bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
İŞTE MUTLULUK ÖLÇEĞİNİN GEÇERLİK VE GÜVENİRLİK ÇALIŞMASI
Authors: SEVER Melih , ÖZDEMİR Seyhan , ACAR Osman Kürşat
Published: June 2020

Bu araştırmanın amacı İşte Mutluluk Ölçeğini (Singh ve Aggarwal, 2018) Türkçeye uyarlamak ve geçerlik ve güvenirliğini sağlamaktır. Çalışma, bir alışveriş merkezinde farklı mağazalarda çalışan 260 kişi üzerinde yapılmıştır. Doğrulayıcı faktör analizi sonucunda 12 maddeden ve dört alt boyuttan (içsel motivasyon, işten soğutan duygular, destekleyici örgütsel deneyimler ve destekleyici olmayan örgütsel deneyimler) oluşan modelin iyi uyum indekslerine sahip olduğu bulunmuştur (x²/df= 2.46, GFI= .93, CFI= .95, RMSEA= .07).  Ölçeğin iç tutarlılık güvenirlik katsayıları ölçeğin içsel motivasyon alt boyutu için α= .80, işten soğutan duygular alt boyutu için α= .75, destekleyici örgütsel deneyimler alt boyutu için α= .81, destekleyici olmayan örgütsel deneyimler alt boyutu için α= .82 olarak bulunmuştur. Ölçeğin düzeltilmiş madde toplam korelasyonları .49 ile .76 arasında sıralanmaktadır. Bu sonuçlar ölçeğin Türkçe formunun geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçme aracı olduğunu göstermektedir.
Die Zeit im Bild
Authors: Witulski Thomas
Published: June 2020

In this article, the question is discussed if at least some passages of the apocalyptic main part of Revelation, which is full of metaphorical imagery, conveys content that referred to contemporary history. The analysis of chosen passages of early Jewish and early Christian apocalyptic literature shows that it is principally conceivable that apocalyptic texts informed by metaphorical imagery can make reference to facts of contemporary history. The interpretation of Rev 13:18 and 17:9a lead to the conclusion that the text Rev 13–17 as a whole, but also the texts Rev 11:1–14 and Rev 17:7–9a, 9b–14 directly reflect persons, events and circumstances of the time of the composition of Revelation.
Cautious about Conatives
Authors: Malone Andrew S.
Published: June 2020

It has long been recognized that the imperfect and present tenses can communicate a conative sense. The category is sufficiently established that New Testament commentaries can brusquely identify “a conative imperfect” or “imperfectum de conatu” as if (1) the terminology conveys a uniform meaning and (2) such meaning is established by the verb’s tense. A fresh inspection of the phenomenon suggests neither assumption is accurate. With worked examples we can observe that at least two competing nuances are understood by the label “conative” and that the verb’s tense is far from the determinative factor. Whether in generating claims about the conative sense or in digesting others’ analyses, interpreters need to be alert to the pitfalls associated with this category.
Solórzano Pereira: la argumentación al modo del ius comune como práctica jurídico-cultural y política
Authors: Lazo Patricio
Published: June 2020

The objective of this article is to characterize the argumental strategy of Juan de Solórzano Pereira in one of the chapters of the Política Indiana, by distinguishing the special features of his thought-structures and their goals. The methodology of this article is based on the Model-reader concept to characterize the adressee of Solórzanos’s work and to discover the effect he sought. Likewise, the article envolves the premise that historical legal argumentation rules are a meaningful manifestation of the Spanish colonial legal culture. The main outcome of this article is the evidence of the political function of Solórzanos’s legal argumentation.
Henry viii and the “Bewhoring” of the Petrarchan Beloved in Sixteenth-Century English Literature
Authors: Dunn-Hensley Susan
Published: June 2020

This article examines the ways in which changes in Marian theology and the defaming and execution of two of Henry viii’s queens affected early modern literary representations of female power. It argues that, through the translations of Thomas Wyatt, Petrarchan poetry entered into a world of state-sponsored iconoclasm, a world where images of the sacred feminine, once revered, could be destroyed, and queens, once exalted as beloveds, could quickly be reduced to “whores” and executed. The first part of the article considers Wyatt’s “Whoso list to hunt,” a translation of Petrarch’s “Rime 190,” as a lens for examining the female body as both object of desire and site of violent destruction. The second part of the article considers English Petrarchism late in the reign of Elizabeth i, examining how John Donne’s “Love’s Progress” and Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene (Book ii) construct violent fantasies of male control over the powerful female.
Gifts of Imperfection: Elizabeth i and the Politics of Timepieces
Authors: Wilson Miranda
Published: June 2020

In 1572 Robert Dudley gave to his queen a tiny clock set in a bracelet, an object scholars believe to be the first wristwatch. While Dudley’s gift to Elizabeth i was striking in its innovation, it was not the only timepiece he or those in his circle gave her. Using the New Year’s Day “Gift Rolls,” only recently collected from disparate archives and transcribed from manuscript by Jane Lawson, I establish that Dudley and those associated with him turned to this particular form of gift more often than other Elizabethan courtiers. Using theories of gifting I go on to argue that courtly gift exchanges involving elaborate private clocks and watches allowed Dudley and his circle to suggest their unique usefulness to Elizabeth i by offering her ways to imagine their service and her sovereignty.
Catalysts in Production of Biodiesel: A Review
Authors: Narasimharao K. , Lee Adam , Wilson Karen
Published: June 2020

Biodiesel is a renewable substitute fuel for petroleum diesel fuel which is made from nontoxic, biodegradable, renewable sources such as refined and used vegetable oils and animal fats. Biodiesel is produced by transesterification in which oil or fat is reacted with a monohydric alcohol
in the presence of a catalyst. The process of transesterification is affected by the mode of reaction, molar ratio of alcohol to oil, type of alcohol, nature and amount of catalysts, reaction time, and temperature. Various studies have been carried out using different oils as the raw material
and different alcohols (methanol, ethanol, butanol), as well as different catalysts, notably homogeneous ones such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, and supercritical fluids or enzymes such as lipases. Recent research has focused on the application of heterogeneous catalysts
to produce biodiesel, because of their environmental and economic advantages. This paper reviews the literature regarding both catalytic and noncatalytic production of biodiesel. Advantages and disadvantages of different methods and catalysts used are discussed. We also discuss the importance
of developing a single catalyst for both esterification and transesterification reactions.
Heat-Sealing Properties of Compression-Molded Wheat Gluten Films
Authors: Cho Sung-Woo , Ullsten Henrik , Gällstedt Mikael , Hedenqvist Mikael S.
Published: June 2020

The impulse heat-sealing properties of wheat gluten films were investigated. Films containing 30 wt% glycerol were compression molded at 100–130 °C and then sealed in a lap-shear or peel-test geometry at 120–175 °C. The tensile properties of the pristine films and
the lap-shear and peel strength of the sealed films were evaluated and the seals were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Glycerol was added to the film surfaces prior to sealing in an attempt to enhance the seal strength. It was observed that the wheat gluten films were readily sealable.
At a 120 °C sealing temperature and without glycerol as adhesive, the lap-shear strength was greater than or similar to that of polyethylene film, although the peel strength was poorer. The sealing temperature had a negligible effect on the lap-shear strength, but the peel strength increased
with sealing temperature. The lap-shear strength increased with increasing mold temperature and the failure mode changed, especially in the absence of glycerol adhesive, from a cohesive (material failure) to an adhesive type. From previous results, it is known that the high-temperature (130
°C) compression-molded film was highly cross-linked and aggregated, and this prevents molecular interdiffusion and entanglement and thus leads to incomplete seal fusion and, in general, adhesive failure. The presence of glycerol adhesive had a beneficial affect on the peel strength but
no, or only a minor, effect on the lap-shear strength.
Dispersion of Wood Microfibers in a Matrix of Thermoplastic Starch and Starch–Polylactic Acid Blend
Authors: Chakraborty Ayan , Sain Mohini , Kortschot Mark , Cutler Sean
Published: June 2020

The successful dispersion of cellulose fibers of submicrometer diameter in polymers has been restricted to solution-cast films so far. In this work, the dispersion of microfibers in biopolymers was investigated by melt-mixing using conventional processing equipment. Thermoplastic starch
and a blend of starch and polylactic acid (PLA) were used as matrix materials. A suspension of cellulose microfibers less than 1 μm in diameter was prepared in water. This microfiber suspension was poured into molten thermoplastic starch to obtain fiber loadings up to 2%. The composites
were compression molded into thin films roughly 0.25 mm thick. there was a 10% increase in tensile strength and a 50% increase in stiffness with each percentage increase in microfiber loading in the starch polymer. Similar improvement in tensile properties was also noted for a polymer system
prepared by blending starch and PLA. Laser confocal microscopy images were analyzed to quantify microfiber dispersion at different composite processing parameters. This was the first work where successful dispersion of cellulose fibers of submicrometer was achieved in a composite prepared
solely by the melt-mixing process.
Use of Rice Husk Powder as a Substitute for CaCO3 in Thermoset-Based Molding Compounds
Authors: Thanomsilp Chuleeporn , Cauchi-Savona Silvano , Peijs Ton , Posyachinda Saran
Published: June 2020

This paper explores the potential of using rice husk powder (RHP) as a substitute or in combination with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) fillers for its application in glass fiber/polyester molding compounds. In each case, one type of filler particle was used, while three formulations
of filler combinations were selected: 100% RHP, 50:50% RHP:CaCO3, and 100% CaCO3. The constituents were kept at a constant volume ratio of resin:fibers:filler at 63:12:25% in all the formulations investigated. A sigma-bladed mixer was used to mix the compounds to a uniform
dispersion. These were subsequently cold-pressed, post-cured, and tested for flexure, tension, and notched-Charpy impact. The results showed that the strength of the composites increases with increasing RHP, while the stiffness decreases when the CaCO3 is replaced by RHP. However,
weight-for-weight, the composites containing RHP exhibit better or at least comparable mechanical properties to those containing solely CaCO3.
Investigation of Polybutylene Succinate-co-Adipate (PBSA)/Montmorillonite Layered Silicate (MLS) Melt-Processed Nanocomposites
Authors: Steeves Diane M. , Farrell Richard , Ratto Jo Ann
Published: June 2020

Biodegradable nanocomposites were prepared with polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA) and three organically modified montmorillonite layered silicates (MLSs) by melt-extrusion methods at three screw speeds (20, 40, and 60 rpm) to determine the interaction and properties of the polymer/MLS
nanocomposites. The samples were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to determine the level of MLS interaction with PBSA. All formulations formed varying degrees of intercalation regardless of the modification of the MLS or the variation of the screw
speed upon melt processing. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments did not reveal significant differences in melt temperature or glass transition temperature of PBSA. Dynamic mechanical analysis did display improved modulus values as a function of temperature with some of the
nanocomposite formulations processed at different screw speeds. Extensive biodegradation tests were performed and determined that the nanoparticles did not hinder biodegradation in soil. Toxicity tests also were performed and all samples proved to be nontoxic.
Bioenergy Village—Ecological and Social Aspects in Implementation of a Sustainability Project
Authors: Karpenstein-Machan Marianne , Schmuck Peter
Published: June 2020

In the project described here the electricity and heat supply of an entire German village has been changed from conventional to biomass energy sources in 2005. This lighthouse project, the first "bioenergy village" in Germany, has been initiated by a scientist team from the Universities
of Göttingen, Kassel, and Berlin and was realized by the active participation of the population of the village Juehnde in Southern Lower Saxony (800 inhabitants). The ongoing ecological, economical, and social changes are analyzed to enable the transfer of the model to other interested
villages in Germany and worldwide. The technical concept consists of three components: (1) An anaerobic digestion plant (supplied by energy crops and liquid manure) with a combined heat and power generator (CHP) producing electricity and heat energy, (2) a central heating plant fired by locally
produced wood chips for additional heat demand during the winter, and (3) a hot water pipeline distributing the heat energy to the connected households. The history of the project, the social implementation, and the first results of the ecological and social changes in the village are reported.
The Impact of Conversion to Laparotomy in Rectal Cancer
Authors: Parascandola Salvatore A. , Hota Salini , Tampo Mayou Martin T. , Sparks Andrew D. , Obias Vincent
Published: June 2020

Background

Data regarding the effect of conversion from minimally invasive surgery (MIS) to laparotomy in rectal cancer is limited. This study examines the impact of conversion from laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques to open resection on oncologic outcomes in a large population database.

Methods

The National Cancer Database from 2010 to 2016 was reviewed for all cases of invasive adenocarcinoma of the rectum or rectosigmoid junction managed surgically. Patients were divided into 3 cohorts by approach: laparoscopic/robotic (MIS), converted proctectomy (CP), and open proctectomy (OP). Kaplan–Meier estimation was used for unadjusted survival analysis, followed by adjusted multivariable Cox-Proportional Hazards regression. Secondary outcomes were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

The inclusion criteria identified 57 574 patients cases of adenocarcinoma of the rectum managed surgically. Of these patients, 23 579 (41.0%) underwent MIS, 3591 (6.2%) CP, and 30 404 (52.8%) OP. Five-year overall survival was greater in the MIS (70.4%) versus CP and OP (64.4% and 61.4%). No differences were detected for positive margins, 30-day, or 90-day mortality between CP and OP. MIS and CP approaches were significantly associated with increased odds of 12 or more regional lymph nodes examined and decreased overall mortality hazard compared with OP (all respective significant P < .05).

Discussion

While similar odds of positive margins and short-term mortality is seen in patients whose procedure converts to laparotomy compared with planned laparotomy, both short-term and long-term oncologic benefit is seen in those who undergo a minimally invasive approach. Thus, a minimally invasive approach should be attempted for patients with rectal cancer.
Conceptualizing Lifestyle and Routine Activities in the Early 21st Century: A Systematic Review of Self-Report Measures in Studies on Direct-Contact Offenses in Young Populations
Authors: Engström Alexander
Published: June 2020

Criticism is commonly directed at research based on lifestyle-exposure theory and routine activity theory for the use of imprecise measures. To examine this issue further, this systematic review maps activities used as indicators of lifestyle and routine activities in studies on direct-contact crime among young individuals (mean age of 24 or younger). The results indicate that a broad range of activities are used as measures of lifestyle and routine activities in the 101 included studies. Studies on victimization often use illegal activities and substance use as measures of lifestyle or routine activities while studies on offending mainly rely on measures of unstructured and peer-oriented leisure activities. Overall, most studies seem more concerned with specific activities rather than routines or lifestyles.
Theorizing large-scale societal relations through the conceptual lens of cross-border assemblages
Authors: Amelina Anna
Published: June 2020

The concept of assemblage has recently become fashionable in studies of cross-border, global and transnational relations. In addressing the most important elements of this approach, the article provides an analytical vocabulary for analysing the processes of societalization in the context of global and transnational realms. After critically reflecting on the classical sociological approaches to society and social differentiation, the article argues that, because of its poststructuralist basis, the concept of assemblage is the appropriate conceptual tool for studying societal macro-relations of power and inequality while avoiding the modernist heritage of classical social theory. Furthermore, by synthesizing poststructuralist thinking, intersectional theory and multiscalar approaches to space, the article suggests that the assemblage theory can be used to better understand the current forms of cross-border social inequalities in the multiple and partly overlapping contexts of postcolonialism, postsocialism and the EU political project. In a nutshell, it is not a plea to adopt the assemblage approach as a new ‘grand theory’ but rather as a flexible conceptual tool that allows an inductive theory-building.
Naming oneself in the social mirror: A vignette-based survey
Authors: MacClure Oscar , Barozet Emmanuelle , Valenzuela Ana María
Published: June 2020

In order to understand the way in which people self-identify in society and as a contribution to debates about class identity in Latin America, in this article the authors assess how individuals categorize themselves and others socially, and discuss whether a significant portion of the population classifies itself as middle class. They address the question of whether or not individuals’ representation of their social position is linked to social class, examining whether that position incorporates a socio-economic dimension, a hierarchical dimension, or even an element of moral value. The authors focus on how individuals name their own social position by means of a vignette-based survey applied in 2016 to a randomized sample of 2000 people in Chile. The results show that the theoretical notion of class is still of relevance to subjective positioning criteria, and that such criteria are specific to individuals who self-identify with lower or higher social positions.
Criminalizing Informal Workers: The Case of Street Vendors in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Adama Onyanta
Published: June 2020

The article examines the criminalization of street vendors in Abuja, Nigeria. It draws on the debate on informality, legality and rights, to highlight the tensions surrounding the law as a mode of regulation. As documented, ideology provides the rationale for the criminalization of street vending. The activity is deemed inimical to the modernist ideals of a clean and functioning city. Enforcement of the law is accompanied by the harassment of vendors. However, vendors remain on the streets by circumventing the law. The article highlights the shortcomings of a simplistic approach to the governance of informality. It cannot be legislated away.
‘Hustling Out of Unemployment’: Livelihood Responses of Unemployed Young Graduates in the City of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Authors: Mhazo Tafadzwa , Thebe Vusilizwe
Published: June 2020

Youth unemployment has emerged as a major policy issue in the recent past. Within policy circles two solutions have been proposed: first, investing in youth education, and second, incorporating youth into agriculture. Our thesis, backed by a long history of proletarianisation, is that perceptions of work and agriculture, which have become deeply entrenched in society, tend to undermine any prospects of educated youth engaging in agriculture-based livelihoods. We develop our argument by focusing on the experiences, responses and livelihood pathways of young university graduates in the city of Bulawayo. We show that young graduate youth prefer livelihood activities which maintain their status as educated citizens, and that agriculture does not confer such status. We argue that young graduates’ aspirations and livelihood pathways are often dictated by societal attitudes and views of what is an acceptable occupation. In this regard, our thesis contradicts the widespread faith in agriculture placed by policymakers in Africa.
Examining Facets of Mindfulness in the Relationship Between Invalidating Childhood Environments and Emotion Regulation
Authors: Warner Elise A. , Hernandez Thomas , Veilleux Jennifer C.
Published: June 2020

Research has shown that growing up in an environment in which emotions are invalidated (i.e., ignored or responded to negatively) by parents is associated with later difficulties regulating emotions. Meanwhile, dispositional mindfulness has been shown to engender a greater capacity for emotion regulation, through use of adaptive strategies like cognitive reframing and minimizing use of maladaptive strategies like expressive suppression. The current study aimed to explore the role of invalidating childhood environments on use of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression as emotion regulation skills and to investigate the role of mindfulness in this relationship. Participants were recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk ( n = 1094, Mage = 58.3% women) and completed self-report measures assessing perceptions of maternal invalidation, mindfulness, and emotion regulation. Results demonstrated that the mindfulness facets of describing, non-judging, and non-reactivity partially mediated the relationship between perception of maternal invalidation and expressive suppression. Awareness and non-reactivity were found to mediate the relationship between perception of maternal invalidation and cognitive reappraisal. Clinical implications are discussed.
Testing the Effectiveness of a Strengths-Based Intervention Targeting All 24 Strengths: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chérif Lobna , Wood Valerie M. , Watier Christian
Published: June 2020

This study assessed the effectiveness of a strengths-based randomized controlled trial focused on fostering all 24 character strengths in a group of 75 participants from a University in Tunisia. Participants randomly assigned to the challenge condition (n = 40) received an email each day for 24 days, that highlighted a particular strength of the day including why the strength is valuable, how to implement the strength behaviourally, and a motto related to that strength. Those in the control condition (n = 35) simply received emails containing the motto for each strength daily for 24 days. We assessed all participants’ levels of happiness before the experiment (T0), the day following the experiment (T1), and one-month following the experiment (T2). Results from a 2 (group) X 3 (time) split plot ANOVA revealed a significant group-by-time interaction, such that at T2 the experimental group had greater happiness scores than the control group. These findings provide some evidence that even “minimalist” interventions (involving the receipt of emails encouraging character-strength development), might be effective for promoting gains in happiness even one month after the intervention.
Exploring Emotions in Language Teaching
Authors: Richards Jack C.
Published: June 2020

Emotions are an important part of the experiences of both language teachers and language learners, however their role has often been marginalized as a result of the focus on cognitive rather than affective dimensions of language learning within the discipline of Second Language Acquisition. The ‘affective turn’ in applied linguistics has refocussed on how teachers’ and learners’ emotions influence how they manage teaching and learning. This survey article explores the kinds of emotions teachers and learners experience, the causes of these emotions, and the impact they can have on teaching and learning. Theory and research is reviewed relating to emotions and the teacher, emotions and the language learner, and emotions in teacher development. Suggestions are given as to how teachers and learners can develop emotional competence, that is, the ability to understand and productively manage emotions in language learning and teaching.
Computing fairness: ethics of modeling and simulation in public health
Authors: Bak Marieke AR
Published: June 2020

The field of public health increasingly utilizes computational models. In this context, computer scientists are confronted with moral dilemmas like those around modeling the distribution of scarce resources. However, there is a lack of research on the ethical implications of computer modeling and simulation (M&S). In this paper I aim to show that taking a transdisciplinary ethical perspective is useful when analyzing these implications. The practice of modeling geospatial distribution of automated external defibrillators for sudden cardiac arrest treatment is used as a case study. It is shown that there exists no consensus on what theory of justice should underlie choices in computer M&S of public health resources, and that professionals struggle with building equity considerations into their models. The example highlights new ethical consequences arising at the nexus of public health and M&S. Computer models and simulations are not morally neutral, but have the effect of making those involved in their creation more responsible for making just choices. For some moral dilemmas, such as those related to distributive justice, there may be no correct solution that can be readily modeled. Promoting professional responsibility through a code of ethics will not help prescribe a right course of action in these situations. I suggest therefore that procedural justice and deliberation with a range of stakeholders is needed to take ethical considerations into account “by design” when developing computer models and simulations for public health policy. Future research should reflect on the content and practical procedures for these deliberations.
Association of Psychosocial Symptoms, Blood Pressure, and Menopausal Status in African-American Women
Authors: Still Carolyn H. , Tahir Sadia , Yarandi Hossein N. , Hassan Mona , Gary Faye A.
Published: June 2020

African-American women have disproportionate rates of hypertension that can be further complicated as they transition through menopause. Stress, coupled with depression and hypertension in perimenopausal African-American women has not been fully explored. This study examines the associations of stress, depression, and social support on systolic blood pressure (SBP) among a sample of 184 perimenopausal African-American women. We used descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and logistic regression to analyze data stratified by menopausal status (perimenopausal or menopausal) and SBP status (<130 mmHg vs. >130 mmHg). Women classified as menopausal reported higher levels of stress and depressive symptoms, and lower levels of social support. Age, body mass index (BMI), health insurance, and perceived health status were significant predictors of SBP in menopausal women. Stress, depression, and social support did not play a role in SBP. It is necessary that future research focus on reducing cardiovascular risk include addressing menopausal health.
Terminal withdrawal of mechanical ventilation in adult intensive care units: A systematic review and narrative synthesis of perceptions, experiences and practices
Authors: Efstathiou Nikolaos , Vanderspank-Wright Brandi , Vandyk Amanda , Al-Janabi Mustafa , Daham Zeinab , Sarti Aimee , Delaney Jesse W , Downar James
Published: June 2020

Background:

During the terminal withdrawal of life-sustaining measures for intensive care patients, the removal of respiratory support remains an ambiguous practice. Globally, perceptions and experiences of best practice vary due to the limited evidence in this area.

Aim:

To identify, appraise and synthesise the latest evidence around terminal withdrawal of mechanical ventilation in adult intensive care units specific to perceptions, experiences and practices.

Design:

Mixed methods systematic review and narrative synthesis. A review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42018086495).

Data sources:

Four electronic databases were systematically searched (Medline, Embase, CENTRAL and CINAHL). Obtained articles published between January 2008 and January 2020 were screened for eligibility. All included papers were appraised using relevant appraisal tools.

Results:

Twenty-five papers were included in the review. Findings from the included papers were synthesised into four themes: ‘clinicians’ perceptions and practices’; ‘time to death and predictors’; ‘analgesia and sedation practices’; ‘physiological and psychological impact’.

Conclusions:

Perceptions, experiences and practices of terminal withdrawal of mechanical ventilation vary significantly across the globe. Current knowledge highlights that the time to death after withdrawal of mechanical ventilation is very short. Predictors for shorter duration could be considered by clinicians and guide the choice of pharmacological interventions to address distressing symptoms that patients may experience. Clinicians ought to prepare patients, families and relatives for the withdrawal process and the expected progression and provide them with immediate and long-term support following withdrawal. Further research is needed to improve current evidence and better inform practice guidelines.
Image-based estimation, planning, and control for high-speed flying through multiple openings
Authors: Guo Dejun , Leang Kam K
Published: June 2020

This article focuses on enabling an aerial robot to fly through multiple openings at high speed using image-based estimation, planning, and control. State-of-the-art approaches assume that the robot’s global translational variables (e.g., position and velocity) can either be measured directly with external localization sensors or estimated onboard. Unfortunately, estimating the translational variables may be impractical because modeling errors and sensor noise can lead to poor performance. Furthermore, monocular-camera-based pose estimation techniques typically require a model of the gap (window) in order to handle the unknown scale. Herein, a new scheme for image-based estimation, aggressive-maneuvering trajectory generation, and motion control is developed for multi-rotor aerial robots. The approach described does not rely on measurement of the translational variables and does not require the model of the gap or window. First, the robot dynamics are expressed in terms of the image features that are invariant to rotation (invariant features). This step decouples the robot’s attitude and keeps the invariant features in the flat output space of the differentially flat system. Second, an optimal trajectory is efficiently generated in real time to obtain the dynamically-feasible trajectory for the invariant features. Finally, a controller is designed to enable real-time, image-based tracking of the trajectory. The performance of the estimation, planning, and control scheme is validated in simulations and through 80 successful experimental trials. Results show the ability to successfully fly through two narrow openings, where the estimation and planning computation and motion control from one opening to the next are performed in real time on the robot.
Accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking in clinical management of infectious keratitis
Authors: Li Miao , Yu Tao , Gao Xin , Wu Xin-Yi
Published: June 2020

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in the treatment of infectious corneal diseases.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical efficacy of CXL in 65 eyes with infectious keratitis in Jinan Second People’s Hospital from December 2016 to June 2018. During 6 months of follow-up after CXL treatment, the results of confocal microscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography, as well as visual acuity and corneal biomechanical parameters, were recorded in detail.

Results

In general, the overall cure rate was 93.85%; no corneal endothelial dysfunction was encountered in any patients. After 6 months of follow-up, the visual acuity of cured patients was significantly enhanced, while corneal thickness was significantly reduced. Hyphae growth of patients with fungal keratitis was completely inhibited at 1 month postoperatively. Furthermore, corneal biomechanical parameters (i.e., central corneal thickness, deformation amplitude, and pachymetry intraocular pressure) were significantly improved after surgery, compared with baseline measurements.

Conclusion

Accelerated CXL may be an effective adjuvant treatment for infectious keratitis.
Variation in the properties of biochars produced by mixing agricultural residues and mineral soils for agricultural application
Authors: Matoso Stella Cristiani Gonçalves , Wadt Paulo Guilherme Salvador , de Souza Júnior Valdomiro Severino , Pérez Xosé Lois Otero , Plotegher Fábio
Published: June 2020

The research and application of biochars enriched with minerals have increased in recent years; however, the mineral fraction used consists of specific minerals, such as clay minerals and synthesized compounds. In this work, the effects of adding two specific soil types (sandy and clayey) to rice and coffee husks in order to generate biochars via pyrolysis was investigated. Chemical, physical–chemical, thermal, spectroscopic and crystallographic analyses were conducted on the produced biochars. The study confirmed that the presence of mineral soils during the pyrolysis process increases the yield, C retention ratio, and specific surface area. It also decreases the pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), nutrient content, and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of biochars. However, the biochars produced by mixing coffee husks and mineral soils still demonstrate a capacity to increase the pH and the CEC of tropical soils. In addition, increased C retention demonstrates an environmental benefit of this biochar production method. Biomass pyrolysis combined with clayey soil results in a biochar with a higher degree of aromaticity and higher thermal stability when compared to biomass pyrolysis alone. These characteristics give the biochar a recalcitrant character, without the necessity for steps related to the synthesis of specific mineral compounds, which reduces the economic and energy cost of the process.
IPV Characteristics, Childhood Violence, and Adversities as Risk Factors for Being Victimized in Multiple IPV Relationships
Authors: Ørke Elisabeth Christie , Bjørkly Stål , Vatnar Solveig Karin Bø
Published: June 2020

Empirical knowledge regarding risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV) from multiple partners (MP) is scarce and sought by clinicians and many women themselves for the prevention of future intimate partner violence relationships (IPVRs). Quantitative data were obtained through a structured interview with a stratified sample of help-seeking women ( N = 154) with no ( n = 48, 0IPVR), one ( n = 55, 1IPVR), or multiple ( n = 51, 2IPVR) IPVRs. This study investigated the association between (a) childhood family violence, (b) other childhood adversities, (c) victimization and perpetration of IPV in the last (index) relationship, and (d) controlling sociodemographic and contextual variables, and the following dependent variables: (a) women with 1IPVR and 2IPVR compared with 0IPVR and (b) women with 1IPVR compared with 2IPVR. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that, compared with nonvictimized women, IPV victimized women were nearly three times more likely to report childhood sexual abuse. They also reported a higher frequency of peer victimization and a higher likelihood of having an immigrant partner. In addition, the length of the index relationship was shorter for IPV victimized women. Compared with women with 1IPVR, women with IPV by MP were more likely to report childhood emotional abuse and less education, and they were less likely to be immigrants. The two groups of IPV victimized women were indistinguishable regarding characteristics of victimization and perpetration of IPV. This study indicated that there were other risk factors for IPV by MP than for IPV in general and highlighted the importance of addressing parenting and emotional care in IPV families.
Effects of Parental Attitudes Toward Spousal Violence on Early Childhood Development and Learning Support Among Ghanaian Children
Authors: Kofinti Raymond Elikplim , Ewusie Ewura - Adwoa , Kwaah Christopher Yaw , Asmah Emmanuel Ekow
Published: June 2020

The prevalence of condoning attitudes toward spousal violence (SV) is high in Ghana, yet much is not known about how the development of children is compromised in households where attitudes toward SV are tolerated. This study is premised on two objectives: (a) examination of the effect of parents condoning attitudes toward SV on early childhood development; and (b) investigation of the effect of parents condoning attitudes toward SV on the amount of learning support children receive from household members. Data on 2,740 children aged between 36 and 59 months were drawn from the 2011 Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey for the first objective and 1,595 households with children aged between 4 and 15 years were sourced from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey for the second. Analytical methods employed are descriptive statistics, instrumental variable (IV), and ordinary least squares (OLS) micro-econometric estimation techniques. The findings suggest that parents who condone attitudes toward SV reduce early childhood development by 3.269 units. Compared with the physical and socioemotional domains, parents tolerating attitudes toward SV have the highest adverse effect on the literacy, numeracy, and learning development domain of early childhood development (2.916 units). In addition, households that accept attitudes toward SV reduce the amount of learning support offered to children by 0.261 units, and every additional attitude toward SV acceptance reduces child learning support by 0.079 units. Attitudes of parents toward condoning SV retard the early development of children, impair children’s cognitive development, and compromise the amount of learning support children receive from household members. This study reinforces the evidence that parental attitudes are related to child outcomes in Ghana. The evidence calls for strengthening healthy family environments and child protection systems through behavioral change communication interventions and awareness creation among parents.
Do as the Romans do: On the authoritarian roots of pseudoscience
Authors: Fasce Angelo , Adrián-Ventura Jesús , Avendaño Diego
Published: June 2020

Recent research highlights the implications of group dynamics in the acceptance and promotion of misconceptions, particularly in relation to the identity-protective attitudes that boost polarisation over scientific information. In this study, we successfully test a mediational model between right-wing authoritarianism and pseudoscientific beliefs. First, we carry out a comprehensive literature review on the socio-political background of pseudoscientific beliefs. Second, we conduct two studies ( n = 1189 and n = 1097) to confirm our working hypotheses: H1 – intercorrelation between pseudoscientific beliefs, authoritarianism and three axioms (reward for application, religiosity and fate control); H2 – authoritarianism and social axioms fully explain rightists’ proneness to pseudoscience; and H3 – the association between pseudoscience and authoritarianism is partially mediated by social axioms. Finally, we discuss our results in relation to their external validity regarding paranormal and conspiracy beliefs, as well as to their implications for group polarisation and science communication.
Post-Fukushima discourse in the US press: Quantified knowledge, the technical object, and a panicked public
Authors: Tollefson Jonathan
Published: June 2020

Many thought that the 11 March 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan might be the end of the “global nuclear renaissance.” In Europe, mass media after Fukushima increasingly presented negative framing of nuclear energy and highlighted declining support for the nuclear industry. In the United States, however, nuclear production and public support for the industry remained steady. This article analyzes US media documents to understand the construction of public discourse on nuclear power in the wake of the Fukushima disaster. Through a content analysis of US newspapers, it demonstrates that post-Fukushima media framed the crisis in a way that privileged expert knowledge and opinion, while delegitimizing non-expert engagement with nuclear energy issues. A comparison between national newspapers and newspapers located in two regions with controversial nuclear plants and active anti-nuclear citizens’ movements additionally demonstrates the power and reach of the identified framework across the spectrum of views on nuclear power.
National Biobanking in Qatar and Israel: Tracing how Global Scientific Institutions Mediate Local Ethnic Identities
Authors: Mcgonigle Ian
Published: June 2020

Biobanks are a growing phenomenon in global biomedicine, as they are key tools of precision medicine initiatives. National biobanks, however, collect data and biological material from populations in specific regions, and the knowledge that national biobanks yield can impact understandings of identity, origins and belonging. Drawing on ethnographic work and documentary analysis examining the Israeli and Qatari national biobanks, I find that these two Middle Eastern biobanks aim to contribute to global biobanking trends, while at the same time, they reinforce local ethnic and national identities. The Israeli biobank reflects pre-existing ethnic identities in Israeli society, while the Qatari biobank predominantly emphasises the emergent national character of the Qatari population. Neither of the biobanks assert a high genetic homogeneity of the national population; rather, they both emphasise a genetically diverse national cohort that is a valuable resource for biomedical research. Through a comparative analysis of global biobanking and ethnic identities, this article demonstrates that biobanks are a rich site for tracking emergent national identities in the Middle East region.
Estimating the Impact of Design Standards on the Rigor of a Subset of Single-Case Research
Authors: Shepley Collin , Zimmerman Kathleen N. , Ayres Kevin M.
Published: June 2020

The implementation of research-based practices by teachers in public school classrooms is required under federal law as expressed in the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004. To aid teachers in identifying such practices, researchers conduct systematic reviews of the educational literature. Although recent attention has been given to changes in the quality of these reviews, there has been minimal discussion about changes in the quality of the studies that comprise them. Specifically, to what extent have educational policies leading to the creation of experimental design standards resulted in a change in the rigor of educational research? Using a subset of the single-case literature commonly published in special education journals, we estimate the impact of What Works Clearinghouse single-case design standards on the trend in the rigor of single-case studies using a comparative interrupted time series framework. Within this subset of single-case studies, our estimation strategy did not detect a change in the trend of the rigor of single-case research following the establishment of What Works Clearinghouse single-case design standards. Implications are discussed for practitioners and researchers.
Description of Bivalirudin Use for Anticoagulation in Pediatric Patients on Mechanical Circulatory Support
Authors: Campbell Christopher T. , Diaz Lucas , Kelly Brian
Published: June 2020

Background:

Although heparin has previously been the anticoagulant of choice during mechanical circulatory support (MCS), there is a lack of consistency in dose-response in pediatric patients. Bivalirudin offers more consistent dose-response in adults; however, there are limited data for pediatrics use.

Objective:

The purpose was to characterize the usage, dosage, and safety profile of bivalirudin when used for pediatric MCS in a tertiary care pediatric hospital.

Methods:

A retrospective review of pediatric patients receiving bivalirudin for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation/ventricular assist device (ECMO/VAD) anticoagulation was conducted. The primary outcome was the average dose of bivalirudin. Additional outcomes included initial and maximum bivalirudin dose, time to first therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), time within goal aPTT range, bleeding and clotting complications, and cost. Data were compared between ECMO and VAD patients.

Results:

Thirty-four patients were included. The median dose of bivalirudin was 0.37 mg/kg/h (interquartile range [IQR] = 0.21-0.56), with a maximum dose of 0.62 mg/kg/h (IQR = 0.33-0.91). VAD patients had a higher median and maximum dose as compared with ECMO patients. Patients achieved their therapeutic goal in a median of 6.1 hours and averaged 61.9% time within therapeutic aPTT. One patient had significant hemorrhage, whereas 3 patients had clotting requiring a circuit change. Bivalirudin acquisition cost was higher than heparin.

Conclusion and Relevance:

Bivalirudin dosing in ECMO and VAD patients is consistent with dosing seen in previous reports but may be higher in VAD patients. Comparative studies between heparin and bivalirudin are necessary to compare cost-effective outcomes for pediatric patients.
TRENDS: Creating Parties in Congress: The Emergence of a Social Network
Authors: Dougherty Keith L.
Published: June 2020

This article examines the creation of political parties in Congress with a focus on ties between emerging party leaders and members, 1789–1802. Using an egocentric selection model, we examine who John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison tied with as a function of the characteristics of the emerging leader, a member of Congress, and dyadic relationships between the two. We also examine whether ties affected the party chosen by members of Congress. Everything else equal, we find leaders were more likely to form ties with ideologically similar members, but find no evidence of them tieing with more pivotal voters. In response, members were more likely to join the Federalist party if they received a Federalist tie, but they were not more likely to join the Republican party if they received a Republican tie. Understanding such relationships is an important step for understanding the creation of parties in the United States.