bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Observation on the Repetitive Nearest Neighbour Heuristic for the Travelling Salesman Problem
Authors: Sinha Pritibhushan
Published: April 2024

The travelling salesman problem is a well-known optimisation problem, with a large scope of application and high theoretical significance. The problem may be stated as this. A travelling salesman has to visit some cities. He starts from one city, visits every other city exactly once, going from one city to another, and comes back to the city from where he started. The cost of visiting a city from another city is given. The total cost of the visits is to be minimised. The repetitive nearest neighbour (RNN) heuristic method is a heuristic method to solve the problem. We describe a property of the RNN heuristic method of the travelling salesman problem. A general, simple and elementary example is constructed to show the property of the heuristic method. It is shown that the RNN heuristic method, too, can have efficiency that is arbitrarily bad, without any bound. This may happen even for small instances of the problem.
Reading Between the Lines: Maternity Benefit Law in India and Whom It Truly Benefits
Authors: Dadke Suma
Published: April 2024

The gendered and performative role of motherhood, an ideal of patriarchy, has been codified into the letter of the law. A feminist lens has been applied to understand how motherhood and patriarchy interact within the maternity benefit law in India, which is primarily regulated by the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, as amended in 2017. An attempt is made to determine whether the extant law truly benefits all women equally without discrimination. It is critically examined, using an intersectional approach, to ascertain whether it ensures the welfare of all women or is yet another systemic attempt to further the patriarchy. The progress of the law is evaluated and corporate maternity benefit policies in India are analysed to assess whether the law requires revisions and of what type to achieve its true objective.
Validation of Instrument Measuring the Impact of SCM Practices and SCM Agility on Competitive Advantage and Organization Performance in Indian Pharmaceutical Firms
Authors: Adkonkar Amol , Sharma Anand , Arora Pooja
Published: April 2024

Over the years, rival companies have appropriately turned their attention towards effectively monitoring their supply chains. There is an emphasis on implementing supply chain management practices (SCMP) and promoting supply chain agility, which will lead to increased performance and competitive edge. The researchers covered SCM practices and competitive advantage under five sub-constructs while SCM agility and performance were represented by two sub-constructs. The study aimed to provide a questionnaire that is both reliable and valid, designed to measure the impact of supply chain management (SCM) practices and SCM agility on competitive advantage and firm performance within the Indian pharmaceutical industry. Data collection was done using a simple random sampling technique which gave 227 complete responses obtained from listed as well as unlisted pharmaceutical companies. The data was then statistically analysed using IBM SPSS 26 and SmartPLS 4. The resultant questionnaire instrument can be used by supply chain professionals in the pharmaceutical industry in order to conduct primary research and to derive insights that would help in crucial decision-making regarding pharmaceutical SCM with the aim of improving organizational performance.
Assessment of Primary Laboratory Facilities for Rural Health Care Preparedness in Osmanabad District, India
Authors: Jain Rahi , Rao Bakul
Published: April 2024

Government of India has provided Indian Public Health Standards to improve rural health care services and health status, but still rural laboratory is a cause of concern. This study is performed to understand the laboratory facility-level gaps that need to be addressed to improve the public primary health centres (PHCs) present in rural areas. The laboratory assessment is performed for governance, financing, resources and services, and results are validated with the PHC laboratory performance. The current assessment shows critical gaps in the facilities regarding governance, services, resources and financing required for the laboratory services at the rural primary health care level. Governance and services need to be strengthened the most, followed with sustained availability of resources and financing. Poor health status in rural areas necessitates public health response based on health systems. Therefore, health system preparedness in the form of laboratory services is essential in primary health care facilities.
How Social Media Influencers Impact Consumer Behaviour? Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Bhardwaj Seema , Kumar Navin , Gupta Ruchi , Baber Hasnan , Venkatesh Amita
Published: April 2024

Businesses invest considerable sums in influencer marketing efforts as social media influencers (SMIs) continue to gain popularity. To understand how marketers might utilize influencer marketing as a strategy in the digital era, researchers are still examining the effectiveness and impact of using SMIs. Accordingly, this article aims to conduct a systematic literature review of the impact of SMIs on consumer behaviour. Based on 90 studies, our systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines. This comprehensive review of literature intends to demonstrate the various impacts of SMIs on consumer behaviour, particularly about consumer decision-making, consumer attention, consumer brand admiration, consumer self-expression and consumer purchase intention. We outline influencer-led campaign techniques that can help companies develop closer ties with their customers and produce successful brand outcomes. In addition, the research synthesizes disparate literature to advance our comprehension of the mechanisms generating SMI attributes and the variables influencing consumer reactions to influencer endorsements. Future studies in the area will be aided by a nomological framework that incorporates significant antecedents, mediators and moderators of potential outcomes.
Impact of Stimulus Packages on Business Recovery During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh
Authors: Raihan Selim , Jonaed FNU , Ahmed Md. Tuhin
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Bangladesh’s economy, leading to disruptions in supply chains and a decline in business activities. To counter these effects, the government introduced stimulus packages aiming to aid business recovery. This article evaluates the impact of these measures using a unique dataset from the Business Confidence Index survey conducted by the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling in April 2021. This survey covered 503 firms across eight divisions in Bangladesh. Using the Propensity Score Matching technique for causal estimation, findings suggest that firms that availed the stimulus packages demonstrated around 9 percentage points higher recovery than those that did not. Such insights are instrumental for future policy design and strengthening evidence-based policymaking.
Inclusion or Exclusion?: Gendered Experiences and Strategies of Migrants in Informal Settlements in Bengaluru
Authors: Iyer Soundarya , Rao Nitya
Published: April 2024

Internal migration, nearly four times more than the migration across national boundaries, accounts for the largest human movements in the world. In context of agrarian distress, circular migration between the rural and the urban is a common livelihood trajectory of at least 100 million Indians. It is known that circular migrants face numerous economic and social challenges of survival in the city. This article focuses on gendered experiences and strategies adopted by migrants for inclusion in informal settlements in Bengaluru. Drawing on the concepts of social exclusion, inclusion and agency, we use household surveys ( n = 1,109) in 30 informal settlements in Bengaluru in 2016, semi-structured interviews ( n = 20) in one informal settlement, key informant interviews ( n = 5) and participant observation in events and meetings in the city to illustrate individual and collective strategies used by diverse groups and the ways in which these are gendered. We find that the length of stay in the settlement is a crucial determinant of social inclusion in the city.
Pitfalls in the Interpretation of Biomarkers in Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Ganesamoorthi Rajasri Ambalam , Kumarasamy Poongodi Santhana
Published: April 2024

Background:

In India, 25%–65% of neonatal deaths are due to sepsis. Since it produces nonspecific symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose and manage. The present study assessed the value of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) to predict sepsis along with blood culture. Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from 90 neonates with suspected sepsis, submitted for blood culture, CRP by latex agglutination kit, and BNP by ELISA. Results: Of the 90 cases, blood culture was positive in 25 (28%) cases, BNP in 45 (50%) cases, and CRP in 36 (40%) cases. BNP was positive among 25 (100%) blood culture-positive cases. CRP, BNP, and blood culture were positive in 16 (18%) cases. Conclusion: Although BNP is an equally good marker in predicting sepsis, it is not widely available. Hence, screening by serial CRP along with blood culture alone reinforces the diagnosis.
Comparative Efficacy of Monotherapy of Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitors Versus Angiotensin Receptor Blockers in Treating Essential Hypertension – A Meta-analysis
Authors: Rathod Jaydeep Himmatlal , Kavathia Shrenil Ashrut , Pandya Tejas Rajendrakuamr , Rana Devang Ashwinkumar
Published: April 2024

Background:

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used medications for treating essential hypertension, but there is limited research comparing their effectiveness. To address this gap, a recent meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate and compare the efficacy of these two drug classes in decreasing blood pressure (BP) among patients with essential hypertension.

Objective:

Evaluating of comparative efficacy of ACEIs versus ARBs in reducing BP in essential hypertension.

Methods:

An extensive literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) following PRISMA guidelines (2020), with inclusion criteria of age ≥18 years, with either gender and diagnosed of essential hypertension and receiving ACEIs or ARBs for at least 4 weeks. Patients with secondary hypertension, malignancy, symptomatic cardiovascular system (CVS) disease, hepatic involvement, and studies with Fimasartan and Allisartan were excluded. For this study, all RCTs that reported changes in mean systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) before and after administration of the drugs were gathered. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated using RevMan 5.4.1 software. The significance level was set at a P < 0.05.

Results:

A total of 28 RCTs ( n = 9778) were included in our study. Both groups reduce SBP and DBP from the baseline values. Pooled analyses of studies showed that ARBs were superior to ACEIs with SMD = 0.179 in the random-effect model, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.0975–0.260), P < 0.001, and in the fixed-effect model, SMD = 0.207, 95% CI (0.167–0.248), P < 0.001 in the mean reduction of SBP. Furthermore, for a mean reduction in DBP, ARBs were superior to ACEIs with SMD = 0.329 in the random-effect model, 95% CI (0.161–0.496), P < 0.001, and in the fixed-effect model, SMD = 0.317, 95% CI (0.276–0.357), P < 0.001. Our study included 28 RCTs with a combined sample size of 9778 participants. Both ACEIs and ARBs were found to effectively reduce SBP and DBP from their baseline values. However, our pooled analysis of the studies revealed that ARBs were more effective than ACEIs in reducing mean SBP, with an SMD of 0.179 in the random-effect model and 0.207 in the fixed-effect model. The 95% CIs for these estimates were (0.0975–0.260) and (0.167–0.248), respectively, with P < 0.001. Similarly, for a mean reduction in DBP, ARBs were found to be superior to ACEIs with a SMD of 0.329 in the random-effect model and 0.317 in the fixed-effect model, with 95% CIs of (0.161–0.496) and (0.276–0.357), respectively, and a P < 0.001.

Conclusion:

ARBs are more efficacious as compared to ACEIs in essential hypertension.
Analysing Determinants of Institutional Delivery in NFHS-5: A Comprehensive Study in India with a Focus on Caste Dynamics
Authors: Sardar Subhajeet Singh , Mandal Mridul , Bhattacharya Subhasis
Published: April 2024

The benefit of institutional delivery not only impacts maternal health but also reduces newborn mortality and increases overall well-being. This study focused on differences in the determinants of delivering at institution settings in India, with specific importance given to mothers within different caste groups. This is one area that was given less importance in the existing literature, particularly in studies that focused on the determinants of institutional delivery in India. Using data from the National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS-5), the research explores factors influencing the choice between institutional and non-institutional delivery. Using logistic regression, and after removing influential and large residual observations (outliers), the analysis reveals that sociocultural determinants, including caste, religion, economic status and maternal education, significantly impact delivery preferences. Mothers from Scheduled Castes and Other Caste categories exhibit a higher likelihood of opting for institutional delivery. Economic factors, partner support, family size, maternal education, health-seeking behaviours, age, perceived distance to health facilities and media engagement also play crucial roles. Comparative analyses across caste groups emphasize the influence of wealth and education on institutional delivery choices. The findings underscore the need for having targeted interventions addressing diverse sociocultural contexts to improve maternal healthcare outcomes and reduce health disparities in India. Efforts should focus on awareness campaigns and overcoming challenges to promote the benefits of institutional delivery.
Political Mobilization of Farmers in India: A Case Study of Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) in Punjab
Authors: Shyam P H  , Singla Naresh , Singh Sukhpal
Published: April 2024

Growing agrarian contradictions and peasant protests globally are seen as outcomes of the commercialization of agricultural production systems. The Indian Punjab is one such site that has also witnessed a high degree of agricultural commercialization, and farmers’ movements and protests are attributed to growing discontentment among peasantry due to the emergence of agrarian crises. This has led to massive farmers’ movements and protests through their unionization over time. These protests received global limelight during the introduction of three farm laws by the union government of India in 2020, which were repealed in 2021. This necessitates understanding the organizational structure and functioning of unions; their social composition, mobilization strategies and role of gender. This article examines the evolution and strategies of Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan, ekta meaning united), which is the largest farmers’ union in Punjab and one of the largest in India. Using a mixed-method approach of research, which included interviewing union member farmers and agricultural workers through a semi-structured schedule and conducting focused group discussions with block presidents and executive committee members, the study finds that the unionization of farmers has accelerated the process of rural democratization. However, active persuasion of social reforms along with other agrarian issues in rural society by the unions is needed to bring social inclusiveness to make rural development process pro-poor and inclusive.
The frequency of os acromiale in 751 shoulder MRI of Saudi population
Authors: Aldebeyan Wassim , Alzahim Mohammed , Almogbil Ismail , AlShayhan Fahad , Alshunaifi Abdullah , Alhowaimel Abdulaziz , Al-Nakshabandi Nizar A.
Published: April 2024

Background: Os acromiale (OA) is an uncommon pathology with a variable prevalence rate among different populations. Objectives: The aim of this study was to report the frequency of OA utilizing shoulder MRI of patients with shoulder pathology. Methods: It was a retrospective study. After obtaining our IRB approval, we gathered all shoulder and upper arm MRIs from the radiology department and evaluated them. Results: The prevalence of OA was found to be 3.32%. The mean age of the affected patients was 50.87 years (25–81). Conclusion: The rate of OA in patients presenting with shoulder pain is 3.32% in Saudi Arabia, which correlates with what has been previously reported in the literature.
Towards a Reconciliation Between Simulational, Ludic, and Historiographical Practices in Research
Authors: Marino Carvalho Vinicius
Published: April 2024

Background

Simulations, ludic or otherwise, have so far struggled to gain a foothold in mainstream historiography. Some authors suggest there may be fundamental incompatibilities between history and the language of simulations and scholarly games. Others believe that designing, employing, and validating historical simulations may be simply too costly and/or labor-intensive to justify their widespread adoption.

Intervention

This paper intends to identify points of friction between historiography and simulation-based research and suggest practical solutions to these issues.

Methods

My discussion is based on the description and analysis of a case study, the ThomondSim/ The Triumphs of Turlough research project. The initiative consisted of the development and application of an agent-based computational model (ABM) and a scholarly board game to investigate the possible associations between economic, environmental, and military hazards in 13th and 14th centuries Ireland.

Results and Discussion

Ensuring the simulations matched historical evidence to a standard deemed acceptable by the historiographical community limited their phase space, compromising their capacity to explore emergent phenomena. The intricacy of the underlying conceptual model suited the ABM better than the board game, which struggled to reconcile complexity with good game design practices. The board game, however, proved to be an effective validating tool for the ABM.

Limitations and Suggestions for Further Research

The project espoused an overt simulation- and game-centric approach, paying little attention to unguided play. Recent literature suggests that fostering, rather than hindering, playful exploration could address some of the pitfalls identified by this project.

Conclusion

Play could be a means of reconciliation between simulational, ludic, and historiographical practices. However, to ensure that projects adhere to epistemic standards, it is recommended that a methodology is developed to integrate it into research in ways that can be tested and evaluated.
Who Benefits From Supplier Encroachment in the Presence of Manufacturing Cost Learning?
Authors: Gupta Ayush , Jayaswal Sachin , Mantin Benny
Published: April 2024

Manufacturing cost plays a crucial role in suppliers’ encroachment decisions. A high manufacturing cost impedes suppliers’ capacity to encroach. However, cost learning may reduce this cost sufficiently enough to make encroachment profitable for the supplier at a later point in time. Accordingly, he may have an incentive to boost production so as to promote cost learning. Thus, he may drop the wholesale price to induce the retailer to buy more. On the one hand, cost learning may enable encroachment, which may be detrimental to the retailer. On the other hand, cost learning results in a lower manufacturing cost which may translate into a lower future wholesale price, benefiting the retailer. Therefore, the retailer faces a dilemma: should she increase her order quantity to advance cost learning or not? As the retailer may order fewer units in the initial period to limit future direct channel sales, the supplier faces a challenge: should he, instead of dropping his initial wholesale price, raise it to signal his intention of not encroaching so as to induce the retailer to sell a higher quantity in the first period? We model the supplier–retailer interaction as a two-period Stackelberg game to address the retailer’s dilemma and to identify the optimal supplier response. We uncover a new outcome, which arises in the presence of cost learning, where the supplier encroaches but decides not to sell anything through the direct channel. In addition, we find that supplier encroachment may reduce or eliminate the retailer’s incentive to advance cost learning. This results in lower sales by the retailer, which impedes cost learning, leading to a higher future manufacturing cost (compared to the no encroachment setting). As a result, encroachment, which is typically viewed as advantageous for the supplier, may become detrimental to him. Surprisingly, the supplier continues to encroach and sell directly unless he can credibly assure the retailer that he will not encroach in the future.
The Effects of Sports Betting on Cross-Border Substitution in Casino Gambling
Authors: Can Ege , Nichols Mark W.
Published: April 2024

This paper tests for potential cross-border substitution in casino gambling between Illinois and Missouri due to the launch of sports betting in Illinois. Using casino-level gambling revenue and admissions data, difference-in-differences, event study analysis, and regression discontinuity design, our findings suggest that the launch of sports betting increased casino revenues and admissions in the Illinois casinos and decreased revenue and admissions in Missouri casinos close to the border of Illinois and Missouri. Thus, Missouri not only lost potential sports betting tax revenue but also tax revenue from casino gambling revenue and admissions resulting from cross-border substitution between Missouri and Illinois after the launch of sports betting. The size of the lost casino and foregone sports betting tax revenues suggests Missouri and other states in similar circumstances are likely to experience continued fiscal pressure to legalize sports betting despite possible moral objections or an intent to minimize social costs through prohibition.
Symmetrical wrinkling of compressed composite SSCF facings of a rectangular sandwich plate
Authors: Lopatin Alexander V , Morozov Evgeny V
Published: April 2024

Results of the study of symmetrical facing wrinkling of compressed rectangular composite sandwich plates with orthotropic faces and core are presented in the paper. Two parallel edges of the plate facings are simply supported, one edge is clamped, and another edge is free (SSCF). The wrinkling problem is solved using the Ritz method in which the total energy functional of plate faces and core is obtained based on the original model, considering nonlinear variation of the transverse displacement of the core material from the value of facing’s deflection to zero. Application of the Ritz method yields formulas for the calculation of critical compressive load. The critical load is found using a minimization with respect to the parameter of the wrinkling waves evolution and the parameter characterizing the rate of fading of the transverse displacement. Based on the derived formulas, the effects of facing and core thicknesses, and modulus elasticity of core material on the critical wrinkling load are studied. The results of calculations are verified using a finite element analysis. It is shown that the value of critical load calculated based on the proposed model is more accurate compared to that calculated using the Winkler-Pasternak model, particularly for the sandwich plates with thin faces and thick core.
Epigenetic Aging Associations With Psychoneurological Symptoms and Social Functioning in Adults With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Knisely Mitchell R. , Masese Rita V. , Mathias Joacy G. , Yang Qing , Hatch Daniel , Lê Brandon M. , Luyster Faith , Garrett Melanie E. , Tanabe Paula J. , Shah Nirmish R. , Ashley-Koch Allison
Published: April 2024

Objective: Sickle cell disease (SCD), the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States, is associated with severe psychoneurological symptoms. While epigenetic age acceleration has been linked to psychoneurological symptom burden in other diseases, this connection is unexplored in SCD. This study aimed to assess the association between epigenetic age acceleration and psychoneurological symptom burden in SCD. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, emotional impact, pain impact, sleep impact, social functioning, and cognitive function were assessed in 87 adults living with SCD. DNA methylation data were generated from blood specimens and used to calculate epigenetic age using five clocks (Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, GrimAge, & DunedinPACE). Associations between epigenetic age acceleration and symptoms were assessed. Results: The sample ( N = 87) had a mean (SD) chronologic age was 30.6 (8.1) years. Epigenetic age acceleration was associated with several symptom outcomes. GrimAge age acceleration (β = −0.49, p = .03) and increased DunedinPACE (β = −2.23, p = .004) were associated with worse emotional impact scores. PhenoAge (β = −0.32, p = .04) and the GrimAge (β = −0.48, p = .05) age acceleration were associated with worse pain impact scores. Increased DunedinPACE (β = −2.07 p = .04) were associated with worse sleep impact scores. Increased DunedinPACE (β = −2.87, p = .005) was associated with worse social functioning scores. We did not find associations between epigenetic age acceleration and cognitive function in this sample. Conclusion: Epigenetic age acceleration was associated with worse symptom experiences, suggesting the potential for epigenetic age acceleration as a biomarker to aid in risk stratification or targets for intervention to mitigate symptom burden in SCD.
Proposal of a classification of cannulation damage in vascular access grafts based on clinical, ultrasound, and microscopic observations
Authors: Franchin Marco , Vergani Barbara , Huber Veronica , Leone Biagio Eugenio , Villa Antonello , Muscato Paola , Cervarolo Maria Cristina , Piffaretti Gabriele , Tozzi Matteo
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) serve as an alternative to native arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) in the context of hemodialysis patient life planning. AVGs are more susceptible to developing outflow stenosis (due to intimal hyperplasia), thrombosis, and infections. However, an often overlooked contributor to AVG failure is cannulation damage. The objective of this paper is to assess the impact of cannulations on AVGs. We aim to establish a classification of AVG damage by comparing clinical data and ultrasound images with microscopic morphological findings obtained from explanted grafts.

Materials and methods:

This study is conducted at a single center. We included all patients who underwent AVG creation between 2011 and 2019. Comprehensive data on clinical history, follow-up, and complications were collected and reviewed. Duplex ultrasound (DUS) characteristics were documented, and all grafts explanted during the analysis period underwent optical microscopy evaluation. Finally, clinical data, along with DUS and microscopic findings, were integrated to derive a damage classification.

Results:

During the study period, 247 patients underwent 334 early cannulation AVGs. The median follow-up duration was 714 days (IQR 392, 1195). One hundred eleven (33%) grafts were explanted. Clinical data and DUS findings were utilized to formulate a four-grade classification system indicating increasing damage.

Conclusion:

Cannulation damage alone does not solely account for AVG failure. It results from a biological host-mediated process that promotes the growth of intimal hyperplasia at the cannulation sites. This process is not clinically significant within the initial 2 years after AVG creation.
Analysis of CENP-B Boxes as Anchor of Kinetochores in Centromeres of Human Chromosomes
Authors: Parl Fritz F
Published: April 2024

The kinetochore is a multiprotein structure that attaches at one end to DNA in the centromere and at the other end to microtubules in the mitotic spindle. By connecting centromere and spindle, the kinetochore controls the migration of chromosomes during cell division. The exact position where the kinetochore assembles on each centromere was uncertain because large sections of centromeric DNA had not been sequenced due to highly repetitive alpha-satellite arrays. Embedded in the arrays is a 17 bp consensus sequence, the so-called CENP-B box, which binds the CENP-B protein, the only protein that binds directly to centromeric DNA. Recently, the Telomere-to-Telomere Consortium published the complete centromeric DNA sequences of all chromosomes including their epigenetic modifications in the T2T-CHM13 map. I used data from the T2T-CHM13 map to locate the CENP-B boxes in the centromeres as anchor of kinetochores. Most of the CENP-B boxes in centromeric DNA are methylated with the exception of the so-called centromere dip region (CDR), where CENP-B protein dimers bind to adjacent unmethylated CENP-B boxes and interact with CENP-A and CENP-C proteins to assemble the kinetochore. The centromeres of all chromosomes combined have a size of 407 Mb of which the kinetochores account for 5.0 Mb or 1.2%. There is no correlation between centromere and kinetochore size ( P = .77). While the number of CENP-B boxes varies 4-fold between chromosomes, their density (number/Kb) varies less than 2-fold with a mean of 2.61 ± 0.33. The narrow range ensures a uniform pull of the spindle on the centromeres. I illustrate the findings in a model of the human kinetochore anchored at unmethylated CENP-B boxes in the CDR and present circos plots of chromosomes to show the location of kinetochores in their respective centromeres.
An absolute shield: Qualified immunity, police misconduct and black lives matter
Authors: Brown Donathan , Onič Tomaž , Novak Sebastijan , Plemenitaš Katja
Published: April 2024

Before the global spotlight ascended upon nationwide efforts to codify into law that Black Lives Matter, specifically, police accountability against the use of excessive force against unarmed civilians, qualified immunity has silently flourished throughout America. Created to shield police officers and other government officials for the actions they engage on the job, this long-standing judicial doctrine continues to proliferate a culture of near-zero accountability when police officers engage in misconduct, which for communities of color, oftentimes results in deadly outcomes against unarmed civilians. This article will first revisit the development and legacy of qualified immunity, followed by analyzing its universal defense from police unions, then shifting to a data-rich illustration of disciplinary data highlighting the systemically designed outcomes of qualified immunity via the New York Police Department, before providing concluding thoughts. Ultimately, this article asserts that the retrogressive outcomes of police disciplinary inquiries, especially with respect to communities of color, is operating as designed, whereas efforts to review and revisit its structure and practices threaten a longstanding culture of disregard and near-zero accountability.
Impact of public health communication for prevention and personal resilience at the time of crisis. A pilot study with psychophysiological and self-report measures
Authors: Acconito Carlotta , Angioletti Laura , Balconi Michela
Published: April 2024

Health communication promotes public and individual health. Psychophysiological indices can unveil the unconscious emotional variables that influence audience’s representations of these communications. This study explored emotional and cognitive responses to health communications using implicit (psychophysiological) and explicit (self-report) measurements. Twelve communications (health prevention, personal health, public health, Covid-19) were shown to N = 19 participants, while psychophysiological (i.e. Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability (HRV), skin conductance level and response (SCL and SCR)) and self-report (Semantic Differential and Self-Assessment Mannikin (SAM)) data were collected. Higher arousal and physiological engagement (SCL) were observed for health prevention, public and personal health communications. Lower HRV values were found for health prevention compared to crisis communication (Covid-19 stimuli), suggesting higher emotional reactions and concern for the first topic. Self-report results confirmed psychophysiological findings. Overall, using public health communication activates objective indicators about emotional reactions that have important implications for the effectiveness of the communication itself.
Qualitative findings from a randomized trial of mindfulness-based and cognitive-behavioral group therapy for opioid-treated chronic low back pain
Authors: Horton David M , Woods David K , Garland Eric L , Edwards Robert R , Barrett Bruce , Zgierska Aleksandra E
Published: April 2024

This article reports qualitative outcomes from a randomized controlled trial comparing eight weeks of cognitive-behavioral group therapy for chronic pain (CBT-CP) and mindfulness-based group therapy (MBT) in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Approximately 10 months post-treatment, 108 participants completed structured qualitative interviews to express how the study treatment affected their life or health. Responses were qualitatively analyzed to generate a set of themes and subthemes, with between-groups comparisons to evaluate differences (if any) in treatment-response between MBT and CBT-CP. A majority of participants ( n = 88, 81.5%) across both groups reflected positively on the study intervention and outcomes, identifying benefits in pain management (31.5%), meditation and mindfulness skills (25.9%), and relaxation skills (22.2%). Perceived benefits varied widely, suggesting no one intervention may be ideal for CLBP. Future research should examine tailoring interventions to target diverse clinical presentations to achieve optimal outcomes.
Applying self-determination theory to internalized weight stigma and mental health correlates among young and middle adult women: A structural equation model
Authors: Leget Dakota L , LaCaille Lara J , Hooker Stephanie A , LaCaille Rick A , Lauritsen Matthew W
Published: April 2024

Limited research has explored the relationship between self-determination theory constructs (basic psychological needs, autonomous/controlled regulation) and internalized weight stigma (IWS). This cross-sectional, online study surveyed 480 U.S. women aged 18–40 between 2021 and 2022. We hypothesized that need frustration and controlled weight regulation would relate to higher IWS, which would be associated with dysfunctional eating, distress, and lower life satisfaction. Conversely, we predicted that need satisfaction, autonomous regulation, and body satisfaction would be associated with reduced IWS, dysfunctional eating and distress, and higher life satisfaction. Structural equation modeling demonstrated an acceptable model fit (CMIN/DF = 2.95, CFI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.06, SRMR = 0.07), accounting for 74% of IWS variance. Findings indicate the relevance of self-determination theory in understanding IWS, supporting a dual-process model whereby adverse and adaptive outcomes follow distinct pathways. Longitudinal studies are warranted to validate psychological needs and regulatory styles as mechanisms for IWS development and to assess generalizability across diverse populations.
The Neurodiversity Attitudes Questionnaire: Development and Initial Validation
Authors: Schuck Rachel K , Choi Sunghee , Baiden Kaitlynn MP , Dwyer Patrick , Uljarević Mirko
Published: April 2024

Neurodiversity refers to the idea that all brains—no matter their differences—are valuable and should be accepted. Attitudes toward the neurodiversity perspective can have real-life impacts on the lives of neurodivergent people, from effects on daily interactions to how professionals deliver services for neurodivergent individuals. In order to identify negative attitudes toward neurodiversity and potentially intervene to improve them, we first need to measure these attitudes. This article describes the development and initial validation of the Neurodiversity Attitudes Questionnaire (NDAQ), including item revision based on expert review, cognitive interviews, systematic evaluation of participants’ response process, and analysis of the instrument’s internal factor structure using exploratory structural equation modeling. Pilot analysis with 351 individuals mostly living in the United States who were currently working in or intending to pursue helping professions indicates that the NDAQ has construct validity, is well understood by participants, and fits a five-factor structure. While the NDAQ represents the first instrument designed to specifically assess attitudes toward the neurodiversity perspective, further validation work is still needed.

Lay Abstract

Neurodiversity refers to the idea that brain differences (including disabilities) are valuable and should be accepted. Attitudes toward neurodiversity can have real-life impacts on the lives of neurodivergent people (those whose brains do not fit society’s “standard”). These impacts can include effects on daily interactions, as well as how professionals such as teachers and doctors deliver services to neurodivergent people. In order to identify negative attitudes toward neurodiversity and potentially improve them, we first need to measure these attitudes. This article describes the development of the Neurodiversity Attitudes Questionnaire (NDAQ). NDAQ development included revision of questionnaire items based on feedback from experts and neurodivergent people, systematically evaluating the way participants responded to questionnaire items, and analysis of how the NDAQ items are grouped into different factors. A preliminary analysis with 351 individuals mostly living in the United States who were currently working or planning to work in a helping profession (e.g. doctors, teachers, therapists, and so on) indicates that the NDAQ measures attitudes toward neurodiversity, is well understood by participants, and fits a five-factor structure. While the NDAQ represents the first instrument designed to specifically assess attitudes toward the broad idea of neurodiversity, further work is still needed.
Handling racism in a radio phone-in programme: Telling it like it is
Authors: Xie Yarong , Durrheim Kevin
Published: April 2024

It is widely acknowledged that broadcast programmes are produced to serve the public’s interest. Presenting the programmes in a neutral and objective fashion, and engaging the audience in forming opinions, are common ways of achieving this. However, studies have suggested that there is a departure from these practices when the object of broadcast becomes societal problems such as racism. This case study examines how a presenter responds to a caller’s abuse in two live radio shows, and how she sets out a programme - and a new conversation - using her personal experience of racism/xenophobia. Using conversation analysis and discursive psychology, we studied the situated use of language and the actions being brought about. We found that the presenter assesses the caller’s abuse by rudeness on the spot, formulating the call as disruptive to an ongoing conversation. On the following day, the presenter revisits, and topicalises, this call as xenophobia and racism. Our analysis revealed that the presenter’s shift in evaluating this call is grounded in, and licensed by, her drawing on and cultivating a sympathetic listenership, characterising the call as race-driven, and formulating her personal experience as of public’s concern. Our findings spotlight the presenter’s orientation to her moral accountability in talking about racism, and the potential of broadcast in leading conversations on anti-racism.
Perception of maxillary incisor inclination and its correlation with dental cephalometric measurements
Authors: Palmares Sara , Caseiro Rui , Pereira Rui , Jardim Luís
Published: April 2024

Objective:

To correlate the clinical perception of maxillary incisor inclination from photographs of the smiling face with cephalometric measurements, using conventional incisor axis reference points and crown reference points.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Lisbon (Portugal).

Participants:

Eight orthodontists.

Methods:

The perception of maxillary incisor inclination of 47 female patients (mean age 23.4 ± 1.5 years) was evaluated by eight orthodontists. The participants’ photographs (smiling frontal, smiling three-quarter and smiling profile) were shown to each assessor and a continuous visual analogue rating scale was used to assess the perception of maxillary incisor inclination. Pearson’s correlation and linear regression were calculated between each cephalometric measurement and the perception of incisor inclination.

Results:

Anatomical crown inclination measurements U1ac-FH (r = 0.854; P < 0.01) and U1ac-SN (r = 0.845; P < 0.01) had the highest correlation values with the assessors’ perception of maxillary incisor inclination. Conventional incisor axis measurements showed the lowest correlation values (r = 0.668–0.756).

Conclusion:

Cephalometric measurements of the labial surface of the anatomical crown of the maxillary incisors showed the strongest correlations with the clinical perception of maxillary incisor inclination from photographs. For optimal aesthetics, the inclination of the labial surface of maxillary incisor crown should be evaluated.
Reconfiguring labour and welfare in the Global South: How the social question is framed as market participation
Authors: Nguyen Minh TN , Rydstrom Helle , Mao Jingyu
Published: April 2024

This special issue explores the intertwining reconfigurations of labour and welfare in the Global South by bringing together eight empirical studies of different national and transnational contexts and three commentaries. It asks how Global South people and states alike have come to prioritize market logics as guiding principles for welfare systems, moving away from collective risk-pooling towards individual responsibility, and how this reorientation is connected to the restructuring of labour. In this introduction to the special issue, we discuss the genealogies of the social question and review the growing academic discussion on the changing landscape of welfare in the Global South. We then underscore how the contemporary social question is predominantly framed in the terms of people’s capacity for market participation in the specific empirical contexts discussed by our authors. The framing of the social question as such, and the accompanying solutions to it, we argue, disregards politics, political economy and social justice at the cost of the more urgent social question that confronts the increasingly asymmetrical power relations between labour and capital.
Key driver analysis with relative weight analysis: A two-step approach
Authors: Garver Michael S. , Williams Zachary
Published: April 2024

Key driver analysis (statistically inferred importance analysis) is commonly implemented to understand what customer satisfaction attributes are most important in driving overall customer satisfaction. Building on prior research, this article suggests that dominance analysis and relative weight analysis are the most appropriate statistical techniques for conducting key driver analysis, yet relative weight analysis is the more feasible choice. A process is put forth so that research practitioners can conduct key driver analysis with relative weight analysis implementing a two-step approach. The two-step approach should be used when the key driver analysis contains a large number of attributes, which are theoretically redundant and highly correlated.
Experimental and numerical investigations on the acoustoelastic effect in hyperelastic waveguides
Authors: Barth Tilmann , Rauter Natalie , Lammering Rolf
Published: April 2024

Guided ultrasonic wave based structural health monitoring has been of interest over decades. However, the influence of prestress states on the propagation of Lamb waves in thin-walled structures is not fully covered yet. So far experimental work presented in the literature only focuses on a few individual frequencies, which does not allow a comprehensive verification of the numerous numerical investigations. Furthermore, most work is based on the strain-energy density function by Murnaghan. To validate the common modeling approach and to investigate the suitability of other nonlinear strain-energy density functions, an extensive experimental and numerical investigation covering a large frequency range is presented here. The numerical simulation comprises the use of the Neo-Hooke as well as the Murnaghan material model. It is found that these two material models show qualitatively similar results. Furthermore, the comparison with the experimental results reveals that the Neo-Hooke material model reproduces the effect of prestress on the difference in the Lamb wave phase velocity very well in most cases. For the [Formula: see text] wave mode at higher frequencies, however, the sign of this difference is only correctly predicted by the Murnaghan model. In contrast to this, the Murnaghan material model fails to predict the sign change for the [Formula: see text] wave mode.
Child-to-Parent Violence and Abuse: A Scoping Review
Authors: Rogers Michaela M. , Ashworth Charlotte
Published: April 2024

Child-to-parent violence and abuse (CPVA) is a pattern of behavior where a parent or carer is abused by a child they are caring for. The main body of work on CPVA is relatively recent and evolving at pace. This scoping review explores the characteristics of parents, carers, children, and young people in cases of CPVA, the characteristics of CPVA, and barriers to and facilitators of help-seeking in cases of CPVA. The scoping review did not exclude any studies on the basis of geographical location or date of the study. The databases Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Medline, and PubMed were searched in August 2023, along with hand searches of key journals. A total of 145 reports were included in the review, selected for their relevance to the scoping review questions. The main findings were: (a) the field of CPVA is rapidly growing, doubling in the last decade but with a predominance of quantitative studies; (b) there is no agreed universal definition; (c) children and young people with disabilities; who identify as trans or nonbinary gender, or who are adopted or fostered, are almost completely absent from the existing research; (d) there is very limited research focusing on protective factors or on help-seeking.