bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Appraising the extent of digital divide between music teachers and students in Anambra state secondary schools, Nigeria
Authors: Modeme Eyiuche Rita , Adeogun Adebowale
Published: January 2021

The study investigated the extent of existence of digital divide between music teachers and students in selected secondary schools in Anambra state. Two objectives and two research questions guided the study using mixed-research design. Three education zones consisting of nine public secondary schools, 18 music teachers and 270 music students formed the sample for the study. Structured questionnaires and oral interview were developed for teachers and students and used for collecting data from the field. The data gathered were presented quantitatively and qualitatively. The reliability indices were .71 and .70 for teachers and students, respectively. Mean and standard deviation and t test were the statistical tools used in the analysis of the work. The findings revealed high extent of digital divide based on the responses of music teachers and students on the place of information and communications technology (ICT) in operative curriculum. There was low extent of digital disparity in ICT knowledge on the teachers’ part and high extent on the students’ part. The recommendations were as follows: the present music curriculum should be restructured to integrate ICT in order to meet the needs of 21st-century music education, and music teachers should be trained to have the wherewithal in ICT applications for bridging the digital disparities.
The singing effect during melodic dictation
Authors: Lima Fernando Gabriel Batista , Caregnato Caroline , Silva Ronaldo da
Published: January 2021

To sing while taking melodic dictation is a strategy employed by some Ear Training students as an aid, but there is a disagreement among the literature about its efficiency. Thus, it is important to disambiguate this question examining the contributions related to vocalization. The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence singing during melodic dictation can have over this activity, and to observe if this strategy contributes in a differentiated way for subjects in different development stages. An experimental study was conducted collectively with 68 undergraduates, which were divided in groups, one that was instructed to sing during dictation taking, and another that was instructed to stay in silence. Data collected were furthermore divided in sub-groups according to participants’ study time. The results show that singing hinders the dictation performance, especially in students with less musical experience, because it deconcentrates and disturbs the individuals in the same room. Although, we suggest instructors to not discourage vocalization, and to recommend students to do it outside the classroom until they develop inner singing. Our study, however, counted on a reduced number of subjects. Future research with an increased number of participants could give rise to different conclusions.
Multiple myeloma characterized by synovial fibrinoid necrosis: a case report
Authors: Liu You jun , Ge Fan mei
Published: January 2021

A number of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) have joint lesions with the main feature of amyloidosis or tumor cell infiltration. We report a case of MM that presented as synovial fibrinoid necrosis. The rarity of this condition and the difficulty diagnosing the disease are discussed. In addition, we discussed the characteristics of amyloid arthropathy and the findings in this case.
Visualising regional disparities in the risk of COVID-19 at different phases of lockdown in England
Authors: Chen Yu-Wang , Ni Lei , Xu Dong-Ling , Yang Jian-Bo
Published: January 2021

Since late January 2020 when the first coronavirus case reached England, United Kingdom, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly and widely across all local authorities (LAs) in England. In this featured graphic, we visualise how COVID-19 severity changes nationally and locally from 30 January to 23 November 2020. The geo-visualisation shows that there have been large regional disparities in the severity of the outbreak, and the epicentres have shifted from Greater London, Leicester, to the North of England and remained in the North during pre-lockdown, post-lockdown, easing lockdown and second national lockdown phases. We further find that the increase in the testing capacity may partially explain the sharp increase in the confirmed cases during the second wave of the pandemic. However, the disparities in the severity of COVID-19 (i.e., confirmed cases and deaths) among LAs in England become more significant over time. It further sheds light on the necessity of establishing decisive and timely responses to cope with local pandemic situations.
A wrapper feature selection approach for efficient modelling of gully erosion susceptibility mapping
Authors: Rouhani Hamed , Fathabadi Aboalhasan , Baartman Jantiene
Published: January 2021

Identifying the vulnerability level of an area to soil erosion, particularly gully erosion, is key to the development of an efficient management strategy for policymakers. While efforts into susceptibility mapping of natural disasters have grown in recent years, understanding the most relevant predictive causal factors is still a challenge. As the selection of these factors, among many potentially relevant factors, is an important part of the model selection process, we propose a hybrid intelligent approach for the optimal selection of a set of relevant factors based on logistic regression (LR) and genetic algorithms. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach, this study also identified areas that were highly susceptible to gully erosion using three different classifiers – namely, the LR, support vector machine (SVM) and k-nearest neighbours (k-NN) techniques. We tested the approach in the Yeli Bedrag watershed in north-eastern Golestan province, Iran. The results showed that the elevation, distance to fault, slope and the index of connectivity were the most important causal factors affecting the successful prediction of gully occurrence. Comparison of maximum True Skill Statistic values showed that increased model sophistication did not necessarily result in a higher level of model performance. In terms of performance, k-NN was superior to the SVM and LR methods. This method can be effectively used for gully erosion susceptibility (GES) zonation in the study area, which is very important to support spatial planning to initiate designing mitigation strategies and conservation needs over a large area, or to plan additional conservation efforts and relocate soil conservation plans. In conclusion, our findings indicate that by incorporating the proposed hybrid intelligent approach, the number of relevant factors for GES mapping was reduced, while classification accuracy was increased.
Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome From a Single Center: Phenotypic and Genotypic features
Authors: Prior Devin E. , Ghosh Partha S.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Congenital myasthenic syndrome is a group of rare genetic disorders affecting transmission across the neuromuscular junction. Patients present with variable ocular, bulbar, respiratory, and extremity weakness that may respond to symptomatic therapies.

Methods:

We identified 18 patients with congenital myasthenic syndrome from a pediatric neuromuscular center over a decade. Through a retrospective chart review, we characterize demographic profile, clinical features, genetic variants, treatment, and follow-up of these patients.

Results:

Patients had the following genetic subtypes: CHRNE (6), CHAT (2), MUSK (2), DOK7 (2), COLQ (1), RAPSN (1), PREPL (1), GFPT1 (1), CHRBB1 (1), and CHRNA1 (1). The phenotype varied based on the genetic variants, though most patients have generalized fatigable weakness affecting ocular, bulbar, and extremity muscles. There was a significant delay in the diagnosis of this condition from the onset of symptoms. Although most patients improved with pyridostigmine, some subtypes showed worsening with pyridostigmine and others benefited from albuterol, ephedrine, or 3,4-diaminopyridine treatment.

Conclusion:

Increasing recognition of this rare syndrome will lead to early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Prompt utilization of genetic testing will identify novel variants and the expanding phenotype of this condition.
Normality: A collection of essays
Authors: Cryle Peter , Stephens Elizabeth
Published: January 2021

This article introduces a collection of articles written in response to a recently published intellectual and cultural history of normality by Peter Cryle and Elizabeth Stephens. It points to the fact that this special issue considerably extends and enriches the topical range of the book. The articles that follow discuss, in order, schooling in France at the time of the Revolution, phrenology in Europe and the US from 1840 to 1940, relations between commercial practice and scientific craniometry in 19th-century Britain and France, psychology in late 19th-century France, case studies in sexology and psychoanalysis in Central Europe, and biotypology in Southern Europe and Latin America.
Wave propagation improvement in two-dimensional bond-based peridynamics model
Authors: Alebrahim Reza , Packo Pawel , Zaccariotto Mirco , Galvanetto Ugo
Published: January 2021

In this study, methods to mitigate anomalous wave propagation in 2-D Bond-Based Peridynamics (PD) are presented. Similarly to what happens in classical non-local models, an irregular wave transmission phenomenon occurs at high frequencies. This feature of the dynamic performance of PD, limits its potential applications. A minimization method based on the weighted residual point collocation is introduced to substantially extend the frequency range of wave motion modeling. The optimization problem, developed through inverse analysis, is set up by comparing exact and numerical dispersion curves and minimizing the error in the frequency-wavenumber domain. A significant improvement in the wave propagation simulation using Bond-Based PD is observed.
The impact of low muscle function on health-related quality of life in Indonesian women with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sumantri Stevent , Rengganis Iris , Laksmi Purwita Wijaya , Hidayat Rudy , Koesnoe Sukamto , Shatri Hamzah
Published: January 2021

Objective

There was no study aimed at evaluating the effect of muscle function on SLE patients' quality of life using the Sarcopenia Quality of Life (SarQoL) questionnaire.

Methods

This cross-sectional study recruited 61 women with SLE consecutively, muscle function was measured with Jamar handheld-dynamometer and 6-meter walk test, HRQoL was measured with Sarcopenia Quality of Life (SarQoL) questionnaire. The cut-off point for low muscle strength (<18 kg) and low gait speed (<1.0 m/s) was according to the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. Statistical analysis was conducted with a t-test for mean difference, and linear regression was used to adjust confounders (age, protein intake, physical exercise, and disease activity).

Results

The subjects' mean muscle strength was 19.54 kg (6.94), and 44.3% (n = 27) was found to have low muscle strength. The subjects' mean gait speed was 0.77 m/s (0.20), and 90.3% (n = 55) was found to have low gait speed. The difference of total SarQoL score in subjects with normal and low muscle strength was found to be significant; 74.86 (9.48) vs. 65.49 (15.51) (p = 0.009), and still statistically significant after adjustments with age, protein intake, physical exercise level, and disease activity [B 0.56; 95% CI 0.08–1.03; p = 0.022]. The difference of total SarQoL score in subjects with normal and low physical performance was found to be not significant, 70.67 (11.08) vs. 70.72 (13.56) (p = 0.993).

Conclusion

There was a significant difference in SarQoL's total score in normal compared with low muscle strength groups of Indonesian women with SLE.
Before and after the Chinese gene-edited human babies: Multiple discourses of gene editing on social media
Authors: Zhang Xing , Chen Anfan , Zhang Weiyu
Published: January 2021

This study examines discourses in Chinese online discussions of gene editing by multiple social actors on Weibo before and after a significant scientific crisis, the 2018 scandal of Chinese gene-edited human babies. A content analysis of 2074 posts was done to identify frames, emotions, and metaphors. Findings reveal that Chinese social media have opened up new spaces for multiple social actors to generate multiple discourses. This has resulted in a more participatory public engagement with science and technology on Chinese social media, potentially influencing the online agenda and policy decisions on science and technology. Finally, findings indicate that a scientific crisis can serve as a trigger for significant changes in public attitudes and opinions regarding gene editing.
A Motivational Perspective on the Development of Social Essentialism
Authors: Diesendruck Gil
Published: January 2021

The tendency to view groups as constituting essentially different categories emerges early in development. To date, most attempts at understanding the origins of this tendency have focused on cognitive processes. Drawing from social-psychological and evolutionary theory, I propose that motivations—in particular, a need to belong—may be foundational for the development of social essentialism. I review evidence indicating that this perspective not only is developmentally plausible but also may explain children’s tendency to consider intentional behaviors performed by in-group members as normative.
Book review: Siddharthan, N. S., and Narayanan, K. (eds.). 2020. FDI, Technology and Innovation
Authors: Choudhury Rahul Nath
Published: January 2021

Siddharthan, N.S., and Narayanan, K. (eds.). 2020. FDI, Technology and Innovation. Springer, pp. 347, €109.99 (₹9,010). ISBN: 978-981-15-3610-6 (hardback), ISBN: 978-981-15-3611-3 (eBook).
Paradigms and the political economy of ecopolitical projects: Green growth and degrowth compared
Authors: Buch-Hansen Hubert , Carstensen Martin B
Published: January 2021

Competing ecopolitical projects seek to deliver answers to one of the most central questions of our time: how can the escalating climate crisis be halted? The paper asks how we may meaningfully compare ecopolitical projects that originate in fundamentally different conceptions of the type of change necessary to reach a sustainable organization of society? Using Peter Hall's paradigm approach as a starting point, the paper employs extant political economy scholarship to develop a framework that sets out four key dimensions that work as points of comparison between ecopolitical projects. The framework is applied in a comparison of the competing ecopolitical projects of green growth and degrowth to elucidate the ways in which these projects differ profoundly in terms of the extensiveness of change they envision, the actors they consider pivotal for sustainability transitions, their scientific basis and their distributional consequences.
Protecting the rights of LGBTIQ people around the world: Beyond marriage equality and the decriminalisation of homosexuality
Authors: Gerber Paula , Raj Senthorun , Wilkinson Cai , Langlois Anthony
Published: January 2021

Discussions about the human rights of LGBTIQ people tend to centre around two vastly different issues, namely, marriage equality and the criminalisation of same-sex sexual conduct. However, looking only at these two high-profile issues ignores the many pressing concerns facing LGBTIQ people around the world. This article identifies and analyses eight other human rights issues that urgently need addressing, in order to respect the rights of LGBTIQ people across the globe.
Numerical analysis of strain rate effect on ballistic impact response of multilayer three dimensional angle-interlock woven fabric
Authors: Wei Qingsong , Yang Dan , Gu Bohong , Sun Baozhong
Published: January 2021

This paper investigates the ballistic impact on Kevlar multilayer three-dimensional angle-interlock woven fabric (3DAWF) by proposing the mesoscale geometrical model for the numerical simulation. Multilayer 3DAWF is designed to yarn level configuration by utilizing the membrane elements to reduce computational time and enhance accuracy. The general-purpose finite element code LS-DYNA is employed to predict the ballistic behavior of multilayer 3DAWF under ballistic penetration. The velocity evolution of the projectile, energy absorption mechanism, and failure morphology of multilayer 3DAWF are predicted and validated by the impact test results. It is found that the mesoscale model based on strain rate material models accurately reproduces the ballistic test results. Numerical simulations with strain rate effects in the yarn material properties have a higher precise prediction in the projectile's velocity, energy absorption mechanism, and failure morphology compared with traditional FEA. This study demonstrated the importance of the strain rate effect of material properties in simulating the ballistic impact on the fabric and dramatically improves the ballistic impact simulation's accuracy on fabric.
Why Are Men More Likely to Endorse Myths About Child Sexual Abuse Than Women? Evidence From Disposition and Situation-Based Approaches
Authors: Magalhães Eunice , Graça João , Antunes Carla , Ferreira Célia , Pinheiro Micaela
Published: January 2021

Research on attitudes toward Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) consistently shows that men are more likely to endorse myths about CSA events, victims and perpetrators, compared to women. Here we present two studies that examine why these gender differences occur. Study one (N = 439) followed a dispositional approach to test the mediating role of empathy, social dominance orientation (SDO) and propensity for moral disengagement in the association between gender and the endorsement of CSA myths. Male participants showed higher levels of SDO and propensity for moral disengagement, and lower empathy, which in turn were associated with greater CSA myths acceptance. Study two (N = 360) followed a situational approach to test these processes using a specific case of CSA. Male participants showed higher levels of SDO and lower empathy, which in turn were associated with lower scores of perceived assault seriousness, victim credibility, perpetrator culpability, and greater victim culpability. Overall, the results suggest that men and women may appraise CSA differently, which can be partly explained by differences in SDO, propensity to morally disengage, and empathy. Furthermore, different cognitive mechanisms may be activated with regard to general appraisals of CSA compared to specific cases of CSA.
Understandings and Perceptions of Domestic Violence Among Newly Arrived Afghan Women in Australia
Authors: Afrouz Rojan , Crisp Beth R. , Taket Ann
Published: January 2021

Women’s perceptions of domestic violence vary across societies and cultures and might change by moving to a new society. This study aims to explore newly arrived Afghan women’s understandings and perceptions of domestic violence and whether they perceive this as acceptable. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 newly arrived Afghan women in Australia. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed inductively to generate and organize themes. The findings showed that informants had a sound knowledge and understanding of domestic violence, and many of them identified various forms of violence. Also, informants strongly rejected that violence against women be considered normal or acceptable.
Exploring practice site contributions and professionalization impact of engaging student pharmacists on hematology-oncology advanced pharmacy practice experience rotations
Authors: Yacobucci Matthew J , Lombardi Christina L , Briceland Laurie L
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Student pharmacists contribute meaningfully to patient care during Advanced Practice Pharmacy Experiences (APPEs) in varied settings. We aimed to characterize and evaluate the impact of student participation in hematology-oncology (hem-onc) APPEs on the practice site, and on student professionalization.

Methods

For students completing hem-onc APPEs during 2016–2019, rotation activities and post-APPE self-reflections describing meaningful impact were reviewed; activities were categorized into direct and indirect patient care, and up to three reflection themes of professionalization impact were extracted from each self-reflection. Hem-onc preceptor cohort was surveyed to assess impact of student contributions on the practice site.

Results

171 students completed hem-onc APPEs in ambulatory care (133) and/or inpatient (38) settings. Of 932 student-reported activities, the most common were: evaluating patient pharmacotherapy (209), providing education to medical staff (132), patient counseling [non-chemotherapy (99); chemotherapy (82)], and providing drug information (96); 89% involved direct patient care/education. Survey results from 16 of 33 preceptors identified the most impactful student activities as evaluating pharmacotherapy, medication education/adherence resources, and in-service presentations. Of 392 student self-reflections, themes of impact focused on professionalization/self-awareness (39.3%), counseling/communication skills (27.8%), practice skills development (20.4%) and collaborative teamwork (12.5%).

Conclusion

Pharmacy students make significant direct patient care contributions to hem-onc practice settings by evaluating pharmacotherapy and providing education to patients and healthcare personnel. Participation in hem-onc APPEs is highly influential to the professionalization of students, particularly in developing skills in oncology practice, patient interactions/communications, and developing self-awareness.
Primary Knee Intra-articular Synovial Sarcoma in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients
Authors: Cao Qi , Shillingford Nick , Huh Winston , VandenBerg Curtis , Raca Gordana , Allison Daniel C. , Wang Larry , Zhou Shengmei
Published: January 2021

Synovial sarcoma (SS) arising within a knee joint is extremely rare, with 10 reported cases in pediatric and adolescent patients in English literature. Its rarity and nonspecific clinical and radiological features pose a diagnostic challenge. We present two cases of primary intra-articular SS of left knee to enhance awareness of this entity. One patient is a 17-year-old male complained of left knee pain and gait abnormality for 9 years. The other one is a 13-year-old female presented with left knee pain for one year. Both cases were clinically diagnosed as benign joint lesion and underwent biopsies. Histological examination, immunohistochemical staining and molecular study confirmed that both patients had primary intra-articular SS, monophasic spindle cell type. Intraarticular SS should be considered as a potential diagnosis with unexplained long-standing knee pain.
Materiality, Morality, and Masculinities in the Social Transformations of War in Angola
Authors: Spall John , Abranches Maria
Published: January 2021

In this article we use men’s changing investments in desired material objects as a window into the changing moralities underpinning masculinities in the wake of Angola’s civil war. Drawing on participant observation and life history interviews with middle-aged men working in informal commerce in the city of Huambo, we examine the roles of land, houses, and cars in the construction of different styles of masculinity. We argue that analyzing differences among men’s investments in these objects provides useful insights into how men construct multireferential masculinities in a contested postcolonial, postwar context in which questions of gendered cultural hegemony are contentious and complex. These masculinities map onto competing, yet overlapping, sets of moral values that rework preexisting gendered cultural forms and practices to cope with the social and economic consequences of the war and to express aspirations for disparate modernities.
Electoral participation, political disaffection, and the rise of the populist radical right
Authors: Schulte-Cloos Julia , Leininger Arndt
Published: January 2021

Does the populist radical right benefit from increased electoral mobilization? Integrating theories of political grievances with accounts of party competition in Western Europe, we contend that the populist right gains advantage from increased electoral mobilization, but that this effect is conditional on political disaffection. We draw on a novel panel dataset (2009–2019) of more than 10,000 German municipalities and city districts to study the implications of turnout surges as a function of pre-existing levels of political disaffection in a difference-in-differences design. The results demonstrate that turnout surges benefit the populist right “Alternative für Deutschland” (AfD) in contexts of widespread political distrust. In contrast, increased mobilization acts to depress its electoral fortunes in communities marked by low baseline levels of political disaffection. In shedding light on the interplay between political disaffection and electoral mobilization, this study has important implications for understanding the surge of the populist right in established democracies.
Utilization of telehealth in paediatric genome-wide sequencing: Health services implementation issues in the CAUSES Study
Authors: Elliott Alison M , Dragojlovic Nick , Campbell Teresa , Adam Shelin , Souich Christèle du , Fryer Michele , Lehman Anna , Karnebeek Clara van , Lynd Larry D , Friedman Jan M
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Genome-wide sequencing (exome or whole genome) is transforming the care and management of paediatric patients with a rare disease because of its diagnostic capabilities. Genome-wide sequencing is most effective when both parents and the child are sequenced as a trio. Genetic counselling is recommended for all families considering genome-wide sequencing. Although telehealth is well established in genetic counselling for hereditary cancer and prenatal genetics, its use with genome-wide sequencing has not been well studied. The CAUSES Clinic at BC Children’s and Women’s Hospitals was a translational paediatric trio-based genome-wide sequencing initiative. Pre-test genetic counselling via telehealth (at a clinical site near the family’s residence) was offered to families who had been previously evaluated by a clinical geneticist. We report on the first 300 families seen in the CAUSES clinic and compare health services implementation issues of families seen via telehealth versus on-site.

Methods

Demographics, cost to families (travel and time), time to first appointment, complete trio sample accrual and diagnostic rates were studied.

Results

Of the 300 patients, 58 (19%) were seen via telehealth and 242 (81%) were seen on-site for pre-test counselling. The mean time to completion of accrual of trio samples in the telehealth group was 56.3 (standard deviation ±87.3) days versus 18.9 (standard deviation ±62.4) days in the onsite group ( p < 2.2 × 10−16). The mean per-family estimated actual or potential travel/time cost savings were greater in the telehealth group (Can$987; standard deviation = Can$1151) than for those seen on-site (Can$305; standard deviation = Can$589) ( p = 0.0004).

Conclusions

Telehealth allowed for access to genome-wide sequencing for families in remote communities and for them to avoid significant travel and time costs; however, there was a significant delay to accrual of the complete trio samples in the telehealth group, impacting on time of result reporting and delaying diagnoses for families for whom genome-wide sequencing was diagnostic.
Increased telestroke call burden after the extended thrombectomy window trials
Authors: Almallouhi Eyad , Debenham Ellen , Grant Cheryl , Spiotta Alejandro M , Holmstedt Christine A , Al Kasab Sami
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Clinical trials have proven the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy in stroke patients with large-vessel occlusion presenting within 24 hours of symptom onset. Extending the thrombectomy window to 24 hours resulted in a higher number of thrombectomies being performed. However, little is known about the impact of the extended thrombectomy window on the telestroke call burden.

Methods

We used the prospectively maintained database of a telestroke network covering a large geographic area in the Southeast USA. We included patients presenting between January 2015 and December 2019. We compared the characteristics and outcomes between patients who presented before and after the publication of the extended window thrombectomy trials.

Results

A total of 9041 patients presented with stroke-like symptoms during the study period. Of these, 4995 presented after February 2018. There was no difference in the patient demographics in both groups. However, patients in the post extended window group had a lower National Institute of Health Stroke Scale on presentation (3 vs. 4; p < 0.001) and longer symptom-onset-to-door time (124 vs. 85 minutes; p < 0.001). The number of consults per month nearly doubled (200 vs. 103; p < 0.001) in the extended thrombectomy window era. Similarly, the number of mechanical thrombectomies performed per month increased from four to seven since extending the thrombectomy window ( p < 0.001).

Discussion

The number of telestroke consults nearly doubled after the publication of the extended thrombectomy window trials, with an increase in the number of thrombectomies performed. These findings have important operational implications for hospitals implementing telestroke call coverage.
Marginal assessment of the cost and benefits of aphasia treatment: Evidence from community-based telerehabilitation treatment for aphasia
Authors: Jacobs Molly , Briley Patrick M , Wright Heather Harris , Ellis Charles
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Few studies have reported information related to the cost-effectiveness of traditional face-to-face treatments for aphasia. The emergence and demand for telepractice approaches to aphasia treatment has resulted in an urgent need to understand the costs and cost-benefits of this approach.

Methods

Eighteen stroke survivors with aphasia completed community-based aphasia telerehabilitation treatment, utilizing the Language-Oriented Treatment (LOT) delivered via Webex videoconferencing program. Marginal benefits to treatment were calculated as the change in Western Aphasia Battery-Revised (WAB-R) score pre- and post-treatment and marginal cost of treatment was calculated as the relationship between change in WAB-R aphasia quotient (AQ) and the average cost per treatment. Controlling for demographic variables, Bayesian estimation evaluated the primary contributors to WAB-R change and assessed cost-effectiveness of treatment by aphasia type.

Results

Thirteen out of 18 participants experienced significant improvement in WAB-R AQ following telerehabilitation delivered therapy. Compared to anomic aphasia (reference group), those with conduction aphasia had relatively similar levels of improvement whereas those with Broca’s aphasia had smaller improvement. Those with global aphasia had the largest improvement. Each one-point of improvement cost between US$89 and US$864 for those who improved (mean = US$200) depending on aphasia type/severity.

Discussion

Individuals with severe aphasia may have the greatest gains per unit cost from treatment. Both improvement magnitude and the cost per unit of improvement were driven by aphasia type, severity and race. Economies of scale to aphasia treatment–cost may be minimized by treating a variety of types of aphasia at various levels of severity.
A systematic review examining the clinical and health-care outcomes for congenital heart disease patients using home monitoring programmes
Authors: Crawford Rachel , Hughes Ciara , McFadden Sonyia , Crawford Jacqui
Published: January 2021

Objectives

This review aimed to present the clinical and health-care outcomes for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) who use home monitoring technologies.

Methods

Five databases were systematically searched from inception to November 2020 for quantitative studies in this area. Data were extracted using a pre-formatted data-collection table which included information on participants, interventions, outcome measures and results. Risk of bias was determined using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for cohort studies and the Institute of Health Economics quality appraisal checklist for case-series studies. Data synthesis: Twenty-two studies were included in this systematic review, which included four RCTs, 12 cohort studies and six case-series studies. Seventeen studies reported on mortality rates, with 59% reporting that home monitoring programmes were associated with either a significant reduction or trend for lower mortality and 12% reporting that mortality trended higher. Fourteen studies reported on unplanned readmissions/health-care resource use, with 29% of studies reporting that this outcome was significantly decreased or trended lower with home monitoring and 21% reported an increase. Impact on treatment was reported in 15 studies, with 67% of studies finding that either treatment was undertaken significantly earlier or significantly more interventions were undertaken in the home monitoring groups.

Conclusion

The use of home monitoring programmes may be beneficial in reducing mortality, enabling earlier and more timely detection and treatment of CHD complication. However, currently, this evidence is limited due to weakness in study designs.
Medication reconciliation process: Assessing value, adoption, and the potential of information technology from pharmacists’ perspective
Authors: Al Anazi Abdullah
Published: January 2021

The Medication Reconciliation (MedRec) process aims to improve patient safety through safe prescription and medication administration. A validated survey was carried out to address aspects related to MedRec process, its obstacles, the role of information technology, and the required functionalities for optimizing the MedRec process. A total of 81% of the survey’s respondents acknowledged the roles of EHR (62% of respondents), PHR (41%), and electronic medication registration list (33%) as necessary technology tools for MedRec. Most respondents emphasized the need to compile multiple medications’ entries of information technology systems into one application (96.4%), allowing the entries from community pharmacies (90.6%). Further, incorporating information technology into the MedRec process presents a challenge in terms of legal responsibility (92 %) and the ability to integrate medications with other hospitals and community medications (78.6%). Findings affirm the need for a well-designed MedRec process aided with information technology solutions. The external data and user preferences should be considered when redesigning the MedRec process. The study also suggests initiating a policy that mandates sharing data necessary for creating a compiled medication list for each patient. MedRec is an indispensable tool for building a fruitful medication management system in a healthcare organization.
Creating a better future: Implications from futures imagination education in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Szu-Yin , Chen Hsien-Chun , Chen I-Heng
Published: January 2021

As the world is changing and transforming at a fast pace, students today are expected to face more challenges in the future. For example, they need to prepare for jobs that do not yet exist, use technologies that have not been invented yet, or even solve problems that have not been discovered yet.The current study proposes that futures imagination is the key to better prepare students to face unknown challenges and an implementable education policy in Taiwan. This article introduces the development process and results of a futures imagination education program in compulsory education in Taiwan. In 2011, the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Taiwan started promoting the futures imagination program at all levels of education through different action plans for four consecutive years. The current study examines the ‘Grades 1–9 Action Plan’ and its teacher education workshops throughout this period. The Grades 1–9 Action Plan was implemented in compulsory education. The subjects of this study are teachers who participated in the action plan; they learned how to implement futures imaginative approaches in their classrooms. Through their cycle of planning, action, observation, and reflection from 2011 to 2015, they reported their findings through written reports, and then we collected their results through interviews and surveys. The results showed that students show higher learning interests and will have a more in-depth view of the future, which is expected to prepare students to adapt to their futures, and this contributes to their learning interests.
Mental and Physical Health Changes Following an Abusive Intimate Relationship: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies
Authors: Patton Samantha C. , Szabo Yvette Z. , Newton Tamara L.
Published: January 2021

Longitudinal studies are critical to understanding health changes following trauma. The present systematic review adopted a longitudinal perspective on intimate partner abuse (IPA) by examining characteristics and findings of studies that followed persons who recently left an abusive relationship or who were at a point where they might leave and reported on health over time. Web of Science, EBSCO, Published International Literature on Traumatic Stress, and PubMed databases were searched using combinations of terms reflecting IPA, longitudinal study design, and health outcomes. Quantitative studies that recruited adults or adolescents, had multiple time points, used a health indicator as an outcome, and where IPA was a predictor, independent variable, or inclusion criterion were included. These methods yielded 36 studies from 20 unique samples. The following domains were coded for each article: citation, demographics, risk of bias, sample setting, design, follow-up, relationship and IPA characteristics, outcomes, and analytic focus. Results showed that all samples were female, and most were help-seeking. Depression, post-traumatic stress, and physical symptoms decreased over time, while quality of life increased in most studies. Changes in anxiety symptoms over time were less consistent. Ongoing IPA and social support were the most consistent predictors of health changes over time, showing relations with indicators of poorer or better health, respectively. There was preliminary evidence that decreases in emotional and physical symptoms plateaued within 9 months of the baseline assessment. Sampling, study design, measurement, and analysis are considered, and recommendations for future research are provided.
Physician Athletes Promoting Physical Fitness Through Social Media During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Stanford Fatima Cody , Salles Arghavan
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on our daily lives and functioning. To reduce the potential transmission, countries throughout the world practiced social distancing. Unfortunately, this social distancing often contributed to a sense of social isolation and physical inactivity. Two physician athletes on opposite coasts of the United States sought to change this narrative by promoting physical activity among the general population with the #SocialDistancingFitnessChallenge. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in March and April 2020, these physicians would post exercises during the 5-day workweek—one would post yoga/flexibility exercises, while the other would post high-intensity cardio and strength exercises on two social media platforms. Some posts would amass over 100,000 views. They received daily feedback on how this challenge not only encouraged others to be engaged in physical activity during the most challenging pandemic of our lifetimes, but it also improved their mental health and outlook on the future amid great uncertainty.
Demonstrating the Utility of Egocentric Relational Event Modeling Using Focal Follow Data from Congolese BaYaka Children and Adolescents Engaging in Work and Play
Authors: Ellis-Davies Kate , Lew-Levy Sheina , Fleming Eleanor , Boyette Adam H. , Baguley Thom
Published: January 2021

Temporal aspects of child and adolescent time allocation in diverse cultural settings have been difficult to model using conventional statistical techniques. A new statistical approach, Egocentric Relational Event Modelling (EREM), allows for the simultaneous modelling of activity frequency, duration, and sequencing. Here, EREM is applied to a focal follow dataset of Congolese BaYaka forager child and adolescent play and work activities. Results show that, as children age, they engage in less frequent and extended play bouts and more frequent and extended work bouts. Bout frequency and duration were a more sensitive measure for early sex differences than overall time allocation. Sequential patterns of work and play suggest that these activities have short-term energetic trade-offs. This article demonstrates that EREM can reveal stable and variable patterns in child development.
Short Take: Walking Interviews with Refugee-background Women
Authors: Lenette Caroline , Gardner Josie
Published: January 2021

Walking interviews generate contextualized dialogs and place-based narratives prompted by sites and routes. We used walking interviews with three refugee-background women in Australia to find out what the act of walking could reveal about notions of home and broader narratives of forced migration. We used a participatory approach to privilege women’s perspectives as co-creators of new knowledge on the topic.
Super wear-resistant and conductive cotton fabrics based on sliver nanowires
Authors: Gao Dangge , Zhu Jiamin , Ye Mengyu , Li Yun , Ma Jianzhong , Liu Jingjing
Published: January 2021

To investigate the effect of linear, rod and granular nano-silver structures on the electrical conductivity and wear resistance of cotton fabrics, silver nanowires (AgNWs), silver nano-rods (AgNRs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were separately obtained by solvothermal method, and then adsorbed on the cotton fabrics. Compared with AgNRs and AgNPs that silver nanowires could form network structure on the cotton fabrics. As the ratio of nano-sliver length to diameter increases, the effective adsorption mass of nano-sliver on the cotton increases, improving the conductivity of the textile electrode. No matter how many times of rubbing, it had no effect on the square resistance of the AgNWs/cotton. The cotton fabrics treated with silver nanowires had the best performances and wear resistance.
Sexually transmitted infections in primary care
Authors: Dhokia Harsha
Published: January 2021

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have often been managed in genitourinary medicine clinics. However, with increasing rates of STIs, more patients are now presenting to primary care services. It can be a sensitive subject for patients, who may be embarrassed to attend. A non-judgemental approach and knowledge about STIs are important in easing patients’ anxieties. This article provides an overview of the most common STIs in the UK, including presenting features and primary care investigation and management.
Comparative Analysis of Mucociliary Clearance and Mucosal Morphology Using High-Speed Videomicroscopy in Children With Acute and Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Alekseenko Svetlana , Karpischenko Sergey , Barashkova Svetlana
Published: January 2021

Objective

evaluation of mucociliary clearance and mucosal morphology using high-speed videomicroscopy, and their association with markers of disease severity in children with acute (ARS) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods

A total of 67 children aged from 6 to 17 years including 15 healthy children, 20 pediatric patients with acute rhinosinusitis, and 32 cases with chronic rhinosinusitis were enrolled in the present study. SNOT20, Lund-Kennedy, and Lund-Mackay scores were also evaluated.

Results

Children with rhinosinusitis were characterized by significantly lower number of cells with motile cilia, ciliary beat frequency, cilia length, and cell viability, as well as ciliary beat asynchrony, epithelia dystrophy and reduced epithelial cell height, being more severe in ARS group. Neutrophil infiltration of sinonasal mucosa was more profound in children with ARS, whereas the number of lymphocytes was significantly reduced. Markers of ciliary function were characterized by a significant correlation with epithelia dystrophia and neutrophil infiltration. Discriminant analysis demonstrated significant group separation based on the parameters of mucociliary clearance and mucosal morphology. In regression models mucociliary function was also associated with SNOT20, Lund-Kennedy, and Lund-Mackay scores.

Conclusion

The results of the present study demonstrate significant alteration of mucociliary clearance and mucosal morphology and its association with sinonasal inflammation and disease severity in patients with rhinosinusitis. Given a tight association between altered mucociliary clearance and severity of the disease, modulation of inflammation and ciliary function both in acute and chronic rhinosinusitis may be considered as the potential tool in therapeutic and surgical management of the disease.
Renal Manifestations of Fabry Disease: A Narrative Review
Authors: Silva Cassiano Augusto Braga , Moura-Neto José A. , dos Reis Marlene Antônia , Vieira Neto Osvaldo Merege , Barreto Fellype Carvalho
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review:

In this narrative review, we describe general aspects, histological alterations, treatment, and implications of Fabry disease (FD) nephropathy. This information should be used to guide physicians and patients in a shared decision-making process.

Source of information:

Original peer-reviewed articles, review articles, and opinion pieces were identified from PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Only sources in English were accessed.

Methods:

We performed a focused narrative review assessing the main aspects of FD nephropathy. The literature was critically analyzed from a theoretical and contextual perspective, and thematic analysis was performed.

Key findings:

FD nephropathy is related to the progressive accumulation of GL3, which occurs in all types of renal cells. It is more prominent in podocytes, which seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis of this nephropathy. A precise detection of renal disorders is of fundamental importance because the specific treatment of FD is usually delayed, making reversibility unlikely and leading to a worse prognosis.

Limitations:

As no formal tool was applied to assess the quality of the included studies, selection bias may have occurred. Nonetheless, we have attempted to provide a comprehensive review on the topic using current studies from experts in FD and extensive review of the literature.
The Role of Parental Involvement, Including Parenting Beliefs and Styles, in the Academic Success of American Indian Students
Authors: Warren Jeffrey M. , Locklear Leslie A.
Published: January 2021

We collected data on parental involvement from 101 American Indian parents in the Southeastern United States with children enrolled in kindergarten–12th grade. We analyzed the data using Pearson product–moment correlation coefficients and multiple regression modeling. Findings suggested that parental involvement is related to student achievement. Rational beliefs accounted for a significant amount of variance explained in authoritative parenting. School counselors familiar with the impact of parenting on student achievement are best positioned to support the success of American Indian students.