bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The procurement of quartz as a tool stone
Authors: Lewis Thomas R
Published: December 2020

The archaeological data suggest that the procurement of quartz was often times not a random or adventitious event, but rather an organized task of exploitation targeting geologic exposures which afforded good quality material in terms of composition, form, and quantity. In the absence of professionally collected data on quartz quarries or quartz extraction areas, an inferential approach can be substituted to afford some clarity to the issue. The study of patterning in recorded archaeological sites with dominant quartz tool stone assemblages can provide the means for identifying the geologic source areas and assist in precisely locating procurement areas.
Results of reconstructive interventions in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Shipulin Vladimir M , Pryakhin Andrey S , Andreev Sergey L , Shipulin Vladimir V , Kozlov Boris N
Published: December 2020

Background

Effective treatment of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy is one of the most difficult issues in contemporary cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of reconstructive interventions on the left ventricle during chronic heart failure in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Methods

Between March 2013 and December 2017, 178 patients underwent surgical treatment for ischemic cardiomyopathy. Isolated coronary artery bypass grafting was compared with coronary artery bypass grafting with left ventricular reconstruction, using propensity score matching analysis. The primary endpoints of the study were hospital mortality and long-term survival.

Results

After propensity score matching, 29 pairs of patients were compared. The 30-day hospital mortality was comparable (6.8% versus 6.8%, p = 0.952), the average follow-up was 37.4 ± 12.6 months, with no statistically significant difference in mortality from all causes ( p = 0.352). After coronary artery bypass in combination with left ventricular reconstruction, patients showed a statistically significant decrease in clinical and functional indicators of chronic heart failure compared to those who had coronary artery bypass grafting alone, in terms of peak oxygen consumption (15.3 versus 13.5 mL·kg−1·min−1, p = 0.043) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentrations (298.6 versus 461.1 pg·mL−1, p = 0.032).

Conclusions

Compared to isolated coronary artery bypass, coronary artery bypass in combination with left ventricular reconstruction for the treatment of ischemic cardiomyopathy leads to a significant decrease in the clinical and functional parameters of chronic heart failure in the long-term postoperative period.
The role, impact, and support of informal caregivers in the delivery of palliative care for patients with advanced cancer: A multi-country qualitative study
Authors: Adejoh Samuel Ojima , Boele Florien , Akeju David , Dandadzi Adlight , Nabirye Elizabeth , Namisango Eve , Namukwaya Elizabeth , Ebenso Bassey , Nkhoma Kennedy , Allsop Matthew J
Published: December 2020

Background:

Cancer is increasing in its prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. Informal caregivers are key to supporting engagement and interaction with palliative care services, but limited literature on their role impedes development of supportive interventions.

Aim:

We aimed to understand the role, impact, and support of informal caregivers of patients with advanced cancer when interacting with palliative care services in Nigeria, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

Design:

Secondary analysis of qualitative interview transcripts. The dataset was assessed for fit and relevance and framework approach was used.

Setting/participants:

Interview transcripts of informal caregivers included participants aged over 18 years of age recruited from palliative care services across participating countries.

Results:

A total of 48 transcripts were analyzed. Mean age was 37 (range 19–75) with equal numbers of men and women. Five themes emerged from the data: (1) caregivers are coordinators of emotional, practical, and health service matters; (2) caregiving comes at a personal social and financial cost; (3) practical and emotional support received and required; (4) experience of interacting and liaising with palliative care services; and (5) barriers and recommendations relating to the involvement of palliative care.

Conclusions:

The role of informal caregivers is multi-faceted, with participants reporting taking care of the majority of medical, physical, financial, and emotional needs of the care recipient, often in the face of sacrifices relating to employment, finances, and their own health and social life. Efforts to develop comprehensive cancer control plans in sub-Saharan Africa must take account of the increasing evidence of informal caregiver needs.
User Activity and Trip Recognition using Spatial Positioning System Data by Integrating the Geohash and GIS Approaches
Authors: Irshaid Hafez , Hasan Md Mehedi , Hasan Raed , Oh Jun-Seok
Published: December 2020

Analyzing travel behavior in transportation networks within a city is significant to understand the user’s activity and travel pattern in relation to making improved city plans for the future. Unlike the traditional travel diary survey, GPS data have helped researchers to analyze Big Data with enriched travel information in an automated way. The focus of this research was to identify user activity and travel pattern from GPS data logs. We proposed three different approaches, including Geohash clustering, the GIS-based approach, and Combined Geohash–GIS approach, for automatic user activity and trip recognition in a continuous and aggregate manner. We developed different individual models considering different dwell times for the above three approaches. We considered three different testing scenarios based on specified tolerance levels, including simple, moderate, and critical testing to identify trip only, activity only, and sequential activity–trip analysis. In comparison with other approaches, the Combined Geohash–GIS approach considering 5 min dwell time accurately classified data with about 95% accuracy. The proposed Combined Geohash–GIS approach could significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of GPS travel surveys by correctly recognizing user activity and trip patterns. This proposed combined approach could serve as a foundation for a future model system of full-scale travel information identification with GPS data.
Assessing Functioning across Common Mental Disorders in Psychiatric Emergency Patients: Results from the WHODAS-2
Authors: Hoehne A. , Giguère C.-E. , Herba C. M. , Labelle R.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Assessing global functioning in psychiatric emergency settings is important for clinicians to estimate severity of mental disorders, devise a treatment plan, and assess the evolution of their patients’ progression over time. The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule-2.0 (WHODAS-2) measures psychological, social, and professional functioning and is recommended as a standardized instrument of choice for use in psychiatric settings. Yet, studies investigating disability profiles of mental disorders using the WHODAS-2 are scarce, and psychometric properties have not been evaluated in a psychiatric emergency context. We describe and compare WHODAS-2 (12-item version) scores across mental disorders (anxiety, mood, psychotic, personality, and substance abuse) in adults admitted to psychiatric emergency.

Methods:

Data from the Signature Bank were used. Participants admitted to psychiatric emergency completed the WHODAS-2 at admission ( n = 1,125). Mental disorders were evaluated by psychiatrists, and WHODAS-2 scores were compared across groups. Psychometric properties were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Results:

Higher mean WHODAS-2 scores were reported by those with anxiety, mood, and personality disorders ( P < 0.001) compared to other psychopathologies. The measure showed good internal consistency (global score α = 0.88; domain subscores α = 0.59 to 0.85) and acceptable goodness of fit indices in CFA confirming the original structure of WHODAS-2.

Conclusions:

Findings from this large-scale study could assist clinicians in interpreting WHODAS-2 scores in psychiatric populations and provide a more detailed portrait of disability profiles associated with different clinical diagnoses.
Adjunctive Garcinia mangostana Linn. (Mangosteen) Pericarp for Schizophrenia: A 24-Week Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo Controlled Efficacy Trial: Péricarpe d’appoint Garcinia mangostana Linn (mangoustan) pour la schizophrénie : un essai d’efficacité de 24 semaines, à double insu, randomisé et contrôlé par placebo
Authors: Turner Alyna , Baker Andrea , Dean Olivia M. , Walker Adam J. , Dodd Seetal , Cotton Susan M. , Scott James G. , Kavanagh Bianca E. , Ashton Melanie M. , Brown Ellie , McGrath John J. , Berk Michael
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

Garcinia mangostana Linn. (“mangosteen”) pericarp contains bioactive compounds that may target biological pathways implicated in schizophrenia. We conducted a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of adjunctive mangosteen pericarp, compared to placebo, in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Methods:

People diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), recruited across 2 sites (Brisbane and Victoria, Australia), were randomized to receive 24 weeks of adjunctive mangosteen pericarp (1,000 mg/day) or matched placebo. The primary outcome measure was the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale total score. Secondary outcomes included positive and negative symptoms, general psychopathology, clinical global severity and improvement, participant reported overall improvement, depressive symptoms, functioning, quality of life, and safety data at 24 and 28 weeks (4 weeks postdiscontinuation). Data were collected from July 2016 to February 2019.

Results:

Baseline assessments were conducted on 148 people (mangosteen = 74, placebo = 74); data analyses were conducted on 136 (92%) participants with postbaseline data. The treatment group had significantly higher symptom severity compared to placebo, and both groups significantly improved on all symptom, functioning, and quality of life measures over time. No between-group differences were found for the rate of change between baseline and 24 or 28 weeks.

Conclusion:

Despite promising preclinical and clinical work, our results do not support mangosteen pericarp extract as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
On Being the First: The Role of Family in the Experiences of First-Generation College Students
Authors: Capannola Amanda L. , Johnson Elizabeth I.
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to explore family relationship experiences of first-generation college students (FGCS) as they transition to and persist through college. The sample includes eight undergraduate FGCS (aged 18–22). Seven participants identified as female, and one identified as Questioning. Participants’ descriptions of their social class ranged from “poor” to “upper middle class.” Four participants identified as White; others identified as White and Mexican, White and Hispanic, African American, and Mixed Race (White and Black). Participants for this study were recruited from a large public university in the Southeastern United States. Researchers used a qualitative phenomenological design. Following approval from the Institutional Review Board, data were collected through in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis guided by Structural Symbolic Interactionism. Parents, despite lacking college experience, offered supports, both instrumental (educational opportunities; monthly financial assistance) and emotional (encouraging calls; frequent visits), which students considered essential to their success. Many participants also stated that setting an example and forging a path for younger siblings helped to motivate them to persevere through hardships. Strength-based approaches are necessary when developing programs for and research on FGCSs and their families.
Intraindividual Variability and Temporal Stability of Mid-Sleep on Free and Workdays
Authors: Lenneis Anita , Das-Friebel Ahuti , Singmann Henrik , Teder-Laving Maris , Lemola Sakari , Wolke Dieter , Tang Nicole K. Y. , von Mühlenen Adrian , Allik Jüri , Realo Anu
Published: December 2020

People differ in their sleep timings that are often referred to as a chronotype and can be operationalized as mid-sleep (midpoint between sleep onset and wake-up). The aims of the present studies were to examine intraindividual variability and longer-term temporal stability of mid-sleep on free and workdays, while also considering the effect of age. We used data from a 2-week experience sampling study of British university students (Study 1) and from a panel study of Estonian adults who filled in the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire twice up to 5 years apart (Study 2). Results of Study 1 showed that roughly 50% of the variance in daily mid-sleep scores across the 14-day period was attributed to intraindividual variability as indicated by the intraclass correlation coefficient. However, when the effect of free versus workdays was considered, the intraindividual variability in daily mid-sleep across 2 weeks was 0.71 the size of the interindividual variability. In Study 2, mid-sleep on free and workdays showed good levels of temporal stability—the retest correlations of mid-sleep on free and workdays were 0.66 and 0.58 when measured twice over a period of 0-1 to 5 years. The retest stability of mid-sleep scores on both free and workdays sharply increased from young adulthood and reached their peak when participants were in late 40 to early 50 years of age, indicating that age influences the stability of mid-sleep. Future long-term longitudinal studies are necessary to explore how age-related life circumstances and other possible factors may influence the intraindividual variability and temporal stability of mid-sleep.
Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty: A RealSelf Social Media Analysis
Authors: Husain Solomon , Locketz Garrett , Honeybrook Adam , Bloom Jason D.
Published: December 2020

Patients use social media to report on medical care and rate their satisfaction with cosmetic procedures and providers. Currently, there are few studies that examine the satisfaction of nonsurgical rhinoplasty. This study aims to identify variables of patients’ choice and satisfaction of the nonsurgical rhinoplasty procedure through social media reviews. Data were extracted from 420 nonsurgical rhinoplasty reviews from RealSelf.com from March 2017 to April 2020. Recorded variables include patient demographics, price, nasal deficiency, patient-described improvement after injection, and physician characteristics influencing patients’ decision making. Of the data extracted from the reviews, 85% of reviewers were women, with a mean age of 27.4 years (SD, ±8.7 years). Eighty-four percent of reviewers had the procedure performed in the United States (84%). The mean cost was $1074 (SD, ±$733.20; median, $850). The most common patients’ deficiencies for this procedure include a “nasal hump” for 31.2% of reviewers and a “bump or dent” in the nose for 35.1% of reviewers. The procedure outcomes commonly noted were a positive change in “shape” of their nose (66.0%), improved confidence (44.4%), and improvement in profile (34.0%). The predominant reasons reviewers chose their injector were (1) favorable injector demeanor (63%) and (2) ability of the injector to provide emotional reassurance (49%). In all, 95.6% considered nonsurgical rhinoplasty “worth it.” Ninety-five percent of online reviewers stated that nonsurgical rhinoplasty was “worth it,” with an average cost of $1074, minimal post-procedure recovery time, and minimal pain. The most common nasal deficiency includes a bump, a hump, and a crooked shape. The most commonly stated improvement was in the shape of the nose. This demonstrates the utility of nonsurgical rhinoplasty for correction of a wide variety of nasal deficiencies. In the analysis of provider characteristics, the most important aspect was the provider’s demeanor. Patients used words like “warm,” “welcoming,” and “understanding of their desires.” They described feeling “comfortable” with the provider. The most important factor for selecting a provider was the emotional connection between the provider and the patient. Satisfaction of nonsurgical rhinoplasty is high, which corroborates reported satisfaction rates in the literature. Nonsurgical rhinoplasty exhibits significant versatility in the defects it can improve. Many patients chose their provider for their personality and emotional connection formed.
McStrike! Framing, (Political) Opportunity and the Development of a Collective Identity: McDonald’s and the UK Fast-Food Rights Campaign
Authors: Royle Tony , Rueckert Yvonne
Published: December 2020

This article examines the development of the UK ‘Fast-Food Rights Campaign’ and the formation of a collective identity amongst McDonald’s UK workers. It illustrates how, despite an acquiescent and fragmented workforce, workers diagnostically frame (recognize, articulate and attribute) perceived injustices relating to their pay and working conditions. However, the main focus is on prognostic framing which brings people ‘together’ to find a ‘consensus’ for a solution to perceived injustices. Prognostic framing also requires the ability to process and interpret information in a holistic way and to reach out for support to external stakeholders such as trade unions. The article applies Bourdieu’s theory of capital and the concept of political opportunity to help us ‘unpick’ prognostic framing. In this context, it examines the cultural and social capital of worker leaders, in particular their personal characteristics, and their perceptions about the level of support in the external environment.
‘I Have a Newborn at Home’: Multi-actor Attributions and the Implementation of Shared Parental Leave
Authors: Chaudhry Sara , McWha-Hermann Ishbel , Flemig Sophie , Blackley-Wiertelak Arleta
Published: December 2020

This article studies the organizational implementation of public policy, specifically shared parental leave (SPL) legislation (2015), through the lens of attribution theory (that is, actors’ inferences for why policies are implemented by their employing organization), drawing on 26 in-depth interviews with a range of actors in a British university. Our findings highlight that attributions vary between different organizational actors despite SPL being an externally-mandated, unavoidable policy. Our key contributions are to study attributions associated with under-considered external policy, highlight the unintended intra-organizational variations in these attributions, and explore how the co-existence of varying actor attributions impacts policy implementation.
Configurations of Boundary Management Practices among Knowledge Workers
Authors: Reissner Stefanie C , Izak Michal , Hislop Donald
Published: December 2020

While the literature in relation to managing the work-nonwork boundary retains a strong focus on the consistent use of segmenting or integrating boundary management practices, recent studies indicate that individuals’ behaviours are often inconsistent. To add to this emerging strand of research, this article is set in the context of flexible working to examine how knowledge workers use time, space and objects to demarcate the work-nonwork boundary. The analysis identifies three configurations of boundary management practices with differing degrees of inconsistency in the use of time, space and objects. Its contribution is three-fold: (1) it provides an original, systematic exploration of boundary management practices that do not represent consistency; (2) it creates a framework within which differing degrees of inconsistency in people’s boundary management practices can be observed; and (3) it demonstrates new and crucial differences between distinct inconsistent approaches to demarcating the work-nonwork boundary.
Means of Control in the Organization of Digitally Intermediated Care Work
Authors: McDonald Paula , Williams Penny , Mayes Robyn
Published: December 2020

Digital platforms that facilitate care work are new entrants to the intermediary marketplace and they are growing in number in response to rising demand for care services. This study examines, through the lens of labour process theory, the means of control utilized by digital platforms operating in Australia which organize and direct disability and aged care. The analysis of terms and conditions and website content reveals four means of control that influence the enactment of the labour process: Shifting risks and responsibilities from the platform to workers and clients; Apportioning the costs of doing business to workers; Dictating contractual arrangements; and Monitoring quality standards of service work. The findings advance knowledge of how power relations embedded in platform business models and the organization of work direct a precarious, freelance workforce. More broadly, the study demonstrates the explanatory power of labour process theory for understanding emergent forms of work and labour.
Study on the influence of the introduction of the thiophene group on the photocatalytic performance of polymer
Authors: Sun Yanchen , Ni Cailing , Zhou Yubing , Qin Yuancheng
Published: December 2020

Two novel conjugated organic polymers BTTh-1 and BTTh-2 were designed and synthesized. They were prepared by the reaction of two aldehyde units with melamine. Both aldehyde units were based on benzothiadiazole. The difference between the final aldehyde units was the introduction of thiophene groups in the BTTh-2 aldehyde monomer units. The difference between the two materials in the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline was discussed in the context of the thiophene unit. The degradation efficiency of tetracycline by BTTh-2 (90.9%) was much higher than that of BTTh-1 (40.7%). The characterization results showed that BTTh-2 has a strong charge separation ability and fast transmission rate. After light excitation, the recombination ability of photogenerated holes and electrons becomes weak, and it has better utilization ability for visible light; the bandgap width is narrower.
Reactive molecular dynamics simulation on the pyrolysis characteristics of epoxy resin under the effect of partial discharge active products
Authors: Xing YQ , Chi JK , Xiao M
Published: December 2020

Aromatic amine cured Bisphenol F epoxy resin is used as a pivotal solid insulation material in electrical equipment at low temperature and extreme environment. Partial discharge (PD) can lead to an increase in local temperature, which leads to pyrolysis, and the existence of PD active products will aggravate the pyrolysis process of insulating materials. In order to investigate the effect of PD active products on the pyrolysis characteristics of aromatic amine cured epoxy resin, the pyrolysis process of epoxy resin under partial discharge active products is simulated based on ReaxFF. The types and changing trend of small molecular products and the mechanism of PD active products acting on the pyrolysis process of epoxy resin are analyzed. The results show that the oxidation of hydroxyl and C-N bridge bonds by PD active products is the main reason for accelerating the pyrolysis of epoxy resin, which changes the main pyrolysis path of epoxy resin cross-linked structure. The thermal stability of cross-linked epoxy resin decreases under the action of active products, and the types and change trend of small molecular products generated in the pyrolysis process also changes greatly with the change of pyrolysis path.
Neural tracking control of surface vehicles with lumped uncertainties
Authors: Zheng Ying
Published: December 2020

In this article, an adaptive radial basis function neural network scheme for trajectory tracking control of surface vehicles is proposed. Under complex uncertainties, the proposed controller is designed by combining radial basis function neural network and finite-time control algorithm. Using the novel controller, the stability of accurate trajectory tracking can be ensured and the robustness of control system can be improved. Theoretical proof is proposed by Lyapunov function that the radial basis function neural network controller can make surface vehicle to accurately track desire trajectory steadily. Simulation studies conducted on a prototype CyberShip II demonstrate remarkable performance of proposed control scheme.
The PAD4 inhibitor GSK484 enhances the radiosensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Wei Lining , Wang Xiangping , Luo Min , Wang Hongzhi , Chen Hao , Huang Changjie
Published: December 2020

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for approximately 10–20% of all breast cancers and is one of the leading causes of mortality among females. Radiotherapy is essential during the treatment of breast cancer. Growing evidence has indicated that peptidyl arginine deiminase-4 (PAD4) inhibitor can alleviate the development of multiple cancers, including breast cancer, through inhibiting cell proliferation. GSK484 is considered to be a highly potent PAD4-selective inhibitors. However, the potential role and mechanism of GSK484 in TNBC remain unclear. In this study, we intended to explore the effects of GSK484 on the radiosensitivity of TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and BT-549). We found that the pretreatment of GSK484 enhanced irradiation (IR)-induced inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Besides, our findings revealed that GSK484 facilitated TNBC cell apoptosis. IR treatment-induced increase of the protein level of ATG5 and ATG7, and decrease of p62 protein level were countervailed by GSK484. In addition, GSK484 enhanced DNA damage induced by IR. Moreover, in vivo experiments demonstrated that the combined treatment of IR and GSK484 showed an obvious decline of tumor growth in contrast to IR-alone or GSK484-alone treatment. Overall, GSK484 may serve as a radiosensitizer of TNBC through inhibiting IR-induced autophagy.
Subjective Outcome Evaluation of a Positive Youth Development Program in Mainland China
Authors: Zhu Xiaoqin , Shek Daniel T. L.
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

This study validated a 36-item Subjective Outcome Evaluation Scale (SOES) and examined the effectiveness of a positive youth development (PYD) program entitled “Tin Ka Ping Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programs” (TKP P.A.T.H.S. Project) and implemented in mainland China in the 2016–2017 and 2017–2018 academic years.

Methods:

We collected data from 20,480 students from 30 secondary schools in mainland China on their views toward program quality, implementer quality, and program benefits based on the SOES.

Results:

The SOES possessed good factorial, convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validities as well as internal consistency. Besides, the student respondents were generally satisfied with the program quality, implementer quality, and program benefits. Consistent with our hypothesis, junior grade students had more positive perceptions than did senior grade students.

Conclusion:

Utilizing the client satisfaction approach, this study validated the SOES and highlighted the value of PYD programs exemplified by the TKP P.A.T.H.S. Program in a non-Western context.
Preparation for Future Care Needs in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: What Promotes Feeling of Preparedness?
Authors: Yun Stacy W. , Greenberg Jeff , Maxfield Molly
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To examine whether demographic, dementia-related, and control-related variables predict preparation for future care needs (PFCN) in a sample of middle-aged and older adults. PFCN is defined in this study as a self-perceived sense of preparedness for one’s own future care needs, including general awareness of future care needs, gathering relevant information, decision-making about care preferences, concrete planning, and non-avoidance of care planning.

Methods:

Participants ( N = 122; age 40 to 88 years: M = 65.83, SD = 9.80) completed self-report measures in an in-person study. Hierarchical multiple regression was calculated to predict PFCN.

Results:

Being female, having more positive dementia attitudes, higher attribution to powerful others for health condition(s), and more completed end-of-life (EOL) planning significantly predicted greater PFCN.

Conclusion:

Findings indicate a positive relationship between objective (completed EOL planning items) and subjective (PFCN) components of planning, thus highlighting the importance of taking concrete steps in EOL planning to yield greater feelings of preparedness, which has been associated with positive psychological outcomes.
Patients With a History of Oronasal Fistula Repair Exhibit Lower Oral Health Measured With Patient-Centric Outcomes Measures
Authors: Fritz Alyssa , Jodeh Diana S. , Qamar Fatima , Cray James J. , Rottgers S. Alex
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Oronasal fistulae following palatoplasty may affect patients’ quality of life by impacting their ability to eat, speak, and maintain oral hygiene. We aimed to quantify the impact of previous oronasal fistula repair on patients’ quality of life using patient-reported outcome psychometric tools.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study of 8- to 9-year-old patients with cleft palate and/or lip was completed. Patients who had a cleft team clinic between September 2018 and August 2019 were recruited. Participants were divided into 2 groups (no fistula, prior fistula repair). Differences in the individual CLEFT-Q and Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form 19 (COHIP-SF 19) Oral Health scores between the 2 groups were evaluated using a multivariate analysis controlling for Veau classification and syndromic diagnosis.

Results:

Sixty patients with a history of cleft palate were included. Forty-two (70%) patients had an associated cleft lip. Thirty-two (53.3%) patients had no history of fistula and 28 (46.7%) patients had undergone a fistula repair. CLEFT-Q Dental, Jaw, and Speech Function were all higher in patients without a history of a fistula repair; however, none of these differences were statistically significant. The COHIP-SF 19 Oral Health score demonstrated a significantly lower score in the fistula group, indicating poorer oral health ( P = .05).

Conclusions:

One would expect that successful repair of a fistula would result in improved function and patient satisfaction, but the consistent trend toward lower CLEFT-Q scores and significantly increased COHIP-SF 19 Oral Health scores in our study group suggests that residual effects linger and that the morbidity of a fistula may not be completely treated with a secondary correction.
A Crime Script Analysis of Child Sexual Exploitation Material Fora on the Darkweb
Authors: van der Bruggen Madeleine , Blokland Arjan
Published: December 2020

This study’s aim is to contribute to the knowledge on the steps involved in child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) crimes committed in Darkweb CSEM communities. Due to the anonymous and illegal nature of these communities, academic research is scarce. This study provides a crime script analysis of member communication data from four CSEM Darkweb fora obtained by law enforcement. For cross-validation, suspect interviews from a relevant case file were analyzed. A step-by-step description of the crime process, starting with the preparations necessary to access Darkweb CSEM fora and ending with the postactivity behaviors of exiting the crime scene and preventing detection, is given, focusing on the casts, activities, probs, and personal and contextual requirements at each stage. The findings highlight the scope of the CSEM problem, as well as the influence the Darkweb has on the way the crime is committed. Suitable targets for law enforcement intervention are discussed.
The Victim–Offender Overlap in Sexual Offending: Exploring a Community-Based Sample of Young Adults in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Heng Choon (Oliver)
Published: December 2020

This study examines the overlap between sexual offending perpetration and victimization among 1,171 participants (18–40 years) in Hong Kong. Testing the theoretical propositions of several criminological theories (i.e., self-control, general strain, routine activity, and social learning), the participants’ prevalence of general, penetrative, and nonpenetrative sexual offending perpetration and victimization are explored. The findings indicated that sexual offending perpetration and victimization are generally positively correlated, and further tests using multivariate analyses confirmed the relationship between these two experiences. Less than 5% of the sample had both sexual offending perpetration and victimization experience. The results of logistic regression indicated that participants who engaged in sexual offending were 1.67 times more likely to fall prey to sexual victimization. Similar odds ratio (1.67 times) was true for sexual victimization in predicting sexual offending perpetration. A bivariate probit model confirmed the sexual victim–offender overlap, with the Spearman’s rho correlation from the unadjusted model suggesting significant overlap with general sexual offending (79%). Having a high level of risky sexual behavior was found to be a general risk factor for engaging in sexual offending behavior and for falling prey to sexual victimization.
Pasting, rheology, antioxidant and texture profile of gluten free cookies with added seed gum hydrocolloids
Authors: Hamdani Afshan Mumtaz , Wani Idrees Ahmed , Bhat Naseer Ahmad
Published: December 2020

The study was carried out with the aim of developing gluten free cookies using rice-chickpea composite flour. Guar and locust bean gum were added to formulations at two test concentrations (0.5 and 1.0%). To study the impact of these hydrocolloids, pasting and rheometry of dough formulations was carried out. The cookies produced were subjected to colour, spread ratio, hardness and antioxidant analysis. Protein (7.56 g/100g), fat (1.78 g/100g), ash (1.25 g/100g) and carbohydrate (80.41 g/100g) content of composite flour varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from both rice and chickpea. Higher viscosity, viscoelasticity and antioxidant profile was shown by dough formulations with added gums. Control cookies prepared without gums showed the L*, a* and b* values of 54.62, 3.81 and 35.97, respectively. With the addition of guar and locust bean gum, colour of the cookies became lighter. Spread ratio and hardness of cookies with added gums was higher.
Online search engines and online travel agencies: A Comparative Approach
Authors: Angeloni Silvia , Rossi Claudio
Published: December 2020

The present research provides insights into the complex landscape of online advertising channels to support tourism organizations in formulating their marketing strategies. People often use search engines and online travel agencies in a very similar way. The aim and sequence of actions that consumers perform on Google or Booking.com are exactly the same, but for the potential sellers each channel presents different costs and attributes. In the Google model, firms make bids and pay on a cost-per-click basis. In the Booking.com model, firms pay commissions based on the value of services sold. Under budget constraints, one of the first problems a company may encounter is determining the resource allocation to different channels. Hence, an analytical model is introduced to compare the profits generated from online search engines and online travel agencies. Assuming a trade-off between different online marketing channels, the study suggests the maximum cost per click that a tourism organization should pay to benefit from search engine marketing as much as from online travel agencies. The analytical model is tested empirically by using data from two hotels and managerial implications are discussed.
A novel finite element formulation based on extended higher-order theory for sandwich plates of arbitrary aspect ratio
Authors: Irfan Shehzaib , Siddiqui Faisal
Published: December 2020

The extended higher-order sandwich plate theory for plates with arbitrary aspect ratio was formulated for two-dimensional orthotropic sandwich plates. The novelty of the theory is that it considers five generalized co-ordinates in the core (two axial and one transverse displacements at centroid of the core, one rotation at the centroid of the core about x-axis and one rotation at the centroid of the core about y-axis). Theory is very accurate when compared with the exact elasticity solution in terms of stresses and displacement both. In the current paper, a novel two dimensional rectangular element is developed based on the extended higher-order sandwich plate theory. Elemental equations along with the procedure to derive these is given in the paper. Developed finite element model is validated by comparing the results with elasticity solution and the theory itself for two sandwich plate configurations. The comparison shows that results obtained from the proposed finite element are in very good agreement with elasticity in terms of displacements and stresses both. Thus the proposed element is a powerful analysis tool which can be used for accurately analyzing the real world structures involving sandwich plates at a low computational cost.
A preoperative modified Allen test result may be associated with long term mortality after hemodialysis access construction
Authors: Yadav Reshabh , Gerrickens Michael WM , van Kuijk Sander MJ , Teijink Joep AW , Scheltinga Marc RM
Published: December 2020

Background:

The modified Allen test (MAT) is a simple bedside method determining collateral hand circulation prior to hemodialysis (HD) access surgery. Hand ischemia as reflected by low systolic finger pressures ( Pdig) is associated with high mortality rates in severe kidney disease (CKD) patients. Aim of the present study was to assess a possible relation between absolute finger pressure drop (∂ Pdig) during a preoperative MAT and mortality after a first HD access construction.

Methods:

Pdig (systolic pressure, mmHg) was measured using digital plethysmography following compression of radial and ulnar arteries in CKD patients just before access surgery between January 2009 and December 2018 in one center. The greatest ∂ Pdig of both index fingers was used for analysis. Cardiovascular and overall mortality were assessed during the following 4 years using the ERA-EDTA classification system (codes 11, 14–16, 18, 22–26, 29). Cox regression analysis determined possible associations between ∂ Pdig and mortality.

Results:

Complete data sets were available in 108 patients (male n = 71; age 70 years ±12; mean follow up (FU) 1.6 years ±0.1; FU index 99% ±1). Median ∂ Pdig was 31 mmHg (range 0–167 mmHg). Patients having cardiovascular disease (CV+) demonstrated higher ∂ Pdig values (CV+ 44 ± 5 mmHg vs CV− 29 ± 3 mmHg, p = 0.012). A total of 26 patients (24%) died during FU (CV+ death, n = 16; 62%). For each 10 mmHg ∂ Pdig increase, overall mortality increased by 10%, and CV+ mortality by 15% (overall mortality: HR 1.10 [1.01–1.22], p = 0.048; CV+ mortality: 1.15 [1.03–1.29], p = 0.017). Following correction for age, ∂ Pdig remained associated with CV+ mortality (HR 1.13 [1.00–1.26], p = 0.043).

Conclusions:

A large drop in systolic finger pressure during a preoperative MAT is related to mortality after primary HD access surgery. The role of this potential novel risk parameter requires confirmation in a larger population.
Navigating the corn maze: Customizing travel cost models to value market segments in heterogeneous industries
Authors: Van Sandt Anders , Thilmany McFadden Dawn
Published: December 2020

Agritourism is an example of a growing and important industry to rural communities in the United States seeking to leverage interest in their natural resource, agricultural, and other heritage assets. We use survey data and a flexible travel cost model to estimate the part-worth consumer surplus (CS) values of Western US agritourism trips for different regions, activities, and traveler types. Given the rural nature of agritourism may require interested travelers to come from long distances, we also pay particular attention to and compare travelers’ marginal and cumulative travel costs to evaluate the impact on CS estimates. Results indicate that trip and traveler heterogeneity, if unaccounted for, may lead to misinformed policy and management decisions.
The influence of economic policy uncertainty and geopolitical risk on US citizens overseas air passenger travel by regional destination
Authors: Payne James E , Apergis Nicholas
Published: December 2020

This research note extends the literature on the role of economic policy uncertainty and geopolitical risk on US citizens overseas air travel through the examination of the forecast error variance decomposition of total overseas air travel and by regional destination. Our empirical findings indicate that across regional destinations, US economic policy uncertainty explains more of the forecast error variance of US overseas air travel, followed by geopolitical risk with global economic policy uncertainty explaining a much smaller percentage of the forecast error variance.
A randomized controlled trial of a web-based personalized feedback intervention targeting frequent indoor tanning bed users: Engagement, acceptability, and preliminary behavioral outcomes
Authors: Stapleton Jerod L , Ray Anne E , Glenn Shannon D , McLouth Laurie E , Parmar Veenat , Manne Sharon L
Published: December 2020

Frequent indoor tanning bed use is an established public health concern, yet research on tanning cessation interventions for frequent tanners is lacking. We describe the protocol for a brief, web-based tanning behavior change intervention and present evidence that it is acceptable and engaging to frequent indoor tanners. Lower tanning rates were not observed among participants receiving the intervention in a randomized controlled trial but participants’ interest in changing tanning increased. This intervention could be a useful approach to increasing frequent tanners’ interest in behavior change and openness to engaging within a more intensive, multi-component tanning cessation program.

Trial Registration: NCT03448224 Clinical Trials.gov ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03448224?cond=NCT03448224&draw=2&rank=1 )
Sieyès and republican liberty
Authors: Lindsay Adam
Published: December 2020

In On the People’s Terms, Philip Pettit incorporates the Sieyèsian notion of constituent power into his constitutional theory of non-domination. In this article, I argue that Emmanuel Sieyès’s understanding of liberty precludes such an appropriation. While a republican, his conceptualisation of liberty in the face of commercial society stood apart from theories of civic vigilance, preferring instead to disentangle individuals from politics and maximise what he understood to be their non-political freedoms. Sieyès saw that liberty was heightened through relations of representation and commercial dependency. This conception of liberty was pivotal to the identity of the nation, and so allowed Sieyès to assess forms of collective injustice committed by the French nobility. It also provided the normative foundation of his theory of constituent power. For Sieyès, constituent power guarded against legislative excess in a decidedly minimal sense, intending instead to separate citizens from the political sphere so they were not burdened with ongoing participation or public vigilance.
Challenges impacting student learning in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme
Authors: Dickson Anisah , Perry Laura B , Ledger Susan
Published: December 2020

While the International Baccalaureate’s Middle Years Programme (MYP) is growing in popularity in Australia and across the globe, few studies have examined the benefits and challenges of this IB programme for supporting student learning. Using a qualitative case study design of three Australian schools that formerly offered the MYP, we investigated teacher and school leader perceptions of the MYP for promoting student learning. Perceived benefits included high achievement and skill development through the MYP’s emphasis on inquiry-based learning and real-world relevance; criterion-referenced assessments; and a healthy balance between core and elective learning areas. Challenges for students stemmed primarily from operational difficulties and possible systems-level constraints impacting teachers, including integration of the Australian Curriculum with the MYP; ability to meet the MYP’s demands; confusion about MYP terminology and grading systems; and understanding interdisciplinary units. The findings suggest that MYP Coordinators and school leaders play a critical role in ensuring that schools realise the benefits of the MYP for student learning by providing systems-level support to optimise its benefits.
Quality inspection of complex-shaped metal parts by vibrations and an integrated Mahalanobis classification system
Authors: Cheng Liangliang , Yaghoubi Vahid , Van Paepegem Wim , Kersemans Mathias
Published: December 2020

The Mahalanobis–Taguchi system is considered as a promising and powerful tool for handling binary classification cases. Though, the Mahalanobis–Taguchi system has several restrictions in screening useful features and determining the decision boundary in an optimal manner. In this article, an integrated Mahalanobis classification system is proposed which builds on the concept of Mahalanobis distance and its space. The integrated Mahalanobis classification system integrates the decision boundary searching process, based on particle swarm optimizer, directly into the feature selection phase for constructing the Mahalanobis distance space. This integration (a) avoids the need for user-dependent input parameters and (b) improves the classification performance. For the feature selection phase, both the use of binary particle swarm optimizer and binary gravitational search algorithm is investigated. To deal with possible overfitting problems in case of sparse data sets, k-fold cross-validation is considered. The integrated Mahalanobis classification system procedure is benchmarked with the classical Mahalanobis–Taguchi system as well as the recently proposed two-stage Mahalanobis classification system in terms of classification performance. Results are presented on both an experimental case study of complex-shaped metallic turbine blades with various damage types and a synthetic case study of cylindrical dogbone samples with creep and microstructural damage. The results indicate that the proposed integrated Mahalanobis classification system shows good and robust classification performance.