bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women Whistleblowers: Examining parrhesia, power and gender with Sophocles’ Antigone
Authors: Kenny Kate , Fanchini Mahaut
Published: June 2023

How do gender and power intersect in whistleblowing situations? In this article, we deepen understandings of whistleblowing as a contemporary form of parrhesia. To explore the complex interactions of gender and power, we analyse in-depth, qualitative data from senior women managers whistleblowing in financial services organizations in France, Ireland and the United States. Sophocles’ play Antigone, read with a feminist lens, inspires a novel theoretical framing for understanding how structures of gender and power can be subverted, as women whistleblowers move between positions of masculine, feminine, subjugation and control. Our article contributes to organizational research on whistleblowing by showing how parrhesiastic risk intersects with gender in nuanced ways: violent gendered reprisals can occur in momentary interactions that are painfully internalized, prompting a search for support from outside sources. These acts of exclusion necessitate the creation of new subject positions beyond those on offer within the organization. Overall our article demonstrates how experiences of ‘outsider truth-telling’ from the margins shed light on the power dynamics in whistleblowing situations.
Cognitive Fusion and Experiential Avoidance Sequentially Mediate the Relationship Between Cyber Victimization and Depression in Adolescents
Authors: Shi Congrong , Chen Wenke , Huang Jing , Ren Zhihong
Published: June 2023

Although cyber victimization has been suggested as a significant risk factor for the development of adolescents’ depression, the underlying psychopathological process that mediates this relationship needs further exploration. Based on the psychological inflexibility model, this study aimed to examine cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance as serial mediators in the relation between cyber victimization and depression. A total of 556 Chinese adolescents completed a set of online self-report questionnaires measuring cyber victimization, cognitive fusion, experiential avoidance, and depression. A bias-corrected bootstrap approach was used to test the serial mediation model. The results showed that cyber victimization predicted adolescents’ depression not only directly but also indirectly through three paths: the mediating role of (1) cognitive fusion and (2) experiential avoidance, and (3) the serial mediating role of cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance. These findings provide insight into the interventions for depression in adolescent cyber victims.
The Development and Validation of the Questionnaire to Characterize Learning Strategies in Computer Programming (CEAPC)
Authors: Torres Jiménez Stephanie , Ramírez-Echeverry Jhon Jairo , Restrepo-Calle Felipe
Published: June 2023

This article presents the design, construct validation, and reliability of a self-report instrument in Spanish that aims to characterize different types of strategies that students can use to learn computer programming. We provide a comprehensive overview of the identification of learning strategies in the existing literature, the design and development of preliminary questionnaire items, the refinement of item wording, and the examination of the internal structure and reliability of the final instrument. The construction of the items was based on the educational theory of Self-Regulated Learning. The final version of the questionnaire, called the Computer Programming Learning Strategies Questionnaire (CEAPC), was administered to 647 students enrolled in computer programming courses. The data collected from the participants were used to examine the construct validity and reliability of the questionnaire. The CEAPC consists of 13 subscales, each corresponding to a different type of learning strategy, and a total of 89 items. Statistical analyses of the data indicate that the CEAPC has adequate construct validity. In addition, the results of the internal consistency analysis indicate satisfactory reliability across the different subscales of the instrument. This study contributes to the field of educational research, particularly in the area of self-regulated learning in computer programming.
Galactose-functionalized injectable thermosensitive microgels for target specific uptake in hepatoma cells
Authors: Zhang Qianru , Zhu Lili , Zhang Tianyi , Quan Jing
Published: June 2023

Microgels acts as a potential candidate for responsive composite materials, which has been favored by scientists because of its excellent colloid stability, easy integration, and most of their surface area can be used as support after modification. Specififically, microgels are fascinating capable of maintaining good biocompatibility and controlled-release in vivo and making the possible for applications in biomaterials and biomedicines. Besides, in the process of microgel synthesis, some targeting factors can be combined to achieve the purpose of cell targeting and uptake. Therefore, how to fundamentally design microgels is an urgent problem to be solved. In this study, we design and synthesize an injectable microgel P(DEGMA- co-OVNGal) that is made of 2-methyl-2-acrylate-2-(2-methoxy ethoxy) ethyl ester (DEGMA) and glycopolymer (OVNGal) that is thermoresponsive and contains galactose. When the content of crosslinking agent is regulated, the microgel will realize the transformation from sol to gel at the temperature around human body, causing the controlled release of the loaded drugs. With the increase of crosslinker content from 1% to 7%, the appearance of microgel changed from loose and ordered to compact and hard morphology, the swelling ratio of microgel decreased from 187% to 142%, and the phase volume transition temperature decreased from 29.2°C to 28°C. The results indicated that when the monomer ratio (DEGMA: OVNGal) increased from 2:1 to 40:1 with the amount of crosslinking agent at 1%, the particle size of microgel increased from 460 nm to 660 nm. In vitro released studies confirmed that the cumulative released DOX (doxorubicin, as a selected model drug) from the microgel can reach 50% after 7 days. Furthermore, in vitro experiments demonstrated that the injectable microgel P(DEGMA- co-OVNGal) can target HepG2 cells effectively and meantime dispalys excellent biocompatibility. Therefore, the injected microgels based on P(DEGMA- co-OVNGal) have the potential to serve as a robust and promising drug delivery carrier for targeted cancer therapy.
A sustained release lubrication method of agarose-sodium hyaluronate hydrogels for artificial joint
Authors: Ruan Chunbiao , Kouediatouka Ange Nsilani , Liu Qi , Dong Guangneng
Published: June 2023

The artificial joint prosthesis’s surface is subjected to wear due to the destruction of the joint lubrication environment after surgery. In this study, an agarose-sodium hyaluronate hydrogel was used as lubricant additive in order to supply and preserve the lubricating fluid of artificial joint prostheses. A ball on disc experiment was conducted using this hydrogel to evaluate the lubrication efficiency and release rate under various frequencies. The results showed that this hydrogel could release lubricant under pressure and then absorb the released fluid after decompression. Furthermore, the agarose-sodium hyaluronate hydrogel acted as an effective transport mechanism to release sodium hyaluronate lubricant into the metal-on-polymer friction interface. Compared with pure water lubrication, the friction coefficient and wear volume were reduced by up to 62.9%, and 86.9% respectively. Moreover, the proposed lubrication method provided a long-term lubrication on artificial hip joints.
A multi-AGV fast path planning method based on improved CBS algorithm in workshops
Authors: Zhou Zhuo , Xu Liyun , Qin Haoran , Zhang Beikun , Shang Gang , Xu Zhun
Published: June 2023

Automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) are an important component of workshop logistics distribution systems. With the continuous increase in human cost, unmanned workshops are becoming increasingly popular, and an increasing number of AGVs are being applied to workshop logistics distribution systems. However, with the increasing number of AGVs in the workshop, planning a path quickly for each AGV is challenging, and the response time of multi-AGV fast path planning cannot meet actual requirements. To solve this problem, a multi-AGV fast path planning method based on an improved conflict-based search (ICBS) algorithm is proposed. First, the path planning problem is analyzed, and the environment expression, task, objective and constraint models are established. Subsequently, a two-layer ICBS algorithm is proposed to achieve fast path planning. At the bottom layer, an improved A* algorithm is adopted, and the selection strategy of the nodes is changed when multiple minimum values are equal. In the upper layer, the conflict number, conflict objective and conflict constraint sets are established. Three priority rules including Most Conflicts First (MCF) rule, Earliest Conflict First (ECF) rule, Single Search for Conflict Point (SSCP) rule are used. And a conflict elimination strategy is proposed. Finally, the superiority of the algorithm-solving is verified based on benchmark and actual workshop maps.
Kinematic synthesis and optimization design of a rice pot seedling transplanting mechanism
Authors: Xu Haocong , Wang Lei , Miao Yuejun , Sun Liang
Published: June 2023

To achieve the precise operation trajectory and posture required for pot seedling transplanting and solve the problem that the partial reversal of the transplanting arm’s output in the double planet carrier transplanting mechanism, which is unconducive to the realization of the seedling pushing action, a motion synthesis method for a double planet carrier gear train mechanism with attitude constraints based on the output angle and four exact task poses is proposed. First, the ideal transplanting trajectory is planned according to the transplanting agronomic requirements, and the position and attitude information of the four key points on the ideal trajectory are extracted as the constraints of the mechanism design. Then, based on the relative displacement equation, a comprehensive design equation of the motion of the plane 3R mechanism (simplified model of the transplanting mechanism) about the output rotation angle and the precise four pose constraints is established, and the mechanism parameters that meet the constraint requirements are obtained by solving the multicellular homotopy method. A mathematical model of the roundness of the non-circular gear was also established, and the roundness of the transmission non-circular gears in the gear-train transplanting mechanism was optimized by using the genetic algorithm. Finally, the structural design, virtual simulation, and experimental analysis of the double-planet carrier gear train transplanting mechanism were completed. The results show that the actual trajectory and attitude are consistent with the theoretical design, and when then the mechanism was under the transplanting efficiency of 120 and 180 plants/min, the success rates of picking seedlings were 91.53% and 87.46%, respectively, meeting the design requirements.
Research on interaction law of longitudinal/lateral slip of mountain tractor based on tire-soil model
Authors: Han Bing , Dong Hao , Du Xianxu , Zhang Zepeng , Li Zhen , Mao Enrong , Zhu Zhongxiang
Published: June 2023

When the mountain tractor is along the slope contour operation, the driving wheel will cause a longitudinal or lateral slip due to complex driving conditions. In order to investigate the influence law between the longitudinal slip, lateral slip, and deflection slip, the parametrically modified wheel-soil model, dynamics model, and motion trajectory model were established, and the tractor lateral slope simulation model was built based on MATLAB/Simulink and CarSim software. The simulation results show that load traction has the most significant effect on the longitudinal slip rate, lateral slope variation has the most significant impact on the side-slip angle and lateral slip rate, and the lateral slope and load traction together affect the yaw angle and deflection slip rate. When the lateral slope is 15°, the tractor longitudinal speed of 3 and 6 km/h can maintain lateral stability of the longitudinal slip rate of 0.39 and 0.25, respectively. In order to verify the accuracy of the simulation model, the test platform was built. The results show that the average errors of the absolute values of left longitudinal slip rate, right longitudinal slip rate, yaw angle, and side-slip angle are 14.47%, 13.06%, 12.27%, and 11.04%, respectively. To sum up, the extreme driving conditions of the tractor will aggravate the longitudinal slip of the driving wheel, which in turn affects the lateral slip and deflection slip, and should be controlled to avoid tractor instability.
Optimization and experimental analysis of a cost-effective magneto-rheological (MR) fluid for application in semiactive suspension of a passenger van
Authors: Jamadar Mohibb e Hussain , Devikiran Pinjala , Kumar Hemantha , Joladarashi Sharnappa
Published: June 2023

The study presented in this article attempts to determine the optimal composition of iron particles in the MR fluid for vehicular application based on the size of the particles, the simulation response of a test vehicle model, and the cost of the fluid. The MRF samples with two different-sized particles in varying compositions are prepared and characterized on a rheometer. The performance of each MRF sample in the semiactive suspension of a test vehicle is determined by simulating its full car model on a random road. The response of the vehicle model during simulation, the size of the particles, the volume fraction of the particles in the carrier fluid, and the fluid’s calculated cost are input for the Response surface optimization technique. The optimization results revealed that the MR fluid with large-sized particles in a 25% volume fraction would be suitable for the said application. Moreover, it was found that the rheological performance of the optimized MR fluid was better than the commercial MR fluid. The performance of the optimized fluid in a MR damper was experimentally evaluated against the stock passive damper of the test vehicle. The results of the experiment on the test vehicle showed that the MR damper improved the test vehicle’s ride comfort by 36.58% over a speed bump and 11.3% on an off-road test track. The road handling was also improved by 45% over a speed bump and 46% over the test track.
Investigating the Antecedents of Ecotourism and Destination Loyalty Among Vietnamese Tourists: An Expectation–Confirmation Perspective
Authors: Hoang Sinh Duc , Dey Sandeep Kumar , Ratilla Mark , Tučková Zuzana
Published: June 2023

What makes tourists revisit a particular destination? Contemporary researchers have approached this problem through the lenses of various operant conditioning models. The current study explores the dimensions of ecotourism and destination loyalty anchoring on the expectation-confirmation theory. The findings confirm that factors such as destination image, tourist satisfaction and tourist experience significantly predict destination and ecotourism loyalty. The investigation first employs a confirmative factor analysis (CFA) model with a marker to inspect correlations among the latent variables. After the constructs are validated through the CFA procedure, a series of hierarchical regressions are introduced to test the hypotheses formulated. The empirical observations approve of all direct and indirect pathways in the structural equation model. For the purpose of the study, 522 Vietnamese tourists who travelled to the Czech Republic for tourism were recruited. The examination has profound marketing implications for ecotourism businesses and DMOs to improve their delivery models.
Soft Power in India’s Act East Policy: A Cambodian Perspective
Authors: Bunthorn Khath
Published: June 2023

In the contemporary multipolar world order, great powers are on the rise. As they possess coercive hard power, they also tend to have persuasive soft power in international relations. Soft power has become one of the most important dimensions of the foreign policies of great powers. Over the past decades, the use of soft power in the Asian context has gained significant traction. As an emerging power, India has begun to realise the usefulness of its rich culture and ancient civilisation as an indispensable source of soft power in the practice of public diplomacy. Specifically, New Delhi has utilised soft power in its Act East Policy (AEP) towards Southeast Asia, where historical connections and cultural legacy are deep between the two regions. In this context, the article examines the concept of soft power and its implications in India’s AEP. It argues that rather than asserting influence on the recipient country, India’s soft power is instrumental in building its international image as a benign power in international politics. The article looks at Cambodia as a case study to see how India’s international image has been perceived in the Southeast Asian kingdom, given that both countries share strong cultural and civilisational links.
Psychiatric rehabilitation in secure forensic settings in NSW: Measuring outcomes
Authors: Burns Nicholas , Lyons Georgia , Dean Kimberlie
Published: June 2023

Objective

To quantify outcomes for patients of forensic psychiatric rehabilitation in NSW.

Methods

Data on 245 conditionally released forensic patients was extracted from the Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT) files and matched to several state-wide datasets. Descriptive statistics were generated to establish the cohort characteristics, rates of reoffending and social and clinical outcomes.

Results

At conditional release, social circumstances for the majority of patients were improved. Clinically, the cohort was more stable, though many did not remain stable over time. Only one-fifth of the sample received a further criminal charge.

Conclusion

Preliminary evidence suggests that forensic rehabilitation services in NSW are effective.
The Association of Standardized Documentation of Serious Illness Conversations With Healthcare Utilization in Hospitalized Patients: A Propensity Score Matched Cohort Analysis
Authors: Serna Myrna K. , Yoon Catherine , Fiskio Julie , Lakin Joshua R. , Schnipper Jeffrey L. , Dalal Anuj K.
Published: June 2023

Background: Serious Illness Conversations (SICs) conducted during hospitalization can lead to meaningful patient participation in the decision-making process affecting medical management. The aim of this study is to determine if standardized documentation of a SIC within an institutionally approved EHR module during hospitalization is associated with palliative care consultation, change in code status, hospice enrollment prior to discharge, and 90-day readmissions. Methods: We conducted retrospective analyses of hospital encounters of general medicine patients at a community teaching hospital affiliated with an academic medical center from October 2018 to August 2019. Encounters with standardized documentation of a SIC were identified and matched by propensity score to control encounters without a SIC in a ratio of 1:3. We used multivariable, paired logistic regression and Cox proportional-hazards modeling to assess key outcomes. Results: Of 6853 encounters (5143 patients), 59 (.86%) encounters (59 patients) had standardized documentation of a SIC, and 58 (.85%) were matched to 167 control encounters (167 patients). Encounters with standardized documentation of a SIC had greater odds of palliative care consultation (odds ratio [OR] 60.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 12.45-290.08, P < .01), a documented code status change (OR 8.04, 95% CI 1.54-42.05, P = .01), and discharge with hospice services (OR 35.07, 95% CI 5.80-212.08, P < .01) compared to matched controls. There was no significant association with 90-day readmissions (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] .88, standard error [SE] .37, P = .73). Conclusions: Standardized documentation of a SIC during hospitalization is associated with palliative care consultation, change in code status, and hospice enrollment.
Preoperative assessment for vascular access: Vascular mapping and handgrip strength
Authors: Marques da Silva Bernardo , Fernandes João , Oliveira João , Silva Hugo , Fortes Alice , Lopes José António , Gameiro Joana
Published: June 2023

Background:

Reliable vascular access (VA) is required for patients receiving chronic hemodialysis (HD) treatment. Vascular mapping using duplex doppler ultrasonography (DUS) can aid in planning VA construction. Greater handgrip strength (HGS) was found to be associated with more developed distal vessels both in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and healthy individuals, and patients with lower HGS had worse morphologic vessel characteristics and were, therefore, less likely to construct distal VA.

Objectives:

This study aims to describe and analyze clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory characteristics of patients who underwent vascular mapping prior to VA creation.

Research design:

Prospective analysis.

Subjects:

Adult patients with CKD referred for vascular mapping, at a tertiary center, between March 2021 and August 2021.

Measures:

Preoperative DUS by a single experienced nephrologist was carried out. HGS was measured using a hand dynamometer, and PAD was defined as ABI < 0.9. Sub-groups were analyzed according to distal vasculature size (<2 mm).

Results:

A total of 80 patients were included, with a mean age of 65.7 ± 14.7 years; 67.5% were male, and 51.3% were on renal replacement therapy (RRT). Twelve (15%) participants had PAD. HGS was higher in the dominant arm (20.5 ± 12.0 vs 18.8 ± 11.2 kg). Fifty-eight (72.5%) patients had vessels smaller than 2 mm in diameter. There were no significant differences between groups concerning demographics or comorbidities (diabetes, HTN, PAD). HGS was significantly higher in patients with distal vasculature greater than or equal to 2 mm in diameter (dominant arm: 26.1 ± 15.5 vs 18.4 ± 9.7 kg, p = 0.010; non-dominant arm: 24.1 ± 15.3 vs 16.8 ± 8.6, p = 0.008).

Conclusions:

Higher HGS was associated with more developed distal cephalic vein and radial artery. Low HGS might be an indirect sign of suboptimal vascular characteristics, which might help predict the outcomes of VA creation and maturation.
Method using singular value decomposition and whale optimization algorithm to quantitatively detect multiple damages in turbine blades
Authors: Jiang Hu , Jiang Yongying , Xiang Jiawei
Published: June 2023

Renewable energy has increased in recent years with a consequential increase in equipment maintenance. Maintenance costs can be reduced by structural health monitoring techniques especially for wind turbine (WT) blade damages. However, the majority are not suitable for on-line measurements and quantitative detections. A quantitative damage detection method is developed to identify multiple damages in a WT blade under in-service operation conditions. Firstly, singular value decomposition is applied to reveal singular information in the operating deflection shape (ODS), which can be treated as damage locations. Secondly, whale optimization algorithm is utilized for a damage severity decision about the natural frequency database between damage severities and natural frequencies, which are constructed by finite element method (FEM) simulations on the detected damage locations in the WT blade. The procedure is applied to FEM numerical simulations of a single WT blade with two and three damages. By adding a certain noise to the simulation dataset, the robustness of the present method is validated. Furthermore, the laser scanning vibrometer is employed to test the ODS as well as natural frequencies of WT blades to testify the performance of the multiple damage detection method. Results show that the present method is effective for the detection of multi-damage in WT blades with a certain noise robustness.
Flexible modeling and dynamics simulation of four-bar beating-up system with clearance
Authors: Qiu Haifei , Huang Pengfei , Zhou Yanan , Zhang Hongwei
Published: June 2023

To explore the actual working characteristic of the beating-up mechanism on looms, the Step function is adopted to convert the beating-up resistance to an equivalent torque acting on the rocking shaft, and a new method of calculating and simulating the resistance is hereby raised. In accordance with the two-state joint clearance, the paper establishes a double-side model of the four-bar beating-up system in clearance status via ADAMS/View software, and under the consideration of both beating-up resistance and flexible deformation conditions, the contact simulation of beating-up motion with different clearances (0.01∼0.12 mm) is achieved. The main findings are as follows: the actual working condition could be reflected more accurately if the beating-up resistance and component flexibility are included into the simulation computing; from the perspective of the impact on sley moving and beating-up loads, 0.08 mm clearance is obviously less then another three clearances (0.01 mm, 0.04 mm and 0.12 mm); the multi-point contact and collision with peak load greater than 4000 N is existed in connecting rod bearing in the 0∼350 Hz low frequency area, which is likely to exacerbate the wear and fatigue rupture of the bearing; the dynamic shock load of rocking shaft on the loom frame is far greater than that of the crankshaft, indicating that the rocking shaft is the main carrier for delivering the beating-up power; compared to the clearance of 0.08 mm and 0.12 mm, the dynamic impact load generated by the clearance of 0.01 mm and 0.04 mm on the loom frame is obvious greater. In addition, under the clearance condition, transverse vibration could be occurred for the flexible crankshaft due to the deviation of its centroid trajectory, which is detrimental to vibration and noise reduction for the loom system. On the basis of the work, a number of viewpoints with theoretical and practical significance could be provided to the design of beating-up system on the loom with clearance.
Gene Signatures for Latent Radiation-Induced Lung Injury Post X-ray Exposure in Mouse
Authors: Zhang Tongtong , Zhou Zhaoming , Wen Lei , Shan Changguo , Lai Mingyao , Liao Jing , Zeng Xin , Yan Gang , Cai Linbo , Zhou Meijuan , Wang Minghua
Published: June 2023

Objective

To investigate the X-ray-specific sensitive genes and potential signaling pathways involved in the latent period of radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) in mouse models.

Method

Mice were randomized into groups for whole thoracic irradiation with a single fraction of 20 Gy X-ray or 12.5 Gy carbon heavy ion. Lungs were harvested 3 weeks after the irradiation, whole RNA was extracted and detected with the genome-wide transcriptional microarrays. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were calculated for each group and the X-ray-specific sensitive genes were determined, followed by the gene enrichment analysis of those DEGs exploring the potentially relevant signaling pathways and biological processes in latent RILI.

Results

Three weeks after irradiation, gene expression levels varied between groups. 76 up-regulated DEGs were determined with mice in the X-ray group and gene ontology enrichment analysis for biological process (GO-BP) obtained several processes which were associated with radiation reaction, mitotic, immune cell chemotaxis or metastasis, immune factors, p53 apoptosis, and tissue remodeling. KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis showed that those 76 up-regulated DEGs were enriched in p53, IL-17, FoXO, melanoma, and non-small-cell lung cancer signaling pathways. By comparing the DEGs in X-ray and heavy ion groups, X-ray-specific sensitive genes were determined, the top 10 genes were Adamts9, Aacs, Col6a2, Fdps, Mdk, Mcam, Stbd1, Lbh, Ak3, and Emid1. The expression level of the top 10 genes was found to be significantly higher in the X-ray group than in the control and heavy ion groups.

Conclusion

Our research determined the X-ray-specific sensitive gene set in mice lungs after exposure to radiation. The gene set could be used as a genetic marker to suggest the latency of RILI. The enrichment analysis results suggested that the relevant signaling pathways were potentially involved in the development of RILI. Further validation of those genes and signaling pathways is needed to confirm these findings.
Esophageal secondary peristalsis following acid infusion and chemical clearance correlate with mucosal integrity and acid sensitivity in GERD patients
Authors: Wong Ming-Wun , Hung Jui-Sheng , Lei Wei-Yi , Liu Tso-Tsai , Yi Chih-Hsun , Liang Shu-Wei , Gyawali Chandra Prakash , Wang Jen-Hung , Chen Chien-Lin
Published: June 2023

Background:

Acid sensitivity can be altered in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Secondary peristalsis helps clear gastro-esophageal refluxate and residual ingested food bolus.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations among acid sensitivity, esophageal mucosal integrity, chemical clearance, and secondary peristalsis before and after esophageal acid infusion.

Design:

This was an investigator-initiated, prospective, cross-sectional study.

Methods:

Adult reflux patients underwent high resolution manometry and 24 h impedance-pH monitoring off acid suppression to identify GERD phenotypes, including non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), reflux hypersensitivity (RH), and functional heartburn (FH). Secondary peristalsis was assessed using five rapid 20 mL air injections into the esophagus before and after infusion of hydrochloric acid (0.1 N) into the mid-esophagus. Conventional acid infusion parameters recorded included lag time, intensity rating, and sensitivity score. Chemical clearance was evaluated using the post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW), and mucosal integrity was assessed by the mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) derived from impedance-pH monitoring.

Results:

A total of 88 patients (age 21–64 years, 62.5% women) completed the study including 12 patients with NERD, 45 with RH, and 31 with FH. There was no significant difference in acid infusion parameters between patients with NERD, RH, and FH. Upon acid infusion, patients who exhibited successful secondary peristalsis had longer lag time, higher MNBI, and shorter bolus contact time than those without secondary peristalsis. Meanwhile, patients with intact PSPW demonstrated significantly higher intensity ratings in response to acid perfusion and higher MNBI than those with impaired PSPW. The lag time correlated positively with MNBI ( r = 0.285; p = 0.007).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the protective effect of esophageal secondary peristalsis and chemical clearance on esophageal mucosal integrity was demonstrated. Concerning acid sensitivity, longer lag time in patients with intact secondary peristalsis may be attributed to better esophageal mucosal integrity, while stronger intensity ratings may have a greater tendency to induce PSPW and protect esophageal mucosal integrity.
Disciplining the online class: Control and resistance of rural students in China during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Xu Kaibin , Chen Jingzhi
Published: June 2023

In early 2020, the spread of COVID-19 resulted in the wide use of online classes in China. Drawing on Foucault’s disciplinary power and De Certeau’s strategy-tactic dialectic, this paper explores the online learning practice of students in a rural junior middle school at Yu Town in Central China during the pandemic, through interviewing the students, teachers, and parents. The findings show that the teachers and the students engaged in a power game in online education and employed a series of strategies and tactics to realize the control and resistance through the creative use of media technologies. The study reveals the paradox that the rural students’ agency and resistance, enabled by the media technologies, may result in negative consequences for their learning and further broaden the gap between rural and urban students, thus reproducing the system that they are dissatisfied with.
Proactive Walking and Overbooking With Class Dependent Walk-Out Costs
Authors: Liang Shuwen , Anderson Chris K.
Published: June 2023

The increasing uncertainty in travel has resulted in elevated cancelation and no-show rates across many aspects of travel, elevating the importance of overbooking practices. Overbooking helps address travel uncertainty by accepting reservations beyond available rooms but may result in walk or re-accommodation costs if all (most) of these reservations materialize. Walk costs are not homogeneous across all customer types, with costs potentially different for loyal (branded, direct) versus non/less-loyal (third-party-intermediated) guests. We formulate an optimal overbooking model with class-dependent walk-out costs for a hotel with two classes of reservations—loyal members with higher walk-out costs, and nonmembers with lower walk-out costs, but with each class at the same room rate. We embed a dynamic walk-out model, one where guests may be proactively walked, that is, walked while rooms still available, into an overbooking model. The joint model determines optimal walk-out decisions to minimize expected walk-out costs while also determining optimal overbooking levels. We investigate how class-dependent no-show rates and walk-out costs impact optimal walk-out decisions and optimal overbooking levels. We find that changes in the no-show rates for a customer class only impact the overbooking levels of the related class whereas changes in class-specific walk-out costs impact all customer class overbooking levels. We offer managerial insight into a proactive and strategic walk-out policy for the lodging industry, aiming to achieve optimal overbooking levels.
Human-directed aggression and pica in a 1-year-old cat, which worsened following international relocation
Authors: Jahn Katrin , DePorter Theresa , Seksel Kersti
Published: June 2023

Case summary

A 14-month-old female spayed Arabian Mau cat was presented for preparation for international air travel and relocation. It was also showing aggressive behaviours towards its owners and visitors to the home, with daily episodes of jumping at, scratching and biting the owners’ hands and legs. In addition, the cat was chewing on and ingesting wool and fabric items. Diagnoses of aggression occurring as misplaced play/predatory behaviour, fear-based aggression towards visitors and pica were made, and recommendations were given for both the behavioural presentations as well as to prepare for the family’s relocation to a new country and home. These recommendations included the use of long-acting psychotropic medications, which were declined at the time. After arrival in the new home, the cat’s aggression and pica worsened, so the owners requested a follow-up appointment. At this point, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine was initiated and after 6 weeks of medication, the owners reported a significant improvement in all behavioural signs.

Relevance and novel information

There is limited published information on the development and/or worsening of behaviour problems after stressful or traumatic events, such as international relocation. Furthermore, the management of concurrent behavioural presentations, such as, in this case, human-directed aggression and pica, can be challenging. This case provides an example of how this may be achieved. Finally, this case shows how the use of long-acting psychotropic medication, such as the SSRI fluoxetine, can be important and effective in managing feline behaviour problems.
Making a Living in the Creator Economy: A Large-Scale Study of Linking on YouTube
Authors: Rieder Bernhard , Borra Erik , Coromina Òscar , Matamoros-Fernández Ariadna
Published: June 2023

This article explores monetization and networking strategies within the consolidating creator economy. Through a large-scale study of linking practices on YouTube, we investigate how creators seek to build their online presence across multiple platforms and widen their income streams. In particular, we build on a near-complete sample of 153,000 “elite” YouTube channels with at least 100,000 subscribers, retrieved at the end of 2019, and investigate the URLs found in 137 million video descriptions to analyze traces of these strategies. We first situate our study within relevant literature around the creator economy, the role of platforms, and issues such as social capital building and economic precarity. We then outline our data and analytical approach, followed by a presentation of our findings. The article finishes with a discussion on how monetization and networking strategies via placing URLs in video descriptions have become more important over time, but also differ substantially between channel sizes, content categories, and geographic locations. Our empirical analysis shows that YouTube, as a highly unequal platformed media system, thrives on the economic pressures it exerts on its creators.
The Influence of Perceived Risks and Behavioral Intention: The Case of Chinese International Students
Authors: Wang Dimin , Chen Ying , Tuguinay Jovanie , Yuan Jessica J.
Published: June 2023

With the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic, health risks are common, while trepidation over physical harm risks during travel has emerged, notably anti-Asian violence. Tourists tend to avoid traveling, and their perceived risks related to these harms may hinder their travel decision-making. This research aims to explore the inter-relationships among destination image, perceived risk perceptions, and behavioral intention of Chinese international students visiting San Francisco. Drawing from 252 survey responses, findings highlighted that perceived risk did not affect destination image in general; however, the levels of student traveller’s perceived risk influence the destination image’s relationship to behavioral intentions. The group with low perceived risk relies more on their affective image to determine their behavioral intention. Furthermore, this study validated that affective image could serve as the antecedent to cognitive image despite being firmly held as the cognitive image’s consequence. Managerial implications were provided for destination marketers in the post-pandemic era.
The Impact of Local Versus Nonlocal Professional Development Programs for Teachers: Evidence From China’s National Teacher Training Project
Authors: Ding Xiaojiong , Wang Lei , Kong Lingshuai
Published: June 2023

Based on qualitative and quantitative data collected from an investigation of the flagship National Teacher Training Project (NTTP) in China, this study compares the impacts of teacher professional development (PD) programs located at different distances from the participants’ workplaces. The study argues that local and nonlocal programs play different roles in teacher PD. While local programs are conducive to teachers’ mastery of context-specific knowledge and skills that are directly connected to subject teaching, nonlocal programs are crucial for teachers’ continuous professional development in the long term. The two types of programs are supplementary to each other, and teachers need access to both types of programs.
Digital Screen Time as a Characteristic of Academic Performance among School-Going Children
Authors: Gupta Urvashi , Feroz Nilupher , Devi Kshetrimayum Surmala , Dhall Meenal , Dhamija Neeru , Mangla Anita Garg
Published: June 2023

Today’s times are witnessing the younger ones getting totally immersed in screen-driven operations from a very tender age. This study assesses the role of screen-time exposure at regulating the academic performance of students at school, in association with age and gender. Students in the age group of 10–15 years were considered under the present study. Non-probability convenient, purposive sampling technique had been used for this cross-sectional investigation. Ethical clearance was taken from the institutional ethical committee. Informed, written consent was received from all participants. Those who volunteered for this study, as permitted by their parents, filled a standardised questionnaire, and their academic performance in the last attended semester was also recorded. Data gathered were analysed using SPSS 20.0. The study hints that watching television for 1 hour and/or more every day, specifically, tends to interfere with the general competency at school (tracked with aggregate scores). The students, primarily using computer and other related screens for less than 1 hour or even not at all on a daily basis were linked to higher composite academic scores. Hence, only an optimal media-screen usage is acceptable, noted to have been giving up at-par academic scores without impairing the scholastic performance of students.
Economic Evaluation of High-density Apple Plantation Technique in Kashmir: Comparison with Traditional Cultivation Methods and Assessment of Financial and Ecological Sustainability
Authors: Kishore Jatin
Published: June 2023

The study compares the productivity under traditional and high-density apple plantation (HDP) techniques in Kashmir and look at the financial viability of the two in light of the HDP subsidy scheme of the government of J&K. The study also looks at factors behind adoption of high-density techniques as well as the farmers’ perception of the environmental and health impacts of fertilisers and pesticides used in the apple orchards. The study finds that the productivity of apple production, measured by the yield of apple output, is significantly higher under the high-density plantation system compared to the traditional apple cultivation methods. The efficiency of production is also higher under the high-density plantation techniques owing to better technology and more scientific use of inputs such as precision irrigation systems and proper application of fertilizers and pesticides. Results from the NPV and IRR analysis indicate that the high-density technique is financially viable in the long run even in the absence of any assistance from the government. However, it was found that there is low uptake of subsidy scheme because farmers find it difficult to produce revenue records in their own name. The main factors driving adoption of High-Density technology are presence of a progressive farmer in the village or neighbourhood. There is only limited awareness among the farmers about the harmful impacts of chemicals on environment and health. The awareness regarding long-term health implications such as cancer due to pesticide exposure is also very limited.
Rates and Factors Associated With Hardware Removal in Physeal Ankle Fractures: Analysis of the Pediatric Health Information System
Authors: Pearce Robert J. , Cazzulino Alejandro , Swarup Ishaan
Published: June 2023

Background:

Ankle fractures are among the most common physeal fractures in children. When surgical management is warranted, subsequent hardware removal remains controversial. This study was designed to determine rates of hardware removal in patients with physeal ankle fractures and identify risk factors for removal. Procedure data was utilized to compare rates of subsequent ankle procedures in patients with hardware removed and hardware retained.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing data from the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) for the years 2015 through 2021. We longitudinally followed patients treated for distal tibia physeal fractures to determine the rates of hardware removal and subsequent ankle procedures. Patients with open fractures or polytrauma were excluded. We used univariate, multivariate, and descriptive statistics to characterize the rates of hardware removal, identify factors associated with removal, and assess the rates of subsequent procedures.

Results:

This study included 1008 patients who underwent surgical management of a physeal ankle fracture. The mean age at index surgery was 12.6 years with an SD of 2.2 years, and 60% of patients identified as male. Two hundred forty-two patients (24%) had their hardware removed at an average time of 276 days (range, 21-1435 days) following index surgery. Patients with Salter Harris III (SH-III) or Salter Harris IV (SH-IV) fractures had hardware removed more often than patients with Salter-Harris II (SH-II) fractures (28.9% vs 11.7%, P < .01). Four-year rates of subsequent ankle procedures are similar between patients with hardware removed and hardware retained.

Conclusion:

The rate of hardware removal in children with physeal ankle fractures is higher than previously reported. Patients of younger age, higher income, and with fractures involving the epiphysis (SH-III and SH-IV) are more likely to undergo hardware removal.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective study.
Enhanced real-time mass spectrometry breath analysis for the diagnosis of COVID-19
Authors: Roquencourt Camille , Salvator Hélène , Bardin Emmanuelle , Lamy Elodie , Farfour Eric , Naline Emmanuel , Devillier Philippe , Grassin-Delyle Stanislas
Published: June 2023

Background

Although rapid screening for and diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are still urgently needed, most current testing methods are long, costly or poorly specific. The objective of the present study was to determine whether or not artificial-intelligence-enhanced real-time mass spectrometry breath analysis is a reliable, safe, rapid means of screening ambulatory patients for COVID-19.

Methods

In two prospective, open, interventional studies in a single university hospital, we used real-time, proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry to perform a metabolomic analysis of exhaled breath from adults requiring screening for COVID-19. Artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques were used to build mathematical models based on breath analysis data either alone or combined with patient metadata.

Results

We obtained breath samples from 173 participants, of whom 67 had proven COVID-19. After using machine learning algorithms to process breath analysis data and further enhancing the model using patient metadata, our method was able to differentiate between COVID-19-positive and -negative participants with a sensitivity of 98%, a specificity of 74%, a negative predictive value of 98%, a positive predictive value of 72% and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.961. The predictive performance was similar for asymptomatic, weakly symptomatic and symptomatic participants and was not biased by COVID-19 vaccination status.

Conclusions

Real-time, noninvasive, artificial-intelligence-enhanced mass spectrometry breath analysis might be a reliable, safe, rapid, cost-effective, high-throughput method for COVID-19 screening.