bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
African American Readings of Paul
Authors: Keener Craig S.
Published: October 2023

Lisa Bowens’s African American Readings of Paul provides a fascinating adventure for all those interested in reception history of Paul and/or the history of the Black Church in the United States. Although also engaging modern scholarship, Bowens allows the historic voices of the Black Church to speak for themselves, thus sometimes challenging paradigms established by earlier scholars working from more limited evidence. When enslaved persons read the Bible, they embraced its liberationist and justice-oriented principles, rescuing Paul from the counterreadings of the slaveholders. Bowens sympathetically highlights the spiritual experiences of historic African American readers, by which they appropriated Paul’s ethos more deeply. Applying the same principles, African American women recognized Paul’s appreciation for women ministry colleagues and so contextualized his apparent prohibitions of women in ministry. The figures treated in this book are of more than historical interest; they often provide models of faithful discipleship and faithful readings of Scripture for readers today.
Liberating Prophetic Voices
Authors: Hill A. Rebecca Basdeo
Published: October 2023

African American Readings of Paul is a study of the various ways African Americans have used Paul’s epistles from the 1700s to the mid-twentieth century. Bowens investigates how African Americans received and responded to Paul’s writings. While other studies have examined African Americans’ interpretations of Scripture, Bowens’s methodology, focus, and scope, along with her exceptional knowledge in the Pauline epistles, distinguish her work from others.
Memory, Folk Narratives, and Social Critique: Notes on Jane Addams and the “Devil Baby” Legend
Authors: Viola Tullio
Published: October 2023

The article focuses on the link between memory, folk narratives, and critical thinking. I suggest in particular that there are instances in which the transmission of a folkloric story, such as a legend or a tale, can intersect with a person’s life experiences and facilitate the articulation of critical perspectives on society that might otherwise go unexpressed. The opportunity for discussing this idea is offered by the work of early twentieth-century Chicago sociologist Jane Addams. In her book The Long Road of Woman’s Memory (1916) Addams dealt with the modern revival of an ancient legend and investigated its interplay with the recollections, grievances, and aspirations of working-class women.
Le Kitāb Tanbīh al-anām d’Ibn ʿAẓẓūm (m. 960/1553)
Authors: Garnier Sébastien
Published: October 2023

La Bibliothèque Municipale de Dijon conserve un manuscrit ancien du Kitāb Tanbīh al-anām d’Ibn ʿAẓẓūm (m. 960/1553). Bréviaire apparenté à la littérature dévotionnelle et postérieur au parangon fondateur du genre, les Dalāʾil al-ḫayrāt (scr. 857-862 ?/1453-1458 ?) d’al-Ǧazūlī (m. 869 ?/1465 ?), son étude offre un contrepoint ifrīqiyen nouveau. L’exemplaire que nous présentons comporte en outre des éléments absents des éditions courantes, en particulier une généalogie du projet auctoral qui assoit son ancrage tunisois.
lieb und layd sind hie durch weben
Authors: Reich Björn , Schanze Christoph
Published: October 2023

This article deals with the different versions of the Losbuch der Beginen und Begarden. A comparative analysis of various selected parameters shows the ‘flexibility’ of the text and its illustrations. It is possible that its unique success – as confirmed by its broad tradition – is precisely due to its open structure. The exemplary observations in this article are imbedded in rather general thoughts on the genre ‘Losbuch’ (sortes).
The Discipline of Dakwah in Indonesia’s State Education System
Authors: Millie Julian , Syarif Dede , Fakhruroji Moch.
Published: October 2023

Dakwah (predication) is a popular field of research and study in the tertiary institutions under Indonesia’s Ministry of Religion. To understand this popularity, it is necessary to recognize how individual Islamic sciences—such as dakwah—have been reconstituted within those institutions, for diverse disciplines have evolved along different trajectories. Dakwah has acquired its contemporary disciplinary character through dakwah academics’ efforts to shape it in the models provided by the social sciences and media/communication studies. This is revealed in their appropriations from these disciplines, which commenced after Indonesian independence, when academics identified the national community as a mediated domain to be addressed by new dakwah methods. The authors trace these developments by reviewing the academic outputs of dakwah scholars, noting also that the ‘bureaucratic integration’ of dakwah created a bifurcation in the field: outside the ministry’s institutions, critical dakwah projects have opposed the state-supported version of dakwah.
Discovering Chinese Science and Technology: A Critical Review
Authors: Zhang Xin
Published: October 2023

For most of the twentieth century, the investigation into the development of science and technology in China has been based on the assumption that China lacked the conditions to achieve that on its own before it was exposed to Western knowledge. The same assumption has led many inquiries into the search for shortcomings in Chinese civilization or the failure to embrace Western knowledge. It was only near the very end of the twentieth century that a breakthrough finally arrived to allow scholars to free themselves from the assumption. This article traces the history of the field as it evolved through nearly a century from denying China’s own identity to finally recognizing it. I aim to show, one of the main reasons many researchers had held this rather Western-centric view for nearly a century was to the influence of the “rise of the West” historical narrative, which dominated the discourse on world history. Only after the narrative was seriously questioned did we begin to witness significant changes in the field toward realizing China’s own achievements and historical trajectory in the development of science and technology.
Adolescent Christian Discernment
Authors: Smith Jeremy D. , Long JoAnn D.
Published: October 2023

Theoretically guided, evidence-based approaches to fostering Christian discernment among adolescents are limited. The context of mid-adolescence is one in which youth struggle to solidify identity. The discernment of vocational calling, career, and choice of college are among the major life decisions associated with this phase of life. As a component in Lubbock Christian University’s (lcu) Vocati: A Youth Theology Institute, this study utilized the four tasks described in Richard Osmer’s model of practical theology to engage youth in the crafting of a missional practice. Analysis of qualitative findings suggests the use of Osmer’s model may provide a framework for youth ministry programs to guide young people in the process of Christian discernment.
The Reception of the Book of the Watchers in Valentinus’s Fragment 1 (Clement of Alexandria, Stromata II.36.2–4)
Authors: Berno Francesco
Published: October 2023

The article intends to argue in favor of the dependence of Valentinus’s Fragment 1 (Clement, Strom. 2.36.2-4) on the Greek text of the Book of the Watchers. Moving from Valentinus’s recourse to specific expressions of the latter – and in particular of his “technical” use of the term φόβος (“fear”) and of the verb ἀφανίζω (“to destroy”; “to disfigure”) – the aim is to throw new light not only on the origin of Valentinus’s anthropogonic narrative, but also on the reasons and the limits of the re-use of Enochian material in the extant Valentinian production.
A Feminist Analysis of “Woman-Husband” and “Male-Daughter” Practice in Igbo Cultural Thought
Authors: Osuji Ucheoma C.
Published: October 2023

This essay examines how conceptions of “woman-husband” and “male-daughter” are supported and practiced in Igbo traditional thought. The essay argues from a feminist perspective that the practice not only promotes patriarchy but also solicits the aid and involvement of women to develop a female subjectivity that fits in with a society that privileges the male. The practice deepens the problem it tries to solve by causing existential predicament, discrimination and stigmatization to women victims and their offspring. The practice also alienates women from their natural inclination by doubling their gender roles. This essay combines analysis and phenomenology to subsequently develop a feminist critical interpretation of the issues at stake.
Cross-Tradition Philosophical Engagement and Cross-Culture Dialogue: From a Holistic Vantage Point with Enhanced Explanatory Resources
Authors: Mou Bo
Published: October 2023

Especially since the beginning of this century, the significance and value of comparative philosophy as a general way of doing philosophy through cross-tradition engagement toward world philosophy has been recognized and strengthened through both theoretic exploration and reflective practice. The purpose of this essay is to explain how, from a holistic vantage point, cross-tradition philosophical engagement as a methodological approach can contribute to those truth-concern-sensitive (or critical-engagement-sensitive) studies in cross-cultural dialogue with enhanced “constructive-engagement” resources. For this purpose, with a further refined characterization of eligibility of methodological perspectives, I explain a further expanded meta-methodological framework for how to adequately look at the relation between distinct eligible perspectives on an object of study.
Collective Identity, the State and Politics: Understanding Working-class Organisations in Today’s Argentina
Authors: Atzeni Maurizio
Published: October 2023

An analysis of the current state and political horizons of working-class organisations in Argentina can be developed along two intersecting lines. In the first, we have trade unions representing workers in the formal sector, which accounts for about half of the country’s working population. In the second, we have social movements, based in both the urban and rural space, representing poor and informal workers. These two lines often run parallel to one another but also intersect and merge at different points following the cycles of capital accumulation and crisis typical of a peripheral country.
Resistance Pedagogy: Illuminating Marginalized Voices and Challenging Dominant Narratives
Authors: Bell Charles
Published: October 2023

In the United States, the criminal justice system comprises a multitude of complex social structures and policies that directly impact the lives of every citizen. The prison policy initiative reports nearly one out of every 100 citizens in the United States is incarcerated in a prison or jail. Scholars also note that the control mechanisms and sanctions associated with incarceration extend to an incarcerated individuals’ family members and social network. As studies demonstrate how underfunded schools and communities, punitive school disciplinary practices, violent social policies, and failed safety measures contribute to arrest and incarceration, the lived experiences of those who have navigated these challenges should be explored. In this article, I describe how I established a “resistance pedagogical framework” in my undergraduate and graduate courses. Rather than relying solely on traditional textbooks, I created panel engagement opportunities, field trips, and other activities that allow marginalized and system-impacted individuals to challenge existing narratives of inferiority that are perpetuated by white supremacy. This article provides an overview of the shortcomings that are associated with traditional pedagogy, examples of resistance pedagogy in undergraduate and graduate classrooms, students’ perceptions of the panel engagement activities, and future implications.
Student-Centered Innovation Project as University Social Responsibility (USR)
Authors: Effendi Tonny Dian
Published: October 2023

Most university social responsibility (USR) literature and practice involves students as participants. However, students can also be initiators, participants and implementers of programs under USR. This study discusses the central role played by students in the USR project in Kampung Warna-Warni Jodipan, or the Jodipan Colorful Village, by the Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang, in Malang city, Indonesia. This project represents two innovations: (1) teaching innovation, where the lecturer becomes the center, and (2) the innovative project, where the student becomes the center. Under the student-centered USR project, students research the community, generate the idea, initiate and design the project, write proposals, connect the stakeholders and implement the project together with the community. By giving ‘space’ for student creativity rather than just involving them as participants, this project positioned students as the connector and center of the quadruple stakeholder collaboration between the university, business, government and community.
Taxonomic notes on the nursery-web spider genus Dendrolycosa Doleschall, 1859 (Araneae: Pisauridae) from India, with the description of a new species
Authors: SUDHIN PUTHOOR PATTAMMAL , SEN SOUVIK , JÄGER PETER
Published: October 2023

A new species of the nursery-web spider genus Dendrolycosa Doleschall, 1859, D. sahyadriensis spec. nov. (♂♀) is described from the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, India. Detailed morphological descriptions, diagnoses and illustrations of the copulatory organs of both sexes are provided. The status of the Dendrolycosa species in India is also given, along with a distribution map.
Objective Relative Income Impacts Life Satisfaction and Positive Affect Only When Subjective Absolute Income is High
Authors: Zhao Qin , Chen Tao
Published: October 2023

Given the crucial role of money in individuals’ daily life and the potential societal impact of income inequality, it is not surprising that the income-subjective well-being (SWB) link has been a topic of great research interest. The present study extends past research by examining the independent and interactive effects of three personal income factors. An experiment was conducted where subjective income (both absolute and relative) were manipulated and objective relative income was measured. Subjective relative income impacted perceived deprivation, negative affect, and state hostility, whereas the other two income factors showed a main effect on perceived deprivation only. Regarding interaction effects, objective relative income impacted life satisfaction and positive affect only for individuals in the high (vs. low) subjective absolute income condition, i.e., those who perceived their income as adequate for needs/wants. We proposed that the relative deprivation theory ( Smith et al., 2012 ), which primarily focuses on the impact of low relative income (or income inequality), should be expanded to account for both perceived deprivation “relative to others” and perceived deprivation “relative to one’s own needs/wants.”
The Community Social Responsibility of Rural Small Tourism Enterprises: Scale Development and Validation
Authors: Wu Mao-Ying , Wang Yi , Li Qiucheng , Wu Xinfang , Ma Shihan (David)
Published: October 2023

Rural small tourism enterprises (STEs) are involved in many discretionary, spontaneous, and supporting activities toward the host communities, which is labeled as community social responsibility (CoSR) in this study. This study develops and validates a scale to measure rural STEs’ CoSR. Stage 1 found four dimensions and 33 initial items through a thorough literature review and focus group discussions. In stage 2, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the dimensionality of the CoSR scale. Stage 3 used confirmatory factor analysis and supported a 22-item five-dimension scale ( promoting economic development, cultural preservation, cultural production, environmental protection, and political participation). An additional study was conducted to further assess nomological validity of the developed scale. The development of the CoSR scale provides a measurement instrument to spur additional empirical studies on CoSR. This scale also provides a useful tool for rural STE owners to measure and manage CoSR activities.
The Fallout of Market-Oriented Sustainability Measures: Tourism Destination Sustainability Benchmarking and Ranking
Authors: Jørgensen Matias Thuen
Published: October 2023

Destination sustainability indices, designed to facilitate benchmarking, ranking, and direct competition, are increasingly employed by destinations to showcase their sustainability achievements, meet stakeholder expectations, and attract visitors. Consequently, these indices play a pivotal role in influencing how destinations strategically prioritize their sustainability initiatives. Despite the burgeoning research on sustainability measures, research on market-centric destination benchmarks and rankings remains limited. This letter aims to underscore the distinction between measures that apply a minimum standard approach, for example certifications, and those that allow for benchmarking/ranking in assessing destination sustainability. It argues that the latter holds significant potential to impact sustainable destination development. Thus, it investigates the question of what happens when destination sustainability becomes a point of competition and demonstrates that even meticulously designed indices can encourage counterproductive behaviors, potentially undermining sustainability progress at destinations. Based on this, the letter advocates for a comprehensive investigation into market-oriented sustainability indices and rankings.
Incidence and predictors of hypertension among diabetic patients attending a diabetic follow-up clinic in Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wake Addisu Dabi
Published: October 2023

Objective

To assess the incidence and predictors of hypertension among patients with diabetes attending a diabetes follow-up clinic.

Methods

This institution-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among patients with diabetes who attended a diabetic follow-up clinic at Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital between January 2017 and December 2021. Patients diagnosed with hypertension prior to diabetes, or diagnosed with hypertension at the start of follow-up, were excluded. Data were extracted from medical records and analysed.

Result

A total of 351 patients with diabetes were included. The incidence density rate (IDR) of hypertension during 688.98 person-years of observation was 58.05 per 1000 (95% confidence interval [CI] 42.58, 79.14) person-years. The cumulative incidence of hypertension was 11.4% (95% CI 8.05, 14.7%) over 5 years. The 25th percentile survival time to hypertension development was 4.6 years. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that older age (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 6.24, 95% CI 3.13, 12.45), family history of hypertension (adjusted HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.22, 9.65), comorbidity (adjusted HR 2.20, 95% CI 1.94, 5.21) and higher body mass index (adjusted HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.23, 5.63) were statistically significant predictors of hypertension development.

Conclusion

Among patients with diabetes in Ethiopia, the IDR of hypertension was high; and older age, family history of hypertension, comorbidity and higher body mass index were statistically significant predictors of hypertension development.
Influence of CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and ABCB1 Gene Variants and Serum Levels of Escitalopram and Aripiprazole on Treatment-Emergent Sexual Dysfunction: A Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression 1 (CAN-BIND 1) Study
Authors: Islam Farhana , Magarbeh Leen , Elsheikh Samar S. M. , Kloiber Stefan , Espinola Caroline W. , Bhat Venkat , Frey Benicio N. , Milev Roumen , Soares Claudio N. , Parikh Sagar V. , Placenza Franca , Hassel Stefanie , Taylor Valerie H. , Leri Francesco , Blier Pierre , Uher Rudolf , Farzan Faranak , Lam Raymond W. , Turecki Gustavo , Foster Jane A. , Rotzinger Susan , Kennedy Sidney H. , Müller Daniel J.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction is frequently reported by individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) on antidepressants, which negatively impacts treatment adherence and efficacy. We investigated the association of polymorphisms in pharmacokinetic genes encoding cytochrome-P450 drug-metabolizing enzymes, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6, and the transmembrane efflux pump, P-glycoprotein (i.e., ABCB1), on treatment-emergent changes in sexual function (SF) and sexual satisfaction (SS) in the Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression 1 (CAN-BIND-1) sample.

Methods

A total of 178 adults with MDD received treatment with escitalopram (ESC) from weeks 0–8 (Phase I). At week 8, nonresponders were augmented with aripiprazole (ARI) (i.e., ESC + ARI, n = 91), while responders continued ESC (i.e., ESC-Only, n = 80) from weeks 8–16 (Phase II). SF and SS were evaluated using the sex effects (SexFX) scale at weeks 0, 8, and 16. We assessed the primary outcomes, SF and SS change for weeks 0–8 and 8–16, using repeated measures mixed-effects models.

Results

In ESC-Only, CYP2C19 intermediate metabolizer (IM) + poor metabolizers (PMs) showed treatment-related improvements in sexual arousal, a subdomain of SF, from weeks 8–16, relative to CYP2C19 normal metabolizers (NMs) who showed a decline, F(2,54) = 8.00, p < 0.001, q = 0.048. Specifically, CYP2C19 IM + PMs reported less difficulty with having and sustaining vaginal lubrication in females and erection in males, compared to NMs. Furthermore, ESC-Only females with higher concentrations of ESC metabolite, S-desmethylcitalopram (S-DCT), and S-DCT/ESC ratio in serum demonstrated more decline in SF ( r = −0.42, p = 0.004, q = 0.034) and SS ( r = −0.43, p = 0.003, q = 0.034), respectively, which was not observed in males. ESC-Only females also demonstrated a trend for a correlation between S-DCT and sexual arousal change in the same direction ( r = −0.39, p = 0.009, q = 0.052).

Conclusions

CYP2C19 metabolizer phenotypes may be influencing changes in sexual arousal related to ESC monotherapy. Thus, preemptive genotyping of CYP2C19 may help to guide selection of treatment that circumvents selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-related sexual dysfunction thereby improving outcomes for patients. Additionally, further research is warranted to clarify the role of S-DCT in the mechanisms underlying ESC-related changes in SF and SS. This CAN-BIND-1 study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT01655706) on 27 July 2012.
Mesurer l’empreinte antisémite sur YouTube
Authors: Tainturier Benjamin , de Dampierre Charles , Cardon Dominique
Published: October 2023

Cet article propose une approche exploratoire visant à mesurer l’empreinte du discours antisémite sur les chaînes d’information et d’actualité de YouTube en France. Devant la complexité et la polysémie du phénomène étudié, une approche par « empreinte » a en effet été privilégiée, s’appuyant sur des méthodes de machine learning et l’entrainement d’un outil de traitement automatique du langage. Il apparaît que cet outil, imparfait, mais ouvrant de nombreuses pistes méthodologiques quant à l’étude des discours de haine, détecte un antisémitisme peu prévalent, mais surreprésenté dans les espaces numériques liés à la droite radicale.
Reliability analysis based on load spectrum: A structural improvement of Indian Railways three-piece freight bogie elastomeric pad
Authors: Shukla Sanjay , Thaplyal Manish , Gautam Abhishek Kumar , Mall Satyam Kumar
Published: October 2023

Dynamic characteristics and reliability of elastomeric pads are dominant components in the design methodology to satisfy the performance parameters under dynamic operations. The fatigue life of rubber pads fitted with elastomeric pads mainly depends upon elastomers; natural rubber, chloroprene, nitrile butadiene, silicon compounds, etc., additives, accelerators, activators, fillers, anti-degradants, and manufacturing processes. The performance of the elastomeric pad is evaluated based on service operation, simulation, and laboratory testing. New and failed elastomeric (EM) pads have been examined in the Indian Rubber Manufacturer’s Research Association IRMRA laboratory for detailed failure analysis of existing EM pads. Further, chemical and physical properties are also evaluated in M&C (Metallurgical and Chemical) and Testing Directorate of Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO), labs respectively. The fatigue life of the EM pad is estimated based on the results extracted from the Finite Element (FE) analysis of the EM pad. An attempt is made to modify the design of the EM pad by considering the results of detailed field trials, lab testing, and FE analysis. The modified design satisfies the dynamic characteristic during FE (Structural and Thermal) analysis and lab testing.
Antisemitism in contemporary Türkiye: Discourses on Turkish Jews on Twitter
Authors: Öneren-Özbek Melis
Published: October 2023

This article examines antisemitism in Türkiye within the framework of the new media landscape. The objective of this study is twofold: firstly, to investigate antisemitic discourses on Twitter within the cultural and political context in contemporary Türkiye and, secondly, to scrutinize the role of Twitter in this context. The study centers on the tweets and replies of five Turkish-Jewish writers that were collected between 5 November 2021 and 30 January 2022, a period coinciding with the airing of the Netflix original series The Club, during which antisemitic discourses intensified. Finally, this study posits that despite a favorable portrayal of Jewish individuals in the series, the discourse surrounding the historical and political incidents targeting minorities, mainly Jews, that were depicted in the series gave rise to antisemitism. This was expressed on Twitter largely through rhetoric that reinforces the marginalization of the Jewish community in Türkiye.
You’re a murderer: Critical discourse analysis of conversations around abortions in the Russian talk show
Authors: Kamalova Alina
Published: October 2023

Today in Russia, there is a growing number of anti-abortion policies even though the birth rate is not a key factor affecting the demographic situation in the country. In this article, I investigate how the anti-abortion discourse is constructed in the media. For this purpose, I analyse a dataset of 5 hour-long episodes of the tabloid talk show Pust’ Govoriat. More specifically, the aim of this article is twofold. I seek to demonstrate to what extent the discourse displayed in the show is shaped and shapes by the Russian government’s family policies and, consequently, public opinion. On the other side, I aim to understand how speakers verbally and non-verbally negotiate morality, norms, gender roles and identities to negotiate if abortion is acceptable or not. I advocate that the tabloid talk show, like many other state-funded media products in Russia, is utilised as a government’s tool for anti-abortion propaganda and depoliticisation of social problems.
Views, attitudes, and reported practices of nephrology nurses regarding shared decision-making in end-of-life care
Authors: Abu Hatoum Wassiem Bassam , Sperling Daniel
Published: October 2023

Background

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is the final stage of chronic kidney disease. Yet dialysis is not suitable for all ESRD patients. Moreover, while shared decision-making (SDM) is the preferred model for making medical decisions, little is known about SDM between nephrology nurses and ESRD patients in Israel.

Research Objective

Assessing the views, attitudes, practices, and ethical dilemmas of nephrology nurses in Israel regarding SDM with ESRD patients.

Methods

Using the descriptive quantitative approach, questionnaires were completed by 444 nephrology nurses in Israel. In addition to conducting descriptive statistics, t-tests for independent samples, f-tests for analysis of variance, and both tests for independence were also performed.

Ethical Considerations

The research aims, expected advantages and risks have been explained to respondents before completing the questionnaire to secure informed consent. Anonymity and confidentiality were ensured throughout the study. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee at the University of Haifa (Approval # 411/21).

Results

About one-third (30%–36.5%) of nurses reported discussing quality of life issues with ESRD patients, asking about their advance directives/power of attorney, exploring cultural/religious beliefs in end-of-life care, and ask about their preferred place of death. Nurses who convey high levels of patient-centered care (68.9%, p<0.0001), have high end-of-life training (76.2%, p<0.0001), and report cooperating with interdisciplinary teams (63.8%, p = 0.0415), also reported higher SDM practices than others. Nurses who refer less patients to palliative care (70%, p<0.0001) reported higher involvement in SDM compared to other nurses.

Conclusions

Nephrology nurses in Israel do not tend to implement the SDM model, despite its potential for improving quality of life for ESRD patients and their families and increasing conservative care options. Policy makers and educators in Israel should develop and implement training programs and support in the workplace, to enhance SDM between nephrology nurses and ESRD patients.
Dynamics of Technology Adoption During Street Vendors Acceptance of Digital Payment Apps: An Extension of UTAUT2 Using PLS-SEM
Authors: Prasad Shivani , Sharma Yogesh , Suri Ankit
Published: October 2023

In this study, we employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate the factors influencing the adoption of digital payment applications among street vendors. Street vendors, who significantly contribute to the informal sector, are well-known in India because they offer affordable goods and services at their customers’ doorsteps. Understanding the mechanics of technology adoption is essential to fostering digitalization in the unorganized sector. We performed a primary survey to get input from 306 street vendors in New Delhi, India for analysis. Three additional constructs—Privacy Risk, Security and Digital Literacy—were introduced to the UTAUT2 model and were tested using PLS-SEM. The results reveal that while digital literacy strongly influences behavioural intention among street vendors in India, privacy risk and security were not significantly influencing behavioural intention to use mobile-based digital payment applications. While street vendors have been ignorant of privacy risks and security, there are increasing cases of fraud and data leaks during digital transactions. Therefore, as a managerial implication, it is suggested that digital payment-based companies should pay close attention to conducting awareness programs on privacy risks and security for street vendors to ensure the smooth and safe adoption of digital payment apps in the informal sector.
Xiegan-Liangxue-Jiedu Decoction Alleviated Psoriasis and Depressionlike Behavior in a Mouse Model: Role of the AC–cAMP–PKA–CREB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Shi Jia-chen , Wu Ping , Li Yong-mei , Li Xiao-rui
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Psoriasis vulgaris is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease that is associated with depression. In this study, we investigated the effect of Xiegan–Liangxue–Jiedu (XGLXJD) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, on psoriasis based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experiments.

Materials and Methods

A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the overlapping targets of XGLXJD decoction and psoriasis. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed using Metascape database. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to investigate the main compounds of XGLXJD decoction. Molecular docking was performed to predict the potential interaction between the main compounds and proteins of interest. A C57 mouse model of psoriasis was established via continuous exposure to imiquimod. Seven days later, the XGLXJD decoction was orally administered at increasing doses for 6 days. The psoriasis area and severity index were calculated. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to examine skin morphology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the serum levels of adenylyl cyclase (AC), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Sucrose preference test and forced swimming test were used to assess depression-like behavior. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and immunofluorescence were used to investigate the cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway.

Results

Overall, 162 overlapping targets were generated. A total of 398 biological processes, 84 molecular functions, and 47 cellular components were identified via GO analysis, whereas 140 pathways were identified via KEGG pathway analysis. The most notable signaling pathways were cAMP as well as downstream IL-17 and TNF-α signaling pathways. HPLC analysis revealed that the main compounds of XGLXJD decoction were paeoniflorin, isorhamnetin, quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and baicalein. The molecular docking assay indicated that the docking energies of the main compounds of XGLXJD decoction to the top hub genes were less than −5 kcal/mol. ELISA revealed that the administration of XGLXJD decoction decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-17). Furthermore, the AC, cAMP, and PKA levels were enhanced after its administration. IHC staining demonstrated that the administration of XGLXJD decoction activated the AC–cAMP–PKA–CREB signaling pathway in skin. In addition, it enhanced sucrose preference and forced swimming time percentage. It also enhanced the expression of cAMP and PKA in the hippocampus.

Conclusion

XGLXJD decoction alleviated psoriasis and depression-like behavior. The AC–cAMP–PKA–CREB signaling pathway may play a crucial role in mediating this effect.
The impact of cultural identity, parental communication, and peer influence on substance use among Indigenous youth in Canada
Authors: Reynolds Ashley , Keough Matthew T. , Blacklock Adrienne , Tootoosis Curtis , Whelan Joseph , Bomfim Emiliana , Mushquash Christopher , Wendt Dennis C. , O’Connor Roisin M. , Burack Jacob A.
Published: October 2023

Heavy drinking and smoking have been found to be among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality within Indigenous youth in North America. The focus of this study was to examine the relative roles of cultural identity, parent–child communication about the harms of substance use (SU), and perception about peers’ opinions on heavy drinking and cigarette smoking among Indigenous youth. Strong Indigenous cultural identity, parent–child communication about SU, and affiliation with peers who do not use and/or who disapprove of substance use were all expected to reduce risk for heavy drinking and smoking. Substance use beliefs were hypothesized to mediate these effects. Youth ( N  =  117; Mage  =  14.07; grades 6–11) from two Indigenous communities in Quebec completed self-reports. Consistent with the hypotheses, strong cultural identity predicted increased negative beliefs about substance use, which predicted reduced drinking and smoking. Similarly, affiliating with peers who did not use alcohol predicted decreased positive beliefs about alcohol use, which predicted reduced drinking. Affiliating with peers who did not smoke cigarettes predicted reduced cigarette smoking. Parental influences were not supported in this model. Intervention strategies may benefit from targeting cultural identity, peer groups, and substance use beliefs among Indigenous youth.
Migration, Gender and Intergenerational Interdependence: Translocal Households Involving Older People and Migrants in Uganda
Authors: Walsham Matthew
Published: October 2023

Older people play a key role in intergenerational households across the developing world, including in caring for the children of migrants. However, research on ‘translocal households’ in Africa and Asia focuses almost exclusively on households headed by working-age husbands and wives and fails to substantially incorporate older people, whether as household heads or household members. This article presents findings from Kiboga District, Uganda on intrahousehold dynamics and wellbeing within translocal households containing older people and younger migrants. A relational approach is adopted to interrogate gendered notions of dependence, independence and interdependence within these intergenerational relationships. ‘Translocal interdependencies’ are found to underpin these households and are critical to the wellbeing of older people, migrants and their children. However, households are also diverse in character, occupying a ‘spectrum of translocality’ ranging from coherent, supportive translocal households, to those with less unified and less reliable—but often highly persistent—linkages between migrants and older people. Further, older women may overstate, and older men understate, the translocal support to which they have access, with important consequences for development programming targeted at older people. Debates about ageing and development need to reflect the key role played by older people within these gendered webs of translocal interdependence, while acknowledging and seeking to address the many challenges they face.
The dynamics of teleoaffective configuration in practice adaptation
Authors: Spotswood Fiona , Steele James , Androulakis-Korakakis Patroklos , Lucas Alex
Published: October 2023

Extant consumer research interested in disruption and adaptation to routines undertheorizes the role of 'meanings' in adaptation processes, which are implicated as obstacles, or understood as adjustable to achieve adaptation. Practice theory foregrounds the dynamics of practices and their elements as shaping practice transition. From this, we explore and theorize meanings in practice adaptation by mobilising the theoretical leverage of concept of ‘teleoaffective structures’ to provide a granular theoretical account of how meanings shape adaptation after practice disruption. Through our empirical material, with strength training practitioners adapting to home training after gym closures, we illuminate how multifaceted teleoaffective 'components' are configured differently into routinised practice performances. These constitute practice–practitioner relationships. The characteristics of these teleoaffective configurations stretch across a spectrum from rigid to fluid, and shape adaptation pathways termed ‘replicate’ or ‘tolerate’. Rigid teleoaffective configurations constrain adaptation, demanding replication of the practice, which is often impossible because its feel and purpose become lost in new spatio-material contexts. Fluid configurations are more transportable and foster tolerance of reconfigured practices, often because of the variety of end goals, lack of dominant affective ends and because variability is built in, which means the practice is transportable. The theorisation of teleoaffective configuration contributes to existing research that foregrounds the role of creative consumer striving in practice adaptation by identifying how the life of elements and practitioners' intentional activity intersect to shape adaptation attempts. The study also advances from research that uses a collapsed conceptualisation of ‘meaning’ by embracing the complexity of teleoaffective structures. Furthermore, the framework connects understandings of practitioner and practice variance with adaptation outcomes whilst keeping practice elements, particularly the teleoaffective structure, as the central unit of analysis.
Market mutton dressed as ÜberLamb: Diagnosing the commodification of self-overcoming
Authors: Cronin James , Fitchett James , Coffin Jack
Published: October 2023

Nietzsche invites us to turn our focus to how subjects seek out what is average rather than what is authentically independent. For marketing theory, this means recognising that while the desire for autonomy and self-determination functions as a seductive and collective narrative for consumer culture generally, it inevitably becomes denatured and delimited to what each individual consumer finds to be most convenient, credible, and practical. Using a Nietzschean toolbox, this paper diagnoses a contemporary malaise in the process of ‘commodified self-overcoming’, whereby subjects are fed the mass-mediated fantasy that they can overcome the symbolic similitude of the majority while remaining comfortably part of the social ‘herd’. We discuss this process using three illustrative archetypes: the inhuman ‘BIG Zombie’, the transhuman ‘Cyborg’, and the all-too-human ‘Slacktivist’. These archetypes reveal how the prospect of overcoming the self and all of its human trappings functions as a core fantasy for consumers, albeit one that is paradoxically produced and supplied by market mechanisms that perpetuate a lasting humanism. We explore the notion of ante-humanism and conclude with implications for the nascent tradition of Terminal Marketing.
Influence of nozzle external geometry on the emission of screech tones
Authors: Morata David , Papamoschou Dimitri
Published: October 2023

The effect of external nozzle geometry on the emission of screech tones was studied experimentally. Four conical reflector surfaces, with half-angles ranging from 60° to 90°, were installed around the exit of a round convergent nozzle. The investigation focused on two closely spaced fully-expanded Mach numbers, M j = 1.32 and 1.34. The acoustic far-field was surveyed by a microphone phased array that included a continuously-scanning microphone, the latter enabling high spatial resolution. The isolated jets contained well-known screech mode B and its harmonics. Addition of the reflectors caused significant changes in the modal emission pattern, with tones traditionally linked to mode C occurring at M j = 1.34 but not at M j = 1.32. Tonal components associated with new modes E and F emerge at both Mach numbers when the cone half-angle is 60° or 70°. The noise source distribution generally elongates with decreasing cone angle. Some modes show clear scattering from the reflectors, while others do not. The study underscores the complexity that initial conditions can impart on the modal structure of screech and demonstrates the capability of the continuous-scan beamforming technique in resolving fine features of the source.
Early design BIM-based Target Value Design for public facilities: An application to a healthcare facility case
Authors: Bueno Cristiane , Pereira Lucas Melchiori , Fabricio Marcio Minto
Published: October 2023

The objective of this article is to develop an agile application based on BIM for the integration of Target Value Design into the design process, in order to offer a resource to support decision-making process from the early design stages. The research applies the operational research method by the methodological steps: (a) Identify input data sources and develop the input setup; (b) Develop BIM-based cost estimation of visual programming and apply program in one case; (c) Discussion of the potentialities and challenges of the proposed approach to outline the research findings. A direct link between cost estimation and BIM objects was created to promote Target Value Design in the design process through visual programming. The necessary agility was obtained through semi-automation of the process of incorporating the cost data within the parametric modelling family and extracting cost estimate totals from the model to a pre-defined spreadsheet, allowing the continuous updating of models.
Robotic Resection of Left Atrial Myxoma With Cryoablation of Tumor Stalk
Authors: Bethea Joseph , Lodhi Taha , Peine Brandon , Mendes Jesse , Sutton Tia , Celio Adam , Allman Robert , Nifong L. Wiley
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this report is to demonstrate robotic cryoablation of an atrial myxoma stalk as a method to prevent recurrence and preserve atrial tissue. A 38-year-old female patient was taken to the operating room, and an atrial myxoma abutting the left inferior pulmonary vein was resected robotically. This was followed by cryoablation of the tumor stalk instead of a full-thickness resection to prevent an extensive reconstruction. The operation resulted in the successful resection of an atrial myxoma with minimal length of stay. Follow-up at 3 months has shown no evidence of residual or recurrent tumor. Follow-up at 1 year is planned. Cryoablation of an atrial myxoma stalk, when resection would require complex reconstruction, is a useful tool in the armamentarium of a minimally invasive cardiac surgeon.
Midterm Results of Mitral Valve Repair Using Loop Technique With Simple Height Reduction of the Large Posterior Leaflet
Authors: Takahashi Yosuke , Morisaki Akimasa , Kawase Takumi , Doi Masataro , Nagao Munehide , Nishimoto Yukihiro , Sumii Yosuke , Inno Gouki , Nishiya Kenta , Sakon Yoshito , Aoyama Takanobu , Shibata Toshihiko
Published: October 2023

Objective:

Systolic anterior motion (SAM) is one of the most serious problems in mitral valve repair. Height reduction is a key procedure to solve SAM, and there are limited data on the surgical results of height reduction procedure. This study is to assess the effectiveness and midterm results of simple height reduction procedure for SAM in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR).

Methods:

From 2008 to 2022, 50 patients underwent loop technique with an additional simple height reduction procedure for prevention of SAM. We examined the midterm results of patients with simple height reduction regarding recurrent MR and reoperation. The follow-up period ranged from 171 to 3,816 days (median, 883 days).

Results:

There were 338 patients (87%) who underwent loop technique without height reduction and 50 patients (13%) who underwent loop technique with height reduction. After the height reduction procedure, SAM was prevented in 44 patients, and 6 patients needed volume loading to suppress SAM. Freedom from recurrence of moderate to severe or severe MR at 1, 3, and 5 years was 98%, 88%, and 88% in the height reduction group versus 98%, 96%, and 94% in the group with loop technique alone ( P = 0.074). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that a systolic dimension of 26 mm had a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 83% for predicting SAM after height reduction.

Conclusions:

Loop technique with simple height reduction was a simple, secure, and effective procedure to prevent SAM and recurrent significant MR in the midterm periods.