bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of tacrolimus on autophagy protein LC3 in puromycin-damaged mouse podocytes
Authors: Yang Xiao-qing , Yu Sheng-you , Yu Li , Ge Lin , Zhang Yao , Hao Zhi-hong , Liu Guo-sheng
Published: December 2020

Objective

To investigate the mechanism through which tacrolimus, often used to treat refractory nephropathy, protects against puromycin-induced podocyte injury.

Methods

An in vitro model of puromycin-induced podocyte injury was established by dividing podocytes into three groups: controls, puromycin only (PAN group), and puromycin plus tacrolimus (FK506 group). Podocyte morphology, number, apoptosis rate and microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 alpha ( LC3) expression were compared.

Results

Puromycin caused podocyte cell body shrinkage and loose intercellular connections, but podocyte morphology in the FK506 group was similar to controls. The apoptosis rate was lower in the FK506 group versus PAN group. The low level of LC3 mRNA observed in untreated podocytes was decreased by puromycin treatment; however, levels of LC3 mRNA were higher in the FK506 group versus PAN group. Although LC3-I and LC3-II protein levels were decreased by puromycin, levels in the FK506 group were higher than the PAN group. Fewer podocyte autophagosomes were observed in the control and FK506 groups versus the PAN group. Cytoplasmic LC3-related fluorescence intensity was stronger in control and FK506 podocytes versus the PAN group.

Conclusions

Tacrolimus inhibited puromycin-induced mouse podocyte damage by regulating LC3 expression and enhancing autophagy.
Haemorrhagic cystitis following the administration of voriconazole in the treatment of central nervous system aspergillosis: a case report
Authors: Zeng Zhaohao , Luo Hong , Huang Kunyu , Xue Lianfang , Liu Hui , Li Xiaoting , Wang Lu , Cen Haimei , Bi Wei , Zhang Yu
Published: December 2020

Central nervous system aspergillosis (CNS-A) is a rare and fatal fungal infection. Voriconazole is the recommended treatment for CNS-A. The therapeutic effect of voriconazole is good, but its use is limited due to adverse reactions. This case report describes a 37-year-old male patient that had previously been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. He had received immunosuppressive agents for 1 year following a haematopoietic bone marrow transplant. He presented with a 1-month history of left limb weakness as well as recurrent fever. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed that he had multiple cerebral infarctions. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with CNS-A by metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Voriconazole was added to his treatment regimen, but it resulted in severe haemorrhagic cystitis and possibly bladder rupture. The dose of voriconazole was adjusted and reparative bladder surgery was undertaken immediately. Eventually, the patient was successfully treated with voriconazole and there was no recurrence of symptoms after 1 year of follow-up. Haemorrhagic cystitis is a rare adverse drug reaction associated with voriconazole use. Based on the experience with this current case, physicians should be aware of urinary tract complications with voriconazole including haemorrhagic cystitis.
Multiple renal infarctions in a patient caused by granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Lu Xiao , Yuan ChengYing , Li RongShan
Published: December 2020

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a small-vessel vasculitis that is highly associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. GPA carries an increased risk of organ infarction, but renal infarction is rare. We herein describe a case of multiple renal infarctions caused by GPA. A 66-year-old man presented with hearing loss, nasal discharge, fatigue, and weight loss for several months. Cross-sectional contrast-enhanced computed tomography images revealed multiple low-attenuation areas in both kidneys. He subsequently developed fever and impaired renal function. Blood serum was positive for cytoplasmic anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody and a renal biopsy showed granulomatous necrotizing vasculitis. He was diagnosed with GPA and treated with high-dose corticosteroids, plasma exchange, and cyclophosphamide. The patient ultimately entered clinical remission.
Factors affecting the success of fallopian tube recanalization in treatment of tubal obstructive infertility
Authors: Shen Huawei , Cai Mingjin , Chen Tingwei , Zheng Duzhou , Huang Shikuan , Zhou Mimi , He Wanling , Li Yongsen , Tan Qianyan
Published: December 2020

Objective

To examine potential risk factors associated with the success rate following fallopian tube recanalization (FTR) in infertile women with obstruction of the proximal fallopian tube.

Methods

We retrospectively studied patients who underwent FTR for tubal obstructive infertility between January 2016 and December 2018 at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. FTR was performed using a catheter and guidewire system to clear tubal obstruction. Predictive factors potentially associated with the success rate were assessed by logistic regression.

Results

A total of 762 patients were included. Multivariable analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR] = 2.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24–4.58), infertility type (OR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.36–6.21), history of ectopic pregnancy (OR = 7.87, 95% CI: 4.05–15.81), history of abdominal surgery (OR = 4.30, 95% CI: 2.22–8.60), history of artificial abortion curettage (OR = 4.08, 95% CI: 2.12–8.03), and duration of infertility (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.06–3.85) were independently associated with postoperative tubal patency.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that risk factors, such as age ≥35 years, secondary infertility, duration of infertility ≥5 years, and histories of ectopic pregnancy, abdominal surgery, and artificial abortion curettage, affect the success rate of FTR. These factors may also predict surgical success in treating tubal obstructive infertility.
Acute abdominal pain caused by accidental ingestion of Latoia species larva: a case report
Authors: Cao Youhong , Fan Yuejuan , Bei Yuwen , Qiao Zhenguo
Published: December 2020

We report the clinical and endoscopic manifestations in a patient with acute abdominal pain caused by the accidental ingestion of a Latoia consocia (Walker) larva. Clinical data including the patient’s medical history, and the results of physical examination, laboratory tests, and gastroscopy were collected. Based on this rare case, we discuss the clinical characteristics and manifestations, diagnostic methods, and principles of this disease.
Prevalent Insomnia Concerns and Perceived Need for Sleep Intervention Among Direct-Care Workers in Long-Term Care
Authors: Lee Soomi , Vigoureux Taylor F. , Hyer Kathryn , Small Brent J.
Published: December 2020

This study examined sleep concerns among direct-care workers in long-term care and their perceived need for a sleep intervention. Thirty-five participants reported their sleep concerns and willingness to participate in a sleep intervention with preferred delivery forms/content. Multiple sleep characteristics were assessed via ecological momentary assessment and actigraphy for 2 weeks. Eighty percent reported at least one sleep concern with insomnia-related concerns being most prevalent. Those with insomnia-related concerns tended to have long sleep onset latency, frequent awakenings, suboptimal (long) sleep duration, and long naps. Most participants (66%) expressed interest in participating in a sleep intervention either online or in group sessions; interest was higher in those with insomnia-related concerns. Mindfulness strategies were most preferred, followed by cognitive-behavioral therapy and sleep hygiene education. The high prevalence of insomnia-related concerns in direct-care workers needs to be addressed for the well-being of these workers and for the quality of geriatric care delivery.
On the Measurement of Subjective Apprehension Risk
Authors: Roche Sean Patrick , Pickett Justin T. , Intravia Jonathan , Thompson Andrew J.
Published: December 2020

Do people think about offending risk in verbal or numerical terms? Does the elicitation method affect reported subjective probabilities? Rational choice models require potential outcomes (e.g., benefits/costs) to be weighted by their probability of occurrence. Indeed, the subjective likelihood of being apprehended is the central construct in criminological deterrence theory—the so-called certainty principle. Yet, extant literature has measured the construct inconsistently and with little attention to potential consequences. Using a series of randomized experiments conducted with nationwide samples of American adults (aged 18 and over), this study examines the degree of correspondence between verbal and numeric measures of apprehension risk, assesses the durability of numeric estimates specifically, and attempts to elicit how respondents naturally think about apprehension risk. The findings suggest that laypeople are somewhat inconsistent in their use of both verbal and numeric descriptors of probability, their numeric estimates of probability are unlikely to be precise or durable, and many seem to prefer thinking of risk in verbal terms (compared to numeric terms). Researchers should consider including both verbal and numeric measures of probability and explore alternative measurement strategies, including anchoring vignettes, which have been valuable in standardizing verbal responses in other disciplines.
Can plastic waste management be a novel solution in combating the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)? A short research note
Authors: Al-Salem Sultan Majed , El-Eskandarani Mohammed Sherif , Constantinou Achilleas
Published: December 2020

The year 2020 has been noted to be one of major calamity the world over, in which the majority of efforts in research and development have been dedicated towards combating the threat of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Ever since the announcement of COVID-19 as a pandemic, such efforts were dedicated towards the research of its spread and vaccination. Yet still, the world might reach a resolution via an environmental solution that various entities have overlooked, with a plethora of environmental benefits vis-à-vis waste management. In this short communication, the possibility of using plastic solid waste as a substrate to employ copper, and copper alloys and their nanocomposite nanopowders to be used as permanent surface protective coats, is presented. The fact that we present such materials to be of waste origin, is an added value advantage to their beneficial advantage of developing various commodities and products that could be used in our daily lives. Furthermore, the fact that such recyclable materials are susceptible to antiviral properties and chemicals, is an added value that we should not neglect.
Sexual Violence as a War Weapon in Conflict Zones: Palestinian Women’s Experience Visiting Loved Ones in Prisons and Jails
Authors: Al Issa Ferdoos Abed-Rabo , Beck Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

At present, there are about 4,500 Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons and jails. This study explores Palestinian women’s experiences with sexual violence by prison personnel as they visit their detained loved ones. In interviews with 20 participants, the prevalence of, type of, and reaction to sexual violence were explored. Nineteen of the 20 participants stated that they experienced some sort of unwanted verbal and nonverbal sexual comments or gestures, forced nudity, or forced touching by prison personnel. The women talked about how the experiences have harmed them as well as the strategies that they use to overcome their experiences. The findings are contextualized within international law and describe the implications of sexual violence within a culture that links modesty with religious beliefs and honor. The implications of as well as strategies to address sexual violence are discussed at micro-, mezzo, and macro level.
Exploratory Insights on Artificial Intelligence for Government in Europe
Authors: van Noordt Colin , Misuraca Gianluca
Published: December 2020

There is great interest to use artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to improve government processes and public services. However, the adoption of technologies has often been challenging for public administrations. In this article, the adoption of AI in governmental organizations has been researched as a form of information and communication technologies (ICT)–enabled governance innovation in the public sector. Based on findings from three cases of AI adoption in public sector organizations, this article shows strong similarities between the antecedents identified in previous academic literature and the factors contributing to the use of AI in government. The adoption of AI in government does not solely rely on having high-quality data but is facilitated by numerous environmental, organizational, and other factors that are strictly intertwined among each other. To address the specific nature of AI in government and the complexity of its adoption in the public sector, we thus propose a framework to provide a comprehensive overview of the key factors contributing to the successful adoption of AI systems, going beyond the narrow focus on data, processing power, and algorithm development often highlighted in the mainstream AI literature and policy discourse.
New concept of power transmission for gerotor hydraulic machines
Authors: Biernacki Krzysztof
Published: December 2020

The article presents a new design solution for hydraulic gerotor machines. The main focus has been placed on the strain analysis of the behavior of a cycloidal gear set made of plastic. The gears comprise the main work unit of hydraulic gerotor machines, which are powered by driving the gear set. In state of the art, the rotational motion of the gear set was effected by driving the inner gear. This article proposes a modified method of power transmission in which the outer gear is the driving gear. Such a solution also results in modifications to the design of the hydraulic machine. The design and its analysis were performed with the use of Finite Element Method (FEM). The FEM technique has been used in several ways. It has enabled a modified design solution, as well as strain analysis of the modified cycloidal gear set, with the use of Finite Element Method (FEM). FEM technique has also been here combined with experimental research. This combination allowed stating maximum working parameters for the cycloidal gear set made of plastic. The above activities have led to a concept of a new hydraulic gerotor machine, which differs from the traditional designs. The device according to the new design is capable of carrying substantially higher working loads than devices according to previous designs.
A control volume finite element method for the thermoelastic problem in functional graded material with one relaxation time
Authors: Liu Qi , Peng Qian , Ming Pingjian
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a new direct vertex-centred finite volume method (CV-FEM) has been developed for the thermoelastic problem in functional graded material (FGM) based on Lord-Shulman theory. The heat conduction equation in Lord-Shulman theory is modified by considering the product term of spatial gradient of relaxation time and the heat flux rate, and it makes the present method more accurate to capture characteristics of a thermoelastic wave in inhomogeneous and FGM compared with previous methods. Some benchmark examples are used to demonstrate the capability of the present method for hyperbolic heat conduction and thermoelastic coupled problems. The effects of the ‘product-term’ on the wave propagation are studied by a heat conduction problem in inhomogeneous material and a thermoelastic problem in FGM. The FGM results show that its effect on the thermoelastic response is significant even for a linear variation of material properties.
Royal Danish Library and Corona
Authors: Larsen Svend
Published: December 2020

The article briefly describes lockdown and reopening of the Royal Danish Library. The corona crisis has emphasised the primacy of the digital. Digital collections and digital services are more important than ever and are foundation stones of the library’s strategy for digital transformation.
Leave or remain? The post-Brexit (im)mobility intentions of Bulgarians in the United Kingdom
Authors: Markova Eugenia , King Russell
Published: December 2020

In the light of impending Brexit, what factors shape European Union migrants’ plans to remain in or leave the UK? Based on an online survey of 360 Bulgarians, an under-researched migrant group in the UK, this study finds that the ones who plan to remain have lived longer in the UK, are skilled professionals and are well integrated into the labour market. Contrastingly, respondents who feel that they will be discriminated against in the labour market or in setting up a business are more likely to intend to leave post-Brexit.
Ilm Al-raml: A Case Study in Mathematizing Divination Systems Using Modular Arithmetic
Authors: Chahine Iman C.
Published: December 2020

The study of divination and divination systems, particularly in non-technological societies, presents a set of unusual problems that challenge the core of rational and epistemic thought. Notwithstanding the bulk of research on cultural genres such as religion, magic, and myth, efforts fall short of distinguishing the constituent theoretical and ontological underpinnings of divinatory practices. Employing modular arithmetic principles, this study proposes a case for situating mathematical concepts within atypical cultural and historical contexts that essentialize mathematical thought as embodied expressions of human endeavors. This article presents an investigation into the mathematical structures underlying an ancient historical and cultural divination practice known as ilm al-raml (Arabic translation of sand science). Principled by sociohistorical and sociocultural lenses, the study employs an ethnomathematical methodology. Coined by D’Ambrosio (1985 , 1999 ) and Knijnik’s (2000) seminal ethnographic research, ethnomathematical methodology can be interpreted as delineating a way to track and analyze the processes of generation, transmission, diffusion, and formalization of mathematical knowledge in diverse cultural systems. By reflecting on the concepts of synchronicity and acausal events, I show that ilm al-raml presents an algorithmic divination system that is based on fundamental computational rules based on Boolean algebra laws with a probabilistic time ordering of events specifically designed to predict future outcomes.
Shabaz–Urvashi Link Prediction (SULP): A Novel Approach to Predict Future Friends in a Social Network
Authors: Shabaz Mohammad , Garg Urvashi
Published: December 2020

With the growth of social networks, the problem of linking the isolated or missing nodes appears. Thus, link prediction comes into existence to resolve this problem. Link prediction may be defined as an approach to predict an optimistic relationship that may exist or is likely to exist between nodes. Predicting the prospect link formed in future between nodes either in a dense or sparse network, the number of techniques exist intending to establish a link based on a certain similarity between the nodes. After conducting in-depth research on almost every link prediction technique, we reach the conclusion that every technique evaluates the probability score to predict future links. This research work discusses almost every previous technique and puts forward a comparatively similar technique for link prediction. The proposed technique is named Shabaz–Urvashi Link Prediction (SULP), which is based on a formula derived from an empirical theory after making a node matrix and altering the position of the neighbouring nodes, which states, ‘A node is predicted to establish a friendship if it has a maximum degree in its common neighbouring row and a minimum degree in its common neighbouring column’. SULP is tested using established datasets and compared with other link prediction techniques on the statistical measures such as Area Under Receiver Operating characteristic Curve (AUROC), precision and recall. SULP performs better as compared to other link prediction techniques on most of the testing datasets.
Book review: Ashwin Desai, Wentworth: The Beautiful Game and the Making of Place
Authors: Forde Shawn
Published: December 2020

Ashwin Desai, Wentworth: The Beautiful Game and the Making of Place. Pietermaritzburg, University of KwaZulu-Natal Press, 2020, pp. 256, ZAR340. ISBN 9781869144463.
Differences in Self-Determination Across Disability Categories: Findings From National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012
Authors: Qian Xueqin , Shogren Karrie , Odejimi Omolola A. , Little Todd
Published: December 2020

Researchers have established variability in self-determination scores across disability groups, but most nationally representative research has used data collected over a decade ago from the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2 (NLTS2). To provide an updated analysis of differences in characteristics of self-determination (i.e., autonomy, psychological empowerment, self-realization) across disability groups, this study analyzed data from the recently completed National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012 (NLTS2012). The authors tested measurement equivalence across seven disability groups: high-incidence disabilities (learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, speech or language impairments, and other health impairments), sensory disabilities (visual and hearing impairment), multiple disabilities (multiple disabilities and deaf-blindness), intellectual disability, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic impairments, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Students in the multiple disabilities, intellectual disability, and ASD groups showed lower self-determination scores compared with other disability groups. Greater variability was also found in scores among these groups. Implications for assessment research practice, and policy are highlighted.
Patient-Level Factors Influencing Palliative Care Consultation at a Safety-Net Urban Hospital
Authors: Nguyen Minh-Thuy , Feeney Timothy , Kim Chanmin , Drake F. Thurston , Mitchell Suzanne E. , Bednarczyk Magdalena , Sanchez Sabrina E.
Published: December 2020

The influence of patient-level factors on palliative and hospice care is unclear. We conducted a retrospective review of 2321 patients aged ≥18 that died within 6 months of admission to our institution between 2012 and 2017. Patients were included for analysis if their chart was complete, their length of stay was ≥48 hours, and if based on their diagnoses, they would have benefited from palliative care consultation (PCC). Bayesian regression with a weakly informative prior was used to find the odds ratio (OR) and 99% credible interval (CrI) of receiving PCC based on race/ethnicity, education, language, insurance status, and income. 730 patients fit our inclusion criteria and 30% (n = 211) received PCC. The OR of receiving PCC was 1.26 (99% CrI, 0.73-2.12) for Blacks, 0.81 (99% CrI, 0.31-1.86) for Hispanics, and 0.69 (99% CrI, 0.19-2.46) for other minorities. Less than high school education was associated with greater odds of PCC (OR 2.28, 99% CrI, 1.09-4.93) compared to no schooling. Compared to English speakers, non-English speakers had higher odds of receiving PCC when cared for by medical services (OR 3.01 [99% CrI, 1.44-5.32]) but lower odds of PCC when cared for by surgical services (0.22 [99% CrI, <0.01-3.42]). Insurance status and income were not associated with differences in PCC. At our institution, we found no evidence of racial/ethnic, insurance, or income status affecting PCC while primary language spoken and educational status did. Further investigation is warranted to examine the system and provider-level factors influencing PCC’s low utilization by medical and surgical specialties.
Cognitive, Motor, and Language Development of Preschool Children With Craniofacial Microsomia
Authors: Collett Brent R. , Wallace Erin R. , Kapp-Simon Kathleen A. , Johns Alexis L. , Drake Amelia F. , Heike Carrie L. , Kinter Sara , Luquetti Daniela V. , Magee Leanne , Norton Susan , Sie Kathleen , Speltz Matthew L.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To examine neurodevelopment in preschool-aged children with craniofacial microsomia (CFM) relative to unaffected peers.

Design:

Multisite, longitudinal cohort study.

Setting:

Tertiary care centers in the United States.

Participants:

We included 92 children with CFM (“cases”) through craniofacial centers and clinics. Seventy-six children without CFM (controls) were included from pediatric practices and community advertisements. This study reports on outcomes assessed when participants were an average age of 38.4 months (SD = 1.9).

Main outcome measures:

We assessed cognitive and motor skills using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition (Bayley-III), and language function using subtests from the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals—Preschool, second edition (CELF-P2).

Results:

Case–control differences were negligible for Bayley-III cognitive (effect sizes [ES] = −0.06, P = .72) and motor outcomes (ES = −0.19, P = .25). Cases scored lower than controls on most scales of the CELF-P2 (ES = −0.58 to −0.20, P = .01 to .26). Frequency counts for “developmental delay” (ie, one or more scores > 1 SD below the normative mean) were higher for cases (39%) than controls (15%); however, the adjusted odds ratio = 1.73 ( P = 0.21) was not significant. Case–control differences were most evident in children with microtia or other combinations of CFM-related facial features.

Conclusions:

Cognitive and motor scores were similar for preschool-aged children with and without CFM. However, children with CFM scored lower than controls on language measures. We recommend early monitoring of language to identify preschoolers with CFM who could benefit from intervention.
Analysis of Adaptive Evolution and Coevolution of rbcL Gene in the Genus Hildenbrandia (Rhodophyta)
Authors: Fangru Nan , Yuxin Han , Xudong Liu , Jia Feng , Junping Lv , Qi Liu , Shulian Xie
Published: December 2020

The adaptive evolution and coevolution of the ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit ( rbcL) gene in the genus Hildenbrandia were studied based on phylogenetic tree construction and the physicochemical properties and the secondary structures of protein encoded by rbcL (Rubisco large subunit) were analyzed. The amino acids compositions and grand average of hydropathicity of freshwater H. rivularis and marine H. rubra were similar. Rubisco large subunit of Hildenbrandia was hydrophilic and the secondary structure was primarily composed of α-helixes and β-sheets, revealing the relatively stable structure of this protein. The predicted phosphorylation sites in H. rivularis and H. rubra were 33 and 36, respectively. No positive selection sites were detected in the genus Hildenbrandia, implying that rbcL gene evolved either neutrally or under purifying selection. A total of 41 coevolutionary groups were detected in the Rubisco large subunit of Hildenbrandia and the coevolving sites are in closer proximity in 3-dimensional structure of the protein. Despite the long evolutionary history, rbcL gene in genus Hildenbrandia under different environments is rather conservative.
Children’s gaming involves much more than the gaming itself: A study of the metagame among 12- to 15-year-old children
Authors: Kahila Juho , Tedre Matti , Kahila Sanni , Vartiainen Henriikka , Valtonen Teemu , Mäkitalo Kati
Published: December 2020

In addition to gaming, there are many other activities around digital games. These metagame activities have so far been studied from the perspective of single metagame phenomena and rarely from the perspective of the children who play digital games. This exploratory, qualitative study provides an overview of children’s metagame activities. A total of 142 children’s essays and lists of their metagame activities were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The children’s metagame activities included game-enabling activities, strategizing activities, discussing activities, information-seeking activities, creating and sharing activities, and consuming activities. The results contribute to the body of literature on metagaming and provide an overview of children’s metagame activities around digital games, as well as new perspectives on digital games and learning.
A new kind of gatekeeper: The increasing prevalence of Advanced Practice Nurses as case managers in US hospitals
Authors: Feyereisen Scott , Puro Neeraj , Thomas Clayton , McConnell William
Published: December 2020

Case management is a representation of managed care, cost-containment organizational practices in healthcare, where managed care and its constitutive parts are situated against physician autonomy and decision-making. As a professional field, case management has evolved considerably, with the role recently taken up increasingly by Advanced Practice Nurses in various health care settings. We look at this evolution of a relatively new work task for Advanced Practice Nurses using a countervailing powers perspective, which allows us to move beyond discussions of case management effectiveness and best practices, and draw connections to trends in the social organization of healthcare, especially hospitals. We evaluated organizational (hospital-level) and environmental (county and state-level) characteristics associated with hospitals’ use of Advanced Practice Nurses as case managers, using data from U.S. community acute care hospitals for 2016–2018, collected from three data sources: American Hospital Association annual survey (AHA), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and Area Resource File. Among organizational characteristics, we found that hospitals that are a part of established Accountable Care Organizations (OR = 2.55, p = 0.009; 95% CI = 1.26–5.14) and those that serve higher acuity patients, as indicated by possessing a higher Case Mix Index (OR = 1.32, p = 0.001; 95% CI = 1.13–1.55), were more likely to use Advanced Practice Nurses as case managers. Among environmental characteristics, having higher local Advanced Practice Nurses concentrations (OR = 1.24, p < 0.001; 95% CI = 1.11–1.39) was associated with hospital Advanced Practice Nurses case management service provision. Beyond the health impacts of Covid-19, its associated recession is placing families, governments and insurers under unprecedented financial stress. Governments and insurers alike are looking to reduce costs anywhere possible. This will inevitably result in increasing amounts of managed care, and decreasing reimbursements to hospitals, likely resulting in higher demand for APRN patient navigators.
Queering intimate emotions: Trans/nonbinary people negotiating emotional expectations in intimate relationships
Authors: Zamantakis Alithia
Published: December 2020

I analyze the ways in which trans/nonbinary participants queered gender labor and emotion work in intimate relationships by negotiating expectations to feel “proper” ways for intimates and to educate intimates about cis-ness/whiteness. Based on semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 15 trans/nonbinary individuals utilizing photo elicitation methods, participants queered intimate emotions by negotiating, reconfiguring, and resisting emotional expectations. They did this through selectively dating trans/nonbinary people and/or queer/trans people of color. Queering intimate emotions functioned to mitigate the effects of whiteness and cis-ness within intimate relationships. I build upon literature on gender labor, emotion work, and trans emotionalities.
Numerical evaluation of contaminants mixing uniformity in a full-scale test chamber with mixing fan
Authors: Xu Hai-Xia , Mu Yu-Tong , Zhang Yin-Ping , Tao Wen-Quan
Published: December 2020

Most existing models and standards for volatile organic compounds emission assume that contaminants are uniform in the testing devices. In this study, a three-dimensional transient numerical model was proposed to simulate the mass transport process based on a full-scale test chamber with a mixing fan, and the airflow field and contaminants concentration distribution were obtained within the chamber under airtight and ventilated conditions. The model was validated by comparing the numerical results with experimental data. The numerical results show that the contaminant source position and the airflow field characteristics have significant impact on the contaminant mixing, and the fan rotation has an important role in accelerating mixing. In the initial mixing stage, the concentration distribution is obviously uneven; as the mixing progresses, it gradually reaches acceptable uniformity except for some sensitive regions, such as high concentration region at the injection point of the contaminants and low concentration region at the air inlet. To ensure test accuracy, the monitor should avoid above sensitive regions; and some special regions are recommended where contaminant concentration uniformity can be reached sooner. The ventilated chamber results indicate that the mixture of contaminants in the chamber is actually better than the results shown by conventional test method.
Asymmetric accumulative roll bonding of aluminum/copper composite sheets
Authors: Eskandar Mehran Tamjidi , Parvizi Ali , Rahmatabadi Davood , Hashemi Ramin
Published: December 2020

For the first time in this study, a comprehensive experimental investigation was performed to investigate the effect of different roller diameter ratios ( Rd) on mechanical properties and plastic instability of Al/Cu composite produced by the asymmetric accumulative roll bonding process. For this purpose, Al/Cu composites were produced using three different Rd in three passes. Then, bond strength, mechanical properties, microstructure, and fracture surface of all specimens were determined. The results showed that due to the mechanisms underlying the severe plastic deformation processes, all composites’ mechanical properties sharply increased compared to aluminum and copper. As the Rd increases, the bond strength and hardness of the Al/Cu interface increase due to improved plastic deformation rate, surface expansion, and more extrusion of the material at the boundary of two layers. Besides, the hardness along the thickness was found to be very heterogeneous due to the uneven distribution of strain and strain hardening. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs depicted a decrease in the layers’ thickness, an increase in the plastic instability of the copper, and improved bonding strength of the layers as Rd rises. However, in all specimens, the layered structure was maintained. Fracture micrographs also revealed that the fracture mechanism is ductile for both aluminum and copper layers at different Rd. However, with increasing the Rd, the number and the depth of the dimples along with micro-pores decrease. Finally, the non-uniform strain distribution of the process caused the micro-dimples to be drawn in different directions.
Forgive us our Trespasses: Mother and Baby Homes in Ireland
Authors: Clark Serena
Published: December 2020

The Irish state and Catholic Church established Magdalene laundries and Mother and Baby Homes in Ireland. These institutions forcibly housed unwed women who became pregnant, the last of which closed in 1996. It is estimated that 35,000 women were forced into these institutions and 6,000 babies died in their care. In 2014, a mass grave of babies and children was found in the septic tank at Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, County Galway. The following year, a commission was created to investigate these establishments. This visual essay explores the stories of these women and their babies as well as the reaction of a shocked nation.
Creative or instrumental planners? Agency and structure in their institutional and political economy context
Authors: Filion Pierre
Published: December 2020

The paper casts light on structural factors limiting and shaping the actions of planners. In doing so it attempts to compensate for the emphasis planning theory places on the agency dimension of planners at the expense of the structural limitations they encounter. The paper draws from Giddens’s structuration theory, which depicts how the imbrication of agency and structure within institutional contexts sets the resources and constraints environment wherein social actors function. In order to adapt structuration theory to the reality of planners, the paper explores how motivations driving their agency take form largely within their professional realm. It also highlights the role institutional dynamics and political economy play in setting the structural context in which planners operate. The empirical substance originates from two junctures in the evolution of Toronto planning. The paper paints the picture of knowledgeable and reflective planners making informed decisions within changing structural contexts they do not control.
Strategies for regenerative business
Authors: Hahn Tobias , Tampe Maja
Published: December 2020

Escalating ecological degeneration and mounting social challenges highlight the need to rethink the current way of doing business. Human and business activities rely on functioning social-ecological systems but tend to take these for granted. Extant research on business sustainability has acknowledged the relevance of sustainability concerns for business strategy and organizing. Yet, dominant conceptualizations of business sustainability remain focused on the organization and its business case, in the quest to find strategies that translate less harmful social and environmental practices into competitive advantages. Only few scholars have gone beyond such a commercial logic and adopted a systems approach to derive business strategies from the logic of social-ecological systems. In this article, we propose that taking a systems approach means to conceptualize business sustainability in terms of regenerative business, that is, businesses that enhance, and thrive through, the health of social-ecological systems in a co-evolutionary process. As our main contribution, we develop the restore-preserve-enhance scale for regenerative business strategies reflecting a continuum of strategies for regeneration. These strategies follow from two main principles and related criteria for a systems-based level of aspiration and an adaptive management approach to regeneration. By doing so, we fundamentally shift the focus away from a business logic to a systems logic. Importantly, we offer concrete strategies for organizations to contribute to life-supporting conditions in social-ecological systems.
Citizens Versus the Internet: Confronting Digital Challenges With Cognitive Tools
Authors: Kozyreva Anastasia , Lewandowsky Stephan , Hertwig Ralph
Published: December 2020

The Internet has evolved into a ubiquitous and indispensable digital environment in which people communicate, seek information, and make decisions. Despite offering various benefits, online environments are also replete with smart, highly adaptive choice architectures designed primarily to maximize commercial interests, capture and sustain users’ attention, monetize user data, and predict and influence future behavior. This online landscape holds multiple negative consequences for society, such as a decline in human autonomy, rising incivility in online conversation, the facilitation of political extremism, and the spread of disinformation. Benevolent choice architects working with regulators may curb the worst excesses of manipulative choice architectures, yet the strategic advantages, resources, and data remain with commercial players. One way to address some of this imbalance is with interventions that empower Internet users to gain some control over their digital environments, in part by boosting their information literacy and their cognitive resistance to manipulation. Our goal is to present a conceptual map of interventions that are based on insights from psychological science. We begin by systematically outlining how online and offline environments differ despite being increasingly inextricable. We then identify four major types of challenges that users encounter in online environments: persuasive and manipulative choice architectures, AI-assisted information architectures, false and misleading information, and distracting environments. Next, we turn to how psychological science can inform interventions to counteract these challenges of the digital world. After distinguishing among three types of behavioral and cognitive interventions—nudges, technocognition, and boosts—we focus on boosts, of which we identify two main groups: (a) those aimed at enhancing people’s agency in their digital environments (e.g., self-nudging, deliberate ignorance) and (b) those aimed at boosting competencies of reasoning and resilience to manipulation (e.g., simple decision aids, inoculation). These cognitive tools are designed to foster the civility of online discourse and protect reason and human autonomy against manipulative choice architectures, attention-grabbing techniques, and the spread of false information.
COVID-19 global pandemic planning: Performance and electret charge of N95 respirators after recommended decontamination methods
Authors: Grillet Anne M , Nemer Martin B , Storch Steven , Sanchez Andres L , Piekos Edward S , Leonard Jonathan , Hurwitz Ivy , Perkins Douglas J
Published: December 2020

Shortages of N95 respirators for use by medical personnel have driven consideration of novel conservation strategies, including decontamination for reuse and extended use. Decontamination methods listed as promising by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (vaporous hydrogen peroxide (VHP), wet heat, ultraviolet irradiation (UVI)) and several methods considered for low resource environments (bleach, isopropyl alcohol and detergent/soap) were studied for two commonly used surgical N95 respirators (3M™ 1860 and 1870+ Aura™). Although N95 filtration performance depends on the electrostatically charged electret filtration layer, the impact of decontamination on this layer is largely unexplored. As such, respirator performance following decontamination was assessed based on the fit, filtration efficiency, and pressure drop, along with the relationship between (1) surface charge of the electret layer, and (2) elastic properties of the straps. Decontamination with VHP, wet heat, UVI, and bleach did not degrade fit and filtration performance or electret charge. Isopropyl alcohol and soap significantly degraded fit, filtration performance, and electret charge. Pressure drop across the respirators was unchanged. Modest degradation of N95 strap elasticity was observed in mechanical fatigue testing, a model for repeated donnings and doffings. CDC recommended decontamination methods including VHP, wet heat, and UV light did not degrade N95 respirator fit or filtration performance in these tests. Extended use of N95 respirators may degrade strap elasticity, but a loss of face seal integrity should be apparent during user seal checks. NIOSH recommends performing user seal checks after every donning to detect loss of appropriate fit. Decontamination methods which degrade electret charge such as alcohols or detergents should not be used on N95 respirators. The loss of N95 performance due to electret degradation would not be apparent to a respirator user or evident during a negative pressure user seal check.
Safety and feasibility of carotid revascularization in patients with cerebral embolic strokes associated with carotid webs and histopathology revisited
Authors: Mathew S , Davidson Darrell D , Tejada J , Martinez M , Kovoor J
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Carotid web is increasingly recognized as the cause of ischemic embolic strokes in younger patients. The best way to treat carotid web is debatable and carotid artery stenting (CAS) has been reported as a treatment for the carotid web in only a few case series. In this study we evaluate the safety and feasibility of CAS in symptomatic carotid webs and examined the histopathology of a carotid web.

Materials and methods

At our institution between 2017 and 2019, 10 consecutive patients with symptomatic carotid webs were treated. We retrospectively analyzed the data for patient demographics, clinical presentation, imaging, treatment methodology and follow up.

Results

All the patients had presented with ipsilateral embolic stroke. The mean age at presentation was 50 years (range 37–71) with seven female and three male patients. All patients underwent CAS except one patient who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA). In one stented patient, there was significant hypotension in the post-procedural period lasting a week. The patients were followed for a mean of 5.5 months (range one day-12 months). No recurrent stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurred. Surgical pathological studies confirmed fibromuscular dysplasia in one specimen.

Conclusion

In our experience CAS for carotid web is feasible and safe in patients presenting with ischemic embolic strokes.
Develop the socially human-aware navigation system using dynamic window approach and optimize cost function for autonomous medical robot
Authors: Ngo Ha Quang Thinh , Le Van Nghia , Thien Vu Dao Nguyen , Nguyen Thanh Phuong , Nguyen Hung
Published: December 2020

In previous works, the perceived safety and comfort are currently not the principal objectives of all industries, especially robotics system. It might lead not to take psychological safety into consideration of adjusting robot behavior, hence, the human-robot interaction lacks of ease and naturalness. In this paper, a novel framework of human’s zones to ensure safety for social interactions in human-machine system is proposed. In the context of service robot in hospital, machine should not produce any actions that may induce worry, surprise or bother. To maintain the comfortable interaction, an algorithm to update human’s state into personal space is developed. Then, a motion model of robot is demonstrated with assumption of the reference path under segmentation. Dynamic Window Approach is employed for motion planning while Optimize Cost function searches the shortest path in a graph. To validate our approach, three test cases (without human-aware framework, with basic model of human’s zone and with extended personal space) are carried out in the same context. Moreover, three interactive indicators, for instance collision index (CI), interaction index (CII) and relative velocity of robot (Vr), are analyzed in different situations. Lack of human-aware framework, robot might break all thresholds and meet the potential collisions. While robot with basic model of human’s zone in its perception maintains the physically safe thresholds but not socially, it respects whole criterions in both physical constraints and social relations. As a result, our findings are useful for robot’s navigation in presence of human while the socially comfortable interaction is guaranteed.