bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Really Affects Plant-level Productivity?
Authors: Jain Shweta
Published: August 2020

This article investigates the plant-level characteristics that can affect plant-level productivity. Using Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) data from 1998–1999 to 2012–2013, we find that plant-level productivity is positively correlated with the number of products produced in the plant. It implies that the multi-product plants are relatively more productive than plants that produce only one product. We also find that plants are more productive if they enter the export market, and plant-level productivity is negatively associated with the ratio of production to non-production workers. This finding supports the fact that the plants with more skilled labour compared to unskilled labour are comparatively more productive. Additionally, we find that information and communication technology (ICT) has a significant and positive association with a plant’s productivity level.
Conceptualizing Lex Mercatoria: Malynes, Schmitthoff and Goldman compared
Authors: de Ruysscher Dave
Published: August 2020

This article compares the doctrines on transnational commercial customs in Malynes’ Lex Mercatoria (1622) and in the writings of Clive M. Schmitthoff and Berthold Goldman. It is argued that core problems in conceptualizations of lex mercatoria are present in all these texts. Malynes unsuccessfully attempted to reconcile a new approach of considering law merchant as ius gentium on the one hand, with a tradition of particular customs of trade on the other. All three authors mentioned struggled when explaining how custom emerges from contracts or practice. Malynes, Schmitthoff and Goldman tried to apply existing notions (usage, custom) in order to do so, often referring to historical arguments, but they could not bridge the fundamental differences existing between customs of trade and ius gentium. As a result, all three authors failed in putting forward a workable theory of lex mercatoria. Non-matching legal views on international business practices were cut and pasted together, as it were, and new theories on lex mercatoria would do well not to replicate this approach.
Wired to Exit: Exploring the Effects of Wayfinding Affordances in Underground Facilities Using Virtual Reality
Authors: Kostakos Panos , Alavesa Paula , Korkiakoski Mikko , Marques Mario Monteiro , Lobo Victor , Duarte Filipe
Published: August 2020

Background

Wayfinding has been adopted in several intense evacuation and navigation simulations; however, the use of biometric measurements for characterizing physiological outcomes has been somewhat overlooked and applied only under limited laboratory conditions.

Methods

Twenty-four participants took part in a virtual reality (VR) experiment using a wayfinding installation with the Oculus Rift S head-mounted display (HMD). They were immersed in a simulation of a burning underground parking lot and tasked to navigate to the exit. The purpose of this research was to investigate the high-level effect of wayfinding assistive lights on behavioral, physiological, and psychological outcomes. Participants were split into two groups: the control group was exposed to a scene without assistive lights, and the experimental group was exposed to the same scene with assistive lights.

Results

Results indicate there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in traveled distance, pauses, turns, or game completion time. Curiously, differences between the two groups in heart rate (HR) outcomes were found to be statistically significant, with subjects in the control group displaying an increasing HR trend during simulation.

Conclusions

This finding, in accordance with previous studies that have shown the efficacy of landmarks and wayfinding affordances in reducing cognitive demands, suggests that assistive lights might contribute to improved brain wiring connectivity during the game. We discuss these findings in the context of a rich wayfinding affordances literature.
Teaching World and Word Knowledge to Access Content-Area Texts in Co-Taught Classrooms
Authors: Kearns Devin M. , Lyon Cheryl P. , Pollack Marney S.
Published: August 2020

In co-taught classes, general education and special education teachers can improve the content-area learning and literacy skills of students with learning disabilities by helping them read texts effectively. Co-teachers can improve comprehension by providing students with background and vocabulary knowledge before reading. In this article, a routine for introducing background (world) and vocabulary (word) knowledge—the world knowledge and word knowledge routine (world and word)—is described. The article includes explanations how each part of the routine works and uses an example to illustrate how co-teachers could use the routine to promote student reading comprehension.
Preliminary and Comprehensive Static Anthropometric Measurements of Jordanian Children for Various Age Groups
Authors: Etier Morad , Alkhazali Atif , Alsukker Akram , Al-Momani Ekhlass , Asha Sumood , Al-Sharif Aya
Published: August 2020

This study measured 354 Jordanian children in six age group categories from 6 months to 9 years. The linear static measurements included the skeletal dimensions between body joints and the middle- and lower-body dimensions. The results showed negligible differences in seat height, seat depth, and seat width for males and females. However, desk surface height and elbow rest height differed for male and female children older than 5 years. These data can inform the design of various functional items such as tools, clothes, protective equipment, or furniture for Jordanian children.
Quality Assurance and Continuing Education: A Cyclic Approach for Maintaining High Quality Data in a High Volume Cancer Registry
Authors: Hawhee Vicki , Jones Jennie , Stewart Sandy , Lucia Kristin , Rollison Dana E.
Published: August 2020

Quality Assurance and Education are 2 areas of the Cancer Registry that go hand in hand. High-quality data can only be maintained through routine surveillance of data quality coupled with tailored continuing education of certified tumor registrars (CTRs). However, the magnitude of information a CTR is required to know, the rapid frequency with which standards change, and growing demands on the time of the CTRs can be roadblocks to maintaining quality in the Cancer Registry. Here we describe a robust approach to quality assurance in a high-volume hospital-based Cancer Registry, leveraging a repeated cycle of quality assessment and educational activities targeting identified opportunities for improvement. Establishing such an approach encourages the professional development of CTRs while simultaneously ensuring the highest quality data for use in population-based cancer surveillance, cancer research, and patient care.
Vibration control of sandwich plate–reinforced nanocomposite face sheet and porous core integrated with sensor and actuator layers using perturbation method
Authors: Rostami Rasoul , Mohammadimehr Mehdi
Published: August 2020

In this article, the vibration control of the sandwich plate reinforced by carbon nanotube in the face sheet and porous core integrated with sensor and actuator layers is investigated. The piezoelectric layers at the bottom and top surfaces of the sandwich plate play the role of the sensor and actuator. By applying the Hamilton’s principle, the governing equations of the structure are derived based on the first-order shear deformation theory. The perturbation method is used to find the relationships between nonlinear frequency and amplitude response of the sandwich plate. The effect of porosity coefficient, temperature, volume fraction of carbon nanotube, and geometric parameters on nonlinear frequency and vibration control of the sandwich plate is studied. Moreover, the influence of material type of sensor and actuator and scale transformation parameter on the nonlinear frequency and vibration control of the system is investigated. According to the obtained results, in the case of ε < 0, the system stiffness presents softening behavior, whereas in the case of ε > 0, the system stiffness becomes hardening. By considering the effect of the voltage coefficient on the vibration control and the needed time for stabilization, the results of this article can be used to design, manufacture, and control modern structures.
Infant Attentional behaviors Are Associated With ADHD Symptomatology and Executive Function in Early Childhood
Authors: Stephens Rebecca L. , Elsayed Heba E. , Reznick J. Steven , Crais Elizabeth R. , Watson Linda R.
Published: August 2020

Objective: We explored associations between infant attentional behaviors as measured by the First Year Inventory (FYIv2.0) and dimensional ratings of ADHD symptomatology and executive function (EF) in early childhood. Methods: This study included parents ( N = 229) who filled out the FYIv2.0 when their children were 12 months of age. When children were approximately 54 months (4.5 years) of age, parents completed reports of children’s ADHD symptomatology and EF abilities. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted among measures. Results: We found significant associations among the variables of interest, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, as well as gender differences. Notably, non-social sensory attention (NSA) was significantly related to 54-month ADHD symptom severity. All three 12-month attention variables were significantly related to 54-month EF. Conclusion: Results suggest that infant attentional behaviors predict later ADHD-related behaviors in early childhood. Future research should explore associations using laboratory-based measures and could inform early intervention efforts.
Examination of Stimulus Over-Selectivity in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Relationship to Stereotyped Behaviors and Cognitive Flexibility
Authors: Kelly M. P. , Reed P.
Published: August 2020

Stimulus over-selectivity describes a phenomenon in which an individual responds only to a subset of the stimuli present in the environment and, thus, may restrict learning. This study aimed to develop understanding of the nature and role of over-selectivity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by analyzing the relationship of over-selectivity to core deficits of ASD: stereotyped responding and inflexibility. Over-selectivity was investigated in a visual discrimination task in 24 children, 12 diagnosed with ASD and 12 mental-age-matched typically developing children. In addition, the participants’ levels of intellectual functioning, stereotypy, and cognitive flexibility were assessed using established tools. Results showed that over-selectivity was associated with IQ and stereotyped behavior but was not related to levels of cognitive flexibility nor did cognitive flexibility significantly correlate with stereotyped behavior in individuals with ASD. The current findings require consideration when designing behavioral interventions for individuals with ASD.
Severe Cardiopulmonary Disease in a Parturient With Noonan Syndrome
Authors: Siegrist Kara K. , Deegan Robert J. , Dumas Susan D. , Eagle Susan S.
Published: August 2020

Noonan syndrome is a relatively common genetic disorder and the second most common cause of congenital heart disease after trisomy 21. The spectrum of cardiac anomalies in Noonan syndrome typically involves pulmonary valve stenosis occasionally in conjunction with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Mitral valve involvement is a rare finding in Noonan syndrome and is most commonly associated with either mitral valve prolapse or abnormal valvular insertion causing left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Patients with Noonan syndrome typically have preserved fertility and, given the success of cardiac surgery and medical management of heart failure in this population, are beginning to present more commonly as parturients in adulthood. Maternal physiologic changes during pregnancy introduce an added complexity to hemodynamic management and anesthetic considerations during labor and delivery. In this article, we present a case of a patient with Noonan syndrome with severe mitral stenosis, pulmonary valve insufficiency, and severe restrictive and obstructive pulmonary disease who presented preterm for delivery due to increased dyspnea at rest. Here we review the pathophysiology behind Noonan syndrome and peripartum management strategies in a patient with severe combined cardiac and pulmonary disease.
Can the use of an inclinometer improve acetabular cup inclination in total hip arthroplasty? A review of the literature
Authors: van Duren Bernard H , Royeca Joseph M , Cunningham Conor M , Lamb Jonathan N , Brew Chris J , Pandit Hemant
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

The angle of acetabular (cup) radiographic inclination is an important measurement in total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures. Abnormal radiographic inclination is associated with dislocation, edge loading and higher failure rates. Consistently achieving a satisfactory radiographic inclination remains a challenge. Inclinometers have been increasingly used over the last decade. This paper reviews the literature to determine whether using an inclinometer improves the accuracy of acetabular cup inclination in THA.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was performed. The following search terms were used: (‘hip’ OR ‘hip replacement’ OR ‘hip arthroplasty’ OR ‘primary hip replacement’ OR ‘THR’ OR ‘THA’ OR ’Acetabular cup Inclination’) AND (‘Inclinometer’). Titles and abstracts were screened for relevance. Both radiographic and operative inclination comparisons were included.

Results:

7 studies met the inclusion criteria. 2 were randomised control trials with level I evidence, and the remaining studies were cohort studies with level III/IV evidence. 5 were clinical and 2 experimental. In total there were 16 cohorts: 7 using an inclinometer, 6 freehand, and 3 using MAG techniques. All studies comparing radiographic inclination and 1 of 2 studies comparing operative inclination showed an improvement in the attainment of the optimal inclination. Similarly, the use of an inclinometer showed a reduction in the number of outliers when compared to MAG and freehand techniques.

Discussion:

This review demonstrates that using an inclinometer improved the surgeon’s ability to achieve their intended inclination (both operative and radiographic) and reduced the incidence of positioning outside the safe-zone. However, only 2 of the studies were randomised control trials and these resulted in opposing conclusions. Therefore, further studies looking at the use of inclinometers would prove useful in understanding their true benefit.
Wearable technologies to measure clinical outcomes in multiple sclerosis: A scoping review
Authors: Alexander Sarah , Peryer Guy , Gray Emma , Barkhof Frederik , Chataway Jeremy
Published: August 2020

Wearable technology refers to any sensor worn on the person, making continuous and remote monitoring available to many people with chronic disease, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Daily monitoring seems an ideal solution either as an outcome measure or as an adjunct to support rater-based monitoring in both clinical and research settings. There has been an increase in solutions that are available, yet there is little consensus on the most appropriate solution to use in either MS research or clinical practice. We completed a scoping review (using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines) to summarise the wearable solutions available in MS, to identify those approaches that could potentially be utilised in clinical trials, by evaluating the following: scalability, cost, patient adaptability and accuracy. We identified 35 unique products that measure gait, cognition, upper limb function, activity, mood and fatigue, with most of these solutions being phone applications.
The COVID-19 multiplier effects of tourism on the Greek economy
Authors: Mariolis Theodore , Rodousakis Nikolaos , Soklis George
Published: August 2020

Using a multisectoral model and data from the Supply and Use Tables, this article estimates the COVID-19 multiplier effects of tourism on gross domestic product (GDP), total employment, and trade balance of the Greek economy. The results indicate that a—not-unexpected—decrease of international travel receipts in the range of 3.5 to 10.5 billion euros would lead to a decrease in GDP of about 2.0% to 6.0%, a decrease in the levels of employment of about 2.1% to 6.4% and an increase in the trade balance deficit of about 2.4 to 7.1 billion euros, respectively.
Economic evaluation and costs of telepsychiatry programmes: A systematic review
Authors: Naslund John A , Mitchell Lauren M , Joshi Udita , Nagda Dipal , Lu Chunling
Published: August 2020

Objective

Telepsychiatry involves use of telecommunications technology to deliver psychiatric care and offers promise to reduce costs and increase access to mental health services. This systematic review examined cost reporting of telepsychiatry programmes for mental healthcare.

Methods

We systematically searched electronic databases for studies reporting costs, including economic evaluations such as cost-effectiveness analyses, or costs of developing telepsychiatry programmes for clinical care of mental disorders. Included studies enrolled participants with mental disorders and involved telepsychiatry for depression, anxiety disorders, serious mental illnesses including schizophrenia spectrum disorders and bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, dementia or epilepsy.

Results

Twenty-six unique studies met inclusion criteria (17,967 participants), with most targeting depression ( n = 7; 27%), general mental disorders and screening ( n = 7; 27%), child mental health ( n = 4; 15%) and geriatric mental health ( n = 4; 15%). Nearly all studies ( n = 25; 96%) compared telepsychiatry programme costs with either standard in-person consultation or usual care, with 15 (60%) reporting that telepsychiatry programmes were less expensive, and 8 (32%) showing telepsychiatry programmes were more expensive. Three studies reported cost-effectiveness analyses, favouring telepsychiatry programmes, but at highly elevated cost-effectiveness thresholds. Few studies reported costs of developing or delivering telepsychiatry programmes.

Conclusion

Costs of telepsychiatry programmes varied widely, with substantial heterogeneity in how costs were defined and reported. Some programmes cost less than in-person services while others cost more. Therefore, rigorous cost-effectiveness studies following established standards in economic evaluation are needed to inform implementation and sustainability of these programmes in health systems.
Beyond the hour of death: Family experiences of grief and bereavement following an end-of-life hospitalization in the intensive care unit
Authors: Bandini Julia I
Published: August 2020

End-of-life decision-making is an important area of research, and few sociological studies have considered family grief in light of end-of-life decision-making in the hospital. Drawing on in-depth interviews with family members in the intensive care unit (ICU) during an end-of-life hospitalization and into their bereavement period up to six months after the death of the patient, this article examines bereaved family members’ experiences of grief by examining three aspects from the end-of-life hospitalization and decision-making in the ICU that informed their subsequent bereavement experiences. First, this article explores how the process of advance care planning (ACP) shaped family experiences of grief, by demonstrating that even prior informal conversations around end-of-life care outside of having an advance directive in the hospital was beneficial for family members both during the hospitalization and afterwards in bereavement. Second, clinicians’ compassionate caring for both patients and families through the “little things” or small gestures were important to families during the end-of-life hospitalization and afterwards in bereavement. Third, the transition time in the hospital before the patient’s death facilitated family experiences of grief by providing a sense of support and meaning in bereavement. The findings have implications for clinicians who provide end-of-life care by highlighting salient aspects from the hospitalization that may shape family grief following the patient’s death. Most importantly, the notion that ACP as a social process may be a “gift” to families during end-of-life decision-making and carry through into bereavement can serve as a motivator to engage patients in ACP.
Mortality related to ambulatory care sensitive hospitalisations in Finland
Authors: Partanen Veli-Matti , Arffman Martti , Manderbacka Kristiina , Keskimäki Ilmo
Published: August 2020

Aims: Hospitalisations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions are used as an outcome indicator of access to and quality of primary care. Evidence on mortality related to these hospitalisations is scarce. This study analysed the effect of ambulatory care sensitive condition hospitalisations to subsequent mortality and time or geographical trends in the mortality indicating variations in ambulatory care sensitive conditions outcomes. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used individual-level data from national registers concerning ambulatory care sensitive condition hospitalisations. Crude and age-adjusted 365-day mortality rates for the first ambulatory care sensitive condition-related admission were calculated for vaccine-preventable, acute, and chronic ambulatory care sensitive conditions separately, and for three time periods stratified by gender. The mortality rates were also compared to mortality in the general Finnish population to assess the excess mortality related to ambulatory care sensitive condition hospitalisations. Results: The data comprised a total of 712,904 ambulatory care sensitive condition hospital admissions with the crude 365-day mortality rate of 14.2 per 100 person-years. Mortality for those hospitalised for vaccine-preventable conditions was approximately 10-fold compared to the general population and four-fold in chronic and acute conditions. Of the 10 most common ambulatory care sensitive conditions, bacterial pneumonia and influenza and congestive heart failure were associated with highest age-standardised mortality rates. Conclusions: Hospitalisations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions were shown to be associated with excess mortality in patients compared to the general population. Major differences in mortality were found between different types of ambulatory care sensitive condition admissions. There were also minor differences in mortality between hospital districts. These differences are important to consider when using preventable hospital admissions as an indicator of primary care performance.
The thermal and Pasternak foundation effect on the transient behaviors of the rectangular plate using a novel semi-analytical method
Authors: Liang Xu , Cao Zeng , Deng Yu , Jiang Xue , Zha Xing , Leng Jianxing
Published: August 2020

This paper carries out the transient behaviors of a thin rectangular plate considering different boundary conditions, Pasternak foundation, and thermal environment simultaneously. The governing differential equations of the system are derived by employing the Kirchhoff’s classical plate theory and Hamilton’s principle. This paper proposes a novel semi-analytical methodology, which integrates Laplace transform, the one-dimensional differential quadrature method, Fourier series expansion technique, and Laplace numerical inversion to analyze plates’ transient response. The proposed method can obtain dynamic response of the rectangular efficiently and accurately, which fills the gap of transient behaviors in semi-analytical method. A comparison between semi-analytical results and numerical solutions from the publication on this subject is presented to verify the method. Specifically, the results also agree well with the data generated by the Navier’s method. The convergence tests indicate that the semi-analytical algorithm is a quick convergence method. The effects of various variables, such as geometry, boundary conditions, temperature, and the coefficients of the Pasternak foundation, are further studied. The parametric studies show that geometry and temperature change are significant factors that affect the dynamic response of the plate.
Residents’ perceptions of and satisfaction with tourism development: A case study of the Uvac Special Nature Reserve, Serbia
Authors: Obradović Sanja , Tešin Aleksandra , Božović Tamara , Milošević Dragan
Published: August 2020

One of the core elements of tourism development is to encourage local communities’ participation, as this is crucial to the sustainability of tourism industry. This study seeks to explore the perception of and satisfaction with tourism development in the Uvac Special Nature Reserve among local communities. The paper examines the relationships among the four dimensions of sustainability (ecological, economic, institutional and socio-cultural) and perceptions of tourism development held by the residents of the communities in the Uvac Special Nature Reserve in southwestern Serbia. A survey has been conducted among 152 residents. Building on previous studies, the hypothesis that ratings for the four dimensions of sustainability would contribute to resident satisfaction has been put forward. Regression analyses reveal that all of four dimensions of sustainability are significant predictors of residents’ satisfaction with tourism development in the Uvac Special Nature Reserve. The findings reveal that local communities want to be involved in tourism development in order to ensure that their needs are addressed. This confirms that successful and sustainable development of tourism is impossible without taking into account local residents’ needs and this is in accordance with the tourism development strategy guidelines in Serbia, which are compliant with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Becoming a researcher: The process of ‘stirring in’ to data collection practices in early childhood education research
Authors: Cooke Mandy , Francisco Susanne , Press Frances , Wong Sandie
Published: August 2020

The theory of practice architectures is a useful theoretical, methodological and analytical tool for educational research. The use of the theory is emerging as germane in early childhood education research. This article explores concepts from the theory as applied in an early childhood education research project. The article focuses on the concept of stirring in, a view of learning advanced by the theory of practice architectures. To describe and analyse the process of stirring in, the article draws on the experiences of the first author, a doctoral candidate, researching in early childhood education, her field of professional experience. Using key elements of the theory of practice architectures, this article discusses how both the experiences of being a doctoral candidate and researching her own profession were catalysts for being stirred in to the practices of a researcher. Coming to the research as an experienced early childhood educator, the doctoral candidate experienced tension between the practices of a researcher and her ingrained practices as an educator. This tension, combined with the ‘doing’ of data collection, contributed towards the doctoral candidate’s stirring in to data collection practices. Authors of the theory of practice architectures argue that in the process of being stirred in to new practices, participants in the practices can experience a change akin to a transformation, what we describe as a sense of becoming. In this article, we show how the doctoral candidate learned to put aside practices associated with her role as an early childhood educator and began to embrace practices associated with the role of researcher, initiating her sense of becoming a researcher. The purpose of the article is to build on previous work to demonstrate how the theory of practice architectures can be used to examine the process of being stirred in to new practices.
Association between interarm blood pressure differences and diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lee Ji Hyun , Kim Ye An , Lee Young , Bang Woo-Dae , Seo Je Hyun
Published: August 2020

Background:

The effect of interarm blood pressure difference on the development of diabetic retinopathy, proteinuria and chronic kidney disease remains unknown. We investigated to determine the impact of interarm blood pressure difference on the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy, proteinuria and chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods:

The study included 563 patients with diabetes, who were evaluated with a simultaneous bilateral blood pressure measurement. The cutoff values for interarm blood pressure difference were 5, 10 and 15 mmHg. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relation between interarm blood pressure difference and diabetic retinopathy, proteinuria and chronic kidney disease.

Results:

Diabetic patients with systolic interarm blood pressure difference ⩾5, ⩾10 and ⩾15 mmHg showed an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy [adjusted odds ratio = 1.48 (95% confidence interval = 1.01–2.18), odds ratio = 1.80 (95% confidence interval = 0.99–3.22), odds ratio = 2.29 (95% confidence interval = 1.00–5.23)] after adjustment. There were significant associations between interarm blood pressure difference ⩾5 and ⩾10 mmHg and proteinuria [odds ratio = 1.68 (95% confidence interval = 1.15–2.44), 1.89 (95% confidence interval = 1.05–3.37)].

Conclusion:

The association between interarm blood pressure difference and the presence of diabetic retinopathy emerged even for systolic interarm blood pressure difference ⩾5 mmHg without interaction of systolic blood pressure. Systolic interarm blood pressure difference should be considered a surrogate marker for vascular complication in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Who Should Sign a Professional Baseball Contract? Quantifying the Financial Opportunity Costs of Major League Draftees
Authors: Pifer N. David , McLeod Christopher M. , Travis William J. , Castleberry Colten R.
Published: August 2020

Players selected in the annual Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft have a choice of whether to enter the system or pursue a career outside of professional baseball. As with any choice, there are opportunity costs associated with their decision. The purpose of this study was to analyze those opportunity costs by comparing draftees’ expected, non-signing-bonus income to the income of standard laborers. We estimated expected income over the first six seasons of players’ careers by combining minor and major league salary data with the probabilities obtained from C5.0 classification models that were applied to a large set of player-related data. Unlike traditional classification methods that produce the probabilities for landing in one of two classes, C5.0 classification models are able to produce the simultaneous probabilities of a player landing in several different classes, or out of professional baseball, in each season. The results show that, all else equal, college fielders drafted in the first 89–90 picks and college pitchers drafted in the first 32 picks (college graduates) or 171 picks (some college) should sign contracts. Pitchers drafted out of high school should sign contracts if they are picked in the first 78 picks, as should fielders selected in the top 118 picks. Beyond these ranges, signing bonuses or higher levels of performance are needed to limit the opportunity costs of pursuing professional baseball. Such findings are relevant to draftees making contract decisions and baseball stakeholders dealing with recent calls for improved wages and labor conditions in the minors.
Antimicrobial Properties of Nonantibiotic Agents for Effective Treatment of Localized Wound Infections: A Minireview
Authors: Wijesooriya Lakmini Inoka , Waidyathilake Dilshan
Published: August 2020

Wounds present serious health problems in humans and animals. Importantly, if left untreated, wounds invariably lead to long-term morbidity. The inappropriate use and costs of antibiotics place significant challenges globally and affect the health budgets of many countries. Though some antibiotics are administered systemically, treatment of localized infections, in particular, chronic wound infections, does not need such therapy—this would minimize development of antibiotic resistance. Of these measures, nanoparticles of silver, ZnO, and gold seem to give promising results against common wound pathogens while having few limitations. Chemical components of essential oils, which are extracted from different plants, have been shown to act against common wound pathogens. Plant extracts have shown different mechanisms in biofilm elimination. Chlorhexidine and chlorine derivatives act as wound antiseptics. Attempts with biological agents such as maggots have also been shown to provide anti-infective as well as mechanical removal of wound debris. Honey, including those obtained from bees, has a wide coverage against wound pathogens. Glycerin and hypertonic saline are anti-infective through the concentration-dependent killing of pathogens. Hyperbaric oxygen acts against many wound pathogens, in particular anaerobes. This review is focused on nonantibiotic attempts for the cure of localized infections, in particular, chronic wounds with common wound pathogens.
A symptomatic atherosclerotic persistent pharyngo-hyo-stapedial artery: Treatment management and embryological considerations
Authors: Cagnazzo Federico , Zannoni Riccardo , Lefevre Pierre-Henri , Dargazanli Cyril , Derraz Imad , Gascou Gegory , Riquelme Carlos , Bonafe Alain , Costalat Vincent
Published: August 2020

The stapedial artery (SA) is an embryonic vessel connecting the internal carotid artery (ICA) to the branches of the future external carotid artery (ECA). It passes through the primordium of the stapes that progressively develops around the SA. Normally, SA disappears during the tenth week in utero. Approximately 0.4% of the population can have a persistent SA. It can persist as four types of embryological variations, of which the pharyngo-hyo-stapedial variant has been rarely described before. We reported a case of a 61-year-old woman presented with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Computed tomography angiography showed an unusual “duplicated” aspect of the left ICA. Digital subtraction angiography depicted a persistent pharyngo-hyo-stapedial artery with an atherosclerotic wall and was considered the cause of the TIAs. After failure of the antiplatelet therapy in preventing recurrent TIAs, stenting of the artery was planned and successfully performed. Patient was asymptomatic during 12-month follow-up. The pharyngo-hyo-stapedial artery is a very rare variation in which the SA is supplied by the inferior tympanic (rising from the ascending pharyngeal artery) and the hyoid artery (rising from the ICA). To our knowledge, this is a unique case of a pharyngo-hyo-stapedial artery in a patient presenting associated ischemic symptoms. Radiological and embryological findings are discussed.
Retrospective collection of 90-day modified Rankin Scale is accurate
Authors: Wang Mengxi , Rajan Suja S , Jacob Asha P , Singh Noopur , Parker Stephanie A , Bowry Ritvij , Grotta James C , Yamal Jose-Miguel
Published: August 2020

Background:

The 90-day modified Rankin Scale is a widely used outcome after stroke but is sometimes hard to ascertain due to loss to follow-up. Missing outcomes can result in biased and/or inefficient estimates in clinical trials. The aim of this study is to assess the validity of acquiring the 90-day modified Rankin Scale at a later point of time when the patient has been lost at 90 days to impute the missing value.

Methods:

Participants who had prospectively completed a 90-day modified Rankin Scale questionnaire on their own in the Benefits of Stroke Treatment Using a Mobile Stroke Unit study were randomly interviewed to recall the 90-day modified Rankin Scale at 6, 9, or 12 months after hospital discharge over the phone. Concordance between the two scores was assessed using kappa and weighted kappa statistics. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with inconsistent reporting of the 90-day modified Rankin Scale.

Results:

Substantial agreement was observed between in-the-moment and retrospective 90-day modified Rankin Scale recalled at 6, 9, or 12 months (weighted kappa = 0.93, 95% confidence interval: 0.89–0.98; weighted kappa = 0.93, 95% confidence interval: 0.85–1.00 and weighted kappa = 0.89, 95% confidence interval: 0.82–0.95, respectively).

Conclusion:

Retrospective recall of 90-day modified Rankin Scale at a later time point is a valid means to impute missing data in stroke clinical trials.
Crowdfunding as a Catalyst for Contemporary Chinese Animation
Authors: Villén Higueras Sergio Jesús , Ma Xinjie , Ruiz-del-Olmo Francisco Javier
Published: August 2020

This study explores the online financing forms and practices of contemporary Chinese animation cinema. The research focuses on the use of crowdfunding by this industry, and analyses three recent cases, One Hundred Thousand Bad Jokes (2014), Monkey King: Hero Is Back (2015), and Big Fish & Begonia (2016), selected based on the perspective of the high economic revenue earned and the artistic and creative singularity of these films, as well as the consideration of the undeniable influence of these productions on the imagination of new generations. Using an exploratory and descriptive research methodology, the authors uncover the main features of the production of animated films based on crowdfunding. The results show that obtaining funds is a secondary objective for these movies that mainly use crowdfunding as a promotional strategy for creating an active fan base and channelling their affective involvement towards the communicative interests of each project.
Blood biomarkers for the diagnosis and differentiation of stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Misra Shubham , Montaner Joan , Ramiro Laura , Arora Rohan , Talwar Pumanshi , Nath Manabesh , Kumar Amit , Kumar Pradeep , Pandit Awadh K , Mohania Dheeraj , Prasad Kameshwar , Vibha Deepti
Published: August 2020

Background

Correct diagnosis of stroke and its subtypes is pivotal in early stages for optimum treatment.

Aims

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the published evidence on the potential of blood biomarkers in the diagnosis and differentiation of stroke subtypes.

Methods

A literature search was conducted for papers published until 20 April 2020 in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, TRIP, and Google Scholar databases to search for eligible studies investigating the role of blood biomarkers in diagnosing stroke. Quality assessment was done using modified Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies questionnaire. Pooled standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Presence of heterogeneity among the included studies was investigated using the Cochran's Q statistic and I2 metric tests. If I2 was < 50% then a fixed-effect model was applied else a random-effect model was applied. Risk of bias was assessed using funnel plots and between-study heterogeneity was assessed using meta-regression and sensitivity analyses. Entire statistical analysis was conducted in STATA version 13.0.

Results

A total of 40 studies including patients with 5001 ischemic strokes, 756 intracerebral hemorrhage, 554 stroke mimics, and 1774 healthy control subjects analyzing 25 biomarkers (within 24 h after symptoms onset/after the event) were included in our meta-analysis; 67.5% of studies had moderate evidence of quality. Brain natriuretic peptide, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and D-dimer significantly differentiated ischemic stroke from intracerebral hemorrhage, stroke mimics, and health control subjects ( p < 0.05). Glial fibrillary acidic protein successfully differentiated ischemic stroke from intracerebral hemorrhage (standardized mean difference −1.04; 95% confidence interval −1.46 to −0.63) within 6 h. No studies were found to conduct a meta-analysis of blood biomarkers differentiating transient ischemic attack from healthy controls and stroke mimics.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis highlights the potential of brain natriuretic peptide, matrix metalloproteinase-9, D-dimer, and glial fibrillary acidic protein as diagnostic biomarkers for stroke within 24 h. Results of our meta-analysis might serve as a platform for conducting further targeted proteomics studies and phase-III clinical trials. PROSPERO Registration ID: CRD42019139659.
(De)legitimizing Scottish independence on Twitter: A multimodal comparison of the main official campaigns
Authors: Engström Robin
Published: August 2020

The Scottish independence referendum in 2014 saw the breakthrough of online political campaigning in the UK. Despite the outcome, research and media alike concluded that the main pro-independence campaign, Yes Scotland (YS), outdid the main pro-union campaign, Better Together (BT), in the online battle. This article addresses this discrepancy by exploring how YS and BT used social media affordances in order to legitimize their own and de-legitimize their opponents’ positions. The material consists of multimodal tweets published by YS and BT in the run-up to the referendum. The article employs a model for multimodal legitimation that takes into consideration the construction of authority, moral evaluation and the construction and justifications of means and goals. The findings show that both campaigns made extensive use of de-legitimating strategies, although YS was more balanced. The article also shows that the campaigns’ communicative choices had implications for the construction and justification of goals and means, with YS running a more visionary campaign than BT.
Outcomes and complications of operative versus non-operative management of distal radius fractures in adults under 65 years of age
Authors: DeGeorge Brent R. , Van Houten Holly K. , Mwangi Raphael , R Sangaralingham Lindsey , Kakar Sanjeev
Published: August 2020

To compare the outcomes of non-operative versus operative treatment for distal radius fractures in patients aged from 18 to 64 years, we performed a retrospective analysis using the OptumLabs® Data Warehouse using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis codes of distal radius fracture. Of the 34,184 distal radius fractures analysed, 11,731 (34%) underwent operative management. Short-term complications within 90 days of fracture identified an overall complication rate of 16.6 per 1000 fractures and the 1-year upper extremity-specific complication rate was 287 per 1000 fractures. Overall, post-injury stiffness was the most common 1-year upper extremity-specific complication and was associated with operative management (202.8 vs. 123.4 per 1000 fractures, operative vs. non-operative, p < 0.01). Secondary procedures were significantly more common following non-operative management (8.7% vs. 43%, operative vs. non-operative, p < 0.01) with carpal tunnel release representing the most common secondary procedure. Operative management of distal radius fractures resulted in significantly fewer secondary procedures at the expense of increased overall 1-year complication rates, specifically stiffness.

Level of evidence: III
“I Want to Be a Diversity Thug”
Authors: Alexander Bryant Keith
Published: August 2020

This performative essay explores the author/performer’s desire to be a “diversity thug.” A person who persistently uses voice and identity-presence with an insistence of recognition and protest for issues of social justice.
A Bad Moon A-Rising
Authors: Poulos Christopher N.
Published: August 2020

The time for silence has long since passed. It is time to raise our voices in outrage at the racism, the brutality, the ignorance, the hatred, the oppression, and the cowardice of the political right in this country and around the world. As autoethnographers, we are uniquely positioned to raise our voices and to reach broader audiences inside and outside the academy. We can raise up a “discourse committed to a politics of resistance, a politics of possibility, a politics that dares to dream of social justice, to dream of equity, peace and a world without violence”.
The Prevalence of Olfactory Dysfunction in the General Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Desiato Vincent M. , Levy Dylan A. , Byun Young Jae , Nguyen Shaun A. , Soler Zachary M. , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: August 2020

Background

Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is common and has been reported as an early indicator of COVID-19. However, the reported prevalence of OD in the general population varies widely depending upon the metric used to assess olfaction. Methodology/Principal: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of OD in the healthy general population, review the various assessment metrics used, and compare pooled OD prevalence rates.

Results

A total of 175,073 subjects were identified (mean age 63.5 years, range 18 to 101) with an overall OD prevalence of 22.2% (95% CI 14.8–30.6). OD prevalence was significantly greater using objective olfactory assessments, compared to subjective measures (28.8%, CI 20.3–38.2 versus 9.5%, CI 6.1–13.5, p < 0.001). The prevalence of OD was greater using expanded identification tests (>8 items) compared to brief test with ≤8 items (30.3%, CI 16.2–46.5 versus 21.2%, CI 12.3–31.8). Prevalence was higher in studies with a mean age greater than 55 years compared to those with a mean age of 55 years or less (34.5%, CI 23.4–46.5 versus 7.5%, CI 2.6–14.5, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The reported prevalence of OD in the general population depends on the testing method and population age. OD prevalence was greater in studies using objective tests, expanded identification tests, and in those with older subjects.
Glyoxal and Methylglyoxal as E-cigarette Vapor Ingredients-Induced Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine and Mucins Expression in Human Nasal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Kwak Soyoung , Choi Yoon Seok , Na Hyung Gyun , Bae Chang Hoon , Song Si-Youn , Kim Yong-Dae
Published: August 2020

Background

Glyoxal (GO), and methylglyoxal (MGO) are among the most toxic compounds emitted by electronic cigarette (E-cig) and regular tobacco cigarette smoke. Airway diseases presented mucus over production as their major pathophysiologic feature. However, the effects of GO and MGO on pro-inflammatory cytokines and mucin expression in human nasal epithelial cells, as well as the underlying signaling pathway, have not yet been studied.

Objective

This study is to determine whether GO and MGO induce pro-inflammatory cytokines, and MUC5AC/5B expression via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)s and nuclear factor-kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathways.

Methods

The effect of GO, and MGO on pro-inflammatory cytokines, mucins expression and the signalling pathway of GO and MGO were investigated using water-soluble tetrazolium salt-1, enzyme immunoassays, and immunoblot analysis with specific inhibitors and small interfering RNA.

Results

GO and MGO did not affect cell viability up to 2 mM in human nasal epithelial cells. GO and MGO increased production of pro-inflammatory such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6) and MUC5AC/5B. Additionally, GO and MGO significantly activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38 MAPK, and NF-κB. Whether ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and NF-κB signaling pathway were involved in GO and MGO-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) and MUC5AC/5B, we used specific inhibitors and siRNA transfection. These significantly repressed GO- and MGO-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) and MUC5AC/5B.

Conclusions

GO and MGO induced pro-inflammatory cytokines and MUC5AC/5B expression via ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and NF-κB in human nasal epithelial cells. These results suggested that GO and MGO may be involved in mucus hypersecretion-related airway diseases.