bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breast Cancer Cells Metastasize to the Tissue-Engineered Premetastatic Niche by Using an Osteoid-Formed Polycaprolactone/Nanohydroxyapatite Scaffold
Authors: Xiong Qisheng , Wang Meng , Liu Jinglong , Lin Chia-Ying
Published: December 2021

It has been deemed that the premetastatic niche (PMN) plays a critical role in facilitating bone metastasis of breast cancer cells. Tissue engineering scaffolds provide an advantageous environment to promote osteogenesis that may mimic the bony premetastatic niches (BPMNs). In this study, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were seeded onto designed polycaprolactone/nanohydroxyapatite (PCL-nHA) scaffolds for osteogenic differentiation. Subsequently, a coculture system was used to establish the tissue-engineered BPMNs by culturing breast cancer cells, hMSCs, and osteoid-formed PCL-nHA scaffolds. Afterwards, a migration assay was used to investigate the recruitment of MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-453 cells to the BPMNs’ supernatants. The cancer stem cell (CSC) properties of these migrated cells were investigated by flow cytometry. Our results showed that the mRNA expression levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Osterix, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) on the PCL-nHA scaffolds were dramatically increased compared to the PCL scaffolds on days 11, 18, and 32. The expression of CXCL12 in these BPMNs was increased gradually over coculturing time, and it may be a feasible marker for BPMNs. Furthermore, migration analysis results showed that the higher maturation of BPMNs collectively contributed to the creation of a more favorable niched site for the cancerous invasion. The subpopulation of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) was more likely to migrate to fertile BPMNs. The proportion of BCSCs in metastatic MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-453 cells were increased by approximately 63.47%, 149.48%, and 127.60%. The current study demonstrated that a designed tissue engineering scaffold can provide a novel method to create a bone-mimicking environment that serves as a useable platform to recapitulate the BPMNs and help interrogate the scheme of bone metastasis by breast cancer.
Some Study of Semigroups ofh-Bi-Ideals of Semirings
Authors: Anjum Rukhshanda , Tchier Fairouz , Mufti Zeeshan Saleem , Xin Qin , Shah Syed Irfan Ali , Gaba Yae Ulrich
Published: December 2021

Semigroups are generalizations of groups and rings. In the semigroup theory, there are certain kinds of band decompositions which are useful in the study of the structure of semigroups. This research will open up new horizons in the field of mathematics by aiming to use semigroup ofh-bi-ideal of semiring with semilattice additive reduct. With the course of this research, it will prove that subsemigroup, the set of all righth-bi-ideals, and set of all lefth-bi-ideals are bands forh-regular semiring. Moreover, it will be demonstrated that if semigroup of allh-bi-idealsBH,∗is semilattice, thenHish-Clifford. This research will also explore the classification of minimalh-bi-ideal.
PKM2 Is Essential for Bladder Cancer Growth and Maintenance
Authors: Xia Yong , Wang Xing , Liu Yan , Shapiro Ellen , Lepor Herbert , Tang Moon-Shong , Sun Tung-Tien , Wu Xue-Ru
Published: December 2021

Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) has been shown to promote tumorigenesis by facilitating the Warburg effect and enhancing the activities of oncoproteins. However, this paradigm has recently been challenged by studies in which the absence of PKM2 failed to inhibit and instead accelerated tumorigenesis in mouse models. These results seem inconsistent with the fact that most human tumors overexpress PKM2. To further elucidate the role of PKM2 in tumorigenesis, we investigated the effect of PKM2 knockout in oncogenic HRAS-driven urothelial carcinoma. While PKM2 ablation in mouse urothelial cells did not affect tumor initiation, it impaired the growth and maintenance of HRAS-driven tumors. Chemical inhibition of PKM2 recapitulated these effects. Both conditions substantially reduced complex formation of PKM2 with STAT3, their nuclear translocation, and HIF1α- and VEGF-related angiogenesis. The reduction in nuclear STAT3 in the absence of PKM2 also correlated with decreased autophagy and increased apoptosis. Time-controlled, inducible PKM2 overexpression in simple urothelial hyperplasia did not trigger tumorigenesis, while overexpression of PKM2, but not PKM1, in nodular urothelial hyperplasia with angiogenesis strongly accelerated tumorigenesis. Finally, in human patients, PKM2 was overexpressed in low-grade nonmuscle-invasive and high-grade muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Based on these data, PKM2 is not required for tumor initiation but is essential for tumor growth and maintenance by enhancing angiogenesis and metabolic addiction. The PKM2–STAT3–HIF1α/VEGF signaling axis may play a critical role in bladder cancer and may serve as an actionable therapeutic target.

Significance:

Genetic manipulation and pharmacologic inhibition of PKM2 in mouse urothelial lesions highlight its essential role in promoting angiogenesis and metabolic addiction, events indispensable for tumor growth and maintenance.
Integrated Molecular Characterization of Patient-Derived Models Reveals Therapeutic Strategies for Treating CIC-DUX4 Sarcoma
Authors: Carrabotta Marianna , Laginestra Maria Antonella , Durante Giorgio , Mancarella Caterina , Landuzzi Lorena , Parra Alessandro , Ruzzi Francesca , Toracchio Lisa , De Feo Alessandra , Giusti Veronica , Pasello Michela , Righi Alberto , Lollini Pier-Luigi , Palmerini Emanuela , Donati Davide Maria , Manara Maria Cristina , Scotlandi Katia
Published: December 2021

Capicua-double homeobox 4 (CIC-DUX4)–rearranged sarcomas (CDS) are extremely rare, highly aggressive primary sarcomas that represent a major therapeutic challenge. Patients are treated according to Ewing sarcoma protocols, but CDS-specific therapies are strongly needed. In this study, RNA sequencing was performed on patient samples to identify a selective signature that differentiates CDS from Ewing sarcoma and other fusion-driven sarcomas. This signature was used to validate the representativeness of newly generated CDS experimental models—patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and PDX-derived cell lines—and to identify specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. Annotation analysis of differentially expressed genes and molecular gene validation highlighted an HMGA2/IGF2BP/IGF2/IGF1R/AKT/mTOR axis that characterizes CDS and renders the tumors particularly sensitive to combined treatments with trabectedin and PI3K/mTOR inhibitors. Trabectedin inhibited IGF2BP/IGF2/IGF1R activity, but dual inhibition of the PI3K and mTOR pathways was required to completely dampen downstream signaling mediators. Proof-of-principle efficacy for the combination of the dual AKT/mTOR inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 (dactolisib) with trabectedin was obtained in vitro and in vivo using CDS PDX-derived cell lines, demonstrating a strong inhibition of local tumor growth and multiorgan metastasis. Overall, the development of representative experimental models (PDXs and PDX-derived cell lines) has helped to identify the unique sensitivity of the CDS to AKT/mTOR inhibitors and trabectedin, revealing a mechanism-based therapeutic strategy to fight this lethal cancer.

Significance:

This study identifies altered HMGA2/IGF2BP/IGF2 signaling in CIC-DUX4 sarcomas and provides proof of principle for combination therapy with trabectedin and AKT/mTOR dual inhibitors to specifically combat the disease.
Dietary Interventions: A Promising Treatment for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Che Xuan , Chen Zhuo , Liu Mingqi , Mo Zhongcheng
Published: December 2021

Background: Dietary interventions as a first-line treatment for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have been evaluated, but the optimal diet has not been determined. Proper diet and the maintenance of adequate nutritional status are of great importance in the prevention of this disorder, and therapeutics and dietary habits play an important role in the recovery of patients with PCOS. Summary: A range of dietary patterns have been shown to impact weight loss and insulin resistance (IR) and improve reproductive function, including the Mediterranean diet, the ketogenic diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and other dietary patterns. Key Messages: Diets that can reduce rates of obesity and IR are beneficial to women with PCOS, the status of obesity and IR should be determined at the early stage of the disease, so as to develop individualized and sustainable dietary intervention. The long-term efficacy, safety, and health benefits of diet management in patients with PCOS need to be tested by further researches.
Comparison of Forceps, Cryoprobe, and Thoracoscopic Lung Biopsy for the Diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease − The CHILL Study
Authors: Wahidi Momen M. , Argento Angela Christine , Mahmood Kamran , Shofer Scott L. , Giovacchini Coral , Pulsipher Aaron , Hartwig Matthew , Tong Betty , Carney John M. , Colby Thomas , Neely Ben , Wang Xiaofei , Dematte Jane , Ninan Neil , Danoff Sonye , Morrison Lake Daniel , Yarmus Lonny
Published: December 2021

Rationale: Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) has emerged as a less invasive method to obtain a tissue diagnosis in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). The diagnostic yield of TBLC compared to surgical lung biopsy (SLB) remains uncertain. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of forceps transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) and TBLC compared to SLB when making the final diagnosis based on multidisciplinary discussion (MDD). Methods: Patients enrolled in the study underwent sequential TBLB and TBLC followed immediately by SLB. De-identified cases, with blinding of the biopsy method, were reviewed by a blinded pathologist and then discussed at a multidisciplinary conference. Main Results: Between August 2013 and October 2017, we enrolled 16 patients. The raw agreement between TBLC and SLB for the MDD final diagnosis was 68.75% with a Cohen’s kappa of 0.6 (95% CI 0.39, 0.81). Raw agreement and Cohen’s kappa of TBLB versus TBLC and TBLB versus SLB for the MDD final diagnosis were much lower (50%, 0.21 [95% CI 0, 0.42] and 18.75%, 0.08 [95% CI −0.03, 0.19], respectively). TBLC was associated with mild bleeding (grade 1 bleeding requiring suction to clear) in 56.2% of patients. Conclusions: In patients with ILD who have an uncertain type based on clinical and radiographic data and require tissue sampling to obtain a specific diagnosis, TBLC showed moderate correlation with SLB when making the diagnosis with MDD guidance. TBLB showed poor concordance with both TBLC and SLB MDD diagnoses.
Factors That Influence Intraoperative Decision-Making among Pediatric Neurosurgeons: A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Granek Leeat , Shapira Shahar , Roth Jonathan , Constantini Shlomi
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Pediatric neurosurgery is a subspecialty of medicine that is responsible for diagnosing, managing, and treating neurological disease in children with the use of surgery. Good intraoperative decision-making is critical to ensuring patient safety, yet almost nothing is known about what factors play a role in intraoperative decisions. As such, the purpose of this paper was to explore the factors that influence intraoperative decisions when pediatric neurosurgeons encounter something unexpected or uncertain during surgery. Methods: The study utilized the grounded theory method of data collection and analysis. Twenty-six pediatric neurosurgeons from 12 countries around the world were interviewed between June and October 2020 about the factors that go into making intraoperative decisions. Data were analyzed line by line and constant comparison was used to examine relationships within and across codes and categories. Results: Pediatric neurosurgeons reflected on 6 factors while operating in order to come to a decision about how to proceed when they encountered an uncertainty or complication. The study findings resulted in a conceptual model that describes how concrete data including biological and technological factors and contextual data including emotional/relational factors, surgeon factors, and cultural factors influence risk assessment when making an intraoperative decision during surgery. Conclusions: The findings from this research can be used for training and educating surgeons about intraoperative decision-making processes. Pedagogical modules can be developed that include training sessions on factors that may implicitly and explicitly influence thinking processes during an operation. Surgeons may also benefit from having open discussions with surgical colleagues about the rich, emotional, intellectual scope of the work that they do with all the challenges that these relationships can bring into decision-making in the operating room.
Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Type 1 Receptor Is Linked to Inflammation in Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngioma
Authors: Yang Lang , Li Kai , Li Weizhao , Wang Chaohu , Liu Yi , Zhang Huarong , Pan Jun , Qi Songtao , Peng Junxiang
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF1R) is overexpressed in various malignant tumors, which relates to their transformation and recurrence. Craniopharyngioma is a benign tumor with malignant results, often accompanied by a severe inflammatory reaction. However, the relationship between IGF1R expression and the inflammatory response of craniopharyngioma is unclear. Methods: We enrolled 85 patients with adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) in a study to explore the relationship between IGF1R expression and clinical features of this disease. Results: Patients in the IGF1R high-expression group had a significantly higher incidence of hypopituitarism, higher recurrence rate, and lower progression-free survival. β-Catenin can further regulate expression of the stem cell marker, CD44, by regulating IGF1R. Using immunofluorescence, we found that tumor stem cell-like cells did not express phosphorylated (p)-ERK, although p-ERK activation was evident in the surrounding cells. Picropodophyllin, a specific inhibitor of IGF1R, increased the expression of p-ERK protein and decreased the transcription level of interleukin-6. Conclusions: High expression of IGF1R might promote inflammation of ACP, which might be an unfavorable factor for pituitary function and prognosis. The high expression of IGF1R in tumor stem cell-like cells might inhibit the expression of p-ERK and promote the generation of inflammatory factors. IGF1R plays a stemness maintenance role in ACP and regulates the production of inflammatory factors through a p-ERK pathway, which suggests that targeting IGF1R and p-ERK might provide a new direction for alleviating tumor inflammation.
High-Dimensional Unbalanced Binary Classification by Genetic Programming with Multi-Criterion Fitness Evaluation and Selection
Authors: Pei Wenbin , Xue Bing , Shang Lin , Zhang Mengjie
Published: December 2021

High-dimensional unbalanced classification is challenging because of the joint effects of high dimensionality and class imbalance. Genetic programming (GP) has the potential benefits for use in high-dimensional classification due to its built-in capability to select informative features. However, once data are not evenly distributed, GP tends to develop biased classifiers which achieve a high accuracy on the majority class but a low accuracy on the minority class. Unfortunately, the minority class is often at least as important as the majority class. It is of importance to investigate how GP can be effectively utilized for high-dimensional unbalanced classification. In this article, to address the performance bias issue of GP, a new two-criterion fitness function is developed, which considers two criteria, that is, the approximation of area under the curve (AUC) and the classification clarity (i.e., how well a program can separate two classes). The obtained values on the two criteria are combined in pairs, instead of summing them together. Furthermore, this article designs a three-criterion tournament selection to effectively identify and select good programs to be used by genetic operators for generating offspring during the evolutionary learning process. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves better classification performance than other compared methods.
“I updated the ”: The evolution of references in the English Wikipedia and the implications for altmetrics
Authors: Zagovora Olga , Ulloa Roberto , Weller Katrin , Flöck Fabian
Published: December 2021

With this work, we present a publicly available data set of the history of all the references (more than 55 million) ever used in the English Wikipedia until June 2019. We have applied a new method for identifying and monitoring references in Wikipedia, so that for each reference we can provide data about associated actions: creation, modifications, deletions, and reinsertions. The high accuracy of this method and the resulting data set was confirmed via a comprehensive crowdworker labeling campaign. We use the data set to study the temporal evolution of Wikipedia references as well as users’ editing behavior. We find evidence of a mostly productive and continuous effort to improve the quality of references: There is a persistent increase of reference and document identifiers (DOI, PubMedID, PMC, ISBN, ISSN, ArXiv ID) and most of the reference curation work is done by registered humans (not bots or anonymous editors). We conclude that the evolution of Wikipedia references, including the dynamics of the community processes that tend to them, should be leveraged in the design of relevance indexes for altmetrics, and our data set can be pivotal for such an effort.
The History and Practice of AI in the Environmental Sciences
Authors: Haupt Sue Ellen , Gagne David John , Hsieh William W. , Krasnopolsky Vladimir , McGovern Amy , Marzban Caren , Moninger William , Lakshmanan Valliappa , Tissot Philippe , Williams John K.
Published: December 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have become important tools for environmental scientists and engineers, both in research and in applications. Although these methods have become quite popular in recent years, they are not new. The use of AI methods began in the 1950s and environmental scientists were adopting them by the 1980s. Although an “AI winter” temporarily slowed the growth, a more recent resurgence has brought it back with gusto. This paper tells the story of the evolution of AI in the field through the lens of the AMS Committee on Artificial Intelligence Applications to Environmental Science. The environmental sciences possess a host of problems amenable to advancement by intelligent techniques. We review a few of the early applications along with the ML methods of the time and how their progression has impacted these sciences. While AI methods have changed from expert systems in the 1980s to neural networks and other data-driven methods, and more recently deep learning, the environmental problems tackled have remained similar. We discuss the types of applications that have shown some of the biggest advances due to AI usage and how they have evolved over the past decades, including topics in weather forecasting, probabilistic prediction, climate estimation, optimization problems, image processing, and improving forecasting models. We finish with a look at where AI as employed in environmental science appears to be headed and some thoughts on how it might be best blended with physical/dynamical modeling approaches to further advance our science.
Oceanic Influence on Seasonal Malaria Incidence in West Africa
Authors: Diouf Ibrahima , Suárez-Moreno Roberto , Rodríguez-Fonseca Belen , Caminade Cyril , Wade Malick , Thiaw Wassila M. , Deme Abdoulaye , Morse Andrew P. , Ndione Jaques-André , Gaye Amadou T. , Diaw Anta , Ndiaye Marie Khemesse Ngom
Published: December 2021

Climate variability is a key factor in driving malaria outbreaks. As shown in previous studies, climate-driven malaria modeling provides a better understanding of malaria transmission dynamics, generating malaria-related parameters validated as a reliable benchmark to assess the impact of climate on malaria. In this framework, the present study uses climate observations and reanalysis products to evaluate the predictability of malaria incidence in West Africa. Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are shown as a skillful predictor of malaria incidence, which is derived from climate-driven simulations with the Liverpool Malaria Model (LMM). Using the SST-based Statistical Seasonal Forecast model (S4CAST) tool, we find robust modes of anomalous SST variability associated with skillful predictability of malaria incidence Accordingly, significant SST anomalies in the tropical Pacific and Atlantic Ocean basins are related to a significant response of malaria incidence over West Africa. For the Mediterranean Sea, warm SST anomalies are responsible for increased surface air temperatures and precipitation over West Africa, resulting in higher malaria incidence; conversely, cold SST anomalies are responsible for decreased surface air temperatures and precipitation over West Africa, resulting in lower malaria incidence.. Our results put forward the key role of SST variability as a source of predictability of malaria incidence, being of paramount interest to decision-makers who plan public health measures against malaria in West Africa. Accordingly, SST anomalies could be used operationally to forecast malaria risk over West Africa for early warning systems.
Contested European citizenship: Results from a 13 country survey
Authors: Gerhards Jürgen , Lengfeld Holger , Dilger Clara
Published: December 2021

European citizenship consisting of equal economic, social and political rights for all EU citizens has come under pressure in recent years due to the different crises the EU had to face. Based on a survey conducted in 13 EU member states we examined to what extent EU citizens support the notion that citizens from other European countries should enjoy the same rights as nationals. Overall, 56% of EU citizens support the idea that citizens from other EU member states (EU migrants) and national citizens shall be treated equally. In addition, we find remarkable variation between the countries. Multivariate analyses indicate that cultural factors on the individual and the country level have a strong impact on attitudes towards Europeanized equality, whereas structural factors that are related to individuals’ and a countries’ socioeconomic position are only of minor importance.
Exploring the Praxis of Occupational Therapy-Community Development Practitioners
Authors: Irvine-Brown Laura , Ware Vicki-Ann , Malfitano Ana Paula Serrata
Published: December 2021

Background. A growing body of occupational therapy knowledge and practice focuses not on health but on social transformation, and couples occupational therapy with community development. A tension in both these fields is the disconnect between what practitioners espouse and what they do, limiting the potential of practice. To address this, practitioners are encouraged to engage in praxis—the critical synthesis of theory and practice. Purpose. To explore whether and how Australian occupational therapy-community development practitioners engage in critical praxis. Method. A critical dialogical method was employed to complete multiple in-depth interviews with four occupational therapy-community development practitioners. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings. Practitioners appeared capable of praxis but were not consistently employing it. Findings were grouped into themes: disjointed praxis, authentic praxis, supporting praxis, and praxis challenges and solutions. Implications. Occupational therapists need to be supported to develop, use, and maintain skills in critical praxis.
The Future of the Clean-Energy Minerals in India: Issues and Challenges Out to 2050
Authors: Boraiaha Chandan Kumar , Chandan Rashmi
Published: December 2021

The role of clean-energy minerals (CEMs) in the modern non-carbon energy technology development is indispensable. The scarcity of CEM resources in India is a severe concern. Almost complete import dependence on CEM-producing countries makes India vulnerable to the supply risk that could arise due to various reasons. For example, for India to do business with countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and China could be challenging given the geopolitical issues India have with China and the internal political and economic crises DRC have within. Situations like this call for securing domestic CEM resources and strengthening the bilateral trade agreements with friendly nations. India needs to focus on investing heavily in the domestic exploration and acquiring overseas leases of CEMs. Research and development promotion are crucial to finding reliable substitutes for priority CEMs such as graphite, lithium and cobalt.
Harmonising public sector accounting laws and regulations of the European Union member states: powers and competences
Authors: Helldorff Karoline , Christiaens Johan
Published: December 2021

This paper analyses the powers and competences of the EU to standardise public sector accounting of the member states and to take other EU action in the field of public sector accounting. We argue that public sector accounting forms part of the administrative organisation of the member states that is not a core EU competence. EU initiatives such as the European Public Sector Accounting Standards project, which aim to increase transparency and comparability, therefore need to follow the rules set out for administrative matters in general. The study reveals on the one hand that EU actions are essentially limited to voluntary cooperation and influences of other policy areas. But on the other hand, it shows that they do not need to be limited to the initiatives currently driven by Eurostat.

Points for practitioners

The future of the European Public Sector Accounting Standards project is uncertain. However, it is very unlikely that it will take the shape of a top-down set of readymade EU accounting standards that will force public administrations to adjust their inner workings. Public sector accounting is not (yet) a (typical) European policy, but simply a national one that the EU can support. The EU initiative can be considered as an opportunity for collaboration and knowledge sharing on how to increase transparency of public sector accounting.
Neotoponymy, Appropriation of Space and Youth Political Expression in Tokombéré, Northern Cameroon (1970–2011)
Authors: Shelley Baskouda S.K.
Published: December 2021

Using the example of neotoponyms proliferation in Tokombéré (Northern Cameroon) between 1970 and 2011, this paper questions the banal tactics of naming places as a site of public patriarchy contestation. In fact, young people play a crucial role in reinventing local political power forms of interpellation, which enables them to symbolically reappropriate the space. This helps to establish their presence in the public sphere from which they have been side-lined by social elders. Even though it reflects a political expression, the fact remains that the attribution of toponyms does not really help to reverse their domination into social field.
Teaching about Fascism(s): The Relationship between Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany in Italian, West German, and East German Textbooks, 1950–60
Authors: Weiner Daniela R.P.
Published: December 2021

The parallels and interconnections between Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany are not merely a matter of contemporary scholarly interest, but also were and still are a charged political and societal question. Through an analysis of discourse in school history textbooks, this article analyzes how scholars, students, teachers and state authorities perceived these parallels and interconnections during the immediate postwar period. The article investigates how the earliest history textbooks – published in the post-fascist successor states of Italy, West Germany, and East Germany between 1950 and 1960 – evaluated the relationship between Mussolini's Italy and Hitler's Germany during the 1930s. The 1930s are key because they began with Mussolini as the senior fascist dictator; over the course of the decade – with the war in Ethiopia, the Spanish Civil War, the passage of antisemitic racial laws, and the creation of the Pact of Steel – Hitler's Germany eclipsed Mussolini's Italy as the preeminent fascist power. By looking at postwar textbooks’ representations of the Fascist Italy–Nazi Germany relationship during the 1930s, we can see that the postwar post-fascist states often blamed each other for the emergence of the especially imperialist, racist and violent elements of fascism. Thus, this article illustrates how educational materials marshalled deflection strategies during the long process of Vergangenheitsbewältigung.
Psychometric Properties and Factor Structure of the German Version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale
Authors: Fatfouta Ramzi , Rogoza Radosław
Published: December 2021

Fear is a fundamental response in the face of a life-threatening pandemic, such as COVID-19. To assess COVID-19-related fear, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) has been recently developed and validated in many countries across the globe. The current study aimed to adapt the FCV-19S into German and to examine its psychometric properties. Participants ( N = 866) were asked to complete the FCV-19S, report their perceived risk of contracting the virus, and their willingness to comply with mask wearing. Confirmatory Factor Analysis supported both a two-factor structure (emotional and somatic fear) and a more parsimonious one-factor model. Among demographic variables, only female gender was positively associated with the FCV-19S. Moreover, the measure was associated with increased risk perception and compliance with mask wearing. Results suggest that the FCV-19S has good psychometric properties in German and can be used in future work.
Compassion as a Source of Satisfaction and Fear in Professionals Who Work With People
Authors: Sak Ramazan , Nas Eşref , Şahin-Sak İkbal Tuba , Öneren-Şendil Çağla , Tekin-Sitrava Reyhan , Taşkın Necdet , Kardeş Servet , Yayla Ahmet , Dirik Yaren
Published: December 2021

Background

Compassion satisfaction and fear of compassion affect the mental health of professionals who work with people. In addition, each of these two variables can be important indicators of the quality of the services such professionals provide.

Methods

This study examines compassion as a source of satisfaction and fear among 293 professionals work with people, including 158 teachers, 57 police officers, 45 nurses and 44 imams. A personal information form, the Fear of Compassion Scale, and the Compassion Satisfaction Scale were used as data collection tools.

Results

Neither fear of compassion nor compassion satisfaction varied significantly according to the sampled professionals’ genders, educational levels, monthly incomes or area of residence. However, both these measures did exhibit statistically significant variation by the respondents’ professional roles, ages, numbers of children and marital statuses. A significant negative relationship between the participants’ fear of compassion and their compassion satisfaction was also identified.

Conclusion

Courses related to kindness and social interaction should be provided in schools, to help the adults of the future.
Development of suits for upper-body movement-assistive wearable robots for industrial workers
Authors: Park Sujin , Kim Sohui , Sim Kyeoungeun , Piao Jiaoli , Han Ru , Kim Seongmi , Koo Sumin
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to develop suits for upper-body wearable robots that can satisfy the needs of industrial workers. Firstly, a preference survey was conducted to understand the workers’ preferences in terms of design and functions. Secondly, designs were developed and prototyped after performance tests of the materials used, including washing dimension-change rates and resilience for the stability of sensors and actuators. Thirdly, a satisfaction survey was conducted to evaluate the developed designs. The major results were as follows: (a) the most preferred function was assisting movements while lifting heavy objects or patients from the floor or at lower levels below the waist; (b) the preferred design features included waist-length shirts without collars, a style that can be worn outside, black or blue designs, wicking fabrics, and flexible materials; (c) four designs were developed and prototyped after confirming the fabric and clothing performance tests; (d) upon evaluating design and function satisfaction, more than 73% of participants were satisfied with the four designs, and 85% wanted to wear them. Design D was the most satisfactory in terms of material mapping details (featuring seams along muscular body lines and added three-dimensional (3D) patterns on the elbows). Design B was the most satisfactory regarding purchase and use/wearing. This was the design with tapered lines for raglan sleeves and horizontally cut lines on the shoulders. Participants expected Design C, with seams along muscular body lines and 3D patterns on the elbows, to easily suit patients and nurses. This research will be helpful when developing suits for upper-body movement-assistive wearable robots.
An Evaluation of an Environmental Health Infographic in Community Settings
Authors: Lerman Ginzburg Shir , Botana Martinez Pilar , Reisner Ellin , Chappell Shamira , Brugge Doug , Kurtz-Rossi Sabrina
Published: December 2021

Background: Infographics are an effective way of communicating complex information due to their reliance on concise language and clear, uncluttered visuals. Research indicates that traffic-related ultrafine particles (UFPs) in air pollutions adversely affect human health, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we work with community-based adult literacy programs to develop an infographic about UFPs in air pollution with the goal of community-driven problem solving related to traffic-related UFPs within affected neighborhoods. Objective: In this paper, we discuss the development and evaluation of an infographic about the dangers of UFPs from traffic pollution, and actions that readers in affected communities can take to protect their health. We used the infographic format to conceptualize UFP pollution and its health effects visually for community members many of whom are new immigrants and do not speak English as their first language. Methods: We conducted 1 focus group and 4 interviews over Zoom, and collected 74 anonymous surveys among Boston Chinatown and Somerville, MA residents. Community partner organizations assisted us in recruiting participants by sending a recruitment flyer to their email contacts and identifying specific people who were interested in participating. Key Results: Data from the surveys, focus group, and interviews yielded 8 themes that guided the revision of the infographic. The majority of the participants responded positively to the infographic: 95.9% (n = 71) of respondents reported that the purpose of the infographic was clear, that the infographic contained a clear message, and that the infographic uses images to explain important points. Conclusions: Our experience developing and evaluating an infographic about near highway pollution in environmental justice communities suggests that infographics can be a viable communication tool in this context. Further research with infographics of a similar nature but in diverse communities is needed to strengthen our conclusion.
What Counts in Nursing Homes’ Quality and Efficiency? Results From Data Envelopment Analysis in Italy
Authors: Barsanti Sara , Bunea Anita Mariana , Colombini Giulia
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Economic resource constrains in public spending budget in a country, such as Italy, with an ageing population with high incidence of chronic diseases calls for better strategies to improve measuring quality and efficiency in nursing homes (NHs). This paper analyses the efficiency of 40 NHs based in Tuscany considering not only structural characteristics but also quality of care, including residents, relatives and staff satisfaction.

Methodology: We run a classic data envelopment analysis (DEA) on data gathered by the NHs’ regional performance evaluation system. We include as inputs the number of total work hours as labour and the daily cost for services as economic resources. As outputs we include measures for quality of care (number of falls, urinary infections and antidepressants), satisfaction (residents, relatives and professionals) and quality of life (days of recreational activities). We run a multivariate regression to analyse the determinants of previously obtained efficiency scores considering factors such as: institutional (ownership), managerial (training) and clinical (patient’s severity).

Findings: Results find 35% efficient NHs. Moreover, management and the managerial factor (staff trained in end-of-life support) are predictors of the efficiency score.

Originality: Our study uses satisfaction (residents, relatives and professionals) measures as proxy for quality output in the DEA model and measures related to staff management (eg training) as predictors of the efficiency scores.
Qualitative Observational Research in the Intensive Care Setting: A Personal Reflection on Navigating Ethical and Methodological Issues
Authors: Sundberg Fredrika , Kirk Sue , Lindahl Berit
Published: December 2021

The aim of this theoretical paper is to critically reflect on the ethical and methodological issues that arose during a study that observed nurses’ care-giving in an intensive care unit setting. The authors critically discuss the methodological and ethical issues as well as the practical realities that were encountered when evaluating a complex intervention using unstructured qualitative observations. We describe the process with negotiating access and entering into the clinical field. Moreover, we reflect on experiences related to methodological issues such as the observer role, how to construct field notes, and how to encounter ethical dilemmas and other problems when being an observer in a closed and protected setting like an intensive care unit. We argue that qualitative observations give an insider perspective when studying the conditions for health and well-being. Our experiences can be transferred to other contexts and guide researchers interested in doing qualitative observational studies.
Experiences Building Graphics Literacy Skills: Interviews With Teachers and Students
Authors: Rosenblum L. Penny , Zebehazy Kim T. , Gage Nicholas , Beal Carole R.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Participants’ perspectives are valuable in evaluating the effectiveness of an intervention.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with teachers of students with visual impairments and students who completed an intervention designed to build graphics literacy skills.

Results

Six themes were identified with corresponding subthemes. The intervention was reported to build students’ graphics literacy skills.

Discussion

Some students were able to generalize the strategies they learned to academic classes. Higher-level thinking skills challenged some students.

Implications for practitioners

A systematic approach beginning early can increase students’ graphics literacy skills. Teachers should provide ongoing opportunities for thinking and regulation of learning.
Orbital schwannoma with hyposmia as the only presentation: Case report and a literature review on differential diagnosis
Authors: Lou Xiangyu , Jiang Bo , Zhong Jianguang , Wu Jian , Wang Haibin , Jiang Li
Published: December 2021

Orbital schwannoma is a rare benign tumor, originating from the Schwann cells of the orbital peripheral nerve sheath. Orbital schwannoma is easily misdiagnosed if the patient shows atypical presentations and atypical appearance on MRI imaging. A 56-year-old male experienced hyposmia for 1 year and was misdiagnosed with cavernous hemangioma pre-operation. This case was treated by surgery through the endoscopic trans-nasal approach. After operation, the patient had no recurrence or complications. Preoperative diagnosis for these cases remains difficult. Combined imaging modalities including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help in differential diagnosis. Surgery is the main treatment modality for treating orbital schwannoma. Outcomes in most cases are favorable without complications or recurrence.
An Evaluation of YouTube Videos as a Surgical Instructional Tool for Endoscopic Endonasal Approaches in Otolaryngology
Authors: De La Torre Amy B. , Joe Stephanie , Lee Victoria S.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Online surgical videos are an increasingly popular resource for surgical trainees, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our objective was to assess the instructional quality of the YouTube videos of the transsphenoidal surgical approach (TSA), using LAParoscopic surgery Video Educational Guidelines (LAP-VEGaS).

Methods

YouTube TSA videos were searched using 5 keywords. Video characteristics were recorded. Two fellowship-trained rhinologists evaluated videos using LAP-VEGaS (scale 0 [worst] to 18 [best]).

Results

The searches produced 43 unique, unduplicated videos for analysis. Mean video length 7 minutes (standard deviation [SD] = 13), mean viewership was 16 017 views (SD = 29 415), and mean total LAP-VEGaS score was 9 (SD = 3). The LAP-VEGaS criteria with the lowest mean scores were presentation of the positioning of the patient/surgical team (mean = 0.2; SD = 0.6) and the procedure outcomes (mean = 0.4; SD = 0.6). There was substantial interrater agreement (κ = 0.71).

Conclusions

LAP-VEGaS, initially developed for laparoscopic procedures, is useful for evaluating TSA instructional videos. There is an opportunity to improve the quality of these videos.
Women authorship in library and information science journals from 1981 to 2020: Is equitable representation being attained?
Authors: Lund Brady , Shamsi Amrollah
Published: December 2021

This study examines the proportion of women as first authors in major library and information science (LIS) journals over the years 1981–2020. Author name and year data were collected for 10 LIS journals – five that are associated more with library topics and five with information science topics – and analysed using the genderize.io tool. Both general trends over time and comparisons of information science versus library science journals are presented. The findings indicate significant growth in the proportion of women authors among the LIS journals, but primarily concentrated only among the library science journals, with information science journals falling well behind. Representation of women authors (~60%) still lags well below the overall representation of women in librarianship (~80%). These findings suggest that there is still considerable growth needed to decrease the gender gap among authorship in top LIS journals.
Use of mind mapping in search process to clarify information needs and improve search satisfaction
Authors: Baghestani Tajali Atiyeh , Sanatjoo Azam , Behzadi Hassan , Jamali Hamid R
Published: December 2021

A mind map is an approach to the organisation of the human mind that prepares the ground for thinking. Inspired by the function of the mind in handling a situation, this article reports on an empirical study that evaluated the efficiency of mind map techniques and tools in formulating and refining information needs. The study examined graduate students’ Internet information searching. Two simulated search tasks were completed by participants in two search sessions. The results revealed no statistically significant difference between searching with a mind map and without a mind map, and therefore, no advantage could be found for using a mind map in the search process. Participants were happier with their search session when not using mind maps; mind map might help information need clarification, but it is a barrier to interaction and serendipity retrieval. However, this could be due to the search setting where the mind map had to be used as a separate tool and not an integrated component of the search system. The article also discusses some potential benefits of mind mapping for searching.
The Effect of Immigrant Integration Policies on Public Immigration Attitudes: Evidence from a Survey Experiment in the United Kingdom
Authors: Neureiter Michael
Published: December 2021

Drawing on intergroup threat theory, this article argues that immigrant integration policies can improve public attitudes toward immigrants and, particularly, toward refugees and asylum-seekers. Examining evidence from an original survey experiment conducted in the United Kingdom, I find that support for admitting asylum-seekers increases when respondents are made aware that prospective asylum-seekers will be required to partake in language and civic-education courses. This effect is particularly strong among respondents who were more likely to perceive asylum-seekers as a symbolic threat (i.e., conservatives). Similarly, support for admitting asylum-seekers increases when respondents are told that future asylum-seekers will only have limited access to welfare. This effect is stronger among respondents who were more likely to view asylum-seekers as a material threat (i.e., conservatives and individuals with low socioeconomic status). These findings have important implications for the literatures on immigrant integration policies, intergroup threat theory, and public immigration attitudes generally. Importantly, the results reported in this article illustrate the significance of structural determinants for the study of immigration attitudes and demonstrate the importance of disaggregating immigrant integration policies when evaluating their effects.
SMEs and exogenous shocks: A conceptual literature review and forward research agenda
Authors: Miklian Jason , Hoelscher Kristian
Published: December 2021

Economic crises, natural disasters, armed conflict and infectious disease outbreaks, amongst others, present interlinked challenges for small businesses and have generated a recent wealth of research across varied fields. Therefore, this article outlines an analytical lens suggesting how SMEs experience shocks and crises that focuses on the interlinked nature of (i) the business, (ii) the shock and (iii) the response within a given context. We thematically draw out key trends, knowledge gaps and tensions and highlight promising research and engagement avenues for future scholarship and practice. We contextualise (i) how small businesses are distinct from large firms in how they experience shock and crisis events; (ii) how different types of crises impact small business; (iii) how shocks and crises shape SME-specific responses and (iv) how the COVID-19 pandemic as a ‘novel exogenous shock’ influences all of the above. We conclude by emphasising emerging knowledge avenues for future small business, shock and crisis research.