bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Will Online Shopping Lead to More Brand Loyalty Than Offline Shopping? The Role of Uncertainty Avoidance
Authors: Guo Bingxuan , Wang Dian
Published: January 2023

Although the growing transformation from offline to online shopping urges marketers to understand the impacts of this shift on brand loyalty, conclusions from the existing marketing literature have been inconsistent. Drawing on the distinctions between online and offline shopping, the authors develop a theoretical framework that focuses on uncertainty avoidance (UA) to reconcile the inconsistencies in the literature. Specifically, the authors argue that high-UA (vs. low-UA) individuals are more (vs. less) brand loyal when shopping online than when shopping offline because the product experience is less predictable in the former (vs. latter), a distinction between online and offline shopping that increases (reduces) high-UA (low-UA) individuals’ tendency to stay with the brands. In findings consistent with this logic, the authors uncover that intangible value salience, a theoretically and managerially relevant boundary condition, attenuates the interplay between online (vs. offline) shopping and UA. Across eight studies that consist of secondary data, field studies, and online and laboratory experiments, the authors find converging evidence to support this theoretical stance. This research contributes insights to the loyalty literature and cross-cultural research. The managerial implications are also discussed.
Understanding the Conflict of Conflicts: Is Left-Right Conflict a Necessary Condition for the Development of New Politics?
Authors: Green-Pedersen Christoffer , Little Conor
Published: January 2023

One of the most significant changes in West European politics in the past 40 years is the emergence of the new cultural divide. However, there is substantial variation in how the issues comprising this new divide have manifested themselves in party systems. This raises the question of what mechanisms bring these issues into established party systems. The literature has so far focused on new political parties and critical junctures. This article argues that the left-right structure is a key condition for the integration of new political issues into party competition. Rather than seeing their integration as a matter of the emergence of a new, second conflict, it argues that new issues become central to party competition if the existing conflict structure presents established mainstream parties with vote-seeking or coalition-building incentives to focus on them. The article uses Ireland as a ‘negative case study’ to develop the argument.
National Attachments and Good Citizenship: A Double-Edged Sword
Authors: Dražanová Lenka , Roberts Andrew
Published: January 2023

The recent popularity of nationalist movements bears witness to the continued power of national feeling in politics. This article considers the potential relationship between different kinds of national attachments and what we call active and allegiant citizenship—support for democracy, community participation, and prosocial behavior. We analyze these relationships using data from two waves of the European Values Study. We find that a set of attachments often called civic nationalism—including patriotism, national identity, and respect for one’s country’s institutions—are connected with better citizenship on virtually all of our outcomes, whereas ethnic nationalism is frequently connected with worse citizenship. These associations, however, tend to be weaker in the postcommunist states which have a different experience with both nationalism and democracy. The results suggest that national feeling can be a double-edged sword for citizenship.
Health-Risk Behaviors and Experiences Among Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Adolescents in the United States, 2011-2019
Authors: Swaminath Meera , Clayton Heather B. , Lowry Richard , Hertz Marci F. , Underwood J. Michael
Published: January 2023

Objectives:

Understanding the health-risk behaviors of racial and ethnic groups when disaggregated is an important step in improving the health outcomes of racial and ethnic minority groups. We compared national prevalence estimates for selected health-risk behaviors and experiences of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI) students with those of non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic students.

Methods:

We analyzed data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a nationally representative survey of US high school students. To generate a sufficient sample of Asian American and NHPI students for analyses, we combined data from 5 survey administrations, conducted in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019 (N = 73 074). We calculated the prevalence and 95% CIs; we analyzed data on Asian American and NHPI adolescents separately to unmask important differences.

Results:

Compared with students of other races and ethnicities, Asian American students had the lowest prevalence of alcohol use (16.7%) and marijuana use (10.3%). In contrast, NHPI students were more likely than Asian American students to participate in several health-risk behaviors and experiences, such as substance use (ranging from 4.8% for ever injecting an illegal drug to 31.5% for current alcohol use), having been in a physical fight (15.4%), and having been threatened or injured with a weapon (11.6%). Differential patterns in the prevalence of ever having missed school due to feeling unsafe among NHPI and Asian American students were observed among male and female students.

Conclusion:

Further disaggregating racial subgroups within broad categories of Asian American and NHPI populations may reveal differences from overall group prevalence, and additional strategies to identify these differences should be investigated.
An analysis of KwaZulu-Natal clinical psychologists’ multicultural experience
Authors: Johnston Emma R
Published: January 2023

In this article, perspectives of South African clinical psychologists (based in KwaZulu-Natal) regarding multicultural issues in clinical practice and training are presented. The discussion focuses on emergent themes from 13 qualitative semi-structured interviews. Themes from interviews were analysed using thematic analysis and techniques from a grounded theory approach. While the study focused on a number of contextual multicultural issues both in service delivery and in training, this article documents the experiences of clinical psychologists regarding multicultural challenges and concerns, as well as approaches and capacities used to improve service delivery in this area. These perspectives are important in the multicultural and multilingual South African context, where there is limited literature in this area as well as related aspects such as cultural competency. There are many different belief systems as well as historical and sociopolitical factors that may influence how clinicians and individuals presenting for treatment may understand their experience and symptoms. This article seeks to document some of the challenges this may present in terms of service delivery in this context. Understandings of the term cultural competence as well as suggestions (primarily as noted by participants) to address the gap between training, competencies, and the realities of service delivery are also presented. Questions and considerations for future research are also raised.
God is in His Heaven, All’s Right With the World: Psychological Well-being and Belief in Divine Control During the Third COVID-19 Lockdown Among Anglican Clergy and Laity in England
Authors: Village Andrew , Francis Leslie J.
Published: January 2023

Drawing on data provided by 1,841 lay or ordained members of the Anglican Church residing in England during the first half of 2021, this study explores the connection between self-perceived change in psychological well-being during the pandemic and belief in divine control over the pandemic. Change in psychological well-being was assessed by The Index of Balanced Affect Change (TIBACh) that distinguishes between positive affect and negative affect, and divine control was assessed by the God in Control of the Pandemic Scale (GiCoPS). After controlling for personal factors (age and sex), psychological factors (psychological type and emotional volatility), contextual factors (education level and ordination status), and ecclesial factors (conservative doctrine and charismatic influence), the data demonstrated a positive association between belief in divine control and change in positive affect, but no association between belief in divine control and change in negative affect.
You Will Never Walk Alone: Ethnographic Training as Collective Endeavor
Authors: Ortega Águeda , Jensen Katherine , Auyero Javier
Published: January 2023

Despite being intensely sociable, ethnographic research is also deeply isolating. Although fieldworkers may feel lonely, we contend that they are not (or should not be) alone. At the 10th anniversary of Urban Ethnography Lab at the University of Texas at Austin, we reflect on the ethnographic training cultivated there. We detail objectives, experiences, and lessons learned while also considering challenges for pedagogical projects of ethnographic collectivity—as well as techniques to address them. We contend that learning and teaching sociology through the ethnographic craft is not limited to the classroom but combines reading, writing, fieldwork, and dialogue with other ethnographers. These four dimensions are cultivated through various, simultaneous, classroom-based and research-development activities. We examine activities conducive to the creation of what we call, borrowing from Norbert Elias, an “ethnographer aperti.” Finally, we discuss the replicability of this model, suggesting how universities can expand pedagogical support by pursuing ethnography as more than work in isolation.
Effects of Fair Value Reporting of Derivatives on Liquidity Management Policies and Firm Value: Evidence From SFAS No. 133
Authors: Lee Jiyoon
Published: January 2023

I examine the effects of fair value reporting of derivatives, in accordance with SFAS No. 133, on corporate risk management policies and firm value. Prior studies predict that effective risk management through derivatives use reduces demand for liquidity and increases debt capacity. Using difference-in-differences analyses, I find that firms that are affected by SFAS No. 133 reduced cash holdings. In addition, treatment firms increased leverage but did not experience increased cost of debt or lower credit ratings. These results are consistent with the proposition that SFAS No. 133 encouraged firms to engage in more prudent risk management using derivatives. Finally, the value of firms that are affected by SFAS No. 133 increased. The results overall suggest that fair value reporting of derivatives had significant effects on corporate risk management policies and firm value.
Asian sporting masculinities in figure skating: media representations of Nathan Chen and Yuzuru Hanyu as rivals
Authors: Ho Michelle H. S. , Lim Wesley
Published: January 2023

In sport and sport media, figure skating is often perceived as ‘feminine’ and male skaters frequently occupy an ambiguous position, especially for Asian (American) athletes in a historically White-dominated sport. Based on discourse analysis, this article compares how English- and Japanese-language news narratives represent elite male figure skaters Nathan Chen and Yuzuru Hanyu, who are close rivals and skate for the United States and Japan respectively. We demonstrate how English-language media reinforce (U.S.) nationalism by portraying ‘Quad King’ Chen as hypermasculine for his athleticism and ‘Ice Prince’ Hanyu as feminized for his exceptional artistry. Despite being pitted against each other, we argue that in Japanese media narratives, their convivial rivalry and sportsmanship reveal what we call ‘Asian sporting masculinities’, alternative constructions of masculinities complicating monolithic stable understandings of masculinity in or congruous with the West. This study advances critical media and cultural studies by rethinking masculinities in Asian sporting bodies.
Gender and the Disparate Payoffs of Overwork
Authors: Munsch Christin L. , O'Connor Lindsey T. , Fisk Susan R.
Published: January 2023

This article presents results from an experimental study of workers tasked with evaluating professionals with identical workplace performances who differed with respect to hours worked and gender, isolating two mechanisms through which overwork leads to workplace inequality. Evaluators allocated greater organizational rewards to overworkers and perceived overworkers more favorably compared to full-time workers who performed similarly in less time, a practice that disproportionately rewards men over equivalently performing, more efficient women. Additionally, the magnitude of the overwork premium is greater for men than for women. We then use path analyses to explore the processes by which evaluators make assumptions about worker characteristics. We find overwork leads to greater organizational rewards primarily because employees who overwork are perceived as more committed—and, to a lesser extent, more competent—than full-time workers, although women’s overwork does not signal commitment or competence to the same extent as men’s overwork.
Epilogue—Note from an outgoing editor
Authors: Harding Luke
Published: January 2023

In this brief epilogue, outgoing editor Luke Harding reflects on his time as editor and considers the future Language Testing.
Occupational therapists’ perspectives on an evidence-based, client-centered assistive technology intervention
Authors: Larsen Stina Meyer , Brandt Åse , Hounsgaard Lise , Kristensen Hanne Kaae
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Reviews within the field of assistive technology have shown that a client-centered approach is important for user satisfaction, and that assistive technology service delivery should be evidence-based, systematic, and structured. However, client-centered instruments and systematic, structured models are not used consistently. As part of a larger research project, an evidence-based, client-centered assistive technology service delivery process was developed and piloted. The purpose of this study was to investigate occupational therapists’ perspectives on this evidence-based, client-centered assistive technology intervention.

Method:

Ten occupational therapists, from two Danish municipalities, participated in focus groups. Data were analyzed based on a hermeneutic approach.

Results:

Three themes emerged from the analysis: a more refined collaboration with clients; advantages of using theoretical frameworks, structured models and instruments and challenges in using the intervention.

Conclusion:

By using the evidence-based, client-centered intervention, the occupational therapists found that the collaboration with the clients was refined—more emphasis was placed on shared responsibility. They found that the intervention was time-efficient in the long run; however, there seems to be a particular challenge in designing services that are inclusive of clients with cognitive limitations.
Evidence for 24-hour posture management: A scoping review
Authors: Osborne Lauren Julia , Gowran Rosemary Joan , Casey Jackie
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

People with complex physical disabilities unable to change their position independently are at risk of developing postural deformities and secondary complications. 24-hour posture management is needed to protect body structure. With inconsistencies in current service provision, this research aimed to scope the evidence for a 24-hour posture management approach.

Method:

A scoping review was conducted using four health and social science databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied; further papers were included through citation chaining.

Results:

The evidence for 24-hour posture management was often low quality due to the complications of completing robust research studies in this complex specialty. However, many professionals in the field agree that a 24-hour approach to postural care is essential.

Conclusion:

There is a need for clear national policy and guidance relating to postural care and scope for development of dedicated posture management services. Current NHS service provision is variable and inconsistent. Lack of postural care is a safeguarding and human rights issue. Specialist training and research in postural care within the Occupational Therapy profession is required to raise awareness of the role Occupational Therapists can play in preventing postural deformities and other secondary complications through providing good postural care.
From homes to assets: Transcalar territorial networks and the financialization of build to rent in Greater Manchester
Authors: Goulding Richard , Leaver Adam , Silver Jonathan
Published: January 2023

Over the last decade, Greater Manchester's city-regional centre has become an important site for build to rent (BTR) housing development in the UK. The growth of this new tenure raises important empirical and conceptual questions about how far and through what means BTR has extended in post-industrial cities like Manchester, as well as how to theorise the global–local relations involved in BTR development. Drawing on a self-built database of 155 development projects incorporating 45,069 new housing units, we show that new-build BTR units have outpaced ‘build to sell’ (BTS) units almost two to one in Manchester's city-regional centre since 2012. We also found stronger international investment in BTR relative to BTS, illustrating BTR's more globalised and financialised form. Our paper understands BTR growth in Manchester as the outcome of a transcalar territorial network – an assemblage of national policy objectives, local state actors’ urban regeneration activity and heterogenous global investor groups with different priorities all seeking a return. We highlight the important role of national and local state subsidies and local authority joint ventures in constructing a territory conducive for BTR investment in Manchester. We also show how the fungibility of BTR assets as a ‘networked product’ widens the investment appeal of the tenure type, broadening and deepening housing financialization.
Soil as part of the Earth system
Authors: Huggett Richard
Published: January 2023

The idea that soil or the pedosphere is connected to the other terrestrial spheres dates back at least to 1880. Some 26 years later, the interdependency of the terrestrial spheres was established, but a fully integrative approach to addressing the interdependence of the biosphere, pedosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and toposphere did not emerge until the advent of Earth Systems Science during the 1980s. A significant development within the Earth Systems approach was a re-evaluation of the pedosphere’s role in the global system, the outcome of which is at least twofold: first, an appraisal of the pedosphere as a two-way interactor with the other terrestrial spheres, the study of which has given rise to some “new” pedologies—biopedology, geopedology, topopedology, hydropedology, and anthropopedology; and second, the pedosphere as a key component of what has become known as the Earth’s Critical Zone. The background, current status, and prospects of these hybrid pedologies and the extent to which they truly deal with interdependencies within the environment are the focus of this article.
Evaluation and optimization of meshless methods to estimation of the 3D-stress intensity factors in mode I–III for fatigue life prediction cracked shaft under uni and multi-axial cyclic loading
Authors: Ariannezhad Behrooz , Shahrooi Shahram , Shishehsaz Mohammad
Published: January 2023

In this research, in order to estimate 3D-Stress Intensity Factors in mode I–III, fatigue crack growth and fatigue life prediction of a cracked shaft under various cyclic loading, meshless methods are evaluated and the most appropriate method is selected. For better results, the Base Functions (BFs) are first identified and their performance and efficiency are compared with each other. In addition, while enriching the BFs in all methods and study the effect of increasing the number of sentences of Polynomial-BFs (m = 4, 7,10) and their Linearity or Quadraticity in the accuracy of calculations, two sets of Extend-Enriched-RBFs including the Multi-Quadrics and Gaussian RBFs are used in MQ-RPIM and EXP-RPIM methods. To optimize the shape parameters in the RPIM method and determine the Penalty Factor in the MLPG method, Uni and Multi-objective PSO algorithm was used. Then, a shaft with an initial semi-elliptic surface crack as a 3D-meshless domain for discretizing the weak differential equations was selected and modeled under a fixed latitude tensile, bending, and torsional cyclic loads. Changing the standard values of the shape parameters and estimating their optimal values by the PSO algorithm and comparison of findings with the results of Experimental, MLPG, PIM, FEM, and XFEM methods, has led to the best answer from the applied methods for calculation of; displacement, strain and stress fields, and the SIFs in Mode I–III. Finally, based on the results of uniaxial cyclic load analysis and selection of the MQ-RPIM method, the Multi-axial Cyclic load analysis has been performed on 3D-domain. During this analysis, the Paris Parametric equation along with the Elliptic equation and Liu’s Virtual Strain Energy (VSE) model was used to estimate the fatigue crack growth and fatigue life prediction of a submersible cracked shaft of a pump used in water pumping stations.
Predicting ETF liquidity
Authors: Pham Son D , Marshall Ben R , Nguyen Nhut H , Visaltanachoti Nuttawat
Published: January 2023

Substantial transaction costs are incurred in exchange-traded fund (ETF) trading each year. This article examines a vector autoregressive (VAR) model’s performance and other trading schedules to time trades in a large sample of 1350 ETFs over the 2011–2017 period. We reject the notion of a one-size-fits-all trading schedule that maximizes spread savings for all ETF traders. ETF traders who want to split their orders could save 7.40% of ETF spread costs, whereas trading at the market closing time would be optimal for ETF traders without motives to split trades. The spread savings for ETF traders are diverse across ETF sectors and depend on the spread volatility.

JEL Classification:

G11, G23
Identifying the Determinants of Anticipated Post-Pandemic Mode Choices in the Greater Toronto Area: A Stated Preference Study
Authors: Loa Patrick , Habib Khandker Nurul
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on travel mode choices in cities across the world. Driven by perceptions of risk and the fear of infection, the pandemic resulted in an increased preference for private vehicles and active modes and a reduced preference for public transit and ride-sourcing. As travel behavior and modal preferences evolve, a key question is whether the pandemic will result in long-term changes to travel mode choices. This study uses data from a web-based survey to examine the factors influencing mode choices for non-commuting trips in the post-pandemic era. Specifically, it uses stated preference data to develop a random parameter mixed logit model, which is used to compare the elasticity of key variables across different income and age groups. The results of the study highlight the influence of sociodemographic attributes and pre-pandemic travel habits on anticipated post-pandemic mode choices. Additionally, the results suggest that frequent users of private vehicles, public transit, and active modes are likely to continue to use these modes post-pandemic. Furthermore, the results highlight the potential for the perception of shared modes to influence post-pandemic mode choice decisions. The results of the study offer insights into policy measures that could be applied to address the increased use of private vehicles and reduced use of transit during the pandemic, while also emphasizing the need to ensure that certain segments of the population can maintain a sufficient level of mobility and access to transport.
A Critical Evaluation of the Risk, Need, and Responsivity Principles in Family Interventions for Delinquent Youth: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bijlsma Anne M. E. , Assink Mark , Stams Geert Jan J. M. , van der Put Claudia E.
Published: January 2023

This meta-analysis aimed to re-examine the available evidence on the effectiveness of the risk, need, and responsivity principles of the RNR model in family interventions for juvenile delinquency. As previous reviews did not examine these principles fully in line with their original definitions, this review aimed to improve the coding of the RNR principles and to re-evaluate their association with intervention effectiveness. A three-level meta-analysis of k  =  31 studies reporting on 71 effect sizes revealed an overall small and significant intervention effect ( d  =  0.382, p < .001). Although larger effects were found for interventions adhering to any of the RNR principles, none of the RNR principles significantly moderated overall intervention effectiveness. Interventions specifically targeting antisocial recreational activities, and interventions taking into account the youth's age and cultural background did significantly increase overall effectiveness. The results reveal that strong and convincing empirical support for the RNR principles is not yet available, which can mainly be explained by limitations in the design of primary studies on the RNR principles and intervention effectiveness. Suggestions are offered to improve the quality of both primary and secondary research that is needed for establishing a better empirical evidence for the widely acknowledged RNR model.
The Conflict in Eastern Ukraine and International Support for the Decentralization Reform (2014–2022): Theory-Guided Observations
Authors: Rabinovych Maryna , Gawrich Andrea
Published: January 2023

This article explores Western donors’ support for the decentralization reform in post-Euromaidan Ukraine prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, with a focus on the relationship between decentralization and conflict management. It demonstrates that, despite the protracted conflict in eastern Ukraine, bilateral donors have preferred to address Ukraine’s decentralization from the governance reform perspective, rather than as a form of territorial self-governance (TSG) arrangement, linked to conflict resolution. They have also tended to “outsource” conflict-related support to multilateral organizations. This article explains the Russian Federation’s use of the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk “People’s Republics” as proxies in an international conflict and the contested nature of the role played by the Minsk Protocol in determining the form of support provided for reform. It concludes with insights into the implications of donor support for the decentralization reform in Ukraine for research on decentralization and other TSG solutions in conflict-affected contexts.
Are They Building a “Second Ireland” in Poland? Political Remitting by Polish Migrants and Return Migrants from Ireland
Authors: Pszczółkowska Dominika
Published: January 2023

Despite the significant body of literature on migrations after the 2004 and 2007 enlargements of the European Union, including on social remittances, a subcategory—political remittances—is only now starting to receive attention. This article, based on thirty-four interviews with Poles active in the transnational space between Poland and Ireland, supplemented by a survey of Poles in Ireland ( n = 503) and a press query, aims to investigate (broadly defined) political remittances. It explores the conditions in the country of origin and destination which facilitate or hinder political remittances, the areas of political remittances Polish migrants to or from Ireland transfer, and how these are transmitted. The remittances are found to concern three main areas: (1) the perception of minorities (ethnic, national, sexual); (2) the transparency of government and closeness of representatives to citizens; and (3) the cooperation between the authorities and other actors to achieve local economic development. The article argues that political remitting in the Polish-Irish transnational space can be treated as an example of much broader phenomena taking place between countries of the European Union, especially those linked by large migration waves. It demonstrates that, contrary to what much of the literature suggests, political remitting does not only take place between countries at very different stages of economic and political development.
Factors in National Self-Designation of Slavic Muslims in the Montenegrin Sandžak
Authors: Đečević Mehmed , Vuković-Ćalasan Danijela
Published: January 2023

National fragmentation of Slavic Muslims in the Montenegrin area of the Sandžak region into Bosniaks and national Muslims was recorded in the last two population censuses in Montenegro, with minor differences in the two sets of results. Therefore, the following question emerges: what are the social and political factors, prevalent in the Montenegrin area of the Sandžak region, that drive national self-identification of Slavic Muslims in this region either towards Bosniakism (national Bosniaks) or national Muslimhood (national Muslims). In the Montenegrin sociopolitical discourse in the relevant period, the social constructs “Bosniak” and “Muslim” have been shaped so that the first ethnonym implies stronger national ties and the tendency to complete one’s national identity through identification with Slavic Muslims outside of Montenegro, while the second ethnonym is closer to Montenegrin state patriotism and the intra-Montenegrin state framework. Empirical material from relevant censuses shows that the tendency of Slavic Muslims in Montenegro to embrace national Bosniakism is not driven by actions of political elites, the proximity and influence of Bosnia, or the ethnic/pre-Islamic origin of this part of the Montenegrin population, but rather by the homogeneity of the population at the municipal level: national Bosniakism is more pronounced in confessionally homogeneous Muslim communities than in those municipalities where Slavic Muslims and Christians live side by side. This finding is interpreted from the perspective of symbolic interactionism: in the confessionally heterogeneous Montenegrin-Sandžak municipalities, we have witnessed self-censorship of Slavic Muslims in terms of their national self-designation, as a result of the need to preserve the positive perceptions held by their Christian fellow citizens. In confessionally homogeneous Muslim municipalities, this factor did not have a major impact, resulting in a significantly large-scale acceptance of national Bosniakism than in those local administrations in the Montenegrin part of the Sandžak region where Slavic Muslims live with the Christian population.
Differences in prevalence of reduced and low bone mineral density between lumbar spine and femoral neck in peritoneal dialysis patients using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
Authors: Davenport Andrew
Published: January 2023

The pattern of chronic kidney disease–mineral bone disease has changed following the increase in elderly patients receiving dialysis, with escalating likelihood of osteoporosis, with associated increased fracture risk and mortality. Thus, we wished to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis in our peritoneal dialysis (PD) cohort. Lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and low BMD (osteoporosis) and reduced BMD (osteopenia) defined according to the World Health Organisation T scores. DXA scans from 734 patients, 57.2% male, mean age 61.0 ±16.0 years, 34.6% diabetic, with a median 8.0 (2–24) months of treatment with PD were reviewed. Fewer patients had normal BMD at the FN vs. LS (24.1 vs. 55%), and more classified as reduced (FN 55.9 vs. 34% LS) and low BMD (FN 17 vs. 11% LS), χ 2 112.2, p < 0.001. Agreement between FN and LS T scores was r = 0.36 with Spearman rank correlation, and 0.34 by Kendall’s tau b, Cohen’s kappa score 0.17, and Bland–Altman bias −0.37 (95% limits of agreement −1.8 to 1.08). The prevalence of reduced and low BMD was much greater when using FN T scores compared to LS, with LS T scores a mean of 0.34 higher than FN. DXA scanning at the LS can be affected by overlying vascular calcification and electron densities in the bowel, and as such we suggest that FN T scores are used to report BMD in PD patients.
The emergence of a value transformation strategic initiative in the healthcare context
Authors: Bass A. Erin , Milosevic Ivana , Uhl-Bien Mary , Millier Meagan
Published: January 2023

How do strategic initiatives emerge? Despite rich tradition in the emergent strategy literature—focused on significant organizational change—surprisingly little insight exists on the dynamics of a new initiative’s emergence. This is particularly relevant in healthcare because of the increasing pressure to implement value transformation models focused on maximizing value at the point of care. The value transformation model prioritizes the decisions of the frontline providers and thus requires their expertise and commitment for the model’s implementation and success. In our case study of a dental organization, “OptiPlex,” we trace the emergence of a value transformation strategic initiative from its origination at the point of care to its formalization into the organization’s strategic plan. Using qualitative methods, we identify three phases in the emergence of the value transformation strategic initiative, each embodying different championing behaviors necessary for the initiative’s emergence. In doing so, we explicate the nature of these behaviors and how they link up across the organizational hierarchy to drive the value transformation strategic initiative’s emergence and implementation.
Effect of edge radius on forces, tool wear and surface integrity under edge radius dominated tool-chip contact conditions
Authors: S Joyson Selvakumar , P Sakthivel , Praveen Jerome Arul , D Samuel Raj
Published: January 2023

Cutting-edge micro-geometry is a crucial factor influencing chip formation and tool performance. This paper investigates the effects of varying cutting edge radius (36–70 µm) on machinability and chip morphology during finish turning Ti6Al4V. An increase in edge radius decreases the cutting to thrust force ratio and produces lower chip thickness due to the increase in plowing zone depth. The machining temperature for the 48 and 52 µm edge radius tools is lower compared to all other tools. At the initial stage, the edge prepared tools exhibit larger flank wear, whereas subsequent flank wears progression is slower for the prepared tools as compared to the sharp tool. BUE and premature chipping is reduced for larger edge radius tool due to better edge stability provided by cutting edge preparation. Beyond the 59 µm edge radius, the process force, machining temperature, tool wear, and surface roughness increased steeply due to the increase in the size of the plowing zone. In addition to cutting force and machining temperature data, surface roughness, tool wear measurements and XRD analysis show that a radius range of 50–55 µm results in optimum performance for finish turning Ti6Al4V.
Hardware in the loop simulation and implementation of a dragonfly-like MAV using clap and fling mechanism
Authors: Lashgari Mohammad , Naghash Abolghasem
Published: January 2023

The main aim of this paper is to model and simulate flight dynamics and to design a controller for a dragonfly-like micro aerial vehicle (MAV). This MAV has flapping wings using a clap and fling mechanism with a rigid abdomen. Kane’s method is applied to derive the longitudinal motion equations of the MAV as a multi-body system. Then, the aerodynamic lift and drag forces of the MAV are obtained. These equations are substituted in the derived motion equations. Furthermore, a new structure for a dragonfly-like flapping wing MAV is presented in which abdomen motion is considered in the longitudinal mode. In this work, the use of the abdomen is also formulated. A change in the motor’s speed generates differential thrust that creates a pitch moment as a control input. State space linearized equations of motion are presented by using appropriate assumptions in the aerodynamics, and dynamic nonlinear equations. To validate the linearized model, the response of the open-loop linear system is compared with the nonlinear one. In addition, the positive role of the abdomen in the open loop is discussed and analyzed. Finally, an LQR controller is designed for the pitch mode which is robust against disturbances. The validity, effectiveness, and performance of the derived equations and designed autopilot are shown by implemented hardware in the loop testbed using a fixed abdomen. Results demonstrate a good agreement between theoretical and experimental responses with accurate hovering at the desired angle.
New design for unconventional timing silent chain system of inline engine
Authors: An Lichi , Cheng Yabing , Li Jiabao , Zhou Haigang
Published: January 2023

More and more unconventional timing silent chain systems are used in the low-emission vehicles or hybrid vehicles, but engineering practices show that the classical design method cannot ensure the stability and the feasibility anymore. According to the angular velocity fluctuations of crankshaft, the maximum accumulation length is calculated to design the ideal path of the tension side chain. The tension rate is defined to determine the ideal chain path at the loose side. In order to match the ideal chain paths with the actual chain length, the pitch variation algorithm is proposed. Based on a specific inline engine, the unconventional timing silent chain system is designed by the classical design method and the new design method respectively. The design process proves that the new method is belonging to a real parametric design, and it can expediently and quickly obtain the results. With the dynamics simulation comparison, the results show that the operation performance of the unconventional timing system can be roundly and significantly improved by using the new design method. Furtherly, this new design method is not only suitable for the unconventional timing system, but also suitable for the other types of timing systems.
Exploration of the dynamics of non-Newtonian Casson fluid subject to viscous dissipation and Joule heating between parallel walls due to buoyancy forces and pressure
Authors: Abbas Zaheer , Rafiq Muhammad Yousuf , Asghar Hina , Khaliq Sabeeh
Published: January 2023

Vertical channels between two flat plates have a wide range of engineering applications, such as heat exchangers, chemical processing equipment, electronic component heat dissipation, and so on. Therefore, this analysis examines the significance of variable properties on the dynamics of Casson fluid in a vertical channel due to mixed convection when thermal radiation and Joule heating are significant. The combined effects of temperature-dependent plastic dynamics viscosity and temperature-dependent thermal conductivity are analyzed. Moreover, the evaluation of heat transfer is further supported by viscous dissipation. The nondimensional governing equations are elucidated analytically by employing the perturbation technique and numerically by Runge–Kutta method with the shooting technique. The effects of numerous dimensionless parameters on fluid flow are featured through graphs. In addition, the heat transfer rate and the skin friction coefficient are computed and scrutinized. It is reported that velocity depicts enhancing behavior for higher values of the Casson fluid and slip parameters. It has also been observed that the fluid temperature decreases with an increase in the thermal conductivity parameter.
Effect of optimized repaired structure with a hole on crack turning and fatigue life
Authors: Liao Yashi , Ma Guozhi , Wang Zhineng
Published: January 2023

A method for artificially promoting crack turning is introduced. By placing a crack-absorbing hole near the patch, the dual purpose of improving the crack deflection angle and prolonging the remaining lifespan of the repaired structure was achieved. Important components behind the patch were protected as well. The influence of the location and size of a single hole on the stress concentration and crack propagation path of an optimized repaired structure was studied using the finite element method. Simultaneously, the stress influence coefficient was introduced to characterize the “attraction” effect of stress at the edge of the opening on the crack propagation path. The results showed that the optimized patch size and the existence of holes led to the deflection of cracks toward the holes and a larger residual fatigue life. When the relative hole radius was 2.22%, the relative hole axial distance was 4% and the relative hole horizontal distance was 15.56% (with a relative patch width, length, and thickness of 35.7%, 50%, and 83.3%, respectively). The deflection angle increased and the residual fatigue life improved.
Treatment management of M. simiae infection complicated by severe immune reconstitution syndrome in two patients living with HIV
Authors: Rodriguez Chelsea , Salas Natalie Mariam , Begay-Bruno Matthew , Brett Meghan , Byrd Tom F , Ruan Lucy , Jakeman Bernadette
Published: January 2023

Nontuberculosis mycobacterium are increasingly being identified as sources of disseminated infections in immunocompromised patients. These infections can be challenging to identify and treat due complexities of diagnosis and inherent resistance to many medications. We present two cases of patients with human immunodeficiency virus who had Mycobacterium simiae infections, complicated by immune reconstruction inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). We also present a review of the English literature surrounding the disease, including reported resistance patterns to antimicrobial therapy, which can be highly variable.
Social inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers: The role of public libraries in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area
Authors: Serra Sofia , Revez Jorge
Published: January 2023

Social inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers includes addressing their information needs. This research seeks to examine the role of public libraries in this process through the analysis of public librarians’ perceptions. Based on the constructivist paradigm, the case study method, and the semi-directive interview survey technique, 16 public municipal libraries in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (Portugal) are studied. The results highlight that these libraries do not identify forced migrants as their users. Still, they consider that the information needs and behaviors and the use of libraries by these communities are similar to those of economic migrants, with emphasis on the relevance of free access to the internet, foreign language resources, Portuguese language and digital literacy courses, and help to interact with online platforms. The gaps include the existence of few Portuguese courses for foreigners, a limited practice in assisting with job and housing searches, promoting health literacy, and inclusive collaboration with schools, as well as space, financial, and human resources constraints. To overcome these difficulties, librarians emphasize the motivation to fulfill the inclusive social mission of the public library, the universal accessibility and informal environment of the library, and its action to promote social cohesion and social capital. The respondents consider that the mission of public libraries is adjusted to the goal of social inclusion of forced migrants, but that there is room for improvement in the training of librarians. This research points to the need for more initiative-taking public library collaboration with existing inclusion networks. In conclusion, we seek to alert to the urgency of the involvement of Portuguese public libraries in the social inclusion of forced migrants, which will also contribute to their institutional legitimization.
Why we need a Public Understanding of Social Science
Authors: Lewis Jamie , Bartlett Andrew , Riesch Hauke , Stephens Neil
Published: January 2023

Who is licensed to make knowledge claims about society? A more diffuse group of individuals are afforded the status of legitimate speakers on society in the public sphere than is the case when the questions relate to the expertise of the natural sciences. We draw on the concept of the ‘locus of legitimate interpretation’ and the sensibilities of Collins and Evans’ Studies of Expertise and Experience programme to help make sense of these issues. The social sciences are not the natural sciences, and one key difference is their relationship with publics. The social sciences are intrinsically entangled, at both the level of the research question and the research subject/object, with public knowledge, the knowledges of publics and public interests. We therefore outline what these differences might mean for a serious, distinct and purposive Public Understanding of Social Science programme and how this differs from current work in the Public Understanding of Science.
Identifying Winning Strategies for MFIs by Constructing Structured Mashup Indices
Authors: Mudakkar Syeda Rabab , Uppal Jamshed Y.
Published: January 2023

The performance of microfinance institutions is a particularly important issue for public policy and for identifying best practices in the area. Even though microfinance institutions’ performance in many dimensions has gained a lot of attention, comprehensive studies incorporating all of the components are still rare. Ravallion (2012) introduced mashup indices of development, which involve seeking patterns in the data rather than aggregating multiple indicators into a composite index. However, theory and practice offer little support for the development of these indices, leaving their meaning, interpretation, and robustness often unclear. Cull et al. (2007) highlighted an intriguing issue despite limited accountability and information asymmetries, microfinance contracts have been shown to be able to ensure high rates of loan repayment. However, high repayment rates have not always translated into profitability for most micro banks. Our research aims to fill the gap by examining key determinants across various dimensions of South Asian microfinance institutions (MFIs). From a large dataset of 136 indicators across six dimensions of business performance, the article creates and evaluates mashup indexes for business performance. It next tests the validity of constructs for South Asia. It then develops a structural model to capture the major relationships among strategic and operational components, and finally links their impact on MFI performance to the double bottom line, which includes financial performance as well as mission-related impact. The findings reveal that although MFIs in South Asia are more focused on breadth rather than depth, however, the institutions with more outreach depth outperform in the mission performance dimension. Further, our analysis reveals that institutional business strategies and policies are successful at the operational level, but the institutions seem to lack innovations and their objectives are not aligned with mission goals and lack innovation.