bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparo de solo e manejo de formação de pastagens
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Pereira Lilian Elgalise Techio , Herling Valdo Rodrigues ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Silva Sila Carneiro da ,   Universidade de São Paulo - Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz"
Published: July 2020

Este livro foi elaborado para fins didáticos, contando com informações oriundas de artigos científicos, sites de notícias e publicações de autores independentes, que sumarizam, de forma prática, os princípios e conceitos aplicados às etapas de preparo de solo e manejo de formação de pastagens. O objetivo do trabalho é sumarizar dados relevantes, nortear as ações e práticas em campo, visando à conservação do solo, da água e da biodiversidade, o uso eficiente de recursos financeiros e produtivos, bem como auxiliar a correta adoção de procedimentos e técnicas de manejo para o adequado estabelecimento das pastagens.
High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T for Risk Stratification in Patients With Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source
Authors: Scheitz Jan F. , Pare Guillaume , Pearce Lesly A. , Mundl Hardi , Peacock W. Frank , Czlonkowska Anna , Sharma Mukul , Nolte Christian H. , Shoamanesh Ashkan , Berkowitz Scott D. , Krahn Thomas , Endres Matthias ,   on behalf of the NAVIGATE-ESUS Biomarker Working Group
Published: July 2020

Background and Purpose:

Optimal secondary prevention for patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) remains unknown. We aimed to assess whether high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) levels are associated with major vascular events and whether hs-cTnT may identify patients who benefit from anticoagulation following ESUS.

Methods:

Data were obtained from the biomarker substudy of the NAVIGATE ESUS trial, a randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of rivaroxaban versus aspirin for secondary stroke prevention in ESUS. Patients were dichotomized at the hs-cTnT upper reference limit (14 ng/L, Gen V, Roche Diagnostics). Cox proportional hazard models were computed to explore the association between hs-cTnT, the combined cardiovascular end point (recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, systemic embolism, cardiovascular death), and recurrent ischemic stroke.

Results:

Among 1337 patients enrolled at 111 participating centers in 18 countries (mean age 67±9 years, 61% male), hs-cTnT was detectable in 95% and at/above the upper reference limit in 21%. During a median follow-up of 11 months, the combined cardiovascular end point occurred in 68 patients (5.0%/y, rivaroxaban 28 events, aspirin 40 events; hazard ratio, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.41–1.1]), and recurrent ischemic stroke occurred in 50 patients (4.0%/y, rivaroxaban 16 events, aspirin 34 events, hazard ratio 0.45 [95% CI, 0.25–0.81]). Annualized combined cardiovascular end point rates were 8.2% (9.5% rivaroxaban, 7.0% aspirin) for those above hs-cTnT upper reference limit and 4.8% (3.1% rivaroxaban, 6.6% aspirin) below with a significant treatment modification (
P
=0.04). Annualized ischemic stroke rates were 4.7% above hs-cTnT upper reference limit and 3.9% below, with no suggestion of an interaction between hs-cTnT and treatment (
P
=0.3).

Conclusions:

In patients with ESUS, hs-cTnT was associated with increased cardiovascular event rates. While fewer recurrent strokes occurred in patients receiving rivaroxaban, outcomes were not stratified by hs-cTn results. Our findings support using hs-cTnT for cardiovascular risk stratification but not for decision-making regarding anticoagulation therapy in patients with ESUS.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02313909.
Performance of visual vs. software-assisted photo-identification in mark-recapture studies: a case study examining different life stages of the Pacific Horned Frog (Ceratophrys stolzmanni)
Authors: Bardier Cecilia , Székely Diana , Augusto-Alves Guilherme , Matínez-Latorraca Nicolás , Schmidt Benedikt R. , Cruickshank Sam S.
Published: July 2020

The use of individual phenotypic features as non-invasive marks through photo-identification (photo-ID) has many advantages for individual-based field studies. However, since error rates vary between species, matching techniques, and image qualities, it is important to assess error rates to evaluate the reliability of photo-ID. We tested the performance of this method in the Pacific Horned Frog, Ceratophrys stolzmanni, a threatened anuran with a variable dorsal coloration. We compared the effectiveness of visual (i.e. human recognition) versus software-assisted recognition techniques (Wild-ID and APHIS), and assessed the potential applicability of these techniques to identify post-metamorphic individuals (froglets). The three techniques differed in their performance. The visual technique was the only one to produce type I errors between pairs of images (i.e. matching images which are not true matching pairs), however it also produced fewer type II errors (i.e. not identifying true matching pairs of images) than the software-assisted techniques. For froglets, we found that similarity scores calculated by photo-ID software did not differ significantly between groups of froglets and older individuals, supporting the idea that colour patterns in this species remain stable after metamorphosis. The lack of type I errors and the substantial reduction in required time achieved through the use of software, make software-assisted techniques (particularly Wild-ID) a valid and convenient matching technique for C. stolzmanni. We propose that photo-ID can also be applied to froglets of this species, since the pattern at this stage appears to be as variable as in adults and maintained through life.
Effect of predator cue on escape and oviposition behaviour of freshwater snail
Authors: Kawaguchi Manami , Kuriwada Takashi
Published: July 2020

When suitability of sites for parent is incompatible with that for their eggs, parent–offspring conflict occurs — the parent must choose between the optimal oviposition site for eggs and that suitable for itself. We examined effects of predator cue on parental habitat use and oviposition site in Physa acuta. We assessed desiccation risk in eggs and the relationship between water depth and predation risk. Predator cues induced the elevation of parental habitat away from the bottom but had no effect on the oviposition site. Oviposition site choice is not by-product of escape response. Eggs that were exposed to desiccation failed to hatch, indicating high desiccation risk. Eggs laid at deeper levels were at higher risk of stripping from oviposition substrates by crayfishes. Although the middle-water level would be suitable oviposition sites, the parents selected an oviposition site in the upper level. There are other benefits and costs of oviposition site selection.
Comparison and the Academic Study of Indigenous Religious Traditions
Authors: Schermerhorn Seth
Published: July 2020

The recent publication of two excellent volumes—Bruce Lincoln’s Apples and Oranges and Oliver Freiberger’s Considering Comparison—provides an auspicious moment to reflect on and interrogate the nature of comparison within religious studies generally, as well as a variety of subfields, including the academic study of indigenous religious traditions. This article carefully examines both books, analyzes Lincoln’s interpretations of Native American religious traditions within broader comparative frameworks, and discusses several recent developments regarding comparison in the academic study of indigenous religious traditions.
Four new gelechioid species to honor Costa Rica's conservation of wild biodiversity (Lepidoptera)
Authors: METZ MARK A. , HALLWACHS WINNIE , JANZEN DANIEL H.
Published: July 2020

We described four new gelechioid species from Costa Rica: Philtronoma cbdora Metz, new species; Tinaegeria carlosalvaradoi Metz, new species; Tinaegeria romanmacayai Metz, new species (Depressariidae: Tinaegeriinae revised status); and Percnarcha claudiadoblesae Metz, new species (Gelechiidae: Gelechiinae). We provide these honorifics to recognize commitment and devotion to conservation of biodiversity. The new species are all highly diagnostic among other species of Gelechioidea, and species of Tinaegeria and Percnarcha demonstrate striking mimesis for presumed wasp and beetle models. The family-group name Tinaegeriidae Hampson, 1893 is clarified, including the previously overlooked priority of the family-group name synonyms, and is placed as a valid subfamily in Depressariidae comprised of the genera Filinota Busck, 1911, Nematochares Meyrick, 1931, Philtronoma Meyrick, 1914, Profilinota Clarke, 1973, and Tinaegeria Walker, 1856.
Redescription of Orthocis platensis Brèthes, 1922 (Coleoptera: Ciidae) and the first records of the species from Brazil
Authors: LOPES-ANDRADE CRISTIANO , DE ARAUJO LUCIMAR SOARES , SANDOVAL-GÓMEZ VIVIAN E.
Published: July 2020

The genus Orthocis Casey is represented by 46 species occurring in insular and continental areas of the World, except for the Antarctic. Three Orthocis species are currently known from South America: the Andean O. elguetai Lopes-Andrade, from Chile; the Neotropical O. apicipennis (Pic) from a single locality in South Brazil; and O. platensis Brèthes from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Orthocis platensis is here redescribed and recorded for the first time from South and Southeast Brazil.
Prognostic Factors and Outcomes in Young Patients With Presented of Different Types Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Yılmaz Sabiye , Coşansu Kahraman
Published: July 2020

The prevalence of coronary artery disease is increasing in young adults. We evaluated the outcomes of different types of acute coronary syndrome in 917 patients undergoing coronary angiography aged ≤45 years. Male sex, smoking, dyslipidemia were the most important risk factors. ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI; 54.8%) predominated. The STEMI patients had higher risk of hospital mortality (3.6% vs 0.6%; P = .004) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; 13.8% vs 3.3%; P < .001, hazard ratio [HR], 4.65; 95% CI, 2.45-8.82). Presentation heart rate, blood pressure, heart failure, shock, arrhythmia, ejection fraction (EF), diabetes, contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), and elevated troponin were associated with hospital mortality and MACCE. But only heart failure (HR, 5.816; 95% CI, 2.254-15.008) and CIN (HR, 6.241; 95% CI, 2.340-16.641) were independent risk factors for hospital MACCE. There was no difference in long-term mortality between the 2 groups, but non-STEMI patients had higher risk for MACCE after 3 years (14.4% vs 9.9%, P = .033). Although shock (HR, 0.814; 95% CI, 0.699-0.930), Killip class ≥2 (HR, 0.121; 95% CI, 0.071-0.170), CIN (HR, 0.323; 95% CI, 0.265-0.380), and EF (HR, 0.917; 95% CI, 0.854-0.984) were independent predictors of hospital death, only EF was the independent predictor of long-term mortality (HR, 0.897; 95% CI, 0.852-0.944).
Intelligence Capacity and Mass Violence: Evidence From Indonesia
Authors: Winward Mark
Published: July 2020

What explains regional variations in the frequency and form of mass categorical violence? I first develop then test, via process tracing, a theory to answer this question. Employing process tracing in Central Java during the 1965–66 Indonesian Killings, I argue that these variations are conditioned by state intelligence capacity. Low intelligence capacity forces troops to rely upon civilian elites for information. This provides opportunities for civilian elites to widen targeting criteria, increasing the number of victims. Due to logistical constraints, security forces are also more likely to opt for lethal violence when they have low intelligence capacity, as they frequently struggle with caring for such large numbers of detainees. I further illustrate these findings by comparing the provinces of West Java and East Java. Data for this project is drawn from diplomatic archives, internal military publications, and a series of interviews with victims and participants in the Indonesian Killings.
Book review: Arpita Mukherjee‚ Divya Satija‚ Angana Parashar Sarma‚ Soham Sinha‚ Brahma Chauhan and Raj Kumar Shahi, Streamlining Food Imports for Trade Facilitation and Ease of Doing Business in India
Authors: Chakraborty Debashis
Published: July 2020

Arpita Mukherjee‚ Divya Satija‚ Angana Parashar Sarma‚ Soham Sinha‚ Brahma Chauhan and Raj Kumar Shahi, Streamlining Food Imports for Trade Facilitation and Ease of Doing Business in India, Academic Foundation is association with Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), 2019, US$99, 130 pp., ISBN: 9789332705159.
COVID-19, Limit Experiences, and Undergoing the Situation: Therapeutic Implications for Pandemic Times
Authors: Cole Garry
Published: July 2020

Living in a world affected by the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic presents unique challenges to the therapeutic endeavor. One such challenge is mutual sharing in the collective anxieties and stressors befalling communities globally. This article will seek to explore and understand these shared concerns through a Jasperian framework of limit experiences, particularly explicating the impact on therapeutic practice. Concepts such as emotional comportment and dwelling will be explored and recontextualized as possible responses to such limit situations.
How do Funeral Practices Impact Bereaved Relatives' Mental Health, Grief and Bereavement? A Mixed Methods Review with Implications for COVID-19
Authors: Burrell Alexander , Selman Lucy E.
Published: July 2020

Those who are bereaved during the current COVID-19 pandemic are subject to restrictions on funeral sizes and practices. We conducted a rapid review synthesising the quantitative and qualitative evidence regarding the effect of funeral practices on bereaved relatives’ mental health and bereavement outcomes. Searches of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, KSR Evidence, and COVID-related resources were conducted. 805 records were screened; 17 studies of variable quality were included. Current evidence regarding the effect of funeral practices on bereaved relatives’ mental health and bereavement outcomes is inconclusive. Five observational studies found benefits from funeral participation while six did not. However, qualitative research provides additional insight: the benefit of after-death rituals including funerals depends on the ability of the bereaved to shape those rituals and say goodbye in a way which is meaningful for them. Findings highlight the important role of funeral officiants during the pandemic. Research is needed to better understand the experiences and sequalae of grief and bereavement during COVID-19.
Thinking Aloud: Stress and Coping in Junior Cricket Batsmen During Challenge and Threat States
Authors: McGreary Michael , Eubank Martin , Morris Robert , Whitehead Amy
Published: July 2020

The present study examined stress and coping of cricket batsmen during challenge and threat states using the Think-Aloud method. Ten male elite-level junior cricket batsmen took part in the study. A repeated measures design was implemented, with participants verbalizing while both in (a) a threat state and (b) a challenge state. Participants were required to score 36 runs in 30 balls during the threat and challenge conditions. Verbalizations were subsequently transcribed verbatim and analyzed for stressors, coping strategies, and any other reoccurring themes. A paired-samples t-test was conducted to examine differences in the number of verbalizations made for each theme between conditions. Ten secondary themes were grouped into four primary themes; these included (a) stressors, (b) problem-focused coping, (c) emotion-focused coping, and (d) gathering information. There were significant differences( p⩽0.05) between stressor verbalizations, with significantly more verbalizations made by participants during a threat state. No significant differences were found between any other themes. Thus, during a threat state, participants reported significantly more stressor verbalizations compared to a challenge state, while there were no significant differences in coping strategies reported (p>0.05). This finding offers a potential explanation for why athletic performance diminishes when in a threat state, as athletes then experience a greater number of stressors but do not report engaging in more coping strategies.
Adopting Revolution: The Chinese Communist Revolution and the Politics of Global Humanitarianism
Authors: Neubauer Jack
Published: July 2020

During the tumultuous period surrounding the Chinese Communist revolution of 1949, Chinese children wrote thousands of letters to foreign “foster parents” as part of a humanitarian fundraising program called the “adoption plan” for international child sponsorship. Under the adoption plan, private citizens around the world “adopted” Chinese children by funding their lives at orphanages in China while building personal relationships through the exchange of photographs, gifts, and translated letters. This article uses the case study of the Foster Parents Plan for War Children China Branch to examine how Chinese child welfare workers mobilized the sentimental ties between children and foster parents to secure international support for the revolution. Based on 490 extant letters sent by Chinese children to their foreign foster parents, it analyzes how the adoption plan became a centerpiece of efforts to transform inherited humanitarian practices to meet the new ideological and material needs of the Chinese Communist revolution.
Living with Blindness Seminars
Authors: Kronick B. , Kronick S. , Irwin J.
Published: July 2020

Those who are newly blind often have difficulty in pursuing rehabilitation services, because they have not yet begun to deal constructively with the emotional issues relating to their loss of vision. For assistance here the Oregon Commission for the Blind has developed a new program, called Living With Blindness Seminars. The seminars are intensive two- or three-day sessions where clients talk about their experiences and participate in a variety of recreational and social activities.
Self-Report in Functional Assessment of Low Vision
Authors: Szlyk J.P. , Arditi A. , Bucci P. Coffey , Laderman D.
Published: July 2020

Previous research on the relationship between performance of complex tasks and low vision has offered few clear predictors of visual function. In some clinical, screening, and rehabilitation settings, access to measures of vision whose validity extends to the conditions of daily life is limited. The low vision individual may be uniquely qualified to report on such inaccessible performance situations. We have constructed a 57-item questionnaire, administered by interview, designed to predict performance in low vision patients with visual field defects, on four broad categories of visual function: finding, detecting, scanning, and tracking. The finding and detecting categories were further subdivided into subcategories of functional visual field (e.g., finding close, detecting close and above). Subjects rated their experienced degree of difficulty on a wide variety of common tasks which specifically demand these functions. Validity was assessed with 41 subjects. The present study suggests that self-report can be an effective predictor of function, especially in conjunction with clinical psychophysical techniques.
Wide Angle Mobility Light (Waml) Follow-Up
Authors: Shull L.E. , Kuyk T.
Published: July 2020

A follow-up study of an earlier report of the Wide Angle Mobility Light (WAML) was conducted to analyze the various uses of the device and its reliability. The authors examine client satisfaction with the WAML. Suggestions for improving the device are given.
The Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center: Perspectives of Clients and Implications for Professionals
Authors: Miller G.
Published: July 2020

Comprehensive rehabilitation centers offer a full range of services for blind and visually impaired clients in a residential environment. This article reviews this service model from the standpoint of former clients, whose views were elicited through an AFB-sponsored essay contest. The contestants wrote of their psychological reactions to blindness; their feelings on entering a rehabilitation center; and their attitudes, both positive and negative, toward the services, staff, and structure of the programs.
Educational Deficit: An Inappropriate Service Criterion for Children with Visual Impairments
Authors: Head D.
Published: July 2020

This article reviews two current philosophical issues in special education service delivery and the perceived impact on services to children with visual impairments: (a) the Regular Education Initiative, and (b) the Least Restrictive Environment. Concern is expressed that by focusing advocacy efforts on placement issues rather than on service delivery issues, children with visual impairments go without needed and appropriate services. A new service delivery criterion is being used by many states and local education agencies, requiring the child with a visual impairment to have an “educational deficit” prior to the provision of comprehensive services. This requirement appears to be a rationalization for excluding these children. The author questions the concept of an “educational deficit,” and discusses actions and efforts to eliminate the practice of requiring this inappropriate qualifier and to improve the breadth of services provided children with visual impairments.
Politics and Human Welfare: Retinitis Pigmentosa Patients in South Africa
Authors: McKendrick B.W. , Leketi M.
Published: July 2020

Many welfare organizations serving visually disabled people limit their role to restorative and therapeutic services. In changing apartheid South Africa, the well-being of visually disabled people is still affected by racial division in society. By examining the impact of apartheid on the well-being of African and white South Africans with retinitis pigmentosa, evidence is presented to justify the involvement of South African welfare organizations in the wider political and social change process.
Rehabilitation Services for Rural Blind Persons in Malaysia
Authors: Ooi G.
Published: July 2020

This article traces the experiences of the Malaysian Association for the Blind in the development of rehabilitation services for rural blind persons in Malaysia. It shows how and why a community-based approach to rehabilitation was chosen and why it was later concluded that the center-based and community-based approaches to rehabilitation complement each other in bringing the benefits of services to blind people, particularly in rural areas.
Reducing Late-Life Dependence Resulting from Declining Visual Acuity
Authors: Vaughan C.E. , Hobson S.
Published: July 2020

This article reports on a project in 39 counties of rural Missouri to screen and provide low vision devices and rehabilitation services to elderly persons with declining visual acuity. A concomitant goal was to establish low vision resource centers in nursing homes and congregate sites for elderly persons. Two significant results of the project were the high level of interest in and use of the low vision resource centers and the dissemination of information on visual loss to potential clients, the public, and local professionals.
Reading through Technology: Evolving Methods and Opportunities for Print–Handicapped Individuals
Authors: Dixon J.M. , Mandelbaum J.B.
Published: July 2020

This overview traces reading methods for blind and visually impaired persons from paper braille, recordings, and radio reading services to computerized telephone services to personal computers that provide access to on-line services, books on disk, CD-ROM, and scanning systems. It concludes with a review of trends, such as graphical user interfaces, fax machines, and touchscreens, that may have a negative effect on reading via computers.
Evaluation of Two Night–Vision Devices
Authors: Robinson J. , Story S.M. , Kuyk T.
Published: July 2020

Night-blind individuals often have restricted visual fields or other visual impairments that limit their ability to travel at night. The study reported here compared two night-vision devices: one wide-angle light and one with a high-intensity beam. It concluded that no one night light is best for all individuals and that depending on the cause of the night blindness, a smaller angle, high-intensity light may be more useful than a wider angle one.
Talking Word Processors and Text Editing for Visually Impaired Children: A Pilot Case Study
Authors: Beevers R. , Hallinan P.
Published: July 2020

An Amiga 500 microcomputer with a talking word processor was installed in a special education unit at an elementary school for use by a visually impaired pupil during two school terms. This article reviews the background literature and explores the challenges and limitations posed by the introduction of new technology.
The Carroll Center for the Blind Ed–Tech Loon Program
Authors: Rosenbaum D.
Published: July 2020

In 1988, the Carroll Center for the Blind, with the generosity of TeleSensory, VTEK, and Computer Aids Corporation, initiated a new service that allows Massachusetts schools to borrow adaptive computer devices for their blind students. The Ed-Tech Loan Program enables them to “try before they buy.” For $50 per month, with a three-month maximum, each school can borrow braille printers, large-print processors, talking software, or speech or braille laptops. After that period, the school may purchase the equipment sometimes at a discount.
Social Participation of Young Children with Visual Impairments in Specialized and Integrated Environments
Authors: Erwin E.J.
Published: July 2020

This study examined the social participation of 28 young children with visual impairments, some with additional disabilities, during free-play periods in their natural educational environments and compared patterns across specialized and integrated settings. Although no significant differences were found between settings, some possible trends emerged.
Issues in Standardizing Psychometric Tests for Children who are Blind
Authors: Hull T. , Mason H.
Published: July 2020

The School of Education, University of Birmingham, England, is attempting to standardize a new psychometric assessment tool—a tactile speed-of-information processing test—for blind children. This article discusses some of the issues and difficulties that have been encountered and presents implications for the future direction of psychometric testing of children who are blind.
Characteristics of Students Evaluated at a Residential School's Low Vision Clinics, 1981–1991
Authors: Wilkinson M.E. , Stewart I.
Published: July 2020

The records of 360 students who are evaluated at the low vision clinics of the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School over a 10-year period were surveyed to determine the characteristics of this population. The factors that were reviewed included age, sex, ocular condition, best-corrected visual acuity at far and near, and recommended optical devices.
Do Myths Associated with Schools for Students who are Blind Negatively Affect Placement Decisions?
Authors: Bina M.J.
Published: July 2020

This article will focus on various myths associated with schools for students who are blind or visually impaired. These myths continue to persist even though these specialized schools have changed significantly in the past 20 years. While positive changes have occurred, many people's attitudes about them have not. As a result of these myths, some students and parents are not being afforded opportunities for services that may benefit the student in terms of short- or longer-term placements.
New and Future Roles for Residential Schools
Authors: DeMott R.M.
Published: July 2020

This article suggests that the role of residential schools and the relationship of residential and local school programs should be reformed. If residential schools become resource and demonstration centers, they can provide for the more effective use of resources available in residential schools and increase the success of mainstreamed students with visual impairments in local schools.
Learning and Study Strategies of Secondary School Students with Visual Impairments
Authors: Erin J.N. , Corn A.L. , Wolffe K.
Published: July 2020

This article presents a study of the learning and study skills of 106 high school students with visual impairments, using two instruments—the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory: High School Version and a 35-item extension of the instrument, developed by the authors specifically for students with visual impairments. The study found differences only by the students’ grade-point averages, not by their preferred reading medium, type of school placement, or plans to attend college. It also found that the strategies used by students with visual impairments are similar to those used by sighted students.
A Model for the Efficient Interdisciplinary Assessment of Young Visually Impaired Children
Authors: Bolduc M. , Gresset J. , Sanschagrin S. , Thibodeau J.
Published: July 2020

This article presents a model for an efficient assessment of young visually impaired children and children with multiple handicaps using a team that simultaneously observes various aspects of the child's functioning to gain an understanding of the child as a whole.
The Use of Melatonin to Treat Sleep-Wake-Rhythm Disorders in Children who are Visually Impaired
Authors: Espezel H. , Jan J.E. , O'Donnell M.E. , Milner R.
Published: July 2020

This article presents a study of the use of melatonin to treat sleep-wake-cycle disorders in 100 visually impaired children aged 3 months to 17 years. The study found that these disorders are correlated with the children's visual diagnoses, visual loss, age, associated disabilities, level of independence, and type of placement and that the use of oral melatonin ameliorates these disorders without side effects and leads to numerous benefits, both to the children and their caregivers.
The Nottingham Adjustment Scale: An Estimation of Response Bias
Authors: Dodds A.G. , Craig D. , Flannigan H.
Published: July 2020

This study found that items in the subsections on acceptance of sight loss and attitudes toward blindness of the Nottingham Adjustment Scale are free of response bias. Respondents who were given only negative items disagreed significantly more with them than did those who were given both negative and positive statements. In addition, respondents with poor emotional adjustment were more strongly influenced by the presence of positive statements than were those with good emotional adjustment.
Telescopic Low Vision Aids with Motorized and Auto Focuses
Authors: Kuyk T.
Published: July 2020

Prototypes of motorized-focus telescopes (MFTs) and of a 4X auto-focus telescope (AFT) were constructed, and 22 users of hand-focus telescopes (HFTs) were trained to use them for near-distance and intermediate-distance tasks. Despite the lack of differences in performance with the MFT, AFT, and HFT, the subjects’ ratings on 9 of 10 aspects of telescope performance were significantly higher for the AFT and MFT than for the HFT.
Knowledge of Basic Concepts of Young Students with Visual Impairments who are Monolingual Or Bilingual
Authors: Milian M.
Published: July 2020

This article reports the findings of a study on the possible differences in the knowledge of basic concepts by young visually impaired students in two groups: 10 who were monolingual in English and 10 who were bilingual in English and Spanish. Although no significant differences were found in the two groups’ knowledge of basic concepts, there was a significant correlation between the students’ levels of vision and their scores on the Tactile Test of Basic Concepts in English. However, the mean scores of the two groups on this test indicated an advantage only for the monolingual group.
Distributions of Print Sizes in U.S. Newspapers
Authors: DeMarco L.M. , Massof R.W.
Published: July 2020

In this study, the authors measured the print sizes in 10 sections of over 100 U.S. newspapers and found that within a newspaper, the print sizes among sections may vary by more than a factor of 2 and that among newspapers, the print size of a single section may vary by a factor of more than 1.5. These findings challenge the assumption that newspapers use a standard print size and thus that persons with low vision can read all newspapers with magnifiers that are appropriate for reading 1 M print (1.45mm). The authors also give guidelines for low vision specialists in recommending magnification.
Sleep Problems of Young Blind Children
Authors: Mindell J.A. , De Marco C.M.
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the sleep of 28 young blind and 22 sighted children aged 4–36 months whose parents completed the Sleep Habits Questionnaire. It found that the blind children had significantly more sleep problems related to bedtime and behaviors during the night than did the sighted children. In addition, the blind children went to sleep later at night, were awake longer during the night, and had less sleep time.
Ambulation, Object Manipulation, and Multiple Disabilities: Extending the Applicability of a Robot
Authors: Lancioni G.E. , Oliva D. , O'Reilly M.F.
Published: July 2020

This study further tested the applicability of a robot with people with severe multiple disabilities. The robot was used to help two adults with blindness, deafness, motor disabilities, and low functioning levels ambulate and transport objects and enable them to reach a couch on which they could sit and put away the objects. Both adults learned to use the robot, succeeded in transporting and putting away objects, and achieved robot-assisted ambulation times of about 31 minutes per session.
The Personal Networks and Social Supports of Blind and Visually Impaired Adolescents
Authors: Kef S.
Published: July 2020

This article describes a study of the personal networks and social supports of 316 blind and visually impaired adolescents, aged 14–23, in The Netherlands. The study found that the mean size of these adolescents’ personal networks was 15 persons, compared to 15–20 for sighted adolescents. The oldest adolescents had the largest networks, and the blind adolescents had the smallest. The female and oldest adolescents had more friends, whom they considered important sources of support. However, for all the adolescents, parents were the most important source of support.
Participants’ Attitudes about the Integration of Developmentally Disabled People at a Center for Adults with Visual Impairments
Authors: Erin J.N. , Jager B. , Underwood M.
Published: July 2020

The study reported in this article explored the responses of individuals who were being served by an agency for adults with visual impairments to the increasing inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in addition to visual impairments in the agency's activities. Qualitative approaches, including observations, interviews, and a focus group, revealed frequent examples of problem-solving, and a survey administered to 24 participants found widely diverse attitudes.
Play and Concept Development in Infants and Young Children with Severe Visual Impairments: A Constructivist View
Authors: Recchia S. L.
Published: July 2020

Infants and young children who are severely visually impaired from birth show consistent delays in concept development, compared to their sighted peers. This article focuses on the impact of severe visual impairment on the development of those play skills that facilitate concept development and discusses the ways in which intervention can enhance play experiences for infants and young children with severe visual impairments.
A Bilingual Braille Book-Printing System in Kuwait
Authors: Al-Matar O.A. , Al-Otaibi A.S. , Darwish H.Q. , Al-Ghurair N.A.
Published: July 2020

The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research developed a bilingual (Arabic-English) computerized braille-printing system for students who are blind at the Kuwait Special Schools. This article discusses the functions and structure of the programs supporting these functions and the experiences in implementing the system.
Lower executive functioning predicts steeper subsequent decline in well-being only in young-old but not old-old age
Authors: Ihle Andreas , Ghisletta Paolo , Gouveia Élvio R. , Gouveia Bruna R. , Oris Michel , Maurer Jürgen , Kliegel Matthias
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

From a longitudinal perspective, the direction of the relationship between cognitive functioning and well-being in old age, both conceptually and empirically, is still under debate. Therefore, we aimed to disentangle the different longitudinal relationship patterns proposed and whether those differed between young-old and old-old adults.

Methods:

We used latent change score modeling based on longitudinal data from 1,040 older adults ( M = 74.54 years at Time 1 [T1], median = 73 years) to analyze reciprocal lead–lag relationships over 6 years in executive functioning (trail making test [TMT] completion time) and well-being (life satisfaction), taking into account chronological age, sex, education, leisure activities, and chronic diseases.

Results:

In young-old adults (<73 years), longer TMT completion time at T1 (i.e., lower executive functioning status) significantly predicted steeper subsequent decline in well-being. This was not the case for old-old adults (≥73 years), for whom this relationship was significantly different from that of the young-old (moderation effect). In either group, well-being status at T1 did not predict changes in TMT completion time.

Discussion:

Lower executive functioning may predict a subsequent decline in well-being in young-old adults only. Wider implications in a context of promotion of healthy aging are discussed.
Mentee and mentor perceptions of a mentoring court for high-risk probationers
Authors: Taylor Caitlin J
Published: July 2020

As part of an evaluation of the only known mentoring problem-solving court for adult moderate- and high-risk probationers in the United States, the current study investigated mentors and mentees’ perceptions of the programme. Data sources included surveys of and focus groups with mentees as well as online monthly reports from mentors. Qualitative analysis revealed that both mentors and mentees reported positive mentoring relationships, while mentees were concerned about issues of relatability and enabling. Mentees also perceived the programme to be a sanctuary from their chaotic everyday lives and a very new experience within the justice system.
Women on the edge of a breakthrough? A stereotype threat theory of women’s angel investing
Authors: Harrison Richard T , Botelho Tiago , Mason Colin M
Published: July 2020

The extent to which women participate in the angel investment market has become an important topic of research and policy interest. Based on UK survey data, we demonstrate that there are systematic but not unequivocal differences between women and men investors on a number of key investor and investment characteristics. We also report indicative evidence that members of women-only networks do differ from women who join mixed networks. Drawing on these results, we develop a stereotype threat theory perspective on women’s angel investing which highlights the cues, consequences, outcomes and responses to stereotype threat. Specifically, we theorise that stereotype threat influences women’s widely reported lower participation in the angel investment market. In addition, stereotype threat theory helps explain both women’s overall active involvement in the angel investment market and their participation in women-only investor networks. We conclude that there is a case for women-only angel networks and training programmes to mitigate the performance and participation consequences of stereotype threat.
Aggressive angiomyxoma in pregnancy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Xu Haihua , Sun Pengming , Xu Rongli , Wang Lihua , Shi Yuequan
Published: July 2020

Aggressive angiomyxoma is an interstitial tumour that is often misdiagnosed and is likely to recur. There have been few reported cases of angiomyxoma in pregnant women. We report a case of a woman who was previously diagnosed with a tumour in her vulva that increased in size during both of her pregnancies and spontaneously decreased postpartum. Local excision was performed and a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist was administered. According to a literature review, aggressive angiomyxoma is associated with good maternal and child outcomes. Caesarean section is not the delivery method of choice, but it is indicated if the tumour is preventing vaginal birth. Treatment for angiomyxoma is mainly postpartum local resection supplemented by hormone therapy. This tumour frequently recurs and patients should undergo long-term follow-up.
Mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and cognitive dysfunction screening using machine learning
Authors: Yim Daehyuk , Yeo Tae Young , Park Moon Ho
Published: July 2020

Objective

To develop a machine learning algorithm to identify cognitive dysfunction based on neuropsychological screening test results.

Methods

This retrospective study included 955 participants: 341 participants with dementia (dementia), 333 participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 341 participants who were cognitively healthy. All participants underwent evaluations including the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Each participant’s caregiver or informant was surveyed using the Korean Dementia Screening Questionnaire at the same visit. Different machine learning algorithms were applied, and their overall accuracies, Cohen’s kappa, receiver operating characteristic curves, and areas under the curve (AUCs) were calculated.

Results

The overall screening accuracies for MCI, dementia, and cognitive dysfunction (MCI or dementia) using a machine learning algorithm were approximately 67.8% to 93.5%, 96.8% to 99.9%, and 75.8% to 99.9%, respectively. Their kappa statistics ranged from 0.351 to 1.000. The AUCs of the machine learning models were statistically superior to those of the competing screening model.

Conclusion

This study suggests that a machine learning algorithm can be used as a supportive tool in the screening of MCI, dementia, and cognitive dysfunction.
Identifying Nonphysical Intimate Partner Violence in Relationships: The Role of Beliefs and Schemas
Authors: Minto Kiara , Masser Barbara M. , Louis Winnifred R.
Published: July 2020

While substantial research has been conducted on intimate partner violence (IPV), comparatively little research has examined peoples’ perceptions of which behaviors comprise this form of abuse. Early identification of IPV is critical to ending abuse, however, forms of IPV that typically occur earlier in a relationship (e.g., nonphysical abuse) may not be core components of peoples’ mental frameworks (schemas) of IPV and may therefore be less commonly identified as abusive. To explore this, in Study 1 participants from an Australian University ( N = 86) separately described the relationships with IPV and nonphysical IPV. Analyses identified control, power imbalance, stereotypical gender dynamics (male perpetrator, female victim), physical abuse, and having a low socioeconomic status abuser as common components of participants’ IPV schema when not prompted with type of abuse. However, participants largely failed to describe nonphysical IPV behaviors, suggesting limited awareness of the specific behaviors that constitute abuse. To explore this in Study 2, participants from an Australian University ( N = 305) were asked to categorize a range of specific behaviors (including physically abusive, nonphysically abusive, and nonabusive behaviors) as definitely, maybe, or never abusive. Drawing on the known positive association between gender and romantic beliefs with the experience of abuse, we also assessed the relationship of identification of IPV behaviors to these beliefs. Moderated multilevel modeling showed that nonphysical IPV behaviors were generally perceived as less abusive than physical IPV behaviors. In addition, stronger endorsement of romantic jealousy was associated with evaluating nonphysical IPV as less abusive. However, romantic jealousy beliefs were not significantly associated with the perceived abusiveness of physical IPV behaviors. Findings support the conclusion that individuals’ IPV schemas contribute to a failure to identify nonphysical IPV behaviors as abusive, and this is particularly true for people who more strongly endorse romantic jealousy.
On the impacts of cutting parameters on surface roughness, tool wear mode and size in slot milling of A356 metal matrix composites reinforced with silicon carbide elements
Authors: Saberi Masoud , Niknam Seyed Ali , Hashemi Ramin
Published: July 2020

Metal matrix composite is made of non-metallic reinforcements (usually ceramic) in metal matrices that are widely used in various industries, including aerospace and automotive. Two main components of metal matrix composite are the matrix (base metal) and the reinforcing particles that tend to increase the hardness of the workpart. The production and machining of such materials are hard and costly. However, due to their excellent mechanical properties such as high strength to weight ratio, high hardness and rigidity, corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance, and low thermal coefficient, their applications are still growing in various aspects. One major division of metal matrix composite is aluminum metal matrix composite with ceramics particulate reinforcement such as silicon carbide and alumina. According to review of literature, a low volume of information was found in terms of machinability of specific grades of aluminum composite (A356-10% silicon carbide) under various lubrication modes. Therefore, in the course of this study, several blocks of aluminum metal matrix composite (A356) reinforced with 10% silicon carbide elements were used under dry, minimum quantity lubrication and wet milling operation. The maximum flank wear, tool wear modes, as well as the average surface roughness were recorded and were subsequently studied as the machining performance attributes. The use of lubricants in both minimum quantity lubrication and wet modes led to reduced tool wear as compared with readings made under dry mode. However, under similar experimental conditions, no significant improvement was observed on the average surface roughness values.
Experimental investigations on jet impingement solar air collectors using pin-fin absorber
Authors: Kannan C , Mohanraj M , Sathyabalan P
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the performances of a novel jet impingement solar air collector (JISAC) using flat and pin-fin absorbers were experimentally investigated. The experimental observations in a JISAC have been made under the climatic conditions of Coimbatore city in India during the year 2019. The thermo-hydraulic analyses were conduced to study the influence of pressure drop across the perforated jet plate. The effects of solar irradiation, ambient temperature, ambient wind velocity and air mass flow rate through the JISAC duct using flat and pin-fin absorbers were studied. The air mass flow rate through the JISAC was optimized to 0.025 kg/s based on the experimental trials. Thermodynamic performance comparisons have been made among the flat and pin-fin absorbers. The results showed that, the JISAC using pin-fin absorber has 2–7°C higher air temperature at the outlet with 3–7%, 2–6% and 2–6% improved energy efficiency, thermo-hydraulic efficiency and exergy efficiency, respectively when compared to the JISAC using flat absorber. The pressure drop across the JISAC duct is about 90% higher when compared to the conventional solar air collectors. The pressure drop through the jet plate has increased the air velocity impinging on the absorber. As a result, the heat transfer coefficient between air and the absorber has been significantly improved.