bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discursive framing and organizational venues: mechanisms of artificial intelligence policy adoption
Authors: af Malmborg Frans , Trondal Jarle
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this article is twofold: to theoretically assess ideational and organizational explanatory factors in the adoption of artificial intelligence policies; and to examine the extent to which the European Union has managed to facilitate a coordinated artificial intelligence policy in the Nordic countries. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach based on systematic web searching, systematic policy document analysis and key informant semi-structured interviews. The study finds that the European Union has utilized framing-based strategies to set an agenda for a coordinated European artificial intelligence policy. Moreover, the strategy has affected member-state artificial intelligence policies to the extent that key tenets of European Union artificial intelligence discourse have penetrated Nordic public documents. However, the extent to which the Nordic countries incorporate European Union artificial intelligence policy discourse diverges at the national level. Differentiated national organizational capacities among Nordic countries make the adoption of artificial intelligence policies divergent. This observation is theoretically accounted for through a conversation between organizational theory of public governance and discursive institutionalism. The study argues that the framing of European Union artificial intelligence policies is filtered through organizational structures among states.

Points for practitioners

The study illuminates how policymakers in the Nordic countries are affected by the European Union when crafting their own artificial intelligence policies. The European Commission profoundly influences the policymaking of member states and affiliated states through the policy strategy of policy framing. The Commission uses this soft measure to nudge member states to comply with the European Union policy framework. Second, the study shows how ‘organizations matter’: variation in national organizational capacities in the Nordic states contributes to variation in national policy adoption. Even though Nordic countries adopt European Union-level policy frames, their implementation is shaped by varying organizational capacities available at the national level.
COVID-19 and the calls of humanistic social work: Exploring the developmental-clinical social work concerns of the pandemic
Authors: Chigangaidze Robert K
Published: April 2021

Any health outbreak is beyond the biomedical approach. The COVID-19 pandemic exposes a calamitous need to address social inequalities prevalent in the global health community. Au fait with this, the impetus of this article is to explore the calls of humanistic social work in the face of the pandemic. It calls for the pursuit of social justice during the pandemic and after. It also calls for a holistic service provision, technological innovation and stewardship. Wrapping up, it challenges the global community to rethink their priorities – egotism or altruism. It emphasizes the ultimate way forward of addressing the social inequalities.
The effect of underwired and sports bras on breast shape, key anthropometric dimensions, and body armour comfort
Authors: Malbon Chris , Knock Clare , Critchley Richard , Carr Debra J
Published: April 2021

This study follows on previous research which investigated the comfort and types of bras worn by UK female police officers when wearing body armour and performing typical activities. This controlled study involved a cohort of 31 female police officers and investigated three main areas. Firstly the effect of professional bra fitting on size and comfort, secondly the effect of wearing an underwired bra or a sports bra on comfort and ability to perform certain actions, and thirdly the effect of an underwired bra and sports bra on key anthropometric data in relation to the fitting of body armour.
Adult and Child Visiting at Urban Jails: Perspectives on Visitation Experiences and Policies among Visitors and People in Jail
Authors: Siegel Jane A. , Napolitano Laura
Published: April 2021

Growth in the US incarcerated population over recent decades has brought a burgeoning body of research on parent-child visitations in correctional facilities. In contrast to this research, which has largely focused on prisons, this study reports survey results from over 900 visitors and incarcerated adults in an urban jail system. We center our attention on the commonality of children visiting jail incarcerated parents, the ways in which a jail system may facilitate or hamper the visitation process, and opinions on potential visiting policy modifications, including the use of video visiting. Implications for jail visitation policies are discussed.
Technology and Communication Considerations for Engaging Youth Receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Perspectives
Authors: Anderson Catherine A. , Brinck Emily A. , Trainor Audrey , Schlegelmilch Amanda , Roskowski Matthew , Hartman Ellie
Published: April 2021

Technology has been shown to enhance daily activities, increase participation in individualized planning and supports, and accommodate the transition needs of students with disabilities. This study examined the benefits and challenges regarding technology use when providing transition services for youth and families receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Specifically, it explored the nuances of employing technology to encourage engagement in Wisconsin Promoting the Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (WI PROMISE) services and foster communication between counselors and participants. This qualitative study used a constant comparative method for analyzing data collected through two focus groups of WI PROMISE counselors. Counselors identified technology as essential to maintaining contact with WI PROMISE participants as well as extant barriers including inconsistent access to the internet, financial expense, and insufficient training and support. Recommendations for using technology to communicate with transition-age youth and their families will be discussed.
Unique and abnormal subependymal pseudocysts in a newborn with mitochondrial disease
Authors: Sato Yuki , Aoki Ryoji , Nagano Nobuhiko , Takano Chika , Seimiya Ayako , Kato Ryota , Ogawa Erika , Ishige Mika , Okazaki Yasushi , Murayama Kei , Morioka Ichiro
Published: April 2021

Neonatal mitochondrial disease is occasionally observed in patients with intraventricular cysts in the brain. Atypical morphology is rarely seen in these cysts. Here, we report a case of neonatal lethal mitochondrial disease with IBA57 gene mutation. We have, for the first time, described a subependymal pseudocyst (SEPC) with a fluctuating membrane. Our findings suggest that SEPCs with fluctuating membranes can be a potential diagnostic indicator of neonatal mitochondrial disease.
Backflow effects on mass flow gain factor in a centrifugal pump
Authors: Kang Wenzhe , Zhou Lingjiu , Liu Dianhai , Wang Zhengwei
Published: April 2021

Previous researches has shown that inlet backflow may occur in a centrifugal pump when running at low-flow-rate conditions and have nonnegligible effects on cavitation behaviors (e.g. mass flow gain factor) and cavitation stability (e.g. cavitation surge). To analyze the influences of backflow in impeller inlet, comparative studies of cavitating flows are carried out for two typical centrifugal pumps. A series of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were carried out for the cavitating flows in two pumps, based on the RANS (Reynolds-Averaged Naiver-Stokes) solver with the turbulence model of k- ω shear stress transport and homogeneous multiphase model. The cavity volume in Pump A (with less reversed flow in impeller inlet) decreases with the decreasing of flow rate, while the cavity volume in Pump B (with obvious inlet backflow) reach the minimum values at δ = 0.1285 and then increase as the flow rate decreases. For Pump A, the mass flow gain factors are negative and the absolute values increase with the decrease of cavitation number for all calculation conditions. For Pump B, the mass flow gain factors are negative for most conditions but positive for some conditions with low flow rate coefficients and low cavitation numbers, reaching the minimum value at condition of σ = 0.151 for most cases. The development of backflow in impeller inlet is found to be the essential reason for the great differences. For Pump B, the strong shearing between backflow and main flow lead to the cavitation in inlet tube. The cavity volume in the impeller decreases while that in the inlet tube increases with the decreasing of flow rate, which make the total cavity volume reaches the minimum value at δ = 0.1285 and then the mass flow gain factor become positive. Through the transient calculations for cavitating flows in two pumps, low-frequency fluctuations of pressure and flow rate are found in Pump B at some off-designed conditions (e.g. δ = 0.107, σ = 0.195). The relations among inlet pressure, inlet flow rate, cavity volume, and backflow are analyzed in detail to understand the periodic evolution of low-frequency fluctuations. Backflow is found to be the main reason which cause the positive value of mass flow gain factor at low-flow-rate conditions. Through the transient simulations of cavitating flow, backflow is considered as an important aspect closely related to the hydraulic stability of cavitating pumping system.
Book review: Arup Maharatna, The Indian Metamorphosis: Essays on Its Enlightenment, Education and Society
Authors: Sinha Anindita
Published: April 2021

Arup Maharatna, The Indian Metamorphosis: Essays on Its Enlightenment, Education and Society. Singapore: Palgrave Macmillan, 2019, 226 pp., ₹5,381.
Book review: Veena Das, Textures of the Ordinary: Doing Anthropology After Wittgenstein
Authors: Chatterji Roma
Published: April 2021

Veena Das, Textures of the Ordinary: Doing Anthropology After Wittgenstein. New Delhi: Orient BlackSwan, 2020, 424 pp., ₹1,350 (hardback). ISBN: 978-93-90122-67-7.
Assessing Organizational Role and Perceptions of Programmatic Success in Policy Implementation
Authors: Smith Rebecca A. , Girth Amanda M. , Hutzel Margaret
Published: April 2021

This study utilizes the Strategic Action Field (SAF) framework as a lens to study implementation effectiveness of Ohio START, a multiactor and multilevel implementation process. We examine the extent to which perceptions of successes and challenges vary across organizational roles in county-level child welfare agencies during Ohio START implementation. Preliminary findings reveal that perceptions of implementation effectiveness differ based on organizational role.
State Failure and Successful Leadership in Medieval India
Authors: Syros Vasileios
Published: April 2021

State failure has been an enduring topic in the history of political thought. This article will revisit modern debates on the characteristics of state failure and the factors conducive to successful leadership by focusing on political ideas that evolved in fourteenth-century India. I will discuss two works with the same title, i.e., Tārīkh-i Fīrūz Shāhī ( The History of Fīrūz Shāh) of the distinguished historians of the Delhi Sultanate period Żiyā’ al-Dīn Baranī (ca. 1285–1357) and Shams Sirāj ‘Afīf (d. 1399) about Sultans Muḥammad b. Tughluq and (his successor) Fīrūz Shāh as instantiations of state failure and good governance, respectively. The deployment of the concept of state failure has often been construed as an effort to impose a political straitjacket; the examination of authors like Baranī and ‘Afīf demonstrates the value of reflecting on lessons from history and exploring how societies in the past evolved their own patterns of thinking about effective or failed leadership.
Dalit Women Panchayat Members in Haryana: Gender, Caste and Political Representation
Authors: Kumar Radhika
Published: April 2021

Drawing on the latest round of elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions in the state of Haryana in 2016, this article interrogates the substantial increase in the number of Dalit women representatives, based on fieldwork in a specific village. Since both Dalit and non-Dalit women present narratives of non-participation in the functioning of the village panchayat, it is argued that the increase in Dalit women representatives was not by design, but by default, due to an amendment of the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act 2015. Overall, in the studied village, women continue to remain marginalised in the local representative bodies, and gender-based quotas have only ensured numerical visibility of women.
Japanese environmental sociology: Focus and issues in three stages of development
Authors: Hasegawa Koichi
Published: April 2021

Japanese environmental sociology has developed many original perspectives, including the social structure of victims, the benefit versus victimized zone theory, and life environmentalism. Developments in the field can be divided into three stages. The first, to 2001, is characterized by the early organizing of environmental sociologists, including the establishment of the Japanese Association for Environmental Sociology (JAES), and its accompanying journal, and a focus on local environmental destruction case studies. The second, to 2011, is characterized by the institutionalization of the field, while the third was triggered by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The third stage is currently one of diversification and a crisis of academic identity.
Storied experiences of the Havelock North drinking water crisis: A case for a ‘narrative green victimology’
Authors: de Froideville Sarah Monod
Published: April 2021

The number of victims from environmental harm far exceeds that from everyday property and interpersonal crime, yet little is known about the experience of environmental victimisation. This paper makes a case for a narrative green victimology to advance scholarship about environmental victims, drawing on data from interviews with persons affected by a waterborne outbreak of campylobacter in the small town of Havelock North, New Zealand, in August 2016. Findings demonstrate that understandings of environmental harm are developed in narratives, with narratives. In particular, participants’ stories of harm and victimisation revealed fragments of larger, cultural narratives about sacrifice, nation-building, motherhood, and environmental purity, each of which affected their understanding of the impact of the outbreak on their autonomy as agentive persons. It is proposed that a narrative green victimology offers environmental victimology a platform upon which it can foot its frameworks.
Rodent models for nicotine withdrawal
Authors: Chellian Ranjithkumar , Behnood-Rod Azin , Bruijnzeel Dawn M , Wilson Ryann , Pandy Vijayapandi , Bruijnzeel Adriaan W
Published: April 2021

Background:

Animal models are critical to improve our understanding of the neuronal mechanisms underlying nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine dependence in rodents can be established by repeated nicotine injections, chronic nicotine infusion via osmotic minipumps, oral nicotine intake, tobacco smoke exposure, nicotine vapor exposure, and e-cigarette aerosol exposure. The time course of nicotine withdrawal symptoms associated with these methods has not been reviewed in the literature.

Aim:

The goal of this review is to discuss nicotine withdrawal symptoms associated with the cessation of nicotine, tobacco smoke, nicotine vapor, and e-cigarette aerosol exposure in rats and mice. Furthermore, age and sex differences in nicotine withdrawal symptoms are reviewed.

Results:

Cessation of nicotine, tobacco smoke, nicotine vapor, and e-cigarette aerosol exposure leads to nicotine withdrawal symptoms such as somatic withdrawal signs, changes in locomotor activity, anxiety- and depressive-like behavior, learning and memory deficits, attention deficits, hyperalgesia, and dysphoria. These withdrawal symptoms are most pronounced within the first week after cessation of nicotine exposure. Anxiety- and depressive-like behavior, and deficits in learning and memory may persist for several months. Adolescent (4–6 weeks old) rats and mice display fewer nicotine withdrawal symptoms than adults (>8 weeks old). In adult rats and mice, females show fewer nicotine withdrawal symptoms than males. The smoking cessation drugs bupropion and varenicline reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms in rodents.

Conclusion:

The nicotine withdrawal symptoms that are observed in rodents are similar to those observed in humans. Tobacco smoke and e-cigarette aerosol contain chemicals and added flavors that enhance the reinforcing properties of nicotine. Therefore, more valid animal models of tobacco and e-cigarette use need to be developed by using tobacco smoke and e-cigarette aerosol exposure methods to induce dependence.
Can pragmatic research, real-world data and digital technologies aid the development of psychedelic medicine?
Authors: Carhart-Harris Robin L , Wagner Anne C , Agrawal Manish , Kettner Hannes , Rosenbaum Jerold F , Gazzaley Adam , Nutt David J , Erritzoe David
Published: April 2021

Favourable regulatory assessments, liberal policy changes, new research centres and substantial commercial investment signal that psychedelic therapy is making a major comeback. Positive findings from modern trials are catalysing developments, but it is questionable whether current confirmatory trials are sufficient for advancing our understanding of safety and best practice. Here we suggest supplementing traditional confirmatory trials with pragmatic trials, real-world data initiatives and digital health solutions to better support the discovery of optimal and personalised treatment protocols and parameters. These recommendations are intended to help support the development of safe, effective and cost-efficient psychedelic therapy, which, given its history, is vulnerable to excesses of hype and regulation.
Assessment of the neuronal underpinnings of cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder with a picture encoding paradigm and methodological lessons learnt
Authors: Petersen JZ , Macoveanu J , Kjærstad HL , Knudsen GM , Kessing LV , Miskowiak KW
Published: April 2021

Background:

Mood disorders are often associated with persistent cognitive impairments. However, pro-cognitive treatments are essentially lacking. This is partially because of poor insight into the neurocircuitry abnormalities underlying these deficits and their change with illness progression.

Aims:

This functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study investigates the neuronal underpinnings of cognitive impairments and neuronal change after mood episodes in remitted patients with bipolar disorder (BD) using a hippocampus-based picture encoding paradigm.

Methods:

Remitted patients with BD ( n=153) and healthy controls ( n=52) were assessed with neuropsychological tests and underwent fMRI while performing a strategic picture encoding task. A subgroup of patients ( n=43) were rescanned after 16 months. We conducted data-driven hierarchical cluster analysis of patients’ neuropsychological data and compared encoding-related neuronal activity between the resulting neurocognitive subgroups. For patients with follow-up data, effects of mood episodes were assessed by comparing encoding-related neuronal activity change in BD patients with and without episode(s).

Results:

Two neurocognitive subgroups were revealed: 91 patients displayed cognitive impairments while 62 patients were cognitively normal. No neuronal activity differences were observed between neurocognitive subgroups within the dorsal cognitive control network or hippocampus. However, exploratory whole-brain analysis revealed lower activity within a small region of middle temporal gyrus in impaired patients, which significantly correlated with poorer neuropsychological performance. No changes were observed in encoding-related neuronal activity or picture recall accuracy with the occurrence of mood episode(s) during the follow-up period.

Conclusion:

Memory encoding fMRI paradigms may not capture the neuronal underpinnings of cognitive impairment or effects of mood episodes.
Accuracy of iodine quantification using dual-energy computed tomography with focus on low concentrations
Authors: Ahnfelt Anders , Dahlman Pär , Segelsjö Monica , Magnusson Mats O , Magnusson Anders
Published: April 2021

Background

Iodine quantification using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is helpful in characterizing, and follow-up after treatment of tumors. Some malignant masses, for instance papillary renal cell carcinomas (p-RCC), are hard to differentiate from benign lesions because of very low contrast enhancement. In these cases, iodine concentrations might be very low, and it is therefore important that iodine quantification is reliable even at low concentrations if this technique is used.

Purpose

To examine the accuracy of iodine quantification and to determine whether it is also accurate for low iodine concentrations.

Material and Methods

Twenty-six syringes with different iodine concentrations (0–30 mg I/mL) were scanned in a phantom model using a DECT scanner with two different kilovoltage and image reconstruction settings. Iodine concentrations were measured and compared to known concentration. Absolute and relative errors were calculated.

Results

For concentrations of 1 mg I/mL or higher, there was an excellent correlation between true and measured iodine concentrations for all settings (R = 0.999–1.000; P < 0.001). For concentrations <1.0 mg I/mL, the relative error was greater. Absolute and relative errors were smaller using tube voltages of 80/Sn140 kV than 100/Sn140 kV ( P < 0.01). Reconstructions using a 3.0-mm slice thickness had less variance between repeated acquisitions versus 0.6 mm ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Iodine quantification using DECT was in general very accurate, but for concentrations < 1.0 mg I/mL the technique was less reliable. Using a tube voltage with larger spectral separation was more accurate and the result was more reproducible using thicker image reconstructions.
Serum levels of cancer antigen 125 before hormone replacement therapy are not associated with clinical outcome of frozen embryo transfer in women with adenomyosis
Authors: Huang Ling , Li Yubin , Chen Minghui , Wang Zengyan , Zhou Canquan
Published: April 2021

Aim

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of serum cancer antigen 125 (CA125) levels before hormone replacement therapy on pregnancy outcomes in women with adenomyosis undergoing frozen embryo transfer.

Methods

A total of 509 women with adenomyosis were screened and 84 patients receiving a total of 114 cycles of frozen embryo transfer were included, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were divided into two groups based on their CA125 levels (≤ or >35 IU/mL) before hormone replacement therapy. The basic characteristics and main outcomes of the two groups were compared. Receiver operating characteristic curve and subgroup analyses were also conducted.

Results

There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes of frozen embryo transfer cycles in patients with different serum CA125 levels before hormone replacement therapy. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that CA125 levels before hormone replacement therapy were not predictive of clinical pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusions

Serum CA125 levels before hormone replacement therapy are not associated with the clinical outcomes of frozen embryo transfer among women with adenomyosis.
Malakoplakia in the Urinary Bladder of 4 Puppies
Authors: Davis Katelin L. , Cheng Liang , Ramos-Vara José , Sánchez Melissa D. , Wilkes Rebecca P. , Sola Mario F.
Published: April 2021

Malakoplakia in humans most often affects the urinary bladder and is characterized by inflammation with von Hansemann–type macrophages, with or without Michaelis-Gutmann bodies, and is frequently associated with Escherichia coli infection. We describe the microscopic features of malakoplakia in the urinary bladder of 4 puppies. In all cases, the lamina propria of the urinary bladder was markedly expanded by sheets of large, round to polygonal macrophages with intracytoplasmic, periodic acid-Schiff-positive granules and granular inclusions, and rare Prussian blue–positive inclusions. Macrophages were positive for CD18 and Iba1. In 2 cases, Michaelis-Gutmann bodies were detected with hematoxylin and eosin stain and were best demonstrated with von Kossa stain. E. coli infection was confirmed in 2 cases with bacterial culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Transmission electron microscopy of one case demonstrated macrophages with abundant lysosomes, phagolysosomes, and rod-shaped bacteria. Microscopic features were similar to human cases of malakoplakia. In dogs, the light microscopic characteristics of malakoplakia closely resemble granular cell tumors and histiocytic ulcerative colitis.
Value, Limitations, and Recommendations for Grading of Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors: A Consensus of the Oncology-Pathology Working Group
Authors: Berlato Davide , Bulman-Fleming Julie , Clifford Craig A. , Garrett Laura , Intile Joanne , Jones Pamela , Kamstock Debra A. , Liptak Julius M. , Pavuk Alana , Powell Roger , Rasotto Roberta
Published: April 2021

One of the primary objectives of the Oncology Pathology Working Group (OPWG), a joint initiative of the Veterinary Cancer Society and the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, is for oncologists and pathologists to collaboratively generate consensus documents to standardize aspects and provide guidelines for oncologic pathology. Consensus is established through review of relevant peer-reviewed literature relative to a subgroup’s particular focus. In this article, the authors provide a critical review of the current literature for grading of canine cutaneous mast cell tumors, suggest guidelines for reporting, and provide recommendations for its clinical interpretation. The article mainly focuses on histologic grading, but relevant information on mitotic count and cytological grading are also discussed. This document represents the opinions of the working group and the authors but does not constitute a formal endorsement by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists or the Veterinary Cancer Society.
Getting the crowd to care: Marketing illness through health-related crowdfunding in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Neuwelt-Kearns Caitlin , Baker Tom , Calder-Dawe Octavia , Bartos Ann E , Wardell Susan
Published: April 2021

Campaigns for personal health expenses make up the largest and fastest-growing segment of donation-based crowdfunding. Set against the backdrop of retrenchment and disinvestment in public healthcare systems across the global North, health-related crowdfunding is a way to navigate increasingly marketised systems of social reproduction. Despite high profile success stories, campaigns vary significantly in their ability to capture the hearts, and ultimately wallets, of donors. While existing analyses of online campaign pages offer some insight into the marketing of healthcare needs, far less is known about practices and experiences of crowdfunding platform users, including campaigners. Bringing literature on crowdfunding together with accounts of the marketisation of care, our paper asks: how do campaigners work to secure crowdfunded healthcare? Through the accounts of 15 people campaigning on behalf of family or friends in Aotearoa New Zealand, we show how attempts to appeal to donors depend on campaigners’ abilities to ‘market’ illness and need in ways that resonate with the crowd. We have two main foci. First, we examine the responsibility and responsibilisation of campaigners to engage and perform accountability to crowdfunders. Second, we show how campaigners mobilise recipients’ traits of deservingness and other culturally favoured personal qualities to appeal to the crowd's perceived predilections. In sum, the paper demonstrates how the use of crowdfunding is both necessitated by the marketisation of healthcare while simultaneously exerting its own form of market discipline.
Effects of Auditory Display Types and Acoustic Variables on Subjective Driver Assessment in a Rail Crossing Context
Authors: Nadri Chihab , Chan Lee Seul , Kekal Siddhant , Li Yinjia , Li Xuan , Lautala Pasi , Nelson David , Jeon Myounghoon
Published: April 2021

Highway-rail grade crossings (HRGCs) present multiple collision risks for motorists, suggesting the need for additional countermeasures to increase driver compliance. The use of in-vehicle auditory alerts (IVAAs) at HRGCs has been increasing, but there are limited standards or guidelines on how such alerts should be implemented. In the current study, we sought to investigate the effect of different auditory display variables, such as display type and acoustics, on subjective user assessments. We recruited 24 participants and asked them to rate 36 different IVAAs belonging to one of three display types (earcons—short synthetic tones, speech alerts, and hybrid alerts consisting of an earcon and speech) along 11 subjective ratings. Results showed that a hybrid alert led to better overall ratings for acceptance, safety, and semantic understanding when compared with earcon or speech alerts. Additional analyses revealed that semantic variables, such as speech order and gender, should be accounted for when designing IVAAs in an HRGC context. Hybrid IVAAs with spatial audio showed lower Urgency and Hazard level ratings. Findings of the current study can help inform the design of IVAAs for HRGCs.
Gender Differences in the Structure of Holland’s Personality Model in South Korea
Authors: Lee Donghyuck , Lee Hang-Shim , Na Wooyoul , Hwang Mae Hyang
Published: April 2021

This study examined the structure of Holland’s personality model (HPM) among male and female South Korean college students using the Korean version of the Self-Directed Search (K-SDS) and investigated gender differences in the circular structure of HPM and circular plots of the K-SDS subscales (i.e., activities, competences, vocations, and self-estimates). The study outcomes were as follows: Our findings supported the validity of HPM among Korean college freshmen. However, there were gender differences in the fit between the data and the circular ordering model. Also, the differences in the realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional (RIASEC) circular plots and the magnitude of the correlations among the RIASEC types across the four subscales and gender were found. These results suggest that practitioners should cautiously interpret and communicate the results of the SDS to college students considering cultural and gender specificity. Implications and limitations of the present research are discussed.
Acceptability of blood-based HIV self-testing among adolescents aged 15–19 years at risk of HIV acquisition in Bangkok
Authors: Phongphiew Pongpak , Songtaweesin Wipaporn N , Paiboon Nantika , Phiphatkhunarnon Panyaphon , Srimuan Patchareeyawan , Sowaprux Teaka , Wongharn Prissana , Moonwong Juthamanee , Kawichai Surinda , Puthanakit Thanyawee
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and young transgender women (YTGW) in Thailand are at high HIV risk. HIV self-tests (HIVSTs) are rapidly administrable and prompt linkage to HIV treatment or prevention services. This study assesses the acceptability and feasibility of blood-based HIVST use in adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among YMSM and YTGW aged 15–19 years with HIV acquisition risk. Participants completed questionnaires on the HIVST and then administered INSTI® independently, an HIVST immunoassay detecting gp41 and gp36 antibodies from finger-stick blood. Confirmatory HIV antibody tests were performed. Results: Between July and September 2020, 90 adolescents were enrolled. Mean (SD) age was 17.6 (1.1) years. Half ( N = 45) were YMSM. Forty-six (51%) were first-time HIV testers, and 32 (36%) had “ever used” HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Two (2.2%, 95% CI: 0.0–5.3) tested positive, 21 (23.4%) invalid, and 67 (74.4%) negative. Invalidity causes included 17 (81%) insufficient blood, 3 (14%) buffer spillage, and 1 (5%) procedural missteps; all had negative HIV antibody tests. HIV self-test acceptability was 87.8% (95% CI: 81.0–94.5). Most (79%) preferred HIVST performance in hospital rather than at home. Conclusions: HIVSTs are acceptable in HIV at-risk adolescents. Blood-based HIVSTs should be positioned as rapid point-of-care tests with real-time linkage to HIV services.
SK2 channel deletion reduces susceptibility to bupivacaine-induced cardiotoxicity in mouse
Authors: Chen H , Jin Z , Fu Z , Xia F
Published: April 2021

Bupivacaine is frequently used for regional anesthesia and postoperative analgesia. However, an inadvertent intravenous injection can cause severe cardiotoxicity, manifesting as arrhythmia, hypotension, and even cardiac asystole. The mechanism of bupivacaine-mediated cardiotoxicity remains unclear. SK2 knockout mice (SK) and wild-type mice (WT) were divided into four groups, with 12 mice per group. We determined the difference in bupivacaine cardiotoxicity between SK2 knockout and WT mice by measuring the time to the first arrhythmia (Tarrhythmia) and the time to asystole (Tasystole). Secondary indicators of cardiotoxicity were the time from the beginning of bupivacaine infusion to 20% prolongation of the QT interval (TQT) and the time to 20% widening of the QRS complex (TQRS). Tarrhythmia and Tasystole were significantly longer in the SK-bupi group than in the WT-bupi group (both P < 0.05). TQT and TQRS were longer in the SK-bupi group than in the WT-bupi group (all P < 0.05). The time to 25%, 50%, and 75% reduction in HR in the SK-bupi group was significantly longer than in the WT-bupi group (all P < 0.05). Knocking out the SK2 channel can reduce bupivacaine-induced cardiotoxicity in the mouse.
‘Your duplicitous point of view’: Delayed revelations of hypothetical focalisation in Ian McEwan’s Atonement and Sweet Tooth
Authors: Adam Naomi
Published: April 2021

Framed by cognitive-poetic and possible worlds theories, this article explores two 21st century novels by the British postmodernist author Ian McEwan. Building upon Ryan’s (1991) seminal conceptualisation of the theory in relation to literature and using the novels as case studies, possible worlds theory is used to explain the unique and destabilising stylistic effects at play in the texts, which result in a ‘duplicitous point of view’ and consequent disorientation for the reader. With reference to the stylistically deviant texts of McEwan, it is argued that revisions to current theoretical frameworks are warranted. Most significantly, the concepts of suppositious text-possible worlds and (total) frame readjustment are introduced. Further to this, neuropsychiatric research is applied to the novels, highlighting the potential for interdisciplinary overlap in the study of narrative focalisation. It is concluded that the duplicity integral to both novels’ themes and texture is effected through artful use of hypothetical focalisation and suppositious text-possible worlds.
Melt rheological behaviour of high-density polyethylene/montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Singh Vishwa Pratap , Kumar Ravi , Ashwith  , Singh Priyanka , Samanta Satyajit , Banerjee Saikat
Published: April 2021

The present study explains the preparation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-based nanocomposites containing different amounts of montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay (1–10 wt%). These nanocomposites were obtained by melt blending in a co-rotating twin screw extruder in absence and presence of a compatibiliser (HDPE-g-MA). The melt rheological behaviour of HDPE/MMT nanocomposites has been investigated by using capillary rheometer at 190°C, 200°C and 210°C over the shear rate range of 50–1000 s−1. The melt viscosity of HDPE increased marginally at 10 wt% filler loading while addition of compatibiliser to HDPE/MMT composites did not show any significant effect on viscosity. All nanocomposites showed shear thinning and non-Newtonian flow behaviour. The power law index reduced with increase in MMT concentration and increased with increase in temperature while opposite trend was observed for the consistency index. The activation energy was highest for the nanocomposites containing 10 wt% MMT and decreased upon addition of coupling agent.
Impact of Equity Investment Intention Towards Behaviour: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Srivastava Shelly , Roy Supriyo
Published: April 2021

Investments made by investors contribute to both inflow and outflow of funds in the capital market. Investment decision making is complex due to its uncertain behaviour. In literature, there is evidence of a gap between intention and behaviour among other aspects of human behaviour like consumer buying behaviour. Therefore, this study explores the intention–behaviour gap in investment behaviour of retail investors by examining the effect of two moderators, namely risk propensity (RP) and opinion of stakeholders (OPI). The present study also focuses on identifying financial and non-financial factors influencing equity investment intention (EII) and measures its impact on equity investment behaviour (EIB). A model is, thus, conceptualized and hypotheses have been developed accordingly. For validation of the model, a set of primary data of retail investors is collected (through questionnaire framing) and the hypotheses are tested by using advanced statistical techniques, namely structural equation modelling. The outcomes of this study signify the impact of EII that catapults behavioural approach in investment decision making for any potential investor in the near future.
The Role of Social Relationships in Learning from Job Rotations
Authors: Boyi Victor , Carvalho Sheldon , Carvalho Fallan Kirby , Carvalho Charles
Published: April 2021

Job rotations help enhance and broaden employees’ knowledge of the organization’s business and, hence, can be useful in succession planning. In this article, we delineate how rotating employees’ social relationships could play an antithetical role, that is, it may foster while, at the same time, may also hinder their learning. Specifically, we argue that developing good relationships with leaders is likely to facilitate rotating employees’ learning from job rotations. Conversely, spending time and effort in cultivating good relationships with team members is likely to undermine learning. Therefore, we recommend that organizations must take necessary actions in helping rotating employees develop and maintain relationships with their leaders than lateral relationships with team members.
Differential Education Subsidy Policy and Wage Inequality Between Skilled, Semi-skilled and Unskilled Labour: A General Equilibrium Approach
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Ujjaini
Published: April 2021

The article investigates the effects of secondary (including vocational) and higher-education subsidies on wage inequalities between skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers, and unemployment in a small open developing economy in terms of a two-sector Harris–Todaro dynamic general equilibrium framework. The results show that skilled–unskilled and skilled–semi-skilled wage inequalities depend on factor intensity conditions, while semi-skilled–unskilled wage inequality is determined by the level of skill formation in the economy. There is a trade-off between the wage inequalities of skilled–semi-skilled and semi-skilled–unskilled workers due to secondary education subsidy; the trade-off also exists with respect to higher-education subsidy if the manufacturing sector is more skilled labour intensive. However, if the manufacturing sector is capital intensive, higher-education subsidy is detrimental for both types of wage inequalities in the initial years of skill formation but might have favourable effects when the skill endowment is high. Both types of subsidies reduce unemployment in the initial periods, but higher-education subsidy accentuates it when skilled labour supply expands in the economy.
Response of Poverty Pockets to the Right-based Demand-driven MGNREGA Programme
Authors: Kumar Sanjiv , Madheswaran S. , Vani B. P.
Published: April 2021

Forerunning programmes of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which were designed as poverty elimination programmes, took notice of geographical pockets of poverty and incorporated formula-based fund allocation mechanisms to poorer states and regions. The MGNREGA programme, in contrast, used a right-based ‘self-selection’ approach— relying on the initiative of households’ demand-driven strengths—to allocate need-based resources to states and regions within states. This article examines how well the demand-driven, right-based programme with self-selection allocated resources to states and regions according to their respective needs, and to what extent the benefits reached the poverty pockets and catered to the poorest, weakest and neediest households. We find that adequate resources did not reach the poorest states and regions, substantial numbers of poor households remained outside the programme or were deemed underserved, and there was a pronounced programme capture by elite states. The article explores causes and consequences of capacity limitations and low absorption pulls among states, and points to policy implications and ways forward.
Are Banks in India Diversified Enough, Geographically, Across States and Economic Sectors?
Authors: Reddy Kalluru Siva
Published: April 2021

This article, the first of its kind for the Indian economy, constructs lending environment portfolios of economic activities that banks in India have been faced with, for four Indian banking groups based on the extent of their operations in terms of their deposit shares in each state and the lending-portfolio mix of economic activities in those states. For empirical analysis, data on seven components of gross domestic product and state gross domestic product for 29 states from 1980–1981 to 2016–2017 were taken. The results reveal that the portfolio variances (risk) of the bank groups have declined in the last three decades. Compared to domestic private banks, the State Bank of India group and nationalised banks seem to have significantly reduced their environmental portfolio variability. Simulations to grasp the reasons for this geographic risk reduction show that structural economic reforms introduced in the early 1990s seem to have contributed more than changes in the banking structure in reducing the portfolio risk of banks.
Brillio Technologies and ‘Bringing Smiles’
Authors: Paluri Achuta Ratna , Sonwaney Vandana
Published: April 2021

Firms are under constant pressure to minimize negative externalities and increase positive externalities. These pressures are translating into the corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities by firms. CSR is emerging as a widespread business activity, and firms are undertaking CSR voluntarily. This case provides a brief discussion of the scenario of CSR in India. It goes on to discuss the educational activities undertaken by firms under their CSR programmes.

Brillio Technologies is one such company that has adopted CSR voluntarily, from the very first year of operations, in 2015. CSR actions of Brillio go beyond the legal requirements as it achieved remarkable results in community engagement and employee engagement. CSR activities of companies are internal to the organization, such as reducing and recycling waste, or external to the organization, such as reducing its carbon footprint. While Brillio undertook numerous internal activities, its focus was on external activities through its flagship programme ‘Bringing Smiles’. The programme successfully reached 100,000 underserved students through STEM education by 2020—the company partnered with NGOs and schools to achieve its social goals. Participants need to evaluate the existing programme and strategize for achieving the goals. They are posed with three choices: (a) increase employee volunteering hours, (b) partner with more NGOs and (c) recommend a foundation for taking up CSR activities. These strategies could be a huge drain on the resources, hence there is need for a cost-benefit analysis of the alternatives.
What does the Data Tell Us About Dominatarian Theory of Regional Integration?
Authors: Onditi Francis
Published: April 2021

This article contests that the classical regional integration theoretical frameworks are too broad to bring out conceptual clarity and explain the emerging interstate tensions. The paper identifies two specific indicators that together can explain the dynamics: economic domination and institutional (interest groups) domination. It evaluates the applicability of the Onditi’s dominatarian theory by constructing an alternative thinking framework— regional trade dominance (RTD), to explain the dynamics of the regional integration based on trade data from the East African Community (EAC) Development Strategy, 2016–2021. The paper addresses this conceptual-policy lacuna by demonstrating how Kenya’s economic performance and institutional (interest groups) leverages have sustained its dominant interest, leading to interstate cynicism and mistrust. The persistent mistrust driven by the perceived asymmetric power balance among the EAC Partner States points to the importance of framing the debate in a way that constructs the outcome of the regional integration to accommodate both powerful states and those perceived weak. In this case, the RTD analytical framework, offers the option for constructing the outcome of a regional integration, either as a noun, dominance or as an act of domination.
Identifying songs from their piano-driven opening chords
Authors: Jimenez Ivan , Kuusi Tuire , Czedik-Eysenberg Isabella , Reuter Christoph
Published: April 2021

It is currently believed that timbre plays a primary role in the identification of songs from very brief excerpts of music. However, its specific contribution, and those of other characteristics of the music, remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the contributions of timbre and chord type, voicing, and duration to participants’ ability to identify songs from their opening chords, played on the piano alone or on the piano and one other instrument. Ninety-three participants were asked to identify 20 songs from their opening chords. They were also asked to estimate the similarity between pairs of chords. We evaluated the contribution of 10 characteristics of chords to song identification rates, including brightness, pitch register, and duration, because of their high perceptual salience, and others chosen on the basis of theoretical predictions relating to auditory long-term memory. Song identification rates were associated with the chords’ brightness, familiarity and, to a lesser extent, pitch register, but not participants’ musical background. The results of the study suggest that listeners with and without musical training can identify songs from their opening chords, cued by both their timbral and non-timbral characteristics.