bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge about COVID-19 and Practices among Hemodialysis Technicians in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era
Authors: Pasari Amit S. , Bhawane Amol , Balwani Manish R. , Tolani Priyanka , Ramteke Vishal , Deshpande Nishant
Published: October 2020

Introduction. Hemodialysis technicians play a crucial role in infection control practices in hemodialysis units. Thus, it is important to assess the knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 among hemodialysis technicians in this pandemic situation. Materials and Methods. An online survey composed of 22 closed-ended questions using Google Forms was conducted in the month of April (13th to 19th) 2020. The survey consisted of questions regarding the knowledge of COVID-19 and current hemodialysis practice among hemodialysis technicians. The study was approved by the institutional ethics board. The survey was administered online through a mobile phone invitation. Basic statistics (mean and standard deviation or total number and percent) were computed for all covariates. Results. Out of 150, 115 technicians participated in the survey. 80.9% of the participants were males. The mean age of respondents was 28.22 + 6.97 years. Most of the respondents could correctly identify fever (87.8%), breathlessness (86.08%), and dry cough (81.7%) as the symptoms of COVID-19 infection. 75.7% of the technicians were aware that it can be transmitted by asymptomatic persons. 61.1% of the technicians were segregating patients who had symptoms such as fever and cough to the last shift of the day. 81.1% of the technicians read the guidelines issued by the Indian Society of Nephrology—COVID-19 working group. But, only 25.5% of the respondents could rightly identify to keep a minimum distance of two meters between two beds while dialyzing a suspected patient of COVID-19 along with other patients to minimise risk of COVID-19 transmission. 60% of the technicians have received hydroxychloroquine as prophylaxis against coronavirus infection. Conclusion. Our study shows a significant knowledge gap among hemodialysis technicians about COVID-19. Effective COVID-19 education campaigns should be carried out intensively with relevant information among hemodialysis technicians to address the knowledge gap. A well-informed hemodialysis technician can prove to be a great tool to spread the right infection control practices among dialysis-dependent patients.
Antioxidant Effect of Standardized Extract of Propolis (EPP‐AF®) in Healthy Volunteers: A “Before and After” Clinical Study
Authors: Diniz Débora P. , Lorencini Daniela Aparecida , Berretta Andresa Aparecida , Cintra Monica A. C. T. , Lia Erica N. , Jordão Alceu A. , Coelho Eduardo B.
Published: October 2020

Background. Propolis is rich in polyphenols, especially flavonoids and phenolic acids, and has significant antioxidant activity, shown mainly in “in vitro” studies. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant efficacy and safety of a standardized propolis extract in healthy volunteers. Design. A two‐phase sequential, open‐label, nonrandomized, before and after clinical trial. Methods. Healthy participants received two EPP‐AF® doses (375 and 750 mg/d, P.O, tid) during 7 ± 2 days, starting with the lower doses. Immediately before starting EPP‐AF® administration and at the end of each 7‐day dosing schedule, blood and urine samples were collected for quantification of 8‐OHDG (8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine) and 8‐ISO (8‐isoprostanes) in urine and GSH (reduced glutathione), GSSG (oxidized glutathione), SOD (superoxide dismutase), FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power), vitamin E, and MDA (malondialdehyde) in plasma. Results. In our study, we had 34 healthy participants (67.7% women, 30 ± 8 years old, 97% white). The 8‐ISO, a biomarker of lipid peroxidation, decreased with both doses of EPP‐AF® compared to baseline (8‐ISO, 1.1 (0.9–1.3) versus 0.85 (0.75–0.95) and 0.89 (0.74–1.0), ng/mg creatinine, P < 0.05, for 375 and 750 mg/d EPP‐AF® doses versus baseline, mean and CI 95%, respectively). 8‐OHDG, a biomarker of DNA oxidation, was also reduced compared to baseline with 750 mg/d doses (8‐OHDG, 15.7 (13.2–18.1) versus 11.6 (10.2–13.0), baseline versus 750 mg/d, respectively, ng/mg creatinine, P < 0.05). Reduction of biomarkers of oxidative stress damage was accompanied by increased plasma SOD activity (68.8 (66.1–73.3) versus 78.2 (72.2–80.5) and 77.7 (74.1–82.6), %inhibition, P < 0.0001, 375 and 750 mg/d versus baseline, median and interquartile range 25–75%, respectively) and by increased GSH for 375 mg/d EPP‐AF® doses (1.23 (1.06–1.34) versus 1.33 (1.06–1.47), μmol/L, P < 0.05). Conclusion. EPP‐AF® reduced biomarkers of oxidative stress cell damage in healthy humans, with increased antioxidant enzymatic capacity, especially of SOD. This trial is registered with the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC, RBR‐9zmfs9).
Botanical Drug Puerarin Promotes Neuronal Survival and Neurite Outgrowth against MPTP/MPP+-Induced Toxicity via Progesterone Receptor Signaling
Authors: Zhao Yingke , Zhao Jia , Zhang Xiuying , Cheng Yuanyuan , Luo Dan , Lee Simon Ming-Yuen , Lao Lixing , Rong Jianhui
Published: October 2020

Background. Progesterone receptor (PR) modulates neuroprotective and regenerative responses in Parkinson’s disease and related neurological diseases. Objectives. The present study was designed to determine whether botanical drug puerarin could exhibit neuroprotective and neurorestorative activities via PR signaling. Methods. The neuroprotective and neurotrophic activities of puerarin were investigated in MPTP-lesioned mice and MPP+-challenged primary rat midbrain neurons. Rotarod performance test and tail suspension test were used to assess motor functions. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and PR were determined by immunostaining, Western blotting, and luciferase reporter assays. Neurite outgrowth was assessed by fluorescence staining and immunostaining. Results. Puerarin effectively ameliorated the MPTP-induced motor abnormalities in MPTP-lesioned mice and protected primary rat midbrain neurons against MPP+-induced toxicity via PR signaling although progesterone exhibited the neuroprotection. PR antagonist mifepristone (RU486) diminished the neuroprotection of puerarin in MPTP-lesioned mice and MPP+-induced primary rat midbrain neurons. Moreover, puerarin promoted the differentiation of primary rat midbrain neurons and potentiated NGF to induce neuritogenesis in PC12 cells. RU486 and PR-siRNA could inhibit the effect of puerarin. Puerarin and progesterone could enhance the PR promoter. Conclusion. Puerarin attenuated MPTP- and MPP+-induced toxicity and potentiated neurite outgrowth via PR. These results suggested that puerarin may become an alternative hormone for suppressing MPTP- and MPP+-induced toxicity in neurodegenerative diseases.
Trapezium-Type Inequalities for
k
-Fractional Integral via New Exponential-Type Convexity and Their Applications
Authors: Kashuri Artion , Iqbal Sajid , Butt Saad Ihsan , Nasir Jamshed , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: October 2020

In this paper, the authors investigated the concept of

s
,
m

-exponential-type convex functions and their algebraic properties. New generalizations of Hermite–Hadamard-type inequality for the

s
,
m

-exponential-type convex function

ψ

and for the products of two

s
,
m

-exponential-type convex functions

ψ

and

ϕ

are proved. Many refinements of the (H–H) inequality via

s
,
m

-exponential-type convex are obtained. Finally, several new bounds for special means and new error estimates for the trapezoidal and midpoint formula are provided as well. The ideas and techniques of this paper may stimulate further research in different areas of pure and applied sciences.
Influence of the Drive Plate with Different Surface Textures on the Property of Carbonyl Iron‐Based Magnetorheological Fluid
Authors: Lu He , Wang Lifeng , Dai Lili , Ding Hongxing , Zhang Qiuxiang , Liu Xinhua
Published: October 2020

Aiming to study the effect of drive plate with different surface topographies on the wear property of magnetorheological fluid (MRF), some specific experiments are carried out and analyzed in this paper. Firstly, experiment materials and test methods for MRF are elaborated, and four different surface topography drive plates are designed and manufactured. MRF test‐bed is built up to test the rheological properties of MRF. Moreover, the surface morphology of particles is taken using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Finally, experimental results show that there are remarkable influences on tribological properties of carbonyl iron‐based MRF with different drive plates. Therefore, the drive plate with specific surface topography can meet the needs of different MRF transmission systems.
Evaluation of Copper and Manganese Concentrations in Commercial Fruit Juices and Nectars Consumed in Brazil by GF AAS
Authors: Rocha Pamela S. M. , Cruz Graziela F. B. , Cassella Ricardo J.
Published: October 2020

The present work proposes a simple method for direct determination of Cu and Mn in commercial fruit juices and nectars by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS). We analyzed samples of different flavors (orange, mango, passion fruit, peach, and grape) and brands of Brazilian commercial fruit juices and nectars. We also carried out a study to define a suitable temperature program and to optimize the calibration conditions. It was possible to determine Cu and Mn in the samples just after a simple dilution of samples with a 0.70 mol L−1 HNO3 solution, except in the case of grape juice. We compared the results obtained with the proposed method to those obtained after a traditional treatment based on acid digestion in a microwave oven, and no significant differences were observed (except for grape juice). The accuracy of the method was assessed through a recovery test, which provided recovery percentages in the range of 81–117%. Precision was always better than 8%, and the limits of quantification for Cu and Mn were 6 μg L−1 and 9 μg L−1, respectively. We analyzed twenty-two samples, and the concentrations of Cu and Mn were in the range of 24.1–321 μg L−1 and 116–3296 μg L−1, respectively. Statistical analysis using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95% confidence level showed that flavor and brand impacted on the concentration of the analytes in the samples. Among the samples analyzed, the grape juice presented the highest concentrations of both Cu and Mn.
Falcon: A Blockchain-Based Edge Service Migration Framework in MEC
Authors: Zhang Xiangjun , Wu Weiguo , Yang Shiyuan , Wang Xiong
Published: October 2020

Driven by advanced 5G cellular systems, mobile edge computing (MEC) has emerged as a promising technology that can meet the energy efficiency and latency requirements of IoT applications. Edge service migration in the MEC environment plays an important role in ensuring user service quality and enhancing terminal computing capabilities. Application services on the edge side should be migrated from different edge servers to edge nodes closer to users, so that services follow users and ensure high-quality services. In addition, during the migration process, edge services face security challenges in an edge network environment without centralized management. To tackle this challenge, this paper innovatively proposes a blockchain-based security edge service migration framework, Falcon, which uses mobile agents different from VM and container as edge service carriers, making migration more flexible. Furthermore, we considered the dependencies between agents and designed a service migration algorithm to maximize the migration benefits and obtain better service quality. In order to ensure the migration of edge services in a safe and reliable environment, Falcon maintains an immutable alliance chain among multiple edge clouds. Finally, the experimental results show that “Falcon” has lower energy consumption and higher service quality.
A Case of DeSanto-Shinawi Syndrome in Bahrain with a Novel Mutation
Authors: Alsahlawi Zahra , Jailani Mohamed , Alaradi Husain , AlAbbad Abdulaziz
Published: October 2020

DeSanto-Shinawi syndrome is a rare genetic condition caused by loss-of-function mutation in WAC. It is characterized by dysmorphic features, intellectual disability, and behavioral abnormalities. In this case report, we describe the clinical features and genotype of a patient with a novel mutation 1346C > A in WAC. This patient’s dysmorphic features include a prominent forehead, bulbous nasal tip, macroglossia, deep-set eyes, and malar hypoplasia. This patient also showed signs of intellectual disability and behavioral abnormalities such as night terrors. These findings are consistent with those described in earlier reports. Here, we report new findings of epilepsy and recurrent skin infections which had not been reported in prior studies.
Bubble Bursting and Drainage Characteristics at the Free Surface of a Liquid Pool with an Aerosol
Authors: Yu Xiang , Gu Haifeng , Yin Weikai , Sun Qingyang
Published: October 2020

When nuclear reactor accidents such as steam generator pipe ruptures or core melting occur, radioactive aerosols will remain in the liquid pools. Bubbles may be generated by boiling or gas injection. Film droplets produced by bubble bursts may entrain radioactive aerosols from the liquid to the air. This long-lasting behavior can produce a considerable amount of aerosols. To evaluate radioactive source terms, many physical quantities related to bubble bursting need to be determined, such as bubble burst position, bubble lifetime, cap film roll-up velocity, and cap film thickness, which are very important parameters that influence the releasing of radioactive aerosols. In this research, the phenomenon of bubble bursting was investigated by visualization. The above parameters were measured. We obtained the lifetime distribution of bubbles under different conditions, and we found that the addition of an aerosol increased the lifetime of the bubbles. By comparing the bubble lifetime to the roll-up velocity and cap thickness, we showed that the increase of the liquid temperature thickened the cap at rupture and the increase of the air temperature thinned the cap. The addition of an aerosol increased the film roll-up velocity.
Experimental Development Process of a New Cement and Gypsum-Cemented Similar Material considering the Effect of Moisture
Authors: Liu Qi , Chen Shaojie , Wang Shuai , Chai Jing , Zhang Dingding
Published: October 2020

A new type of similar material considering water characteristics is developed through orthogonal experiments. The similar material is composed of river sand, barite powder, cement, gypsum, and water. We determine the best test development process. First, the proportion test scheme is designed based on the orthogonal test. Then, the effects of the moisture content, mass ratio of aggregate to binder and other components on the density, uniaxial compressive strength, elastic model, and Poisson’s ratio of similar materials are analyzed by range analysis. Finally, the multiple linear regression equation between the parameters and the composition of similar materials is obtained, and the optimal composition ratio is determined according to the relationship between the test’s influencing factors and the mechanical properties of similar materials. The results show that the selected raw materials and their proportioning method are feasible. The content of barite powder plays a major role in controlling the density and Poisson’s ratio of similar materials. The mass ratio of aggregate to binder is the main factor that affects the uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus of similar materials, while the moisture content has the second largest effect on the density, uniaxial compressive strength, elastic modulus, and Poisson’s ratio of similar materials. When the residual moisture content increased from 0 to 4%, the uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus of similar materials decrease by 49.5% and 53.3%, respectively, and Poisson’s ratio increases by 54.8%. Determining the residual moisture content that matches the design of similar material model tests is critical to improving the test accuracy and provides a reference to prepare similar materials with different requirements.
Nephrogenic Adenoma of the Urinary Bladder after Kidney Transplantation: Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Khan Iftikhar , Obeid Mahmoud , Hasan Nasreen , Jaradat Fayyad , Sengupta Bodhisatwa , Tabbal Mahmoud , Alsaif Abdullah , Tawfeeq Mansour , Al Qahtani Mohammad
Published: October 2020

Nephrogenic adenoma is a rare lesion that consists of epithelial cells arranged in tubular form, resembling tubules in the renal medulla, and is found usually in the urinary bladder although it can occur anywhere in the transitional epithelium of the lower urinary tract. The first case of nephrogenic adenoma of the urinary bladder was reported before the first kidney transplantation, and the lesion has been reported in patients with and without renal transplantation. The origin of cells in nephrogenic adenoma is debated and has been postulated to arise from cells of embryonic origin or from metaplasia secondary to chronic irritation or from implantation of allograft cells in patients with kidney transplantation. The long-term outcome and potential to convert into malignancy are not established, and therefore, there are no recommendations on how to follow up these patients. We present a case of a patient who was found to have nephrogenic adenoma of the urinary bladder during his second kidney transplantation from a cadaveric donor. He had undergone living donor kidney transplantation previously which subsequently failed. The patient did not manifest any symptoms of nephrogenic adenoma. During a follow-up period of 5 years, he has not manifested any symptoms related to nephrogenic metaplasia. Histopathological examination 5 years after the second transplantation did not show any malignant change. It can be concluded that nephrogenic adenoma is likely to behave in benign fashion post kidney transplantation.
Prediction of the Void Ratio Parameter in Mineral Tailings Using Gene Expression Programming
Authors: Heshmati R. Ali Akbar , Salehzadeh Hossein , Shahidi Mehdi
Published: October 2020

Mineral tailing deposits are one of the most important issues in the field of geotechnical engineering. The void ratio of mineral tailings is an essential parameter for investigating the geotechnical behavior of tailings. However, there has not yet been a comprehensive empirical formulation for initial prediction of the void ratio of mineral tailings. In this study, the void ratio of various types of mineral waste is estimated by using gene expression programming (GEP). Therefore, taking into consideration the effective physical parameters that affect the estimation of this parameter, eight different models are presented. A reliable experimental database collected from different sources in the literature was applied to develop the GEP models. The performance of the developed GEP models was measured based on coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean square error (RMSE). According to the results, the model with effective stress (σ′), initial void ratio (e0), and parameters of R2 = 0.92, MAE = 0.109, and RMSE = 0.180 performed the best. Finally, a new empirical formulation for the initial prediction of the void ratio parameter is proposed based on the aforementioned analyses.
Pore-Scale Investigation on the Plugging Behavior of Submicron-Sized Microspheres for Heterogeneous Porous Media with Higher Permeability
Authors: Liu Yafei , Yang Jingwen , Wu Tianjiang , Zhao Yanhong , Zhou Desheng , Liu Shun , Brogi Andrea
Published: October 2020

Reservoir heterogeneity is regarded as one of the main reasons leading to low oil recovery for both conventional and unconventional reservoirs. High-permeability layers or fractures could result in ineffective water or gas injection and generate nonuniform profile. Polymer microspheres have been widely applied for the conformance control to overcome the bypass of injected fluids and improve the sweep efficiency. For the purpose of examining the plugging performance of submicron-sized microspheres in high-permeability porous media, systematic investigations were implemented incorporating macroscale blocking rate tests using core samples and pore-scale water migration analysis via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Experimental results indicate that microsphere particle size dominates the plugging performance among three studied factors and core permeability has the least influence on the plugging performance. Subsequently, microsphere flooding was conducted to investigate its oil recovery capability. Different oil recovery behaviors were observed for cores with different permeability. For cores with lower permeability, oil recovery increased stepwise with microsphere injection whereas for higher permeability cores oil recovery rapidly increased and reached a plateau. This experimental work provides a better understanding on the plugging behavior of microspheres and could be employed as a reference for screening and optimizing the microsphere flooding process for profile control in heterogeneous reservoirs.
History of Prostatitis Is an Independent Risk Factor for Erectile Dysfunction: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Ma Chengquan , Cai Zhonglin , Xiong Jian , Li Hongjun
Published: October 2020

Purpose. To determine the role of history of prostatitis (HP) as an independent risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED) in Chinese adult males. Methods. We conducted an online survey using a crowd‐sourced questionnaire in Chinese adult males. The participants were separated into two groups as adult participants with HP and with no history of prostatitis (NHP) according to the medical history record. As diagnosis criteria of ED, we used the 5 questions of the International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF‐5). The general data including height, weight, monthly income, academic background, smoking history, alcohol drinking, marital status, conjugal affection, and other disease history was asked and recorded. The relationship between HP and ED using the chi‐square test and logistic regression analyses was investigated and analyzed. Results. In total, 1873 participants answered the questionnaire. 95 participants in the HP group and 1778 participants in the NHP group were included in this study. The rate of participants with HP was 5.343%. ED was found in 68.4% of the HP group and 43% of the NHP group (p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that participants in HP were more likely to have ED (OR 2.135, 95% CI 1.266–3.60) after adjusting for the participant’s age, body mass index (BMI), monthly income, academic background, smoking history, alcohol drinking, marital status, conjugal affection, BPH, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, when compared with NHP. Conclusions. The present study indicated a high prevalence of ED in Chinese adult males with history of prostatitis, and HP is an independent risk factor for erectile dysfunction.
Coordinated Development between Assistance to Tibet and Tourism Development: Spatial Patterns and Influencing Factors
Authors: Liu Song , Xie Xia , Zhang Xiaofei , Zhou Chunshan , Cai Yonglong
Published: October 2020

The Chinese government has provided various forms of assistance to the Tibet Autonomous Region and has substantially improved their facilities, which has had a positive influence on the development of tourism in Tibet. The present study investigated how assistance to Tibet (AT) coordinates with tourism development (TD) by exploring the patterns and influencing factors of AT and TD using statistical data from 74 prefectural units from 1991 to 2015. The findings led to several conclusions: (1) AT displayed strong and constant coupling interactions with TD, and the coupling coordination degree increased from moderately unbalanced development (MUD) to barely balanced development (BBD). However, the coupling coordination degree remains low (MUD) in most prefectural units; (2) in 2015, the degree of coupling coordination displayed a “core-periphery” spatial pattern (i.e., low in center and high in the periphery), which highly coincides with the patterns of AT (x) and TD (y), and should thus be improved further; and (3) both AT factors and TD factors have significant effects on the spatial differentiation of coupling coordination degree but not on the coupling degree. This study expands research on coupling coordination and AT and provides scientific guidance for further coordinating AT and TD.
Optimal measurement area determination algorithm of articulated arm measuring machine based on improved FOA
Authors: Li Li , Yang Hongtao , Jiang Lei , Gu Jiahui , Zhang Yu
Published: October 2020

The determination of the optimal measurement area of the articulated arm measuring machine belongs to the multi-dimensional function optimization problem under complex constraints. To realize high-precision measurement of low-precision articulated arm measuring machine, we analyze the working principle and error source of the measuring machine, and establish the optimization target model of the optimal measurement area in this paper. We propose a method for determining the optimal measurement area of an articulated arm measuring machine based on improved FOA. The basic FOA algorithm is improved, the historical optimal individual and population centroid information are added in the population iteration update process, and the fruit fly individuals in each iteration are directly used as the taste concentration judgment value, which increases cooperation and information sharing among fruit fly individuals, and improves the global optimization ability and stability of the algorithm. In the designated area of the measuring machine, we have carried out comparative experiments on the optimization results of improved FOA and basic FOA, ACO, PSO, AL-SC-FOA, LGMS-FOA, IPGS-FFO. Experimental results show that the improved FOA, ACO, PSO, and IPGS-FFO algorithms do not fall into local optimum, and the optimal measurement area determined by them is consistent with the optimization results of other algorithms, and is superior to other algorithms in convergence speed and stability, so it is more suitable for determining the optimal measurement area of articulated arm measuring machine.
Mixed controller (IRC+NSC) involved in the harmonic vibration response cantilever beam model
Authors: Bauomy Hany Samih , EL-Sayed Ashraf Taha
Published: October 2020

This manuscript aims for improving the vibrational behaviors of a cantilever beam model through an intermediate lumped mass via offering a new control methodology to suppress for such high oscillations of the system. The equation of the considered cantilever beam structure is gained applying Euler–Lagrange technique. Accordingly, the considered model is modified by mixing Integral Resonant Control (IRC) along with the Nonlinear Saturation Controller (NSC) as anew controller to the considered system. Due to the recommended control technique, the modified system model is studied and analyzed by the perturbation technique. Time histories figures of the measured system plus the new controller are involved to display the response before and after control. The frequency response figures of the modified model before and after new controller near simultaneous condition [Formula: see text] are gained. Each frequency-response curves have stable and unstable regions are determined numerically. Numerical results show the vibrations of the system are eliminated when adding combined IRC and NSC controllers. Finally, numerical outcomes are performed that illustrated an excellent agreement with the analytical ones. Comparison between this paper and recent papers of the cantilever beam are done.
An Investigation of the Influence of Video Types and External Facilitation on PE Inservice Teachers’ Reflections and Their Perceptions of Learning: Findings From the AMPED Cluster Controlled Trial
Authors: Peralta Louisa R. , Bennie Andrew , Gore Jennifer , Lonsdale Chris
Published: October 2020

Teacher professional development (TPD) programs are increasingly using video recordings of teaching practice to develop teacher capacity and foster student learning. However, consensus has yet to be reached about how to utilize video recordings in TPD for physical education (PE) teachers. We used semi-structured interviews and evaluations of PE teachers’ written reflective statements to investigate how they reacted as they engaged with different video material and external facilitators during a TPD program. Teachers believed video-based reflection on their own teaching, rather than viewing others’ practice, was the most useful, even though both forms of analysis produced a similar depth of reflection. PE teachers also benefited from dialogue with external facilitators during the TPD program. These results highlight the importance of researchers, teachers, and facilitators delivering and participating in TPD collaboratively and focusing on strategies that may increase the depth of teacher reflection on their own practices, which is considered a first step toward changing classroom practice and improving student outcomes.
Seeking Convergence and Surfacing Tensions Between Social Justice and Core Practices: Re-Presenting Teacher Education as a Community of Praxis
Authors: Schiera Andrew J.
Published: October 2020

The Core Practices Movement (CPM) and Social Justice Teacher Education (SJTE) represent two communities of practice within which novices develop as professional educators. However, there is little dialogue about how they might collaborate to develop novice social justice educators, and the critiques and recommendations that do cross movements originate from divergent theoretical starting points. Possibilities for convergence within the learning theories that underpin CPM and SJTE are explored, examining how social learning theories might be infused with, and enveloped within, critical learning theories. This article thus re-presents teacher education as a “community of praxis.” Within each of its three hybrid dimensions—a shared repertoire of practice/praxis, mutual engagement of vertical and horizontal expertise, and joint enterprise of professional and political aims—possibilities for developing novice social justice educators are described, and tensions at the intersection of justice and practice in teacher education are explored.
Revisiting Motivations for a Public Service Career (MPSC): The Case of China
Authors: Xu Chengwei , Chen Chung-An
Published: October 2020

Motivations for choosing a public service career have long been a core issue in public administration research. This study focuses on China. Using the self-determination theory (SDT) as the basic framework, we revise Chen et al.’s scale which captures multiple motivations for a public service career (MPSC). We then validate the revised scale with responses from a questionnaire. The results show five distinct dimensions of MPSC, and all of them are associated with work-related attitudes and perceptions in different ways. In the conclusion, we discuss the theoretical and practical contributions of this study.
An Alternative Account of Anti-Effeminacy Bias: Reputation Concerns and Lack of Coalitional Value Explain Honor-Oriented Men’s Reluctance to Befriend Feminine Men
Authors: Gul Pelin , Uskul Ayse K.
Published: October 2020

Anti-effeminacy bias follows a specific pattern with men showing stronger anti-effeminacy bias against male targets than women. Previous explanations focused on men’s higher tendency to stigmatize feminine men as homosexual and motives to maintain a dominant group status. Here, we suggest that certain expressions of anti-effeminacy bias may rather be a manifestation of men’s reputation management motives for coalition formation, and be amplified among high (vs. low) masculine honor-oriented men. In three studies with samples from the United Kingdom and Turkey, we showed that men perceived feminine (vs. masculine) male targets as lower on coalitional value and were more reluctant to befriend them, yet this applied only to high (not low) honor-oriented men. Honor-oriented men’s friendship reluctance was mediated by concern with losing reputation by association with targets lacking coalitional value. These findings extend understanding of anti-effeminacy bias by drawing attention to men’s reputation concerns for coalitional reasons and individual differences.
Accuracy of Disclosure Environment and Subsidies for Foreign Investments
Authors: Sen Pradyot K.
Published: October 2020

Countries often offer substantial financial incentives (subsidies) for attracting foreign investments as new ventures, often with mixed results. Discussion to support foreign investment seldom includes improvement of the reporting and disclosure environment. When financial markets get integrated, but the accounting institutions and disclosure environment significantly differ, investment in a market with a relatively lax disclosure requirement may be construed by the investors as an attempt to avoid the due scrutiny of the asset’s performance, leading to a lower valuation. If so, financial incentives would tend to offset such a disincentive in addition to providing other incentives. The results of this study show that an improvement in accuracy of the audit/disclosure regime reduces the demand for subsidy. Therefore, the countries may find it more economical to compete for foreign investments on the basis of a more detailed and rigorous audit/disclosure environment instead of only relying upon the levels of fiscal incentives. Uniform adoption of accounting standards, such as the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), may help accomplish such an objective. Therefore, fiscal incentives, though important, should not be viewed in isolation. A more economical solution may include development of a strong financial disclosure and auditing environment besides offering of a fiscal subsidy.
How do resilience and self-efficacy relate to entrepreneurial intentions in countries with varying degrees of fragility? A six-country study
Authors: Renko Maija , Bullough Amanda , Saeed Saadat
Published: October 2020

Conflict, poverty and weak institutions create hardships for people, societies and economies on a global basis. We investigate macro-societal state fragility and stability. Within this context, and from a microfoundations perspective, we analyse individual-level constructs and particularly, the importance of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and individual resilience in forming the intent to start a business. With primary data from Afghanistan, Iraq, Peru, Tajikistan, the United States and Finland, we find that under stable conditions, a belief in one’s entrepreneurial ability – entrepreneurial self-efficacy – is critical. Conversely, under adverse conditions, as evident in fragile states, the ability to grow from adversity – individual resilience – is the more meaningful resource.
Prognostic nutritional index predicts in-hospital mortality in patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection
Authors: Keskin Hasan Attila , Kurtul Alparslan , Esenboğa Kerim , Çiçek Mustafa Cüneyt , Katırcıoğlu Salih Fehmi
Published: October 2020

Background:

Acute Stanford type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a life-threatening medical emergency. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) as a novel inflammatory marker for ATAAD patients undergoing surgical repair.

Methods:

We retrospectively examined the medical records of 151 ATAAD patients who treated surgically. Patients were divided into two groups (survival and death) and these groups were compared with respect to clinical and laboratory parameters. The PNI was calculated as 10 × serum albumin (g/dL) + 0.005 × total lymphocyte count (per mm3). Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors of in-hospital mortality.

Results:

The mean age of the study cohort was 61 ± 12 years, 99 (65.6%) were males, and 35 (23.2%) patients died during the hospital stay. The PNI levels were significantly lower in death group compared with survival group (32.80 ± 4.90 vs. 37.94 ± 5.42, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the PNI (OR: 0.795, p = 0.005), age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.085, p = 0.034), operating time (OR: 1.660, p = 0.042), and D-dimer (OR: 1.002, p = 0.001) independently predicted in-hospital mortality. The calculated cutoff value of the PNI was 33.01.

Conclusion:

Lower PNI values are independently associated with in-hospital mortality in ATAAD. The PNI may be a useful tool for predicting the early mortality of ATAAD patients after surgical repair.
Protective effect of Shengmai injection on myocardial endothelial cell glycoprotein detachment after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in isolated rat hearts
Authors: Chen Qi , Zhang Ping , Xiao Qiu-Xia , Liu Qing , Zhang Ying
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To investigate effects of Shengmai injection (SMI) postconditioning on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) in isolated rat hearts.

Materials and methods:

A total of thirty isolated hearts were randomly divided into three groups: Sham group, I/R group and SMI group. Sham group was continuously perfused with K-H solution for 120 minutes. I/R group and SMI group were given balanced perfusion for 30 min followed by reperfusion for 60 min, with an interval of 30 min, and those in the SMI group were given postconditioning with 1% SMI during the first 10 min of reperfusion. The left ventricular function, markers of myocardial injury, endothelial cell injury and oxidative stress injury were measured at 30 minutes after equilibration (t0), 30 minutes after ischemia (t2) and 60 minutes after reperfusion (t3).

Results:

The results showed that there was no significant difference for all observation indexes at t0. Compared with the Sham group, real portfolio project and coronary arterial flow rate and the activity of superoxide dismutase were significantly decreased in the I/R group, whereas those in the SMI group were significantly higher. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, the concentrate of malondialdehyde, lactate dehydrogenase, cTn-I, hyaluronic acid, heparin sulphate, syndecan-1 in the I/R group were markedly higher than those in the Sham group, whereas those in the SMI group were significantly lower.

Conclusion:

In summary, the present study indicated that 1% SMI postconditioning can alleviate the detachment of endothelial cell glycoprotein envelope induced by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, and its mechanism is probably related to the inhibition of the oxidative stress injury.
Sacituzumab Govitecan-hziy: An Antibody-Drug Conjugate for the Treatment of Refractory, Metastatic, Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Seligson John M. , Patron Alexandra M. , Berger Michael J. , Harvey R. Donald , Seligson Nathan D.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of sacituzumab govitecan (-hziy; IMMU-132, Trodelvy) for patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) who have received at least 2 prior therapies for metastatic disease.

Data Sources:

A literature search was conducted utilizing PubMed and MEDLINE databases, applicable published abstracts, and ongoing studies from ClinicalTrials.gov between January 1, 1981, and September 3, 2020. Keywords included sacituzumab govitecan (-hziy), IMMU-132, Trop-2 (trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2), and TACSTD2.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

All English-language trials involving sacituzumab govitecan for mTNBC were included and discussed.

Data Synthesis:

Sacituzumab govitecan is an antibody-drug conjugate targeted for Trop-2 and conjugated to the topoisomerase-1 inhibitor SN-38. It was granted accelerated Food and Drug Administration approval based on a phase I/II single-arm, multicenter study (n = 108), which reported an overall response rate of 33.3% and median duration of response of 7.7 months (95% CI = 4.9-10.8 months). Common adverse reactions include nausea, neutropenia, diarrhea, fatigue, anemia, vomiting, alopecia, constipation, rash, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, and respiratory infection. A confirmatory, randomized phase III clinical trial is ongoing (NCT02574455).

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

This review covers the efficacy, safety, and clinical use of sacituzumab govitecan, a third-line drug with activity in mTNBC.

Conclusion:

Sacituzumab govitecan is a novel targeted treatment with promising activity in mTNBC.
Empathy Measurement in Autistic and Nonautistic Adults: A COSMIN Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Harrison Jessica L. , Brownlow Charlotte L. , Ireland Michael J. , Piovesana Adina M.
Published: October 2020

Empathy is essential for social functioning and is relevant to a host of clinical conditions. This COSMIN review evaluated the empirical support for empathy self-report measures used with autistic and nonautistic adults. Given autism is characterized by social differences, it is the subject of a substantial proportion of empathy research. Therefore, this review uses autism as a lens through which to scrutinize the psychometric quality of empathy measures. Of the 19 measures identified, five demonstrated “High-Quality” evidence for “Insufficient” properties and cannot be recommended. The remaining 14 had noteworthy gaps in evidence and require further evaluation before use with either group. Without tests of measurement invariance or differential item functioning, the extent to which observed group differences represent actual trait differences remains unknown. Using autism as a test case highlights an alarming tendency for empathy measures to be used to characterize, and potentially malign vulnerable populations before sufficient validation.
Telemedicine comes of age during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): An international survey of oculoplastic surgeons
Authors: Assayag Elishai , Tsessler Maria , Wasser Lauren M , Drabkin Elena , Reich Ehud , Weill Yishay , Zadok David , Nair Akshay Gopinathan , Andron Aleza
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an ongoing healthcare crisis that continues its worldwide spread. Ophthalmologists are at high risk of acquiring and transmitting the virus. Telemedicine platforms have evolved and may play an important role in attenuating this risk. For patients, these platforms provide the possibility of clinic consultation without the concerns of a clinic visit. We aimed to assess the utilization of telemedicine by oculoplastics specialists worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

A 13-item survey was distributed internationally to practicing oculoplastic surgeons. Collected data included demographics, clinical practice variables and perceptions regarding telemedicine. Significance of associations and single survey items was evaluated by Chi-squared and z-score of proportions tests, respectively.

Results:

The questionnaire was completed by 70 oculoplastic surgeons (54.3% male, mean age 47.3 years, median experience 10 years) from eight countries, practicing in various clinical settings (50.0% hospitals, 45.7% private clinics, 4.3% community clinics). Most respondents reported telemedicine to be an effective tool for oculoplastic consultations (67.1%, p = 0.004), while only 12.8% ( p <  0.00001) had incorporated this modality into clinical practice prior to the pandemic. Even though a vast majority (98.6%) of participants had limited outpatient activity, most (55.7%) felt unprotected from the virus. Telemedicine had been incorporated by 70.5% ( p = 0.001) of respondents during the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas most (57.1%) predicted continued use of the modality.

Conclusion:

Telemedicine can be effectively and rapidly incorporated into the clinical practice of oculoplastic surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research into the most effective utilization of these platforms appears warranted.
Disentangling Meritocracy Among the Long-Range Upwardly Mobile: The Chilean Case
Authors: Fercovic Malik
Published: October 2020

In a world of rising income and wealth inequalities, studying popular concern or consent about inequality, social mobility and meritocracy is increasingly relevant. However, while there is growing body of research on the explanations individuals provide for inequality in the US and Europe, there is a striking absence of studies addressing how people experiencing long-range upward mobility relate to meritocratic values in Latin American societies. In this article I draw upon on 60 life-course interviews to examine how long-range upwardly mobile individuals – those who best embody the meritocratic ideal – explain their success in Chilean society. Internationally well-known for the implementation of radical neoliberal reforms since the mid 1970s, Chile has both elevated levels of inequality and high rates of occupational mobility. Contrary to the individual-centred approach to meritocratic success dominant in the existing literature, my findings reveal a strong collective framing in respondents’ accounts and the acknowledgement of external factors shaping their upward trajectories. These findings bear important conceptual, methodological and geographical implications for the future study of social mobility and meritocratic values.
The effect of perceived threat on human rights: A meta-analysis
Authors: Carriere Kevin R. , Hallahan Anna , Moghaddam Fathali M.
Published: October 2020

Individuals express support for civil liberties and human rights, but when threatened tend to restrict rights for both others and themselves. However, the question of whether or not rights are restricted to punish others or protect ourselves remains unclear. This meta-analysis integrates the findings of the effect of perceived threats on support for restrictions of civil liberties from 1997 to 2019. It includes 163 effect-size estimates from 46 different articles involving 91,716 participants. The presence of threat increased support for restrictions against outgroup members significantly more than ingroup members, providing a possible punitive explanation for support for restrictions of civil liberties. These findings contribute to the debate on rights and their relationship with deservingness, suggesting that we delineate those who deserve human rights and those who do not.
Economy and funding of European minority language media: Reality and impact of digitalization and economic crisis
Authors: Zabaleta Iñaki , Xamardo Nikolas
Published: October 2020

This article investigates the economy of monolingual media systems in nine European minority language communities during 2009–2015, a period of strong economic crisis and accelerated digitalization. The main areas of study are three: The economic volume or weight of those media systems and its variation between 2009 and 2015; the current funding structure of the four media types (press, radio, TV and cybermedia); and the qualitative evaluation of media editors and managers on the effect of those two crises as well as the significance of the public aid. The nine European minority languages are Basque, Welsh, Galician, Irish, Breton, Frisian, Sámi, Corsican and Scottish-Gaelic. As for the findings, it can be highlighted that the economic volume or revenue of European minority language media is close to five hundred million euros per year, of which over ninety per cent is public funding, mostly devoted to broadcasting media. The conclusion set forth is that public funding should not be framed as aid but as a social, cultural and economic investment.