bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Children’s Rights Perspective to Ruiz Zambrano and Chavez-Vilchez: An Examination in Light of Theory, Practice and Child Development Research
Authors: Nissen Ellen
Published: March 2021

This contribution demonstrates that the CJEU cases Ruiz Zambrano and Chavez-Vilchez are particularly significant from a children’s rights perspective. The article connects these two judgments and their implementation in the national Dutch context, with three commonplace themes from children’s rights literature; (1) the child as an equal bearer of rights, (2) the child as a distinct bearer of rights, and (3) the important role of developmental research. This perspective shows that the approach adopted by the CJEU with regard to the EU citizen child is paradigm shifting, as it breaks with dominant approaches in fundamental rights law and immigration law which historically place parental rights front and centre. The contribution demonstrates that the importance of this shift cannot be underestimated, because it provides the contested notions of children’s rights and the Convention on the Right of the Child (CRC) with both legitimacy and meaning.
The phonetic value of the Proto-Indo-European laryngeals
Authors: Hartmann Frederik
Published: March 2021

Discussion of the exact phonetic value of the so-called ‘laryngeals’ in Proto-Indo-European has been ongoing ever since their discovery, and no uniform consensus has yet been reached. This paper aims at introducing a new method to determine the quality of the laryngeals that differs substantially from traditional techniques previously applied to this problem, by making use of deep neural networks as part of the larger field of machine learning algorithms. Phonetic environment data serves as the basis for training the networks, enabling the algorithm to determine sound features solely by their immediate phonetic neighbors. It proves possible to assess the phonetic features of the laryngeals computationally and to propose a quantitatively founded interpretation.
Segmental aspects of Kɨbwanɉi Phonology: A Non-Linear Representation
Authors: Simile Okoa , Upor Rose Acen
Published: March 2021

This paper attempts a preliminary analysis of the phonological processes that affect vowels and consonants in Kɨβwanɉi language. Specifically, the paper examines the role played by these phonological processes in preserving the configuration of the phonologically possible word or morpheme in Kɨβwanɉi by using a Non-linear Approach (Autosegmental Phonology Theory). The findings reveal that the distribution of consonants is restricted in Kɨβwanɉi and the canonical syllable structure of Kɨβwanɉi is CV but not limited to $V$, $C$, $CV$ and $CGV$. Syllables are conditioned by phonological sequential constraints (PSCs) that govern the sequence of segments in the language. These constraints serve as the mechanism through which the native speakers are able to recognize words by applying phonological rules that are in conspiracy. It is also revealed that the rules are ordered with respect to the satisfaction of the structural descriptions that allow more than one rule to apply.
Compromising for Peace through Ritual Practices among the Kuria of Tanzania and Kenya
Authors: Magoti Iddy Ramadhani
Published: March 2021

Kuria people, who straddle both sides of the Kenya–Tanzania border, have experienced interminable intra- and inter-ethnic warfare emanating from cattle rustling. The Kuria people are stereotypically described as cantankerous and indisposed to compromise or forgiveness when they have been wronged. But on the contrary, archival and secondary information as well as oral interviews conducted in the region demonstrate that through participation in different ritual forms, the Kuria people themselves have been responsible for maintaining harmony and serenity with their neighbours. Kuria who abide by their cultural beliefs, social norms, and respect for traditional leadership, do forgive, regularly initiate reconciliations, and actively maintain peaceful relations through participation in various ritual forms. It is evident that rituals constitute an integral part of the customary process of conflict resolution and peace building among the Kuria. Especially those rituals related to the prevention of cattle rustling have gained recognition and formal support of the central states on both sides of the border, to the extent that the powers embodied in these traditional Kuria rituals have sometimes overridden the jurisdiction of modern courts established in the Kuria areas.
Conceiving Neighbourhood in Northern Nigerian Fiction
Authors: Ogundipe Stephen T.
Published: March 2021

Representations of neighbourhood in contemporary Northern Nigerian fiction are a departure point for scholars exploring the structures and sources of ethnic and religious violence. Using Edify Yakusak’s After They Left and Elnathan John’s Born on a Tuesday, Slavoj Zizek's analysis of the concept of neighbour is applied here, to engage theoretically with Northern Nigerian social conditions. This framework illuminates the links existing between the everyday experience of neighbourhoods in real life, and their imaginative representations in the literary arts.
On the taxonomic status of Asthenodipsas vertebralis (Boulenger, 1900) (Squamata: Pareidae) in Borneo with the description of a new species
Authors: QUAH EVAN S. H. , LIM KELVIN K.P. , GRISMER L. LEE
Published: March 2021

The taxonomic status of Asthenodipsas vertebralis in Borneo has been plagued with uncertainty over the last eighty years. An examination of museum collections resulted in the discovery of a voucher specimen of A. vertebralis from Sarawak, East Malaysia that confirms the presence of the species in Borneo and a previously unrecognised species, Asthenodipsas ingeri sp. nov. from Mount Kinabalu, Sabah. Asthenodipsas ingeri sp. nov. can be differentiated from its congeners by the combination of an absence of preoculars and suboculars, 1st and 3rd pair of infralabials in contact, two pairs of posterior inframaxillaries, supralabials 3–5 (sometimes 3 & 4) in contact with orbit, 15/15/15 rows of dorsal scales, presence of sharp vertebral keel, and divided subcaudals. This study highlights the importance of careful re-examination of museum collections that could potentially harbour new species hiding in plain sight. These discoveries also add to the growing number of reptile and amphibian species being described from Borneo that shows no signs of abating but are already potentially threatened by the continued deforestation and developments on the island.
South African Acrothoracica (Crustacea: Cirripedia)
Authors: BOTHA THOMAS P.A. , GRIFFITHS CHARLES L.
Published: March 2021

Prior to this review, only three publications, all species descriptions published over 50 years ago, had focussed on South African acrothoracicans. We collected samples from three of South Africa’s major marine ecoregions (Benguela, Agulhas and Natal) and used these to produce a revised account of the known regional fauna. This includes a key to known South African acrothoracicans and a systematic account of the species, each description being accompanied by scanning electron and light microscopy images. The number of known South African acrothoracicans is increased from four to eight species, with three new distribution records and two new species added to the fauna, while one existing record is determined to be a nomen nudum. Although this represents a doubling of the known regional acrothoracican fauna, much more remains to be explored, and further research in deeper waters and examination of other potential hosts (such as corals and hermit crabs) are likely to reveal many additional taxa.
Five new species of the genus Torodora Meyrick (Lepidoptera, Lecithoceridae, Torodorinae) from Cambodia, with a tentative check-list of the genus
Authors: PARK KYU-TEK , BAE YANG-SEOP
Published: March 2021

Five new species of the genus Torodora Meyrick of the family Lecithoceridae are described from Cambodia. The new species are T. helvinotula Park, sp. nov., T. spathiana Park, sp. nov., T. alterniella Park, sp. nov., T. triquetrella Park, sp. nov., and T. cupriella Park, sp. nov.. In addition, Torodora macrosigna Gozmány, 1973 is reported for the first time from Cambodia, with illustration of the male genitalia for the first time.
6. Findable, Impactful, Citable, Usable, Sustainable (FICUS)
Authors: Agate Nicky , Ball Cheryl E. , Belan Allison , McCormick Monica , Neds-Fox Joshua
Published: March 2021

This is a collaboratively authored chapter by digital librarians, publishers and archivists, who have established a heuristic dubbed FICUS which stands for findable, impactful, citable, usable and sustainable. These will be widely applicable across disciplines, formats and topics.
Tropical background and wave spectra: contribution of wave-wave interactions in a moderately nonlinear turbulent flow
Authors: Garfinkel Chaim I , Shamir Ofer , Fouxon Itzhak , Paldor Nathan
Published: March 2021

Variability in the tropical atmosphere is concentrated at wavenumber-frequency combinations where linear theory indicates wave-modes can freely propagate, but with substantial power in between. This study demonstrates that such a power spectrum can arise from small scale convection triggering large scale waves via wave-wave interactions in a moderately turbulent fluid. Two key pieces of evidence are provided for this interpretation of tropical dynamics using a nonlinear rotating shallow water model: a parameter sweep experiment in which the amplitude of an external forcing is gradually ramped up, and also an external forcing in which only symmetric or only anti-symmetric modes are forced. These experiments do not support a commonly accepted mechanism involving the forcing projecting directly onto the wave-modes with a strong response, yet still simulate a power spectrum resembling that observed, though the linear projection mechanism could still complement the mechanism proposed here in observations. Interpreting the observed tropical power spectrum using turbulence offers a simple explanation as to why power should be concentrated at the theoretical wave-modes, and also provides a solid footing for the common assumption that the back-ground spectrum is red, even as it clarifies why there is no expectation for a turbulent cascade with a specific, theoretically derived slope such as -5/3. However it does explain why the cascade should be towards lower wavenumbers, that is an inverse energy cascade, similar to the midlatitudes even as compressible wave-modes are important for tropical dynamics.
Estimating the Travel Time and the Most Likely Path from Lagrangian Drifters
Authors: O’Malley Michael , Sykulski Adam M. , Laso-Jadart Romuald , Madoui Mohammed-Amin
Published: March 2021

We provide a novel method for computing the most likely path taken by drifters between arbitrary fixed locations in the ocean. We also provide an estimate of the travel time associated with this path. Lagrangian pathways and travel times are of practical value not just in understanding surface velocities, but also in modeling the transport of oceanborne species such as planktonic organisms and floating debris such as plastics. In particular, the estimated travel time can be used to compute an estimated Lagrangian distance, which is often more informative than Euclidean distance in understanding connectivity between locations. Our method is purely data driven and requires no simulations of drifter trajectories, in contrast to existing approaches. Our method scales globally and can simultaneously handle multiple locations in the ocean. Furthermore, we provide estimates of the error and uncertainty associated with both the most likely path and the associated travel time.
Mental health during COVID-19 pandemic/Baghdad Al-Karkh
Authors: Al-Jbouri Noora ABD-Al-Hussein Dawood , Mashkury Zainab Jawad Kadhim , Al-Ameri Rawa Jaafar Kadhim
Published: March 2021

Background:

This study reviewed the psychological consequences of the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19 and the challenges that face post-traumatic interventions. COVID-19 pandemic has multifaceted psychological effects extending social stigmatization to COVID-19 patients, resulted in delaying in medical care and hiding important medical history, particularly of travel, this in turn will increase the risk of transmission.

Objectives of the study:

To explore if there is significant impacts of public health emergency COVID-19 on mental health among clients attending Al/Karkh Care centers.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study describes the mental health status among clients attending Al-Karkh Health Centers during the COVID-19 pandemic, using mental health reports from Mental Health Unit/Al-Karkh Health Directorate, which were collected from January to August. Using (SPSS25) for statistical analysis. Statistical test Chi-square used and p value of ⩽.05 was considered significant.

Results:

The percentages of psychological disturbances among clients is higher throughout the first 7 months of 2019 than 2020, till August the percentage of psychological disturbances started to hike up in 2020 than in 2019 (6%), (5.4%) respectively. Throughout the months of 2020 up to August there was significant difference between male and female clients in mental disturbances p value <.0001.

Conclusion:

The current study found that COVID-19 pandemic is expected to raise great challenges for mental health services in health care centers and constitute a mental health risk especially to women and girls compared to men.
Retroductal Delivery of Epidermal Growth Factor Protects Salivary Progenitors after Irradiation
Authors: Cho J.M. , Yoon Y.J. , Lee S. , Kim D. , Choi D. , Kim J. , Lim J.Y.
Published: March 2021

Salivary gland hypofunction after irradiation is associated with a deficit of epithelial stem/progenitors in salivary glands. Although epidermal growth factor (EGF) is known to stimulate the proliferation of epithelial cells, the therapeutic effect of EGF on salivary epithelial stem/progenitors remains undetermined. In this study, we administered EGF to submandibular glands (SMGs) via a retrograde route through the SMG excretory duct before fractionated irradiation and examined whether EGF could protect salivary epithelial progenitor cells from radiation and alleviate radiation-induced salivary hypofunction. EGF-treated mice exhibited greater body and gland weights at 12 wk after irradiation than untreated mice. The retroductal delivery of EGF improved salivary secretory function and increased salivary amylase activity in a dose-dependent manner. Histological examinations highlighted the amelioration of the loss of keratine-14+ (KRT14+) basal ductal and/or MIST1+ acinar cells, as well as induction of fibrosis, following irradiation in EGF-treated mice. An additional in vitro experiment using a salivary gland organoid irradiation model indicated that the radioprotective effects of EGF promoted the growth and inhibited the apoptotic cell death of salivary epithelial cells. Our results suggest that retroductal delivery of EGF may be a promising therapeutic option for preventing radiation-induced salivary gland hypofunction.
On urban studies in Brazil: The favela, uneven urbanisation and beyond
Authors: Fix Mariana , Arantes Pedro Fiori
Published: March 2021

This essay discusses some key ideas and debates about urban studies in Brazil, considered historiographically, from the mid-1900s to the present. It presents the main components and particularities of what emerges as the Brazilian matrix of urban studies, interrogating the most influential work in the field with the country’s own experiences of industrialisation and urbanisation. It discusses some key urban debates of the 21st century, namely new planning models associated with globalisation, global mega-events, public–private partnerships, inner-city gentrification, housing and city financialisation, rising forms of urban warfare and social control in slums (favelas), and new activisms and urban insurgencies. Through this analysis, we point to contradictions and tensions in relation to European and North American urban theory, calling for the need to formulate new categories and hypotheses to better understand the unequal and extreme processes resulting from violent expansion of capitalist relations over the entire planet, and comment on the new practices and forms of social mobilisation emerging from turbulent contexts.
Configuration optimization of photogrammetry system based on spectral radius for on-orbit measurement
Authors: Wang Wei , Pan Wangbai , Hu Dike , Tang Guoan
Published: March 2021

Non-contact optical measurement is a potential approach to on-orbit vibration measurement for flexible appendages, providing dynamic information for spacecraft control system. Binocular photogrammetry system is a practical configuration to achieve this measurement. In this paper, optimization approach and strategy for configuration parameters of this system are raised. Measurement matrix is specially defined to obtain the objective function for the optimization. Successive linear programming algorithm is used for optimization iteration. Transient responses of flexible appendages calculated by finite element model and corresponding images generated by OpenGL help to achieve this simulation-based optimization. The feasibility and effectiveness of the optimization are verified both by numerical study and experiment. Error analysis of the optimal system reveals great improvement in accuracy and robustness after optimization. This optimization is a promising approach to designing the configuration of binocular photogrammetry system and helping to achieve reliable on-orbit dynamic measurement results.
Community Perception Regarding Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Some Selected Areas of Ganjam District of Odisha State, India
Authors: Nayak Sisir K , Swain Surya N , Achari T Sarita , Barik Tapan K
Published: March 2021

Mosquito-borne diseases are a major public health concern. Because of absence of effective therapy and vaccination to treat and prevent such vector-borne diseases, these initial cases have triggered strong concerns within medical communities, turning a bad dream into reality. To date, reducing the mosquito vector population remains the main strategy to control the transmission of mosquito borne diseases. In this connection, community-based perception recognized as an essential tool for long-term vector control management. In this study, a community perception survey was carried out in six selected study areas of Ganjam district of Odisha. A total of 3257 inhabitants from randomly chosen 600 no. of houses from 06 selected study areas were interviewed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire about various mosquito vector-borne diseases. As an outcome, we found that only 36% of people have basic knowledge and idea about vector-borne diseases, out of which only 14% know Anopheles as a causative agent whereas Aedes and Culex were very least concern. Regarding the source of knowledge, electronic media was the principal source of information, while the involvements of health personnel were least mentioned. Results of the current study indicates the necessity to plan health education program to bring important perceptions regarding vector-borne diseases at school and college level because the infrequent source of knowledge is the main cause of an increase in the disease incidence.
Valuation Survey of EQ-5D-Y Based on the International Common Protocol: Development of a Value Set in Japan
Authors: Shiroiwa Takeru , Ikeda Shunya , Noto Shinichi , Fukuda Takashi , Stolk Elly
Published: March 2021

Background

EQ-5D-Y is a preference-based measure for children and adolescents (aged 8–15 y). This is the first study to develop an EQ-5D-Y value set for converting EQ-5D-Y responses to index values.

Methods

We recruited 1047 respondents (aged 20–79 y) from the general population, stratified by gender and age group, in 5 Japanese cities. All data were collected through face-to-face surveys. Respondents were asked to value EQ-5D-Y states for a hypothetical 10-y-old child from a proxy perspective using composite time tradeoff (cTTO) and a discrete choice experiment (DCE). The discrete choice data were analyzed using a mixed logit model. Latent DCE values were then converted to a 0 (death)/1 (full health) scale by mapping them to the cTTO values.

Results

The mean observed cTTO value of the worst health state [33333] was 0.20. Analysis of the DCE data showed that the coefficients of the domains related to mental functions (“Having pain or discomfort” and “Feeling worried, sad, or unhappy”) were larger than those for the domains related to physical and social functions. By converting latent DCE values to a utility scale, we constructed a value set for EQ-5D-Y. No inconsistencies were observed. The minimum predicted score was 0.288 [33333], and the second-best score was 0.957 [12111].

Conclusion

A value set for EQ-5D-Y was successfully constructed. This is the first survey of an EQ-5D-Y value set. Interpreting the differences between EQ-5D-Y and EQ-5D-5L value sets is a future task with implications for health care policy.
Long non-coding (lnc)RNA profiling and the role of a key regulator lnc-PNRC2-1 in the transforming growth factor-β1-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition of CNE1 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Yang Jie , Feng Enzi , Ren Yanxin , Qiu Shun , Zhao Liufang , Li Xiaojiang
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To identify key long non-coding (lnc)RNAs responsible for the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CNE1 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and to investigate possible regulatory mechanisms in EMT.

Methods

CNE1 cells were divided into transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced EMT and control groups. The mRNA and protein expression of EMT markers was determined by real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two groups were identified by RNA sequencing analysis, and DEG functions were analyzed by gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. EMT marker expression was re-evaluated by western blotting after knockdown of a selected lncRNA.

Results

TGF-β1-induced EMT was characterized by decreased E-cadherin and increased vimentin, N-cadherin, and Twist expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Sixty lncRNA genes were clustered in a heatmap, and mRNA expression of 14 dysregulated lncRNAs was consistent with RNA sequencing. Knockdown of lnc-PNRC2-1 increased expression of its antisense gene MYOM3 and reduced expression of EMT markers, resembling treatment with the TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor LY2109761.

Conclusion

Various lncRNAs participated indirectly in the TGF-β1-induced EMT of CNE1 cells. Lnc-PNRC2-1 may be a key regulator of this and is a potential target to alleviate CNE1 cell EMT.
Examining the Effects of the Built Environment on Travel Mode Choice across Different Age Groups in Seoul using a Random Forest Method
Authors: Kim Kyusik , Kwon Kyusang , Horner Mark W.
Published: March 2021

It is important to analyze factors that influence travel mode choice and to predict individual mode choice because this shapes people’s movement and determines their level of mobility. While there have been studies investigating how built-environment elements are associated with travel mode choice, most efforts have neglected evaluating the heterogeneity of effects that the built environment has on travel mode choice across different age groups. This study aims to examine the effects of the built environment in influencing travel mode choice across age groups in Seoul, South Korea, using a random forest approach. Our random forest model demonstrates what factors are important and how they are associated with the effects on travel mode choice. As a result, the built environment has a greater impact on the subway selection for older adults than other age groups and the random forest approach captures non-linear relationships between certain predictors and travel mode choices. Applying this approach to the travel mode choice analysis, we can examine the heterogeneous effects of the built environment on travel mode choice across different age groups.
Gender and attitudes toward welfare state reform: Are women really social investment promoters?
Authors: Garritzmann Julian L. , Schwander Hanna
Published: March 2021

This article contributes to the study of the demand side of welfare politics by investigating gender differences in social investment preferences systematically. Building on the different functions of social investment policies in creating, preserving, or mobilizing skills, we argue that women do not support social investment policies generally more strongly than men. Rather, women demand, in particular, policies to preserve their skills during career interruptions and help to mobilize their skills on the labour market. In a second analytical step, we examine women’s policy priorities if skill preservation and mobilization come at the expense of social compensation. We test our arguments for eight Western European countries with data from the INVEDUC survey. The confirmation of our arguments challenges a core assumption of the literatures on the social investment turn and women’s political realignment. We discuss the implication of our findings in the conclusion.
Disabled but not deserving? The perceived deservingness of disability welfare benefit claimants
Authors: Geiger Ben Baumberg
Published: March 2021

While disability benefits make up the largest group of claimants in high-income countries, we know surprisingly little about which disabled people are seen as ‘deserving’ benefits, nor whether different people in different countries judge deservingness-related characteristics similarly. This is surprising given they are increasingly the focus of retrenchment, which often affirms the deservingness of ‘truly deserving’ disabled people while focusing cuts and demands on those ‘less deserving’. This article addresses this gap using two vignette-based factorial survey experiments: (i) the nine-country ‘Stigma in Global Context – Mental Health Study’ (SGC-MHS); (ii) a new YouGov survey in Norway/the UK, together with UK replication. I find a hierarchy of symptoms/impairments, from wheelchair use (perceived as most deserving), to schizophrenia and back pain, fibromyalgia, depression and finally asthma (least deserving). Direct manipulations of deservingness-related characteristics also influence judgements, including membership of ethnic/racial ingroups and particularly blameworthiness and medical legitimation. In contrast, the effects of work ability, age and work history are relatively weak, particularly when compared to the effects on unemployed claimants. Finally, for non-disabled unemployed claimants, I confirm previous findings that right-wingers respond more strongly to deservingness-related characteristics, but Norwegians and Britons respond similarly. For disabled claimants, however, the existing picture is challenged, with, for example, Britons responding more strongly to these characteristics than Norwegians. I conclude by drawing together the implications for policy, particularly the politics of disability benefits, the role of medical legitimation and the legitimacy challenges of the increasing role of mental health in disability benefit recipiency.
Segmenting Mobile Banking Users Based on the Usage of Mobile Banking Services
Authors: Chawla Deepak , Joshi Himanshu
Published: March 2021

Mobile banking is transforming the way the banking industry creates and delivers value to its customers. This channel of banking has not only reduced the cost of access to banking services but has also created opportunities for service differentiation. Thus, for banks, their understanding of customer segments in terms of the degree of various mobile banking services availed by consumers is critical to the sustainability of the banking industry. This study integrates trust and lifestyle compatibility in the technology acceptance model (TAM) to develop a conceptual framework for discussing consumer attitude and intention towards mobile banking services. A sample of 367 respondents was asked to complete a survey. This article attempts to segment the consumers into distinct groups based on whether users avail mobile banking services or not. The hierarchical clustering technique was used for segmentation. Three clusters were obtained which were labelled as Active User, Traditional Follower and Laggard. A profile of each cluster was developed in terms of their demographics (age, gender, income, etc.). Further, analysis of variance was conducted to determine whether antecedents to mobile banking, namely ease of use, convenience, efficiency, trust and lifestyle compatibility significantly differ between the clusters. For antecedents where the difference was found to be significant, a post-hoc analysis was conducted to determine the difference between various cluster pairs. A similar analysis was conducted for Attitude and Intention variables to find out whether it varies between the cluster pairs. The results showed that a statistically significant difference exists between clusters with respect to the various antecedents to mobile banking, attitude and intention. Managerial implications and social implications of the study are also discussed.
Are Communities Willing to Transition Into Learning Health Care Communities? A Community-Based Participatory Evaluation of Stakeholders’ Receptivity
Authors: Natafgi Nabil , Ladeji Olayinka , Hong Yoon Duk , Caldwell Jacqueline , Mullins C. Daniel
Published: March 2021

This article aims to determine receptivity for advancing the Learning Healthcare System (LHS) model to a novel evidence-based health care delivery framework—Learning Health Care Community (LHCC)—in Baltimore, as a model for a national initiative. Using community-based participatory, qualitative approach, we conducted 16 in-depth interviews and 15 focus groups with 94 participants. Two independent coders thematically analyzed the transcripts. Participants included community members (38%), health care professionals (29%), patients (26%), and other stakeholders (7%). The majority considered LHCC to be a viable model for improving the health care experience, outlining certain parameters for success such as the inclusion of home visits, presentation of research evidence, and incorporation of social determinants and patients’ input. Lessons learned and challenges discussed by participants can help health systems and communities explore the LHCC aspiration to align health care delivery with an engaged, empowered, and informed community.
The effects of four instructional strategies on English learners’ English reading comprehension: A meta-analysis
Authors: Li Jui-Teng , Tong Fuhui , Irby Beverly J. , Lara-Alecio Rafael , Rivera Hector
Published: March 2021

This meta-analysis includes experimental and quasi-experimental studies of reading interventions for English learners (ELs) coupled with four specific instructional strategies. The purposes of this meta-analysis were two-fold: (1) to identify the effects of the four instructional strategies (i.e. scaffolding, graphic organizers, interactive read aloud, and leveled questions) on ELs’ reading comprehension; and (2) to evaluate the combined effect of these four strategies when used together on ELs’ reading comprehension. In addition to considering that different studies might have varying effect sizes on ELs’ reading comprehension, we also conducted moderator analyses to explore potential moderators that might affect the variation between selected studies. Our moderators were school level, intervention duration, language learning context, and sample size. After an extensive search of research literature, 23 studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria of this meta-analysis study with a total of 2,284 participants. Mean effect sizes among these studies ranged from –.05 to 2.23, depending on instructional strategies. These studies were associated with increased reading comprehension across varied school levels, methodological features, and settings. Our findings showed that each of the four instructional strategies is beneficial for ELs’ reading comprehension. We also found an additional potential benefit on ELs’ reading comprehension when these four instructional strategies are used together throughout a lesson. Our findings also revealed that intervention duration was the only significant moderator, suggesting that the longer the treatment is, the greater the impact will be on ELs’ comprehension.
Social representations of the coronavirus and causal perception of its origin: The role of reasons for fear
Authors: Rateau Patrick , Tavani Jean Louis , Delouvée Sylvain
Published: March 2021

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic (between 26 March and 2 April 2020), we analysed ( n = 1144) the social representations of the coronavirus and the differentiated perceptions according to the origins attributed to the appearance of the virus (Human vs Non-Human and Intentional vs Unintentional) in a French population. The results show that the social representation is organized around five potentially central descriptive, anxiety-provoking and globally negative elements. But death and contagion are the only stable and structuring elements. The other elements vary according to the reason attributed to the object of fear. Depending on how individuals attribute the origin of the virus, social representations of it vary not only in terms of their content but also in terms of their structure. These results indicate how important it is to consider the perceptions that individuals share about the human (vs non-human) and intentional (vs unintentional) origin of an object of fear in the analysis of their representation of that object.
Behaviour of reinforced GFRP bars concrete beams having strengthened splices using CFRP sheets
Authors: Mahmoud Akram S. , Ali Ziadoon M.
Published: March 2021

When glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bar splices are used in reinforced concrete sections, they affect the structural performance in two different ways: through the stress concentration in the section, and through the configuration of the GFRP–concrete bond. This study experimentally investigated a new method for increasing the bond strength of a GFRP lap (two GFRP bars connected together) using a carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheet coated in epoxy resin. A new splicing method was investigated to quantify the effect of the bar surface bond on the development length, with reinforced concrete beams cast with laps in the concrete reinforcing bars at a known bending span length. Specimens were tested in four-point flexure tests to assess the strength capacity and failure mode. The results were summarised and compared within a standard lap made according to the ACI 318 specifications. The new method for splicing was more efficient for GFRP splice laps than the standard lap method. It could also be used for head-to-head reinforcement bar splices with the appropriate CFRP lapping sheets.
Experimental and numerical investigations of square concrete-filled double steel tubular stub columns
Authors: Ci Junchang , Ahmed Mizan , Jia Hong , Chen Shicai , Zhou Daxing , Hou Liqun
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the structural behavior of concrete-filled double steel tubular (CFDST) stub columns composed of square hollow sections is investigated experimentally and numerically. The experimental program comprises compression tests on short columns loaded concentrically. The test parameters mainly focused on the influences of the width-to-thickness ratios of steel tubes and concrete strength on the axial behavior of CFDST stub columns. Finite element (FE) models are also developed to investigate the influences of a wide range of structural parameters on their axial performance. It is observed that square CFDST columns have improved strength and ductility compared to their CFST and DCFST counterparts. Finally, a calculation formula is proposed to predict their ultimate compressive strengths under the axial compression load.
The arrival of white women: Tourism and the reshaping of beach boys’ masculinity in Zanzibar
Authors: Despres Altaïr
Published: March 2021

Mass tourism in Zanzibar has been accompanied by a virulent denunciation of the dress, bodily, and sexual practices of white women, who have been accused of perverting the local culture. More specifically, they have been held responsible for the emasculation and feminization of Zanzibar’s male youth engaging in compensated intimate relations with them. In this article I argue that sexual relations between white women and Zanzibari men show the capacity of young Zanzibaris to recompose the balance between the two traditional axes in the construction of masculinity, namely economic power and sexual performance. While the economic power of Zanzibari men has suffered from capitalist globalization, sexual potency and expertise, as well as competition between men for access to women’s bodies have become key aspects of affirming masculinity.
The Mnemonic Tuning for Contamination: A Replication and Extension Study Using More Ecologically Valid Stimuli
Authors: Fernandes Natália L. , Pandeirada Josefa N. S. , Nairne James S.
Published: March 2021

To face threats posed by pathogens, natural selection designed the Behavioral Immune System, which orchestrates several responses aimed to prevent contact with pathogens. Memory seems to augment this system. Using line drawings of objects, previous studies found that objects described as having been touched by sick people were better remembered than those described as having been touched by healthy people. The current work was designed to replicate and extend these initial studies using more ecologically-valid stimuli—photographs of real objects being held by hands. These photographs were shown along with descriptors (Experiment 1a) or faces (Experiment 1b) denoting the health status of the person whose hands were holding the objects. Experiments 2 and 3 used, as cues of contamination, dirty hands covered with a substance described as being vomit and diarrhea, respectively. Experiment 3 also investigated the need for a fitness-relevant context for the mnemonic effect to occur. In all experiments, stimuli were presented individually on the screen with the “contamination cue.” During encoding participants had to identify whether each object had been touched by a sick or a healthy person. The results of the final surprise free recall tasks replicated those previously reported: performance was enhanced for objects encoded as potential sources of contamination. Furthermore, the results of the last study reinstate the importance of fitness-relevance for the effect to occur. These results establish the generality of the contamination effect previously found, now using more ecologically-valid stimuli.
Testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin in dysglycemic women at high cardiovascular risk: A report from the Outcome Reduction with an Initial Glargine Intervention trial
Authors: Wang Anne , Gerstein Hertzel C , Lee Shun Fu , Hess Sibylle , Paré Guillaume , Rydén Lars , Mellbin Linda G
Published: March 2021

Aims:

Total and free testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin may affect cardiovascular prognosis in women. The objective was to study the association between sex hormones and prognosis in women with dysglycemia and high cardiovascular risk.

Methods:

This epidemiological report included dysglycemic women from the Outcome Reduction with an Initial Glargine Intervention trial ( n = 2848) with baseline total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin. Free testosterone was calculated with the Vermeulen formula. Cox regression analyses adjusted for variables including age, previous diseases and pharmacological treatments were used to estimate the association between these levels and the composite cardiovascular outcome (death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction or nonfatal stroke) and all-cause mortality per one standard deviation.

Results:

Patients (73% post-menopausal) were followed for a median of 6.1 years during which 377 cardiovascular events and 389 deaths occurred. In Cox analyses, total and free testosterone were not associated with any outcomes, but sex hormone-binding globulin was related to all-cause mortality in age adjusted (HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.06–1.24; p < 0.01) and fully adjusted analyses (HR 1.14; 95% CI 1.05–1.24; p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Increasing levels of baseline sex hormone-binding globulin were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in dysglycemic women at high cardiovascular risk.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov no. NCT00069784.
PVT1 Expression Is a Predictor for Poor Survival of Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Liu Jianhua , Li Yanqing , Zhang Qiqi , Lv Chaoxiang , Wang Mingwei , Jiao Yan , Wang Chunxi
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Dysregulation of long noncoding RNA is associated with a variety of cancers and LncRNA has anticancer or carcinogenic activities. PVT1, as a long noncoding RNA, plays an important role in the development of cancer.

Methods:

We use R to download and analyze the data in TCGA database. ROC curve is generated to evaluate the significance of PVT1 expression for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Chi-square test is used to test correlation between PVT1 expression and clinical pathological features. Survival curve and univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis is performed to compare differences in the effect on the survival rate between PVT1 high expression and low expression.

Results:

The expression of PTV1 in tumor tissues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues(P<2.2e-16). The difference of PTV1 expression was observed according to vital status (P = 0.0051) and Gleason score (P = 0.0012). The expression of PTV1 is significantly associated with T classification (P < 0.0001), N classification (P = 0.0499), PSA (P = 0.0001), Gleason Score (P < 0.0001), targeted molecular therapy (P = 0.0264) and vital status(P = 0.0036). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.860, which revealed PTV1 expression has excellent diagnostic value in prostate cancer. Patients with high PVT1 expression had a worse prognosis.

Conclusions:

PVT1 expression may be a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer.
“Proximalization is Advancement”—Zone 3 Frozen Elephant Trunk vs Zone 2 Frozen Elephant Trunk: A Literature Review
Authors: Choudhury Rozina Yasmin , Basharat Kamran , Zahra Syeda Anum , Tran Tien , Rimmer Lara , Harky Amer , Idhrees Mohammed , Bashir Mohamad
Published: March 2021

Over the decades, the Frozen Elephant Trunk (FET) technique has gained immense popularity allowing simplified treatment of complex aortic pathologies. FET is frequently used to treat aortic conditions involving the distal aortic arch and the proximal descending aorta in a single stage. Surgical preference has recently changed from FET procedures being performed at Zone 3 to Zone 2. There are several advantages of Zone 2 FET over Zone 3 FET including reduction in spinal cord injury, visceral ischemia, neurological and cardiovascular sequelae. In addition, Zone 2 FET is a technically less complicated procedure. Literature on the comparison between Zone 3 and Zone 2 FET is scarce and primarily observational and anecdotal. Therefore, further research is warranted in this paradigm to substantiate current surgical treatment options for complex aortic pathologies. In this review, we explore literature surrounding FET and the reasons for the shift in surgical preference from Zone 3 to Zone 2.
Hormesis Shifts the No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (NOAEL)
Authors: Agathokleous Evgenios , Saitanis Costas , Markouizou Athina
Published: March 2021

Data from recent dose-response toxicological studies suggest that the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) may depend upon whether hormesis is present. A further examination of these data supports this hypothesis by showing that the NOAEL was greater for living units (organisms or cells) showing hormesis than for living units showing no hormesis. For example, some cancer tissue cells may exhibit hormetic responses to an anticancer drug while some other cancer tissue cells may not. These findings suggest that living units showing hormesis may also be less susceptible than living units not showing hormesis. However, these findings are preliminary and cannot be generalized or assumed to be a norm yet. New studies are needed to evaluate how NOAEL shifts depending on the occurrence of hormesis.
Optical coherence tomography for elucidation of flow-diversion phenomena: The concept of endothelized mural thrombus behind reversible in-stent stenosis in flow-diverters
Authors: Monteiro Andre , Lopes Demetrius K , Aghaebrahim Amin , Hanel Ricardo
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Flow-diverters have revolutionized the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms, offering a durable solution to aneurysms with high recurrence rates after conventional stent-assisted coiling. Events that occur after treatment with flow-diversion, such as in-stent stenosis (ISS) are not well understood and require further assessment. After assessing an animal model with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), we propose a concept that could explain the mechanism causing reversible ISS after treatment of intracranial aneurysms with flow-diverters.

Methods

Six Pipeline Flex embolization devices (PED-Flex), six PED with Shield technology (PED-Shield), and four Solitaire AB devices were implanted in the carotid arteries (two stents per vessel) of four pigs. Intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images obtained on day 21 were compared to histological specimens.

Results

A case of ISS in a PED-Flex device was assessed with OCT imaging. Neointima with asymmetrical topography completely covering the PED struts was observed. Histological preparations of the stenotic area demonstrated thrombus on the surface of device struts, covered by neointima.

Conclusion

This study provides a plausible concept for reversible ISS in flow-diverters. Based on an observation of a previous experiment, we propose that similar cases of ISS are related to thrombus presence underneath endothelization, but further experiments focused on this phenomenon are needed. Optical Coherence Tomography will be useful tool when available for clinical use.
From Screen to Stage and Back: Max Linder and the ‘Cinematographic Sketch’, 1908–1913
Authors: Solomon Matthew
Published: March 2021

Between 1908 and 1913, as Max Linder emerged as a major international film star for Pathé, he made a specialty of combining film projections with live theatre performances. In these ‘cinematographic sketches’, action that began onscreen appeared to continue onstage. Using considerable primary-source evidence drawn from French, British, and American film and theatre trade periodicals, the essay demonstrates the liminality of Linder’s multimedia stardom during cinema’s ‘transitional period’ by demonstrating how frequently he went from screen to stage and back.
Capitate shortening osteotomy and vascularized bone grafting for Kienböck’s disease in ulnar positive or neutral wrists
Authors: Hunter Alistair R. , Temperley David , Trail Ian A.
Published: March 2021

We report the short- to medium-term outcomes for patients with Kienböck’s disease and ulnar positive or neutral wrists treated by capitate shortening osteotomy combined with a 4 + 5 extensor compartmental artery vascularized bone graft placed in the lunate. This is a retrospective study of seven consecutive patients with Lichtman Stage 2 to 3B. Radiological and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Six patients maintained their Lichtman stage, one progressed. Mean time to union of the capitate was 10 weeks. Five of six lunates were completely revascularized on MRI scans, with one partial revascularization. Mean follow-up for functional scores was 40 months (range 15 to 62). Mean pain score improved significantly from 7.4/10 preoperatively to 1.9/10 postoperatively, and patient satisfaction was 9.2/10. Mean postoperative Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Patient Evaluation Measure and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation scores were improved. All patients returned to their previous work. We conclude that this procedure has good short- to medium-term outcomes.

Level of evidence: IV