bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Identification Issue of the Bifactor Item Response Theory Model
Authors: Chen Wenya , Fujimoto Ken A.
Published: July 2022

Using the bifactor item response theory model to analyze data arising from educational and psychological studies has gained popularity over the years. Unfortunately, using this model in practice comes with challenges. One such challenge is an empirical identification issue that is seldom discussed in the literature, and its impact on the estimates of the bifactor model’s parameters has not been demonstrated. This issue occurs when an item’s discriminations on the general and specific dimensions are approximately equal (i.e., the within-item discriminations are similar in strength), leading to difficulties in obtaining unique estimates for those discriminations. We conducted three simulation studies to demonstrate that within-item discriminations being similar in strength creates problems in estimation stability. The results suggest that a large sample could alleviate but not resolve the problems, at least when considering sample sizes up to 4,000. When the discriminations within items were made clearly different, the estimates of these discriminations were more consistent across the data replicates than that observed when the discriminations within the items were similar. The results also show that the similarity of an item’s discriminatory magnitudes on different dimensions has direct implications on the sample size needed in order to consistently obtain accurate parameter estimates. Although our goal was to provide evidence of the empirical identification issue, the study further reveals that the extent of similarity of within-item discriminations, the magnitude of discriminations, and how well the items are targeted to the respondents also play factors in the estimation of the bifactor model’s parameters.
Benchmarking Local Government Services: Applying an Issue-Based Approach
Authors: Shafiq Saman , Kapousouz Evgenia , Siciliano Michael D. , Gawel Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2022

Conventional benchmarking methods that rely on pre-existing measures may not be best suited for many of the challenges confronting local service delivery. This paper introduces an issue-based benchmarking method and describes the six-stage cycle implemented by a benchmarking collaborative in the Chicagoland region. Each stage of the process is discussed to highlight the approaches and tools used to identify the most salient issues and relevant performance measures. In the final section, we reflect on the changes we made to the process and overall lessons learned that we believe will help others attempting to engage in similar benchmarking efforts.
The Construction and Embodiment of Dis/Ability for North Korean Refugees living in South Korea
Authors: Song Yosung , Freedman Justin E.
Published: July 2022

Background/Context:

Every year, an unknown number of North Koreans flee their homeland. As of 2020, 33,752 North Koreans had arrived in South Korea. The political positioning of North Korean refugees in South Korean society is unique from other immigrants, in that they receive immediate South Korean citizenship and are considered members of the same ethnic group as South Koreans. However, North Korean refugees face discrimination in South Korea, including in schools.

Purpose/Objective/Research Question/Focus of Study:

This paper extends the use of the intersectional analytical framework, disability critical race theory (DisCrit), outside of western settings to the Korean context. The purpose is to analyze the schooling experiences of North Korean refugees in South Korea. We provide a background about the divide between the nations of North and South Korea and discuss how this divide contributes to North Korean refugees’ position as outsiders. We also situate discrimination faced by North Korean refugees within South Korea as a broader response to changing demographics, by highlighting the experiences of immigrants and South Korean multicultural education policy. Drawing upon the voices of North Korean refugees, we analyze how the discrimination they experience constructs them as less capable and valued than their South Korean peers.

Research Design:

This paper reports the findings of a qualitative study that analyzes data from semi-structured interviews of North Korean refugees in South Korea. The interviews focus on participants’ schooling experiences in mainstream schools, at an alternative school, and in their transition to postsecondary education.

Conclusions/Recommendations:

Our analysis demonstrates how North Korean refugee students are positioned as dis/abled and come to embody disabling conditions as a result of discrimination based on their ethnicized North Korean identity in South Korea. The construction of North Korean refugees as dis/abled reflects the dominance of the ideals of South Korean ethnicity and an educational ideology that promotes assimilation for economic growth. We conclude by discussing the impact of normalizing processes of ethnocentrism, racism, and ableism, and the potential future development of multicultural education in South Korea.
An Exploration of Christianity in Northeast India in the Emerging Political Context: Trials and Opportunities
Authors: Ralte Lalfakawma
Published: July 2022

In the past years, the Northeast people linked the BJP with the principle of Hindutwa (a Hindu way of life) that made it unattractive for them. In recent years, the Party surprisingly takes the area like wildfire by dictating who is to rule in many states. Now, switching from old history to that of a fresher one, a historian may significantly raise a question in this transition: “Is the Hindu way of life entering the region with the emergence of the BJP?” One perception which robustly stands against this question is that the native inhabitants view the coming of the BJP in the Northeast as “a politics of convenience and expediency” to boost up their deprived economic situations. They do not perceive it as a politic of conviction to and assurance for the BJP.
Comparison of malignant calcification identification between breast cone-beam computed tomography and digital mammography
Authors: Liu Aidi , Ma Yue , Yin Lu , Zhu Yueqiang , Lu Hong , Li Haijie , Ye Zhaoxiang
Published: July 2022

Background

Calcifications are important abnormal findings in breast imaging and help in the diagnosis of breast cancer.

Purpose

To compare breast cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) with digital mammography (DM) in terms of the ability to identify malignant calcifications.

Material and Methods

In total, 115 paired examinations were performed utilizing breast CBCT and DM; 86 pathology-proven malignant lesions with calcifications detected on DM and 29 randomly selected breasts without calcifications were reviewed by three radiologists. The ability to detect calcifications was assessed on CBCT images. The characterization agreement of two imaging modalities was evaluated by the kappa coefficient. For breast CBCT images, the parameters for the display of calcifications were recorded. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the preferred slice thickness chosen by each of the three radiologists. The degree of calcification clarity was compared between two modalities using the Mann–Whitney U-test.

Results

The combined sensitivity and specificity of three radiologists in 85 DM-detected calcifications detection on breast CBCT images were 98.43% (251/255) and 98.85% (86/87), respectively. CBCT images showed substantial agreement with mammograms in terms of the characterization of calcifications morphology (k = 0.703; P < 0.05) and distribution (k = 0.629; P < 0.05). CBCT images with a slice thickness of 0.273 mm and three-dimensional maximum-intensity projection (3D-MIP) were more beneficial for calcifications identification. No statistically significant difference was found between standard DM views and CBCT images for three radiologists on calcification display clarity.

Conclusion

CBCT images were comparable to mammograms in calcification identification and may be sufficient for malignant calcifications detection and characterization.
Sequential therapy for pancreatic cancer patients with synchronous oligo-hepatic metastatic lesions
Authors: Lu Wenjie , Wang Lantian , Lou Jianyao , Tang Kezhong
Published: July 2022

Background:

Treatments for patients suffering from pancreatic cancer with oligo-hepatic metastasis have always been a cause of certain controversy. Herein, we reported 15 pancreatic cancer patients with oligo-hepatic metastasis who accepted sequential therapy of chemotherapy, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and radical resection of the primary tumor.

Methods:

A total of 87 pancreatic cancer patients with synchronous oligo-metastatic hepatic lesions who received treatments in the 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University between January 2017 and July 2020 were enrolled. The chemotherapy regimens included modified folfirinox (54/87) and gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (33/87). Test of blood tumor markers and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) scan was performed at diagnosis and after eight weeks of chemotherapy.

Results:

Thirty-five patients received just chemotherapy because of poor reaction to the first round of chemotherapy(Overall survival (OS), 6.47±1.80 months); 15 patients reassessed as stable disease (SD)/partial response (PR) continued chemotherapy (OS, 10.35±3.15); nine patients reassessed as progressive disease (PD) after RFA and continued chemotherapy (OS, 10.90±2.60). The primary tumors in 13 patients were unresectable after chemotherapy and RFA (OS, 12.92±2.47), while 15 patients completed the sequential therapy of chemotherapy, radio-frequency ablation, and radical resection (OS, 16.76±6.55).

Conclusions:

Sequential chemotherapy and RFA is a good treatment strategy to select the best candidates for surgical treatment among patients with pancreatic cancer with oligo-hepatic metastasis.
Transatrial balloon atrial septostomy to facilitate weaning off venoarterial ECMO after pulmonary endarterectomy
Authors: Ak Koray , Arslanhan Gökhan , Tire Yakup , Tosun Sinan , Kararmaz Alper , Hanta İsmail , Yıldızeli Bedrettin
Published: July 2022

Atrial septostomy has been the last resort in the management of patients with the right ventricular failure related to pulmonary hypertension before lung transplantation. In this paper, we present a simple and safe technique (transatrial approach) for balloon atrial septostomy in a patient who required central venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after pulmonary endarterectomy.
An “ethnically unique” athlete: An analysis of media representations of Jeremy Lin during the 2010–2011 and 2016–2017 NBA seasons
Authors: He Mu
Published: July 2022

Jeremy Lin, an Asian American basketball player, achieved his meteoric stardom by giving outstanding performances and leading the Knicks to constant wins. Intense media coverage and scholarly work about Lin had been done during this starring time, while this research focuses on media representations of Lin during regular seasons. This article employs textual analysis and examines 461 articles from the first and last NBA seasons Lin played. The thematic analysis shows media representations of Lin became more diverse while rarely using racialized narratives. However, untrust and low expectations of Asian American masculinity are discovered in the analysis. In addition, stereotypical narratives such as “see someone Asian, say something Asian,” and the model minority myth beautify stereotypical impressions of Asian Americans and exacerbate their “otherness.” Such flattering compliments embedded in media coverage obfuscate Asian American identity, making it more difficult for them to prove their personality and masculinity. Although the media create and maintain hegemonic masculinity and stereotypes, they are also powerful to break down prejudice and discrimination and reshape people’s impressions of Asian American athletes, and even their whole community.
How Does the Language Control of L1 and L2 Writers Develop Over Time in First-Year Composition?
Authors: Eckstein Grant , Chang Ruei-Han
Published: July 2022

Most U.S. colleges and universities expect students to improve their writing ability by taking first-year composition (FYC) courses. In such courses, non-native English (L2) writers with diverse language backgrounds study alongside their native English (L1) speaking peers. However, it is not clear how different these populations are in terms of their language development over time, leaving questions unanswered about whether L2 writers develop more or less than L1 writers in an FYC curriculum. To investigate, we compared 75 L1 and L2 students’ written accuracy, fluency, and lexical and syntactic complexity over the semester of an FYC course. Data showed that L2 students had significantly higher rates of language error and less fluent and lexically complex writing compared to L1 writers. Moreover, L2 student writing became less grammatically accurate over 14 weeks despite showing greater fluency and syntactic complexity. These results suggest a need for plurilingual pedagogies in FYC that embrace diversity and inclusion while also providing L2 writers with instruction on socially powerful and dominant linguistic forms.
Loneliness From the Adolescent Perspective: A Qualitative Analysis of Conversations About Loneliness Between Adolescents and Childline Counselors
Authors: Verity Lily , Yang Keming , Nowland Rebecca , Shankar Aparna , Turnbull Michelle , Qualter Pamela
Published: July 2022

There is limited qualitative research on the experience of loneliness in adolescence, meaning key facets of the loneliness experience that are important in adolescence may have been overlooked. The current study addresses that gap in the literature and explores how loneliness is experienced in the context of adolescence from the perspective of adolescents. About 67 online counseling conversations between Childline counselors and adolescents (ages 12–18 years; 70% females) who had contacted Childline to talk about loneliness were analyzed using Thematic Framework Analysis to establish commonalities and salient issues involved in adolescent experiences of loneliness. Young people considered loneliness to be an intense experience that negatively impacted their daily lives. Experiences of loneliness revolved around difficulties with peer relationships, but turmoil at home worsened those experiences. Young people often employed short-term coping strategies that distracted them from loneliness. Issues with trusting others and self-worth acted as barriers to seeking long-term help. Recommendations include (1) the training of teachers and parents to recognize and support young people experiencing loneliness and (2) further research to establish the coping strategies that are used by adolescents who successfully overcome loneliness.
Validating PreCHAT: A Digital Preconception Health Risk Assessment Tool to Improve Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health
Authors: Montanaro Cynthia , Robson Liz , Binnington Leslie , Winters Nicole , Brown Hilary K.
Published: July 2022

Study background

Despite the growing understanding of preconception care, numerous barriers to its delivery still exist, including a lack of evidence-based, accessible screening tools.

Purpose

To validate a new digital Preconception Health Assessment Tool (PreCHAT) against the current best practice, physician-delivered tool in Ontario, Canada, and explore how PreCHAT’s design impacts its risk identification abilities relative to the comparison tool.

Methods

A criterion validation study was conducted with 53 female participants aged 18–44 years. Participants completed both tools in a controlled setting. PreCHAT was completed on a tablet individually by participants, while the comparison tool was administered by a physician. Three physicians administered the comparison tool. Measures of strength of agreement between PreCHAT and the comparison tool were calculated using percent agreement, Cohen's Kappa, and prevalence-adjusted and biased-adjusted kappa (PABAK).

Results

PreCHAT identified 135 individual risk factors, while the comparison tool identified 102. Both tools shared the same 14 domains of preconception care and 88 risk factors; of the 88 risk factors, PreCHAT identified an average of 3.42 (p < 0.0001) more risks per participant than the comparison tool. PABAK scores indicated almost perfect agreement between PreCHAT and the comparison tool.

Conclusions

This study suggests that PreCHAT is valid against the current best practice tool and is broader in its risk identification among individuals of reproductive age. PreCHAT's patient-facing, digital, EMR-integrated design may offer unique benefits to providers and patients. PreCHAT offers providers an innovative approach to deliver preconception care and may positively impact reproductive, maternal, and child health.
Sin embodied: Priest-psychiatrist Asser Stenbäck and the psychosomatic approach to human problems
Authors: Hyrkäs Eve-Riina
Published: July 2022

Combining theological and medical perspectives is indispensable for the historical study of the interconnections between mind, body, and soul. This article explores these relations through the history of Finnish psychosomatic medicine, and uses published and archival materials to examine the intellectual biography of the Finland-Swedish theologian turned psychiatrist Asser Stenbäck (1913–2006). Stenbäck's career, which evolved from priesthood to psychiatry and politics, reveals a great deal about the tensions between religion and medicine, the spiritual and scientific groups that impinged upon psychosomatic medicine, and ideas on how health and Christian morality were interconnected. The biographical approach is adopted to unearth the values encoded in medical concepts, and through this, to point towards another, underexplored dimension of the health–religion relationship. In addition to their emotional aspect, religious doctrines are intended to organise life and give it meaning. Stenbäck's ideas tied these experiential and normative spheres together by defending an irrationalist substratum of the world in the secular age of medicine. His work illustrates how the inner experience of faith can become both medically and politically purposive. It is worth combining these perspectives in historical research as well in order to better understand how the theological, medical, and political worlds are in dialogue when it comes to human problems.
Forming limit diagrams and mechanical properties of AA1050/Ti CP2 multilayered composite produced by the accumulative roll bonding technique
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Mehrab , Hashemi Ramin
Published: July 2022

In this study, the AA1050/Ti CP2 metallic multilayered composite was produced by accumulative roll bonding (ARB) using AA 1050 and commercially pure titanium Ti (CP-Ti ASTM grade 2) for three cycles at ambient temperature. The microstructure evolution was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Also, the tensile test and Vickers microhardness measurement were conducted to evaluate mechanical properties. The forming limit diagrams (FLD) were obtained for a metallic multilayered composite for the first time by the Nakazima test. It was observed that a continuous and well-bonded composite was fabricated after the first cycle. For the subsequent two cycles, necking and fracture of Ti reinforcement occurred in the Al matrix. The maximum tensile strength was reached after two cycles with almost a 98% increase compared to the annealed aluminum sample. However, the tensile strength was reduced after the third cycle. The uniform elongation considerably decreased after the first cycle and was maintained for the subsequent two cycles. The microhardness improved by 124% and 47% for Al and Ti, respectively, in the whole process of ARB in comparison with annealed Al and Ti. As a formability criterion, the level of forming limit curve (FLC) was reduced sharply after the first ARB cycle. For subsequent cycles, this reduction was neglectable. The Al/Ti composite fracture surfaces were a combination of shear ductile and brittle after the third pass.
Comparative performance evaluation between HSN-TiAlxN and TiCN coated carbide tools in hard turning of AISI D6 steel
Authors: Das Anshuman , Mohapatra Sitesh , Gajrani Kishor Kumar , Das Sudhansu Ranjan , Patel Saroj Kumar
Published: July 2022

Hardened steels are exclusively in great demand particularly in mould and die making industries. Cutting tools such as ceramic, CBN, PCBN and PCD are normally preferred to machine hard to cut materials but are expensive in terms of cost. The usage of carbide tools with proper coatings within a particular machining range, a comparable tool life can be achieved with lesser cost in hard machining. The present experimental work dealt with a comparative assessment among newly developed TiAlxN and traditional TiCN coated carbide tools in terms of tool life, tool (crater and flank) wear, cutting temperature and surface integrity in dry hard turning of AISI D6 steel. The experiments with 16 trials are performed according to L16 orthogonal array by considering various machining parameters such as cutting speed, depth of cut and feed. Finally, the measured tool life was considered in the Gilbert’s economic approach, to perform a distinctive cost analysis which justified the cost-effectiveness of coated carbide tool in hard turning. Among the tools used, TiAlxN coated carbide tool for hard turning application promises and excellent machinability performances in terms of (i) lower flank and crater wears (ii) longer tool life, (iii) improved surface integrity, (iv) minimum cutting temperature and (v) considerable economic advantages as the production cost is reduced by 6%. The nanostructured TiAlxN coating accomplished by physical vapour deposition (PVD) technique considerably developed lower range of tool wear (VB = 0.053–0.134 mm), produced surface finish (Ra) within 0.35–1.07 µm, and following the surface quality at par closer to cylindrical grinding because of superior surface hardness, wear resistance, and bonding strength of coating material. TiAlxN coated carbide tool offered significant cost savings (Rs. 82.21 in Indian currency) in production costs in comparison to hard turning via. TiCN (Rs. 87.10) coated insert.
Multi-objective shape optimization of siphon outlet in pumping station considering two-phase flow
Authors: Li Zhixiang , Chen Huixiang , Xu Hui , Feng Jiangang , Chen Yaohui , Shi Mige , Tong Hongwei
Published: July 2022

The siphon outlet is widely used in pumping stations due to its reliable and convenient cut-off performance. Long siphoning time or high hydraulic loss caused by the inappropriate design of the siphon outlet can significantly affect the safety of stations. The air compressibility volume-of-fluid (VOF) method is conducted to simulate the two-phase flow in the siphoning formation process at the design points selected by the optimal Latin hypercube design (OLHD), the results of which show good agreement with the experimental data. In this work, the siphoning time and hydraulic loss coefficient are selected as the objective functions, and a multi-objective shape optimization strategy is proposed for the siphon outlet in conjunction with the response surface method (RSM). This optimization strategy can not only reconcile conflicting objective functions but also obtain the effect and interaction of design variables. Sensitivity analysis on the constructed response surface models indicates that among three design variables, the aspect ratio has the greatest effect on the objective functions, the descending angle has the second greatest effect, and the ascending angle has almost no effect. Compared with the original design, the hydraulic loss coefficient and siphoning time of the optimized design are reduced by 2.95% and 26.76%, respectively. A higher vorticity magnitude and more uniform outflow are created in the optimized design, which results in the improvement of hydraulic performance.
Global perspective on digital preservation policy: A systematic review
Authors: Ahmad Rafiq , Rafiq Muhammad
Published: July 2022

Policy provides a roadmap for actions to be taken in any task. It plays an important role in successful implementation of any program. Similarly, the presence of policy also plays a key role in implementation of digital preservation program. The organizations having such policy hold an edge for carrying out their digital preservation activities in an organized manner. This paper provides an explicit overview regarding preparedness of libraries and other organizations across the world in terms of availability of policies for digital preservation. The paper also attempts to map the data geographically. The empirical studies were reviewed systematically, and the extracted data was synthesized for producing meaningful insight about this phenomenon. The meta-analysis affirms that libraries and other organizations seem to have realization about importance of policies for implementation of digital preservation program. Although some studies highlight the availability of digital preservation policies in a good number of organizations yet, as a whole, most of the studies point out passive organizational attitude toward the development of such policies. The data mapping affirms that the studies conducted worldwide and North American region show a satisfactory situation in terms of availability of digital preservation policies. However, the studies conducted in European countries, African region, China, and New Zealand identify a gap regarding presence of such policies.
Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Severe Neurological Sequelae due to Anti-N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis: First Case Report
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Liem , Hoang Van T. , Le Thu Huong , Nguyen Phuong Anh Thi , Hoang Duc M. , Ngo Doan Van , Cao Vu Hung , Nguyen Thi Bich Van , Heke Michael
Published: July 2022

Anti- N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is caused by altered patient immune reactions. This study reports the first patient with severe neurologic sequelae after NMDA receptor encephalitis treated with allogeneic umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (UC-MSCs). A 5-year-old girl was diagnosed with NMDA receptor encephalitis and treated with immunosuppressive medicaments and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Despite intensive therapy, the patient’s condition worsened so that allogenic UC-MSC therapy was contemplated. The patient received three intrathecal infusions of xeno- and serum-free cultured UC-MSCs at a dose of 106 cells/kg. At baseline and after each UC-MSC administration, the patient was examined by the German Coma Recovery Scale (CRS), the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), the Gross Motor Function Measure–88 (GMFM-88), the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), the Modified Ashworth Scale, and the Denver II test. Before cell therapy, she was in a permanent vegetative state with diffuse cerebral atrophy. Her cognition and motor functions improved progressively after three UC-MSC infusions. At the last visit, she was capable of walking, writing, and counting numbers. Control of urinary and bowel functions was completely recovered. Cerebral atrophy was reduced on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Overall, the outcomes of this patient suggest a potential cell therapy for autoimmune encephalitis and its neurological consequences.
Emerging trends in Australian climate change litigation: Bringing the heat
Authors: Melrose Laura
Published: July 2022

This article examines trends in Australian climate change litigation and emerging possibilities for future cases. It considers three categories of case: public sector government accountability, corporations in the private sector, and human rights. This analysis situates cases within the Paris Agreement categories of action (adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage) and shows how the Paris Agreement categories and targets are developing into legal standards through case law.
Experimental Manipulation of the BFI-2, IPIP-NEO-120, and the IPC-5
Authors: Smith Michelle M. , McCabe Gillian A. , Widiger Thomas A.
Published: July 2022

Research assessing the relationship of the five-factor model (FFM) to personality disorder symptomatology has generally been confirmatory, with three exceptions. The exceptions have been failures to confirm associations of conscientiousness with the obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, agreeableness with dependent, and openness with schizotypal. Haigler and Widiger demonstrated empirically years ago that this was occurring because the predominant FFM measure at that time, the NEO Personality Inventory–Revised, does not include a sufficient representation of maladaptive variants of the respective FFM personality trait domains. Research since their study has continued to fail to confirm the FFM hypotheses, using other measures of the FFM. The current study extended the work of Haigler and Widiger by considering three additional FFM measures, the Big Five Inventory–2 (BFI-2), the International Item Pool–NEO-120 (IPIP-NEO-120), and the Inventory of Personal Characteristics–5 (IPC-5). Data were obtained from a community sample of adults with experience of mental health treatment. The results confirmed an improvement in the FFM–personality disorder relationships when the experimentally manipulated versions of the BFI-2, IPIP-NEO-120, and IPC-5 were used. The implications of the findings for existing and future FFM–personality disorder research are discussed.
Experimental investigations of the effect of millisecond-delay time on the blast vibration reduction with electronic detonators
Authors: Zhang Xiangyu , Yan Peng , He Huaxiong , Lu Wenbo , Liu Bing , Zhu Jin , Wang Xiaosheng , Cheng Yifeng
Published: July 2022

The error of precise initiation time controlled at the microsecond level in the electronic detonator blasting is accurate enough to realize blasting vibration reduction; however, the realization of precise control of blasting vibration using the electronic detonators remains rudimentary, researches on the precise zoning protection of buildings and field experiments are lacked. Therefore, multi-delay time of double-hole and multi-hole blasting experiments were carried out to explore the influence of different delay time on blast-induced PPV (Peak Particle Velocity). Based on the measured blasting vibration waveforms with blasting center distance of 16–200 m the reasonable delay time reducing PPV was investigated when the protective buildings at different blasting center distances and the reasonable delay time suitable for zoning protection was put forward to verify the applicability of the electronic detonators. The results show that as the initiation delay time increases, the PPV of blasting vibration first decreases then increases and finally attenuates to the single-hole PPV, with the increase of the blasting center distance, the reasonable delay time for reducing PPV gradually increases. However, a greater vibration enhancement effect will be produced when the delay time reaches at a certain value in the near area, the generated maximum PPV is about 1.8 times the single-hole PPV and there will be multiple short delay time producing enhancement effect in multi-hole blasting, the short delay time cannot be blindly adopted to reduce vibration. Therefore, the delay time of electronic detonators should be reasonably set to achieve the effect of blasting vibration reduction based on the distance between the protected buildings and the blasting zone.
Context Matters: The Conditional Effect of Black Police Chiefs on Policing Outcomes
Authors: Shoub Kelsey , Christiani Leah
Published: July 2022

A frequently proposed “solution” to the problem of racially targeted policing is to diversify the leadership of a police department, such as instate a Black police chief. However, little is known about how and when such changes may alter policing outcomes. Here, we question whether this descriptive representation leads to a reduction in racial disparities in policing outcomes and how the political and social context may condition that relationship – captured by why a transition took place. To test this, we turn to traffic stop data from nine agencies in Illinois that had variation in chief race between 2004 and 2018. We find that who heads a police department – and why they were appointed (i.e., transition type) – is linked to search rates following a traffic stop, which has implications for work on race and policing, descriptive representation, and local politics.
Exploring the Moderating Role of Employee Entitlement: Insight into the Social Support Paradox
Authors: Liu Jing , Hu Bing , Qu Hailin
Published: July 2022

This study examined the interface of paradoxical responses (i.e., employee entitlement and job satisfaction) to social support in the form of employee orientation in hospitality contexts. A large-scale, multi-source, survey-based field study on restaurant employees and customers was conducted. The findings showed that employees who received support developed a sense of entitlement that ultimately undermined the benefits of job satisfaction on limiting employee incivility toward customers. This understudied entitlement perspective is insightful for justifying the paradoxical negative effect of social support in hospitality service settings. Practical implications for hospitality managers to handle the social support paradox and employee entitlement, as well as study limitations and future research directions, are all discussed.
The impact of cognate strategy training on guessing accuracy for unknown visually-presented words: The case of Japanese learners of English
Authors: Allen David
Published: July 2022

When inferring the meaning of unknown words in a second language, learners make use of a variety of cues including the cross-linguistic formal similarities of loanwords and cognates. However, because learners do not always recognize these cross-linguistic relationships, cognate strategy training has been recommended. The present study investigated the impact of cognate strategy training on Japanese speakers’ accuracy when guessing the meaning of unknown English words. The findings revealed that participants were significantly more accurate in responding to cognates after training than prior to it, while responses to noncognates were similar in both rounds. Moreover, participants were more accurate in identifying cognates with common grapheme–phoneme correspondences in English (e.g. fleece) after training than those that had less-common correspondences (e.g. gauge). Considering error rates, the benefit-cost ratio of applying the strategy was four correct guesses to one incorrect guess. Together with insights from a small-scale qualitative follow-up study, the results reveal that both phonological decoding of English words and conversion into katakana script in Japanese contribute to difficulties in noticing cognate relationships. The primary implication of the study is that cognate strategy training may contribute positively to language teaching pedagogy in Japan and other contexts.
Dynamic analysis of the wind-wave-current-bridge system considering pile-soil interaction
Authors: Han Jiayi , Pan Liang , Lu Baojie , Zhang Zhen , Bi Xinyu , Zhu Bing
Published: July 2022

Coastal bridges are normally confronted with a complex marine environment including wind, wave and current. Present researches rarely take the current action and pile-soil interaction into consideration. It is thus essential to conduct the dynamic analysis of the cable-stayed bridge under wind-wave-current action considering pile-soil interaction. A coupled wind-wave-current-bridge (WWCB) system is proposed in this study to help understand the bridge dynamic performance. In the WWCB system, the bridge model is established through the finite element method, and the pile-soil interaction is considered through the pile-soil solid contact (PSSC) model. The wave-current action is obtained through a numerical wave tank, while the wind is simulated as the stochastic random process and generated with spectrums. The initial geostress, mass and density distribution are also considered in the WWCB system. To illustrate the bridge dynamic characteristics, dynamic responses under different load combinations are presented. Furthermore, the natural frequency and spectral density function comparison between the consolidation model, PSSC model and soil-spring model are provided to investigate the influence of the pile-soil interaction. The results show that different from previous conclusions, the wave-current action plays the dominant role instead of the wind action in some cases when considering the pile-soil interaction. Additionally, the consideration of the pile-soil interaction would decrease the structural stiffness, resulting in lower natural frequencies and wider frequency distribution. Consequently, the influence of the wave-current action and pile-soil interaction should be noted in the practical engineering.
Are universal measures sufficient in reducing child poverty in the Nordic countries? An analysis of policies and political commitments
Authors: Eklund Karlsson Leena , Balkfors Anna , Gunnarsdottir Hrafnhildur , Povlsen Lene , Regber Susann , Buch Mejsner Sofie , Leena Ikonen Anne , Fosse Elisabeth
Published: July 2022

Background:

The five Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) have long traditions of social welfare policies that have eradicated poverty as part of their goals. The purpose of this study was to increase our understanding of why child poverty is still significant in the Nordic countries despite existing strategies.

Methods:

A qualitative analysis of Nordic government documents and reports between 2007 and 2019 was carried out to track changes in public health priorities and political measures and to determine the similarities and differences between the five countries.

Results:

In all countries, most of the measures were universal, such as benefits during pregnancy, paid parental leave before and after the child was born, paid parental leave related to children’s sickness, child allowances, day care, free health care for children and support for disabled children. National policies aimed to reduce social inequalities and child poverty exist in all five countries, but unaffordable housing, unequal disposable family income distribution and unequal income distribution at local municipality levels seem to be obstacles to reaching national policy goals.

Conclusions:

Despite comprehensive universal measures to eradicate child poverty, inequalities are significant and increasing in some of the Nordic countries. This might be due to a lack of proportional universalism, where universal measures are in place in all Nordic countries, but with a lack of scale and intensity proportional to the children and families at risk. The significance of eliminating social inequalities needs to be emphasised at the local level.
When friction becomes the norm: Antagonism, discourse and planetary data turbulence
Authors: Lehuedé Sebastián
Published: July 2022

The ideal of unfettered data circulation has fallen into crisis. As of today, a growing number of actors are introducing measures to ensure a greater degree of control over the global data pipeline. Combining critical data studies and political theory, this article conceptualises the current technopolitical conjuncture as one of ‘planetary data turbulence’ in which divergences regarding the production and circulation of data have become the norm. The concept of data turbulence emerges from studies on data friction, but this article contends that the current state of affairs requires expanding the emphasis on technosciences and materiality in these works. Drawing on Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe, the article shows that attending to antagonism and discourse makes it possible to account for the eminently political forces shaping the circulation of data. The strengths of this framework are illustrated by looking at the articulation of digital sovereignty in different geographies.
Acoustic transmission loss and noise from Kevlar wind tunnel walls
Authors: Glegg Stewart , Szőke Máté , Devenport William
Published: July 2022

In this paper we will develop a model for the acoustic transmission loss and self-noise generated by a Kevlar wind tunnel wall. It is shown that the porosity of the fabric is the most important controlling factor of the transmission loss, and the effect of wind tunnel flow speed is to increase the losses, as observed in experiments. In addition, a model is developed for the weave noise generated by a Kevlar wind tunnel wall, which is found to be caused by the pumping of the fluid through the pores in the Kevlar and depends on their open area ratio. The mechanism for this sound generation is similar to the roughness noise mechanism for a turbulent boundary layer in that the pore spacing couples with the small wavelength disturbances in the boundary layer to cause acoustic radiation at the sum and difference frequencies.
Effect of the spectral power distribution on visual performance of subjects implanted with intraocular lenses with or without a blue light-filter under night-driving conditions
Authors: Vicente EG , Matesanz BM , Galarreta D , Rodríguez-Rosa M , Mar S , Aparicio JA , Arranz I
Published: July 2022

In old subjects, the effect on visual performance of the interaction between the spectral power distribution of street lamps and the different types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) is unknown. Contrast threshold (CT) and reaction time (RT) were analysed in off-axis vision at mesopic illumination conditions provided by high-pressure sodium and metal-halide lamps, using a Maxwellian view optical system. Four groups of subjects participated: 10 young subjects, 20 elderly subjects with cataracts and the same subjects after cataract surgery were divided into two groups, 10 subjects implanted with a blue light-filtering and 10 subjects with a non-blue light-filtering IOL (NBIOL). Age-related cataract impairs detection and reaction capabilities; tasks that are nevertheless improved after surgery. The type of lamp does not affect both tasks in the case of the blue light-filtering IOL group, but it does in the NBIOL group. When comparing the two lenses, no detrimental effect of the blue light filter is observed in both tasks. In conclusion, at representative night-driving conditions, the spectral power distribution of the street lamp does not have a clinically relevant effect on visual tasks such as CT and visual RT in pseudophakic subjects, regardless of the type of IOL implanted.
Maintenance analysis of a partial observable K-out-of-N system with load sharing units
Authors: Zhang Nan , Tian Sen , Li Le , Wang Zhongbin , Zhang Jun
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we consider the inspection and maintenance optimization of a K-out-of- N load-sharing system that operates in a deteriorating working condition. The failure rate of each component depends on its load-sharing and the system working condition. During the operation, the system working condition can be deteriorated from the healthy state to the abnormal state. Both the states of the components and the system working environment are hidden. To ensure the system safety, periodical inspection is implemeted, upon which, two-folds of information can be obtained: the state of each component and the partial revealed information corresponding to the state of the working condition. A maintenance policy is proposed based on the observations. The policy is assessed by the total expected discounted maintenance cost in the long-run horizon. We cast the problem into a partially observable Markov decision process framework. We utilize the value iteration algorithm to solve the inspection and maintenance optimization problem. Sensitivity analyses through numerical examples are carried out. A case study of a parallel system with electric motors is examined to show the applicability of the proposed model.
Adoption of electronic cards using Wi-Fi platform services by clients of banking sector during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Matar Ali , Alkhawaldeh Abdelbaset M
Published: July 2022

Wi-Fi technology is one of the most electronic services that recently emerged in the banking sector that provides significant benefits to clients and banks. Thus, the study aims to validate the factors influencing the adoption of Wi-Fi (Near Field Communication) technology by banking sector clients using an extended technology acceptance model. One hundred sixty-two valid surveys were gained from Jordanian clients via an online survey. Data were analyzed using the PLS-SEM technique. Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived bank credibility all have a significant effect on the adoption of Wi-Fi technology services. However, perceived awareness, reference groups, and security concerns have no significant effect on the adoption of Wi-Fi technology services. The research has several implications for theory and practice. It also makes several suggestions for future studies and points out some limitations.
The Effect of Lesion Size on Pain and Function in Patients Scheduled for Cartilage Surgery of the Knee
Authors: Randsborg Per-Henrik , Årøen Asbjørn , Owesen Christian
Published: July 2022

Objective

Despite an increased interest in treatment options for cartilage lesions of the knee, the relationship between lesion characteristics and the symptoms they elicit is not well understood. We evaluated the relationship between lesion characteristics and the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and compared this with symptoms reported by patients scheduled for knee ligament reconstruction and knee arthroplasty.

Design

Preoperative data, including Lysholm score and The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), in 90 consecutive patients scheduled for surgery for symptomatic isolated cartilage lesions were prospectively collected.

Result

The patients had a mean age of 33.2 years. There were 62 (69%) males. There was no statistically significant difference in PROMs between patients with cartilage lesions smaller or larger than 2 cm2, except for the KOOS subscale symptoms, with patients with smaller lesions reporting higher scores, 62.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] 58.3-67.3) vs. 51.9 (95% CI 45.5-58.4), P = 0.005. There was a small correlation between lesion size and Lysholm score. However, when adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and lesion localization, this effect was not statistically significant. The International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society grade did not affect preoperative PROMs. Cartilage patients reported worse preoperative symptoms than patients scheduled for knee ligament reconstruction, and approaching the symptoms reported by patients scheduled for knee arthroplasty.

Conclusion

The size, depth, and location of cartilage lesions have little impact on the symptoms experienced by the patients. Cartilage patients have comparable symptoms to patients scheduled for knee arthroplasty.