bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Tropical Cyclone Activities over the Western North Pacific in CORDEX-East Asia Phase I and II Experiments
Authors: Lee Minkyu , Cha Dong-Hyun , Suh Myoung-Seok , Chang Eun-Chul , Ahn Joong-Bae , Min Seung-Ki , Byun Young-Hwa
Published: October 2020

This study evaluated tropical cyclone (TC) activity simulated by two regional climate models (RCMs) incorporated in the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) framework with two different horizontal resolutions. Evaluation experiments with two RCMs (RegCM4 and MM5) forced by reanalysis data were conducted over the CORDEX-East Asia domain for phases I and II. The main difference between phases I and II is horizontal resolution (50 and 25 km). The 20-yr (1989–2008) mean performances of the experiments were investigated in terms of TC genesis, track, intensity, and TC-induced precipitation. In general, the simulated TC activities over the western North Pacific (WNP) varied depending on the model type and horizontal resolution. For both models, higher horizontal resolution improved the simulation of TC tracks near the coastal regions of East Asia, whereas the coarser horizontal resolution led to underestimated TC genesis compared with the best track data because of greater convective precipitation and enhanced atmospheric stabilization. In addition, the increased horizontal resolution prominently improved the simulation of TCs landfalling in East Asia and associated precipitation around coastal regions. This finding implies that high-resolution RCMs can improve the simulation of TC activities over the WNP (i.e., added value by increasing model resolution); thus, they have an advantage in climate change assessment studies.
Origins of the IOD-like Biases in CMIP Multimodel Ensembles: The Atmospheric Component and Ocean–Atmosphere Coupling
Authors: Long Shang-Min , Li Gen , Hu Kaiming , Ying Jun
Published: October 2020

Previous studies reveal that the last generation of coupled general circulation models (CGCMs) commonly suffer from the so-called Indian Ocean dipole (IOD)-like biases, lowering the models’ ability in climate prediction and projection. The present study shows that such IOD-like biases are reduced insignificantly or even worsen in CGCMs from phase 5 to phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP). The origins of the IOD-like biases in CGCMs are further investigated by comparing model outputs from CMIP and the Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP). The CGCMs’ errors are divided into the biases from the AMIP simulation (AMIP biases) and ocean–atmosphere coupling (coupling biases). For the multimodel ensemble mean, the AMIP (coupling) biases account for about two-thirds (one-third) of the IOD-like CMIP biases. In AMIP simulations, the South Asian summer monsoon (SASM) is overly strong; therefore, it could advect overly large easterly momentum from the south Indian Ocean (IO) to the equator. The resultant equatorial easterly wind bias would initiate the convection–circulation feedback and develop large IOD-like AMIP biases. In contrast, the coupling biases weaken the SASM and hence generate warm SST error over the western IO during boreal summer. Such SST error persists to boreal autumn and triggers the Bjerknes feedback, developing the IOD-like coupling biases. Furthermore, the intermodel spread in the IOD-like CMIP biases is largely explained by the intermodel differences in the coupling biases rather than the AMIP biases. The results imply that substantial efforts should be respectively made on reducing the atmospheric models’ intrinsic monsoon biases as well as advancing the simulations of ocean–atmosphere coupling processes.
TEST SEIRCRT |ˈsəːkrɪt |: For the Health of Our Communities
Authors: Mills Jennifer
Published: October 2020

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases that are being confirmed in Canada provide an opportunity to expand the epidemic model for the simulation of disease infection spread: Susceptible- Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR). This paper develops a SEIRCRT |ˈsəːkrɪt | model that integrates the Institute for Disease Modeling’s SEIR model and Critical Race Theory (CRT) to answer the question: What is in a SEIRCRT model? SEIRCRT provides a basic modeling structure from a CRT lens to simulate, predict and forecast COVID-19 cases, comorbidities affecting African Canadians, and deaths through predictive modeling. Knowledge of SEIRCRT is critical to characterize the severity of COVID-19 in this early stage. To this end, the purpose of this paper is to describe SEIRCRT’s model and summarize its key characteristics. SEIRCRT as a public health framework provides insight into the conclusions drawn about race and COVID-19, and expands our thinking about what health disparities mean for African Canadian communities.
Mechanical and physical investigation of an artificial stone produced with granite residue and epoxy resin
Authors: Gomes Maria Luiza PM , Carvalho Elaine AS , Demartini Tcharllis JC , de Carvalho Eduardo A , Colorado Henry A , Vieira Carlos Maurício F
Published: October 2020

The incorporation of ornamental stones residues to a polymer resin to produce artificial stone is an alternative to reducing the environmental impacts of inadequate waste disposal; it also represents a technically viable method. The objective of study was to develop an artificial granitic stone (AGS) using 85% in mass of granite agglutinated by 15% epoxy resin, through a vacuum, vibration and compression process. The artificial stone presented superior properties when compared with the natural granite, it had satisfactory mechanical and physical properties, resistant to temperature oscillations, to impact and wear, therefore suitable for applications for flooring subject to instantaneous tension and high-traffic.
Finite-time observer-based control for Markovian jump systems with time-varying generally uncertain transition rates
Authors: Li Mengjun , Li Xiaohang , Lu Dunke
Published: October 2020

This paper addresses the finite-time observer-based control for Markovian jump systems with time-varying generally uncertain transition rates. In order to estimate the states, a suitable observer is designed, in which both external disturbance and Brownian motion exist. In order to solve the complex time-varying transition rates, a quantization mechanism is raised to prove the closed-loop system and the observer error system be stable. Sufficient conditions of the existences of both the observer and the observer-based controller are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Eventually, two practical examples are given to testify the correctness of the results.
Veterans’ Experiences With Diabetes: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: DiNardo Monica M. , Phares Angela D. , Jones Harleigh E. , Beyer Nicole M. , Suss Stephen J. , McInnes Shauna , Rodriguez Keri L.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to explore an understanding of the psychosocial-behavioral impact of diabetes self-management among veterans with diabetes.

Methods

Twenty-six veterans participated in 1 of 9 focus groups that were conducted following a group diabetes self-management education class and prior to a mindfulness intervention as part of a feasibility pilot study. Discussions were guided by open-ended questions that addressed the overarching research question, “How do attitudes and experiences with diabetes inform psychosocial-educational approaches to diabetes self-management education and care for veterans?” Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed. The data was then independently coded and thematically analyzed by 2 coders.

Results

Five main themes that reflect veterans’ perceptions of their experiences with diabetes and diabetes self-management were identified: (1) distress and negative emotions, (2) social isolation, (3) perceived lack of control, (4) attitudes toward diabetes support, and (5) desire for information about stress, diabetes, health, and behavior.

Conclusions

Veterans experience emotional distress and have unmet psychosocial needs related to diabetes self-management. Insight gained from these veteran perspectives suggests a framework for integrating psycho-educational interventions like mindfulness into diabetes care that emphasize stress reduction, person-centered communication, and opportunities for peer support.
Sense of Futility as Subject of Disciplinary Action: Do Students With Negative Attitudes Toward the Educational System Get Disciplined More Often?
Authors: Degroote Emma , Van Houtte Mieke
Published: October 2020

School discipline research has demonstrated that the labeling of student behaviors as requiring disciplinary action is a selective process in which school staff take into account other factors than the characteristics of the behaviors. We argue that school staff react in a disciplinary way to students with negative attitudes toward the educational system. Concretely, we examined if feelings of futility caused students to suffer disciplinary consequences more often. Multilevel analysis was carried out on data of 2,358 students in 28 Ghentian (Belgium) schools that participated in the International Study of City Youth (ISCY). Results indicate that school staff do not react to students’ sense of futility directly by means of disciplinary actions; however, they impose disciplinary actions following disruptive behaviors on students displaying higher feelings of futility more often.
Exploring the Family factors associated with Suicide Attempts among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mathew Anju , Saradamma Remadevi , Krishnapillai Vijayakumar , Muthubeevi Saboora Beegum
Published: October 2020

Background:

Suicides are among the leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults worldwide, including India. Suicide attempts are about 20 times more common than completed suicides. Teenagers and youth who attempt suicide belong to a heterogeneous group. Various biological and psychosocial factors, including family factors, contribute to such behavior. Quality of family functioning and relationships may act as an important contextual factor in deciding suicidal behavior. Hence, this study was done to explore the family factors contributing to suicide attempts.

Methods:

Qualitative exploratory study design and purposive sampling were used. Data were collected from 22 adolescents and young adults using an in-depth interview method. All audio recordings were transcribed in Malayalam, and then translated to English. Codes were developed using the qualitative data analysis software. Thematic analysis was done. Themes and relationships were identified and synthesized to a framework that represents the summary of the data.

Results:

Most of the participants perceived the home environment as hostile. Problems within the family included parental conflicts and separation, conflict with a sibling or other members of the family, and marital disharmony. Most of them perceived low family support. Socioeconomic factors such as financial issues, superstitious beliefs, disturbing neighborhoods, interpersonal issues, and the stigma of having a mental illness, in a family member, were also noted.

Conclusion:

Hostile family environment, faulty interactions between family members, and lack of perceived family support may contribute to suicidal behavior among adolescents and young adults. Hence, it is imperative to consider these factors while treating them or planning any suicide prevention program for them.
The effectiveness of diacutaneous fibrolysis on pain, range of motion and functionality in musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cadellans-Arróniz Aida , Llurda-Almuzara Luis , Campos-Laredo Berta , Cabanas-Valdés Rosa , Garcia-Sutil Alex , López-de-Celis Carlos
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of diacutaneous fibrolysis in reducing musculoskeletal disorders symptoms such as pain, range of motion and functionality.

Data sources:

A systematic review of MEDLINE, Cochrane, PEDro and Science Direct was conducted until September 2020.

Review methods:

Computerized search strategy was performed to identify randomized controlled trials applying diacutaneous fibrolysis, on subjects with musculoskeletal disorders. Eligible articles and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers. Methodology quality and risk of bias were assessed by Risk of Bias 2 tool from the Cochrane Collaboration and Physiotherapy Evidence Database. Outcomes assessed were pain intensity, range of motion and functionality.

Results:

Search strategy identified 98 potential randomized control trials and six studies involving 386 participants, were finally included. Diacutaneous fibrolysis intervention added to usual physiotherapy treatment was compared to control group. Pain intensity immediately after treatment showed a pooled Standard Mean Difference (SMD) of –0.58 with 95% confidence interval (CI) from –1.12 to –0.04, and in the longest follow-up SMD was –0.63 with 95% CI (–1.21 to –0.05). Functionality showed a pooled SMD of –1.02 with 95% CI (–1.67 to –0.36) immediately after intervention and a SMD of –0.84 with 95% CI (–1.54 to –0.14). Range of motion could not be included in the quantitative synthesis.

Conclusion:

Diacutaneous fibrolysis is an effective treatment, when combined with conventional physiotheraphy, reducing pain immediately after treatment and long term follow-up and improving function in both, short and long term in musculoskeletal disorders.
Systematic review of laryngocele and pyolaryngocele management in the age of robotic surgery
Authors: Singh Ravjit , Karantanis William , Fadhil Matthew , Kumar Shivani Angelique , Crawford Julia , Jacobson Ian
Published: October 2020

Objective

A laryngocele is a space that develops as a result of pathological dilatation of the laryngeal saccule. However, the reported management of laryngoceles varies. We conducted a systematic review of the literature regarding the surgical management of laryngoceles and pyolaryngoceles, to understand the evolving nature of treatment for this rare condition.

Methods

We searched for publications in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, JBI Library of Systematic Reviews, and Ovid databases using the terms “laryngocele”, “pyolaryngocele”, and “laryngopyocele”, and reviewed the identified articles.

Results

After removal of repeated studies and filtering for relevance and studies written in English, a total of 227 studies were included in this review. No meta-analyses or randomized controlled trials have been published. The identified studies have been summarized in 14 reviews conducted since 1946. The meta-analysis determined that endoscopy was the preferred approach for internal laryngoceles, while combined laryngoceles benefited from both internal and external surgical approaches.

Conclusions

Laryngocele management has progressed since its initial description, from open surgery to an endoscopic approach, and more recently to a robotic-assisted surgical approach. The uptake of robotic surgery as a possible treatment modality over the last decade shows much promise for the treatment of these conditions.
Cilostazol plus clopidogrel in the prevention of in-stent stenosis after vertebral artery origin stenting in gout patients: three case reports
Authors: Yuan Huai-Wu , Lin Ya-Jie , Ji Ren-Jie
Published: October 2020

It is unclear whether cilostazol instead of aspirin in combination with clopidogrel could prevent in-stent thrombosis in patients with a history of gout undergoing vertebral artery origin stenting. Three men (age range, 58–74 years) were diagnosed with acute ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Vertebral artery origin stenosis was visible by computed tomographic angiography or digital subtraction angiography. Four bare metal stents were placed in the vertebral artery origin. The patients were administered 100 mg cilostazol orally twice a day and 75 mg clopidogrel orally once a day perioperatively and 100 mg cilostazol orally twice day was administered indefinitely after 3 months. No in-stent stenosis was observed in all of these patients during a follow-up period up to 19 months. Cilostazol plus clopidogrel has the potential to become an alternative to standard dual antiplatelet therapy in vertebral artery origin stenting. A high-quality clinical trial is needed to verify these preliminary findings.
Efficacy and safety of balloon-assisted microdissection with Sapphire® II 1.0-mm balloon in balloon-uncrossable chronic total occlusion lesions
Authors: Ye Yicong , Zhao Xiliang , Du Jianjun , Zeng Yong
Published: October 2020

Objective

Earlier studies have shown that the balloon-assisted microdissection (BAM) technique is feasible using a 1.2- to 1.5-mm small balloon in balloon-uncrossable chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions. This study was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of the BAM technique with a Sapphire® II 1.0-mm balloon.

Methods

In this retrospective study, patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for CTO were consecutively screened for balloon-uncrossable CTO lesions using BAM with the Sapphire® II 1.0-mm balloon. The patients’ clinical and angiographic characteristics and procedural outcomes were collected for analyses.

Results

Twenty-four balloon-uncrossable CTO lesions were identified. Most of the CTO lesions were located in the right coronary artery, followed by the left anterior descending artery and left circumflex artery. The mean Japanese Multicenter CTO Registry (J-CTO) and Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention (PROGRESS CTO) scores were 1.96 and 1.38, respectively. The total technical success rates were 91.6% (22/24) and 75.00% (18/24) for the lesions that were successfully treated with BAM. No patients developed major complications with the exception of one patient who developed a femoral hematoma.

Conclusion

BAM with the Sapphire® II 1.0-mm balloon may be an effective and safe technique for balloon-uncrossable CTO lesions.
Multistage Treatment of a Class II Division 1 Malocclusion With Severe Crowding
Authors: Sangamesh B.
Published: October 2020

The improvement of facial aesthetics is one of the main reasons why patients with a class II division 1 malocclusion seek orthodontic treatment. There are various techniques available to treat class II malocclusions, one of which is a two-phase approach that includes functional jaw orthopedics as well as fixed orthodontic treatment. The following case report describes the case of a 12-year-old growing female patient AK with a severe class II division 1 malocclusion. The patient was treated initially with Haas-type rapid maxillary expansion. Pre-functional orthodontics was followed with a removable twin block functional appliance and a combination pull headgear for growth modification and correction of her overjet and profile. Thereafter, a fixed, pre-adjusted MBT (McLaughlin Bennet Trevsi) prescription orthodontic appliance was utilized following the extractions of the maxillary first premolars and two lower incisors in the final phase, to ensure well-aligned arches and improved aesthetics and function.
Accessible Virtual Arts Recreation for Wellbeing Promotion in Long-Term Care Residents
Authors: Murphy Kelly J. , Swaminathan Swathi , Howard Elizabeth , Altschuler Aviva , Rogan Jessica , Beauchet Olivier , Dupuis Kate , Galea Liisa A. M. , Hogan David , Lingum Navena , Rowe Gillian , Tsotsos Lia , Szczepura Ala , Wittich Walter , Xie Feng , Hasher Lynn
Published: October 2020

The efficacy of a technology-driven visual arts recreation activity, delivered virtually, was evaluated for its potential to achieve positive impacts, similar to traditional arts-interventions, on wellbeing in long-term care residents. Thirty-one residents (average age 86.8 years; SD = 9.4) engaged with the arts-intervention for 30-minutes, twice weekly, for 6 weeks with either a partner or as part of a group. Wellbeing indicators included self-reported psychological and health-related wellness, and attention capacity. Binomial tests of postintervention change revealed a significant above-chance probability of improvement in one or more wellbeing indicators ( p < .05). Postparticipation feedback survey scores were positive ( p < .05). Cognitive status did not influence outcome; however, other participant characteristics such as younger age, higher openness-to-experience (personality trait), and lower baseline mood were significantly associated with positive response to the intervention ( p < .05). Findings demonstrate technology may be an effective platform for promoting accessibility to beneficial arts-interventions for older adults.
Walking the Walk: Does Perceptual Congruence Between Managers and Employees Promote Employee Job Satisfaction?
Authors: Song Miyeon , Meier Kenneth J.
Published: October 2020

Public managers and employees should be on the same page for successful performance. Managers’ self-evaluations of their own management, however, often do not match employees’ evaluations. Despite the consistent findings of a discrepancy between managers’ and employees’ perceptions of management, little research has examined how this perceptual incongruence affects employee job satisfaction. The present study addresses this question using parallel surveys from both managers and employees in the context of public education. The findings suggest managers overestimate their management effectiveness in general. As the perceptual gap between managers and employees increases, employees are less likely to be satisfied with their organization and their profession. We also find that this relationship is nonlinear, and the negative effects of incongruence could be accelerated when employees have considerable consensus about management. This study highlights the role of perceptual congruence in creating a better work environment and promoting job satisfaction for public employees.
A Qualitative Exploration of Practitioners’ Understanding of and Response to Child-to-Parent Aggression
Authors: O’Toole Sarah E. , Tsermentseli Stella , Papastergiou Athanasia , Monks Claire P.
Published: October 2020

There has been limited research and policy directed toward defining and understanding child-to-parent aggression (CPA), resulting in inconsistent definitions, understandings, and responses, which has a detrimental impact on families. In particular, there have been limited qualitative studies of those working on the frontline of CPA, hindering the development of effective policy. The present qualitative study therefore aimed to explore practitioner perspectives of CPA. Twenty-five practitioners from diverse fields (e.g., youth justice, police, charities) participated in four focus groups relating to their experiences of working with CPA in the United Kingdom. Thematic analysis of focus groups revealed three key themes: definitions of CPA, understanding of CPA risk factors, and responding to CPA. Practitioners understood CPA to be a broad use of aggression to intimidate and control parents and highlighted a range of individual (e.g., mental health, substance abuse) and social (e.g., parenting, gangs) risk factors for CPA. Further, practitioners felt that current methods of reporting CPA were ineffective and may have a detrimental impact on families. The findings of this study have implications for CPA policy and support the need for a multiagency and coordinated strategy for responding to CPA.
Doppler distortion removal based on Dopplerlet transform and re-sampling for wayside fault diagnosis of train bearings
Authors: Zhang Ao , Shen Changqing , He Qingbo , Hu Fei , Liu Fang , Kong Fanrang
Published: October 2020

In wayside fault diagnosis of train bearings, the phenomenon of Doppler distortion in the acoustic signal of moving acoustic source acquired with a microphone leads to the difficulty for signal analysis. In this paper, a new method based on Dopplerlet transform and re-sampling is proposed to remove the Doppler distortion, and applied in the fault diagnosis of train bearings. Firstly, search the parameters space to find the primary functions-Dopplerlet atoms. According to the Morse acoustic theory and Doppler effect, the instantaneous frequency of the Dopplerlet atom which we choose to remove Doppler distortion of the corresponding acoustic source can be acquired. Then, the re-sampling sequence can be established as the re-sampling vector in time domain. Through the resample, the Doppler distortion effect can be removed. Finally, simulations and experiments with practical acoustic signals of train bearings with a defect on the outer race and the inner race are carried out, and the results verified the effectiveness of this method. Comparing with the other methods of Doppler distortion removal, this method works without measuring the motion parameters in advance, and is quite robust to noise. Meanwhile, this method has the potential to eliminate the Doppler distortion of original signal with multiple sources.
Free vibration analysis of rotating thin-walled cylindrical shells with hard coating based on Rayleigh-Ritz method
Authors: Du Dongxu , Sun Wei , Yan Xianfei , Xu Kunpeng
Published: October 2020

This paper focuses on the free vibration analyses of the rotating hard-coating cylindrical shells with various boundary conditions and the effects of hard coating on the vibration behaviors of the rotating shells. To accurately predict more natural characteristics, the characteristic orthogonal polynomials are taken as the admissible displacement functions. Considering the influences of Coriolis force, centrifugal force and initial hoop tension caused by rotation, the equations of motion of the shells are established by the use of the Rayleigh-Ritz method. Based on the state vector method, an efficient method is developed to solve the equations. By comparing with the results of both the finite element analysis and published literatures, the high accuracy and good convergence of the proposed model are verified. In addition, the effects of the boundary conditions, parameters of hard coating, rotating speed and number of circumferential waves on the vibration behaviors of the hard-coating shells are evaluated. This study may provide a reference for the application of hard-coating damping treatment to the vibration suppression of rotating thin-walled structures.
Inequality, poverty and the privatization of essential services: A ‘systems of provision’ study of water, energy and local buses in the UK
Authors: Bayliss Kate , Mattioli Giulio , Steinberger Julia
Published: October 2020

This paper is concerned with the distributional effects of the deregulation and privatization of essential services in Britain since the 1980s, based on a cross-sector study of water, energy and local bus transport. Our approach locates end users within the structures and processes, and prevailing narratives that underpin both production and consumption. This framework highlights the ways that the provisioning of these vital services is contested, contradictory and underpinned by power relations. We show that, at one end, investors in these sectors have made generous returns on their investments but their methods of profit maximization are often not in the public interest. Meanwhile these profits are financed by end users’ payments of bills and fares. Many lower-income households face challenges in terms of affording, and even accessing, these essential services. Regulation has failed to provide adequate social protection. We argue that adverse social outcomes emerge from systemic factors embedded in these modes of provision. A narrative of politically-neutral, technocratic solutions belies the underlying contested nature of privatized monopolistic shared essential services. Moreover, a policy preoccupation with markets and competition obscures the inequality embedded in the underlying structures and processes and undermines more collective and equitable forms of provisioning.
Factors Affecting the Timing of a Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infection Onset in Children with Cancer
Authors: Park Mina , Seo Young-mi , Shin Yoon Jung , Han Jung Woo , Cho Eunhee , Jang Hyeju
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to identify controllable treatment-environment-related factors affecting the timing of a central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) onset in children with cancer with central venous catheters (CVC).

Design:

This study is a secondary data analysis with the data extracted from electronic medical records in a tertiary hospital in South Korea. This study was conducted by reviewing electronic medical records of 470 pediatric cancer patients younger than the age of 18 years from 2010 to 2016.

Method:

The timing of a CLABSI onset was identified through the onset of CLABSI and the duration of catheterization. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to estimate the impact of variables on the timing of CLABSI onset. The duration of catheterization was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Finding:

Multivariable analysis by Cox proportional model analysis showed that there are six independent variables affecting the timing of a CLABSI onset: length of stay in hospital, catheter insertion location, use of antibiotics on day of catheter insertion, catheter function, number of blood transfusions per 100 days, and number of blood tests per 100 days.

Conclusions:

The findings of this study provide a foundation for the development of EBP-based CVC guidelines to effectively reduce CLABSIs and maintain a long-term CVC without a CLABSI.
Can You Escape? The Pharmacology Review Virtual Escape Room
Authors: Smith Miranda Michelle , Davis Rebecca G.
Published: October 2020

Background.

Clinical learning activities in a pre-licensure nursing program are challenging to rapidly convert to an online format due to their objectives to provide hands-on practice. Previously, students spent their final day of pharmacology participating in low-fidelity lab-based, simulated pharmacology activities. Due to a public health crisis, the instructional team had to quickly change course to create an equally engaging virtual activity that provided opportunities for clinical judgment.

Aim.

In this article, we discuss a virtual pharmacology escape room created using Google forms for pre-licensure nursing students prior to their final pharmacology course exam. The learning objectives were to review difficult course concepts by making clinical decisions and to practice using medication protocols.

Methods.

The design and evaluation of a virtual pharmacology escape room are presented to reflect a learner centered approach. Key considerations when designing the escape room were to best use the students’ time, to focus on content frequently missed on exams by the student cohort, and to include medication protocols commonly encountered during the clinical part of their program.

Results.

Surveys provided positive feedback from learners along with suggestions for strengthening future escape room activities. Most students reported the activity provided opportunities for clinical judgment and was helpful for learning.

Conclusion.

Benefits of virtual escape rooms are they can be created at no cost to educators of learners and easily accessed using personal electronic devices. Future applications include designing additional escape rooms to aid student learning in challenging nursing coursework, such as pharmacology and clinical courses.
Psychometric Properties of the Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System for Infants and Children–Third Edition (AEPS-3)
Authors: Grisham Jennifer , Waddell Misti , Crawford Rebecca , Toland Michael
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this article is to provide evidence of the technical adequacy of the Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System–Third Edition (AEPS-3). The AEPS has long been identified as one of the most psychometrically sound early childhood curriculum-based assessments. In this article, results of three studies of technical adequacy are reviewed. First, a utility study was conducted to examine the degree to which teachers and providers found the AEPS-3 useful for its intended purposes (i.e., goal development and programming). Second, we examined the interrater reliability of the AEPS-3 by having teachers and providers view videotapes and score AEPS-3 items. Finally, a concurrent validity study was conducted, whereby a group of children were assessed using a norm-referenced assessment and the AEPS-3. Results of all three studies show provide early evidence that the AEPS-3 is psychometrically sound.
Investigating the Relationship Between International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP): A Correlation and Regression Analysis in Languages, Sciences, and Mathematics
Authors: Metli Akın , Özcan Oğuzhan
Published: October 2020

This study aims to explain the relationship between student performance in the International General Certificate Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) as well as explore the predictors of the IBDP scores in languages, sciences, and mathematics. A purposive sample of 338 high school students was drawn from a private school implementing international programs in Turkey. The data consisted of external examination scores of students enrolled between the years 2010 and 2019. Data were analyzed for correlation and with a multiple regression approach. Strong, moderate, or weak relationships were found between the IBDP exam scores and the IGCSE exam scores with regard to the different subjects. From 4% to 65% of the variation in different IBDP subject scores can be explained by the simple linear regression model in different IGCSE subject scores. These findings will help international educators to make informed decisions about teaching and learning pedagogy in the international programs.
Combating COVID-19 in Bangladesh: ideal duration of mandatory quarantine period and policy implications
Authors: Ahsan Atik , Archie Rownak Jahan , Tidwell James B
Published: October 2020

Amid this Covid-19 pandemic, it is crucial to have the best possible estimation for essential quarantine days to mitigate the risk of Coronavirus spread. In this article, we aim to better approximate the mandatory quarantine days based on the available published literature. Our review of scientific publications revealed that 14 days of quarantine is nor enough neither effective in restricting the Coronavirus. Instead of 14 days, one study suggested to imply 21 days of quarantine to completely assure the symptom appearance in infected people. In case of community transmission, as it might take up to 19.9 days to death from the first appearance of symptom in a community, an effective quarantine period to contain the spread of Coronavirus should be a minimum of 40 days. For a densely populated country like Bangladesh, planning effective strategies using available data is crucial to prevent the upcoming second wave of this pandemic.
Towards zero-energy residential complexes in high-density conditions
Authors: Kolodiy Olga , Capeluto Guedi
Published: October 2020

Carbon dioxide is the largest component of the human footprint and one of the major components of all greenhouse gases. The expected increase in population will lead to growth in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The building industry has the highest potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, buildings should become not only efficient consumers but also energy producers, not a simple task in dense cities. The paper describes the feasibility and limitations of near zero energy design in highly dense urban conditions. The study was carried out by examination and comparison of various density design, alternatives of an existing urban plot in the coastal climate zone of Israel. Increased dwelling units’ number leads to higher total energy use on the one hand and mutual shading of new high-rise residential buildings on the other. Preserving solar rights for PV systems installation become more complex. The relation between urban density and solar rights in urban design, energy consumption and energy generation within plot borders and their implications are presented and discussed in the paper.
Mechanical properties and fracture behaviour of agave fibers bio-based epoxy laminates reinforced with zinc oxide
Authors: Torres Mauricio , Rodriguez Victoria Renteria , Alcantara Perla Itzel , Franco-Urquiza Edgar
Published: October 2020

Biolaminates of Ixtle and Henequen natural fibers reinforced bio-based epoxy resin were prepared using Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion process. ZnO nanoparticles were added to the bio-based epoxy resin at 1, 2 and 3 wt. % content before impregnation process. The viscoelastic and mechanical properties, as well as the fracture behavior, were evaluated and related to the nature of the fibers and filler content. The viscoelastic results indicated the ZnO particles are effective fillers just at low concentrations, and induce different reinforcement mechanisms attributed to the interaction between the nature of fibers and nanoparticles. The mechanical properties of the Ixtle biolaminates decreased at higher filler concentrations, while Henequen biolaminates showed better mechanical properties just above the 2 wt. % of ZnO. The fracture behavior in mode I registered moderate changes in toughness, related to the ZnO fraction, which promoted different behaviors on the interlaminar adherence of the layers. The results point to the need to continue evaluating the potential application of these green composites for their use in construction and automotive industries.
Please Put Them Back: A Non-NAGPRA Case of Reburial
Authors: Gallenstein Gwenn M. , Leap Lisa M. , Koyiyumptewa Stewart B.
Published: October 2020

Wupatki National Monument archaeologists recently recovered artifacts from an exposed cist that were about to fall into a newly formed wash due to intensified downpours related to climate change. Monument staff worked with traditionally associated tribes to create an emergency excavation plan and a contingency for the reburial of cist contents should human remains be encountered. When no human remains were found, the Wupatki curator accessioned and cataloged the cist contents which included seven intact prehistoric pots. Because intact pottery is seldom found outside of a burial context, the monument and its Friend’s Group sought to place the items on display. However, when the Wupatki curator consulted with Hopi elders about the cist contents for the exhibit, she learned that what archaeologists thought to be a “pot cache” was something else entirely. The article discusses the events that led to the eventual “accession by mistake” process, the reburial of the cist contents, and the resulting lessons learned.
Longitudinal Qualitative Methods in Health Behavior and Nursing Research: Assumptions, Design, Analysis and Lessons Learned
Authors: Tuthill Emily L. , Maltby Ann E. , DiClemente Kira , Pellowski Jennifer A.
Published: October 2020

Longitudinal qualitative research (LQR) is an emerging methodology in health behavior and nursing research. Researchers are turning to LQR to understand experiences across time as well as identify facilitators and inhibitors of health/illness behaviors and transitions. Currently, a lack of information exists to guide researchers on LQR techniques and considerations. Our objective was to provide a methodological resource for health behavior and nursing researchers conducting LQR. LQR may be applied to understand any human experience, as well as the sequalae of the experience and is well suited for studying transitions and developmental or behavioral changes. Conducting LQR is resource intensive and requires flexibility and complex analyses. We discuss multiple components of LQR such as design considerations, analysis options, and our lessons learned. Despite complexities, LQR provides the opportunity to understand experiences across time within an individual and among a group resulting in holistic, in-depth understandings beyond a cross-sectional time point.
Using Dyadic Interviews to Explore Recovery as Collaborative Practices: Challenging the Epistemic Norm of the Single Person Perspective
Authors: Klevan Trude , Jonassen Reidun , Sælør Knut Tore , Borg Marit
Published: October 2020

The method dyadic interviews involves interviewing a pair of participants, focusing explicitly on the interaction between them and how it develops data. Dyadic interviews with persons who are involved in ongoing, working relationships can be a feasible means of exploring research topics that are related to collaboration and collaborative practices. The concept of recovery is considered highly relevant to different kinds of relationship-based practices, involving a person and context centered shift within the field of mental health. What is referred to as recovery-oriented practices, is best understood as developed through collaboration. This involves a shift in the understanding of who beholds the expert knowledge and what knowledge “is,” acknowledging the importance of including different types and sources of knowledge when new knowledge is to be developed. In this paper we explore how dyadic interviews with pairs consisting of mental health service users and professionals can facilitate co-created knowledge about recovery as collaborative practices through collaboration. We argue that dyadic interviews can enable development of dialogic and collaborative knowledge, potentially blurring and challenging boundaries between knowledge-bases and roles.
Horizontal orthography versus vertical orthography: The effects of writing direction and syllabic format on visual word recognition in Korean Hangul
Authors: Pae Hye K , Bae Sungbong , Yi Kwangoh
Published: October 2020

The Korean writing system has the flexibility of writing horizontally and vertically as well as two syllabic formats that cannot be found in any other alphabetic script. Consolidating these two characteristics, this study investigated the differential extractions of visual information from the mutilated stimuli of the two syllabic formats of CVC syllables and two writing directions using a lexical decision task. In Experiment 1, the two syllabic formats (i.e., balanced syllables, [Formula: see text] and vertical syllables, [Formula: see text]) were mutilated downwards and upwards (i.e., [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] respectively), along with whole stimuli, in horizontal writing direction. In Experiment 2, the same stimuli and syllabic formats were mutilated rightwards and leftwards (i.e., [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] respectively) in vertical writing direction. Linear mixed effects models showed significant syllabic format effects and writing direction effects, indicating an upper-part superiority in horizontal writing and a right-part advantage in vertical writing. In particular, the right-part superiority in vertical writing is different from a left-part advantage found in Chinese characters. While the upper-part superiority is script-universal, the leftward or rightward bias seems to be script-specific, as readers’ perceptual integration depends on the nature of orthography.
Common principles underlie the fluctuation of auditory and visual sustained attention
Authors: Terashima Hiroki , Kihara Ken , Kawahara Jun I , Kondo Hirohito M
Published: October 2020

Sustained attention plays an important role in adaptive behaviours in everyday activities. As previous studies have mostly focused on vision, and attentional resources have been thought to be specific to sensory modalities, it is still unclear how mechanisms of attentional fluctuations overlap between visual and auditory modalities. To reduce the effects of sudden stimulus onsets, we developed a new gradual-onset continuous performance task (gradCPT) in the auditory domain and compared dynamic fluctuation of sustained attention in vision and audition. In the auditory gradCPT, participants were instructed to listen to a stream of narrations and judge the gender of each narration. In the visual gradCPT, they were asked to observe a stream of scenery images and indicate whether the scene was a city or mountain. Our within-individual comparison revealed that auditory and visual attention are similar in terms of the false alarm rate and dynamic properties including fluctuation frequency. Absolute timescales of the fluctuation in the two modalities were comparable, notwithstanding the difference in stimulus onset asynchrony. The results suggest that fluctuations of visual and auditory attention are underpinned by common principles and support models with a more central, modality-general controller.
Making sense of a systematic review
Authors: Tovey David
Published: October 2020

The article in last month’s issue explored the place of systematic reviews in informing health care decision making. This article describes the core components of a high-quality systematic review of health care interventions. These components include an assessment of the risk of bias for individual studies, evaluation of the overall certainty of the body of evidence for the main outcomes, meta-analysis and the interpretation of the data. An understanding of these differing elements is the key to recognising the potential and important limitations of any systematic review.
Frequency of CD4+ regulatory T cells, CD8+ T cells, and human papilloma virus infection in Egyptian Women with breast cancer
Authors: Tawfeik Amany M , Mora Ahmed , Osman Ahmed , Moneer Manar M , El-Sheikh Nabila , Elrefaei Mohamed
Published: October 2020

Several subsets of regulatory CD4+ T cells (CD4+ Tregs) have been described in peripheral blood and tumor microenvironment of breast cancer (BC) patients and may play a role in the progression of BC. High-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV) has a causal role in cervical, head, and neck tumors but the role of HR-HPV in evoking neoplasia in BC is still unclear. In this study we assessed the prevalence of CD4+CD25+ FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (CD4+Tregs) and CD3+ CD8+ T cells by flow cytometry in peripheral blood from a total of 55 Egyptian women, including 20 treatment-naïve BC, 15 with breast benign lesions (BBL), and 20 healthy volunteers (HV). HR-HPV genotypes type 16, 18, and 31 were investigated in breast tissue from all BC and BBL patients using Real-Time PCR. HR-HPV was detected in 4/20 (20%) and 0/15 (0%) BC and BBL patients respectively. The frequency of CD4+ Tregs was significantly higher in BC compared to BBL and HV, ( P < 0.001). In addition, we observed a significantly higher frequency of CD3+ CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood of patients with late stage III BC compared to early stage I and II BC ( P = 0.011). However, there was no significant association between the ratio of CD8+ T cell to CD4+ Tregs frequencies and the expression of Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR), and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2). These results lead us to postulate that the association between the frequency of CD4+ Tregs and CD8+ T cells in the peripheral blood may be a prognostic or predictive parameter in Egyptian women with BC. In addition, HR-HPV infection may be implicated in the development of some types of BC in Egyptian women.