydrocortisone and hospital mortality was detected (OR 1.2 [95% CI .9–1.6]). Conclusions: Patients who received hydrocortisone were more severely ill than those that did not, making retrospective evaluation of this question challenging. These results highlight the wide variability and heterogeneity in hydrocortisone use in clinical practice.
Let’s Give Together: Can Collaborative Giving Boost Generosity?
Authors: Proulx Jason D. E. , Aknin Lara B. , Barasch Alixandra
Published: February 2022

A growing number of people donate to charity together with others, such as a spouse, friend, or stranger. Does giving to charity collectively with another person—called collaborative giving—promote generosity? Existing data offer unsatisfactory insight; most studies are correlational, present mixed findings, or examine other concepts. Yet, theory suggests that collaborative giving may increase generosity because giving with others could be intrinsically enjoyable. We conducted two well-powered, pre-registered experiments to test whether collaborative giving boosts generosity. In Experiment 1 ( N = 202; 101 dyads) and Experiment 2 ( N = 310; 155 dyads), pairs of unacquainted undergraduates earned money and were randomly assigned to donate collaboratively (Experiments 1–2), individually in each other’s presence (Experiments 1–2), or privately (Experiment 2). Across studies, we observed no condition differences on generosity. However, collaborative (vs. individual) giving predicted greater intrinsic enjoyment, which, in turn, predicted larger donations, suggesting a promising potential mechanism for future research and practice.
Betwixt and Between: The Invisible Experiences of Volunteers’ Body Work
Authors: Venter Katharine
Published: February 2022

Prevailing dualisms of work as formal, paid employment on the one hand or informal, unpaid domestic labour on the other, means volunteering is often overlooked. Although academic interest in voluntary labour is growing, it remains inadequately theorised in the sociology of work. A more sociological meaningful understanding of volunteering is needed. Through an analysis of voluntary body work labour, this article advances theorisation of volunteering as work in two ways. Firstly, the article invokes a total social organisation of labour approach to overcome the paid/unpaid work dichotomy. Secondly, it grounds this theorisation empirically by drawing on the volunteers’ insights into their delivery of body work labour to shed new light on the complex ways in which volunteers frame labour within wider social relationships.
Employer Participation in Active Labour Market Policies in the United Kingdom and Denmark: The Effect of Employer Associations as Social Networks and the Mediating Role of Collective Voice
Authors: Valizade Danat , Ingold Jo , Stuart Mark
Published: February 2022

Active labour market policies (ALMPs) have evolved as pivotal social policy instruments designed to place the unemployed and other disadvantaged groups in sustainable employment. Yet, little is known about what drives employer participation in such initiatives. This article provides a nuanced account of the socio-economic aspects of the demand-side of ALMPs, by investigating employer embeddedness in wider social networks created by employer associations and employee collective voice as enabling mechanisms for employer participation in ALMPs. Drawing on an original survey of employers in the United Kingdom (UK) and Denmark, we found that the extent of employer embeddedness in such social networks is positively associated with employer participation in the UK but not in Denmark, where the effect was indirect and mediated through collective bargaining. The effects of employer network ties and employee collective voice affirm the importance of a more integrated analysis of the interactions between network ties and institutions in ALMP research.
‘You Can’t Eat Soap’: Reimagining COVID-19, Work, Family and Employment from the Global South
Authors: Jaga Ameeta , Ollier-Malaterre Ariane
Published: February 2022

This article problematises the assumptions regarding work, family and employment that underlie the World Health Organization (WHO)’s COVID-19 guidelines. The scientific evidence grounding sanitary and social distancing recommendations is embedded in conceptualisations of work as skilled jobs in the formal economy and of family as urban and nuclear. These are Global North rather than universal paradigms. We build on theories from the South and an intersectional analysis of gender and class inequalities to highlight contextual complexities currently neglected in responses to COVID-19. We argue that building on both science and local knowledge can help democratise workable solutions for a range of different work, family and employment realities in the Global South. Finally, we propose a research agenda calling for strengthened North–South dialogue to provincialise knowledge, account for differences in histories, locality and resource-availability, and foster greater local participation in policy formulation regarding sanitary measures and vaccination campaigns.
Parametric design approach on high-order and multi-segment modified elliptical helical gears based on virtual gear shaping
Authors: Liu Youyu , Li Yi , Ma Liteng , Chen Bo , Li Renjun
Published: February 2022

In the past, family of elliptic gears with closed pitch curve includes elliptic gears, high-order elliptic gears, modified elliptic gears, and high-order and two-segment modified elliptic gears. On this basis, this article expands their connotation and unifies them into high-order and multi-segment modified elliptical helical gear (HOMSMEHG), and puts forward the expression of pitch curve. In order to obtain a physical model with real tooth flanks, this article proposed a parametric design approach on the HOMSMEHG based on virtual gear shaping, including decoupling basic parameters, parametric design based on the shaping cutter, and design of shaping linkage models, which had laid a theoretical foundation for designing the HOMSMEHG. Moreover, the realization technology of parametric design was also offered, which had solved the key problem of engineering implementation. Finally, two cases of designing internal and external gears are provided based on virtual gear shaping, which shows that the design approach of the HOMSMEHG and the virtual shaping method proposed in this article are feasible. The tooth flanks of the gears obtained has obvious cutting marks, and conforms to the real ones, which can ensure the reliability of the dynamic or kinematic analysis.
Analysis of pollutant emissions and fuel consumption, during real driving cycles in different intake temperature scenarios
Authors: Luján Jose M , Climent Hector , Ruiz Santiago , Redondo Fernando
Published: February 2022

Current European vehicle homologation regulations are increasingly restrictive. Recently, World-wide light-duty test cycle (WLTC) and Real driving emissions (RDE) cycles have been introduced as type approval tests for new vehicles. This document studies the effect of intake temperature on pollutant emissions and fuel consumption of a Euro 6 Diesel engine when tested under WLTC and RDE. The tests have been performed by setting the temperature at the outlet of the water charge air cooler (WCAC) at 35°C and 20°C in different tests. To do that, the air-cooler was immersed in a temperature-controlled water bath. This temperature reduction can be produced due to an improvement in the WCAC in the same ambient temperature or also with the same WCAC in case of the ambient temperature is lower. All tests have been carried out in an engine test bench, eliminating the uncertainty involved on the road (driving mode, traffic, ambient temperature, etc.). Once the WLTC and RDE cycles were performed, carbon dioxide (CO2) and pollutant results were analyzed. Nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions were considerably reduced when the engine intake temperature air was decreased, concretely a 7.1% in RDE and 11.63% in WLTC and the CO2 emissions were also cut down around 1%.
Computational methods of nonlinear tensioner damping in belt drive systems
Authors: Long Shangbin , Wang Wenlong , Yue Xia , Zhang Chunliang , Qin Wu , Zhou Chao
Published: February 2022

The friction type tensioner is an energy absorbing component in belt drive system which has hysteretic torque and nonlinear damping. In this paper, a hysteretic model is used for describing the tensioner’s operating torque versus the imposed angle, and considered into the dynamic analysis of a belt drive system. The modeling process for calculating the vibration responses of a belt drive system is presented, and two iterative methods are proposed for estimating the tensioner’s nonlinear damping in a varying excitation frequency. One timing belt drive system is taken as a case study. The system’s vibration responses, such as the oscillation angle of tensioner arm, the transmission error between pulleys and the hub load on pulley are calculated and compared with the measured values, which validate the presented methods. The influence of iterative method on the computational efficiency and iterative accuracy are both discussed. At last a modified method is presented to improve iterative efficiency. The presented technique can improve the computational efficiency with a good computational accuracy.
A real-time energy management strategy for off-road hybrid electric vehicles based on the expected SARSA
Authors: Bo Lin , Han Lijin , Xiang Changle , Liu Hui , Ma Tian
Published: February 2022

To improve the power performance and fuel economy and reduce the online computation time of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) in off-road driving environments, a real-time energy management strategy based on the expected state-action-reward-state’-action’ (SARSA) algorithm is proposed. This strategy achieves the control effect through coordinated control of the engine generator set (EGS) and the energy distribution between the battery and the EGS. The driving environment is expressed as a transition probability matrix (TPM) of the electric power demand, and the optimal control problem of energy management is solved offline by the expected SARSA algorithm to obtain the control laws. Then, the Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence rate is used as the evaluation index of the switching control strategy, and these control laws are used online to realize real-time control. Control strategies based on traditional reinforcement learning (RL), stochastic dynamic programming (SDP), and dynamic programming (DP) are considered benchmark strategies to verify the effectiveness of the proposed energy management strategy based on the expected SARSA. The fuel economy is improved by a maximum of 13.2%, and the elapsed time is reduced by more than 99.8% compared with the values achieved with the benchmark algorithms. These results show that the proposed strategy has flexible adaptability to complex and changeable off-road conditions without prior knowledge of the whole driving cycle.
Quadratic utility function-based energy management strategy for electric vehicle considering degradation of fuel cells and batteries
Authors: Sun Yan , Xia Changgao , Yin Bifeng , Han Jiangyi , Liu Jing
Published: February 2022

The vehicle economy and durability of power sources are strongly affected by the energy management strategy (EMS). In order to balance the economy and durability, this paper proposes a novel EMS based on the quadratic utility function (QUF). Degradation models of fuel cells and batteries are first established. The QUF and finite state machine (FSM) are then used to decompose the demand current into the output current of fuel cells and batteries. In order to improve the power sources durability and the economy of the vehicle, the actual output characteristics and current change of fuel cells are considered in the QUF, in which the key coefficients are determined and optimized using the Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO) algorithm and the pareto solution set. The simulation results show that the proposed control strategy can efficiently improve the durability of fuel cells and batteries, reduce the hydrogen consumption and extend the driving range. Compared with the FSM control strategy, the proposed strategy can reduce the degradation of the batteries by 19.4%, and extend the driving range by 1.2% under the WLTC driving cycle. Finally, compared with the fuzzy control strategy, the proposed strategy can reduce the degradation of the fuel cells by 52.1%, and extend the driving range by 3.0% under the WLTC driving cycle.
The Role of Students’ Personal Values and Ethical Ideologies in Increasing the Importance of Perceptions of Social Responsibility for Business Students: A PRME Directive
Authors: Saunders Chad , Marcolin Barb , Cherneski Jennifer
Published: February 2022

The United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) champion responsible management education and research globally by instilling social responsibility values in students through teaching, research, and service. As investment capital shifts toward sustainable opportunities and companies recognize the limitations of an exclusive focus on shareholders (to the exclusion of broader stakeholders), the demand for social responsibility focused students has increased. How can business schools meet the dual challenge of recognizing those students with strong global sustainability perceptions, while encouraging those without those perceptions to shift? Our empirical approach uses a freed measurement model to offer a holistic understanding of the precursors of students’ perceptions of ethics and social responsibility. We provide actionable steps for business schools in implementing new pedagogical interventions that provide individualized approaches for increasing students’ perceptions of social responsibility. For students without strong prosocial values, we propose improving their perceptions of social responsibility indirectly through changing attitudes or directly via value system rank order change.
Attitudes Towards LGBT Individuals After bostock v. Clayton County: Evidence From a Quasi Experiment
Authors: Thompson Jack
Published: February 2022

Do United States Supreme Court decisions on LGBT rights shape attitudes towards LGBT individuals among the mass public? In this paper, I conduct an empirical test of the effect of quasi-random exposure to the announcement of Bostock v. Clayton County—a landmark case which held that an employer who fires their employee because of their sexual orientation or gender identity violates Section VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act—on favorability towards LGBT individuals. Relying on data from Phase 2 of the Democracy Fund/UCLA Nationscape survey, I find that quasi-random exposure to the announcement of Bostock engendered increases in favorability towards LGBT individuals among the wider American public. Subgroup analyses also indicate that the largest increases in favorability were among Democratic partisans and the religiously unaffiliated, while minimal changes in favorability were detected among those who are among the most likely to oppose LGBT rights, including Republicans and Evangelical Protestants. The findings speak to the validity of the legitimacy model and highlight the limitations of the backlash model in the post-Obergefell era of public opinion towards LGBT rights.
Mask Wearing and Perceived Discrimination Associated With COVID-19 in the United States From March 2020 to May 2021: Three-Level Longitudinal Analyses
Authors: Kwon, PhD Soyoung
Published: February 2022

Although mask wearing has been demonstrated to be an effective strategy to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become a contentious issue. This is evident in the policy shift regarding mask wearing during the pandemic and the varying mask mandates across different states in the United States. This study investigates the relationship between mask wearing and COVID-19-associated discrimination (CAD) over the course of the pandemic (March 2020 through May 2021), and differences between states with and without mask mandates. This study utilized three-level longitudinal analyses to analyze a longitudinal panel data from a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults enrolled in the Understanding America Study (UAS). The experiences of CAD were much higher for those wearing a mask than those not wearing a mask before August 2020, but this pattern was reversed afterward. Another notable finding was that mask wearers reported greater CAD in states with no mask-wearing mandate than the ones in states with mask mandates. In contrast, the pattern was reversed for nonmask wearers. The findings highlight the importance of inclusiveness and openness when relatively new health practice is introduced during a public health crisis.
Acoustic response analysis of periodic orthogonal stiffened composite sandwich structure with pyramidal truss cores
Authors: Wang Zhonglong , Fu Tao , Li Bin
Published: February 2022

This paper presents analytical studies on the sound transmission loss behavior of functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) truss core sandwich structure plates subjected to plane sound wave excitation, wherein three different functionally graded patterns are introduced for the carbon nanotubes through the thickness direction of structures. The effective CNTs material properties for each type are determined by the extended rule of mixture and the governing equations are based on the first order shear deformation theory. The compatibility of displacements on the interface between the plate and the stiffeners is employed to derive the governing equation of each stiffener. By using the modal expansion approach and Rayleigh integral, the sound transmission loss is described analytically. Since no existing results of sound insulation can be found for such composite material plate structure, experimental measurements of composite stiffener sandwich plate which is composed of carbon fiber reinforced composite material are subsequently carried out to validate the theoretical model, and good agreement is achieved. Based on the developed theoretical model, the influences of the volume fractions of CNT, truss core type, distribution type of CNT, stiffener spacing, and truss core height on sound transmission loss are subsequently presented.
Evaluating Drinking Water Quality Using Water Quality Parameters and Esthetic Attributes
Authors: Addisie Meseret B
Published: February 2022

This study assesses the quality of drinking water sources in the highlands of Ethiopia. The study considered a combination of users’ perceptions with the measured water quality parameters determined using the water quality index (WQI) tool. Data were collected using a cross-sectional research design for a household survey, and water quality samples were collected from improved and unimproved alternative sources. Nine physicochemical and two bacteriological analyses were performed. The result shows that esthetic water quality parameters had a potential interpretation of water quality as of the laboratory analysis. The taste was the dominant and easily detectable indicator as compared to odor and color. This is associated with the higher correlation between iron and manganese that deter the taste of water. Tap water was the only free source of bacteriological contamination. The WQI values show that one improved and three unimproved sources were found in the rank of unsuitable for drinking purposes. Unimproved sources are harmful for drinking, although they are used as an alternative source of water. Finally, the study suggests that due consideration of esthetic factors as measured parameters is fundamental for the sustainable use of drinking water infrastructures.
Testicular Rupture: The Other Nutcracker Syndrome
Authors: Essien Francis , Eagle Zachary , Tate Joshua , Barber Austin
Published: February 2022

Scrotal trauma is a rare incident but when it occurs it is typically among 6 to 12 years old boys. It is most commonly unilateral secondary to compression of the scrotal contents against the pubic bone. The majority of trauma to the scrotal region is blunt impact but serious injuries are rare despite the vulnerable position of the testicles. The combination of the cremasteric reflex and mobility/strength of the tunica albuginea contribute to reducing occurrences. However, serious injury can occur when the testicle is trapped against the pubic bone, varying from minimal extravasation to complete parenchymal destruction. Testicular rupture is a rare injury characterized by rupture of the tunica albuginea resulting in exposure of the seminiferous tubules. Prompt evaluation of these patients is crucial as a delay in surgical care may lead to loss of the injured testicle. We present a case of acute testicular rupture in an active duty male followed by a review of the literature.
Sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy with genetic diagnosis: description of a case series in a tertiary referral hospital
Authors: Arenas-Cabrera Carmen , Baena-Palomino Pablo , Sánchez-García Javier , Oliver-Romero María , Chocrón-González Yamin , Caballero-Martínez Manuel
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE) is characterized by asymmetric tonic/dystonic posturing and/or complex hyperkinetic seizures occurring mostly during sleep. Experts agree that SHE should be considered a unique syndrome.

PURPOSE

We present 8 cases of SHE for which a genetic diagnosis was carried out using a multigene epilepsy panel.

Methods

We retrospectively screened familial and isolated cases of SHE in current follow-ups in our center.

Results

We included 8 (5F/3M) patients, 5 of whom had a positive familial history of epilepsy. We identified a pathogenic mutation in CHRNA4, CHRNB2, and 3 different pathogenic changes in DEPDC5.

Conclusions

Awareness of SHE needs to be raised, given its implications for finding an appropriate treatment, its relationship to cognitive and psychiatric comorbidities, and the opportunity to prevent the disorder in the descendants. We present our series with their clinical, radiological, electroencephalographic, and genetic characteristics, in which we found 3 pathogenic mutations in the DEPDC5 gene but not previously reported in the literature. Identifying new pathogenic mutations or new genes responsible for SHE will facilitate a better understanding of the disease and a correct genetic counseling.
The partisan consequences of liberation mentality: Ruling party support in Zimbabwe across space and time
Authors: Friesen Paul
Published: February 2022

In autocratic-leaning countries, the level of genuine public support for ruling parties and reasons driving it are often unclear. While such parties often rely on violence, electoral manipulation, and corruption to help maintain power, maintaining legitimate popularity is the ideal. Parties that emerged from national liberation struggles and other extraordinary events are thought to have developed strong branding and organizational structures. This paper tests the determinants of ruling party identification among Zimbabweans through seven geo-coded rounds of Afrobarometer data. First, genuine ruling party support is estimated to be exaggerated in public opinion surveys, but not insignificant. The ruling party’s base of support is centered in rural areas that experienced the greatest concentration of guerrilla activity during the liberation war. Respondents from the liberation generation are also more likely to support the ruling party, and view the party as tied to nationalism. The liberation war generated and solidified ruling party stronghold areas through democratic advantages such as nationalistic branding and robust party organization structures as well as autocratic tools such as the capture of traditional leaders, politicization of the military, and the use of violence against dissidents.
An evaluation of five regional health information technology-based programmes to improve health and social care coordination: A quasi-experimental controlled before/after mixed design
Authors: Salmi Louis-Rachid , Roberts Tamara , Renaud Thomas , Buffeteau Sophie , Cueille Sandrine , Fourneyron Emmanuelle , Gaillard Aurélie , Abraham Maelys , Arditi Nora , Castry Mathieu , Daniel Fabien , N'gom N'deye Fatou , Guéry Orlane , L'Horty Yannick , Pincemail Stéphane , Purgues Sonia , Thiessard Franz , Ramel Viviane , Langlois Emmanuel , Saillour-Glénisson Florence , Sibé Matthieu , Wittwer Jérôme ,   EvaTSN Research Group
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Health information technology (HIT) can help coordinate health and social actors involved in patients’ pathways. We assess five regional HIT-based programmes (‘ Territoires de Soins Numériques’ or TSN) introduced in France, covering the period 2012–2018.

Methods

This was a quasi-experimental controlled before/after mixed design. We used data from the French National Health Insurance database, qualitative and quantitative surveys, and information extracted from project documents and databases. We assessed the impact of TSN using four main impact indicators: emergency room visits, unplanned hospitalizations, avoidable hospitalizations and rehospitalization within 30 days. We also collected qualitative and secondary quantitative data covering perceived needs, knowledge, use, satisfaction, adoption and understanding of projects, pathway experience, impact on professional practices and appropriateness of hospitalizations.

Results

TSN implemented a heterogeneous mix of HIT. Implementation was slower than expected and was not well documented. Users perceived the HIT as having a positive but weak overall effect. There were no significant differences in trends for the main impact indicators, nor on the appropriateness of hospitalizations, but favourable trends on secondary polypharmacy indicators.

Conclusions

If similar innovations take place in future, they should be based on a logical framework that defines causal, measurable links between services provided and expected impacts.
Ethnographic experiences of participating in a correctional officer training program: An exploration of values, ethics, and role conflict
Authors: Ricciardelli Rosemary
Published: February 2022

In the current article, I reflect on data from an ethnographic study at the National Training Academy of the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), where I participated in the correctional officer training program (CTP) with the objective to gain appreciation for the many realities of the training process and content. Reflecting on experiences as a uniformed participant in the 14-week in-person component of the program, I describe the challenges tied to starting an immersive ethnography midcareer and unpack the central ethical dilemmas shaping data collection and article preparation. First, I speak to what it means to be part of the 14-week job interview with 24 other individuals, with a strong emphasis on how participant values and ethics align with those of the organization and the challenges of consent. Next, I unpack the complexities across relationships that emerge in doing ethnographies in an organization with a hierarchical structure, specifically the role conflict between being a researcher (e.g., working in partnership with CSC) and participant (e.g., doing the training). As an ethnographer, I did not want to affect the experiences or outcomes of other recruits, but my presence may have influenced them regardless of my intentions. I conclude by highlighting implications for further consideration when conducting ethnographic work in partnerships with organizations of justice.
The impact of participatory dementia research on researchers: A systematic review
Authors: Kowe Antonia , Panjaitan Hentry , Klein Olga A , Boccardi Marina , Roes Martina , Teupen Sonja , Teipel Stefan
Published: February 2022

Participatory approaches are increasingly required and used in research. In this review, we examined the impact (benefits and disadvantages) of participatory dementia research on researchers as potential key actors to sustainably implement the participatory approach. Our aim was to provide information on how the participatory process could be improved. We conducted a systematic literature review covering the Cochrane Library, PsycNet, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria for publications were as follows: research (1) involving people with dementia as co-researchers, (2) including a description or discussion of the impact of participatory research for researchers, (3) published between 2000 and 2020, and (4) in English. We performed a quality assessment of the included publications. Our final review included nine publications; three categorized as high quality, five as medium quality, and one as low quality. Four of the publications categorized as high or medium quality implemented participation at the level of partnership, and two publications implemented participation at the level of delegated power. The beneficial impact of participatory dementia research on researchers consisted of an increased understanding of people with dementia that widened researchers’ theoretical knowledge and perspectives and increased their competence in working with people with dementia. Disadvantages comprised the required additional effort and time as well as the difficulty of establishing a balanced relationship between researchers and co-researchers. Disadvantages may result from the lack of a definition and structure of participatory research and a lack of training on both sides. More well-designed and transparent methods of evaluating participatory research projects are needed.