bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Deep Learning Models for Pediatric Low-Grade Glioma Tumours Molecular Subtype Identification Using MRI-based 3D Probability Distributions of Tumour Location
Authors: Namdar Khashayar , Wagner Matthias W. , Kudus Kareem , Hawkins Cynthia , Tabori Uri , Ertl-Wagner Birgit B. , Khalvati Farzad
Published: November 2024

Purpose: Pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGG) are the most common brain tumour in children, and the molecular diagnosis of pLGG enables targeted treatment. We use MRI-based Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for molecular subtype identification of pLGG and augment the models using tumour location probability maps. Materials and Methods: MRI FLAIR sequences of 214 patients (110 male, mean age of 8.54 years, 143 BRAF fused and 71 BRAF V600E mutated pLGG tumours) from January 2000 to December 2018 were included in this retrospective REB-approved study. Tumour segmentations (volumes of interest—VOIs) were provided by a pediatric neuroradiology fellow and verified by a pediatric neuroradiologist. Patients were randomly split into development and test sets with an 80/20 ratio. The 3D binary VOI masks for each class in the development set were combined to derive the probability density functions of tumour location. Three pipelines for molecular diagnosis of pLGG were developed: location-based, CNN-based, and hybrid. The experiment was repeated 100 times each with different model initializations and data splits, and the Areas Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUROC) was calculated, and Student’s t-test was conducted. Results: The location-based classifier achieved an AUROC of 77.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) (76.8, 79.0). CNN-based classifiers achieved an AUROC of 86.1, 95% CI (85.0, 87.3), while the tumour-location-guided CNNs outperformed the other classifiers with an average AUROC of 88.64, 95% CI (87.6, 89.7), which was statistically significant ( P-value .0018). Conclusion: Incorporating tumour location probability maps into CNN models led to significant improvements for molecular subtype identification of pLGG.
The Moderating Role of Self-Esteem in the Relationship Between Social Media Use and Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults
Authors: Kim Yesolran
Published: November 2024

This study examines the relationship between social media use and life satisfaction among older adults, with a focus on the moderating role of self-esteem. Cross-sectional data from the 2021 Korea Media Panel Survey were analyzed, focusing on responses from 192 older adults aged 65 and older who had experience using social media platforms. The findings reveal that among older adults with low self-esteem, social media use is negatively associated with life satisfaction, whereas for those with high self-esteem, this association reverses and becomes positive. However, for older adults with medium self-esteem, the relationship between social media use and life satisfaction is not significant. This study contributes to the scholarly understanding of the structural relationship between social media use, self-esteem, and life satisfaction among older adults and offers insights for tailored interventions aimed at enhancing well-being in this demographic.
Feminist Identity and Online Activism in Four Countries From 2019 to 2023
Authors: Boulianne Shelley , Heger Katharina , Houle Nicole , Brown Delphine
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic heightened burdens on caregivers, but also the visibility of caregiving inequalities. These grievances may activate a feminist identity which in turn leads to greater civic and political participation. During a pandemic, online forms of participation are particularly attractive as they require less effort than offline forms of participation and pose less health risks compared to collective forms of offline activism. Using survey data from four countries (Canada, France, the United States, and the United Kingdom) collected in 2019 (prior to the pandemic), 2021 (during the pandemic), and 2023 (post-pandemic), we examine the relationship between self-identifying as a feminist and signing online petitions ( n = 18,362). Our multivariate analyses show that having a feminist identity is positively related to signing online petitions. We consider the differential effects of this identity on participation for men, women, non-binary people; caregivers versus non-caregivers; and respondents in different countries with varying levels of restrictions due to the pandemic. A feminist identity is more important for mobilizing caregivers than non-caregivers, whether or not the caregiver is a man or a woman. While grievance theory suggests differential effects by country and time period, we find a consistent role of feminist identity in predicting the signing of online petitions across time and across countries. These findings offer insights into how different groups in varying contexts are mobilized to participate.
‘A trip organised for children is not a serious matter’? Summer treatment camps for the Belgian-German borderlands (1919-1939)
Authors: Venken Machteld
Published: November 2024

Although the children whose rural homelands transitioned from German to Belgian state sovereignty following the First World War were not the typical demographic targeted for preventive air treatments against tuberculosis, they were overrepresented in treatment camps in both Belgium and Germany. Nation-state representatives provided public and private (although partly state subsidized) treatment camps to restore the physical vitality, ethical integrity, and national allegiances of the minors. The parallel competitive offer took the form of a cross-border mixed economy of child welfare. Borderland residents either opportunistically supported the Belgian or German initiatives, or provided their own alternatives to protect their children from indoctrination.
Linking representations and policy adoption: The effect of bureaucratic and political representations on policy outcomes
Authors: Park Sanghee , Vallett Joel D
Published: November 2024

This study explores the impact of representation in terms of types and loci on the intended outcomes of a child abuse protection policy implemented over 9 years (2011–2019), during which Erin’s Law was introduced in the U.S. states. Using state-level data, we find that gender and minority representation in the political and administrative arena have distinctive effects on policy outcomes and that policy adoption moderates the link between representation and implementation. Our analysis shows that bureaucratic representation significantly decreases child abuse reports per capita and increases investigation rates, with these effects being more pronounced when Erin’s Law is adopted. The marginal effects of bureaucratic representation on reports and investigation rates decrease and indicate non-linear relationships. This study finds that bureaucratic representation provides benefits beyond co-identity groups, but there is little evidence that political representation is moderated by policy adoption when different sources of representation are considered.
LASSO-type instrumental variable selection methods with an application to Mendelian randomization
Authors: Qasim Muhammad , Månsson Kristofer , Balakrishnan Narayanaswamy
Published: November 2024

Valid instrumental variables (IVs) must not directly impact the outcome variable and must also be uncorrelated with nonmeasured variables. However, in practice, IVs are likely to be invalid. The existing methods can lead to large bias relative to standard errors in situations with many weak and invalid instruments. In this paper, we derive a LASSO procedure for the k-class IV estimation methods in the linear IV model. In addition, we propose the jackknife IV method by using LASSO to address the problem of many weak invalid instruments in the case of heteroscedastic data. The proposed methods are robust for estimating causal effects in the presence of many invalid and valid instruments, with theoretical assurances of their execution. In addition, two-step numerical algorithms are developed for the estimation of causal effects. The performance of the proposed estimators is demonstrated via Monte Carlo simulations as well as an empirical application. We use Mendelian randomization as an application, wherein we estimate the causal effect of body mass index on the health-related quality of life index using single nucleotide polymorphisms as instruments for body mass index.
Capability Enhancement of People with Disability Through Leadership-driven CARE
Authors: Verma Pratima , Stocchetti Andrea , Dev Devpriya
Published: November 2024

This article aims to explore the conditions of people with disability (PwD) integration through the analysis of best practices of a successful Indian company that has adopted a singular PwD involvement policy since it was started. Our research question can be stated as follows: ‘What enablers or factors helped Vindhya in the successful inclusion of PwDs and simultaneously achieve commercial success?’ An exploratory study consisting of data triangulation of secondary data and in-depth interviews was done to get a detailed and deep understanding of the company’s successful inclusion of disabled employees. We found that a transformational leadership style prevents prejudice and expands the horizon of PwD’s capability. This is concretely implemented through a set of organizational practices involving communication, ambience, relationships, empathy, ethics and other aspects that are highlighted in this article. We briefly call the overall approach of the company ‘CARE’ (Communication, Ambience, Respect/Relatedness with employees/Recruitment, Ethics/Empathy/Enthusiasm/Engagement). The adoption of CARE-organizational practices at the studied company increased the capability set of PwDs, enhanced organizational citizenship behaviour and, as a whole, improved the organizational performance.
Understanding Financial Inclusion and Its Socio-economic Determinants: Evidence from India
Authors: Behera Binod Kumar
Published: November 2024

In recent years, financial inclusion has garnered widespread attention among academics and policymakers across developing countries, including India. This article aims to understand financial inclusion and analyse the factors that determine it using micro-level data from the Financial Inclusion Insight Survey 2018 for India. It applies a probit model to explore the influence of demographic and socio-economic factors on financial inclusion. The empirical findings of this study show that the probability of being financially included increases with education, income, property ownership, government welfare benefits, financial literacy and having a PAN card. Conversely, this study also reveals that females, individuals with lower socio-economic status, illiterate, those with no formal education, unemployed and homemakers are less likely to achieve financial inclusion. Hence, targeted policies and interventions are needed to overcome disparities and ensure improvement in the financial inclusion status for marginalised groups.
The Development of Media from Symbols to Algorithmic Media and its Effects on Power Structures, Communication and Agency
Authors: Thiele Franziska
Published: November 2024

The aim of this article is to look at algorithmic media and how they shift and alter everyday media-related practices and content, and with it power relations as well as agency between media institutions, medium and users. It does so from a historical perspective using the waves of mediatisation by Couldry and Hepp (2018) to discern different phases of media development and describe how the affordances of the most popular media of each wave alter media-related practices. This helps to put the changes induced by algorithmic media into perspective. While algorithmic media have existed since the wave of digitalisation, they have become a lot more independent, complex and visible with the introduction of social and chatbots (Alexa, Siri) and artificial intelligence (ChatGPT). Algorithmic media have inflicted changes to communicative practices as we are now communicating with machines, which always have an invisible bystander in the form of a media company listening in. Furthermore, we find a broadening of user agency and power with the establishment of Web 1.0, which is gradually being reduced with the upcoming of Web 2.0 as well as the usage of social and algorithmic media.
Influencer’s Physical Attractiveness and Content Aesthetics: Conscious and Preconscious Determinants of Fashion-branded Content Engagement on Instagram
Authors: Mir Imran Anwar
Published: November 2024

Due to the rich visual ambience, Instagram has become a hub of fashion and beauty brands. Specifically, the fashion industry promotes their fashion brands through social media fashion Influencers on Instagram. Grounded on S-O-R, perception-behaviour (P-B) and the snowball effect as the theoretical bases, the present research analyses the conscious (via attitudinal mediation) and preconscious (direct) effects of fashion Influencers’ physical attractiveness and fashion-brand content aesthetics on followers’ fashion-branded content (photos and reels) engagement behaviour on Instagram. The data were gathered from a purposive sample of 300 followers of Instagram fashion Influencers in Pakistan. Construct measures, a proposed model and hypotheses were assessed using structural equation modelling. The results indicate that a fashion Influencer’s physical attractiveness and fashion-branded content aesthetics consciously (via attitude) and pre-consciously (directly) trigger fashion-branded content engagement on social media. The results show that the underlying dimensions of fashion-branded content engagement affect each other in a hierarchical order from consumption to contribution. These findings imply that fashion firms should hire physically attractive Influencers to endorse their fashion brands. Furthermore, Influencers should produce aesthetically pleasing fashion-branded content on Instagram to engage followers.
Investigating the Connectivity Between Urban Foodscape and Migrant Women’s Household Food Security: A Case of Greenland Slum, Khulna, Bangladesh
Authors: Piashi Sumaiya Rahman , Eerd Maartje van
Published: November 2024

Rapid urbanization, population growth and climate-induced migration in the Global South, particularly in Bangladesh’s coastal cities, have led to the proliferation of informal settlements, thereby intensifying pressures on the urban landscape and exacerbating food insecurity. In this context, urban migrants, particularly women, are most vulnerable to food insecurity due to the lack of livelihood opportunities. To address these food-related vulnerabilities, women often utilize their dwelling and neighbourhood spaces for food production, often referred to as ‘foodscapes’, transforming housing environments—a phenomenon that remains understudied. Thus, this research attempts to examine how these foodscape practices contribute to migrant women’s household food security, using the Greenland slum in Khulna as a case study. This qualitative research employs a case study-based approach, utilizing interviews, focus group discussions and observation to collect both social and spatial data. The findings reveal that a wide variety of foodscapes prevalent in the Greenland slum are mainly home-based, establishing a deep spatial linkage with dwellings that contribute to household food availability and accessibility. The study also highlights socio-political, economic and physical factors associated with foodscapes and food security and provides recommendations for future research.
Utility of the Oxygen Saturation Index Over the Oxygenation Index in Monitoring Neonates with Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Ashwini KH  , Badiger Shriharsha , Tadakanahalli Satish
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

The Oxygen Saturation Index (OSI) has emerged as a non-invasive monitoring alternative to the traditional Oxygenation Index (OI) in neonates with respiratory diseases requiring mechanical ventilation. This study aims to evaluate the utility of OSI over OI, given the critical need for improved monitoring strategies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Methods:

A prospective observational study was conducted in the NICU, Department of Paediatrics, from August 2022 to February 2024. Fifty neonates diagnosed with various respiratory diseases requiring mechanical ventilation were included. OSI and OI were calculated using non-invasive and invasive parameters, respectively. The correlation between OI and OSI was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and a regression model was developed to predict OI from OSI measurements.

Results:

The study found a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.491, p < .001) between OI and OSI, with the correlation strengthening within the oxygen saturation range of 85%–95%. A linear regression model (OSI = 0.391*OI + 4.2341) was developed, facilitating the estimation of OI from OSI measurements. This model underscores the potential utility of OSI in neonatal respiratory monitoring.

Conclusion:

OSI presents as a viable, non-invasive alternative to OI for monitoring neonates with respiratory failure. The significant correlation and the development of a predictive regression model highlight OSI’s potential to improve clinical monitoring and decision-making in NICUs, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures.
Harms and Consequences of Victimization
Authors: Langton Lynn , Planty Michael
Published: November 2024

To meaningfully measure crime and track increases and decreases in public safety, some criminologists have argued for the need to focus on the harms associated with crime rather than counts of the number of crimes. Although numerous other countries have established crime harm indexes, the United States continues to rely heavily on traditional approaches to enumerating crime and to focus primarily on crimes reported to police. This article sets out to examine the harms and consequences of violence as assessed by the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS). We provide a descriptive assessment of the physical and social-emotional harms associated with experiencing a violent victimization and use this incident-level information to create an index that moves from simple enumeration to a fuller accounting of harm. We compare harm levels and trends over time to crime counts and by various crime and victim types. We examine how these harms are associated with help-seeking behavior, including reporting to the police and victim assistance. Our aim is to demonstrate how incident-based information about harms can provide additional information about the magnitude of crime and victim help-seeking behavior.
How People With Lived Experiences of Homelessness and Sex Trades Become Social Service Leaders in Sex Trafficking, Sex Trading, and Youth Organizations: A Community-Engaged Study
Authors: Gerassi Lara B. , Cruys Caro , Wages Sakara
Published: November 2024

Organizations that work with people who trade sex for compensation (including sex work and trafficking) and who are homeless employ lived experience experts to enhance the relevance and utility of services. We sought to understand how lived experience experts become social service leaders and the conditions that influence their pathways and well-being. Influenced by anti-capitalism and anti-white-supremacy, we used an intersectional, community-engaged, constructivist grounded theory approach to conduct semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 26 adults with lived experiences who were currently employed in an organizational leadership role. Participants were ages 22–43; 50% people of color; 26% trans and gender expansive; and 62% queer. We found that lived experience experts were mostly situated either within an individualist or collectivist organizational context. Participants in the individualist context typically began their trajectories through storytelling, which contrasted with those in the collectivist context who began by organizing around a cause or policy. A cycle of internal and external validation (e.g., mentor affirmation and increased self-worth) and invalidation (e.g., insufficient pay; exploitation of their stories; and identity-based exclusion) resulted. Emerging conflicts were perceived and addressed differently depending on participants’ contexts, with some additional barriers for those advocating for sex work decriminalization. Findings suggest that there may be insufficient funding structures, mentorship, and leadership development practices and policies to support lived experience experts. Left unaddressed, lived experience experts, especially those who are multiply minoritized, may transition to other roles and/or out of advocacy movements. Anti-capitalist practice, policy, and research implications that counteract harms and support employees’ mental health are discussed.
“You Don’t Realize What a Big Change It Is”: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of Patients’ Experiences of Amputation Preparation, Information Provision, and Support
Authors: Gonzalez Aguado Maria , Wilde Lucina , Hanna Esmée
Published: November 2024

The objective of this research was to extend current knowledge on the psychological and emotional aspects around patients’ preparation for amputation surgery. This research explored amputees’ perspectives on their preparation for amputation surgery and how patients can be better supported for this procedure. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and online qualitative questionnaires with 17 amputees who underwent upper- or lower-limb amputation within the United Kingdom. The interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The analysis generated three themes describing participants’ experiences of being prepared for this surgery and their ideas on how this process could be improved: (1) Making sense of amputation surgery, (2) Patients’ experiences of information and support from healthcare staff, and (3) Patients’ views on approaches to preparation. This research highlighted the importance of information provision and support from healthcare staff, along with the potential benefits of utilizing experiential knowledge through peer support to enhance feelings of preparedness for amputation surgery.
Analysis of Tumor Proliferation Markers in Early-Stage Luminal Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Study Using Mitotic Activity Index, Ki-67, and Phosphohistone H3 Expression
Authors: Jamshiya P , Ravi Soundarya , Hanuman Srinivas Bheemanathi , Jinkala Sree Rekha , Jain Ankit , Penumadu Prasanth
Published: November 2024

Introduction and Aim: Routinely used proliferation markers such as mitotic activity index (MAI) and Ki-67 index show limited reproducibility due to high interobserver variability in breast cancer assessment. Phosphohistone H3 (PhH3), a novel proliferation marker, is gaining attention in breast cancer research. This study aimed to evaluate the inter-rater agreement among MAI, Ki-67, and PhH3 expressions in early-stage luminal breast cancer and assess the impact of replacing MAI with PhH3 index on tumor histological grading. Materials and Methods: Three pathologists assessed MAI, Ki-67, and PhH3 expressions in 66 early-stage luminal breast cancer specimens. Mitotic Activity Index was scored based on mitotic figures in an area of 2 mm2 while Ki-67 index utilized a 14% threshold for positively stained nuclei. Phosphohistone H3 expression cutoff was set at 13 positive cells per 2 mm2. The inter-rater agreement for the 3 variables was analyzed using Cohen kappa statistics. Results: Among the 3 parameters, the kappa score of the PhH3 expression reflected very strong agreement between the 3 observers (κ = 0.991, 0.907, and 0.916). Only moderate agreement was noted for MAI (κ = 0.898, 0.562, and 0.592) and substantial agreement for Ki-67 index (κ = 0.869, 0.673, and 0.678). Moreover, replacing MAI with PhH3 index led to upgrade of histological grade in 15% to 16% of patients. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that PhH3 is a more reproducible proliferation marker than MAI and Ki-67. Incorporation of PhH3-based mitotic index in breast cancer grading might reduce the variation in the assessment of histological grade.
A Qualitative Evaluation of the Usability and Accessibility of Home COVID-19 Tests Among People with Disabilities
Authors: Gleaton Emily , Lucente Megan , Farmer Sarah
Published: November 2024

Home COVID-19 test kits are increasingly available in the United States, and efforts are underway to develop ones that are more accessible to people with disabilities. The primary objective of this research was to assess the usability and accessibility of existing home COVID-19 tests among people with disabilities. The aim is to better understand their needs and provide evidence for improved product design. A survey that included short-response questions about user experience with various home COVID-19 test kits was completed by 219 people with vision and mobility-related disabilities. A thematic analysis identified three overarching themes: Ease of Use, Privacy and Autonomy in Home COVID-19 Testing, and Recommendations for Improvement. The results of this study contribute to an increased understanding of how to design appropriate, accessible home COVID-19 test kits for people with disabilities.
Child Fatalities Resulting From Caregiver Behavior: A Public Health Approach to Child Maltreatment Classification
Authors: Parrish Jared W. , Bradley Melissa , Gallegos Rachel , Coopes Barbara , Covington Teresa
Published: November 2024

Limited research describes approaches for applying a public health lens to fatal child maltreatment classification. Specialized terminology and tools could help improve consistency in classifying deaths resulting from caregiver behavior. A six-criterion classification tool was developed via expert panel review of over 100 child deaths by the Alaska Division of Public Health’s Child Death Review (CDR) program. Next, accuracy and acceptability were assessed by inviting staff from other CDRs using a national listserv to classify 21 brief case scenarios with the tool. Among the 47 respondents, sensitivity was 0.87, specificity 0.77, and accuracy 0.84. Variability by tool criterion ranged from 97% to 74% accurate. Most respondents (66%) reported the tool as being helpful for classifying deaths and moderate reliability was found. Study participants found it difficult to consistently apply specific criteria which resulted in a modification of the tool to improve the potential for universal adoption.
Unmet Needs of Children and Young Adults With ADHD: Insights From Key Stakeholders on Priorities for Stigma Reduction
Authors: Visser Marlies Jolinde , Peters Ruth Maria Hendrika , Luman Marjolein
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Individuals with ADHD continue to face stigma, which can negatively impact their access to, adherence to, and quality of mental health services, as well as their overall wellbeing. Perspectives of various stakeholders regarding priorities for stigma reduction remain underexplored. This study explores young adult, parent, teacher, and mental health care professional perspectives on unmet needs of children and young adults with ADHD in the Netherlands, in the context of stigma reduction.

Method:

A total of 24 respondents participated in seven small focus group discussions (FGDs). The FGDs facilitated in-depth discussions exploring stakeholder group perspectives on unmet needs of children and young adults with ADHD in educational, professional, and social settings. Data was analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Results:

Three thematic categories of unmet needs were identified: (1) a lack of awareness, knowledge, and understanding of ADHD; (2) insufficient personalized approaches in education and health care; and (3) limited accessibility of information and support services. Within theme 1, respondents primarily highlighted the importance of improving education for primary school teachers and mental health care professionals. Theme 2 underscored the need for increased capacity for personalization and attention to the sociopsychological factors of ADHD, alongside recognizing strengths. Theme 3 emphasized the need for easy access to reliable information and mental health care, including peer networks, as well as proper follow-up and continuity of care.

Discussion and Conclusion:

Findings highlight the need for improving our understanding of ADHD as a complex biopsychosocial condition, which requires specific adjustments in education and mental health care. Interventions to improve support and disrupt stigmatization should meet diverse needs, incorporate multi-level strategies, and involve key stakeholders.
Comparison of 3-month clinical outcomes between two enhanced monofocal intraocular lenses: A single-center prospective study
Authors: Spagnuolo Vito , Vicini Giulio , Marincolo Ginevra , Franchini Alessandro , Giansanti Fabrizio , Mazzini Cinzia
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to compare the 3-month clinical outcomes between two enhanced monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) following cataract surgery. Setting: Eye Clinic of Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.

Design

Single-center prospective study.

Methods

We included patients with cataract and corneal astigmatism less than 0.75 D, with no ocular comorbidities, who underwent unilateral cataract surgery with implantation of either the Tecnis Eyhance ICB00 ( N = 25) or Evolux ( N = 25) IOLs. Standard cataract procedures were performed without complications. The main outcome measures included uncorrected and corrected visual acuity at distance (4 m), intermediate (60 cm) and near (40 cm) at 3-month follow-up. Additionally, monocular defocus curves, aberrometric profiles, and perceptions of halo and glare were evaluated.

Results

The study involved 50 patients (26 male, 24 female) with a mean age of 68 ± 8 years. Preoperative characteristics were similar between the groups, and no intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported. Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups, with the Evolux IOL showing superior results ( p < 0.05) in terms of uncorrected and corrected visual acuity at near, intermediate, and distance, as well as in aberrometric profiles (lower-order aberration root-mean-square [RMS], higher-order aberration RMS, spherical equivalent RMS, and point spread function) and defocus curves.

Conclusions

Based on our experience, while both IOLs offer substantial visual performance for intermediate and distance vision, the Evolux IOL demonstrated superior mean visual outcomes and objective parameters at the 3-month follow-up compared to the Tecnis Eyhance IOL. This indicates a potential advantage of the Evolux IOL in providing better visual performance.
Unveiling the Digital Landscape of E-Cigarette Marketing in India: Evidence From Mixed Method Study
Authors: Bahl Deepika , Bassi Shalini , Thapliyal Nishibha , Aneja Kashish , Sinha Praveen , Arora Monika
Published: November 2024

Introduction: India is one of the few countries to have banned production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertisement of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). With the advent of technology, these product are being marketed extensively on internet despite the ban. Objective: To assess promotion and sales of e-cigarettes on the internet, and social networking sites (SNS); and to assess the levels of awareness regarding e-cigarettes among youth participants and the source of receiving information on e-cigarettes. Methodology: In 2022, a survey was conducted with youth (18-24 years), along with a desk review to identify influencers promoting, and e-stores selling e-cigarettes in India. Further, a content analysis was conducted on the identified influencers and online stores. Results: 370 youth with a mean age of 21.1 ± 1.7 years participated in the survey. 66.6% of participants reported being aware of e-cigarettes through social media. Instagram (46%) was identified as the most popular social networking platform for promoting e-cigarettes. 189 influencers promoting e-cigarettes on Instagram were identified and their posts positively portrayed e-cigarettes (trendy/cool, flavours, hedonic value, features cessation aid and cost-effective). Additionally, 83 e-stores (49 Indian and 34 international) were identified as selling e-cigarettes in India. Findings from content analysis of both influencers and e-stores highlighted issue of international cross-border marketing. Conclusion: To safeguard youth and achieve a path to Tobacco-free generation; there is a dire need for strengthening the monitoring and enforcement of PECA 2019, especially to address international cross-border advertisements and sales of e-cigarettes. Additionally establishing strong reporting violation mechanisms is also needed. Furthermore, educating youth, retailers, policy makers and community via sensitization programs on detrimental effects of e-cigarette use and existing policies related to e-cigarettes in India is crucial.
Health care utilization and costs among coordinated care patients in Southeastern Ontario: A difference-in-differences study of a double propensity score-matched cohort
Authors: Johnson Ana P , Hore Elizabeth , Wodchis Walter P , Bai Yu Qing , Mondor Luke , Tenbensel Tim , Donnelly Catherine , Green Michael , Spinks Michael , Swedak Julia , McIntyre Dianne , Wolfe Ashleigh
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Coordinated care plans (CCPs) for high-cost health care system users aim to improve system-level performance. We evaluated health care resource use and costs among CCP patients (enrollees) versus a control group that did not receive coordinated care (comparators) in Southeastern Ontario.

Methods

A difference-in-differences analysis of a quasi-experimental, double propensity score-matched and adjusted cohort was conducted. Linked population-based administrative data were used to measure health care utilization and costs and to identify comparators for two enrollee groups who began CCPs between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2019. Enrollees were recruited from hospitals in Quinte or community care centres in Rural Hastings/Thousand Islands, and were 1:1 propensity score matched to comparators. Difference-in-differences estimates were calculated using generalized estimating equations for hospitalization rates, homecare visits, primary care visits, other health care resources and total costs.

Results

A total of 558 enrollees in Quinte and 538 in Rural Hastings/Thousand Islands were identified and matched to comparators. Difference-in-differences estimates were significant in both enrollee groups for number of homecare visits ([IRR 1.72; 95% CI (1.44, 2.06)] and [IRR 1.73; 95% CI (1.45, 2.06)], respectively). Number of primary care visits were 1.76 times greater for Rural Hastings/Thousand Islands enrollees versus comparators [IRR 1.76; 95% CI (1.32, 2.35)]; total costs increased by 23% ([IRR 1.23; 95% CI (1.09,1.39)].

Conclusions

Homecare use significantly increased for enrollees versus comparators, indicating specific priority areas of Ontario CCPs were met. However, no reductions were shown for other health system performance indicators. We also showed increased 7-day primary care follow-up visits for community care centre-recruited patients, but not for hospital-recruited patients. Decision-makers may wish to target patients who are less advanced in their chronic disease trajectory.
Integrating green image with relationship marketing: A moderating role of green image
Authors: Cho Byung-Kwan , Lee Debora , Kim Woo Gon , Kim Eun-Jung , Lee Yong-Ki
Published: November 2024

This study integrates social exchange theory, the biophilia hypothesis, the hierarchy of effects model, and self-congruency theory to examine how relational benefits and green image influence positive emotion, customer loyalty, and customer green behavior (CGB). Data were collected from 314 respondents via an online marketing research firm and analyzed using SmartPLS 4.0. The results show that customers’ perceptions of relational benefits have a direct impact on both customer loyalty and positive emotions. While green image significantly affects customer loyalty, it does not have a direct impact on positive emotions or CGB. However, green image enhances the positive association between customer emotions and CGB, suggesting that customers are more likely to engage in green behavior when they feel a positive emotional connection with a company they perceive as environmentally responsible. These findings suggest that restaurant firms should implement marketing strategies to improve their green image by emphasizing the value of relational benefits. Both theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Schütz on self-alienation and homecoming in a warring world
Authors: Lafontaine Simon
Published: November 2024

Alfred Schütz, who joined the Austrian army at 17 years old as a lieutenant in 1917, faced traumatic experiences during the First World War that deeply influenced his later intellectual pursuits. This article examines how Schütz’s wartime and postwar experiences shaped his intellectual and political contribution to sociology. The trauma Schütz faced during and after the war profoundly influenced his views on the ethical competence and integrative capacities of common sense, particularly in his applied theory essays of the 1940s. Highlighting the modern crisis of alienation, Schütz’s works such as “The Stranger” and “The Homecomer” reflect his commitment to understanding and overcoming the estrangement and confusion that arise from social and spatial displacement and the ideology of irreconcilable alienness. Rather than treat what is missing from the biographical archive as an irretrievable loss or absence, the article reads parts of Schütz’s later writings for traces they bear of his unrepresented wartime and postwar experiences, and argues that his applied theory essays partly serve as a delayed response to his youthful traumas. Ultimately, Schütz’s insights into foreignness offer profound reflections on the interplay between historical events, personal experiences, and social theory.
Veblen’s quadripartite response to the First World War
Authors: Camic Charles
Published: November 2024

Prior to the First World War, Thorstein Veblen wrote extensively about economic theory, formulating the tenets of an evolutionary and institutional economics, and criticizing the static and atomistic premises of classical and marginalist economics, particularly the marginalist theory of distribution, which, in his view, wrongly saw wealth as a reward for productive human labor, rather than a result of the unproductive conduct of parasitic elites. In this period, Veblen devoted relatively little attention to the topics of war and peace. As well, he held that social-scientific inquiry is disinterested: a value-neutral search for knowledge of empirical facts and the theories that explain them. However, during the War, Veblen, while retaining the economic principles of his prewar writings, increasingly combined his emphasis on economics with greater attention to political and cultural factors. Simultaneously, he abandoned his prior insistence on value neutrality to become an activist critic of the War and of Germany’s role in fomenting and perpetuating it. This shift led him to develop: (1) a policy-laced theory of war and peace; (2) practical proposals for building an international organization to promote world peace; (3) specific measures to alleviate wartime food and labor shortages in the U.S.; and (4) a sweeping plan for postwar social “reconstruction.” As Veblen developed these four sets of ideas, he continued his opposition to static and atomistic forms of analysis as well as his commitment to an evolutionary and institutional approach, which saw economic life, along with war and peace, turning on a divide between productive human beings and unproductive parasitic elites.
Introduction: Social theorists and the First World War
Authors: Amini Babak , Kemple Thomas
Published: November 2024

This Special Issue examines the ways in which emerging or established social theorists from Continental Europe and the United States were personally and politically involved in and affected by the First the First World War (WWI), and considers how the war shaped their sociological theories. WWI was a pivotal moment that transformed global and historical systems in ways that challenged conventional social scientific assumptions about the supposed shift from “traditional” to “modern” societies and compelled sociologists to reconsider the impact of industry and military affairs on everyday life. The period from 1914 to 1918 has typically been ignored or bracketed by later scholars as a largely inconsequential gap in an otherwise uninterrupted flow of intellectual production. By considering not only individual theorists and their social networks but also the transformation of the discipline as a whole, the contributors to this Special Issue offer a systematic assessment of the relevance of this formative period in the development of sociological theory and of the impact of war in shaping the modern world. The Editors’ Introduction highlights how the scale and intensity of the total war that engaged the countries of Europe and North America in 1914 came as a shock to most intellectuals, even though nationalistic wars had become familiar to them from the precious century. The central role of nation-states in carrying out what was at the time was called the European War, and later came to be known as the First World War, made it impossible for social scientists and other intellectuals in the belligerent countries to remain neutral. Even those who were not directly active in or publicly vocal about the war felt compelled to take a stand, and many reached their highest level of public visibility and political influence during the WWI era, often beyond the reputation they achieved before or after. The complex problems emerging within the nation-state system that the war had exposed renewed their sense of professional duty and patriotic loyalty while focussing their attention on questions concerning the geopolitics of international warfare and peace; the role of the modern state and its bureaucratic institutions; the nature of civil society and ethnic communities; the forces of political economy and cultural mobilization; and the emancipatory potential of colonial capitalism and racialized imperialism.
Detecting bolt looseness of flanged joint based on multiple-mode conversion
Authors: Wang Wenjun , Li Anlue , Fan Yu , Li Lin
Published: November 2024

This article detects the bolt looseness of a flanged joint based on the energy conversion between multiple wave modes. The mode conversion introduced by the flange carries abundant information referring to the bolt looseness, but it requires precise sensing technology to capture each mode. The mode transducer for cylindrical shells was first proposed based on the orthogonality of mode shapes. The distribution scheme and electrode function enable the piezo transducer array to selectively control multiple modes. Both the simulated and experimental validations were subsequently conducted to check the design scheme. We examined the shapes and mode signals of the excited wave field to ensure that the energy was concentrated in the target mode. Finally, two-stage detection was conducted for eight bolts: the first stage detected the initial looseness of a single bolt using two indicators; the second stage trained the machine learning classifiers to recognize the location of the loose bolts. The results exhibited a high sensitivity of mode conversion in detecting initial looseness, with an accuracy of [Formula: see text] in recognizing the loose location.
Health monitoring of automotive clutch system through feature fusion and application of tree-based classifiers
Authors: Kurian Jonathan , Sridharan Naveen Venkatesh , Chakrapani Ganjikunta , Vaithiyanathan Sugumaran
Published: November 2024

Clutch systems are crucial components of automotive systems, essential for transferring engine power to the wheels through gear shifts. A failed clutch can halt gear shifts and power transmission, rendering a vehicle immobile. Effective fault diagnosis is vital for ensuring reliability, preventing breakdowns, and addressing root causes promptly. Consequently, condition monitoring of the clutch is essential for maintaining system reliability and minimizing unwanted breakdowns. This paper presents an innovative condition-monitoring technique derived from vibration analysis to detect faults in the clutch system. The study involves extracting statistical, histogram, and autoregressive moving average features from acquired vibration signals. The J48 decision tree algorithm is utilized to select the most significant features, which are then classified using tree-based classifiers across three load conditions (no load, 5 kg, and 10 kg) and six clutch conditions. The experimental results demonstrate that the feature fusion strategy significantly enhances classification accuracy. The obtained results state that the classification accuracies for no load, 5 kg load, and 10 kg load were 98.33%, 100.00%, and 99.16%, respectively, while applying feature fusion strategies. This study highlights the effectiveness of feature fusion in improving fault diagnosis accuracy for clutch systems, presenting a robust method for real-time condition monitoring in automotive applications.
Acoustic monitoring of wind turbine blades using wavelet packet analysis and 1D convolutional neural networks
Authors: Liu Fangfang , Yang Wenxian , Wei Kexiang , Ball Andrew , Cattley Robert , Qin Bo
Published: November 2024

Wind turbine blades (WTBs) are susceptible to faults in the harsh wind farm environments, making their safety a matter of paramount importance. Unfortunately, existing composite blade monitoring methods face various limitations in practical use. To address this issue, the study presents an intelligent fault detection method to assess the health of both the structural integrity and its skin. This has never been tried before by scholars. The study begins with the collection of acoustic signals from the blade chamber. Second, these signals are processed using wavelet packet decomposition (WPD) and Fast Fourier Transform to generate two-dimensional feature matrices. Third, apply the obtained matrices to train a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (CNN), enabling advanced feature extraction and classification, which forms the basis of the WPD-CNN model. Finally, the proposed method was experimentally verified. It has been found that the proposed WPD-CNN model achieves fault detection accuracies ranging from 87.14% to 98.57%, depending on the types of feature matrices used for training the model. These results highlight the model’s strong performance in diagnosing WTBs. Additionally, the study emphasizes the advantage of using frequency spectrum-derived features over traditional time-domain waveform features for effective WTB fault detection.