bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dazzling Descriptions and Tantalizing Titles: How Simple Versus Complex Course Information Influences Course Selection
Authors: Mourey James A. , Markley Melissa M. , Koernig Stephen K.
Published: June 2021

Research exploring a student’s “path to purchase” when considering course selection has revealed a number of influential factors including course content, reputation, and professor style. To date, little is known about the direct (or indirect) influence that course titles and course descriptions have on student interest and enrollment in courses, or how easy-sounding (simple) versus difficult-sounding (complex) information is inferred and interpreted as it relates to various enrollment markers. Using ideas from metacognition research, this research explores the impact of subjective assessment of simple versus complex course titles and course descriptions on general interest in a course and enrollment intentions. Findings indicate that not only does an easy versus complex course description affect enrollment intention, but it also affects subjective interpretations of course interest, expected workload, and learning outcomes, whereas course title has few meaningful effects. Application of these ideas for specific students and future research opportunities are discussed.
Evaluation and innovation: An antagonistic pair?
Authors: D’Agostino Fred , Malpas Jeffery
Published: June 2021

Picking up on Olof Hallonsten’s contention that contemporary science evaluation is ‘mostly counterproductive’, we argue that the contemporary focus on evaluation is antagonistic to innovation or novelty in science, even though innovation is one of the values that evaluation is often supposed to support. In arguing for the antagonistic relation between evaluation and innovation, we consider arguments from the nature of audit and the situational logic of scientific practice.
Keep discussing evaluation – A personal and appreciative reflection
Authors: Hallonsten Olof
Published: June 2021

In an attempt to summarize and draw preliminary conclusions from the many fine responses to my article ‘Stop evaluating science’, this short piece brings some additional reflections on the topic with the primary intent not to close the debate but to keep it open. Discussing, in turn, three main topics of the responses and an additional topic that arguably is of particular interest, the article’s intent is to celebrate the great insights and contributions that surfaced in the debate so far by adding some notes on how to take the issue further in future scholarly inquiry and discussion.
Structure and biological compatibility of polycaprolactone/zinc-hydroxyapatite electrospun nanofibers for tissue regeneration
Authors: Pedrosa Maria Clara Guimaraes , dos Anjos Susana Azevedo , Mavropoulos Elena , Bernardo Pablo Leite , Granjeiro José Mauro , Rossi Alexandre Malta , Dias Marcos Lopes
Published: June 2021

Although guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a useful tool for regenerating lost tissue as bone and periodontal tissue, a biocompatible membrane capable of regenerating large defects has yet to be discovered. This study aimed to characterize the physicochemical properties and biological compatibility of polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes associated with or without nanostructured hydroxyapatite (HA) (PCL/HA) and Zn-doped HA (PCL/ZnHA), produced by electrospinning. PCL, PCL/HA, and PCL/ZnHA were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Nanoparticles of HA or ZnHA were homogeneously distributed and dispersed inside the PCL fibers, which decreased the fiber thickness. At 1 wt% of HA or ZnHA, these nanoparticles acted as nucleating agents. Moreover, HA and ZnHA increased the onset of the degradation temperature and thermal stability of the electrospun membrane. All tested membranes showed no cytotoxicity and allowed murine pre-osteoblast adhesion and spreading; however, higher concentrations of PCL/ZnHA showed less cells and an irregular cell morphology compared to PCL and PCL/HA. This article presents a cytocompatible, electrospun, nanocomposite membrane with a novel morphology and physicochemical properties that make it eligible as a scaffold for GTR.
Injury Patterns and Associated Demographics of Intimate Partner Violence in Older Adults Presenting to U.S. Emergency Departments
Authors: Khurana Bharti , Loder Randall T.
Published: June 2021

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health issue and occurs in intimate relationships regardless of age or sexual orientation. Several studies, most of them relying on small-scale samples, have explored the prevalence and risk factors of IPV in older adults. Still, none have focused on the demographics and injury patterns in older adult victims. Using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) All Injury Program (AIP) data, we performed a retrospective analysis from 2005 through 2015 of the demographics and injuries of older adult IPV patients (>60 years old) presenting to emergency departments (EDs) compared to younger adult IPV patients (<60 years old). IPV accounted for 2,059,441 ED visits (.61%) with 37,534 (1.8%) visits in the older adults. Older adults were more frequently male (36.1% vs 16.8%), White (65.3% vs 52.8%), sustained fewer neck/head injuries (47.6% vs 59.4%), fewer contusions/abrasions (34.6% vs 47.2%), had more trunk fractures (38.4% vs 11.9%), trunk strains/sprains (39.5% vs 15.4%) and more hospital admissions (15.7 vs 4.2%), compared to younger IPV patients. Within the older adult cohort, females were more commonly White (71.2% vs 56.0%) while males were more commonly Black (36.3% vs 19.0%). Injuries in older adult males were more commonly lacerations (40.6% vs 14.2%%) and less commonly contusions/abrasions (33.8% vs 43.5%) compared to elderly females. Older adult females had more internal organ injuries than older adult males (18.9% vs 12.9%) and nearly all involved the head. Knowledge of these injury patterns in older adults can equip the health care providers when to be more suspicious of unexplained or suspicious injuries as the victim’s symptoms at the presentation might not be directly related to violence.
Personality coherence in acts and texts: Searching for coherence within and beyond trait categories
Authors: McKenna Mairéad , Cervone Daniel , Roy Aninda , Burkett Candice
Published: June 2021

This paper reports two studies that explore complementary aspects of personality coherence. Study 1 addressed cross-situational coherence in contextualized psychological response. Idiographically-tailored methods assessed individuals’ (i) beliefs about their personal attributes, (ii) subjective “mappings” of these attributes to everyday circumstances, and (iii) self-reported contextualized action tendencies. A novel index of idiographic–nomothetic relations gauged the degree to which the idiographic methods yield unique information. Participants’ mappings commonly deviated from the structure of nomothetic trait categories; people often grouped together contextualized action tendencies traditionally associated with different trait categories. The idiographic mappings predicted cross-situational coherence in action tendencies. Study 2 asked whether the contextualization of personal qualities would be evident when people merely are asked to describe their personal attributes in natural language. Participants wrote narratives describing positive and negative qualities. Narratives were coded for the presence of three linguistic features: conditional statements, probabilistic statements, and personality trait inconsistencies. All three occurred frequently. Furthermore, they co-occurred; among participants who described trait-inconsistent attributes, the large majority spontaneously cited conditions in which these attributes are manifested. People who recognize that they possess inconsistent personal qualities may nonetheless attain a coherent understanding of themselves by spontaneously developing a contextually-embedded sense of self.
The Pittsburgh Transition: Not Quite So Simple
Authors: Deitrick Sabina , Briem Christopher
Published: June 2021

Benjamin Armstrong’s article compares state economic development policies in Pittsburgh and Cleveland in the 1980s, the period of major regional economic restructuring. Armstrong argues that what separated Pittsburgh from Cleveland in the ensuring years was the state-mandated inclusion of the city’s universities as major economic development decision makers and the role that advanced technology played in Pittsburgh’s recovery—much more prominent than in Cleveland’s. The authors agree that the 1980s expanded stakeholders in the region’s traditional economic development strategies, but not to the extent that Armstrong argues, and that significant other factors have affected the two regions in recent decades. The authors also find that the divergence in economic trends between the two regions is not a strong as Armstrong suggests.
Toward a Model of the Influence of Motivation and Communication on Volunteering: Expanding Self-Determination Theory
Authors: Kramer Michael W. , Austin Jasmine T. , Hansen Glenn J.
Published: June 2021

Single-event volunteering, one form of episodic volunteering, is increasingly common. To gain a deeper understanding of this phenomenon, this study used self-determination theory to explore the motivations and communication experiences of volunteers for a 1-day volunteer event. Data were collected from 294 volunteers on a questionnaire containing open-ended questions (qualitative) and scaled items (quantitative). Results from the analysis indicated increased feelings of autonomy, competence, relatedness, and purpose, along with reduced feelings of pressure to participate, were associated with increased motivation to volunteer during the recruitment process. Higher levels of motivation, along with positive communication with leaders and peers, resulted in higher levels of satisfaction and likelihood of volunteering again. These results provide evidence for expanding SDT to develop a model of volunteering that includes additional motivations and communication, and provide practical advice for leaders of volunteers.
A novel model of Z-pin insertion in prepreg based on fracture mechanics
Authors: Ji Guobiao , Cheng Liang , Fei Shaohua , Li Jiangxiong , Ke Yinglin
Published: June 2021

Through-thickness reinforcement is a promising solution to the problem of delamination susceptibility in laminated composites. Modeling Z-pin–prepreg interaction is essential for accurate robotics-assisted Z-pin insertion. In this paper, a novel Z-pin insertion force model combining the classical cohesive finite element (FE) method with a dynamic analytical fracture mechanics model is proposed. The velocity-dependent cohesive elements, in which the fracture toughness is provided by the analytical model, are implemented in Z-pin insertion FE model to predict the crack initiation and propagation. Then Z-pin insertion experiments are performed on prepreg sample with metallic Z-pins at different velocities to identify the analytical model parameters and validate the simulation predictions offered by the model. Dynamics of Z-pin interaction with inhomogeneous prepreg is described and the effects of insertion velocity on prepreg contact force are studied. Results show that the force model agrees well with experiments and the fracture toughness rises with the increasing Z-pin insertion velocity.
Thermo-structural analysis of cryogenic tanks with common bulkhead configuration
Authors: Sumith S , Ramesh Kumar R
Published: June 2021

In launch vehicles, cryogenic propulsion stages store liquid oxygen (LOX) at 76 K and liquid hydrogen (LH2) at 20 K, generally in two separate insulated tanks connected through tubular truss components. Consequently, load transfer from the LH2 tank to the LOX tank is very much localized, resulting in a nonoptimal design. This article presents an alternative single tankage design using a common bulkhead (CBH) to enhance the payload capability, which enables maintaining LH2 temperature within a specified temperature when exposed to a temperature gradient. A sandwich insulator using aramid honeycomb embedded with polyimide foam keeps the LH2 temperature within 20 ± 1 K is proposed, based on transient heat transfer analysis for 1000 s. The foam-filled honeycomb core is treated as equivalent foam in the analysis as the thermal conductivity of the core and the foam is quite close. The efficacy of the insulator is established by an experiment to measure the back wall temperature when liquid nitrogen is loaded on the top skin of the panel, and the insulator maintains a temperature gradient of 123 K for 1000 s. A good agreement is obtained between the transient finite element analysis results with experimental data. An externally insulated LOX tank configuration with an optimum length of the skirt–cylinder where the temperature reaches 80 K is arrived at based on slosh, buckling, and thermal analyses. No thermal gradient is found across the thickness of the skirt, while the thermal gradient is observed along the length of the skirt as anticipated. An integrated thermo-structural analysis of the cryo-system is carried out considering temperature-dependent material properties. A positive margin for the skirt is obtained. A payload gain of 366 kg is estimated based on the present study for the new design option with a CBH and skirt as compared to the traditional tubular truss arrangements.
Numerical study of acoustophoretic manipulation of particles in microfluidic channels
Authors: Ma Jun , Liang Dongfang , Yang Xin , Wang Hanlin , Wu Fangda , Sun Chao , Xiao Yang
Published: June 2021

The microfluidic technology based on surface acoustic waves (SAW) has been developing rapidly, as it can precisely manipulate fluid flow and particle motion at microscales. We hereby present a numerical study of the transient motion of suspended particles in a microchannel. In conventional studies, only the microchannel’s bottom surface generates SAW and only the final positions of the particles are analyzed. In our study, the microchannel is sandwiched by two identical SAW transducers at both the bottom and top surfaces while the channel’s sidewalls are made of poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Based on the perturbation theory, the suspended particles are subject to two types of forces, namely the Acoustic Radiation Force (ARF) and the Stokes Drag Force (SDF), which correspond to the first-order acoustic field and the second-order streaming field, respectively. We use the Finite Element Method (FEM) to compute the fluid responses and particle trajectories. Our numerical model is shown to be accurate by verifying against previous experimental and numerical results. We have determined the threshold particle size that divides the SDF-dominated regime and the ARF-dominated regime. By examining the time scale of the particle movement, we provide guidelines on the device design and operation.
Exploring narrative linearity between Twitter and the news: Echoes of the Arab Spring in Brazil
Authors: Levy Helton , Mercea Dan
Published: June 2021

This article explores the use of narrative theory as an analytical framework to investigate the extent to which popular hashtags and the news can develop into intersecting stories. It juxtaposes the case of hashtag-based reports seen during the Arab Spring to understand the coverage of notorious political episodes in Brazil. Namely, the 2016 impeachment of Dilma Rousseff and the 2018 election of Jair Bolsonaro. Here, narrative linearity emerges as a tool to observe the borrowing of Twitter hashtags in several journalistic pieces. It is contended that the linearity of authorship, narration and representation of time appears as a satisfactory pathway to trace the development of hashtags into popular news stories. Results suggested that hashtags can significantly follow narratives and agendas in journalism but differing from their original social media context.
A bibliometric analysis of critical discourse analysis and its implications
Authors: Xiao Han , Li Lei
Published: June 2021

As critical discourse analysis/studies move into the second decade of the 21st century, there is a need to reflect on their evolution and envision their future development. In this paper, CiteSpace and VOSviewer are employed to gain holistic insights into CDA/CDS research and capture the recent research foci. The Web of Science core collection database is a prominent resource for collecting data. It was found that (1) CDA has broadly absorbed the theories of other disciplines and increasingly developed into a super-discipline; (2) corpus building, the advent of computer technology, and the development of linguistic analysis software have provided effective analytical tools for critical discourse research, making it possible for overall and partial analyses to complement each other and for complementary qualitative and quantitative approaches to be used to enhance the thoroughness and precision of research; and (3) the research methods for conducting CDA tend to be diverse and comprehensive.
‘Talk to them like they’re people’: A cross-cultural comparison of teen-centred approaches in public library services
Authors: Ornstein Ella , Reid Peter H.
Published: June 2021

The aim of this research is to observe and analyse cross-cultural examples of public libraries with strong teen services, to identify key elements of practice and approach that enable these libraries’ successful and impactful interactions with teenagers. A particular focus is placed on factors that are a matter of mind-set rather than of specific facilities, to offer these as transferable lessons that can be applied widely, including by smaller libraries and those with fewer resources. A comparative case study was conducted at two locations selected as examples of strong teen services in their respective regions: Lava and TioTretton in Sweden and Tompkins County Public Library in the United States. Data were collected via interviews, observation and document analysis. Key factors identified as contributing to successful, teen-centred services include providing a space, no matter how small, that is solely for teens, where they can experience a sense of ownership and belonging; according teens the same respect as any other library visitor; creating a space that is comfortable and actively signals that everyone is welcome; letting teens take the lead, with staff following their interests and serving as facilitators for their projects; creating flexibility in spaces and programming; employing staff who have varied expertise and genuinely enjoy working with young people; mingling and interacting with visitors; and continually re-evaluating and improving practices.
Life-and-Death Attitude and Its Formation Process and End-of-Life Care Expectations Among the Elderly Under Traditional Chinese Culture: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Lei Lei , Gan Quanxi , Gu Chunyan , Tan Jing , Luo Yu
Published: June 2021

Introduction

With the global aging process intensified, the demand for end-of-life care has surged, especially in China. However, its development is restricted. Understanding the life and death attitude among the elderly and its formation process, and clarifying their needs, are so important to promote social popularization of end-of-life care.

Methodology

This qualitative study included 20 elderly residents in Nan and Shuangbei Communities, Chongqing City, People’s Republic of China. Data were collected through semistructured in-depth individual interviews and processed by thematic analysis method.

Results

Three themes and eight subthemes were identified: Characteristics of formation process (passive thinking, closed and single), life-and-death attitude (cherish and enjoy life, quality of life priority, let death take its course) and expectations of end-of-life care (preferences, basic needs, good death).

Discussion

Life-and-death attitude and end-of-life care expectations of the elderly support the development and delivery of end-of-life care. Furthermore, the individual-family-hospital linkage discussion channel needs to be further explored.
“You Probably Won’t Notice Any Symptoms”: Blood Pressure in Pregnancy—Discourses of Contested Expertise in an Era of Self-Care and Responsibilization
Authors: Hinton Lisa , Chisholm Alison , Jakubowski Beth , Greenfield Sheila , Tucker Katherine L , McManus Richard J , Locock Louise
Published: June 2021

Pregnancy is not a disease or illness, but requires clinical surveillance as life-threatening complications can develop. Preeclampsia, one such potentially serious complication, puts both mother and baby at risk. Self-monitoring blood pressure in the general population is well established, and its potential in pregnancy is currently being explored. In the context of self-monitoring, the information and guidance given to women regarding hypertension, and the literature they themselves seek out during pregnancy, are vital to perceptions of disease risk and subsequent responses to, and management of, any symptoms. Drawing on online, offline, official, and unofficial sources of information, discourses are examined to provide analysis of how self-responsibilization is reflected in contemporary information, advice, and guidance drawn from multiple sources. A paradox emerges between the paternalistic and lay discourses that seek to challenge and regain control. Findings are discussed in the context of Foucault’s governmentality and medical power.
AMReX: Block-structured adaptive mesh refinement for multiphysics applications
Authors: Zhang Weiqun , Myers Andrew , Gott Kevin , Almgren Ann , Bell John
Published: June 2021

Block-structured adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) provides the basis for the temporal and spatial discretization strategy for a number of Exascale Computing Project applications in the areas of accelerator design, additive manufacturing, astrophysics, combustion, cosmology, multiphase flow, and wind plant modeling. AMReX is a software framework that provides a unified infrastructure with the functionality needed for these and other AMR applications to be able to effectively and efficiently utilize machines from laptops to exascale architectures. AMR reduces the computational cost and memory footprint compared to a uniform mesh while preserving accurate descriptions of different physical processes in complex multiphysics algorithms. AMReX supports algorithms that solve systems of partial differential equations in simple or complex geometries and those that use particles and/or particle–mesh operations to represent component physical processes. In this article, we will discuss the core elements of the AMReX framework such as data containers and iterators as well as several specialized operations to meet the needs of the application projects. In addition, we will highlight the strategy that the AMReX team is pursuing to achieve highly performant code across a range of accelerator-based architectures for a variety of different applications.
Ultrasound assessment of peripheral intravenous catheters by nurses in the pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Good Ryan J , Diaz Elizabeth , Thomas Robin , Wathen Beth , Carpenter Todd C
Published: June 2021

Objective:

Establish the feasibility of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) nurse-directed ultrasound assessment (UA) of peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheters, compare the results of UA to traditional assessment (TA), and determine PIV survival after UA.

Design:

Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting:

PICU within a children’s hospital.

Patients:

PICU patients with a PIV.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and main results:

Eight nurses performed UA on 131 PIVs in 85 patients. Median age was 3.0 years (IQR 1.0–13.8) and median weight was 15.0 kg (IQR 9.6–59.3). The most common PIV location was the arm (43%) and extravasation occurred in 15% of PIVs. Agreement between TA and UA was moderate with a Kappa of 0.47 (95% CI 0.28–0.66). Nursing confidence in the UA was significantly higher than TA (92% vs 21% very confident, p < 0.0001). In 106 PIVs with a UA that indicated the PIV was intravascular (i.e. negative UA), the median survival was 50.0 h (IQR 21.8–100.3).

Conclusions:

Nurses can perform UA of PIV status in PICU patients and express greater confidence in the findings of UA than TA. Further study is necessary to determine the impact of UA on the rate of PIV complications.
EXPRESS: Uninterpretable cerebrospinal fluid absorbance scans caused by antibiotic therapy
Authors: Miller Jan
Published: June 2021

Background

The revised national guidelines for analysis of cerebrospinal fluid for bilirubin in suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage (UK) provide an objective means of assessing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples to determine risk of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). The guidelines are intended for general use, but samples rendered uninterpretable due to the presence of the antibiotic doxycycline have been described. Here, further cases of antibiotic- based interference, and their implications, are presented.

Methods

An archival search of CSF spectra performed at Hallands County Hospital Halmstad was performed for the years 2011 and 2016- 2019 in an attempt to locate instances of interference. Each case of suspected interference was further investigated with in vitro reproduction experiments as a means of confirmation and assessment of potential clinical impact.

Results

A total of 10 cases of CSF curve interference were discovered: 6 due to doxycycline, 3 due to metronidazole and 1 due to tetracycline. Interference due to the tetracycline class was revealed through in vitro experimentation to cause an apparent decrease in the sampleâs net bilirubin absorbance(NBA); the presence of xanthochromia on visual inspection was, however, conserved.

Conclusions

The problem of CSF absorbance curve interference might be more common than previously suspected. Due to the potential NBA- lowering effect of tetracyclines, the author recommends visual examination of CSF samples in every case.
Imaging Findings of Lipomatous Hypertrophy of the Interventricular Septum: A Case Report
Authors: Subbaraman Selvakumar , Rajan Seena Cheppala , Veeraiyan Saveetha , Natarajan Paarthipan
Published: June 2021

Primary cardiac tumors are rare. We report a case of lipomatous hypertrophy of the interventricular septum in a healthy, asymptomatic, 16 year old female, diagnosed initially by echocardiogram. Non contrast Computed tomography (CT) and Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) were also performed to confirm the diagnosis of this rarely reported condition. Lipomatous hypertrophy of the interventricular septum is a rare form of benign cardiac tumor characterized by the proliferation of adipose tissue (fat) in the interventricular septum. This clinical entity has to be differentiated from cardiac lipoma which is a benign, encapsulated tumor. CMR helps is differentiating between the 2 conditions. As the lesion was neither causing compression of the ventricle nor obstruction to blood flow, she was managed conservatively and advised follow up.
The Welsh Eating Disorder Service Review 2018, Scottish Eating Disorder Service Review 2021 and recommendations of best practice in comorbid eating disorders and diabetes
Authors: Tan Jacinta , Johns Gemma
Published: June 2021

Background:

Diabetes and eating disorders are frequently comorbid. This particular comorbidity is not only often poorly recognised, but is difficult to treat and has a high mortality.

Method:

In this article, we will briefly review the relationship between diabetes and eating disorders. We will review the current NICE and other guidance and reports concerning both diabetes and eating disorders in the United Kingdom. We will then describe the recommendations of the 2018 Welsh Government Eating Disorder Service Review and the 2021 the Scottish Government Eating Disorder Service Review regarding diabetes and eating disorders, which will lead to service change.

Conclusions:

We conclude that this is a relatively underdeveloped but important area where there needs to be further service development and more collaboration between diabetes and eating disorder services.
Abdominal enhancement techniques for L2 English phoneme pronunciation: Comparing the effectiveness of the techniques for Mandarin and Cantonese speakers
Authors: Yeldham Michael
Published: June 2021

Production of certain English phonemes relies heavily on effort from the abdominal region, and under-utilization of this region by second language English speakers can create difficulties pronouncing these sounds. In particular, production of long vowel/diphthong sounds requires sustained abdominal contraction to maintain the length of these phonemes, and production of voiced fricative consonants requires a sharp burst of abdominal effort to expel air from the lungs to adequately voice the consonant. Both Cantonese and Mandarin speakers have particular problems producing these phonemes, and this study compared how instruction in the abdominal techniques effected production of these sounds by these two learner groups. The study focused on the vowel and diphthong sounds, /iː/, /uː/ and /eɪ/, and the voiced fricative consonants, /z/,/ð/, /v/ and /ʒ/. A previous study by the author had found the abdominal techniques improved Chinese learners’ production of these phonemes. The learners in that study were evenly divided between Mandarin and Cantonese speakers, and this study reanalysed the data to examine which speaker group benefited more from these abdominal techniques. Results showed that the Mandarin speakers were the major beneficiaries of the techniques. Importantly, the study also explored, in depth, likely reasons for this.
The interplay of glossing with text difficulty and comprehension levels
Authors: Hosseini Alast Seyede Faezeh , Baleghizadeh Sasan
Published: June 2021

The aim of this experiment was to investigate how glossing influences second language (L2)reading comprehension in relation to text difficulty and the two local and global meaning representations. Fifty-eight undergraduate students were asked to read three easy, moderate, and difficult texts and, following each passage, answer twenty comprehension questions targeting local and global concepts in one of the two first-language-glossed and unglossed conditions. Half of the participants in each group were supposed to think aloud while reading. The results revealed a significant difference between the performance of glossed and unglossed groups on comprehension of local concepts in all three difficulty levels. However, the impact of glossing on comprehension of global concepts was significantly influenced by text difficulty. The qualitative analysis of think-aloud protocols suggested a substantial difference in glossing functionality on fluency between the easy and the difficult texts. Furthermore, it is suggested that revisiting the glossing effect in combination with text difficulty on the reading product and underlying processes might reconcile some divergent hypotheses on glossing impact on fluency.
Using formative research to develop HEARTS: A curriculum-based healthy relationships promoting intervention for individuals on the autism spectrum
Authors: Rothman Emily F , Graham Holmes Laura
Published: June 2021

Curricula that teach relationship skills to autistic individuals are needed. The purpose of this formative research study was to describe the views of autistic youth about healthy and unhealthy friendships and dating relationships, in order to uncover what types of skills they felt would be useful to learn in a workshop-style intervention in order to have healthier peer relationships. The research was shaped by input from a five-person Advisory Board comprising autistic people. Twenty-five autistic individuals aged 16–22 years old were interviewed. The interviews were analyzed using an inductive content-based analysis approach. Interview participants described finding it challenging to remain motivated to make and maintain friendships, and that they would benefit from education about overcoming anxiety rooted in bad prior experiences that stop them from making new friends, learning when it was safe to take emotional risks, how they could cultivate reciprocity in relationships, and how to identify, communicate, and respect sexual and emotional boundaries. They also voiced a preference for mixed-gender interventions team taught by one neurotypical and one autistic facilitator. The experiences, opinions and preferences of the 25 autistic youth who were interviewed will inform the content of the forthcoming Healthy Relationships on the Autism Spectrum relationship skills intervention.

Lay abstract

What is already known about the topic? All people can benefit from education about how to have healthy friendships and dating relationships. But specific interventions on relationship skills—like respecting boundaries, identifying warning signs of abuse, or talking about sexual preferences—are too rare, particularly for autistic individuals. The goal of this study was to collect formative data from autistic emerging adults to help create a new, six-session workshop for autistic young adults to support healthy peer relationships. Twenty-five autistic youth aged 16–22 years old were interviewed. What this paper adds? The participants described a need for more and better information about how to support lasting friendships, deal with their anxiety about relationships, and know when friendships or dating relationships were reciprocal and rewarding versus unhealthy. Implications for practice, research, or policy. The results reveal a need for a new and effective intervention that supports healthy relationship skills for autistic people.
A typology of small-scale multilingualism
Authors: Pakendorf Brigitte , Dobrushina Nina , Khanina Olesya
Published: June 2021

Aims:

The paper aims at providing an exhaustive overview of studies of small-scale multilingualism, a type of language ecology typical of—but not exclusive to—indigenous communities with small numbers of speakers. We identify the similarities and differences among situations of such multilingualism, which lay the foundations for a future typology of this kind of language ecology.

Approach and data:

We outline the importance of language ideologies for multilingualism in small-scale societies, highlight the sources of this type of language ecology, with a special focus on the impact of marriage patterns, discuss to what extent situations of small-scale multilingualism are truly egalitarian and symmetric, and survey the different methods used in the study of this domain. In order to do so, we survey studies devoted to multilingualism in indigenous communities of all continents: the New World (especially South America), Australia, Melanesia, Africa, Europe and Asia.

Conclusions:

The multilingual ecologies of the pre- and postcolonial world are extremely diverse, with many factors playing a role in their constitution. They are also highly endangered, and thus their study is of the utmost urgency.

Originality:

The domain of small-scale multilingualism is still novel for sociolinguistics and linguistic anthropology. Although the researchers working with indigenous groups have been describing the peculiarities of multilingual repertoires, language acquisition and language attitudes in various parts of the world, the domain lacks the kind of comparison and generalizations that we provide here.

Significance:

The increased interest in small-scale multilingualism has been boosted by the realization of its significance for reconstructing the social conditions that favoured linguistic diversity in the precolonial world. Furthermore, insights into this type of multilingualism—which differs considerably from the better-studied situations of bi- and multilingualism in urban contexts and large nation states—are of prime importance for a better understanding of the human language faculty.
Building characteristics associated with self-reported dry eyes and headaches of outpatient workers in hospital buildings
Authors: Eijkelenboom AnneMarie , Ortiz Marco , Bluyssen Philomena M.
Published: June 2021

Building-related health symptoms are multifactorial, hence a comprehensive study is needed to identify associations of such symptoms with building aspects. Previous studies have identified certain building characteristics as risk factors for both dry eyes and headaches, which are among the most prevalent symptoms suffered by office workers. This study investigated associations of dry eyes and headaches with building characteristics in outpatient areas because these conditions may vary between office and hospital buildings. A survey was performed in six hospital buildings, which included administering a questionnaire to 556 outpatient workers and an inspection of the building locations, services and 127 outpatient rooms. Multivariate regression models were produced for dry eyes and headaches. Both models were adjusted for personal and work-related aspects. The prevalence of self-reported dry eyes and headaches in outpatient areas was related to building-related aspects that affect the indoor air quality and visual quality, and to room types. In general, this study is consistent with previous office studies. However, a specific finding of this study is the association of the most frequently used room types and the presence of a window to the corridor with dry eyes and headaches.
Comparative study of optical coherence tomography angiography algorithms for rodent retinal imaging
Authors: Dadkhah Arash , Paudel Dhruba , Jiao Shuliang
Published: June 2021

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a functional extension of optical coherence tomography for non-invasive in vivo three-dimensional imaging of the microvasculature of biological tissues. Several algorithms have been developed to construct OCTA images from the measured optical coherence tomography signals. In this study, we compared the performance of three OCTA algorithms that are based on the variance of phase, amplitude, and the complex representations of the optical coherence tomography signals for rodent retinal imaging, namely the phase variance, improved speckle contrast, and optical microangiography. The performance of the different algorithms was evaluated by comparing the quality of the OCTA images regarding how well the vasculature network can be resolved. Quantities that are widely used in ophthalmic studies including blood vessel density, vessel diameter index, vessel perimeter index, vessel complexity index were also compared. Results showed that both the improved speckle contrast and optical microangiography algorithms are more robust than phase variance, and they can reveal similar vasculature features while there are statistical differences in the calculated quantities.
Dynamics modeling and analysis of the permanent-magnet synchronous motors bearing-rotor-magnetic field under rotor demagnetize
Authors: Bifeng Zhou , Guoning Tang , Yiping Luo
Published: June 2021

For the phenomenon of rotor demagnetization of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor(PMSM), studying the dynamic modeling and analysis of demagnetization rotor. Firstly, considering the unbalanced magnetic pulling (UMP) of the rotor under the demagnetization and the nonlinear Hertz contact generated by the rolling bearing, the double rectangular coordinate system of the stator and rotor is constructed, and the mathematical model of the unbalanced magnetic pull UMP is constructed with the rectangular coordinate as the variable. Then, the dynamics Jeffcott model of the bearing-rotor- magnetic fields coupling system in the condition of demagnetization is established. Based on this, the demagnetization status of permanent magnet in PMSM is described from three aspects: (1) rotor offset caused by demagnetization, (2) demagnetization angle, (3) decrease of air-gap MMF at the demagnetization angle. Through the analysis, it is found that there is a “saddle” point in the bifurcation plots of the rotor system with the change of demagnetization angle. The position of the “saddle” point in the bifurcation plots with the change of demagnetization angle is related to the speed. The research results of this paper provide a theoretical basis for demagnetization quantitative diagnosis and demagnetization vibration control of permanent magnet synchronous motor.
Early period results of radiofrequency ablation and cyanoacrylate embolization for great saphenous vein insufficiency
Authors: Balcı Abdullah B , Sanrı Umut S , Özsin Kadir K , Tatlı Ahmet B , Özyazıcıoğlu Ahmet F , Yavuz Şenol
Published: June 2021

Objective

To evaluate the 6 months efficacy and safety of cyanoacrylate closure for the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins (GSVs) in comparison with radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods

In this multicenter, retrospective, clinical trial, 398 symptomatic subjects with incompetent GSVs were assigned to either cyanoacrylate closure or RFA. The primary endpoint, complete closure of the target GSV, was determined using duplex ultrasound examination starting from one-, three-, and six-month visits.

Results

All patients were followed for 6 months and there was no difference between the groups in terms of mean follow-up time. Hospital stay and return to work/activity were shorter in the cyanoacrylate ablation (CAA) group, and these differences between the groups were statistically significant. Ecchymosis was observed higher in the RFA group and was statistically significant.

Conclusions

In this study, in which we examined the CAA and RFA methods, we found that both methods were effective and reliable; however, we found that patients in the CAA group had a more comfortable postoperative period and returned to work earlier.
Supporting wellness at pantries (SWAP) nutrition stoplight system aids rural food pantry clients living with chronic disease in selecting nutritious options
Authors: Hampson James , MacNell Lillian
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Chronic disease accounts for 70% of U.S. deaths, with suboptimal nutrition an important, preventable risk factor. Food insecurity is a contributor to poor nutrition. Food pantries are a regular source of groceries for the food insecure and an ideal place for nutrition literacy programs. Supporting Wellness at Pantries (SWAP) is a stoplight nutrition ranking system based on 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines, but has only been implemented in urban areas. Rural communities experience higher rates of poor health and food insecurity.

Methods

This study implements SWAP at a food pantry in a rural community with high rates of food insecurity and chronic disease. Food was sorted into “green,” “yellow,” and “red” items on color-coded shelves, with green foods the most accessible, and signage explaining the sorting was displayed. Surveys measured whether clients found SWAP helpful in choosing nutritious foods, particularly for households with chronic diseases.

Results

Clients reported that it was significantly (p <.0001) easier to choose items low in salt, sugar, and fat. The benefits of SWAP extended outside the pantry by increasing confidence in choosing nutritious foods while grocery shopping.

Discussion

SWAP can be an effective tool for improving nutrition literacy among food insecure rural residents with chronic illnesses.
The influence of residential greenness on mortality in the Asia-Pacific region: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kua KP , Lee SWH
Published: June 2021

Aims:

To critically appraise the evidence of the impact of exposure to salutogenic green environment on mortality, which is an important endpoint in epidemiological and clinical studies.

Methods:

We searched for studies published and indexed in three databases (PubMed, AMED, and CINAHL Plus) from inception until 31 March 2020, complemented with a search of cited literature for articles describing the effects of greenness on mortality in Asia-Pacific region. Eligible articles were screened and data were extracted independently by two reviewers. A random-effects model was utilised to obtain pool hazard ratio (HR) and risk ratio of all-cause mortality outcome.

Results:

The search identified 3239 studies, of which 20 studies reporting 133,363 participants from longitudinal cohort studies and 202 million people from population-based prevalence studies were included in the review. The majority of the studies (60%) were conducted in high-income countries in Asia-Pacific. All participants of the longitudinal cohort studies were aged 60 years or older, whereas the prevalence studies involved people of all age groups. A significant protective association of green environment exposure with all-cause mortality was reported in 18 studies. Pooled results from five studies showed increased level of greenness exposure was associated with a significant decrease in all-cause mortality (pooled HR = 0.97; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.93 to 1.02; p < 0.01; I²= 87.8%). Meta-analysis of total number of deaths in different quartiles of green spaces noted decreased risks of mortality with all causes of death with increased surrounding greenness.

Conclusions:

Some limited evidence suggests that populations exposed to the greener environment have a lower risk of mortality, implying the potential role of greenness in increasing longevity. Further studies with standardised design and outcome reporting should be conducted in low- and middle-income countries and in populations of low socioeconomic status to glean more generalisable and complete evidence for public health policy implications.
The picture of smoking in my mind: a need for effective anti-smoking public service announcements based on the self-construals of smokers
Authors: Önen Mutlu , Watson Forrest
Published: June 2021

This qualitative study sought to understand the behaviours of smokers with independent and interdependent self-construals to design effective anti-smoking public service announcements (PSAs). Findings from the participants’ narratives and drawings suggest that individualistic message content (focused on the individual smoker) can be effective for smokers with independent self-construal, while collectivistic message content (focused on a smoker group) can be effective for smokers with interdependent self-construal to increase their quitting intentions. This study also revealed characteristics of the smoker groups in terms of routines, meanings and symbolic values of smoking, which can be used to enrich the contents for anti-smoking PSAs. The implications of this study are discussed for public policy makers and nonprofit organizations that seek to match their message with the audience to improve public health.
Ambivalence in Volunteer Tourism: Toward Decolonization
Authors: Kadomskaia Veronika , Brace-Govan Jan , Cruz Angela Gracia B.
Published: June 2021

Combining leisure, travel, and voluntary work, volunteer tourism’s popularity as an alternative travel option is undeniable. Yet postcolonial critiques plague the marketplace and those involved in these aiding efforts. In this article, which is based on consumer interviews involving a photo-elicitation component, we reveal increased presence of consumer reflexivity over neo-colonial aspects of the marketplace in comparison with the findings of past studies. However, great variability marks these consumer responses and the majority attempt to justify the potential harm of their activities abroad to cope with the ambivalence felt about such contradictory outcomes. We suggest closer attention be paid to decolonization theory as an approach to delivering these volunteering interventions in a more holistic and sensitive manner.