bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Putting Everything up There”: Framing How We Navigate the Intricacies of Privacy and Security on Social Media
Authors: Spiller Keith
Published: February 2020

Posting commentary via social media can have very real consequences, and these can drive how users navigate the world of social media. The aim of this article is to develop a deeper appreciation of how users comprehend their security and privacy within their social media interactions. I turn to Anderson’s work on street life in attempting to draw upon the decisions made in navigating particular environments—especially those with associated risks. This I argue is similar to how users rationalize their social media behavior to protect themselves and/or view others. Both are learned behaviors that are at times habituated, reactionary, or temporary in the face of heightened threats. Using findings from 27 interviews with UK social media users, I present three codes that may be useful in framing just how users navigate and comprehend their experiences of social media privacy and security.
Out of the Panopticon and into Exile: Visibility and control in distributed new culture organizations
Authors: Hafermalz Ella
Published: February 2020

This paper builds a theoretical argument for exile as an alternative metaphor to the panopticon, for conceptualizing visibility and control in the context of distributed ‘new culture’ organizations. Such organizations emphasize team relationships between employees who use digital technologies to stay connected with each other and the organization. I propose that in this context, a fear of exile – that is, a fear of being left out, overlooked, ignored or banished – can act as a regulating force that inverts the radial spatial dynamic of the panopticon and shifts the responsibility for visibility, understood both in terms of competitive exposure and existential recognition, onto workers. As a consequence these workers enlist digital technologies to become visible at the real or imagined organizational centre. A conceptual appreciation of exile, as discussed in existential philosophy and postcolonial theory, is shown to offer productive grounds for future research on how a need for visibility in distributed, digitized and increasingly precarious work environments regulates employee subjectivity, in a manner that is not captured under traditional theories of ICT-enabled surveillance in organizations.
Job Pressure, the Work-Family Interface, and the Sense of Distributive Injustice: An Elaboration of Work-Related Inputs among Twenty-First Century Workers
Authors: Narisada Atsushi
Published: February 2020

Research in social psychology demonstrates that the sense of distributive injustice has emotional, health, and behavioral consequences. It is therefore important to assess how individuals come to perceive their earnings as unjust. I provide new insights to this question by integrating perspectives in distributive justice, the stress process, and the work-family interface. Specifically, I describe a model that delineates how excessive work pressures elevate workers’ sense of what they should earn through actions and strains in the work-family interface. Using data from a 2017 sample of Canadian workers, the results indicate that higher job pressure is associated with a greater expectation of rewards. Part of this association is indirect through role blurring behavior and work-to-family conflict, and this mechanism is intensified for parents. Collectively, these discoveries expand the scope of what counts as inputs in shaping employees’ sense of what they should justly earn.
The culture of the national liberation movement and the change towards democracy: The case of North Africa
Authors: Kchaou Mounir
Published: February 2020

This article aims to analyse the cultural background of the political elites involved nowadays in the democratization’s process in North Africa. It argues that this process cannot succeed unless a break-off with the culture of national liberation movement, pervasive in these countries, occurs on three levels. The first one is the primacy it gives to collective goals over individual rights, the second, the hostility it has towards liberalism in general and to free market economy in particular and finally the way it defines national identity, membership and citizenship.
The BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism, Regular Exercise, and Cognition: A Systematic Review
Authors: Liu Tingting , Li Hongjin , Colton Joseph P. , Ge Song , Li Changwei
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study was to synthesize research evidence from studies on the relationships among the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, regular exercise, and cognition in human subjects. PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched systematically. Search limiters applied in these databases included humans, English language, time limits from 2009 to 2019, and peer-reviewed journal articles. Eight studies were included in the current review. While there was some evidence to tentatively suggest that greater levels of exercise were associated with certain forms of memory in Val/Val homozygotes than Met carriers, more research is needed to corroborate these findings. Regarding attention/information processing speed, executive function as well as global cognition, the evidence is either inconsistent or sparse and does not allow for tentative conclusions. Compelling evidence from high-quality clinical trials is needed to re-examine the relationship between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, exercise, and cognition.
An innovative SMS intervention to improve adherence to stimulants in children with ADHD: Preliminary findings
Authors: Fried Ronna , DiSalvo Maura , Kelberman Caroline , Adler Amos , McCafferty Debra , Woodworth K Yvonne , Green Allison , Biederman Itai , Faraone Stephen V , Biederman Joseph
Published: February 2020

Background:

Although large datasets document that stimulants decrease the risk for many adverse ADHD-associated outcomes, compliance with stimulants remains poor.

Aims:

This study examined the effectiveness of a novel ADHD-centric text messaging-based intervention aimed to improve adherence to stimulant medications in children with ADHD.

Methods:

Subjects were 87 children aged 6–12, who were prescribed a stimulant medication for ADHD treatment. Prescribers gave permission to contact their patients for participation in the study. Subjects were primarily from the primary care setting with a subsample of psychiatrically referred subjects for comparison. Age- and sex-matched comparators were identified (3:1) from the same pool of prescriber-approved subjects that did not participate. Timely prescription refills (within 37 days) were determined from prescription dates documented in patients’ electronic medical record.

Results:

Eighty-five percent of SMS intervention patients refilled their prescriptions in a timely manner compared with 62% of patients receiving treatment as usual (OR = 3.46, 95% CI: 1.82, 6.58; p < 0.001). The number needed to treat statistic was computed as five, meaning for every five patients who receive the SMS intervention, we can keep one adherent to their stimulant treatment.

Conclusions:

These preliminary findings support the potential utility of a readily accessible technology to improve the poor rate of adherence to stimulant treatment in children with ADHD. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first digital health intervention aimed at improving adherence to stimulant medication for children with ADHD. These results support the need for further examination of this technology through more definitive randomized clinical trials.
Top-cited articles versus top Altmetric articles in nuclear medicine: a comparative bibliometric analysis
Authors: Baek Sora , Yoon Dae Young , Lim Kyoung Ja , Hong Ji Hyun , Moon Ji Yoon , Seo Young Lan , Yun Eun Joo
Published: February 2020

Background

The impact of any scientific article has traditionally been measured by the number of citations received. More recently, alternative metrics (altmetrics) reflect the digital dissemination of knowledge across the online mediasphere.

Purpose

To evaluate and compare the characteristics of top-cited articles with those of top Altmetric articles related to nuclear medicine (NM).

Material and Methods

We performed a search of the Web of Science and Altmetric databases using 114 search terms to identify the 50 top-cited and 50 top Altmetric articles, respectively, in the field of NM. We then compared the following characteristics of the selected articles: publication type; journal category; country of origin; year of publication; topic; imaging modality; and accessibility. Chi-square tests were performed for statistical analysis.

Results

There were no overlaps between the 50 top-cited and 50 top Altmetric articles. In general, compared to the leading Altmetric articles in this field, the cited articles were: more frequently review works published in NM and radiology journals (76% vs. 13%, P = 0.000); published in or before 2005 (84% vs. 0%, P = 0.000); the majority were related to oncology (56% vs. 44%, P = 0.000); and originated from the Netherlands (12% vs. 0%, P = 0.000). Compared to the top-cited articles, the leading Altmetric articles were: more frequently original articles published in other clinical field journals (54% vs. 0%, P = 0.000); primarily published between 2016 and 2018 (70% vs. 0%, P = 0.000); focused on neurology (50% vs. 22%, P = 0.000); and originated from the UK (18% vs. 2%, P = 0.000).

Conclusion

Citation counts and Altmetric scores represent unique perspectives for evaluating the impact of NM research.
The role of computed tomography in the diagnostic pathway of acute mesenteric ischemia: a nested case-control study
Authors: Mothes Henning , Mueller-Mau Vetlana , Lehmkuhl Lukas , Lehmann Thomas , Settmacher Utz , Teichgräber Ulf , Ludewig Stefan
Published: February 2020

Background

Computed tomography (CT) can be used as the primary screening modality for the evaluation of patients suspected of having acute mesenteric ischemia known to show high sensitivity and specificity rates.

Purpose

To prove the value of CT in patients with pathological abdominal findings following cardiac surgery.

Material and Methods

In a retrospective case-control study, 12 different CT scan parameters of patients with or without mesenteric ischemia following cardiac surgery were compared using univariate and logistic regression analyses.

Results

Of 14,176 patients, 133 (0.9%) received an abdominal CT scan during postoperative care due to pathological abdominal findings. Sixty-eight patients were diagnosed with acute mesenteric ischemia. In-hospital mortality was 73.5% for this group. CT parameters with the highest specificity for indicating colonic ischemia were intestinal (99%) or porto-venous (96%) pneumatosis, abnormal contrast medium enhancement (89%), and occlusion of the proximal inferior mesenteric artery (81%). All of those parameters showed low sensitivity levels in the range of 15%–23%. A statistically significant association between acute mesenteric ischemia and CT appearance was obtained for contrast medium enhancement (odds ratio [OR] 12.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5–99.2) and intestinal pneumatosis (OR 21.0, 95% CI 2.7–165.2) only.

Conclusion

The typical CT criteria indicating mesenteric ischemia lose their accuracy in patients under critical clinical conditions. As CT remains the first-line diagnostic imaging modality for abnormal abdominal findings following cardiac surgery, negative signs should not prevent early laparotomy if clinical suspicion remains high.
Rhizomic learning: How environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) acquire and assemble knowledge
Authors: Unander Trine E , Sørensen Knut H
Published: February 2020

It has been a common assumption that the knowledge practices of environmental organisations (ENGOs) is largely based on interaction with environmental research. Implied in such assumptions is the idea that ENGOs are so-called boundary organizations brokering knowledge between science and environmental policy decision-making. In this article, we challenge this belief. Through interviews, we have investigated the practices of ENGO employees as they acquire and assemble knowledge they need in their involvement with environmental policymakers. From their accounts, these ENGOs are not boundary organizations. Science is important but such knowledge was usually acquired indirectly and appeared to be seen as ubiquitous in the environmental policy community. We found that the knowledge practices were based on what we call rhizomic learning. We introduce this concept to highlight the complexity, opacity and non-linearity of the ways in which ENGO actors acquire and assemble environmental knowledge. We found that this rhizomic learning is characterized by five main features: 1) diversity of sources and the importance of networks, 2) pragmatism, 3) opacity of the process, 4) community among involved actors, and 5) mediation. ENGO actors expected that their capacity for rhizomic learning – not the least the purposeful mediation and assembly of knowledge from a multitude of sources – would make them appear to policymakers as competent, relevant and reliable.
Pyrolysis of polystyrene waste for recovery of combustible hydrocarbons using copper oxide as catalyst
Authors: Nisar Jan , Ali Ghulam , Shah Afzal , Ashiq Muhammad Naeem , Farooqi Zahoor Hussain , Sharif Ahsan , Ahmed Ejaz , Iqbal Munawar , Sherazi Syed Tufail Hussain , Shah Muhammad Raza
Published: February 2020

The present work is focused on pyrolysis of polystyrene waste for production of combustible hydrocarbons. The experiments were performed in an indigenously made furnace in the presence of a laboratory synthesised copper oxide. The pyrolysis products were collected and characterised. The Fourier transform infrared spectra showed that the liquid fraction contains C–H, C–O, C–C, C=C and O–H bonds, which correspond to various aliphatic and aromatic compounds. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry traced compounds ranging from C1 to C4 in the gaseous fraction, whereas in the liquid fraction 15 components ranging from C3 to C24 were detected. From the results it has been concluded that CuO as a catalyst not only increased the liquid yield but also reduced the degradation temperature to great extent. Fuel properties of the pyrolysis oil were determined and compared with standard values of commercial fuel oil. The comparison suggested potential application of pyrolysis oil for domestic and commercial use.
Demolition waste recycling in China: New evidence from a demolition project for highway development
Authors: Zhang Yajian , Tan Willie
Published: February 2020

China’s rapid urbanization has led to rising construction and demolition waste (C&DW) amid a quoted recycling rate of only about 10%. Previous studies on C&DW recycling in China have focused on lack of awareness, weak regulation, limited markets for recycled products, and immature recycling technology. This paper investigates the recycling rate of demolition waste (DW) through a case study of the demolition process in a highway project in Taixing, Jiangsu Province, and data collected through analyses of past documents, field observations, and interviews with key stakeholders to provide contrary evidence that the recycling rate is much higher than reported. The reason for the discrepancy is that the reported recycling rate did not include the efforts of a myriad of relocated residents, small construction businesses, informal recycling establishments, developers, and road construction contractors. Proper estimation of the DW recycling rate in China should consider these efforts, especially from the informal sector.
A Multiyear Investigation of Student Computational Thinking Concepts, Practices, and Perspectives in an After-School Computing Program
Authors: Mouza Chrystalla , Pan Yi-Cheng , Yang Hui , Pollock Lori
Published: February 2020

In this work, we examine whether repeated participation in an after-school computing program influenced student learning of computational thinking concepts, practices, and perspectives. We also examine gender differences in learning outcomes. The program was developed through a school–university partnership. Data were collected from 138 students over a 2.5-year period. Data sources included pre–post content assessments of computational concepts related to programming in addition to computational artifacts and interviews with a purposeful sample of 12 participants. Quantitative data were analyzed using statistical methods to identify gains in pre- and post-learning of computational thinking concepts and examine potential gender differences. Interview data were analyzed qualitatively. Results indicated that students made significant gains in their learning of computational thinking concepts and that gains persisted over time. Results also revealed differences in learning of computational thinking concepts among boys and girls both at the beginning and end of the program. Finally, results from student interviews provided insights into the development of computational thinking practices and perspectives over time. Results have implications for the design of after-school computing programs that help broaden participation in computing.
Why is everyone talking about climate change … again?
Authors: Szolucha Anna
Published: February 2020

In this short article, I reflect on the last 50 years of environmental mobilisations in Europe and ask why democracy is important for contemporary climate action. Although the current wave of climate protests seems to share many characteristics with its 1970s predecessors, there is also a sense that contemporary movements and campaigns present a new quality in the long history of combating global warming. Are there any lessons that can be drawn from the history of environmentalism that can help us understand the current condition of climate action? I hope that by putting the environmental movement in a historical perspective, we can gain an insight into the factors that play a decisive role in effecting socio-ecological change.
Value-based healthcare delivery through metabolomics-based personalized health platform
Authors: Anwar Mohammad A. , Barrera-Machuca Aldo A. , Calderon Nadya , Wang Windy , Tausan Daniel , Vayali Thara , Wishart David , Cullis Pieter , Fraser Robert
Published: February 2020

Type 2 diabetes is routinely identified in clinical practice by tests that rely on a hyperglycemic index. However, people at risk for developing type 2 diabetes may not present with hyperglycemia. We identified several underlying risks for type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and associated co-morbidities, using a liquid chromatography mass spectrometry–based analysis of blood metabolites, in participants with normoglycemia and no clinical symptoms. Personalized lifestyle recommendations, including diet, exercise, and nutritional supplement recommendations, were conveyed to these participants by a web-based platform, and after 100 days of following their recommendations, these participants reported reductions in the health risks associated with type 2 diabetes and associated diseases. Our comprehensive metabolite-based assay can be used for type 2 diabetes risk stratification, and our personalized lifestyle recommendation system could be deployed as a preventative treatment option to improve health outcomes, reduce the incidence of chronic disease, and live healthier lives in an evidence-based way.
The Invisible Feminist Action of Roma Families
Authors: Pascual Ariadna Munté , de Vicente Irene , Matulic Virginia , Amador Jelen
Published: February 2020

In this article, we analyze the role of Roma families in shaping the paths of academic success of Roma women (hereinafter, the Romí). Our findings challenge biased views of Roma culture as a reproducer of gender inequality, which is assumed to be higher among the Roma than in other cultures. Recent advancements in the field of cultural and feminist studies show the role of Romí as agents of change in gender relations, which contributes to overcoming a stereotype that tends to hierarchically classify cultures as less or more unequal with regard to gender relations. This research includes Romí voices and concludes that family support in academic careers is a way of transforming gender relations within the Roma community. This study is based on the dialogical feminism and contributes to the acquisition of cultural competences about Romí among social workers, which may have a positive impact in the social work practice and the overcoming of stereotypes about this community.
Prevalence of Workplace Health Practices and Policies in Hospitals: Results From the Workplace Health in America Study
Authors: Mulder Laura , Belay Brook , Mukhtar Qaiser , Lang Jason E. , Harris Diane , Onufrak Stephen
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

To provide a nationally representative description on the prevalences of policies, practices, programs, and supports relating to worksite wellness in US hospitals.

Design:

Cross-sectional, self-report of hospitals participating in Workplace Health in America (WHA) survey from November 2016 through September 2017.

Setting:

Hospitals across the United States.

Participants:

Random sample of 338 eligible hospitals participating in the WHA survey.

Measures:

We used previous items from the 2004 National Worksite Health Promotion survey. Key measures included presence of Worksite Health Promotion programs, evidence-based strategies, health screenings, disease management programs, incentives, work-life policies, barriers to health promotion program implementation, and occupational safety and health.

Analysis:

Independent variables included hospital characteristics (eg, size). Dependent characteristics included worksite health promotion components. Descriptive statistics and χ2 analyses were used.

Results:

Eighty-two percent of hospitals offered a wellness programs during the previous year with larger hospitals more likely than smaller hospitals to offer programs ( P < .01). Among hospitals with wellness programs, 69% offered nutrition programs, 74% offered physical activity (PA) programs, and 84% had a policy to restrict all tobacco use. Among those with cafeterias or vending machines, 40% had a policy for healthier foods. Only 47% and 25% of hospitals offered lactation support or healthy sleep programs, respectively.

Conclusion:

Most hospitals offer wellness programs. However, there remain hospitals that do not offer wellness programs. Among those that have wellness programs, most offer supports for nutrition, PA, and tobacco control. Few hospitals offered programs on healthy sleep or lactation support.
Commentary on the Study: “What Do Workplace Wellness Programs Do? Evidence From the Illinois Workplace Wellness Study”
Authors: Goetzel Ron Z.
Published: February 2020

Recently, several high-profile randomized clinical trials conducted with employees at the University of Illinois and BJ’s Wholesale Club have questioned the value of workplace health and well-being programs. This commentary focuses on the latest research published in The Quarterly Journal of Economics by authors Jones, Molitor, and Reif who evaluated the iThrive wellness program. The commentary challenges the study’s main finding that wellness programs (in general) do not work. Several perspectives are explored including whether the evaluated programs are well-designed, sufficiently potent, and appropriate candidates for randomized trials. The article also asks what role employers can or should play in improving the health and well-being of Americans given recent troubling statistics showing a decline in life expectancy and an increase in health risks.
On mechanical and surface properties of electro-active polymer matrix-based 3D printed functionally graded prototypes
Authors: Sharma Ravinder , Singh Rupinder , Batish Ajay
Published: February 2020

This research article reports the mechanical and surface properties of 3D printed electro-active polymer (EAP) matrix-based functionally graded prototypes with fused deposition modeling. The standard tensile specimens (per ASTM D-638-type IV) have been 3D printed using in-house developed feedstock filament. The EAP, polyvinyl diene fluoride (PVDF)-based matrix, has been used with the reinforcement of barium titanate (BT) and graphene (Gr) in this study. The fixed proportion of the polymer matrix composite comprising PVDF (78 wt%) + Gr (2 wt%) + BT (20 wt%) has been selected for 3D printing of smart polymer matrix. The results of mechanical testing suggested that the 3D printing of parts performed at 50 mm/s infill speed; infill angle of 45° at maximum density level (100%) has shown better mechanical strength (peak strength 42.98 MPa and break strength 40.70 MPa). The result of surface hardness has shown strong correlation with observed tensile properties. The microphotographs of fractured surfaces revealed that the parts fabricated at highest density have minimum porosity, resulting into better mechanical performance as compared to parts fabricated at lower density level. Further the results of mechanical testing have been supported by 3D rendered images and surface roughness profile.
Visual experimental investigation on the stability of pressure regulating poppet valve
Authors: Min Wei , Wang Hongyu , Zheng Zhi , Wang Dong , Ji Hong , Wang YuBo
Published: February 2020

The unstable vibration of a poppet valve drastically fluctuates pressure which directly affects the stability, reliability and safety of a hydraulic system. The unstable vibration of the poppet and cavitation is studied using visual experiments. Experimental results show that for a poppet valve, an orifice at the front of the valve cavity, the compressibility of oil in the sensitive cavity will lead poppet to unstable vibrations. For poppet valve without orifice, the instable vibration appears as three states: impact valve seat, transition (impact or non-impact valve seat occurs randomly) and does not impact valve seat. When poppet impacts valve seat, there will be severe cavitation phenomenon at the valve port. Although poppet does not impact valve seat, the cavitation come up is affected by the pressure difference at the port or vibration amplitude of the poppet. In addition, both of the flow pulsation of the hydraulic pump and the coupling between the poppet and pipeline system will lead the poppet to be unstable.
An improved delayed detached eddy simulation study of the bogie cavity length effects on the aerodynamic performance of a high-speed train
Authors: Wang Jiabin , Minelli Guglielmo , Zhang Yan , Zhang Jie , Krajnović Sinisa , Gao Guangjun
Published: February 2020

This paper uses an improved delayed detached eddy simulation method to investigate the unsteady flow features of the high-speed trains with various cavity lengths at Re = 1.85×106. The improved delayed detached eddy simulation results are validated against the experimental data obtained during previous wind tunnel tests. The effects of cavity length on the resistance force, flow structures beneath the high-speed train and in the wake are analyzed. The results show that a longer cavity significantly increases the streamwise velocity level near the rear plates and forms a stronger impinging flow on the rear plates, and thus contributes to a higher value of resistance. Furthermore, a longer cavity decreases the pressure coefficients around the near wake region from the top of the ballast to the tail nose in the vertical direction and thereby increases the pressure drag of the high-speed train. Additionally, a longer bogie cavity is found to increase the longitudinal vortex scales in the near wake region. All these changes on the flow field bring to 5.8% and 11.5% drag increase when the bogie cavities are elongated by 20% and 40%, respectively, of the wheelbase.
Monitoring of lateral and cross level track geometry irregularities through onboard vehicle dynamics measurements using machine learning classification algorithms
Authors: De Rosa A , Kulkarni R , Qazizadeh A , Berg M , Di Gialleonardo E , Facchinetti A , Bruni S
Published: February 2020

In recent years, significant studies have focused on monitoring the track geometry irregularities through measurements of vehicle dynamics acquired onboard. Most of these studies analyse the vertical irregularity and the vertical vehicle dynamics since the lateral direction is much more challenging due to the non-linearities caused by the contact between the wheels and the rails. In the present work, a machine learning-based fault classifier for the condition monitoring of track irregularities in the lateral direction is proposed. The classifiers are trained with a dataset composed of numerical simulation results and validated with a dataset of measurements acquired by a diagnostic vehicle on the straight track sections of a high-speed line (300 km/h). Classifiers based on decision tree, linear and Gaussian support vector machine algorithms are developed and compared in terms of performance: good results are achieved with the three algorithms, especially with the Gaussian support vector machine. Even though classifiers are data driven, they retain the essence of lateral dynamics.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis use among men who have sex with men who have experienced problematic chemsex
Authors: Maxwell Steven , Gafos Mitzy , Moncrieff Monty , Shahmanesh Maryam , Stirrup Oliver
Published: February 2020

Men who have sex with men (MSM) who experience problematic chemsex are at high risk of acquiring HIV due to combined drug use and sexual behaviours. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could substantially reduce the risk of HIV transmission in this group of men. The aim of this study was to examine the biopsychosocial characteristics associated with PrEP use among HIV-negative MSM who have experienced problematic chemsex. This was a cross-sectional analysis of secondary data collected during client assessments at a specialist alcohol and drug service based within the United Kingdom. We compared the socio-demographics, substance use, sexual behaviours and mental health of MSM who reported ever using PrEP to those who reported never using PrEP. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann–Whitney U-test for continuous variables and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Between August 2016 and July 2018, 165 HIV-negative MSM who engaged in chemsex had an assessment completed. Thirty-four per cent (n = 50/145) had ever used PrEP. The median age was 36 years (IQR: 30–42), 92% identified as gay (n = 152/165) and 79% were of white ethnicity (n = 130/164). The use of crystal methamphetamine was associated with higher levels of men ever using PrEP (40% versus 21%) (p= 0.047). Men who had ever used PrEP had a higher median number of sexual partners in the previous three months (20 versus 10) (p= 0.004) and had lower level of condom use in their sex lives (median reported 5% versus 50%) (p= 0.010) in comparison to men who had never used PrEP. It is encouraging that men having higher-risk sex had been accessing PrEP. However, further research is required to explore PrEP uptake, retention and adherence in this high-risk group.
Prevalence and risk factors for Trichomonas vaginalis infection in pregnant women in South Africa
Authors: Mabaso Nonkululeko , Naicker Camille , Nyirenda Makandwe , Abbai Nathlee
Published: February 2020

There are insufficient data on the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis infection in pregnant women in South Africa. The present study aims to determine the prevalence of T. vaginalis (TV) in pregnant women and identify the risk factors associated with this infection in pregnancy. This was a cross-sectional study which included 362 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at the King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban, South Africa. A self-collected vaginal swab was provided by the enrolled women for laboratory diagnosis by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The protozoan load was determined as the logarithm of gene copies per milliliter. The prevalence of TV infection was 12.9% and 59.6% of the women who tested positive were asymptomatic ( p =  0.011). Women who presented with abnormal vaginal discharge had a 4.6 times likelihood of testing positive for TV infection (odds ratio 4.62; 95% confidence interval 1.83 to 11.70; p =  0.001). TV infection was high amongst pregnant women. Therefore, routine testing for this sexually transmitted infection is encouraged for proper management.
Collection development practices in academic libraries in Tanzania
Authors: Mwilongo Kardo Joseph , Luambano Ireneus , Lwehabura Mugyabuso J.F.
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to assess the collection development practices in academic libraries in Tanzania. Specifically, the study examined the collection development practices and factors that influence these practices. The study involved four academic libraries and employed both qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection and analysis. Primary data were collected through informant interviews, observations and questionnaires methods. The study involved 44 library staff who filled in self-administered questionnaires. The study discloses that collection development practices and particularly evaluation and weeding or deselection are rarely conducted at these academic libraries. The findings further reveal that collection development practices in academic libraries in Tanzania are constrained by inadequate funding, lack of skills for hybrid collection management and lack of collection development policy catering for both print- and electronic-based information resources. On the basis of the findings, the study recommends that academic libraries should establish a comprehensive collection development policy and introduce professional development programmes to library staff for efficient management of hybrid collections.
Systemic lupus erythematosus aggravates atherosclerosis by promoting IgG deposition and inflammatory cell imbalance
Authors: Liu T , Shi N , Zhang S , Silverman G J , Duan X-W , Zhang S , Niu H
Published: February 2020

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients experience a premature and more severe presentation of coronary artery disease. The underlying mechanisms of accelerated coronary artery disease in SLE patients remain to be elucidated.

Methods

By using atherosclerosis combining a SLE murine model, we proved that the onset of SLE aggravates atherosclerosis. Although the onset of SLE reduced blood lipids slightly, immune deviation contributed to aggravated atherosclerosis in lupus mice. Lupus atheroma were characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration, such as gathered dendritic cells, macrophages, and IgG deposition.

Results

Decreased lymphocytes and magnified dendritic cells in the spleen were also observed in lupus mice. Hydroxychloroquine prevented atherosclerosis progression mainly by reversing immune status abnormality caused by SLE. Serum interferon alfa levels were not changed in lupus mice.

Conclusion

These findings strongly suggested that anti-inflammatory therapies and hydroxychloroquine provide a new possible strategy for treating SLE patients with atherosclerosis.
Altered hippocampal functional connectivity in primary Sjögren syndrome: a resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Zhang X-D , Zhao L-R , Zhou J-M , Su Y-Y , Ke J , Cheng Y , Li J-L , Shen W
Published: February 2020

Structural and metabolic abnormalities in the hippocampus have been associated with the pathophysiological mechanism of central nervous system involvement in primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS). Nevertheless, how hippocampal function is altered in pSS remains unknown. The purpose of our study is to investigate the alterations in hippocampal functional connectivity (FC) in pSS by using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Thirty-eight patients with pSS and 38 age- and education level-matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent magnetic resonance imaging examination. Prior to each MRI examination, neuropsychological tests were performed. Left and right hippocampal FCs were analyzed by using seed-based whole-brain correlation and compared between pSS and HCs. Spearman correlation analysis was performed between the z-value of hippocampal FC in brain regions with significant difference between the two groups and neuropsychological tests/clinical data in pSS. Compared with the controls, the patients with pSS showed decreased hippocampal FC between the left hippocampus and the right inferior occipital gray (IOG)/inferior temporal gray (ITG), as well as between the right hippocampus and right IOG/middle occipital gray (MOG), left MOG, and left middle temporal gray. In addition, increased hippocampal FCs were detected between the left hippocampus and left putamen, as well as between the right hippocampus and right cerebellum posterior lobe. Moreover, the visual reproduction score positively correlated with the FC between right hippocampus and right IOG/MOG. The white matter hyperintensity score negatively correlated with the FC between left hippocampus and right IOG/ITG. In conclusion, patients with pSS suffered decreased hippocampal FC mainly sited in the occipital and temporal cortex with right hippocampal laterality. Altered hippocampal FC might be a potential biomarker in detecting brain function changes and guiding neuroprotection in pSS.
Quantitative near infrared spectroscopic analysis of Tricholoma matsutake based on information extraction using the elastic net
Authors: Li Yuqiang , Pan Tianhong , Li Haoran , Chen Shan , Li Guoquan
Published: February 2020

Tricholoma matsutake is an expensive product in the global edible fungus market due to its nutritional and medicinal properties. As the price of T. matsutake increases, some adulterated and fraudulent products have also emerged in the market. It is difficult to detect the fraudulent products with similar shape, and the unfair competition often happens. Discriminant methods combined near infrared spectroscopy with chemometrics analysis have been used in many fields. However, due to the high correlation between the spectral data, it is difficult to construct an effective model using original spectra. In this work, a discriminated model developed by the elastic net algorithm and near infrared spectroscopy is presented to determinate the adulterated and fraudulent products of T. matsutake. First, the difference of protein and aspartic acid contents between T. matsutake and three products with similar shape were analyzed. Then, the information variables selected from near infrared spectroscopy using the elastic net were used to establish quantitative models. And, the prediction performance of developed models was evaluated by using the validation set. Finally, the Monte Carlo experiment based on the test set demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method. Compared with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and partial least square regression models, the developed model has a great prediction accuracy and robustness, which can be served as a new discriminant method for T. matsutake adulteration determination.
Where Occidental Science Went Wrong: Failing to See Systemic Unity in Diversity
Authors: Valsiner Jaan
Published: February 2020

I find the conceptual field where Oriental and Occidental perspectives in psychology meet in the analysis of borders within systems—looking at the specific mechanisms under which these borders can inhibit or enhance the exchange relations between parts within the whole. The Occidental science has selected a non-fruitful pathway to knowledge that prescribes context-free categorisation of elements instead of viewing them as parts of functioning systems.
The Relationship between Physical Activity Levels and Functional Capacity in Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Junqué Jiménez Anna , Esteve Simó Vicent , Andreu Periz Lola , Segura Ortí Eva
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study is to assess whether the functional capacity of patients with chronic kidney disease stage V (CKD-5D) is different depending on their physical activity levels. We also compared functional capacity, quality of life, and symptoms of depression depending on treatment modalities (HD vs. PD). A Cross-sectional study included 52 patients (35HD and 17PD; males 61.5%, mean age 71 years). The main measurements were physical activity level using the Human Activity Profile questionnaire (HAP), muscle strength, functional capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and depressive symptomatology. The functional tests and physical activity levels correlated significantly. Participants on HD with low physical activity levels were older (* p ≤ .039) and had worst physical function (* p ≤ .01). The HAP is a useful tool to detect subjects with low functional capacity; there were no differences between the therapy modalities in terms of functional capacity, HRQoL, or depressive symptomatology.
Recutting Blocks of Prostate Needle Biopsies: How Much Diagnostic Yield Is Gained?
Authors: Paulk Adina T. , Sesterhenn Isabell A. , Burke Allen P.
Published: February 2020

Objectives. The criteria for “active surveillance” depend in part on quantification of tumor extent and grade on prostate biopsies. It is known that false-negative biopsies may occur from incomplete sectioning of cores within the paraffin blocks. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed a prostate biopsy series, which were subjected to a second round of sections, in order to determine the rate of missed cancers. Results. Of 1324 sets of prostate biopsies, 4.5% (60) showed additional involved cores or higher grade tumor on recut sections. In 27 patients (2.0%), the changed diagnosis resulted in a potential mild increase in National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) risk, from negative to very low (12), very low to low (12), and low to favorable intermediate (3). In 3 patients (0.2%), the changed diagnosis resulted in a significant increase in NCCN risk. Comparison of the initial sets of slides to the recuts demonstrated areas of absent tissue in many of the cases in which tumor segments were missed. In 2/3 cases with the significant grade increase, gaps were present in one that should have alerted the pathologist to incomplete sections, and the tumor was fragmented at the edge of the core appearing incompletely sampled. Conclusions. A significant increase in risk was seen in this study in 0.2% of patients when blocks were recut for further sampling, with minor increases in 2%. While embedding issues only rarely resulted in clinically significant sampling error, the 3 significantly underdiagnosed cases underscore the need for pathologists to be alert to incomplete sections of prostate cores.
A comparative study on in-flight modal identification of an aircraft using time- and frequency-domain techniques
Authors: Kocan Cagri
Published: February 2020

In this study, in-flight modal identification analyses are made based on vibration data collected during a flight test of an aircraft, by using two different output-only identification techniques: frequency domain decomposition and data-driven stochastic subspace identification. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of the two methods in modal parameter estimation and to validate their capability in dealing with some challenging tasks such as time tracking of modal parameters and estimating modal damping ratios. In addition, the effects of different environmental conditions and maneuvers are investigated by separating the flight-test data, such as static engine start, taxi, takeoff, cruise, roll, climb, descend, and yaw maneuvers. It is demonstrated that the selection of operational conditions and maneuvers plays a crucial role in identifying the modal parameters of the aircraft.
Chemotherapy-induced pneumonitis associated with transient CA 15-3 elevation
Authors: Comlek Savas
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Development of hypersensitivity pneumonitis has been reported in association with combination chemotherapy consisting of gemcitabine and paclitaxel. However, diagnosis of this condition is based on computed tomography imaging and correlative bronchoalveolar findings on bronchoscopy. Although transient elevation of the tumor marker CA 15-3 has been reported in patients with interstitial pneumonitis associated with collagen disease, elevation of this marker during drug-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis has not been reported yet.

Case report

In this report, we describe a 74-year-old metastatic schwannoma patient with drug-induced pneumonitis secondary to combined gemcitabine and paclitaxel treatment associated with transient elevation of CA 15-3. Management and outcome: The patient responded to steroid treatment with clinical and radiological improvement, and CA 15-3 levels returned to normal within four weeks.

Discussion

These findings suggest that blood CA 15-3 level has the potential to be used as a marker to monitor drug-induced pneumonitis.
Expansion of pharmacist practice in oral oncolytic therapy with a collaborative practice agreement
Authors: Wright Amanda L , Matta Stephanie F , Kerr Julia R
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Collaborative practice agreements have been utilized to expand pharmacist roles and improve patient care outcomes. A need to reduce the time providers spend reviewing oral oncolytic prescriptions for therapy continuation or dose adjustments was identified in the oncology clinics of a community health system. A collaborative practice agreement was created to decrease turnaround time for processing oral oncolytic prescriptions, improve provider satisfaction, and decrease patient prescription costs.

Methods

A three-month pilot was initiated to evaluate feasibility and provider satisfaction by comparing two provider groups. An additional three months of data were collected post-collaborative practice agreement implementation to evaluate impact. Primary endpoints included: interventions, turnaround time, and patient cost savings. A survey was conducted to determine provider satisfaction.

Results

The mean turnaround time for pharmacist interventions in the pilot group (n = 54) was 7 min, compared to 3311 min in the control group (n = 87), which was statistically significant ( p < 0.0001). Two interventions in the pilot group resulted in patient cost savings due to dose rounding by a pharmacist. The mean turnaround time of the post-collaborative practice agreement group (n = 197) was 6 min, which was statistically significant when compared to the control group ( p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Turnaround time was significantly shorter for prescriptions in the pilot and post-collaborative practice agreement groups compared to the control group. Provider satisfaction increased as the collaborative practice agreement resulted in less time reviewing oral oncolytic prescriptions. Patient costs were also reduced during the pilot phase due to dose rounding by pharmacists.