bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preschoolers’ comprehension of exhaustive focus: The role of contextualization
Authors: Pintér Lilla , Surányi Balázs
Published: August 2022

Previous research has uncovered that, despite the omnipresence of focus in utterances, children typically do not compute the exhaustivity inference associated with cleft(-like) syntactic focus constructions at adult-like levels before 7 years of age. Children’s comparable limitations with lexically triggered scalar implicatures, inferences with an essentially identical logical structure, have been argued to stem not from the lack of their competence to compute the implicature itself, but from their immature contextualization abilities to identify relevant scalar alternatives. We address the question whether the same extraneous factor may underlie preschooler’s difficulties with focus exhaustification in a comprehension study of 5- to 6-year-old Hungarian children which investigated the effect of contextual cues on their focus interpretation. It was found that while the presence of an explicit Question Under Discussion significantly raises children’s accuracy in identifying the focus and its alternatives (sub-experiment 1), it fails to induce a similar increase in the proportion of exhaustive interpretations (sub-experiment 2). These results indicate that, in contrast to the case of scalar implicatures, children’s low rate of exhaustification of focus reflects a deeper, less context-dependent difference from adult-like comprehension, possibly rooted in the linguistic representation of focus exhaustivity.
Effect of waiting time for COVID-19 screening on postoperative outcomes of type A aortic dissection: An institutional study
Authors: Hishikawa Takanori , Ohashi Takeki , Tadakoshi Masao , Kamikawa Yuji , Kageyama Soichiro , Kojima Akinori , Hioki Kaoru , Yamauchi Hirotaka
Published: August 2022

Background

Since November 2020, all patients undergoing emergency surgery at our hospital have been subjected to preoperative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) screening to prevent nosocomial COVID-19 infection, with admission to the operating room requiring a negative result. Herein, we compared the pre- and postoperative outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection surgery before and after implementing the RT-PCR screening for all patients.

Methods

We compared the postoperative results of 105 patients who underwent acute type A aortic dissection emergency surgery from January 2019 to October 2020 (Group I) and 109 patients who underwent the surgery following RT-PCR screening from November 2020 to March 2022 (Group II).

Results

The average waiting time from arrival at the hospital to admission to the operating room was 36 and 81 min in Groups I and II, respectively. Ruptured cardiac tamponade was observed preoperatively in 26.6% and 21.1% of Groups I and II patients, respectively. The preoperative waiting time due to RT-PCR screening did not contribute to the cardiac tamponade. Surgical complications such as bleeding (reopened chest), respiratory failure, cerebral neuropathy, or mediastinitis did not increase significantly. The number of deaths 30 days after surgery (Group I = 13 and Group II = 3) showed no significant difference between the groups. There were no cases of nosocomial COVID-19 infections.

Conclusions

Preoperative COVID-19 screening is an important method to prevent nosocomial infections. The associated waiting time did not affect the number of preoperative ruptures or affect postoperative complications or mortality.
A Review of Historical Context and Current Research on Cannabis Use in India
Authors: Karki Prakat , Rangaswamy Madhavi
Published: August 2022

Background:

The cultivation and use of cannabis is historically rooted in the Indian subcontinent and this rich heritage of cannabis use dates back to at least two thousand years. Cannabis remains an illicit substance in India despite its changing status globally with many countries legalizing cannabis use in recent years. Scientific research on cannabis use in India has also been sparse.

Method:

Extensive search of online databases resulted in the identification of 29 original research studies pertaining to one of three areas of cannabis research; a) prevalence of cannabis use b) psychological correlates of cannabis use, c) cannabis use in substance use treatment settings.

Findings:

We found that most Indian studies used very basic quantitative research designs and had poor scientific rigor. Samples were small, region specific and included only males. Data analyses were limited to descriptive methods. The criteria for cannabis use in most of the reviewed studies were not rigorous and prone to biases.

Conclusion & Implications:

With changing attitudes and loosening of restrictions on cannabis use, the prevalence of new users is rising dramatically particularly in the college going population. This presents a strong need for research on motivations and attitudes to cannabis use and how those can influence patterns of use, and also the short- and long-term effects of use. More studies with stronger research designs (both cross sectional and longitudinal) are required for the study of cannabis use and this knowledge will be critical for managing the growing substance epidemic, generating public health solutions as well as formulating effective policy frameworks.
Introduction to the special issue: Nonlinear effects and dynamics in close relationships
Authors: Girme Yuthika U , Overall Nickola C , Simpson Jeffry A
Published: August 2022

Relationship processes often involve fluctuating, variable, or tumultuous dynamics. Yet, close relationship models have traditionally focused on linear processes. The purpose of this Journal of Social and Personal Relationships special issue is to provide examples of how modeling nonlinear effects and dynamics can: (I) test nonlinear theoretical assumptions, (II) reconcile inconsistencies and reveal novel effects, (III) detect dynamic shifts in core relationship constructs, and (IV) capture temporal and spatial synchrony between partners within dyads. By showcasing a variety of nonlinear applications, we hope to encourage close relationship scholars to utilize similar nonlinear methods in order to advance relationship science by discovering common and important, but currently under-examined, relationship processes.
A financial inclusion app and USSD service for farmers in rural Colombia
Authors: Nova Néstor A. , González Rafael A.
Published: August 2022

This study reports the implementation of a financial inclusion app for farmers in rural Colombia. Stemming from the triple helix initiative, this study aims to make public financing instruments more readily available to farmers. Through a design science research approach, the app was collaboratively conceived, designed, implemented, and evaluated. We provide this reflective design as a case study of how a combination of triple helix collaboration, design science, and agile software development contributes toward the creation of context-oriented artefacts. The app could potentially benefit rural farmers to obtain information regarding the credit access, which is traditionally delivered in face-to-face meetings with bank staff. The findings provided evidence of the benefits and ease of use of the app, including certain affordances and constraints that are perceived by farmers. Moreover, factors such as technology literacy, experience using information and communication technologies (ICT), trust in technology, age of farmers, and mediation suggest that we should consider both material features of technology and social determinants for adoption in case of designing ICTs for rural communities.
Venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for patients poisoned by Macleaya cordata
Authors: Chen Jian-Ping , Huang Dao-Chao , Jin Wen-Yang , Xie Qing-Hua , Zhu Wei-Ling , Tung Tao-Hsin , Ying Ai-Fang
Published: August 2022

Macleaya cordata is a Chinese herbal medicine containing a variety of highly cardiotoxic alkaloids, and might result in cardiac failure. Venous-arterial Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) could be used as a therapeutic option in patients poisoned by Macleaya cordata complicating refractory cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. A 60-year-old man suffered from severe arrhythmia, cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest after consuming Macleaya cordata. The patient received VA-ECMO support in the emergency department at 5 hours after hospitalization, and was weaned from VA-ECMO on day 4, and was discharged with complete clinical improvement on Day 12. VA-ECMO is an effective method in treating cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest induced by severe poisoning from Chinese herbal medicine. Timely and appropriate interventions with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices could improve clinical outcomes in these patients.
Attractive People Make Better Music? How Gender and Perceived Attractiveness Affect the Evaluation of Electronic Dance Music Artists
Authors: Schaap Julian , Berghman Michaël , Calkins Thomas
Published: August 2022

We employ a cognitive sociological perspective to empirically assess how the evaluation of music fragments – electronic dance music (EDM) in particular – is affected by the perceived attractiveness of a DJ, in relation to their gender. Using a survey experiment based on randomized vignettes within a sample of the US population ( n = 2710), in which respondents evaluate music fragments randomly paired with images of DJs, we assess to what extent music evaluations are affected by artists’ 1) gender, 2) perceived attractiveness, and 3) the interaction between these traits (while controlling for race/ethnicity and respondent characteristics). We find a strong positive relationship between artists’ perceived attractiveness and how ‘their’ music is evaluated. While this is true regardless of DJ gender, attractiveness benefits male artists slightly more than female artists. These findings provide further empirical support for the notion that audiences include non-musical traits about artists in music evaluation processes.
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia as an initial presentation in children with systemic lupus erythematosus: two case reports
Authors: Lu Yan , Huang Xian-Mei
Published: August 2022

We report the cases of two children who presented with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) as an initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Both patients had a positive Coombs test, anemia, and an increased number of spherocytes in their blood smear. The patient in Case 1 presented with fever, urticarial erythema, facial paresis, AIHA, and leucopenia. Immunological screening revealed low complement protein levels and positive anti-nuclear antibody, anti-double-stranded DNA, and antiphospholipid antibody results. A further laboratory workup revealed a positive lupus anticoagulant (LA) result and low factor II levels. She was diagnosed with lupus anticoagulant hypoprothrombinemia syndrome (LAHPS) in addition to SLE. The patient in Case 2 presented with fever, butterfly rash, thyroid enlargement, leucopenia, and AIHA. She was diagnosed with SLE with thyroiditis. Both patients were started on combined immunosuppressive therapy, and both patients’ clinical symptoms finally resolved. A literature review on childhood SLE showed that AIHA is common in patients with SLE. LAHPS is an uncommonly identified cause of bleeding in patients with SLE, and it must be considered when evaluating children with a positive LA result.
Sustaining urban labour markets: Situating migration and domestic work in India's ‘gig’ economy
Authors: Tandon Ambika , Rathi Aayush
Published: August 2022

The domestic work sector in India has been absorbing an overwhelming proportion of workers who migrate from rural and semi-urban spaces to cities for employment. The supply of workers is driven by multiple unregulated intermediaries, which expose them to multiple modes of exploitation before and after the point of placement. We compare digital platforms, which have recently entered the sector as intermediaries, to traditional placement agencies as pathways to livelihood opportunities in the domestic work sector. We shed light on the placement routes for domestic workers in the platform economy by comparing it with the larger informalised domestic work sector. We also compare the impact of different types of digital platforms and traditional intermediaries on migrant workers and the supply chain of migration.

The analysis is based on qualitative inputs provided by domestic workers in two Indian cities – Delhi and Bengaluru as well as inputs from platforms, unions and government agencies. This primary data when situated in the context of traditional modes of intermediation presents the inadequacies of platforms in overcoming the challenges of the institutional ecosystem for migrant domestic workers. We conclude that the histories of intermediaries and work arrangements in domestic work continue to shape the position of migrants in the platform economy.
Determining Clinically Meaningful Thresholds for the Hip Outcome Score Sport-Specific Subscale in Athletes Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome
Authors: Owens Jade S. , Jimenez Andrew E. , Lee Michael S. , George Tom , Maldonado David R. , Domb Benjamin G.
Published: August 2022

Background:

The minimal clinically important difference (MCID), Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and maximum outcome improvement (MOI) satisfaction threshold for the Hip Outcome Score Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS) have not been established in athletes undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).

Purpose:

To determine threshold MCID, PASS, SCB, and MOI satisfaction threshold values for the HOS-SSS in athletes undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS at minimum 2–year follow–up.

Study Design:

Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Anchor questions were administered to recreational, organized amateur, high school, college, and professional athletes who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS between May 2015 and March 2019. Patients were included if they were younger than 50 years, answered the anchor questions, and had preoperative and minimum 2–year follow–up for the HOS-SSS, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Exclusion criteria were Tönnis grade >1, hip dysplasia (lateral center–edge angle <18°), and previous ipsilateral hip surgery or conditions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine PASS, SCB, and MOI satisfaction for the HOS-SSS. Two distribution methods were used to calculate MCID for HOS-SSS.

Results:

A total of 225 athletes who underwent primary hip arthroscopy met the inclusion criteria. Of those athletes, 200 (88.9%) who had minimum 2–year follow–up and information regarding return to sport (RTS) were included. The cohort included 124 (62.0%) women and 76 (38.0%) men with a mean ± standard deviation age of 29.4 ± 10.4 years, body mass index of 25.6 ± 5.4, and follow–up of 29.5 ± 5.1 months. Athletes experienced significant improvements in HOS-SSS, mHHS, NAHS, and VAS from preoperative to latest postoperative follow–up ( P < .001), and mean satisfaction was 8.2. The RTS rate was 83.7%. ROC analysis determined that the PASS, MOI satisfaction threshold, SCB absolute score, SCB change score, and MCID (baseline/change score methods) for the HOS-SSS were 77.0, 44.6%, 92.7, 30.6, and 10.6, respectively, with athletes achieving thresholds at high rates (80.0%, 80.5%, 45.0%, 54.0%, and 79.5%, respectively).

Conclusion:

This study identified values for the HOS-SSS that can be used to define clinically meaningful outcomes in athletes after primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS. The PASS, MOI satisfaction threshold, SCB absolute score, SCB change score, and MCID for the HOS-SSS at minimum 2–year follow–up in athletes after primary hip arthroscopy were 77.0, 44.6%, 92.7, 30.6, and 10.6, respectively.
Feasibility and safety of renal artery closure with advanced bipolar energy device during nephrectomy
Authors: Carlo Introini , Antonia Di Domenico , Federico Dotta , Marco Ennas , Fabio Campodonico , Claudia Brusasco , Andrea Benelli
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Many devices are available to control the renal pedicle during nephrectomy but the gold standard is still a matter of debate. Nanotechnology has evolved to include vessel-sealing systems; companies guarantee an efficacy for vessels until 7 mm. The aim of our study is to evaluate feasibility and safety of closure of the renal artery with radiofrequency energy during nephrectomy.

Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients undergoing nephrectomy between November 2016 and July 2020. Inclusion criteria were: renal artery diameter <7 mm and no significant arterial wall calcification. The EnSeal device was used in all cases for dissection, hemostasis and to secure the renal artery when feasible.

Results:

Overall 101 patients underwent nephrectomy, in 68 cases the radiofrequency alone was used to close the renal artery; in 45 patients during a laparoscopic procedure and in 23 during an open surgery. Conversion to open surgery was never necessary. No patients had major hemorrhagic complications. Mean operative time was 75 min, mean intraoperative blood loss was 85 ml. Overall 11 patients had postoperative complications, according to Clavien-Dindo: five grade I, three grade II, three grade III.

Discussion:

In our experience the closure of the renal artery with a radiofrequency energy device is a feasible and safe procedure. It allows a safe manipulation of the renal hilum, free from clips, which could limit surgeons’ maneuvers and be dislocated. We believe that a deep knowledge of the available technologies is fundamental for the surgeon and guarantees the best achievable results.
Concordance between Gleason score of prostate biopsies and radical prostatectomy specimens and its predictive factors
Authors: Ariafar Ali , Rezaeian Ali , Zare Ali , Zeighami Shahryar , Hosseini Seyed Hossein , Nikbakht Hossein-Ali , Narouie Behzad
Published: August 2022

Objective:

The Gleason score is an essential factor for making decisions about prostate cancer management and its prognosis. Thus, we conducted this research to discover the histologic-grading accuracy of needle biopsy specimens, and to identify preoperative clinical and pathological factors that predict upgrading and downgrading from biopsy to radical prostatectomy specimen.

Patients and methods:

This study was performed on 570 patients who were referred to the medical centers affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and underwent radical prostatectomy from 2013 to 2017. Concordance was evaluated between the Gleason score of needle biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimens. Predictors of upgrades and downgrades were assessed in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results:

Scores were the same in 50% of cases, downgraded in 26%, and upgraded in 24%. The variables predicting a Gleason score upgrade were higher Prostate specific antigen level, larger tumors, and older age. Lower tumor volume, lower Prostate specific antigen, and low maximum percentage of cancer in cores were predictors of downgrading from Gleason score>6 to ⩽6. Also, Body mass index>30, smaller tumor size, and negative lymph nodes were predictors of downgrading from Gleason score>7 to 7.

Conclusion:

The correlation between biopsy and Radical prostatectomy Gleason scores was only 50%. After dividing them into the new grading groups, this coordination increased by only 5.6%. Physicians need to consider possible limitations of the Gleason score of biopsy and factors that can be predictive of upgrading to high-risk prostate cancer before making treatment decisions.
Penile prosthesis impending erosion: Surgical technique for extracapsular re-implantation reconstruction
Authors: Rebez Giacomo , Runti Ottavia , Marco Lorena Di , Boschian Riccardo , Rizzo Michele , Garaffa Giulio , Liguori Giovanni , Trombetta Carlo
Published: August 2022

Introduction and objectives:

Impending erosion is an unusual complication of inflatable penile prosthesis that can strongly impact on patient’s morbidity and quality of life. In this case report we present a salvage surgery technique for impending erosion performed in a 57-year-old man.

Materials and methods:

We present our surgical technique for cylinder reimplantation in an impending erosion of a three-component inflatable prosthesis with a peno-scrotal access and extracapsular reseating of the cylinder.

Results:

No post-operative complication occurred, and the patient regained full function of the prosthesis after recovery. The surgical site healed well with no signs of infections.

Conclusions:

Impending erosion is a problematic complication of penile prosthesis; however, can be administered with a salvage technique avoiding the explant of the IPP.
Canadian Association of Radiologists Prostate MRI White Paper
Authors: Chang Silvia D. , Reinhold Caroline , Kirkpatrick Iain D. C. , Clarke Sharon E. , Schieda Nicola , Hurrell Casey , Cool Derek W. , Tunis Adam S. , Alabousi Abdullah , Diederichs Brendan J. , Haider Masoom A.
Published: August 2022

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy and the third most common cause of death in Canadian men. In light of evolving diagnostic pathways for prostate cancer and the increased use of MRI, which now includes its use in men prior to biopsy, the Canadian Association of Radiologists established a Prostate MRI Working Group to produce a white paper to provide recommendations on establishing and maintaining a Prostate MRI Programme in the context of the Canadian healthcare system. The recommendations, which are based on available scientific evidence and/or expert consensus, are intended to maintain quality in image acquisition, interpretation, reporting and targeted biopsy to ensure optimal patient care. The paper covers technique, reporting, quality assurance and targeted biopsy considerations and includes appendices detailing suggested reporting templates, quality assessment tools and sample image acquisition protocols relevant to the Canadian healthcare context.
Preparation and characterization of Y-doped microarc oxidation coating on AZ31 magnesium alloys
Authors: Wu Yuanzhi , Zhu Bowu , Zhang Xinzhu , Li Duhong , Zhang Kunwu , Liang Jun , Cao Baocheng
Published: August 2022

The rapid degradation characteristics of magnesium alloys limit its application in the field of orthopedic fracture fixation and cardiovascular stents. This study aimed to improve the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of AZ31 magnesium alloys and prepare degradable implant materials. Micro-arc oxidation (MAO) was used to change the concentration of yttrium acetate in the electrolyte to prepare coatings with different yttrium content on the surface of AZ31 magnesium alloy. Through characterization, it is proved that the yttrium in the coating mainly exists in the form of Y3+. The polarization potential experiment shows that the micro-arc oxidation coating significantly improves the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys. With the increase of yttrium acetate concentration in the electrolyte, the corrosion resistance of the coating first increases and then weakens. When the concentration is 0.0035 mol/L, the coating has the highest corrosion resistance. The results of CCK-8 cytotoxicity experiment and cell morphology observation also proved that the cell viability in each group was greater than 140%, and the yttrium-doped coating on the surface of AZ31 magnesium alloy has no cytotoxicity, can promote cell growth, and has good biocompatibility.
Brazilian White-Collar Employees’ Discourses of Meaningful Work and Calling
Authors: Barreto Gustavo S. D. , Buzzanell Patrice M. , Cipolla Carla M.
Published: August 2022

The search for meaningfulness in work is considered a human need, resulting in growing communication and interdisciplinary scholarship. However, most studies are quantitative and situated in Western, developed nations with different discourses and materialities based on whether studies focus on economically mainstream or marginal, but symbolically significant, occupations. Our study explores Brazilian white-collar employees' accounts of meaningful work. Three themes emerged from interview data: being competent, being an explorer, and being a builder of a better world. Participants cast meaningful work as tensional processes within and across themes, reflecting characteristics of Brazilian middle classes and globalized discourses. As participants aspired to meaningful work, they experienced dysfunctional and corrupt work cultures, toxic workplace relationships, and shifts in their worldviews that deflated their sense of meaningfulness, resulting in reported psychological distancing, emotional distress, and turnover intentions. We encourage organizational communication researchers to take up the 2009 MCQ call for further studies in Brazil.
Full-circle localization diagnosis of rolling bearing outer ring defects based on double-vibration signal fusion
Authors: Huang Jinfeng , Cui Lingli
Published: August 2022

Localization diagnosis (LD) of rolling bearing outer ring defects plays an important role in failure cause analysis and residual life prediction. This study aims to solve three main issues in the existing LD methods. Firstly, a full-circle functional relationship between outer ring defect and localization index is established based on the dynamics simulation analysis of bearing system. Secondly, the generation mechanism and solution method of the positioning datum are determined using a novel finite element transient dynamic model. Furthermore, variation law of the initial direction of the fault impact under different angular positions is investigated. Lastly, a general localization rule applicable to outer ring defects in the full-circle range is proposed. Therefore, a full-circle localization formula for outer ring defects based on the characteristic fusion of horizontal–vertical signals is proposed. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed localization formula. Additionally, a morphological filter for LD is investigated to resolve the diagnostic error caused by noise interference in the actual signal. Experimental results show that the presented method can considerably improve diagnostic accuracy.
Numerical investigation on flow and atomization characteristics of hydrated magnesium nitrate gas-liquid two-fluid nozzle
Authors: Wu Wenchang , Zhang Menghui , Dong Hui
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study is to reveal the atomization process of Mg(NO3)2·2H2O generated in the nitric acid leaching process of laterite nickel ore through a nozzle into a pilot pyrolysis furnace using CFD method. Based on the Euler-Lagrange method, a mathematical model of the hydrated magnesium nitrate gas-liquid two-fluid atomization nozzle was established, which can describe the gas-liquid flow characteristics. A visualization experimental platform was built for whose reliability has been verified by using graphical analysis technique. The influence law of gas channel inclination angle (hereinafter referred to as inclination angle), channel number and gas inlet pressure on the velocity inside the nozzle, liquid volume fraction and velocity and particle diameter of the atomization field were further explored. The results show that the number of gas channels is the main influencing factor for the average velocity at nozzle outlet and Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD) of atomized particles, while the gas inlet pressure mainly affects the volume fraction of liquid. When the inclination angle increases, the average velocity of nozzle outlet increases, and the Average Mean Diameter (AMD) and SMD of the atomized particles decrease. At the same time, the average volume fraction of hydrated magnesium nitrate first increased and then decreased, with the maximum value to 27.91% when the angle is 30°. Therefore, the high nozzle outlet velocity can play an important role in promoting droplet fragmentation and the volume fraction of hydrated magnesium nitrate for the later pyrolysis, only when the inclination angle is set properly.
Discussion on cable-strut systems of the suspen-dome structures
Authors: Liu Renjie , Li Muqiao , Cheng Tianchen
Published: August 2022

According to the architectural requirements, the roof structure of a large-span gymnasium adopts the suspen-dome structure. In the scheme selection stage of the pre-stressed cable-strut system at the bottom part of the suspen-dome structure, a Levy-type scheme and a Loop-free scheme are established. The finite element models are established, and the static analysis under the design loads, the whole process analysis of load-displacement, and the dynamic response analysis after accidental cable break are carried out. The architectural expression of the two schemes are discussed. The component material consumption, the structural stiffness, the tension distribution characteristics, and the static bearing capacity of the two schemes are discussed. The failure mode and the progressive collapse resistance of the two schemes after accidental cable break are also discussed. The results show that the Loop-free scheme requires significantly less in terms of component material consumption than the Levy-type scheme. The static failure mode of the two schemes is strength failure, but the Loop-free scheme has greater bearing capacity. The Loop-free scheme has greater structural stiffness, lower cable forces, and uniformly distributed cable forces in each layer, and lower stress on the top reticulated shell members. Neither of the two schemes experience progressive collapse after accidental cable break. Due to the rupture in the loop cable of the Levy-type scheme, the rigidity of the rear region decreases greatly, and the cable force loss is large. On the contrary, internal force redistribution occurs in the Loop-free cable scheme and the cable force loss is not obvious, hence the progressive collapse resistance is better than that of the Levy-type scheme.
Is Anti-FGM Legislation Cultural Imperialism? Interrogating Kenya's Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act
Authors: Van Bavel Hannelore
Published: August 2022

Postcolonial feminists and anthropologists have criticised anti-female genital mutilation (FGM) efforts for being ethnocentric and for imposing ‘Western’ values onto African communities. Recently, a Kenyan medical doctor has petitioned against Kenya's Prohibition of FGM Act, arguing that the Act is unconstitutional and the entrenchment of Western values. This article critically interrogates the allegation that African legislation against ‘FGM’ (FGM) embodies the culturally-imperialist imposition of Western values by empirically examining how Kenya's anti-FGM Act was produced and became contested. The findings show that international power hierarchies influence who can speak and what can be said about FGM. However, the findings simultaneously challenge the Africa/West and cultural relativism/imperialism divide present in some of the critiques of anti-FGM legislation and interventions. I argue that the notion of ‘imposition’ does not adequately capture the African agency and the transnational collaborations that went into both producing and contesting the Act.
Book review: Helen Kensett, Sales Mind: 48 Tools to Help You Sell, 2016
Authors: Mukherjee Jaydeep
Published: August 2022

Helen Kensett, Sales Mind: 48 Tools to Help You Sell, 2016, Profile Books Ltd., 208 pp., ₹263. ISBN: 9781781256312 (Hardback).
Emotion, Cognition, and COVID-19: A Study Exploring the Association Between Fear of COVID-19 Intolerance of Uncertainty and Decision-Making in Indian Adolescents
Authors: Goyal Divesha , Sharma Usha
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Fear and uncertainty are the 2 ingredients of psychological challenges brought about by coronavirus (COVID-19). Fear and intolerance of uncertainty can affect decision-making. Because of the pandemic and owing to their phase of cognitive development, adolescents are more susceptible to such influence.

Objective:

To explore and understand the effects of COVID-19 on emotion and cognition by investigating the association between fear of COVID-19, intolerance for uncertainty, and decision-making in Indian adolescents.

Method:

The sample constituted 136 Indian adolescents aged 15 to 19 years. The sampling technique used was a nonprobability sampling technique called snowball sampling. The sample was collected through an online platform, ie, WhatsApp, Facebook, and most responses were received from Delhi, Sirsa (Haryana), and Chandigarh. The tools administered were the fear of COVID-19 scale (FCVS-19), the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS-12), and the adolescent decision-making questionnaire (ADMQ). Correlational, regression, and mediational analyses were conducted to study the associations and interactions between the 3 study variables.

Results:

The sample consisted of 51.5% females and 48.5% males. The correlational analysis reported significant positive relationships between fear of COVID-19, intolerance of uncertainty, and maladaptive decision-making. Further, mediation analysis reported: (a) the intolerance of uncertainty mediates the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and maladaptive decision-making patterns and (b) fear of COVID-19 mediates the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and maladaptive decision-making patterns.

Conclusion:

The findings indicated that emotions experienced by adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic could have a negative and significant effect on their decision-making. Thus, it is necessary to mitigate these effects to ensure optimal development of their cognitive skills during calamities such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Muscle moves mass: Deconstructing the culture of weight loss in American Olympic Weightlifting
Authors: Nelson Monica , Jette Shannon
Published: August 2022

Sport scholars have argued that to protect athlete health, competitive sport cultures must begin to de-emphasize the importance of leanness for athletic performance. However, there is a notable lack of analyses of the pressures towards leanness experienced by athletes in sports that are not considered most ‘at-risk’ for the development of disordered bodily practices, such as Olympic Weightlifting. Based on interviews with sixteen competitive American Olympic Weightlifters, this study uses Foucauldian insights about the inseparability of culture, language, and the body to examine how weightlifters come to understand—and rationalize—their weight classes, body compositions, and avoidance of body fat. We find that while weightlifters characterized a wide range of body compositions as being functional for the sport, their own weight class choices were informed by a sport-specific narrative that condemned body fat. We critically interrogate this preference for leanness-focused bodily practices in a ‘non-lean’ sport, looking to the ‘Sport Ethic’ and other dominant bodily discourses as possible sources of influence.
Combination Microfinance and HIV Risk Reduction Among Women Engaged in Sex Work
Authors: Witte Susan S. , Yang Lyla Sunyoung , McCrimmon Tara , Aira Toivgoo , Batsukh Altantsetseg , Terlikbayeva Assel , Primbetova Sholpan , Mergenova Gaukhar , Cordisco Tsai Laura , Carlson Cady , Vélez-Grau Carolina , Ssewamala Fred , El-Bassel Nabila
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this paper is to summarize 15 years of intervention science in combination HIV prevention and microfinance among women engaged in sex work (WESW) in Central Asia, identifying gaps in our understanding and recommendations for future studies. We begin by describing the emergence of HIV/STI risk among WESW in the Central Asia region, specifically Mongolia and Kazakhstan, and bridge to the formative stages of our methodology as well as completed prevention intervention studies. We describe the development of combining HIV prevention with asset-based microfinance interventions, lessons learned, and contributions these studies make to HIV prevention, intervention science, and practice. We end by recommending next steps to move prevention science forward in this area and among this key population, which continues to be underserved in HIV prevention science worldwide.
Center for Mental Health Research and Innovation in Treatment Engagement and Service (MH-RITES Center) at the University of Houston
Authors: Gearing Robin E. , Washburn Micki , Brewer Kathryne B. , Kovach Jamison V. , Mandiberg James M. , Borja Sharon , Barthelemy Juan , Savani Shahnaz , Smith Limor , Robinson Andrew , Gardner Jody
Published: August 2022

The Center for Mental Health Research and Innovation in Treatment Engagement and Service (MH-RITES Center) at the Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston is an international multidisciplinary research center focused on improving treatment engagement and outcomes for those experiencing mental health concerns. Established in 2017, the mission of the MH-RITES Center is to drive empirically supported and evidence-based innovation that achieves optimal treatment access and engagement in mental health services by individuals and families who need them, specifically in historically marginalized communities. This article describes the history and guiding principles, organizational structure, funding sources, and physical resources of the MH-RITES Center while highlighting completed, ongoing, and future projects supporting the Center's mission.
The Party Replies: Examining Local Party Responsiveness to Prospective Campaign Volunteers
Authors: Hannah A Lee , Reuning Kevin , Whitesell Anne
Published: August 2022

We examine the role that local parties play in responding to and equipping local volunteers to work during campaign seasons. We use a field experiment during the 2020 U.S. general election to investigate whether local parties are more likely to respond to certain types of volunteers and to examine what factors are associated with local parties’ responsiveness. We find that both Democratic and Republican local parties in competitive counties are more likely to respond to volunteers. Moreover, we find that both parties are more likely to respond to white volunteers and Democratic parties are more likely to respond to women. These differential response rates may be contributing to the increased demographic sorting between the parties.
Hybrid Neurofibroma/Schwannoma of the Oral Cavity: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Leite Amanda Almeida , Mariz Bruno Augusto Linhares Almeida , Oliveira Letícia Almeida , Assunção Júnior José Narciso Rosa , Almeida Oslei Paes de , Vargas Pablo Agustin
Published: August 2022

Hybrid peripheral nerve sheath tumors show combined features of more than one type of conventional benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors. There are few cases reported of hybrid peripheral nerve sheath tumors in the head and neck region. A 68-year-old female patient was referred for evaluation of an oral swelling lasting five years. Intraoral examination revealed a small mobile nodule located in the lower vestibule. The patient underwent excisional biopsy and microscopic evaluation showed typical features of neurofibroma enclosing areas with palisading nuclei compatible with Antoni A pattern, which are seen in schwannomas. These regions showed strong and diffuse immunoreactivity for S100 protein and moderate positivity in the neurofibroma area. CD34 was positive in the neurofibroma area and entrapped axons were positive for neurofilament. The final diagnosis was oral hybrid neurofibroma-schwannoma tumor. Hybrid peripheral nerve sheath tumors, although extremely rare, may arise within the oral cavity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first neurofibroma-schwannoma tumor reported in the oral cavity. Recognizing hybrid peripheral nerve sheath tumors as a distinct clinicopathological entity is important because they may also be associated with syndromic disorders.
Intimate Partner Violence and Age at Marriage in Mali: The Moderating Influence of Polygynous Unions
Authors: Hayes Brittany E. , van Baak Carlijn
Published: August 2022

Polygyny and early marriage — both prevalent in Mali — are risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV). Relying on data from the 2018 Malian Demographic and Health Surveys, the study examines the effects of polygyny and age at marriage, while controlling for known risk factors of IPV, on the likelihood of experiencing IPV. Findings reveal that polygyny is associated with IPV. However, polygyny has a moderating influence on the association between age at marriage and the experience of physical abuse and controlling behavior. The complex nature of women's experiences and the need for culturally specific programming are reviewed.
Prognostic and predictive biomarkers with therapeutic targets in breast cancer: A 2022 update on current developments, evidence, and recommendations
Authors: Chung Clement , Yeung Vanessa T.Y. , Wong Kenneth C.W.
Published: August 2022

Objective

To evaluate and validate the recent and emerging data for prognostic and predictive biomarkers with therapeutic targets in breast cancer.

Data sources

A literature search from January 2015 to March 2022 was performed using the key terms breast cancer, clinical practice guidelines, gene mutations, genomic assay, immune cancer therapy, predictive and/or prognostic biomarkers, and targeted therapies.

Study selection and data extraction

Relevant clinical trials, meta-analyses, seminal articles, and published evidence- and consensus-based clinical practice guidelines in the English language were identified, reviewed and evaluated.

Data synthesis

Breast cancer is a biologically heterogeneous disease, leading to wide variability in treatment responses and survival outcomes. Biomarkers for breast cancer are evolving from traditional biomarkers in immunohistochemistry (IHC) such as estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) to genetic biomarkers with therapeutic implications (e.g. breast cancer susceptibility gene 1/2 [ BRCA1/2], estrogen receptor α [ ESR1] gene mutation, HER2 gene mutation, microsatellite instability [MSI], phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit 3Cα [ PIK3CA] gene mutation, neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase [ NTRK] gene mutation). In addition, current data are most robust for biomarkers in immunotherapy (e.g. programmed cell death receptor ligand-1 [PD-L1], microsatellite instability-high [MSI-H] or deficient mismatch repair [dMMR]). Oncotype DX assay remains the best validated gene expression assay that is both predictive and prognostic whereas MammaPrint is prognostic for genomic risk.

Conclusions

Biomarker-driven therapies have the potential to confer greater therapeutic advantages than standard-of-care therapies. The purported survival benefits associated with biomarker-driven therapies should be weighed against their potential harms.
A benchmark strain gradient elasticity solution in two-dimensions for verifying computational approaches by means of the finite element method
Authors: Shekarchizadeh Navid , Abali Bilen Emek , Bersani Alberto Maria
Published: August 2022

In elasticity, microstructure-related deviations may be modeled by strain gradient elasticity. For so-called metamaterials, different implementations are possible for solving strain gradient elasticity problems numerically. Analytical solutions of simple problems are used to verify the numerical approach. We demonstrate such a case in a two-dimensional continuum as a benchmark case for computations. As strain gradient enforces higher regularity conditions in displacements, in the finite element method (FEM), the use of standard elements is often seen as inadequate. For such piecewise or elementwise continuous elements, we examine a possible remedy to correctly simulate strain gradient elasticity problems by implementing two techniques. First, we enforce continuity of displacement gradient across elements; second, we employ a mixed finite element method where displacement and its gradient are solved both as unknowns. The results show the pros and cons of each numerical technique. All methods converge monotonically, but the mixed method is more reliable than the other one.
Towards a validated definition of the clinical transition to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: A study from the Italian MS Register
Authors: Iaffaldano Pietro , Lucisano Giuseppe , Guerra Tommaso , Patti Francesco , Onofrj Marco , Brescia Morra Vincenzo , Zaffaroni Mauro , Pozzilli Carlo , Cocco Eleonora , Sola Patrizia , Salemi Giuseppe , Inglese Matilde , Bergamaschi Roberto , Gasperini Claudio , Conte Antonella , Salvetti Marco , Lus Giacomo , Maniscalco Giorgia Teresa , Totaro Rocco , Vianello Marika , Granella Franco , Ferraro Elisabetta , Aguglia Umberto , Gatto Maurizia , Sangalli Francesca , Chisari Clara Grazia , De Luca Giovanna , Carotenuto Antonio , Baroncini Damiano , Colombo Delia , Nica Mihaela , Paolicelli Damiano , Comi Giancarlo , Filippi Massimo , Amato Maria Pia , Trojano Maria
Published: August 2022

Background:

Definitions for reliable identification of transition from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) to secondary progressive (SP)MS in clinical cohorts are not available.

Objectives:

To compare diagnostic performances of two different data-driven SPMS definitions.

Methods:

Data-driven SPMS definitions based on a version of Lorscheider’s algorithm (DDA) and on the EXPAND trial inclusion criteria were compared, using the neurologist’s definition (ND) as gold standard, in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), Akaike information criterion (AIC) and area under the curve (AUC).

Results:

A cohort of 10,240 MS patients with ⩾5 years of follow-up was extracted from the Italian MS Registry; 880 (8.5%) patients were classified as SPMS according to the neurologist definition, 1806 (17.6%) applying the DDA and 1134 (11.0%) with the EXPAND definition. The DDA showed greater discrimination power (AUC: 0.8 vs 0.6) and a higher sensitivity (77.1% vs 38.0%) than the EXPAND definition, with similar specificity (88.0% vs 91.5%). PPV and NPV were higher using the DDA than considering EXPAND definition (37.5% vs 29.5%; 97.6% vs 94.0%).

Conclusion:

Data-driven definitions demonstrated greater ability to capture SP transition than neurologist’s definition and the global accuracy of DDA seems to be higher than the EXPAND definition.
Immigrants’ and refugees’ experiences of access to health and social services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto, Canada
Authors: Leung Doris , Lee Charlotte , Wang Angel He , Guruge Sepali
Published: August 2022

Objective

In 2020, the World Health Organization reported that immigrants were the most vulnerable to contracting COVID, due to a confluence of personal and structural barriers. This study explored how immigrants and refugees experienced access to health and social services during the first wave of COVID-19 in Toronto, Canada.

Methods

This study analyzed secondary data from a qualitative study that was conducted between May and September 2020 in Toronto that involved semi-structured interviews with 72 immigrants and refugees from 21 different countries. The secondary data analysis was informed by critical realism.

Results

The vast majority of participants experienced fear and anxiety during the COVID-19 outbreak but through a combination of self-reliance and community support came to terms with the realities of the pandemic. Some even found the lifestyle changes engendered by the pandemic a positive experience.

Conclusions

Self-reliance may hinder help-seeking and augment the threat of COVID-19. This is particularly a concern for the most vulnerable immigrants, who experience multiple disruptions in their health care, have limited material resources and social supports, and perhaps are still dealing with the challenges of settling in the new country.