bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Acute Ischemic Stroke Presentation, Treatment, and Outcomes
Authors: White Timothy G. , Martinez Gabriela , Wang Jason , Gribko Michele , Boltyenkov Artem , Arora Rohan , Katz Jeffrey M. , Woo Henry H. , Sanelli Pina C.
Published: July 2021

Introduction. The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic last year. While a clear impact of COVID-19 on the declining stroke volume has been reported, its overall impact on stroke presentation and clinical outcomes has not been established. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on acute ischemic stroke volume, presentation, treatment, and outcomes at comprehensive stroke centers. Methods. A retrospective review of patients with a discharge diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke from the Get With The Guidelines database was performed from January 1, 2019, to July 1, 2020. The following time periods were defined: Pre-COVID (January/February), Peak-COVID (March/April), and Post-COVID (May/June). Bivariate analyses were performed comparing the 2020 and 2019 time periods to determine differences in stroke volume, presentation, treatment, and outcomes. Results. Stroke volumes were significantly lower during the Peak-COVID period in 2020 compared to that in 2019, with an absolute decline of 49.5% (

P
<
0.001

). Patients were more likely to present after 24 hours from last known well during the 2020 Peak-COVID period (

P
=
0.03

). However, there was not a significant difference in the rate of treatment with either the tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or mechanical thrombectomy during the Peak-COVID period. Interestingly, relative treatment rates increased during the 2020 Post-COVID period to 11.4% (

P
=
0.01

). Conclusions. The overall ischemic stroke volume decreased during the pandemic, and patients had a tendency to present later, beyond eligible treatment windows. However, rates of treatment, patient demographics, and stroke outcomes did not significantly change when compared to the prior year.
Dynamic Response Analysis of Underground Double‐Line Tunnel under Surface Blasting
Authors: Zhang Pei , Cai Jianhua , Zong Feng , He Yanpeng , Wang Qiong
Published: July 2021

Blasting has been widely used for economical and rapid rock excavation in civil and mining engineering. In order to study the influence of relative horizontal distance and relative vertical distance between two tunnels on the dynamical response of the two tunnels, 10 numerical simulation cases are done by LS‐DYNA 3D models under surface explosion by controlling the clear distance and height difference of double‐line tunnel, and the ALE multimaterial fluid structure coupling algorithm is applied to analyze the dynamic response characteristics of double‐line tunnel under different conditions. The numerical results show that the dynamic response characteristics of the tunnel lining are affected by the change of the clear distance and height difference of the tunnel. With the increase of the height difference between adjacent tunnels, the peak value of vibration velocity at the top of the lining on the blast face increases, which is due to the upward elevation of the right tunnel, which is more conducive to the reflection and superposition of stress waves. When the height difference of tunnel is 4–6 m, the vibration velocity and displacement of monitoring point C on the back blasting side will change abruptly, and the variation range of vibration velocity is about 25%, while the variation range of displacement is about 60%.
Toxic Effect of Khat in Rat Embryos and Fetuses
Authors: Belete Selamawit , Asres Kaleab , Bekuretsion Yonas , Ashebir Rekik , Abebe Melese Shenkut , Seyoum Girma
Published: July 2021

Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) is a plant consumed by many people in Eastern Africa, including Ethiopia, and Southern Arabia to be stimulated. There are several human and animal studies on khat that provide information about its toxic effects. However, the potential toxic effects of khat on embryos and fetuses have not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the embryotoxic and fetotoxic effects of khat exposure during the earliest period of gestation in rats. Pregnant Wistar albino rats were treated with khat extract at 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg doses from day 6 through day 12 of gestation. The treatment was delivered by gavage. Embryos and fetuses were recovered on gestational day 12 or day 20, respectively, and were quantitatively and qualitatively assessed for developmental anomalies. Placentae from the treatment and control groups were investigated for histopathological effects. Results of the present study showed that khat exposure during pregnancy had dose‐dependent toxic effects in rat embryos and fetuses. Prenatal growth retardation such as reduced fetal weight and crown‐rump length was observed in near‐term fetuses, especially, in animals treated with the highest dose of khat (p < 0.05). Growth retardation and developmental anomalies were also observed in day 12 embryos of khat‐treated rats. Maternal weight gain of the khat‐treated group was also significantly lower than the control group. Cytolysis, decidual hypoplasia, and atrophy were observed in the placenta of the khat‐treated rats. Findings of the present study revealed, for the first time, that exposure of pregnant rat to crude extract of khat causes embryotoxic and fetotoxic effects.
ASTX029, a Novel Dual-mechanism ERK Inhibitor, Modulates Both the Phosphorylation and Catalytic Activity of ERK
Authors: Munck Joanne M. , Berdini Valerio , Bevan Luke , Brothwood Jessica L. , Castro Juan , Courtin Aurélie , East Charlotte , Ferraldeschi Roberta , Heightman Tom D. , Hindley Christopher J. , Kucia-Tran Justyna , Lyons John F. , Martins Vanessa , Muench Sandra , Murray Christopher W. , Norton David , O'Reilly Marc , Reader Michael , Rees David C. , Rich Sharna J. , Richardson Caroline J. , Shah Alpesh D. , Stanczuk Lukas , Thompson Neil T. , Wilsher Nicola E. , Woolford Alison J.-A. , Wallis Nicola G.
Published: July 2021

The MAPK signaling pathway is commonly upregulated in human cancers. As the primary downstream effector of the MAPK pathway, ERK is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of MAPK-activated cancers and for overcoming resistance to upstream inhibition. ASTX029 is a highly potent and selective dual-mechanism ERK inhibitor, discovered using fragment-based drug design. Because of its distinctive ERK-binding mode, ASTX029 inhibits both ERK catalytic activity and the phosphorylation of ERK itself by MEK, despite not directly inhibiting MEK activity. This dual mechanism was demonstrated in cell-free systems, as well as cell lines and xenograft tumor tissue, where the phosphorylation of both ERK and its substrate, ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK), were modulated on treatment with ASTX029. Markers of sensitivity were highlighted in a large cell panel, where ASTX029 preferentially inhibited the proliferation of MAPK-activated cell lines, including those with BRAF or RAS mutations. In vivo, significant antitumor activity was observed in MAPK-activated tumor xenograft models following oral treatment. ASTX029 also demonstrated activity in both in vitro and in vivo models of acquired resistance to MAPK pathway inhibitors. Overall, these findings highlight the therapeutic potential of a dual-mechanism ERK inhibitor such as ASTX029 for the treatment of MAPK-activated cancers, including those which have acquired resistance to inhibitors of upstream components of the MAPK pathway. ASTX029 is currently being evaluated in a first in human phase I–II clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors (NCT03520075).
Activation of the ABCB1 Amplicon in Docetaxel- and Cabazitaxel-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Lombard Alan P. , Lou Wei , Armstrong Cameron M. , D'Abronzo Leandro S. , Ning Shu , Evans Christopher P. , Gao Allen C.
Published: July 2021

Docetaxel and cabazitaxel-based taxane chemotherapy are critical components in the management of advanced prostate cancer. However, their efficacy is hindered due to de novo presentation with or the development of resistance. Characterizing models of taxane-resistant prostate cancer will lead to creation of strategies to overcome insensitivity. We have previously characterized docetaxel-resistant C4-2B and DU145 cell line derivatives, TaxR and DU145-DTXR, respectively. In the present study, we characterize cabazitaxel-resistant derivative cell lines created from chronic cabazitaxel exposure of TaxR and DU145-DTXR cells, CabR and CTXR, respectively. We show that CabR and CTXR cells are robustly resistant to both taxanes but retain sensitivity to antiandrogens. Both CabR and CTXR cells possess increased expression of ABCB1, which is shown to mediate resistance to treatment. Interestingly, we also present evidence for coordinated overexpression of additional genes present within the 7q21.12 gene locus where ABCB1 resides. This locus, known as the ABCB1 amplicon, has been demonstrated to be amplified in multidrug-resistant tumor cells, but little is known regarding its role in prostate cancer. We show that two ABCB1-amplicon genes other than ABCB1, RUNDC3B and DBF4, promote cellular viability and treatment resistance in taxane-resistant prostate cancer models. We present evidence that coordinated amplification of ABCB1-amplicon genes is common in a subset of prostate cancer patients. These data together suggest that ABCB1-amplicon activation plays a critical role in taxane resistance.
Toxic Keratoconjunctivitis from Coral Reef
Authors: Begaj Tedi , Ong Tone Stephan , Ciolino Joseph B.
Published: July 2021

A 25-year-old woman presented with right eye pain, lid edema, conjunctival injection and chemosis, and mild corneal epitheliopathy after exposure to fluid content from an aquarium coral reef. Topical moxifloxacin and prednisolone were started 4 times daily, with full clinical resolution after 2 weeks. Toxin-mediated keratoconjunctivitis may occur after exposure to zoanthid coral reef, particularly in aquarium enthusiasts. Topical corticosteroids in tandem with topical antibiotics appear to be effective in mild disease. However, in severe cases that exhibit corneal infiltrates and stromal thinning, close observation is warranted in case of possible keratolysis.
Assessment of Dementia Knowledge Scale for the Nursing Profession and the General Population: Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Validation
Authors: Akyol Merve Aliye , Gönen Şentürk Seher , Akpınar Söylemez Burcu , Küçükgüçlü Özlem
Published: July 2021

Background: The incidence of dementia is increasing dramatically worldwide. It is important to determine knowledge about the dementia for it’s prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and care. The psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS-T) were evaluated in this study. Methods: The psychometric study was conducted. A total of 1592 participants were recruited between November 2019 and March 2020. The data were collected using a sociodemographic form and DKAS-T. The language and content validity, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to assess the validity of the scale. The scale’s reliability was obtained using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, a paired sample t-test, item-total score correlation, and Hotelling’s T-squared test. Results: The mean age of the sample was 29.38 (±11.50) years; 66.8% (n = 1064) were female, and 54.1% (n = 861) reported their income status as income equal to expenditure. The DKAS-T demonstrated content validity and adequate sensitivity (Kendall W = 0.155, p = 0.093). The scale consisted of seventeen items and was unidimensional, which explained 28.705% of the variance. All the factor loadings were found to be >0.30 in factor analysis. In CFA, all of the fit indexes were >0.95 and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was 0.033. A Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.836 was obtained for the entire scale. It was determined that the scale has invariance according to time (t = −1.362, p = 0.181). Homogeneity of the scale was 3.26%, and there was no absence of reaction bias (Hotelling’s T-squared = 2573.681, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the instrument is reliable and generates valid data for the Turkish sample. This scale can be used to determine knowledge about dementia and planning educational interventions in the issue.
Spinal Anesthesia Provides Longer Administration Time for Postoperative Intravesical Chemotherapy after TUR-B Operation
Authors: Çilesiz Nusret Can , Özkan Arif , Kalkanlı Arif , Gezmiş Cem Tuğrul , Yazıcı Gökhan , Onuk Özkan , Nuhoğlu Barış
Published: July 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the tolerability of postoperative early intravesical chemotherapy session after transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TUR-B) according to the different anesthesia types. Methods: The study was conducted between February 2017 and June 2020. Patients who were given intravesical mitomycin (MMC) 40 mg after TUR-B were included. Patients’ risk categories (low, medium, and high) were determined according to the European Association of Urology (EAU) risk stratification system based on the tumor number, size (<3 and ≥3 cm), T stage (Ta and T1), and grade (low and high). Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the applied anesthesia technique as group S (spinal) and group G (general). The patients’ visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded every 30 min for 2 h after urethral clamping. The patients’ pain scores were recorded using the VAS questionnaire form at 30th (VAS1), 60th (VAS2), 90th (VAS3), and 120th (VAS4) min after the urethral clamping. Requirement of analgesic, urethral clamp removal time, total instillation time, and discharged urine volume were recorded. Complications and complication grade (1–5) were recorded according to the Clavien-Dindo system. Results: A total of 232 consecutive patients who received intravesical MMC were included. Sociodemographic characteristics of group S (n = 113) and group G (n = 119) were similar (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in tumor size, number of tumors, concomitant CIS, and T stage in both groups (p > 0.05). High-grade tumors were higher in group S (23.9 vs. 11%; p = 0.008). Requirement of analgesic (53.9 vs. 91.5%; p = 0.00) and termination of therapy <60′ (2 vs. 26%; p = 0.00) and <120′ (32.7 vs. 76.4%; p = 0.00) were significantly lower in group S. The mean instillation time (108.05 ± 19.40 vs. 85.67 ± 24.66 min; p = 0.00) was found significantly higher for group S. In group G, mean VAS1–4 scores were significantly higher than in group S (p < 0.05). Linear correlation analyses showed that the VAS score is correlated with the instillation time (p < 0.05). The rates of minor (I–III) (7 vs. 8%; p = 0.706) and major (IV–V) (0.9 vs. 1.6%; p = 0.590) complications were similar in both groups. Conclusion: The patients’ tolerability of intravesical MMC treatment can be improved by spinal anesthesia. It provides longer instillation time and less pain during intravesical chemotherapy.
Traduzindo Roberto Arlt: o caso de “El cazador de orquídeas”
Authors: Duvoisin Aline Almeida , Steil Juliana
Published: July 2021

O presente artigo comenta uma tradução de “El cazador de orquídeas”, de Roberto Arlt. Depois de apresentar o conto e de situá-lo brevemente no projeto criativo do autor, o comentário concentra-se na discussão das decisões tradutórias referentes a marcas de oralidade fonéticas, lexicais e morfossintáticas, tomando como referência a reflexão de Britto (2012). A tradução completa do conto encontra-se ao final do trabalho.
Of Mice and Men, de John Steinbeck
Authors: Kfouri Ana Lúcia da Silva
Published: July 2021

O objetivo deste trabalho é propor uma tradução para o português brasileiro do primeiro trecho da obra literária Of mice and men de John Steinbeck. O excerto escolhido contém a voz do narrador, em linguagem norma culta padrão do inglês norte-americano, em oposição à voz dos dois protagonistas da história, Lennie e George, concebida como variante dialetal contento traços de oralidade, muitas vezes marcada por vocábulos informais e/ou uso da ortografia e sintaxe fora da norma culta padrão. O objetivo da tradução foi tentar manter no português brasileiro a oposição entre a voz, em norma culta padrão, do narrador, e as marcas de oralidade das falas das personagens de modo a tentar manter a verossimilhança com o discurso oral dos falantes do português brasileiro, assim como a verossimilhança interna com a oralidade característica das falas das personagens.
Comentários à tradução do conto “Passing”, de Langston Hughes: a Letra e a oralidade no gênero espistolar
Authors: Fortunato Isadora
Published: July 2021

Neste artigo apresentamos comentários e reflexões referentes à tradução do conto “Passing”, presente na obra The Ways of White Folks (1934), de Langston Hughes (1902-1967). Serão analisadas características e definições do gênero epistolar (ALVES, 2015; KOHLRAUSCH, 2015; ROCHA, 2011; TIN, 2005) em relação à maneira como Hughes se apropria ou subverte esta estrutura tradicional em sua narrativa literária; consideramos também conceitos como Letra, a poeticidade do texto literário e as redes significantes (BERMAN, 2013; CHKLOVSKY, 1978 [1917]; PAGANINE, 2013); e, por fim, serão tecidos comentários com análises acerca da representação da oralidade no texto literário na relação linguagem falada e linguagem escrita (BAGNO, 2007; LUCCHESI, 2009).
O vazio de Socorro Venegas
Authors: Pedra Nylcéa Thereza de Siqueira
Published: July 2021

Pode uma mãe não sentir amor por seu filho recém-nascido? Esta é a pergunta que emerge – e desconcerta – na leitura do conto “O vazio”, de Socorro Venegas. A solidão de uma mãe em puerpério, a ausência da compreensão daqueles que estão à sua volta e a descoberta de que existe um caminho a ser percorrido até o encontro entre mãe e filho são os motes de um texto transgressor e avassalador. Na tradução apresentada, a escolha pelo “vazio” se faz de modo a reverberar a série de ausências sentidas pela personagem.
Tradução do terror em tempos de pandemia
Authors: Cisneros Odile , Warken Mary Anne , Morais Alison Silveira
Published: July 2021

Como projeto de quarentena, Mary Anne Warken e Alison Silveira Morais, alunos do Programa em Estudos da Tradução da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), escolheram trabalhar com o conto “Solo” do autor chileno Aldo Astete Cuadra (“A sós” e “Alone”, em suas respectivas versões), convidando Odile Cisneros da Universidade de Alberta para acompanhar e orientar esse trabalho.
Nuclear Receptor Nur77 Protects Against Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm by Ameliorating Inflammation Via Suppressing LOX‐1
Authors: Zhang Hengyuan , Geng Na , Sun Lingyue , Che Xinyu , Xiao Qingqing , Tao Zhenyu , Chen Long , Lyu Yuyan , Shao Qin , Pu Jun
Published: July 2021

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life‐threatening vascular disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the aortic wall, which lacks effective pharmacotherapeutic remedies and has an extremely high mortality. Nuclear receptor NR4A1 (Nur77) functions in various chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the influence of Nur77 on AAA has remained unclear. Herein, we sought to determine the effects of Nur77 on the development of AAA.

Methods and Results

We observed that Nur77 expression decreased significantly in human and mice AAA lesions. Deletion of Nur77 accelerated the development of AAA in mice, as evidenced by increased AAA incidence, abdominal aortic diameters, elastin fragmentation, and collagen content. Consistent with genetic manipulation, pharmacological activation of Nur77 by celastrol showed beneficial effects against AAA. Microscopic and molecular analyses indicated that the detrimental effects of Nur77 deficiency were associated with aggravated macrophage infiltration in AAA lesions and increased pro‐inflammatory cytokines secretion and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP‐9) expression. Bioinformatics analyses further revealed that LOX‐1 was upregulated by Nur77 deficiency and consequently increased the expression of cytokines and MMP‐9. Moreover, rescue experiments verified that LOX‐1 notably aggravated inflammatory response, an effect that was blunted by Nur77.

Conclusions

This study firstly demonstrated a crucial role of Nur77 in the formation of AAA by targeting LOX‐1, which implicated Nur77 might be a potential therapeutic target for AAA.
Rewriting Genesis
Authors: Maza Edward
Published: July 2021

Barnett Newman’s abstract paintings are often explicitly linked to biblical narratives by their titles. In particular Newman regularly revisits the Genesis creation story. In the wake of the destruction of the Holocaust, Newman sets out to tell a revitalized story of creation in order to establish a new artistic beginning for the Jewish people (and modernism) in twentieth century New York. Through careful and nuanced visual analysis of Newman’s Genesis paintings, it is possible to construct a detailed mystical retelling of the creation story that is rooted in Jewish scriptures and develops a new receptive tradition. These paintings give Newman the opportunity to recreate the world through proverbial wisdom, Kabalistic mysticism, and Hebrew scriptures in order to create a new and hopeful vision for the future in the wake of tragedy.
UN Efforts to Make isis Accountable for International Crimes: the Challenges Posed by Iraq’s Domestic Law
Authors: Janaby Mohamad Ghazi , Alfatlawi Ahmed Aubais
Published: July 2021

Following the military defeat of isis in Iraq in December 2017, it has become clear that a logical next step would be to hold members of isis accountable for crimes committed during the capture of a number of principal Iraqi cities between 2014–2017. The unsc, accordingly, decided to investigate isis crimes internationally by establishing unitad to document isis violations whilst leaving any proposed prosecutions to be conducted internally by Iraqi courts. The practical implementation of this hybrid international mechanism for prosecuting isis members has generated some legal challenges caused particularly by the national laws of Iraq. Some of these legal issues arise in relation to unitad’s subjective jurisdiction to collect evidence concerning isis terrorist acts that might amount to evidence of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity. Others arise in relation to whether unitad’s criminal investigation procedures align or conform with Iraq’s criminal procedure laws. This paper examines these challenges and will propose some appropriate solutions.
Water Diplomacy — The New Modus Operandi of EU Diplomacy? Innovative Methods in Diplomatic Practice
Authors: Tomalová Eliška , Ullrichová Eliška
Published: July 2021

This article explores how EU water diplomacy can enrich the current debate on science diplomacy, primarily in the science in diplomacy category. It aims to contribute to the debate on diplomatic instruments and their innovative elements. It focuses on new practices in the field of water diplomacy, including (1) the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders in the diplomatic process from an early stage, (2) a multi-dimensional approach, and (3) multidisciplinary science-based diplomacy. More generally, the article identifies and conceptualises particular diplomatic methods, (1) the internalisation of scientific expertise, (2) cross-cutting lexical understanding across diplomatic agendas, and (3) pluri-disciplinarity, which facilitates the interconnection of science and diplomacy within a diplomatic framework. It thus addresses the commonly acknowledged challenge of interaction between scientists and diplomats and shows that analysis of diplomatic methods may bring more clarity to the peripheral or often neglected science in diplomacy category of science diplomacy.
Why the Global Labor Movement is in Crisis
Authors: van der Linden Marcel
Published: July 2021

One of the great paradoxes of the current era is that the world working class continues to grow, while at the same time many labor movements are experiencing a crisis. How can we explain this paradox? The global simultaneity of the crisis suggests that the failure of individual organizational leaderships is not the main cause, but that more general factors play an important role. The article argues and attemps to partly explain why the first wave of founding workers‘ organizations (mainly in the North, from the 1860s until the 1920s) was not repeated elsewhere after World War ii; and why many movements in the North declined since the 1980s.
Morphological revision of the Palaearctic species of the nominate subgenus Meloe Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera, Meloidae), with description of ten new species
Authors: PAN ZHAO , BOLOGNA MARCO A.
Published: July 2021

A morphological revision of the Meloe (Meloe) species from the Palaearctic Region, including the Transitional Chinese area is published. Groups and subgroups of species from the Palaearctic Region are defined for the first time and relationships with Afrotropical and Nearctic groups of species are discussed. Twenty-five species are considered, mostly after the examination of the types, with brief descriptions and figures of diagnostic characters. Ten species, from China and the Himalayan region, are described: Meloe chinensis n. sp., M. distincticornis n. sp., M. himalayensis n. sp., M. kashmirensis n. sp., M. kaszabi n. sp., M. lateantennatus n. sp., M. orientalis n. sp., M. poggii n. sp., M. shapovalovi n. sp., and M. xuhaoi n. sp. Both Meloe aegyptius and M. rathjensi are referred to M. proscarabaeus as subspecies. Four new synonymies are pointed out: M. sapporensis Kôno, 1936 and M. tenuipes Jakowlew, 1897 = M. proscarabaeus exaratus Faldermann, 1832; M. medogensis Tan, 1981 = M. arunachalae Saha, 1979; M. patellicornis Fairmaire, 1887 = M. lobatus Gebler, 1832. Lectotype of M. subcordicollis is designated. M. formosensis is tentatively maintained as distinct species, with the suggestion that it could be a subspecies of M. gracilior. Meloe menoko is tentatively included in the intraspecific variability of M. auriculatus, a formal synonymy will be made by other authors. Meloe poteli is not considered in this revision, being the type is unavailable; other species (M. modestus, M. longipennis, M. elegantulus), previously considered in the nominate subgenus are excluded. A key to both sexes of the species is carried out and a catalogue of localities is recorded as Appendix 1. Ecological information about phenology, elevation range, host plants, is summarized in a table, and some biogeographical remarks are proposed.
Snow-Pit Record from a Coastal Antarctic Site and Its Preservation of Meteorological Features
Authors: Nyamgerel Yalalt , Hong Sang-Bum , Han Yeongcheol , Kim Songyi , Lee Jeonghoon , Hur Soon Do
Published: July 2021

Polar snow pits or ice cores preserve valuable information derived from the atmosphere on past climate and environment changes. A 1.57-m snow-pit record from the coastal site (Styx Glacier) in eastern Antarctica covering the period from January 2011 to January 2015 was discussed and compared with meteorological variables. The dominant contribution of the deposition of sea-salt aerosols due to the proximity of the site to the ocean and processes of sea ice formation was revealed in the ionic concentrations. Consistent seasonal peaks in δ18O, δD, MSA, , and indicate the strong enhancement of their source during warm periods, whereas the sea-salt ions (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, and ) exhibit a distinct distribution. Monthly mean δ18O positively correlates with the air temperature record from an automatic weather station (AWS) located in the main wind direction. Despite the shortness of the record, we suspect that the slight depletion of the isotopic composition and lowering of the snow accumulation could be related to the cooler air temperature with the decrease of open sea area. Consistency with previous studies and the positive correlation of sea-salt ions in the snow pit indicate the relatively good preservation of snow layers with noticeable climate and environmental signals [e.g., changes in sea ice extent (SIE) or sea surface temperature]. We report a new snow-pit record, which would be comparative and supportive to understand similar signals preserved in deeper ice cores in this location.
Co-creating an empowering health education intervention for urological cancer patients
Authors: Petit-Steeghs Violet , Pittens Carina ACM , Oosterman Jurriaan , Broerse Jacqueline EW
Published: July 2021

Objective:

The effectiveness of health education for patients has often been suboptimal. The neglect of a focus on empowerment and the presence of implementation barriers have been put forward as possible explanations for this. This study aimed to gain insight into how to co-create and develop an empowerment theory-based health education intervention for urological cancer patients.

Design:

Bravo’s empowerment intervention model provided the theoretical foundations for the work undertaken with urological cancer patients in the Netherlands, using a participatory interactive learning and action approach.

Method:

Insights into needs regarding health education were obtained through semi-structured interviews with patients ( n = 22) and health professionals ( n = 17). Subsequently, eight co-creation sessions ( n = 30) were organised to translate these needs into a health education intervention.

Results:

An intervention in the form of digital patient information was developed. The information offered provides a view of the different care steps based on clinical guidelines but personalised in different ways. By connecting patients’ empowerment needs to the information provided, and by taking health professionals’ perspectives into account, barriers to health education were made visible and addressed.

Conclusion:

Patient empowerment theory proved valuable in better aligning a participatory research process with the empowerment needs of urological cancer patients. The programme theory developed may offer a valuable template for the development of future health education interventions.
The Repatriation of Italian Prisoners of War from Yugoslavia after the Second World War, 1945–7
Authors: Lampe Urška
Published: July 2021

Despite the issue of Italian prisoners of war during the Second World War receiving some significant attention, the fate of those prisoners held by the Yugoslav state has not yet been thoroughly examined. This is largely a consequence of the lack of sources, which is also why this issue has been treated superficially in the literature. The present article aims to fill this gap, focusing in particular on the repatriation of Italian prisoners of war held in Yugoslavia after the Second World War. Employing material from archives in the UK, Italy, Serbia, Slovenia and Switzerland, the author will reconstruct the process of repatriation by delving into international diplomatic circumstances and Italo–Yugoslav relations, as well as the political and ideological dynamics which affected the fate of those prisoners. The study will also provide a count of the number of Italian prisoners of war in Yugoslavia, which up to this point has been unclear.
Democratizing the Online Materials-Based Classroom: What Can Student Writers’ Voices Offer?
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong
Published: July 2021

This qualitative case study explores the interaction between Chinese college student writers’ voices and their teacher’s use of online materials during one semester-long writing course. It shows that, when acted upon selectively and critically, students’ voices can potentially improve their teacher’s use of online materials. This practice, in turn, can help students gain effective and necessary knowledge of writing. This study also shows that students’ interactions with their teacher seem to lead to bolder and enhanced narration of their voices on how to teach optimally through online materials.
Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions of Challenges with Frequent Users of Emergency Department Care in Switzerland: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Bodenmann Patrick , Kasztura Miriam , Graells Madison , Schmutz Elodie , Chastonay Oriane , Canepa-Allen Marina , Moullin Joanna , von Allmen Michael , Lemoine Melissa , Hugli Olivier , Daeppen Jean-Bernard , Grazioli Véronique S.
Published: July 2021

Frequent users of emergency departments (FUED; ≥ 5 ED visits/year) commonly cumulate medical, social, and substance use problems requiring complex and sustained care coordination often unavailable in ED. This study aimed to explore ED healthcare providers’ challenges related to FUED care to gain insight into the support and resources required to address FUED complex needs. An online survey was sent to all general adult emergency services within Switzerland (N = 106). Participants were asked to indicate the extent to which they perceived that FUED represented a problem and to describe the main challenges encountered. In total, 208 physicians and nurses from 75 EDs (70.7%) completed the survey. Among the 208 participants, 134 (64%) reported that FUED represented a challenge and 133 described 1 to 5 challenges encountered. A conventional content analysis yielded 4 main categories of perceived challenges. Negative consequences in the ED secondary to FUED’s presence (eg, ED overcrowding, staff helplessness, and fatigue) was the most frequently reported challenge, followed by challenges related to FUEDs’ characteristics (eg, mental health and social problems) leading to healthcare complexity. The third most frequently encountered challenge was related to the ED inappropriateness and inefficiency to address FUEDs’ needs. Finally, challenges related to the lack of FUED healthcare network were the least often mentioned. ED healthcare providers experience a wide range of challenges related to FUED care. These findings suggest that currently EDs nor their staff are equipped to address FUEDs’ complex needs.
Applying Responsive Survey Design to Small-Scale Surveys: Campus Surveys of Sexual Misconduct
Authors: Axinn William G. , Wagner James , Couper Mick , Crawford Scott
Published: July 2021

Responsive survey design is a technique aimed at improving the efficiency or quality of surveys by using incoming data from the field to make design changes. The technique was pioneered on large national surveys, but the tools can also be applied on the smaller-scale surveys most commonly used by sociologists. We demonstrate responsive survey design in a small-scale, list-based sample survey of students on the topic of sexual misconduct. We investigate the impact of individual incentive levels and a two-phase responsive design with changes to mode of contact as approaches for limiting the potential of nonresponse bias in data from such surveys. Our analyses demonstrate that a two-phase design introducing telephone and face-to-face reminders to complete the survey can produce stronger change in response rates and characteristics of those who respond than higher incentive levels. These findings offer tools for sociologists designing smaller-scale surveys of special populations or sensitive topics.
Faking Versus Feeling Emotions: Does Personality–Job Fit Make a Difference
Authors: Zvobgo Varaidzo , Abraham Romeo , Sabharwal Meghna
Published: July 2021

Emotional labor (EL) involves regulating, managing, and sensing others’ emotions to achieve organizational goals. However, it is often considered a unitary variable, without examining the specific types of emotional labor (i.e., deep acting and surface acting). Thus, the purpose of this research is to extend the under-researched work on surface-acting and deep-acting strategies of EL on job involvement in the public sector by examining the mediating effects of personality–job fit. This research employs the 2016 Merit System Principles survey data to explore the relationship between the variables. Results show that personality–job fit has a positive mediating effect on deep-acting EL and job involvement and a negative mediating effect on surface acting and job involvement. Findings may help administrators understand and prevent the potential results of employees’ EL behavior and the importance of personality–job fit in organizational outcomes.
Managerialism and the Military: Consequences for the Swedish Armed Forces
Authors: Ledberg Sofia K. , Ahlbäck Öberg Shirin , Björnehed Emma
Published: July 2021

This article analyzes civil–military relations and the issue of civilian control through the lens of new managerialism. It illustrates that the means and mechanisms applied by governments to govern the military actually shape its organization and affect its functions in ways not always acknowledged in the civil–military debate. We start by illustrating the gradual introduction of management reforms to the Swedish Armed Forces and the growing focus on audit and evaluation. The article thereafter analyzes the consequences of these managerialist trends for the most central installation of the armed forces–its headquarters. It further exemplifies how such trends affect the work of professionals at the military units. In conclusion, managerialist reforms have not only changed the structure of the organization and the relationship between core and support functions but have also placed limits on the influence of professional judgment.
Black Beauty: Womanist Consciousness as a Protective Factor in Black Women’s Body Image Satisfaction
Authors: Walker Gautier Speshál
Published: July 2021

Black American women are exposed to mainstream beauty standards, which may have implications for body image satisfaction. Given that beauty standards are often based on idealized depictions of White women’s physical features, scholars have called for body image research that extends beyond body type/weight (e.g., skin tone/hair) to better examine the experiences of Black women. In examining body image satisfaction and protective factors (e.g., ethnic identity), empirical research has yet to attend to these experiences at the intersection of race/ethnicity and gender. An online survey was used to examine whether womanist consciousness (WC) was a protective factor for Black American women ( N = 211). Findings indicated that after controlling for ethnic identity, higher womanist consciousness significantly predicted higher body satisfaction with historically racially defined features (e.g., skin tone/hair) and lower self-ideal discrepancy. Darker skin tone was linked to higher body importance and higher ethnic identity level. Last, increased frequency of wearing hair weaves was associated with lower body satisfaction while more frequently wearing Afrocentric hair styles/textures was associated with higher body satisfaction.
Brief Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy and Verbal-Exposure-Augmented Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder in University Students: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial
Authors: Singh Preeti , Samantaray Narendra Nath
Published: July 2021

Background:

Considering the need for developing and examining evidenced-based programs using a brief group format for management of social anxiety disorder (SAD) at the community level, we studied theefficacy of two brief versions of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) programs, brief cognitive-behavioral group therapy (bCBGT), and verbal exposure augmented cognitive behavioral therapy (VE-CBT), on social anxiety among university students.

Methods:

A single-center, randomized, parallel-group design was adopted. We delivered six weekly two-hour group sessions, bCBGT and VE-CBT, to 41 university students diagnosed with SAD. An independent rater assessed participants using the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) and Clinical Global Impression scale-Severity (CGI-S) at baseline, postintervention, and two-month follow-up. A patient-rated measure, Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN), was assessed at the same time-points.

Results:

There was a significant improvement in severity of social anxiety from baseline to posttreatment and baseline to two-month follow-up in both groups. However, the treatment effects in bCBGT were statistically superior to VE-CBT at postintervention (SPIN, P = 0.038; LSAS, P = 0.028; CGI-S, P = 0.036) and follow-up (SPIN, P = 0.006; LSAS, P = 0.01; CGI-S, P = 0.04).

Conclusions:

Brief CBT treatments, both bCBGT and VE-CBT, are efficacious for SAD among university students. They have the potential to address barriers associated with SAD management. However, we recommend a longer follow-up and replications in diverse settings. Clinical trial registration number: CTRI/2019/11/021954
Digital Capacity and Interest in mHealth Interventions Among Individuals on Opioid Agonist Maintenance Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Community-Based Study
Authors: Ganesh Ragul , Rao Ravindra , Deb Koushik Sinha , Bhad Roshan , Yadav Deepak
Published: July 2021

Background:

Integrating mobile technologies in healthcare (mHealth) is helpful to manage various medical conditions. mHealth applications can bridge the gap in the management of patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). Research evaluating the feasibility of mHealth to address OUD is limited in developing countries. We aimed to assess the digital capacity and interest in mHealth interventions in patients maintained on opioid agonist treatment (OAT).

Methods:

150 patients on OAT from a community drug treatment clinic in New Delhi, India, were included. We assessed the participants on their pattern of mobile and Internet use and their willingness to use mHealth technology to access health information and services related to OUD.

Results:

88% of participants ( n = 132) owned a mobile phone at assessment; 2.7% ( n = 4) had never used a mobile phone in their lifetime. 70% ( n = 105) participants had Internet access. 80% ( n = 120) of participants showed interest in receiving text messages related to the management of OUD. 60% of participants showed a willingness to download and use applications for monitoring their substance use.

Conclusions:

In India, there is an interest among people on OAT to use mHealth interventions to manage their substance use. This population also has access to mobile phones and the necessary knowledge to install and run applications needed for various mHealth interventions.
Single or Combined? A Study on Programming to Promote Junior High School Students’ Computational Thinking Skills
Authors: Sun Lihui , Hu Linlin , Zhou Danhua
Published: July 2021

In this work, we studied the influence of different programming approaches on the development of students’ computational thinking (CT) skills, the programming experience and gender differences in CT development were also discussed. A total of 158 junior high school students and one teacher participated in the study over 5 months. The sample students were divided into four experimental groups in four single or combined programming approaches (i.e., plugged-in, unplugged, unplugged first, and plugged-in first) and one control group without programming. Data sources included the results of four CT tests, as well as interviews with the teacher and surveys with 24 representative participants. The results showed that the four programming approaches can effectively improve students’ CT skills and can be retained after two months. Among them, the form of implementing unplugged activities before plugged-in can most effectively improve CT skills, and can better weaken the impact of previous programming experience. Finally, the qualitative analysis results provided insights into the process of programming and CT education. These findings will provide implications for the introduction of CT in junior high school, and help expand students’ participation in computing.
Evaluation of plates in similitude by experimental tests and artificial neural networks
Authors: Casaburo Alessandro , Petrone Giuseppe , Meruane Viviana , Franco Francesco , Rosa Sergio De
Published: July 2021

In the last century, the introduction of similitude theory allowed engineers to define the conditions to design a scaled-up or down version of the full-scale structure by means of a set of tools known as similitude methods: the scaled structure can be tested more easily, and then, by using the scaling laws, the prototype behavior can be recovered. However, such a response reconstruction may become hard for complex structure under incomplete or distorted similitude frameworks. Machine learning methods, with their automating characteristics, may help to circumvent these difficulties. This work is divided into two parts. First, five clamped-free-clamped-free plates in similitude are experimentally tested. In the case of complete similitude, these laws allow to accurately reconstruct the response. When the similitude is distorted, these laws are not always valid, failing to predict the dynamic behavior in some of the frequency ranges. Then, the experimental results are used to validate the prediction and identification capabilities of artificial neural networks. The artificial neural networks proved to be robust to noise and very helpful in predicting the response characteristics and identifying the model type, although an adequate number of training examples is needed. Further tests proved that the number of samples is drastically reduced by choosing accurately the features.
Comparison between acupuncture therapy and gabapentin for chronic pain: a pilot study
Authors: Chen Lucy , Deng Hao , Houle Timothy , Zhang Yi , Ahmed Shihab , Zhang Wei , Sullivan Shelly , Opalacz Arissa , Roth Sarah , Filatava Evgenia Jen , Stabach Kristin , Vo Trang , Malarick Charlene , Kim Hyangin , You Zerong , Shen Shiqian , Mao Jianren
Published: July 2021

Background:

We examined whether the effect of true electroacupuncture on pain and functionality in chronic pain participants can be differentiated from that of medication (gabapentin) by analyzing quantitative sensory testing (QST).

Methods:

We recruited chronic back and neck pain participants who received six sessions (twice weekly) of true electroacupuncture versus sham electroacupuncture or 3 weeks of gabapentin versus placebo treatment. QST profiles, pain scores, and functionality profile were obtained at baseline (visit 1) and after three sessions (visit 4) or six sessions (visit 7) of acupuncture or 3 weeks of gabapentin or placebo.

Results:

A total of 50 participants were analyzed. We found no differences in QST profile changes (p = 0.892), pain reduction (p = 0.222), or functionality (p = 0.254) between the four groups. A major limitation of this pilot study was the limited number of study participants in each group.

Conclusion:

This pilot study suggests that a large-scale clinical study with an adequate sample size would be warranted to compare acupuncture and medication therapy for chronic pain management.

Trial registration number:

NCT01678586 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Accounting, greed, and beliefs in a nineteenth century communal religious society
Authors: Flesher Tonya K , Flesher Dale L
Published: July 2021

The availability of the accounting and other records of a religious communal society (the Harmony Society) provides for a study that adds to the literature on accounting in religious organizations, a need highlighted in Carmona and Ezzamel’s article in Accounting History that discusses: (1) the unique spiritual dimension of religious institutions and its impact on accounting, and (2) the ‘sacred/profane divide’ (p. 122). The Harmonists’ communal beliefs were derived from Biblical interpretations and were necessitated by the need for shared labor and resources. Harmonists’ accounting records were sophisticated but did not account for labor costs provided by members. The interplay of these beliefs and the greed of the leaders impacted the group’s accounting system and created a spiritual/profane divide. The study explores the interplay between the role of accounting and the community’s beliefs and goals.