bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Offense-Supportive Cognitions Expressed by Men Who Use Internet to Sexually Exploit Children: A Thematic Analysis
Authors: Paquette Sarah , Cortoni Franca
Published: February 2020

Although offense-supportive cognitions are related to the maintenance of contact sexual offending behavior, it is unknown whether this finding also applies to online sexual offending behavior. A few studies have examined the cognitions of men convicted for using child sexual exploitation material, but findings remain limited due to important methodological limitations. Furthermore, fewer studies have investigated the cognitions of men who use the internet to solicit sexual activities with children. The objective of this study was to examine the nature of the cognitions that support online sexual offending against children. The content of police interviews was analyzed using a thematic analysis to identify the cognitive themes present in the offense-related views expressed by 20 men who consumed child sexual exploitation material, 15 who sexually solicited children, and 18 who committed both types of online offenses. Results revealed eight cognitive themes that reflected four underlying themes related to interpersonal relationships, the sexualisation of children, perceptions of the self, and perceptions of the virtual environment. Findings indicate that while the cognitive themes of the three groups are similar, their specific content varies according to the types of offenses. Implications for future research are discussed.
Rentiership, improperty and moral economy
Authors: Sayer Andrew
Published: February 2020

The rentier economy is not only dysfunctional but unjust. In this paper, I use a moral economic approach to defend this proposition by going back to basic concepts. Drawing upon classical political economic theory and political theory, and the work of Hobson and Tawney and more recent theorists, I propose a set of complementary distinctions that deepen understanding of rentiership: earned and unearned income; wealth-creating and wealth-extracting investment; property and improperty. I then comment on the relations, similarities and differences between capitalists and rentiers. Next, I review the changing relation between critiques of rentiership and notions of ‘free markets’ and ‘property-owning democracy’ in the history of capitalism, with particular emphasis on the relation of neoliberalism to rent-seeking. Finally, I briefly discuss the implications of rentiership for reducing inequality and averting global heating.
Mitochondrial genome-wide association study of migraine – the HUNT Study
Authors: Børte Sigrid , Zwart John-Anker , Skogholt Anne Heidi , Gabrielsen Maiken Elvestad , Thomas Laurent F , Fritsche Lars G , Surakka Ida , Nielsen Jonas B , Zhou Wei , Wolford Brooke N , Vigeland Magnus D , Hagen Knut , Kristoffersen Espen Saxhaug , Nyholt Dale R , Chasman Daniel I , Brumpton Ben M , Willer Cristen J , Winsvold Bendik S
Published: February 2020

Background

Variation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been indicated in migraine pathogenesis, but genetic studies to date have focused on candidate variants, with sparse findings. We aimed to perform the first mitochondrial genome-wide association study of migraine, examining both single variants and mitochondrial haplogroups.

Methods

In total, 71,860 participants from the population-based Nord-Trøndelag Health Study were genotyped. We excluded samples not passing quality control for nuclear genotypes, in addition to samples with low call rate and closely maternally related. We analysed 775 mitochondrial DNA variants in 4021 migraine cases and 14,288 headache-free controls, using logistic regression. In addition, we analysed 3831 cases and 13,584 controls who could be reliably assigned to a mitochondrial haplogroup. Lastly, we attempted to replicate previously reported mitochondrial DNA candidate variants.

Results

Neither of the mitochondrial variants or haplogroups were associated with migraine. In addition, none of the previously reported mtDNA candidate variants replicated in our data.

Conclusions

Our findings do not support a major role of mitochondrial genetic variation in migraine pathophysiology, but a larger sample is needed to detect rare variants and future studies should also examine heteroplasmic variation, epigenetic changes and copy-number variation.
Have the IHS Guidelines for controlled trials of acute treatment of migraine attacks been followed? Laying the ground for the 4th edition
Authors: Alpuente Alicia , Tassorelli Cristina , Diener Hans-Christoph , Silberstein Stephen D , Pozo-Rosich Patricia
Published: February 2020

Background

The International Headache Society (IHS) has published four editions of Guidelines for acute clinical trials in migraine in the past 28 years. This continuous update process has been driven by the increasing amount of scientific data in the field of migraine and by the need to continuously improve the quality of trials.

Objectives

To illustrate: i) the results of the analysis on the adherence of published trials to the 3rd edition published in 2012, in order to identify the critical areas that needed to be addressed in the 4th edition and ii) the changes introduced in this latter edition for improving adherence and methodology robustness.

Methods

We searched and reviewed all controlled trials on acute treatment of migraine published in the period 2012–2018 and we assessed their adherence to the 3rd edition of the IHS Guidelines using a score system based on the most important recommendations. Afterwards, we compared the two editions of the Guidelines and assessed the changes between them.

Results

We included data from 24 controlled clinical trials. Most trials had a randomized double-blind controlled (RDB) design, while a minority (16.7%) were non-randomized double-blind trials. Less than half (44.6%) of the RDB trials used the recommended “pain-free at 2 hours” endpoint as the primary efficacy measure. Trial design and evaluation of results were the areas that diverged the most from the recommendations.

Conclusion

Adherence to IHS guidelines for clinical trials has been suboptimal so far. The new edition has been adapted and optimized to facilitate uptake and strengthen the quality of evidence.
Comparing a Machine Learning Predictive Model with Federal Transit Administration (FTA)’s Default Useful Life Benchmark to Predict Replacement Costs for Revenue Vehicles
Authors: Mistry Dilip , Hough Jill
Published: February 2020

A predictive model is developed that uses a machine learning algorithm to predict the service life of transit vehicles and calculates backlog and yearly replacement costs to achieve and maintain transit vehicles in a state of good repair. The model is applied to data from the State of Oklahoma. The vehicle service lives predicted by the machine learning predictive model (MLPM) are compared with the default useful life benchmark (ULB) of the U.S. Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The model shows that the service life predicted by the MLPM provides relatively more realistic predictions of replacement costs of revenue vehicles than the predictions generated using FTA’s default ULB. The MLPM will help Oklahoma’s transit agencies facilitate the state of good repair analysis of their transit vehicles and guide decision makers when investing in rehabilitation and replacement needs. The paper demonstrates that it is advantageous to use a MLPM to predict the service life of revenue vehicles in place of the FTA’s default ULB.
Defining the Minimal Clinically Important Difference and Patient Acceptable Symptom State for Microfracture of the Knee: A Psychometric Analysis at Short-term Follow-up
Authors: Chahla Jorge , Kunze Kyle N. , Tauro Tracy , Wright-Chisem Joshua , Williams Brady T. , Beletsky Alexander , Yanke Adam B. , Cole Brian J.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Several studies have investigated failure rates and magnitude of improvement in patient-reported outcome measures after microfracture surgery for focal chondral defects of the knee; however; what constitutes clinically significant improvement in this patient population is poorly understood.

Purpose:

To (1) establish the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) thresholds for microfracture surgery including the time-dependent nature of these thresholds and (2) identify predictors of achieving the MCID and PASS in patients specifically undergoing microfracture of the knee.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A secure institutional cartilage preservation repository was queried for all patients who underwent microfracture between 2004 and 2017. The distribution method was used to calculate MCID thresholds for the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), whereas an anchor-based method was used for the PASS. Multivariate logistic regressions were constructed to determine predictors of achieving the MCID and PASS.

Results:

A total of 206 patients with a mean ± SD age of 33.7 ± 13.2 years and body mass index of 26.9 ± 5.3 kg/m2 were included. All thresholds for the MCID and PASS increased over time except for the MCID thresholds for the KOOS Sports and Symptoms subscales. The proportion of patients who achieved the MCID (6 months, 78.4%; 12 months, 83.9%; 24 months, 88.6%) and PASS (6 months, 67.7%; 12 months, 79.2%; 24 months, 76.1%) generally increased over time. Older age and larger lesion size were negative independent predictors of MCID achievement. Older age was also a negative predictor of the PASS, whereas male sex and higher preoperative KOOS Symptoms and Pain scores were positive independent predictors of the PASS.

Conclusion:

The MCID and PASS thresholds for the IKDC and KOOS in patients undergoing microfracture of the knee are dynamic, with an increasing number of patients achieving the MCID over time. The percentage achieving the PASS increased between 6 and 12 months and then declined slightly at 24 months. Independent predictors of achieving the MCID were lesion size and age at surgery, whereas predictors of achieving the PASS included lesion size, male sex, and greater preoperative KOOS Symptoms and Pain scores.
Epigenetics as an interdiscipline? Promises and fallacies of a biosocial research agenda
Authors: Dubois Michel , Louvel Séverine , Rial-Sebbag Emmanuelle
Published: February 2020

Following the spectacular rise of epigenetics since the early 2000s, an increasing number of social scientists have called for it to be recognized as an ‘interdiscipline’, at the crossroads of the life sciences and the social sciences. The aim of this special issue is to advance our knowledge of epigenetics and to address three main issues: the epistemological, conceptual and empirical transformations induced by epigenetic research, the public dissemination of epigenetic knowledge, and finally the normative and sociopolitical implications of epigenetics.
Livable Streets and Global Competitiveness: A Survey of Mexico City
Authors: Whitney Ryan A. , Hess Paul M. , Sarmiento-Casas Claudio
Published: February 2020

Mexico City is rapidly building livable streets (i.e., streets redesigned to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and public space users). Livable streets are justified by decision makers as investments to increase urban equity yet tend to reinforce socioeconomic stratification through their location in wealthy and/or gentrifying neighborhoods. Using semi-structured interviews, policy reviews, and participant observation, this article documents Mexico City’s livable streets investments from 2007 to 2018 focusing on their uptake through global networks of knowledge. It argues that livable streets are part of a competitive city economic development strategy fitting comfortably into a planning system that favors neighborhoods with the most economic potential.
Pharmacogenetics in primary care
Authors: Dawes Martin
Published: February 2020

The use of pharmacogenetic information is becoming mainstream with insurance companies and others starting to pay for widescale implementation of this new technology starting with patients who have anxiety and depression. It has been introduced in response to the unpredictability of medication, the high number of adverse drug events, and lack of drug effectiveness. Greater than one-third of patients are identified as having one or more pharmacogenetic variants. Each pharmacogenetic variant may affect the metabolism of several medications used in primary care, in addition to the antidepressant and anti-anxiolytic medications. Pharmacogenetic information is evolving with major international working groups providing continuous updates. It is challenging to incorporate this new information along with all the other variables needed to identify safe and effective drug options within a normal consultation. Medication decision support software is one solution that can help address this.
Fabrication and in vitro biological activity of functional pH-sensitive double-layered nanoparticles for dental implant application
Authors: Cheng Yicheng , Qiao Youbei , Shen Peng , Gao Bo , Liu Xianghui , Kong Xiangwei , Zhang Shaofeng , Wu Jiang
Published: February 2020

Sufficient bone mass plays a vital role in dental implant fixation and durability. However, bone deficiency is common clinically, and peri-implant infection causes alveolar bone to further resorb. Therefore, inhibiting bone resorption and promoting peri-implant bone regeneration are highly desirable. For this purpose, functional pH-sensitive double-layered nanoparticles were fabricated for application on dental implant surface. These double-layered nanoparticles were composed of a poly(L-lactic acid) inner layer and a chitosan outer shell. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2-loaded poly(L-lactic acid) nanoparticles were prepared by the emulsification-solvent evaporation method. Osteoprotegerin was conjugated to the chitosan backbone via a pH-sensitive hydrazone bond. The release profile consisted of an initial fast release and a more continuous slow release for at least 30 days. Moreover, the cumulative osteoprotegerin release increased significantly with decreasing pH ( p < 0.05). The results from biological studies indicated that the double-layered nanoparticles could inhibit the generation of osteoclasts, recruit bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and promote BMSCs to differentiate into osteoblasts. Meanwhile, the inhibitory effect on osteoclasts increased with decreasing pH ( p < 0.05). It can be concluded that the pH-sensitive double-layered nanoparticles, which had a significant effect on inhibiting bone resorption and promoting bone regeneration, are ideal nanoparticles to be applied on dental implant surface.
Economic Evaluation of a Sun Protection Promotion Program in California Elementary Schools
Authors: Meenan Richard T. , Reynolds Kim D. , Buller David B. , Massie Kim , Berteletti Julia , Buller Mary K. , Ashley Jeff , Liu Xia
Published: February 2020

Background:

An economic evaluation of Sun Safe Schools intervention designed to aid California elementary schools with implementing sun safety practices consistent with local board–approved policy.

Design:

Program cost analysis: intervention delivery and practice implementation.

Setting:

California elementary schools (58 interventions and 60 controls). Principals at 52 intervention and 53 control schools provided complete implementation data.

Participants:

Principals completing pre-/postintervention surveys assessing practice implementation.

Intervention:

Phone-based 45-minute session with a project coach on practice implementation, follow-up e-mails/phone contacts, $500 mini-grant. Schools chose from a list of 10 practices for implementation: ultraviolet monitoring, clothing, hats, and/or sunscreen recommendations, outdoor shade, class education, staff training and/or modeling, parent outreach, and resource allocation. The duration of intervention was 20 months. Rolling recruitment/intervention: February 2014 to December 2017.

Measures:

Intervention delivery and practice implementation costs. Correlations of school demographics and administrator beliefs with costs.

Analysis:

Intervention delivery activities micro-costed. Implemented practices assessed using costing template.

Results:

Intervention schools: 234 implemented practices, control schools: 157. Twenty-month delivery costs: $29 310; $16 653 (per school: $320) for project staff, mostly mini-grants and coaching time. Administrator costs: $12 657 (per school: $243). Per-student delivery costs: $1.01. Costs of implemented practices: $641 843 for intervention schools (per-school mean: $12 343, median: $6 969); $496 365 for controls (per-school mean: $9365, median: $3123). Delivery costs correlated with implemented practices (0.37, P < .01) and total practice costs (0.37, P < .05). Implemented practices correlated with principal beliefs about the importance of skin cancer prevention to student health (0.46, P < .001) and parents (0.45, P < .001).

Conclusion:

Coaching of elementary school personnel can stimulate sun safety practice implementation at a reasonable cost. Findings can assist schools in implementing appropriate sun safety practices.
Distinguishing Frontotemporal Dementia From Alzheimer Disease Through Everyday Function Profiles: Trajectories of Change
Authors: Giebel Clarissa M. , Knopman David , Mioshi Eneida , Khondoker Mizanur
Published: February 2020

Background:

Different dementia syndromes display different patterns of everyday functioning. This article explored different patterns of functioning at baseline and trajectories of change in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and Alzheimer disease (AD).

Methods:

Data from the Uniform Data Set of the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Centre were employed. The Functional Assessment Questionnaire assessed functioning at up to 7 follow-up visits. Independent t tests assessed variations in functioning between syndromes at baseline. Linear mixed-effect modeling explored longitudinal functional trajectories between syndromes.

Results:

Data from 3351 patients (306 bvFTD and 3,045AD) were analyzed. At baseline, patients with bvFTD performed all daily activities poorer than AD dementia. Linear mixed models showed a significant effect of syndrome and time on functioning, and evidence of interaction between syndrome and time, with bvFTD showing a steeper decline for using the stove and travel.

Conclusions:

Findings can help in the effective care planning of everyday functioning for bvFTD and AD dementia.
Evaluating Adherence to Guideline-Directed C Difficile Infection Management Pre- and Postimplementation of an Electronic Order Set
Authors: Attaar Aamer , Wei Juanqin , Brunetti Luigi
Published: February 2020

Background:

After publication of the Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) guidelines by the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) in early 2018, we identified that many prescribers at our institution continued to practice using the older guidelines.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine whether the implementation of an electronic order set for CDI would increase prescriber compliance to current IDSA recommendations for CDI management.

Methods:

This was a single-center, prospective cohort study of adult inpatients with a confirmed CDI. The study was conducted between March 1, 2018, and April 1, 2019. Patients were stratified into a preintervention and postintervention group before and after order set implementation. The primary outcome was a composite of appropriate CDI therapy selection and discontinuation of nonessential antimicrobials and acid-suppressive agents. The secondary outcome evaluated appropriate CDI therapy medications prescribed at hospital discharge.

Results:

Of the 149 patients included in this study, 96 were included in a preintervention group and 53 included in a postintervention group. The primary outcome was met in 45% of patients in the preintervention group and 66% of patients in the postintervention group ( P = .01). The secondary outcome occurred in 86% of patients in the preintervention group and 100% of patients in the postintervention group ( P = .02).

Conclusion:

Implementation of a CDI electronic order set and alert bundle was associated with enhanced prescriber adherence to guideline-directed therapy. Our results suggest that order sets not only improve inpatient compliance to guidelines but may also improve medication-related adherence to guideline recommendations upon discharge.
Prevalence of Malocclusion of Deciduous Dentition in Dogs: An Evaluation of 297 Puppies
Authors: Hoyer Naomi K. , Rawlinson Jennifer E.
Published: February 2020

A total of 297 dogs between 8 and 12 weeks of age were examined during a 1-year period to evaluate occlusion. Dogs were categorized either as individual dogs or members of a litter and purebred or mixed breed. Occlusion was evaluated by class: normal, class 1 malocclusion (MAL1), class 2 malocclusion (MAL2), or class 3 malocclusion (MAL3). Dogs with MAL3 were also subdivided based on whether MAL3 was considered a breed standard; dogs with breed standard MAL3 were considered under normal occlusion for statistical analyses. Malocclusions were further categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Twenty-six percent (77/297) were identified as having a malocclusion. For single dogs, purebreds had a significantly higher percentage of malocclusions compared to the mixed breeds (33.8% and 20% respectively; P = .042). For dogs in litters, there were no purebreds with malocclusion, which was significantly less than the number of mixed breeds with malocclusions (0% and 23.5%, respectively; P = .0023). No significant difference in prevalence was noted between mixed breed and purebred dogs. Occlusal evaluation is important for all dogs to allow for early recognition of malocclusion and, if necessary, intervention in a timely manner.
Post-war, peri-youth: Physical and social remnants of the Tajik Civil War in childhood environments
Authors: Ahlness Ellen A
Published: February 2020

Militarism shaped the physical dimensions of childhood in Tajikistan during the Tajik Civil War (1993–1997). Even in civilian zones, children interacted with military artifacts during daily play: children made slingshots from gas masks, played on rubble, and constructed whistles from bullets. Through a qualitative study exploring space construction and normalization among Tajik youth, the article examines the role physical remnants of militarism played in their childhoods. The analysis of their narratives explores how youth navigate and understand environments shaped by conflict.
A novel method for evaluating the validity of dynamic accuracy test pieces for five-axis machine tools
Authors: He Weiwei , Wang Liping , Guan Liwen
Published: February 2020

The detection method for direct machining the standard test pieces, which is commonly employed to exhibit the machining precision of five-axis machine tools, can truly reflect the dynamic accuracy of five-axis machine tools in the actual machining process. Existing theories on explaining the phenomenon that the ability of S-shaped test pieces to detect dynamic accuracy for five-axis machine tools are stronger than those of NAS979 test pieces mostly used the qualitative research methods, and they cannot be quantitatively used to reveal the mathematical relationship between machine tools and test pieces. Therefore, this article makes the first attempt to investigate the quantitative evaluation method for the validity of dynamic accuracy test pieces. The dynamic error function of the servo feed system in the frequency domain was derived first by establishing the mechanical system model and control system model. The method of dipole cancellation was used to acquire a simplified transfer function for the dynamic error affected by the input. Based on the zero-order hold property of the discrete input signals, the expression of dynamic error affected by input in the time domain, which intuitively shows the mathematical relationship among the machine tool performances, the test piece characteristics and the dynamic error of the servo feed system, was obtained. Then, the novel evaluation methods of the linear combinatorial value and the combinatorial linear combinatorial value were proposed. A series of comparative analyses between an S-shaped test piece and an NAS979 test piece were carried out based on the proposed new evaluation methods. A machining experiment conducted on a five-axis machine tool is used to verify the evaluation results.
A semi-homogenized extended isogeometric analysis approach for fracture in functionally graded materials containing discontinuities
Authors: Bhardwaj G , Godara RK , Khanna Kishore , Patil RU
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we present a semi-homogenized extended isogeometric analysis approach for assessment of stress intensity factor of center cracked functionally graded domain containing discontinuities such as holes and inclusions. In the semi-homogenized approach, the presence of discontinuities is considered in the 30% region in the vicinity of crack, and the remaining part of the domain is modeled using equivalent homogenous material properties. The Heaviside and singular crack tip enrichment functions are employed to model the center crack, whereas crack topology is tracked using level set functions. The domain form of interaction integral approach is employed to estimate the stress intensity factors at the tips of the center crack. Several problems containing discontinuities in 30% portion of the domain are investigated using the semi-homogenized approach. The efficiency and accuracy of the developed method are examined by comparing the computed results with those attained by modeling discontinuities in the entire domain. The advantages of the semi-homogenized extended isogeometric analysis approach are highlighted in terms of higher computational efficiency.
Methylnitrosourea, dimethylbenzanthracene and benzoapyrene differentially affect redox pathways, apoptosis and immunity in zebrafish
Authors: Eğimezer G , Üstündağ ÜV , Ateş PS , Ünal İ , Üstündağ FD , Alturfan AA , Emekli-Alturfan E , Altinoz MA , Elmaci İ
Published: February 2020

Cancer continues to be a major cause of mortality globally. Zebrafish present suitable models for studying the mechanisms of genotoxic carcinogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between oxidant–antioxidant status, apoptosis and immunity in zebrafish that were exposed to three different genotoxic carcinogens methylnitrosourea, dimethylbenzanthracene, benzoapyrene and methylnitrosourea + dimethylbenzanthracene starting from early embryogenesis for 30 days. Lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide levels, superoxide dismutase and glutathione- S-transferase activities and mRNA levels of apoptosis genes p53, bax, casp3a, casp2 and immunity genes fas, tnfα and ifnγ1 were evaluated. The disruption of the oxidant–antioxidant balance accompanied by altered expressions of apoptotic and immunity related genes were observed in different levels according to the carcinogen applied. Noteworthy, ifnγ expressions decreased in all carcinogen-exposed groups. Our results will provide basic data for further carcinogenesis research in zebrafish models.
‘The truth is we’re watching each other’: Voiceover narration as ‘split self’ presentation in The Handmaid’s Tale TV series
Authors: Harrison Chloe
Published: February 2020

Cognitive stylistics offers a renewed focus on readerly or audience interpretation, but while cognitive stylistic tools have been applied in the investigation of literary texts, their application to TV, film and screen has been more limited. This article examines the cognitive stylistic features of the voiceover narration in the first TV series adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale to explore the representation of June/Offred’s ‘split selves’ and how these are mediated through a prominent ‘filmic composition device’. Through analysis of voiceovers and corresponding production choices in series 1, this study explores, first, how the different modes of communication – both choices of visual production (such as shallow-focus shots) and linguistic features (such as ‘you’ address and container metaphors) – combine to show Offred’s split perspective; and second, how these stylistic elements work to foreground the key themes of the series, such as imprisonment, objectification and surveillance.
Cross-sectional adherence with the multi-target stool DNA test for colorectal cancer screening: Real-world data from a large cohort of older adults
Authors: Weiser Emily , Parks Philip D , Swartz Rebecca K , Thomme Jack Van , Lavin Philip T , Limburg Paul , Berger Barry M
Published: February 2020

Objective

To determine cross-sectional adherence with the multi-target stool DNA test used for colorectal cancer screening in a large, fully insured Medicare population.

Methods

All patients aged 65–85 with a valid multi-target stool DNA test order from 1 September 2016 to 31 August 2017 identified from the Exact Sciences Laboratories (Madison, WI; sole-source national multi-target stool DNA test provider) database were evaluated for test adherence. Cross-sectional adherence, defined as multi-target stool DNA test completion within 365 days from order date, was analyzed overall and by time to adherence, as well as by available patient (age, sex, test order date, Medicare coverage type) and provider (specialty, year of first multi-target stool DNA test order, multi-target stool DNA test order frequency, and practice location) factors.

Results

Among 368,494 Medicare beneficiaries (64% female), overall cross-sectional adherence was 71%. Cumulative adherence rates increased more rapidly at 30 (44%) and 60 (65%) days, followed by more gradual increases at 90 (67%), 180 (70%), and 365 (71%) days. By provider specialty, primary care clinicians represented a higher percentage of multi-target stool DNA orders than gastroenterologists (88% vs. 6%), but had a lower associated patient adherence rate (71% vs. 78%).

Conclusions

In this large, national sample of Medicare insured older adults, nearly three-quarters of patients adhered with a multi-target stool DNA order for colorectal cancer screening. These real-world data should inform further clinical and population health applications, reimbursement model simulations, and guideline-endorsed colorectal cancer screening strategies adherence.
Strategic Alignment of Information Technology in Public and Private Organizations in India: A Comparative Study
Authors: Sharma Sourabh , Behl Ramesh
Published: February 2020

Strategic alignment of information technology (IT) is required to be included in the firms’ core activity in today’s business environment. The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of ‘IT connectivity, IT infrastructure and IT human resources’ on ‘IT business strategic alignment’ by developing a model, in public and private organizations in India. A questionnaire was used to measure the constructs after its validity and reliability. The findings discovered that firms’ IT strategic alignment was significantly impacted by three IT dimensions, that is, IT connectivity, IT infrastructure and IT human resources (combined as IT capability). The IT investments and expenditures of a firm are aligned with its business objectives and priorities. Furthermore, the significant role of these dimensions in public and private organizations in India was examined.
An Experimental Approach to Examine the Antecedents of Attitude, Intention, and Loyalty Towards Cause-related Marketing: The Case of India and the Philippines
Authors: Pandey Shweta , Chawla Deepak , Jeong Luz Suplico , Bautista Reynaldo , Santos Joseph Emil
Published: February 2020

Firms utilize cause-related marketing (CRM) strategy to differentiate themselves by demonstrating their corporate responsibility efforts. However, national differences in the level of prior CRM exposure, local–global consumer values and culture can result in heterogeneity in consumer perceptions of CRM across countries. The authors reflect and examine national differences in customer attitudes, intention to participate in CRM and loyalty towards the company organizing the CRM campaign through variables like scepticism, perceived novelty, global connectedness and long-term orientation. They discuss and examine the impact of these variables on national preferences for CRM campaign variations by (a) type of company (local versus multinational) and (b) the time duration of CRM campaign (short term/long term). This research uses data from two emerging Asian countries—India and the Philippines. By diving deep into the nuances that drive consumers to participate in CRM, the research provides relevant strategies to drive CRM communication strategies that enhance consumer loyalty to the marketers of CRM campaigns of national, international and non-profit organizations.
The Influence of Confucianism on the Perceptions and Process of Caring Among Family Caregivers of Persons With Dementia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Yiu Hing Cheung , Zang Yuli , Chew Jocelyn Han Shi , Chau Janita Pak Chun
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Scant evidence reveals the influences of Confucianism on family caregiving in dementia. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of Confucianism on the perceptions and process of caring among the Chinese family caregivers. Method: A qualitative study was conducted using semistructured interviews with 15 Chinese family caregivers of persons with dementia in three elderly care centers in Hong Kong. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed, while a thematic analysis was performed to analyze the transcript at the latent level. Results: Three themes emerged from the interviews: (a) setting family as a top priority, (b) growth and development in families, and (c) enhancing family relationships. Discussion: Our findings provided insights into how Confucianism influences the experience of family caregivers in caring persons with dementia in Chinese communities. These findings help develop culturally adapted interventions to improve the support for family caregivers of persons with dementia.
Navigating an Academic Maze: Experiences of an International Female Scholar
Authors: Stigliani Ileana
Published: February 2020

Academia is a world filled with bright people searching for explanations for phenomena around us, and developing and testing new theories to explain the hows and whys of our experience. It is a world defined by a drive to expand the boundaries of knowledge, and is ostensibly characterized by intellectual enlightenment and relentless progress. But is academia truly progressive? Perhaps for some of us. For others, however, it is still a world where many people struggle to be seen, to be heard, and to succeed—especially if you are in the minority (e.g., you are female, international, a person of color, or have other features that put you in a minority category). In this essay, I share some of my personal experiences as an international female academic, with the hope that my challenges—and the ways I work to overcome them—will resonate with other people in the margins of our presumably progressive field.
Environmental Protection in the Hands of the State: Authoritarian Environmentalism and Popular Perceptions in Vietnam
Authors: Bruun Ole
Published: February 2020

Vietnam’s uncompromising economic growth priorities under Communist Party leadership have left environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity in its wake, and the country is in many respects at a critical threshold. Even so, recent debate has emphasized that state or “authoritarian” environmentalism may have political advantages in determined and coordinated environmental response, although the downside may be a denial of personal responsibility and low public awareness. Building on a series of field studies in rural and highland Vietnam, this article puts everyday environmental perceptions and practices into the perspective of long-term authoritarian governance. It explores the resulting hierarchization of state–society relations and fragmentation of social forces, in which environmental action, responsibility, and ethics primarily emanate from the state sphere. It argues that authoritarianism has contributed to a critical disjuncture between shared norms and the objective conditions of the biophysical environment, as comprehensive state dominance hampers autonomous value change in society.
Hybrid multi-projection method using sparse approximate inverses on GPU clusters
Authors: Moutafis Byron E , Gravvanis George A , Filelis-Papadopoulos Christos K
Published: February 2020

The state-of-the-art supercomputing infrastructures are equipped with accelerators, such as graphics processing units (GPUs), that operate as coprocessors for each workstation of the distributed memory system. The multi-projection type methods are a class of algebraic domain decomposition methods based on semi-aggregation techniques. The multi-projection type methods have improved convergence behavior, as the number of subdomains increases, due to the corresponding augmentation of the semi-aggregated local linear systems with more coarse components, while the number of fine components is reduced. Moreover, limited amount of communications among the workstations is required by the proposed method. The utilization of the available GPUs allows an increase in the number of subdomains along with finer-grained parallelism, leading to improved performance. A load-balancing algorithm that ensures the concurrency of the computations on multicore processors and GPUs is proposed. Flexible parallel preconditioned Krylov subspace iterative methods enhanced with multi-projection type methods have been designed appropriately in order to have improved performance, compared to CPU-only or GPU-only executions, by exploiting the available CPUs and GPUs of the distributed memory system concurrently. The unsymmetric local linear systems are solved by the preconditioned Bi-Conjugate Gradient STABilized (BiCGSTAB) method enhanced with the modified generic factored approximate sparse inverse preconditioner, whereas the preconditioned conjugate gradient (CG) method along with the symmetric factored approximate sparse inverse preconditioner is used for the symmetric positive definite local coefficient matrices. Numerical results regarding the convergence behavior, the performance, and the scalability of the proposed method for several problems are given.
Managing chemotherapy extravasation in totally implantable central venous access: Use of subcutaneous wash-out technique
Authors: Taibi Abdelkader , Bardet M Sylvia , Durand Fontanier Sylvaine , Deluche Elise , Fredon Fabien , Christou Niki , Usseglio Julie , Mathonnet Muriel
Published: February 2020

Background:

Totally implanted venous access is widely used in chemotherapy administration. With over 1 million intravenous chemotherapy infusions given worldwide each day, complications are frequent. Accidental cases of extravasation in the presence of a catheter are rare yet very serious and may require discontinuation of chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the subcutaneous wash-out technique for chemotherapy extravasation treatment.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of patients who had received chemotherapy and sustained extravasation in our hospital between October 2013 and October 2016. Subcutaneous wash-out treatments were carried out exclusively, without the application of antidotes or the use of specific antidotes.

Results:

We documented seven cases of chemotherapy extravasation. Two cases were treated with antidotes and suffered necrosis in the following weeks. The five patients treated using subcutaneous wash-out had no necrosis and had a steady decrease in the inflammatory reaction of the cutaneous and subcutaneous soft tissues. For these five patients, chemotherapy was restarted within 1 month following extravasation.

Conclusion:

This study would argue for the feasibility and effectiveness of subcutaneous wash-out in the treatment of chemotherapy extravasations.
Multiagonist Unimolecular Peptides for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: Current Advances and Future Directions
Authors: Hasib Annie
Published: February 2020

The ever-increasing prevalence of obesity and Type 2 diabetes has necessitated the development of newer and more effective approaches for achieving efficient glycemic control and weight loss. Conventional treatment methods often result in weight gain, further deteriorating the already impaired metabolic control in people with obesity/Type 2 diabetes. Alleviation of obesity and diabetes achieved after bariatric surgeries highlight the therapeutic importance of gut-brain axis and entails development of more patient-friendly approaches replicating the positive metabolic effects of bariatric surgery. Given the potential involvement of several gut hormones in the success of bariatric surgery, the therapeutic importance of synergistic interaction between these hormones for improved metabolism cannot be ignored. Many unimolecular multiagonist peptides are in preclinical and clinical trials as they maximize the combinatorial metabolic efficacy by concurrent activation of multiple gut hormone receptors. This review summarizes the ongoing developments of multiagonist peptides as novel therapeutic approaches against obesity-diabetes.
Friction coefficient and performance evaluation of plain journal bearing using SAE 5W-30 engine oil
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad A , Mia Md. Shahin , Kchaou Mohamed , Shuvho Md. Bengir A , Debanath Uttam K
Published: February 2020

Friction is a crucial parameter in tribological applications such as power transmission, crankshafts, gears, cams, bearings, and other rotating machine parts or components. Due to the relative motion of the shaft and bearing, friction needs to be analyzed according to all lubrication states of the journal bearing. The friction coefficient was significantly reduced using piezo-viscous SAE 5W-30 engine oil in this study. An adequate lubricant pressure is obtained using this approach to produce a suitable oil film thickness. Minimal variation in lubricant temperature was obtained which prescribes the sustainability of the lubricant. The bearing performance was observed through computational fluid dynamics analysis under different viscosities. The SAE 5W-30 lubricant-containing 0.052693 Pa s viscosity minimized bearing deformation and stress formation at 500, 750, and 1000 r/min. A new bearing material as gun-metal having good bearing properties and good resistance to corrosion has been proposed in this study.
The cost of coalition compromise: The electoral effects of holding salient portfolios
Authors: Greene Zachary , Henceroth Nathan , Jensen Christian B
Published: February 2020

This article highlights the electoral effects of holding salient portfolios within a coalition government. For voters, holding ministries can be seen as a symbol of a party’s success within the coalition. As a voting heuristic, parties not controlling the portfolios on issues important to their platforms signal their failure to achieve these goals. Following this perspective, we hypothesize that the difference between coalition parties that hold salient portfolios and those that do not partially predicts the extent of the electoral cost of coalition participation. Using a data set that covers 11 European parliamentary democracies between 1966 and 2002, we show that for junior coalition partners there is an electoral reward for holding their most salient portfolio. There is also an electoral benefit for a junior partner to hold a larger number of portfolios if they do not control their most salient portfolio. Conversely, holding their most salient portfolio and a larger number of additional ministries results in greater electoral losses in the subsequent parliamentary election. These results indicate that parties’ success at negotiating for their policy priorities in coalition governments holds consequences for their future electoral success.
Cultural studies and actually existing culture
Authors: Woo Benjamin
Published: February 2020

The cultural studies tradition is a big tent that is defined by academic realpolitik and feelings of affinity or disaffinity as much as anything else. This article recounts my own introduction to and professionalization within the field of cultural studies and, more particularly, how my relationship to empirical research methods changed over time. I ultimately want to argue for the importance of staying grounded in the analysis of real people’s real experiences of culture.
Rotational behavior and modeling of bolted glulam beam-to-column connections with slotted-in steel plate
Authors: Sun Xiaoluan , Qu Yiheng , Liu Weiqing , Lu Weidong , Yuan Shenglin
Published: February 2020

In this article, the rotational behavior of typical bolted glulam beam-to-column connections with slotted-in steel plate was studied in the numerical method. In order to describe the complicated behavior of wood more closely, an elastic–plastic damage constitutive law combining the Hill yielding criterion and a modified Hashin failure criterion was embedded in the commercial ABAQUS software in the form of a VUMAT subroutine. Subsequently, a three-dimensional finite element model based on the constitutive law proposed was established, with the failure mode and moment–rotation curve compared to some similar experiments. Based on this finite element model, a parametric study concentrating on the influence of the width of the beam, bolt diameter, and assembly clearance was carried out. It was found that the numerical method using the proposed constitutive law showed a good capacity to study the rotational behavior of the connections. Besides, the initial rotational stiffness increased with the increase in beam width and bolt diameter, and the assembly clearances between bolts and bolt holes would affect the initial rotational stiffness while the assembly clearance between beam and column affected little.
Asylum seekers in the global context of xenophobia: Introduction to the special issue
Authors: Poynting Scott , Briskman Linda
Published: February 2020

In 2015 the global media fixated on the ‘Syrian crisis’ that became the ‘refugee crisis’ for Europe. This construction of crisis was Eurocentric, temporally narrow and presented as problem for European nation states. We view the ‘problem’ rather as the nationalism and racism of receiving countries with a resurgence of a discourse of ethno-nationalist European identity sharpened by the global financial crisis and neoliberal austerity.

Despite disparate national histories, we discern: a ‘blame-the-victim’ tendency to view those most harmed by the ‘refugee crisis’ as the ‘problems’ that constitute it; a state-centred perspective that requires the ‘problem’ to be addressed by nation states; a ‘charity starts at home’ ideology, usually from those sectors of society that are least willing to extend compassion ‘at home’; a systemically cruel state disposition towards asylum seekers as part of a regime of deterrence from seeking asylum in that state; a racialised and gender-blinkered regime of determination of refugee status; a politically opportunist populism that deploys ethno-nationalist ‘othering’ or scapegoating in times of economic distress and political instability; a wilful and convenient blindness to the histories of the contemporary conflicts as the legacies of colonialism; a globalised Islamophobia, casting Muslim asylum seekers as a potential security threat and undermining of national (or ‘western’, or civilisational) values; a gender-inflected racialisation that demonises the asylum-seeking other as hyper-patriarchal and occludes or minimises the patriarchy of the ‘civilised’ west. *repeats six paras on*