bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lymphogranuloma venereum mimicking rectal cancer (T3 N2) and causing a rectovesical fistula
Authors: Sadoghi Birgit , Komericki Peter , Igrec Jasminka , Hutterer Georg C , Wolf Peter
Published: May 2021

We present the case of a 66-year-old bisexual patient suffering from painful bloody defecation, linked to rectal thickening, rectovesical fistula and enlarged lymph nodes in the mesorectal area. The patient was misdiagnosed with rectal cancer (T3 N2) on MRI but the symptoms of the patient were due to lymphogranuloma venereum. After adequate treatment with doxycycline, symptoms faded within days; a control MRI showed complete regression of all pathologic alterations.
Freud, Griesinger and Foville: the influence of the nineteenth-century psychiatric tradition in the Freudian concept of delusion as an ‘attempt at recovery’
Authors: Tran The Jessica
Published: May 2021

This article aims to situate the Freudian concept of delusion in psychosis as an ‘attempt at recovery’, within the context of the classical psychiatric theories prevalent in the nineteenth century. Freud’s theoretical thinking on the psychopathology of psychosis presents elements of continuity with, and divergence from, the psychiatric theories of his time. We will thus demonstrate the singularity of Freud’s own theory. We will discuss the possible influence that the theory proposed by Griesinger, with its description of a temporal evolution in the psychotic process, may have had on Freud’s thinking, and consider the theory of ‘deductive logic’ prevalent in nineteenth-century French psychiatry. Finally, we will discuss the vehement critique Freud made of both these theories.
Technology Evolution and Multiplier Innovation Through TDNA Analytical Model
Authors: Han Junghee , Chung Sunghoon , Jang Heeyoung
Published: May 2021

Few papers have dealt with disruptive technology from a technological evolutionary perspective. This article analyses disruptive innovation activities in terms of the new concept of technological DNA (TDNA). To pursue the research aim, evolution theories and a case methodology were utilised. We find that evolutions in technology are due to changes in environmental conditions. Parallels may be drawn between technology discontinuity and the punctuated equilibrium theory in evolution. When seen from that perspective, TDNA has not been disrupted but has evolved within the new market environment, and technological evolution gives birth to a new industry. New products or services are created through the changing or reconfiguring of TDNA. Over time, technology evolves, but its inherent nature remains. For that reason, TDNA is not disrupted even if disruptive innovation occurs. Rather, through the process of disruptive innovation, new functions are created by the substitution or replacement of the architecture surrounding the technology which determines how it actually functions. Thus we may refer to this phenomenon as a ‘Multiplier innovation’ rather than a disruptive innovation in that it involves the birthing of new products. This article seeks to contribute to innovation studies in expanding its methodological framework.
Achieving Education Excellence Through Teacher–Student Duality: An Analysis of NIRF Scores
Authors: Gupta Nitin , Vrat Prem , Ojha Ravindra
Published: May 2021

In the service industry, to get the satisfactory quality outcome, both the customer and server play an important role. It is not a one-way process but a series of multiple continuous feedback loops that define the outcome. The demand levels set between both the customer and server decide whether the result will be extraordinary or ordinary. In the education sector, the customer is the student and the teacher is the server. It would be interesting to analyse this relationship and study its impact. The idea is to use the established, nationally recognized measurement criteria like National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). This system has defined different criteria, of which 50% weightage has been given to teacher and student quality, named as Research and Professional Practice (RP) and Graduation Outcomes (GO). Statistical tools were used to analyse and compare the input criteria and their impact on the outcome. This attempt establishes the relationship between the teacher and student and the importance of the customer–server duality.
Physical Activity Patterns in India Stratified by Zones, Age, Region, BMI and Implications for COVID-19: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Podder Vivek , Nagarathna Raghuram , Anand Akshay , Patil Suchitra S. , Singh Amit Kumar , Nagendra Hongasandra Ramarao
Published: May 2021

Rationale:

India has a high prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which can be lowered by regular physical activity. To understand this association, recent population data is required which is representative of all the states and union territories of the country.

Objective:

We aimed to investigate the patterns of physical activity in India, stratified by zones, body mass index (BMI), urban, rural areas, and gender.

Method:

We present the analysis of physical activity status from the data collected during the phase 1 of a pan-India study. This ( Niyantrita Madhumeha Bharata 2017) was a multicenter pan-India cluster sampled trial with dual objectives. A survey to identify all individuals at a high risk for diabetes, using a validated instrument called the Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS), was followed by a two-armed randomized yoga-based lifestyle intervention for the primary prevention of diabetes. The physical activity was scored as per IDRS (vigorous exercise or strenuous at work = 0, moderate exercise at home/work = 10, mild exercise at home/work = 20, no exercise = 30). This was done in a selected cluster using a mobile application. A weighted prevalence was calculated based on the nonresponse rate and design weight.

Results:

We analyzed the data from 2,33,805 individuals; the mean age was 41.4 years (SD 13.4). Of these, 50.6% were females and 49.4% were males; 45.8% were from rural areas and 54% from urban areas. The BMI was 24.7 ± 4.6 kg/m 2 . Briefly, 20% were physically inactive and 57% of the people were either inactive or mildly active. 21.2% of females were found physically inactive, whereas 19.2% of males were inactive. Individuals living in urban localities were proportionately more inactive (21.7% vs. 18.8%) or mildly active (38.9% vs. 34.8%) than the rural people. Individuals from the central (29.6%) and south zones (28.6%) of the country were also relatively inactive, in contrast to those from the northwest zone (14.2%). The known diabetics were found to be physically inactive (28.3% vs. 19.8%) when compared with those unaware of their diabetic status.

Conclusion:

20% and 37% of the population in India are not active or mildly active, respectively, and thus 57% of the surveyed population do not meet the physical activity regimen recommended by the World Health Organization. This puts a large Indian population at risk of developing various NCDs, which are being increasingly reported to be vulnerable to COVID-19 infections. India needs to adopt the four strategic objectives recommended by the World Health Organization for reducing the prevalence of physical inactivity.
Energy harvesting from cavity flow oscillations
Authors: Thangamani Varun , Kok Foo Ngai
Published: May 2021

This study investigates the energy harvesting prospects of self-sustained flow oscillations emanating from grazing flow over a rectangular cavity by employing experimental and computational methods. Two cavity geometries with length-to-depth ratios of 2 and 3, exposed to an incoming flow of 30 m/s, were selected for the purpose. The power spectral density of the baseline cavity flows showed the presence of high-amplitude peaks whose frequencies agreed to those estimated from Rossiter’s feedback model. For energy harvesting, a piezoelectric beam was placed perpendicular to the aft wall and its natural frequency tuned to match closely with the dominant frequencies of the cavity flow oscillations. From the experiments, an average and maximum instantaneous power of 21.11 and 284.18 µW was recorded for the cavity with L/ D = 2 whereas for the cavity with L/ D = 3 the corresponding values were 32.16 and 403.46 µW respectively. Time-frequency analysis showed the forcing of the beam at the cavity oscillation frequency and the substantial increase in the amplitude of beam vibrations when this frequency was close to the natural frequency of the beam.
Structural Vulnerability and Occupational Injury Among Latinx Child Farmworkers in North Carolina
Authors: Arnold Taylor J. , Arcury Thomas A. , Quandt Sara A. , Mora Dana C. , Daniel Stephanie S.
Published: May 2021

Children as young as ten-years-old can legally work as hired farm labor in the United States. In North Carolina, many hired children are part of the Latinx farmworker community. Agriculture is a hazardous industry, and child workers experience high rates of injury, illness, and mortality. As part of a community-based participatory research study, we draw from thirty in-depth interviews with Latinx child farmworkers aged ten to seventeen to describe their experiences of personal and observed workplace injury and close calls. Nearly all child workers had experienced or observed some form of injury, with several reporting close calls that could have resulted in severe injury or fatality. Overall, children reported a reactive approach to injury prevention and normalized pain as part of the job. Highlighting Latinx child farmworkers’ structural “vulnerability, this analysis contextualizes understanding of workplace injury among this largely hidden population. We offer policy recommendations to protect and support these vulnerable workers.
Integrating Traditional Medicine and Healing into the Ghanaian Mainstream Health System: Voices From Within
Authors: Kwame Abukari
Published: May 2021

In this study, I employed interpretive ethnographic qualitative design to explore perceptions of and proposals from traditional healers, biomedical practitioners, and health care consumers regarding integrating traditional medicine and healing in Ghana. Data were gathered through focus groups, in-depth individual interviews, and qualitative questionnaires and analyzed thematically. The results revealed positive attitudes toward integrating traditional medicine in Ghana and a discursive discourse of power relations. The power imbalance between biomedical and traditional practitioners regarding what integrative models to adopt is sanctioned by formal education and institutional structure. As a result, multiple approaches for integration were made, including patient co-referrals, collaborations between biomedical and traditional medical practitioners, and creating a unit for traditional medicine and healers at the outpatients’ department for patients to choose either biomedicine or traditional medicine. Incorporating aspects of traditional healing in the training of biomedical practitioners and creating a space for knowledge sharing were also proposed. These integrative models reflected the distinctive interests of healers and biomedical practitioners. Considering these findings, I recommended policy options for consideration toward achieving an integrative health care system in Ghana.
Understanding Gut Feelings: Transformations in Coping With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Among Young Adults
Authors: Gelech Jan , Desjardins Michel , Mazurik Kathrina , Duerksen Kari , McGuigan-Scott Kevin , Lichtenwald Kristy
Published: May 2021

Past studies have revealed a dizzying array of coping techniques employed by persons living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Unfortunately, research has provided little insight into when and why individuals adopt or abandon particular coping strategies. Using a retrospective narrative approach, we explored how participants made sense of changes in their approach to coping over time. Shifts in coping strategies were associated with particular illness experiences that wrought new understandings of IBD and novel identity challenges. They followed a common processual form and were marked by a movement away from techniques of purification, normalization, and banalization toward the development of a more communicative body. This was accompanied by notable shifts in identity work. Notably, participants moved from a preoccupation with maintaining continuity and sameness to permitting their extraordinary bodies to occupy a place in their public and personal identities. Implications of this process for theory and practice are discussed.
HIV-Related Stigma Among Youth Living With HIV in Western Uganda
Authors: Kimera Emmanuel , Vindevogel Sofie , Engelen Anne-Mie , De Maeyer Jessica , Reynaert Didier , Kintu Mugenyi Justice , Rubaihayo John , Bilsen Johan
Published: May 2021

We present an explanatory theory for HIV-related stigma from the perspectives of youth living with HIV/AIDS (YLWHA) in Western Uganda, on which the fight against this relentless stigma in this age group and locality can be founded. A constant comparative method was used to analyze textual data from in-depth interviews with 35 YLWHA, selected from three health facilities. A stigma process model for YLWHA was developed with the stigmatizing feelings and behaviors as the core category. Concepts delineating causes, consequences, and moderators of HIV-related stigma emerged from the data to complete the stigma process. The specific focus on YLWHA and contextual characteristics adds new dimensions to the understanding of HIV-related stigma that are scant in existing HIV-related stigma models. In light of our findings, research is necessary to identify context-specific strategies to overcome the deep-rooted causes of stigmatizing views and behaviors in all social spheres of YLWHA within Western Uganda.
Improving Medical and Nurse Practitioner Student Confidence and Clinical Skill in Advance Care Plan Development: A Multidisciplinary Mentorship Model
Authors: Coogan Anne C. , Shifrin Megan M. , Williams Molly T. , Alverio Jonathan , Periyakoil VJ , Karlekar Mohana B.
Published: May 2021

Background:

Advance care planning (ACP) is an integral aspect of patient-centered care, however medical (MD) and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) students receive minimal education on how to facilitate ACP discussions and ultimately feel uncomfortable having these discussions with patients.1-4 The aim of this project was to increase MD and AGACNP students’ perceived ability and confidence in leading ACP conversations through an ACP educational program called the Letter Project Pilot (LPP).

Methods:

The LPP consisted of faculty-supervised interactions in the inpatient setting during which students were able to lead ACP discussions with patients by guiding them through an advance directive worksheet that was structured in the format of a letter. Student participants were recruited from the MD and AGACNP programs associated with the academic medical center. Patients were recruited from inpatient medicine and geriatrics units at the academic medical center. At the end of the 3-month pilot, a voluntary, anonymous REDCap survey was used to evaluate 2 primary outcomes of interest:1) the association of the LPP pilot on perceived ACP skills, and 2) the perceived impact of the LPP pilot on ACP in future practice.

Results:

Students perceived that their experiences positively enhanced their current ACP skills and their ability to have ACP conversations in their future practice.

Conclusion:

The results support that the LPP is a scalable, cost-effective project that increases students’ perceived ability and confidence in leading ACP conversations.
Integrating Palliative Care Assessment Tools to Enhance Understanding of Illness Trajectory in Post-Acute Care and Long-Term Care
Authors: Grossman Daphna , Grossman Yona , Nadler Ezra , Rootenberg Mark , Karuza Jurgis , Berall Anna
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

To determine whether education and integration of the Gold Standard Framework Proactive Identification Guidance (GSF-PIG) and the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) into care rounds, in post-acute care settings, can facilitate communication between the interprofessional care team to enhance understanding of illness trajectories, identifying those who would benefit from a palliative approach to care.

Methods:

Interprofessional care teams received training on the GSF-PIG and PPS which were integrated into weekly care rounds and completed a post-evaluation survey. A chart review was conducted for the 40 patients and residents reviewed with the GSF-PIG and PPS. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and comparisons of characteristics between patients and residents who were grouped as positive or negative on the GFS-PIG surprise question using chi square analyzes and t-tests.

Results:

The GSF-PIG and PPS were found to enhance communication within care teams and enhance understanding of patient and resident’s illness burden. The chart review revealed that patients and residents whom the team would not be surprised if they died within 1 year were older (p = .002), had a lower PPS score (p = .002) and had more indicators of decline (p < .001) compared to patients and residents the team would be surprised if they died within the year.

Conclusion:

Training interprofessional care teams on the utilization and integration of the GSF-PIG and PPS during weekly care rounds helped increase the understanding of patient and resident illness burden and illness trajectory to identify those who may benefit from a palliative approach to care.
An Assessment of Combination of the Camrelizumab With Chemotherapy in Metastatic Biliary Tract Cancers
Authors: Yu Yi , Huang Shanshan , Chen Jun , Yu Feng , Zhang Lin , Xiang Xiaojun , Deng Jun , Fang Ziling , Li Junhe , Xiong Jianping
Published: May 2021

Background:

Monoclonal antibodies that target the PD-1 receptor are emerging as promising therapeutic candidates for the treatment of biliary tract cancers (BTCs). The purpose of the current study was to assess the combination of the camrelizumab with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for metastatic BTCs.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective single-arm pilot study of PD-1 antibody (camrelizumab 3 mg/kg d1, Q2 W or Q3 W) combined with different chemotherapy regimens as first-line treatment for BTCs. Efficacy endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were also evaluated.

Results:

Fourteen patients with histologically confirmed BTCs were evaluated. The ORR was 14.3% (95% CI: 1.8 to 42.8) and the DCR was 64.3% (95%CI: 41.7 to 86.9). The median PFS was 6.5 months (95% CI: 3.8 to 9.2), and the 6- and 12-month PFS rates were 61.6% and 12.3%, respectively. The median OS was 9.9 months (95% CI: 7.6 to 12.2), and the 6-and 12-month OS rates were 74.5% and 26.6%, respectively. All patients displayed at least 1 TRAE., and Grade 3 or 4 TRAEs occurred in 6 (42.86%) patients.

Conclusions:

Camrelizumab combined with chemotherapy as first-line treatment for metastatic BTCs demonstrated acceptable safety and efficacy in our pilot study. These findings warrant prospective controlled clinical trials comparing combinations of camrelizumab and chemotherapy to standard regimens.
Dynamic performance for piezoelectric bi-materials with an interfacial crack near an eccentric elliptical hole under anti-plane shearing
Authors: An Ni , Song Tianshu , Hou Gangling
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the stress concentration at the tip of a permeable interfacial crack near an eccentric elliptical hole in piezoelectric bi-materials under anti-plane shearing. Fracture analysis is performed by Green’s function method and the conformal mapping method, which are used to solve the boundary conditions problem. The mechanical model of the interfacial crack is constructed by interface-conjunction and crack-deviation techniques so that the crack problem is simplified as solving a series of the first kind of Fredholm’s integral equations, from which the dynamic stress intensity factors (DSIFs) at the inner and the outer crack-tips can be derived. The validity of the present method is verified by comparing with a crack emerging from the edge of a circular hole as a reference. Numerical cases reveal parametric dependence of DSIFs on the geometry of eccentric elliptical holes and interfacial cracks, the characteristics of the incident wave, the equivalent piezoelectric elastic modulus and piezoelectric parameters. The results illustrate that the eccentric distance has a great effect on the stress concentration at the crack tip, which may be harmful to the normal service of piezoelectric devices and materials. In addition, the method proposed in this paper can also deal with non-eccentric problems and has wider applicability.
Effect of gaseous ozone application during chilling on microbial and quality attributes of pig carcasses
Authors: Werlang Gabriela Orosco , Kich Jalusa Deon , Lopes Graciela Volz , Coldebella Arlei , Feddern Vivian , Cardoso Marisa
Published: May 2021

Ozone application has been suggested as an additional measure to the slaughter animals under hygiene programs. In this study, we determined the efficacy of gaseous ozone applied to pig carcasses during chilling (16 h at 2–5°C). Forty carcasses were allocated to each treatment: control, without ozone application (T1) and 5 ppm gaseous ozone application (T2), divided in two 4-h periods. The carcasses were sampled before and after chilling. The average counts of total aerobic mesophilic (TAM) bacteria before chilling were not different (p = 0.55) between T1 and T2. In turn, after chilling, the ozone-treated carcasses had significantly reduced about 0.4 colony-forming units (CFU)/cm2 of TAM counts (p < 0.001) than the control carcasses. No significant reduction was observed in the number of carcasses positive for Listeria sp. and Escherichia coli after gaseous ozone treatment; while a tendency (p = 0.08) of lower number of Salmonella positive carcasses in T2 was observed. Common macrorestriction (pulsed-field gel electrophoresis) patterns of S. enterica were observed in the carcasses before and after chilling. Pork samples from treated and untreated carcasses with ozone showed no lipid oxidation or altered color and pH. The results indicate that the gaseous ozone in the tested protocol is effective in reducing TAM populations, but not effective in decreasing the number of carcasses positive for E. coli and Listeria sp. Regarding Salmonella, the tendency of positive carcasses reduction may encourage further studies by testing other protocols of gaseous ozone application inside the chilling chamber.
Highly efficient lattice Boltzmann multiphase simulations of immiscible fluids at high-density ratios on CPUs and GPUs through code generation
Authors: Holzer Markus , Bauer Martin , Köstler Harald , Rüde Ulrich
Published: May 2021

A high-performance implementation of a multiphase lattice Boltzmann method based on the conservative Allen-Cahn model supporting high-density ratios and high Reynolds numbers is presented. Meta-programming techniques are used to generate optimized code for CPUs and GPUs automatically. The coupled model is specified in a high-level symbolic description and optimized through automatic transformations. The memory footprint of the resulting algorithm is reduced through the fusion of compute kernels. A roofline analysis demonstrates the excellent efficiency of the generated code on a single GPU. The resulting single GPU code has been integrated into the multiphysics framework waLBerla to run massively parallel simulations on large domains. Communication hiding and GPUDirect-enabled MPI yield near-perfect scaling behavior. Scaling experiments are conducted on the Piz Daint supercomputer with up to 2048 GPUs, simulating several hundred fully resolved bubbles. Further, validation of the implementation is shown in a physically relevant scenario—a three-dimensional rising air bubble in water.
Understanding the Dimensionality and Underlying Nature of Senior Overseas Travel Motivations
Authors: Otoo Felix Elvis , Hwang YooHee , Kim Seongseop (Sam) , Morrison Alastair M.
Published: May 2021

The global increase in the elderly population has a direct influence on the travel, tourism, and hospitality sector because senior travelers have become major consumers. Therefore, developing a deeper understanding of senior motivations for overseas travel is required. However, the presence of theoretical and practical gaps limits the comprehension of this demographic market. Thus, this research sought to identify the underlying dimensionality and measurement of senior travel motivations and developed a scale to measure them. In addition, it validated the scale across future travel behaviors and preferences for tourism types and sites. An eight-factor structure of senior travel motivations was generated. The overall construct satisfied a series of convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity tests. Furthermore, the scale demonstrated a predictive explanatory power for profiling the future travel behavior and preference of seniors.
Implicit theories of health, consideration of future consequences, and engagement in health protective behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic in China
Authors: Zhang Ning , Kou Yun
Published: May 2021

This research investigated how implicit theories of health and consideration of future consequences influence people’s engagement in health-protective behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Three hundred and ninety Chinese completed the study during the peak period of COVID-19 pandemic in China. Gender, education level, implicit theories of health, and consideration of future consequences were significant predictors of people’s engagement in health-protective behaviors. Consideration of future consequences mediated the effect of implicit (incremental) theories of health on people’s engagement in health-protective behaviors. Implications of the current research for promoting engagement in health-protective behaviors during pandemics of infectious diseases and directions for future research are discussed.
The correlation between socioeconomic factors and COVID-19 among immigrants in Norway: a register-based study
Authors: Kjøllesdal Marte , Skyrud Katrine , Gele Abdi , Arnesen Trude , Kløvstad Hilde , Diaz Esperanza , Indseth Thor
Published: May 2021

Aim:

Immigrants in Norway have higher COVID-19 notification and hospitalisation rates than Norwegian-born individuals. The knowledge about the role of socioeconomic factors to explain these differences is limited. We investigate the relationship between socioeconomic indicators at group level and epidemiological data for all notified cases of COVID-19 and related hospitalisations among the 23 largest immigrant groups in Norway.

Methods:

We used data on all notified COVID-19 cases in Norway up to 15 November 2020, and associated hospitalisations, from the Norwegian Surveillance System for Communicable Diseases and the emergency preparedness register at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. We report notified COVID-19 cases and associated hospitalisation rates per 100,000 and their correlation to income, education, unemployment, crowded housing and years of residency at the group level.

Results:

Crowded housing and low income at a group level were correlated with rates of both notified cases of COVID-19 (Pearson`s correlation coefficient 0.77 and 0.52) and related hospitalisations (0.72, 0.50). In addition, low educational level and unemployment were correlated with a high number of notified cases.

Conclusions:

Immigrant groups living in disadvantaged socioeconomic positions are important to target with preventive measures for COVID-19. This must include targeted interventions for low-income families living in overcrowded households.
Identifying effective elements of women's social interactions in cultural centres
Authors: Shahhosseini Habib , Taghizadeh Mosen Aysan
Published: May 2021

The need to communicate, as an important human need, can be secured through attending public spaces such as the cultural environment, especially in developing countries where women do not prefer visiting these spaces alone. By using 304 questionnaires, the present study investigated the influence of cultural centres’ factors in social interactions of women over 18 years old in Tabriz, Iran. Confirmatory factor analysis identified that behavioural, environmental, perceptional, structural and social aspects have significant influence on women’s social interactions. In addition, Friedman test indicated that behavioural aspect has the most and social aspect has the least influence. The findings of the present study can be utilized by architects and urban authorities.
I said, they said: The ethnographic backstage and the politics of producing engaged anthropology
Authors: Liu Roseann
Published: May 2021

Two commonly articulated goals of engaged anthropology include: 1) creating equal power relations with research participants; and 2) producing scholarship that critiques inequality. Though these seem commensurate, this article discusses how working toward both goals can lead to conflict when collaborators vehemently disagree with the critical aspects of your research findings. This article argues that writing about the ethnographic backstage — the background negotiations that rarely make it to the printed page — can help engaged anthropologists foster more egalitarian relations when it comes to ethnographic representation and can sharpen our sociocultural critiques. Because engaged anthropology, by definition, is shaped by negotiations with research participants, examining the ethnographic backstage helps us better understand an important axis in the production of anthropological knowledge.
Ethical leadership and performance: The effect of follower individualism-collectivism
Authors: Strydom Danna Booyens
Published: May 2021

This study seeks to understand how cultural value orientation – specifically individualism/collectivism – influence the relationship between ethical leadership and employee behaviour. Social cognitive theory was used to explain how cultural value orientations change the social learning process associated with ethical leadership. Using matched multi-source sample data from managers and subordinates of a South African multinational operating in several African countries, supplemented with objective performance data, ethical leadership was found to be positively related to both in- and out-of-role performance. However, horizontal collectivism positively moderated the relationship between ethical leadership and organizational citizenship behaviour, while horizontal individualism and vertical collectivism negatively moderated it. Leadership research and theory will benefit from a greater emphasis on follower characteristics, as differences in the cultural value orientations of employees affect the effectiveness of ethical leadership. Awareness of this difference also stands to benefit organizations.
Analysis of the Influence of Peripheral Anatomical Changes for CBCT-Guided Prostate Cancer Radiotherapy
Authors: Zhang Yingjie , Zhang Xiangbin , Li Jing , Zeng Liang , Wang Xuetao , Wu Xiaohong , Li Yan , Li Xiaoyu , Zhong Renming
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

To analyze the influence of the bladder and rectum filling and the body contour changes on the prostate target dose.

Methods:

A total of 190 cone-beam CT (CBCT) image data sets from 16 patients with prostate cancer were used in this study. Dose reconstruction was performed on the virtual CT generated by the deformable planning CT. Then, the effects of the bladder filling, rectal filling, and the patient’s body contour changes of the PCTV1 (the prostate area, B1) and PCTV2 (the seminal vesicle area, B2) on the target dose were analyzed. Correlation analysis was performed for the ratio of bladder and rectal volume variation and the variation of the bladder and rectal dose.

Results:

The mean Dice coefficients of B1, B2, bladder, and rectum were 0.979, 0.975, 0.888 and 0.827, respectively, and the mean Hausdorff distances were 0.633, 1.505, 2.075, and 1.533, respectively. With the maximum volume variations of 142.04 ml for the bladder and 40.50 ml for the rectum, the changes of V100, V95, D2, and D98 were 1.739 ± 1.762 (%), 0.066 ± 0.169 (%), 0.562 ± 0.442 (%), and 0.496 ± 0.479 (%) in PCTV1 and 1.686 ± 1.051 (%), 0.240 ± 0.215 (%), 1.123 ± 0.925 (%), and 0.924 ± 0.662 (%) in PCTV2, respectively. With a 10% increase in the volume of the bladder and rectum, the V75, V70, and V65 of rectum increased at 0.73 (%), 0.71 (%), and 1.18 (%), and the V75, V70, and V65 of bladder changed at −0.21 (%), −0.32 (%), and −0.39 (%), respectively.

Conclusion:

Significant correlations were observed between the volume variation and the dose variation of the bladder and rectum. However, when a bladder and rectal filling protocol was adopted, the target dose coverage can be effectively ensured based on CBCT guidance to correct the prostate target position.
Curcumin Can Activate the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway and Scavenge Free Radicals in Spinal Cord Injury Treatment
Authors: Jin Wenlong , Botchway Benson O. A. , Liu Xuehong
Published: May 2021

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating event that often leads to permanent neurological deficits. Evidence from emerging studies has implicated oxygen-derived free radicals and high-energy oxidants as mediators of secondary SCI. Therefore, targeting these mediators using antioxidants could be beneficial for the disease. Several signaling pathways, such as the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 (Nrf2/HO-1), have been associated with the regulation of some pathophysiological features of SCI. Curcumin is a plant medicinal agent whose diverse pharmacological properties have been extensively investigated and reported, notably its ability to curtail inflammatory damage by inhibiting the nuclear factor-κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells. In this review, we analyze the role of curcumin in activating Nrf2/HO-1 and scavenging free radicals to repair SCI. With its minimal side effects, curcumin could be a potential therapy for SCI treatment.
Robotic Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery Hysterectomy and Salpingo-Oophorectomy in a Porcine Model
Authors: Chan KarenKar-Loen , Yeung Chung-Kwong , Lam Kwok-Wai , Cheung Jo Lai-Ken , Sreedhar Biji , Ngan Hextan YS
Published: May 2021

Purpose. The emergence of robotic-assisted surgical techniques has gained significant indications in terms of reduced trauma, shortened recovery, and higher patients’ satisfaction. However, limitations by present surgical robotic systems used in natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) gynecology still exists, such as arm collisions, countertraction, instrument dexterity, and, in particular, space confinement due to the narrow pelvic anatomy. The current study evaluated the use of a miniaturized single-site surgical robotic system and its feasibility in performing robotic NOTES gynecological procedures using a live porcine animal model. Methods. Using a transrectal approach, the fully internalized robotic arms were deployed in a reverse configuration to access the lower pelvic cavity of the animals to perform NOTES gynecological procedures. Results. Robotic-assisted transrectal gynecological procedures were successfully performed using the new robotic system. A hemi-hysterectomy with unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was completed in the first animal and a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in the second animal with an average docking time of 22.5 minutes and console time of 63 minutes and 58 minutes, respectively. The overall blood loss for each procedure was estimated to be <20 mL per animal with no intraoperative complications. Conclusions. The reverse configuration of the miniaturized surgical robotic system has demonstrated its capability to provide a potential solution to maintain clear visualization of the surgical field, optimal triangulation, and dexterity robotic NOTES gynecological procedures within the deep confined space of the pelvic cavity.
Comparison of dynamic response and maximum principal strain of diagnosed concussion in professional men’s rugby league
Authors: Ignacy Talia , Post Andrew , Gardner Andrew J , Gilchrist Michael D , Hoshizaki Thomas Blaine
Published: May 2021

Rugby league has been identified as a contact sport with a high incidence of concussion. Research has been conducted to describe incidence and mechanisms of concussion in rugby league, however the risks associated with injury events (shoulder, hip, head to head) are unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe the common injury events leading to concussion in the National Rugby League and compare these events through analysis of dynamic response and brain tissue deformation. Twenty-seven impact videos of concussive injuries were physically reconstructed to obtain linear and rotational accelerations of the head. Dynamic response data were input into the University College Dublin Brain Trauma Model (UCDBTM) to calculate maximum principal strain (MPS). Head-to-head events produced a short duration event with an average peak linear and peak rotational acceleration of 205 g and 15,890 rad/s2, respectively, which were significantly greater than the longer duration hip-to-head (24.7 g and 2650 rad/s2) and shoulder-to-head (24.2 g and 3280 rad/s2) impacts. There were no differences in MPS between events. These results suggest that risk of strain to the brain may be produced by short and long duration acceleration events. Thus, both of these accelerations need to be accounted for in the development of improved head and body protection in rugby. In addition, this data demonstrates that these events cause a risk of concussion requiring efforts to limit or modify how energy is transferred to the head.
Influence of players’ physical performances on the variation of the external and internal responses to repeated bouts of small-sided games across youth age categories
Authors: Castillo Daniel , Yanci Javier , Raya-González Javier , Lago-Rodríguez Ángel
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to test for differences on the external and internal responses encountered by youth soccer players during four bouts of 5-a-side small-sided game (SSG) across age categories and, (2) to analyze the external and internal responses attending to players’ sprinting and jumping profile within each age-category (i.e. under 14 (U14), under 16 (U16) and under 18 (U18)). Forty-eight young soccer players participated in this study and were distributed by each age-category. Players were classified based on jumping-profile (stronger and weaker) and sprint-profile (faster and slower). Also, players played four bouts of 4 min of a 5-a-side SSG, including goalkeepers. Likewise, external responses (i.e. total distance, distance covered at walking, jogging and high-intensity speeds, number of accelerations and decelerations, body impacts and player load) and internal responses (peak heart rate, % of peak heart rate and training impulse) were collected. The main results revealed a significant age-category by bout interaction for total distance covered, distance at jogging, number of accelerations, body impacts and player load for players from the U16 and U18 age categories, showing lower values during the last bouts, compared to the first bouts ( p ≤ 0.001–0.020, [Formula: see text] = 0.13–0.17). Moreover, while no significant ( p = 0.09–0.95) sprint-profile by bout interaction was found for the registered variables across age categories, stronger U18 players showed a smaller decrease across bouts for distance covered at high-intensity, compared to weaker U18 players. These findings suggest there is a need for coaching staff to include training strategies that allow for reducing accumulated neuromuscular fatigue in U16 and U18 age categories.
Early detection of myeloma
Authors: Smith Sophie M. , Parkin Hannah , Renwick Suzanne , Bird Jennifer M
Published: May 2021

Myeloma is a rare, life-limiting blood cancer arising from plasma cells. Early diagnosis is imperative to improve clinical outcomes for patients, by both improving overall survival and reducing the morbidity associated with myeloma-related end-organ damage. This can be challenging in primary care, as myeloma can be difficult to diagnose. It may present in a number of non-specific ways that overlap with a multitude of other conditions. Tests that indicate myeloma are readily available in primary care. This article will describe the pathology of myeloma, the range and timing of diagnostic tests, guide interpretation of results, and outline the diagnostic subcategories of plasma cell disorders. Two cases looking at different aspects and complications of myeloma diagnosis are discussed with the aim of raising awareness and potential pitfalls in diagnosis. Useful resources to aid clinicians are signposted.
Gynaecological cancers
Authors: Knapp Sarah , Henderson Lisa , Duncan Timothy , Gray Thomas
Published: May 2021

Gynaecological cancers are malignancies involving the female genital tract, of which there are five types: ovarian, uterine, cervical, vaginal and vulval cancer. Every year in the UK, more than 21 000 women are diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer and there are 8000 deaths. The NHS is aiming for earlier diagnosis, and campaigns from various UK cancer groups are hoping to increase awareness among women. This article will discuss the epidemiology, risk factors and clinical features of gynaecological cancers and provide a summary of investigation and management in primary and secondary care.
Digital Connectivity: The Sixth Vital Sign
Authors: Klonoff David C. , Shang Trisha , Zhang Jennifer Y. , Cengiz Eda , Mehta Chhavi , Kerr David
Published: May 2021

Digital health and telehealth connectivity have become important aspects of clinical care. Connected devices, including continuous glucose monitors and automated insulin delivery systems for diabetes, are being used increasingly to support personalized clinical decisions based on automatically collected data. Furthermore, the development, demand, and coverage for telehealth have all recently expanded, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical care, and especially diabetes care, are therefore becoming more digital through the use of both connected digital health devices and telehealth communication. It has therefore become necessary to integrate digital data into the electronic health record and maintain personal data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Connected digital monitoring combined with telehealth communication is known as virtual health. For this virtual care paradigm to be successful, patients must have proper skills, training, and equipment. We propose that along with the five current vital signs of blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, temperature, and pain, at this time, digital connectivity should be considered as the sixth vital sign. In this article, we present a scale to assess digital connectivity.
The Anthropocene Islands agenda
Authors: Chandler David , Pugh Jonathan
Published: May 2021

We respond to the generous and constructive commentaries on our article, ‘Anthropocene Islands: There Are Only Islands After the End of the World’. In particular, we engage and think with the contributions as part of the process of forming a critical research agenda using the initial article as a springboard or platform for discussion – rather than as a set of research conclusions or a polemical statement. The contributions, to our minds, work in critical relation to the field and develop it in significant ways.
Visualizing the soul: Diagrams and the subtle body of light (jism laṭīf) in Shams al-Dīn al-Daylamī’s The Mirror of Souls (Mirʿāt al-arwāḥ)
Authors: Abuali Eyad
Published: May 2021

Light is a discursive tool that Sufis have drawn upon over the centuries in order to elucidate systems of thought and practice. In medieval Islamic thought, light was closely associated with the soul as well as conceptions of sight and the eye. It also occupied an important place in cosmology. By the twelfth- and thirteenth-centuries, Sufis began to consider notions of light more systematically, creating close correspondences between vision, cosmology, and anthropology within Sufi thought. This coincided with the increased production of complex diagrams in Sufi texts. This article shows that these developments were interrelated. By analyzing Shams al-Dīn al-Daylamī’s (d. 587/1191) diagrams alongside his theories of light with respect to the nature of the soul and body, it demonstrates that the theory of the soul as light played an important part in shaping Sufi thought, practice, and visual culture.
Use of an advanced collagen matrix dressing on patients with complex chronic lower extremity ulcers: A case series
Authors: Alavi Afsaneh , Archer Jeannine , Coutts Patricia
Published: May 2021

The objective of this case series was to assess the wound healing effectiveness of a collagen matrix wound dressing containing partially denatured collagen, carboxymethyl cellulose, alginate and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in chronic lower extremity ulcers. A total of nine patients with refractory lower extremity ulcers were treated with the collagen contact layer in addition to standard of care. Wound healing progress was measured at 2, 4 and 8 weeks. An average decrease in wound size of 73% was achieved across patients at week 8, with complete healing in two patients. The intervention was easy to use and well tolerated by patients. The results of this study, although preliminary, suggest that the advanced collagen matrix dressing represents an effective and safe treatment strategy for healing refractory chronic lower extremity ulcers of varying etiologies. Further investigation is needed to evaluate efficacy in a larger randomized clinical trial with focus on cost-effectiveness and impact on patient’s quality-of-life.
COVID-19 and immunocompromised conditions: Ongoing challenging issue
Authors: Mardani Masoud , Hakamifard Atousa
Published: May 2021

One of the most serious complications of COVID-19 is the development of uncontrolled production of cytokines that poses a major factor contributing to COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. The exact effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on clinical and biochemical course of in patients with underlying immune compromised conditions is not well known with recent available data. The present letter aimed to draw attention to COVID-19 in immune deficiency.
The Future of Shared Economy: A Case Study on Airbnb
Authors: Polisetty Aruna , Kurian Jikku Susan
Published: May 2021

One of the most popular IT-facilitated peer-to-peer economic model driving the world, the sharing economy attained its importance in India of late and witnessed a sudden acceptance among people. This model emphasizes the sharing of underutilized goods or service capacity, without transferring the ownership, with the aid of an intermediary, which was widely accepted by the Indian market mainly because of high mobile penetration, high millennial concentration and its aspirational population. Though there are numerous examples of shared economy prevailing in India, this case is on the initiation, hiccups, acceptance, growth, and the pandemic led to sudden blow in the business of Airbnb, the bed and breakfast startup founded by Brian Chesky, Joe Gabberia and Nathan Blecharczyk. Though the young workforce, dominated by millennials and Gen Z generations, acted as a catalyst in the growth of Airbnb, the unanticipated pandemic catapulted the business of Airbnb, invalidating its business model. The business model that provided a handful of earning opportunities to both the hosts and the business is no more in existence. However, Airbnb adopted a series of measures to protect the rights of both parties. This case discusses the possible strategies Airbnb can adopt to get its business back to track in the post-pandemic days.