bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost-Effectiveness Threshold for Healthcare: Justification and Quantification
Authors: Yanovskiy Moshe , Levy Ori N. , Shaki Yair Y. , Zigdon Avi , Socol Yehoshua
Published: May 2022

Every public health expenditure, including the one that saves lives or extends life expectancy of particular persons (target population), bears a cost. Although cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) is routinely performed in health policy, ethical justification of CEA is rarely discussed. Also, there is neither consensus value nor even consensus method for determining cost-effectiveness threshold (CET) for life-extending measures. In this study, we performed ethical analysis of CEA by policy impact assessment based on connection of health and wealth (poorer people have statistically shorter life expectancies) and concluded that CEA is not only a practical but also an ethical necessity. To quantify CET, we used three independent methods: (1) literature survey of analyzing salaries in risky occupations, (2) utilizing Prospect Theory suggesting that people value their lives in monetary terms twice more than their lifetime earnings, and (3) literature survey of the U.S. current legal practice. To the best of our knowledge, nobody applied method (2) to determine CET. The three methods yielded rather similar results with CET about 1.0 ± 0.4 gross domestic product per capita (GDPpc) per quality-adjusted life-year. Therefore, a sum of not higher than 140% GDPpc is statistically sufficient to “purchase” an additional year of life—or, alternatively, to “rob” one year of life if taken away. Therefore, 140% GDP per capita per quality-adjusted life-year should be considered as the upper limit of prudent and ethically justified expenditure on life extension programs.
The Aesthetic Habermas: Communicative Power and Judgment
Authors: Mackin Glenn
Published: May 2022

Since the publication of Between Facts and Norms, Habermas’s concept of communicative power has been the topic of significant discussion. This article contributes to this conversation by examining Habermas’s account of what makes communication powerful. I argue that Habermas’s conception of communicative power describes a nonviolent and noninstrumental mode of acting and being with others in language. This mode of engagement underwrites a conception of power that is structurally different from willing, one that builds meaningful worlds and (trans-)forms those engaging in communicative procedures. In drawing out this aspect of Habermas’s conception, I show that he is not a rationalist and proceduralist whose account of communicative procedures protects decision-making from irrational aesthetic powers. Rather, he presents communication as a mimetic achievement, a set of aesthetic practices and experiences that affectively alter its participants. With this position, Habermas makes an important contribution to and not just against the analysis of the aesthetic dimensions of political life. In casting communication as a mimetic achievement, Habermas presents an account of how communication opens worlds and forms subjects. Yet since these aspects of communication arrive in linguistic form, he can also examine affective and aesthetic experiences within discursive procedures. We can understand world-opening and aesthetic (trans-)formation as an essential part of democratic politics while also identifying the perspectives and resources by which actors can reflect on and critically evaluate whether an opinion is justified or whether a political project is worth pursuing.
Burying the Lead: Systematic Reluctance in the Coverage of Stratification Systems in Introductory Sociology Textbooks
Authors: Foster John D.
Published: May 2022

This article examines the presentation of caste systems of stratification in U.S. introductory sociology textbooks. First, the “caste versus class” debate from the 1930s and 1940s is summarized and its competing perspectives are evaluated. Second, after an in-depth analysis of introductory sociology textbooks presenting material on the subject, evidence is presented that (1) the majority of texts present a discussion on social stratification in the United States that is often misleading and inaccurate and (2) none of the textbooks go as far as to present the current system of stratification in U.S. society as caste. In fact, evidence suggests a kind of systematic reluctance exists among the authors to associate caste with U.S. society. The benefits of changing the way we as sociologists think about and teach social stratification, as well as the consequences for continuing the status quo, are addressed.
Engaging Students Using an Arts-Based Pedagogy: Teaching and Learning Sociological Theory through Film, Art, and Music
Authors: Hunter Linda , Frawley Eleanor
Published: May 2022

In this study we explore how incorporating an arts-based pedagogical approach, specifically, the use of film, art, and music, into a second-year sociological theory course enhances students’ overall learning experiences. We report on data collected from a survey given to students enrolled in this course in 2020. Findings reveal that employing this arts-based pedagogy helps students to sustain an interest in the course material, understand the theoretical course material, engage in a higher level of thinking/analysis, feel more confident in their abilities to write about theories covered in the course, apply theory in the real world, contextualize historical content, and enhance their memory of theories and concepts. Findings are also compared with data collected from a similar survey conducted in 2009, revealing that the overall favorable responses to arts-based resources have remained consistent over time and that this pedagogy remains an enduring approach that contributes to positive student learning experiences.
Reaching Science Skeptics: How Adaptive Framing of Climate Change Leads to Positive Responses Via Persuasion Knowledge and Perceived Behavioral Control
Authors: Coleman Renita , Thorson Esther , Jimenez Cinthia , Vinton Kami
Published: May 2022

This study extends framing theory by identifying two causal mechanisms and one contingent condition for a new type of frame to be used with issues where people dispute scientific claims. This new “adaptive frame” focuses on adapting to climate change impacts without cueing deeply held beliefs by discussing causes. An experiment shows this frame works by reducing persuasion knowledge and increasing perceived behavioral control, resulting in science skeptics being significantly more likely to intend to take action, engage with the news, and agree with the story’s perspective. This effect is moderated by science skepticism, with adaptive frames working significantly better on the very people the news media are not reaching. We contribute to theory with an understanding of how a frame that eliminates references to deep-seated beliefs is more effective than the existing frames of conflict, attribution of responsibility, and possibly others.
Mariátegui’s Thought and the Solidarity Economy: A Contemporary Dialogue?
Authors: Ferrarini Adriane Vieira , Ramos César Miguel Salinas
Published: May 2022

A dialogue between Mariátegui’s thought and the solidarity economy, identifying convergences and lessons, finds that the solidarity economy encounters Mariáteguist thought in its critique of positivist modernity and dogmatic Marxism and its proposal of an emancipating and decolonizing praxis as a heroic creation. The solidarity economy provides the foundations for the material and spiritual reproduction of community and nature through the political work forged in everyday associative and self-managed labor.

Un diálogo entre el pensamiento de Mariátegui y la economía solidaria, identificando convergencias y lecciones, nos muestra que la economía solidaria va al encuentro del pensamiento mariateguista en su crítica de la modernidad positivista y el marxismo dogmático, así como su propuesta de una praxis emancipadora y descolonizadora como creación heroica. La economía solidaria sienta las bases para la reproducción material y espiritual de la comunidad y la naturaleza a través del trabajo político forjado en la labor cotidiana asociativa y autogestionada.
Talk the talk and walk the walk: Diversity and culture impact all of development – A commentary on Kidd and Garcia (2022)
Authors: Karasik Lana B. , Kuchirko Yana A.
Published: May 2022

Research on early language abilities, much like psychology more broadly, has focused almost exclusively on infants from English and Indo-European languages, thereby limiting understanding of the role of varying linguistic experience that supports language abilities. We underscore Kidd and Garcia’s call to expand, diversify, and globalize language research. Using examples from motor development in which universality has long been assumed, we argue that embracing a cross-cultural perspective enriches theories of development more broadly. We conclude with suggestions for future directions.
School library and students’ understanding of public administration
Authors: Awaah Fred , Okebukola Peter Akinsola , Shabani Juma , Yeboah Solomon , Gbeleyi Olasunkanmi Adio , Emmanuella Heloo Sefiamor
Published: May 2022

Student difficulty in public administration has witnessed some writings within the African context. Although these studies are emerging, there seems to be minimal research on the influence of school libraries on students’ understanding of public administration. This gap in the public administration literature precludes educational managers from determining whether or not the variable influences students understanding of the course/programme. Not establishing this places educational managers in a situation that inhibits them from placing measures to enhance the understanding of the course from the lenses of school libraries. This study responds to the gap in the public administration literature by employing a mixed-method approach to investigate the influence of the variable in the study of public administration by Ghanaian and Nigerian university students using a sample of N = 650. Anchored on the Culturo-Techno- Contextual Approach, the study results suggest significant differences in corruption, governance, and defining public administration ( p < .001) when there are poor school libraries. Both theoretical and practical implications have been proferred for the use of school libraries to enhance students’ understanding of difficult concepts in the study of public administration in Ghanaian and Nigerian universities.
Do Mutual Funds Trade on Earnings News? The Information Content of Large Active Trades
Authors: Chen Linda H. , Huang Wei , Jiang George J. , Zhu Kevin X.
Published: May 2022

Using monthly holdings data, we show that in contrast to findings in existing literature, mutual fund trades in aggregate do not have predictive power for future earnings information. We identify active trades by mutual funds, that is, trades not passively driven by fund flows, and show that only large active trades by mutual funds contain information on future earnings. Moreover, we show evidence that large active trades by mutual funds help incorporate future earnings information into stock prices and significantly improve stock price efficiency. Finally, we show that large active trades by mutual funds prior to earnings announcements deliver superior abnormal returns. Mutual fund managers that actively trade on future earnings information are skilled; the top quintile skilled funds on average outperform those in the bottom quintile by 127 bps in four-factor alpha over subsequent four quarters.
Financial Restatements and the Demand for Trade Credit
Authors: Dao Mai , Nguyen Duong , Xu Hongkang
Published: May 2022

This article is the first to study the relation between financial restatements and restatement firms’ demand for trade credit as a source of financing. Using a sample of U.S.-listed firms for the 2000–2016 period, we find that restatement firms tend to use more trade credit in the year following the restatement disclosure year than do non-restatement firms. Moreover, we find evidence that restatement firms use trade credit to substitute for the reduced reliance on short- and long-term loans. Our further analysis reveals that restatement firms can obtain more trade credit when the firms promptly change the CEOs as a signal for firms’ attempt to repair damaged organizational legitimacy. Taken together, our findings suggest that restatement firms experiencing difficulties in obtaining conventional borrowings tend to resort to trade credit as an alternative source of financing.
Program Redesign Toward Democratic Teacher Education
Authors: Philip Thomas M. , Patel Sonal , Beckham Kyle , De Cediel Nives Wetzel , Disston Jacob , Salasin Elisa , Altshcul Sarah R.
Published: May 2022

Background:

We build on participatory and critical understandings of democracy to analyze a two-and-a-half-year collaborative redesign of our teacher education program.

Purpose:

To theorize and design for the seemingly everyday, ordinary, and unremarkable work it takes for teacher education programs to embody democratic principles and practices—an effort that is simultaneously outward and inward looking.

Research Design:

Self-study.

Findings/Results:

We outline three organizing principles for teacher education redesign: (1) collectively name the societal purpose(s) that will guide our work as teachers and teacher educators; (2) develop a programmatic lens that allows us to see our individual contributions to a program as they relate to the holistic preparation of novice teachers; and (3) deliberately co-construct and sustain open participatory spaces so that various constituents of a program of teacher education learn to practice and enact the first two principles.

Conclusion:

Our analysis contributes to a theory and practice of democratic teacher education that is grounded in the everydayness of programs and has the interpretive power to understand and help transform the obstacles, structures, and relationships that hinder justice-oriented, reflexive, deliberative, participatory, educative democratic practice in teacher education.
Examining Teacher Candidates’ Backgrounds, Experiences, and Beliefs as Precursors for Developing Dispositions for Democracy
Authors: Lampert Jo , Browne Stevie
Published: May 2022

Background/Context:

In this article, we draw on Villegas’s explanations of beliefs as precursors to social justice dispositions and Mills et al.’s Australian research about social justice dispositions as either affirmative or transformative. These conceptual positions assist us in understanding the beliefs that are derived from applicants’ schooling and life experiences.

Purpose of Study:

The article reports on how 46 candidates applying for an Australian equity-oriented initial teacher education (ITE) program described their backgrounds and beliefs around social justice. The purpose of the research is to understand starting point beliefs in order to design a strongly democratic teacher education program for historically hard-to-staff schools.

Setting:

Expressions of interest were analyzed from applications to an Australian ITE program designed to prepare teachers for hard-to-staff urban and rural secondary schools in Victoria, Australia.

Research Design:

This research is a qualitative critical discourse analysis. Our initial activity involved grouping statements using the following five codes: their firsthand, personal backgrounds of disadvantage; their secondhand experience with disadvantage, such as seeing racism from afar or volunteering; their belief statements about equity or social justice; their deficit positions or stereotypes; and their overtly activist statements.

Findings/Results:

Finding that some of these discourses were much more common than others, we were able to examine applicants’ social justice discourses more deeply. We contend that democratic discourses can be seen on a kind of continuum, with weaker (or thinner) and stronger versions. In general, a weaker version of equity includes generic inclusive beliefs about everyone being equal, whereas a stronger version demonstrates a more complex understanding of social inequities and a commitment to changing systems rather than individuals. Within each category, there were glimpses of weaker and stronger activist experiences and beliefs that we consider precursors to strong social justice or democratic teacher dispositions.

Conclusions/Recommendations:

Rather than determining selection into the program, the candidates’ social justice statements made in their expressions of interest (EOIs) became starting points to design a program that prepares teachers who are knowledgeable agents of social change. Their statements guided us to understand these starting points in relation to how the candidates narrated their backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs, and enabled us to better explore how social justice is interpreted.
Attrition and Turnover Among Beginning Teachers in Texas by Preparation Program
Authors: Mitani Hajime , Fuller Edward J. , Hollingworth Liz
Published: May 2022

Background:

Prior work examined the relationship between teacher preparation programs (TPPs) and teacher attrition and turnover. However, such research aggregated all types of non-traditional certification programs (non-TCPs) into a single non-TCP group. This practice masks some critical differences among non-TCPs, and could send a misleading message to stakeholders and policymakers.

Purpose:

Our study builds on prior studies and empirically investigates the relationship between the types of TPPs and beginning teachers’ attrition and turnover behaviors in Texas public schools using a detailed non-TCP typology. Our study provides information about variation in attrition and turnover rates among non-TCPs and highlights the types of non-TCPs that exhibited different turnover and attrition patterns.

Research Design:

Using longitudinal administrative data and detailed data on preparation program type obtained from the Texas Education Agency, we estimated a series of logistic regression models and discrete-time hazard models with district fixed effects, school random effects, and school-by-year random effects.

Findings:

Non-TCP teachers were more likely to leave the profession or the district than TCP teachers for the first few years. Yet, by the end of the fourth year, attrition and turnover rates converged between TCP and non-TCP teachers. Among non-TCP teachers, teachers from district-administered programs and programs operated by private nonprofit organizations exhibited different attrition and turnover behaviors than other non-TCP teachers.

Conclusion:

Given the differential turnover and attrition rates among non-TCP teachers, district and school administrators may design tailored activities and programs that could meet the varying needs of teachers from different types of preparation programs.
Epistemology of religion and phenomenology of revelation in post-revolutionary Iran: The case of Abdolkarim Soroush
Authors: Dabbagh Hossein
Published: May 2022

Abdolkarim Soroush’s theory of ‘The Theoretical Contraction and Expansion of Religious Knowledge’ is arguably one of the most controversial theories of religion in post-revolutionary Iran. Soroush’s theory paves the way for recognising a pluralist interpretation of religion (Islam) by merging the epistemological and hermeneutical theory of religion. However, he later adds another approach to his reformist framework to explain the phenomenon of revelation. In this paper, after carefully laying out Soroush’s contraction and expansion theory, I will discuss his three approaches, that is, epistemological, hermeneutical and phenomenological approaches to religion, through presenting Kantian and Quinian interpretations of contraction and expansion of religious knowledge, addressing the epistemology of contraction and expansion and the phenomenology of revelation, and pointing out some issues about error recognition within contraction and expansion of religious knowledge. I argue that the role of error recognition is crucial in understanding Soroush’s reformist project since it links his epistemology and hermeneutics of religious knowledge to the way he theorises about revelation phenomenologically.
The Use of Simulators for Teaching Practical Clinical Skills to Veterinary Students — A Review
Authors: Braid Helen R.
Published: May 2022

In the context of veterinary education, simulators are devices or sets of conditions aiming to imitate real patients and enable students to practice skills without the need for live animal use. Simulator use in veterinary education has increased significantly in recent years, allowing consistent practical teaching without reliance on clinical cases. This review examines the available literature regarding the use of simulation and simulators for teaching practical day one competences to veterinary students. Scientific databases were searched and 73 relevant articles were reviewed. The reviewed articles revealed that there are a number of simulators currently available to veterinary educators, that simulators can enhance student skills and provide an alternative learning environment without the need for live animal and/or cadaver use, and that they usually receive positive feedback from the students who use them. There appears to be a bias towards small animal simulators — however, some skills that are developed through the use of small animal or table-top models will be transferrable to other species. The majority of large animal simulators focus on bovine rectal palpation and/or pregnancy diagnosis. Further research is required to increase the repertoire of available simulators for use in veterinary education, in order to improve the practical skills of veterinary students and reduce the use of live animals and cadaver material for teaching purposes.
The Use of 3-D Models of Echocardiographic Imaging Planes for Teaching Echocardiography Techniques for Use in Dogs and Cats
Authors: da Costa Bruna N. , Sousa Marlos G. , Tanji Fernanda N. , Ulanin Mariana , Wolf Marcela , Stedile Simone T. O.
Published: May 2022

Echocardiography is an invaluable technique for the diagnosis of heart disease. The aim of this study was to develop 3-D models of healthy and diseased hearts of dogs and cats, and to evaluate their effectiveness in assisting veterinary undergraduates to understand echocardiographic imaging planes. Resin models depicting the main echocardiographic imaging planes of normal hearts were created, as well as example hearts with features of mitral degeneration in dogs and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats. After a theoretical class, fourth-year students were randomly assigned to one of two groups (model group or control group). The model group had access to the 3-D models, along with self-explanatory text about echocardiographic imaging planes; the control group only had access to the self-explanatory text. Both groups were allowed 2 weeks to study their allocated resources, after which the students undertook an assessment to evaluate their learning and completed a questionnaire about their experiences and satisfaction with the respective teaching method. A total of 39 students participated in the study, 19 in the model group and 20 in the control group. Students assigned to the model group spent more time studying ( p = 0.0027). The proportion of students who achieved a satisfactory grade in the assessment was 89.5% in the model group and 60% in the control group ( p = 0.0449). The 3-D models facilitated, and significantly improved, the identification of cardiac structures and disease-associated abnormalities, and the learning process in general. Additionally, the models seemed to provide greater student motivation for studying echocardiography.
Book review: Rajesh S.N. Raj and Subash Sasidharan, Small Firm Ownership and Credit Constraints in India
Authors: Basu Sarthak
Published: May 2022

Rajesh S.N. Raj and Subash Sasidharan, Small Firm Ownership and Credit Constraints in India (New York and London: Routledge, 2020), 216 pp.
Book review: Khalid Bashir Ahmad, Kashmir. Looking Back in Time: Politics, Culture, History
Authors: Bhat Mukhtar Ahmad
Published: May 2022

Khalid Bashir Ahmad, Kashmir. Looking Back in Time: Politics, Culture, History (New Delhi: Atlantic Publishers, 2021), 428 pp.
Book review: Aparna Vaidik, Waiting for Swaraj: Inner Lives of Indian Revolutionaries
Authors: Thakur Chinmaya Lal
Published: May 2022

Aparna Vaidik, Waiting for Swaraj: Inner Lives of Indian Revolutionaries (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2021), 243 pp.
Romantic Relationships and Mental Health: Investigating the Role of Self-Expansion on Depression Symptoms
Authors: McIntyre Kevin P. , Mattingly Brent A. , Stanton Sarah C. E. , Xu Xiaomeng , Loving Timothy J. , Lewandowski Gary W.
Published: May 2022

Close relationships have the potential to fundamentally alter relationship partners’ self-concepts and, consequently, can impact individuals’ mental health. One type of relationship-induced self-concept change is self-expansion, which describes the cognitive reorganization of the self that can occur when individuals include aspects of their partner into the self, or when they share novel and challenging activities together. In the current research, we hypothesized that greater self-expansion would be associated with fewer depression symptoms. In support of this hypothesis, across four studies using cross-sectional, dyadic, daily diary, and longitudinal methodologies, we found that self-expansion was negatively associated with depression symptoms. This association was robust and remained a significant predictor of depression symptoms when controlling for demographic factors (gender, age, relationship length; Studies 1–4) and known risk factors of depression (dysfunctional attitudes, major life stressors, self-concept clarity; Study 2). Moreover, individuals’ self-expansion negatively predicted depression symptoms at the daily level (Study 3) and longitudinally over 9 months (Study 4). These results are the first to show the link between self-expansion and depression symptoms, suggesting that self-expansion may have robust benefits for individuals, beyond improving relationship dynamics.
Relationship between clinical severity and hemodynamic impact of great saphenous vein incompetence using strain gauge plethysmography and duplex ultrasound
Authors: Nelzén P Oskar E , Skoog Johan , Zachrisson Helene
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the relation of quantitative Duplex ultrasound (DUS) and strain gauge plethysmography (SGP) parameters with clinical severity and quality of life in patients with superficial venous incompetence.

Methods

DUS volume flow and distal SGP refilling times (T50 and T90) were evaluated in 152 patients (164 Limbs) with superficial incompetence. Clinical severity and quality of life were evaluated with C of the CEAP classification, venous clinical severity score (VCSS), Aberdeen varicose vein questionnaire (AVVQ), and EuroQol 5D-3L.

Results

Higher DUS volume flow was associated with higher C in CEAP scores. Volume flow was also related to T50 and T90. Shorter T50 and T90 were associated with higher C in CEAP and VCSS. T50 was also associated with EQ-5DVAS. Reflux extension to the foot wase associated with shorter T50 and T90 and higher DUS volume flow.

Conclusions

DUS volume flow and SGP refilling times are related with clinical severity and provide quantitative information regarding venous function in patients with superficial incompetence.
Creating a Real-World Linked Research Platform for Analyzing the Urgent and Emergency Care System
Authors: Mason Suzanne , Stone Tony , Jacques Richard , Lewis Jennifer , Simpson Rebecca , Kuczawski Maxine , Franklin Matthew
Published: May 2022

Background

This article describes the development of a system-based data platform for research developed to provide a detailed picture of the characteristics of the Urgent and Emergency Care system in 1 region of the United Kingdom.

Data Set Development

CUREd is an integrated research data platform that describes the urgent and emergency care system in 1 region of the United Kingdom on almost 30 million patient contacts within the system. We describe regulatory approvals required, data acquisition, cleaning, and linkage.

Data Set Analyses

The data platform covers 2011 to 2017 for 14 acute National Health Service (NHS) Hospital Trusts, 1 ambulance service, the national telephone advice service (NHS 111), and 19 emergency departments. We describe 3 analyses undertaken: 1) Analyzing triage patterns from the NHS 111 telephone helpline using routine data linked to other urgent care services, we found that the current triage algorithms have high rates of misclassifying calls. 2) Applying an algorithm to consistently identify avoidable attendances for pediatric patients, we identified 21% of pediatric attendances to the emergency department as avoidable. 3) Using complex systems analysis to examine patterns of frequent attendance in urgent care, we found that frequent attendance is stable over time but varies by individual patient. This implies that frequent attendance is more likely to be a function of the system overall.

Discussion

We describe the processes necessary to produce research-ready data that link care across the components of the urgent and emergency care system. Making the use of routine data commonplace will require partnership between the collectors, owners, and guardians of the data and researchers and technical teams.

Highlights

This article describes the development of a system-level data platform for research using routine patient-level data from the urgent and emergency care system in 1 region of the United Kingdom. The article describes how the data were acquired, cleaned, and linked and the challenges faced when undertaking analysis with the data. The data set has been used to understand patient use of the system, journeys once in the system, and outcomes following its use, for example, patterns of frequent use within urgent care and accuracy of referral decisions within the system.
Top-Down Accountability, Social Unrest, and Anticorruption in China
Authors: Hou Linke , Liu Mingxing , Zhang Dong
Published: May 2022

What motivates front-line officials to curtail corruption? We contend that performance management can reinforce top-down accountability in authoritarian governments and help contain corruption at the local level. Drawing on a nationally representative panel data of approximately 120 villages in China, we find that when anticorruption is prescribed as a salient policy goal in the township-to-village performance evaluation, village officials are incentivized to curb corruption. We further present evidence that the mandate for maintaining social stability propels township-level governments to prioritize the anticorruption work in the performance evaluation of village officials given that corruption constitutes a crucial trigger for social unrest. Our study sheds light on the understanding of performance management, bureaucratic accountability, and anticorruption policies in authoritarian countries.
Single-port thoracoscopic resection of a posterior mediastinal Mullerian cyst in a woman
Authors: Kang Kai , Wang Sheng , Li Binfeng , Wang Manxiang , Xiong Fei
Published: May 2022

Mullerian cysts are benign tumors that are very rare in the posterior mediastinum. It is necessary to distinguish Mullerian cysts from benign tumors or other types of cyst in the posterior mediastinum. A 42-year-old woman visited our hospital for a routine check-up, and a mediastinal mass was identified on chest computed tomography (CT). Contrast-enhanced chest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 4.0 × 2.6 × 2.8-cm mass, and a neurogenic tumor or esophageal cyst was suspected. Single-port thoracoscopic surgery was performed for cyst removal. Histopathological examination of the resected tissue revealed that the cyst wall was covered with a single layer of ciliated columnar epithelium. Immunohistochemical staining revealed positivity for paired box gene 8 (PAX8), Wilms tumor protein 1 (WT-1), estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR). Therefore, a diagnosis of mediastinal Mullerian cyst was made. Mediastinal Mullerian cysts should be included in the differential diagnosis of posterior mediastinal cysts. Cystic lesions in the posterior mediastinum should be removed surgically and undergo immunohistochemical examination.
Ceftriaxone-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis: a case report and literature review of antibiotic-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis
Authors: Almasoudi Aseel A , Bablghaith Eman S , Alaauldeen Samaher I , M Falemban Ayman , Sherbeeni Ahlam A , Bulkhi Adeeb A
Published: May 2022

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (hypersensitivity vasculitis) is defined as small blood vessel inflammation with skin or other systemic manifestations due to infections, drugs, or neoplastic disease. This clinical case report highlights an association between ceftriaxone and leukocytoclastic vasculitis in a 49-year-old female patient with a history of penicillin allergy, on mirtazapine for anxiety disorder. Articles concerning antibiotic-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis are also reviewed. The patient reported a symptom of upper respiratory tract infection and fever 5 days previously for which she received ceftriaxone for 2 days before presenting to the emergency department with a pruritic skin rash in the upper and lower extremities and swollen lips for 1 day. The rash was erythematous, maculopapular, itchy, and non-tender, with no mucus membrane involvement. Laboratory investigations revealed leukocytosis (white blood cells, 22.3 × 109/L) that was mainly eosinophilic (18.4%). The patient was administered prednisolone and antihistamine after stopping ceftriaxone empirically. A skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Significant clinical improvement was observed after treatment initiation. Upon follow-up, the skin rash was resolved entirely with no scars; however, there was skin-peeling over the lower extremities. Recognition of antibiotic-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis is crucial as many classes of antibiotics can contribute to this condition. Continuation of the offending drug may lead to life-threatening complications.
Ocular mycobacterial lesions in cats
Authors: Mitchell Jordan L. , MacDougall Laura , Dobromylskyj Melanie J. , Smith Ken , Stavinohova Renata , Gunn-Moore Danièlle A. , Hope Jayne C. , Scurrell Emma
Published: May 2022

Ocular mycobacterial infections are an under-recognized cause of morbidity in the domestic cat. This study aimed to explore the distribution, histopathological appearance, and severity of feline ocular mycobacterial lesions, and to characterize the immune cell population with immunohistochemistry. Routine histological staining with hematoxylin and eosin, and Masson’s trichrome, was performed to identify ocular lesions and assign an inflammation score based on the number of cells present. Acid-fast bacilli were detected with Ziehl-Neelsen, and immunohistochemistry for ionized calcium-binding adaptor protein-1 (Iba1), calprotectin, cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3), and Pax5 was undertaken on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 24 cases of ocular mycobacteriosis. Posterior or panuveitis with concurrent retinitis was identified in 20/24 cases (83%), with retinal detachment in 16/20 (80%) of these cases. Choroidal lesions had the highest median inflammation score. Ziehl-Neelsen-positive organisms were detected in 20/24 cases (83%), with the highest prevalence of acid-fast bacilli detected in choroidal lesions (16/20, 80%). Lesions were typically granulomatous to pyogranulomatous, characterized by abundant numbers of Iba1-positive macrophages, followed by calprotectin-positive granulocytes and monocytes, fewer T cells, and rarer B cells. However, where iritis was identified, inflammation was typically lymphoplasmacytic (11/16 cases, 69%). Where diagnostic testing was performed, tuberculosis (ie, infection with Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium microti, or a nonspeciated Mycobacterium tuberculosis-complex pathogen) was diagnosed in 20/22 cats (91%), with Mycobacterium lepraemurium infection identified in the other 2/22 cats (9%). These results suggest the choroid is the primary site of lesion development in most cases of feline ocular mycobacteriosis, and inflammatory changes are associated with the presence of mycobacteria localized to ocular tissues.
The pairs training effect in unfamiliar face matching
Authors: Ritchie Kay L. , Flack Tessa R. , Fuller Elizabeth A. , Cartledge Charlotte , Kramer Robin S. S.
Published: May 2022

A wealth of studies have shown that humans are remarkably poor at determining whether two face images show the same person or not (face matching). Given the prevalence of photo-ID, and the fact that people employed to check photo-ID are typically unfamiliar with the person pictured, there is a need to improve unfamiliar face matching accuracy. One method of improvement is to have participants complete the task in a pair, which results in subsequent improvements in the low performer (“the pairs training effect”). Here, we sought to replicate the original finding, to test the longevity of the pairs training effect, and to shed light on the potential underlying mechanisms. In two experiments, we replicated the pairs training effect and showed it is maintained after a delay (Experiment 1). We found no differences between high and low performers in confidence (Experiment 1) or response times (Experiment 2), and the content of the pairs’ discussions (Experiment 2) did not explain the results. The pairs training effect in unfamiliar face matching is robust, but the mechanisms underlying the effects remain as yet unexplained.
Relationships Between Psychopathy and DSM Personality Disorders in Men and Women
Authors: Bergstrøm Henriette , Farrington David P. , Coid Jeremy W.
Published: May 2022

The current investigation asseses the relationship between DSM personality disorders (PDs) and PCL psychopathy in a community study: the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development (CSDD). The children (Generation 3) of the original CSDD males (Generation 2) were assessed for PDs and psychopathy in early adulthood. Generation 3 consisted of both males ( n = 291) and females ( n = 260) and allowed for analyses separately for each gender. Cluster B PDs showed the strongest relationships with psychopathy, especially Borderline and Antisocial PD. Histrionic PD did not appear to have strong relationships with psychopathy, and there were no indications that histrionic PD overlaps with psychopathy in females as past research has hypothesized. There were however some other gender-specific relationships in the analyses, most notably between psychopathy and schizoid and schizotypal PDs for females, and between psychopathy and paranoid PD in males. Implications for the understanding of psychopathy in males and females are discussed.
Geographies of migration II: Decolonising migration studies
Authors: Collins Francis L.
Published: May 2022

Migration is deeply entangled with colonialism, not only in the historical emergence of nation-states, sovereignty and mobility but in the ongoing continuation of colonial power relations underpinned by racism and exploitation. This report on the geographies of migration explores this relationship through a focus on postcolonial approaches to migration in geography, and emergent efforts to instil a decolonising agenda into the study of migration.
Feasibility of Bridge Deicing Using Geothermal Energy Piles in Different U.S. Climates
Authors: Xiao Suguang , Suleiman Muhannad T. , Sudhakar Neti , Naito Clay J. , Zhang Guozhu
Published: May 2022

Geothermal energy piles are an environmentally friendly energy source and an innovative approach to melt snow on the bridge surface and minimize or eliminate the use of deicing salt. However, the application potential of energy piles for bridge deicing or snow melting has not been fully explored for different climates. In this study, the feasibility of using energy piles for bridge deicing in eight cities of the United States was investigated. Temperature response function (G function) method was validated and used to estimate the extracted heat from energy piles installed in the soils with different thermal properties, which was used to heat the bridge deck during snowing. The results of numerical simulation and statistical analysis confirm that the performance of the geothermal deicing system depends on the weather conditions during snowing and thermal properties of soils. The coverage rate of the geothermal system (percentage of snowing time that the geothermal deicing system can keep the bridge surface above 0°C) increases with the increasing air temperature and thermal diffusivities of soils, and decreases with the increasing precipitation rate and wind speed. This deicing method is promising in cities with higher average air temperature and low precipitation rate during snowing.
Incorporating Quality-Differentiated Demand into the Undergraduate Microeconomics Core
Authors: Adams Charles F.
Published: May 2022

This paper addresses quality-related aspects of consumer choice in undergraduate microeconomics and is divided into two sections. The first develops a conceptual framework underlying a linear demand structure for quality-differentiated goods. The second section incorporates a quality-differentiated demand structure into a conventional undergraduate critique of market efficiency in responding to consumer choice. A competitive market is shown to produce the optimal quality mix of a quality-differentiated good, while a monopolist is biased in favour of higher quality and a potentially suboptimal quality mix.
Comte’s posthumanist social science
Authors: Chiew Florence
Published: May 2022

Auguste Comte’s classical status in sociology and social theory is routinely taken to mean outdated. Coupled with this perception, there has been a pervasive tendency within contemporary discourse to presume a positivism that is largely rationalistic or scientistic and therefore critically and analytically useless. This paper explores how some of Comte’s lesser acknowledged perspectives on science, history, ‘progress’ and what it is to be human may yet compel us to reexamine our ideas about the kind of positivism we think we have inherited and therefore need to renounce. I focus my reading of Comte through the lens of genealogies of thought not normally associated with his work, for instance, science and technology studies (STS) and posthumanist social theory.
Adaptive winding pin and hooking capacity model for coreless filament winding
Authors: Mindermann Pascal , Gresser Götz T
Published: May 2022

Coreless filament winding is a manufacturing process used for fiber-reinforced composites, resulting in high-performance lightweight lattice structures. Load transmission elements, which are assembled from commercially available standardized parts, often restrict the component design. A novel adaptive winding pin was developed, which is made by additive manufacturing and can therefore be adjusted to specific load conditions resulting from its position within the component. This allows to decouple the fiber arrangement from the winding pin orientation, which allows a fully volumetric framework design of components. A predictive model for the pin capacity was derived and experimentality validated. The hooking conditions, pin capacity, and occupancy were considered in the creation of a digital design tool.
A Virtual, Simulated Code White for Undergraduate Nursing Students
Authors: Stephen Tracey , King Keith , Taylor Mischa , Jackson Margot , Hilario Carla
Published: May 2022

Background

Nurses and nursing students are increasingly vulnerable to workplace violence, both verbal and physical, as health care settings and clients cope with unprecedented challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic. Concurrently, clinical learning opportunities for nursing students have been curtailed by public health restrictions and limited capacity. While virtual simulations have been promoted as an alternative to clinical hours, their effectiveness as an educational intervention on workplace violence has yet to be assessed.

Purpose

The authors sought to evaluate a virtual, simulated code white—a set of organized responses to a client, visitor, or staff member exhibiting the potential for violence—involving 4th year undergraduate nursing students, randomly sorted into an intervention group and a control group.

Methods

Pre and post test measures of knowledge and attitudes about mental health, workplace violence and virtual simulation were collected, as well as qualitative data from focus groups.

Findings

While the sample size (n = 24) was insufficient to detect meaningful differences between the intervention and control groups, descriptive statistics and focus group data revealed significant gaps in participants’ knowledge around managing workplace violence. Participants rated the virtual simulation highly for its realism and the opportunity to experience working in a virtual environment, while they felt the preamble and debrief were too short.

Conclusions

The findings illustrate a virtual code white simulation has clear educational benefits, and that multiple iterations, both virtual and in person, would most likely increase the benefits of the intervention.
Excessive Postural Tachycardia and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome in Youth: Associations With Distress, Impairment, Health Behaviors, and Medication Recommendations
Authors: Klaas Kelsey M. , Fischer Philip R. , Segner Sara , Tsai Owens Michele , Fahrenkamp Amy , Geske Jennifer , Hofschulte Deanna , Farrell Michael , Harbeck-Weber Cynthia , Biggs Bridget K.
Published: May 2022

Among adolescents with fatigue and postural dizziness, it is unclear how health behaviors and emotional distress relate to the presence of excessive postural tachycardia. We prospectively evaluated adolescents aged 13-22 years presenting with symptoms suggestive of autonomic dysfunction between September 2017 and December 2018. Patients underwent standard 10-minute, 70-degree head-up tilt testing. Clinician diagnoses and recommendations were recorded from the medical record. Patients completed validated self-report measures of lifestyle factors, autonomic symptoms, depression, anxiety, and functional disability. Of 179 patients, 58 were diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and 59 had excessive postural tachycardia, with 90.5% concordance between the 2 groups. Presence of excessive postural tachycardia was associated with greater baseline fluid intake and likelihood of medication prescription in their treatment plan. Medication findings were replicated for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome diagnosis. Presence of excessive postural tachycardia or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome did not differentiate patients on perceived symptom severity, emotional distress, disability, or health behaviors but did appear to determine treatment recommendations.