bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Regression Discontinuity Designs with a Binary Moderating Variable
Authors: Schoeneberger Jason A. , Rhoads Christopher
Published: August 2024

Regression discontinuity (RD) designs are increasingly used for causal evaluations. However, the literature contains little guidance for conducting a moderation analysis within an RDD context. The current article focuses on moderation with a single binary variable. A simulation study compares: (1) different bandwidth selectors and (2) local polynomial regressions with interactions to local regressions on subsets of the data defined by values of the moderating variable. We find that existing bandwidth selectors optimized for main effects will choose bandwidths that are too small for moderation analysis. Additionally, choosing an optimal bandwidth for the subset regression approach may not be feasible for small to moderate sample sizes unless the moderator prevalence is near 0.5 and correlation with the assignment variable is small. We conclude that when sample sizes are small a global regression approach is likely to be preferred to utilizing bandwidth selectors optimized for main effects.
Tilt and decentration of the crystalline lens in ultra-high myopia with cataract and its influencing factors: A study based on CASIA2’
Authors: Zhao Hui-Ying , Zhang Jing-Shang , Li Meng , Chen Dong-Jun , Yang Xi , Wan Xiu-Hua
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study aims to examine the characteristics and influencing factors of crystalline lens tilt and decentration in ultra-high myopic cataract patients, as measured by the CASIA2.

Methods and Analysis

60 eyes scheduled for cataract surgery with an axial length (AL) ≥ 28 mm were included. The IOLMaster700 was utilized to measure AL and the white-to-white (WTW) distance. The CASIA2 was employed to measure front curvature radius (FCR), crystalline lens tilt, and crystalline lens decentration. The relationships between lens tilt, decentration, and related factors were evaluated.

Results

The degree of lens tilt was 4.62 ± 2.44°, and the decentration was 0.20 (Q1 0.13, Q3 0.28) mm. Among the 60 eyes, 11 (18.3%) had a tilt ≥7°, and 6 (10%) had a decentratiolens tilt ≥7° ( P = 0.038, P = 0.018). Eyes with AL >30.00 mm and FCR <8.45 mm had a higher degree of lens tilt. Additionally, a tilt ≥7° was associated with a greater decentration ( P = 0.032), n.

Conclusion

Preoperative crystalline lenses in eyes with ultra-high myopia and cataract exhibit certain degrees of tilt and decentration. An AL >30 mm is a risk factor for a lens tilt ≥7° and an decentration ≥0.4 mm. An FCR <8.45 mm is a risk factor for increased lens tilt, and a tilt ≥7° is a risk factor for increased lens decentrati ≥ 0.4 mm. An increase in AL and FCR <8.45 mm were risk factors for a and eyes with AL >30.00 mm had a higher degree of decentration ( P = 0.005).
An arteriovenous fistula model: Carotid artery-posterior facial vein fistula in rats
Authors: Cui Tianjiao , Lin Jiawen , Zhong Ming , Hong Ling , Lei Lei , Lu Yongping , Huang Mingcheng , Zheng Zhihua
Published: August 2024

Objective:

To describe an alternative arteriovenous fistula (AVF) model involving anastomosis of the common carotid artery (CCA) with the posterior facial vein (PFV).

Methods:

Twenty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats (age 6–8 weeks) were used to establish the AVF model involving end-to-side anastomosis of PFV and CCA. The peak velocity of the CCA and the diameter of the outflow vein were recorded at 7, 14, and 42 days after the operation using Doppler ultrasound. Pathological examination of the intimal lesions was performed at 14 and 42 days after operation.

Results:

One rat died within 24 h after surgery related to anesthesia. The patency rates at days 7, 14, and 42 were 85.7%, 81%, and 81%, respectively. The diameter of the carotid artery in rats is approximately 0.8 mm. The diameter of the outflow vein was increased by 1.7-fold and 2.2-fold at 7 days (1.1 ± 0.118 mm) and 14 days (1.4 ± 0.073 mm). At 42 days (1.96 ± 0.101 mm) after operation, the diameter was 3-fold greater compared to the unoperated control rat. The peak systolic flow velocity of the carotid artery at 7 days (593 ± 17.36 mm/s) and 14 days (767 ± 13.64 mm/s) after surgery was significantly greater compared to the control rat (314 ± 15.13 mm/s). The rate of increase was fastest at 7 days and leveled off from 14 to 42 days (875 ± 26 mm/s) after surgery. At 14 days, the intima area showed a nearly 50-fold increase (230 ± 9.93 μm2 × 103) compared to control (area 5 ± 0.37 μm2 × 103). Comparing 6 weeks with 2 weeks (280 ± 10.54 μm2 × 103) after surgery, the intima area increased 1.2 times.

Conclusion:

The CCA-PFV fistula in rats is a viable alternative AVF model.
A narrative review on tip navigation and tip location of central venous access devices in the neonate: Intracavitary ECG or real time ultrasound?
Authors: Natile Miria , Ancora Gina , D’Andrea Vito , Pittiruti Mauro , Barone Giovanni
Published: August 2024

The proper location of the tip of a central venous access device plays a crucial role in minimizing the risks potentially associated with its use. Recent guidelines strongly recommend preferring real-time, intra-procedural methods of tip location since they are more accurate, more reliable and more cost-effective than post-procedural methods. Intracavitary electrocardiography and real time ultrasound can both be applied in the neonatal setting, but they offer different advantages or disadvantages depending on the type of central venous access device. Reviewing the evidence currently available about the use of these two methods in neonates, in terms of applicability, feasibility and accuracy, it can be concluded that (a) real time ultrasound is the only acceptable methodology for tip navigation for any central venous access device in neonates, (b) intracavitary electrocardiography is the preferred method of tip location for central catheters inserted by ultrasound-guided cannulation of the internal jugular vein or the brachiocephalic vein, and (c) real time ultrasound is the preferred method of tip location for umbilical venous catheters, epicutaneo-cava catheters, and central catheters inserted by ultrasound-guided cannulation of the common femoral vein.
Central venous catheter-related thrombosis in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Annetta Maria Giuseppina , Barbato Giulia , Pisciaroli Erika , Marche Bruno , Sabatelli Mario , Pittiruti Mauro
Published: August 2024

Background:

Central venous catheterization may be required in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for parenteral nutrition, antibiotic treatment, or blood sampling. Different venous access devices can be taken into consideration—centrally inserted central catheters (CICC), peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC), and femorally inserted central catheters (FICCs)—depending on the clinical conditions of the patients. Regardless of the type of access, the presence of paraplegia or tetraplegia is commonly considered a risk factor for catheter-related thrombosis (CRT).

Method:

This retrospective study analyzes the rate of CRT and other non-infectious complications associated with central venous access in a cohort of 115 patients with paraplegia or tetraplegia, most of them affected by ALS ( n = 109).

Results:

In a period of 34 months, from January 2021 to October 2023, we inserted 75 FICCs, 29 CICCs, and 11 PICCs. PICCs were inserted only in patients with preserved motility of the upper limbs. All devices were inserted by trained operators adopting appropriate insertion bundles. We had no immediate or early complication. Though antithrombotic prophylaxis was adopted only in 61.7% of patients, we had no symptomatic CRT. Other non-infectious complications were infrequent (4 out of 115 patients).

Conclusion:

These results suggest (a) that the presence of paraplegia or tetraplegia is not necessarily associated with an increased risk of CRT, (b) that the adoption of well-designed insertion bundles plays a key role in minimizing non-infectious complications, and (c) that the insertion of FICCs by direct cannulation of the superficial femoral vein at mid-thigh in paraplegic/tetraplegic patients may have the same advantages which have been described in the general population.
Chief Robert Henry Clarence: the last hereditary chief of the Mosquito Reservation
Authors: Baracco Luciano
Published: August 2024

This article presents a biography of Chief Robert Henry Clarence, the last Hereditary Chief of the Mosquito Reservation— a historical territory formerly located on Nicaragua’s Caribbean Coast. In 1894, the reservation was militarily incorporated into Nicaragua. The following account shines a light on the Mosquito (the largest Indigenous tribe living in Mosquitia—an historical territory on Central America’s Caribbean Coast, stretching from Honduras to the northern parts of Coast Rica—who have been referred to as the Miskitu since the mid-20th century) perspective of the incorporation. This article draws on Foreign Office files (1894–1907) held by the National Archives in London, which contain correspondence from Chief Clarence and other Mosquito leaders. By focusing on a figure who has been obscured in the historiography on the reservation, the evidence produces a narrative of Mosquito political consciousness which contrasts with the disparaging depictions contained in British and North America diplomatic correspondence.
Tikanga and New Zealand political parties—heading in the “right” direction? case study—2020 General Election
Authors: Te One Annie , Caird Clair
Published: August 2024

This article examines references to tikanga Māori (Māori (the Indigenous Peoples of New Zealand) values) by New Zealand political parties. The article grounds itself in some of the wider debates relating to the incorporation and application of tikanga, Māori values, across New Zealand in both legal and political contexts, with particular review of legislative references. An analysis of New Zealand political party policies and constitutions from the 2020 General election showed that over half of the political parties who campaigned made some reference to tikanga, but there was great variation in how tikanga was interpreted. This article assesses some of the opportunities and complexities of New Zealand political party engagement with tikanga Māori.
A contingency-oriented discussion of complexity in programme theories
Authors: Chapman Sarah , Dahler-Larsen Peter
Published: August 2024

Theory-based evaluation has undergone changes over time, adapting to challenges and aligning with trends that emphasise increased participation and complexity. However, integrating both high participation and complexity in programme theory does not consistently lead to productive outcomes in intricate systems. This article introduces contingency-oriented questions to assess the appropriate balance of complexity and participation in theory-based evaluation. Using a case study focused on the Accelerating Achievement for Adolescents Hub, a Global Challenges Research Fund initiative, we demonstrate the practical application of these questions. Our analysis highlights why efforts to elaborate a more complex programme theory were unsuccessful and explains the rationale behind concluding the project with a theory characterised by more moderate complexity and participation.
How celebrity-endorsed travel livestreaming triggers impulsive buying? The role of trust and positive emotions
Authors: Al-Romeedy Bassam Samir , Zaki Heba Salah
Published: August 2024

Although impulsive buying (IB) has spread because of livestreaming, current knowledge on this topic is still relatively rare. Therefore, to understand the underlying mechanisms beyond this relationship, this study aims to investigate the effect of celebrity-endorsed travel livestreaming (CETLS) on consumers’ IB. Further, it explores the mediating roles of positive emotions (PEs) and trust (TS). Data were collected from members of travel groups on social media networks. PLS-SEM analysis of 584 valid responses was employed. The findings showed that CETLS significantly and positively affects consumers’ PEs, TS, and IB. Moreover, the findings depicted that PEs and TS mediates the link between CETLS and IB. This study provides a valuable perspective to explore tourists’ IB through CETLS. Further, it also advances knowledge of tourists’ IB by investigating the mediating role of PEs and TS.
Assessing the well-being of partners of people found guilty of perpetrating genocide in Rwanda
Authors: Nyseth Nzitatira Hollie , Schmeer Kammi K. , Frizzell Laura C. , Ndushabandi Eric
Published: August 2024

This article draws upon 89 in-person surveys with Rwandan women (ages 26–75) whose partners were incarcerated for genocide and examines how these women explain participation in the violence. We first engage in exploratory factor analysis of reasons cited for perpetrating genocide, which reveals (1) a factor comprised of internal reasons for participation, including greed and hatred; (2) a factor of external reasons, such as peer pressure or coercion, and (3) a factor driven by alcohol use. Next, we analyze how these factors are associated with the women’s psychosocial wellbeing as measured by the World Health Organization’s Self-Reporting Questionnaire. This quantitative analysis finds that, net of relevant control variables, accounts of participation in genocide that emphasize external reasons for participation are associated with better psychosocial wellbeing, while accounts of participation that emphasize internal reasons are associated with worse psychosocial wellbeing. We conclude by addressing the link between explanations for actions and wellbeing.
The interplay of task repetition and task rehearsal in L2 written production across varied proficiency levels
Authors: Tabari Mahmoud Abdi , Golparvar Seyyed Ehsan
Published: August 2024

Task repetition and task rehearsal are often considered synonymous within the task-based language teaching (TBLT) domain. However, they are conceptually different, emphasizing their pivotal role in shaping participants’ awareness of imminent repetitions and influencing second language (L2) task performance. Despite scarce empirical exploration into differentiating task repetition and task rehearsal in L2 writing across proficiency levels, this study investigates the impact of task repetition on syntactic complexity, accuracy, lexical complexity, and fluency (CALF) in L2 written production. The study also assesses whether distinct task conditions affect CALF development in argumentative writing across proficiency levels. A total of 180 English as a second language (ESL) participants were recruited from six academic writing classes at varying proficiency levels: two from lower-level ( n = 60), two from mid-level ( n = 60), and two from higher-level ( n = 60). Half of the participants ( n = 90) performed the argumentative task and repeated it without prior knowledge of their future performance (task repetition). The other half engaged in the writing task and repeated it with awareness of the impending repetition of their future performance at a one-week interval. Results indicated that repeating the task, regardless of the forewarning condition, significantly improved all CALF measures. Additionally, significant differences in linguistic indices were observed across proficiency groups. However, forewarning of future task performance did not yield any significant effect on CALF progression, and progress in CALF did not show significant differences across proficiency levels. These findings have implications for TBLT researchers and L2 writing practitioners, informing the design and implementation of language fteaching strategies in diverse proficiency contexts.
Distressed: Migrant underworlds and travels in hyporeality
Authors: Lucht Hans
Published: August 2024

Based on fieldwork among Ghanaian labor migrants in Italy, this article explores the experiential reality of migrant underworlds in contrast to Baudrillard's still topical, but ultimately flawed, notion of hyperreality. To West African migrants, reality is not disintegrating and being substituted with codes and simulation, as Baudrillard would have it. Rather, these migrants are shackled by an excess of relentless reality. Consumed by the demands of this moment and the next, migrants increasingly inhabit hyporeal worlds where distances grow, obstacles become insurmountable, and the waiting becomes endless. Yet, these migrant underworlds are intimately linked to the privileged and hyperreal world of play and consumption through the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and the gadgets we use. The pervasiveness of precarious migrant work situations and the normalization of suffering is not an accident or an aberration but the logical underside of the globalized market economy. Living and working in hyporeality, a widespread and mundane experience, this article argues, has certain implications for migrants’ sense of time, space, and agency.
The organisation for economic co-operation and development's international early learning and child well-being study: Here we go again!
Authors: Moss Peter , Urban Mathias
Published: August 2024

This colloquium brings information about a second cycle of OECD's International Early Learning and Well-being Study (IELS) to the early childhood community, and offers a further critique of the approach to comparative research that the IELS embodies.
Interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties in diffusion bonded Inconel 718 to austenitic stainless-steel joints
Authors: Khan Salman , Junaid Massab , Shehbaz Tauheed , Abo El-Nasr Al-Badrawy , Ali Hafiz T , Zaman Uzair Khaleeq Uz
Published: August 2024

Diffusion bonding (DB) of Inconel (IN718) with Austenitic Stainless Steel (SS-304L) was conducted by varying the bonding temperatures and times at 5 MPa of pressure under vacuum. The optimized joint interface was evaluated for its mechanical, nanomechanical, microstructural, and compositional analyses using shear and Vickers hardness tests, optical and scanning electron microscopy (OM & SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and nanoindentation. The results showed that the optimized bonding parameters for achieving a stable joint interface were 950 °C for 90 min of holding time. It was observed that the joint interface was comprised of NbC, Cr23C7, Fe2Nb, and δ-Ni3Nb. The maximum nanohardness of 3.5 GPa occurred in the joint interface which was 10% and 35% higher as compared to the base metals (BM) of IN718 and SS-304L, respectively. Lastly, maximum joint strength of 143 MPa was achieved with a joint efficiency of 37%.
Study on the control of post-roll bending deformation and residual stress in hot-rolled L-beam based on rapid cooling
Authors: Li Jie , Zhao Xianming
Published: August 2024

The bending deformation problem and internal residual stress of hot-rolled L-beams affect the quality and subsequent use performance of L-beams. In this paper, the computational model of the L-beam air-cooling process is established by using ABAQUS finite element software, which reveals the reasons for three times deformation of the L-beam from the perspectives of phase change expansion and metal cooling contraction. In order to control the deformation and residual stress of the L-beam, four experimental schemes were determined with the cooling method, water pressure, and the opening and closing state of the cooling unit of the cooler as variables. The temperature distribution, deformation before straightening, warping deformation after cutting, and magnetic field distribution curves of L-beams before and after rapid cooling under different experimental schemes were examined, and the microstructure and properties of L-beams were examined and the results were analyzed. The results show that the cooling uniformity of the L-beam can be improved by rapid cooling, which can effectively reduce the amount of bending per meter of the L-beam before straightening, the amount of warping deformation after cutting, and reduce the level of residual stress inside the L-beam, and at the same time can refine the microstructure and improve the properties. In this study, the amount of bending per meter and warpage deformation after cutting of L-beams were reduced by up to 67.3% and 85.7%, respectively, and the maximum value of the magnetic field gradient associated with the stresses in the L-beams was reduced by up to 80.2%.
Approaching the rural – Uncovering rural context in entrepreneurship
Authors: Astner Hanna , Roos Annie
Published: August 2024

This research note explores the concept of rural context within entrepreneurship research. We outline three distinct approaches to understanding rural context in entrepreneurship research, viewing rural as: (a) a given setting, (b) peripheral, emphasising its distinctions from urban contexts, and (c) rurality, underscoring its distinctiveness. We discuss how these three approaches have been used in entrepreneurship research and their implications for research focus, questions, and conceptualisation of the rural context. Ultimately, we advocate for the vital importance to uphold stringency and rigour in employing any of the approaches.
The 2018 James Lind alliance adult social work priority setting partnership report: Its use and engagement
Authors: Waterman Chloe , Manthorpe Jill
Published: August 2024

The James Lind Alliance (JLA) is a nonprofit United Kingdom (UK) organization that builds a set of research priorities for any given topic through the systematic involvement of practitioners, service users, carers, and stakeholders. In 2021/2022, we reviewed the impact of the JLA priority setting partnership (PSP) on adult social work research (2018). Our research question was “How has social work research responded to and changed since the 2018 JLA priority setting report; and where do we need to focus now?” We searched for research which aligned with the published priorities. We then interviewed 23 social work researchers to learn if/how they had engaged with the JLA PSP and what might be needed for future PSP exercises and research.

Findings

We discuss our findings with reference to other reviews of JLA PSPs. We conclude that the JLA PSP for adult social work was uniquely suited to the field given the history of person-centered practices, and this may account for some of the positive reviews of the report. The JLA process and ethos were respected and the report potentially raised the profile of adult social work research, while highlighting unaddressed questions.

Applications

Though there are many JLA PSP reviews, this study is one of the few to consider impact, we propose a review process could be applied to PSP exercises more regularly.
From landslide to mudslide: The strategic marketing mistakes of the 2020–2023 New Zealand Labour Government
Authors: Lees-Marshment Jennifer , Bendle Neil , van der Linden Clifton
Published: August 2024

This article explores how a political party’s fortunes can change extremely quickly, by examining the strategic errors behind the Labour Party’s 2023 loss in New Zealand. In October 2020, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the Labour Party of New Zealand won a landslide majority. This secured a once in a generation chance to deliver transformational change. However, just over 2 years later, Ardern exited following a profound drop in popularity. Although a respected minister, Chris Hipkins, took over, the party then suffered a massive defeat. We apply a playbook developed for the 2020 election to identify the reasons behind such a downturn in fortunes, noting the speed of change of voter priorities and Labour’s failure to develop a clear vision or pivot to address changed priorities. We draw on multiple sources of data, including party policies, communications, polling data and the public engagement survey Vote Compass. This confirms that governments, to maintain support, must utilise appropriate market research and engage in careful political marketing planning, starting with understanding voter expectations from the last election.
Examining the use of explicit ‘no opinion’ options in attitude survey design
Authors: Mattei Michael D. , Hellebusch Stephen J. , Mattei Matthew D.
Published: August 2024

This paper investigates the impact of including or omitting an explicit “don’t know (DK)/no opinion (NO)” option in survey questionnaires. Three consecutive annual surveys were conducted using identical questionnaires, with variations in the inclusion of the DK/NO option. The study compares responses from the 2019 survey, which lacked a DK/NO option, to responses from the 2020 and 2021 surveys, which included this option. Utilizing a 7-point Likert scale, respondents were asked to indicate their opinions, with options ranging from extreme disagreement to extreme agreement, with a neutral midpoint. Statistical analysis, employing Two Sample Z-tests Between Proportions, assessed differences in the proportion of neutral responses between the surveys. Findings reveal that the inclusion of the DK/NO option did not significantly alter the proportion of neutral responses compared to surveys without this option. These results challenge the prevailing notion that explicit DK/NO options improve data quality.
Hong Kong's response to the fight against doxxing
Authors: Ong Rebecca
Published: August 2024

Doxxing is a form of cyber harassment. The easy accessibility and increased usage of social media platforms have made it easier for the malicious publication of personal information to harass, threaten, and injure people online and in the real world. The harms caused are amplified because the information is released to a ‘broad and unknowable audience’ and once released, it cannot be erased. The city-wide protests in June 2019 against the Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019 resulted in city-wide doxxing against police officers, judicial officers and political dissidents. This paper has a two-fold objective. First, it examines the amendments made to the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance 1996, (Cap. 486) to consider whether the amendments had achieved its objective of reducing the number of doxxing incidents and providing an adeqaute remedy for doxxing victims. Second, a comparative analysis is made of the position in the UK, Singapore and New Zealand to learn how the Territory's Ordinance might be improved. The paper concludes with a suggestion for a review of the anti-doxxing provisions to ensure a balance between protecting individual information privacy and freedom of expression.
Addressing ‘the civic status of a contradiction’: Wittgenstein and democratic self-realisation
Authors: Elliott Richard James
Published: August 2024

Ludwig Wittgenstein's later philosophy continues to spark debate among theorists across the political spectrum. Much of the disagreement centres on the nature of rule-following, and the implications that it has for political thought and practice. In this paper, I explore a critical part of Wittgenstein's explanation of rule-following that is often overlooked: the ‘civic status of a contradiction’. I consider how the collective, conventional properties of rule-following practice shape language- and concept-use. I contend that debates over the political implications of rule-following have tended to fixate on one dimension of Wittgenstein's work: social and epistemic emancipation. And I propose an alternative model of rule-following that harnesses the theoretical framework of self-realisation in order to help us to understand how we collectively follow and modify rules.
Reliability analysis method of the hull structure based on generalized polynomial chaos
Authors: Wang Jian , Wang Jun , Liang Xiaofeng , Liu Yafeng , Yi Hong
Published: August 2024

The complexity of hull-structure calculation and the diversity of random distributions of uncertainty factors necessitate structural reliability analysis methods that are cost-effective, efficient and adaptable to multiple distributions. This paper proposes a novel reliability analysis method of the hull structure based on Generalized Polynomial Chaos (GPC). GPC surrogate models for performance functions are developed for two typical cases with different distributions within the hull structure. The variations in mean, standard deviation, reliability index and failure probability with respect to GPC expansion order and sample size are analysed and compared with traditional methods, including Monte Carlo (MC) and the First-Order Reliability Method (FORM). The results indicate that the GPC-based method is effective for handling random variables of various distributions in hull structures. Moreover, the proposed method demonstrates superior convergence and accuracy compared to MC and FORM. By circumventing the need for extensive sample calculations for real structural models, the GPC-based method enhances computational efficiency. The feasibility and efficiency of the GPC-based structural reliability analysis method are validated, offering a promising new approach for assessing the reliability of hull structures.
University Dropout and Transfer Intention, What Is the Influence of Resilience and Social Adaptation on the Two Types of Dropout?
Authors: Tuero Ellián , Bernardo Ana B. , Blanco Elena , Vázquez-Merino David
Published: August 2024

University dropout is a process of disassociation from one's studies, which may culminate in dropping out of higher education or changing degree or university. Both are the result of several variables interacting, and there are two that have not yet been sufficiently studied, but which nevertheless seem to have a great impact on the dropout process: resilience and social adaptation. To explore the power they can exert, this study attempted to analyze the approach to drop out using these two variables. The sample comprised 771 students from Spanish universities. Data analysis consists of descriptive, correlational, and regression analyses. The results showed that resilience and social adaptation were able to explain 8.9% of university dropout intention and 6% of degree dropout intention. This finding will help us to better understand the dropout problem and to implement appropriate actions to reduce it and achieve quality education, as proposed in the 2030 Agenda.
The Impact of a Peer Mentoring Program on Undergraduate Graduation Rates: A Matched Control Group Design
Authors: Boutakidis Ioakim , Espinoza Guadalupe , Sevier Mia , Sadek Andrea
Published: August 2024

Promoting student retention and graduation rates in higher education is crucial for both individuals and institutions. Prior research has identified student support initiatives that increase retention and student success, such as Peer Mentor Programs (PMP). However, a better understanding of PMP participation outcomes for transfer and under-represented (UR) students is needed. The current study centers on a college-wide PMP at a 4-year university, targeting undergraduate students from multiple disciplines. A matched control group design was employed, comparing PMP participants with matched non-participants. The results revealed that while a positive association was found for first-year students, this association was not found among transfer students. Moreover, PMP participation significantly improved the 4-year graduation rates of UR students, showcasing the program's potential to address equity gaps. The findings encourage further exploration into program design, mechanisms of action, and the expansion of PMP to reduce achievement disparities in higher education.
The Insidiousness of Institutional Betrayal: An Ecological Systematic Review of Campus Sexual Violence Response Literature
Authors: Dufour Gena K.
Published: August 2024

Recently, post-secondary institutions have been under increased public and academic scrutiny regarding their ability to prevent and respond to instances of campus sexual violence. Emerging research has explored institutional betrayal (IB), which is a theoretical framework that states that actions and inactions on the part of the institution can cause further harm to survivors of violence. The goals of this review were, using an ecological systems lens, to identify what specific behaviors, policies, responses, and other factors constitute IB or institutional support (IS) as defined by the existing literature. A search of 16 databases across 8 disciplines led to the identification of 100 articles that mentioned either IB or IS verbatim. Factors that can be categorized as IB and IS were identified across nine levels: (1) the individual level, (2) the interpersonal level, (3) within institutional spaces, (4) within institutional procedures, (5) within institutional policies, (6) at the institutional structural level, (7) at the institutional culture level, (8) at a government and public policy level, and (9) within greater societal cultural values and established social norms. IB itself manifests across all levels of the institution and is, in fact, quite insidious—it is largely invisible and deeply rooted in systemic oppression, woven into the structure of institutions of higher education. IB remains a looming, almost inevitable outcome of the structural violence that occurs in post-secondary settings. Yet, IS and the related concept of institutional courage are emerging fields of study that pose important implications for institutional change.
How Do Financial Obstacles Affect Decision-Making Among Potential Living Organ Donors?
Authors: Mandell Rebecca J. , Smith Abigail R. , Gifford Kimberly A. , Hong Barry A. , Goodrich Nathan P. , Mathur Amit K. , Fava Melissa A. , Ojo Akinlolu O. , Merion Robert M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Living donation increases the organ supply, but associated non-medical expenses can disincentivize donation. Programs aimed at increasing living donation need to better understand how financial obstacles, including lost wages, impact the decision to pursue donation. Methods/Approach: Forty-eight interviews were conducted and analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Findings: Three key themes were identified that influenced decision-making: emotional attachment, temporal flexibility, and job security. These themes emerged when dividing interview participants into 3 groups: close relationship donors, broader network donors, and non-directed donors, representing donation to a family member or friend, a specific person they do not know well or at all, or a non-specified individual, respectively. Most close relationship donors wanted to donate regardless of personal financial cost, based on emotional attachment to the recipient. Wage reimbursement did not typically affect their decision-making but could reduce stress. Since non-directed donors did not donate to a specific individual, they could wait to achieve financial stability before donating, if needed. While wage reimbursement might create more proximate stability, non-directed donors had the flexibility to postpone donations until they could independently achieve financial stability. Lacking emotional attachment and temporal flexibility, broader network donors were particularly active decision-makers and most influenced by wage reimbursement. Across all groups, donors with job security were more resolute about donating. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of lost wage reimbursement to facilitate donation and reduce stress, and policies to protect donor job security.
Program Evaluation of Pharmacist-Performed Medication Adherence Assessments in Candidates for Living Donor Kidney Transplant
Authors: Nguyen Linh , Forte Abigail , Malat Gregory , Liu Xinqi , Rivera Jose , Christopher Cara , Samudralwar Rahul , Ilori Tolulope , Norris Maxwell , Bleicher Melissa , Redfield Robert R , Weinrieb Robert , Bloom Roy D. , Dunn Ty B. , Trofe-Clark Jennifer
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Medication education and adherence assessments are integral to kidney transplant success. This program evaluation aimed to describe candidate-reported findings using a standardized medication adherence assessment in candidates undergoing living-donor kidney transplantation. Design: This was a single-center retrospective description of medication adherence on adult HIV-negative living-donor candidates from July 1, 2018 to December 1, 2018 who had ≥6 months post-operative follow-up. Medication adherence assessments were performed by a pharmacist at the pre-operative visit within 2 weeks prior to transplant. Candidates were considered to (a) have adherence concerns if they reported missed/late medications within 2 weeks of assessment or ever stopped a medication without medical advice and (b) considered using adherence strategies if they reported active use of pill box, method to keep track of refills/auto-refill use, medication list, or medication reminder(s). Missed medication data were collected at 3- and 6-months posttransplant. Results: Among 181 candidates included, 81 (45%) had adherence concerns and 169 (93%) reported using adherence strategies. There were no significant differences with adherence concerns by age ≤ 29 years, sex, race, prior transplant/dialysis, or less than a high school education. More candidates with greater than a high school education used adherence strategies (96% vs 86%, P = .002). Too few candidates had documentation on missing medications at 3 and 6 months. Conclusions: Over 40% of candidates reported characteristics concerning medication nonadherence despite over 90% reporting adherence strategies used. Medication adherence assessments can assist with identification of medication nonadherence and education individualization.
Highly Sensitized Kidney Transplant Outcomes After the 2014 Kidney Allocation System Change
Authors: Chang Jae-Hyung , King Kristen L. , Ali Husain S. , Dube Geoffrey K. , Rodica Vasilescu E. , Patel Shefali , Cohen David J , Ratner Lloyd E. , Mohan Sumit , John Crew R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Kidney Allocation System (KAS) was implemented by United Network for Organ Sharing in 2014 to reduce allocation disparities. Research Questions: Outcomes of highly sensitized patients (calculated panel reactive antibody (cPRA) ≥ 97%) before and after KAS were compared to low-risk recipients (cPRA <10%) in the post-KAS era were examined. The impact on racial disparities was determined. Design: This was a retrospective study of national registry data. Two cohorts of adult candidates waitlisted for deceased donor transplantation during 3-year periods before and after KAS were identified. Results: Highly sensitized patients (N = 1238 and 4687) received a deceased donor kidney transplant between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2013 and between January 1, 2015 and December, 31, 2017. Racial disparity for highly sensitized patients improved, yet remained significant (P < 0.001), with Black patients comprising 40% and 41% of the highly sensitized candidates and 28% and 34% of the recipients pre- and post-KAS. While posttransplant death-censored graft failure for highly sensitized recipients was similar overall, post-KAS was associated with improved graft survival in the first year after transplant (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.40-0.78). When compared to contemporaneous lowrisk recipients, both death-censored and all-cause graft failure were similar for highly sensitized recipients and was associated with increased risk for death-censored graft failure beyond the first year (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.11-1.73). Conclusion: The allocation system led to an increase in transplantation in highly sensitized candidates without compromising outcomes. Although KAS has led to more balanced transplant rates between highly sensitized Black and White patients, racial inequalities persist.
A Delphi Panel Study for Public Education about Vascularized Composite Allograft Donation in the United States
Authors: Downey Max C. , Sidoti Carolyn N. , Ferzola Alexander , Anderson Naomi , Sung Hannah C. , Van Pilsum Rasmussen Sarah E. , Vanterpool Karen B. , Segev Dorry L. , Cooney Carisa M. , Kimberly Laura L. , Warren Daniel S. , Johnson Ieesha D. , Brandacher Gerald , Gordon Elisa J. , Levan Macey L.
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Improving public awareness about the opportunity to become a vascularized composite allograft (VCA) donor is crucial to increasing access to organs. Prior research identified a need for comprehensive and comprehensible public education materials. A 2-round Delphi panel was conducted to garner US expert consensus on the topics and language to include in public education materials via an organ procurement organization-hosted website. Methods: The round 1 survey assessed the importance of educational topics and statements ( n = 19) using 5-point Likert scales. The round 2 survey asked experts to rate new and repeated educational topics ( n = 27). Open-ended comment boxes elicited experts’ feedback and language revisions for educational statements. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and rapid qualitative analysis. Findings: Eighteen experts responded to the round 1 survey and 15 to round 2. After round 2, 20 topics had mean ( M) importance greater than neutral ( M > 3.00) and were retained in the educational materials. The 5 most important topics by mean Likert ratings were: consent process for donation ( M = 4.73), potential recipients ( M = 4.73), most common vascularized composite organs transplanted ( M = 4.47), purpose ( M = 4.47), and definition ( M = 4.47). Seven themes emerged from experts’ open-ended comments about the importance and language of educational statements. Conclusions: Delphi panel findings identified expert-endorsed topics and educational statements for public education about vascularized composite organ donation via an educational website. Future research should assess the website's impact on public knowledge of VCA donation.
Compression behavior of warp-knitted spacer fabric based on simplified finite element method
Authors: Song Wenxiang , Ma Xiaotao , Ma Pibo
Published: August 2024

Warp-knitted spacer fabrics (WKSF), with their unique structure and excellent energy absorption properties, are widely utilized in the automotive industry, medical field, and aerospace sectors. However, during practical applications, WKSF undergo repeated compression, which can lead to compressive fatigue of the spacer yarns and consequently cause the WKSF to undergo irreversible deformation, which subsequently affects its performance and appearance. Therefore, to enhance the compressive properties of WKSF and investigate the mechanisms of plastic failure, this study used a warp knitting double needle bar raschel machine to fabricate a WKSF with a thickness of 20 mm. Through fabric structure analysis, we developed a unit cell model consisting of 32 fibers and a more comprehensive analysis model with 320 fibers to quantitatively assess the geometric changes of the WKSF during the compression process. Furthermore, we experimentally studied the performance changes of the WKSF under different compression speeds, various compression strains, and 1000 cycles of loading. By integrating experimental test with the finite element method, we have conducted an in-depth study of the compression process of WKSF, simulating the displacement U, Von Mises stress distribution, and plastic compression failure behavior during compression. By comparing data on Von Mises stress, equivalent plastic strain (PEEQ), and energy density distribution (SENER), we can clearly observe the performance of spacer yarns under compression conditions, providing significant insights into the underlying plastic failure mechanisms of WKSF’s. This study not only enriches the theoretical framework for WKSF compression but also lays a solid foundation for improving its performance and extending its applications.
Pursuing urban sustainability through policy experimentations? Insights from the pay-as-you-throw experiment in China
Authors: Cai Rong , Chen Nabo
Published: August 2024

Drawing on political economy literature at the nexus of urban entrepreneurialism and policy experimentation, this paper explores how policy experiments are purposely used to stage the restructuring of urban sustainability and what entrepreneurial urban experiments function in actual. This article focuses on the case of a local experimental policy, “pay-as-you-throw,” to show how urban experiments employed by the entrepreneurial municipality are not always a silver bullet, and their effectiveness is conditional. We demonstrate that entrepreneurial local governments’ efforts to enhance urban sustainability were undermined by three combined factors in the government-led approach to urban experiments: the false delegation of experimental discretion, routinized implementation of experiments, and positive selection of pilot sites.
Frontier, not boundary: The use of amenities around communities
Authors: Zhang Xuefan , Wu Xiaolin , Yu Tiantian
Published: August 2024

In the field of urban governance, the concept of community is often regarded as the fundamental unit for the delivery of public services. People strive to tackle diverse challenges, such as social segregation and rigid bureaucracy, through the lens of community development. Hence, a precise articulation of this concept is crucial. However, “community” can refer to either a physical area or a group of people, resulting in multiple definitions. The boundary of a community may be defined in various ways. Consequently, a paradox arises: people may enthusiastically explore the suitability of a community for providing public services, but without exactly clarifying where the discussed community itself is. This ambiguity can cause confusion in practical applications of the concept of community, resulting in a decrease in the effectiveness of community governance, the neglect of social attributes, and the undermining of public nature. This conceptual article advocates for a new approach to defining communities, one that integrates sociological components while also having a concrete spatial anchor. It proposes substituting the idea of a clear-cut “boundary” with a buffer “frontier” (or “boundary,” depending on the author’s intended meaning) as a means of demarcating the community. By comparing the conceptual characteristics of “frontier” and “boundary,” we believe that this substitution can eliminate the yes-or-no binary determination inherent in the traditional community concept. In addition, by adopting the concept of “amenity,” we aim to provide a more tangible anchor for identifying the boundaries of a community, clarifying ambiguities, and offering guidance for subsequent research operationalization.
Wo∼Men and Leadership: Re-Thinking the State of Research on Gender and Leadership Through Waves of Feminist Thinking
Authors: Kark Ronit , Buengeler Claudia
Published: August 2024

Feminist thinking has contributed to changing views of women in society and in leadership positions. Yet women are still underrepresented in leadership, especially in key roles and at higher organizational ranks. In this commentary we examine the past, present, and future of leadership theories through a gendered lens, by considering them against the backdrop of feminist theory evolution. We first organize existing leadership theories according to four main feminist waves— gender reform feminism or “fixing the women” which corresponds with liberal feminism; gender resistance feminism or “the female advantage,” reflecting radical feminism; the gender rebellion feminism or “how is a wo(man) defined,” according to postmodern and intersectionality theories, and gender digital feminism or “hashtag and clicktivism revolution” that focuses on social media, cyber activism, sexual violence, and complex intersectionality. We further examine the implications and research findings of these theories for women and men in leadership. Second, we review the publications on gender and leadership in two exemplary journals publishing leadership research in the field between 2019 and 2022 and explore to which feminist wave the published works relate. We show that themes related to the first two waves of feminist thinking continue to be dominant in current leadership research and encourage moving into new terrains, utilizing current feminist thinking, in the study of leadership and gender. Finally, we raise awareness that in a gendered society, leadership theories may reproduce and reconstruct the existing social order and gendered arrangements, as well as map novel directions for future research.