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Productivity Dynamics Among Union Locals in the United States
No full textUsing panel data on union locals in the United States we examine the dynamics of the union sector, investigating the impact of inter-union competition on locals’ productivity and survival. We find low entry rates, high exit rates and high levels of productivity dispersion in the sector. The entry of new locals is not associated with productivity improvements among incumbents but has a small negative association with locals’ survival rates. These findings indicate that inter-union competition is not effective in raising productivity and the effects of creative destruction are weak, with these processes likely insufficient to stem the sector’s overall decline
Introducing Chinese depositary receipts to accommodate red-chips: context, functioning, barriers and implications
Full text linkHaving developed into a market of global size over the past three decades, the Chinese securities market has nonetheless missed many red-chips due to its long-standing taboo on such issuers. Against the backdrop of global regulatory competition and its economic downturn, however, China has recently turned to enfranchise red-chips to float domestically with the introduction of Chinese depositary receipts to serve as the listing and trading instrument, thus catching the spotlight on the functioning and effectiveness of this regulatory shift in promoting market development. This article examines China’s regulatory reform of introducing Chinese depositary receipts to accommodate red-chips, canvassing the functioning of this regulatory shift, exploring the post-reform market landscape based on hand-collected data, looking into the regulatory barriers and seeking policy implications in the context of regulatory competition. This article finds red-chips’ sparse domestic flotation with the use of Chinese depositary receipts in the post-reform era and suggests policymakers relax the market entry regulation and construct a Sino-Hong Kong common securities market based on stock connects to accommodate red-chips
Inverse Machine Learning for the Design of Perforated Beams: Parent Section and Material Prediction
No full textThis study introduces a novel machine learning-based inverse design methodology for predicting the parent cross-sectional and material properties of perforated steel beams with elliptically-based openings. Unlike conventional forward design or optimization-based methods, the proposed ap-proach frames structural design as an inverse problem. It enables the direct mapping of opening ge-ometry and resistance parameters to essential properties such as section depth, flange width, web thickness, flange thickness, and yield strength. Five advanced supervised machine learning mod-els— Histogram-Based Gradient Boosting, Random Forest, Extreme Gradient Boosting, k-Nearest Neighbours, and Support Vector Regression—were trained on a dataset generated through forward structural analysis. This methodology develops non-iterative surrogate models that enhance the gen-eralizability and accessibility of the structural design process. The models demonstrated excellent predictive performance, with coefficient of determination (R²) values exceeding 0.99 for most out-puts. Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analysis identified web-post buckling resistance and section height as the most influential input features, with other variables contributing depending on the output. The proposed inverse learning framework was also benchmarked against an analytical design model to assess accuracy and consistency. To support practical implementation, a user-friendly web tool was developed, allowing engineers and researchers to access instant prediction. Overall, this research offers an efficient and explainable data-driven solution for structural design, demonstrating the practical value of artificial intelligence in engineering applications
Stability of steel-concrete composite beams with elliptically-based web openings under hogging moments
No full textThis study assesses the structural behaviour of steel-concrete composite beams with elliptically-based web openings under hogging moments. A finite element model is developed and validated using ABAQUS software. A parametric study is conducted, considering variations in the opening key geometric parameters, hogging moment distribution, unrestrained length, and cross-section dimensions. The predictive accuracy of existing design standards—such as ABNT NBR 8800:2024 and prEN 1994-1-1:2024—for LDB is evaluated based on different approaches for calculating the elastic critical moment (Mcr). The results indicated that the hogging moment distribution significantly influenced the resistance, with uniform hogging moments representing the most critical scenario. I-section with more slender flanges and webs enhance LDB resistance but may lead to web-post yielding and buckling. Using Mcr obtained from linear buckling analysis improved ultimate moment predictions, when combined with the specific case reduction factor from EC3, generally outperformed other methods despite some non-conservative results. Between code-based procedures, the ABNT NBR 8800:2024 showed better agreement with numerical predictions than prEN 1994-1-1:2024 using the general case. Additionally, a numerical study comparing composite beams with elliptically-based and circular web openings was carried out, revealing that under gradient hogging moment, elliptically-based web openings exhibited on average 2.33% higher load-bearing capacity and stiffness
Social inclusion of people with severe mental illness: a review of current practices, evidence and unmet needs, and future directions
No full textSocial inclusion means being able to participate in activities valued within one’s community or wider society as one would wish. People with severe mental illness (i.e., psychoses, bipolar disorder, and severe depression) experience some of the highest rates of social exclusion compared to people with other disabilities. This is the case regardless of the availability of specialist mental health services. Therefore, questions arise about the extent to which mental health services can and do prioritize social inclusion as a goal of service provision, and what strategies are needed outside of mental health services, at the levels of legislation and policy, statutory services, and civil society. In this paper we consider what social inclusion means in different cultures and contexts, since the value attached to different activities varies by culture and by life stage and gender. We discuss the subjective impact of low levels of social inclusion in terms of loneliness, and the evidence base for interventions to address it. We then turn to strategies to increase observable forms of social inclusion, considering them at the levels of legislation, services and other community assets. While evidence for some interventions is largely based on the Global North, we use evidence and examples from the Global South to the extent that we have found them. We also consider the predominant frameworks for social inclusion used in health services, followed by alternatives that may offer a more empowering approach to social inclusion for some people. We then describe strategies to reduce social exclusion through interventions to address stigma and discrimination, directed at key target groups or at population level. We make recommendations for policy makers, researchers, health professionals, and advocates based on the evidence and examples we have found, covering various forms of legislation, services and mental health research. Our conclusions identify the next steps for interventions, including development, evaluation, implementation or modification for better contextual adaptation
Acceptability of a behaviour change intervention to improve care of clinically deteriorating patients on acute hospital wards: A theory-based mixed-methods study
Full text linkIntroduction: Patients who clinically deteriorate in acute hospital wards who do not receive optimal care are at risk of harm. Track-and-trigger tools have been implemented internationally to facilitate the detection of clinical deterioration and prompt a response. Despite these tools, patients continue to deteriorate without optimal care. To address this, a theory-based behaviour change intervention (the Promoting Recognition Of deterioraTion and EsCalaTion of care [PROTECT] intervention) was developed to promote detection and response behaviours from nursing staff. While the PROTECT intervention followed a robust development process, its acceptability to end-users (those who could receive or deliver it) was unknown.
Aim: The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the acceptability of the PROTECT intervention to end users in a research context.
Design: A mixed-method study was conducted with a sequential explanatory design underpinned by the theoretical framework of acceptability.
Methods: Ward-based nursing staff members and critical care outreach nurses from three hospitals were recruited. Research materials were developed using theoretical framework of acceptability constructs. Participants received a presentation about the PROTECT intervention before completing a questionnaire using a live poll. Questionnaire results, displayed in real time, guided which acceptability constructs were explored in a subsequent focus group. Participant's demographics and questionnaire data were reported descriptively. Qualitative data were analysed using Framework Method.
Results: Research was conducted with 19 participants. The PROTECT intervention was rated as (highly) acceptable for four constructs (Affective Attitude, Perceived Effectiveness, Intervention Coherence, and Self-efficacy) and less acceptable for three constructs (Opportunity Costs [and Gains], Burden, and Ethicality). Participants praised the intervention's multifaceted nature and the familiarity of components that aligned with the existing strategies. Concerns were raised about its potential for components to induce psychological harm and the burden of engaging with the intervention.
Conclusion: The PROTECT intervention was broadly rated as (very) acceptable, suggesting progression to delivery and piloting in acute hospitals is appropriate. Findings from this work will be used to refine the PROTECT intervention and inform development of the implementation package
Relationships between attachment insecurity, beliefs about the self and others, paranoia, and social functioning across the psychosis continuum
Full text linkObjectives
Self-beliefs and other-regarding beliefs are related to attachment experiences and may contribute to paranoid beliefs and social functioning difficulties in psychosis. However, their relationships have not been examined jointly from an ecological perspective, while considering different degrees of psychosis risk.
Design
Relationships between avoidant and anxious attachment, self-beliefs and other-regarding beliefs, paranoia, and social functioning in daily-life were examined across the psychosis continuum of familial risk.
Methods
The sample comprised 29 patients with non-affective psychotic disorders (Mage = 39.07, SD = 9.91, 20.68% female), 17 first-degree relatives (Mage = 37.36, SD = 13.86, 64.71% female) and 26 controls (Mage = 36.15, SD = 8.1, 34.6% female). Avoidant and anxious attachment were assessed with the Psychosis Attachment Measure. Self-beliefs, beliefs about others, paranoia, and time spent alone were assessed for one week in participants’ daily lives using the Experience Sampling Method. Multilevel models were used to investigate cross-sectional and temporal relationships between the variables.
Results
Less positive self-beliefs and beliefs about others were related to paranoia, but only self-beliefs mediated the association between attachment insecurity and paranoia. People who were alone more frequently held less positive self-beliefs and beliefs about others, and being alone at a specific point in time was related to less positive self-beliefs. Attachment insecurity was unrelated to the amount of time spent alone.
Conclusions
Less positive self-beliefs and beliefs about others were related to higher paranoia levels and fewer social interactions in daily-life. These associations were present in all groups, supporting their utility as cognitive treatment targets in diverse therapeutic contexts
Generative AI in health sciences education and practice. Part 2: supporting thinking and decision-making
Full text linkThis article is the second in a series examining the way in which generative artificial intelligence is changing practice and training in the health and medical sciences. It looks at the ways in which generative artificial intelligence is being used to support information integration clinical decision-making among nurses and other clinicians. It explores artificial intelligence decision support in current and emerging practice, and in undergraduate and other training, as well as considering some of the risks and barriers to wider integration
ADM's APPLE: The Accelerated Deaths Model with an Application to the Covid-19 Pandemic
Full text linkThe Accelerated Deaths Model (ADM) builds on the hypothesis that, within a given age cohort, those who are less healthy are more likely to die if infected with Covid-19 than healthier people, leaving a pool of on-average healthier survivors. We use the term ‘detrimental selection’ which has two complementary aspects: the lower years of life lost by those who experienced an accelerated death; and the higher average life expectancy of survivors which we call their ‘adjusted post-pandemic life expectancy’ (ADM's APPLE). Our model represents a novel synthesis of recent advances in our understanding of mortality heterogeneity and the development of the Proportionality Hypothesis – both of which have improved our understanding of the Covid-19 pandemic. In particular, we identify an important positive relationship between mortality heterogeneity and accelerated deaths.
We find, in the case of the Covid-19 pandemic in England, that the years of life lost by those who experienced an accelerated death, while significantly lower than pre-Covid life expectancy, was greater than reported in the media at the time. We also find that the increase in the mean life expectancy of survivors was very small. As a result, the impact on annuity providers (e.g., in terms of potentially higher annuity prices), pension schemes and life insurers was also very small. In contrast, we find that the impact on life expectancy of a general change in future mortality assumptions post-pandemic (i.e., the base mortality table and improvement rate) would be much greater.
The ADM has potentially wide application, e.g., to other types of contagion and to climate-related deaths, where we would expect there to be a positive correlation between deaths and all-cause mortality (consistent with the Proportionality Hypothesis), but where the degree of detrimental selection might be different
Parental perspectives on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination of school-aged girls in Ilishan, Nigeria: A qualitative study protocol
Full text linkThe introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Nigeria in October 2023 aimed to vaccinate over 16 million adolescent girls through mass vaccination campaigns in schools, communities, and public places. Despite this initiative, many girls remain unvaccinated, particularly in some of the states included in the first phase of the rollout. Little is known about the perspectives of parents and caregivers who consent on behalf of their daughters regarding the HPV vaccine. This paper presents a qualitative study protocol and research design to explore what informed parents and caregivers’ acceptance or refusal of the HPV vaccine for their adolescent daughters during the campaign. Semi-structured in-depth interviews will be conducted with parents and caregivers of girls aged 9–14 years, attending both private and government primary and secondary schools in Ilishan, Ogun State, Nigeria. Participants will be purposively recruited from schools where the mass HPV vaccination campaign was implemented, with a focus on parents and caregivers who provide consent to take part in the study, regardless of whether they accepted or refused the HPV vaccination for their daughters when it was offered. Approximately 30 parents and caregivers will be interviewed until data saturation is reached and no new themes emerge from the data. Interviews will be transcribed verbatim and, where necessary, translated. Data will be coded and analysed thematically in an iterative process, allowing for the identification of key themes and patterns. This study aims to provide valuable insights into how parents perceive the HPV vaccine and the factors that informed their vaccination decisions. Findings will contribute to the development of context- and culturally-sensitive vaccination strategies, enhancing the success of HPV vaccination campaigns and supporting the global effort to eliminate cervical cancer
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