bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring how occupational therapists and physiotherapists evaluate rehabilitation potential of older people in acute care
Authors: Bradley Gemma , Baker Katherine , Bailey Catherine
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Evaluations of rehabilitation potential are an everyday occurrence, yet the concept is poorly understood and there is a lack of understanding about the reasoning process. This study aimed to explore how occupational therapists and physiotherapists evaluated the rehabilitation potential of older people following an acute hospital admission.

Method

Focused ethnography was utilised, primarily using observation, interviewing and review of records within one acute medical ward in a general hospital in the United Kingdom. Five patient participants gave consent for their episode of care to be studied, for interactions with professionals to be observed and for their clinical records to be reviewed. Three occupational therapists and two physiotherapists then participated in individual interviews.

Findings

Thematic analysis of data led to the identification of a four-stage reasoning process. The four stages are as follows: gathering baseline information; provision of curative and supportive interventions; provision and monitoring of rehabilitative interventions; the evaluation of rehabilitation potential and decision about the subsequent pathway.

Conclusions

The reasoning process illustrates the professional reasoning of occupational therapists and physiotherapists when evaluating rehabilitation potential for older adults in acute care. However, it also highlights vulnerabilities to professional reasoning which may contribute to subjectivity, inconsistency or risk to patients.
Occupational balance and quality of life in mothers of children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Günal Ayla , Pekçetin Serkan , Wagman Petra , Håkansson Carita , Kayıhan Hülya
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Occupational balance (OB) is an important concept in occupational therapy and is considered as an essential component of health and well-being. The aim of this study was to show differences in OB and quality of life (QoL) between mothers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and typically developing children.

Methods

Thirty-six mothers of children with CP and 36 mothers of typically developing children participated in the study. The mothers’ OB was evaluated using the Turkish Occupational Balance Questionnaire-11 (OBQ11-T), and their QoL was evaluated with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP).

Results

The OBQ11-T, total score, and the item ‘balance between obligatory and voluntary occupations’ score differed significantly between the groups ( p < 0.05). There were also significant differences in NHP’s aspects of emotional reaction, social isolation, and sleep scores between the groups ( p < 0.05). A negative correlation was detected between OBQ11-T total and NHP total scores in mothers of children with CP ( p < 0.01).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that occupational therapists should pay attention to balance between obligatory and voluntary occupations to promote occupational balance. Also, QoL in mothers of children with CP should be evaluated. Therefore, occupational therapists should implement interventions to increase them when necessary for mothers of children with CP.
Level Crossing Safety Impact Assessments for Vehicle and Pedestrian Crossings
Authors: Turner Shane , Cook Eddie , Bosher Shaun
Published: May 2021

Although the number of deaths and injuries at level crossings in New Zealand is relatively low compared with the national road toll and injury burden, the high severity of crashes involving trains makes it a key “safe system” focus. It is also alarming that the proportion of crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists at level crossings has been increasing over recent years. This in part is owing to the construction of several cycleways and shared paths that travel alongside railway lines. In the past, KiwiRail has relied primarily on the Australian Level Crossing Assessment Model (ALCAM), a crash estimation model, to assess the increased risk of crashes at crossings resulting from a change in use. Although ALCAM is one of the better developed level crossing models internationally, it does have its limitations when used in isolation. ALCAM documentation specifies that other information such as incident data and the opinions of locomotive engineers should be considered in assessing risk. In practice, these factors and ALCAM risk ratings are rarely afforded equal importance. ALCAM does not pick up in sufficient detail the safety impacts created by the surrounding transport network. To better inform decision making, KiwiRail has developed a wider assessment process that includes these factors: the Level Crossing Safety Impact Assessment (LCSIA). This paper outlines the LCSIA process, provides an example of how it has been used, and also discusses the important learnings that have occurred since it was first introduced in 2016.
Virus Transmission Risk in Urban Rail Systems: Microscopic Simulation-Based Analysis of Spatio-Temporal Characteristics
Authors: Zhou Jiali , Koutsopoulos Haris N.
Published: May 2021

The transmission risk of airborne diseases in public transportation systems is a concern. This paper proposes a modified Wells-Riley model for risk analysis in public transportation systems to capture the passenger flow characteristics, including spatial and temporal patterns, in the number of boarding and alighting passengers, and in number of infectors. The model is used to assess overall risk as a function of origin–destination flows, actual operations, and factors such as mask-wearing and ventilation. The model is integrated with a microscopic simulation model of subway operations (SimMETRO). Using actual data from a subway system, a case study explores the impact of different factors on transmission risk, including mask-wearing, ventilation rates, infectiousness levels of disease, and carrier rates. In general, mask-wearing and ventilation are effective under various demand levels, infectiousness levels, and carrier rates. Mask-wearing is more effective in mitigating risks. Impacts from operations and service frequency are also evaluated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining reliable, frequent operations in lowering transmission risks. Risk spatial patterns are also explored, highlighting locations of higher risk.
Investigation of Surrogate Performance Related Tests for Fatigue Cracking of Asphalt Pavements
Authors: Jiao Liya , Harvey John T. , Elkashef Mohamed , Liang Yanlong , Jones David
Published: May 2021

This paper studies the relationship between laboratory measurements of fatigue performance and fracture performance of conventional asphalt mixtures, asphalt mixtures with reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), and rubberized asphalt mixtures. The existing four-point bending (4PB) test was developed to evaluate the fatigue performance of asphalt pavements; however, it is not necessarily appropriate for use in routine job mix formula approval and is too slow and expensive for quality control/quality assurance (QC/QA). In this paper, the semi-circular bending test and indirect tensile asphalt cracking test (IDEAL-CT) were evaluated for their potential to serve as a simple and fast surrogate fatigue performance related test for QC/QA on routine projects and routine mix design. Multiple representative fracture parameters were obtained from the Illinois flexibility index test and the IDEAL-CT. The coefficient of variation revealed that the lowest variability from both tests was in fracture strength. In addition, the linear regression analysis between fracture parameters and fatigue performance indicated that slopes, fracture toughness, and strength from fracture tests have good correlations with the initial flexural stiffness from 4PB tests, while 4PB initial stiffness is well correlated with fatigue life. The direct correlation between fracture properties and fatigue life was not as good. The fracture parameter “strength” also showed the capability of discriminating among asphalt materials with low RAP content.
Dynamically Collected Local Density using Low-Cost Lidar and its Application to Traffic Models
Authors: Avr Azhagan , Tanvir Shams , Rouphail Nagui M. , Ahmed Ishtiak
Published: May 2021

This article demonstrates the use of traffic density observations collected dynamically in the vicinity of probe vehicles. Fixed position sensors cannot capture the longitudinal evolution of local traffic density in the corridor. In this research, dynamic traffic density observations were collected in a naturalistic driving setting that was free of any controlled experiment biases. Speed from global positioning system and space headway from a light detection and ranging module was collected on one arterial and one freeway segment, 2 and 4 mi long, respectively. The combined data frequency was approximately 3 Hz. Space headway was used to estimate the local density and consequently to identify the density of a specific location in a corridor. Besides, driver behavior was characterized using the relationship between instantaneous speed and local density under different regimes of the Wiedemann car-following model. Macroscopic traffic stream models were used to investigate the relationship between dynamically collected instantaneous speed and local density. Using the longitudinal evolution of density, precise local density across the corridor can be obtained along with the leader and follower trajectories. A method to identify driver behavior across density ranges was developed for different facility types using a microscopic relationship between instantaneous speed and local density. Overall driving behavior on the freeway segment can be represented by translating the instantaneous speed and local density relationship to macroscopic stream models.
Hidden Markov Model of Lane-Changing-Based Car-Following Behavior on Freeways using Naturalistic Driving Data
Authors: Zhao Li , Rilett Laurence , Haque Mm Shakiul
Published: May 2021

This paper develops a methodology for simultaneously modeling lane-changing and car-following behavior of automated vehicles on freeways. Naturalistic driving data from the Safety Pilot Model Deployment (SPMD) program are used. First, a framework to process the SPMD data is proposed using various data analytics techniques including data fusion, data mining, and machine learning. Second, pairs of automated host vehicle and their corresponding front vehicle are identified along with their lane-change and car-following relationship data. Using these data, a lane-changing-based car-following (LCCF) model, which explicitly considers lane-change and car-following behavior simultaneously, is developed. The LCCF model is based on Gaussian-mixture-based hidden Markov model theory and is disaggregated into two processes: LCCF association and LCCF dissociation. These categories are based on the result of the lane change. The overall goal is to predict a driver’s lane-change intention using the LCCF model. Results show that the model can predict the lane-change event in the order of 0.6 to 1.3 s before the moment of the vehicle body across the lane boundary. In addition, the execution times of lane-change maneuvers average between 0.55 and 0.86 s. The LCCF model allows the intention time and execution time of driver’s lane-change behavior to be forecast, which will help to develop better advanced driver assistance systems for vehicle controls with respect to lane-change and car-following warning functions.
Scaffold With Natural Calcified Cartilage Zone for Osteochondral Defect Repair in Minipigs
Authors: Huang Yang , Fan Huaquan , Gong Xiaoyuan , Yang Liu , Wang Fuyou
Published: May 2021

Background:

Long-term outcomes of current clinical interventions for osteochondral defect are less than satisfactory. One possible reason is an ignorance of the interface structure between cartilage and subchondral bone, the calcified cartilage zone (CCZ). However, the importance of natural CCZ in osteochondral defects has not been directly described.

Purpose:

To explore the feasibility of fabricating trilayer scaffold containing natural CCZ for osteochondral defects and the role of CCZ in the repair process.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

The scaffold was prepared by cross-linking lyophilized type II collagen sponge and acellular normal pig subchondral bone with or without natural CCZ. Autologous bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) of minipig were mixed with type II collagen gel and injected into the cartilage layer of the scaffold before operation. Thirty minipigs were randomly divided into CCZ (n = 10), non-CCZ (n = 10), and blank control (n = 10) groups. An 8 mm–diameter full-thickness osteochondral defect was created on the trochlear surface, and scaffold containing BMSCs was transplanted into the defect according to grouping requirements. At 12 and 24 weeks postoperatively, specimens were assessed by macroscopic observation, magnetic resonance imaging examination, and histological observations (hematoxylin and eosin, Safranin O–fast green, type II collagen immunohistochemical, and Sirius red staining). Semiquantitative cartilage repair scoring was conducted using the MOCART (Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue) system and the O’Driscoll repaired cartilage value system.

Results:

The defects in the blank control and non-CCZ groups were filled with fibrous tissue, while the cartilage layer of the CCZ group was mainly repaired by hyaline cartilage at 24 weeks postoperatively. The superior repair outcome of the CCZ group was confirmed by MOCART and O’Driscoll score.

Conclusion:

The trilayer scaffold containing natural CCZ obtained the best repair effect compared with the non-CCZ scaffold and the blank control, indicating the importance of the CCZ in osteochondral tissue engineering.

Clinical Relevance:

This study demonstrates the necessity to reconstruct CCZ in clinical osteochondral defect repair and provides a possible strategy for osteochondral tissue engineering.
Sex-Related Differences in the Incidence, Severity, and Recovery of Concussion in Adolescent Student-Athletes Between 2009 and 2019
Authors: Hannah Theodore C. , Li Adam Y. , Spiera Zachary , Kuohn Lindsey , Dai Jennifer , McAuley Fiona , Ali Muhammad , Durbin John R. , Dreher Nickolas , Marayati Naoum Fares , Gometz Alex , Lovell Mark , Choudhri Tanvir
Published: May 2021

Background:

The sex of an athlete is thought to modulate concussion incidence; however, the effects of sex on concussion severity and recovery are less clear.

Purpose:

To evaluate sex differences in concussion severity and recovery using a large, heterogeneous sample of young student-athletes with the goal of understanding how sex affects concussion outcomes in young athletes.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing results of 11,563 baseline and 5216 postinjury tests were used to calculate the incidence of concussion of adolescent male and female student-athletes ages 12 to 22 years (median, 15 years). The postinjury tests of 3465 male and 1751 female student-athletes evaluated for concussion or head trauma were used to assess differences in the Severity Index (SI) and recovery. Chi-square tests and t tests were used to compare differences in demographic characteristics, incidence, and SI between the 2 cohorts. Multivariable linear, logistic, and Cox proportional hazards regressions were used to control for differences between cohorts in analyses of incidence, SI, and recovery.

Results:

When we controlled for demographic differences, female participants had higher odds of concussion (odds ratio, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.40-1.86; P < .0001) and higher SI after concussion (β = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.02-1.32; P = .04). This discrepancy in SI was a result of differences in Symptom (2.40 vs 2.94; P < .0001) and Processing Speed (0.91 vs 1.06; P = .01) composite scores between male and female participants, respectively. We found no effect of sex on time to recovery when controlling for initial concussion SI (hazard ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.78-1.12; P = .48).

Conclusion:

Using large, multisport cohorts, this study provides evidence that female athletes are at higher risk for more concussions and these concussions are more severe, but male and female athletes have similar recovery times when the analysis controls for initial concussion SI.
Anatomic and Biomechanical Properties of Flat Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Using an Adductor Magnus Tendon Graft: A Human Cadaveric Study
Authors: Milinkovic Danko Dan , Fink Christian , Kittl Christoph , Sillanpää Petri , Herbst Elmar , Raschke Michael J. , Herbort Mirco
Published: May 2021

Background:

In contrast to the majority of existing techniques for reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), the technique described in this article uses the adductor magnus muscle tendon to gain a flat, broad graft, leaving its distal femoral insertion intact, and does not require drilling within or near the femoral physis. It also allows for soft tissue patellar fixation and could facilitate anatomic MPFL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients.

Purpose:

To evaluate the anatomic and structural properties of the native MPFL and the adductor tendon (AT), followed by biomechanical evaluation of the proposed reconstruction.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

The morphological and topographical features of the AT and MPFL were evaluated in 12 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees. The distance between the distal insertion of the AT on the adductor tubercle and the adductor hiatus, as well as the desired length of the graft, was measured to evaluate this graft’s application potential. Load-to-failure tests were performed to determine the biomechanical properties of the proposed reconstruction construct. The construct was placed in a uniaxial testing machine and cyclically loaded 500 times between 5 and 50 N, followed by load to failure, to measure the maximum elongation, stiffness, and maximum load.

Results:

The mean ± SD length of the AT was 12.6 ± 1.5 cm, and the mean distance between the insertion on the adductor tubercle and adductor hiatus was 10.8 ± 1.3 cm, exceeding the mean desired length of the graft (7.5 ± 0.5 cm) by 3.3 ± 0.7 cm. The distal insertion of the AT was slightly proximal and posterior to the insertion of the MPFL. The maximum elongation after cyclical loading was 1.9 ± 0.4 mm. Ultimately, the mean stiffness and load to failure were 26.2 ± 7.6 N/mm and 169.7 ± 19.2 N, respectively. The AT graft failed at patellar fixation in 2 of the initially tested specimens and at the femoral insertion in the remaining 10.

Conclusion:

The described reconstruction using the AT has potential for MPFL reconstruction. The AT graft presents a graft of significant volume, beneficial anatomic topography, and adequate tensile properties in comparison with the native MPFL following the data from previously published studies.

Clinical Relevance:

Given its advantageous anatomic relationship as an application that avoids femoral drilling and osseous patellar fixation, the AT may be considered a graft for MPFL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients.
Return to Sport After Surgical Management of Posterior Shoulder Instability: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Gouveia Kyle , Kay Jeffrey , Memon Muzammil , Simunovic Nicole , Bedi Asheesh , Ayeni Olufemi R.
Published: May 2021

Background:

Posterior shoulder instability accounts for a small proportion of all shoulder instability, although it can affect athletes of all types, from contact to overhead athletes. Surgical treatment is quite successful in these patients; however, the literature reports a wide range of rates of return to sport.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to determine the return-to-sport rates after surgical stabilization for posterior shoulder instability. It was hypothesized that patients would experience a high rate of return to sport.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Embase, PubMed, and MEDLINE were searched for relevant literature from database inception until April 2020, and studies were screened by 2 reviewers independently and in duplicate for studies reporting rates of return to sport after surgical management of posterior shoulder instability. Demographic data as well as data on return to sport and functional outcomes were recorded. A meta-analysis of proportions was used to combine the rates of return to sport using a random effects model. A risk of bias was assessed for all included studies.

Results:

Overall, 32 studies met inclusion criteria and comprised 1100 patients (1153 shoulders) with a mean age of 22.8 years (range, 11-65) and a mean follow-up of 43.2 months (range, 10-228). The pooled rate of return to any level of sport was 88% (95% CI, 84%-92%; I2 = 68.7%). In addition, the pooled rate of return to the preinjury level was 68% (95% CI, 60%-76%; I2 = 79%). Moreover, the pooled return-to-sport rate for contact athletes was 94% (95% CI, 90%-97%; I2 = 0%), while for throwing athletes it was 88% (95% CI, 83%-92%; I2 = 0%).

Conclusion:

Surgical management of posterior shoulder instability resulted in a high rate of return to sport, as well as significant pain reduction and functional improvement in most patients. However, only two-thirds of athletes can return to their preinjury levels of sport.
How well do we understand pulsatility in the context of modern ventricular assist devices?
Authors: Emmanuel Sam , Jansz Paul , Hayward Christopher
Published: May 2021

Background:

Modern ventricular assist devices (VADs) use a continuous flow design. It has been suggested that a lack of pulsatility contributes to a range of adverse outcomes including pump thrombus, gastrointestinal bleeding and stroke. To better assess the role of pulsatility in these adverse events, we first require a clear definition of ‘pulsatility’ in the setting of a severely impaired ventricle and a modern continuous flow VAD.

Methods:

A literature review was conducted to elucidate the understanding of pulsatility in modern VAD literature. Search engines used included PUBMED, EMBASE and the Cochrane library. Articles were appraised on three aspects: Whether they mentioned pulsatility; whether they mentioned which pulsatility measure was used and finally which methodology was used to obtain the value.

Results:

Of 354 articles reviewed, only 13 met our broad inclusion criteria. Of these articles, the most cited measure was pulsatility index (PI) – used by 11 of the publications. The methodology used to obtain the value was not uniform and five articles did not clearly state it. Other measures included pulse pressure and surplus haemodynamic energy. The majority of articles did not directly discuss pulsatility in the setting of patient-pump interaction.

Conclusion:

Most publications did not provide a definition for pulsatility. In those that did, the most common measure was PI. Measuring PI was not standardised. Few papers addressed the impact of intrinsic ventricular function and arterial compliance on pulsatility. We suggest that future publications adopt a uniform definition which encompasses both patient and pump characteristics.
Rethinking democracy in times of crises: Towards a pragmatist approach to the geographies of emerging publics
Authors: Fladvad Benno
Published: May 2021

How do societies respond to ‘super wicked’ problems that often occur at very large spatial and temporal scales? On the one hand, there exists a tendency to conceive of liberal democracy as inconvenient, inflexible and as incapable of dealing with complex and elusive issues such as climate change or questions of environmental injustice. On the other, these issues have given rise to manifold ‘emerging public spheres’ inside and outside existing democratic institutions. Since both of these tendencies refer to the idea of sustainability, this contribution discusses the relationships between different future trajectories of sustainability and democracy in particular with regards to their inherent spatialities. Building on this, and following the works of contemporary political theorists and human geographers, it suggests conceptualizing democracy from a pragmatist point of view as coined by the North American philosopher John Dewey. In doing so, it becomes possible to reframe democracy in the Anthropocene and to conceive of it as an ever-evolving phenomenon of problem-solving communities that convene around different issues of shared concern. This perspective allows thinking beyond theorizations of global democracy, in favor of a democratic model that shows openness for social complexity and uncertainty and which accepts that the spaces of democratic action are not given from the outset but that they are brought into being by the emerging publics themselves.
Beyond Gun Control: Mapping Gun Violence Prevention Logics
Authors: McMillan Jordan , Bernstein Mary
Published: May 2021

Most research portrays the gun violence prevention (GVP) movement as predominantly white, dominated by national Washington DC-based policy organizations and recently by white middle-class women seeking stronger gun regulations, overlooking organizing by people in racially oppressed communities. In contrast, we extend the multi-institutional politics approach to social movements to understand how interlocking political, institutional, and cultural systems of domination shape GVP efforts across communities. We develop the concept multisystem logic to analyze the public communications of 10 GVP groups in Connecticut from 2013 to 2018. We identify an intervention logic seeking to interrupt or prevent community gun violence and a gun reform logic promoting change in laws and policies. For gun scholars, our approach makes clear that the GVP movement is not solely focused on policy change but on social change more broadly. We suggest the applicability of our model to a range of social movements.
Working Differently or Not at All: COVID-19’s Effects on Employment among People with Disabilities and Chronic Health Conditions
Authors: Maroto Michelle Lee , Pettinicchio David , Lukk Martin
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed employment situations for workers everywhere. This is especially true among people with disabilities and chronic health conditions who face greater risks in contracting COVID-19 and experience larger disadvantages within the labor market. Drawing from original data gathered through a national online survey ( N = 1,027) and integrated set of virtual interviews ( N = 50) with Canadians with disabilities and chronic health conditions, our findings show that although the pandemic has not directly led to job losses for most people with disabilities and chronic health conditions, respondents who have lost employment due to COVID-19 are struggling. Even though employed workers have been faring better, half were concerned about losing their jobs within the next year, and these concerns were more prevalent among part-time and non-union workers. Our findings emphasize the potential for growing economic insecurity as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on employment situations among marginalized groups.
Process evaluation, tensile properties, mathematical models, and fracture behavior of 3D printed continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhang Qiuju , Cao Han , Yuan Ye
Published: May 2021

Continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites with advantages of high strength, long life, corrosion resistance, and green recyclability have been widely used in aerospace, transportation and high-precision processing equipment, etc. 3D printing is an advanced additive manufacturing technology that enables the rapid manufacture of complex structures and high-performance composites. The aim of this study is to evaluate the precision and stability of 3D printed continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite structures and construct suitable mathematical models to predict tensile properties. Samples evaluated in this study were produced by varying the volume fraction and distribution mode (average and central mode) of fibers within the printed structures. The measured data proved the continuous fiber reduced the printing precision on width and thickness and the printing stability on thickness, while it improved the width stability in the XY horizontal plane. The printing precision and stability of samples with an average mode were slightly better than those of samples with a central mode. The tensile results of 3D printed continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites demonstrated that an increasing volume of fiber reinforcement resulted in the increasing stiffness and ultimate strength of tested samples. The average elastic modulus and ultimate tensile strength of samples with the average mode were higher than those of samples with the central mode, while the average strain at break was quite the opposite. Mathematical models of elastic modulus were established to achieve the relative errors 0.06% and 2.14% for checked samples, while relative errors of the mixing rule were up to 76.15% and 81.71%, respectively. Some typical defects affecting the surface quality and the fracture behavior of 3D printed samples were researched by the analysis of micromorphology.
Socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on waste bank closed-loop system in Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Warmadewanthi IDAA , Wulandari Dwi , Cahyadi Mokhamad Nur , Pandebesie Ellina Sitepu , Anityasari Maria , Dwipayanti Ni Made Utami , Purnama I Gede Herry , Nisaa Ainul Firdatun
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused most waste recycling activities to be terminated due to several factors, such as concerns about the spread of coronavirus through the collected solid waste. This study investigates the socio-economic impact of the situation of the closed-loop system of solid waste recycling. Several recommendations for tackling this problem are presented in this research. Primary data collection for the waste bank and informal recycling sector was carried out in the eastern part of Surabaya during large-scale social restrictions. In-depth interviews were conducted with waste bank customers, waste bank unit representatives and the informal recycling sector to understand the pandemic’s socio-economic impact on the closed-loop system. Results show that this pandemic has significant impacts on individuals and stakeholders engaged in waste recycling activities. Customers of waste banks, who mostly belong to low-income communities, mentioned that the waste bank closure gave rise to social and economic problems, such as increasing unmanaged solid waste and decreasing income. This result also applied to the informal recycling sector. The government can use the recommendations in this study to generate related policies, such as enforcing the health protocol within solid waste management to keep the recycling system in place and the business alive.
Cross-National Comparisons between Canadian and US Higher Education Students on a New, Brief, Multidimensional Measure of Test Anxiety
Authors: Lowe Patricia A.
Published: May 2021

Cross-cultural equivalence, country and gender differences, and external relations with other measures were examined on a new, brief measure of test anxiety, the Test Anxiety Measure for College Students-Short Form (TAMC-SF), in a sample of Canadian and US higher education students. The sample of 1204 students completed the TAMC-SF and other measures online. The results of tests of invariance found support for partial scalar invariance across country and gender on the TAMC-SF. In addition, results of a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and analysis of variances (ANOVAs) found country and gender differences on the TAMC-SF scales. Furthermore, validity evidence for the TAMC-SF scores with the scores of external measures was found. Overall, the findings support the use of the same test score interpretation for Canadian and US higher education students on the TAMC-SF and the use of the TAMC-SF in Canadian higher education students.
Deregulation of the cell cycle and related microRNA expression induced by vinyl chloride monomer in the hepatocytes of rats
Authors: Pan Weizhe , Yu Shengnan , Jia Jin , Hu Junyang , Jie Liang , Zhang Panhong , Wang Qian , Yan Xiaoyan , Qiu Yulan
Published: May 2021

Vinyl chloride (VC) is a confirmed human carcinogen associated with hepatocellular carcinoma and angiosarcoma. However, the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in liver cell cycle changes under VC exposure remains unclear, which prevents research on the mechanism of VC-induced carcinogenesis. In this study, male rats were injected intraperitoneally with VC (0, 5, 25, and 125 mg/kg body weight) for 6, 8, and 12 weeks. Cell cycle analysis of liver cells, miRNA-222, miRNA-199a, miRNA-195, and miRNA-125b expression in the liver and serum, and target protein expression were performed at different time points. The results showed a higher percentage of hepatocytes in the G1/G0 and S phases at the end of 6 and 12 weeks of VC exposure, respectively. MiRNA-222 expression decreased initially and then increased, whereas miRNA-199a, miRNA-195, and miRNA-125b expression increased initially and then decreased, which corresponded with changes in cell cycle distribution and related target proteins expression (p27, cyclinA, cyclinD1, and CDK6). The corresponding expression levels of miRNAs in serum did not change. Dynamic changes in miR-222, miR-199a, miR-195, and miR-125b induced by VC can lead to cell cycle deregulation by affecting cell cycle-related proteins, and these miRNAs can serve as early biomarkers for malignant transformation caused by VC.
L’orientation institutionnelle : définition, mesure et impact sur la performance à l’export
Authors: Zouari Abir , Chaney Damien
Published: May 2021

La littérature en marketing international a montré depuis longtemps que les entreprises étrangères sont confrontées à des contraintes lorsqu’elles opèrent à l’étranger en raison d’un manque de connaissance de l’environnement institutionnel local. Pour faire face à ce manque de familiarité, certaines entreprises ont développé une culture organisationnelle de la capacité à comprendre et à prendre en compte les dimensions institutionnelles du marché de destination. Cet article vise donc à explorer l’orientation institutionnelle des entreprises et à tester son impact sur la performance à l’export. Dans une première étude, nous développons et validons une échelle de mesure à 12 items répartis en quatre dimensions. Dans une seconde étude, nous étudions l’influence de l’orientation institutionnelle sur la performance à l’export à partir d’un échantillon de 273 entreprises exportatrices françaises et tunisiennes. Les résultats montrent que cette relation n’est pas directe mais est médiatisée par l’engagement à l’export.
Analysis of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Content in Fish Oil Products
Authors: Ward Eileen D. , Thomasson Katelyn , Fischer K. Robin
Published: May 2021

Background:

Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosehexaenoic acid (DHA), often found in fish oil supplements, have been linked to cardiovascular benefits in proper doses.

Objectives:

Quantify serving sizes and EPA and DHA content of fish oil products and determine which products contain appropriate amounts of EPA and DHA per serving to lower cholesterol.

Methods:

Products were identified through the National Institutes of Health’s Dietary Supplement Label Database using the search term “fish oil.” Product labels were reviewed for EPA and DHA content. The number of units, such as capsules, gummies, or milliliters, necessary to obtain a total of at least 2,000 mg of EPA and DHA was also evaluated. Descriptive statistics were used to report findings.

Results:

Of 493 products identified, 231 products were analyzed. Two (0.9%) products, both of which were liquid formulations, contained at least 2,000 mg of EPA and DHA in the standard serving size listed on the labeling. The total amount of EPA and DHA per serving ranged from 60.2 mg to 2684 mg with an average of 697 mg. The number of servings necessary to achieve 2,000 mg of EPA and DHA ranged from 1 to 34 servings with an average of 5 servings.

Conclusions:

Serving sizes of fish oil products rarely result in adequate EPA and DHA intake to provide cholesterol-lowering benefit. Instruction by a trained healthcare professional, such as a pharmacist, is important to ensure patients are taking an appropriate serving of fish oil to obtain cardiovascular benefit.
Percutaneous Ultrasound Guided Gastrostomy Tube Placement: A Prospective Cohort Trial
Authors: Reis Stephen P. , Brejt Sidney Z. , Weintraub Joseph R. , Ahmad Noor , Susman Jonathan , Mobley David G.
Published: May 2021

Background:

To compare the safety and efficacy of percutaneous ultrasound guided gastrostomy (PUG) tube placement with traditional fluoroscopic guided percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement (PRG).

Methods:

A prospective, observational, non-randomized cohort trial was performed comparing 25 consecutive patients who underwent PUG placement between April 2020 and August 2020 with 25 consecutive patients who underwent PRG placement between February 2020 and March 2020. Procedure time, sedation, analgesia requirements, and complications were compared between the two groups in non-inferiority analysis.

Results:

Technical success rates were 96% in both groups (24/25) of procedures. Ninety-two percent of patients in the PUG cohort were admitted to the ICU at the time of G-tube request. Aside from significantly more COVID-19 patients in the PUG group ( P < .001), there was no other statistically significant difference in patient demographics. Intra-procedure pain medication requirements were the same for both groups, 50 micrograms of IV fentanyl ( P = 1.0). Intra-procedure sedation with IV midazolam was insignificantly higher in the PUG group 1.12 mg vs 0.8 mg ( P = .355). Procedure time trended toward statistical significance ( P = .076), with PRG being shorter than PUG (30.5 ± 14.1 minutes vs 39.7 ± 17.9 minutes). There were 2 non-device related major complications in the PUG group and 1 major and 1 minor complication in the PRG group.

Conclusion:

PUG is similar in terms of complications to PRG gastrostomy tube placement and a safe method for gastrostomy tube placement in the critically ill with the added benefits of bedside placement, elimination of radiation exposure, and expanded and improved access to care.
Morphological and biological properties of silica nanoparticles for CRTC3-siRNA delivery and downregulation of the RGS2 expression in preadipocytes
Authors: Mares-García América Susana , Ortiz Magdaleno Marine , Gordillo-Moscoso Antonio , Cárdenas-Galindo María Guadalupe , Ávila Hernández Ilse Nayeli , Escobar-García Diana María , Márquez-Lucero Alfredo , Pozos-Guillén Amaury
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to characterize the morphological properties of amorphous silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs), their cytotoxicity and intracellular location within Human Osteoblasts (HOB). Additionally, SiO2 NPs were explored for their effectivity as carriers of CRTC3-siRNA on Human Preadipocytes (HPAd), and thus downregulate RGS2 gene expression. SiO2 NPs were synthesized using the method of Stöber at 45 °C, 56 °C, and 62 °C. These were characterized via TEM with EDS, Zeta Potential and FT-IR. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by XTT at three concentrations 50, 100 and 500 µg/mL; SiO2 NPs intracellular localization was observed through Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope. Delivering siRNA effectivity was measured by RT-qPCR. Morphology of SiO2 NPs was spherical with a range size from 64 to 119 nm; their surface charge was negative. Confocal images demonstrated that SiO2 NPs were located within cellular cytoplasm. At a SiO2 NPs concentration of 500 µg/mL HOB viability decreased, while at 50 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL cell viability was not affected regardless SiO2 NPs size. SiO2 NPs-CRTC3-siRNA are effective to down-regulate RGS2 gene expression in HPAd without cytotoxic effects. The developed SiO2 NPs-CRTC3-siRNA are a promising tool as a delivery vehicle to control obesity.
A person-centered approach to understanding child temperament at ages 3 and 6
Authors: Hawes Mariah T , Finsaas Megan C , Olino Thomas M , Klein Daniel N
Published: May 2021

Person-centered analyses, such as latent profile analysis, provide an approach to assessing individual differences in child temperament that aligns with typological theory and is well positioned for translation to applied settings. In a community sample, latent profile analysis was conducted using seven temperament traits assessed through laboratory observation when children were three- and six-years-old. At age 3, a four-class model fit best and subgroups were labeled “typical,” “sluggish,” “surgent,” and “dysregulated,” based on the pattern of class-specific means. A five-class model fit best at age 6 and subgroups were labeled “typical,” “sluggish,” “outgoing,” “active-impulsive” and “negative affect.” Associations between class membership and mother-reported temperament traits, concurrently assessed, were mostly consistent with the class identities. Comparison of subgroup membership across waves generally demonstrated patterns of continuity across groups characterized by similar trait patterns. This paper provides an illustrative guide for temperament researchers in the implementation of latent profile analysis, addressing important methodical considerations. Increased utilization of person-centered approaches like latent profile analysis could lead to important advances in the study of child temperament, such as improved understanding of the continuity of temperamental styles and more targeted risk assessment.
Determination of zinc in cassava based polymeric materials
Authors: Maite Rada-Mendoza , Diana Chito-Trujillo , Lucía Hoyos-Saavedra Olga , Luis Arciniegas-Herrera Jose , Janneth Molano-Tobar Nancy
Published: May 2021

The current trends in biodegradable food packaging include the use of materials such as biopolymers which should be free of toxic metals to ensure their quality and use in multiple applications. However, these samples can contain zinc given its presence in the materials used to make them. In this study, a method to determine the concentration of zinc (Zn) in thermoformed and biodegradable flexible films samples based on Cassava and in their raw materials (flour, starch and fique) using flame-atomic absorption spectroscopy is described. Prior, an acid digestion with nitric acid under reflux was required. The method was standardized by means of the evaluation of statistical parameters. The method was sufficiently lineal ( R2 = 0.999) in a working range from 0.1 to 1.0 mg Zn/L with detection and quantification limits of 0.03 and 0.82 mg/L, respectively. The method was found to be precise and accurate, and could therefore be used to measure Zn content at levels well below safe limits.The precision of the method was evaluated using intermediate precision and repeatability which showed coefficients of variation less than 6.7% and 4.7%, respectively. The percentages of recovery ranged from 96.5% to 98.2%. The method was successfully applied for the determination of Zn in the studied biopolymers samples and the results obtained support the method’s suitability for determining the presence of the metal. Zinc concentrations in thermoformed, flexible films and flour were below 2.36, 2.14 and 2.01 mg/L, respectively, indicating that these polymers could be used for food containers.
When Their Voices Are Heard: Bilingual Paraeducators and Organizational Dynamics
Authors: Shi Lijuan (Rachel)
Published: May 2021

Paraeducators play a marginal yet essential role in fulfilling teaching-related tasks in many international classrooms in China. In order to meet high standards of education, schools often provide professional training to paraeducators. However, in the training process, schools primarily focus on their own needs and rarely consider the personal condition or positionality of paraeducators. Informed by positioning theory, this study argues that overlooking paraeducators’ needs and positions can be detrimental to the success of institutionally provided training. This case study, which spans the course of 2 years, explores how Chinese bilingual paraeducators’ self-positioning impacts their responses to professional training, their daily teaching practices, and their subsequent professional development. Findings suggest that paraeducators should not remain peripheral figures in an organization because hearing and understanding their self-positioning practices and concerns can be beneficial to both paraeducators’ professional learning and schools’ organizational development.
Long-Term Effects on Loneliness of a Computer-Tailored Intervention for Older Adults With Chronic Diseases: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Boekhout Janet M. , Volders Esmee , Bolman Catherine A. W. , de Groot Renate H. M. , Lechner Lilian
Published: May 2021

Objectives: This study explores the effects of the Active Plus intervention aiming to decrease loneliness among older adults (>65 years) with chronic diseases. Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed (N = 585; age: M = 74.5 years, SD = 6.4), assessing loneliness at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Outcome measures in the multilevel linear regression analyses were total, social and emotional loneliness. Results: At 12 months, significant decreases in total ( B = −.37, p = .01) and social loneliness ( B = −.24, p = .02) were found. Age was a significant moderator for total and social loneliness; however, the intervention was effective only for participants aged 80 years and older. Discussion: The Active Plus intervention showed a significant decrease in total and social loneliness and was especially beneficial for the vulnerable age group of 80 years and older. A more comprehensive tool for measuring social activity and mobility impairments, and using a longer time frame to detect loneliness changes, may form interesting future research.
COVID 19, communal capital and the moral economy: Pacific Islands responses
Authors: Ratuva Steven
Published: May 2021

One of the impacts of COVID-19 is that communities have looked for alternative means of survival as the market economy went into a major crisis and people lost their jobs. For many communities in the Pacific Islands, who have relied largely on the market economy over the years, this means falling back on their communal way of life which has provided resilience for centuries. The revival of various forms of communal capital such as kinship exchange, subsistence farming and strengthening of social solidarity have become features of this bourgeoning moral economy. In the post-COVID era, there needs to be a major rethinking of how community-based moral economies can be mainstreamed as assurance for resilience and as a responsive mechanism against future economic calamities.
Jamaica, Covid-19 and Black freedom
Authors: Thame Maziki
Published: May 2021

This essay is concerned with the conditions of Black life in the 21st century and the continued need to imagine Black freedom as projects of self-sovereignty, in the current moment of global protests centered on the socio-economic inequities that people especially those of color face, deepened by the devastating effects of Covid-19. The essay’s focus is on the Caribbean island of Jamaica. I highlight the articulation of race and class that springs from a world history of anti-blackness, historicized through plantation slavery. The essay addresses the enduring violence manifest in physical assaults and political projects of Development, that lead to widespread deprivation for lower-income Jamaicans. Yet the essay suggests that it is these very sordid conditions that generate alternative imaginaries for a sustainable re-ordering of life.