Neutralization Techniques Research Articles

Continuance intention to use mobile fitness applications: the role of switching costs, guilt and neutralization techniques

PurposeThe study investigates the factors influencing the continuance intention to use Mobile Fitness Applications (MFAs), focusing on the roles of switching costs, guilt, and neutralization techniques in addressing temporary discontinuance.Design/methodology/approachA total of 212 valid responses were collected via an online survey in Malaysia. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to understand the relationships between the constructs.FindingsThe study confirms the significant impact of the Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM) constructs on the continuance intention to use MFAs. It highlights how users employ neutralization techniques to mitigate guilt from temporary discontinuance. Additionally, the study reveals that switching costs moderate the relationship between cognitive satisfaction and continuance intention, as well as between guilt and continuance intention. However, the direct effect of switching costs on continuance intention is negligible.Originality/valueThis research extends continuance intention literature by integrating switching costs, guilt, and neutralization techniques into the ECM framework, providing novel insights into user behavior regarding MFA discontinuance.

Cheating with ChatGPT and Techniques of Neutralization

ABSTRACT This paper utilizes neutralization theory to understand cheating with AI-assisted programs among university students. Using data collected from undergraduate students across the United States, we explore how criminological concepts and demographics predict the number of times someone cheated over the past year as well as the likelihood of using AI-assisted tools to cheat. We find agreement with cheating neutralization techniques, general cyber-neutralization techniques, and the presence of deviant peers positively associate with all cheating outcomes, while sense of guilt is inversely associated. Low self-control is positively associated with use of AI-assisted misconduct, but not the number of times students cheated.

Fraud as Legitimate Retribution for Colonial Injustice: Neutralization Techniques in Interviews with Police and Online Romance Fraud Offenders

ABSTRACT This qualitative research examines the phenomenon of online romance fraud, exploring it from contrasting perspectives. The study engaged two distinct groups of participants: (1) fraudsters actively involved in online romance scams (commonly referred to as “Sakawa Boys”) and (2) police officers with experience in investigating and policing internet crimes. We explore the usefulness of neutralization techniques in interpreting data within the cultural context of individuals’ subjective experiences. Thematic analysis of data reveals that both offenders and police officers employ certain neutralization techniques, such as denial of responsibility, condemnation of the condemners, and appeals to higher loyalties, to justify their conduct. In particular, online romance offenders invoke higher loyalties, rationalizing their actions as reparative justice for colonial exploitation and framing their fraud as a means of reclaiming wealth unjustly taken during colonial rule. The findings suggest that participants perceive the enduring legacy of colonialism as a key factor driving the production of cybercrime. This research contributes to the scant body of direct testimonies from romance fraud offenders, which are significantly rarer than those from police officers, providing valuable insights into this global phenomenon. Methodologically and theoretically, this research contributes to understanding the global phenomenon of scammers targeting individuals worldwide.

Mind the gap: identifying the chasm between environmental awareness, attitudes and action in fast fashion consumption

PurposeAlthough consumers are aware of the importance of sustainable consumption, there is a persistent gap between positive attitudes and actual behavior. This disconnect is particularly pronounced in the fashion industry, where consumers often suppress their positive attitudes towards sustainability in the face of tempting fast fashion offers. This paper analyzes how consumers attempt to reconcile this attitude-behavior gap through using rationalization or neutralization techniques.Design/methodology/approachWe surveyed more than 1,300 fashion consumers in the USA, Europe and Asia. Based on their last fashion purchase, respondents indicated various purchase details as well as their agreement/disagreement to 32 neutralization statements. Additional scales capture pertinent attitude and awareness measures. To scrutinize the role of neutralization statements, we use a series of logistic regression and multinomial regression analyses.FindingsCountry of residence, age and education level are the key determinants when employing neutralization techniques. Logistic regression results also reveal an inverse relationship between age and the propensity of buying sustainable fashion. Ethics, awareness and attitudes all play a role in purchasing sustainable products, but to different degrees in different countries.Originality/valueResearch on how consumers attempt to bridge the gap between attitude-behavior inconsistencies is scarce and primarily qualitative. Our study identifies how fast fashion consumers attempt to reconcile their divergent attitudes and behavior. Uncovering these rationalization or neutralization techniques improves the understanding of the attitude-behavior gap and enables marketers and policymakers to design more effective strategies to promote sustainable consumption.

Rehabilitation of Completely Edentulous Patient with Cleft Palate Using Neutral Zone and Palatogram Technique

Cleft lips and palates are congenital anomalies affecting the mouth and face. For fully edentulous patients with a cleft palate, crafting complete dentures is particularly challenging. These dentures, which incorporate an obturator and extend into the palate, must be meticulously designed to address issues related to appearance, speech, swallowing, and chewing. Treatment for cleft lip and palate aims to restore function, speech, and aesthetics through the use of fixed prostheses, removable prostheses, and implants. The approach should follow key principles of oral rehabilitation, including maintaining proper physiology, stability, aesthetics, hygiene, and considering patient expectations. To ensure the durability of prosthetic solutions, it is crucial to respect both the periodontal and dental tissues and the biomechanics of the prosthesis. Palatogram is an effective and straightforward technique for assessing and verifying palatal contours, which helps in addressing speech deficiencies related to affected sounds. Managing completely edentulous adults with cleft palates, particularly those who have not undergone surgical intervention, presents a significant challenge for prosthodontists. This case report explores the use of a conventional complete denture for a cleft palate patient, utilizing the palatogram technique to precisely record the palatal contours, the neutral zone technique to optimize denture stability by aligning forces in harmony with oral musculature, and monoplane teeth to reduce lateral forces and enhance denture stability. Together, these techniques aim to improve speech, mastication, and comfort, providing a functional and aesthetic prosthesis suited to the patient’s unique anatomical needs. This case demonstrates the successful rehabilitation of an edentulous cleft palate patient using a conventional complete denture with specialized techniques to address the unique anatomical and functional challenges presented. The neutral zone technique, monoplane teeth arrangement, and palatogram technique were crucial in achieving a stable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing denture. These methods helped optimize denture retention and stability, improve phonetics, and enhance masticatory efficiency, providing the patient with a significant improvement in quality of life and self-confidence. For patients unable to pursue more invasive and costly implant-supported options, such techniques offer a viable and effective solution for complete denture fabrication, allowing for functional and aesthetic rehabilitation within economical constraints.

Jamming and Spoofing Techniques for Drone Neutralization: An Experimental Study

This study explores the use of electronic countermeasures to disrupt communications systems in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), focusing on the protection of airspaces and critical infrastructures such as airports and power stations. The research aims to develop a low-cost, adaptable jamming device using Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology, targeting key UAV communication links, including geolocation, radio control, and video transmission. It applies jamming techniques that successfully disrupt UAV communications. GPS spoofing techniques were also implemented, with both static and dynamic spoofing tested to mislead the drones’ navigation systems. Dynamic spoofing, combined with no-fly zone enforcement, proved to be particularly effective in forcing drones to land or exhibit erratic behavior. The conclusions of this study highlight the effectiveness of these techniques in neutralizing unauthorized UAVs, while also identifying the need for future research in countering drones that operate on alternative frequencies, such as 4G/5G, to enhance the system’s robustness in evolving drone environments.

No Drone’s Sky: Full Spectrum Drone Surveillance and Neutralisation Concept for Enhanced Counter-UAS Framework

We are living in an era that is marked by the exponential growth of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), therefore the imperative for effective countermeasures against potential threats to public safety, national security, and individual privacy inherent in these airborne apparatus has become increasingly pronounced. Following the foundational exploration of UAS surveillance in the first segment of the Counter-UAS (C-UAS) series, this second instalment shifts its gaze to the pivotal domain of drone neutralisation techniques. Investigating both soft and hard neutralisation methodologies, this study aims to unravel the intricate landscape of strategies devised to legally and securely incapacitate, disrupt, or assume control over sUAS threats. Drawing from a rich tapestry of existing literature and recent research endeavours, this paper embarks on an expedition through a spectrum of neutralisation approaches subjecting the aforementioned methodologies to rigorous scrutiny regarding their efficacy and other implications, in order to contribute substantively to the development of a resilient C-UAS framework. Moreover, this study lays the groundwork for the third part of this C-UAS series, where the author shall unfurl a vision of operation. Besides elucidating the challenges and opportunities inherent in the neutralisation of small drone threats, this study also aims to catalyse collaboration within the research community, dedicated to ensuring the secure coexistence within the airspace system.

Advanced neutralization technique for the treatment of highly acidic wastewater from steel rolling mills of western Rajasthan.

In this study, we developed an economical treatment process for highly acidic effluents from steel rolling mills containing toxic heavy metals. Our method involves a pH-dependent approach using mining waste and hydrated lime. The treatment occurs in two steps: First, metal oxides precipitate at pH3-3.5 using mining waste, followed by lime precipitation at pH9-9.5. The process, completed in less than 6h without heavy machinery, reduces sludge formation by extracting high-purity gypsum, a valuable industrial product. Water quality posttreatment matches local groundwater standards. Compared to conventional methods like common effluent treatment plant (CETP) in Jodhpur, India, our approach reduces operational costs by over 58%. In this study, we also characterized the by-product formed, that is, gypsum using various characterization tools and performed a detailed cost analysis. PRACTITIONER POINTS: A quick, efficient, and economical treatment process for extremely acidic (pH ~ 1) wastewater from steel industries. Stepwise treatment strategy without involving heavy machinery or high manpower. Processed water quality closely resembles groundwater with all the major heavy metals been removed. Sludge quantity reduced by regeneration of pure gypsum (96% purity). Reduced the overall operation cost of effluent treatment by 58%.

In vitro cytotoxicity assessment of different solvents used in pesticide dilution

Pesticides are diluted in products called solvents for spraying fields and for cell viability studies. This study aimed to determine whether pesticide solvents can alter the toxicity of endosulfan and Vero cell viability. Thus, the cytotoxicity of some diluents commonly used in pesticide solutions was evaluated by the neutral red incorporation technique and cell growth. Vero cells were exposed to endosulfan dissolved in sunflower (Helianthus annus, Linnaeus) oil, corn (Zea mays, Linnaeus) oil, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), and Tween 80, at a concentration of 1 µg L−1 for a period of 96 h. The results showed that both DMSO and Tween 80 induced a significant increase in cytotoxicity compared to sunflower oil and corn oil. Moreover, Tween 80 had a significant cytotoxic effect (P < 0.05) when compared to DMSO. The solvent can alter the toxicity of endosulfan, decreasing Vero cell viability, as was the case with DMSO and Tween 80.

Constructions of plateaued correctors with high correction order and good nonlinearity via Walsh spectral neutralization technique

Constructions of plateaued correctors with high correction order and good nonlinearity via Walsh spectral neutralization technique

Online paedophiles and the criminal justice experience: A qualitative perspective

BackgroundOnline forums provide a conduit for anonymous communication within deviant subcultures, such as online paedophiles. This helps to build virtual communities of support. ObjectiveThis study explores the experience of paedophiles in the criminal justice system as reported by those who experienced it on such a forum. By analysing and understanding the experiences disclosed by these individuals, we may be able to design more targeted prevention strategies and treatment options.Participants and Setting.Data are from one online forum discussion thread that includes 595 online forum posts by 212 unique usernames ranging over 11 years from 2012 to 2023. This forum claims to be an anonymous “therapeutic community” for paedophiles and does not allow the sharing of media (e.g., videos or images). MethodsThis study uses an inductive approach to analyse the posts and discover the perspective and concerns of users who have experienced or are faced with prosecution and punishment. ResultsSeven main themes emerged from the posts on this thread: support and praise, techniques of neutralisation, life in prison, anxiety and mental health, relationships, therapy, and difficulties post-prison. ConclusionsThe forum provided an important source of support among a virtual community of people who shared similar sexual interest in children and feel rejected and demonised by mainstream society. The thread functioned like an “echo chamber” that reinforced a positive view of users' deviant interest. Individuals who had been prosecuted for their offending were returning to the forum, which may encourage reoffending. Parole boards and probation officers may need to consider limiting or restricting access to the Internet, particularly the Tor network, when setting release conditions. Implications for treatment focus on challenging the justifications and excuses used by paedophiles.

The impact of delivery technique on Woven EndoBridge deployment and detachment in an in vitro aneurysm model.

The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device is increasingly used for treatment of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms. With the newer 17 system, WEB deployment has been associated with a phenomenon known as incomplete or "sticky" detachment from the delivery wire, which may lead to imprecise placement. Optimal techniques for WEB manipulation and delivery to avoid this problem are poorly defined. This study aimed to evaluate standard WEB deployment techniques and determine the impact of delivery techniques and WEB stickiness on procedural success. An in vitro study using identical silicone middle cerebral artery aneurysm models (n = 32) assessed WEB (6 × 2 mm) deployment through a VIA 17 microcatheter via three techniques that involved: "loading," "neutral," and "tension" on the pusher wire. Microcatheter position was placed in varied positions from the WEB device. Woven EndoBridge stickiness was graded during detachment attempts. Primary outcomes were detachment stickiness and attempt number, compared between techniques using Fisher's exact test. The tension technique resulted in significantly fewer sticky detachments and detachment attempts compared to forward load or neutral techniques (p < 0.001). Sticky detachment was lower with tension (0% sticky) versus forward load (42% sticky, 8% very sticky) (p < 0.001). Forward load had a 50% rate of stickiness versus 0% with tension and neutral (p < 0.001). Forward load required multiple attempts in 100%, compared to 57% with neutral and 8% with tension (p < 0.001). Higher stickiness grades increased the need for multiple attempts (p < 0.001). The tension technique reduces incomplete WEB detachment and enables precise single-attempt detachment, optimizing delivery precision. In vivo confirmation is needed.

Modified Combined Impression Technique for Cawood &amp; Howell Class V/VI Mandibular Ridges: A Case Report

Geriatric prosthodontic rehabilitation with compromised residual ridge has become challenging, the principal concern being rejuvenating and maintaining complex stomatognathic functional harmony with severe residual ridge resorption (RRR). Modification of contemporary treatment techniques should be considered to achieve a patient’s functional and esthetic requirements. Contemporary prosthodontics utilizing combination of Neutral zone technique (NZ) and all green impression (AGI) for the management of Cawood &amp; Howell Class V/VI (severely resorbed) ridges are innovative techniques for the construction of removable prosthesis with a profound effect in denture stability and retention, particularly in mandible. NZ implies the principle of synergistic activity of Oro-muscular function in denture stability by arranging the prosthetic teeth within the neutral zone area, hence preventing their interfere with the oro-muscular function, while AGI aimed at achieving prosthesis retention through functional moulding and the viscosity of impression material helps disseminate the forces transmitted to the denture-bearing area reducing the potential for discomfort arise from the soft tissue folds over atrophic ridge. This case report attempts to present a combination of modified impression techniques utilizing all green impression techniques and neutral zone techniques in a 66-year-old patient for C&amp;H Class V mandibular ridge. The goal of this technique is to provide optimal stability covering the maximum denture bearing area and selectively distributing the pressure and to produce a denture molded by oro-muscular function in harmony with its surrounding structures thereby enhancing stability and retention.

Complete denture treatment in a resorbed mandibular ridge with suction effective method and neutral zone technique using a semi-adjustable articulator: A case report

Complete denture treatment in a resorbed mandibular ridge with suction effective method and neutral zone technique using a semi-adjustable articulator: A case report

College Students are Helping Each Other Cheat in the Group Chat and Here’s Why

ABSTRACT When students have a space of their own, unobserved by professors and administrators, where they can freely talk about their classes and share their coursework, many engage in academic dishonesty. But, as observed in the present study, cheating is not a foregone conclusion for students who decide to join an online group chat. The present study examined N = 30 GroupMe chatrooms associated with undergraduate classes at a mid-sized “Southern State University” – observing academic dishonesty how it happens, when it happens. Significant associations rooted in techniques of neutralization and general strain theory were observed for both the solicitation of academic dishonesty and responses to those solicitations. As hypothesized, greater academic dishonesty was observed for appeals to higher loyalties and denial of responsibility. While the denial of injury and condemnation of the condemners each corresponded with greater solicitation of academic dishonesty, no effects were observed for responses to solicitation. The removal of positively valued stimuli also corresponded with more academic dishonesty. However, the presentation of negatively valued stimuli and failure to achieve positively valued goals were, unexpectedly, associated with less of this kind of behavior. Implications for designing out academic dishonesty are proposed within the context of these findings.

Cyberbullying perpetration on social media: A situational action perspective

The advent of social media platforms has made cyberbullying a growing concern. Current studies primarily investigate singular individual-level or environmental-level factors, yet cyberbullying is a multifaceted phenomenon that cannot be fully understood through single-dimensional perspectives. In this research, we draw on situational action theory (SAT) to explore how cyberbullying develops on social media by examining the synergistic effect of individual propensity and criminogenic exposure. Our empirical results reveal that individuals’ cyberbullying behavior is predominantly influenced by previous habits and exposure to the cyberbullying behavior of important others. Furthermore, individuals tend to employ neutralization techniques to rationalize their cyberbullying behaviors.

Consumer Excuse Mechanisms, Neutralization Techniques in Stolen Goods Markets

ABSTRACT The act of wittingly or suspiciously buying stolen goods is ethically questionable, legally punishable consumer behavior. Hence, purchasing stolen goods can lead to various cognitive and emotional sufferings, such as cognitive dissonance, ethical conflict, and feelings of guilt. In the context of buying stolen goods, consumer dissonance is a very significant predictor of consumer guilt. However, our findings did not confirm an expected positive relationship between ethical conflict and guilt. While buying stolen goods, consumer excuse and neutralization strategies are used to cope with both cognitive and emotional sufferings resulting from wrongdoings. The findings of this study are based on survey research conducted among the consumers of the stolen goods market, locally named Chor Bazaar (Theif Market) in India, focusing on Delhi and Mumbai. The findings confirmed that consumer’s use of excuse and neutralization strategies moderates the relationship between consumer guilt and the purchase of stolen goods. However, there is no direct relationship between neutralization and the purchase of stolen goods.

Efficient Recycling and Utilization Strategy for Steel Spent Pickling Solution

Before steel can be utilized, pickling is necessary to remove surface oxidation products. However, as the ferrous ion concentration in the pickling solution increases, the pickling rate significantly diminishes, necessitating the treatment of spent pickling solution (SPS) to mitigate its hazardous effects prior to disposal. Current industrial methods predominantly rely on neutralization and precipitation techniques, which are cost-prohibitive and generate substantial by-products, thus failing to meet environmental protection standards. In this study, a new method, which is based on the formation of FeC2O4·2H2O precipitate in a strong acid solution, is proposed to treat the SPS. Initially, the SPS undergoes a two-step impurity removal process, followed by the controlled addition of oxalic acid dihydrate (H2C2O4·2H2O) to precipitate iron. The resulting precipitate is filtered, washed, and vacuum-dried, and the regenerated acid is recycled back into the pickling tank. When 1 g/10 mL of H2C2O4·2H2O is used, the iron removal rate achieves 60%, and the acidity of the regenerated acid increases by 11.3%. X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) and thermogravimetric–differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) characterization showed that the precipitate was α-FeC2O4·2H2O, with an average particle size of about 3.19 μm and a purity of 95.24%. This process innovatively achieves efficient recycling of acid and iron resources, offering a potential solution to the industrial challenge of difficult SPS treatment in the steel industry and meeting the urgent need for sustainable development.

Novel method for developing explainable machine learning framework using feature neutralization technique

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to its widespread adoption across various domains. One of the most important challenges faced by AI adoption is to justify the outcome of the AI model. In response, explainable AI (XAI) has emerged as a critical area of research, aiming to enhance transparency and interpretability in AI systems. However, existing XAI methods facing several challenges, such as complexity, difficulty in interpretation, limited applicability, and lack of transparency. In this paper, we discuss current challenges using SHAP and LIME metrics being popular methods for explainable AI and then present a novel approach for developing an explainable AI framework that addresses these limitations. This novel approach uses simple techniques and understandable human explanations to provide users with clear and interpretable insights into AI model behavior. Key components of this approach include model-agnostic interpretability, a newly developed explainable factor overcoming the challenges of current XAI methods and enabling users to understand the decision-making process of AI models. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the new approach through a case study and evaluate the framework’s performance in terms of interpretability. Overall, the new approach offers enhanced transparency and trustworthiness in AI systems across diverse applications.

Utilization Of Neutral Zone Technique In Complete Denture Fabrication For A Class III Sagittal Jaw Relation Patient

Long-term denture wearers have advanced ridge atrophy and atrophy of the musculature of the cheeks and lips and often face challenges associated with decreased mandibular denture stability. This case report highlights the successful implementation of the neutral zone technique in the fabrication of maxillary and mandibular complete dentures to address this issue. Understanding the concept of the neutral zone is essential for achieving optimal denture stability, retention, and speech quality. The steps involved in capturing and utilizing the neutral zone to improve denture stability are thoroughly described. The case exemplifies the effectiveness of the neutral zone technique in overcoming mandibular denture instability for patients with compromised edentulous ridges, resulting in enhanced patient satisfaction, improved oral function and speech.