bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Senior Teachers’ Learning About Student Rights
Authors: Perry-Hazan Lotem , Neuhof Liron
Published: March 2021

The study explores the rights consciousness of senior teachers who participated in a student rights professional development (PD) course and designed educational projects during the course. It analyzes teachers’ perceptions of students’ rights and the influence of the PD and other factors on these perceptions. The data included interviews with 17 teachers and an analysis of their projects. One cluster of teachers held a top-down perception of students’ rights, conveying a contrastive approach to rights reflecting students’ autonomy. The second cluster of teachers held a broader perception, which included bottom-up mobilization of students’ free speech and participation rights, conveying a supportive approach to these rights. The teachers’ projects did not reflect these patterns, limiting their focus to rights already embedded in school. Furthermore, the teachers did not report their learning experience as transformative. Rather, they applied their newly acquired knowledge and thinking frameworks to support their existing moral perceptions and practices.
Interpreting Adjuncts: Processing English As-Clauses
Authors: Frazier Lyn , Clifton Charles
Published: March 2021

Four experiments probed the interpretation of sentence-final as-clauses (e.g., Close the book as a librarian would/would do) ambiguous between a manner interpretation and a “propositional” interpretation. Experiment 1, an interpretation study, found a predominance of manner interpretations for sentences containing would and would do as the elliptical predicate inside the as-clause, biased by which form participants were initially exposed to. In Experiment 2, we assumed that a comma may be present before the as-clause for both interpretations, but that when the contrast between a comma and no comma is called to the reader’s attention it will favor the propositional interpretation. The expectation was confirmed. In Experiment 3 a would-sentence was preceded by a How question or by a What’s with question: propositional interpretations were rare but more prevalent following the What’s with question than the manner question. Experiment 4 added a What did question and tested both no-comma would (NoComma) sentences and comma would do (CommaDo) sentences. CommaDo sentences received more propositional interpretations than NoComma sentences, and were read faster following the What’s with question than the How question, whereas the NoComma were read faster after the How question. All four studies showed manner interpretations prevail, though would do, a (contrastive) comma or a non-manner question increase the frequency of propositional interpretations. Two possibilities are considered for what underlies the manner preference: a general preference for an adjunct to be part of the event description in cases of ambiguity, or the availability of a pre-existing event-“slot” for manner. The reading time results favor the former possibility.
Bouncing around in a turbulent teaching environment: Teaching and researching resilience for public administration
Authors: Marks Peter , Knassmüller Monika
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic forced surprised governments worldwide to act fast and decisively, often revealing lack of preparation for this kind of situation. However, such crises are expected to occur far more frequently than ever before. To keep societies prospering, governments, administrations, and civil servants will have to adapt quickly and effectively—and hence need to develop the required capabilities (e.g., appropriate policies, strategies, knowledge, skills). To deepen our understanding of appropriate action in face of crises, resulting consequences for stability and required, demanded or enforced behavior of people, we propose the concept of resilience. Resilience, we argue by way of five propositions, helps articulating the underlying dynamics in society and its administrative systems in order to allow for a sustainable incorporation of the long-term perspective in the short-term strategy, particularly in times of disturbances and temporary perturbations.
The Evolution of Resource-Based Inquiry: A Review and Meta-Analytic Integration of the Strategic Resources–Actions–Performance Pathway
Authors: D’Oria Laura , Crook T. Russell , Ketchen David J. , Sirmon David G. , Wright Mike
Published: March 2021

Understanding why some firms outperform others is central to strategy research. The resource-based view (RBV) suggests that competitive advantages arise due to possessing strategic resources (i.e., assets that are valuable, rare, nonsubstitutable, and inimitable), and researchers have extended this logic to explain performance differences. However, RBV is relatively silent about the actions managers could use to create or capitalize on a resource-based advantage. Enriching RBV, the resource orchestration framework describes specific managerial actions that use such resources to realize performance gains. After reviewing the conceptual evolution of these two literature streams as well as related streams, we use meta-analytic structural equation modeling to aggregate evidence from 255 samples involving 111,120 observations to answer outstanding research questions regarding the strategic resources–actions–performance pathway. The results show strong complementarity and interdependence between their logics. Additional inquiry drawing on their complementarity is a clear path toward enhancing scholars’ understanding of how and why some firms outperform others. We build on our findings to lay a foundation for such inquiry, including a call for theorizing centered on the interdependence of resources and actions, as well as new theoretical terrain that can help resource-based inquiry continue to evolve.
Designing Scholarly Introductions as Jobs to Be Done
Authors: Simsek Zeki , Li Sali
Published: March 2021

This is the first editorial commentary in a three-part series that addresses introductions, implications, and interestingness. The first, focusing on the introduction design, is about what the beginning of a paper should look like. The second, focusing on practice implications, is about what the end of a paper should look like. The third discusses how to develop and fit attention-grabbing ideas into the academic conversation in the literature. We hope this editorial series provides inspiration and ideas about publishing papers that people want to engage with.
Usability of data-oriented user interfaces for cultural heritage: A systematic mapping study
Authors: Diulio Maria de la Paz , Gardey Juan Cruz , Gomez Analía Fernanda , Garrido Alejandra
Published: March 2021

This study surveys the state of the art in usability and user experience strategies applied to applications that deal with large amounts of data in the field of cultural heritage, highlighting the most prominent aspects and underlining the under-explored. In these applications, large amounts of data need to be wisely presented to help final users at drawing conclusions and making decisions. While sophisticated technology may be used to improve the user experience, it should not be applied to the detriment of usability, which is critical for the success of these applications. We performed a systematic mapping study to classify the literature retrieved in the four largest scientific databases by a structured search string. We classify applications according to purpose, intended users, the way they address and evaluate user experience and usability, among others, and include the analysis of combined results through maps. Findings reveal the contradiction that while most articles are intended for the education and tourism of the general public, only half of the studies evaluate usability. Moreover, there is a significant research gap in user interfaces for systems in the context of preventive conservation, for research, assessment and decision assistance. This is the first systematic mapping study combining usability and cultural heritage, especially for data-oriented applications. It shows that more research is necessary to assist conservators and researchers and to address usability from early stages of development.
Negotiating stigmatised identities: Enterprising refugee women in the United Kingdom
Authors: Adeeko Nkechi , Treanor Lorna
Published: March 2021

This article critically analyses the complexities of identity work among refugee women entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom. Once labelled as refugees, individuals are homogenised and disadvantaged by association with this stigmatised identity. We explore how women refugees undertake dynamic identity work to recreate themselves as entrepreneurs attempting to ameliorate such stigma. Using case study evidence, we find that claiming an entrepreneurial identity enables the refutation of the stigmatised refugee label and as such, it can be personally enhancing by improving well-being and socio-economic standing. The vestigial negative effects upon access to entrepreneurial resources arising from gendered constraints and a refugee background however, persist. Thus, these refugee entrepreneurs face a double-edged sword; while challenging stigmas through entrepreneurship is potentially liberating, having a refugee background acerbates the impact of enduring structural challenges upon women’s entrepreneurial activity. This has implications for venture potential and relatedly, to the sustainability of fragile entrepreneurial identities among a cohort of vulnerable women.
Has the Internet increased FDI, economic growth, and trade? Evidence from Asian economies
Authors: Yin Zi Hui , Choi Chang Hwan
Published: March 2021

This study examines the causal relationship between the Internet and economic factors in Asian economies between 1997 and 2017. The economic factors consist of gross domestic product (GDP), foreign direct investment (FDI), imports, and exports. A comparative analysis of East, South, and Western Asia was conducted using a panel vector autoregressive model. The findings show bidirectional causality between FDI and Internet use in South Asia, unidirectional causality from Internet use to FDI in East Asia, and unidirectional causality from FDI to Internet use in Western Asia. Moreover, the findings indicate unidirectional causality from exports to Internet use in East Asia and unidirectional causality from Internet use to exports in South Asia, but no impact in Western Asia. Finally, the results show unidirectional causality from Internet use to GDP in Western Asia. As these results suggest that Internet use has boosted economic performance in Asia, policy makers in the region should improve Internet use with a focus on economic growth, improving transaction efficiency, and facilitating foreign investment.
Foam bubble size is significantly influenced by sclerosant concentration for polidocanol but not sodium tetradecyl sulphate
Authors: Wong Kaichung , Connor David Ewan , Andrade Osvaldo Cooley , Parsi Kurosh
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To determine the effect of liquid gas fraction (LGF), sclerosant type and concentration, and filter use on foam bubble size and count.

Methods

Sclerosant foam microstructure was investigated using light microscopy for a range of LGFs (1 + 2, 1 + 4 and 1 + 8), for both sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS) and polidocanol (POL), at a range of concentrations (0.5–3%), with and without the addition of micro-filters. Foam was generated using a modified Tessari method and placed into wells for analysis by light microscopy. Foam microscopic morphology was photographically documented, and bubble diameters and counts were quantified.

Results

Spherical bubbles were observed at lower LGF and a trend towards polyhedral morphology was observed at the higher LGF of (1 + 8). The higher gas content in LGF led to larger but fewer bubbles. POL bubble diameters appeared to be more influenced by concentration than STS with smaller bubbles observed at higher concentrations of POL. The mean bubble diameters were slightly larger for STS than POL at the highest concentration of 3% but smaller at lower concentrations of 1% and 1.5%.

Conclusions

LGF is the primary determinant of bubble diameter and count. In contrast to STS, POL concentration influences the foam bubble size with smaller bubbles generated at higher concentrations of POL and larger bubbles appearing at low concentrations of this agent.
The role of Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 hypermethylation in the classification of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and its association with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 phosphorylation in skm-1 cells
Authors: Han Ying , Zhang Jin , Pang Yanbin , Wang Yamei , Zhang Xinying , Zhang Hongze
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of heterogeneous bone marrow clonal diseases characterized by the abnormal differentiation and development of bone marrow cells. Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase (SHP)-1 is an important tumor suppressor gene that regulates the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway.

Methods

Survival analysis was performed to evaluate the function of decitabine (5-Aza) in treating MDS patients with and without SHP-1 methylation. The effects of 5-Aza treatment on SHP-1 expression and methylation and STAT3 phosphorylation were investigated in MDS cells by methylation-specific PCR, reverse transcription PCR, and western blotting. Cell viability and apoptosis were similarly evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry.

Results

High-risk MDS patients showed significant SHP-1 hypermethylation compared with low-risk patients, and patients with no SHP-1 methylation had longer overall survival. SHP-1 expression was significantly increased at mRNA and protein levels following 5-Aza treatment, while the phosphorylation of STAT3 protein was significantly decreased. Apoptosis increased significantly in MDS cells treated with higher doses of 5-Aza while cell viability decreased significantly.

Conclusion

SHP-1 hypermethylation was associated with poor prognosis in HR patients with MDS, suggesting it could be used as a prognostic indicator.
Headache secondary to cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Rothrock John F , Diener Hans-Christoph
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To discuss headache secondary to cerebrovascular disease.

Background

Headache is an important symptom in cerebrovascular diseases. In some conditions, headache is the leading symptom. Migraine is associated with an increased risk of stroke.

Methods

The authors undertook a literature search for the terms “headache” and “cerebrovascular diseases”.

Results

We report studies on headache in subarachnoidal hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, TIA, basilar artery thrombosis, cervical artery dissection, cerebellar stroke, arteritis and cerebral sinus venous thrombosis. In addition, we discuss migraine and stroke and thunderclap headache.

Conclusions

Headache is a leading symptom in many cerebrovascular diseases. Headache in combination with focal neurological deficits requires immediate diagnosis and treatment.
Time Delay Effects on Compactability of Soil-Cement Materials during Proctor Testing
Authors: Sullivan W. Griffin , Howard Isaac L.
Published: March 2021

The Proctor test method, as specified in AASHTO T134 and ASTM D558, continues to play a vital role in design and construction quality control for soil-cement materials. However, neither test method establishes a methodology or standardized protocols to characterize the effects of time delay between cement addition and compaction, also known as compaction delay. Compaction delay has been well documented to have a notably negative effect on compactability, compressive strength, and overall performance of soil-cement materials, but specification tools to address this behavior are not prevalent. This paper aims to demonstrate the extent of compaction delay effects on several soil-cement mixtures used in Mississippi and to present recommended new test method protocols for AASHTO T134 to characterize compaction delay effects. Data presented showed that not all soil-cement mixtures are sensitive to compaction delay, but some mixtures can be very sensitive and lead to a meaningful decrease in specimen dry density. Recommended test method protocols were presented for AASHTO T134 and commentary was presented to provide state Departments of Transportation and other specifying agencies a few examples of how the new compaction delay protocols could be implemented.
Civic Engagement and Well-Being: Examining a Mediational Model Across Gender
Authors: Fenn Natalie , Robbins Mark L. , Harlow Lisa , Pearson-Merkowitz Shanna
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

The relationship between civic engagement and mental health is generally positive, yet particularly complex among those from low socioeconomic backgrounds and women. The current study examined pathways between civic engagement and well-being to clarify its merit as a health promotional tool for young adults.

Design:

Cross-sectional design using an online questionnaire.

Setting:

Participants were recruited at a mid-sized Northeastern US university.

Sample:

Participants ( N = 438) were primarily White (78%) and female (72%).

Measures:

Demographics, socioeconomic status, civic engagement behavior, well-being, meaning in life, self-efficacy toward service, and social support.

Analysis:

Structural equation modeling to test an a priori model of civic engagement behavior and well-being in young adults. Models were conducted across men and women, covarying for social support.

Results:

The full effects model fit well, demonstrating positive relationships between civic engagement and well-being for both men and women with mediation by service self-efficacy and meaning in life (χ2(2) = 1.05, p = .59; CFI = 1.0; RMSEA = .00, 90% CI [.00, .07]; R2 = .46). Type of engagement (civic, electoral, sociopolitical) showed mixed results in relation to well-being.

Conclusion:

Civic activity was associated with well-being when mediated by service self-efficacy while sociopolitical voice correlated to stronger well-being when mediated by meaning in life. Future longitudinal studies should be conducted among more socioeconomically diverse populations to verify the role of civic engagement in health promotion.
Association Between Self-Reported Sedentary Behavior and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Multimorbidity Patients in Singapore
Authors: Lau Jue Hua , Lee Eng Sing , Zhang Yunjue , Vaingankar Janhavi Ajit , Abdin Edimansyah , Chong Siow Ann , Subramaniam Mythily
Published: March 2021

Background:

The study examined the association between sedentary behavior and self-rated health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a sample of patients with multimorbidity in Singapore recruited from a primary care clinic.

Methods:

Sedentary behavior and physical activity were assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF). HRQoL was assessed with EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) utility index, visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) and its 5 subscales (Mobility, Self-care, Usual Activities, Pain/Discomfort, and Anxiety/Depression). Depression was assessed via Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Logistic and linear regression analyses adjusting for the effect of physical activity, depression, and sociodemographic variables (i.e., age, gender, ethnicity, education) were conducted.

Results:

932 patients participated in the study (mean age:64.5±8.5 years, range: 35-80) and 55% were men. Results indicated that women were less likely to have sedentary behavior (≥7 hrs/day) than men. Results indicated sedentary behavior was associated with lower EQ-5D index scores, but not EQ-VAS scores. Participants who were sedentary for ≥7 hrs/day were more likely to endorse having problems with mobility, self-care, and usual activities, but not with pain/discomfort, nor anxiety/depression.

Conclusion:

Sedentary behavior was associated with poorer HRQoL. There is a need for interventions and health promotions to reduce sedentary behavior in patients with multimorbidity.
Does Restricting the Entry of Formula Businesses Help Mom-and-Pop Stores? The Case of Small American Towns With Unique Community Character
Authors: Kim Minjee , Zhou Tingyu
Published: March 2021

Communities worldwide are increasingly introducing regulatory measures to protect independent businesses from chain stores, but the efficacy of these attempts is largely debated. Moreover, effects are likely to vary by the characteristics of the local economy, a consideration overlooked by existing studies. Using a sample of U.S. cities with unique community characteristics, the authors examine Formula Business Restrictions (FBR), a type of an American land use regulation that restricts the entry of “formula businesses.” The authors find that the passage of FBR led to a higher number and percentage of employees working in mom-and-pop businesses, which was primarily achieved by protecting existing ones from downsizing. This positive effect occurred over time with increasing magnitude. The authors also find heterogeneous effects on different sectors: FBR had strong positive effects on the retail sector, but not on the service sector. Findings suggest that chain store entry barriers can be beneficial for mom-and-pop businesses when designed carefully.
Covid-19 and The Gender Gap in Employment Among Parents of Young Children in Canada
Authors: Fuller Sylvia , Qian Yue
Published: March 2021

Economic and social disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic have important implications for gender and class inequality. Drawing on Statistics Canada’s monthly Labour Force Survey, we document trends in gender gaps in employment and work hours over the pandemic (February–October 2020). Our findings highlight the importance of care provisions for gender equity, with gaps larger among parents than people without children, and most pronounced when care and employment were more difficult to reconcile. When employment barriers eased, so did the gender–employment gap. The pandemic could not undo longer-standing cultural and structural shifts motivating contemporary mothers’ employment. The pandemic also exacerbated educational inequalities among women, highlighting the importance of assessing gendered impacts through an intersectional lens.
Has the Economic Lockdown Following the Covid-19 Pandemic Changed the Gender Division of Labor in Israel?
Authors: Yaish Meir , Mandel Hadas , Kristal Tali
Published: March 2021

The economic shutdown and national lockdown following the outbreak of COVID-19 have increased demand for unpaid work at home, particularly among families with children, and reduced demand for paid work. Concurrently, the share of the workforce that has relocated its workplace to home has also increased. In this article, we examine the consequences of these processes for the allocation of time among paid work, housework, and care work for men and women in Israel. Using data on 2,027 Israeli adults whom we followed since the first week of March (before the spread of COVID-19), we focus on the effect of the second lockdown in Israel (in September) on the gender division of both paid and unpaid work. We find that as demand for housework caused by the lockdown increases, women—especially with children—increase their housework much more than men do, particularly when they work from home. The consequences of work from home and other flexible work arrangements for gender inequality within the family are discussed.
Covid-19, Flexible Working, and Implications for Gender Equality in the United Kingdom
Authors: Chung Heejung , Birkett Holly , Forbes Sarah , Seo Hyojin
Published: March 2021

We examine the role flexible working has for gender equality during the pandemic, focusing on arrangements that give workers control over when and where they work. We use a survey of dual-earning working parents in the United Kingdom during the peak of the first lockdown, namely, between mid-May and mid-June 2020. Results show that in most households in our survey, mothers were mainly responsible for housework and child care tasks both before and during the lockdown period, although this proportion has slightly declined during the pandemic. In households where fathers worked from home during the pandemic, respondents were less likely to say that mothers were the ones solely or mostly responsible for housework and child care. Fathers who worked from home were more likely to say that they were doing more housework and child care during the lockdown period than they were before. Finally, we explore what we expect to happen in the postpandemic times in relation to flexible working and gender equality. The large expansion of flexible working we expect to happen may help reduce some of the gender inequalities that have exacerbated during the pandemic, but only if we reflect on and change our existing work cultures and gender norms.
Safety of Inpatient Dofetilide Initiation per Cardiology Services: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Cicirale Carrie , Jackson Jennifer , Gothard David
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Dofetilide is an antiarrhythmic medication that has the potential to cause life threatening arrhythmias, such as Torsade de pointes. The 2014 ACC/AHA/HRS guidelines for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation state that patients need to meet certain criteria to be initiated on dofetilide. Patients who are not initiated on this therapy according to the guideline criteria are likely to be at higher risk of adverse reactions.

Methods:

This is a single center, retrospective chart review of patients who were initiated on dofetilide from July 2016-December 2019. Patients included in the study were initiated on dofetilide as a new antiarrhythmic and monitored inpatient for 3 days. The primary outcome was a composite of incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, cardiac death, and cardiac related hospital readmission.

Results:

There were 224 patients included in the analysis: 190 patients who were initiated on dofetilide inappropriately and 34 that were initiated appropriately. The primary outcome (composite of cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, cardiac death, and hospital readmission) was statistically significant with more patients experiencing an outcome in the group initiated inappropriately.

Conclusions:

Patients are placed at a higher risk of adverse reactions when this potentially dangerous antiarrhythmic medication is not used according to the protocol set forth by the guidelines. Practitioners should use caution when prescribing dofetilide. Other antiarrhythmic medications or non-pharmacologic options should be considered due to the incidence of these dangerous adverse reactions.
A Survey of Arizona Pharmacists to Identify Opportunities to Enhance Pharmacists’ Competitiveness in a Tightening Labor Market
Authors: Cameron Caitlin K. , Alamer Ahmad A. , Fossati Eliane , Raslan Gamal , Nguyen Tiffany , Bermingham Trevor , Fazel Maryam T.
Published: March 2021

Background:

The pharmacy profession has experienced dramatic shifts in scopes of practice, services offered, and employment opportunities over the last couple decades. At the same time, the number of students graduating from pharmacy school each year has steadily increased. The combined effect of these factors is a tightening labor market. Identification of potential knowledge and skill deficits in the applicant pool will create opportunity for pharmacists to tailor their personal development and educators to design content to address contemporary needs.

Objective:

To determine if the current pharmacist pool meets employment needs in Arizona with respect to specific skills and knowledge.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional survey design, Arizona licensed pharmacists were asked to provide their perspective of the knowledge and skills of candidates for pharmacist positions within 8 skill & knowledge domains. Descriptive statistics were used for respondents’ characteristics. A multivariate logistic regression was used for association between respondent characteristics and responses. Free responses were assessed using a qualitative thematic analysis.

Results:

Among 685 respondents, 88% were employed, 48% had precepting experience, and 44% were involved with hiring. The majority were from chain community pharmacies (33%) and inpatient settings (22%). Management and conflict resolution skills were reported as lacking by 35% and 28% of respondents respectively; 24% reported insufficient compounding knowledge.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest knowledge deficits in management, conflict resolution, and compounding. This information can be used for career planning and for educational program development or curricular enhancements. Similar studies in other regions will provide data on national needs.
Evaluation of the Addition of Pharmacist Management to a Medication Assistance Program in Patients with Hypertension and Diabetes Resistant to Usual Care
Authors: Smith Amy Metcalfe , Hamann Gale L. , Campbell Jennifer D. , Sprabery Laura R.
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of a medication assistance program and the addition of pharmacist management on clinical outcomes in patients with hypertension and diabetes through an Advanced Pharmaceutical Care program.

Methods:

This was a prospective quality improvement study on patients with hypertension and/or diabetes resistant to usual care. The primary outcomes were change in A1C, blood glucose, and blood pressure between 3 phases: usual care, free medications, and free medications plus pharmacist management. Secondary outcomes included achievement of A1C, blood glucose, and blood pressure goals as well as pharmacist interventions.

Results:

Seven patients were included in the study. The mean A1C decreased from 11.3% to 8.3% with free medications (p = 0.28) and from 8.3% to 6.4% with pharmacist management (p = 0.119). Mean blood pressure during usual care, free medications, and pharmacist intervention was 150/87 mm Hg, 148/85 mm Hg, and 125/78 mm Hg, respectively. After pharmacist management, 75% of patients with type 2 diabetes were able to achieve A1C and blood glucose goals, and 71% of patients with hypertension achieved blood pressure <130/80 mm Hg.

Conclusions:

The Advanced Pharmaceutical Care program allowed pharmacists to identify and overcome patient-specific barriers to care, provide individualized disease state education, and optimize medication management. Medication assistance led to improvements in A1C and blood pressure, but did not affect achievement of disease state goals. Pharmacist involvement in hypertension and diabetes care led to clinically significant reductions in blood pressure and A1C and enabled patients to reach guideline-recommended blood pressure and glycemic goals.
Mechanical response of different types of surface texture for medical application using finite element study
Authors: Dommeti Vamsi Krishna , Pramanik Sumit , Roy Sandipan
Published: March 2021

Titanium implants are commonly used in dental and other joint replacements and its several modifications have been taken place to improve the adhesion between bone and implant. Different chemical and physical modifications are generally applied to the titanium surface for improving interlocking between bone and implant materials. The present work has been investigated the shear strength stiffness and stress concentration between Representative Volume Element (RVE) model and coating material while the surface of the RVE model modified with different types of surface textures. The surface topology parameters resulted a significant increase in shear strength by 55% and 45% for straight texture and U-shape texture, respectively compared with plain surface. The stiffness reduced significantly by 18% for U-shape and but to 36% only for X-shape, when compared with plain surface. The stress concentration factor in biaxial case both dome shape and X-shape has 45%and 25% in U-shape lower than that of the plain surface. Therefore, this investigation predicted the interfacial shear strength properties generated for different surface topologies to determine the bonding behavior of the implant materials.
The post-Covid-19 in public libraries in Italy: Several trends, some fear and a hope
Authors: Mercurio Francesco
Published: March 2021

The author briefly illustrates the strategies that public libraries (state, academic and local) have adopted towards the Covid-19 epidemic. The author describes some scenarios for the near future, points out some fears and wishes an hope for the future of Italian libraries.
Book review: Debdatta Saha. 2020. Economics of the Food Processing Industry: Lessons from Bihar, India
Authors: Kumar Manish
Published: March 2021

Debdatta Saha. 2020. Economics of the Food Processing Industry: Lessons from Bihar, India. Springer Nature, 262 pp., ₹14,068.00. ISBN 978-981-13-8553-7.
Instructions for Australian and New Zealand trainees in developing skills in formulation: a systematic review of local evidence
Authors: Bagster Michelle , Myles Hannah , Large Matthew
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To examine the peer-reviewed literature on psychiatric formulation.

Methods:

The term (formula*) was used to systematically search Australasian Psychiatry, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, British Journal of Psychiatry, BJPsych Bulletin, American Journal of Psychiatry and Academic Psychiatry. The resulting papers were reviewed.

Results:

Of the 42 papers located, 22 (52%) were published between 2002 and 2019; 90% papers were published in Australasian Psychiatry (15), Academic Psychiatry (12) or BJPsych Bulletin (10), journals that focus on training and clinical practice. The papers varied in their aims and recommendations and not all justified the need for formulation. Formulation was recommended as a necessity for training, a communication tool and a guide to treatment. No article provided evidence for the superiority of any type of formulation, and the role of consumers in formulation was conspicuously lacking.

Conclusion:

There are many ways to structure formulation. However, the existing literature does not support any particular approach. More consideration needs to be given to the needs of consumers in conceptualising and practicing formulation.
Data standardization implementation and applications within and among diagnostic laboratories: integrating and monitoring enteric coronaviruses
Authors: Trevisan Giovani , Linhares Leticia C. M. , Schwartz Kent J. , Burrough Eric R. , Magalhães Edison de S. , Crim Bret , Dubey Poonam , Main Rodger G. , Gauger Phillip , Thurn Mary , Lages Paulo T. F. , Corzo Cesar A. , Torrison Jerry , Henningson Jamie , Herrman Eric , McGaughey Rob , Cino Giselle , Greseth Jon , Clement Travis , Christopher-Hennings Jane , Linhares Daniel C. L.
Published: March 2021

Every day, thousands of samples from diverse populations of animals are submitted to veterinary diagnostic laboratories (VDLs) for testing. Each VDL has its own laboratory information management system (LIMS), with processes and procedures to capture submission information, perform laboratory tests, define the boundaries of test results (i.e., positive or negative), and report results, in addition to internal business and accounting applications. Enormous quantities of data are accumulated and stored within VDL LIMSs. There is a need for platforms that allow VDLs to exchange and share portions of laboratory data using standardized, reliable, and sustainable information technology processes. Here we report concepts and applications for standardization and aggregation of data from swine submissions to multiple VDLs to detect and monitor porcine enteric coronaviruses by RT-PCR. Oral fluids, feces, and fecal swabs were the specimens submitted most frequently for enteric coronavirus testing. Statistical algorithms were used successfully to scan and monitor the overall and state-specific percentage of positive submissions. Major findings revealed a consistently recurrent seasonal pattern, with the highest percentage of positive submissions detected during December–February for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, porcine deltacoronavirus, and transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV). After 2014, very few submissions tested positive for TGEV. Monitoring VDL data proactively has the potential to signal and alert stakeholders early of significant changes from expected detection. We demonstrate the importance of, and applications for, data organized and aggregated by using LOINC and SNOMED CTs, as well as the use of customized messaging to allow inter-VDL exchange of information.
Data Science Approaches in Criminal Justice and Public Health Research: Lessons Learned From Opioid Projects
Authors: Anderson Tammy L. , Donnelly Ellen A. , Delcher Chris , Wang Yanning
Published: March 2021

The persistence of the nation’s opioid epidemic has called on criminal justice and public health agencies to collaborate more than ever. This epidemiological criminology framework highlights the surveillance of public health and safety, often using data science approaches, to inform best practices. The purpose of our article is to delineate the main benefits and challenges of adopting data science approaches for epidemiological criminology partnerships, research, and policy. We offer “lessons learned” from our opioid research in Delaware and Florida to advise future researchers, especially those working closely with policymakers and practitioners in translating science into impactful best practices. We begin with a description of our projects, pivot to the challenges we have faced in contributing to science and policy, and close with recommendations for future research, public advocacy, and practice.
Thermo-mechanical characterisation of NiTi-based shape memory alloy wires for civil engineering applications
Authors: Suhail Raj , Amato Giuseppina , McCrum Daniel
Published: March 2021

Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) exhibit a complex material behaviour due to thermo-mechanical coupling. At present, the understanding of their material behaviour under different thermo-mechanical loading conditions relevant to civil engineering applications is lacking even though they have been widely used in the past decade or so, for example mechanical behaviour at constant stress but variable temperature loading has not received much attention in civil engineering. In this study a comparative analysis of the mechanical behaviour of various NiTi-based SMAs is carried out to investigate: (1) stress-elongation and stress-temperature response under direct tensile loading; (2) thermo-mechanical behaviour under constant stress condition but under variable temperature loading (to investigate their ability to exhibit shape memory effect, if any, while carrying load); and (3) the ability to develop and retain recovery stress at room and sub-zero temperatures. Essentially, all these tests aim at investigating the potential/limitations of the SMAs in civil engineering in particular re-centring and heat-activated prestressing applications. The results from this study showed that at a constant stress of 600 MPa a large forward transformation strain, in the range of 5%–11%, is produced in NiTi-based SMAs when the temperature is lowered to or below the room temperature. This material behaviour of NiTi-based SMAs could be detrimental in many civil engineering applications of NiTi-based SMAs. However, all NiTi-based SMAs used in this study were found to have a good potential for re-centring applications, but only austenitic NiTi-based SMAs were found suitable for long-term prestressing applications. The maximum recovery stress developed on heating with constrained boundary conditions ranged between 230–750 MPa.
Commentary on Chaplain-Physician Interactions From the Chaplain’s Perspective: A Mixed Method Analysis
Authors: Handzo Rev George , Hughes Rev Brian
Published: March 2021

Gomez and her colleagues have presented a helpful study of the relationship of the chaplains in her health system to physicians which highlights several barriers to a well-integrated relationship and thus to more optimal patient care. We have seen these same barriers as we have consulted with health systems nationally and have also identified many best practices that mediate or even eliminate many of these barriers. This commentary describes some of what we have seen as chaplain-generated causes of those barriers and effective strategies that have been employed to overcome them. We also provide some resources for chaplains who wish to institute some of these best practices themselves.
Self-Efficacy Care Program for Older Adults Receiving Hip-Fracture Surgery
Authors: Su Shu-Fen , Lin Shu-Ni , Chen Chia-Sui
Published: March 2021

Hip fractures decrease older adults’ physical activity and quality of life (QoL). However, no current self-efficacy care programs are managed by clinical nurses, and thus no studies have measured their effects on self-care self-efficacy (SCSE). Hence, this quasi-experimental study determined the effectiveness of a self-efficacy care program (SECP) in 104 older adults receiving hip-fracture surgery who were divided into intervention and control groups. The Strategies Used by People to Promote Health and Short Form-36 were administered pre-surgery and at 1 and 3-month intervals post-surgery. The SCSE and QoL of the SECP group were significantly better than the control group at 1- and 3-month follow-ups post-surgery. Both groups’ QoL decreased at one-month post-surgery but increased by 3-months post-surgery. The SECP group had higher psychological QoL than the control group post-surgery. This intervention increased the SCSE and QoL of older adults with hip fractures and improved post-operative care.
Caring for a Child with Cancer: Experiences of Jordanian Mothers
Authors: Shattnawi Khulood K. , Okour Heba , Alnatour Ahlam , Al-Sheyab Nihaya , Mrayan Lina , Joseph Rachel A.
Published: March 2021

The diagnosis of childhood cancer is one of the most serious and unexpected experiences a mother can endure. A descriptive phenomenological approach was used to explore the experiences of mothers of children diagnosed with cancer in Jordan. Themes that emerged include (1) Emotional response on knowing the diagnosis (feelings of shock, lack of preparedness, denial, and feelings of “paralysis”), (2) Fear of the dreaded disease (fear of suffering and fear of death), and (3) The challenges of the treatment journey (inadequate financial resources, role transition, and feeling socially isolated). This study describes the experiences of Jordanian mothers who care for their children diagnosed with cancer so that health care providers can develop strategies to provide adequate psychological support to these mothers.
The Effect of Perichondrium and Graft Modification on the Viability of Conchal Cartilage Graft: An Experimental Study in Rabbit
Authors: Hapsari Nathania Pudya , Bangun Kristaninta , Atmodiwirjo Parintosa , Ponco Bambang , Dewi Tri Isyani Tungga , Halim Jessica
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Cartilage grafts are widely used in reconstructing nasal deformity for structural and aesthetic purposes. Despite being immunologically privileged, cartilage grafts are susceptible to volume loss with high risk of resorption over time. Therefore, experts opt for cartilage handling modification to resolve this issue through graft dicing, wrapping, or perichondrium preservation. This study will evaluate the effect cartilage graft preparations on graft viability.

Design:

Single-randomized post-test-only study design.

Setting:

Animal Hospital at Bogor Agricultural Institute.

Participants:

Six New Zealand, male, Hycole rabbits.

Intervention:

Conchal cartilage grafts were retrieved from 6 experimental rabbits and distributed into 3 treatment groups: diced cartilage graft (DC; control), one-sided perichondrium-attached scored cartilage (OPSC), and tube-shaped perichondrium-wrapped diced cartilage (TPDC).

Main Outcome Measures:

Macroscopic (weight and contour) and microscopic (chondroblast proliferation, graft thickness, apoptotic cells) evaluation through histological measures were recorded on week 12. Statistical analysis was done to compare between groups.

Results:

Diced cartilage and OPSC groups showed significant weight changes on week 12 ( P < .05) with OPSC presenting with the biggest difference. Diced cartilage and OPSC group showed moderate cell proliferation on week 12 while TPDC displayed most abundant apoptotic cells (5.8%; P < .05). Diced cartilage group had the highest cartilage thickness ratio ( P < .05).

Discussion:

Bare DC technique promoted graft thickness while perichondrium-attached scored cartilage showed the most abundant chondroblast proliferation and the least apoptotic cells. Perichondrium contributes to enhanced new cartilage formation.

Conclusion:

Diced cartilage graft is suitable for masking irregularity and volume augmentation, while perichondrium-attached cartilage graft is better for structural support in nasal reconstruction.
Affordance as general value function: a computational model
Authors: Graves Daniel , Günther Johannes , Luo Jun
Published: March 2021

General value functions (GVFs) in the reinforcement learning (RL) literature are long-term predictive summaries of the outcomes of agents following specific policies in the environment. Affordances as perceived action possibilities with specific valence may be cast into predicted policy-relative goodness and modeled as GVFs. A systematic explication of this connection shows that GVFs and especially their deep-learning embodiments (1) realize affordance prediction as a form of direct perception, (2) illuminate the fundamental connection between action and perception in affordance, and (3) offer a scalable way to learn affordances using RL methods. Through an extensive review of existing literature on GVF applications and representative affordance research in robotics, we demonstrate that GVFs provide the right framework for learning affordances in real-world applications. In addition, we highlight a few new avenues of research opened up by the perspective of “affordance as GVF,” including using GVFs for orchestrating complex behaviors.
Measuring Behavioral Inhibition and Behavioral Activation in Older Adults: Construct Validity of the Dutch BIS/BAS Scales
Authors: Dierickx Serafine , Dierckx Eva , Claes Laurence , Rossi Gina
Published: March 2021

Research on the validity of the behavioral inhibition system/behavioral approach system (BIS/BAS) scales focused on adolescent, student and adult populations. This study is the first to examine the psychometric properties of the BIS/BAS scales in a community ( n = 368) and a clinical sample ( n = 160) of older adults. Exploratory structural equation modelling with target rotation to the Carver and White model supported the construct validity of the BIS/BAS scales. Internal consistencies of the scales were generally satisfactory. Female participants scored higher on BIS and BAS-Reward Responsiveness compared with males. The community-dwelling sample scored higher on BAS-Drive and BAS-Reward Responsiveness compared with the clinical sample. Concerning the nomological net, BIS was positively related to Anxiety, Depression, maladaptive coping strategies, Neuroticism and Cluster C personality disorders. BAS was positively related to Openness, Extraversion, Active Confronting and Cluster B personality disorders and negatively related to the schizoid personality disorder. The BIS/BAS Scales are a useful instrument for measuring Gray’s theory of personality in older adults.