bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Action-Based Embodied Design for Proportions: From the Laboratory to the Classroom
Authors: Alberto Rosa , van Helden Gitte , Bakker Arthur
Published: October 2022

Embodied learning technologies have shown efficacy in laboratories with ideal supportive conditions, but their effectiveness in classroom with “real-world” constraints is yet understudied. Inspired by the innovation implementation framework, we compare the classroom-situated engagements of two student pairs and their teachers with the action-based embodied design for proportions with earlier laboratory and classroom study findings and conjecture on influential factors. Much of these classroom students’ sensorimotor learning resembled laboratory findings, but they had more opportunities to be overtly engaged with their hands and self-directed in including artifacts, likely influenced by (unintended) technological changes and setting-specific environmental affordances. Their teachers’ engagements resembled laboratory findings to some extent, but showed less perceptiveness to students’ qualitative multimodal expressions and more directedness in introducing new quantitative forms of engagements, likely influenced by setting-specific fragmented access and novelty of the embodied pedagogy. We discuss the importance of focusing on teachers and conducting semi-natural efficacy research.

The impact sheet to this article can be accessed at 10.6084/m9.figshare.21205298.
Bringing Trade and Environmental Norms Together: The Case of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Negotiations
Authors: Cho Youngjeen
Published: October 2022

Protecting the environment is not a new topic in international trade law. The growing environmental impacts of globalization have made protecting the environment an increasingly pressing issue. In fisheries subsidies negotiations since 2001, WTO members have attempted to introduce environmental norms into the existing trade law framework. After examining the draft text and the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, this article finds it difficult and inappropriate to assess and regulate purely environmental issues through the lens of trade agreements, particularly the SCM Agreement. The draft text and the Agreement reveal conflicts with the basic concepts, principles, and framework of WTO law and do not ensure effective conservation of fisheries stocks. Based on these findings, this article argues that, as much as the conservation of fish stocks is imperative, it should be done in a manner consistent with the basic framework of international law and international trade law.
Eumasia thomasii sp. nov. a new species of the subfamily Eumasiinae (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) from India
Authors: UNNIKRISHNAN USHA AYYATH , SOBCZYK THOMAS , JOSE ROBY THEKKUDAN , JOSE JOYCE
Published: October 2022

A new species of bagworm, Eumasia thomasii sp. nov. is described from Kerala, India. This is the third species in the genus Eumasia reported from India and the tenth from Asia. The report presents the morphology of adults, larva, and cases along with information on distribution and ecology.
Total Steroid Intake is Associated With Hospital Mortality in Patients With Pan-Peritonitis due to Colorectal Perforation
Authors: Suda Kotaro , Shimizu Takayuki , Ishizuka Mitsuru , Miyashita Shotaro , Niki Maiko , Shibuya Norisuke , Hachiya Hiroyuki , Shiraki Takayuki , Matsumoto Takatsugu , Sakuraoka Yuhki , Mori Shozo , Iso Yukihiro , Takagi Kazutoshi , Aoki Taku , Kubota Keiichi
Published: October 2022

Background

Patients with pan-peritonitis (PP) due to colorectal perforation have high mortality rate because colorectal perforation causes septic shock. The association between total steroid intake (TSI) and hospital mortality of such patients is not clear.

Methods

One hundred forty-two patients who underwent surgery for PP due to colorectal perforation were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups by 8000 mg of TSI. The cut-off value of TSI was determined using a receiver operating characteristic curve for hospital mortality.

Results

The cut-off value of TSI for hospital mortality was 8000 mg. Patients with TSI>8000 mg had high rate of hemodialysis, hospital mortality, and elevated neutrophil ratio (>95%) compared with those with TSI≤8000 mg. Multivariate analyses revealed that TSI (>8000/≤8000, mg) (OR, 9.669; 95% CI, 1.011-92.49; P = .049) was significantly associated with hospital mortality as well as bleeding volume (>1000/≤1000, mL) (OR, 26.08; 95% CI, 3.566-190.4; P = .001), lymphocyte ratio (≤4/>4, %) (OR, 7.988; 95% CI, 1.498-42.58; P = .015) and C-reactive protein (≤7.5/>7.5, mg/dL) (OR, 41.66; 95% CI, 4.784-33.33; P = .001).

Discussion

There was a significant association between TSI and hospital mortality in patients with PP due to colorectal perforation as well as intraoperative bleeding and systemic inflammatory markers.
Millennial femininity and the harmonious state of mind
Authors: Sa’ar Amalia , Simchai Dalit
Published: October 2022

The article depicts feminine subjectivity among women of the millennial generation. Content analysis of an open question relating to the answers of 623 Israeli participants reveals perceptions of femininity as at once gender conscious and non-political. Respondents express a strong sense of entitlement to gender equality yet retain an essentialized perception of gender differences. They are aware of the contradictory demands directed at women, but avoid problematizing them, instead priding themselves on their capacity to encompass both feminine and masculine traits without losing femininity. We identify in the women’s framing a strong commitment to a harmonious worldview and a non-political outlook and trace it to the influences of the global, late-modern generational preoccupation with personal transformation, self-governmentality, and positive thinking.
Equidistant Response Options on Likert-Type Instruments: Testing the Interval Scaling Assumption Using Mplus
Authors: Sideridis Georgios , Tsaousis Ioannis , Ghamdi Hanan
Published: October 2022

The purpose of the present study was to provide the means to evaluate the “interval-scaling” assumption that governs the use of parametric statistics and continuous data estimators in self-report instruments that utilize Likert-type scaling. Using simulated and real data, the methodology to test for this important assumption is evaluated using the popular software Mplus 8.8. Evidence on meeting the assumption is provided using the Wald test and the equidistant index. It is suggested that routine evaluations of self-report instruments engage the present methodology so that the most appropriate estimator will be implemented when testing the construct validity of self-report instruments.
Comparison of cartilage and temporalis fascia grafts in type 1 tympanoplasty: A meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Kai , Zhao Rui
Published: October 2022

Objective

To systematically review the results of type 1 tympanoplasties with temporalis fascia (TF) vs cartilage grafts in patients with chronic otitis media.

Methods

Eligible studies were identified from PubMed, Ovid, and EMBASE databases prior to November 2021. We analyzed the pure tone audiometry (PTA) and air-bone gap (ABG) data as continuous variables, and the success rate was analyzed as a dichotomous variable.

Results

Forty-four studies, including 4582 patients, were eligible. The cartilage graft overall morphologic success rate was higher than that of the TF grafts ( P < .001). In the palisade ( P < .004) and island grafts ( P < .001) subgroups, the analysis was significantly different. However, there was no significant difference in the inlay butterfly grafts subgroup. For hearing outcomes, the analysis revealed that TF grafts had a smaller mean post-operative ABG ( P = .009). However, the subgroup analysis showed no significant difference in the mean post-operative ABG. For PTA, there was no significant difference in hearing improvement. However, the palisade cartilage graft subgroup resulted in a better hearing outcome than the TF graft subgroup in terms of the mean post-operative PTA ( P = .007). There was no significant difference in the functional success rate or mean ABG gain.

Conclusion

Cartilage grafts have a better success rate than TF grafts in tympanoplasty. Both cartilage and TF tympanoplasty provided similar improvements in hearing outcome, while TF grafts generated a better outcome in post-operative ABG and palisade cartilage grafts in post-operative PTA. This may be related to the biological characteristics of the grafts. Further thorough studies need to be conducted.
Playing Chess When You Only Have a Couple of Pawns: Policy Advocacy in Teacher Education
Authors: Aydarova Elena , Rigney James , Dana Nancy Fichtman
Published: October 2022

Background:

In recent years, intermediary organizations have increasingly influenced educational policy. Among other proposals, they have promoted teacher education redesign based on technocratic values and stringent accountability measures. In response to these policy changes and the intensifying crisis in the teaching profession, teacher educators have been called to engage in policy debates. Yet, to date, few studies have explored how teacher educators participate in policy advocacy.

Purpose/Research Question:

The purpose of this study is to examine variations in teacher educators’ efforts to influence policymaking decisions. Using the conceptual framework of policy advocacy, the study addresses the following research question: How do teacher educators engage in policy advocacy?

Research Design:

The study utilizes multiple case study methodology and incorporates four cases. Through a qualitative analysis of interviews, policy artifacts, policy documents, and videos of official policymaking and legislative meetings, we document how teacher educators seek to influence the direction of teacher education reforms by engaging with policymakers, the public, and other policy actors. We compare advocacy activities of different teacher educators and note the varying outcomes these activities produce.

Findings:

Our study shows that teacher educators engaged in information campaigning through research briefs, policy reports, letter writing, and sharing personal stories. Although some attempted to engage the public, most focused their efforts on building relationships with decision-makers. Despite those efforts, study participants were rarely consulted when new policies were conceptualized. Our study also points to a contrast between groups that worked to disrupt policy agendas of intermediary organizations and those that aligned their advocacy work with them. Those who attempted to advocate against the measures promoted by intermediary organizations faced more challenges than those who formed coalitions with intermediary organizations.

Conclusions:

Our study sheds light on the paradox teacher educators faced when they engaged in policy advocacy. Resisting the agendas of intermediary organizations (IOs) made policy advocacy more challenging for teacher educators. But coalitions with IOs could co-opt teacher educators’ voices toward technocratic agendas of teacher education reform.
A diplomatic trip
Authors: Günel Gökçe
Published: October 2022

Why do infrastructures remain in place if they do not perform the functions which compelled their design? If soft infrastructures such as diplomatic trips do not increase bilateral trade volumes, why do they stay on the agenda? Drawing on fieldwork with businesspeople and government representatives attending a Turkish government sponsored diplomatic trip to Algeria, Mauritania and Senegal in 2018, this article makes three points. First, it shows that businesspeople joined diplomatic trips, not necessarily because they were interested in African markets or because they had the necessary expertise to engage in foreign trade, but because they saw them as practical spaces for improving their relations with Turkey’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) government. Second, it points to how businesspeople believed that participation in these networks offered “a fast track,” enabling entrepreneurs to acquire wealth quickly. Third, it demonstrates that businesspeople participate not only because they seek involvement in relationships of exchange, but also because they believe in the emergence of a grand Turkey, dominant in international politics. In this context, such infrastructures remain intact not necessarily because they fulfill the promises with which they were started, but because they serve legible pragmatic and ideological purposes for a range of users. Overall, this article documents and analyzes how businesspeople in Turkey conceptualize their existing and future presence in African markets, while providing windows into the repurposing of soft infrastructure.
Latina Mothers of Young Children With Special Needs: Personal Narratives Capturing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Luna Adriana , Zulauf-McCurdy Courtney A. , Harbin Shawna , Fettig Angel
Published: October 2022

The Latino community has been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in unique challenges. This paper explores the lived experiences of five Spanish-speaking Latina mothers of young children receiving early childhood special education (ECSE) services during the pandemic. Through in-depth qualitative interviews, this paper focuses on the following research questions: (1) What barriers have Spanish-speaking Latino families encountered in ECSE service delivery during this pandemic? (2) How have families overcome those barriers? Latina mothers describe how despite encountering numerous barriers to ECSE service delivery during the pandemic, they also experienced key areas of support and strength. We discuss how ECSE professionals can leverage these sources of support and strength in a culturally responsive manner to better support the Latino community through the pandemic. By presenting interviews with Latina mothers, this paper offers a unique interpretation of their experience, which is often left out of educational research.
Teriprizumab-induced myocarditis in a patient with cholangiocarcinoma: a case report
Authors: Ye Yunyao , Li Yiping , Zhang Sihui , Han Gaohua
Published: October 2022

With the extensive use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in advanced-stage cancers, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have been noted in various systems. While most irAEs are reversible and manageable, cardiac toxicities are rare but life-threatening, with high mortality rates. We present a case of a 71-year-old man with cholangiocarcinoma who developed myocarditis related to ICIs 29 days after the first infusion of teriprizumab combined with albumin-bound paclitaxel and gemcitabine. He was initially asymptomatic after admission but with substantial elevations of troponin I and myocardial enzymes. Sixteen hours after admission, he developed palpitations, dizziness, and syncope. Electrocardiography confirmed third-degree atrioventricular block and frequent ventricular premature contractions for which he received high-dose corticosteroids and a permanent pacemaker. The patient survived and permanently discontinued immunotherapy. Early identification and intervention are the keys to improving the prognosis of immune myocarditis.
Race and statistics in facial recognition: Producing types, physical attributes, and genealogies
Authors: Nieves Delgado Abigail
Published: October 2022

Principal component analysis (PCA) is a common statistical procedure. In forensics, it is used in facial recognition technologies and composite sketching systems. PCA is especially helpful in contexts with high facial diversity, which is often translated as racial diversity. In these settings, researchers use PCA to define a ‘normal face’ and organize the rest of the available facial diversity based on their resemblance to or difference from that norm. In this way, the use of PCA introduces an ‘ontology of the normal’ in which expectations about how a normal face should look are corroborated by statistical calculations of normality. I argue that the use of PCA can lead to a statistical reification of racial stereotypes that informs recognition practices. I discuss current and historical cases in which PCA is used: one of face perception theorization (‘face space theory’) and two of technology development (the ‘eigenfaces’ facial recognition algorithm and the ‘EvoFIT’ composite sketching system). In each, PCA aligns facial normality with racial expectations, and instrumentalizes race in specific ways: as a type, physical attribute, or genealogy. This analysis of PCA does two things. First, it opens the black box of facial recognition to uncover how stereotypes and intuitions about normality become part of theories and technologies of facial recognition. Second, it explains why racial categorizations remain central in contemporary identification technologies and other forensic practices.
The relationship between school-age children’s interoceptive awareness and executive functioning: An exploratory study
Authors: Bishop Caitlin , Brown Ted , Yu Mong-Lin
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Independently, interoceptive awareness and executive functioning play major roles in children’s abilities to engage in their daily occupations. This study investigated the potential relationship between neurotypical school-age children’s interoceptive awareness and executive functioning.

Method:

A convenience sample of 30 children (8–12 years) completed the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness–youth and one of their parents completed the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function® – Second Edition (BRIEF®2). Spearman rho correlations and linear regression analyses with bootstrapping were completed.

Results:

The Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness–youth Emotional Awareness aspect of interoceptive awareness was significantly correlated with and predictive of the following BRIEF®2 executive functioning components: Emotion Regulation Index (ρ = 0.402, R2 = 0.888, p < 0.001), Cognitive Regulation Index (ρ = 0.364, R2 = 0.256, p < 0.001) and the Global Executive Composite (ρ = 0.049, R2 = 0.128, p < 0.012), as well as the following subscales: Organisation of Materials (ρ = 0.422, R2 = 0.150, p < 0.020), Working Memory (ρ = 0.393, R2 = 0.085, p < 0.033), Emotional Control (ρ = 0.394, R2 = 0.176, p < 0.002) and Inhibit (ρ = 0.373, R2 = 0.141, p < 0.003).

Conclusion:

It appears that there is a significant and predictive relationship between neurotypical children’s interoceptive awareness and aspects of their executive functioning.
Glenoid Track Width Is Smaller Under Dynamic Conditions: An In Vivo Dual-Fluoroscopy Imaging Study
Authors: Wu Chenliang , Wang Yufan , Wang Cong , Chen Jiebo , Xu Junjie , Yu Wanxin , Huang Kai , Ye Zipeng , Jiang Jia , Tsai Tsung-Yuan , Zhao Jinzhong , Xie Guoming
Published: October 2022

Background:

The glenoid track concept has been widely used to assess the risk of instability due to bipolar bone loss. The glenoid track width was commonly used as 83% of the glenoid width to determine if a lesion was on-track or off-track. However, the value was obtained under static conditions, and it may not be able to reflect the actual mechanism of traumatic dislocation during motion.

Purpose:

To compare the glenoid track width under dynamic and static conditions using a dual-fluoroscopic imaging system.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

In total, 40 shoulders of 20 healthy volunteers were examined for both dynamic and static tests within a dual-fluoroscopic imaging system at 5 different arm positions: 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, and 150° of abduction, keeping the shoulder at 90° of external rotation. The participants performed a fast horizontal arm backswing for dynamic tests while keeping their arm in maximum horizontal extension for static tests. Computed tomography scans were used to create 3-dimensional models of the humerus and scapula for 2-dimensional to 3-dimensional image registration. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained to delineate the medial margin of the rotator cuff insertion. The glenoid track width was measured as the distance from the anterior rim of the glenoid to the medial margin of the rotator cuff insertion and compared between static and dynamic conditions.

Results:

The mean glenoid track widths at 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, and 150° of abduction were significantly smaller under dynamic conditions (88%, 81%, 72%, 69%, and 68% of the glenoid width) than those under static conditions (101%, 92%, 84%, 78%, and 77% of the glenoid width) (all P < .001). The glenoid track width significantly decreased with the increasing abduction angles in the range of 30° to 120° under static conditions (all P < .003) and 30° to 90° under dynamic conditions (all P < .001).

Conclusion:

A smaller dynamic-based value should be considered for the glenoid track width when distinguishing on-track/off-track lesions. Clinical evidence is needed to establish the superiority of the dynamic-based value over the static-based value as an indicator for augmentation procedures.

Clinical Relevance:

Some off-track lesions might be misclassified as on-track lesions when the original commonly used static-based value of 83% is used as the glenoid track width.
Human Adipose- and Amnion-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Similarly Mitigate Osteoarthritis Progression in the Dunkin Hartley Guinea Pig
Authors: Kwapisz Adam , Bowman Mackenzie , Walters Joshua , Cosh Heather , Burnikel Brian , Tokish John , Ye Tong , Mercuri Jeremy
Published: October 2022

Background:

Clinical trials are currently underway to investigate the efficacy of intra-articular administration of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to mitigate osteoarthritis (OA) progression in the knee. Although multiple MSC sources exist, studies have yet to determine whether differences in therapeutic efficacy exist between them.

Purpose:

To compare the ability of intra-articularly injected adipose-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs) and amnion-derived MSCs (AM-MSCs) to mitigate the progression of knee OA in a small animal model of spontaneous OA, as well as to compare the therapeutic potential of MSCs in hyaluronic acid (HA) and in HA only with saline (OA) controls.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Injections of AD-MSCs or AM-MSCs suspended in HA or HA only were performed in the rear stifle joints of 3-month-old Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs (DHGPs). Repeat injections occurred at 2 and 4 months after the initial injection in each animal. Contralateral limbs received saline injections and served as untreated controls. Subsequently, joints were analyzed for osteoarthritic changes of the cartilage and subchondral bone via histologic and biochemical analyses. To evaluate MSC retention time in the joint space, DHGPs received a single intra-articular injection of fluorescently labeled AD-MSCs or AM-MSCs, and the fluorescence intensity was longitudinally tracked via an in vivo imaging system.

Results:

No statistically significant differences in outcomes were found when comparing the ability of AD-MSCs and AM-MSCs to mitigate OA. However, the injection of AD-MSCs, AM-MSCs, and HA-only treatments more effectively mitigated cartilage damage compared with that of saline controls by demonstrating higher amounts of cartilage glycosaminoglycan content and improved histological proteoglycan scoring while reducing the percentage of osteophytes present.

Conclusion:

Intra-articular injection of AD-MSCs, AM-MSCs, or HA only was able to similarly mitigate the progression of cartilage damage and reduce the percentage of osteophytes compared with that of saline controls in the DHGP. However, this study was unable to establish the superiority of AD-MSCs versus AM-MSCs as a treatment to mitigate spontaneous OA.

Clinical Relevance:

MSCs demonstrate the ability to mitigate the progression of knee OA and thus may be used in a prophylactic approach to delay the need for end-stage treatment strategies.
A semi-active control method for magnetorheological dampers to suppress the milling vibration of thin-walled workpieces
Authors: Chen Bing , Zhao Zhijun , Yang Baotong , Qi Junde , Niu Zhiyang
Published: October 2022

Thin-walled workpieces are widely used in the aerospace field, and milling is the main processing method of such components. However, thin-walled workpieces are prone to vibrate during milling because of their weak stiffness, and the vibrations significantly affect the processing quality. Therefore, it is important to develop a novel milling vibration suppression method for thin-walled parts. The present work focused on the milling vibration control of a thin-walled workpiece using a semi-active magnetorheological (MR) damper. The forward dynamic model and inverse control model of the MR damper were first established, and its actuating position on the workpiece was then determined by modal analysis. The dynamic model of the MR damper at this position was built based on the proposed dynamic parameter acquisition method and used in the following semi-active control algorithm design. The effectiveness of this algorithm was verified by MATLAB/Simulink simulations. Finally, six groups of milling experiments were carried out using the non-damper, the rigid rod, the damper applied with 1-, 2-, and 3-A currents, and the semi-active control damper to validate the practical effect of the proposed algorithm. It was found that the designed semi-active control MR damper outperformed the constant-current control dampers or the rigid rod. In comparison to the non-damper experiment, the root mean square (RMS) values of milling forces in x- and y-directions decreased by 45.12% and 48.58%, respectively, and surface roughness decreased by 40.22%.
Hydrothermal study of nanofluid flow in channel by RBF method with exponential boundary conditions
Authors: Fallah Najafabadi Maryam , Talebi Rostami Hossein , Hosseinzadeh Khashayar , Ganji Davood Domiri
Published: October 2022

Our study investigates the motion, temperature and volume fraction of a nanofluid that flows at a vertical channel exposed to natural and forced (mixed) convection heat transfer. The distribution function for temperature and volume fraction on the channel's wall is exponential. Nanofluid governing equations have been solved using the radial basis function method. Various parameters, including Grashof number, Brownian motion, thermophoresis parameter, plus distinct states for temperature and volume fraction functions for the channel's wall, have been probed. The results show that increasing the Grashof number by 50% will increase the fluid velocity and temperature by about 41% and 5.7% and decrease the volume fraction by 22%. In addition, it has been proved that doubling the Brownian motion parameter improves the fluid temperature and velocity by 67% and 66% and lowers the volume fraction by 53%. Moreover, increasing the thermophoresis parameter has a similar effect to the Brownian motion parameter. Finally, it has been seen that velocity, temperature and volume fraction functions strongly depend on temperature and volume fraction distribution functions on the channel's wall.
Socioeconomic status, reputation, and interpersonal trust in peer-to-peer markets: Evidence from an online experiment
Authors: Keijzer Marijn A , Corten Rense
Published: October 2022

Online peer-to-peer markets decentralize the distribution of resources, creating a trust problem in economic exchange on the internet. Individual characteristics of trustees — as determinants for being trusted — are therefore increasingly important. In light of this societal development, this study investigates the role of socioeconomic status and reputation as drivers of interpersonal trust. Some have argued that lower status trustees are trusted more easily because over the life course, they repeatedly rely on others' resources. Others state that higher status trustees are perceived as being more trustworthy, because they are more vulnerable to social control and loss of reputation. We propose a novel, experimental method for examining interpersonal trust situations that resembles the reality of peer-to-peer market platforms. 626 subjects in an online experiment were asked to place trust in their preferable trustee based on the asking price, and seller characteristics. The results from conditional logistic regression models showed that status increases perceived trustworthiness and positively affects the trust premium for past trustworthy behavior. Strong reputation effects were found, sending out a warning for inequitable emergent inequality of trust through reputation cascading.
Precautionary Social Planning
Authors: Feigenbaum James , Jin Tong
Published: October 2022

It is a truism of neoclassical economics that a sufficiently high savings rate will be bad if it is dynamically inefficient. Here we consider a Solow model in which households follow a savings rate dictated by a social planner. Ideally, the social planner would instruct households to save at the Golden Rule savings rate that maximizes consumption per capita, but this advice needs to be adjusted when the social planner has imperfect control over how much households actually save. Analogous to what happens with precautionary saving at the household level, in this case, the social planner will maximize social welfare by targeting a savings rate higher than the Golden Rule. Precautionary social planning then yields a dynamically inefficient allocation, albeit with greater stability of consumption, which is often a stated priority of social planners.
Rediscovering a valuable manual Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK) technique: Outcomes of 42 "Peeling-off" DALK
Authors: Sarnicola Caterina , Sarnicola Vincenzo , Romani Andrea , Sarnicola Enrica
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Residual bed thickness in DALK should be less than 80μm to provide optimal visual outcomes. “Peeling-off” is a manual DALK technique, which separates the anterior stroma by pulling the deep stromal lamellae following the plane of their lowest adhesion, which is usually very deep. The purpose of this study is to measure the residual bed thickness achievable with this technique.

Methods

Retrospective case series of “Peeling-off” DALK cases performed between January 2014 and January 2021 with at least 1 year of follow-up. Indications for DALK, intraoperative and postoperative complications, residual recipient bed thickness at 1 day and at 1 month after surgery, and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 1 year of follow up were evaluated.

Results

42 eyes (42 patients) underwent DALK performed with “Peeling-off” technique. Indications for surgery were keratoconus in 33 eyes and stromal scar in 9 eyes. “Peeling-off” technique was used as a rescue approach to perform a DALK after a failed Big-Bubble in all cases, and also failed Air-Visco-Bubble in some cases. No intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Residual recipient bed thickness was deep and regular, measuring 42 microns at 1 day postoperative (range 21–65 microns) and 23 microns (range 17–26 microns) at 1 month postoperative. Mean postoperative BCVA at 1 year of follow up was 0.18 logMAR ± 0.09.

Conclusion

“Peeling-off” DALK is a valuable manual technique that achieves a deep stromal plane with optimal visual outcomes.
A plurinational transformation: an entanglement between change and continuity
Authors: Rodriguez Alvarez Gloriana
Published: October 2022

The persistence of a broad coalition of social movements, including Indigenous-led protests in the 1990s, the War on Gas, War on Water and the election of Evo Morales, contributed to a Plurinational Constitution in 2009. The result was a profound reframing of the social contract, enshrining legal, political and social pluralism. Nevertheless, the extent to which these measures have led to an improvement is still debated. For this reason, based on 22 interviews in La Paz and Sucre with former Constituent Assembly members from 2017 to 2019, this article examines the role of social movements in contesting the status quo. Second, it explores whether the pluralistic measures have changed the situation of Indigenous peoples and decolonised the governance model.
Vibration and sound pressure reduction over a wide frequency range with an optimal dynamic vibration absorber
Authors: Han Sol Ji , Kim Dohyeong , Yoon Gil Ho
Published: October 2022

In this study, an optimized dynamic vibration absorber (DVA) was applied to improve the sound absorption performance and simultaneously attenuate vibrations and structure-borne noise at multiple frequencies. As the size parameters and eigenfrequencies of a DVA demonstrate a nonlinear relationship, tuning the eigenfrequencies by heuristically modifying the geometric parameters of the DVA is difficult. To avoid this intricate process, geometric parameters were optimized using a gradient method solver to tune the eigenvalues of the DVA to the target frequencies. Post-processing was performed for the sake of manufacturing. To confirm the validity of the performance of the sound absorption and vibration/noise attenuation, impedance tube experiments and impact experiments were conducted using the manufactured DVA. The impedance tube experiment verified that the values of the sound absorption coefficient increased with the application of the DVA. From the impact experiments, it was verified that the values of the frequency response function and sound pressure level decreased with the application of the DVA. The present study validates the notion that optimized DVAs improve the sound absorption performance of structures and simultaneously reduce vibrations and sound pressures at multiple desired frequencies.
Wild bears, real bears and zoo bears: Authenticity and nature in Anthropocene tourism
Authors: Bueddefeld Jill NH , Erickson Bruce
Published: October 2022

Within nature-based tourism research, authenticity has received a great deal of attention in relation to existential authenticity and in examining the authenticity of experiences. Yet very little research exists that explores the ways in which tourists perceive wildlife as more or less authentic, as objects in nature-based tourism discourses. This qualitative case study research explores visitors’ perspectives in relation to polar bear tourism in Churchill, Manitoba (in situ) and at the Assiniboine Park Zoo’s ‘Journey to Churchill’ exhibit (ex situ) in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The ‘Journey to Churchill’ exhibit was built with the intention of representing aspects of the landscape, wildlife and town-site found in and around Churchill, Manitoba. These two sites provide a unique opportunity to compare in situ and ex situ nature-based tourism experiences, since the sites have similar elements such as wildlife species, landscape features and other contextual factors (such as environmental issues and cultural influence). The findings from this research suggests that perceived authenticity of the polar bears, more than the experience, contributes to the construction of learning experiences about climate change. We review the work of authenticity in nature-based tourism and suggest a rethinking of the work of authenticity for both educators and operators in nature tourism. This research has important implications for better understanding how visitors construct their perceptions of authenticity of wildlife and the implications for the ways in which wildlife tourism experiences and authenticity narratives are constructed in Anthropocene tourism.
Effect of Cu-Al2O3 nanoparticles on the performance of chlorinated polyethylene nanocomposites
Authors: Ramesan MT , Suvarna S
Published: October 2022

This work insight into the structural, morphological, thermal, conductivity, dielectric and mechanical properties of chlorinated polyethylene/copper alumina (CPE/Cu-Al2O3) nanocomposites. The Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) of the nanocomposites ensured the presence of Cu-Al2O3 in the polymer chains of chlorinated polyethylene. The X-ray diffractograms (XRD) clearly showed the amorphous nature of the pure polymer and the crystallinity imparted by the addition of the nanosized Cu-Al2O3 into the polymer. The surface morphology of CPE and CPE with different filler loadings was examined using a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and the images showed the presence of hemispherical particles of nanometric size. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the nanocomposite system was determined by differential scanning calorimetric analysis, and the Tg values showed an increase with the loading of nanoparticles. Investigation of electrical conductivity and impedance properties at room temperature with varying applied frequencies demonstrated an enhancement in electrical properties with the addition of nanoparticles. Dielectric constant and dielectric loss exhibit an increasing nature with frequency. The mechanical properties of the polymer nanocomposites, such as tensile strength, modulus, hardness, and impact resistance, were improved while their elongation at break was decreased by the addition of Cu-Al2O3. Several theoretical models were correlated with the experimental tensile strength to study the reinforcing mechanism of Cu-Al2O3 reinforced CPE.
The Politics of Re-Opening Schools: Explaining Public Preferences Reopening Schools and Public Compliance with Reopening Orders During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Collins Jonathan E
Published: October 2022

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the decision to reopen schools for in-person instruction has become a pressing policy issue. This study examines what overall factors drive public support for schools re-opening in person and whether members of the public are willing to comply with school re-opening decisions based on their own preferences and/or the level of government from which the order comes. Through two rounds of national surveys with an embedded experiment, I find consistent evidence that 1) trust in information from elites - not contact with COVID - best explain preferences for reopening, 2) political ideology and racial and class identification help explain preferences as well, and 3) the President of the United States is best positioned to generate compliance with a school reopening mandate. This study suggests that politics - not public health - drives public support for schools reopening and compliance with government orders to reopen.
Trans-radial spinal angiography: A single-center experience
Authors: Quinn Coridon , Masood Kamran , Mehta Tapan , Topiwala Karan , Grande Andrew , Tummala Ramachandra , Jagadeesan Bharathi D.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Spinal angiography (SpAn) is the gold standard for diagnosis of spinal dural fistulas and arteriovenous malformations. A complete spinal angiogram necessitates the interrogation of the segmental arteries arising from the aorta at every level as well, the internal iliac; and median sacral arteries at the caudal end; and the cervical vasculature at the cranial end. SpAn has traditionally been performed with transfemoral arterial access and could be challenging. Of late, transradial arterial access has emerged as a popular alternative for endovascular surgical Neuroradiology (ESN) procedures including SpAn. However, there is paucity of the literature regarding transradial access for spinal angiography.

Methods

After IRB approval, records and imaging were reviewed in a series of patients who underwent SpAn at our institution.

Results

A total of nine spinal angiograms were performed via transradial access in a consecutive series of eight patients between July 2019 and December 2020 at our institution. Eight of these were diagnostic SpAn's, and one patient underwent SpAn with transradial approach for the treatment of a type I spinal dural arteriovenous fistula. No complications occurred during or subsequent to the procedures.

Conclusion

SpAn can be successfully and safely accomplished via transradial access. This approach appears to provide a stable method for interventions, as well.
Sexual health and safety of adolescents with intellectual disability: Challenges and concerns among special educators in India
Authors: Jeyachandran Vaishnavi , Ranjelin S P Divya , Kumar Aneesh
Published: October 2022

Sexual health education among adolescents with intellectual disabilities is an area of concern among parents and educators. Special educators play a vital role in teaching sexual health and safety to their students with disabilities. The present study explores special educators' concerns in teaching sexual health among adolescents with intellectual disabilities. The participants included 35 special educators working with adolescents with intellectual disabilities in India. Summative content analysis of the data collected using a semi-structured interview schedule highlights the neglect of the issues related to sexual health among adolescents with disabilities. Special educators reported the challenges in providing sexual health education. Teachers lacked skills in imparting sexual health education. Developmentally and culturally appropriate sexual health education can help adolescents with a disability learn healthy life skills. The paper emphasizes the need for professional support and training among special educators on sexual health education.
Neighing dogs: Semantic context effects of environmental sounds in spoken word production - a replication and extension
Authors: Brownsett Sonia LE , Mascelloni Matteo , Gowlett Georgia , McMahon Katie L , de Zubicaray Greig I
Published: October 2022

Semantic context effects are well established using both words and pictures as stimuli. One such effect, semantic interference, is observed in naming latencies when a categorically related distractor word or picture is presented together with a target picture (e.g., dog-LION). Recently, this effect has also been shown to occur when an environmental sound (e.g., a dog barking) is presented as an auditory distractor during picture naming and when a distractor picture is presented with a target sound for naming. The purpose of the current study was twofold: (1) to replicate the semantic interference effect in the picture–sound interference ( PSI) paradigm and (2) determine whether a semantic interference effect is also observable when distractor words are presented with environmental sounds as target auditory objects for naming, using a novel sound–word interference ( SWI) paradigm. We replicated the semantic interference effect in Experiment 1 with environmental sound distractors. Experiment 2 demonstrated significant semantic interference during an SWI paradigm for the first time. We discuss the implications of these results for our understanding of the origin and locus of the semantic interference effect according to current theories of lexical selection.
Head impacts in non-helmeted sports: Measuring and locating the impact force
Authors: Sohail Jazim , Teixeira-Dias Filipe , Merriman Susan
Published: October 2022

Mild traumatic brain injury within contact sports is a growing concern due to the serious risk of injury and concussion. Extensive research is being conducted looking into head kinematics during impacts in non-helmeted contact sports utilizing instrumented mouthguards, allowing researchers to record accelerations and velocities of the head during and after an impact. This does not, however, allow the location of the impact on the head, and its magnitude and orientation, to be determined. This research proposes and validates an algorithm using rigid body dynamics that approximates the impact force and determines its location and orientation from instrumented mouthguard kinematic data. Impact data captured from an experimental laboratory test using an instrumented mouthguard and five finite element simulations are used to validate the algorithm. The obtained results from both validation methods highlight the effectiveness of the proposed impact magnitude and location algorithm as impact locations were calculated within 12 mm of the impact center for all conducted tests. Additionally, components of force unit vectors (direction cosines) obtained from the algorithm were within ±0.03, which equates to less than 11% of the components of applied force unit vectors, highlighting the accuracy of impact direction vector established from the algorithm. This algorithm has the potential to significantly aid researchers conducting field tests within non-helmeted sports by reducing the time required to analyze and determine head impact locations.
Economics and politics under Modi government: A synoptic view
Authors: Chowdhury Subhanil
Published: October 2022

In 2019, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won the general elections in India with a thumping majority for the second consecutive term. The BJP government has undertaken controversial policies which have been interpreted as flowing from its ideology of Hindutva, an ideology of aggressive Hindu nationalism. As a result of pursuing these policies, there has been a hollowing out of democracy in India according to scholars and reputed international organizations. On the other hand, in the last 8 years, the Indian economy has gone through major slowdowns and policy-induced crises, which the pandemic has further intensified. The paper tries to look at these political and economic processes under the Modi government simultaneously. It shows that the conditions of the Indian people have deteriorated during BJP rule. However, this has not affected the political fortunes of the government. The paper tries to answer how one can view the economic stagnation witnessed during the last 8 years together with the rise of Hindu nationalism in India. We argue that BJP wants to redefine the Indian nation in its Hindutva image. Such a re-imagination backed by state power has postponed the political blowback resulting from the economic crisis. Additionally, the BJP has articulated a new politics for the poor (without redistribution) and a new politics of caste to sustain its hegemony. The enduring dominance of BJP in the political domain of India even after a below-average economic performance during the last 8 years is therefore a result of multiple factors pertaining to Hindutva, nationalism and a new politics of caste and the poor.
Intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone for genitourinary symptoms of the menopause: Is the evidence sufficient?
Authors: Kearley-Shiers Katherine , Holloway Debra , Janice Rymer  , Bruce Deborah
Published: October 2022

Intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a locally metabolised estrogen and androgen precursor, licensed in 2018 in the EU for moderate to severe vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. A literature search revealed four original trials suitable for appraisal, three evaluating change in dyspareunia or dryness as a primary outcome, one evaluated safety as a primary outcome. In two trials of 255 and 558 women without cancer, the benefit of placebo (nightly vaginal suppositories with a lipophilic base) was a 0.9 and 1 point reduction in dyspareunia as measured on a 3 point scale, an unvalidated outcome measure. With nightly DHEA, dyspareunia was reduced by an additional 0.4 points compared to placebo. When 464 women with gynaecological cancer were randomised, those using nightly plain moisturiser gel reported a reduction of ‘most bothersome symptom’ (either dyspareunia or dryness) of 1.5 points on a 3 point scale. Those using nightly DHEA reported an additional symptom reduction of 0.3 points. This is also an unvalidated outcome measure. Data evaluating the efficacy of DHEA over placebo is unconvincing and based on unvalidated primary outcome measures that also do not reflect the complex psycho-sexual and socio-cultural components of genitourinary menopausal symptoms. The efficacy and safety data excluded women taking systemic HRT, applies to postmenopausal, not perimenopausal, women and had relatively short follow up. It is important further independent trials use sophisticated and validated assessment tools to better establish the efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness of intravaginal DHEA in clinically representative groups of women before being routinely prescribed.