bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity of the Wintertime Arctic Oscillation Pattern among CMIP5 Models: Role of the Stratospheric Polar Vortex
Authors: Gong Hainan , Wang Lin , Chen Wen , Wu Renguang , Zhou Wen , Liu Lin , Nath Debashis , Lan Xiaoqing
Published: May 2019

The wintertime Arctic Oscillation (AO) pattern in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) climate models displays notable differences from the reanalysis. The North Pacific center of the AO pattern is larger in the ensemble mean of 27 models than in the reanalysis, and the magnitude of the North Pacific center of the AO pattern varies largely among the models. This study investigates the plausible sources of the diversity of the AO pattern in the models. Analysis indicates that the amplitude of the North Pacific center is associated with the coupling between the North Pacific and North Atlantic, which in turn is primarily modulated by the strength of the stratospheric polar vortex. A comparative analysis is conducted for the strong polar vortex (SPV) and weak polar vortex (WPV) models. It reveals that a stronger stratospheric polar vortex induces more planetary waves to reflect from the North Pacific to the North Atlantic and more wave activity fluxes to propagate from the North Pacific to the North Atlantic in the SPV models than in the WPV models. Thus, the coupling of atmospheric circulation between the North Pacific and North Atlantic is stronger in the SPV models, which facilitates more North Pacific variability to be involved in the AO variability and induces a stronger North Pacific center in the AO pattern. The increase in vertical resolution may improve the simulation of the stratospheric polar vortex and thereby reduces the model biases in the North Pacific–North Atlantic coupling and thereby the amplitude of the North Pacific center of the AO pattern in models.
A Nonheroic Cancer Narrative: Body Deterioration, Grief, Disenfranchised Grief, and Growth
Authors: Gabay Gillie
Published: May 2019

This longitudinal nonheroic narrative study allows familiarity with personal and societal transitions in the self-identity of individuals with life-threatening cancer. The theoretical anchor is Bion’s container–contained theory. Five interviews with a terminally ill hospitalized male in his 30s were conducted along intervals of between 6 and 8 weeks, up to 2 months before his death. Data were analyzed using the selection mechanisms method. Findings provide insights about the hospitalization experience, his grief, and disenfranchised grief. A rigid mode of container–contained relationships with clinicians created disenfranchised grief. Reflection and coherence among self-identities lead to inner strength and emotional growth despite the body’s deterioration. Clinicians have a role in holistic identity transitions of individuals with cancer. Findings illuminate practical recommendations that clinicians may adopt to improve the experience of individuals suffering from cancer at the chronic and terminal phase of illness.
Coping After Involuntary Pregnancy Loss: Perspectives of Spanish European Women
Authors: Fernández-Basanta Sara , Van Paulina , Coronado Carmen , Torres Manuel , Movilla-Fernández María-Jesús
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this qualitative study was to discover the coping strategies used by Spanish (European) women to cope with a pregnancy loss. Sixteen women with miscarriages and stillbirths were interviewed. All of the women were Spanish European. The mean age of the women was 35 years, and most were university graduates, married, employed, and with living children. Audio-recorded interviews and field notes were transcribed and then subsequently coded and analyzed in individual or team sessions. Construction and confirmation of the categories and related themes derived from the data was a collaborative process. Two themes emerged regarding the coping strategies used by women: talking and avoiding. This study expands the theoretical model “Multicultural Model of Coping after Pregnancy Loss” and guides health providers regarding interventions used in practice.
Formerly Incarcerated Black Mothers Matter Too: Resisting Social Constructions of Motherhood
Authors: Mitchell Michael B. , Davis Jaya B.
Published: May 2019

Mass incarceration as a system of racialized and gendered social control has disproportionately impacted Black women, many of whom are mothers. Contrary to dominant social constructions of motherhood, these women employ their own strategies of mothering unique to their lived experiences. This study relies on interview data to understand Black women’s motherhood experiences post-incarceration. Drawing from five semistructured interviews of Black mothers across a large urban area in Texas, we argue for more critical, qualitative research of formerly incarcerated Black women, grounded in Black feminist theory (BFT).
Sexual Orientation–Based Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Use Disparities: The Protective Role of School-Based Health Centers
Authors: Zhang Lei , Finan Laura J. , Bersamin Melina , Fisher Deborah A. , Paschall Mallie J.
Published: May 2019

This study investigated whether the presence of school-based health centers (SBHCs) was associated with six substance use behaviors among sexual minority youth (SMY) and their heterosexual peers. Data from the 2015 Oregon Healthy Teens Survey, including 13,608 11th graders in 137 schools (26 with SBHCs) were used in the current study. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed. Results revealed significant SBHC by SMY status interactions indicating a relatively lower likelihood of past 30-day alcohol use (23%), binge drinking (43%), use of e-cigarettes (22%), marijuana (44%), and unprescribed prescription drugs (28%) among SMY in SBHC schools compared with non-SMY at SBHC schools. Furthermore, SMY in SBHC schools reported lower likelihood of aforementioned substance use behaviors than SMY attending non-SBHC schools. Conversely, no differences in these outcomes were observed for non-SMY in SBHC and non-SBHC schools. Findings from this study suggest SBHCs may help to mitigate substance use disparities among marginalized populations, such as SMY.
The Leadership Portfolio Program at The University of Pittsburgh: Teaching leadership to graduate students1
Authors: Kearns Kevin
Published: May 2019

The Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh provides an extra-curricular leadership development experience called the Leadership Portfolio Program. The Leadership Portfolio Program uses both classroom and community-based experiences to develop and refine leadership skills in graduate students who are preparing for careers in public service. This article describes the Leadership Portfolio Program and, based on student feedback, offers insights on pedagogical strategies for teaching leadership to pre-service students.
Trends in the conduct of information systems research
Authors: Grover Varun , Carter Michelle , Jiang Dan
Published: May 2019

With the rapidly changing institutional and technological environment for information systems research, it is useful to examine how the conduct of research itself has been changing. In this Debates and Perspectives article, based on analysis of over 1800 articles, we first describe trends from 2000 to 2015 in co-authorship, research areas, unit of analysis, and research direction-setting initiatives. Our results indicate a rising trend among information systems researchers toward co-authorship. We also find that information systems research converges on a few broad research areas, and there is increasing diversity of topics within these broad themes. Concerning level of analysis, our results indicate a decreasing trend toward macro (organizational) studies. Finally, we note a lack of positive significant trends in the publication of special issue articles, review articles, and meta-analytic studies. We then offer our perspective regarding these trends along with a discussion of the importance of managing vicious and virtuous cycles that may result from community adaptations to environmental changes.
Library of actions: Implementing a generic robot execution framework by using manipulation action semantics
Authors: Aein Mohamad Javad , Aksoy Eren Erdal , Wörgötter Florentin
Published: May 2019

When a robot has to imitate an observed action sequence, it must first understand the inherent characteristic features of the individual actions. Such features need to reflect the semantics of the action with a high degree of invariance between different demonstrations of the same action. At the same time the machine needs to be able to execute the action sequence in any appropriate situation. In this study, we introduce a new library of actions, which is a generic framework for executing manipulation actions on robotic systems by combining features that capture action semantics with a framework for execution. We focus on manipulation actions and first create a generic representation consisting of symbolic and sub-symbolic components. To link these two domains we introduce a finite state machine allowing for sequential execution with error handling. The framework is developed from observing humans which provides us with a high degree of grounding. To quantitatively evaluate the scalability of the proposed approach, we conducted a large set of experiments involving different actions performed either individually or sequentially with various types of objects in different scene contexts.
An innovative augmentation technique of savonius wind turbine performance
Authors: Youssef Khaled M , El Kholy Ahmed M , Hamed Ashraf M , Mahmoud Nabil A , El Baz Ahmed M , Mohamed Tamer A
Published: May 2019

This work presents an innovative technique to enhance the performance of the Savonius wind turbine. The new technique is based on introducing an upstream deflector and downstream baffle. The shape and location of both devices are optimized using a genetic algorithm. The performance of the turbine with the optimized devices is compared with the single Savonius turbine performance. The study employs the finite volume solver (ANSYS-FLUENT) to solve unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes equations and turbulence model equations. The optimized configuration results in much higher power coefficient than the Savonius turbine. The average peak power coefficient using both deflector and baffle is 0.47 compared to 0.24 of the Savonius turbine. The peak power coefficient of the turbine corresponds to a speed ratio close to unity. This improved performance is attributed to the favorable aerodynamic interaction between the turbine and the downstream baffle which accelerates the flow around the rotor and generates larger turning torque. The baffle generates a jet effect on the advancing bucket and accelerates the flow behind the bucket creating a large zone of negative pressure and thereby increases the driving torque. Furthermore, the upstream deflector (also called shield or curtain) produces a shield for the returning bucket of the turbine which diminishes the adverse effect associated with the returning bucket on the aerodynamic torque of the turbine. This remarkable improvement of turbine performance will encourage the future application of the Savonius wind turbine in small power applications of wind energy.
Multiple Phototransduction Inputs Integrate to Mediate UV Light–evoked Avoidance/Attraction Behavior in Drosophila
Authors: Baik Lisa Soyeon , Recinos Yocelyn , Chevez Joshua A. , Au David D. , Holmes Todd C.
Published: May 2019

Short-wavelength light guides many behaviors that are crucial for an insect’s survival. In Drosophila melanogaster, short-wavelength light induces both attraction and avoidance behaviors. How light cues evoke two opposite valences of behavioral responses remains unclear. Here, we comprehensively examine the effects of (1) light intensity, (2) timing of light (duration of exposure, circadian time of day), and (3) phototransduction mechanisms processing light information that determine avoidance versus attraction behavior assayed at high spatiotemporal resolution in Drosophila. External opsin-based photoreceptors signal for attraction behavior in response to low-intensity ultraviolet (UV) light. In contrast, the cell-autonomous neuronal photoreceptors, CRYPTOCHROME (CRY) and RHODOPSIN 7 (RH7), signal avoidance responses to high-intensity UV light. In addition to binary attraction versus avoidance behavioral responses to UV light, flies show distinct clock-dependent spatial preference within a light environment coded by different light input channels.
Provider Perspectives on Facilitators and Barriers to Accessible Service Provision for Immigrant Women With Postpartum Depression: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ganann R. , Sword W. , Newbold K.B. , Thabane L. , Armour L. , Kint B.
Published: May 2019

Background

Immigrant women are at greater risk for postpartum depression than native-born women and face multiple barriers to accessing services. Service providers themselves face challenges in delivering accessible care for immigrant women with postpartum depression.

Purpose

This research explored provider perspectives on facilitators and barriers providers faced in terms of providing accessible services.

Methods

The study used an interpretive descriptive design, shaped by an integrated knowledge user–researcher partnership. Fourteen health and social service providers participated in individual in-depth interviews. Using a socioecological framework as an organizing structure, an inductive thematic content analysis was conducted.

Results

Providers identified attributes that foster relationship building, including building trust, addressing power dynamics, understanding women’s experiences, enacting cultural competence, involving family members, providing adequate time, and facilitating system navigation. Organizational features shaping accessibility included assessment and treatment approaches, wait times, gate keeping, and the ability to address social health determinants. Different organizational approaches could facilitate or discourage service coordination across organizations. Finally, providers believed that health and immigration system mechanisms could work more effectively for optimal postpartum depression support.

Conclusion

Health service providers are critical in supporting immigrant women with postpartum depression and facilitating service accessibility. Organizational and system gaps restrict optimal postpartum depression service provision and integration.
A Salivation Abnormality with Trigeminal Nerve Dysfunction in Dogs
Authors: Kent Marc , Song Rachel B. , Glass Eric N. , de Lahunta Alexander
Published: May 2019

Trigeminal nerve pathology can lead to sensory and motor dysfunction to structures of the head that are easily recognized. The trigeminal nerve is a conduit for the distribution of postganglionic parasympathetic innervation to structures of the head. Parasympathetic innervation to the salivary glands is provided by preganglionic parasympathetic neurons of the facial and glossopharyngeal nerves. Postganglionic axons course with branches of the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve to reach the salivary glands. Denervation of the salivary glands impacts glandular function, leading to a reduction in the volume and composition of the saliva produced. Saliva plays an important role in oral health. Poor oral health has widespread systemic implications. This article describes a group of dogs with unilateral or bilateral dysfunction of the trigeminal nerve and/or its branches. In all dogs, an accumulation of thick, foamy saliva was observed accumulating in the dorsal aspect of the caudal oral cavity on the ipsilateral side to the affected nerve. In dogs with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there was a reduction in size based on the largest cross-sectional area measurement and an increase in mean signal intensity of the salivary glands ipsilateral to the affected nerves compared to the glands on the normal side. The authors hypothesize that the abnormal saliva and MRI changes observed were consequent to parasympathetic denervation of the salivary glands. The recognition of this clinical observation is the first step in understanding the impact that denervation has on salivation and ultimately on overall oral and systemic health in dogs.
Governing the sharing economy smartly: A tale of two initiatives in China
Authors: Li Yanwei
Published: May 2019

Chinese central government in the past few years has embraced the expansion of various sharing economy initiatives. However, the expansion of these initiatives has given rise to public concerns. Central government in turn has adopted different strategies to address them. In this article, we investigate the question of how central government in China governed the two most popular sharing economy initiatives: ridesharing and bike sharing. An analytic framework is constructed, consisting of three government strategies: monitoring, developing frameworks, and managing processes, and two governance styles: go-alone and collaborative. Our study has found that central government generally applied two different strategies, namely, monitoring and developing frameworks, to govern these two sharing economy initiatives. Moreover, a go-alone governance style dominated the processes of governing ridesharing, whereas a collaborative governance style dominated the processes of governing bike sharing. We also found that four conditions, namely, the influence on incumbent industries, market structure, investment model, and time difference, are important in explaining the emergence of different governance styles in governing these two initiatives.
Optimization of cutting force and temperature during Ti6Al4V/Al7050 laminate composites elliptical vibration turning
Authors: Shi Wentian , Hou Yanjun , Kong Chao , Liu Yude
Published: May 2019

In this paper, the Taguchi method has been used to optimize cutting parameters in the turning of Ti6Al4V/Al7050 laminates under elliptical vibration cutting. The turning tests were conducted based on L16 orthogonal array, which was designed by the Taguchi method. The analysis of variance was used to calculate impacts of cutting parameters on cutting forces and temperature. The analysis of results showed that the vibration frequency is the dominant factor on the cutting force and the vibration amplitude is a dominant factor affecting the temperature. The analysis of variance was also used to predict the cutting force and temperature in the turning of Ti6Al4V/Al7050 laminate. A good agreement between the predicted and the actual value can be found in the results.
Matching estimators for causal effects of multiple treatments
Authors: Scotina Anthony D , Beaudoin Francesca L , Gutman Roee
Published: May 2019

Matching estimators for average treatment effects are widely used in the binary treatment setting, in which missing potential outcomes are imputed as the average of observed outcomes of all matches for each unit. With more than two treatment groups, however, estimation using matching requires additional techniques. In this paper, we propose a nearest-neighbors matching estimator for use with multiple, nominal treatments, and use simulations to show that this method is precise and has coverage levels that are close to nominal. In addition, we implement the proposed inference methods to examine the effects of different medication regimens on long-term pain for patients experiencing motor vehicle collision.
Lifetime prediction of aramid yarns applied to offshore mooring due to purely hydrolytic degradation
Authors: Duarte Juliano Picanço , Guilherme Carlos Eduardo Marcos , da Silva Antonio Henrique Monteiro Fonseca Thomé , Mendonça Adriano Câmara , Tempel Stumpf Felipe
Published: May 2019

The discovery of oil fields in deepwater over the last decades led the oil and gas industry to the necessity of replacing the steel wire cables of the mooring systems of offshore platforms by polymeric ropes. These systems must be designed to work for at least 20 years without showing substantial loss in tensile strength or in their mechanical behavior along this period. However, some polymers present degradation by seawater through the process of hydrolysis, and the question whether it affects significantly the materials’ ultimate tensile strength arises. Accelerated hydrolysis tests were conducted in yarn samples of aramid at high temperature in order to use the Arrhenius correlation to predict their lifetime under service conditions. In order to decouple the total degradation into a thermal and a purely hydrolytic part, separate aging experiments were performed into a dry chamber and the conclusion was that thermal degradation does not play a significant role in the total degradation of aramid due to the water submersion at the temperatures tested.
The ECB’s accountability: Adjusting accountability arrangements to the ECB’s evolving roles
Authors: Dragomir Larisa
Published: May 2019

This article examines the European Central Bank’s accountability holistically, ascertaining the multitude of accountability arrangements corresponding to the different tasks, as well as the different angles of accountability with a view to determining the capacity of the existing framework to respond to the frequent calls for increased scrutiny of the European Central Bank’s actions in the aftermath of the financial crisis. In this vein, the paper focuses on identifying those elements of the accountability arrangements that are flexible and therefore allow for adjusting the intensity, form and consequences of scrutiny over the European Central Bank’s actions in relation to its various functions. The first section identifies the multitude of principals to whom the European Central Bank is accountable when performing its various functions. The second section discusses what the European Central Bank is accountable for, whereas the third section analyses the different legal frameworks that represent benchmarks for holding the European Central Bank accountable in the context of its various functions. The fourth section discusses the channels that allow principals to influence the European Central Bank’s behaviour following accountability checks. The last section highlights the resilience inherent in the existing framework, which permits adjusting accountability arrangements to respond to calls for increased accountability. 1
Effects of carrot incorporation and high hydrostatic pressure processing on fresh cheese: Antilisterial activity, carotenoid degradation, and sensory characteristics
Authors: dos Santos Gouvea Fabiola , Walter Eduardo HM , da Rocha Ferreira Elisa Helena , Tiburski Júlia H , Deliza Rosires , de Oliveira Godoy Ronoel Luiz , Rosenthal Amauri
Published: May 2019

This study was carried out to evaluate the antilisterial activity of carrot, and the impact of its incorporation on the carotenoid content in Minas Frescal cheese, combined or not with high hydrostatic pressure processing, as an alternative for the development of healthier fresh cheese free of synthetic preservatives. Cheeses were manufactured with milk added with carrot incorporation (0, 3, and 6%) and pressurized (0; 250 and 500 MPa/10 min). Total carotenoid content, α-carotene, β-carotene, lutein, consumer acceptance, and sensory characteristics were determined one day after the manufacture while Listeria innocua enumeration was evaluated up to 22 days of storage at 8 ℃. The results showed that although a decrease of over 7 log CFU g−1 in L. innocua counts was observed immediately after fresh cheese processing at 500 MPa/10 min, inactivation was not complete, as the growth of this nonpathogen surrogate during storage was observed. The addition of 6% carrot had a slight bacteriostatic effect, verified on the 15th day of storage, particularly in pressurized cheeses. On the other hand, high pressure treatment at 500 MPa/10 min increased carotenoids degradation in cheeses. Although pressurized cheeses were characterized as “rubbery,” high hydrostatic pressure had no significant effect on consumer acceptance.
The Effects of a Nurse-Led Education and Counseling Program on Dyspnea, Health Status, and Care Dependency in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Helvaci Aylin , Gok Metin Zehra , Ozdemir Leyla , Ergun Pinar
Published: May 2019

The aim of this feasibility study was to determine the effects of a nurse-led education and counseling program for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD-ECP) on dyspnea, health status, and care dependency in patients. A quasi-experimental, pre-posttest research design without a control group was performed on 30 COPD patients. The patients received an 8-week COPD-ECP via home visits during the first 4 weeks and via phone interviews in the subsequent 4 weeks. After completion of COPD-ECP and a 4-week break, a final follow-up was conducted at the end of 12th week. The Dyspnea-12, COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and Care Dependency Scale (CDS) scores were calculated during the first interview, and on the 4th, 8th, and 12th week of the study. The patients completed all sessions of COPD-ECP without side effects. There was a significant decrease in the total Dyspnea-12 scores at the end of the study period. Compared to the baseline assessment, CAT total scores significantly decreased in the 4th, 8th, and 12th week ( p < 0.05), and CDS scores showed a significant reduction at the 12th week ( p < 0.05). In conclusion, COPD-ECP is feasible in regular clinical practice and well accepted by patients, and it seems to improve health status and decrease dyspnea, and care dependency. Future randomized controlled studies are warranted to explore the effects of COPD-ECP on fatigue, cough and sleep problems, and the best innovative strategies to improve the efficiency of COPD-ECP.
Fatigue in multiple sclerosis: The role of thalamus
Authors: Capone Fioravante , Collorone Sara , Cortese Rosa , Di Lazzaro Vincenzo , Moccia Marcello
Published: May 2019

Fatigue is very common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and is often considered as its most disabling symptom. Over the last 20 years, an increasing number of studies have evaluated the pathogenetic bases of MS-related fatigue. Converging evidence from neurophysiology and neuroimaging research suggests that a dysfunction in a cortico-subcortical pathway, centered on thalamus, is involved in the pathogenesis of fatigue. However, type and significance of such dysfunction remain unknown, and some studies reported an increase in the activity and connectivity within the thalamic network, whereas others suggested its reduction. Hereby, we review the results of neuroimaging studies supporting the different hypotheses about the role of thalamic network in the pathophysiology of MS-related fatigue and discuss limitations and shortcomings of available data, highlighting the key challenges in the field and the directions for future research.
‘An Extremely Useful Invention’: Edison’s electric pen and the unravelling of old and new media
Authors: Unwin Peter
Published: May 2019

Using Edison’s electric pen as a case study, this article examines the role of media narratives in determining the ways in which a new medium is finally judged a success or failure. By challenging the narrative of the electric pen as a failed technology, it maintains that oppositional criteria such as new/old, winner/loser and successful/obsolete are counterproductive to a meaningful understanding of technical media. Instead, this article seeks to reposition and reappraise the electric pen, not as a study in failure and obsolescence, but as a site for the implementation of powerful cultural narratives that helped to define individuality and human agency in the beginnings of the modern age.
Demobilising by legitimising: Masculine honour, positive and negative contact, and social activism against criminal organisations
Authors: Drury Lisbeth , Travaglino Giovanni A.
Published: May 2019

Italian mafia-type groups exert governance over the community. To do so, they must engage in contact with community members. Previous research indicates that individuals’ endorsement of masculine honour values is associated with more frequent contact with members of criminal organisations (COs). The present research examines the relationship between masculine honour and both positive and negative contact, as well as the potential implications of such contact. Structural equation modelling of survey data ( N = 327) revealed that masculine honour was associated with positive but not negative contact with COs’ members. Positive contact was, in turn, associated with a stronger tendency to see COs as matching the ideals of honour (romanticisation), and lower perceived threat. In contrast, negative contact was associated with stronger perceived threat from COs’ presence. Finally, romanticisation and lower perceived threat were associated with lower intentions to engage in social activism against COs. Results support the idea that cultural values of masculine honour make the presence of COs in society more acceptable and are an important predictor of contact with this type of group.
Reframing postmodern planning with feminist social theory: Toward “anti-essentialist norms”
Authors: Jon Ihnji
Published: May 2019

This article is concerned with the current developments in planning theory literature, with regard to its extensive focus on flexibility and process. When emphasizing the open-endedness and procedural validity of planning, planning theorists do not seem to consider ethical considerations about the results of planning outcomes. This is understandable given that postmodernism and its ardent defense of “open-endedness” is often considered to contradict any prescriptive nuances. However, I argue that normativity of planning is possible within the postmodern paradigm and that postmodern concepts and theoretical standpoints can propose a basis for normativity. To demonstrate this, I adopt the works of political theorists who have addressed normativity and political solidarity within the postmodern paradigm (anti-essentialist, anti-Cartesian), most of whom are inspired by the future paths of feminism. To be clear, what I refer as “feminism” is about not only defending the status of women as a legal category, but also how to construct political solidarity against inequalities—without essentialist categorizations or a priori conceptualizations. Using the ideas of Young (second-/third-wave feminism), Laclau and Mouffe (post-Marxism), Mouffe (post-Marxism/third-wave feminism), and Butler (third-wave feminism/body politics), I outline what could be considered “anti-essentialist norms.” Based on these norms, a planner can judge which people and whose voices—which social groups or “serial collectives”—should be prioritized and heard first, in order to promote a more inclusive and just urban space. The three anti-essentialist norms that I propose are (1) taking into account the historicity of social relations, (2) having a modest attitude toward what we claim as the representation of “the public,” and (3) recognizing a human interdependency that leads to pursuing future-orientedness in a political project.
Exploring children’s play in early years learning environments; what are the factors that shape children’s play in the classroom?
Authors: Kinkead-Clark Zoyah
Published: May 2019

In the Caribbean, as with many other contexts, though learning through play serves as the impetus behind recommended early years classroom practices, very little is known about children’s play, what it looks like and the factors that shape it. To explore this issue, traditional qualitative methodology including interviews, documentation of field notes, and observations of three early years classrooms for children aged 4 years was done. Thematic analysis of the data revealed five overarching themes: (1) revealing conversations, (2) leaders take charge, (3) gender roles, (4) teachers’ practices and (5) availability of resources. The findings highlight the revealing conversations, social hierarchies and stereotypical gender roles evident in children’s play. Likewise, children’s play is also shaped by teachers’ practices and the availability of resources. The research findings speak to complex nature of children’s play. In this, play serves as a means to demonstrate leadership qualities and share stories about themselves. This highlights the necessity of play as not only benefitting children physically, but socio-emotionally and cognitively as well. Of note as well is that though beneficial, there are also obstacles which impact children’s play, teachers’ practices and the availability of resources. Though these findings cannot be used to make wholesale assumptions about what is happening in all early childhood classrooms, it does draw attention to how teachers implement play-based curricula. Likewise it points to the need to examine how barriers to play minimise children’s ability to positively gain from plethoric benefits play has to offer.
Endovascular Repair of Ascending Aortic Pathologies With Tubular Endografts: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Tsilimparis Nikolaos , Drewitz Stefan , Detter Christian , Spanos Konstantinos , von Kodolitsch Yskert , Rohlffs Fiona , Reichenspurner Herrmann , Debus E. Sebastian , Kölbel Tilo
Published: May 2019

Purpose: To investigate the endovascular treatment of ascending aortic pathologies of high-risk patients unsuitable for open repair. Materials and Methods: From 2010 to 2017, 24 patients (mean age 70±15 years, range 29–90; 18 men) were treated at a single center for various pathologies of the ascending aorta, including acute or chronic type A aortic dissections (n=16), pseudoaneurysms (n=6), fixation of a dislocated percutaneous aortic valve (n=2), and miscellaneous indications (n=3). The patients were selected following an interdisciplinary case evaluation, attended by cardiologists and cardiac and vascular surgeons. The Zenith Ascend TAA Endovascular Graft was implanted; simultaneous procedures were performed in 13 patients. Of the total 27 Ascend TEVAR procedures (24 primary and 3 reinterventions), 17 were performed urgently and 10 electively. The primary outcome measure was 30-day survival. The secondary outcomes were cardiovascular complications, midterm survival, and reintervention rate. Results: Clinical success was achieved in all but 1 case. The 30-day survival was 79% (19/24); of the 5 deaths only 1 was directly related to the endograft implanted. In the 30-day postoperative period, there was 1 myocardial infarction, 2 major strokes, a mycotic pseudoaneurysm, a case of Ascend TEVAR–induced high-grade aortic insufficiency, and a minor stroke; 1 patient developed paraplegia after concurrent implantation of a 4-branched abdominal stent-graft. Two patients had a reintervention within 30 days for the pseudoaneurysm and the aortic insufficiency, respectively. During a mean follow-up of 11 months (0–35 months), there was 1 late death (cancer) and 1 additional reintervention at 10 months for a late type Ia endoleak (12.5% reintervention rate). Conclusion: Endovascular repair of ascending aortic pathologies with stent-grafts is a feasible treatment option with acceptable early and midterm outcomes in high-risk patients unsuitable for open surgery. The complexity of Ascend TEVAR might justify higher reintervention rates.
Effect of Imaging Surveillance After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair on Reinterventions and Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: de Mik Sylvana M. L. , Geraedts Anna C. M. , Ubbink Dirk T. , Balm Ron
Published: May 2019

Purpose: To study the effects of imaging surveillance after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) on reintervention and mortality. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted comparing complication rates in EVAR patients compliant with the imaging surveillance protocol vs partially or noncompliant patients. Two authors independently selected articles and performed quality assessment and data extraction. Risk differences for reintervention and mortality between compliant and partially/noncompliant patients were meta-analyzed. The pooled risk difference (RD) is reported with the 95% confidence interval (CI). The review protocol is registered at Prospero (CRD42017080494). Results: A total of 11 cohort studies involving 21,838 patients were included. Studies differed in imaging, their surveillance protocols, and definitions of compliance subgroups. Median follow-up was 31.7 months (interquartile range 29.8, 49.3). The overall reintervention rate was 5%, while the overall mortality was 31%. The RD for the reintervention rate was 4% (95% CI 1% to 7%) in favor of partial/noncompliance [number needed to harm 25 (95% CI 14 to 100)], while mortality showed a nonsignificant RD of 12% (95% CI −2% to 26%) in favor of partial/noncompliance. Two studies reported that 41% to 53% of reinterventions were performed for complications detected through imaging surveillance; the other events were detected through patient symptoms. Conclusion: Patients who are compliant with imaging surveillance appear to undergo more reinterventions than those who are partially or noncompliant. However, imaging surveillance does not seem to protect against mortality. This suggests that the recommended yearly imaging surveillance may not be beneficial for all EVAR patients.
Outsourcing Digital Game Production: The Case of Polish Testers
Authors: Ozimek Anna M.
Published: May 2019

This article investigates the experiences of digital game testers working in external quality assurance departments in Poland. As compared with video game developers, testers have received relatively little attention in game labor studies, and there is a particular gap in the scholarship with respect to testers within firms that perform work that is outsourced from game developers and publishers. Drawing on in-depth interviews with Polish game testers, my research reveals that outsourced game testing is characterized by sharp tensions between self-realization and self-exploitation. The article explores three aspects of testers’ response to these tensions, including enduring precarious working conditions, seeking better career prospects, and engaging in resistance in the workplace. I examine testers’ work through the conceptual lens of hope labor, which designates undercompensated work carried out in the hope of gaining more stable and rewarding employment opportunities in future.
Contested Formations of Digital Game Labor
Authors: de Peuter Greig , Young Chris J.
Published: May 2019

This article introduces a special issue critically investigating contemporary formations of digital game labor, with a focus on the political-economic forces, social inequalities, and technological dynamics mutually shaping these formations. Accounts of game industry practices have been at the forefront of efforts within media studies to document and theorize conditions and transformations of labor under digital capitalism. The study of digital game labor has tended to cluster around four areas of inquiry: below-the-line labor, the creative labor of game development, player-production, and game labor politics. Providing empirically informed portraits of diverse contexts and experiences of gamework, this issue interrogates multiple dimensions of precarious work and social exclusion within an industry whose playful self-image can make it a resistant object of labor-centered analysis. The contributors to this issue promote a research orientation that is attentive to how work in the digital game industry might be made more accessible and sustainable.
The Precarious Labor of Queer Indie Game-making: Who Benefits from Making Video Games “Better”?
Authors: Ruberg Bonnie
Published: May 2019

This article looks at issues of precarious and exploited labor surrounding contemporary queer independent video game making. In recent years, there has been a marked rise in indie games made by and about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people. These games and their creators are commonly lauded for inspiring change in the mainstream game industry and making the medium of video games more diverse and therefore “better.” However, this cultural narrative obfuscates the socioeconomic challenges faced by many queer indie game-makers. Drawing from interviews conducted by the author, this article presents a counter-narrative about the work of developing video games by and about marginalized people. Although such games are often described as “easy” or “free” to make, they in fact entail considerable, and rarely fairly compensated, labor. Simultaneously, value is being extracted from this labor by companies who look to queer indie games for inspiration, which translates into profit.
Inorganic Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Systems and Their Potential Role in the Treatment of Chronic Myelogenous Leukaemia
Authors: Ghosn Youssef , Kamareddine Mohammed Hussein , Tawk Antonios , Elia Carlos , El Mahmoud Ahmad , Terro Khodor , El Harake Nadia , El-Baba Bachar , Makdessi Joseph , Farhat Said
Published: May 2019

Chronic myeloid leukemia is a myeloproliferative disease where cells of myeloid linage display a t(9;22) chromosomal translocation leading to the formation of the BCR/ABL fusion gene and the continuous activation of tyrosine kinases. This malignancy has a peak incidence at 45 to 85 years, accounting for 15% of all leukemias in adults. Controlling the activity of tyrosine kinase became the main strategy in chronic myeloid leukemia treatment, with imatinib being placed at the forefront of current treatment protocols. New approaches in future anticancer therapy are emerging with nanomedicine being gradually implemented. Setting through a thorough survey of published literature, this review discusses the use of inorganic nanoparticles in chronic myeloid leukemia therapy. After an introduction on the basics of chronic myeloid leukemia, a description of the current treatment modalities of chronic myeloid leukemia and drug-resistance mechanisms is presented. This is followed by a general view on the applications of nanostrategies in medicine and then a detailed breakdown of inorganic nanocarriers and their uses in chronic myeloid leukemia treatment.
Effect of Different Sources Support on Adaptation in Families of Patient With Moderate-to-Severe Dementia in China
Authors: Wang Qingyan , Sheng Yu , Wu Fan , Zhang Yuyun , Xu Xiaohua
Published: May 2019

Purpose:

To examine the support from different sources of Chinese families of patients with moderate-to-severe dementia that most heavily influences the family adaptation and the influence pathway.

Method:

Two hundred and three families participated in this study. Chinese versions of instruments were used. Structural equation modeling was applied to confirm the effect pathway.

Results:

More family support, kin support, community support, and social support (narrow sense) were related to greater levels of family adaptation. Family support was the most heavy influence factor (total effect = 0.374), followed by kin support (0.334), social support (0.137), and community support (0.121). Family support and kin support were direct influence factors, while the other 2 were not.

Conclusion:

All support will promote family adaptation, especially family support and kin support. Interventions improving support from different sources, especially family support and kin support, will promote adaptation in Chinese families of patients with moderate-to-severe dementia.
Prevalence of Chronic Illness and Risk Factors for Chronic Illness Among Patients With Venous Leg Ulceration: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kelly Maria , Gethin Georgina
Published: May 2019

Introduction. Chronic illness and risk factors for chronic illness are rising public health concerns for individuals and health care systems. Individuals with venous leg ulceration (VLU) have at least one chronic illness. As there is a projected increase in VLU prevalence there is a need to determine concurrent prevalence of risk factors for chronic illness among this population. Methods. A cross-sectional design conducted in 8 community, nurse-led, leg ulcer clinics. Results. Fifty patients (58%, n = 29 females) were enrolled. Seventy percent were >65 years old; 90% had at least one chronic illness; 60% had hypertension; 30% had atrial fibrillation; 18% had diabetes; 18% heart failure; and 28.6% musculoskeletal conditions. All had at least one risk factors for chronic illness (mean = 2.26), the most frequent being overweight (30%), obesity (30%), high cholesterol (22.2%), and restricted physical activity (22%). Participants took a mean 5.2 medications daily and 26% were on current oral antibiotics. Conclusions. Comprehensive, holistic assessment and regular reassessment with a preventative focus needs to consider chronic illness and risk factors for chronic illness. Patients with VLU are in frequent contact with their multidisciplinary team. This is an opportunity to improve care and make every encounter count.
Very Early Initiation Reduces Benefits of Poststroke Rehabilitation Despite Increased Corticospinal Projections
Authors: Okabe Naohiko , Himi Naoyuki , Nakamura-Maruyama Emi , Hayashi Norito , Sakamoto Issei , Hasegawa Toru , Miyamoto Osamu
Published: May 2019

Background. Although the effect of rehabilitation is influenced by aspects of the training protocol, such as initiation time and intensity of training, it is unclear whether training protocol modifications affect the corticospinal projections. Objective. The present study was designed to investigate how modification of initiation time (time-dependency) and affected forelimb use (use-dependency) influence the effects of rehabilitation on functional recovery and corticospinal projections. Methods. The time-dependency of rehabilitation was investigated in rats forced to use their impaired forelimb immediately, at 1 day, and 4 days after photothrombotic stroke. The use-dependency of rehabilitation was investigated by comparing rats with affected forelimb immobilization (forced nonuse), unaffected forelimb immobilization (forced use), and a combination of forced use and skilled forelimb training beginning at 4 days after stroke. Results. Although forced use beginning 1 day or 4 days after stroke caused significant functional improvement, immediate forced limb use caused no functional improvement. On the other hand, a combination of forced use and skilled forelimb training boosted functional recovery in multiple tasks compared to simple forced use treatment. Histological examination showed that no treatment caused brain damage. However, a retrograde tracer study revealed that immediate forced use and combination training, including forced use and skilled forelimb training, increased corticospinal projections from the contralesional and ipsilesional motor cortex, respectively. Conclusions. These results indicate that although both very early initiation time and enhanced skilled forelimb use increased corticospinal projections, premature initiation time hampers the functional improvement induced by poststroke rehabilitation.