bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(In)visible by Design: An Analysis of a Domestic Labor Platform
Authors: Gruszka Katarzyna , Pillinger Anna , Gerold Stefanie , Theine Hendrik
Published: September 2024

Since the rise of platform labor, food delivery, and ride hailing workers have become a visible part of cityscapes, unlike platform workers in the domestic sector. The invisibilization and economic devaluation of reproductive tasks, especially in the private sphere, has a long history.Although platforms are not likely to yield a radical transformation in this sector, qualitative changes concerning the invisibility of work outsourced by households can be observed. In this contribution, we draw from the analytical framework of (in)visibility of/in platform-mediated work and map it against our research findings on a key platform in domestic cleaning in Europe, including netnographic data and interviews with workers and clients. Using the framework as a heuristic tool leads us to a more nuanced understanding of (in)visibility in platform-mediated cleaning in perceptible, institutional, and individual terms. Moreover, we argue that the interrelations between these three layers of (in)visibility offer novel insights for making sense of worker organizing and collective action, the practices related to leaving the platform, and the issue of workers’ occupational identity of domestic cleaners. As such, the study contributes to the current debates on platform labor and domestic work, including the value-visibility relation and the role of digital platforms therein.
Evaluating the student attainment of graduate attributes through direct method
Authors: Thumiki Venkat Ram Raj , Mujumdar Aarati
Published: September 2024

The attainment of Graduate Attributes, GA-1: Creative and Solution oriented, GA-2: Effective Communicator, and GA-3: Critical Thinker, by the graduates of Modern College of Business and Science, Oman, was evaluated using the Direct Method. Student grades in various courses that embed these GAs were accessed by mining data from the examination archives. The average scores of these GAs were compared with the benchmarked global test values of TTCT, IELTS, and CCTST respectively. The analysis revealed that, while the attainment of GA-1 is satisfactory, GA-2 and GA-3 need focus. Gender differences were noticed wherein female graduates’ attainment of GAs was found to be higher than male graduates. The attainment of GAs was not uniform across various departments in the college. Based on VUCA Theory, Social Penetration Theory, and Theory of Inquiry, this study attains significance in the light of HEIs attempting to provide job-ready students to the industry globally. This study establishes the practical implications of GA assessment in higher education and enables us to identify the GAs to focus on.
Politics matter: Public leadership and taking charge behavior in the public sector
Authors: Guo Shenghao , Yang Yi
Published: September 2024

Learning how to motivate employees to engage in proactive taking-charge behavior (TCB) has become an essential topic for building change capabilities into public organizations. However, despite limited research investigating triggers of TCB in the public sector, even less attention has been paid to leadership-related drivers. With a three-wave survey on a Chinese public employee sample, we test how public leaders can motivate TCB using accountability, rule-following, political loyalty, and network governance leadership approaches, and whether these employees’ organizational identification mediates this relationship. Results show that only employees under supervisors who practice rule-following and political loyalty leaderships will own greater identification with their organizations and will subsequently exhibit TCB——these two public leadership approaches work because they paint a realistic picture of China’s political context to public employees, boosting their organization identification, which then enhances their TCB. Such results enrich our understanding of public sector change management in authoritarian political conditions.
Analysis of the impact of exfoliated graphene oxide on the mechanical performance and in-plane fracture resistance of epoxy-based nanocomposite
Authors: Singh Sandeep Kumar , Singh Thingujam Jackson , Nayak Biswajeet , Sonker Puneet Kumar , Singh Meinam Annebushan
Published: September 2024

Graphene oxide (GO) is a versatile material, derivative of graphene, and it has gained significant attention in the field of polymer nanocomposites due to its exceptional properties and unique structural features. These characteristics make it a successful secondary reinforcing agent for enhancing mechanical performance, fatigue resistance, and other various physical and thermal properties of nanocomposites. However, the low fracture toughness of nanocomposite has restricted the overall structural applications. In this research work, the epoxy nanocomposites were prepared with different weights of exfoliated graphene oxide (E-GO) nanoparticles by using a dual mixing probe ultra-sonication for homogeneous distribution and proper dispersion. A substantial enhancement in mechanical performance and fracture toughness of nanocomposite was observed. The good dispersion and interfacial adhesion among E-GO and epoxy matrix were investigated through the critical analysis of the fracture surfaces of the nanocomposite. The enhancement of mechanical performance of E-GO nanofiller-reinforced epoxy composite was observed superior at 1 wt. % of GO60 particle concentration. The maximum increment of mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, and work of fracture were 40.763, 39.23, and 12.106 % respectively, whereas maximum tensile modulus and flexural modulus were 19.3724, 27.63 % at 1.5 wt. % of GO60 as compared to the neat composite. However, in the case of fracture toughness and energy, maximum improvement of 1.256 Mpa.m1/2 and 0.472 KJ/m2 respectively was observed at 1 wt. % of GO60. Such enhancement was primarily due to the bolstering of in-plane crack propagation resistance in the nanocomposites. Additionally, the highlight point in thermomechanical properties of the polymer nanocomposite is optimal storage modulus and damping factor such as 4066.75 MPa, and 0.46 respectively, for the GO60 at 1 wt.% nanocomposite. Moreover, GO60 at 1 wt.% demonstrates greater thermal stability, withstanding up to 50% material degradation at 413.65°C.
Fabricating diamond bit by selective laser melting and its drilling performance evaluation
Authors: Wang Jianyu , Huang Guoqin , Zhuang Ceyun , Xu Yangli , Zhang Meiqin , Zeng Wenhan , Zhong Wenbin , Xu Xipeng
Published: September 2024

Diamond abrasive tools play an important role in efficient and precision machining of difficult-to-cut materials. As the traditional tool manufacturing process is difficult to meet the integrated molding preparation of complex structures, the use of selective laser melting (SLM) technology to manufacture diamond tools with functions and structures has become a research hotspot in recent years. In this paper, the feasibility and wear characteristics of diamond bits prepared by SLM using AlSi7Mg as metal matrix are investigated. The optimal parameter combination of diamond/AlSi7Mg mixture was obtained through orthogonal experiments, in which the powder layer thickness was 30 μm, the laser power was 300 W, the scanning speed was 3000 mm/s, and the scanning spacing was 120 μm. This parameter combination realized the improvement of the mechanical properties and the decrease of the porosity. Two types of bits with and without groove-structure (Labeled as Bit-G and Bit-N) were fabricated and their drilling performance were compared by processing BK7 optical glass. The results show that the Bit-G has more excellent machining performance, including lower drilling force, better hole quality and longer service life. According to the simulation results, the self-sharpening cycle of the Bit-G’s wear characteristics can be attributed to the groove structure that allows the coolant to be fully utilized in the bit/workpiece contacting area. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of the SLM process for the preparation of diamond tools and comprehensively analyzes the wear process, which provides reference value for further research on this process for the manufacturing of diamond abrasive tools.
Microstructure, mechanical and tribological characteristics of AZ91D-HAp-TiB2 hybrid nanocomposites synthesized through the stir casting route
Authors: Bindu MD , Shamla PC , Anooja AU , Rekha L , Ramachandran KK
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study is to develop a novel magnesium-based nanohybrid composite for potential orthopaedic bioimplant applications. The hybrid nanocomposites were fabricated with AZ91D magnesium alloy as the matrix and hydroxyapatite (HAp) and TiB2 nanoparticles as reinforcements, through the stir casting route. The nanocomposites were synthesized with a fixed concentration of HAp (5 wt%) and different concentrations of TiB2 (2, 4 and 6 wt%). The microstructure of the fabricated composites revealed that the grains are significantly refined with the addition of nanoparticles. The AZ91D-5wt%HAp-2wt%TiB2 hybrid nanocomposite is observed with relatively low porosity, without significant agglomeration of the reinforcement particles, and exhibited the highest tensile and compressive strength with considerably higher ductility than the base AZ91D alloy and the nanocomposites with 4 and 6 wt% TiB2 (about 21% and 34% improvement in compressive and tensile strengths, respectively, compared to the AZ91D alloy). The refinement of grains due to the addition of nanoreinforcements and the alleviation of micro-strain up to a certain extent due to the presence of HAp nanoparticles together with the negligible porosity and agglomeration are the major reasons for the superior strength and ductility. The wear test results showed that the nanocomposite with 2 wt% TiB2 has superior tribological properties. The studies revealed that the AZ91D-5 wt% HAp-2 wt% TiB2 hybrid nanocomposite is a potential material for temporary orthopaedic bioimplants due to its superior strength, ductility, and tribological properties together with the possible enhanced biocompatibility and corrosion resistance due to the presence of HAp particles.
Numerical exploration of MHD bioconvective Williamson-Maxwell nanoliquid flow due to an exponentially elongated porous sheet
Authors: Patil Nalini S , Patil Vishwambhar S
Published: September 2024

This research delves into the intriguing realm of non-Newtonian fluids in conjunction with microorganisms, presenting a mathematical model tailored to analyze heat and mass transfer within Williamson-Maxwell nanofluids hosting gyrotactic microbes. The study investigates how these fluids behave under the influence of multiple factors such as magnetic fields, thermal radiation, chemical reactions, and dissipation effects. Employing a set of similarity invariants, the governing equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations, which are then solved using a fourth-order R-K scheme. The findings, presented graphically, offer insights into various flow parameters and are complemented by pertinent physical explanations. The influence of magnetic flux ([Formula: see text]), Buoyancy ratio ([Formula: see text]), Peclet number ([Formula: see text]), and Schmidt number ([Formula: see text]) on various physical parameters are shown graphically. Notably, the research reveals that while increasing the external magnetic field impedes fluid motion, it enhances thermal and density layers. Additionally, a higher bioconvective Schmidt number is shown to reduce microbial density. These observations hold significant implications for applications involving nanofluids and microorganisms across biomedical, pharmaceutical, biofuels, and other sectors. Overall, this study contributes valuable knowledge to the understanding and potential utilization of complex fluid systems in diverse industrial contexts.
Multidisciplinary optimization methodology for truss-braced wing aircraft using high-fidelity structure sizing
Authors: Hosseini Saeed , Vaziry-Zanjany Mohammad Ali , Ovesy Hamid Reza
Published: September 2024

In this research, a method is developed to optimize the truss-braced wing aircraft configuration in a multidisciplinary design framework. Physics-based high-fidelity methods, that can capture the nature of the configuration changes, are employed for the disciplines where the existing classical methods are not reliable. High-fidelity geometry modeling, structure loading, structure optimization, and aeroelastic sizing methods are integrated into the aircraft multidisciplinary design and optimization. The developed algorithm is applied for the multi-objective optimization of a regional jet aircraft to minimize the cost and weight. The results demonstrate that the cost-optimum solution converges to a higher aspect ratio wing equipped with a higher bypass ratio engine, and a 7.94% reduction in the direct operating cost can be achieved. On the other hand, the weight-optimum wing planform tends to a slightly lower aspect ratio wing with a lower bypass ratio engine, while a 6.18% reduction in take-off weight is achieved. In addition to that, the findings of this study highlight the considerable effect that the engine technology has on the optimum layout, which suggests that the engine technology and its performance should also be a part of the design optimization process. The developed modular framework offers further optimization potential for the truss-braced wing aircraft, as more detailed models can be integrated.
Synergistic effect of carbon abatement and energy saving of digital infrastructure in China: Evidence from 284 cities
Authors: Ren Huimin , Gu Guofeng , Zhou Honghao
Published: September 2024

Digital infrastructure construction is paving an explorable path for carbon abatement and energy saving. Whether China's Broadband China Strategy (BCS) contributes to carbon abatement and energy saving is yet to be explored in depth. Using the dataset of 284 cities during 2010–2021 in China, this research applies staggered difference-in-differences (DID) to assess whether and how the BCS affects carbon abatement and energy saving. The results show that BCS significantly promotes the city's carbon abatement and energy saving, but the beneficial effects do not appear until the fourth year of the BCS implementation. The promotion of the BCS demonstration cities has contributed to carbon abatement and energy saving mainly by expanding scale aggregation, optimizing resource allocation, and stimulating low-carbon innovation related to energy. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the carbon abatement and energy saving effects of BCS are more noticeable in eastern and larger economic scale cities. Non-resource-based cities benefit more from BCS's carbon abatement effects, while resource-based cities benefit more from BCS's energy saving effects. Furthermore, BCS shows a siphon effect on carbon abatement and energy saving in geographically neighboring cities, while it shows a demonstration effect in economically neighboring cities.
Coprolite diversity from the archeological site Gruta Do Gentio Ll, Unaí, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Gurjão Ludmila , Dias Ondemar , Neto Jandira , Iñiguez Alena
Published: September 2024

The first paleoparasitological analyses in Brazil are related to the Gruta do Gentio ll (GGll) an archeological site related to the beginning of the Una ceramist tradition (13,000–410 cal B.P.), with two subsistence horizons, an ancient one related do hunter-gatherers, and a more recent one related to a horticulturist population. Crucial cultural traces of Una tradition such as pottery, fabric, adornments made from animal teeth and shells, and food remnants were also identified during the GGII excavations. Coprolites, fossilized or mineralized feces are important elements in the studies on taphonomy and sedimentology, and yield valuable information on parasitological, environmental, producer origin, and diet. In the present study, GGll coprolites were submitted to morphological and morphometrical procedures to identify the probable origin of samples within the geographical location of study. The results of the identification of coprolites showed four different morphotypes including complex, flat, spherical, and cylindrical, in 10 distinct colors, distributed heterogeneously in 16 sectors and 11 stratigraphic layers, indicating a great variety of not only human but animal coprolites. With the collected data, along with previous archeological evaluations, we can propose a primary GGII paleoecological scenario, with the presence of animals and humans that used de cave in the Pleistocene and Holocene times of Southeast Brazil.
Inhibitory Effect of Cayratia albifolia C. L. Li Extract on LPS-induced Inflammation of RAW264.7 Cells by Regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 Axis
Authors: Tan Yi , Cao Liang , Zhou Dan , Qin Biao , Zhang Yanbin , Liu Jianxin , He Kai , Li Bin , Zhang Zaiqi
Published: September 2024

Background

Cayratia albifolia C. L. Li (Jiao Mei Gu (JMG)) has potential therapeutic effects in inflammatory diseases.

Objectives

The primary goal of the research was to focus on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities of C. albifolia and the underlying mechanisms that contribute to these benefits.

Materials and Methods

To explore the anti-inflammatory abilities of JMG, we employed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and nitric oxide (NO) assay in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage inflammation model. Furthermore, flow cytometry was employed to assess the antioxidant effects of C. albifolia, and Western blotting was used to reveal the underlying mechanisms.

Results

Ethyl acetate extract of C. albifolia effectively reduced the release of NO, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and prostaglandin E2 in macrophages. Additionally, it prevented the expression of reactive oxygen species. Mechanistically, the extract may downregulate the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expression.

Conclusion

The ethyl acetate extract of C. albifolia demonstrated remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 axis.
A reflection on mental health education for pacific clinicians
Authors: Chang Odille
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To review the challenges to developing and sustaining the Pacific mental health workforce for future planning.

Conclusion

Emerging from a colonial mental health service and training paradigm, contemporary Pacific Island Countries and Territories confront significant workforce education and training challenges that require solutions relevant to regional circumstances.
Response to workplace aggression in forensic and secure mental health services: Investigating staff confidence, associated factors, and training needs
Authors: He Wei , Denman Lara , Luder Michael , Stedman Terry
Published: September 2024

Objective

To evaluate forensic and secure mental health services (FSMHS) staff’s confidence in managing workplace aggression, identify associated factors, and explore their workplace aggression prevention training needs.

Methods

Through an online survey, staff rated their experience of workplace aggression, perceived effectiveness of current training, and confidence in responding to workplace aggression, and described training needs. Stepwise multiple regression was used to identify associated factors with statistical significance. Thematic analysis was used to generate themes describing their training needs.

Results

The staff perceived current training as low-to-medium in effectiveness, mirroring their confidence in managing workplace aggression. Nurses experienced more workplace aggression compared to other professions. Staff working at High Security perceived current training as less effective compared to those working at Medium Security or Low Security. Qualitative findings underscored the necessity for improved training content, methods, and supportive strategies.

Conclusion

Recommendations for enhancing training include: tailoring training to FSMHS settings; equally focussing on both non-physical and physical intervention techniques; providing more scenario-based hands-on practice opportunities; delivering training in a reasonable trainer-trainee ratio; prioritising nurses and High Security staff and integrating other professions into the training framework; and implementing strategies that support staff, consumers, and environment to ensure training effectiveness and applicability.
Impact of Facility Volume on Overall Survival in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Palliative Treatment
Authors: Kaki Praneet C. , Patel Aman M. , Revercomb Lucy , Maxwell Russell , Brant Jason A. , Brody Robert M. , Cannady Steven B. , Carey Ryan M.
Published: September 2024

Background

Treatment at high-volume facilities (HVF) has been associated with improved prognosis of HNC patients undergoing curative treatment. Whether this systemic factor influences survival outcomes of patients with HNC undergoing palliative treatment is unknown.

Aim

To investigate the impact of palliative treatment facility volume on overall survival (OS) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).

Design

The 2004 to 2018 National Cancer Database was queried retrospectively for patients with HNC undergoing palliative treatment.

Setting/participants

Patients were stratified based on treatment facility volume percentile. Multivariable binary logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression models were implemented.

Results

Of 8682 patients included, 1661 (19.1%) underwent palliative therapy at facilities with volume ≥80th percentile. Among 972 facilities included, 643 (66.2%), 182 (18.7%), 85 (8.8%), 44 (4.5%), and 18 (1.9%) had volume <20th, 20-40th, 40-60th, 60-80th, and ≥80th percentiles, respectively. 5-year OS rates of patients undergoing palliative therapy at facilities with volume <20th, 20-40th, 40-60th, 60-80th, and ≥80th percentile was 11%, 13%, 11%, 14%, and 23%, respectively ( P < .001). Facility volume ≥80th percentile was associated with higher 5-year OS on multivariable Cox regression (aHR 0.34, 95% CI 0.16-0.69, P < .001). Surgical treatment (aOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.07-1.68, P = .012) was associated with undergoing treatment at facilities with volume ≥80th percentile.

Conclusions

Undergoing palliative treatment at HVFs is associated with higher OS in HNC. The survival benefit derived from high facility volume should be carefully considered in the context of other patient and facility characteristics in end-of-life management, with specific emphasis on patient-directed goals of care.
Predicting Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients with Hematologic Malignancy: A Retrospective Case–Control Study
Authors: Lee Jiwon , Kim Hee-Ju
Published: September 2024

Neutropenic sepsis (NS) is one of the leading causes of death among patients with hematologic malignancies. Identifying its predictive factors is fundamental for early detection. Few studies have evaluated the predictive factors in relation to microbial infection confirmation, which is clinically important for initiating sepsis treatment. This study aimed to determine whether selected biomarkers (i.e., body temperature, C-reactive protein, albumin, procalcitonin), treatment-related characteristics (i.e., diagnosis, duration of neutropenia, treatment modality), and infection-related characteristics (i.e., infection source, causative organisms) can predict NS in patients with hematologic malignancies. We also aimed to identify the optimal predictive cutoff points for these parameters. This retrospective case–control study used the data from a total of 163 patients (58 in the sepsis group and 105 in the non-sepsis group). We collected data with reference to the day of specimen collection, with which microbial infection was confirmed. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine predictive risk factors and the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic for the optimal predictive cutoff points. The independent predictors of NS were average body temperature during a fever episode and procalcitonin level. The odds for NS rose by 9.97 times with every 1°C rise in average body temperature (95% confidence interval, CI [1.33, 75.05]) and by 2.09 times with every 1 ng/mL rise in the procalcitonin level (95% CI [1.08, 4.04]). Average body temperature (AUC = 0.77, 95% CI [0.68, 0.87]) and procalcitonin levels (AUC = 0.71, 95% CI [0.59, 0.84]) have fair accuracy for predicting NS, with the optimal cutoff points of 37.9°C and 0.55 ng/mL, respectively. This study found that average body temperature during a fever episode and procalcitonin are useful in predicting NS. Thus, nurses should carefully monitor body temperature and procalcitonin levels in patients with hematologic malignancies to detect the onset of NS.
Comedies of Beset Manhood: Midlife Masculinity in the Films of Alexander Payne
Authors: Levinson Julie
Published: September 2024

The career of director-writer Alexander Payne has coincided with, and developed alongside, the cultural discourse about men in crisis. His last seven films have engaged several of the concerns that have informed considerations of contemporary manhood since the 1990s. Avoiding the overwrought tone of many of such works, Payne’s films collectively examine the disorientation and disappointments of midlife men, but they defy simplistic narrative resolutions. Both employing and subverting the conventions of comic form, Payne’s films artfully reveal how ideologies of iconic White manhood weigh on individuals who fall outside of—or age out of—those masculine ideals. In narrativizing and individualizing the concerns of the men-in-crisis conversation, Payne adds complexity and depth to ongoing discourses about gender and aging.
Physical Health, Relationship Commitment, and Fidelity among Arab Americans
Authors: Tadros Eman , Zhao Jixuan , Sohn Annemarie
Published: September 2024

Arab Americans, an ethnically minoritized group in the United States and are historically marginalized understudied, thus their health needs have been poorly documented. We aim to examine the correlation between physical health and their commitment as well as fidelity in relationships. A sample of 204 Arab American individuals in romantic relationships were studied on age, gender, education, religion, as well as our variables of interest on physical health, commitment, and fidelity. The results of our study showed that physical health has positive and statistically significant associations with their fidelity towards partners, however, is not significantly associated with their partner's fidelity. Unexpectedly, we found that physical health is negatively correlated with their commitment. Clinical implications and future research directions will also be discussed.
Efficient Highlighting of Visual Targets in Complex Natural Scenes
Authors: Werner Steffen , duBois Zeth , Hazard Mary , LaMana Nicolas
Published: September 2024

Guided visual search is a common theme in HF applications. In this project we use large-scale databases of wildlife camera-trap imagery as a testbed for optimization of target highlighting. MegaDetector, a generic animal detection deep machine learning model, provides bounding boxes for potential targets within an image. In some cases, human observers are necessary to confirm or further classify the detections. Outlining the bounding box can direct human attention to the target AOI to improve observers’ classification speed and accuracy. However, this outline introduces visual clutter and crowding at the AOI boundary. In a first empirical study we investigate the use of padding to mitigate the effects of local clutter and compared different methods of visual highlighting (colored outline vs. blur outside of AOI). We found support for using padding to improve performance when animals were hard to see. Both colored outlines and blur were effective at directing observers’ attention.
Catheter and Non-Catheter-Related Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients: Survival, Anticoagulation Efficacy, and Safety
Authors: Liang Feng , Chao Min , Song Kai-Yi , Wang Hui-Qi , Jiang Ling-Zhi , Ye Xiang-Ming
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To investigate the differences in survival after venous thromboembolism (VTE) and anticoagulation efficacy and safety between catheter (CRVTE) and non-catheter-related VTE (NCRVTE) in cancer patients.

Methods

A retrospective research was conducted, and consecutive cancer (digestive, respiratory, genitourinary, blood and lymphatic, and the other cancers) patients with VTE were enrolled. The anticoagulation therapies included low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), warfarin, new type of direct oral anticoagulants (NDOACs), LMWH combined with warfarin, and LMWH combined with NDOACs. Data were collected from the electronic medical record database of our hospital and were analyzed accordingly by Kruskal-Wallis H Test, Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Logistic regressions, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox regressions.

Results

263 patients were included, median age in years (interquartile range) was 64(56-71) and 60.5% were male. VTE recurrence rate was 16.7% in CRVTE group which was significantly lower than 34.8% in NCRVTE group ( P = .032). Heart diseases were independently associated with VTE recurrence ( P = .025). Kaplan-Meier survival estimates at 1, 2, and 3 years for CRVTE group were 62.5%, 60.0%, and 47.5%, respectively, compared with 47.9% ( P = .130), 38.7% ( P = .028), and 30.1% ( P = .046), respectively, for NCRVTE group. Cox regression showed surgery ( P = .003), anticoagulation therapy types ( P = .009), VTE types ( P = .006) and cancer types ( P = .039) were independent prognostic factors for 3-year survival after VTE. Nonmajor and major bleeding were not significantly different ( P = .417). Anticoagulation therapy types were independently associated with the bleeding events ( P = .030).

Conclusions

Cancer patients with CRVTE potentially have a better anticoagulation efficacy and survival compared to NCRVTE, and the anticoagulation safety seems no significant difference.
Identifying as a Survivor Versus a Victim After Sexual Violence Predicts Divergent Posttrauma Pathways
Authors: Western Kate A. B. , Cruwys Tegan , Evans Olivia
Published: September 2024

The present study investigated social identification with “survivors” versus “victims” following sexual violence and the degree to which this predicted posttraumatic growth versus posttraumatic stress. Participants ( N = 290) were adult women who had experienced sexual violence. As predicted, cumulative sexual trauma was positively associated with symptoms of both posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth. Further, people who had experienced more cumulative sexual trauma were more likely to identify with victims, which in turn predicted posttraumatic stress. Similarly, people who had experienced more cumulative sexual trauma were also more likely to identify with survivors, and this in turn predicted posttraumatic growth.
Assessment of chemotherapy-related adverse drug reactions among multiple myeloma patients at Kenyatta national hospital
Authors: Assenga Epifania Amedeus , Degu Amsalu , Omolo Calvin A
Published: September 2024

Background

Despite treatment modalities for multiple myeloma can cause adverse drug reactions (ADRs), data are scarce about the types, severity and preventability of chemotherapy-related ADRs in Kenya. This study aimed to assess the chemotherapy-related ADRs among multiple myeloma patients at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

Methods

A one-arm retrospective cohort study was carried out among all eligible adult patients with a documented diagnosis of multiple myeloma between 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2023. A data abstraction tool was used to assess sociodemographics, clinical characteristics and chemotherapy-related ADRs. The Schumock and Thornton scale and the modified Hartwig and Siegel severity scale were employed to evaluate the preventability and severity of ADRs, respectively. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29.0 software. The results were presented using mean, frequency and percentage. Binary logistic regression was employed to assess factors influencing ADRs. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The prevalence of ADRs in this study was 81.5% with a total of 230 ADRs identified. The primary ADRs identified were peripheral neuropathy (21.7%), nausea and vomiting (14.8%), neutropenia (12.2%) and anemia (11.3%). The majority of the ADRs (51.7%) were moderate in severity, and 29.8% were of mild severity. Preventability assessments of the ADRs showed that most of them (68.2%) were definitely preventable and 13.2% were probably preventable. VRD (Bortezomib/Lenalidomide/Dexamethasone) and VCD (Bortezomib/Cyclophosphamide/Dexamethasone) treatment regimens were responsible for most of the ADRs. VRD (AOR = 11.1, 95% CI = 3.7–32.8, p < 0.001) and VCD treatment regimens (AOR = 4.8, 95% CI = 1.1–20.0, p = 0.033) were the significant factors affecting the occurrence of ADRs.

Conclusion

Overall, the incidence of chemotherapy-related ADRs in multiple myeloma patients at KNH was notably high (81.5%). Despite the moderate severity of the ADRs, their preventable nature highlights the potential for improved patient outcomes through careful regimen selection and monitoring.
I’m Still Nigerian: Navigating Race Through Digital Literacies
Authors: Afolalu Lakeya
Published: September 2024

Literacy scholarship captures immigrant youth of color ethnoracial identity constructions through their digital literacy practices. Still, few studies examine how immigrant youth of African origin use digital literacy to navigate ethnoracial tensions and craft racialized identities. Drawing on raciolinguistic and postcolonial theory, this study extends and nuances existing scholarship by examining the digital literacy practices and ethnoracial identity formations of a 13-year-old Nigerian girl who migrated to the United States. Positioning my analysis within the intersection of race, language, and identity, I inquire: How does Isioma leverage digital literacies to navigate U.S. racialization and negotiate U.S. racial identity categories? Furthermore, how does Isioma employ digital literacies to construct and negotiate her ethnoracial identities? I employ a narrative analysis of home observations, semistructured interviews, and literacy artifacts. Findings illustrate how digital tools disrupt raciolinguistic perspectives against minoritized languages. Digital literacies also enable the preservation of ethnic identities and languages while influencing racialized and hybrid identity formation and narration in the physical world.
Responding to Cyberattacks: The Persuasiveness of Claiming Victimhood
Authors: Antonetti Paolo , Baghi Ilaria
Published: September 2024

Evidence shows that, in the aftermath of cyberattacks, organizations usually accept responsibility for having failed to protect stakeholders’ data more effectively. While this strategy is reasonable in many circumstances, research suggests that it would be unsuitable in situations where the data breach is caused exclusively by criminal actors, what scholars refer to as a “victim crisis.” We argue that, in this type of situations, organizations can apologize while claiming victimhood. We present a model of moderated mediation explaining the persuasiveness of this strategy as a response to cyberattacks. In five experiments, we show that an apology claiming victimhood outperforms an apology accepting or rejecting responsibility. However, claiming victimhood is effective only when evidence of harm is provided and when the organization cannot be construed as being partly responsible for the attack. Furthermore, claiming victimhood is more effective if the focal organization is perceived as virtuous and the cybercriminal as very competent. The study contributes to the literature on service failure and recovery by offering the first account of how claims of victimhood can be deployed effectively. Furthermore, the study raises important managerial implications by proposing a novel communication strategy that can be deployed in the aftermath of cyberattacks.
Sisters, Bottoms, and “Exotic Combo”: Homonormative Misogyny and Respectable Masculinity of Middle-Class Gay Sex Workers in Hong Kong
Authors: Tsoi David Kwok Kwan
Published: September 2024

This article brings together queer studies and masculinities studies to discuss how middle-class gay sex workers in Hong Kong manage the stigma of same-sex sex work. Based on 11 months of ethnographic fieldwork in a gay erotic massage parlor in Hong Kong, I examine how middle-class gay sex workers in Hong Kong deploy locally specific notions about gender, class, and border to mitigate their anxiety about sex work and to establish a form of gay masculinity. The middle-class gay masseurs claim a respectable self through narrating multiple disrespectable others—women streetwalker, bottom masseur, and lower-class migrant sex worker. In everyday banter, satire, and bawdy jokes around these three figures, masseurs invoke homonormativity through misogynistic discourses about migrant women, femininity, effeminacy, and penetration. In so doing, they simultaneously produce gay masculinity and gay misogyny, a process I term “homonormative misogyny.” In neoliberal Hong Kong, this form of gay respectability politics is emergent in an increasingly gentrified sexual economy.
Numerical study on structured sandwich panels exposed to spherical air explosions
Authors: Derseh Solomon Abebe , Mohammed Tesfaye Alemu , Urgessa Girum
Published: September 2024

There is a need to develop innovative protective shield structures to withstand extreme loads, such as impact and blast loading. Sandwich structures that absorb significant kinetic energy as strain energy through plastic deformation offer superior protection. This study conducts a numerical analysis of structured sandwich protective structures subjected to airblast loads using finite element modeling. First, an experimental result from the literature was used to validate and verify finite element models of an architected sandwich structure modeled in Abaqus/Explicit software. Second, parametric studies were conducted on sandwich structures with additional layers of insert plates and newly proposed core topologies for viable shield protection against airblast loading. The finite element analysis results indicated that, under the same impulsive load, the control sandwich panel exhibited higher kinetic energy, demanding a proportionally larger internal energy. Conversely, sandwich structures with additional inner core insert plates dissipated the imposed kinetic energy more efficiently, due to the inelastic plastic deformation of the proposed core configurations. Moreover, the energy absorption capacity and back sheet displacement time-history were significantly improved by dense-hierarchical inner core configurations. Additionally, the parametric study analysis showed that increasing the number of insert plates and designing the core topology of cellular walls to be redundant, dense-hierarchical, and braced against buckling significantly reduced core collapse mechanisms such as folding, buckling, and crushing. However, despite these benefits, a reversed effect on the areal specific energy absorption index was observed.
Association of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and hemodialysis access failure in patients with end stage renal disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Anees Muhammad , Jawed Kinza , Ali Zuhaib , Khan Alvina Mohammad , Siddiqui Nadeem Ahmed
Published: September 2024

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the association of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with an elevated risk of vascular access failure in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis. A comprehensive database search of MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, and Cochrane Central was performed. Studies reporting the values of NLR in both functional and non-functional AVF groups in ESRD patients were selected. Quality assessment was performed using the Modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies. Meta-analysis was performed using an inverse variance random effects model. Seven observational studies met the inclusion criteria, including 1313 participants with 554 cases and 759 controls. Pooled results showed significantly high NLR levels in patients with non-functional arteriovenous fistula (AVF) compared to functional AVF (SMD = 1.19, 95% CI = 0.74–1.65, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis confirmed the consistency of the association between NLR and AVF failure across study design (SMD = 1.76, 95% CI = 0.78–2.73, p = 0.0004 in prospective vs SMD = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.42–1.32, p = 0.0001 in retrospective studies), etiology (SMD = 1.63, 95% CI = 0.75–2.52, p = 0.0003 in stenosis or thrombosis; and SMD = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.27–1.34, p = 0.003 in failure to mature of AVF), and NLR measurement timing (SMD = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.42–1.54, p = 0.0006 in preoperative vs SMD = 1.58, 95% CI = 0.47–2.69, p = 0.005 in postoperative NLR). The pooled odds ratio revealed high NLR values as a significant predictor of AVF failure in ESRD patients (OR = 3.91, 95% CI = 1.91–7.98, p = 0.0002). The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 89.72% (95% CI = 77.51%–95.67%) and 72.95% (95% CI = 63.82%–80.47%), respectively. The high NLR is a useful and predictive marker for AVF failure in hemodialysis patients. Future studies should prioritize larger cohort studies to validate and reinforce these observations.
Problems and countermeasures: a phenomenological study of Chinese EFL supervisors’ perspectives about the practicum / Problemas y contramedidas: un estudio fenomenológico de las perspectivas de los supervisores de ILE en China sobre el programa de prácticas
Authors: Yan Chunmei , He Chuanjun
Published: September 2024

Informed by the cultural-historical approach, this phenomenological study examined a group of Chinese EFL (English as a foreign language) teacher educators’ views about the practicum. Longitudinal observations, individual formal interviews and informal conversations were employed to understand the supervisors’ perceptions about the problems arising from the practicum and strategies to enhance it. The results reveal three key problems, including supervisors’ limited involvement, limited support from the university and practicum schools, and interns’ weaknesses. The countermeasures involve the initiative of student teachers and a stable collaborative platform. Implications are drawn from the study about strategies of constructing a coherent activity system with shared objects for university–school partnerships.
The Role of Surgery in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma in 2024
Authors: Leung David KW , Ko Ivan CH , Siu Brian WH , Wong Chris HM , Yuen Steffi KK , Ng Chi Fai , Teoh Jeremy YC
Published: September 2024

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common solid tumour of the kidney and accounts for 3% of all cancers. While immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based combination therapies have emerged as the first-line treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), the role of surgery has become more controversial. This review summarizes the evidence, current role and future directions for surgery in mRCC management. The survival benefits of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) shown in the interferon era have encountered increasing disputes in the tyrosine-kinase inhibitor (TKI) and ICI eras. Undoubtedly, several systematic reviews based on retrospective data have supported the survival benefits of CN. Nevertheless, 2 prospective trials, CARMENA and SURTIME, proved that sunitinib as the upfront therapy resulted in noninferior survival outcomes compared with immediate CN. The safety of CN does have solid ground in the current literature. Several studies suggested that preoperative systemic therapy did not seem to aggravate perioperative complications or mortality rates, in experienced centres. Meticulous patient selection is the rule of thumb in the modern management of mRCC patients. The limitations of the existing prognostication models, however, must be acknowledged. Clinicians should adopt a multidisciplinary and holistic approach and contemplate all patient, disease, surgeon and socio-economical factors, before deciding who should go for surgery. The advent of metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) and survival benefits of adjuvant pembrolizumab shown in the oligometastatic subgroup, where complete metastasectomy could be achieved (M1 NED), calls for more comparative studies against upfront ICI combinations. In summary, CN brings survival benefits to well-selected good-to-intermediate-risk mRCC patients. Individualized and multidisciplinary care is pivotal.
Orientation effect of chopped steel fiber on tribological performance of very low metallic brake pads: An interface study
Authors: Eakambaram A , Balaji MA Sai
Published: September 2024

The orientation effect of chopped tiny steel fibres (length < 3 mm; diameter < 200 µm) in brake pads parallel (NAPA) to the sliding direction is studied using two different methods. Inverting the specimen during testing yields fibre perpendicular (NAPE) to the sliding direction, which is compared to commercial random-oriented fibre pads (NARA). The orientation coefficient value of near unity is achieved only in NAPA. NAPA and NAPE have a lower density than NARA by 13.2% due to less than 54.55% of steel fibres in the formulation. More and larger plateaus stabilized friction in NARA, utilising the elongation properties of parallel steel fibres, than in NAPE, which produced only tiny plateaus. However, the wear resistance decreases when the sliding path or direction changes from parallel to perpendicular. The measurement of thickness loss is misleading during wear because of the swelling effect, and hence energy requirements are considered. The energy required to wear 1 cc of specimen in the NAPE is 23.78% greater than that in the NAPA, and hence wear resistance is better. Adhesion followed by delamination at elevated temperatures are the dominant wear mechanisms in NAPA, whereas abrasion is dominant in NAPE. Thus, semi-metallic performance can be obtained in a very low metallic pad by orienting these fibres.
How market structure and market power shape hotel price discrimination – Evidence from big data
Authors: Tian Fengjun , Wang Zhonglie , Yang Yang , Mao Zhenxing
Published: September 2024

Limited research has addressed market structure and market power in the hospitality context. This study builds on the market structure literature by examining how market structure and power relate to and affect hotel properties’ price discrimination. We collected the published room rates of 583 hotels in Houston, Texas, in 2016 hotels.com . These dyadic price data captured booking windows with varied booking and check-in dates. Estimation results revealed two types of price discrimination, intertemporal and restriction-based, in the hotel industry. We confirmed that market structure and market power each played a role in such discrimination, with price discrimination being more intense in a more competitive market and among hotels with less market power. A sub-group analysis of hotels across different classes indicated heterogeneity in our results. Implications are provided for revenue managers and hotel investors to monitor market structure and power to design and manage proper pricing strategies.