bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of fire aerosols on surface climate and gross primary production in the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM)
Authors: Xu Li , Zhu Qing , Riley William J. , Chen Yang , Wang Hailong , Ma Po-Lun , Randerson James T.
Published: June 2021

Fire-emitted aerosols play an important role in influencing Earth’s climate, directly by scattering and absorbing radiation and indirectly by influencing cloud microphysics. The quantification of fire-aerosol interactions, however, remains challenging and subject to uncertainties in emissions, plume parameterizations, and aerosol properties. Here we optimized fire-associated aerosol emissions in the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) using the Global Fire Emissions Database (GFED) and AERONET aerosol optical depth (AOD) observations during 1997-2016. We distributed fire emissions vertically using smoke plume heights from Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) satellite observations. From the optimization, we estimate that global fires emit 45.5 Tg y-1 of primary particulate organic matter and 3.9 Tg y-1 of black carbon. We then performed two climate simulations with and without the optimized fire emissions. We find that fire aerosols significantly increase global AOD by 14 ± 7% and contribute to a reduction in net shortwave radiation at the surface (-2.3 ± 0.5 W m-2). Together, fire-induced direct and indirect aerosol effects cause annual mean global land surface air temperature to decrease by 0.17 ± 0.15°C, relative humidity to increase by 0.4 ± 0.3%, and diffuse light fraction to increase by 0.5 ± 0.3%. In response, GPP declines by 2.8 Pg C y-1, as a result of large positive drivers (decreases in temperature and increases in humidity and diffuse light) nearly cancelling out large negative drivers (decreases shortwave radiation and soil moisture). Our analysis highlights the importance of fire aerosols in modifying surface climate and photosynthesis across the tropics.
Evaluation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol Including Parasternal Intercostal Nerve Block in Cardiac Surgery Requiring Sternotomy
Authors: Abadi Arad , Cohen Robbin
Published: June 2021

Background

Recent guidelines for perioperative care in cardiac surgery recommend multimodal pain management to decrease opioid use. We evaluated the effect of multimodal pain management including parasternal intercostal nerve block on pain control and opioid use in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) requiring sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass.

Study Design

Medical records of consecutive patients who underwent CABG from 2018 to 2019 at Huntington Hospital were retrospectively queried. Patients were divided in 2 groups based on whether an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pain management protocol including parasternal intercostal nerve blocks was employed. Outcomes, including length of stay, pain scores, and opioid use, were compared.

Results

There was no difference in length of stay (days) 5.43 vs. 5.38 ( P = .45 and average pain score 2.23 vs. 3.27 ( P = .137) for patients in the ERAS and non-ERAS groups. Maximum pain score, 7.74 to 6.15 ( P = .015), and opioid use (total morphine mg equivalent), 149.64 to 32.01 ( P < .01), were reduced in the ERAS group.

Conclusion

The ERAS multimodal pain management protocol utilizing intraoperative parasternal blocks appears to reduce pain and decrease opioid use after CABG.
For what shall we give thanks? On gratitude, justice, and the gospel of Christ
Authors: Joyce K.D.
Published: June 2021

While exhortations to gratitude are present throughout the Bible, contemporary theological scholarship on gratitude has been limited, largely following the lead of secular research. To engage in deeper theological reflection on gratitude, I begin by proposing a working definition of gratitude in the Christian context. An overview of existing gratitude research undertaken in the fields of philosophy and the social sciences, reflections on three of the seven “heavenly virtues,” and insights from existing theologies of grace and the cross provide examples of how existing scholarship forms a solid basis for the creation of a theology of gratitude. Finally, the role that concerns of justice must play in any theology of gratitude is examined—for what should we give thanks? A Christian theology of gratitude invites us to critical ethical reflection on what is truly good in the eyes of God, and calls us to generous response.
Superdiversity: New paths for social sciences in the upcoming future
Authors: López Peláez Antonio , Álvarez-Pérez Pablo , Harris Victor W
Published: June 2021

Contemporary society has been characterized by its social complexity, which was boosted thanks to international migration flows, among other factors. This phenomenon brought us ‘superdiversity’ as a concept, which has been very well received by many social scientists, as well as criticized by others due to its similarities with previous notions such as diversity, multiculturalism, interculturalism or even intersectionality. However, this concept, with all the semantic breadth and defining ramifications that characterize it, has opened an interpretive door, and made possible an analytical framework that differs from the rest. As a result, we find superdiversity as a guiding research concept throughout all social sciences areas assuming a whole variety of approaches, without necessarily considering international migrations as a background variable. This monograph reflects this reality and is presented as a hybridization of more orthodox positions with other more flexible and interpretive ones.
Civility and Rejection: The Contextuality of Cosmopolitan and Racist Behaviours
Authors: Høy-Petersen Nina
Published: June 2021

Applying a dual-process framework to in-depth interviews and survey data, this article explores behavioural manifestations of intercultural attitudes for white majority Norwegians. The article builds upon established literatures on social cognition showing that humans operate with two separate cognitive systems. Affective ‘automatic’ heuristics often generate negative stereotypes, aversive emotions and behavioural responses to ethnic diversities. In contrast, the ‘discursive’ cognitive system, which stores cultural scripts, motivates predominantly egalitarian aspirations and performances. As people balance their behaviours according to contextual evaluations of costs and benefits, the article’s findings indicate a tendency to practise openness and civility in public and spatio-temporally bounded encounters, and to reject or exclude the Other in half or more of privately made selection decisions.
Attitudes toward Health Systems Financing in Chile
Authors: González Pablo A. , Gutiérrez Laura L. , Oyanedel Juan Carlos , Sánchez-Rodríguez Héctor
Published: June 2021

This article presents an exploratory model to classify public attitudes towards health systems financing and organization. It comprises 5 factors (pay-as-you-use, solidarity, willingness to contribute, mixed financing, and public provision) measured by 17 indicators, selected through Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) applied to a sample of Chilean adults. Based on this model, cluster analysis proposed 2 groups: “Taxes-public” and “Insurance-choice,” representing 47% and 53% of interviewees, respectively. The results show differences between groups concerning the evaluation of both health care providers and insurers. The second cluster tends to evaluate them more harshly, showing less willingness to contribute further, less solidarity, more agreement with the current financing arrangement in terms of the mixture and its insurance (as opposed to purchasing of service based on health problems), and more support for choice of provider. These results highlight the need to consider people’s attitudes in the public discussion of health systems financing.
Book review: K. L. Sharma, Caste, Social Inequality and Mobility in Rural India: Reconceptualising the Indian Village
Authors: Pankaj Ashok
Published: June 2021

K. L. Sharma, Caste, Social Inequality and Mobility in Rural India: Reconceptualising the Indian Village. Delhi: SAGE Publications, 2019, 379 pp., ₹1,195, ISBN 978-93-532-8201-1.
Attachment, Religiosity, and Perceived Stress Among Religious Minorities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Impact of Cultural Context
Authors: Schwaiger Elizabeth , Zehra Syeda Saniya , Suneel Ivan
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on stress levels around the world. In developing nations such as Pakistan, lack of resources and socioeconomic inequalities have compounded the negative impact of the pandemic, especially for minorities. Religion in the developing, collectivistic, Muslim-majority nation of Pakistan is a powerful identity marker inherited at birth and reflected in all identifying documents. A well-developed conceptual framework for religion is attachment to God, which has demonstrated strong predictive value for perceived stress in Western samples. Given the importance of other attachment relationships as well, this study has examined the predictive value of attachment to parents, attachment to God, and religiosity on perceived stress in Christian minorities within a Pakistani context. The sample consisted of 183 adult Christian Pakistanis. Multiple regression indicated that religiosity, attachment to father, and attachment to God were the strongest predictors of perceived stress, though not in the same pattern as expected in Western contexts. This finding demonstrates the importance of the impact of culture, attachment relationships, and religious context on perceived stress, indicating a need to consider both religion and culture in psychological care, as well as local and international public policy, to mitigate stress along minorities in developing nations in such uncertain times.
Fruit and vegetable intake at and away from school during participation in the FIT Game
Authors: Ansu Velarie , Madden Gregory , Wengreen Heidi
Published: June 2021

Background:

The FIT Game is a multicomponent school-based incentive program aimed at increasing children’s fruit and vegetable (FV) intake. There has been no previous report on how playing the game at school influences FV intake away from school.

Aim:

To examine children’s ( n=37) FV intake away from school while participating in the FIT Game program at school.

Methods:

FV intake away from school was assessed using the ASA24-Kids-2014 Dietary Assessment Tool. Paired samples t-tests and the generalized linear model repeated measures analysis of variance were used to examine the difference in children’s mean FV intake away from school.

Results:

During the final three days of the FIT Game intervention, we observed no change in FV consumption away from school (p=0.30). Similarly, no differences were observed between FV intake away from school before the implementation of the FIT Game and during the final three days (p=0.81).

Conclusions:

The FIT Game modestly decreased the children’s FV intake in a nonstatistically significant manner away from school. Our previous report showed an increase in children’s FV intake at school; thus, the net effect of the game was a significant increase in total daily FV intake.
The Application of Multicriteria Decision Analysis Methods in Health Care: A Literature Review
Authors: Khan Ilyas , Pintelon Liliane , Martin Harry
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The main objectives of this article are 2-fold. First, we explore the application of multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods in different areas of health care, particularly the adoption of various MCDA methods across health care decision making problems. Second, we report on the publication trends on the application of MCDA methods in health care.

Method

PubMed was searched for literature from 1960 to 2019 in the English language. A wide range of keywords was used to retrieve relevant studies. The literature search was performed in September 2019. Articles were included only if they have reported an MCDA case in health care.

Results and Conclusion

The search yielded 8,318 abstracts, of which 158 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were considered for further analysis. Hybrid methods are the most widely used methods in health care decision making problems. When it comes to single methods, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is the most widely used method followed by TOPSIS (technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution), multiattribute utility theory, goal programming, EVIDEM (evidence and value: impact on decision making), evidential reasoning, discrete choice experiment, and so on. Interestingly, the usage of hybrid methods has been high in recent years. AHP is most widely applied in screening and diagnosing and followed by treatment, medical devices, resource allocation, and so on. Furthermore, treatment, screening and diagnosing, medical devices, and drug development and assessment got more attention in the MCDA context. It is indicated that the application of MCDA methods to health care decision making problem is determined by the nature and complexity of the health care problem. However, guidelines and tools exist that assist in the selection of an MCDA method.
Relative clinical utility of simultaneous 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/MRI and PET/CT for preoperative cervical cancer diagnosis
Authors: Gong Jing , Liu Honghong , Bao Zhaoliang , Bian Lihua , Li Xiuzhen , Meng Yuanguang
Published: June 2021

Objective

To investigate the utility of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) for the preoperative diagnosis of cervical cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 114 patients who were diagnosed with cervical cancer and underwent PET/MRI (n = 59) or PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) (n = 65) before surgery. The maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and mean SUV (SUVmean) were determined for regions of interest in the resultant radiographic images.

Results

Relative to PET/CT, 18F-FDG PET/MRI exhibited higher specificity and sensitivity in defining the primary tumor bounds and higher sensitivity for detection of bladder involvement. The SUVmax and SUVmean of PET/MRI were remarkably higher than those of PET/CT as a means of detecting primary tumors, bladder involvement, and the lymph node status. However, no significant differences in these values were detected when comparing the two imaging approaches as a means of detecting vaginal involvement or para-aortic lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions

These outcomes may demonstrate the capability of 18F-FDG PET/MRI to clarify preoperative cervical cancer diagnoses in the context of unclear PET/CT findings. However, studies directly comparing SUVs in different lesion types from patients who have undergone both PET/MRI and PET/CT scans are essential to validate and expand upon these findings.
Estimation of the occurrence rates of IDH1 and IDH2 mutations in gliomas and the reconsideration of IDH-wildtype anaplastic astrocytomas: an institutional experience
Authors: Cho Uiju , Yang Seung Ho , Yoo Changyoung
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Most diffuse gliomas are reported to harbor isocitrate dehydrogenase ( IDH) mutations. However, when these mutations are tested in clinical practice, the results are often negative.

Methods

This study examined the frequency of IDH1 and IDH2 mutations in gliomas classified according to the revised 2016 World Health Organization classification, and investigated their prognostic relevance. We tested 87 gliomas for IDH1 and IDH2 mutations using the peptide nucleic acid clamp method.

Results

IDH1 mutations were observed in 42% of diffuse astrocytomas, 23% of anaplastic astrocytomas, all oligodendrogliomas and anaplastic oligodendrogliomas, and 17% of glioblastomas. An IDH2 mutation was identified in one case of diffuse astrocytoma. In the survival analysis of diffuse astrocytic tumors, patients with IDH1/2-wildtype anaplastic astrocytomas tended to have a poor prognosis, similar to that of glioblastomas.

Conclusions

IDH2 mutations were infrequent in gliomas. In anaplastic astrocytomas, the frequency of IDH1/2-wildtype was relatively high, and the prognosis of patients with this type of tumor was very similar to that of those with glioblastomas. It may therefore be necessary to reconsider the classification and treatment strategies for IDH1/2-wildtype anaplastic astrocytomas.
Hypoxia-induced RNASEH2A limits activation of cGAS-STING signaling in HCC and predicts poor prognosis
Authors: Zhao Fengbo , Liu Aifen , Gong Xiu , Chen Hao , Wei Jinhuan , Chen Bin , Chen Shiyin , Yang Riyun , Fan Yihui , Mao Renfang
Published: June 2021

Background:

Hypoxia is a hallmark of solid cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There is scarce information about how hypoxia avoids immunologic stress and maintains a cancer-promoting microenvironment.

Methods:

The Cancer Genome Atlas, RNA-seq data, and Oncomine database were used to discover the correlation of RNASEH2A with tumor progression; then expression of RNASEH2A mRNA and protein were detected in HCC tissues and cells subjected to hypoxia or with the treatment of CoCl2 via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunochemistry assays. Finally, the effect of RNASEH2A on cell proliferation and the involved signaling pathway was explored further.

Results:

RNASEH2A was positively correlated with tumor grade, size, vascular invasion, and poor prognosis. The expression of RNASEH2A mRNA and protein were increased and dependent on hypoxia-inducible factor 2α in HCC tissues and cell lines. Knockout of RNASEH2A in HCC cells greatly reduced cell proliferation and induced the transcription of multiple cGAS-STING (cyclic GMP–AMP synthase–stimulator of interferon genes) targeted type 1 interferon-related genes, including IFIT1, USP18, and CXCL10, which suggests knockout of RNASEH2A may produce immunologic stress and tumor suppressive effects.

Conclusions:

RNASEH2A plays a critical role and potentially predicts patient outcomes in HCC, which uncovers a new mechanism that RNASEH2A contributes to limit immunologic stress of cancer cells in the context of hypoxia.
Knowledge of Breastfeeding and Kangaroo Mother Care Practices Among General Practitioners in Rural Western India
Authors: Fahey Nisha , Sadhwani Nitesh , Shethwala Smit , Allison Jeroan , Soni Apurv , Nimbalkar Somashekhar
Published: June 2021

Background:

Breastfeeding and Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) are interventions to reduce neonatal mortality and undernutrition. We investigated the knowledge of allopathic and Ayurvedic, Yoga-naturopathy, Siddha, and Homeopathic (AYUSH) general practitioners in rural western India and identified attributes associated with awareness and knowledge on these topics.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study of general practitioners in the Anand district of Gujarat, India, used an anonymous self-reported survey. Multivariable regression models were used to identify practitioner attributes associated with awareness and knowledge.

Results:

Among the 158 respondents, a quarter (26.0%) were trained in allopathic medicine and 63.0% had practiced for 5 years or more. The average score of breastfeeding knowledge was 8.0 of 13. Most (79.1%) did not have any awareness of KMC. After adjusting for potential confounders, knowledge of breastfeeding practices among AYUSH practitioners was 4-fold greater than that of allopathic practitioners (incidence rate ratio: 3.9; 95% CI: 3.2-4.6). By contrast, AYUSH practitioners had 80% decreased odds of awareness about KMC compared with allopathic practitioners (odds ratio: 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1-0.3).

Discussion:

This study demonstrates distinct knowledge gaps among allopathic and AYUSH general practitioners regarding breastfeeding and KMC. There is a need for tailored continuing medical education among general practitioners to enhance their clinical knowledge of newborn care practices to achieve improvements in neonatal health.
Assessing the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Nontraditional Students’ Mental Health and Well-Being
Authors: Babb Stephanie J. , Rufino Katrina A. , Johnson Ruth M.
Published: June 2021

The current study sought to measure how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental health and well-being of college students, particularly nontraditional students. Participants ( n = 321) completed a series of surveys assessing their level of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, insomnia, and well-being. Participants also indicated their nontraditional student characteristics, level of resilience, and additional life stressors due to the pandemic. Statistical analyses found that participants reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and insomnia, with corresponding lower levels of well-being across all students, compared with prepandemic levels. Results showed that while nontraditional students indicated an increased number of life stressors during the pandemic compared with their traditional peers, nontraditional students also demonstrated higher levels of resilience. Nontraditional students appear to be more successful at managing stressful life events due to the increased resilience that comes with age and experience, which can better prepare them to persevere and overcome challenges.
Vitamin D Status and Clinical Outcomes in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Secondary Analysis From the Assessment of Low Tidal Volume and Elevated End-Expiratory Volume to Obviate Lung Injury (ALVEOLI) Trial
Authors: Quraishi Sadeq A. , Bhan Ishir , Matthay Michael A. , Thompson Boyd T. , Camargo Carlos A. , Bajwa Ednan K.
Published: June 2021

Background:

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a highly morbid condition that has limited therapeutic options. Optimal vitamin D status has been linked to immunological effects that may benefit critically ill patients. Therefore, we investigated whether admission 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (25OHD) are associated with clinical outcomes in ARDS patients.

Methods:

We performed a secondary analysis of data from a randomized, controlled trial comparing oxygenation strategies in 549 patients with ARDS (NCT00000579). Baseline 25OHD was measured in stored plasma samples. We investigated the relationship between vitamin D status and ventilator-free days (VFD) as well as 90-day survival, using linear regression and Cox proportional hazard models, respectively. Analyses were adjusted for age, race, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score.

Results:

Baseline 25OHD was measured in 476 patients. 90% of these individuals had 25OHD <20 ng/ml and 40% had 25OHD <10 ng/ml. Patients with 25OHD <20 ng/ml were likely to be ventilated for 3 days longer than patients with levels ≥20 ng/ml (ß 3.41; 95%CI 0.42-6.39: P = 0.02). Patients with 25OHD <10 ng/ml were likely to be ventilated for 9 days longer (ß 9.27; 95%CI 7.24-11.02: P < 0.001) and to have a 34% higher risk of 90-day mortality (HR 1.34; 95% CI 1.06-1.71: P = 0.02) compared to patients with levels >10 ng/ml.

Conclusions:

In patients with ARDS, vitamin D status is associated with duration of mechanical ventilation and 90-day mortality. Randomized, controlled trials are warranted to determine whether vitamin D supplementation improves clinical outcomes in ARDS patients.
Inhibiting p21-activated kinase (PAK7) enhances radiosensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Gu Y-F , Kong L-T
Published: June 2021

Objective:

In light of the upregulation of p21-activated kinase (PAK7) in a variety of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we aimed to investigate the effect of PAK7 on the sensitivity of HCC cells to radiotherapy.

Methods:

PAK7 expression was determined in normal adult liver epithelial THLE-2 and human HCC cell lines. The effect of ionizing radiation (IR) on the HCC cell viability was evaluated by Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. HCC cell lines Mahlavu and Huh7 were chosen to assess the effect of PAK7 shRNAs on the viability, clone formation, apoptosis, cycle distribution and γ-H2AX expression after exposure to IR.

Results:

As compared to THLE-2 cells, PAK7 was upregulated in poorly differentiated Mahlavu and SK-Hep-1 cells, but moderately or lowly expressed in well-differentiated Huh7 and HepG2 cells. HCC cells with moderate or low expression of PAK7 presented a decreased viability at 2 Gy IR, which had no significant effect on PAK7high HCC cells. Mahlavu and Huh7 cells transfected with PAK7 shRNAs showed increased inhibitory effect of IR on viability. In addition, PAK7 shRNAs reduced clone formation, facilitated the cell apoptosis, arrested cells at G2/M phase, and increased γ-H2AX expression. Moreover, changes above were more evident in the HCC cells co-treated with IR and PAK7 shRNAs.

Conclusion:

PAK7 downregulation could inhibit the viability, promote the apoptosis, arrest cells in G2/M phase, and induce the DNA damage in HCC cells, thereby enhancing the radiosensitivity in HCC.
Determinants of Price Multiples for Technology Firms in Developed and Emerging Markets: Variable Selection Using Shrinkage Algorithm
Authors: Joshi Himanshu , Chauhan Rajneesh
Published: June 2021

Globally, technology firms are characterized by high level of innovation, rapid obsolescence of technologies, high investment risk and unpredictability of future cash flows. All these make conventional discounted cash flow valuation methods inadequate for valuation of technology firms. This study aims to develop sector regression models for relative valuation of technology firms by evaluating firm-level determinants of price multiples. Results suggest that price to book is the most appropriate multiple for valuing developed market technological firms, whereas price to sales is the most apt multiple for emerging market firms. Variable selection by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) validates that growth rate, research intensity and cash holding influence value of price multiples for both developed market and emerging market firms. Similarly, smaller firms tend to generate higher value of the multiples under both categories. Firms’ ESG practices is an important determinant of price multiples for developed market firms, however, it does not influence the multiples’ value for emerging market firms.
Equity Crowdfunders’ Human Capital and Signal Set Formation: Evidence From Eye Tracking
Authors: Butticè Vincenzo , Collewaert Veroniek , Stroe Silvia , Vanacker Tom , Vismara Silvio , Walthoff-Borm Xavier
Published: June 2021

Signaling theory typically assumes that attention is always given to observable signals. We study signal receivers’ formation of signal sets—the signals to which receivers attend and that they can use for subsequent interpretations. Drawing on a cognitive perspective, we argue that signal receivers’ human capital influences the volume and type of signals they attend to and the time they take to form signal sets. Using eye tracking, we show that equity crowdfunders do not attend to many signals that are easily observable on a campaign page, and that differences in crowdfunders’ human capital uniquely affect their signal set formation.
Strength in Stability: A Meta-Analysis of Family Firm Performance Moderated by Institutional Stability and Regime Type
Authors: Lohwasser Todor S. , Hoch Felix , Kellermanns Franz W.
Published: June 2021

This meta-analysis of 142 studies from 36 countries examines how the institutional environment moderates the relationship between family involvement and firm performance. Specifically, we investigate performance differences between family and nonfamily firms while using property rights protection, institutional stability, and a country’s regime type as moderators. Our analysis shows that institutional stability serves as a decisive moderator of the relationship between family involvement and firm performance and that family firms outperform nonfamily firms in democracies and autocracies but not in anocracies. Based on these findings, we provide and discuss both practical recommendations for family firms and theoretical implications for institutional theory.
Conceptualizing Qualitative Data
Authors: Broom Alex
Published: June 2021

Qualitative research is practiced across diverse disciplines and contexts, and this produces a wide range of perspectives on the role of conceptualization and theory development. It also results in a hugely varied mix of submissions to qualitative research journals in terms of their level of conceptual elevation. This editorial explores why we conceptualize qualitative data, and some common challenges evident in current qualitative practice.
Women’s Reproductive Coercion and Pregnancy Avoidance: Associations With Homicide Risk, Sexual Violence, and Religious Abuse
Authors: Bagwell-Gray Meredith E. , Thaller Jonel , Messing Jill T. , Durfee Alesha
Published: June 2021

This survey study explores patterns of reproductive coercion (RC) and pregnancy avoidance (PA) among women recruited from domestic violence shelters in the southwestern United States ( N = 661). Two logistic regression models assessed the demographic, relationships, and violence characteristics associated with RC and PA. Younger, African American, and Hispanic women were more likely to experience RC. Homicide risk, sexual intimate partner violence (IPV), and religious abuse were associated with RC, and RC and homicide risk were associated with PA. We discuss implications of the associations between RC and PA and their links to religious abuse, sexual IPV, and homicide risk.
Investigations of the static and dynamic characteristics of the precision hydrostatic spindle with mid-thrust bearing under different loads
Authors: Fang Chenggang , You Wucheng , Huo Dehong
Published: June 2021

This paper investigates the static and dynamic characteristics of the precision hydrostatic spindle with a mid-thrust bearing under different working conditions. Firstly, the paper establishes the fluid governing equations of the coupled journal and thrust bearings based on orifice restrictors; and the dynamic and static Reynolds equations are solved using the perturbation and finite difference methods to obtain the steady and transient pressure distribution functions. Then the stiffness and damping characteristics of matrixes of the spindle are obtained by integrating the steady and transient pressure. Furthermore, by establishing the motion equation for the spindle rotor with five degrees of freedom, the quasi-static equilibrium position and stability criterion of the rotor under different working conditions are determined. Finally, the relationships between the dynamic and static characteristics of the spindle and cutting force, rotational speed, and cutting distance are simulated and analyzed. The simulation results show the patterns of variation in performance indices such as stiffness, damping, quasi-static position, and stability of the spindle under different working conditions, which provides important design information to be taken into consideration concerning the precision hydrostatic spindle.
Business cycles and tourism imports in the South Pacific
Authors: Vatsa Puneet , Mixon Franklin G , Upadhyaya Kamal P
Published: June 2021

The demand for international tourism in Australia and New Zealand is vital to the South Pacific’s tourism-reliant islands. However, at the time of this study these two countries find themselves in precarious economic situations. The question addressed by this study is, will tourism imports in these two countries pick up on the back of economic recovery? We answer this question using time-difference analysis and the newly developed Hamilton filter. The short answer is yes, but more so in New Zealand than Australia. The key findings of this study are that tourism demand in both Australia and New Zealand is pro-cyclical, tourism demand cycles in New Zealand strongly lag business cycles by 1 year, whereas in Australia, they weakly lag business cycles by one quarter, and, overall, tourism demand and business cycles in New Zealand share a stronger association than they do in Australia.
Upgrading of isolated bridges with space-bar energy-dissipation devices: Shaking table test
Authors: Ristic Jelena , Brujic Zoran , Ristic Danilo , Folic Radomir , Boskovic Milos
Published: June 2021

The results of the experimental research program realized on a bridge model constructed by using the seismically isolated system upgraded with space-bar devices (USI-SB) are presented in the paper. The installed adaptable system for seismic protection of bridges utilizes double spherical rolling seismic bearings (DSRSB) as seismic isolators, while the qualitative improvement of seismic performances is achieved through the use of novel adjustable multi-directional space-bar energy dissipation (SB-ED) devices. The experimental program consisted of quasi-static testing of isolation and energy dissipation devices under the cyclic loading and extensive shaking-table testing of a large-scale bridge model with installed USI-SB system. For both types of devices, a very stable all-directional response during cycling tests, as well as the favorable hysteretic behavior of the energy dissipation devices along the entire range of applied large displacements were registered. In the dynamic testing, the system showed high seismic response modification performances needed for the efficient protection, exhibiting its large potential in the qualitative improvement of seismic performances of isolated bridges.
COVID-19: systematic learning across boundaries requires a conceptual agreement
Authors: Sundnes Knut Ole , Braut Geir Sverre
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 epidemic has revealed a shortage of basic knowledge and understanding of pandemics, especially regarding their dynamics and how to contain them. The results are a host of governments’ decrees and instructions, one replacing the other, often within the same week. It has further, in a truly short time, resulted in an overwhelming number of publications, many of them prioritising early publication over quality. This commentary addresses the concept of structured research related to disasters and how the use of endorsed guidelines will facilitate well-designed evaluation research with improved rigour and external validity, even if applied retrospectively. The outcome should be a solidified knowledge base. Further, the important role of public health efforts is to be highlighted, as their role has proved crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A conceptual framework for assessing the public health effects from snus and novel non-combustible nicotine products
Authors: Lund Karl Erik , Vedøy Tord Finne
Published: June 2021

Objective:

The tobacco industry plans to base their future earnings on the production of non-combustible nicotine products. These might replace or come in addition to the more harmful cigarettes that historically have dominated the nicotine market in the Nordic countries. The authorities in each country must decide whether the products should have market access and, in that case, how strictly they should be regulated. Our aim is to present a framework that can assist the health authorities to make a regulation where benefits will outweigh the harms.

Method:

In a public health perspective, health gains from substitution must be weighed against the health loss from additional use. The main elements of the weighing will be based on the information about the absolute risk of the products, their relative risk compared to conventional cigarettes and how the users are composed according to smoking status. We apply the framework on snus as used in Norway – a product with an established usage pattern and epidemiologically assessed health risks.

Results:

The framework consists of (i) a comprehensive set of specific user patterns that may result in health deterioration and user patterns that may result in health benefits, (ii) an estimation of the number of people with health-augmenting and health-impairing user patterns, respectively, and (iii) an estimation of the degree of health deterioration or health benefit that will affect the persons with the different user patterns.

Conclusion:

The net effect on public health will appear as an overall result of the number of people with positive and negative user patterns, respectively, in combination with the magnitude of the change in health status these people will experience. The use of an explicit framework highlights how a political decision may affect nicotine use and health-related outcomes. The framework breaks open a large and complex question into smaller pieces and requires the authorities to expose and explain the kind of evidence and reasoning behind regulations of novel nicotine products.
‘There was no freedom to leave’: Global South international students in Portugal during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Malet Calvo Daniel , Cairns David , França Thais , de Azevedo Leonardo Francisco
Published: June 2021

This article looks at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international students, focusing on Portuguese-speaking African and Brazilian students during the lockdown of spring 2020. Using evidence from interviews conducted with 27 students domiciled in Portugal, we illustrate some of the challenges faced by students when coping with the pandemic, including difficulties in meeting the cost of tertiary education and the centrality of working to sustain their stays abroad, alongside the emotional impact of prolonged domestic confinement and separation from families. We also consider the paradoxes of online teaching, which have made visible the digital gap between local and international Global South students in the context of their stays. In this sense, pre-existing inequalities are more at the centre of students’ concerns than new issues raised by COVID-19, a pandemic that served to reveal former injustice in the context of global capitalism. In our conclusion, we argue that there is a need for greater recognition of the vulnerabilities facing certain African and Brazilian students at Global North universities in the context of contemporary neo-liberalism, including their dependence upon precarious work. Policy responses include the need for a more serious involvement and responsibility by both home and host higher education institutions in the lives of their students abroad.
Structure design of multi-functional flexible electrocardiogram electrodes based on PEDOT:PSS-coated fabrics
Authors: Lin Jia-Horng , Fu Xiangdong , Li Ting-Ting , Zhang Xuefei , Zhao Bobo , Shiu Bing-Chiuan , Wang Huiquan , Jiang Qian , Lou Ching-Wen
Published: June 2021

Herein, Polyester woven fabrics as the matrices for the experimental group, while cotton knitted fabrics, cotton woven fabrics, and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) mesh cloth used as the matrices for the control groups, at 40 °e, using 3,4-ethoxylene dioxy thiophene (EDOT)as the polymer monomer, FeCl3 as the oxidant, and poly(sodium-p-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) as the dopant, are separately coated with PEDOT:PSS polymer to prepare flexible conductive composite fabrics. The influences of the fabric pattern, oxidant concentration, and monomer concentration on the electrical performance of composite fabrics are optimized. The maximal electrical conductivity of PET-based composite fabrics (218 S/m) occurs when monomer concentration is 0.035 mol/L, the molar ratio of oxidant to monomer is 2.5, and the dopant concentration is 2.5 g/L. Moreover, bacteriostasis rate of this composite fabric reaches 71.8%. Furthermore, by electrocardiogram (ECG) simulated human body unit test as well as human body ECG test, the optimal PET-based composite fabric electrode both has a lower impedance which helps form the stabilized ECG signal. The resulting fabric electrodes retain the soft and breathable advantages from fabrics and reduce the discomfort for a long-term use of conventional electrographic gel, thereby validating the empirical evidence for mobile, portable, wearable ECG electrodes.
TiCN coating tribology for the circular economy of textile industries
Authors: Hussain Abrar , Podgursky Vitali , Antonov Maksim , Viljus Mart , Goljandin Dmitri
Published: June 2021

The circular economy is still a hypothetical field in Europe. Different shredding and manufacturing machinery parts in textile industries are presumed to enhance product quality and performance. The quality and performance of recycled textile products play a vital role in the development of textile recycling technologies. The quality is principally associated with the mechanical and tribological properties of machinery parts. In this article, TiCN Coating is used to determine the coefficient of friction of post-consumer cotton fabric. The scanning electron microscope, optical and mechanical profilometer, and tribometer were used for surface and tribological evaluations. The TiCN coating was found smooth and homogeneous. The average coating surface roughness parameters Rmax, Rz, Rp were 0.24 µm, 0.21 µm, and 0.20 µm, respectively. The dynamic coefficient of friction values was found 0.38 to 0.30 in the warp and 0.33 to 0.28 in weft directions. The increase in sliding distance is used for industrial applications and evaluations. The increase in distance deformed and fractured cotton fabric surface. The coefficient of friction and deformation becomes constant after 40 m of sliding distance. Based on coefficient of friction values, permanent deformation, fracture, and morphologies evaluations TiCN coatings could be used operationally for surface modification of textile machinery parts. The surface modification of textile machinery parts with TiCN coating can enhance the quality and performance of textile products.
Incentive mechanism based on Stackelberg game under reputation constraint for mobile crowdsensing
Authors: Yang Xiaoxiao , Zhang Jing , Peng Jun , Lei Lihong
Published: June 2021

Encouraging a certain number of users to participate in a sensing task continuously for collecting high-quality sensing data under a certain budget is a new challenge in the mobile crowdsensing. The users’ historical reputation reflects their past performance in completing sensing tasks, and users with high historical reputation have outstanding performance in historical tasks. Therefore, this study proposes a reputation constraint incentive mechanism algorithm based on the Stackelberg game to solve the abovementioned problem. First, the user’s historical reputation is applied to select some trusted users for collecting high-quality sensing data. Then, the two-stage Stackelberg game is used to analyze the user’s resource contribution level in the sensing task and the optimal incentive mechanism of the server platform. The existence and uniqueness of Stackelberg equilibrium are verified by determining the user’s optimal response strategy. Finally, two conversion methods of the user’s total payoff are proposed to ensure flexible application of the user’s payoff in the mobile crowdsensing network. Simulation experiments show that the historical reputation of selected trusted users is higher than that of randomly selected users, and the server platform and users have good utility.
Is Positive Deviance in Growth Simply the Converse of Negative Deviance?
Authors: Shekar Meera , Habicht Jean-Pierre , Latham Michael C.
Published: June 2021

The term “positive deviance” has been widely used to describe children who do not show evidence of protein-energy malnutrition when many others living in a similar unfavourable environment are malnourished. Implicit in this concept is that the determinants of positive deviance are something more than the converse of the determinants of poor growth. We modified and operationalized this concept using data on child growth from rural southern India. We divided children on the basis of anthropometry into positive deviants and what we called negative deviants and median growers. Our analysis suggests that the mechanisms producing positive and negative deviance are not always opposites or mirror images of each other. This finding has important implications for targeting and intervention strategies.
The Nutritional Quality and Acceptability of Weaning Foods Incorporating Amaranth
Authors: Rathod P. , Udipi S. A.
Published: June 2021

This study focused on developing weaning mixes using amaranth in three forms - malted, roasted, and puffed - and a leafy vegetable together with a cereal in one of four forms - malted wheat, raw milled rice, puffed rice, and rice flakes. The formulations based on puffed rice and rice flakes were intended to be ready-to-eat mixes. In all, 24 mixes were formulated - six in each of four groups based on the four cereals. All the mixes were acceptable for consumption. Intake and acceptability trials were conducted with children for four of the mixes that were found the most acceptable in laboratory sensory evaluation. The study indicated that amaranth grains and leaves can be effectively used at the community or village level for producing low-cost, nutrient-rich weaning mixes.
Novel C-alkylation Reaction of Condensed Thiophenes with Enaminones, Enaminonitriles, Ethoxymethylene Malononitrile, Aryl Vinyl Ketones and ω-Nitrostyrenes
Authors: Al-Etaibi Alya , Al-Awadi Nouria , Al-Omran Fatima , Abdel-Khalik Mervat Mohammed , Elnagdi Mohamed Hilmy
Published: June 2021

While the thienocoumarin 1 reacts with aryl vinyl ketones, ω-nitrostyrene and ethoxymethylene malononitrile to yield only C-1 alkylation products, it reacts with enaminones (3a–c) to yield either N-alkylated derivatives (4a–c) or a mixture of 4a–c and α,β-unsaturated ketones (9a–c), the former rearranged into the latter on prolonged boiling under reflux in 1,4-dioxane solution in the presence of diethylamine.
Synthesis and Characterisation of [2.2](5,13)Dibenzo[c;1]chrysenophane
Authors: Matsubara Hiroshi , Osatani Mitsunobu , Yano Koji , Adachi Tomohiro , Yamamoto Koji
Published: June 2021

High-dilution coupling of 5,13-bis(bromomethyl)dibenzo[ c;1]chrysene (7) and 5,13-bis(sulfanylmethyl)dibenzo[ c;1]-chrysene 8 afforded the dithia derivative 9 which was converted, via the disulfone 10, into an unusually strained compound, [2.2](5,13)dibenzo[ c;1]chrysenophane 5.
[4 + 3]Cycloaddition Reactions: Synthesis of 9,10-Dimethoxy-9,10-propanoanthracen-12-ones
Authors: Sarhan Abd El-Wareth A. O.
Published: June 2021

Cycloaddition of 9,10-dimethoxyanthracene (1) to tetrabromoacetone (2a) under a variety of conditions afforded isomers 3a,b; reductive debromination of 3a,b afforded 4, while reduction with NaBH4 gave alcohol 6 which on reductive debromination gave olefin 7; reaction of 1 with 2b gave isomers 8a,b.
The Synthesis and Probable Conformation of m-Xylenyl Capped Homocalix[3]arenes derived from a Trihydroxy[3.3.3]metacyclophane
Authors: Yamato Takehiko , Zhang Fenglei
Published: June 2021

O-Benzylation of trihydroxy[3.3.3]metacyclophane with 3,5-bis(bromomethyl)toluene in the presence of Cs2CO3 affords a doubly-bridged macrocycle in 45% yield, in which structural characterization is also discussed.
Cycloaddition Reaction: Synthesis of 5-Substituted 1,3,4-Thiadiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-6-one
Authors: Dutta B. C. , Das K. K. , Goswami B. N.
Published: June 2021

1,3,4-Thiadiazolo[3,2- a]pyrimidin-6-ones are synthesised by a (4 + 2) cycloaddition reaction of arylidineamino-1,3,4-thiadiazole and aryl ketenes formed in situ.
A Surface Plasmon Resonance Study of the Binding of Antibody LDS47 to Self-assembled Monolayers of Cysteine Containing Peptides
Authors: Bladon Christine M. , Kindermann Johanna , Sommerdijk Nico A. J. M. , Wright John D.
Published: June 2021

Surface plasmon resonance is used to monitor the kinetics of deposition and antibody binding of self-assembled monolayers of cysteine-containing peptides on gold surfaces.
Resonance Stabilization Study of Some Fullerenes Cn(20 ≤ n ≤ 88): Is n = 32 a ‘Magic’ Number?
Authors: Zahedi Mansour , Al-Kobaisi (Latif) Mohammed
Published: June 2021

A π-orbital axis vector (POAV) analysis used in Hückel molecular orbital approximation calculations indicates that the cutoff in the fullerene mass spectrum at C n ( n = 32) must naturally occur with no need to define a ‘magic’ number.
Microwave-assisted Heterogeneous Benzil–Benzilic Acid Rearrangement
Authors: Yu Hui-Ming , Chen Same-Ting , Tseng Min-Jen , Chen Shui-Tein , Wang Kung-Tsung
Published: June 2021

A new procedure for carrying out the benzil–benzilic acid rearrangement in the solid state has been developed which provides a new route to synthesize the pharmacologically interesting anticonvulsant dilantin.