bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate Political Connections: A Multidisciplinary Review
Authors: Wei Yifan , Jia Nan , Bonardi Jean-Philippe
Published: November 2022

Corporate political connections (CPCs)—ties that firms forge with political actors—directly affect firms, political actors, and various stakeholders in societies. This topic has been studied extensively in multiple disciplines, including management, economics and finance, political science, and sociology. However, this body of research remains rather fragmented within the confines of each discipline or field, and synergies in theoretical and empirical domains remain underexploited. Differences between CPCs and other forms of corporate political activities are also often unclear. This article develops a focused, comprehensive, and theoretically deep review of the rapidly growing but disparate literature on CPCs in multiple disciplines and fields and distinguishes, compares, and connects multiple, heterogeneous theoretical perspectives that have been adopted in these different literatures. By conducting an extensive literature search of the articles published between 1990 and 2020 in 24 leading peer-reviewed journals in management, economics and finance, political science, and sociology, we build our review framework by organizing the reviewed articles into three groups of topics based on their logical connections: the conceptualization of CPCs, the antecedents of CPCs, and the outcomes of CPCs. Within each group, we distinguish two primary angles—the firm and the political actor—that correspond to the two entities joined by CPCs. On the basis of this framework, we identify major gaps and suggest avenues for future research. Our review works together with a companion review on corporate political activity, published in this same issue, to offer a wholistic perspective on the boundary between corporations and political actors.
Associations of mothers’ rejection sensitivity with children’s cognitions about peer rejection and social self-perceptions: The mediating role of maternal supportive behaviors
Authors: Polachek Esther , Gur-Yaish Nurit , Sher-Censor Efrat , Ziv Yair
Published: November 2022

This study examined the associations between mothers’ predisposition to show rejection sensitivity and children’s cognitions regarding peer rejection and their social self-perceptions. It also explored whether these associations were mediated by mothers’ behaviors in situations that might suggest their children were rejected by peers. Participants were 122 Jewish Israeli mothers and their kindergarten children (50.82% female; MChild age in months = 67.52, SD = 6.35). Mothers completed the Adult Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire and reported their likely behaviors in scenarios suggesting the rejection of their children by peers. Children were interviewed using the response evaluation scale for the rejection stories in the Social Information Processing Interview–Preschool Version and the peer acceptance subscale of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children. Results revealed indirect links between mothers’ rejection sensitivity and children’s maladaptive response evaluations and lower social self-perceptions, through fewer supportive maternal behaviors. These findings highlight the need to consider parents’ dispositions and behaviors in the context of their children’s peer interactions for a more complete understanding of the development of children’s social competence.
Children with language disorder as friends: Interviews with classroom peers to gather their perspectives
Authors: Blaskova Lenka Janik , Gibson Jenny L
Published: November 2022

Language disorder (LD) is a common childhood condition affecting language development, which can in turn impact children's peer relationships. Although most children with LD are included in mainstream classrooms, there is limited knowledge about the way friendships support or hinder the learning experiences of children with LD in inclusive settings. Typically developing (TD) peers’ views tend to get overlooked when considering inclusion but they need to be heard as they too adapt to inclusive classrooms. In this small-scale study, we explored the perspectives of peers on their friendship quality with children with LD. We conducted friendship interviews with classroom friends (n = 9) of 6–8-year-old children with LD (n = 9), who attended the enhanced provision and mainstream classrooms in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. We used sociometric nomination methods to identify the reciprocal friends of children with LD. We then interviewed these friends using art-based methods and analysed our interview data using thematic framework. Friends of children with LD attending the enhanced provision showed an inclusive mindset and revealed their own strategies for overcoming potential communication barriers. In contrast, friends in full-time mainstream classrooms did not report experiencing communication difficulties when interacting with a peer with LD. We conclude that educational practice should build on those inclusion strategies that children find natural and consider the importance of teaching all children about adjustments that can support inclusion of those with communication difficulties.
Simple changes to the reporting environment produce a large reduction in the frequency of interruptions to the reporting radiologist: an observational study
Authors: Banziger Carina , McNeil Kirsty , Goh Hui Lu , Choi Samantha , Zealley Ian A
Published: November 2022

Background

Interruptions are a cause of discrepancy, errors, and potential safety incidents in radiology. The sources of radiological error are multifactorial and strategies to reduce error should include measures to reduce interruptions.

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of simple changes in the reporting environment on the frequency of interruptions to the reporting radiologist of a hospital radiology department.

Material and Methods

A prospective observational study was carried out. The number and type of potentially disruptive events (PDEs) to the radiologist reporting inpatient computed tomography (CT) scans were recorded during 20 separate 1-h observation periods during both pre- and post-intervention phases. The interventions were (i) relocation of the radiologist to a private, quiet room, and (ii) initial vetting of clinician enquiries via a separate duty radiologist

Results

After the intervention there was an 82% reduction in the number of frank interruptions (PDEs that require the radiologist to abandon the reporting task) from a median 6 events per hour to 1 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4–6; P < 0.00001). The overall number of PDEs was reduced by 56% from a median 11 events per hour to 5 (95% CI = 4.5–11: P < 0.00001).

Conclusion

Relocation of inpatient CT reporting to a private, quiet room, coupled with vetting of clinician enquiries via the duty radiologist, resulted in a large reduction in the frequency of interruptions, a frequently cited avoidable source of radiological error.
Comparing image quality of five breast tomosynthesis systems based on radiologists’ reviews of phantom data
Authors: Sundell Veli-Matti , Jousi Mikko , Mäkelä Teemu , Kaasalainen Touko , Hukkinen Katja
Published: November 2022

Background

Previous studies have shown differences in technical image quality between digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) systems. However, quantitative image quality measurements may not necessarily fully reflect the clinical performance of DBT.

Purpose

To study the subjective image quality of five DBT systems manufactured by Fujifilm, GE, Hologic, Planmed, and Siemens using phantom images.

Material and Methods

A TOR MAM test object with polymethyl methacrylate plates was imaged on five DBT systems from different vendors. Three DBT acquisitions were performed at mean glandular doses of 1.0 mGy, 2.0 mGy, and 3.5 mGy while maintaining a constant phantom set-up. Eight DBT acquisitions with different test plate positions and phantom set-up thicknesses were performed at clinically applied dose levels. Additionally, three conventional two-dimensional mammogram images were acquired with different phantom thicknesses. Six radiologists ranked the systems based on the visibilities of the targets seen in the phantom images.

Results

In the DBT acquisitions performed at comparable dose levels, one system differed significantly from all other systems in microcalcification scores. When using site-specific DBT protocols, significant differences were found between the devices for microcalcification, filament, and low-contrast targets. A strong correlation was observed between the reviewer scores and radiation doses in DBT acquisitions, whereas no such correlation was observed in the 2D acquisitions.

Conclusion

In DBT acquisitions, dose level was found to be a major factor explaining image quality differences between the systems, regardless of other acquisition parameters. Most DBT systems performed equally well at similar dose levels.
Self-assessment in jazz improvisation
Authors: Davis Troy E
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this instrumental case study was to be able to determine ways that professional jazz musicians utilize self-assessment during jazz improvisation and to better understand how social competencies and interpersonal communication influence self-assessment practice. Participants included four experienced jazz musicians who performed together regularly and had developed deep social and musical connections with one another prior to the study. Data were collected in five phases: (1) a rehearsal observation, (2) a group interview, (3) a second rehearsal observation, (4) a journaling session, and (5) a focus group. Five themes were developed from the data—“Empathy,” “Self-Doubt,” “Transcendence,” “Prior Knowledge,” and “Self-Awareness.” Self-Awareness served as a meta-theme to which the other four themes were connected. Further analysis of the themes indicated that the participants utilized self-assessment through non-verbal communication, deep listening, connecting to their past experiences, incorporating musical constraints such as form and harmony, using Norgaard’s tools of evaluative monitoring and sketch planning, and through empathetic attunement.
Do emotions evoked by music modulate visuospatial working memory capacity? A physiological study
Authors: Ribeiro Fabiana Silva , Santos Flávia H. , Albuquerque Pedro B.
Published: November 2022

Previous studies have shown that emotions evoked through music can have transient effects on cognitive performance. Considering the importance of working memory (WM) in the processing of new information, in this study, we investigated the impact of positive and negative emotions evoked through music on visuospatial WM performance using a within-subjects design. Moreover, we concomitantly recorded the participants’ physiological responses during listening to musical stimuli. Seventy-eight participants were allocated to counterbalanced positive, negative, and neutral emotional inductions through music (EIM) followed by an adaptive visuospatial WM task. Results revealed that participants’ visuospatial WM performance was increased after positive EIM compared with negative and neutral EIMs transiently. We also observed increased skin conductance levels during positive EIM compared with baseline and a lower heart rate throughout positive EIM than the other conditions. Overall, these findings suggest that music evoking positive emotions can boost visuospatial WM performance. This is the first study to explore cognitive performance after EIM and physiological responses to musical stimuli simultaneously, which may have important practical implications since we engage in cognitively demanding activities after listening to music that could evoke happy or sad emotions.
Exploring relations between Big Five personality traits and musical emotions embodied in spontaneous dance
Authors: Mendoza Garay Juan Ignacio , Burger Birgitta , Luck Geoff
Published: November 2022

We explored the hypothesis that musical emotions are embodied differentially by people according to their personality. Nine hundred and fifty two individuals completed the Big Five personality inventory. A subset of 60 participants were asked to spontaneously move to 30 short musical stimuli while being recorded with a motion-capture system. The musical stimuli were separately rated for perceived emotions. Embodied musical emotions were evaluated as the correlation between features derived from the motion-capture data and the mean ratings of perceived emotions. Correlations between embodied musical emotions and personality traits provided tentative support for our hypothesis. A series of linear regression analyses revealed that scores on Openness and Agreeableness were most strongly, and Neuroticism and Conscientiousness most weakly, predicted by embodied musical emotions. Overall, our results offer tentative support for the existence of differential relationships between embodied musical emotions and personality, and describe statistical models that might be empirically tested in future studies.
A multi-level analysis of the relationship between job satisfaction and job performance: The importance of interpersonal justice climate
Authors: Potipiroon Wisanupong
Published: November 2022

Although job satisfaction—an indicator of employees’ happiness at work—is thought to contribute to higher job performance, past research findings have been inconsistent, suggesting that there could be important contextual factors that moderate this relationship. This study aims to revisit this important relationship by drawing attention to the role of supervisor-focused interpersonal justice climate as an important social context that may moderate the effect of job satisfaction on job performance (i.e., task performance and organizational citizenship behaviors). Based on a multi-source sample of 192 individuals in 40 teams from a large public organization in Thailand, the hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) analyses revealed that when interpersonal justice climate was high, job satisfaction did not contribute significantly to job performance. However, when interpersonal justice climate was low, the influence of job satisfaction became significant. These findings lend support for a compensatory model in which job performance only suffers when both factors are low.
The effect of organizational culture and leadership on performance: A case of a subsidiary in Colombia
Authors: Sindakis Stavros , Kitsios Fotis , Kamariotou Maria , Aggarwal Sakshi , Cuervo William J. M.
Published: November 2022

This study aims to determine the level of culture of a new subsidiary of a company in Colombia and define strategies to increase the level of culture in a way that promotes the organization in this region. Following the organizational culture theories, the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument was used to measure the aspects of organizational culture. The transfer and adoption of culture are achieved through knowledge sharing within and across the departments and units of large organizations. The comparison between the current and desired state of culture shows a gap in the clan culture, as the company wishes to establish a working environment that promotes teamwork and employee participation, creates confidence, and provides opportunities for professional development. Executives can measure the strength of organizational culture with the aim of updating, strengthening, or modifying the existing culture to improve performance and gain sustainability.
Age, Sex, Education, Emotional Intelligence, Cognitive Intelligence, and Management Level: A Study from Great Britain
Authors: Treglown Luke , Furnham Adrian
Published: November 2022

Do non-, first-line, middle and senior managers differ in their cognitive ability and emotional intelligence? In this study we interested in the demographic and ability differences of people at different management levels. Over 6000 adults completed a multidimensional intelligence test (IQ) with five subscales and a measure of Trait Emotional Intelligence (EQ) with 15 subscales. First, we examined sex, age, educational and management level correlates of both EQ and IQ. Whilst there were many significant results, effect sizes were small. The focus of the paper was the regression using management level as the criterion variable and demography, EQ and, IQ as the predictor variables at facet and domain levels. Age and sex, particularly the former, accounted for nearly 30% of the variance, but both EQ and IQ added incremental variance. Facet level variance showed that specifically IQ number speed, and EQ sociability and emotionality (negatively) related to managerial level. Implications for general management and limitations are acknowledged.
Insights on measuring China’s new national culture from leaders of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Authors: Chau Vinh Sum , Zhang Ruiqi , Tang Liyan
Published: November 2022

Understanding China’s national culture is increasingly important for enabling greater international collaborative activities as China takes her central stage in the global arena. However, the country’s rapid modernization, such as through leading innovations in Industry 4.0 (specifically the ‘Made in China 2025’ policy), may have provoked a cultural turn that is difficult to capture with existing cultural measurement tools. This study conducted interviews with leaders of Chinese establishments that have updated their operations to the Industry 4.0 specification to understand their impact on general perception and workplace culture. Based on these insights, this article argues that existing models for measuring national culture are not necessarily being old that makes them unsuitable for application to a ‘new’ China but that Chinese establishments operating Industry 4.0 are a unique case for which generalized models can no longer be universally applicable. Instead, augmented/alternative cultural dimensions are suggested as new theoretical constructs for this unique context.
Workplace ostracism and service performance: The mediating role of job tension, organizational identification, and work engagement
Authors: Mattar Dorine M , Haddad Joy J , Haddad Chloe J
Published: November 2022

Given the empirical evidence indicating the relationship between workplace ostracism and counterproductive work behavior, this study aims to tackle, in a collectivistic culture, the impact of workplace ostracism on service performance. EFA and CFA were run on the quantitative data collected, online, from 242 respondents. Reliability and validity were assessed. The findings reveal that the relationship between workplace ostracism and service performance is partially mediated by job tension, organizational identification, and work engagement. Organizational identification, in such a collectivistic context, is shown to buffer the negative impact of workplace ostracism on service performance, supporting the results of earlier studies. Different implications are highlighted and recommendations for future research are communicated too.
The influence of leadership styles and supervisor communication on employee burnout
Authors: Xu Yifan , Farris Kristen
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study is to examine the communicative factors enacted by supervisors’ leadership, including supervisors’ perceived communication competence and workers’ communication satisfaction with their supervisors that predict employees’ feeling of burnout. Employees who were employed on a full-time basis for at least 1 year ( N = 166) completed a cross-sectional, online survey about interactions with their supervisors. Results from the path analysis indicated that both task- and relational-leadership were positively associated with communication competence. Only relational leadership was positively associated with communication satisfaction. In turn, communication satisfaction predicted decreased employee emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and increased personal accomplishment. Taken together, the findings from the current study suggest the importance of relationship-building between supervisors and employees to decrease employee burnout. Limitations and future research are addressed.
The role of affordances in continuance and additional purchase intention: The case of internet banking application in Vietnam
Authors: Trang Vo Lu Tuyet , Hung Yishuo
Published: November 2022

This research examined the role of Information Technology (IT) affordance, which affects the value-in-use of Internet banking, and subsequently, the users’ continuance and additional purchase intention, with a specific focus on Internet banking applications in Vietnam. The analysis was based on data from 318 Internet banking users in Vietnam. The online survey is launched purposely to test samples’ online behavior and different online devices they respond to. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural equation modeling (SEM) are used for testing the proposed hypotheses. This study found that three characteristics of affordance (i.e., visibility, persistence, and association) are positively associated with value-in-use (i.e., experience and relationship), which has a positive impact on enhancing the continuance intention and the additional purchase intention of users. The findings of this study deliver constructive ideas for banks in Vietnam for prolonging the user intention of customers, in terms of enhancing the value-in-use of their banking applications, and they target mainly the IT affordance related to the technical aspects.
Key performance indicators in real estate professional business in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Ogunbiyi James O. , Oladokun Timothy T.
Published: November 2022

The paper evaluated key indicators adopted by practitioners to drive the performance of real estate consulting firms of estate surveying and valuation in Lagos, Nigeria. Using probabilistic sampling technique, the study empirically found that, to achieve effective performance, estate firms considered annual revenue and return on investment crucial to their operations (financial indicators). The study also found that the non-financial indicators that were key to performance in the real estate business included improved standards, workplace satisfaction, and prompt payments for executed jobs; clients' satisfaction, referrals, and revenue increase. Established and aspiring real estate professionals will find the study beneficial in defining performance strategies for their respective firms. In other words, this study will assist real estate practitioners in determining where they should focus their efforts in order to prosper in business today and through the next decade. The study was an exploratory evaluation of the use of KPIs as a major driver of performance in the business of estate surveying and valuation.
The influence of organisational justice on work engagement, organisational commitment, and job satisfaction: A comprehensive study
Authors: Gomes Jorge FS , Marques Tânia MG
Published: November 2022

Two important outcomes in modern organisations are work engagement and organisational commitment. These are relevant for individual performance, personal wellbeing and happiness, and also for organisations’ image and performance. The existing literature deals with both outcomes; however, it does not clarify how they relate to other key variables in organisational settings. Accordingly, this research has three main goals: 1) to examine the relationship between work engagement and organisational commitment; 2) to explore the influence of organisational justice on work engagement and organisational commitment and 3) to inspect the impact of the previous three variables on job satisfaction. A survey was used to collect data from a large international consultancy firm. One hundred valid responses were obtained and these were analysed with structural equation modelling in order to assess the proposed research model. The results confirm that organisational justice has a direct impact not only on work engagement but also on organisational commitment and job satisfaction. Organisational commitment is an antecedent variable for work engagement. No mediation effects were registered in the analyses. The originality of the study lies in the combination of the four variables into one single model that explains the complex relationships between the above-mentioned concepts.
Curiosity, proactive personality, organizational culture and work engagement in the aviation industry in the UAE during Covid-19: A non-probabilistic moderated-mediation model
Authors: AlShamsi Sultan SS , Bin Ahmad Kamarul Zaman , Jasimuddin Sajjad M
Published: November 2022

The crisis created by the pandemic severely disrupted the working patterns of employees, especially in the aviation industry. It is insufficient for workers to be satisfied – they have to be engaged in their work to deal with crises and situations never encountered before. Thus, investigating the antecedents of work engagement and their interactive effects is crucial to organizational survival. The paper examines the impact of the trait of curiosity on proactive personality, which ultimately leads to work engagement. The moderated-mediation model looks at the mediating effect of proactive personality on the relationship between curiosity and work engagement. It also examines the moderating effect of organizational culture perceptions on the relationship between curiosity and proactive personality. A sample of 327 respondents was collected from 32 organizations in the aviation industry in the United Arab Emirates through purposive sampling. The hypothesized associations were analyzed via structural equation modelling. As predicted, proactive personality is a mediator, and organizational culture moderates the said relationships. Managers desirous of improving employees’ work engagement will now understand how employees’ curiosity can enhance work engagement through proactive personality. Managers can also ensure that organizational culture can further strengthen the relationship between curiosity and proactive personality.
Rejection Realized: Saul, the Evil Spirit and the Loss of Kingship
Authors: Balfour R. J.
Published: November 2022

In conversation with tragic readings of Saul’s career, the present article attempts to outline a parallel between the presentation and role of the spirit of YHWH and the evil spirit which afflicts Saul in 1 Samuel. By highlighting the parallel between the two spirits, the following argument suggests that they fulfil similar roles in confirming election and rejection respectively and either empowering or debilitating their recipients. The suggestion is that this analogy offers an appropriate way to understand the wider presentation of the evil spirit which afflicts Saul and has important implications for how we think about Saul’s rejection and his presentation more broadly.
An Evaluation of Improving Psychosocial Life Satisfaction among Older Adults in Taiwan Day Care Centers Using Life Review Work
Authors: Lee Bih-O , Yao Ching-Teng , Ramoo Vimala
Published: November 2022

This study examined the effects of life review therapy on the life satisfaction levels of older adults in day care centers in Taiwan. A quasi-experimental design was adopted. A total of 88 adults aged 65 and older were recruited from day care centers through convenience sampling and assigned to two groups based on their level of life satisfaction on Life Satisfaction Index A. The intervention groups participated in a life review therapy for eight weeks in addition to their daily activities. Data were collected at the baseline point and immediately after post-intervention. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the effect of the intervention on the outcomes. At week eight, the intervention group showed a significantly higher level of life satisfaction than the comparison group. These findings suggest that life review programs may improve general life satisfaction among older adults.
The Effects of Multidimensional Poverty on Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults in Hong Kong
Authors: Zhu Alex Yue Feng , Chou Kee Lee
Published: November 2022

Poverty indicators such as income-based poverty, material deprivation, asset-based poverty, and expenditure-based poverty each carries an aspect of economic deprivation. This current study examined and compared the unique effects of each poverty dimension on life satisfaction during old age. We measured four poverty indicators—life satisfaction, social resources, physical health, and mental well-being—in a three-wave sample of older Hong Kong adults ( N = 563). Panel data were fitted to a structural model that involved the constraints of the path coefficients (e.g., effects of poverty indicators on life satisfaction). The model results indicate that while material deprivation and asset-based poverty reduce life satisfaction, income-based poverty and expenditure-based poverty do not significantly shape life satisfaction. Based on these findings, we suggest implementing future-oriented interventions into policy agendas to promote current working adults’ financial preparation for retirement to reduce their risk of falling into asset-based poverty and thus material deprivation after retirement.
Modeling Mobile Writing: Applying Sociocognitive Models of Writing to Mobile Contexts
Authors: Schneier Joel
Published: November 2022

Current cognitive and sociocognitive models of writing conceptualize writing processes as complex interactions between multidimensional mechanisms that activate a writer’s social motivations, psychomotor processes, and cognitive resources in order to engage in writing. These models have been developed through years of empirical research employing a variety of data channels, such as keystroke logging; however, research about mobile writing processes have been understudied. This paper presents a study of mobile writing processes that used keystroke-logging methods in order to expand scholarship of writing processes into the realm of mobile writing. By examining how participants ( N = 10) wrote on mobile devices at the keystroke level, as well as combining textual and keystroke analysis to examine context text-message (SMS) composition, this study argues for theoretically framing mobile writing as an embodied performance.
Clinical Practice Guidelines on Palliative Sedation Around the World: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tomczyk Martyna , Jaques Cécile , Jox Ralf J.
Published: November 2022

Objective: The principal aim of this study was to identify, systematically and transparently, clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on palliative sedation from around the world. Methods: A systematic search was performed using 5 databases, grey literature search tools, citation tracking, and contact with palliative care experts across the world. Current CPGs accredited by an international, national, or regional authority, published in English, German, French, or Italian, were subjected to content analysis. Results: In total, 35 CPGs from 14 countries and 1 international CPG were included in the analysis. The CPGs had diverse formal characteristics. Their thematic scope was difficult to analyze and compare because of differences in the terms and definitions of palliative sedation in those texts. We identified 3 main situations: (1) CPGs with a fully explicit thematic scope; (2) CPGs with a partially explicit thematic scope; and (3) CPGs without an explicit thematic scope. Several CPGs explicitly stated what forms of sedation were excluded from the text. However, this presentation was often confusing. Conclusion: Our review provides several pieces of information that could guide international reflections in this field, and be used to develop or update CPGs at all levels. Efforts should be made to clarify the thematic scope of each CPG on palliative sedation, in order to generate an understanding of the forms of this therapy addressed in the text.
Severe Hypotension With Concomitant Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 Inhibitor and Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor Therapy in a Patient With Heart Failure Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Case Report
Authors: Schumacher Christine
Published: November 2022

Background: Large cardiovascular outcomes trials in individuals with heart failure, with and without diabetes, have demonstrated a significant risk reduction in the composite outcome of cardiovascular death or hospitalizations for heart failure with SGLT2 inhibitor therapy. These positive outcomes have led to the recommendation that SGLT2 inhibitors serve as backbone therapy in patients with heart failure reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). To date, there has not been enough participants in clinical trials on concomitant SGLT2 inhibitor and angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor therapy to evaluate the benefits and risks of combination therapy with these two agents outside of smaller subgroup analyses. Case Summary: This case describes a Black female with diabetes meeting her glycemic targets and concomitant stable NYHA FC II HFrEF on guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) with sacubitril/valsartan, spironolactone and metoprolol succinate who developed severe hypotension and dehydration requiring hospitalization after initiation of SGLT2 inhibitor therapy. Practice Implications: This case report raises the question of whether those with type 2 diabetes, and/or those on background angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor therapy, who are euvolemic or sensitive to diuretic therapy should be started on lower dose dapagliflozin and titrated to 10 mg daily based on response. It also raises awareness to the potential increased diuretic effect produced with concomitant use of sacubitril/valsartan and dapagliflozin. Caution and education to mitigate the risk for volume depletion should be provided to those patients who are euvolemic and initiated on a SGLT2 inhibitor, regardless of their background diuretic and GDMT. Conclusion: Future research should focus on the benefits and safety considerations and provide education on how to best initiate and adjust SGLT2 inhibitors in the setting of sacubitril/valsartan use in diverse heart failure patient populations.
Mapping Protective Performance of Social Network Types on Health and Quality of Life in Older People in European Regions
Authors: Torres Zaira , Oliver Amparo , Tomás José M.
Published: November 2022

Objectives: To identify social network profiles using Latent Profile Analysis (LPA), to study the relationships of these profiles with health markers, mental health, quality of life, and cognitive functioning, and to compare profiles across European regions. Methods: 27,272 participants from the Wave 8 of the SHARE project, aged 65 or older (M = 74.95, SD = 7.17) from Europe. Statistical analyses included LPAs followed by MANOVAs to compare the profiles and the health markers. Results: Five profiles were identified: family, friends, spouse, diverse, and others. A no network group was also added. The prevalence of the specific profiles differed across European regions. Individuals with no network and those categorized into the others profile presented the worst health outcomes. Discussion: The “friends” network is more protective toward cognitive functioning and physical health and the “spouse” and “family” ones are more protective toward mental health. The variability according to European regions is discussed.
Probabilistic investigation of geometric responses in Wire EDM machined complex-shaped profile: A machine learning based approach
Authors: Saha Subhankar , Kumar Gupta Kritesh , Ranjan Maity Saikat , Dey Sudip
Published: November 2022

Wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) has gained tremendous market share due to its potential to create complex profiles and ease in machining exotic materials. The inherent problem of wire lag, however, has a significant impact on the accuracy and precision of complex profiles in WEDM. Furthermore, if parametric uncertainties are not taken into account during machining of complex profiles, problems like geometrical inaccuracy and imprecision are likely to worsen. Hence, in the present study, we focused on the role of parametric uncertainties on geometrical parameters such as corner error (CE) and undercut (UC) of complicated profile. In this regard, the machine learning (ML) driven framework is proposed, wherein the Gaussian process regression model is integrated with the experimental responses gathered from the WEDM. The sample-space to train and validate the ML model is constructed by performing the WEDM for the experimental plan, which is designed on the basis of face-centered central composite design. The constructed ML model is rigorously tested and validated to ensure its predictive accuracy. The ML-based WEDM framework is further extended to perform data-driven uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis to reveal the likelihood of variations in geometrical precision due to inherent parametric uncertainties. The constructed model is further deployed for the data-driven sensitivity analysis and to reveal the probabilistic behavior of responses in the presence of parametric uncertainties. The results of this study will help to develop and expand the WEDM robust control technique.
Research on the effect of cutting parameters on the machinability of polycrystalline Fe-Cr-W alloy by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Zhou Tianwen , Wu Qingtang , Che Jianwei , Wang Zezhen , Zhao Guofa , Wu Huan , Guo Bo
Published: November 2022

Molecular dynamics simulation has become a major theoretical analysis method for ultra precision machining of various materials. Large Scale Atomic/Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator (LAMMPS) is used to construct a molecular dynamics model for cutting polycrystalline Fe-Cr-W alloy with CBN tool. The geometric parameters of the tool model are: the rake angle is −10°, the clearance angle is 7°, and the tool tip radius is 1.5 nm, including 8570 atoms. The size of the workpiece model is 24 nm × 10 nm × 10 nm, including 203,893 atoms. Ovito is used to visually analyze the influence of cutting parameters on the machinability of workpieces. The results show that the extrusion of the tool on the workpiece makes the atoms of the workpiece move and become chips and machined surfaces. Excessive cutting speed and depth will produce large hydrostatic stress, large cutting force, high cutting temperature and deteriorate the machined surface.
An experimental and statistical evaluation of flexural performance of single and double notched glass/epoxy composite
Authors: Shrivastava Ruchir , Kumar Sunny , Singh Kalyan Kumar
Published: November 2022

The existence of a notch in a composite structure is inevitable. However, its presence automatically changes the stress distribution pattern in the component. The present work analyses the flexural performance of glass/epoxy composite with single and pair holes in different locations and sizes. In paired holes (2 mm diameter), stress concentrations were placed at a distance of 10, 20 and 30 mm. In single hole specimens, the notch locations were at 4, 8 and 12 mm distance with hole diameter of 2, 4 and 6 mm. The work suggests a significant drop (30.21%) of flexural strength with a hole placed at 10 mm, which eventually reduced up to 14 ± 1% with the hole moving further away in a paired configuration. Although, the optimum performance was at 20 mm location with improvement in flexural modulus by 12.27%. The single hole arrangement reiterates the significance of hole location and reports that flexural strength decreases significantly as it moves away from the support end (42.44%). However, this drop is never linear, suggesting a fall between mid-location. The notch size appears as an important element in flexural performance for it changes the stress distribution around the hole and the associated damage propagation. The above analysis supported Weibull statistics and found good agreement with experimental results.
Effect of welding conditions on the deformation of lithium battery pack of aluminum alloys
Authors: Luo Cheng , Sun Haitao , Huang Qilin , Ma Zunnong , Zhang Yansong
Published: November 2022

Lithium battery pack, made of aluminum alloys, consisted of hundreds of welding seams. Due to the complicate distribution of welding seam and low stiffness of aluminum alloys, large welding deformation was found in the lithium battery pack. This paper analyzed the effect of welding parameters and the welding sequences on the deformation of lithium battery pack, then proposed a method to reduce the welding deformation of lithium battery pack maintaining the welding quality of single weld seam of aluminum alloys. By the coupling optimization of welding sequences and welding parameters, the welding deformation of lithium battery pack decreased from 1.69 to 1.29 mm with the reducing rate of 23.7% and hundreds of welding seams contours met the requirements of manufacturing quality. These findings could pave the way to improve the manufacturing quality of lithium battery pack made of aluminum alloys.
Corrosion-fatigue resistance of ultrafine grain commercially pure titanium in simulated body fluid
Authors: Naseri Reza , Hiradfar Hamed , Shariati Mahmoud , Kadkhodayan Mehran
Published: November 2022

Commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) due to excellent biocompatibility and high specific strength is known as a metallic biomaterial and is widely utilized in medical applications as implant material. Because of low strength of CP-Ti as compared to other bio-metals, it has been proved in literatures that applying equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) process can be useful to enhancement of mechanical and metallurgical properties of CP-Ti by improvement of initial microstructure to ultrafine grained (UFG). Implant in human body is attacked from cyclic fatigue loads and corrosion, simultaneous. Hence, aim of this study is examination of corrosion-fatigue resistance of CP-Ti before and after introducing ECAP in simulated body fluid (SBF) as a saline solution close to blood plasma. In this study, multi-pass ECAP is conducted on CP-Ti at room temperature and then the axial fatigue test is performed in SBF environment with temperature 37 °C. The comparison of stress-cycle curves demonstrated that corrosion-fatigue resistance of ECAPed CP-Ti is extremely higher than initial annealed one. Moreover, it was observed that by increasing the pass number of ECAP, corrosion-fatigue resistance improves significantly. Furthermore, these results are compared to fatigue behavior of CP-Ti in air environment. The results show that corrosion-fatigue resistance of unECAPed and ECAPed CP-Ti in SBF is slightly lower than fatigue ones in air. According to the results of this experimental research, it is concluded that UFG CP-Ti has an awesome corrosion-fatigue resistance in human body and it is very suitable for utilizing as material of implants.
Reduce carbon emissions efficiently: The influencing factors and decoupling relationships of carbon emission from high-energy consumption and high-emission industries in China
Authors: Guo Xiaopeng , Shi Rong , Ren Dongfang
Published: November 2022

High-energy consumption and high-emission industries contribute a lot to economic development, but their carbon emissions are also huge. In order to achieve the dual-carbon target as early as possible, it is necessary to reduce the carbon emissions of high-energy consumption and high-emission industries. This paper selected five representative factors (population, per capita gross domestic product (GDP), energy intensity, energy structure and carbon emission coefficient) and adopted the logarithmic mean divisia index (LMDI) method to decompose the driving factors of carbon emissions. Therefore, this paper uses Tapio decoupling model to analyze the decoupling relationship between the two factors with the greatest impact on carbon emissions and carbon emissions. The results show that: (i) There is a good decoupling between high-energy consumption and high-emission industries and per capita GDP, and the impact of per capita GDP on carbon emissions will gradually decrease in the future; (ii) The decoupling relationship between carbon emissions and energy intensity is poor. For some industries, the reduction of energy intensity can help reduce carbon emissions. Finally, this paper puts forward some suggestions to promote carbon emission reduction. This paper provides theoretical support for studying how to reduce carbon emissions and formulate relevant emission reduction policies in the high-energy consumption and high-emission industries.
Rational Choice in Context
Authors: Sher Shlomi , McKenzie Craig R. M. , Müller-Trede Johannes , Leong Lim
Published: November 2022

Human decisions are context dependent in ways that violate classical norms of rational choice. However, these norms implicitly depend on idealized descriptive assumptions that are often unrealistic. We focus on one such assumption: that information is constant across contexts. Choice contexts often supply subtle cues—which may be embedded in frames, procedures, or menus—to which human decision makers can be highly sensitive. We review recent evidence that some important context effects reflect dynamically coherent belief and preference updating, in response to ecologically valid cues. This evidence paints a more nuanced picture of human rationality in natural choice environments and opens up prospects for nonpaternalistic forms of choice architecture.
Entrepreneurial Intentions Among Postgraduate Management Students in India: The Theory of Planned Behaviour Approach
Authors: Singh Khundrakpam Devananda , Mpanme Ditalak
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to scrutinise entrepreneurial intention among the postgraduate management students in India. In this research activity, the theory of planned behaviour questionnaire with 21 items was adopted. Data were collected through Google Forms questionnaire from 310 postgraduate management students of 8 Central universities in northeastern region of India. Cronbach’s alpha reliability test, correlation, regression and analysis of variance were used to analyse the collected data. As a result of analyses, the independent variables, namely attitude towards the behaviour, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control, had a positive relationship with entrepreneurial intention of the respondents. The study concluded that the respondents had significant positive entrepreneurial intention. It was also found that only 47% of entrepreneurial intention could be measured by the three independent variables of theory of planned behaviour, and 53% were the other factors remained behind that could not be identified by these variables.
Enabling the Ambitious ZED Target Initiative of the Government of India Through CLAG Operations
Authors: Rajashekharaiah Jagadeesh , Deshpande Shreekant
Published: November 2022

The ZED (Zero Defect Zero Effect) programme introduced by the Indian government in 2014 aims to achieve defect-free and environment-friendly operations in MSMEs (medium, small and micro enterprises). It helps them derive benefits from the global markets. However, the ZED programme has not achieved its objectives despite the government’s effort to provide support in terms of education, training and guidance. There are just 304 ZED-certified MSMEs out of more than 60 million in India. This article advocates a blended approach that involves a combination of clean, lean and green (CLAG) operations, which has the potential to achieve the ZED target as demonstrated by many applications across the industries. Adopting the Six Sigma technique in manufacturing industries is discussed, which can deliver output with a defect rate close to zero. Usually, the CLAG approaches have been applied across different organizations individually. However, the proposed approach recommends a combination to seek superior benefits. The article provides evidence from secondary sources to justify the application of the proposed blended approach. The blended conceptual model will help enterprises achieve improved quality, reduce waste and lower environmental damage.