bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Before She Was Born, I Ate Cheerios and Beer for Dinner”: A Qualitative Examination of Green Parenting in Lowcountry South Carolina
Authors: Auriffeille Deborah McCarthy
Published: August 2020

Drawing on both social practice and social innovation research, this article analyzes 48 qualitative interviews to explore the narratives of self-described green parents who live in Lowcountry South Carolina. The interviewees talked about their motivations, challenges, and understandings of the goals and meanings of green parenting. They reported that the arrival of young children represented a new challenge but also triggered motivations to continue and often intensify green lifestyles. Parents voiced three key challenges: living “green” in a “red” state, time and financial constraints, and navigating environmental media. In parallel, they articulated three main goals: to limit their impact on earth, to live healthier lives, and to socialize their children into green living. When asked about meanings, parents stressed the overlapping importance of engaging in conscious decision-making, building connections to people and nature, and cultivating overall well-being. This study suggests that parents remain resilient in the face of multiple challenges and innovate by socializing their children to live green lifestyles.
Regional sanctions as peer review: The African Union against Egypt (2013) and Sudan (2019)
Authors: Hellquist Elin
Published: August 2020

This article offers a novel argument about regional sanctions as in-group peer review, drawing on an analogy from the world of academic publishing. Through their leaning on community-derived authority, equality before the peer, and constructive criticism, regional sanctions have a previously overlooked legitimacy advantage over out-group sanctions used by external actors. The article probes the empirical bearing of this argument for African Union (AU) sanctions against Egypt (2013) and Sudan (2019). Even in these contentious democratic crises, perceptions of sanctions in African media broadly support the theoretical intuition of regional sanctions as a form of peer review. It is, however, far from obvious that peer review leads to successful enforcement of democratic norms beyond urgent crisis. Pragmatic and resolution-oriented, AU sanctions aim at avoiding anarchy rather than at achieving flawless democracy.
Deliberative democracy in the age of serial crisis
Authors: Curato Nicole , Sass Jensen , Ercan Selen A , Niemeyer Simon
Published: August 2020

What is the state of deliberative democracy in the age of serial crisis? This survey article provides a descriptive and reflective assessment of recent developments in the field in the light of a political context in which there is growing incivility, political polarization, normalization of disinformation and the growing appeal of finding simplistic solutions to complex problems. We describe deliberative democracy as a field of research that has evolved to become (a) assertive in practice, (b) precise in theory, (c) global in reach and (d) ambitious in empirical research. For each of these facets of deliberative democracy, we reflect on the extent to which the field has responded to conceptual, empirical and political challenges, and identify its shortcomings, which warrant further attention. We conclude by drawing attention to research imperatives that the field needs to address to remain relevant in a highly unequal, climate-challenged and increasingly fragile global public sphere.
The Health of African American Grandmothers Raising Grandchildren: A Growing Social Problem
Authors: Woods Tamara
Published: August 2020

The study explored the experiences of African-American grandmothers residing in rural communities caring for their grandchildren, while suffering from chronic health issues. The research examined their physical and emotional health, physical functioning, well-being, social support, and resources of these grandmothers from a Family Development approach. Given the trends of providing care for a grandchild, it is widely recognized that caregivers may experience stress, burden, and the disruption of their well-being and social activities as well as the pressure associated with caregiving roles, responsibilities, and tasks. The grandmothers reported challenges that included stressors such as health issues, financial difficulties, limited support, transportation difficulties, and disruption in social activities. A major finding was that the grandmother’s health did not negatively impact their ability to care for their grandchildren.
Which town did it come from?: Sourcing locally-made ceramics in the Mid-Atlantic
Authors: Greer Matthew C , MacDonald Brandi L
Published: August 2020

Historical archaeologists working in the Middle Atlantic rarely use archaeometric techniques to source ceramics. Yet, there are several important research questions we can ask if we sourced more of our ceramics. This article presents the findings from a neutron activation analysis study that sourced 100 presumably locally-made vessels recovered from an early to mid-19th century enslaved quartering site in the northern Shenandoah Valley determined that 99 vessels were made in the region and were able to source 90% of the vessels to three towns in the region. Using these results, we argue that in the northern Shenandoah Valley it is not only possible to determine where consumers went to acquire locally-made ceramics, but that doing so lets us create histories of local ceramic industries that highlight consumer agency.
Early mobilization reduces delirium after coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: Shirvani Fahimeh , Naji Seyed Ali , Davari Elham , Sedighi Mohsen
Published: August 2020

Background

Postoperative delirium is common in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, characterized by cognitive decline. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of early planned mobilization on delirium after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Methods

This double-blind randomized clinical trial enrolled 92 consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting from September to December 2018. The patients were divided into two groups of 46: a mobilization protocol was applied in the intervention group in the first 2 days after surgery; the control group received routine nursing care only. Demographic data, medical records, and Neecham confusion scores were analyzed.

Results

Patients in the control group used cigarettes (31.1% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.020) and opium poppy for recreation (35.6% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.002) more frequently, had longer intubation times (11.91 ± 3.87 vs. 10.23 ± 2.71 h, p = 0.020), and fewer blood components infused (15.6% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.05). More patients in the intervention group had normal function on the 2nd postoperative day compared to the control group (25 vs. 2, respectively, p = 0.001). The intervention group had significantly higher Neecham scores on postoperative day 2 (22.49 ± 2.03 vs. 26.82 ± 2.10, p = 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed significant associations between Neecham score and age ( p = 0.022), ejection fraction ( p = 0.015), myocardial infarction ( p = 0.016), systolic pressure ( p = 0.009), and diastolic pressure ( p = 0.008).

Conclusions

Early planned mobilization was effective in reducing postoperative delirium in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.
Mitral valve repair for infective endocarditis: Kobe experience
Authors: Okada Yukikatsu , Nakai Takeo , Muro Takashi , Ito Hisato , Shomura Yu
Published: August 2020

Objectives

We retrospectively analyzed our experience of mitral valve repair for native mitral valve endocarditis in a single institution.

Methods

From January 1991 to October 2011, 171 consecutive patients underwent surgery for infective endocarditis. Of these, 147 (86%) had mitral valve repair. At the time of surgery, 98 patients had healed (group A) and 49 had active infective endocarditis (group B). Repair procedures included resection of all infected tissue and thick restricted post-infection tissue, leaflet and annulus reconstruction with treated autologous pericardium, chordal reconstruction with polytetrafluoroethylene sutures, and ring annuloplasty if necessary. Fifty-two (35%) patients required concomitant procedures. The study endpoints were overall survival, freedom from reoperation, and freedom from valve-related events. The median follow-up was 78 months.

Results

There was one hospital death (hospital mortality 0.7%). Survival at 10 years was 88.5% ± 3.5% with no significant difference between the two groups ( p = 0.052). Early reoperation was required in 4 patients in group B due to persistent infection or procedure failure. Freedom from reoperation at 5 years was 99% ± 1.0% in group A and 89.6 ± 4.0% in group B ( p = 0.024). Event-free survival at 10 years was 79.3% ± 4.8% (group A: 83.4% ± 5.9%, group B: 72.6% ± 6.9%, p = 0.010).

Conclusions

Mitral valve repair was highly successful using autologous pericardium, chordal reconstruction, and ring annuloplasty if required. Long-term results were acceptable in terms survival, freedom from reoperation, and event-free survival. Mitral valve repair is recommended for mitral infective endocarditis in most patients.
Right atrial blood cyst in elderly patient: the timing of surgery
Authors: Imai Akito , Enomoto Yoshiharu , Shigeta Osamu , Suzuki Yasuyuki
Published: August 2020

A regular check up on a 59-year-old man showed a high carcinoembryonic antigen level in his blood. A computed tomography scan showed tumors in the right atrium. We performed tumor resection successfully. The resected specimen was found to be blood cysts that had developed from the right atrium to the inferior vena cava. Intracardiac blood cysts are generally observed in infants, spontaneously disappear during the first 6 months of life, and are located in the left side of heart and on atrioventricular valves. Therefore, this case is extremely rare. Also, it is worth considering the timing of this surgery.
Congenital left ventricular aneurysm with myocardial noncompaction pattern
Authors: Daprati Andrea , Sassi Carlo Gaetano , Garatti Andrea , Saitto Gugliemo , Menicanti Lorenzo
Published: August 2020

Congenital left ventricular aneurysm or diverticulum is very rare. Most congenital left ventricular aneurysms are asymptomatic but some cause systemic embolization, left ventricular free wall rupture, or ventricular arrhythmias causing sudden cardiac death. A 29-year-old woman with congenital left ventricular aneurysm and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia underwent surgical plication of the aneurysm with left ventricular reshaping to improve heart failure symptoms, prevent rupture of the aneurysm wall and the possibility of thrombus formation, and excise the fibrotic tissue of the left ventricular aneurysm, which could be a trigger for left ventricular aneurysm arrhythmias. The postoperative course was unremarkable.
Demographic and socio-economic differences in financial information literacy among university students
Authors: Liaqat Faiza , Mahmood Khalid , Ali Fouzia Hadi
Published: August 2020

Financial information literacy helps to manage earnings, especially among those students who study non-commerce subjects. Thus, this study attempts to explore the differences in such literacy through their demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. A well-structured instrument was used to gather data from 382 non-commerce students in universities in Pakistan using a multi stage sampling technique. Analyses were conducted through percentage of correct response technique and group comparisons. The findings indicate an average level of financial knowledge among university students. The demographic differences reveal that most of the students are male, graduate, with age above 26, enrolled in a private university, residing in dormitories, and score higher in academic subjects are more financially literate. While the socioeconomic differences indicate that those students who follow family advice, study minor finance courses, maintain a bank account, and have higher parental income are more knowledgeable about finance. The study recommends arranging awareness sessions to impart financial knowledge to students.
Imaging findings of pelvic venous insufficiency in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Knuttinen Martha-Gracia , Zurcher Kenneth S , Khurana Neal , Patel Indravadan , Foxx-Orenstein Amy , Harris Lucinda A , Lawrence Andrew , Aguilar Francisco , Sichlau Michael , Smith B. Holly , Smith Steven J
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Some patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) demonstrate improved dysautonomic symptoms following treatment for pelvic venous insufficiency (PVI). This study assessed the prevalence of significant left common iliac vein (LCIV) compression in POTS patients.

Methods

Radiologists retrospectively reviewed CT images of pelvic veins for 216 women (191 with POTS and 25 age-comparable controls).Quantitative vascular analysis identified percent-diameter compression of the LCIV by the right common iliac artery. Significant LCIV compression was defined as >50%.

Results

Significant LCIV compression was found in 69% (131/191) of females with POTS versus 40% (10/25) in controls. The hypothesis that venous compression and presence of POTS are independent was rejected ( p = .005).

Conclusions

Significant LCIV compression was noted in a majority of female POTS patients, suggesting that incidence of iliac venous obstruction may be higher than the general population. Patients with POTS and symptoms of PVI may benefit from assessment for venous outflow obstruction.
Correlation between three assessment pain tools in subacromial pain syndrome
Authors: Aceituno-Gómez Javier , Avendaño-Coy Juan , Criado-Álvarez Juan José , Ávila-Martín Gerardo , Marín-Guerrero Ana Cecilia , Mohedano Alicia , Viñuela Antonio
Published: August 2020

Objective:

To compare the correlation of Visual Analog Scale with pain subsections of Shoulder Pain and Disability Index and Constant-Murley Score in subacromial pain syndrome patients.

Design:

Single cross-sectional analysis.

Setting:

Hospital Rehabilitation Department.

Methods:

The assessment tools were applied at baseline. Correlations between Visual Analog Scale, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index and Constant-Murley Score pain subsections were assessed by Pearson correlation coefficient. Linear regression models were calculated between scales. Statistical significance was set at two-sided p < 0.05.

Results:

Forty-three patients were included. Pearson’s correlation between assessments was for Visual Analog Scale-Shoulder Pain Disability Index-pain ( r = 0.61, p < 0.001) and for Visual Analog Scale-Constant Murley Score-pain were ( r = −0.74, p < 0.001). Visual Analog Scale-Shoulder Pain and Disability Index-pain determination coefficient was r2 = 0.37 and r2 = 0.54 for Visual Analog Scale-Constant-Murley Score-pain.

Conclusions:

Visual Analog Scale showed better correlation with Constant Murley Score-pain than with Shoulder Pain and Disability Index-pain in subacromial pain syndrome patients.
Everyone’s a Winner: The Initiation and Effectiveness of an Intracollegiate Sales Competition
Authors: Magnotta Sarah R. , Peev Plamen , Steffes Erin
Published: August 2020

Job opportunities in the field of professional sales are fast growing, with sales organizations striving to hire sales students who are prepared to embark on a sales career. Unfortunately, university business programs and faculty often lack the resources necessary to thoroughly prepare students for a sales career, or to expose them to career opportunities within their local market. This research posits an intracollegiate sales competition as a tool to benefit students, corporate partners, business schools, and faculty, and in doing so, provides considerations and best practices for initiating a competition. The findings of two additional studies provide empirical evidence suggesting that after competing in a sales competition, students have an increased perception of sales careers, an enhanced knowledge of the sales process, and an increased intent to pursue a sales career after graduation. Furthermore, student competitors’ perceived preparedness for a sales career fully mediates their intent to pursue one. Additionally, competitors had better learning outcomes than students completing a traditional in-class role-play activity.
Acute communicating hydrocephalus caused by extravasation of digital subtraction angiography contrast medium: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Jin-Xia , Shi Xiao-Yong , Tang Zhu-Xiao , Sun Hu , Shen Zheng , Wan Shu
Published: August 2020

With the increasing use of endovascular technology in the treatment of various conditions, there has been an inevitable rise in cases with extravasation of contrast medium. We present a case in which extravasation of a large quantity of contrast medium resulted in acute communicating hydrocephalus. A 78-year-old woman came to the hospital because of abnormal right-sided limb movement, and was diagnosed with occlusion of the left internal carotid artery. The patient underwent timely intra-arterial mechanical thrombectomy. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) examination revealed a high-density shadow of the left basal ganglia and left frontal lobe. Twelve hours later, the patient fell into a coma. Repeat head CT indicated acute hydrocephalus with no evidence of obstruction. The patient underwent emergency external ventricular drainage, and the drainage fluid was observed to be clear. The patient regained consciousness after the procedure and the drainage tube was removed 4 days later. The patient had no recurrence of hydrocephalus. The mechanisms and treatment of this condition are discussed.
Inheritance and Emotions: Performing the Patriarch in an Aristocratic Stepfamily in Seventeenth-Century Habsburg Hungary
Authors: Erdélyi Gabriella
Published: August 2020

The case study investigates how the responsibilities of an early modern “anxious patriarch” modified in a stepfamily context. It focuses on the central concern of aristocratic patriarchs to secure the continuity of the lineage and transmit properties and governance by positioning a heir. By reading the testaments, correspondence and the exceptional series of instructions to his eldest son, the study depicts the strategies, which the aristocrat Miklós Esterházy adopted, and argues that these strategies served to solicit the compliance of and solidarity among kin, half-kin, and step-kin as well as his own image as a good father.
Military, Race, and Urbanization: Lessons of Environmental Injustice from Las Vegas, Nevada
Authors: Alvarez Camila H.
Published: August 2020

Environmental justice scholarship argues state power perpetrates environmental inequalities, but less is known about the U.S. Military’s impact on local urban environmental inequalities. To evaluate the role of the military in contributing to environmental health disparities, I draw on the case study of Las Vegas, Nevada, a southwestern city with active military sites. The analysis uses environmental health, demographic, and Geographic Information System (GIS) data from federal and county agencies. Findings from spatial error models support environmental inequality and treadmill of destruction hypotheses by demonstrating that census tracts in closer proximity to military areas have greater estimated cancer risk from air toxics. Census tracts with a higher percent of poor and Latinx residents, independent of their proximity to military areas, have an additional increase in exposure to air pollution. The case study of Las Vegas offers important lessons of environmental injustice on Latinx environmental health vulnerability and military sites in urban areas.
Measuring Risk of Wandering and Symptoms of Dementia Via Caregiver Report
Authors: Barnard-Brak Lucy , Parmelee Patricia
Published: August 2020

Wandering is a potentially dangerous event for individuals living with dementia and is equally as stressful for their caregivers. The purpose of the current study was to examine the validity of the Risk of Wandering (RoW) scale in terms of predicting wandering. We compared the RoW scale’s validity against two widely used scales that assessed dementia as reported by caregivers: Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE; Jorm) and Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist (RMBPC; Roth et al.). The RoW scale predicted wandering events better than the IQCODE and comparably with the RMBPC, which is longer and less specific to wandering.
Practice-Based Politicization: Planning Reports as Actants in a University–Community Partnership
Authors: Taufen Anne , Olson Anneka
Published: August 2020

We look at a yearlong university–community partnership’s potential to create more equitable planning practices through an analysis of the sub-genres of student-generated planning reports. Using an actor–network approach to identify four different kinds of reports (manual, boundary object, framing, catalyst), we find that both the content of these reports and their translational work in existing practice-based networks can influence student learning and planning practices—what we term practice-based politicization—by defining, aligning, enrolling, and mobilizing. Ultimately, the relational context of these partnerships is essential to their effectiveness, suggesting that longer term engagements between university programs and their community partners are more likely to support mutual learning and deepen students’ pedagogical exposure to both an agonistic and collaborative approach to planning practice.
Acute myocardial injury following hydrogen sulfide poisoning
Authors: Mo Weichun , Shen Jie , Huang Xiaochun , Zhang Yuanlong , Zhang Zhihua
Published: August 2020

Background:

Hydrogen sulfide poisoning can cause severe myocardial injury, but the damage is subtle and can be easily misdiagnosed. This report presents the dynamic observation of myocardial injury associated with hydrogen sulfide poisoning.

Case report:

Two young men presented with symptoms of “lightning-like” death immediately after entering a tank. They were found and rescued in 20 min at a time when they were already in a coma. Case 1 had no spontaneous breathing and pulse, while case 2 had spontaneous breathing and a pulse. Upon transfer to a local hospital, case 1 received continuous cardiopulmonary resuscitation which led to the recovery of his heart rate 3 min after arriving at the hospital. However, the patient remained in a Glasgow coma scale of 3. He was transferred to our hospital where he, unfortunately, died on the seventh day due to multiple organ failure. Case 2 was also transferred to the intensive care unit in our hospital and on the fourth day of hospitalization, the patient presented ST-segment elevation and dynamic changes in markers of myocardial injury. Changes in electrocardiogram and markers of myocardial injury were monitored and examination improved through conventional echocardiography, coronary artery CT, radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging, and two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging strain. The treatment gradually improved the patient’s myocardial injury and was discharged from the hospital.

Conclusion:

Hydrogen sulfide poisoning can cause damage to myocardial function and the damage can be more insidious in nature and with a delayed onset. Recovery from myocardial damage can be very slow.
Widespread Subcutaneous Emphysema After J-Plasma Therapy
Authors: Lim Jia Y. , Javed Muhammad Umair , Pilch Wiktor , Ibrahim Abdullah , Harbison Jack
Published: August 2020

Subcutaneous emphysema refers to the abnormal presence of free gas within the subcutaneous tissue. Its cause can be broadly classified into 3 main causes: (1) infection by gas-forming microorganisms, (2) visceral perforation of luminal organs, and (3) spontaneous alveolar rupture. We report a case of a 48-year-old lady who developed extensive subcutaneous emphysema after undergoing VASER-assisted liposuction and J-Plasma® therapy at a local cosmetic clinic. The patient was admitted to our tertiary plastic surgery department where she was managed conservatively and discharged at day 3 without any complications. Subcutaneous emphysema is a known but rare complication of liposuction. While subcutaneous emphysema is usually self-limiting, fatal complications can occur. As such, patients considering these procedures should be informed of its risks and benefits to allow them to make an informed decision. This report highlights the importance of meticulous surgical technique in liposuction and its postoperative assessment.
Access and quality of health care in Canada: Insights from 1998 to the present
Authors: Samuelson-Kiraly Claire , Montague Terrence , Nemis-White Joanna , MacPherson Nicole , Martin Lesli , Aylen John , Gogovor Amédé , Mitchell Jonathan I.
Published: August 2020

This article reviews perceptions of Canada’s public and health professionals regarding access and quality of healthcare. Principal data sources were 13 sequential Health Care in Canada (HCIC) surveys, from 1998 to 2018. Over time, the data series reveals that an increasing majority of the public report receiving quality care, rising from a national average of 53% in 2002 to 61% in 2018. Regionally, the variation in quality care has been relatively narrow, ranging from 52% in the Atlantic and Prairie provinces to 65% in Ontario in 2018. Professionals’ ratings for delivery of quality care in 2018 were slightly higher than the public, averaging 65% and ranging from 58% among nurses to 72% and 74% among physicians and administrators. Despite the favourable ratings received for quality of healthcare, a persistent and growing issue in all regions of the country is concern around timely access to care. In 1998, 4% of the public rated prolonged wait times as a concern; in 2018, 43% rated it as their greatest concern. Regionally, the variation in 2018 ranged from 34% in the Atlantic provinces to 49% in Alberta. This concern about timely access involves all major components of healthcare delivery and is anticipated to worsen. Proposals to improve timely access have been suggested, with interdisciplinary, team-based care being the most strongly supported proposal. The Canadian Medicare system is currently recognized as a valued component of our national identity. However, sub-optimal access continues to undermine quality of care. In the absence of improved access, healthcare quality and outcomes will also remain sub-optimal.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Preconception Health Knowledge Questionnaire
Authors: Cairncross Zoe , Dennis Cindy-Lee , Brennenstuhl Sarah , Ravindran Saranyah , Enders Joanne , Graves Lisa , Mill Catriona , Telner Deanna , Brown Hilary K.
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

To develop and psychometrically test a comprehensive measure of preconception health knowledge.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey, in May and June, 2019.

Setting:

Alberta, Ontario, and Québec, Canada.

Sample:

One thousand seven hundred seventy-seven women and men with ≥1 children born in the last 5 years or planning a pregnancy in the next 5 years.

Measures:

Using prior literature and input from public health nurses and physicians, the Preconception Health Knowledge Questionnaire (PHKQ) was developed and comprised 25 multiple choice questions on reproductive history, sexual health, infectious diseases, chronic medical conditions, mental health, medications, immunizations, lifestyle behaviors, psychosocial stressors, and environmental exposures.

Analysis:

Psychometric testing was undertaken to evaluate item difficulty, discrimination, quality of response alternatives, internal consistency, and construct validity.

Results:

Participants had a mean total score of 15.8/25 (SD = 3.9); women and men had mean total scores of 16.2 (SD = 3.6) and 13.8 (SD = 4.7), respectively. Most items were neither too difficult nor too easy, discriminated well between participants with high and low knowledge, and had appropriate response alternatives. High internal consistency (KR-20 = 0.87) and construct validity, shown via significant correlations with education level and previous preconception care receipt, were demonstrated.

Conclusion:

The PHKQ is a reliable and valid tool for measuring preconception health knowledge and may be useful in identification of high-risk groups in need of preconception health education and evaluation of preconception health interventions.
Glocalizing Women’s Empowerment: Feminist Contestation and NGO Activism in Iran
Authors: Chubin Fae
Published: August 2020

Through an ethnographic study of a women’s empowerment program in Tehran, and in-depth interviews with its workers, I examine the hegemony of liberal feminist conceptions of empowerment among secular and cosmopolitan middle-class activists and NGO directors. This study demonstrates that activists’ liberal conception of agency inadvertently erased the agency of the marginalized clients and their rights-based advocacy did not equip the subaltern women with a framework of gender justice that would find currency in their communities. While NGO staff and administrators contested the practicality of advocacy for sexual autonomy among marginalized women, the subaltern clients rejected the culturally reductionist accounts of their oppression by prioritizing economic justice. Rather than positing liberal and secular feminist discourses as over-determining, this study reveals that local actors continuously debate and contest globally circulating “women’s rights packages” in accordance with local norms, their standpoint, and lived experiences.
Missing Data and Other Measurement Quality Issues in Mobile Geolocation Sensor Data
Authors: Bähr Sebastian , Haas Georg-Christoph , Keusch Florian , Kreuter Frauke , Trappmann Mark
Published: August 2020

As smartphones become increasingly prevalent, social scientists are recognizing the ubiquitous data generated by the sensors built into these devices as an innovative data source. Passively collected data from sensors that measure geolocation or movement provide an unobtrusive way to observe participants in everyday situations and are free from reactivity biases. Information on day-to-day geolocation could provide valuable insights into human behavior that cannot be collected via surveys. However, little is known about the quality of the resulting data. Using data from a 2018 German population-based probability app study, this article focuses on the measurement quality of geolocation sensor data, with a strong focus on missing measurements. Geolocation sensor data are an example of an available data type that is of interest to social science research. Our findings can be applied to the wider subject of sensor data. In our article, we demonstrate (1) that sensor data are far from error-free. Instead, device-related error sources, such as the manufacturer and operating system settings, design decisions of the research app, third-party apps, and the participant, can interfere with the measurement. To disentangle the different influences, we (2) apply a multistage error model to analyze and control the error sources in the specific missingness process of geolocation data. We (3) raise awareness of error sources in geolocation measurement, such as the use of GPS falsifier apps, or device sharing among participants. By identifying the different error sources and analyzing their determinants, we recommend (4) identification strategies for future research.
A new knowledgeable encapsulation method of steel production scheduling model
Authors: Chen Xiaowu , Jiang Guozhang , Li Gongfa , Zuo Ying , Xiang Feng
Published: August 2020

The steel production scheduling is a typical continuous/discrete hybrid process; it is dynamic and difficult to predict. The scheduling model is the core object of steel production scheduling, and its modeling methods directly affect the precise decision-making and execution efficiency of scheduling. However, the current linear program and simulation model do not yet realize the scheduling model quick reuse and dynamic construction. Therefore, a new model knowledgeable encapsulation method is proposed, which consists of a knowledgeable encapsulation framework and knowledgeable mapping method. The knowledgeable encapsulation framework includes the model knowledge description interface, model knowledge publication interface, model knowledge behavior interface, and a web platform. The interfaces and the platform are designed to help model providers to encapsulate the scheduling model in an open network environment. The mapping method is constructed to strengthen the relationship between the model knowledge. Finally, a knowledge encapsulation platform is established to verify the effectiveness of the model knowledge encapsulation method.
Finite element modeling of residual stress and geometrical error formations in selective laser melting of metals
Authors: Bruna-Rosso Claire , Mergheim Julia , Previtali Barbara
Published: August 2020

Recent works, both numerical and experimental, on residual stress and geometrical errors in selective laser melting-produced parts highlighted the preponderance of these phenomena. However, their mechanisms of appearance are not yet fully explained. An in-house finite element model was developed and implemented to reproduce their formations. The consistence of the model with existing simulation results and with respect to experimental observations was checked. Simulations were then performed using a computational design of experiments to better comprehend the underlying phenomena and the influence of the laser speed and power. Relationships between process parameters and residual stress, plastic strain, and geometrical errors formations have been put into evidence which can support optimization procedures at design stage.
Investigating the effects of leading-edge tubercles on the aerodynamic performance of insect-like flapping wing
Authors: Anwar Muhammad Bilal , Shahzad Aamer , Mumtaz Qadri Muhammad Nafees
Published: August 2020

Tubercles are small protuberances or bumps on the leading edge of humpback whale's pectoral fin. To examine the effects of leading-edge tubercles on the aerodynamic performance of a flapping wing, lift, drag, and power coefficients are obtained from numerical simulations. A revolving wing (one-degree-of-freedom azimuth rotation; rotation in a horizontal plane after an initial acceleration) with leading-edge tubercles at an angle of attack of 40° and Reynolds number of 400 is used in the present study. The reason for choosing azimuth rotation is that it resembles downstroke and upstroke of flapping motion of an insect. A rigid rectangular wing with six different combinations of wavelengths ( λ = 10% and 50% of the chord length) and amplitudes ( A = 2.5%, 5%, and 10% of the chord length) are chosen for this study. These parameters are inspired by the tubercles present at the leading edge of humpback whales' pectoral fin. It was observed that generally, tubercles degraded the aerodynamic performance of the wings in terms of lift, drag, and power coefficients. Although some of the tubercle leading-edge wings showed lower drag (2.20% lower) and lower power coefficient (2.12% lower) values than the baseline wing, none of the tubercle wing performed better than the baseline wing in terms of aerodynamic performance parameters; aerodynamic efficiency ([Formula: see text]) and power economy ([Formula: see text]). Hence, it was concluded that the tubercles are not advantageous over the straight leading-edge wing for azimuth rotating hovering insect-like motion and further investigation is required to explore its potential benefits.
Photovoltaic thermal collector assisted heat pumps using environment-friendly working fluids
Authors: Ammar AA , Sopian K , Mohanraj M
Published: August 2020

In this research, a photovoltaic-thermal collector assisted heat pump has been developed and tested its performance under the tropical climatic conditions of Malaysia. The refrigerants such as, R134a and R1234yf were selected based on its thermodynamic and thermo-physical properties. The temperature of the photovoltaic module was theoretically predicted under the influence of tube diameter, tube spacing and refrigerant mass flow rate. Further, the energy performance of the photovoltaic-thermal evaporator and the heat pump system are investigated experimentally. Finally, the economical feasibility of the photovoltaic-thermal collector evaporator was assessed for the period of 20 years. The results showed that, the tube spacing and diameter of the copper tubes used in the photovoltaic-thermal evaporator/collector using R134a and R1234yf were optimized to 80 mm and 12.7 mm, respectively. It was observed that, during the clear sunny day, the average photovoltaic module temperature was reduced to 30.9 °C under the influence of panel cooling using refrigerant. The output of the panel was enhanced by 21%–44% with increase in solar radiation from 400 W/m2 to 1000 W/m2. The coefficient of performance of the heat pump was varied from 4.8 to 6.84 with an average coefficient of performance of 5.8 during clear sunny days. The life cycle economic analysis indicated that, the photovoltaic-thermal collector evaporator assisted heat pump has a payback period of 3 years, whereas the reference photovoltaic system has a payback period of 8 years.
Detection of antitumoral effects of quercetin through protein synthesis associated with argyrophilic nucleolar-regulating region
Authors: Yılmaz S , Aslan E , Doğanyiğit Z
Published: August 2020

Quercetin is a natural flavonoid with potential anticancer properties without significant cytotoxicity in normal tissues. However, the effects of quercetin on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) have not yet been clarified. The study aimed to show the antitumoral effect of quercetin through argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) protein synthesis in mice carrying EAC. Thirty mice were used in the experiment (negative control ( n = 6), tumor control ( n = 8), quercetin 50 mg/kg ( n = 8), and quercetin 100 mg/kg ( n = 8) intravenously). The animals were euthanized on the 14th day, and the solid tumors were removed. Then, the total AgNOR area/nuclear area (TAA/NA) and average AgNOR number were calculated for each mice and the immunoreactivity of the factor VIII protein in tumor was evaluated. Tumor volumes and animal weights were statistically significant compared to the tumor control group ( p < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of TAA/NA ratio ( p < 0.05). Factor VIII expressions decreased in quercetin groups compared to control tumor tissue ( p < 0.05). The current study showed that quercetin has an important function against cancer development.
Uremic solutes of indoxyl sulfate and p-cresol enhance protease-activated receptor-2 expression in vitro and in vivo in keratinocytes
Authors: Kim SJ , Zhang X , Cho SB , Kim CH , Park HC , Moon SJ
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

Uremic pruritus is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The retention of uremic solutes is thought to be associated with uremic pruritus. Meanwhile, activation of protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) has been suggested to play an important role in pruritus. The present study was performed to investigate the effects of uremic solutes on the expression of PAR-2 in the skin.

Methods:

Indoxyl sulfate (IS), p-cresol (PC), and uremic sera from CKD patients were used to stimulate PAR-2 expression in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs). Also, NHEKs were additionally pretreated with soybean trypsin inhibitor to evaluate its inhibitory effect on PAR-2 expression. Patterns of cutaneous PAR-2 expression were investigated in skin samples from five CKD patients and CKD mice.

Results:

In NHEKs, IS, PC, and sera from CKD patients significantly induced PAR-2 mRNA and protein expression. Soybean trypsin inhibitor significantly decreased PAR-2 mRNA and protein expression in NHEKs treated with IS, PC, and CKD sera. NHEKs treated with IS and PC exhibited significant increases in protease activity. Skin from both CKD patients and mice exhibited marked upregulation of PAR-2 expression compared to control skin.

Conclusions:

Results from the present study suggest that uremic solutes either directly or indirectly affect PAR-2 expression in the skin of CKD subjects, potentially playing an important role in the pathogenesis of uremic pruritus.
Cosmetic camouflage improves health-related quality of life in women with systemic lupus erythematosus and permanent skin damage: A controlled intervention study
Authors: Oliveira Fernando Afrânio Palmeira de , Santos Fabiana de Miranda Moura dos , Dias Ana Flávia Madureira de Pádua , Neiva Claudia Lopes Santoro , Telles Rosa Weiss , Lanna Cristina Costa Duarte
Published: August 2020

Objective

To investigate the effect of cosmetic camouflage in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and permanent facial skin damage.

Methods

This is a randomized controlled clinical trial (Universal Trial Number: U1111-1210-2554e) with SLE women from outpatients using ACR/1997 and/or SLICC/2012 criteria, aged over 18 years old, with modified SLEDAI 2k < 4 and permanent facial skin damage, recruited in two tertiary centers to use cosmetic camouflage (n = 36) or no intervention (n = 20). Endpoints were score variations in SLE Quality of Life (SLEQoL) (total and each domain), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Rosenberg self-esteem scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), after daily use of cosmetic camouflage for 12 +/−2 weeks (Phase I), “as needed” use of cosmetic camouflage for another 12 +/−2 weeks (Phase II), and during total follow up (24 +/−2 weeks). Univariate and multivariate linear regressions were conducted by protocol analysis.

Results

Both groups were similar at baseline regarding age, disease duration, socio-demographic, clinical, laboratory and treatment characteristics. The comparison of score variations between intervention and control groups showed an independent HRQoL improvement in total SLEQoL score after using cosmetic camouflage in Phase I [β −27.56 (CI 95% −47.86 to −7.27) p = 0.009] and total follow up [β −28.04 (CI 95% −48.65 to −7.44) p = 0.09], specifically in mood, self-image and physical functioning domains. Also, there was an improvement in DLQI scores during Phase I [β −7.65 (CI 95% −12.31 to −3.00) p = 0.002] and total follow up [β −8.97(CI95% −12.99 to −4.94) p < 0.001). Scores for depression [β −1.92 (CI 95% −3.67 to −0.16) p = 0.033], anxiety [β −2.87 (CI 95% −5.67 to −0.07] p = 0.045] and self-esteem [β 2.79 (CI 95% 0.13 to 5.46) p = 0.041] improved considering the total follow up. No significant changes occurred in the control group scores.

Conclusion

The use of cosmetic camouflage improved the HRQoL in female SLE patients with permanent facial skin damage.
Effects of gender harassment on science popularization behaviors
Authors: McDonald Lisa , Barriault Chantal , Merritt Thomas
Published: August 2020

In this pilot study, we used a mixed methods online survey to ask science popularizers how gender harassment influences the way they communicate science to the public. Popularizers reported that gender harassment caused the science popularization field to increasingly strive for gender inclusivity in the creation of content. However, harassment made female popularizers feel they must emphasize their legitimacy, quite conscious of their clothing choices, and wary of engaging the public through mediums or topics that provoke more severe harassment. Implications for science communication and public engagement are discussed.
Knockdown of TRIM8 Attenuates IL-1β-induced Inflammatory Response in Osteoarthritis Chondrocytes Through the Inactivation of NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Liu Ruoxi , Wu Hao , Song Huanjin
Published: August 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease associated with inflammatory response. Tripartite motif 8 (TRIM8) is a member of TRIM family that has been found to regulate inflammation. The present study was aimed to evaluate the role of TRIM8 in OA chondrocytes. Our results showed that TRIM8 expression was significantly increased in interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β)-stimulated OA chondrocytes. To knock down the TRIM8 expression in chondrocytes, the chondrocytes were transfected with si-TRIM8. Knockdown of TRIM8 attenuated IL-1β-induced production of inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2. The increased expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes were suppressed by TRIM8 knockdown. The IL-1β-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6 was significantly decreased after transfection with si-TRIM8. Besides, knockdown of TRIM8 mitigated the IL-1β-induced decrease in aggrecan and collagen-II proteins expression and increase in matrix-degrading enzymes in chondrocytes. Furthermore, TRIM8 knockdown prevented IL-1β-induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation in chondrocytes. Taken together, these findings indicated that knockdown of TRIM8 attenuates IL-1β-induced inflammatory response in OA chondrocytes through the inactivation of NF-κB pathway. Thus, targeting TRIM8 might provide therapeutic treatment for OA.
Transplanted Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells Survive in the Brain of a Rat Neonatal White Matter Injury Model but Less Mature in Comparison with the Normal Brain
Authors: Ogawa Shino , Hagiwara Mutsumi , Misumi Sachiyo , Tajiri Naoki , Shimizu Takeshi , Ishida Akimasa , Suzumori Nobuhiro , Sugiura-Ogasawara Mayumi , Hida Hideki
Published: August 2020

Preterm infants have a high risk of neonatal white matter injury (WMI) caused by hypoxia-ischemia. Cell-based therapies are promising strategies for neonatal WMI by providing trophic substances and replacing lost cells. Using a rat model of neonatal WMI in which oligodendrocyte progenitors (OPCs) are predominantly damaged, we investigated whether insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) has trophic effects on OPCs in vitro and whether OPC transplantation has potential as a cell replacement therapy. Enhanced expression of Igf2 mRNA was first confirmed in the brain of P5 model rats by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunostaining for IGF2 and its receptor IGF2 R revealed that both proteins were co-expressed in OLIG2-positive and GFAP-positive cells in the corpus callosum (CC), indicating autocrine and paracrine effects of IGF2. To investigate the in vitro effect of IGF2 on OPCs, IGF2 (100 ng/ml) was added to the differentiation medium containing ciliary neurotrophic factor (10 ng/ml) and triiodothyronine (20 ng/ml), and IGF2 promoted the differentiation of OPCs into mature oligodendrocytes. We next transplanted rat-derived OPCs that express green fluorescent protein into the CC of neonatal WMI model rats without immunosuppression and investigated the survival of grafted cells for 8 weeks. Although many OPCs survived for at least 8 weeks, the number of mature oligodendrocytes was unexpectedly small in the CC of the model compared with that in the sham-operated control. These findings suggest that the mechanism in the brain that inhibits differentiation should be solved in cell replacement therapy for neonatal WMI as same as trophic support from IGF2.
Securing the Future: Transformative Justice and Children ‘Born of War’
Authors: Baines Erin , Oliveira Camile
Published: August 2020

Children born as the result of conflict related sexual violence often embody painful memories of war-affected communities. As a result, children ‘born of war’ experience abuse and neglect, social isolation and a sense of never-belonging. Existing scholarship grapples with the challenges of seeking justice for children ‘born of war’ given the complex ways their suffering is entangled with that of so many other victims. In post-conflict northern Uganda, a community-based organization composed of survivors of forced marriage and motherhood collectively seeks justice for their children in a process locally referred to as child tracing. The Women’s Advocacy Network brings together differently affected victim groups to help identify the paternal relatives of their children, mediate conflict and transform fractious relationships in order to secure a future for their children. Through this process, children who once divided communities, propel a collective reach towards justice.