bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating Micro RNA 181A as Biomarker in Breast Cancer, Its Possible Association with Metastasis & Epithelial Mesenchymal Transformation
Authors: Rashed LA , Faiz SH , Hassan MA , Elsebaie MM , Saad AE
Published: June 2020

Background:

Recent studies have reported the involvement of micro RNA 181a in diverse cellular functions. Though some studies have shown that miR-181a expression is downregulated in several human solid tumors, others have demonstrated that upregulation of miR-181a may promote metastasis and invasion of human cancers.

Aim of the Study:

The aim of this work is to detect the level of circulating miRNA-181a in breast cancer cases at different stages and to study its role in metastasis & epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) through the possible association between miRNA 181a and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling pathway.

Subjects and Methods:

The present work included 70 female patients, with breast cancer at different stages 30 patients with metastatic disease and 40 patients with non-metastatic disease 20 healthy subjects were taken as a control group. We detected miRNA-181a expression in peripheral blood with qRT PCR, and TGF-beta, SMAD-4, SNAIL-1 and Bim expression by quantitative PCR.

Results:

miRNA-181a, TGF-beta, SNAIL-1 and SMAD-4 were significantly upregulated in patients with metastatic breast cancer compared to patients with non-metastatic disease while Bim is significantly downregulated in metastatic versus non-metastatic group. Also, miRNA-181a was a prognostic marker for disease progression and overall survival.

Conclusion:

signaling pathway of TGFβ-SMAD, regulate miRNA-181a which in turn play role in stabilizing SNAIL transcription factor that promote tumor aggressiveness and metastasis through epithelial mesenchymal transition, as well as down-regulation of Bim.
Risk Factors of Venous Thromboembolic Events after Breast Cancer Surgeries; A Meta-Analysis of 166929 Patients
Authors: Elkholy A.M.E. , Awadeen A. , Kabeil I.H. , Sokar A.
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the second most common cause of death among patients with breast cancer. In particular, VTE accounted for 20% of deaths after radical mastectomy. Owing to the devastating sequels associated with VTE and its financial impact, the current study was conducted to reveal the possible risk factors of VTE after breast cancer surgeries.

Materials and Methods:

Extensive systematic literature review, from inception up to 1 October 2019, was performed throughout 12 databases to reveal all clinical studies reported the risk factors of VTE after breast cancer surgeries. Pooled analysis was implemented using Review Manager.

Results:

This meta-analysis included 8 articles that encompassed an overall 166929 patients. There was no statistically significant difference between patients developed VTE and those not developed such condition regarding Caprini total score (SMD0.5;95%CI-0.58,1.57; P=0.36). Subsequently, patients developed VTE were elder than patients did not develop such complications (MD1.21;95%CI 1.06,1.35; P<0.001). Patients had pre-operative diabetes mellitus (OR 0.69;95%CI0.49,0.98; P=0.04) or pulmonary disease (OR1.43;95%CI1.09,1.88; P=0.01) were more susceptible to experience post-operative VTE, relative to other patients. Besides that, post-operative hospitalization stays were significantly longer among patients experienced VTE, relative to patients did not experience such complications (MD 2.6;95%CI 2.54,2.66; P<0.001). Patients subjected to radical mastectomy and primary reconstruction were more vulnerable to have VTE post-operatively (OR 2.66;95%CI 1.90,3.71; P<0.001). Similarly, patients received concurrent venous catheterization were more susceptible to develop VTE post-operatively (OR 2.13;95%CI 1.22,3.73; P<0.00=0.008). On the contrary, post-operative hormonal therapy, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy were not statistically significant risk factors of VTE after breast cancer surgeries.

Conclusions:

Elderly patients and those with pre-operative diabetes mellitus or pulmonary diseases and patients subordinated to primary reconstruction after radical mastectomy were more susceptible to develop VTE. Understanding these factors will aid health care providers to optimize the optimal preventive strategies of VTE after breast cancer surgeries.
Non-Epithelial Ovarian Cancer; NCI Study
Authors: Sobhy Ashraf , Gamil Mohammed , Youssef Omar , Mebed Ali Hassan
Published: June 2020

Background:

Non-epithelial cancers of the ovary are uncommon. They include malignancies of germ cell origin, sex cord-stromal cell origin, metastatic carcinomas to the ovary, and a variety of extremely rare ovarian cancers, such as sarcomas and lipoid cell tumors. Nonepithelial malignancies account for about 10% of all ovarian cancers.

Objective:

To review the management of Non-epithelial ovarian cancer in the NCI Cairo university during a period of 5 years (2005 till 2010).

Material and Methods:

Retrospective study including 114 patients who were diagnosed and treated with Non-epithelial ovarian cancer (2005 to 2010). Data were collected from the biostatistics and cancer epidemiology department.

Results:

Out of 114 patients; 25(21.9%) were benign and 25 (21.9%) were borderline malignant; 55 (48.2%) were malignant and 9 (7.89%) of them were unpredicted biologic behavior; the median age of the study population was 49.7 years (range 14_83years). Panhysterectomy was done in 77(67.5%) of the patients; ovariectomy and debulking were done in 22(19.3%; salpingooophorectomy was done in 10(8.8%) 0f patients and cystectomy was done in 3(2.6%) and 2 cases underwent biopsy.

Conclusion:

Sex cord-stromal tumors and malignant germ cell tumors are the most common nonepithelial ovarian cancers. These tumors often, but not always, present with the sequelae of overproduction of either androgens or estrogens. It is important to diagnose these masses early, as overall prognosis is typically very good for early stage disease in all histological subtypes. Both sex cord-stromal tumors and malignant germ cell tumors of the ovary are treated with initial surgical resection. Fertility sparing surgery can be considered for both sex cord-stromal and malignant germ cell tumors of the ovary. Depending on the pathological diagnosis and disease stage, postoperative management consists of either expectant management or adjuvant chemotherapy. It is recommended that all patients with nonepithelial ovarian cancer be monitored for evidence of disease recurrence on a standardized schedule.
Variability of Medial and Lateral Borders Delineation in Guidelines for Post-Mastectomy Irradiation Significantly Affects Radiation Dose Received by Left Lung and Heart
Authors: Alsherif Wessam A. , Mousa Ranya M.
Published: June 2020

Background:

Delineation of Clinical Target Volume (CTV) is a basic step in 3 Dimensional Conformal (3DCRT). A notable variation however exists among different guidelines in delineation of chest wall (CW) CTV specially for the lateral margin. Some authors used wire localization for the anatomical insertion of the presumed breast It is expected that lateral margin delineation will affect the standard tangential fields and therefore the ipsilateral lung & heart (in left side) volumes irradiated to high dose.

Aim of work:

Evaluation of the effect of using various guidelines for chest wall CTV delineation on outcome regarding doses received by heart and left lung (in post left mastectomy irradiation) and compare these outcomes to that of wire based delineation (WBD).

Methodology:

Ten patients with T3/4 &/or N+ left breast cancer were planned for post mastectomy CW-3DCRT. Delineation of CW by one radiation oncologist followed 2 different guidelines namely RTOG & ESTRO in addition to a 3rd anatomical based wire delineation of chest wall underlying the presumed breast. Three CRT plans for the 3 CTVs were compared regarding coverage, homogenity & toxic dose to heart & lt. lung.

Results:

CTV was a highly significantly smaller when delineated using WBD vs RTOG or ESTRO guidelines. There was no statistically significant difference between the 3 delineated volumes regarding coverage & homogeneity parameters. A highly statistically significant better (lesser) V20Gy & V30Gy received by lt. lung for plans based on WBD (16.0 +/- 4.1% &12.75 +/- 2% respectively) vs those based on ESTRO (19.1 +/- 1.73 & 15.2 +/- 5.1 respectively) or RTOG guidelines (18.22 ± 1.6 & 14.52 ± 5.3 respectively), p=0.001 for V20Gy & 0.01 for V30Gy. For cardiac dose, a statistically significant lower D50% received by the heart in plans based on WBM delineation (101.6 ± 41.2 Gy) compared to plans based on ESTRO & RTOG guidelines based CTV (141 +/- 81cGy & 132 +/- 93 cGy respectively, p= 0-00001).

Conclusion:

WBD of post lt. mastectomy chest wall CTV delineation significantly reduced toxic dose received by heart & lt. lung. Larger trial with clinical follow up to test for being not inferior to ESMO &/or ESRTO guidelines based treatment regarding local recurrence.
Interval Debulking Surgery After Neodjuvant Chemotherapy Vs Primary Debulking Surgery For Stage Iii Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Ahmed BM , Amin AT , Khallaf MK , Ahmed Refaat A , Sileem SA
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy and is the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death among women. Approach to FIGO stage III epithelial ovarian cancer remains challengeable. This study aims to evaluate the outcome of interval debulking surgery (IDS) vs. primary debulking surgery (PDS) for FIGO stage III epithelial ovarian cancer.

Materials and Methods:

During a period of six years (January 2014 to December 2019), we analyzed the patients for eligibility criteria, which were: (1) FIGO stage III epithelial ovarian cancer. (2) The age of 18 years or more (3) Patients underwent either PDS or IDS and received chemotherapy at South Egypt Cancer Institute. We divided them into two groups: (1) Those received three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and then underwent IDS plus three additional cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy and (2) Those who have PDS followed by six cycles of chemotherapy.

Results:

This study includes 380 eligible patients. The first group included 226 patients (59.47%) underwent PDS then 6 cycles of chemotherapy, while the group of IDS included 154 patients (40.53%). The treatment modality was not significant for overall survival (OS); however disease-free survival (DFS) was significantly reduced after IDS when compared to PDS (median DFS: 33 months; 95% CI 30.23-35.77 vs. 45 months; 95% CI 41.25-48.75 respectively; p= .000). Moreover, in subgroup analysis, OS and DFS were significantly dropped after IDS in elderly patients, patients with bad performance status, sub-optimal cytoreduction as well as high grade and undifferentiated tumors when compared to those who underwent PDS.

Conclusion:

Although treatment modality may not impact overall survival (OS), however, PDS results in a better disease-free survival than IDS. Moreover, IDS results in a significant drop in OS and DFS in special patients subgroups when compared to PDS. Therefore patients selection should be considered.
Incidence of Immune Related Adverse Events in Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Case Series from Two Tertiary Care Centeers in Dubai, UAE
Authors: Omara M , Abdelgadir Elamin , Khan F , Latif M F , Alawadi Fatheya , Koury M , Elshourbagy D. , Hamza Dina , Kumar S. , Das K. , Malik Quayom , Tirmazy S H
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) represent a major component of systemic therapy in advanced malignancy. Studies have reported unique spectrum of toxicity profile of ICI as compared to systemic chemotherapy. Aim of this study is to evaluate toxicities of ICI in our population and to compare this with published data.

Material and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients treated with ICI at Dubai hospital and American hospital Dubai from November 2015 to April 2019. After patient identification from hospitals cancer registry, data regarding patients’ demographics, cancer type, type of ICI, adverse events, and duration of treatment were collected.

Results:

Forty-Five patients were identified with median age of 60 (27-80) years. 27 (60%) patients were male and 18 (40%) were female. Underlying diagnosis was lung cancer (n=25), renal cell cancer (n=6), melanoma (n=5), bladder cancer (n=3), Hodgkins lymphoma (n=3) and other malignancies (n=3). Majority of patients received Nivolumab (n=20, 44%) followed by Pembrolizumab (n=19, 42%), Atezolizumab (n=4, 9%) and Durvalumab (n=2, 5%) respectively. Thyroid dysfunction was the most common side effect observed in 17 (38%) patients including hypothyroidism (n=12, 27%) and hyperthyroidism (n=5, 11%). 53 % patients treated with Nivolumab developed thyroid dysfunction as compared to Pembrolizumab (22%). 7 patients (16%) had elevated liver enzymes. Grade II and III hepatotoxicity was noted in 1 patient (2.2 %) each. One patient (2.2 %) developed grade II skin toxicity. One patient (2.2 %) developed grade III colitis. Grade II, III and IV pneumonitis was observed in 2 (4.4 %), 1 (2.2%) and 1 (2.2%) patient respectively. Immune mediated adverse events were managed according to standard guidelines and 2 patients (4.4 %) had treatment discontinuation due to grade IV Pneumonitis and grade III Colitis.

Conclusion:

Our study reports relatively higher incidence of thyroid adverse events in patients treated with ICI. The incidence of grade III-IV immune related toxicity remains low. Overall treatment with ICI was tolerated reasonably well and toxicity was manageable.
Changes in Perceived Social Support after Starting Treatment in Egyptian Patients with Operable Breast Cancer: A Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: Saleh Mariam A. , Kassem Loay , Atteya Hanaa , Mousa Mohamed , Alsirafy Samy
Published: June 2020

Background:

Social support (SS) has been proven to be associated with improved outcome of early breast cancer. Little is known about the magnitude of social support available for Egyptian breast cancer patient and much less is known about the changes that occur in such support after the diagnosis of breast cancer and starting treatment.

Methods:

We designed a longitudinal questionnaire based prospective cohort study using the six item form of the Medical Outcomes Study- Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) questionnaire and included patients with pathologically proven non-metastatic breast cancer 18-70 years of age. Patients completed the self administered questionnaire at 2 time points: at first diagnosis of breast cancer and after 3-6 months of starting treatment. Comparison of the pre and post treatment questionnaires was done using paired sample T test.

Results:

A total of 48 patients completed the 2 questionnaires. Median age was 48 years (range: 24-65 years). Seventy percent of our patients were married, 67% had more than 2 children and 77.8% were housewives. Around half of the patients (45.2%) had monthly income below 1200 EGP. Patients who had higher education level (p=0.002) and those who were living in Cairo (p=0.033) reported higher SS at baseline. Mean MOS-SSS score at baseline was 64.4 (±24.8) while after treatment was 76.4 (±22.3); p<0.001. The increase in SS was consistent in most of the patient subgroups but was more prominent in illiterate patients compared to educated (p=0.033), those who work a handy job compared to housewife (p=0.04), and those who lived in Upper Egypt compared to Cairo residents (p=0.029).

Conclusion:

The majority of Egyptian breast cancer patients had a supportive environment after the diagnosis of breast cancer. A special attention should be paid to the at-risk groups with no sufficient SS during that period.
A Dosimetrical Analysis of the Magnitude of Isocenter Shifts Using CT-on-Rails Guided Online Adaptive Planning for Left Breast Cancer Patients Treated by Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy
Authors: Mashhour K , Eliteo S , Hashem W
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

This study was conducted to check the accuracy and validity of an automated adaptive planning (AAP) method which combines automated re-contouring and re-planning to check for inter-fractional anatomical changes in breast cancer patients receiving intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) based on a weekly computed tomography (CT)-on rails images dosimetrically viewing the magnitude of difference in isocenter shifts and the degree of dose deviations regarding target coverage and dose received by organs at risk.

Methods and Materials:

Twenty left sided conservative breast cancer patients were selected for IMRT treatment. Automatic generation of the contours on each repeat CT image was performed by mapping the contours from the planning CT image using deformable image registration. 3D- CRT and IMRT plans were automatically recalculated for each patient. The magnitude of isocenter shifts in postero-anterior (PA), cranio-caudal (CC) and right-left (RL) directions was calculated and the degree of dose deviations regarding target coverage and dose received by organs at risk.

Results:

In the PA,CC and RL directions, 9.2%, 11.4% and 6.4% of the 100 CT scans didn’t require any position adjustments. The mean isocenter shifts and standard deviation (SD) were 0.5 & 0.6 +/- 1.1mm, 0.3 &0.4 +/- 0.5mm and 0.2 & 0.4+/- 0.6mm for the IMRT and 3D-CRT plans in the PA,CC and RL directions, respectively. 74.1%, 65.1%, and 55.8% required a shift of 1 - 3 mm; 10.5%, 23.9%, and 33.2% required a shift of 3 - 5mm; and 1.5%, 3.3%, and 5.4% required a shift of more than 5 mm, respectively. With respect to target coverage, the D90[Gy] for the breast CTV was 46.2 Gy and 45.6 for the IMRT and 3D-CRT plans. The mean doses to the heart and left lung were reduced by 5.5 %, 3.7 Gy and 4.1%, 2.6 Gy using the AAP method.

Conclusions:

The fully automated AAP method using CT on rails for online re-planning was effective in reducing the magnitude of isocenter shifts and compensating for target volume coverage underdosing and higher doses perceived by risk organs caused by anatomical inter-fractional changes in breast cancer patients.
Results of Genetic Screening of Germinal Mutations in BRCA 1 And BRCA 2 Genes in Patients with Breast Cancer in the Aktobe Region of West Kazakhstan
Authors: Aitmagambetova M.A. , Smagulova G.A. , E.Zh. Bekmukhambetov , Kokhreidze I. , Tulyaeva A.B. , Bakytzhanov G.B.
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant disease affecting women around the world. Clinically, the most important BC susceptibility genes are BRCA1 and BRCA2. The objective of our study was to establish the frequencies of 8 mutations in the BRCA1 genes (185delAG, 4153delA, 5382insC, 3819delGTAAA, 3875delGTCT, 300T> G (Cys61Gly), 2080delA mutations) and BRCA2 (6174delT mutation) in patients with BC in the Aktobe region of Western Kazakhstan.

Materials and research methods:

This study involved 300 women with a confirmed diagnosis of BC, who were observed at the Medical Center of the West Kazakhstan Medical University named after Marat Ospanov in the period 2018-2019. Prior to sampling the material (peripheral whole blood), patients received informed consent to conduct the study. Genotyping was carried out by real-time PCR using the Oncogenetics BRCA kit (NPO DNA Technology) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Results:

A total of 300 patients were identified 3 cases. Patient No. 1, 31 years old, Asian race (kazakh), a mutation in the BRCA1 5382insC gene was detected, the hereditary history was burdened. Given the patient’s mutation (5382incS), a family history (father died of lung cancer, sibling died of ovarian cancer), work was done on genetic counseling for relatives (mother, brother, sisters and their adult children). Based on the analysis, we revealed a similar mutation of 5382incS in a sibling (42 years old) and his own daughter (17 years old), a second sibling (37 years old). Patient No. 2, 68 years old, Caucasian race, a mutation in the BRCA1 300T> G gene (Cys61Gly) was detected, the hereditary history is not burdened. Patient No. 3, 59 years old, Caucasian race, burdened by heredity. Also, given the patient’s mutation (5382incS), a family history (mother and grandmother died of BC), a study was conducted (daughters). According to the result of the analysis, we revealed a similar mutation of 5382incS in the daughter. Thus, the case presented shows the need for a large-scale, in-depth study of this population for further personification of treatment and prophylactic examination of patient families.
Assessment of Estrogen Receptor Beta in Patients with Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Mubisi HS , Farouk MM , Zaki II , El Fayoiem TA , Ismail AA
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), defined as lacking the expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor is an aggressive breast cancer subtype for which there is a need to identify new therapeutic targets. About 50-80% of TNBC express Estrogen Receptor Beta (ERβ). Given its slight differences from ERα in terms of structure, signaling and its anti-proliferative effects on breast cancer cells, ERβ may be a possible therapeutic target. This study sought to assess the presence of ERβ and its correlation with the clinico-pathological features among the Egyptian females with TNBC.

Material and Methods:

The study was a retrospective analysis. The following data was retrieved from patient’s files and recorded: age, tumor size, lymph nodes metastasis, and stage. Paraffin blocks for patients confirmed by IHC to be TNBC were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for ERβ, CK5/6, and Ki 67.

Results:

ERβ was positive in 80% of cases (n=32/40). ERβ significantly correlated with Age (rs = -0.473, P = 0.002, n = 40), Tumor size (rs = -0.471, P = 0.007, n = 40), Lymph nodes (rs = -0.365, P = 0.021, n =40), and Stage (rs = -0.468, P = 0.002, n = 40). There was no correlation between ERβ with Ki-67 and CK5/6 a marker of the basal phenotype. All 8 patients without ERβ had an aggressive disease. 4 received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with minimum or no pathologic complete response in the axillary lymph nodes, 2 presented with upfront metastatic disease while the other 2 were cases of local recurrence with a change in the molecular phenotype of the tumor from luminal subtype to TNBC.

Conclusion:

This study shows ERβ expression occurs in TNBC. It may have the potential to become a therapeutic target for TNBC.
Outcome of patients with colorectal cancer undergoing lung metastases resection: a single-institution retrospective analysis
Authors: Mammana Marco , Bergamo Francesca , Procaccio Letizia , Schiavon Marco , Loupakis Fotios , Lonardi Sara , Manai Chiara , Schirripa Marta , Fassan Matteo , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo , Calabrese Fiorella , Rea Federico , Zagonel Vittorina
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

This study was undertaken to review a single-institution cohort of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer undergoing lung resection after a multidisciplinary evaluation and to investigate the main prognostic factors for survival.

Methods:

Medical records of 129 patients undergoing lung metastasectomy for colorectal cancer with curative intent from 2001 to 2017 were reviewed. Tissue samples from the primary tumor were analyzed with a multiplex genotyping system for the detection of mutations in RAS and BRAF genes. Survival analyses were carried out by the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed using the log-rank test and the Cox regression model.

Results:

Postoperative morbidity and mortality were 13.2% and 0%, respectively. At a median follow-up time of 62.5 months, median overall survival was 90.5 months and median relapse-free survival was 42.8 months. Multivariable analysis for overall survival identified synchronous versus metachronous metastatic presentation as the only prognostic factor, whereas relapse-free survival was independently associated with synchronous versus metachronous metastatic presentation, number of metastases, and postoperative chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

This study shows particularly favorable survival outcomes for patients undergoing lung metastasectomy. The validity of some of the main prognostic factors was confirmed and a positive effect of postoperative chemotherapy on relapse-free survival was shown. Contrary to other reports, the presence of KRAS mutations was not associated with significant survival differences. Further studies are needed in order to clarify the interactions between molecular, clinical, and pathologic characteristics and treatment-related factors.
Assessing and Extending Track Quality Index for Novel Measurement Techniques in Railway Systems
Authors: Yan Tzu-Hao , Corman Francesco
Published: June 2020

A systematic maintenance process is essential to keeping railway systems safe and reliable. However, performing such maintenance is costly and often results in system disruption. There is a tradeoff between system safety and budgetary constraints; understanding the condition of the track infrastructure is essential to find the balance between needs and costs for decisions about when to perform maintenance. In this study, the track quality index (TQI), which is commonly used to evaluate the status of tracks and to decide maintenance interventions, is reviewed, including 12 TQIs for superstructure and six for substructure. A literature review indicates that TQIs for sleepers and subgrade have not yet been developed. The differences between TQIs are compared using a set of hypothetical raw data. Their capabilities for identifying track irregularities are also investigated based on the EN 13848 regulations. To classify TQI characteristics in a systematic way, this study proposes four concepts: accuracy, sensitivity, data required, and specificity. Accuracy indicates a TQI’s capability of detecting defects; sensitivity indicates how TQIs change according to variations in the defects; specificity relates to the amount of parameters considered, and the ability to pinpoint root causes or global consequences of defects. The results suggest a tradeoff between the four concepts, where high sensitivity can increase the ability to detect the smallest defects but may be affected by bias; more parameters considered may indicate low accuracy when detecting a single type of defect. Therefore, this study suggests railway regulators use multiple TQIs with complementary characteristics for classifying track status.
The Decline of College Textbook Publishing: Cengage Learning and McGraw-Hill
Authors: Carbaugh Bob
Published: June 2020

America’s college textbook publishers historically had a business model based on continuing profits and growth led by high prices. However, that model eroded as competition from the used-book market and rental textbooks resulted in falling textbook sales and losses for publishers. Textbook publishers are currently revising their business model so as to move away from printed textbooks to digital (online) educational materials. Also, publishers are downsizing their operations and undergoing mergers with each other to survive in the marketplace. The 2019 merger proposal of McGraw-Hill and Cengage Learning reflects the current problems of college textbook publishing: The merger would be between two financially weak companies that are attempting to reduce overhead and production costs and create additional revenue streams. However, the U.S. Department of Justice’s concerns about the harmful effects on competition led to the companies’ agreement to abandon their plans to merge in May 2020.

JEL Classification: A00, K21, L22, L41
Assessing tensile behavior of open-hole variable angle tow composites using a general gradient property simulation methodology
Authors: Zhu Yingdan , Qi Shijie , Jia Hongli , Shi Pengcheng , Yao Youqiang , Hu Junfeng , Boisse Philippe , Xu Haibing
Published: June 2020

Variable Angle Tow placement is a way to steer individual curvilinear fibers. This work presents the assessment of tensile behavior of open-hole composite laminates with Variable Angle Tow reinforcement. A new multi-scale finite element method, consisting of a microscale unit cell model and a macroscale gradient property model, is developed to simulate Variable Angle Tow structures with various fiber trajectories. The tensile strength and the failure process of open-hole reinforced laminates with Variable Angle Tow reinforcement under tensile loading are predicted and analyzed. Experiments are also conducted to investigate reinforcing efficiency and failure modes of the open-hole laminates. The comparison of predicted and experimental results for the tensile strength and failure modes of T700/Epoxy laminates demonstrates clearly that the mechanical behavior of Variable Angle Tow structure can be simulated very well by the proposed multi-scale model. Moreover, it is found that the tensile strength of Variable Angle Tow laminates is closely related to the eccentricity and it reaches the maximum value only when the trajectories of curvilinear fibers keeps consistent with maximum principal stress trajectories of the open-hole plate.
Strategy of landfilled waste reduction by a distributed materials recovery facility system in Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Muhamad Afif Faiq , Ishii Kazuei , Sato Masahiro , Ochiai Satoru
Published: June 2020

Slow progress in municipal waste reduction and landfill space scarcity lead to numerous environmental problems in Indonesia and developing countries. Surabaya, the role model of an environmental management city in Indonesia and other countries, is no exception. Despite the situation, Surabaya’s initiative of deploying a distributed materials recovery facility (MRF) and its performance in recovering recyclables show a potential to be developed for addressing the landfill waste reduction issues. This study proposes a new strategy with small-sized distributed MRFs to achieve 30% landfilled waste reduction and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, focusing on Surabaya as the case study. Scenario 1 merged three pairs of transfer stations which shows some indistinguishable optimizations and failed to meet the target. Both Scenario 2 and Scenario 3 added six years of landfill lifetime for reaching the target. However, the distributed MRF system and different transportation systems in Scenario 3 accomplished the goal with only 24 new MRFs, whereas Scenario 2 needs to upgrade 48 transfer stations into MRFs. Scenario 3 decreased the GHG emissions generation by 29%, possibly contributing to Indonesia’s GHG emissions target of 0.2%.
Saving Behavior Within and Across Developing Nations: Implications for Public Policy Makers
Authors: Gabler Colin B. , Hill Ronald Paul , Landers V. Myles
Published: June 2020

Although the idea that people should save some portion of their incomes is undisputed, much extant consumer and public policy research on this topic concentrates on citizens in the developed world. Whether saving behavior is similar or different in developing countries has yet to be adequately explored. To address this research gap, the authors investigate how the proclivity to save money may influence consumption adequacy and life satisfaction across these nations and, even more fundamentally, how the ability to earn income may ultimately influence the ability to save. They compare these relationships across BRICS countries with the United States as a surrogate for developed nations. Using the University of Michigan’s World Values Survey, the authors investigate Wave 6 to determine what may underlie differences across countries. The results demonstrate that motivations and their relationships with saving behavior and consumption adequacy vary significantly. Each then plays a role in how satisfied individuals are with their lives. Findings highlight how to develop public policies to enhance saving behavior, along with research directions consonant with the study objectives.
A Qualitative Study of Children’s Accounts of Cruelty to Animals: Uncovering the Roles of Trauma, Exposure to Violence, and Attachment
Authors: Wauthier Laura ,   Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA), Williams Joanne M.
Published: June 2020

Childhood animal cruelty (CAC) is a risk for later interpersonal violence and a red flag for other forms of violence in the household, yet very few studies have spoken to children directly about their cruelty to animals. Animal Guardians (AG) is a humane education program run by the Scottish SPCA for children of age 5 to 12 years who have been cruel to animals or deemed at-risk. This research investigated how children referred to AG spoke about their experiences of animal cruelty and factors surrounding it. Research consent was obtained for 10 children (average age = 8.8 years, n = 9 males), referred concerning cruel/at-risk behavior toward their pets. The interview schedule combined techniques such as crafts, vignettes, open questions, and standardized measures. Interviews were qualitatively analyzed using content analysis and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Content analysis suggested that referred children (a) tended to have small attachment networks which often included pets, (b) tended to interpret ambiguous situations predominately negatively, (c) tended to like animals and see them as sentient, and (d) struggled admitting to cruelty. Three main superordinate themes emerged from the IPA: (a) Bonding to animals, (b) Exposure to/normalization of violence, and (c) Signs of emotional issues/trauma. Children who were referred for animal cruelty toward their pets were from vulnerable backgrounds, often had complex backdrops to their at-risk or cruel behavior, and sometimes had trouble regulating their emotions and behaviors. Programs hoping to address CAC should be aware of these complex emotional, psychological, and behavioral factors, tailoring interventions accordingly.
Biomechanical investigation of the effect of pedicle-based hybrid stabilization constructs: A finite element study
Authors: Mesbah Moustafa , Barkaoui Abdelwahed
Published: June 2020

Hybrid stabilization is widely performed for the surgical treatment of degenerative disk diseases. Pedicle-based hybrid stabilization intends to reduce fusion-associated drawbacks of adjacent segment degeneration, construct failure, and pseudoarthrosis. Recently, many types of pedicle-based hybrid stabilization systems have been developed and optimized, using polymeric devices as an adjunct for lumbar fusion procedures. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of new pedicle-based hybrid stabilization on bending stiffness and center of rotation at operated and adjacent levels in comparison with established semirigid and rigid devices in lumbar fusion procedures. A validated three-dimensional finite element model of the L3–S1 segments was modified to simulate postoperative changes during combined loading (moment of 7.5 N m + follower load of 400 N). Two models instrumented with pedicle-based hybrid stabilization (Dynesys Transition Optima, NFlex), semirigid system (polyetheretherketone), and rigid fixation system (titanium rod (Ti) were compared with those of the healthy and degenerated models. Contact force on the facet joint during extension increased in fusion (40 N) with an increase of bending stiffness in Dynesys and NFlex. The center of rotation shifted in posterior and cranial directions of the fused level. The centers of rotation in the lower lumbar spine is segment dependent and altered with the adopted construct. The bending stiffness was varied from 1.47 N m/° in lateral bending for the healthy model to 5.75 N m/° for the NFlex stabilization, which had the closest center of rotation, compared to the healthy center of rotation. Locations of center of rotation, stress, and strain distribution varied according to construct design and materials used. These data could help understand the biomechanical effects of current pedicle-based hybrid stabilization on the behavior of the lower lumbar spine.
Objecting, subjecting, and epistemic diversity
Authors: Raskin Jonathan D.
Published: June 2020

Held (2020) portrays critical and Indigenous psychologists as subscribing to an epistemological “anti-objectivism” that inhibits their ability to combat oppression. She believes that their anti-objectivism yields a troublesome relativism in which truth is overly context-dependent; what counts as true knowledge for one Indigenous group may not count for another. This commentary explores whether critical and Indigenous psychologists are strict “anti-objectivists,” as Held contends. It also challenges the need for epistemological consistency, while encouraging a shift from “objectivism” and “subjectivism” as essentialized states to “objecting” and “subjecting” as complementary ways to explore and study the world.
vAde vAde jAyate tattvabodhaH: Toward epistemic harmony through dialogue
Authors: Bhawuk Dharm P. S.
Published: June 2020

Examining the concept of epistemic violence and its two antecedents, three strategies—developing Indigenous constructs and theories, going beyond the search for universals, and eliminating structural causes of violence—are proposed to generate dialogue between researchers for epistemic harmony.
Who is the “other”? Epistemic violence and discursive practices
Authors: Colombo Monica
Published: June 2020

My commentary on Held (2020) aims at offering a broader perspective about epistemic violence in psychology while critically examining her positions concerning objectivity and essentialism. Following Michel Foucault, who developed the idea of episteme, that is, the codification and structure that determines the knowledge formation of a given epoch, I suggest that psychology can be regarded as an ideological sociocultural formation and as a discursive practice. In line with these premises, Held’s article can be regarded as a “text,” which, in reproducing the divides between objective versus subjective, folk versus scientific conceptions, relativism versus realism, and so forth, is functional to the maintenance of hegemony. I will focus on the argumentative and discursive strategies that Held adopts in her defense of an objectivist ontology and epistemology against Indigenous and critical psychology.
The danger of “the truth”
Authors: Gaborit Liv S.
Published: June 2020

This commentary applauds Held’s (2020) argument for the importance of considering the risk of epistemological violence implicit in psychology. In addition, this commentary suggests the argument can be furthered by looking to the ontological turn within anthropology and considering not only the risk of epistemic, but of ontological violence in psychological research as well as in therapeutic practice. Lastly, this commentary questions whether academics, in their often privileged positions will ever be able to go beyond the structural violence of hegemonic structures or if change should come from below.
A psychology from among, ahead
Authors: Schuck Chris
Published: June 2020

Held (2020a) does critical psychologists a service in exposing a problematic relativism underlying Teo’s proposal for a less epistemically violent psychology, one sustained by a set of false dualisms and a priori commitments. This commentary can be understood as a logical progression within the author’s larger intellectual journey, reflecting longstanding concerns about threats to objective truth. One take-home lesson is the perils of taking language too literally as a constitutive matrix in deploying counter concepts, as opposed to the empirical realities of how those concepts function (and get wielded) in the world. Importantly, this includes debates over who counts as “oppressed” and who gets to claim this status. As one alternative to Teo’s unsustainable dichotomies, I offer a metaphorical “psychology from ahead” whose concepts and interpretive findings anticipate unfamiliar experiences and challenges evolving in real time, and where emergency and crisis serve as the lens for combating injustices, epistemic and otherwise.
Reflective function: A move to the level of concern
Authors: Benbassat Naomi
Published: June 2020

Reflective function (RF) is the capacity to reflect on one’s own thinking and feelings, as well as on that of others. It involves an increasingly complex awareness that there is more than what is visible on the surface. Most studies of RF have focused on its significance for self-development and interpersonal relationships in dyadic and family contexts. In this article, I suggest that by imparting a more accurate perception of the intra- and interpersonal reality and interrelatedness, RF is inextricably related to concern and to reaching others in widening circles. I further suggest that obstacles to its development and realization can be found at the individual, relational, and sociopolitical levels. I conclude that the construct of RF both captures and facilitates the connection between psychology and ethics, and that psychologists play a key role in exploring the conditions that affect the realization of RF, and in promoting social change in general.
Scientific realism and the issue of variability in behavior
Authors: Arocha J. F.
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this article is to present a critical analysis of current research practices in the study of behavior from the point of view of scientific realism. Although the so-called “replication crisis” observed in the psychological and health sciences has led to various proposals for improving research quality, most of those proposals take the standard linear input–output approach for granted, where behavioral variability is seen as the result of uncontrolled random variables hiding the true input–output relations. Aggregate data and the computation of sample statistics are used to estimate population parameters, the true reality behind appearances. In this paper, I offer a different interpretation: variability is a fact of behavior necessary for successful performance, not the result of some unknown variables randomly affecting individual outputs. Research models that take individual behavior with all of its complexity as the real thing, can help us overcome the limitations of the standard approach to research. As an illustration, I also describe two approaches to behavioral investigations that do not rely on standard statistical analysis for producing genuine knowledge: perceptual control theory and observation-oriented modeling.
Developing an Individual Profile of Attentional Control Strategy
Authors: Irons Jessica L. , Leber Andrew B.
Published: June 2020

What makes one person better at controlling attention than the next person? Attempts to answer this question have largely focused on measuring individuals’ cognitive abilities. However, variation in attentional performance can also be due to differences in strategy. Here, we describe research showing that individuals vary dramatically in how they choose to control attention, with many reliably choosing suboptimal strategies. Optimal strategy choice appears to be unrelated to attentional control ability, general cognitive ability, or even strategy choice on other attention tasks. It does, however, correlate with how effortful individuals find the optimal strategy, which suggests that strategy choice may be driven by subjective, task-specific effort demands. These findings represent initial steps toward fully characterizing an individual profile of attentional control strategies.
Seeing and unseeing Prevent’s racialized borders
Authors: Ali Nadya
Published: June 2020

This article provides a re-theorization of the Prevent strategy as racialized bordering. It explores how knowledge regarding the racist logics of British counter-terrorism are supressed through structures of white ignorance and how International Relations scholarship is implicated in this tendency to ‘whitewash’ Prevent’s racism. Building on the use of science fiction in International Relations, the article uses China Miéville’s novel The City and the City to undertake the analysis. Miéville evokes a world where the cities of Ul Qoma and Besźel occupy the same physical space but are distinct sovereign jurisdictions. Citizens are disciplined to ‘see’ their city and ‘unsee’ the other city to produce borders between the two. The themes of coding signifiers of difference and seeing/unseeing as bordering practices are used to explore how Prevent racializes Muslims as outsiders to a white Britain in need of defending. Muslim difference is hypervisibilized or seen as potentially threatening and coded as part of racialized symptoms which constitute radicalization and extremism. This article shows how the racial bordering of Prevent sustains violence perpetrated by white supremacists, which is subsequently ‘unseen’ through the case of Thomas Mair.
Effect of particulate fillers on natural rubber/high-density polyethylene blends for roofing application
Authors: Wickramaarachchi WVWH , Walpalage S , Egodage SM
Published: June 2020

Blending of two or more polymers generates a new material, which is more cost-effective than a newly synthesised material. Blending-type thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is produced by melt-mixing of a thermoplastic with a rubber. These blends have high demands associated with excellent property combinations of the parent materials. Particulate fillers are used in the rubber and plastic industry for property modification and cost reduction. In this work, six particulate fillers, namely, calcium carbonate, barium sulphate (BaSO4), kaolin, talc, Snobrite clay and dolomite were used to develop natural rubber (NR)/high-density polyethylene (HDPE) TPE blends, and the most suitable filler for roofing application was identified. A series of NR/HDPE 20/80 blends were prepared by varying filler loading from 10 phr to 30 phr at 10 phr intervals using a Plasticorder. Mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, hardness, impact strength and tear strength, and gel content of the blends were investigated. The addition of talc, dolomite and kaolin to NR/HDPE blend showed reduced impact strength, which is the most important property for a roofing application. The other three fillers showed improved impact strength at specific loadings. The blend with 30 phr of BaSO4 was identified as the best blend, as per the overall performance.
The Agreement on the Withdrawal of the UK from the EU and Euratom and its impact on the future application of state aid rules in the UK
Authors: Nicolaides Phedon
Published: June 2020

The Agreement on the Withdrawal of the UK from the EU provides that EU state aid rules will apply to the UK until the end of the transition period and to the trade of Northern Ireland at least until 31 December 2024 and from that date for as long as the agreed arrangements receive ‘democratic consent’. This article considers whether the Agreement may incentivize the UK to apply EU state aid rules in the rest of the UK. It concludes that the UK is likely to align itself to the EU’s regime.
Identity Fusion and Adjustment in International Students at U.S. Colleges and Universities
Authors: Kiang Lisa , C. Brunsting Nelson , Tevis Tenisha , Zachry Corinne , He Yueying , Takeuchi Risa
Published: June 2020

The present study explores how international students’ (IS; N = 169; Mage = 19.81 years, 36% male) identity fusion, the extent to which they feel connected with a particular social group, is concurrently and longitudinally correlated with belonging, loneliness, well-being, and perceived social support. IS reported higher fusion with other IS than with domestic students (DS). Fusion with IS at Time 1 (T1) was associated with greater IS support at T1 and Time 2 (T2). Fusion with DS was positively correlated with T1 belonging, well-being, and DS support at both time points, and was negatively linked with loneliness at T1 and T2. IS and DS fusion also interacted in predicting T1 belonging and loneliness. Students with proportionally greater DS than IS fusion reported greater DS support, and proportionally greater IS fusion was related to greater IS support. Discussion centers on promoting adjustment and intergroup relationships in higher education.