bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Timing on Measurement of Decision Quality and Shared Decision Making: Longitudinal Cohort Study of Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Sepucha Karen R. , Langford Aisha T. , Belkora Jeffrey K. , Chang Yuchiao , Moy Beverly , Partridge Ann H. , Lee Clara N.
Published: July 2019

Purpose.The objective of this study was to examine whether scores of shared decision-making measures differ when collected shortly after (1 month) or long after (1 year) breast cancer surgical treatment decisions. Methods. Longitudinal, multisite survey of breast cancer (BC) patients, with measurements at 1 month and 1 year after surgery at 4 cancer centers. Patients completed the BC Surgery Decision Quality Instrument (used to generate a knowledge score, ratings of goals, and concordance with treatment preferences) and Shared Decision Making (SDM) Process survey at both time points. We tested several hypotheses related to the scores over time, including whether the scores discriminated between sites that did and did not offer formal decision support services. Exploratory analyses examined factors associated with large increases and decreases in scores over time. Results. Across the 4 sites, 229 patients completed both assessments. The mean total knowledge scores (69.2% [SD 16.6%] at 1 month and 69.4% [SD 17.7%] at 1 year, P = 0.86), SDM Process scores (2.7 [SD 1.1] 1 month v. 2.7 [SD 1.2] 1 year, P = 0.68), and the percentage of patients receiving their preferred treatment (92% at 1 month and 92% at 1 year, P = 1.0) were not significantly different over time. The site using formal decision support had significantly higher knowledge and SDM Process scores at 1 month, and only the SDM Process scores remained significantly higher at 1 year. A significant percentage of patients had large changes in their individual knowledge and SDM Process scores, with increases balancing out decreases. Conclusion. For population-level assessments, it is reasonable to survey BC patients up to a year after the decision, greatly increasing feasibility of measurement. For those evaluating decision support interventions, shorter follow-up is more likely to detect an impact on knowledge scores.
Tapering duodenoplasty: a beneficial adjunct in the treatment of congenital duodenal obstruction
Authors: Dewberry Lindel C. , Hilton Sarah A , Vuille-dit-Bille Raphael N. , Liechty Kenneth W.
Published: July 2019

Objective

Congenital duodenal obstruction is typically treated by duodenoduodenostomy. Tapering of the dilated segment has been indicated to reduce duodenal dysmotility. The purpose of this study was to review the outcomes between these two approaches.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed cases of duodenal obstruction repair performed at a quaternary care referral pediatric hospital from 2007 to 2017. The length of stay, time to full enteral feeding, and complications were compared between patients who underwent duodenoduodenostomy with and without tapering duodenoplasty (n=4 and n=35, respectively).

Results

Both groups had similar times to initial enteral feeding (7 days) and full enteral feeding (14 vs. 15 days). Among the 35 patients who underwent duodenoduodenostomy alone, 6 (17%) required a return to the operating room; in contrast, no patients who underwent tapering required a return to the operating room. Of those who returned to the operating room, two underwent tapering at that time because of duodenal dilation and feeding intolerance.

Conclusions

Although limited by the small sample size, this study suggests that patients undergoing tapering duodenoplasty may have a slightly shorter time to full enteral feeding and a lower rate of complications than patients undergoing duodenoduodenostomy alone.
Parapharyngeal space tumors: a serial case study
Authors: Lien Kuang-Hsu , Young Chi-Kuang , Chin Shy-Chyi , Liao Chun-Ta , Huang Shiang-Fu
Published: July 2019

Objective

Primary parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors are one of the most challenging head and neck tumors to diagnose and treat. We analyzed our experience in patients with PPS tumors who were treated in our hospital over 13 years.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 16 patients with PPS tumors between 2006 and 2018. The study included clinical symptoms, histological types, surgical approaches, adjuvant therapies, postoperative complications, and prognosis.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 49.63 ± 17.03 years. A palpable neck mass (56.3%) was the most common symptom. In our series, 78.6% of the tumors were benign, and of these, schwannomas were the most common (6/14, 42.9%). Three surgical approaches were used in our patients, including transmandibular (57.1%), transcervical (21.4%) and transparotid (21.4%) approaches. Few complications were reported, including hoarseness and numbness. Adjuvant therapy was administered depending on pathological parameters of the tumors. No recurrence was observed during a mean follow-up of 60.6 months in patients with malignant tumors.

Conclusions

Radiological studies of PPS tumors are essential for diagnosis and surgical planning. Excision of PPS tumors using appropriate surgical approaches provides good outcomes.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the Bartholin’s gland: a case report and literature review
Authors: Chang Yanan , Wu Wang , Chen Hong
Published: July 2019

Objective

The present study was performed to explore the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the Bartholin’s gland.

Methods

The clinical data of a case of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the Bartholin’s gland were examined, and the clinical manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment were analyzed.

Results

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the Bartholin’s gland has a low incidence. The main clinical manifestations are vulvar lumps, dyspareunia, pain, itching, and bleeding. The diagnosis is based on gynecological examination and pathological biopsy, and the treatment is mainly surgical excision.

Conclusion

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the Bartholin’s gland is rare and lacks specificity. Pathological biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis, and surgical resection should be performed for treatment.
Operative hysteroscopy platform at a university teaching hospital: a retrospective study
Authors: Al-Husban Naser , Abu Rokbeh Rana
Published: July 2019

Objective

This study was performed to investigate the prevalence, indications, effectiveness, outcomes, and complications of operative hysteroscopy in gynecological patients with an emphasis on the need for further training and equipping facilities as performed by consultant gynecologists.

Methods

This was a retrospective descriptive study of operative hysteroscopic procedures from 19 September 2016 to 31 December 2018.

Results

In total, 1919 hysteroscopic procedures were performed [1829 (95.3%) diagnostic and 90 (4.7%) operative hysteroscopies]. The patients’ mean age was 42.4 years (range, 20–69 years). The most common operative procedure was hysteroscopic fibroid polypectomy in 31 patients (34.4%), followed by transcervical resection of the endometrium in 23 (25.6%) and endometrial polypectomy in 16 (17.8%). The most common indication was menorrhagia in 57 patients (63.33%), followed by recurrent miscarriages in 9 (10.00%) and primary infertility in 5 (5.56%). Sixty-six patients (73.33%) were treated under general anesthesia and 24 (26.67%) under spinal anesthesia. Fifteen fibroids (48.4%) were 3 to 4 cm in size and 11 (35.5%) were >4 cm. Eight polyps (50%) were 3 to 4 cm. The mean uterine size and endometrial thickness were 8.9 ± 2.16 weeks and 11.1 ± 3.01 mm, respectively. The mean preoperative hemoglobin level was 10.9 g/dL and the mean estimated blood loss was 65.9 ± 48.7 mL (range, 10–200 mL). Thirty-eight patients (60.3%) with heavy bleeding improved with no need for further medical or surgical intervention. Eleven patients (44%) with reproductive issues conceived or regained their normal menstrual pattern. Two patients (2.2%) had excessive fluid absorption and one (1.1%) had uterine perforation.

Conclusions

Operative hysteroscopy was an effective and safe option in certain uterine pathologies. Specific training in operative hysteroscopy should be promoted to make this type of surgery an integral part of gynecological services in the developing world.
Nalbuphine versus dexmedetomidine for treatment of combined spinal-epidural post-anesthetic shivering in pregnant women undergoing cesarean section
Authors: Sun Jing , Zheng Zhao , Li Yi-Lu , Zou Li-Wei , Li Ge-Hui , Wang Xiao-Guang , She Bao-Zuan , Huang Xiao-Lei , Li Yuan-Tao
Published: July 2019

Objective

This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and side effects of nalbuphine and dexmedetomidine for treatment of combined spinal-epidural anesthetic shivering in women after cesarean section.

Methods

A total of 120 pregnant women, who underwent elective cesarean section under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia, were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized study. These women were randomized into three groups of 40 pregnant women each to receive either saline (group C), nalbuphine 0.07 mg/kg (group N), or dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg (group D) for treatment of shivering after anesthesia. The main outcome measure was a significant reduction in the time required for shivering after intervention.

Results

The mean time to cessation of shivering in groups N and D was significantly shorter than that in group C (3.5±2.7 and 4.2±3.7 versus 14.5±1.4 minutes). The success rate of shivering treatment and Observer’s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation scores in groups N and D were significantly higher than those in group C, while the recurrence rate was lower than that in group C.

Conclusion

Nalbuphine 0.07 mg/kg can be used safely and effectively for shivering in pregnant women under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia.
Intervention for depression among chemistry education undergraduates in a Nigerian university
Authors: Ezeudu Florence Obiageli , Eya Ngozi M. , Nwafor Stephen Chinedu , Ogbonna Chimaobi Samuel
Published: July 2019

Objective

We assessed the efficacy of a rational-emotive behaviour therapy psycho-educational programme in reducing depression among chemistry education undergraduates in a Nigerian university.

Methods

Twenty-three chemistry education undergraduates with major depressive disorder were randomised to a treatment group (12) or control group (11). Students were scored using Beck’s Depression Inventory three times (pre-test, post-treatment, and follow-up). An evidence-based protocol for combating depression was used in the treatment. Controls received counselling. Data were evaluated using univariate analysis of variance and two-way mixed analysis of variance.

Results

Mean depression scores did not differ between groups prior to the intervention. Rational-emotive behaviour therapy was effective in reducing depression scores.

Conclusion

Rational-emotive behaviour therapy is an effective tool in assisting university undergraduates (of chemistry education) to manage depression.
Class Discrimination? Evidence from Jamaica: A Racially Homogeneous Labor Market
Authors: Spencer Nekeisha , Urquhart Mikhail-Ann , Whitely Patrice
Published: July 2019

A common concern in audit studies of racial discrimination is that names assigned to a particular race may also proxy for socioeconomic status. We conduct a correspondence study in Jamaica, a predominantly black middle-income country, and find that these concerns may be valid. The evidence from sending out over 1,000 résumés suggests employers prefer applicants perceived to be from high-income backgrounds. While qualifications are not independently important, those with names preferred by employers have a lower chance of being selected if they have high-quality résumés. The results suggest that class discrimination may matter as much as race discrimination.

JEL Classification: I31, J71, J64
Gender Differences Between Student–Student Relationship and Cyberbullying Perpetration: An Evolutionary Perspective
Authors: Wang Pengcheng , Wang Xingchao , Lei Li
Published: July 2019

With the development of Internet technology, cyberbullying has become a serious social issue and public concern in modern society. Based on the general aggression model and an evolutionary psychological perspective, the present study aimed to examine (a) whether student–student relationship would be significantly related to cyberbullying, (b) whether materialism would mediate the link between student–student relationship and cyberbullying, (c) whether boys would be more likely to engage in cyberbullying than girls, and (d) whether there would be gender differences among the links between student–student relationship and cyberbullying. The research hypotheses were tested among 712 Chinese middle school students ( M age = 13.66 years, SD = 1.36; 50% of the participants were boys) with a moderated mediation model. The results showed that student–student relationship was negatively related to cyberbullying, with their link mediated by materialism. Furthermore, boys were more likely to engage in cyberbullying than girls. Moderated mediation analyses indicated that gender moderated the path between materialism and cyberbullying, with the effect being significant only among the male participants. Gender did not moderate the link between student–student relationship and materialism, and between student–student relationship and cyberbullying. This study highlighted the importance of uncovering the links between adolescents’ offline interpersonal relationships and cyberbullying, as well as the benefits of applying the evolutionary psychological perspective to study cyberbullying.
Inadequate Data Limit the Analysis of Health Disparities and Causes: A Call for Research on Youth Interpersonal Violence
Authors: Roldós Maria Isabel , Farhat Tilda
Published: July 2019

Interpersonal violence among racial and ethnic minority youth is of great concern in health disparity research. Child maltreatment (CM), adolescent dating abuse (ADA), sexual abuse, and polyvictimization are key forms of interpersonal violence that require surveillance and national epidemiological data. However, national data systems and published evidence do not depict this health burden for all racial and ethnic populations. Prevalence and incidence rates for American Indians, Eskimo, and Asian youth are absent from most estimates. This commentary provides a brief overview of the gaps in the literature and offers suggestions for addressing these gaps.
Math Instructional Practices in General Education Classrooms With and Without Students With High-Incidence Disabilities
Authors: Gottfried Michael A. , Kirksey J. Jacob
Published: July 2019

This study compares mathematics instructional practices in classrooms that do and do not contain students with high-incidence disabilities (HIDs). To do so, we examined a national data set of responses from kindergarten teachers about instructional practices. We do find that in classrooms with students with HIDs, teachers reported different frequencies of math activities as well as skills instruction. These differences depended on type of HID. There were no differences in the frequency of time spent on math, meaning that classrooms with and without students with HIDs reported the same amount of math instruction per week. Differences in these findings arose based on teacher qualifications. Implications for policy are discussed.
Collaging the virtual: Exploring gender materialisations in the artwork of pre-teen children
Authors: Huuki Tuija
Published: July 2019

This article draws on a co-productive, arts-based study, in Northern Finland, of 40 children from 10 to 11 years of age. Applying Gilles Deleuze’s idea of the virtual, the author maps the journey of the children’s creative activities, as developed through a series of workshops over one academic year. This article demonstrates how repetitive crafting and photographing can accelerate an actualisation of expansive ideas of gender and ‘self-hood’, ideas emerging in manners that disrupt rigid expectations of girlhood and boyhood.
Concept design and dynamics analysis of a novel lightweight vehicle suspension combined with driving units
Authors: Wang Meng , Beeh Elmar , Zhou Ping , Friedrich Horst E
Published: July 2019

A lightweighted suspension concept with integrated driving units into the longitudinal arm is proposed, to meet the increasing requirements from environments on both lightweight and propulsion to electric vehicles. This paper focuses on the structure concept design and ride dynamic analysis of the suspension with combined driving units. Besides conventional springs and shock absorbers, this concept suspension consists of a mass reduced axle structure, longitudinal arms, and electric driving units. The electric driving unit of the concept suspension arm is introduced by structural illustration first which in structure integrates the function as the suspension longitudinal arm and the function of electric propulsion to the vehicle. Meanwhile, a light brace structure with tube profiles is developed on the basis of topological optimization. Through the structure optimization, it can fulfill the suspension kinematic and compliance as well as mechanical requirements. The vehicle suspension realizes mass reduction not only from integration of driving units and suspension arm but also from structure optimization. In order to investigate the ride dynamics of the conceptual suspension, an analytical model for vehicle rear axle with a double lane road signal in accordance with International Organization for Standardization road surface profile is derived, with consideration of the integrated electric motor and linkage geometry. Simulation results are obtained to illustrate the ride dynamics in contrast to a conventional suspension benchmark. The simulation results indicate that the concept suspension has comparable ride dynamics performance as the reference suspension. Finally, the influences of the important parameters on ride dynamics are analyzed.
Finite element analysis of NiTi self-expandable heart valve stent
Authors: Salemizadeh Parizi Fatemeh , Mehrabi Reza , Karamooz-Ravari Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2019

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a minimally invasive treatment for severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. Nitinol stents are proposed for aortic stenosis patients at high risk. In the present study, at different implantation depths in the aortic valve, the crimping and performance of Nitinol stents are investigated. To do so, a constitutive model based on Microplane theory is utilized and implemented through the finite element to express the constitutive characteristics of Nitinol. The self-expanding stent made of NiTi is designed and simulated using the finite element method. To validate the developed model, the obtained results using beam and solid finite element models are compared with those reported in the literature. Superelastic behavior as well as shape memory effect of the Nitinol stent is studied during crimping and deployment. The simulated results show that the produced radial force increases by increasing the implantation depth in a cardiac cycle.
Jargon as a barrier to effective science communication: Evidence from metacognition
Authors: Bullock Olivia M. , Colón Amill Daniel , Shulman Hillary C. , Dixon Graham N.
Published: July 2019

In this experiment ( N = 650), we examine the negative consequences of jargon on individuals’ perceptions of emerging scientific technology and aim to explain these effects. We find that the presence of jargon impairs people’s ability to process scientific information, and that this impairment leads to greater motivated resistance to persuasion, increased risk perceptions, and lower support for technology adoption. These findings suggest that the use of jargon undermines efforts to inform and persuade the public through the cognitive mechanism of metacognition.
Neural Repair in Stroke
Authors: Toman Nikolas G. , Grande Andrew W. , Low Walter C.
Published: July 2019

This article reviews the progress that has been made in the development of cell therapies for the repair of nervous system damage caused by strokes, since the first report on the use of cell transplants in animal models of ischemic brain injury in 1988. At that time neural progenitor cells derived from fetal brain tissue were used as sources of cells to replace specific subsets of neuronal cells that were lost in various regions of the brain following experimentally induced strokes. Since 1988, cells from other sources, such as embryonic stem cells and inducible pluripotent stem cells, have been investigated for their ability to replace neuronal cells and repair the damaged brain. Most recently, mesenchymal stem cells and cord blood stem cells have been studied for the ability to modulate the immune system and ameliorate the neuropathology and neurological deficits associated with experimental stroke. The preclinical investigation of different cell therapy approaches for treating stroke during the past three decades has now led to many ongoing clinical trials, with the clinical evaluation of stem cell therapies for stroke now involving global participants.
Effect of Coopetitive Activity on Innovation and Management Performances in the Structural Context
Authors: Cho Yongrae , Lee Choonghyun
Published: July 2019

This study intends to demonstrate whether firms’ cooperative activities, particularly ‘coopetition’, affect business performances. Coopetition, which is cooperation with competitors, is a strategic concept that suggests competition and cooperation between firms can exist simultaneously. More specifically, in order to investigate cooperation as a part of innovation mechanism, this study analysed the mediating effects of product and process innovation performances in between cooperative activities and management performances. For this purpose, we applied a structural equation model (SEM) by integrating a regression model and a logistic regression model. The former analysed the effects of cooperation and innovation on management performances, whereas the latter studied influence of cooperation on innovation performances. For empirical analysis, we utilised data from Korea Innovation Survey (KIS), which incorporates information on Korean firm’s innovation activities and their relevant performances. The results from this study can be applied to addressing and diagnosing issues in Korean industries by analysing relationships among cooperative activities, innovation outcomes and management performances in the structural context.

The analysis showed that coopetition, compared to other types of cooperation, has enhanced the performance of process innovation. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrated that cooperation related positively to management performances. This study, however, also addresses the problem that Korean firms have limitations in linking these innovation performances to actual management performances of financial growth. The results highlight the significance of strategic openness and flexibility, even to competitors, as the business environment and technology market may change drastically. Coopetition strategy can work as a facilitator in providing windows of opportunity for sustainable growth through field-based innovation.
Major Contentions on Nigeria’s Afrocentric Policy
Authors: Oshewolo Segun
Published: July 2019

The quest for dominance/leadership in the region of Africa has been an enduring component of Nigeria’s foreign policy. However, the literature on Nigeria’s Africa policy is replete with ideas that favour the policy and those that make the policy indefensible. These opposing ideas—including the underlying arguments—have been carefully articulated by foreign policy authors, observers and practitioners. Although the arguments for the retention of the policy have been largely influenced by realist considerations, those holding opposing views have wondered whether sustaining the policy will be in the overall interest of Nigeria—particularly given the country’s changing/fluctuating fortunes in pursuing the policy. While this study finds the contending views intellectually stimulating, its objective is to contribute to the debate by offering a perspective which represents a compromise position between the contending ideas.   This study argues that it will be in Nigeria’s overall interest to retain the policy while allowing critical reforms that could help mitigate the misgivings surrounding the policy.
Economic Community of West African States, Regional security and the Implementation of Humanitarian Intervention and the Responsibility to Protect: Rhetoric or Reality?
Authors: Arthur Peter
Published: July 2019

The last 25 years have seen Economic Community of West African States, through the use of various norms, structures and protocols, make the promotion of security and the implementation of humanitarian intervention and the responsibility to protect (R2P) important aspects of the political landscape in the sub-region. The article argues that despite the great strides made by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the implementation of R2P, there are not only challenges (inadequate funds available for peace and security missions, conflicting interests and lack of agreement, poor co-ordination, inadequate human and logistics capacity) with its application in the sub-region, but also concerns about its future. Thus, to promote security and realise the goals of implementing humanitarian intervention and R2P in the ECOWAS sub-region, not only should the actors involved have the requisite capacity but also political will and commitment, citizen awareness, and co-operation among ECOWAS member-states and with the international community should remain crucial to the process.
Neo-colonialism in Africa and the Cases of Turkey and Iran
Authors: Segell Glen
Published: July 2019

Africa is suffering from neo-colonialism for the same reasons that it suffered from colonialism. Neo-colonialism is the regressive impact of unregulated forms of aid, trade and foreign direct investment; and the collaboration of African leaders with foreign leaders to ensure that the interests of both are met with little concern for the development, sustainability and poverty reduction and wellbeing in African countries. The relationship is asymmetrical or at the cost of African states and their people, who are dependent rather that inter-dependent and do not profit through development or sustainability. They face destruction of their culture, religion and education through continued advancement of foreign culture, religion and language to supplant the African and growing radicalisation of the population. This is elaborated thematically under four headings: Africa the colonial dream, the emergence of neo-colonialism, the proponents of neo-colonialism and the element of religion. Evidence of Middle East states are shown as neo-colonialists in Africa discussed under the cases of Turkey and Iran. The motivation of the former is for the purposes of economics and the latter is for the purposes of religion. Both benefit also through status by projecting their influence as growing global actors. The breakdown of African nations rather than their positive construction and development is increasingly visible. The conclusions are that neo-colonialism is active.
Transport Infrastructure Development in Kenya: How Connectivity Impacts Eastern Africa Regional Integration
Authors: Isaac Ombara
Published: July 2019

The study examined Kenya’s transport infrastructure by assessing strengths, opportunities, challenges and initiatives aimed at enhancing existing systems and mitigating gaps towards more connectivity, mobility and reduced costs. Specific objectives of the study included evaluating the current state of transport infrastructure in Kenya, examining milestones in Kenya’s transport infrastructure development in the last decade and determining whether planned transport infrastructure development projects in Kenya would enhance regional integration. This study was significant to policy handlers, development partners and scholars in the region as findings will inform targeted planning and programming for improved transport connectivity. Target population was 150 individuals drawn from the categories of related actors with a sample size of 75 individuals, which was arrived at exclusively and objectively by researcher. The study established that the transport structural gap was a serious handicap to growth and poverty reduction in eastern Africa and that transport connectivity had a direct link to any country’s competitiveness because it weighs on cost of doing business and living. The study recommended sector reforms and innovation towards optimum level of connectivity as a result of the upgraded transport system, with eastern Africa reaching greater regional integration. The study adopted descriptive approach in analysing quantitative and qualitative data as variables under investigation were described.
Book review: John Aerni-Flessner, Dreams for Lesotho: Independence, Foreign Assistance, and Development
Authors: Grilli Matteo
Published: July 2019

John Aerni-Flessner, Dreams for Lesotho: Independence, Foreign Assistance, and Development. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 2018, 284 pp., ISBN-10: 0268103615; ISBN-13: 978-0268103613.
India and Mozambique: Evolving Relations
Authors: Rajwar Sushmita
Published: July 2019

India and Mozambique both have a long history of friendly relations that have been built upon traditional linkages dating back to the pre-colonial period. There has been the exchange of Indian merchants and businessmen to Mozambique even before Vasco da Gama set sail for Africa and India. Due to the migration based on trading, the Indians have settled in Mozambique as traders. These ancient people-to-people contacts have been further built upon in modern times, to forge a strong bilateral relationship based on regular political contacts, ever-deepening economic engagement and well-integrated Indian community in Mozambique. India has a history of supporting African nations in their freedom struggle and it did support Mozambique too. In fact, India was amongst the first countries to open its embassy in Mozambique immediately after its independence. The Indian Ambassador was among those who witnessed the historic moment of the Portuguese flag coming down and new Mozambican flag going up in 1975. This article would try to trace the relationship between India and Mozambique in the past and will bring out the important areas for further co-operation between the two nations.
Book review: R. S. Ghuman and R. Sharma. 2018. Emerging Water Insecurity in India: Lessons from an Agriculturally Advanced State
Authors: Singh Sukhpal
Published: July 2019

R. S. Ghuman and R. Sharma. 2018. Emerging Water Insecurity in India: Lessons from an Agriculturally Advanced State. New Castle Upon Tyne, UK: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, pp. xxvi+298, ISBN (10): 1-5275-1144-8, ISBN (13): 978-1-5275-1144-6.
Book review: P. Gill and Samrat (eds.). 2018. Insider Outsider: Belonging and Unbelonging in North-East India
Authors: Ghosh Partha S.
Published: July 2019

P. Gill and Samrat (eds.). 2018. Insider Outsider: Belonging and Unbelonging in North-East India. New Delhi, India: Amaryllis, xxvii + 244, pp., ₹399 (paperback), ISBN: 9388241355.
An Analysis of Water Policies and Strategies of Bangladesh in the Context of Climate Change
Authors: Hadi Tahmina
Published: July 2019

Water sector is crucial to sustainable development. It sustains the natural resources, livelihood of the people and facilitates to operate economic activities of the country. Currently, the water sector of Bangladesh is under severe threats particularly due to impacts of climate change. The Fourth Assessment Report of International Panel on climate change confirms that the water sector will be one of the most vulnerable sectors to climate change. Climate change impacts are being manifested in the form of extreme climatic events and sea-level rise followed by salinity intrusion into the groundwater and wetlands. The Government of Bangladesh has formulated policies to address the climate-induced water vulnerabilities. However, the existing policies are heavily leaned towards strategising adaptation options to address short-run climate-induced water vulnerabilities. Implementation of long-term approaches to combating climate change require laying groundwork which include extensive research on determining the future impacts of climate change on water resources. The article aims to assess some of the major policies, including National Water Policy, Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, National Strategy for Water Sanitation and Hygiene, The National Sustainable Development Strategy, National Adaptation Programme of Action and Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, through the lens of climate change to determine that up to what extent these policies have addressed the climate-induced water vulnerabilities. The article has recommended to emphasise on conducting a comprehensive research with proper institutional setup on the long-run impacts of climate change on water resources and undertake subsequent water adaptation strategies to address the water-related problems.
Development of a novel high-speed actuation mechanism using a magneto-rheological fluid clutch and its application to a fluid control valve
Authors: Xiong Shaoping , Wilfong Gabriel , Lumkes John
Published: July 2019

In many dynamic systems, such as vehicles, engine air and fuel control systems, fluid power systems, industrial robotics, and testing machines, high-speed actuators are necessary to achieve efficient system operation and high bandwidth performance. This article introduces a new actuation mechanism to enable high-speed actuation. The premise for this actuation mechanism is to momentarily couple a moving component (kinetic energy source) with translational components, which is enabled by a coupling/clutch system. The kinetic energy source (flywheel, electric motor, pump or motor shaft, etc.) is intermittently clutched and declutched to produce linear motion. This article presents such an energy coupler actuator using a magneto-rheological fluid clutch, initially focused on an application for high-speed valve actuation. A multi-physics coupled model was developed to evaluate the proposed energy coupler actuator performance. Simulations were conducted to optimize the energy coupler actuator design parameters. A prototype of the magneto-rheological fluid energy coupler actuator based on the optimal design solution was fabricated and experimentally tested, which achieved 1.6-mm stroke in 4.7 ms.
Promoting Culturally Relevant Educational Practices: Leveraging Locally Designed Instructional Artifacts as Change Agents
Authors: Salisbury Jason
Published: July 2019

This qualitative multiple case study assesses two locally designed instructional artifacts created to support teacher enactment of culturally relevant educational (CRE) practices. Attention is paid to artifact’s ability to support collective teacher use of CRE and the ways that artifacts acted as proxies for instructional leadership. Findings demonstrate that for artifacts to be successful tools in leading building-wide instructional change, they need to nurture teacher collaboration on supporting youth of color and position professional practice as needing to change. Finally, I analyze the differences between the two instructional artifacts to demonstrate how one was more successful at shifting collective practice.
The Impact of NOLS Rocky Mountain on the Development of a Sense of Place
Authors: Hutson Garrett , Peredun Liz , Rochelle Shannon
Published: July 2019

Background: One of the core environmental studies learning objectives at NOLS is for students to develop a “sense of place” by experiencing wilderness and exploring relationships with their surroundings. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore how students report developing a sense of place after completing a course based out of NOLS Rocky Mountain in Lander, Wyoming. A secondary focus of this study was to understand sense-of-place development through past NOLS research on learning mechanisms. Methodology/Approach: Data were analyzed from 511 NOLS students who answered the open-ended question: Did NOLS help you develop a personal relationship to the places you visited? If so, how? This study utilized a grounded theory approach to design and analysis. Findings/Conclusions: Analyses revealed nine core categories related to developing an expeditionary and wilderness-focused sense of place. The two predominant themes supporting a sense of place were the ability of a NOLS course to facilitate nature appreciation and specific instructor-oriented and NOLS structure-oriented learning mechanisms. Implications: This article offers insights into how NOLS supports a sense of place, clarifies related learning mechanisms, and discusses curricular considerations related to facilitating person–environment relationships within landscapes understood as wilderness.
Steering a middle course between intentionality and representation: some remarks about John Stewart’s enactive stance
Authors: Steiner Pierre
Published: July 2019

John Stewart commits himself to the defence of a demanding version of enaction. Among its many original features, John’s version of enaction includes a questionable form of anti-representationalism, and leaves room for the Varelian idea that intentionality is a biological property. This stance anticipates contemporary endorsements in 4E cognition of intentionality as a non-representational and non-contentful property. Once it is deprived of its representational tinsels, intentionality appears to us again as a property of object-directedness. Nevertheless, is the autopoietic model of intentionality as object-directedness coherent and convincing? And do we need intentionality when we describe the meaningful relations between organisms and their environments? The article seeks to answer to these questions.
Estimated Cardiovascular Risk and Guideline-Concordant Primary Prevention With Statins: Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analyses of US Ambulatory Visits Using Competing Algorithms
Authors: Fairman Kathleen A. , Romanet David , Early Nicole K. , Goodlet Kellie J.
Published: July 2019

Introduction:

The 2013 pooled cohort equations (PCE) may misestimate cardiovascular event (CVE) risk, particularly for black patients. Alternatives to the original PCE (O-PCE) to assess potential statin benefit for primary prevention—a revised PCE (R-PCE) and US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) algorithms—have not been compared in contemporary US patients in routine office-based practice.

Methods:

We performed retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative, US sample of office visits made from 2011 to 2014. Sampling criteria matched those used for PCE development: aged 40 to 79 years, black or white race, no cardiovascular disease. Original PCE, R-PCE, and USPSTF algorithms were applied to biometric and demographic data. Outcomes included estimated 10-year CVE risk, percentage exceeding each algorithm’s statin-treatment threshold (>7.5% risk for O-PCE and R-PCE, and >10% O-PCE plus >1 risk factor for USPSTF), and percentage prescribed statin therapy.

Results:

In 12 556 visits (representing 285 330 123 nationwide), 10.8% of patients were black, 27.1% had diabetes, and 15.7% were current smokers. Replacing O-PCE with R-PCE decreased mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) estimated CVE risk from 12.4% (12.0%-12.7%) to 8.5% (8.2%-8.8%). Significant ( P < 0.05) racial disparity in the rate of CVE risk >7.5% was identified using O-PCE (black and white patients [95% CI], respectively: 58.8% [54.6%-62.9%] vs 52.8% [51.1%-54.4%], P = .006) but not R-PCE (41.6% [37.6%-45.7%] vs 39.9% [38.3%-41.5%], P = .448). Revised PCE and USPSTF recommendations were concordant for 90% of patients. Significant racial disparity in guideline-concordant statin prescribing was found using O-PCE (black and white patients, respectively, 35.0% [30.5%-39.9%] vs 41.8% [39.9%-44.4%], P = .013), but not R-PCE (40.6% [35.0%-46.6%] vs 43.0% [40.0%-45.9%], P = .482) or USPSTF recommendations (39.0% [33.8%-44.5%] vs 44.4% [41.5%-47.5%], P = .073).

Conclusions:

Use of an alternative to O-PCE may reduce racial disparity in estimated CVE risk and may facilitate shared decision-making about primary prevention.
Anti-Aggregation Property of Allicin by In Vitro and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Kumar Suresh , Kumar Shivani , Ram Heera
Published: July 2019

Amyloidogenesis is the process in which amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide aggregation results in plaque formation in central nervous system (CNS) are associated with many neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. The peptide aggregation initiated from peptide monomers results in formation of dimers, tetramers, fibrils, and protofibrils. The ability of allicin, a lipid-soluble volatile organosulfur biological compound, present in freshly crushed garlic ( Allium sativum L.) to inhibit fibril formation by the Aβ peptide in vitro was investigated in the present study. Inhibition of fibrillogenesis was measured by a Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence assay and visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The molecular interaction between allicin and Aβ peptide was also demonstrated by in silico studies. The results show that allicin strongly inhibited Aβ fibrils by 97% at 300 µM, compared with control (Aβ only) ( P < .001). These results were further validated by visual of fibril formation by transmission microscopy and molecular interaction of amyloid peptide with allicin by molecular docking. Aβ forms favourable hydrophobic interaction with Ile32, Met35, Val36, and Val39, and oxygen of allicin forms hydrogen bond with the amino acid residue Lys28. Allicin anti-amyloidogenic property suggests that this naturally occurring compound may have potential to ameliorate and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction: An Overview for the Clinician
Authors: Perez Irving E , Taveras Alam Sara , Hernandez Gabriel A , Sancassani Rhea
Published: July 2019

Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) is one of the most feared and undesirable side effects of chemotherapy, occurring in approximately 10% of the patients. It can be classified as direct (dose-dependent vs dose-independent) or indirect, either case being potentially permanent or reversible. Risk assessment, recognition, and prevention of CTRCD are crucial.
Age-related decreases in relapses among adults with relapsing-onset multiple sclerosis
Authors: Schwehr Natalie A , Kuntz Karen M , Butler Mary , Enns Eva A , Shippee Nathan D , Kingwell Elaine , Tremlett Helen , Carpenter Adam F ,   The BeAMS Study Group
Published: July 2019

Background:

Relapsing-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) typically starts in early- to mid-adulthood, yet the trajectory of disease activity over the subsequent lifetime remains poorly defined. Previous studies have not quantified the age-specific portion of decreases in annualized relapse rates (ARR).

Objective:

The aim of this article is to determine, under a range of disease-related assumptions, the age-specific component of decreases in ARR over time among adults with relapsing-onset MS.

Methods:

We used a simulation modeling approach to examine a range of assumptions about changes in ARR due to age versus disability status. Scenarios included variations in initial ARR and rate of worsening on the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Model parameters were developed through analysis of MS patients in British Columbia, Canada, and literature review.

Results:

We found a substantial age-specific decrease in ARR in all simulated scenarios, independent of disability worsening. Under a range of clinically plausible assumptions, 88%–97% of the decrease was attributed to age and 3%–13% to disability. The age-specific decrease ranged from 22% to 37% per 5 years for a wide range of initial ARR (0.33–1.0).

Conclusion:

Decreases in ARR were due mostly to age rather than disability status. To facilitate informed decision making in MS, it is important to quantify the dynamic relationship between relapses and age.
Close ever, distant never? Integrating protest event and social network approaches into the transformation of the Hungarian far right
Authors: Pirro Andrea LP , Pavan Elena , Fagan Adam , Gazsi David
Published: July 2019

In this article, we extend our understanding of fringe politics to include relational and thematic elements, namely, the relationship of far-right collective actors with their broader network and the claims made within it. Locating our analysis at the intersection of protest event and social network analysis, we focus on the far-right Movement for a Better Hungary (Jobbik) which, since late 2013, has committed to moderation. Analysing the protest events in which Jobbik took part and the types of claims upon which it mobilized between 2009 and 2017, we examine whether there has been a corresponding distancing from extremist groups and radical claims – a finding that would indeed validate the substantive transformation of Jobbik. By focusing on often neglected relational and thematic aspects, the study provides new ways to analyse fringe collective actors, the relationship with their environment and the evolution of such a relationship over time.
Organization and the structure of opportunities: Understanding the success of ethnic parties in postcommunist Europe
Authors: Ishiyama John , Stewart Brandon
Published: July 2019

In this article, we formulate a theoretical framework that examines the “internal” organizational characteristics of ethnic minority political parties, the characteristics of the ethnic minority group they purport to represent, and the external environment that these parties face, to explain the political success of these parties. As an empirical plausibility probe of this framework, we use data from 1991 to 2016 for 41 ethnic minority parties across 12 countries and 89 national legislative elections. Using a logistic regression analysis, our findings suggest that party organizational capability is most associated with ethnic minority party success in postcommunist politics when compared to other “supply” and “structure of opportunity” variables.
High Mortality from Major Vascular Trauma in Traffic Accidents: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Johannesdottir B. K. , Johannesdottir U. , Jonsson T. , Lund S. H. , Mogensen B. , Gudbjartsson T.
Published: July 2019

Background and Aims:

Injuries involving major arteries are an important cause of mortality and morbidity, most often from road traffic accidents. Our aim was to study the outcome of major vascular trauma from traffic accidents in an entire population, including patients who die at the scene and those who reach hospital alive.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective analysis of all patients who sustained major vascular trauma in traffic accidents in Iceland from 2000 to 2011. Patient demographics, mechanism, and location of vascular injury and treatment were registered. Injury scores were calculated and overall survival estimated.

Results:

There were 62 individuals (mean age 44 years, 79% males) with 95 major vascular traumas, giving an incidence of 1.69/100,000 inhabitants (95% confidence interval: 1.27–2.21). A total of 33 died at the scene and 8 during transportation to hospital but 21 (34%) reached hospital alive. Most patients who succumbed had thoracic major vascular traumas (76%) or abdominal major vascular traumas (23%). Mean new injury severity score for the 21 admitted patients was 44. A total of 18 were operated with vascular repair, 3 with endovascular stent graft insertion. The mean hospital stay for discharged patients was 34 days. Altogether, 15 of the 62 patients (24%) survived to discharge from hospital, with a 5-year survival of 86% for discharged patients.

Conclusion:

Every other patient with major vascular trauma following traffic accidents died at the scene and a further 13% died during transportation to hospital, most of whom sustained major vascular trauma to the thoracic aorta. However, one-third of the patients reached hospital alive and 71% of them survived to discharge, with excellent long-term survival.