bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Harmonious homegoings: alleviating consumer vulnerability through service fluidity and compassion
Authors: Azzari Courtney Nations , Mitchell Natalie A. , Dadzie Charlene A. 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of service flexibility in addressing consumer vulnerability for chronically-traumatized consumers within the funerary context.

Design/methodology/approach
Using phenomenological philosophy and a grounded approach, data was collected and analyzed through 12 depth interviews with funeral service providers, coupled with observations and photographs of three second-line funeral processionals.

Findings
Study results include the following three primary roles of service providers in supporting chronically-traumatized consumers: the role of service fluidity in addressing trauma, mitigating vulnerability via service providers as community members and alleviating suffering through compassionate service. Service flexibility and value co-creation efforts were executed through an expansive service ecosystem of vendors.

Practical implications
When consumers experience vulnerability that demands reliance upon service industries, service providers can intentionally implement fluidity and agility in service design, adopt understanding and altruistic practices, and operate with empathy and compassion to orchestrate mutually-beneficial service outcomes.

Social implications
Rooted in transformative service research, providers are advised to consider modifying services to improve well-being and mitigate vulnerability for chronically-traumatized consumers via fluidity, community and compassion.

Originality/value
This study contributes originality to the body of service marketing literature by illustrating how service providers alleviate vulnerability for chronically-traumatized consumers through three adaptive service strategies.
Blockchain-integrated technologies for solving supply chain challenges
Authors: Gohil Dhruman , Thakker Shivangi Viral 
Published: July 2021

PurposeBlockchain technology was developed to synchronize the data and transactions over the supply chain network and connected nodes. This paper aims to show how blockchain technology can enhance flexibility and agility in supply chain operations. The integration of blockchain and other recently developed technology can help deal with supply chain uncertainties and other challenges being faced by the industry.Design/methodology/approachThrough an extensive literature review of existing research papers and conversation with supply chain managers, barriers and challenges in the supply chain were identified. Some elements were researched of blockchain technology that can be used to resolve some challenges. Blockchain technology and other technologies integration is developed for implementation in supply chain for better visibility and efficiency of supply chain.FindingsThe challenges in the supply chain are categorized, and the solution is given through the integration of blockchain and other technologies like Internet of Things and artificial intelligence. The integration shows the execution of tasks through blockchain and various technologies in supply chain.Research limitations/implicationsBlockchain in supply chain is finding its strong place in India when compared to developing nations. There is a need for technology experts, supply chain managers and consumers to understand blockchain’s importance. Challenges faced by industries to use blockchain may be analyzed further with real-life industry case studies.Practical implicationsThis research helps enterprises in successful execution of smart technologies in their supply chains. This research helps enterprises in successful execution of smart technologies in their supply chains. Managers and practitioners may use the models developed in real-time implementation. The technologies are described in detail to help the practitioners select the best suitable for their organization.Social implicationsDigital supply chains are finding the way in industries due to lean and efficient nature. It is beneficial to use the smart technologies to make supply chain green and sustainable.Originality/valueThe implementation of the digital supply chain and its challenges are discussed in the research paper. This will work as a platform for research in the area of technologies for supply chain.
Intrinsic mode choice determinants based on a descriptive analysis of the perceptions of Abuja commuters: towards refocusing the societal mind-set on environmentally sustainable modes choice
Authors: Blamah Nunyi Vachaku , Magidimisha-Chipungu Hangwelani , Dayomi Matthew , Popoola Ayobami Abayomi 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis paper sought to uncover the intrinsic determinants of the choice of transport modes in Nigeria's capital city, Abuja, based on commuters' perceptions on different modes of transport. The ultimate goal of the study was to come up with suitable multifaceted measures to deter private car usage, while refocusing society's mind-set towards alternative forms of transport, thereby keying into some transport-related sustainable development goals (SDG) goals.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted qualitative methods: 320 commuters were surveyed at bus stops and car parks around the city, and respondents were identified using multistage sampling, aided by purposive/convenience sampling, and this number was reached by saturation of themes. Focus group discussions were held with eight screened public officials from relevant (transportation and environment related) agencies/unions in the city. NVivo 10 software was used to thematically analyse the data gathered from a relativist and an interpretive stand point.FindingsThe study found transport mode choice to be intrinsically more motivated by socio-economic forces serving as a basis for other socio-psychological factors. Multifaceted measures, including spatial, socio-economic, environmental and public relation measures, were found suitable to break car-use motives in the study area towards adopting alternative modes of transport, thereby achieving some transport-related SDG targets.Originality/valueThe study was unique as it looked at the intrinsic mode choice determinants from a Sub-Saharan African capital city perspective and provided suitable multifaceted best practiced measures that deemphasised car use while emphasising alternative modes, thereby shifting commuters' mind-set towards environmentally sustainable modes of transport.
Diagnosing of clay distribution in argillaceous sandstone by a rock physics template
Authors: Nie Junguang , Qu Zhipeng , Cheng Yuanfeng , Wang Xingmou , Zhu Jianbing , Sun Shuai , Zhao Luanxiao , Geng Jianhua 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTThe elastic properties of argillaceous sandstones are significantly controlled, however, by the perplexing distribution of dispersed, cemented and matrix (including structural and layered) clay. The corresponding rock physics models are established to investigate the influence of different clay distribution on the elastic properties of sandstone. The rock physics modelling and laboratory experimental results exhibit that the higher the content of the matrix clay, the lower the elastic wave velocity. The dispersed and cemented clay increases the sandstone's velocity by reducing the porosity; the increase of dispersed clay only causes a slight increase in the elastic wave velocity in sandstone. In contrast, a small amount of cemented clay can significantly increase the velocity in sandstone. Based on these understandings, we construct a cross‐plot of P‐wave velocity and clay content as a template to diagnose clay distribution. Based on the rock physics model and empirical knowledge, we divide the template into four zones, namely, matrix, dispersed, cemented and mixed clay distribution zones. Then, we use the published experimental data and numerical modelling data to validate the template. Based on diagnosing the clay distribution, we introduce how to use the diagnostic results of the template to select a suitable rock physics model for argillaceous sandstone in Shengli Oil Field, East China. The selected rock physics model, guided by diagnosing the clay distribution, predicts P‐ and S‐wave velocity very well. The proposed rock physics template for diagnosing clay distribution also has potential application in well‐logging data interpretation, rock physics modelling and reservoir characterization.
Gauging the impact of Ethiopia’s productive safety net programme on agriculture: Application of targeted maximum likelihood estimation approach
Authors: Bahru Bezawit Adugna , Zeller Manfred 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP) is Ethiopia's poverty reduction strategy that forms the most important pillar of the country's agricultural transformation into a more productive and competitive sector. However, the extent to which the PSNP is linked to agriculture is unclear. This paper evaluates the impact of the PSNP on a range of agricultural outcomes. We use data from the Living Standard Measurement Study—Integrated Survey on Agriculture and apply the targeted maximum likelihood estimation method. We find no evidence that PSNP participation improved technology adoption, time spent in agriculture, household‐level access to agricultural services, or women's control over agricultural assets. However, PSNP participation increased access to credit, the share of non‐farm income, hours spent on casual work, community access to irrigation water, ownership of agricultural tools, community service in crop and livestock production, natural resource management, and access to credit. We also observe that PSNP households have a lower level of endowments compared to non‐PSNP households. Given the observed lack of impact on household‐level agricultural outcomes, we recommend integrating household‐level interventions, such as increasing the transfer size and provision of productive assets, that could lift household endowments above an asset threshold that would allow the productive use of community assets. This may boost the productive impact of the PSNP at the household level, facilitate agricultural development and economic growth. To generate additional insights, we recommend further research with sufficient data on the causal pathways between safety nets and agriculture.
A study of the effect of working parameters and validation of SEM/EDS method for determination of elemental composition of commonly encountered GSR samples in shooting events in Kosovo
Authors: Tahirukaj Milazim , Olluri Blerim , Surleva Andriana 
Published: July 2021

AbstractReliability of forensic evidences for presence of inorganic gunshot residue (iGSR) on a given surface strongly depends on the performance of scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (SEM‐EDS) method. This article presents the results from a study of the effect of SEM/EDS working parameters on the method performance and quality of iGSR data, as well as a development of a database of iGSR encountered in R Kosovo. The optimal working parameters of SEM/EDS were established by one‐variable‐at‐a‐time approach and the method was validated according to ASTM1588‐10. The precision, trueness, and expanded uncertainty for PbBaSb particles were estimated and the method was assessed as a “fit for purpose” with a satisfactory performance (z‐score < 2). Expended uncertainty of quantification of GSR particles estimated by single laboratory and quality control approach was 6% (k = 2). The validated SEM/EDS method was applied for identification of characteristic iGSR particles in samples from shooting events in Kosovo. The method was demonstrated to be capable of providing a legal proof for iGSR existence on a specific surface. The quality of the results was not influenced by the origin of iGSR. Five hundred fifty‐five samples from 144 cases occurred during the last 3 years were analyzed and 14% rate of positive results was found.
Analysis of local sensitivity to nonignorability with missing outcomes and predictors
Authors: Chen Heng , Heitjan Daniel F. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe ISNI (index of sensitivity to local nonignorability) method quantifies local sensitivity of parametric inferences to nonignorable missingness in an outcome variable. Here we extend ISNI to the situations where both outcomes and predictors can be missing and where the missingness mechanism can be either parametric or semi‐parametric. We define the quantity MinNI (minimum nonignorability) to be an approximation to the norm of the smallest value of the transformed nonignorability that gives a nonnegligible displacement of the estimate of the parameter of interest. We illustrate our method in a complete data set from which we synthetically delete observations according to various patterns. We then apply the method to real‐data examples involving the normal linear model and conditional logistic regression.
Pregnancy and birth in the United States during the COVID‐19 pandemic: The views of doulas
Authors: Adams Crystal 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundMuch of the emerging research on the effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 disease (COVID‐19) on pregnant people and their infants has been clinical, devoting little attention to how the pandemic has affected families navigating pregnancy and birth. This study examined the perspectives of doulas, or nonclinical labor support professionals, on how pregnancy and birth experiences and maternal health care delivery systems changed in the early weeks of the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews using open‐ended questions were conducted over the phone with 15 birth doulas. Doulas were invited to participate because of their close relationships with pregnant and birthing people and the comprehensive support they offer. The interview transcripts were analyzed inductively.ResultsDoulas’ clients faced three predominant COVID‐19‐related pregnancy and birth challenges: (a) fear of exposure; (b) limited access to their expected support systems; and (c) uncertainties surrounding hospital restrictions on labor and birth. Doulas responded creatively to help their clients confront these challenges. Participants expressed various criticisms of how maternal health care systems handled the emerging crisis, argued that COVID‐19 exposed preexisting weaknesses in US maternity care, and called for a coordinated care model involving doulas.DiscussionDoulas' close relationships with pregnant people enabled them to be an important source of support during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Added to the larger body of work on the impacts of doula care, this study supports widespread calls for universally integrating doulas into maternity care systems as a targeted strategy to better support pregnant and birthing people in both crisis and noncrisis situations.
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy—Reproductive counseling, pregnancy, and delivery in a complex multigenetic disease
Authors: Vincenten Sanne C. C. , Van Der Stoep Nienke , Paulussen Aimée D. C. , Mul Karlien , Badrising Umesh A. , Kriek Marjolein , Van Der Heijden Olivier W. H. , Van Engelen Baziel G. M. , Voermans Nicol C. , De Die‐Smulders Christine E. M. , Lassche Saskia 
Published: July 2021

AbstractReproductive counseling in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) can be challenging due to the complexity of its underlying genetic mechanisms and due to incomplete penetrance of the disease. Full understanding of the genetic causes and potential inheritance patterns of both distinct FSHD types is essential: FSHD1 is an autosomal dominantly inherited repeat disorder, whereas FSHD2 is a digenic disorder. This has become even more relevant now that prenatal diagnosis and preimplantation genetic diagnosis options are available for FSHD1. Pregnancy and delivery outcomes in FSHD are usually favorable, but clinicians should be aware of the risks. We aim to provide clinicians with case‐based strategies for reproductive counseling in FSHD, as well as recommendations for pregnancy and delivery.
Geriatric nutritional risk index as a prognostic indicator in elderly patients with early colorectal cancer undergoing endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Kato Minoru , Hayashi Yoshito , Fukuda Hiromu , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Inoue Takuya , Ogiyama Hideharu , Kitamura Shinji , Komori Masato , Yamamoto Katsumi , Yamamoto Masashi , Nagai Kengo , Nakahara Masanori , Egawa Satoshi , Yamada Takuya , Sasakawa Akira , Kizu Takashi , Nishiyama Osamu , Shichijo Satoki , Yoshii Shunsuke , Tsujii Yoshiki , Shinzaki Shinichiro , Iijima Hideki , Takehara Tetsuo 
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesData on the long‐term outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) performed in elderly patients with early colorectal cancer (CRC) are limited. We analyzed the prognosis of elderly CRC patients, not only from the viewpoint of treatment curability but also from the patients' baseline physical condition assessed by several indexes.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 729 patients aged ≥75 years who underwent ESD for Tis/T1 CRC in 16 institutions was conducted. The patients were classified into three groups based on curability: curative ESD (Group A, n = 582), non‐curative ESD with additional surgery (Group B, n = 60), and non‐curative ESD without additional surgery (Group C, n = 87). Overall survival (OS) was compared among the groups, and factors associated with reduced OS were investigated.ResultsThe median follow‐up periods in Groups A, B, and C were 41, 49, and 46 months, respectively (P = 0.62), during which 92 patients died. Two patients (0.3%) in Group A, none (0%) in Group B, and three (3.4%) in Group C died of CRC. Three‐year OS rates in Groups A, B, and C were 93.9%, 96.1%, and 90.1%, respectively, without a significant difference (P = 0.07). Multivariate analysis indicated low (<96.3) geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) as the sole independent predictor for reduced OS (hazard ratio 3.37; 95% confidence interval 2.18–5.22; P < 0.0001).ConclusionsLow GNRI, but not the curability attained by ESD, was independently associated with reduced OS in patients with early CRC aged ≥75 years.
Estimating risk factor progression equations for the UKPDS Outcomes Model 2 (UKPDS 90)
Authors: Leal Jose , Alva Maria , Gregory Vanessa , Hayes Alison , Mihaylova Borislava , Gray Alastair M. , Holman Rury R. , Clarke Philip 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo estimate 13 equations that predict clinically plausible risk factor time paths to inform the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) Outcomes Model version 2 (UKPDS‐OM2).MethodsData from 5102 UKPDS participants from the 20‐year trial, and the 4031 survivors with 10 years further post‐trial follow‐up, were used to derive equations for the time paths of 13 clinical risk factors: HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, LDL‐cholesterol, HDL‐cholesterol, BMI, micro‐ or macro‐albuminuria, creatinine, heart rate, white blood cell count, haemoglobin, estimated glomerular filter rate, atrial fibrillation and peripheral vascular disease (PVD). The incidence of events and death predicted by the UKPDS‐OM2 when informed by the new risk factor equations was compared with the observed cumulative rates up to 25 years.ResultsThe new equations were based on 24 years of follow‐up and up to 65,252 person‐years of data. Women were associated with higher values of all continuous risk factors except for haemoglobin. Older age and higher BMI at diagnosis were associated with higher rates of PVD (HR 1.06 and 1.02), atrial fibrillation (HR 1.10 and 1.08) and micro‐ or macro‐albuminuria (HR 1.01 and 1.18). Smoking was associated with higher rates of developing PVD (HR 2.38) and micro‐ and macro‐albuminuria (HR 1.39). The UKPDS‐OM2, informed by the new risk factor equations, predicted event rates for complications and death consistent with those observed.ConclusionsThe new equations allow risk factor time paths beyond observed data, which should improve modelling of long‐term health outcomes for people with type 2 diabetes when using the UKPDS‐OM2 or other models.
Effects of prebiotics on postprandial GLP‐1, GLP‐2 and glucose regulation in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover trial
Authors: Birkeland Eline , Gharagozlian Sedegheh , Gulseth Hanne L. , Birkeland Kåre I. , Hartmann Bolette , Holst Jens J. , Holst René , Aas Anne‐Marie 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimsWe aimed to investigate the effect of prebiotic inulin‐type fructans (ITF) versus a control supplement on postprandial levels of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and ‐2 (GLP‐1 and ‐2), glucose and insulin in people with type 2 diabetes.MethodsAdult men and women with type 2 diabetes were randomised in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study. The study participants received 16 g/d ITF and 16 g/d control supplement (maltodextrin) for 6 weeks each in two phases separated by a 4‐week washout. A standardised mixed‐meal test was performed before and after each intake period. The primary end point was changes in the GLP‐1 response, and secondary end points were GLP‐2, glucose and insulin responses. Data were analysed using mixed‐model analysis.ResultsA total of 29 participants were included in the study. Differences between and within the two treatments in estimated area under the curves were not significant. Yet, the predicted means for meal‐induced GLP‐1 response in plasma showed a 4.8% decline after the prebiotic treatment and an 8.6% increase after the control treatment (difference in changes between the treatments, p < 0.001). Fasting or postprandial glucose, insulin or GLP‐2 levels were not changed.ConclusionsOur findings do not support that ITF improve incretin responses or glucose regulations in this population.Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02569684).
Freedom as right
Authors: Rödl Sebastian 
Published: July 2021

AbstractI want to expound the fundamental thought of Fichte's Grundlage des Naturrechts: a freely acting individual is her relation to every other freely acting individual. Their relation is this: they know each other to be free. This knowledge is practical, that is, it is activity, and it is a relation, that is, they who are so related act one toward the other. This knowledge, this activity, this relation, which the free individual is, is the relation of right.
Recognition and the moral nexus
Authors: Wallace R. Jay 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA discussion of the account of recognition latent in the relational interpretation of moral requirements. I show how an appealing conception of recognition falls out of this interpretation, which treats moral norms as directed requirements that specify what we owe to others, and that correspond to claims on the part of those at whom they are directed. It is argued that relations of accountability, in which we demand of each other compliance with moral requirements, can be understood to involve demands for interpersonal recognition within the relational interpretation. The paper concludes with a discussion of the value of interpersonal recognition, understood in relational terms, considering the perspectives both of claimholders and of the agents who owe them moral consideration.