bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atrial Fibrillation Is Not Associated With Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Chen Trong-Zong , Cheng Bi-Hua , Hu Hsiao-Yun , Chang Chia-Chi , Lin Shu-Yi , Huang Hung-Meng
Published: October 2021

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to assess the association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

Methods:

This study was conducted by searching the longitudinal health insurance database of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program for relevant information from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2011. Patients with AF were matched with non-AF controls with a 1:1 strategy according to propensity scores. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the risk of SSNHL.

Results:

In total, 14 698 patients with AF were matched with the same number of non-AF patients as controls. After propensity score matching, the use of antiplatelet or anticoagulation medications and the occurrence of SSNHL were found to have a significant difference between AF and non-AF patients. The occurrence of SSNHL was found to be higher in men, those of 45 to 74 years old, and patients with hypertension in both AF and non-AF groups. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that male gender, age between 45 and 74 years, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension are risk factors for SSNHL. The use of aspirin was found to reduce the rate of SSNHL (odds ratio [OR]: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49-0.94, P = .019), but AF was not found to be a risk factor for SSNHL (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.64-1.23, P = .467).

Conclusion:

The association between AF and SSNHL is not significant.
Incorporating heterogeneous information in deep learning with informative meta-paths for community recommendations
Authors: Deng Weiwei , Du Wei , Han Cong
Published: October 2021

Communities of interest promote knowledge sharing and discovery in social network platforms. However, platform users face difficulties of finding suitable communities, given their increasing number. Although recommendations have been proposed to help users find communities of interest, these methods ignore or exclude heterogeneous interactions between users and communities. In addition, widely used meta-paths help capture the complex semantic relation among entities but heavily rely on domain knowledge. In this study, we propose a novel recommendation model based on informative meta-path discovery in heterogeneous information networks and deep learning. Users, communities, relevant items and their relations are considered as entities in a heterogeneous information network, from where informative meta-paths are extracted on the basis of information theory to measure user-community similarities. Finally, similarities are incorporated in a deep learning model to predict whether target users join candidate communities. The proposed recommendation model is evaluated and compared against baseline methods using two data sets. Results demonstrate the superior performance of the present model in terms of precision, recall and F score.
Families as support and burden: A mixed methods exploration of the extent to which family identification and support predicts reductions in stress among disadvantaged neighbourhood residents
Authors: Stevenson Clifford , Wakefield Juliet R. H. , Kellezi Blerina , Stack Rebecca J. , Dogra Saskia
Published: October 2021

Stronger family relationships predict positive health outcomes: a relationship that is partially due to the range of emotional, practical and informational support that families can provide. Yet not all families possess these resources. A survey study in a disadvantaged community in Nottingham, UK ( N = 142) demonstrated that family identification positively predicts ability to cope with financial stress, but that this relationship is moderated by whether family support is present or absent. Semi-structured interviews with 10 members of different families from the same community shed further light upon the nature of this relationship: individuals report that they tend to turn to their family rather than friends or community services in times of financial hardship, even though their family are unlikely to be able to support them effectively, and that this is often due to feelings of embarrassment or finance-related stigma. Our findings highlight the complex role that families can play in finance-related issues, as well as the need to encourage individuals to seek financial support from sources which provide effective (rather than emotionally comfortable) assistance.
Trends in contrast media research the last 100 years
Authors: Nielsen Yousef W , Thomsen Henrik S
Published: October 2021

This review focuses on the trends in contrast media (CM) research published in Acta Radiologica during the last 100 years, since the first edition in 1921. The main topics covered are the developments of iodine- and gadolinium-based CM. Other topics include manganese-based CM for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and barium for the investigation of the alimentary tract. From a historic point of view, special CM for use in cholegraphy and myelography are addressed in the review. Today, these imaging procedures are obsolete due to the development of computed tomography, MRI, and ultrasound. The historical use of radioactive thorium-based CM for angiography is also addressed. Furthermore, publications on adverse reactions to CM are reviewed.
Malakoplakia of the bladder near the ureteral orifice: a case report
Authors: Gao Pan , Hu Zhonggui , Du Dan
Published: October 2021

Malakoplakia, a rare acquired granulomatous disease, affects many systems, including the urogenital tract. The literature describes malakoplakia of different viscera, and satisfactory results have been obtained after treatment. We reported a 48-year-old patient with diabetes who received multiple treatments in our hospital for bladder malakoplakia near the ureteral orifice. Despite aggressive treatment, the patient had recurrent bladder malakoplakia and even developed right ureteral orifice stenosis, which resulted in urinary obstruction and hydronephrosis. We believe that malakoplakia in the bladder near ureteral orifice should receive more attention. Satisfactory results may not be obtained through antibiotic treatment alone, and early antibiotic therapy combined with full surgical excision may be a better choice.
The Prevalence of Chronic Physical and Mental Health Conditions in Older Adults Across South Australia and Their Independent Effects on General Practitioner Visits
Authors: Asante Dennis , McLachlan Craig S. , Isaac Vivian
Published: October 2021

Rural older adults (≥60), compared to their urban counterparts, are identified as higher users of general practitioner (GP) services. However, whether this pattern of health seeking is influenced more so by physical or mental conditions is unclear. We explore the independent effect of chronic physical and mental health conditions on GP use in Australia. Datasets on population health was available from the South Australia’s Department of health in 2013–2017 ( n = 20,522). We examined prevalence of common physical and mental conditions and GP use by the Modified Monash Model of remoteness. Physical and mental health burden was similar across South Australia. General practitioner visits with suicidal ideation for rural and remote locations were 4.7 (95% CI, 1.6–13.6) and 4.8 (95% CI, 1.9–11.7), respectively, compared to urban Adelaide 1.5 (95% CI, 1.0–2.3). While there is equal burden of mental health across South Australia, access to mental health resources for nonurban Australians remains a significant challenge.
The Value of Planning: Views from Management Consultants
Authors: Linovski Orly
Published: October 2021

Professional planners working in the private sector intersect with a complex sphere of business interests. Management consultants have a growing influence in many organizations, including private sector planning firms. Using a mixed-method approach to examine the strategies and priorities of management consultants, I find that management consultants view the “value” of planning as opening the door to future contracts and selling firm services. This has implications for understanding how practitioners reconcile professional values (such as autonomy, neutrality, and protection of the public interest) with market imperatives, and for the profession as one driven by societal, rather than entrepreneurial goals.
Quelle(s) stratégie(s) adopter pour sélectionner des cas dans une recherche qualitative ? Illustration à partir d’une recherche comparative sur les changements dans la structure du pouvoir exécutif en Equateur
Authors: Robalino María-Imelda , de Visscher Christian
Published: October 2021

What strategies should be adopted to select cases in a qualitative research ? Illustration from a comparative study on the changes in the structure of the executive branch in Ecuador. In a qualitative research design – particularly a comparative one - case selection is undoubtedly one of the most critical issues. The literature proposes a series of individual selection strategies, but in practice, researchers use them in combination. This discrepancy between theory and practice motivated us to propose a sequential combination of qualitative techniques for case selection that meet four objectives: to achieve variation in outcome, to respect the diversity of the set, to highlight the different degrees of a continuum, and to highlight the substantial importance of each case. The process was carried out in two stages: first, a pre-selection made directly by the researcher, and second the selection itself, carried out with the participation of experts by means of the Delphi method. The empirical basis of the proposal is the design of a comparative research on changes in the structure of executive power in Ecuador during the three presidential terms of Rafael Correa Delgado (2007–2009, 2009–2013, 2013–2017).
A database about the Members of European Parliament: Contributions and limitations of automated data collection in the study of European political elites
Authors: Michon Sébastien , Wiest Eric
Published: October 2021

Over the past 25 years, a field of research concerning the careers of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) has developed. Drawing on a massive amount of accessible open data, we have assembled an updated database including all MEPs from 1979 to September 2019. In this note, we describe the data collection processes and the construction of the database. Then, we propose an application concerning the turnover at the EP following the 2019 European elections. The longitudinal perspective provided by the database allows us to describe this turnover, which is important, but varies greatly according to nationality and political group, and does not fundamentally alter the division of parliamentary power. Finally, we identify some limitations: the lack of data in MEP profiles and difficulties both in the comparison between people from 27 countries and the comparison over a long period (1979–2019). As a result, the article shows that automated data collection can be very useful. However, in the case of individuals, as MEPs, it should be seen as a complementary source to other sources.
Perinatal Palliative Care Service: Developing a Comprehensive Care Package for Vulnerable Babies with Life Limiting Fetal Conditions
Authors: Tewani Komal G. , Jayagobi Pooja A. , Chandran Suresh , Anand Amudha J. , Thia Edwin W. H. , Bhatia Anju , Bujal Rahimah , Khoo Poh Choo , Quek Bin Huey , Tagore Shephali , Chua Mei Chien
Published: October 2021

Background: Perinatal Palliative Care provides comprehensive and holistic care for expectant and new parents, who receive a diagnosis of life-limiting fetal condition and opt to continue pregnancy and care for their newborn infant. Aim: To develop a service providing individually tailored holistic care during pregnancy, birth, postnatal and bereavement period. Methods: Following a baseline survey of neonatologists and discussions with key stakeholders we launched the Perinatal Palliative service at the KK Women's and Children's hospital, Singapore in January 2017. The multidisciplinary team, led by a Palliative care specialist comprised of Obstetricians, Neonatologists, nurses and medical social workers. The Birth defect clinic referred parents with antenatally diagnosed ‘Lethal’ fetal conditions. The team checked the understanding and the decision making process of parents and initiated and finalized advance care plans. The service also embraced deserving postnatal referrals upon request. Results: A total of 41 cases were seen from January 2017 to December 2019. Of these, 26/41(63%) were referred antenatally and had completed advance care plans. 18/41 (44%) died during or shortly after birth and 10/41(24%) continue to survive and are supported by the community palliative team. During this time a workflow was formulated and modified based on parent and team feedback. Conclusion: Awareness of the service has increased over the years and a clear workflow has been formulated. Advance care plans are prepared and documented before birth so as to enable service teams on board to provide well timed pertinent care. Feedbacks from parents about this service were positive.
Advanced robotics as a support in healthcare organizational response: A COVID-19 pandemic case study
Authors: Bartosiak Marcin , Bonelli Gianni , Maffioli Lorenzo Stefano , Palaoro Ugo , Dentali Francesco , Poggialini Giovanni , Pagliarin Federica , Denicolai Stefano , Previtali Pietro
Published: October 2021

The use of robotics is becoming widespread in healthcare. However, little is known about how robotics can affect the relationship with patients during an emergency or how it impacts clinicians in their organization and work. As a hospital responding to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic “ASST dei Sette Laghi” (A7L) in Varese, Italy, had to react quickly to protect its staff from infection while coping with high budgetary pressure as prices of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) increased rapidly. In response, it introduced six semi-autonomous robots to mediate interactions between staff and patients. Thanks to the cooperation of multiple departments, A7L implemented the solution in less than 10 weeks. It reduced risks to staff and outlay for PPE. However, the characteristics of the robots affected staff's perceptions. This case study reviews critical issues faced by A7L in introducing these devices and recommendations for the path forward.
CVP and echo Measurements are Associated with Improved Outcomes in Patients with Gastrointestinal (GI) Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Analysis of the MIMIC- IV Database
Authors: Song Wenye , Mobli Keyan , Jupiter Daniel C. , Radhakrishnan Ravi S.
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Mortality associated with acute Gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage in intensive care units (ICU) has remained high in patients suffering from hemodynamic instability. Prompt recognition and rapid assessment of bleeding severity are crucial to improve survival. Central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring is commonly used for early recognition of intravascular imbalances, but its effectiveness in predicting fluid responsiveness is often questioned. Echocardiography (echo) is a rapid, noninvasive method to repeatedly assess cardiac function and fluid responsiveness. This study investigated the impact of CVP and echo measurements on the outcomes of critically ill patients with GI hemorrhage. Methods: The study was based on the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC- IV) database. Patients were divided into four groups according to the usage of CVP and/or echo. The primary outcomes were 7-day, 14-day, 28-day, and overall mortalities after ICU admission. Cox Proportional-Hazards Models were used to elucidate the relationship between CVP/ Echo monitoring and mortality. The severity of illness of patients were adjusted by qSOFA score, SOFA score and base deficit level at admission. Results: Among 1705 eligible patients, 82 patients had both CVP and echo, 85 had CVP only, and 116 had Echo only. The results of survival analysis indicated that, comparing with those without either CVP or echo, the echo utilization was associated with improved mortalities at all time points during ICU stay for patients with moderate GI hemorrhage, and the combined use of CVP and echo was associated with lower 7-day,14-day and overall mortalities for patients with severe GI hemorrhage. Conclusion: Early usage of CVP and echo monitoring or echo alone are associated with lower mortality in the short and long-term when compared to patients without either measurement. Clinicians should consider goal-directed resuscitation guided by echo with/without CVP in patients with GI hemorrhage early after admission to ICU.
Adverse Childhood Experiences: Are They Associated With Greater Risk of Elder Abuse Victimization?
Authors: Chen Mengtong , Fu Yuanyuan
Published: October 2021

Though a growing number of studies have examined the associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and negative later-life health outcomes, the effects of these early life-course factors on elder abuse victimization have yet to be fully investigated. Using a life-course perspective, this study examines the associations between ACEs and elder abuse victimization. We used data from a cross-sectional survey conducted in Beijing, China. A total of 1,002 older adults were included in this study. Retrospective self-report items were used to measure ACEs and elder abuse victimization in later life. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to examine the associations between ACEs and elder abuse victimization. Five types of ACEs (i.e., socio-economic difficulty of the original family, parental divorce, frequent quarrels between parents, frequent physical punishment by parents, and starvation) were associated with a higher risk of elder abuse victimization. After controlling for participants’ socio-demographic characteristics and adding these five types of ACEs simultaneously in the multivariate regression model, the poor socio-economic status of the original family (OR = 1.759, p < .05) and suffering frequent physical punishment inflicted by parents (OR = 2.288, p < .05) were found to be significantly associated with elder abuse victimization. To have multiple (at least 4) ACEs is a risk factor for elder abuse victimization as well (OR = 3.06, p < .001). This study provides evidence for ACEs as risk factors for elder abuse victimization. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening our understanding of the impacts of ACEs in both research and practice.
Do Restrictive Land Use Regulations Make Housing More Expensive Everywhere?
Authors: Landis John , Reina Vincent J.
Published: October 2021

This study makes three contributions to the debate over the effect of local land use regulations on housing prices and affordability. First, it is more geographically extensive than previous studies, encompassing 336 of the nation's 384 metropolitan areas. Second, it looks at multiple measures of regulatory stringency, not just one. Most prior studies have focused either on a single regulatory measure or index across multiple metropolitan areas, or multiple regulatory measures in a single region. Third, this paper considers the connection between regulatory stringency and housing values as a function of employment growth and per-worker payroll levels. We find that restrictive land use regulations do indeed have a pervasive effect on local home values and rents, and that these effects are magnified in faster-growing and more prosperous economies. We also find more restrictive land use regulations are not associated with faster rates of recent home value or rent growth, and that their effects on housing construction levels—that is, the degree to which they constrain supply—is uneven among different housing markets.
Increased expression of epimorphin in a peritoneal fibrosis mouse model
Authors: Yamada Muneharu , Hirai Yohei , Inoue Dan , Komatsu Shuhei , Uchida Takahiro , Kojima Tadasu , Tomiyasu Tomohiro , Yoshikawa Noriko , Oda Takashi
Published: October 2021

Background:

Long-term peritoneal dialysis results in functional and histopathological alterations of the peritoneal membrane, leading to peritoneal fibrosis (PF). The mechanism of PF has not been fully elucidated, and at present there is no effective therapy for PF. Epimorphin is a mesenchymal protein that not only regulates morphogenesis in organ development but is implicated in tissue repair. However, the role of epimorphin in PF has not yet been clarified.

Methods:

PF was induced in C57/Bl6 mice by intraperitoneal injection of chlorhexidine gluconate (CG-injected mice) three times a week for 3 weeks. The parietal peritoneum was subsequently dissected and assessed by Masson’s trichrome staining, and epimorphin expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, epimorphin-positive regions were analysed by multiple immunofluorescence staining using fibrosis-associated markers. In addition, normal rat fibroblast cells (NRK-49F) were treated with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in the presence or absence of epimorphin. The expression of fibrosis-associated markers was assessed by real-time RT-PCR.

Results:

In CG-injected mice, Masson’s trichrome staining showed marked thickening of the submesothelial compact zone. Weak epimorphin expression was observed in the narrow submesothelial compact zone beneath the mesothelial cells in control mice; however, epimorphin expression was stronger in the submesothelial compact zone in CG-injected mice. Epimorphin expression was observed mainly in α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive myofibroblasts. Epimorphin suppressed the TGF-β-induced upregulation of α-SMA and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β in cultured cells.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that epimorphin may be a therapeutic target for fibrotic diseases of the peritoneum.
Decision making for highway complex scenario by improved safety field with learning process
Authors: Xu Can , Zhao Wanzhong , Liu Jingqiang , Chen Feng
Published: October 2021

To improve the agility and efficiency of the highway decision-making system and overcome the local optimal dilemma of the existing safety field, this paper builds an improved safety field to reflect the advantage of the reachable states and the learning process is further employed to make the decision long-term optimal. Firstly, the improved safety field is prepared by the kinematic model-based prediction of surrounding vehicles and the boundary is determined elaborately to ensure real-time performance. Then, the field is constructed by three individual fields. One is the kinematic field, which is built based the safe-distance model to measure the colliding risk of both moving or no-moving objects accurately. Another is the road field that reflects the lane-marker constraint. The last is the efficiency field, which is introduced creatively to improve efficiency. Furthermore, the learning algorithm is adopted to learn the long-term optimal state-action sequence in the safety field. Finally, the simulations are conducted in Prescan platform to validate the feasibility of the improved safety field in complex scenarios. The results show that the proposed decision algorithm can always drive autonomous vehicle to the state with a long-term optimal payoff and can improve the overall performance compared to the existing pure safety field and the interaction-aware method.
Moving toward sustainable environment: The effects of hydropower industry on water quality in EU economies
Authors: Alsaleh Mohd , Abdul-Rahim AS
Published: October 2021

This research investigates the effect of hydropower yields on water quality in European Union participating nations from 1990 to 2019. Integrating the panel fully modified ordinary least squares, the outcomes show that water quality degradation increase with a rise in hydropower production growth. Similarly, fossil fuel, economic growth and population density are found to be increasing water resource pollution. While institutional quality is found to decrease water quality degradation and water resource pollution. The finding implies that water quality degradation in the EU27 region can be effectively increased by increasing the amount of hydropower production in sustainability procedures. This will increasingly influence the status of climate change. The evaluated outcomes are observed to be valid as they were authenticated with the panel dynamic ordinary least square and pooled ordinary least square. Therefore, it attests to the paper's uniqueness, input to the body of knowledge and novelty. The research suggests that for EU27 nations have to enhance the role of the hydropower industry in their energy mix to achieve Energy Union objectives taking into consideration the water resources pollution factor. Authorities in these nations must also focus more on investing in the growth of the hydropower industry to add more to its production and availability of renewable energy and decrease water quality degradation. The government of these nations can similarly stress the competence and sustainability of hydropower production and water resource conservation to reach energy security and reduce water quality degradation.
Book review: Suvobrata Sarkar (2020), Let there be Light: Engineering, Entrepreneurship and Electricity in Colonial Bengal, 1880–1945
Authors: Venkataraman Viswanathan
Published: October 2021

Suvobrata Sarkar (2020), Let there be Light: Engineering, Entrepreneurship and Electricity in Colonial Bengal, 1880–1945. New Delhi: Cambridge University Press, xiv+294 pp., £75.
Book review: Dwaipayan Banerjee (2020), Enduring Cancer: Life Death and Diagnosis in Delhi
Authors: Goodfriend Sophia
Published: October 2021

Dwaipayan Banerjee (2020), Enduring Cancer: Life Death and Diagnosis in Delhi. Durham and London: Duke Press, 240 pp., $25.95, ISBN: 9781478009559.
Career Adapt-Abilities Scale-Short Form: Validation for Use in India
Authors: Pal Suchitra , Jena Lalatendu Kesari
Published: October 2021

The Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS) is popular among researchers and validated in many countries but has not yet been tested for the Indian context. This study examined the CAAS Short Form (CAAS-SF) among a sample of Indian business school students. The CAAS-SF consists of four subscales, each with three items measuring concern, control, curiosity and confidence as psychosocial resources. A sample of 369 Indian business-school students with human resource management as major participated in the scale validation process. The internal consistency estimates for the subscales and total scores were found to be comparable or better than previous CAAS-SF assessments. Based on this study’s findings, the CAAS-SF appears to be appropriate for measuring career adaptability resources in Indian business school students.
Asset Mapping in Urban Environments to Support Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Morgan Joseph John , Bengochea Alain , Reed Johnny
Published: October 2021

Public schools located within urban environments are a critical component of a larger social network in their communities, with important reciprocal interactions occurring across settings. This is especially important for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD), as integration and alignment of home, community, and school intervention programming is essential for the best outcomes. However, teachers often have a deficit perspective of urban communities and lack the skills to identify assets that may support generalization of interventions for students with EBD in a variety of settings. Asset mapping is one way to help special education teachers reframe this perspective. Definitions of assets and the asset mapping process, as well as practical recommendations for special education teachers to identify assets within their school community environment, are provided.
Potential interactions between antineoplastic agents and medicines used to treat Covid-19
Authors: Sobreira da Silva Mario Jorge , Serpa Osorio-de-Castro Claudia Garcia , Paes Rafael Duarte , Negrete Christopher Lucas , Eugênio Elizangela , Moraes Elaine Lazzaroni , Livinalli Annemeri
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Cancer patients with Covid-19 are exposed to treatment combinations that can potentially result in interactions that adversely affect patient outcomes. This study aimed to identify potential drug–drug interactions between antineoplastic agents and medicines used to treat Covid-19.

Methods

We conducted a search for potential interactions between 201 antineoplastic agents and 26 medicines used to treat Covid-19 on the Lexicomp® and Micromedex® databases. The following data were extracted: interaction severity (“major” and “contraindicated”) and interaction effects (pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic). We also sought to identify the therapeutic indication of the antineoplastic drugs involved in the potential drug–drug interactions.

Results

A total of 388 “major” or “contraindicated” drug–drug interactions were detected. Eight drugs or combinations (baricitinib, lopinavir/ritonavir, atazanavir, darunavir, azithromycin, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and sirolimus) accounted for 91.5% of these interactions. The class of antineoplastic agents with the greatest potential for interaction was tyrosine kinase inhibitors (accounting for 46.4% of all interactions). The findings show that atazanavir, baricitinib, and lopinavir/ritonavir can affect the treatment of all common types of cancer. The most common pharmacokinetic effect of the potential drug–drug interactions was increased plasma concentration of the antineoplastic medicine (39.4%).

Conclusions

Covid-19 is a recent disease and pharmacological interventions are undergoing constant modification. This study identified a considerable number of potential drug–drug interactions. In view of the vulnerability of patients with cancer, it is vital that health professionals carefully assess the risks and benefits of drug combinations.
Pulsed Ultraviolet Light Decontamination of Meat Conveyor Surfaces
Authors: Cassar Joshua R. , Mills Edward W. , Demirci Ali
Published: October 2021

Contact with continuous belt conveyors during processing results in opportunities for pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms to contaminate meat products. The objective of this project is to investigate the germicidal response on the surface of food-grade conveyor belt materials treated with pulsed ultraviolet (PUV) light. Four conveyor belt types including: a stainless-steel chain-link belt, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-coated fabric belt, a solid pliable polymer belt, and a rigid-linked polymer belt, were evaluated for the inactivation of Escherichia coli K12-NSR strain and lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Prior to bacterial inoculation, samples were classified as soiled or unsoiled, based on the presence or absence of pork intramuscular fluid on the surfaces of the conveyor samples. Using a variable speed conveyor, equipped with a Xenon flashlamp positioned 10-cm above the surface, each belt sample was exposed to PUV light at three fixed conveyor speeds: 3.05, 15.24, and 30.48 cm/sec, resulting in a total energy exposure of 3.31, 0.66 and 0.33 J/cm2, respectively. For samples inoculated with E. coli K12-NSR, the surface condition (soiled or unsoiled) by treatment interaction was significant for microbial inactivation on the surface of the rigid polymer linked belt (P < 0.05). For samples inoculated with the LAB cocktail, the same interaction was significant for the PTFE-coated fabric belt and the solid pliable polymer belt (P < 0.05). Microbial reduction ranged from 0.74 to 5.04 log10 CFU/cm2 for E. coli K12-NSR and 0.63 to 4.61 Log10 CFU/cm2 for LAB for the evaluated treatment parameters. The results of this project demonstrate that PUV light is an effective means of decontamination for conveyor belts during food processing.
Prostatic Rhabdomyoma in a Toddler: A Case Report With Molecular Characterization
Authors: De la Iglesia Niveyro Paola X. , Pandolfi J. , Jauk F. , Kreindel T. , Lobos P.
Published: October 2021

We present a 29-month-old male patient in follow-up due to pyelocaliceal dilation with a prostatic nodule incidentally found during ultrasound evaluation. Cysto video endoscopy was performed and a prostate biopsy, obtained. Microscopic evaluation showed a haphazardly distributed population of muscular cells with cross striations without evidence of mitosis or necrosis. Immunohistochemistry was positive for myogenin and desmin and negative for smooth muscle actin. Next generation sequencing was performed without finding any pathogenic variant or fusion in the tumor RNA. The patient received no further treatment, remained asymptomatic and continues in follow up, 3 years after initial diagnosis. We report a case of prostate rhabdomyoma in a toddler, an exceptional location that raises concern about differential diagnosis with its malignant counterpart, rhabdomyosarcoma, especially at this age.
The promises and pitfalls of path dependence frameworks for analyzing penal change
Authors: Rubin Ashley T
Published: October 2021

Although the study of penal changes throughout history is central to punishment studies, the field has taken little from historical institutionalists’ theories of institutional change. One of the most relevant such theories is path dependence. This article outlines path dependence frameworks’ most fruitful elements for studying penal change. Drawing on foundational political science and historical sociology texts, as well as several punishment scholars’ works, this article highlights the advantages of thinking through stasis and change, mechanisms of inertia such as feedback effects, and exogenous shocks. While path dependence offers a powerful framework, it can also be an unsatisfying explanation at times, particularly when path dependence is itself a seemingly uphill battle, when apparent stasis hides ongoing change, or when institutions survive hypothesized mechanisms of change. This paper closes by discussing some ways in which punishment scholars can strengthen the path dependence framework by blending it with recent theoretical developments in the punishment studies field.
Self-efficacy experiences in day care and primary school from the children’s perspective: A starting point for the reflection of didactic and methodological competences of adult educators
Authors: Velten Katrin
Published: October 2021

This paper discusses self-efficacy as a key factor in children managing the transition to primary school, the threshold to formal education and further learning processes. In presenting results of a qualitative-longitudinal interview study of German preschool and primary school children’s perspectives on their self-efficacy experiences, it furnishes evidence for enhancing self-efficacy in pedagogical practice in a so-called mastery climate. Co-determined or self-determined opportunities for playing without adult intervention prove to be central in this to children’s self-efficacy. Following on from this, the discussion will make references to the pedagogical relevance of child-led or unsupervised play for the promotion of self-efficacy in both settings. In addition, based on the reflection of the concept of generational order, the study points to concrete starting points to focus on necessary didactic and methodological competences of adult educators for the appropriate design of child-oriented co-determined or self-determined learning settings.
Pulmonary rehabilitation for interstitial lung disease: Referral and patient experiences
Authors: Hoffman Mariana , Mellerick Christie , Symons Karen , Glaspole Ian , Holland Anne E
Published: October 2021

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the proportion of patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) referred to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) and to understand their experiences of participation or non-participation. Methods: Adults (>18 years old) with a diagnosis of ILD were identified from the Alfred Health ILD registry in Melbourne. Information regarding PR referral and attendance were collected from medical records. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were conducted with patients who had been referred to PR. Results: Of 336 patients eligible for inclusion, PR referral was identified in 137 patients (40.7%). Patients referred to PR had worse respiratory function than those not referred (forced vital capacity mean 64 (SD 23) vs 79 (19) % predicted) and more desaturation during a 6-min walk test (86.6 (7.8%) vs 88.5 (7.0%)). Semi-structured interviews identified three major themes: valued components of PR (supervision and individualization, improved confidence with exercise, education and peer support); limited knowledge about PR prior to attendance and barriers to attending PR (lack of perceived benefits, fear of exercise and accessibility). Discussion: Over 40% of patients who attended a specialist ILD clinic were referred to pulmonary rehabilitation, with higher referral rates in those with more severe disease. There are opportunities to improve patient knowledge regarding the role and expected benefits of PR in people with ILD.
Evaluation of a Healthy Checkout Lane “Nudge” on Grocery and Convenience Store Sales of a Price-Promoted Nutritious Food
Authors: Chapman Leah Elizabeth , Burstein Sarah , Sadeghzadeh Claire , Sheppard Brett , De Marco Molly
Published: October 2021

Grocery store intervention trials, including trials testing behavioral economics “nudges,” may change food-purchasing behaviors and improve diet quality. This study aimed to design and evaluate a grocery store healthy checkout lane “nudge” intervention on sales of a targeted healthy item. We conducted a randomized controlled trial based on the behavioral economic concept of cognitive fatigue and the marketing concept of impulse buying. Six grocery stores from one North Carolina-based chain were randomized to the intervention (n = 3) or control (n = 3) condition. Researchers tested a 4-week healthy checkout lane intervention, in which intervention stores moved 6-ounce cans of peanuts to the cash registers. Cashiers were instructed to upsell the peanuts to all shoppers at checkout. While not a component of the intervention, the retailer decreased the price of the peanuts from $1.99 to $1.50 during the first 2 weeks of the intervention. Fidelity to the checkout display was high. Fidelity to the upsell was low. The main outcome measure was aggregated store-level sales of the promoted peanuts for 4 weeks before the intervention and during the 4-week intervention period. On average, sales increased by 10 units/week in intervention stores (5.83 vs. 15.83 units, p = .04) with no significant change in control stores (1.42 vs. 1.17 units, p = .64). The difference (10 vs. −0.25 units, p = .02) was likely due to displaying the peanuts at checkout combined with the price promotion. Larger randomized controlled trials should examine whether healthy checkout lane interventions are effective “nudges” for promoting purchases of healthier foods in grocery stores.
Challenges to Reintegration: A Qualitative Intrinsic Case-Study of Convicted Female Sex Traffickers
Authors: Love Debra A. , Fukushima Annie I. , Rogers Tiana N. , Petersen Ethan , Brooks Ellen , Rogers Charles R.
Published: October 2021

Limited research focuses on the nature of the lived experiences of women engaged in sex trafficking. This study employed qualitative methods of in-depth structured interviews with 10 convicted sex traffickers (ages 24–56; 100% identifying as female). Participants’ lived experiences revealed circumstances that led them to trafficking, specific needs, and the stigmatization they faced after exiting economies tied to trafficking. Inductive analysis yielded three key barriers to reintegration success: limited choice; negative labeling; and unmet physical, emotional, and social needs. These findings enhance understanding of the factors influencing the successful reintegration of convicted female sex traffickers into mainstream society.
Weight of Evidence: Participatory Methods and Bayesian Updating to Contextualize Evidence Synthesis in Stakeholders’ Knowledge
Authors: Dion Anna , Carini-Gutierrez Alessandro , Jimenez Vania , Ben Ameur Amal , Robert Emilie , Joseph Lawrence , Andersson Neil
Published: October 2021

Mixed methods research is well-suited to grapple with questions of what counts as valid knowledge across different contexts and perspectives. This article introduces Weight of Evidence as a transformative procedure for stakeholders to interpret, expand on and prioritize evidence from evidence syntheses, with a focus on engaging populations historically excluded from planning and decision making. This article presents the procedure’s five steps using pilot data on perinatal care of immigrant women in Canada, engaging family physicians and birth companions. Fuzzy cognitive mapping offers an accessible and systematic way to generate priors to update published literature with stakeholder priorities. Weight of Evidence is a transparent procedure to broaden what counts as expertise, contributing to a more comprehensive, context-specific, and actionable understanding.
Posthuman COV-llaboration: Enfleshing Encounters of Connectedness Through Imaging Memory
Authors: Pillay Daisy , Charteris Jennifer , Nye Adele , Foulkes Ruth
Published: October 2021

Caught up in the “COVID moment and distancing-isolation,” the authors came together through a Collective Memory Work initiative to inquire into what solidarity during the COVID moment meant to each of them and collectively assemble understandings about this phenomenon. Critical relationships, methods, and more-than-human relationalities are shared in this article that combined to enliven the collaboration. Grounded in Collective Memory Work and widened by arts-based approaches, the academics reflexively explored critical encounters, probing into how they move(d) in/through work–home spaces during the isolation and uncertainties experienced during the pandemic. This article serves as a methodological unpacking of our arts-based research process that used Zoom discussions, memory writing, individual artmaking, and sharing stories. More-than-human capacities provide a pathway to negotiate trauma, fears, loneliness, and isolation that affectively circulate through the COVID moment.
Reliability of the two-unit priority standby system revisited
Authors: Eryilmaz Serkan , Finkelstein Maxim
Published: October 2021

This paper deals with reliability assessment of the repairable two-unit cold standby system when the first, main unit has the better performance level than the second one. Therefore, after its repair, the main unit is always switched into operation. The new Laplace transform representation for the system’s lifetime is obtained for arbitrary operation and repair time distributions of the units. For some particular cases, the Laplace transform of the system is shown to be rational, which enables the use of the matrix-exponential distributions for obtaining relevant reliability indices. The discrete setup of the model is also considered through the corresponding matrix-geometric distributions, which are the discrete analogs of the matrix-exponential distributions.
First Report of the Larva of a Vulnerable Damselfly in Nigeria, With Some Ecological Notes: A Case for Umbrella Species Conservation Approach
Authors: Akindele Emmanuel O. , Adedapo Abiodun M. , Adu Babasola W. , Ogbogu Sylvester S.
Published: October 2021

Background and Research

Lack of information on the distribution of threatened aquatic species impedes their conservation, thus predisposing them to extinction risk before being reported. Hence, this study reports in Nigeria, for the first time, the occurrence and habitat specificity of the larva of Pentaphlebia stahli (Zygoptera: Pentaphlebiidae) a vulnerable damselfly.

Methods

Samples of P. stahli were collected in July and December 2020 from a rural stream situated at the Ekor Waterfalls in the Cross River State of Nigeria and very close to the Nigeria–Cameroon border. Some water quality parameters were also measured in each sampling period.

Results

A total of 27 larvae of P. stahli and 1 teneral adult emerging from its exuvia were recorded in the two sampling periods. The habitat was a forested stream characterized by rapids, falls, and dark rock substrata. Water flows at a fast rate of 1 m in 3 or 4 seconds, thus characterizing a rifle and headwater stream. Dissolved oxygen concentration was between 8.05 and 8.09 mg/L, while dissolved oxygen saturation was ∼98%. Biological oxygen demand was between 1.04 and 1.08 mg/L, while pH ranged from 7.28 and 7.56.

Conclusion

The stream could be described as having high ecological integrity as evidenced in its optimum range of values for the investigated water parameters and the presence of a threatened species.

Implications for Conservation

Based on habitat specificity, P. stahli is considered an umbrella species required for conserving other co-occurring species in the tropical stream and its riparian forest.
Morphometric evaluation of traumatic axonal injury and the correlation with post-traumatic cerebral atrophy and functional outcome
Authors: Bohyn Cedric , Vyvere Thijs Vande , Keyzer Frederik De , Sima Diana M , Demaerel Philippe
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, prognosis and follow-up of traumatic brain injury. Whereas computed tomography plays a pivotal role in the acute setting, magnetic resonance imaging is best suited to detect the true extent of traumatic brain injury, and more specifically diffuse axonal injury. Post-traumatic brain atrophy is a well-known complication of traumatic brain injury.

Purpose

This study investigated the correlation between diffuse axonal injury detected with fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and susceptibility-weighted imaging magnetic resonance imaging, post-traumatic brain atrophy and functional outcome (Glasgow outcome scale – extended).

Materials and methods

Twenty patients with a closed head injury and diffuse axonal injury detected with fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and susceptibility-weighted imaging were included. The total volumes of the diffuse axonal injury fluid-attenuated inversion recovery lesions were determined for each subject’s initial (<14 days) and follow-up magnetic resonance scan (average: day 303 ± 83 standard deviation). The different brain volumes were automatically quantified using a validated and both US Food and Drug Administration-cleared and CE-marked machine learning algorithm (icobrain). The number of susceptibility-weighted imaging lesions and functional outcome scores (Glasgow outcome scale – extended) were retrieved from the Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research Traumatic Brain Injury dataset.

Results

The volumetric fluid-attenuated inversion recovery diffuse axonal injury lesion load showed a significant inverse correlation with functional outcome (Glasgow outcome scale – extended) ( r = −0.57; P = 0.0094) and white matter volume change ( r = −0.50; P = 0.027). In addition, white matter volume change correlated significantly with the Glasgow outcome scale – extended score ( P = 0.0072; r = 0.58). Moreover, there was a strong inverse correlation between longitudinal fluid-attenuated inversion recovery lesion volume change and whole brain volume change ( r = −0.63; P = 0.0028). No significant correlation existed between the number of diffuse axonal injury susceptibility-weighted imaging lesions, brain atrophy and functional outcome.

Conclusions

Volumetric analysis of diffuse axonal injury on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging and automated brain atrophy calculation are potentially useful tools in the clinical management and follow-up of traumatic brain injury patients with diffuse axonal injury.