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19 pages, 3336 KiB  
Review
Gaining Traction on Social Aspects of E-Biking: A Scoping Review
by Allison McCurdy, Elizabeth E. Perry, Jessica E. Leahy, Kimberly J. Coleman, Joshua Doyle, Lydia A. Kiewra, Shelby A. Marocco, Tatiana A. Iretskaia, Madison M. Janes and Mikael Deliyski
Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7397; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177397 - 28 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2902
Abstract
E-biking is alluring for its various physical, environmental, and financial benefits and the ability to travel farther and faster, and being physically easier to ride than astride an analog (traditional) bicycle. E-bikes are also a source of controversy, especially in places where analog [...] Read more.
E-biking is alluring for its various physical, environmental, and financial benefits and the ability to travel farther and faster, and being physically easier to ride than astride an analog (traditional) bicycle. E-bikes are also a source of controversy, especially in places where analog bicycles have been allowed but e-bikes represent a “slippery slope” of technology permissions and/or in situations where the function of e-bikes may increase concerns about safety. Despite an increase in use and conversation about such use, academic literature focused on e-bikes’ social aspects remains sparse. The objective of this work is to describe the existing literature on the characteristics of social aspects of e-biking, particularly in leisure contexts. Analyzing the literature on e-bike social research is crucial considering e-bikes’ rapid rise in popularity and potential effects on access, inclusion, leisure, and sustainability. As e-bike prevalence and use increases worldwide, it is important to understand what topics characterize the existing e-bike literature, and, particularly in leisure-focused studies, to ascertain where studies may lend insight toward aims of inclusive and sustainable access, and related policy considerations. The Integrated Recreation Amenities Framework (IRAF) provides a conceptual framework for considering this question, as it focuses on the topical, spatial, and temporal scales of outdoor leisure-related activities toward sustainable conditions and explicitly provides an opportunity for emergent and case-specific factors to be considered alongside established ones. In this work, we explore the following: (1) How are e-bikes discussed across disciplines? and (2) How are e-bikes discussed in leisure-focused articles? Using a scoping review approach, we analyzed a corpus of 279 peer-reviewed articles relevant to the social aspects of e-bikes. Primarily using the IRAF for conceptual framing, our results center the geographies and contexts, topical areas, interdisciplinarity, and emergent additional social considerations of e-biking in general and in leisure-specific studies. The results enable us to connect interdisciplinary topic discussions and suggest where foundational and connective studies are warranted. This can inform decision making related to e-bike adoption, encourage multi-scalar thinking, and extend interdisciplinary research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioural Approaches to Promoting Sustainable Transport Systems)
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14 pages, 2197 KiB  
Article
Voltage-Based Braking Controls for Electric Vehicles Considering Weather Condition and Road Slope
by Jonghoek Kim
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(24), 13311; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132413311 - 16 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1621
Abstract
This article addresses the braking controls for an electric vehicle with DC motors such that the voltage in the motors is used for controlling the wheel angular velocity. Other papers on the anti-lock braking system (ABS) handled how to derive the braking torque [...] Read more.
This article addresses the braking controls for an electric vehicle with DC motors such that the voltage in the motors is used for controlling the wheel angular velocity. Other papers on the anti-lock braking system (ABS) handled how to derive the braking torque (or braking pressure) for controlling the wheel angular velocity. However, heavy or prolonged braking can cause brake fade or wear. According to EURO 7 regulations, brake fade or wear is not desirable, since the regulations refer to the reduction in particles emitted from brake pads. For avoiding heavy or prolonged braking, this paper does not use a brake unit, such as electro-mechanical brake units or hydraulic brake units, for vehicle stop. Instead, the motor voltage is used for controlling the wheel angular velocity. While a vehicle moves, the goal of this paper is to provide automatic braking controls in real time, so that the vehicle stops safely and smoothly without slippage before colliding with an obstacle. In practice, road conditions can change depending on weather conditions, such as rain or snow. Moreover, road slope can have an effect on the braking distance for the vehicle. Thus, this article introduces automatic braking controls, while considering both road slope and road conditions. This article is unique in presenting automatic braking controls for the smooth stop of electric vehicles with DC motors, while considering both road slope and road conditions. In addition, this article is unique in controlling the motor voltage for controlling the wheel angular velocity, while not requiring any brake units. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mechanical Engineering)
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16 pages, 6260 KiB  
Article
Functional Model of an Automatic Vehicle Hold Based on an Electro-Hydraulic Braking System
by Yufeng Zhou, Bo Huang, Jiahao Liu and Tianjun Zhou
World Electr. Veh. J. 2023, 14(10), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj14100277 - 2 Oct 2023
Viewed by 2562
Abstract
The algorithm function designed in this paper can make a car maintain stability during automatic vehicle hold through the model input of multi-level target fluid pressure combined with slope judgment modules of different levels after the automatic vehicle hold software works. At the [...] Read more.
The algorithm function designed in this paper can make a car maintain stability during automatic vehicle hold through the model input of multi-level target fluid pressure combined with slope judgment modules of different levels after the automatic vehicle hold software works. At the same time, a complete parking function module is designed, which can monitor the whole parking process in real time. Through the design of this function, the functional diversity of the electro-hydraulic braking system can be increased. When judging that the driver intends to start, the automatic vehicle hold system will automatically release the fluid pressure according to the opening of the accelerator pedal pressed by the driver so that the vehicle does not happen to brake when the vehicle starts in the slippery slope condition. Finally, real vehicle verification proves that the function can effectively meet the parking requirements and start on the flat and on a ramp. Also, it can effectively control the vehicle according to the driver’s driving intention. Full article
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14 pages, 3916 KiB  
Communication
Evaluating the Feasibility of Robotic Crawler Deployed Ground Penetrating Radar to Assess Repairs of a Concrete Hydroelectric Dam Spillway in Alabama, USA
by Daniel P. Bigman
Water 2023, 15(10), 1858; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15101858 - 14 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2938
Abstract
Dams and the water systems they support must be monitored, maintained, and repaired when necessary so they can continue to provide benefits to the communities they serve. This study presents the methods and results from a robotic crawler-based ground penetrating radar (GPR) inspection [...] Read more.
Dams and the water systems they support must be monitored, maintained, and repaired when necessary so they can continue to provide benefits to the communities they serve. This study presents the methods and results from a robotic crawler-based ground penetrating radar (GPR) inspection of rehabilitated concrete from a hydroelectric dam spillway located in Alabama, USA. This spillway, which was recently inspected and repaired, showed evidence of spalling which indicated internal structural deterioration. Standard practice would leave these repairs uninspected or put the wellbeing of people at risk when deploying them on the spillway for manual inspections. GPR data were recorded from recently rehabilitated and resurfaced areas of the site to evaluate the capability of a remotely controlled robotic crawler system to assure repair quality efficiently and effectively. The results indicate that high quality data can be recorded from repairs without the need for manual inspection. The GPR was able to resolve repair length, thickness, number of reinforcements, reinforcement spacing, and cover depth. The study encountered several difficulties, and the author proposes future pathways of development for safely inspecting critical dam infrastructure with steep slopes and slippery, rough surfaces. Full article
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10 pages, 614 KiB  
Article
Gait Characteristics Associated with Fear of Falling in Hospitalized People with Parkinson’s Disease
by Manuela Uhlig and Tino Prell
Sensors 2023, 23(3), 1111; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23031111 - 18 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2864
Abstract
Background: Fear of falling (FOF) is common in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and associated with distinct gait changes. Here, we aimed to answer, how quantitative gait assessment can improve our understanding of FOF-related gait in hospitalized geriatric patients with PD. Methods: In this cross-sectional [...] Read more.
Background: Fear of falling (FOF) is common in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and associated with distinct gait changes. Here, we aimed to answer, how quantitative gait assessment can improve our understanding of FOF-related gait in hospitalized geriatric patients with PD. Methods: In this cross-sectional study of 79 patients with advanced PD, FOF was assessed with the Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), and spatiotemporal gait parameters were recorded with a mobile gait analysis system with inertial measurement units at each foot while normal walking. In addition, demographic parameters, disease-specific motor (MDS-revised version of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, Hoehn & Yahr), and non-motor (Non-motor Symptoms Questionnaire, Montreal Cognitive Assessment) scores were assessed. Results: According to the FES-I, 22.5% reported low, 28.7% moderate, and 47.5% high concerns about falling. Most concerns were reported when walking on a slippery surface, on an uneven surface, or up or down a slope. In the final regression model, previous falls, more depressive symptoms, use of walking aids, presence of freezing of gait, and lower walking speed explained 42% of the FES-I variance. Conclusion: Our study suggests that FOF is closely related to gait changes in hospitalized PD patients. Therefore, FOF needs special attention in the rehabilitation of these patients, and targeting distinct gait parameters under varying walking conditions might be a promising part of a multimodal treatment program in PD patients with FOF. The effect of these targeted interventions should be investigated in future trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inertial Sensors for Clinically Relevant Mobility Outcome Measures)
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18 pages, 2626 KiB  
Article
Trust, Power, and Tax Risk into the “Slippery Slope”: A Corporate Tax Compliance Model
by Sandra Aulia, Haula Rosdiana and Inayati Inayati
Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 14670; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142214670 - 8 Nov 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5468
Abstract
(1) Background: There are still few studies that discuss corporate tax risk, especially those related to tax compliance and the Slippery Slope Framework. Meanwhile, in practice, tax risk, which is tax uncertainty, is essential in corporate tax compliance. Tax risk has not been [...] Read more.
(1) Background: There are still few studies that discuss corporate tax risk, especially those related to tax compliance and the Slippery Slope Framework. Meanwhile, in practice, tax risk, which is tax uncertainty, is essential in corporate tax compliance. Tax risk has not been discussed in the Slippery Slope Framework in previous research, which has become a reference in various tax compliance studies. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effect of tax risk induced into the slippery slope framework at corporate taxpayer compliance. Dynamic interactions between power, trust, and tax risk (TPR) in one framework are essential to see the tax compliance model’s determinants comprehensively; (2) Methods: We defined our model using a mathematical and economic approach with a Likert scale, as well as geometrical inferences based on the Slippery Slope Framework. (3) Results: This study found that tax risk affects the effort and tendency of corporate taxpayers to comply. The level of tax risk will make it easier or more difficult for corporate taxpayers to comply. Tax risk will affect the level of tax compliance regardless of the quality of trust and existing power; (4) Conclusions: This research’s theoretical contributions are that trust and power are determinants of tax compliance and that tax risk influences companies to be more compliant. This model is to complete the conceptual gap of the determinants of tax compliance from the perspective of the Slippery Slope Framework. The practical implication is that corporate taxpayers should manage tax risk to avoid unexpected tax outcomes in the future and be more compliant. Therefore, the government needs to help companies reduce compliance risks that cannot be controlled by companies but can be influenced by tax authorities. Full article
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14 pages, 6511 KiB  
Article
Probabilistic Analysis of Slope against Uncertain Soil Parameters
by Pisanu Chuaiwate, Saravut Jaritngam, Pattamad Panedpojaman and Nirut Konkong
Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 14530; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114530 - 4 Nov 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3061
Abstract
The purpose of this article was to investigate the influence of uncertain soil parameters on slope stability problems using the probability method. The most important soil instability is probably the inherent spatial variability of soil properties and its influence on slope safety factors. [...] Read more.
The purpose of this article was to investigate the influence of uncertain soil parameters on slope stability problems using the probability method. The most important soil instability is probably the inherent spatial variability of soil properties and its influence on slope safety factors. The probability method is recognized for its validity both in practice and academic research. This method of geotechnical risk management involves uncertain parameters. In this study, randomly selected uncertain parameters were combined with traditional analysis using Bishop’s simple methodology and Monte Carlo simulation. The minimum safety factor and critical slip surface of the slope stability were analyzed by Bishop’s simple method. The influence of uncertain soil parameters was analyzed by the back analysis method with Monte Carlo simulation. The calculation was controlled by a critical slip surface, and the safety factor was equal to 1. The results of the analysis show the minimum safety factor and the significant slippery surface of slope stability with the original soil strength parameters. The new soil strength parameters were recommended by Monte Carlo simulation that was used for improving the soil strength parameters in construction. In addition, probability analysis can identify an insufficient understanding of groundwater level distribution and that the assumption of a uniform distribution increases the probability of failure. Governments can use the results of water level analysis in flood warnings and flood management projects to reduce risks to life and property. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)
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14 pages, 275 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Christian Nationalism on U.S. Public Educators’ Speech: Implications from Meriwether vs. Hartop
by David Hoa Khoa Nguyen, Jeremy F. Price and Duaa H. Alwan
Laws 2021, 10(4), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/laws10040091 - 30 Nov 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5273
Abstract
Public school educators must navigate very complex intersections of the First Amendment’s Establishment, Free Exercise, and Free Speech clauses. The 6th Circuit’s ruling in Meriwether vs. Hartop created a slippery slope that could create a hostile learning environment and be discriminatory speech while [...] Read more.
Public school educators must navigate very complex intersections of the First Amendment’s Establishment, Free Exercise, and Free Speech clauses. The 6th Circuit’s ruling in Meriwether vs. Hartop created a slippery slope that could create a hostile learning environment and be discriminatory speech while trying to balance public-school educators’ sincerely held religious beliefs. This article examines the Meriwether case and court ruling while providing a background of U.S. Christian nationalism and its implications in American public education. Full article
10 pages, 2535 KiB  
Article
At the End of a Slippery Slope: A Pilot Study of Deceleration Mats for Snow Tubing
by Irving S. Scher, Lenka Stepan, Jasper E. Shealy and Christopher Stoddard
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(21), 10501; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112110501 - 8 Nov 2021
Viewed by 3198
Abstract
On-slope pilot testing of snow tubes was conducted at two ski areas in the United States to examine the effects of deceleration mats. Snow tube and rider kinematics were measured using an instrumented bodysuit and a GPS system worn by the rider. For [...] Read more.
On-slope pilot testing of snow tubes was conducted at two ski areas in the United States to examine the effects of deceleration mats. Snow tube and rider kinematics were measured using an instrumented bodysuit and a GPS system worn by the rider. For each test, the riders descended a tubing run with minimal input and stopped in the run-out area. Snow tube and rider speeds when entering the run-out area were controlled to be approximately 9.5 m/s. Test trials were conducted with and without deceleration mats. Four deceleration mat conditions were tested, including two raised surface protuberances (ribs and projections) and two mat geometry parameters (flat and folded). The deceleration and effective coefficient of friction (COF) were determined for each trial. Data were recorded for 75 test trials with a mean (± standard deviation) speed entering the run-out area of 9.5 (±1.8) m/s. There were no significant differences in the deceleration or effective coefficient of friction between the surface protuberance conditions. The peak deceleration and effective COF for the folded mats (5.1 ± 1.6 m/s2 and 0.26 ± 0.14) was greater than for the flat (3.3 ± 0.8 m/s2 and 0.10 ± 0.07) and no mat (0.06 ± 0.3 m/s2 and 0.08 ± 0.03) conditions (all p < 0.05). Deceleration mats in run-out areas slow snow tube riders faster than without deceleration mats. Folding the deceleration mats produced greater deceleration but did not produce significantly different kinematics for the riders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Performance and Health (in Times of COVID-19))
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6 pages, 554 KiB  
Article
Slippery Slopes: Skiing-Related Facial Trauma in Adults
by Alissa C. Galgano, Jason E. Cohn, Jordan J. Licata, Sammy Othman, Fred J. Stucker and Paige Bundrick
Craniomaxillofac. Trauma Reconstr. 2022, 15(2), 122-127; https://doi.org/10.1177/19433875211020933 - 1 Jun 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 104
Abstract
Study Design: Retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study. Objective: To determine the incidence of skiing-related facial trauma and to identify their patterns in terms of potential risk factors, mechanism of injury, anatomical location, and degree of severity. Methods: Data was collected using the National Electronic [...] Read more.
Study Design: Retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study. Objective: To determine the incidence of skiing-related facial trauma and to identify their patterns in terms of potential risk factors, mechanism of injury, anatomical location, and degree of severity. Methods: Data was collected using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System and included snow skiing-related incidents during the years 2009 to 2018. Specifically, injuries limited to the facial region including the head, face, eye(s), mouth, neck or ear(s) were reported. Patients with fractures were further classified by the study variables. Descriptive statistics were used to classify continuous variables while chi-square analysis was used to compare categorical variables. Results: A total of 514 (n = 514) patients met the inclusion criteria within the study period. The majority of injuries were due to concussions (59%), followed by lacerations (18%), fractures (11%), contusions (11%) and dental injuries (1%). Of the fractures seen, the majority were nasal (30%) and cervical spine (30%), followed by midface (27%), mandible (9%) and skull (4%). In our population, head injuries were more common in females (80%) than in males (60%), whereas, mouth injuries were more common in males (8%) than females (1%) [χ2 = 30.2, p < 0.001]. Conclusions: Skiing-related craniofacial trauma remains a significant mechanism of injury. Our data illustrates a need to correlate these injuries to the use of personal protective equipment. Furthermore, this data calls for the strict implementation of such equipment and the development of safety protocols to further prevent deleterious injury. Full article
24 pages, 13418 KiB  
Article
Variational Nonlinear Optimization in Fluid Dynamics: The Case of a Channel Flow with Superhydrophobic Walls
by Stefania Cherubini, Francesco Picella and Jean-Christophe Robinet
Mathematics 2021, 9(1), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9010053 - 29 Dec 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3469
Abstract
Variational optimization has been recently applied to nonlinear systems with many degrees of freedom such as shear flows undergoing transition to turbulence. This technique has unveiled powerful energy growth mechanisms able to produce typical coherent structures currently observed in transition and turbulence. However, [...] Read more.
Variational optimization has been recently applied to nonlinear systems with many degrees of freedom such as shear flows undergoing transition to turbulence. This technique has unveiled powerful energy growth mechanisms able to produce typical coherent structures currently observed in transition and turbulence. However, it is still not clear the extent to which these nonlinear optimal energy growth mechanisms are robust with respect to external disturbances or wall imperfections. Within this framework, this work aims at investigating how nano-roughnesses such as those of superhydrophobic surfaces affect optimal energy growth mechanisms relying on nonlinearity. Nonlinear optimizations have been carried out in a channel flow with no-slip and slippery boundaries, mimicking the presence of superhydrophobic surfaces. For increasing slip length, the energy threshold for obtaining hairpin-like nonlinear optimal perturbations slightly rises, scaling approximately with Re2.36 no matter the slip length. The corresponding energy gain increases with Re with a slope that reduces with the slip length, being almost halved for the largest slip and Reynolds number considered. This suggests a strong effect of boundary slip on the energy growth of these perturbations. While energy is considerably decreased, the shape of the optimal perturbation barely changes, indicating the robustness of optimal perturbations with respect to wall slip. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section C2: Dynamical Systems)
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48 pages, 5860 KiB  
Review
Adaptive Immunity to Dengue Virus: Slippery Slope or Solid Ground for Rational Vaccine Design?
by Lucas Wilken and Guus F. Rimmelzwaan
Pathogens 2020, 9(6), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens9060470 - 15 Jun 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 12024
Abstract
The four serotypes of dengue virus are the most widespread causes of arboviral disease, currently placing half of the human population at risk of infection. Pre-existing immunity to one dengue virus serotype can predispose to severe disease following secondary infection with a different [...] Read more.
The four serotypes of dengue virus are the most widespread causes of arboviral disease, currently placing half of the human population at risk of infection. Pre-existing immunity to one dengue virus serotype can predispose to severe disease following secondary infection with a different serotype. The phenomenon of immune enhancement has complicated vaccine development and likely explains the poor long-term safety profile of a recently licenced dengue vaccine. Therefore, alternative vaccine strategies should be considered. This review summarises studies dissecting the adaptive immune responses to dengue virus infection and (experimental) vaccination. In particular, we discuss the roles of (i) neutralising antibodies, (ii) antibodies to non-structural protein 1, and (iii) T cells in protection and pathogenesis. We also address how these findings could translate into next-generation vaccine approaches that mitigate the risk of enhanced dengue disease. Finally, we argue that the development of a safe and efficacious dengue vaccine is an attainable goal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Advances in Flavivirus Research)
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9 pages, 2767 KiB  
Article
Effects of Slip Length and Inertia on the Permeability of Fracture with Slippery Boundary Condition
by Benhua Liu, Hao Zhan, Yiran Liu, Huan Qi, Linxian Huang, Zhengrun Wei and Zhizheng Liu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(11), 3817; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17113817 - 28 May 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1901
Abstract
Although the slippery boundary condition (BC) has been validated to enhance fracture permeability (k), the coupling effects of heterogeneous slippery BC and inertia on k remain less understood. We used computational fluid dynamics to investigate the competing roles of slippery BC [...] Read more.
Although the slippery boundary condition (BC) has been validated to enhance fracture permeability (k), the coupling effects of heterogeneous slippery BC and inertia on k remain less understood. We used computational fluid dynamics to investigate the competing roles of slippery BC and inertial forces in controlling k evolution with increasing pressure gradient by designing six cases with different slip length scenarios for a two-dimensional natural fracture. Our results suggest that pronounced inertial effects were directly related to and demonstrated by the growth of recirculation zone (RZ); this caused flow regimes transitioning from Darcy to non-Darcy and significantly reduced k, with an identical tailing slope for six cases, regardless of the variability in slip lengths. Moreover, the slippery BC dominantly determine the magnitude of k with orders depending on the slip length. Lastly, our study reveals that the specific k evolution path for the case with a varying slip length was significantly different from other cases with a homogeneous one, thus encouraging more efforts in determining the slip length for natural fractures via experiments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Science and Engineering)
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14 pages, 486 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Corruption in Entrepreneurial Ecosystems on Entrepreneurial Intentions
by Francesco Ceresia and Claudio Mendola
Adm. Sci. 2019, 9(4), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci9040088 - 16 Nov 2019
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4807
Abstract
Although researchers have identified corruption as a factor capable of affecting the entrepreneurial ecosystem at the national level of analysis, scholars have reported conflicting results regarding the exact nature of the relationship between corruption and entrepreneurial intentions. This paper formulates some propositions about [...] Read more.
Although researchers have identified corruption as a factor capable of affecting the entrepreneurial ecosystem at the national level of analysis, scholars have reported conflicting results regarding the exact nature of the relationship between corruption and entrepreneurial intentions. This paper formulates some propositions about the complex relationship between corruption and entrepreneurship at different levels of analysis and it suggests and explores the socio-cultural consequences of such domains’ interactions. Finally, the slippery-slope effect will be discussed as an intra-individual psychological mechanism that could explain why even morally-engaged people might replicate corrupt behaviors. The limitations of this work, and its implications for future researchers and for government policies will be analyzed. Full article
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23 pages, 571 KiB  
Review
Rational Suicide in Late Life: A Systematic Review of the Literature
by Carla Gramaglia, Raffaella Calati and Patrizia Zeppegno
Medicina 2019, 55(10), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55100656 - 29 Sep 2019
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6622
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The complex concept of rational suicide, defined as a well-thought-out decision to die by an individual who is mentally competent, is even more controversial in the case of older adults. Materials and Methods: With the aim of better [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The complex concept of rational suicide, defined as a well-thought-out decision to die by an individual who is mentally competent, is even more controversial in the case of older adults. Materials and Methods: With the aim of better understanding the concept of rational suicide in older adults, we performed a systematic review of the literature, searching PubMed and Scopus databases and eventually including 23 published studies. Results: The main related topics emerging from the papers were: depression, self-determination, mental competence; physicians’ and population’s perspectives; approach to rational suicide; ageism; slippery slope. Conclusions: Despite contrasting positions and inconsistencies of the studies, the need to carefully investigate and address the expression of suicidal thoughts in older adults, as well as behaviours suggesting “silent” suicidal attitudes, clearly emerges, even in those situations where there is no diagnosable mental disorder. While premature conclusions about the “rationality” of patients’ decision to die should be avoided, the possibility of rational suicide cannot be precluded. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preventing Suicide in Patients with Mental Disorders)
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