bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real, visible, here: Bisexual+ visibility in Western Australia
Authors: Farquhar Misty , Dau Duc
Published: January 2020

The authors of the article run Bisexual+ Community Perth, a grassroots collective that works to increase bisexual+ visibility and community connection in Western Australia. This article begins by providing an evidence-base for bisexual+ activism, much of it based on the poorer mental health outcomes of bisexual+ people and the pervasive invisibility of bisexual+ people in both LGBTIQ+ communities and activism. Drawing on the work of Bisexual+ Community Perth, the article then offers a practical example of community-building as activism. It explores how collective mobilisation, bridge building, and alliances can be leveraged to make a difference in a local context, and discusses some of the challenges faced in sustaining this work. Throughout the article, the lived experiences of Bisexual+ Community Perth members are included to bring a richness to our account of the work, and to increase empathy towards bisexual+ people in general.
The frequency and clinical significance of nontarget superficial and deep vein occlusion after physician compounded foam sclerotherapy of varicose tributaries
Authors: Lobastov Kirill , Vorontsova Athena , Bargandzhiya Astanda , Tsaplin Sergey , Schastlivtsev Ilya , Barinov Victor , Laberko Leonid , Dvornikov Anton
Published: January 2020

Objective

To evaluate the incidence and clinical relevance of silent nontarget occlusion (NTO) of superficial and deep veins occurring after ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) that can be detected by serial duplex ultrasound scan (DUS).

Methods

This retrospective analysis evaluated the medical records of patients treated with UGFS at a private clinic in Moscow, Russia from 2015 to 2017. All patients underwent serial DUS at 1 to 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after UGFS.

Results

During the observation period, 268 patients were treated with UGFS, using physician compounded polidocanol foam 257 lower limbs of 196 patients (73%) with varicose veins who underwent DUS at 1 to 2 weeks after the last session of UGFS (inclusion time-point): 139 women and 57 men (mean age: 44.2 ± 12.2 years) with the following CEAP clinical class distribution: C2, 74.0%; C3, 20.0%; C4, 4.5%; and C5, 1.5%. NTO at the inclusion time-point occurred in 60 limbs (23.3%) of 57 patients (28.5%) and was symptomatic only in three limbs (1.2%). Most occlusions were localized in the untreated great saphenous vein trunk ( n = 28) and the calf muscle veins ( n = 23). Overall, 72%, 44%, 29%, and 10% of all limbs and 77%, 45%, 28%, and 12% of limbs with NTO were followed up by DUS at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. There were no cases of thrombus progression or symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE). At six months, no deep vein occlusions persisted.

Conclusions

The frequency of nontarget vein occlusion after UGFS revealed by serial DUS may be as high as 23.3%. These occlusions tend to resolve within six months and are not associated with symptomatic VTE.
The role of readout-segmented echo-planar imaging-based diffusion-weighted imaging in evaluating tumor response of locally advanced rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Yang Lanqing , Xia Chunchao , Liu Dan , Fang Xin , Pan Xuelin , Ma Ling , Wu Bing
Published: January 2020

Background

Accurate assessment of tumor response in rectal cancer could help individualize treatment.

Purpose

To evaluate the role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) based on readout-segmented echo-planar imaging (rs-EPI) in assessing tumor response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).

Material and Methods

Sixty-three patients with LARC who received neoadjuvant CRT and surgery were enrolled retrospectively. They all underwent pre- and post-CRT magnetic resonance examinations, including DWI using rs-EPI. According to pathological results, patients were grouped as pathological complete responder (pCR, n = 16) and non-pCR (n = 47). Visual assessment of residual tumor and whole-tumor histogram analysis of pre- and post-CRT apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map was performed by two radiologists; tumor volume on ADC map was also recorded.

Results

Overall inter-observer agreement was good for histogram analysis (ICC = 0.543–0.999). Tumor volume reduction rate on ADC map showed no significant difference between the two groups ( P = 0.468). Post-CRT mean, quantile values, and their percentage changes were higher in the pCR group (all P < 0.001). Post-CRT mean value had a good diagnostic power in selecting pCR (AUC = 0.855), with a cut-off value of 1.345 × 10−3 mm2/s, yielding a sensitivity of 83%, specificity of 81.3%. Post-CRT 95% quantile value had the highest AUC (AUC = 0.868) among quantile values, and a higher specificity (87.5% vs. 81.3%) than mean value with comparable overall diagnostic performance ( P = 0.563). Visual assessment showed a sensitivity of 85.1%, specificity of 68.8% in selecting pCR.

Conclusion

Quantitative ADC value of rs-EPI DWI could reliably evaluate tumor response in patients with LARC. Post-CRT 95% quantile ADC value could help mean value to more accurately identify pCR.
The relationship between pop music and lyrics: A computerized content analysis of the United Kingdom’s weekly top five singles, 1999–2013
Authors: North Adrian C , Krause Amanda E , Ritchie David
Published: January 2020

The majority of research on music aesthetics treats music and lyrics as discrete entities, despite the artistic imperative that they should relate to one another in some way. This research computer analyzed both the music and lyrics of the songs to have reached the weekly UK top five singles chart from January 1999 to December 2013 ( N = 1,414). The findings indicate that the typicality of a given set of lyrics relative to the corpus as a whole was associated with their popularity; that there were numerous associations between each of six mood scores assigned to the music and various aspects of the lyrics (e.g., passionate music was associated with lyrics addressing hardship and less concern with precise numerical terms); and that the relative contribution of the lyrics and music to overall popularity varied according to the means by which these were operationalized so that, for instance, music and lyrics contributed equally to explaining peak chart position, whereas music outperformed lyrics in explaining the number of weeks spent on the top five. Pop music and its lyrics are related to one another, and the relationship can be explained to some extent via existing concepts in the aesthetics literature.
Status of waste-to-energy in Germany, Part I – Waste treatment facilities
Authors: Weber Kathrin , Quicker Peter , Hanewinkel Jörg , Flamme Sabine
Published: January 2020

This study gives a detailed overview over the German waste-to-energy sector in 2015. The aim is to quantify the available treatment capacities and the energetic potential of waste in Germany. The work is based on an extensive data collection and evaluation, both from literature sources as well as from a survey among operators of waste treatment plants. The present Part I, gives an overview of all treatment facilities in Germany that convert waste into energy. It was found that in total, almost 320 PJ of end energy are produced in German waste treatment plants: 225 PJ a−1 of heat; and 90 PJ a−1 of electricity. This is a share of about 3.7% of the German end energy consumption.
Municipal Employees’ Performance and Neglect: The Effects of Mission Valence
Authors: Guerrero Sylvie , Chênevert Denis
Published: January 2020

This article relates mission valence to two performance outcomes of municipal employees: task performance and neglect. We propose that mission valence is positively associated with task performance through perceptions of meaning, and negatively associated with neglect through cynicism. However, based on the negativity bias principle, we expect the relationships to be stronger through cynicism than through meaning. We test our research hypotheses on a sample of 177 employees and their supervisors working in a rural Canadian municipality. Findings highlight that cynicism is a key mediating variable between mission valence and employees’ performance outcomes. Mission valence affects meaning and cynicism, but meaning is not related to task performance and neglect.
Who Are the Spanish Speakers? An Examination of Their Linguistic, Cultural, and Societal Commonalities and Differences
Authors: Ardila Alfredo
Published: January 2020

In this article, three different aspects of the Spanish-speaking community are analyzed: (1) The idiosyncratic characteristics of the Spanish language, (2) the social dimension of the Spanish speakers, and finally, (3) their cultural manifestations. Two major Hispanic subcultures are distinguished: Iberian Spanish culture and Hispano American culture. Initially, the distribution of Spanish speakers in the world and the major oral and written characteristics of Spanish language are presented. The social characteristics of the Spanish-speaking countries, including economic development, literacy, life expectancy, and Human Development Index, are later discussed. It is emphasized that they represent a group of countries with a significant degree of heterogeneity. Finally, the Iberian Spanish and the Hispano American cultures are analyzed. Five cultural elements are reviewed: (1) ethnic group, (2) language, (3) religion, (4) level of development, and (5) level of schooling. It is concluded that regardless that in Spain, there are important regional differences, it is possible to consider that there is a cultural background common to all Spaniards, which may have specific nuances in each region. Hispano America, on the other hand, from the point of view of its ethnic origin, is 50% descended from Europeans, Indians, and Africans. The other 50% represents a mixture in varying proportions of these ethnic groups and other groups. It is concluded that in Hispano America there is a “base” culture (Hispanic culture) that presents a great variability according to the particular country and region. This base culture emphasizes socially oriented values, such as solidarity, some temporary flexibility, and similar cultural values.
Mobile health technologies for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review
Authors: Dantas L O , Weber S , Osani M C , Bannuru R R , McAlindon T E , Kasturi S
Published: January 2020

Objective

We aimed to perform a standardized review of available mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to conduct a systematic review of the literature on mHealth technologies in SLE.

Methods

Google Play and AppStore in the United States of America were queried and the quality of eligible mHealth apps was assessed using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). Web of Science, EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched from inception through June 2019.

Results

Of 324 mHealth apps found, 20 were eligible for inclusion; 10 focused on education, 7 offered tools to track patient-reported symptoms, 5 included interactive online communities, and 1 enabled emoji sharing. The reviewed apps scored poorly on the MARS quality scale with a mean score 2.3 (0.6) out of 5. Of 1147 studies identified in the literature review, 21 were eligible for inclusion; 11 studies (52.4%) focused on the development and use of mHealth for providing patient information, while only 2 (9.5%) were randomized trials of mHealth interventions.

Conclusions

Although there is growing interest in the development of mHealth technologies to support SLE patients, currently available tools are of poor quality and limited functionality, and the literature examining this area is sparse.
Linkages Between Employment and Net FDI Inflow: Insights from Individual as Well as Panel Data for Emerging South Asian Labour Market
Authors: Das Ramesh Chandra , Ray Kamal
Published: January 2020

In emerging labour market, particularly, the direct and indirect association between employment level and foreign direct investment (FDI) in a dynamic economy is non-deniable. Like private and public investments, FDI promotes employment generating agenda and at the same time, sound employment scenario of an economy attracts FDI to inflow. Under this backdrop, the present study attempts to examine whether employment and net FDI inflow have long-run associations and short-run dynamics in South Asian economies for the period 1991–2016. Applying cointegration and Granger causality tests for individual country level and panel cointegration, vector error correction and Wald test on the two standardized variables—employment–population ratio and per capita net FDI inflow—reveal that the two indicators have cointegrating relations for Bangladesh and Nepal and FDI makes a cause to employment generation in Bangladesh only. Further, the panel data exercise shows the existence of long-run or equilibrium relations linking the two indicators without significant error correction results. The Wald test results show that there is short-run causality working from employment ratio to per capita FDI and vice versa. The study, thus, prescribes for ensuring quality environment in the concerned domestic economies of the region so that employment opportunities invite FDI inflow to their territories.
Grinding force modeling and experimental verification of rail grinding
Authors: Ding Hao-Hao , Han Yong-Chao , Zhou Kun , Huang Yun-Hua , Shi Lu-Bing , Guo Jun , Liu Qi-Yue , Wang Wen-Jian
Published: January 2020

Many factors could affect the grinding force during rail grinding processes. Therefore, the grinding force modeling is necessary for predicting the grinding forces under different rail grinding parameter conditions. In this study, 3D models of grinding wheels were constructed based on the surface topographies of real grinding wheels. By means of simulation of rail grinding processes using the DEFORM-3D, the influences of grinding parameters on the grinding forces were explored. Furthermore, in order to verify the simulation results, rail grinding experiments were conducted using a rail grinding friction testing apparatus. Both simulation and experimental results showed that the grinding force increased with the grinding pressure and the granularity of grinding wheel and decreased with the rotational speed of the grinding wheel. A correction factor ks of 0.894 was obtained using the least square method to reduce the error between the simulation and experimental results from 10.22 to 4.42%.
‘Mobilizing’ prisoner reentry research: Halfway houses and the spatial-temporal dynamics of prison release
Authors: Maier Katharina
Published: January 2020

To date, prisoner reentry has been treated as a generic process—that is, people ‘reenter,’ without much specification regarding when and/or where this ‘reentry’ occurs. Drawing on in-depth interviews with halfway house residents in a north-western Canadian city, this article seeks to unpack the concept of prisoner reentry by exploring its spatial-temporal dimensions. I conceptualize prisoner reentry as a temporally fragmented sometimes piecemeal process that occurs across time as well as different locales, including neighbourhoods, cities, and sometimes even provinces. I do this by analyzing reentry through the lens of mobilities. Specifically, I argue that reentry via halfway houses produces mobilities that are experienced by former prisoners as simultaneously disciplining and productive of their future. In this context, I highlight the importance of paying attention to ex-prisoners’ conceptions of their future, including when and where they imagine that they will enact different aspects of their reintegration.
‘Soft barriers’ – The impact of school ethos and culture on the inclusion of students with special educational needs in mainstream schools in Ireland
Authors: Keon David Mc
Published: January 2020

The use of ‘soft barriers’ to deter students with special educational needs (SEN) from accessing some schools has been reported in the Irish media. This article investigates the influence of ethos and culture on access to and inclusive practice in mainstream schools in Ireland. Ethos and culture are nebulous concepts yet are integral to how schools operate, how they present themselves and how they are perceived by the public. Findings from a small-scale, qualitative research study are used to illustrate this. In the study, the understandings and attitudes of principals, special education teachers and guidance counsellors in mainstream schools in relation to students with Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (SEBD) are investigated through the use of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. In line with international experiences, an argument is presented suggesting that many sections of the education system in Ireland, while seemingly having been irrevocably transformed in response to national policy on inclusion, preserve very traditional structures, organisation and attitudes due to issues of ethos and culture remaining largely unchallenged in the inclusion debate. This phenomenon appears to have greater impact at post-primary level. Cosmetic, surface-level changes impede meaningful, systemic change in terms of access and inclusive practice.
Morality, delinquent peer association, and criminogenic exposure: (How) does change predict change?
Authors: Chrysoulakis Alberto P
Published: January 2020

According to the Situational Action Theory, stronger morality inhibits the perception of alternatives to law-breaking action, thus lessening the probability of crime and delinquency. Research indicates that morality might be affected by delinquent peer association and in turn affect criminogenic exposure. This article studies how morality develops during late adolescence using data from the longitudinal project Malmö Individual and Neighbourhood Development Study. Using linear growth modelling, the study finds that a decrease in morality is associated with a simultaneous increase in delinquency peer association. No change in criminogenic exposure was detected. The results are discussed alongside theoretical and methodological implications.
Toward a Family-Friendly Academy: HRD’s Role in Creating Healthy Work–Life Cultural Change Interventions
Authors: Eversole Barbara A. W. , Crowder Cindy L.
Published: January 2020

The Problem

The ideal worker in the Academy devotes most of their lives to scholarly pursuits, which leaves little time for family. This problem leads to work–life conflict, which is particularly concerning for faculty members who are seeking promotion and tenure. Work–life conflict is most challenging in the case of academic mothers, who face professional career challenges in addition to work–life conflict. Rigid organizational policies and non-supportive cultures perpetuate the problem, particularly when the faculty member is an academic mother seeking promotion and tenure.

The Solution

Human resource development (HRD) interventions implemented at the individual, departmental, and institutional levels (e.g., training development, performance management, and career development initiatives) have been shown to reduce work–life conflict, improve overall well-being, and create a more family friendly environment. Organization development (OD) cultural change interventions aimed at changing the Academy to become more family focused and supportive of career flexibility are recommended.

The Stakeholders

Academic faculty, higher education administrators, HRD scholars, and practitioners.
The role of diabetes mellitus on the thrombus composition in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Ye Gengfan , Gao Qun , Qi Peng , Wang Junjie , Hu Shen , Chen Kunpeng , Tan Tianhua , Lu Jun , Wang Daming
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Diabetes mellitus indicated poor clinical prognosis for patients with acute ischemic stroke. Furthermore, diabetes mellitus could also impact the hemostatic system, while its influence on the histological composition of thrombus is unclear.

Methods

Consecutive patients with retrieved clots were included. Histologic staining for thrombus included hematoxylin and eosin, Martius Scarlet Blue, immunohistochemistry for von Willebrand factor. The differences in clot composition were compared according to diabetes mellitus history or hyperglycemia (≥7.8 mmol/L) on admission.

Results

A total of 52 patients were included; half of them were diagnosed as diabetes mellitus previously. Diabetic patients showed higher serum glucose on admission (8.90 vs. 7.40, p = 0.012). The baseline characteristics (expect smoking history and thrombus location), procedural, and clinical outcomes were similar between diabetic patients and nondiabetic patients. As for histologic composition, thrombus in patients with diagnosed diabetes mellitus had more fibrin (44.2% vs. 28.3%, p = 0.004) and fewer red blood cells (26.0% vs. 42.9%, p = 0.013) and equivalent content of platelets (24.0% vs. 21.5%, p = 0.694) and von Willebrand factor (0.041 vs. 0.031, p = 0.234) than patients without diabetes mellitus. However, there was no statistical difference in the content of red blood cells (41.6% vs. 27.3%, p = 0.105), fibrin (37.6% vs. 34.3%, p = 0.627), platelets (21.2% vs. 24.2%, p = 0.498), and von Willebrand factor (0.038 vs. 0.034, p = 0.284) between patients with or without hyperglycemia on admission.

Conclusion

Clots in diabetic patients had more fibrin and fewer erythrocyte components compared with patients without diabetes mellitus, while hyperglycemia on admission did not show association with clot composition. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Menadione reduces CDC25B expression and promotes tumor shrinkage in gastric cancer
Authors: Bona Amanda Braga , Calcagno Danielle Queiroz , Ribeiro Helem Ferreira , Muniz José Augusto Pereira Carneiro , Pinto Giovanny Rebouças , Rocha Carlos Alberto Machado , Lacreta Junior Antonio Carlos Cunha , de Assumpção Paulo Pimentel , Herranz Juan Antonio Rey , Burbano Rommel Rodriguez
Published: January 2020

Background:

Gastric cancer is one of the most incident types of cancer worldwide and presents high mortality rates and poor prognosis. MYC oncogene overexpression is a key event in gastric carcinogenesis and it is known that its protein positively regulates CDC25B expression which, in turn, plays an essential role in the cell division cycle progression. Menadione is a synthetic form of vitamin K that acts as a specific inhibitor of the CDC25 family of phosphatases.

Methods:

To better understand the menadione mechanism of action in gastric cancer, we evaluated its molecular and cellular effects in cell lines and in Sapajus apella, nonhuman primates from the new world which had gastric carcinogenesis induced by N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea. We tested CDC25B expression by western blot and RT-qPCR. In-vitro assays include proliferation, migration, invasion and flow cytometry to analyze cell cycle arrest. In in-vivo experiments, in addition to the expression analyses, we followed the preneoplastic lesions and the tumor progression by ultrasonography, endoscopy, biopsies, histopathology and immunohistochemistry.

Results:

Our tests demonstrated menadione reducing CDC25B expression in vivo and in vitro. It was able to reduce migration, invasion and proliferation rates, and induce cell cycle arrest in gastric cancer cell lines. Moreover, our in-vivo experiments demonstrated menadione inhibiting tumor development and progression.

Conclusions:

We suggest this compound may be an important ally of chemotherapeutics in the treatment of gastric cancer. In addition, CDC25B has proven to be an effective target for investigation and development of new therapeutic strategies for this malignancy.
Radiographic shoulder parameters and their relationship to outcomes following rotator cuff repair: a systematic review
Authors: Zaid Musa B , Young Nathan M , Pedoia Valentina , Feeley Brian T , Ma C Benjamin , Lansdown Drew A
Published: January 2020

Background

Anatomic parameters, such as the critical shoulder angle and acromion index, have emerged as methods to quantify scapular anatomy and may contribute to rotator cuff pathology. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the published literature on influences of scapular morphology on the development of re-tears and patient-reported outcomes following rotator cuff repair.

Methods

A systematic review of the Embase and PubMed databases was performed to identify published studies on the potential influence of scapular bony morphology and re-tear rates and patient-reported outcomes after rotator cuff repair. Studies were reviewed by two authors.

Results

A total of 615 unique titles and 49 potentially relevant abstracts were reviewed, with eight published manuscripts identified for inclusion. Two of three papers reported no relationship between these acromion index and rotator cuff re-tear rate, while one paper found an increased re-tear rate. All three studies on critical shoulder angle found a significant association between critical shoulder angle and cuff re-tear rate. There was no clear relationship between any bony morphologic measurement and patient-reported outcomes after rotator cuff repair.

Conclusions

Rotator cuff re-tear rate appears to be significantly associated with the critical shoulder angle and glenoid inclination, while not clearly associated with acromial morphologic measurements.
Learners’ preferences for online resources, activities, and communication tools: A comparative study of Turkey and Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Afacan Adanır Gülgün , Muhametjanova Gulshat , Çelikbağ Mehmet Ali , Omuraliev Asan , İsmailova Rita
Published: January 2020

The progresses in technology lead to advances in e-learning as well as lead to increase in number of learners participating in e-learning courses. Richness of online resources, activities, and communication tools presented in online courses can be one of the factors that influence learners’ attendance to e-learning. In this regard, the initial purpose of this study was to identify online resource, activity and communication tool preferences of learners studying in two public universities: one located in Turkey and one located in Kyrgyzstan. At the second stage, comparison of Turkish and Kyrgyz learners’ preferences was carried out to explore differences in two countries. The participants are first-year undergraduate learners enrolled in first-year courses in the online environment. The total number of participants is 370, which involves 185 Turkish learners and 185 Kyrgyz learners. In the context of this study, participants’ submissions to the questionnaire were collected as quantitative data; while participants’ opinions toward online resources, activities, and communication tools were obtained as qualitative data. Thus, the study was designed as a mixed methods research that quantitative and qualitative methods were applied for the data analysis. The results demonstrated that Turkish learners perceive communication tools, online exams, and text-based course notes to be the most useful for e-learning, whereas perceive online group activities and wiki pages as not useful enough. On the other hand, Kyrgyz learners perceive interactive materials, online exams, and social media tools to be the most useful for e-learning, whereas perceive online chats and pages as not useful enough. The participants’ opinions cover important points for the improvement of current online materials. In addition, learners from Turkey and Kyrgyzstan showed both similarities and differences in terms of their preferences toward online resources, activities, and communication tools, which are explained through this paper.
Atrichia with papular lesions: A case report
Authors: Curry Lauren , Cullingham Kyle
Published: January 2020

We present a case of clinically suspected atrichia with papular lesions in an 8-year-old male presenting with alopecia universalis and keratotic papules. We review the literature available on this rare genodermatosis.
Acceptability of a computer-tailored and pedometer-based socio-cognitive intervention in a secondary coronary heart disease prevention program: A qualitative study
Authors: Houle Julie , Gallani Maria-Cecilia , Pettigrew Myriam , Laflamme Geneviève , Mathieu Luc , Boudreau François , Poirier Paul , Cossette Sylvie
Published: January 2020

When developing an innovative intervention, its acceptability to patients, health care professionals and managers must be considered to ensure the implementation into practice. This study aims to identify factors influencing the acceptability of a computer-tailored and pedometer-based socio-cognitive intervention for patients with heart disease. Focus group interviews were conducted in two outlying regions of the province of Quebec (Canada). The Theory of Planned Behavior formed the theoretical basis of the interview guide. Two researchers performed verbatim analysis independently until consensus was achieved. The sample included 44 participants divided into six groups (patients n = 7 + 8, health care professionals n = 8 + 8, managers n = 6 + 7). Health care professionals and managers mentioned benefits concerning partners’ opportunity to improve assessment and monitoring. Patients believed the intervention could be useful to improve adherence to physical activity. Additional benefits indicated were self-monitoring behavior and improved health-related outcomes. However, patients expressed concern about the online security, fearing possible data breach. Some clinicians felt the pedometer may not be able to evaluate physical activities other than walking. With regard to behavioral control, a web application and pedometer must be easy to use and compatible with services already in place. Further barriers include level of literacy, cost and the various difficulties associated with wearing a pedometer. Findings suggest that, to improve the acceptability of a computer-tailored and pedometer-based socio-cognitive intervention, users must be assured of a secure website, validated, affordable and easy-to-use pedometers, and an intervention adapted to their level of literacy.
Business Plan Analysis Using Multi-Index Methodology: Expectations of Return and Perceived Risks
Authors: Souza Alceu , de Oliveira Ariane Maria Machado , Fossile Dayla Karolina , Óguchi Ogu Emmanuel , Dalazen Luciano Luiz , da Veiga Claudimar Pereira
Published: January 2020

This article aims to show that business plan risks are clearer and more consistent, compared with classical methodology, when evaluated through the multi-index methodology. To do so, it is necessary to identify the expectations of return and perceived risks in evaluating a business plan. To explain the above statement, we used a case example of a manufacturing unit of purses made of tilapia leather in the city of Campo Mourão, Paraná State, Brazil. Relevant information was collected through documenting research and semi-structured interviews, which were conducted in 2016 and 2017. The adoption of the cost leadership strategy, practicable due to the presence of local production arrangements, proved crucial to this project’s viability. Following this strategy, the demand, initial investments, production costs, and selling price were estimated. The multi-index methodology was used for the generation and analysis of the return indicators vis-à-vis the perceived risks. The multi-index methodology perceptual map signals a medium/high return (return on investment assets = 23.71% per year) and that the perceived risks are compatible with profit expectations. The sensitivity analysis of the results, using the Monte Carlo method, shows that P(net present value ≤ 0) ≈ 0.0002, thus corroborating the decision to invest in this business. This article contributes to the literature on the use of existing productive arrangements in various stages of the production and marketing process and the use of an analysis methodology that leads decision-makers to specify the risks associated with their decision.
A usability study of a multicomponent video game-based training for older adults
Authors: Adcock Manuela , Sonder Floriana , Schättin Alexandra , Gennaro Federico , de Bruin Eling D.
Published: January 2020

Background

Aging is often accompanied by a decline in sensory, motor and cognitive functions. These age- and lifestyle-related impairments may lead to reduced daily life functioning including gait disturbances, falling and injuries. Most daily life activities, e.g. walking, are tasks which require the concurrent interplay of physical and cognitive functions. Promising options for combined physical-cognitive training are video game-based physical exercises, so-called exergames. This study aimed to [i] determine the usability of a newly developed multicomponent exergame and [ii] explore its effects on physical functions, cognition and cortical activity.

Methods

Twenty-one healthy and independently living older adults were included (10 female, 71.4 ± 5.8 years, range: 65–91) and performed 21 training sessions (each 40 min) over seven weeks. The multicomponent exergame included strength and balance training with Tai Chi-inspired and dance exercises. Participants rated the usability of the exergame (System Usability Scale) and reported on their emotional experience (Game Experience Questionnaire). Attendance and attrition rates were calculated to determine training compliance. Before and after the intervention, physical and cognitive functions as well as resting state electroencephalography (EEG) were assessed.

Results

Results showed a high training attendance rate (87.1%, 18/21 training sessions on average) and a low attrition rate (9.5%, 2 drop-outs). System usability was rated high with a mean score of 75/100. Affective game experience was rated favorable. Gait speed under dual-task condition, lower extremity muscle strength and reaction times in a cognitive task (divided attention) showed significant improvements (p < .05). No significant pre-post differences were found for resting state EEG.

Conclusions

The newly developed exergame seems usable for healthy older adults. Nevertheless, some aspects of the exergame prototype can and should be improved. The training showed to positively influence physical and cognitive functions in a small convenience sample. Future trials are warranted which evaluate the feasibility and usability of the exergame training in a more “real-life” in-home setting and assess the behavioral and neuroplastic changes in a larger population after a longer training period with comparison to a control group.
Influence of reduction accuracy in lateral tibial plateau fractures on intra-articular friction – a biomechanical study
Authors: Walter Christian , Beck Alexander , Jacob Christopher , Hofmann Ulf Krister , Stöckle Ulrich , Stuby Fabian
Published: January 2020

Background

Lateral tibial split fractures (LTSF) usually require surgical therapy with screw or plate osteosynthesis. Excellent anatomical reduction of the fracture is thereby essential to avoid post-traumatic osteoarthritis. In clinical practice, a gap and step of 2 mm have been propagated as maximum tolerable limit. To date, biomechanical studies regarding tibial fractures have been limited to pressure measurement, but the relationship between dissipated energy (DE) as a friction parameter and reduction accuracy in LTSF has not been investigated. In past experiments, we developed a new method to measure DE in ovine knee joints. To determine weather non-anatomical fracture reduction with lateral gap or vertical step condition leads to relevant changes in DE in the human knee joint, we tested the applicability of the new method on human LTSFs and investigated whether the current limit of 2 mm gap and step is durable from a biomechanical point of view.

Methods

Seven right human, native knee joint specimens were cyclically moved under 400 N axial load using a robotic system. During the cyclic motion, the flexion angle and the respective torque were recorded and the DE was calculated. First, DE was measured after an anterolateral approach had been performed (condition “native”). Then a LTSF was set with a chisel, reduced anatomically, fixed with two set screws and DE was measured (“even”). DE of further reductions was then measured with gaps of 1 mm and 2 mm, and a 2 mm step down or a 2 mm step up was measured.

Results

We successfully established a measurement protocol for DE in human knee joints with LTSF. While gaps led to small though statistically significant increase (1 mm gap:ΔDE compared with native = 0.030 J/cycle, (+ 21%),p = 0.02; 2 mm gap:ΔDE = 0.032 J/cycle, (+ 22%),p = 0.009), this increase almost doubled when reducing in a step-down condition (ΔDE = 0.058 J/cycle, (+ 56%),p = 0.042) and even tripled in the step-up condition (ΔDE = 0.097 J/cycle, (+ 94%),p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Based on our biomechanical findings, we suggest avoiding step conditions in the daily work in the operating theatre. Gap conditions can be handled a bit more generously.
Using the anterior capsule of the hip joint to protect the tensor fascia lata muscle during direct anterior total hip arthroplasty: a randomized prospective trial
Authors: Zhao Gongyin , Zhu Ruixia , Jiang Shijie , Xu Nanwei , Bao Hongwei , Wang Yuji
Published: January 2020

Background

The direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) has specific advantages, but injury to the tensor fasciae lata muscle (TFLM) remains a concern. This injury in part negates some of the advantages of the intermuscular approach, because injury of the muscle fibers of the TFLM can lead to less satisfactory clinical results. Thus, in this study, we propose an intraoperative method to protect the TFLM and demonstrate its feasibility.

Methods

Fifty-six patients undergoing THA by the direct anterior approach were divided randomly into two groups. In group A, the TFLM was protected by an autogenous tissue “pad” created from the anterior capsule of the joint which protect the TFLM from direct contact with the retractors. In group B, the operation was carried out with no protection of the TFLM except the attempt by the surgeons to consciously avoid injury of the TFLM. We evaluated magnitude of changes in the muscle cross-sectional area (MSCA) and fatty atrophy (FA) by magnetic resonance imaging. The differences in blood hemoglobin and serum levels of myoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) were compared at different time, postoperatively. The Harris hip score, postoperative drainage volume and visual analogue scores (VAS) were compared between the two groups.

Results

LDH, CPK and myoglobin in group B were significantly higher than group A at 8, 24, and 48 h after the surgery. (p < 0.05) Compared to the group A, the decrease of hemoglobin in group B displayed significantly at 24 and 48 h after surgery. (P < 0.05) The significantly increased MSCA and FA of TFLM were demonstrated in group B. The PDV and VAS in group B were significantly higher than group A. (P < 0.05) The Harris score in group A was significantly higher than group B (P < 0.05) one month after surgery, but there was no significant difference six months later.

Conclusions

Using the anterior capsule of the hip joint as an autogenous, protective capsular tissue pad to limit the trauma to the TFLM during a direct anterior approach to THA is an effective method to protect the TFLM and improve the clinical effect.

Trial registration

ChiCTR: ChiCTR1900025173. Retrospectively registered August 15, 2019.
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment rates in high-risk patients with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus in Korea: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Ye Seul , Yang Bo Ram , Kim Mi-Sook , Hwang Yunji , Choi Sung Hee
Published: January 2020

Background

Real-world evidence of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal attainment rates for Asian patients is deficient. The objective of this study was to assess the status of dyslipidemia management, especially in high-risk patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) including stroke and acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of 514,866 subjects from the National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort database in Korea. Participants were followed up from 2002 to 2015. Subjects with a high-risk of CVD prior to LDL-C measurement and subjects who were newly-diagnosed for high-risk of CVD following LDL-C measurement were defined as known high-risk patients (n = 224,837) and newly defined high-risk patients (n = 127,559), respectively. Data were analyzed by disease status: stroke, ACS, coronary heart disease (CHD), peripheral artery disease (PAD), diabetes mellitus (DM) and atherosclerotic artery disease (AAD).

Results

Overall, less than 50% of patients in each disease category achieved LDL-C goals (LDL-C < 70 mg/dL in patients with stroke, ACS, CHD and PAD; and LDL-C < 100 mg/dL in patients with DM and AAD). Statin use was observed in relatively low proportions of subjects (21.5% [known high-risk], 34.4% [newly defined high-risk]). LDL-C goal attainment from 2009 to 2015 steadily increased but the goal-achiever proportion of newly defined high-risk patients with ACS remained reasonably constant (38.7% in 2009; 38.1% in 2015).

Conclusions

LDL-C goal attainment rates in high-risk patients with CVD and DM in Korea demonstrate unmet medical needs. Proactive management is necessary to bridge the gap between the recommendations of clinical guidelines and actual clinical practice.
Hexamer phasing governs transcription initiation in the 3′-leader of Ebola virus
Authors: Bach Simone , Biedenkopf Nadine , Grünweller Arnold , Becker Stephan , Hartmann Roland K.
Published: January 2020

The genomic, bipartite replication promoter of Ebola virus (EBOV) consists of elements 1 (PE1) and 2 (PE2). PE1 (55 nt at the 3′-terminus) is separated from PE2 (harboring eight 3′-UN5 hexamers) by the transcription start sequence (TSS) of the first nucleoprotein (NP) gene plus a spacer sequence. Insertions or deletions in the spacer were reported to support genome replication if comprising 6 or 12, but not 1/2/3/5/9 nt. This gave rise to the formulation of the “rule of 6” for the EBOV replication promoter. Here, we studied the impact of such hexamer phasing on viral transcription using a series of replication-competent and -deficient monocistronic minigenomes, in which the spacer of the NP gene was mutated or replaced with that of internal EBOV genes and mutated variants thereof. Beyond reporter gene assays, we conducted qRT-PCR to determine the levels of mRNA, genomic and antigenomic RNA. We demonstrate that hexamer phasing is also essential for viral transcription, that UN5 hexamer periodicity extends into PE1 and that the spacer region can be expanded by 48 nt without losses of transcriptional activity. Making the UN5 hexamer phasing continuous between PE1 and PE2 enhanced the efficiency of transcription and replication. We show that the 2 nt preceding the TSS are essential for transcription. We further propose a role for UN5 hexamer phasing in positioning NP during initiation of RNA synthesis, or in dissociation/reassociation of NP from the template RNA strand while threading the RNA through the active site of the elongating polymerase during replication and transcription.
Co-producing research with communities: emotions in community research
Authors: Brown Milton , Pahl Kate , Rasool Zanib , Ward Paul
Published: January 2020

In this article we explore the ways in which universities and communities can work together drawing on our experience of a community-university co-produced project called ‘Imagine’. We reflect on our different experiences of working together and affectively co-produce the article, drawing on a conversation we held together. We locate our discussion within the projects we worked on. We look at the experiences of working across community and university and affectively explore these. We explore the following key questions:

How do we work with complexity and difference?

Who holds the power in research?

What kinds of methods surface hidden voices?

How can we co-create equitable research spaces together?

What did working together feel like?

Our co-writing process surfaces some of these tensions and difficulties as we struggle to place our voices into an academic article. We surface more of our own tensions and voices and this has become one of the dominant experiences of doing co-produced research. We explore the mechanisms of co-production as being both a process of fusion but also its affective qualities. Our discussions show that community partners working with academics have to bear the emotional labour; by ‘standing in the gap’ they are having to move between community and university. We also recognise the power of community co-writing as a form that can open up an opportunity to speak differently, outside the constraining spaces of academia.
Investigation of water diffusion dynamics in corneal phantoms using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Andrew , Osman Omar B. , Harris Zachery B. , Abazri Azin , Honkanen Robert , Arbab M. Hassan
Published: January 2020

Perturbation of normal corneal water content is a common manifestation of many eye diseases. Terahertz (THz) imaging has the potential to serve as a clinical tool for screening and diagnosing such corneal diseases. In this study, we first investigate the diffusive properties of a corneal phantom using simultaneous THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and gravimetric measurements. We will then utilize a variable-thickness diffusion model combined with a stratified composite-media model to simulate changes in thickness, hydration profile, and the THz-TDS signal as a function of time. The simulated THz-TDS signals show very good agreement with the reflection measurements. Results show that the THz-TDS technique can be used to understand water diffusion dynamics in corneal phantoms as a step towards futurein vivoquantitative hydration sensing.
Planar ultrathin omni-directional perfect absorber utilizing amorphous silicon for photovoltaics
Authors: Yang Rui , Dai Chenjie , Wan Chengwei , Zheng Guoxing , Li Zhongyang
Published: January 2020

Resonant plasmonic metasurfaces and thin film stacks have been extensively studied for spectral control and perfect absorption enhancement functionality. Essentially, the plasmonic nanostructures or metallic films enable the optical field resonant and confinement at the nanoscale, and thus yield the Ohmic heat absorption in the nanoscale metals. However, typical perfect absorbers based on film coatings are usually sensitive to the variation of large oblique incident angles, and mostly lack the capability for direct conversion to photocurrents and photovoltaics. Here, we proposed a lithography-free perfect absorber design consisting of metallic and amorphous silicon (α-Si) films with deep-subwavelength thickness (∼ λ/20 - λ/100). The perfect absorptivity spectrum enjoys Omni-directional optical characteristics, which remains the high absorption for the normal incidence to large oblique incidence angles of ± 60°. Due to the strongly trapped resonance in the Fabry-Perot cavity, the majority of light absorption (∼89%) takes place in the core α-Si layer, which could enable the potential optoelectronic conversion to photocurrents and photovoltaics. Our proposed perfect absorber based on ultrathin α-Si films enjoys the great simplicity of design and manufacturing and suggests a variety of promising applications, including photovoltaics, optical sensors, solar cells, photodetectors, thermal bolometers, nano-imaging devices, color filters, and thermal emitters, etc.