bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Listening ‘with’ children ‘to’ the more-than-human world: A diffractive analysis of the child and the challenge of sustainability
Authors: Bailey Kathleen Theresa
Published: September 2024

Objective:

Listening to children has been frequently adopted by researchers working within a child’s rights paradigm, as an uncontested method that veritably represents children’s ‘voices’. Whether children can be understood to participate, and their voices represented veritably, when their lives are culturally situated and co-constructed with significant adults is debatable. The data this paper engages with were created by adopting Barad’s posthumanist methodology of diffraction to listen with children to the more-than-human world.

Design/Method:

Diffraction was deployed as both a creative knowledge-making practice and an analytical framework that sought insight into the ways in which children are affected by, and affect, ideologies of sustainability. Art-making was adopted as a method to enable children a medium for communication and expression. As children make sense of their social and material worlds through play, I considered it to be a form of performance art during the research. The art-making took place within a ‘wild’ park space in the UK with children age 18 months to 9 years old.

Results:

This paper engages with a sense-making story created during the research analysis to highlight one way in which children’s possibilities to know become foreclosed when they are filtered through societal constructions of the child as ‘vulnerable’ and how ideas of food production become framed as ‘taboo’ when talking to children.

Conclusion:

Children’s possibilities to contribute to discussion on issues that create sustainability dissonance seem to become limited. The agency attributed to children tasked with bringing about sustainability change seems questionable and implications for their health and well-being need to be considered.
Understanding Socioeconomic Risk and Vulnerability to Climate Change–Induced Disasters: The Case of Informal Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Dlamini Simangele , Nhleko Bathabile , Ubisi Nomcebo
Published: September 2024

This study employs a qualitative research approach to spatially delineate the risk and vulnerability of informal settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This comes after devastating floods that occurred in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in April 2022. This disaster emphasised the necessity for South Africa to proactively address natural hazards by implementing risk reduction strategies rather than attempting to mitigate the impact after the damage has occurred. Evidence indicates that the risk and vulnerability associated with climate-induced disasters, such as flooding, are exacerbated by socioeconomic factors, including housing shortages, which compel individuals to construct dwellings in flood-prone areas. Opportunities exist to enhance the understanding of disaster risk reduction in Africa, and South Africa in particular, through science-informed initiatives employing spatial techniques, including geographic information systems, hazard exposure mapping, and socioeconomic risk and vulnerability mapping. These techniques are crucial for humanitarian planning focused on long-term risk reduction, early recovery, shelter, reconstruction, and psychosocial support for climate change disaster recovery. Furthermore, an understanding of the nature and location of areas with high disaster risk, such as flooding, is essential for the formulation of disaster risk reduction strategies, including early warning systems.
Foam density measurement using a 3D scanner
Authors: Errichiello Fabrizio , Amato Daniele , Penati Mario , Di Maio Ernesto
Published: September 2024

In this work, we used a 3D scanner for the volume measurement of foamed samples, a long-standing problem in the density evaluation of foams. The 3D scanning density measurement method can be selected as an alternative to or in combination with well-established, classical methods that involve the use of instruments like a caliper, a pycnometer, or other devices based on displacement or flotation principles. In particular, the classical methods show some limitations when the foamed sample geometry is irregular, when the polymer is highly hygroscopic, and when it has open porosities. We have tested numerous foamed samples of different sizes, shapes, densities, materials, and morphologies. We utilized different 3D scanner configurations for their volume measurement and compared the results with geometrical and displacement methods, when possible. Results showed that the proposed method is highly accurate, reproducible, and simple, although some specific precautions should be put in place to avoid misinterpretation by the shape-reconstructing software.
Parametric process optimisation of automated fibre placement (AFP) based AS4/APC-2 composites for mode I and mode II fracture toughness
Authors: Shafaq Shafaq , Donough Matthew J , Oromiehie Ebrahim , Islam Faisal , Phillips Andrew W , St John Nigel A , Prusty B Gangadhara
Published: September 2024

In-situ consolidation of thermoplastic composites using Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) technology is an emerging manufacturing technique, offering tailored composite properties through customised processing parameters. Multiple competing parameters during AFP manufacturing influence the quality and mechanical performance of the laminates. These lay-up parameters are interrelated, and often require comprehensive experimental characterisation which is costly and time-intensive. This study aims to optimise the fracture toughness of in-situ consolidated thermoplastic composite (AS4/APC-2) and investigate the mechanisms that contribute to it. Taguchi’s method is employed to efficiently analyse the effect of various process parameters at multiple levels. Based on the obtained results, a considerable effect of process parameters on Mode I and II fracture toughness is observed. The statistical analysis reveals that the Hot Gas Torch (HGT) temperature required for AFP processing significantly affects the Mode I fracture toughness, contributing to 33.8%. Whereas, the consolidation force, another key processing parameter in AFP notably affects Mode II fracture toughness, with the contribution of 81.8%. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) reveals interdependent processing parameter relations for both fracture modes. A validation test showed good agreement between the predicted fracture toughness and the experimental test.
The Minority Ownership Awareness Effect: When Promoting Minority Ownership Increases Brand Evaluations
Authors: Uduehi Esther , Barnes Aaron J.
Published: September 2024

Recent social movements, such as Black Lives Matter, have prompted brands and retailers to increase the use of minority ownership labels (e.g., Black-owned, woman-owned). The current research examines when and why minority ownership awareness influences consumer behavior, particularly for brand failures. When a brand failure occurs, minority ownership awareness can result in higher brand evaluations and greater willingness to pay, a phenomenon referred to as the minority ownership awareness effect. This effect and its boundary conditions are demonstrated through five experiments and analyses of over 27,000 Google reviews for Black-owned restaurants. The authors propose that minority ownership awareness invokes a type of underdog effect, which is pronounced in situations involving product (vs. moral) failures, among people with low (vs. high) social dominance orientation, and among those people with a high (vs. low) internal motivation to respond without prejudice.
Being a dyslexic police officer in England and Wales: Identity, disability, and disclosure
Authors: Hill Andrew Paul
Published: September 2024

This paper presents the research findings of a qualitative, in-depth interview study exploring the personal experiences and perceptions of a sample of 25 dyslexic police officers working in numerous police forces in England and Wales. Utilising the social model of disability, the present paper explores the impact of dyslexia on police officers when conducting different aspects of policing, including disclosure, recruitment, training, education, and well-being in the operational role. The findings highlight prevalent disabling attitudes, discriminatory behaviours, and a lack of reasonable adjustments within police services in England and Wales. The paper concludes with tentative suggestions for potential improvements and discusses future research directions.
“I Chose Motherhood First”: Salvaging the Maternal Identity in Resource-Starved Jails
Authors: Haakmat Narissa , Matthews Betsy
Published: September 2024

The population of women in jail increased by 15% from 2008 to 2018. A portion of this increase was due to state policies shifting individuals serving sentences of 1–5 years to local jails to reduce prison overcrowding. In-depth interviews with 62 women serving long-term sentences in local jails in Central and Eastern Kentucky were conducted to examine how they navigated motherhood in this carceral setting. Findings suggested that despite the salient role that motherhood played in their lives, jails provided few meaningful opportunities for women to perform identity-congruent behaviors or receive verification of their maternal identity. Implications for reintegration, desistance, and theoretically relevant intervention models are discussed.
No Family, No Friends: An Instrumental Variable Analysis to Revisit the Reintegration Model in Mexico
Authors: Fondevila Gustavo , Gastón Leandro , Massa Ricardo
Published: September 2024

Literature on recidivism and desistance has acquired increasing relevance in the criminological discussions of recent years. This study seeks to contribute to this discourse by implementing an instrumental variable analysis to examine inmates’ expectations regarding the factors that play a central role in their perceptions of factors for successful social reintegration. Results indicate that education is perceived as a key factor, while the support of family and friends exerts a limited influence over incarcerated persons’ perceptions of social reintegration possibilities in Mexico. These results serve as a basis for discussing barriers to social reintegration and for exploring public policy modifications in Latin America.
From Periphery to Center: The Emotional Sequence of Cognitive Revision in L2 Writing Assessment
Authors: Ke Yuguo , Zhou Xiaozhen , Wang Gang
Published: September 2024

Peripheral self-proofreading activities, such as grammatical correction, spelling checks, and word modifications, have traditionally been viewed as essential components of writing feedback. However, central revision tasks—including cognitive processing, critical thinking, and emotional sequencing—have received insufficient attention. These central revision activities are crucial for assessing the emotional flow of writing. This study seeks to explore central revision processes to uncover authentic issues faced during writing tasks. We analyzed the revision processes of 113 college students, aged 19 to 22, using Inputlog Version 6 software to evaluate emotional sequences based on 4,629 revision traces. The study revealed that emotional sequences in central revision could be identified through four key indicators: language proficiency, discourse coherence, perceptual pathway, and perceptual processing. We also observed that nuanced emotional sequences were associated with higher writing proficiency. These findings have significant implications for enhancing central revision practices in second language (L2) writing, aiming to improve the efficiency of writing revisions. They also provide valuable guidance for both educators and students, highlighting the importance of emotional sequencing in the writing process.
Colocation of COVID-19 Vaccination Services at Syringe Service Programs for People Who Inject Drugs and People Experiencing Houselessness in Oregon
Authors: Sileci Audrey C.B. , Cioffi Camille C. , Trevino Shaina , Fernandes Llewellyn , Capron Christopher G. , Mauricio Anne Marie
Published: September 2024

Objectives:

Integrating vaccination services with other essential health services could increase vaccination rates among socially marginalized populations. We examined the associations between colocation of vaccines at syringe service programs and COVID-19 vaccination status among people who inject drugs and people experiencing houselessness.

Methods:

This study included 1891 participants aged ≥18 years at 9 sites in Oregon from July 2021 through March 2022. Participants self-reported whether they had ever received ≥1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. We calculated site-level COVID-19 vaccine availability and overall vaccination rates. We compared site-level vaccination rates and analyzed the association between vaccine availability and vaccination status.

Results:

We found no significant difference in vaccination rates between sites that did and did not offer COVID-19 vaccines ( t7 = −0.33; P = .75). We also found no significant association between vaccine availability and vaccination status. However, the odds of having received a COVID-19 vaccine were 2.79 times higher for each additional site visit during which COVID-19 vaccines were available (odds ratio [OR] = 2.79; 95% CI, 2.18-3.58; P < .001). The association between vaccine availability and vaccine status was not moderated by participant age (OR = 1.03; 95% CI, 0.99-1.07; P = .13) or housing instability (OR = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.13-2.60; P = .48).

Conclusions:

Colocating COVID-19 vaccines at syringe service programs was only positively associated with vaccination status if vaccines were offered frequently on-site. Future work should examine whether the frequency of offering vaccination services increases willingness to engage in vaccination and examine trust and convenience as potential mechanisms.
Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference control for active stabilizer bars based on multiple data sources
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh
Published: September 2024

In this research, we propose using active stabilizer bars to prevent rollover when steering. An intelligent control solution, the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), is established in this article to control the performance of the active anti-roll systems. In contrast to the previously published studies, the intelligent algorithm designed in this research has many outstanding advantages, such as generating a large impact force, a fast response time, a small phase difference, and high convergence ability. The data used to train ANFIS are carefully selected and combined from the previous studies. The initial simulation observes that the roll angle decreases significantly from 8.15° to 6.87° when the ANFIS algorithm is applied to regulate the anti-roll bars. In contrast, the roll angles for the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) and passive (Mechanical) situations are respectively recorded at 7.08° and 7.80°. The reduction of the vertical force at wheels is also solved when the ANFIS algorithm is applied instead of other methods. This value increases sharply from 671.06 N (without bars) to 3030.40 N (ANFIS control), while it only reaches 2544.27 N (PID control) and 1428.83 N (mechanical bars), according to the research findings. If the vehicle does not have the anti-roll bars, a rollover occurs in the second case when the vehicle steers at v3 (80 km/h) and v4 (90 km/h). In contrast, the interaction between the wheels and the road is well maintained when the automobile is equipped with active bars controlled by the ANFIS solution. This is demonstrated by the minimum vertical force value in the rear wheel, which reaches 2687.33 and 2447.33 N, respectively, for the abovementioned conditions. In general, the vehicle's rolling stability can be well guaranteed in all moving situations when using the ANFIS controller for the anti-roll system in the vehicle.
Qian Zhongshu’s continuation and expansion of Lessing’s Laokoon
Authors: Jiang Xiaohu
Published: September 2024

Through a close comparative reading of Lessing’s Laokoon (1766) with two essays by Qian Zhongshu, entitled ‘Chinese Poetry and Chinese Painting’ (1940/1979/1985) and ‘On Reading Laokoon’ (1962/1985), this article produces a new understanding of Qian’s interpretation and, more importantly, expansion of the key aesthetic and philological concepts that Lessing raises in Laokoon. One of Lessing’s crucial motives for writing Laokoon was to challenge the endorsement of the superiority of painting over poetry by the majority of intellectuals during his time and to instead place both art forms on an equal footing. Qian Zhongshu, meanwhile, began using Laokoon as an analytical tool and then embarked on an aesthetic and philological endeavour to show that Western and Chinese literature were of equal value.
Federalising Socialism Without Doctrine
Authors: Bateman Will
Published: September 2024

The Australian Constitution is only partly ‘liberal’ (securing political and economic liberties); another part is ‘socialist without doctrine’ (empowering governments to own and operate vast public capital, while providing social insurance in a market economy). That mixture is common in modern advanced economies but was anomalous in the Anglophone constitutional tradition in 1901. Legislative power over ‘old age and invalid pensions’, ‘railway construction’ and ‘conciliation and arbitration for the prevention and settlement of industrial disputes’ was an accepted part of the incipient Federal scheme but repugnant to Anglophone constitutional orthodoxy of the 19th century. The integration of ‘colonial socialism’ into the Constitution created one of the longest-standing puzzles in Australian jurisprudence, the Surplus Revenue Case of 1908, and laid the foundations for federal dominance of the Australian economy. Understanding the enduring impact of colonial socialism in Australian constitutionalism sheds light on how Australia’s distinctive political economy grew within a ‘Washminster’ system of government. It also provides principled guidance for future policy challenges that may require expansion of state involvement in the economy.
Characterization of fluoroelastomers compounds by ATR-FTIR
Authors: Nascimento Christine Rabello , Rosendo de Lima Daniele , de Almeida Janaina Fernandes Moreno , de Sousa Ana Maria Furtado , da Silva Campos Cristiane Xavier , Reis da Cunha Fernando , da Silva Ana Lúcia Nazareth
Published: September 2024

Fluoroelastomers (FKM) are used to manufacture seals and other rubber devices that can withstand harsh operating conditions, including aggressive media and extreme low and high temperatures. Even though nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and chromatographic techniques have been extensively used in the characterization of raw FKM molecules, the identification of cured compounds entails a characterization method that is able to overcome the complexity related to this kind of structure. In this sense, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy can outperform other characterization techniques because it does not require solubilization or any special preparation of the sample. In this study, 10 FKM compounds were produced in this study utilizing four commercial types of FKM and the fillers carbon black, barium sulfate, and iron oxide. All unfilled-FKM (as received) and their compounds were analyzed by ATR-FTIR with germanium crystal. Between 15 and 25 analyses were performed for all each FKM type sample and their respective compounds. All spectra were analyzed, and the bands were assigned. Findings regarding the interference of the fillers in the spectra were also reported. From relationships between the height of the spectral zones and the bands at 1397 and 1428 cm−1, it was possible to distinguish all sample compositions of FKM types 1, 2, 3, and 5. This study demonstrates that ATR-FTIR has the potential to be utilized as a technique to detect the type of FKM compounds, an important rubber used in harsh industrial applications. Replacing carbon with BaSO4 reduces the tensile at 50% strain of FKM types 1 and 2 composites. FKM types 3 and 5 composites filled with 30 phr of carbon black have a higher tensile at 50% strain than those of FKM type 1.
Something to Take Home: A Two-Wave Study of Work–Family Facilitation and Well-Being Among Brazilian Soldiers Prior to and During a Humanitarian Mission
Authors: Santos Alda , Aguiar Beatriz , Chambel Maria José , Rodrigues-Silveira Carolina
Published: September 2024

Despite ongoing war scenarios, on today’s global, socio-political stage there are many situations that call for noncombat deployments. However, humanitarian missions have been understudied, particularly from a positive perspective. This study aims to ascertain the moderating role of work–family facilitation in the influence of work engagement on life satisfaction in a military context. To this end, 217 Brazilian soldiers on a humanitarian mission completed our surveys in two distinct waves: predeployment and mid-mission. Findings support the positive influence of work engagement on life satisfaction, as well as the moderating, enhancing effect of work–family facilitation on the relationship between work engagement and life satisfaction. The study contributes to the literature concerning work-related features (work engagement) and subjective well-being (life satisfaction) among soldiers on a humanitarian mission. Evidence is provided of the importance of the work–family interface as a factor promoting soldiers’ individual well-being in potentially threatening situations. Practical implications are discussed.
Neoliberalism by stealth? Labour reforms and institutional discontinuity in worker representation in France
Authors: Connolly Heather , Béthoux Élodie , Bourguignon Rémi , Mias Arnaud , Tainturier Paul , de Becdelièvre Pauline
Published: September 2024

This article analyses the 2017 reforms to worker representation in France, focusing on the transition and implementation phases. The authors conducted 160 interviews with managers, union and employee representatives in seven large French companies across retail, finance, energy and pharmaceuticals. The article introduces the notion of institutional discontinuity to describe the path taken through the 2017 reforms, where a change to the formal institutional structures is expected to bring about a change in the functioning of representative institutions. The findings contribute to debates on the trajectories of employment relations in France. The authors argue that institutional discontinuity has opened a wider path towards more discretion-enhancing representative institutions, reflecting a clearer neoliberal path in employment relations. Yet, recognising that changing institutional form does not necessarily, nor automatically result in institutions functioning differently, the authors also analyse how actors play a role in shaping the process, whether they try to facilitate the change or to limit its effects.
The Partners of My Partners: Shared Collaborative Experience and Team Performance in Surgical Teams
Authors: Tonellato Marco , Iacopino Valentina , Mascia Daniele , Lomi Alessandro
Published: September 2024

When teams in organizations are assembled to perform contingent tasks, team members carry with them experiences of prior interaction with partners in different teams. Focal team members share collaborative experiences to the extent that they worked with common external prior partners. Extending current research on team effectiveness, we investigate how shared collaborative experience (SCE) affects team performance. Consistent with the established understanding of team processes as carrying both a teamwork and a taskwork component, we conceptualize SCE as having two distinct dimensions that we call SCE extent and SCE diversity. We posit that high SCE extent increases the ability of teams to refine their teamwork processes, increasing their performance through enhanced coordination and reflexivity. We argue that high SCE diversity hinders the ability of teams to form a shared understanding of task demands, thus undermining team performance. Furthermore, we investigate the contingent effect of task complexity on the relationship between SCE and performance. We argue that the benefits of implicit coordination and the drawbacks of experience diversity decrease as tasks become more complex and require more explicit coordination and wider repertoires of responses. These predictions find support in an analysis of 1343 robot-assisted surgery operations performed by 114 surgeons during a four-year period in a private university hospital. By explicitly recognizing how team members benefit from the network of their shared prior partners, our study contributes to developing a new approach to study the effectiveness of temporary teams in organizations.
Canoes as Tools of Resistance: Challenging Dispossession in Manipur, India
Authors: Wangkheirakpam Ram
Published: September 2024

The Meitei people of Champu Khangpok, a floating village in the Loktak wetland system in the state of Manipur, India, have witnessed in recent years the mass burning of their floating huts. Rebuilding and reoccupying their natural space on this now permanent reservoir of a hydroelectric project involves constant negotiation with the state government, which is trying to craft laws that make living on floating huts and fishing in the reservoir illegal. This article explores the language, tools, and tactics, which have evolved to contest the state government’s actions.
An Updated Validation of Persian Versions of Six Personality Questionnaires: TEMPS-A, AFECTS, TCI, PANAS, NEO-FFI, PDQ-4
Authors: Komasi Saeid
Published: September 2024

Background:

The revision and updating of questionnaires are part of the list of comprehensive guidelines for using psychological questionnaires. The present study aimed to test the construct and convergent validity of the Persian versions of six personality questionnaires including the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego-Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A: 35 items), the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS: 48 items), the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI: 125 items), the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS: 20 items), the NEO-Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI: 60 items), and Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4 (PDQ-4: 99 items).

Methods:

The data from four independent samples of Iranian adults ( N1 = 1137, N2 = 558, N3 = 496, N4 = 478; total N = 2669, 70% female, 32.8 ± 10.7 old years) were analyzed by exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). Pearson correlations between constructs of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Short Form (PID-5-BF: 25 items) or the ICD-11 compatible Personality Inventory for DSM-5–Brief Form Plus, Modified (PID5BF+M: 36 items) and the personality measures were used to evaluate convergent validity.

Results:

Although the number of factors of TEMPS-A and PDQ-4 were slightly different from the original structures, the results supported the factor structure and reliability (all α between 0.68 and 0.92) of all measures. Most factors of all measures were significantly related to either the PID-5-BF or the PID5BF+M constructs (all P <.05).

Conclusion:

The findings supported both construct validity and convergent validity of all personality measures in Iranian samples. Mental health professionals can use the Persian version of all valid personality measures to draw personality profiles of adult populations.
An exploratory study of pre-college piano students’ practice habits and their teachers’ perceptions in Eastern China
Authors: Liu Yue , Jiang Yuan
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine pre-college piano students’ practice habits and their teachers’ perceptions of their practice performance in Eastern China. Data collected for this qualitative descriptive study included video recordings of five students’ individual practice sessions. Additionally, students ( n = 5) and their teachers ( n = 3) completed questionnaires and accepted semi-structured interviews. Findings indicated that pre-college piano students organized their habitual practice routines with task-oriented principles. Moreover, practicing hands separately was the most frequently applied strategies used by student participants. Given the intense peer competition within the Chinese education system, students not only learned practice strategies from their teachers but also acquired support from their parents and other external resources, such as practice tutors and apps, to improve their practice efficiency. However, noticeable differences were perceived between teachers’ expectations and their students’ performance. Teacher participants expected their students to apply practice strategies with flexibility, actively solve problems, and set specific practice goals during at-home practice. The findings can help piano instructors gain a better understanding of their students and use specific teaching approaches to address individual issues.
Piano Teaching Within the Framework of the Flipped Classroom Model: Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation
Authors: Ozdamar FD , Yavuz-Konokman G
Published: September 2024

This study, aiming to evaluate the piano teaching and post-process gains of music teacher candidates based on their experiences with the flipped classroom model (FC), was designed as a case study. The study group consisted of 24 music teacher candidates studying in the 2022 to 2023 academic semester in the Music Education Program. The research design includes implementation of piano teaching with the FC model and the application of diary and questionnaire forms to obtain qualitative data during weekly teaching practices. The qualitative data reveal the positive and negative aspects, opportunities, threats, the effects on learner gains of the general evaluation of piano teaching with the FC model, and the evaluation of videos as extracurricular teaching materials. It has been concluded piano teaching with the FC model has a positive effect on the components of the teaching process, learner-teacher communication, use of teaching materials, active participation, feedback correction, psychomotor and affective learning outcomes, the ability to play the piano musically and technically, and anxiety and motivation. In addition, the data show videos are preferable as extracurricular teaching materials, and it is seen as an important component affecting the suitability, usability and effectiveness of the FC model for piano teaching.
BRICS Stock Markets Performances During COVID-19: Comparison with Other Economic Crises
Authors: Rout Bhabani Sankar , Das Nupur Moni
Published: September 2024

The study is directed to assess the downside stock market risk of the BRICS during COVID-19 and compare it with other economic crises. The study further investigates the association between the stock markets among the BRICS nations. As per the results, the stock markets of India, Brazil, and South Africa suffered the worst crisis during the COVID-19. China has shocked the world by recovering very quickly compared to the rest of the world. Additionally, its been observed that there is an increased association between different markets depending on the severity of the crisis.
The Genesis of the Crypto-economy: Application of the Institutional Theory
Authors: Srivastava Shashi Kant , Deepika Chandra Verma , Jangirala Srinivas , Yadav Janardan Krishna
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the institutionalization of the crypto-economy from an institutional theory perspective and also examines the role of existing institutional pillars in its development. The path analysis using global institutional indicators reveals that the development of the crypto-economy is significantly affected by regulatory, cognitive, and normative factors of a country. Further, the regulative pillar fully mediates the relationship between the social pillar and the crypto-economy. While we find convincing evidence that a country’s social pillar endorses crypto-economy, its indirect effect is more prominent and significant than the direct effect.
Beyond the hype: Digital transformations in global land, housing, and property
Authors: Faxon Hilary Oliva , Fields Desiree , Wainwright Thomas
Published: September 2024

This theme issue investigates how 21st-century digital innovations are changing the nature and value of land, housing, and property. Contributors bring together an array of cases to understand how digitization is remaking land and housing on a global scale and, in turn, how existing property relations structure digital transformations in particular geographies. In this introduction to the theme issue, we outline how hype can be used as an analytical entry point to characterize the collection’s contribution, demonstrating how hype elides unequal relations of land and labor while stoking speculation in immovable property, even as it creates new markets for less tangible assets—whether rental data or virtual plots—that usher in new global connections and familiar market dynamics.
Measuring Success: Western ABC's, Paul's XYZ's & Ubuntu as Markers for Church Growth in Africa
Authors: Davis C. Bryan , Howell Alan
Published: September 2024

Traditional measures of church growth, such as attendance and giving, come from aspects of growth that can readily be counted. These countable measures resonate with cultural assumptions about success, in which more is better. In contrast, the Apostle Paul offers a measure of church growth built around conforming to the kenotic example of Christ, in which Christ emptied Himself of divine power and took on the form of a slave to serve humanity (Phil. 2:6–8). In Paul's paradigm, the necessary indicator of church growth is how well believers follow Christ's example of servanthood by living in Christian community. The present paper uses the communitarian values associated with ubuntu to provide a framework for understanding Paul's kenotic paradigm of church growth in the African context.
Predictors of collaborative coping in couples managing type 2 diabetes: Illness factors, relationship factors, and interdependent personality traits
Authors: Mason Megan B. , August Kristin J. , Markey Charlotte N. , Novak Josh R.
Published: September 2024

Past work has revealed benefits for both persons with diabetes (PWD) and their partners (e.g., spouses) when engaging in collaborative coping to manage a chronic illness, yet little is known about predictors of this type of dyadic coping. Based on conceptual frameworks on communal and dyadic coping, we sought to examine how illness factors, relationship factors, and interdependent personality traits predicted the frequency of collaborative coping among couples managing type 2 diabetes, and whether role (PWD vs. partner) moderated the associations. Cross-sectional survey data from 296 older adults ( N = 148 different-sex couples) were analyzed. Multilevel models examined both linear and nonlinear associations between each factor and collaborative coping, controlling for race/ethnicity. Linear associations were found for positive relationship quality, and nonlinear associations were found for diagnostic length and relationship length. No significant associations emerged between interdependent personality traits and collaborative coping. Although PWD reported more frequent engagement in collaborative coping than partners, role only moderated the associations between diagnostic length and relationship length with collaborative coping. Findings contribute to an understanding of potential correlates of collaborative coping and may have implications for health promotion and interventions for older couples managing type 2 diabetes.
“Veins first” versus “artery first” approach for management of mixed arterial venous leg ulcers (MAVLU): Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alagha Mohammed , Alagha Ahmed , Lowery Aoife , Walsh Stewart R
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Mixed Arterial and Venous Leg Ulcers (MAVLU) are challenging. The optimal intervention sequence (artery-first vs vein first) is unclear. This review evaluates current evidence on surgical intervention sequencing.

Methods

MEDLINE, PUBMED, SCOPUS and EMBASE were searched using the term ‘mixed arterial venous leg ulcers.’ Studies were eligible if they reported ulcer healing outcomes in MAVLU patients. Pooled proportions were calculated by random effects modelling.

Results

The search yielded 606 studies, eight of which contained sufficient data to include in the analysis. There were no randomized controlled trials. Initial modified compression (MCT) and rescue revascularisation in MAVLU with ABI 0.5 to 0.85 achieved a pooled healing rate of 75% (95% CI 69% to 80%) compared to 79% (95% CI 61% to 93%) in patients with standard VLUs. The pooled rescue revascularisation rate for MAVLU patients with moderate arterial disease was 25% (95% CI 6% to 51%). Patients with severe arterial disease (ABI <0.5) who underwent arterial intervention first were less likely to heal (pooled proportion 40%; 95% confidence interval 16% to 66%). No studies compared either MCT or venous ablation with arterial revascularisation as first-line in patients with moderate arterial disease (ABI 0.5 to 0.85) alone or severe arterial disease (ABI <0.5) alone. There was marked heterogeneity between studies with respect to ulcer healing outcomes reported, definitions of ulcer healing, duration and size of ulcers at presentation, use of adjunct procedures such as skin grafting, unit of measurement (legs vs patients) and duration of follow up.

Conclusion

A ‘veins first’ approach to MAVLU is plausible but robust data are lacking and should be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.
Barriers and facilitators influencing referral and access to palliative care for children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions: a scoping review of the evidence
Authors: Holder Pru , Coombes Lucy , Chudleigh Jane , Harding Richard , Fraser Lorna K
Published: September 2024

Background:

Palliative care is an essential component of children’s health services but is accessed by fewer children than could potentially benefit.

Aim:

Appraise the evidence to identify factors influencing referral and access to children’s palliative care, and interventions to reduce barriers and improve referrals.

Design:

Scoping review following the six stages of the Arksey and O’Malley framework. Data were charted using an adapted version of the socioecological framework.

Data sources:

CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane Library were searched for primary studies of any design and literature/systematic reviews. Studies reporting barriers/facilitators and interventions in relation to referral of children with a life-limiting condition to palliative care, in any setting, were included.

Results:

One hundred ninety five articles (primary qualitative and quantitative studies, reviews) were retained (153 reporting barriers/facilitators; 40 interventions; 2 both). Multiple factors were identified as barriers/facilitators: Individual level: underlying diagnosis, prognostic uncertainty, parental attitudes, staff understanding/beliefs; Interpersonal level: family support, patient-provider relationships, interdisciplinary communication; Organisational level: referral protocols, workforce, leadership; Community level: cultural norms, community resources, geography; Society level: policies and legislation, national education, economic environment, medication availability. Most of these factors were bi-directional in terms of influence. Interventions ( n = 42) were mainly at the organisational level for example, educational programmes, screening tools/guidelines, workplace champions and new/enhanced services; one-third of these were evaluated.

Conclusion:

Barriers/facilitators to paediatric palliative care referral are well described. Interventions are less well described and often unevaluated. Multi-modal approaches incorporating stakeholders from all levels of the socioecological framework are required to improve paediatric palliative care referral and access.
‘My trust in strangers has disappeared completely’: How hate crime, perceived risk, and the concealment of sexual orientation affect fear of crime among Swedish LGBTQ students
Authors: Ilse Paul Baschar , Hagerlid Mika
Published: September 2024

Previous research has established correlations between anti-LGBTQ hate crime, fear of crime, perceived victimization risk, and the concealment of sexual orientation. Aside from correlations, the relationships between these variables remain poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to explore the relationships between anti-LGBTQ hate crime, perceived risk, and the concealment of sexual orientation in relation to fear of crime. Based on previous research and theory, the authors hypothesize (1) that experiences of hate crime victimization increase fear of crime, perceived victimization risk, and the concealment of sexual orientation; (2) that high levels of perceived risk result in high fear of crime and a more prevalent concealment of orientation; and (3) that the concealment of sexual orientation results in lower fear of crime. The sample consists of LGBTQ students enrolled at a Swedish university. The study uses a mixed method approach, combining survey data ( N = 353) and interview data ( N = 10). The data are assessed using path analysis and thematic analysis. The path analysis supported the authors’ hypothesis regarding experiences of anti-LGBT hate crime, perceived risk, and fear of crime. The qualitative analysis showed that victims of hate crimes had a reduced ability to process negative emotions because they experienced other traumatic life events parallel to the victimization. Similarly, feelings of being reduced to a negative stereotype resulted in higher levels of both fear of crime and perceived risk. Finally, the path analysis rejected the hypothesis that the concealment of sexual orientation results in lower fear of crime. Rather than being an agency-driven and functional fear response, the interview data showed that while these practices reduced victimization risk, they negatively impacted the overall health of the participants through feelings of lack of authenticity and self-censorship.
Detectability of white matter cerebral blood flow using arterial spin labeling MRI in patients with sickle cell disease: Relevance of flow territory, bolus arrival time and hematocrit
Authors: Richerson Wesley T , Aumann Megan , Song Alexander K , Eisma Jarrod J , Davis Samantha , Milner Lauren , Garza Maria , Taylor Davis L , Martin Dann , Jordan Lori C , Donahue Manus J
Published: September 2024

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common genetic blood disorder, characterized by red cell hemolysis, anemia, and corresponding increased compensatory cerebral blood flow (CBF). SCD patients are at high risk for cerebral infarcts and CBF quantification is likely critical to assess infarct risk. Infarcts primarily localize to white matter (WM), yet arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI, the most common non-invasive CBF approach, has poor WM CBF sensitivity owing to low WM CBF and long WM bolus arrival time (BAT). We hypothesize that anemia, and associated cerebral hyperemia, in SCD leads to improved WM detection with ASL. We performed 3-Tesla multi-delay pulsed ASL in SCD (n = 35; age = 30.5 ± 8.3 years) and control (n = 15; age = 28.7 ± 4.5 years) participants and applied t-tests at each inversion time within different flow territories, and determined which regions were significantly above noise floor (criteria: one-sided p < 0.05). Total WM CBF-weighted signal was primarily detectable outside of borderzone regions in SCD (CBF = 17.7 [range = 12.9–25.0] mL/100 g/min), but was largely unphysiological in control (CBF = 8.1 [range = 7.6–9.9)] mL/100 g/min) participants. WM BAT was reduced in SCD versus control participants (ΔBAT = 37 [range = 46–70] ms) and BAT directly correlated with hematocrit (Spearman’s-ρ = 0.62; p < 0.001). Findings support the feasibility of WM CBF quantification using ASL in SCD participants for appropriately parameterized protocols.
Microglia contact cerebral vasculature through gaps between astrocyte endfeet
Authors: Morris Gary P , Foster Catherine G , Sutherland Brad A , Grubb Søren
Published: September 2024

The close spatial relationship between microglia and cerebral blood vessels implicates microglia in vascular development, homeostasis and disease. In this study we used the publicly available Cortical MM^3 electron microscopy dataset to systematically investigate microglial interactions with the vasculature. Our analysis revealed that approximately 20% of microglia formed direct contacts with blood vessels through gaps between adjacent astrocyte endfeet. We termed these contact points “plugs”. Plug-forming microglia exhibited closer proximity to blood vessels than non-plug forming microglia and formed multiple plugs, predominantly near the soma, ranging in surface area from ∼0.01 μm2 to ∼15 μm2. Plugs were enriched at the venule end of the vascular tree and displayed a preference for contacting endothelial cells over pericytes at a ratio of 3:1. In summary, we provide novel insights into the ultrastructural relationship between microglia and the vasculature, laying a foundation for understanding how these contacts contribute to the functional cross-talk between microglia and cells of the vasculature in health and disease.
Neuroprotection with hypothermic reperfusion and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation – A randomized controlled animal trial of prolonged ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest in rats
Authors: Magnet Ingrid , Stommel Alexandra-Maria , Schriefl Christoph , Mueller Matthias , Poppe Michael , Grafeneder Juergen , Testori Christoph , Janata Andreas , Schober Andreas , Grassmann Daniel , Behringer Wilhelm , Weihs Wolfgang , Holzer Michael , Hoegler Sandra , Ettl Florian
Published: September 2024

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) facilitates resuscitation with immediate and precise temperature control. This study aimed to determine the optimal reperfusion temperature to minimize neurological damage after ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest (VFCA). Twenty-four rats were randomized (n = 8 per group) to normothermia (NT = 37°C), mild hypothermia (MH = 33°C) or moderate hypothermia (MOD = 27°C). The rats were subjected to 10 minutes of VFCA, before 15 minutes of ECPR at their respective target temperature. After ECPR weaning, rats in the MOD group were rapidly rewarmed to 33°C, and temperature maintained at 33°C (MH/MOD) or 37°C (NT) for 12 hours before slow rewarming to normothermia (MH/MOD). The primary outcome was 30-day survival with overall performance category (OPC) 1 or 2 (1 = normal, 2 = slight disability, 3 = severe disability, 4 = comatose, 5 = dead). Secondary outcomes included awakening rate (OPC ≤ 3) and neurological deficit score (NDS, from 0 = normal to 100 = brain dead). The survival rate did not differ between reperfusion temperatures (NT = 25%, MH = 63%, MOD = 38%, p = 0.301). MH had the lowest NDS (NT = 4[IQR 3–4], MH = 2[1–2], MOD = 5[3–5], p = 0.044) and highest awakening rate (NT = 25%, MH = 88%, MOD = 75%, p = 0.024). In conclusion, ECPR with 33°C reperfusion did not statistically significantly improve survival after VFCA when compared with 37°C or 27°C reperfusion but was neuroprotective as measured by awakening rate and neurological function.