bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re-thinking the Liquid Core of Capitalism with Hyman Minsky
Authors: Konings Martijn , Adkins Lisa
Published: February 2022

While Minsky’s work is often identified with the critique of financial speculation, this paper argues that there is a different side to his work. We argue that Minsky can be read as offering a post-foundational perspective on political economy that recognizes the speculative dimension of all economic activity. This post-foundational reading allows for an understanding of neoliberal policymaking in terms of the provision of liquidity to too-big-to-fail constituencies. The article discusses how some segments of Western societies have been able to participate in the inflationary logic of this too-big-to-fail dynamic, whereas others are locked out and face increasingly tight liquidity constraints. This differential access to liquidity is an increasingly central aspect of the stratifying rationality of contemporary capitalism. By connecting Minsky’s insights into the temporal logic of capital to key issues in social theory, the article presents a new theorization of (il)liquid life that advances on extant accounts.
Beyond the Ballot box: Rethinking Greek Communism Between the Wars
Authors: Poulos Margarite
Published: February 2022

The assimilation of more than one million Anatolian Greek refugees into the social, economic and political life of Greece following its defeat in the Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922) accounts for much of the conflict that defined the period of the Second Hellenic Republic (1924–1935). The impact of the refugees on the traditional balance of mass politics at the electoral level, is well documented; their contribution to the electoral gains of the Greek Communist Party (KKE) in the 1930s gave legitimacy to the communist threat and ultimately served as a pretext for the suppression of competitive politics and the end of republican governance. The nature and extent of refugee identification with communism is not well understood in the historiography, however, and remains largely based on the male refugee vote, even though the adult male refugee population accounted for a minority of the refugee population. The census of 1928 reported an ‘abnormally high’ number of widows and girls, especially among the refugees of Asia Minor, as all the males of military age (18–50) had been retained by the Turks as hostages during the evacuation of Smyrna in 1922, and many of them had perished before their release. This paper begins an overdue examination of generational radicalization outside the ballot box, among the ranks of refugee youth, and young women in particular, the group regarded by contemporaries as most vulnerable to the excesses of liberal cosmopolitanism in the new ‘motherland’.
The Impact of the Napoleonic Legislation on the Periphery of the Empire – a Failure? The Polish Elite's Attitude Towards the Napoleonic Code (1807–1812)
Authors: Tomczak Marta
Published: February 2022

This article examines the attitude of the Polish elite towards the Napoleonic legislation at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Based on the primary sources – such as letters, reports, and memoirs – it seeks to prove that this attitude was not as hostile as is commonly believed. From a broader perspective, the article challenges the assumption that the integration of the Napoleonic periphery into the Empire was limited and that the Napoleonic legal project was doomed to failure.
Strategies of Survival: Reviving the Neo-Fascist Network Through a Transnational Magazine
Authors: Ravelli Galadriel
Published: February 2022

In the late 1970s, a group of far-right activists launched a geo-political magazine named Confidentiel and published in Paris. Far from being a domestic project, the magazine was also launched in Spain, Italy and Argentina, thanks to the wide transnational network of which its founders formed a part. Although the magazine was relatively short-lived and enjoyed a modest circulation (despite its transnational reach), its history illuminates the trajectories of some key nodes of the neo-fascist transnational network after the fall of Franco's regime in Spain, where distinct generations of far-right activists had found a safe sanctuary. By exploring the personal trajectories of its founders and examining material published in the magazine, this article argues that members of the neo-fascist transnational network developed Confidentiel as part of a survival strategy and used it to maintain a stable presence in Europe after the mid-1970s, as well as to revitalize the network itself. Our analysis of Confidentiel shows that its founders’ choice to rely on cultural tools to revitalize their network was crucially influenced by the Nouvelle Droite's meta-political turn, which allows us to place the magazine within the European right-wing milieu. The magazine echoed neo-fascism's Pan-European vocation and the call for an independent, sovereign Europe. Nonetheless, its main goal was not to develop comprehensive and innovative geo-political analysis: as the vagueness of its political elaboration reflects. Instead Confidentiel was mainly a survival tool. The existence of several editorial seats across Europe and Latin America justified the network's movements and relations, significantly allowing them to support their allies by using the magazine to counter negative propaganda. In this sense, Confidentiel helps illuminate fascism's transnational dynamism and activism after 1945.
Non-contact strain measurement to eliminate strain gages in vibration-based high cycle fatigue testing
Authors: Hill Benjamin D , Furman Brandon A , German Emma E , Rigby Jacob R , Berke Ryan B
Published: February 2022

Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is a non-contacting, camera-based technique that calculates full-field displacements and strains by comparing digital images taken before and after an object is deformed. During a vibration-based fatigue test, DIC has an advantage over strain gages in that it is non-contacting and does not accumulate damage during the test. In this work, DIC was implemented to build strain-velocity calibration curves as an alternative to strain gages. First, a curve fit was applied to DIC displacements and strains along the free edge of the plate using an approximate solution for the mode shape of a cantilevered plate. In total, the curve fits were applied to three sets of DIC data: (i) the raw strains calculated with DIC; (ii) the in-plane U-displacements from which the raw DIC strains were computed; and (iii) the out-of-plane W-displacements observed in the direction of motion. Second, classical plate theory was used to calculate strains by taking derivatives of each of the applied curve fits. Third, the peak strains from each curve fit were used to build the strain-velocity calibration curves. Further, a Monte Carlo Method uncertainty analysis was performed to estimate the uncertainty of the curve fitted DIC and strain gage measurements. Of the three curve-fits, the DIC strains derived from the out-of-plane displacements provided the most precise measurements relative to a strain gage at all excitation levels used to build the calibration curves.
Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Humeral Avulsion Glenohumeral Ligament Lesions in the Setting of Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Davey Martin S. , Hurley Eoghan T. , Gaafar Mohamed , Delaney Ruth , Mullett Hannan
Published: February 2022

Background:

Humeral avulsion glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) lesions are often underreported but have been shown to occur in up to 10% of cases of anterior shoulder instability.

Purpose:

To compare clinical outcomes and recurrence rates of patients with HAGL lesions undergoing open stabilization for anterior shoulder instability versus a pair-matched control.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent both arthroscopic and open stabilization procedures with a minimum 24-month follow-up was performed. Patients with HAGL lesions were pair-matched in a 1:6 ratio for age, sex, sport, level of preoperative play, and follow-up length with those without HAGL lesions who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair alone. Return to play (RTP), the level of return, and the timing of return were assessed. In addition, recurrence, visual analog scale for pain (VAS), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), Rowe score, satisfaction, and whether they would undergo the same surgery again were compared.

Results:

A total of 15 patients with HAGL lesions who underwent shoulder stabilization procedures were included, with a mean age of 21.5 ± 4.1 years and mean follow-up of 53.5 ± 17.4 months, and were pair-matched to 90 patients without HAGL lesions. Overall, there was no significant difference in any of the clinical outcome scores (VAS, Rowe, SSV, satisfaction) used between the 2 groups (1.6 vs 1.7, P = .86; 83.4 vs 88.0, P = .06; 85.7 vs 87.2, P = .76; and 86.7% vs 94.5%, P = .26, respectively). In addition, there were no significant differences in terms of overall rates, levels, and timing of RTP between the 2 groups (93.3% vs 90.0%, P > .99; 80.0% vs 78.9%, P > .99; and 5.3 ± 2.2 vs 5.9 ± 2.9 months, P = .45, respectively). There was no significant difference in the rates of apprehension, subluxation, and recurrent instability between the HAGL and pair-matched control groups (26.7% vs 26.7%, P > .99; 6.7% vs 3.3%, P = .47; and 13.3% vs 6.7% months, P = .32, respectively).

Conclusion:

Patients with anterior shoulder instability undergoing surgical stabilization with open HAGL repair demonstrate excellent functional outcomes and high rates of RTP, with low rates of recurrence in the medium term compared with a control group without HAGL lesions who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair alone.
From Support to Action: A Critical Affinity Group of Special Education Teachers of Color
Authors: Kulkarni Saili S. , Bland Samuel , Gaeta Joanna Marinia
Published: February 2022

Special education teachers of color (SETOC) multiply experience marginalized positions as students of color in P-12 classrooms, as teachers in teacher preparation programs, and alongside the experiences of students of color with disabilities. Instead of drawing from their identities, SETOC tend to be absorbed into the ableist, behaviorist, and racist system of special education and are expected to become complicit in the system. For educators of color, critical affinity groups provide support, reduce trauma, and support work toward collective intersectional justice. Using qualitative narratives, this paper describes how a critical affinity group (re)positioned three SETOC as smart, knowledgeable, and addressing racism and ableism in schools. Disability studies and critical race theory (DisCrit) illuminated SETOC’s unique experiences and how they came together to process racist/ableist interactions and resisted the erasure of their identities as teachers of color. Implications discuss how teacher preparation programs can support the needs of SETOC.
The Association Between Maternal Employment and Breastfeeding Duration With Household Income in Mexico
Authors: Campos Ana Paola , Hawkins Summer Sherburne
Published: February 2022

Background:

Breastfeeding offers the best nutrition during the first months of life. Scholars have identified a dose-response association between breastfeeding duration and reduced risk for child morbidity and mortality. In upper-middle-income countries, including Mexico, maternal employment has been negatively associated with breastfeeding duration. Despite increasing numbers of women entering the workforce and disproportionately participating in the informal sector, where they are un-entitled to paid maternity leave, little is known about how these factors may affect breastfeeding practices.

Research Aim:

To determine whether household income moderated the association between maternal employment status (defined as unemployed, formal, and informal full- and part-time employed) and any breastfeeding for ≥ 6 months.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study using retrospective secondary data from the 2018–2019 Mexican Health and Nutrition Survey. The analytic sample included data about 2,156 children aged 6–36 months. We computed logistic regression models stratified by household income.

Results:

The association between maternal employment and breastfeeding duration varied by household income. Compared to unemployed women, among lower-income households, children were less likely to be breastfed for ≥ 6 months when the participants was part-time informally employed ( AOR = 0.30, 95% CI [0.13, 0.69]). Among higher-income households, children were less likely to be breastfed for ≥ 6 months when the participants was full-time formally employed ( AOR = 0.52, 95% CI [0.30, 0.88]).

Conclusions:

To increase breastfeeding duration, stakeholders need to continue strengthening and enforcing policies among formally employed women, and strategies are urgently needed to support women in the informal sector, particularly those in lower-income households.
Children as experiencers: Increasing engagement, participation and inclusion for young children in the museum
Authors: Yates Ellen , Szenasi Judith , Smedley Amanda , Glynn Kayla , Hemmings Michelle
Published: February 2022

This research aimed to evaluate young children’s engagement, participation and inclusion within a city museum by utilising observations and semi structured interviews with children and families. Both groups requested more interactive exhibits, sensory experiences, making and doing activities and role play opportunities. In this article, we argue for increased visibility of children’s ‘intangible heritage’ (Brookshaw, 2016) and opportunities for responding which make links with children’s lives contemporarily. We further argue that museums should view children as experiencers rather than learners.
Uncoupling specters of coloniality in postcolonial Cameroon: literary explorations
Authors: Yosimbom Hassan Mbiydzenyuy
Published: February 2022

This essay discusses colonialities of power, knowledge, being, gender, language, nature, Anglophones, and victimhood as constitutive elements of a national/global Cameroonian coloniality in Nyamnjoh’s Married but Available. I contend that the sustainability of Cameroon’s future depends on struggles against colonialities as constitutive elements of a national/global coloniality that hangs over Cameroon’s political development like the Sword of Damocles. Borrowing critical perspectives from Quijano, Grosfoguel, Maldonado-Torres, and Blaut, I assert that the emergence of colonialities of Anglophones by Francophones and Anglophones of Northwest origin by those from the Southwest have balkanized Cameroon and weakened its attempts at countering global coloniality. I conclude that for Cameroonians to nurture a sustainable political future, they need to adopt/adapt unremittingly anti-Eurocentric and anti-Francophone-centric decolonial struggles/strategies. Thus, the cosmic vision of either Francophones or Anglophones should not be taken as national Cameroonian rationality because that would amount to imposing provincialism as universalism.
A permutation-based approach to inference for weighted sum regression with correlated chemical mixtures
Authors: Lyden Grace R , Vock David M , Barrett Emily S , Sathyanarayana Sheela , Swan Shanna H , Nguyen Ruby HN
Published: February 2022

There is a growing demand for methods to determine the effects that chemical mixtures have on human health. One statistical challenge is identifying true “bad actors” from a mixture of highly correlated predictors, a setting in which standard approaches such as linear regression become highly variable. Weighted Quantile Sum regression has been proposed to address this problem, through a two-step process where mixture component weights are estimated using bootstrap aggregation in a training dataset and inference on the overall mixture effect occurs in a held-out test set. Weighted Quantile Sum regression is popular in applied papers, but the reliance on data splitting is suboptimal, and analysts who use the same data for both steps risk inflating the Type I error rate. We therefore propose a modification of Weighted Quantile Sum regression that uses a permutation test for inference, which allows for weight estimation using the entire dataset and preserves Type I error. To minimize computational burden, we propose replacing the bootstrap with L1 or L2 penalization and describe how to choose the appropriate penalty given expert knowledge about a mixture of interest. We apply our method to a national pregnancy cohort study of prenatal phthalate exposure and child health outcomes.
Identification of R&D Paradox after the Global Financial Crisis: Korean Case Focusing on the Smart Convergence and Conventional Industries
Authors: Ma Hyoung Ryul , Lee Cheol-Ju , Oh Dong Hoon
Published: February 2022

This article empirically explores whether the Korean research and development (R&D) paradox has been intensified during the post-global financial crisis (2009–2018). We employ the augmented production function model to test the intensified R&D paradox, which is defined as a continuous decline in a firm’s output elasticity of R&D investment. Using a data set of 720 R&D-active firms, which have ever received more than one government funding, this study drew the following major conclusions on the whole sample firms and two sub-sample firms (smart convergence and conventional industries). First, the R&D paradox has been intensified in the post-global financial crisis over the past decade. Second, the smart convergence industry shows higher a firm’s output elasticity of R&D investment than the conventional one does. Third, in recent years, R&D investment failed to even have significant effect on the value-added. Last, a firm’s output elasticity of R&D investment was found to be much more vulnerable in large and semi-large firms than in SMEs in Korea. In sum, this study confirms the intensified Korean R&D paradox during the post-global financial crisis in Korea. We discuss the government’s role in resolving the R&D paradox in Korea.
When Justification Theory Meets Responsible Innovation: A Study of Cell-Based Meat
Authors: Góes Helna Almeida de Araujo , Zeny Giovanna Colin , Reis Germano Glufke
Published: February 2022

The benefits and challenges associated with cell-based meat (CBM) influence actors’ perspectives on the importance of its development and production. We build on Boltanski and Thévenot’s framework to analyse the values that start-ups and investors address to a responsible innovation (RI). In an uncertain and complex context, interactions among actors shape innovative enterprises. Our research question is as follows: In what ways do the justifications employed by start-ups and investors converge (or not) in order to foster investment in the CBM industry? By identifying the prioritised values by start-ups and investors concerning the importance of developing and producing CBM, we demonstrate how two key groups are providing justifications, shifting from conflicting interests and towards the observance of the common good. Twenty-two start-ups were analysed alongside ninety-four investors. The analysed justifications were obtained from start-ups and investors’ official websites and interviews. Moreover, this study aims to provide an interdisciplinary study of a RI phenomenon, insomuch as there is insufficient research on this topic.
Disjunction in the subjective and objective measurement of co-occurring depression in borderline personality disorder – Implications for diagnosis
Authors: Cheney Lukas , Broadbear Jillian H , Rao Sathya
Published: February 2022

Objective

Research and clinical experience suggest that people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) are more likely to report greater severity of depressive symptoms than is objectively measured by their clinician. The prominence of low mood in association with BPD can result in the treatment of depressive symptoms being prioritised over the diagnosis and treatment of BPD.

Method

This study investigated the utility of validated clinician-administered and self-report depression rating scales during psychiatric assessment of 49 clients diagnosed with BPD.

Results

Considerable discrepancies emerged between client and clinician ratings of depression, with client-rated scales generating significantly higher depression scores. Both client-rated and clinician-rated depression scores were positively influenced by the severity of BPD symptoms.

Conclusions

These findings raise questions about the interpretation of rating scales in clinical decision-making and highlight inherent uncertainty when diagnosing major depressive disorder in people who have borderline personality disorder. The accurate diagnosis of low mood has significant implications for the treatment and management of both disorders.
How to Structure and Intensify Mathematics Intervention
Authors: Powell Sarah R. , Benz Sarah A. , Mason Erica N. , Lembke Erica S.
Published: February 2022

Many students who experience difficulty with mathematics may also require behavioral support. We suggest educators create an appropriate scope and sequence for mathematics intervention by focusing on the critical mathematics content. Educators can then design the intervention with a common session structure. Finally, educators can embed and intensify supports for a student by increasing the dosage, focusing on the alignment of the intervention, and attending to transfer.
Polymorphisms in CYP1B1 gene and the risk of suffering Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Calero-Dueñas Noelia , Mateos-Olivares Milagros , Ussa Fernando , Juberías José R. , Marcos Miguel , Pastor-Idoate Salvador , Usategui-Martín Ricardo
Published: February 2022

Purpose

It had been reported that mutations in CYP1B1 gene probably play an important role in the pathogenesis of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) but the existing genetic association studies show contradictory results. Thus, the objective of our study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to characterize more precisely the potential association between given polymorphisms in CYP1B1 gene and the risk of suffering POAG.

Methods

A systematic review of studies that related the risk of carrying CYP1B1 gene polymorphisms with POAG development was conducted. We selected 19 case-control studies including 3855 POAG patients and 4125 control subjects in our meta-analyses. A random effects model was used. Sensitivity analysis and assessment of bias were also included.

Results

The prevalence of CYP1B1 gene polymorphisms were significantly more frequent among POAG patients compared to all controls (OR = 2.91, 95% CI = 1.37 – 6.21; P = 0.006). Moreover, their prevalence was significantly higher in juvenile-onset patients than in adult-onset ones (OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.20–4.28; P = 0.001).

Conclusion

The results of this meta-analysis uphold that being a carrier of polymorphic genetic variants in CYP1B1 gene would increase the risk of POAG, especially the juvenile onset.
Secondary Intention Healing Over Exposed Bone on the Scalp, Forehead, and Temple Following Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Authors: Wong Noelle , Zloty David
Published: February 2022

Background

Removal of skin cancers on the scalp, forehead, and temple can result in surgical defects with exposed bone. In such cases, reconstruction becomes challenging due to limited vascularity for flap or graft repair.

Objective

Demonstrate the usefulness of secondary intention healing of scalp, forehead, and temple defects over exposed bone.

Methods/Materials

A retrospective case series of 41 patients who had Mohs Micrographic Surgery with post-surgical scalp, forehead, or temple defects involving exposed bone. These patients then underwent secondary intention healing.

Results

90% of patients successfully healed. Average time to complete granulation was 92 days, and average time to full re-epithelialization was 186 days. Visual analog scale assessment of final scar quality resulted in 57% being good, 35% being fair, and 8% being poor. No patient had infection or other serious complication. Mean follow-up duration was 272 days.

Conclusion

This case series shows the viability of secondary intention healing of scalp wounds over exposed bone. Study power was not adequate to predict time to complete healing based on defect size, or allow association of patient factors with the risk of nonhealing. Managing patient expectations, and emphasizing the importance of early occlusive wound care is paramount for healing success.
Certolizumab Pegol Use in the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis: Real-World Data From Two Canadian Centers
Authors: Vender Ronald B. , Lynde Charles W.
Published: February 2022

Background

Certolizumab pegol (CZP) is a TNF-ɑ inhibitor used to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) in adult patients, including women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) and patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). There are currently limited real-world data on CZP for treatment of PsO.

Objectives

To examine the use of CZP for treatment of PsO in clinical practice at two dermatology clinics in Canada.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart analysis of 59 patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis receiving CZP. Clinical efficacy was measured using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Body Surface Area (BSA), and Physician Global Assessment (PGA). Drug survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier plots.

Results

Of the 59 patients, 36 (61%) were female, of whom 23 (63.9%) were WOCBP. Twenty-three (39.0%) patients received CZP as their first biologic treatment. The main reasons for choosing CZP were its efficacy in both PsO and PsA, and for WOCBP due to little or no cross-placental transfer. Improvement of symptoms was observed after 3 months of treatment and was maintained for the 12-month analysis period. After 12 months of treatment, the patients’ mean PASI score decreased from 13.0 (±5.8) at baseline to 2.3 (±4.3), mean BSA score from 13.1% (±6.7%) to 1.7% (±2.6%), and mean PGA score from 3.0 (±0.6) to 0.8 (±0.6). Overall CZP drug survival rate was 76.3% at 12 months, with no difference between biologic-naive and biologic-experienced patients.

Conclusions

CZP was effective and well tolerated in this cohort of patients with moderate-to-severe PsO in a real-world setting.
The primary threat: How the surge of ideological challengers is exacerbating partisan polarization
Authors: Barton Richard
Published: February 2022

Despite widespread speculation among pundits and politicians, statistical research finds little evidence that primaries are an important source of polarization in roll call voting. This manuscript moves beyond roll call votes by testing the effects of ideological primary challenges on partisanship in bill co-sponsorship in Congress. Moreover, while extant research generally focuses on the one-to-one effects of primary challenges on the incumbents who experience a challenge, I measure and test the effects of the mere threat of a primary challenge from the ideological extreme. I find that the increased threat of an ideological primary challenge accounts for about one-fourth of the rise in partisanship that occurred from the 1980s to the 2010s. These findings suggest the recent wave of ideological primary challenges is an important source of the escalation and intensification of polarization in recent Congresses.
Solo-Living and Social Individualization: Analysis of Life Experience among Young Women in Spain
Authors: Rodríguez-Guzmán Carmen , Barros-Rodríguez Francisco , Barroso-Benítez Inmaculada , Cámara-Hueso Antonio David
Published: February 2022

The increase in one-person households is regarded as a manifestation of the process of social individualization that strengthens individuals’ ability to make lifestyle choices to the detriment of certain social institutions. However, the background circumstances to solo living can vary widely and often stem from structural determinants, such as gender inequalities, within the framework of a highly competitive society. This article analyses the nature and social significance of solo-living in Spain through a case study of young adult women (25–45 years of age) residing in an urban environment (Barcelona and Jaen). The analyses focus on aspects connected with the theory of social individualization (e.g. the demands of working life and expectations regarding life partners, motherhood and social relations). Four different profiles of women can be distinguished in the results: ‘cosmopolitans’, ‘unconditionals’, ‘empowered’, and ‘temporaries’. In broad terms, the interviewees’ narratives bear witness to the process of individualization (self-realization with which to engage in a personal life project), although tensions come into play between personal expectations and the demands of working life, especially in the spheres of sexual partnership and motherhood.
Autonomy of English language learners: A scoping review of research and practice
Authors: Chong Sin Wang , Reinders Hayo
Published: February 2022

Learner autonomy is a vibrant and diverse field. In its approximately 40-year history, it has drawn liberally on theoretical constructs and research methodologies from other disciplines. In turn, it has contributed to the field of applied linguistics by drawing attention to the fundamental importance of understanding the language learner as an active agent in the learning process. To understand the role of autonomy in, and its connections with other areas of study, it is important to ask how it has been conceptualized and operationalized. In addition, given its elusive and amorphous nature, it is timely to ask if and how (the development of) learner autonomy has been evaluated. In this article we conducted a scoping review, or a systematic and comprehensive literature review, of 61 empirical studies in this field. The results show a rich array of conceptualizations and numerous operationalizations, in addition to a somewhat limited use of evaluations. We draw from this a number of implications for research. In particular, we encourage learner autonomy researchers to make explicit their theoretical frameworks, extend their investigation to the role of language learning beyond the classroom in promoting learner autonomy, and diversify their use of research methods.
Training for the Industry: Examining the Use of Real-life Consultancy Projects in Development Studies Programmes
Authors: Schmoll Moritz
Published: February 2022

Development degrees have begun experimenting with real-life consultancy projects carried out by students for external clients in the development sector. Students, concerned about their ‘employability’, flock to these programmes due to their promises of hands-on, professionalizing experience. Surprisingly, these developments have not yet triggered a major reflection on what this teaching device means for the way our students are educated. I address this gap by critically examining their functioning, the different actors and their motivations and incentives. I argue that the introduction of development organizations into the teaching relationship challenges three core academic principles: scientificity, fairness and ethics. Drawing on my experience of managing a consultancy project module, I discuss the extent to which departments can address them.
VolumetricOR: A New Approach to Simulate Surgical Interventions in Virtual Reality for Training and Education
Authors: Queisner Moritz , Pogorzhelskiy Michael , Remde Christopher , Pratschke Johann , Sauer Igor M.
Published: February 2022

Background

Surgical training is primarily carried out through observation during assistance or on-site classes, by watching videos as well as by different formats of simulation. The simulation of physical presence in the operating theatre in virtual reality might complement these necessary experiences. A prerequisite is a new education concept for virtual classes that communicates the unique workflows and decision-making paths of surgical health professions (i.e. surgeons, anesthesiologists and surgical assistants) in an authentic and immersive way. For this project, media scientists, designers and surgeons worked together to develop the foundations for new ways of conveying knowledge using virtual reality in surgery.

Materials and method

A technical workflow to record and present volumetric videos of surgical interventions in a photorealistic virtual operating room was developed. Situated in the virtual reality demonstrator called VolumetricOR, users can experience and navigate through surgical workflows as if they are physically present. The concept is compared with traditional video-based formats of digital simulation in surgical training.

Results

VolumetricOR let trainees experience surgical action and workflows (a) three-dimensionally, (b) from any perspective and (c) in real scale. This improves the linking of theoretical expertise and practical application of knowledge and shifts the learning experience from observation to participation.

Discussion

Volumetric training environments allow trainees to acquire procedural knowledge before going to the operating room and could improve the efficiency and quality of the learning and training process for professional staff by communicating techniques and workflows when the possibilities of training on-site are limited.
Knowledge and Perception Regarding the Development and Acceptability of Male Contraceptives Among Pharmacists: A Mixed Sequential Method
Authors: Barakat Muna , Thiab Samar , Thiab Sara , Al-Qudah Raja’a A. , Akour Amal
Published: February 2022

Community pharmacists play a crucial role in providing comprehensive patient education regarding contraception methods. This study aims to investigate Jordanian pharmacists’ knowledge and perceptions toward male oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). A mixed-explanatory sequential method was divided into two phases. The first was a self-administered electronic survey that was distributed to community pharmacists/trainees in Jordan. The second phase was carried out through online semi-structured in-depth interviews targeting the maximum variation purposive sample of community pharmacists. A total of 158 (response rate 98%) questionnaires were included in the analysis. The majority of the participants were female ( n = 118, 74.2%). In terms of knowledge, only 25% of participants acknowledged the presence of male OCPs and almost half were uncertain about the mechanism of action and the possible uses. The findings of the interviews confirmed a relatively negative perception toward male OCPs and the identified barriers to male OCPs were cultural norms, side effects, and poor compliance. It is argued that there is a negative perception toward male OCPs due to the majority of pharmacists not believing such products will be successful in Jordan. Once these pills are approved for their effectiveness and safety, men may need further education and encouragement to take an active role in family planning along with their partners.
Regional and national differences in stroke thrombolysis use and disparities in pricing, treatment availability, and coverage
Authors: de Souza Ana Claudia , Sebastian Ivy Anne , Zaidi Wan Asyraf Wan , Nasreldein Ahmed , Bazadona Danira , Amaya Pablo , Elkady Ahmed , Gebrewold Meron Awraris , Vorasayan Pongpat , Yeghiazaryan Nune , Michel Patrik , Khatri Pooja , Pandian Jeyaraj Durai , Martins Sheila Cristina Ouriques , Hacke Werner , Lioutas Vasileios-Arsenios
Published: February 2022

Background:

Major disparities have been reported in recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) availability among countries of different socioeconomic status.

Aims:

To characterize variability of rtPA price, its availability, and its association with and impact on each country’s health expenditure (HE) resources.

Methods:

We conducted a global survey to obtain information on rtPA price (50 mg vial, 2020 US Dollars) and availability. Country-specific data, including low, lower middle (LMIC), upper middle (UMIC), and high-income country (HIC) classifications, and gross domestic product (GDP) and HE, both nominally and adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), were obtained from World Bank Open Data. To assess the impact of rtPA cost, we computed the rtPA price as percentage of per capita GDP and HE and examined its association with the country income classification.

Results:

rtPA is approved and available in 109 countries. We received surveys from 59 countries: 27 (46%) HIC, 20 (34%) UMIC, and 12 (20%) LMIC. Although HIC have significantly higher per capita GDP and HE compared to UMIC and LMIC (p < 0.0001), the median price of rtPA is non-significantly higher in LMICs (USD 755, interquartile range, IQR (575–1300)) compared to UMICs (USD 544, IQR (400–815)) and HICs (USD 600, IQR (526–1000)). In LMIC, rtPA cost accounts for 217.4% (IQR, 27.1–340.6%) of PPP-adjusted per capita HE, compared to 17.6% (IQR (11.2–28.7%), p < 0.0001) for HICs.

Conclusion:

We documented significant variability in rtPA availability and price among countries. Relative costs are higher in lower income countries, exceeding the available HE. Concerted efforts to improve rtPA affordability in low-income settings are necessary.
Pharyngeal electrical stimulation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a pilot study
Authors: Herrmann Christine , Schradt Falk , Lindner-Pfleghar Beate , Schuster Joachim , Ludolph Albert C. , Dorst Johannes
Published: February 2022

Background:

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) suffer from dysphagia that increases the risk for aspiration, pneumonia and weight loss. Pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES) is a therapeutic technique that applies electric stimuli to the patient’s pharynx in order to improve swallowing based on the principle of cortical plasticity and reorganization. Previous studies have demonstrated positive effects in patients with various neurological diseases.

Objective:

This study was initiated to investigate the effect of PES on swallowing function in patients with ALS.

Methods:

In all, 20 ALS patients with severe dysphagia [characterized by a Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) of at least 4 in thin liquid] were randomized to receive either PES for 10 min at 3 consecutive days in addition to Standard Logopaedic Therapy (SLT) or SLT alone. Swallowing function was evaluated by Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) at five timepoints: at baseline, 1 day, 4 days, 3 weeks and 3 months after treatment. Primary endpoint was the severity of penetrations or aspirations as classified by PAS. Secondary endpoints were adverse events, dysphagia-related quality of life, Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL), Dysphagia Severity Rating Scale (DSRS), residues, leaking, ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised (ALSFRS-R), and the performance in Clinical Evaluation of Swallowing (CES). The trial is registered under the name of ‘Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis’ with ClinialTrials.gov, number NCT03481348 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03481348 ).

Results:

Both groups combined showed a significant improvement ( p = 0.003) of median Total-PAS from 3.6 [interquartile range (IQR) = 2.9–5.0] at baseline to 2.3 (IQR = 1.8–4.0) 1 day after treatment. During subsequent study visits, PAS increased again but remained below baseline. PES and control group did not differ significantly 1 day after intervention ( p = 0.32). Similar effects were found in the majority of secondary endpoints.

Interpretation:

The findings suggest that PES may not provide an additional positive effect on swallowing function in ALS. SLT seems to yield at least short-term positive effects on swallowing function and swallowing-specific life quality in ALS. Registration: ClinialTrials.gov: NCT03481348
Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor of Anterior Maxilla; A Case Report
Authors: Uppal Ashish , Singh Gaurav , Mishra Madan , Gaur Amit
Published: February 2022

Here, we report a case of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor in anterior maxilla in a young girl aged 14 years. Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor is a rare, benign, and distinct slow-growing odontogenic neoplasm which results in painless expansion of jaws. It usually occurs in the anterior maxilla followed by posterior maxilla and rarely in the mandible with an age range of 3 to 82 years and a relative frequency of 2.2% to 7.1% and showing a female predilection (1.9:1).
Circles of Support and Self-Direction: An Interview Highlighting a Journey of Friendship and Managing Services
Authors: Lockman Turner Elissa , Bubash Sarah , Fialka-Feldman Micah , Hayes Andrea
Published: February 2022

All people need different supports to be successful in their daily lives. For individuals with intellectual disabilities, support needs have traditionally been agency-directed. Circles of Support shift the control over who identifies and directs those support needs from an agency-directed model to a self-directed model, putting the individual with an intellectual disability at the center of a self-selected team of individuals involved across all environments in their daily life. By reconceptualizing how individuals identify and receive supports, individuals are given the control and agency needed to live a self-determined life. This interview is with two people working together in a different way from traditional agency-directed supports, shifting control over decisions from the provider agency to the person with a disability, allowing for greater control over all areas of his life.
Photosynthetic Enhancement, Lifespan Extension, and Leaf Area Enlargement in Flag Leaves Increased the Yield of Transgenic Rice Plants Overproducing Rubisco Under Sufficient N Fertilization
Authors: Tanaka Marin , Keira Mamoru , Yoon Dong-Kyung , Mae Tadahiko , Ishida Hiroyuki , Makino Amane , Ishiyama Keiki
Published: February 2022

Background

Improvement in photosynthesis is one of the most promising approaches to increase grain yields. Transgenic rice plants overproducing Rubisco by 30% (RBCS-sense rice plants) showed up to 28% increase in grain yields under sufficient nitrogen (N) fertilization using an isolated experimental paddy field (Yoon et al. in Nat Food 1:134–139, 2020). The plant N contents above-ground sections and Rubisco contents of the flag leaves were higher in the RBCS-sense plants than in the wild-type rice plants during the ripening period, which may be reasons for the increased yields. However, some imprecise points were left in the previous research, such as contributions of photosynthesis of leaves below the flag leaves to the yield, and maintenance duration of high photosynthesis of RBCS-sense rice plants during ripening periods.

Result

In this research, the photosynthetic capacity and canopy architecture were analyzed to explore factors for the increased yields of RBCS-sense rice plants. It was found that N had already been preferentially distributed into the flag leaves at the early ripening stage, contributing to maintaining higher Rubisco content levels in the enlarged flag leaves and extending the lifespan of the flag leaves of RBCS-sense rice plants throughout ripening periods under sufficient N fertilization. The higher amounts of Rubisco also improved the photosynthetic activity in the flag leaves throughout the ripening period. Although the enlarged flag leaves of the RBCS-sense rice plants occupied large spatial areas of the uppermost layer in the canopy, no significant prevention of light penetration to leaves below the flag leaves was observed. Additionally, since the CO2 assimilation rates of lower leaves between wild-type and RBCS-sense rice plants were the same at the early ripening stage, the lower leaves did not contribute to an increase in yields of the RBCS-sense rice plants.

Conclusion

We concluded that improvements in the photosynthetic capacity by higher leaf N and Rubisco contents, enlarged leaf area and extended lifespan of flag leaves led to an increase in grain yields of RBCS-sense rice plants grown under sufficient N fertilization.
Pelvic lipomatosis presenting with chronic vasitis: a case report
Authors: Natarajan Sridharan , Pattnaik Soumya Shivasis , Viswaroop S. Bobby , Gopalakrishnan Ganesh
Published: February 2022

Background

Vasitis is a rare condition and has not been reported in the literature in association with pelvic lipomatosis.

Case presentation

25-year-old young male presented with bilateral scrotal pain. He was found to have bilateral thickened and tender vas. On further evaluation, he was diagnosed with pelvic lipomatosis and dilated vas up to ejaculatory duct. He was treated with anti-inflammatory medication and is on close follow-up to look for further symptoms related to other luminal compressive pathologies that are known to occur with pelvic lipomatosis.

Conclusion

In patients with pelvic lipomatosis, careful examination of genitalia is necessary to look for other compressive findings including vasal obstruction and vasitis.
Registration and primary outcome reporting in behavioral health trials
Authors: Taylor Nicholas J. , Gorman Dennis M.
Published: February 2022

Background

Registration of research studies is designed to lock investigators into a data collection and analysis plan before a study starts and thereby limit their ability to engage in flexible data analysis and selective outcome reporting. Studies of registered clinical trials show that one- to two-thirds are registered after the study has started and that non-adherence to important design and analytic features, such as reporting data pertaining to all primary outcomes, remains high. Less is known about the effects of registration on research transparency and integrity outside of clinical trials. To address this gap in knowledge, the current study examined the effects of registration on the reporting of research findings in a sample of behavioral health trials published in BMC Public Health.

Methods

Registered trials published in the BMC Public Health section “Health Behavior, Health Promotion and Society” between 2011 and 2015 were included in the study. For each trial, we reviewed associated online submissions from 13 different registration sites. For those determined to have been prospectively registered, we used the trial registry, MEDLINE (Pubmed), PsychINFO, Web of Science and e-mails to investigators to identify subsequent publications from the study that reported results pertaining to primary outcomes. The two investigators then independently reviewed the outcome publication(s) and compared the primary outcomes reported in these to the registered primary outcomes.

Results

The final analytic sample comprised 136 locatable, registered trials with an identifiable start date. Sixty-eight of the 136 were prospectively registered. Among these prospectively registered trials, only 16 published manuscripts reported outcomes and methods that were concordant with their registrations.

Conclusions

Retrospective submission of protocols for publication and retrospective registration remain common in public health research, and adherence to prespecified outcomes is rare. In its current form, registration of behavioral and health promotion trials is likely to have minimal effect on preventing selective outcome reporting in publications, and the pervasiveness of vague and incomplete registry entries means that registries will have limited utility in terms of facilitating replication studies.