bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated Safety Diagnosis Based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Video and Deep Learning Algorithm
Authors: Wu Yina , Abdel-Aty Mohamed , Zheng Ou , Cai Qing , Zhang Shile
Published: June 2020

This paper presents an automated traffic safety diagnostics solution named “Automated Roadway Conflict Identification System” (ARCIS) that uses deep learning techniques to process traffic videos collected by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Mask region convolutional neural network (R-CNN) is employed to improve detection of vehicles in UAV videos. The detected vehicles are tracked by a channel and spatial reliability tracking algorithm, and vehicle trajectories are generated based on the tracking algorithm. Missing vehicles can be identified and tracked by identifying stationary vehicles and comparing intersect of union (IOU) between the detection results and the tracking results. Rotated bounding rectangles based on the pixel-to-pixel manner masks that are generated by mask R-CNN detection are introduced to obtain precise vehicle size and location data. Based on the vehicle trajectories, post-encroachment time (PET) is calculated for each conflict event at the pixel level. By comparing the PET values and the threshold, conflicts with the corresponding pixels in which the conflicts happened can be reported. Various conflict types: rear-end, head on, sideswipe, and angle, can also be determined. A case study at a typical signalized intersection is presented; the results indicate that the proposed framework could significantly improve the accuracy of the output data. Moreover, safety diagnostics for the studied intersection are conducted by calculating the PET values for each conflict event. It is expected that the proposed detection and tracking method with UAVs could help diagnose road safety problems efficiently and appropriate countermeasures could then be proposed.
Emergency Response Times for Fatal Motor Vehicle Crashes, 1975–2017
Authors: Cruz Maria C. , Ferenchak Nicholas N.
Published: June 2020

Emergency response times are an important component of road safety outcomes. Research has shown that there are potential benefits from shortened response times in patient outcomes for motor vehicle crashes. While a safety analysis may identify a decrease in traffic fatalities, that decrease may be a result of improved road safety or it may simply reflect improved emergency response times. However, it is currently unclear how emergency response times have changed over the last few decades. With data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), we identify the national trend in emergency response times from 1975 through 2017. To control for changes in response time, we analyze crashes that resulted in an immediate death. Results suggest that emergency response times have improved by approximately 50% over this timeframe. Additionally, we analyze response time trends in three states (North Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana) that had consistent data and large sample sizes, finding patterns similar to the national trend. Outcomes suggest higher response times in rural areas. High standard deviations of average response times observed from 2003 to 2008 indicate a need for improvement in data collection. Future work could aim to better understand and reduce response times specific to certain regions and understand the effect of the popularization of cell phone usage. Our findings have important implications for fatality-based traffic safety analyses. Improving response time could help continue the trend of reduced mortality rates caused by motor vehicle crashes in the United States.
Review on process model, structure-property relationship of composites and future needs in fused filament fabrication
Authors: Papon Easir Arafat , Haque Anwarul
Published: June 2020

This paper presents the state-of-the-art of additive manufacturing of composites for processing functional, load-bearing components. A general overview of different additive manufacturing methods is provided, and specific attention is focused on fused filament fabrication-based composites processing. Different process modeling strategies are summarized, and key aspects of these models are discussed. Significant results such as thermal and fluid flow characteristics, effects of nozzle geometry on melt flow, fiber orientation, bead spreading, and solidification, the formation of residual stresses, and deformation behavior are discussed from computational modeling perspective. The scientific advancement, model limitations, and future modeling needs are prescribed reviewing the current works. A general overview of material development in nano-micro-macro-scale reinforcement is also presented. Different length-scales of reinforcement has its own challenges and promises. The continuous fiber reinforcement has a great potential for being the next-generation composites manufacturing technology. However, the challenges in reducing the void content, better bonding between the fiber–matrix, and layer-layer adhesion, and process uncertainty are some of the key areas yet to advance. Based on the current limitations on computational modeling, materials development, and process modeling studies, future research needs and recommendations are provided.
Kink band evolution in polymer matrix composites under bending: A digital image correlation study
Authors: Patel Jay , Ayyar Adarsh , Peralta Pedro
Published: June 2020

Polymer matrix composites are attractive structural materials in automotive, defense, and aerospace industries due to their high strength to low weight ratios. However, due to their low shear strength, compression dominated failure mechanisms such as plastic microbuckling lead to the development of kink bands, which are a key strength-limiting factor in modern polymer matrix composites. This phenomenon has been studied extensively, particularly for uniaxial compression; however, experimental measurements of the strain fields leading to and developing inside these bands under bending are not well explored. In this study, digital image correlation is used to measure strains inside kink bands developing during three-point bending of cross-plied [0/90] laminated composite Dyneema™ HB80. Measurements indicated large normal and shear strains developed inside the band in a way that suggested systematic increases in ply rotation angle as the band evolved with increased bending deflection. Results also suggested intermittent buckling events involving fiber bundles that correlate with oscillations observed in the load–displacement curve. Optical microscopy of failed samples showed failure resulted from a combination of plastic microbuckling and axial splitting.
Modelling the thermal radiation from kitchen hob fires
Authors: Spearpoint Michael , Hopkin Charlie , Hopkin Danny
Published: June 2020

Kitchen hob fires present a potential threat to occupants escaping from dwellings and calculations may be needed to assess the hazard. Determination of the thermal heat flux from flames to a target can be achieved through the use of hand calculation methods or computational tools. This article compares point source, parallel plane and cylindrical view factor hand calculations and computational simulations using B-RISK and Fire Dynamics Simulator of thermal heat flux with kitchen hob fire experiments presented in the literature. Knowing the level of accuracy of each method provides useful information to designers. Although the point source model is influenced by whether the radial distance is measured perpendicular to the heat flux target or is offset relative to the centre of the flame, the article concludes that it provides an adequate approach for the calculation of thermal heat flux in the case of kitchen hob fires.
Examining Faculty-to-Student Consensual Sexual Relationship Policies on Campus: Have There Been Changes in the Era of #MeToo
Authors: Richards Tara N. , Nystrom Alyssa
Published: June 2020

Although Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment in institutions of higher education (IHEs), in the era of #MeToo, consensual faculty–student relationships have elicited significant attention. While some IHEs have developed consensual sexual relationship policies (CSRPs), little research to date has examined the content of such policies or whether IHEs have changed their policies as societal awareness regarding sexual harassment has increased. This study examined a stratified sample of IHEs, including state flagship, regional, and Ivy League schools ( n = 56), to compare the type of CSRPs in 2011 and 2018 as well as changes in the content of such policies over the 7-year study period. Findings suggested that IHEs are becoming more restrictive in their CSRPs with movement toward limited bans and prohibitions; most policies discuss power differentials, include reporting requirements, and identify the use of sanctions for policy violations. Innovations in CSRPs include nuanced discussions of consent, placing the burden of proof on faculty to prove consent in allegations of sexual harassment, and including graduate students in CSRPs. Implications inform the debate regarding policies and procedures on campus sexual misconduct and advance the literature on evolving responses.
Sexual Identity and Racial/Ethnic Differences in Awareness of Heart Attack and Stroke Symptoms: Findings From the National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Caceres Billy A. , Turchioe Meghan Reading , Pho Anthony , Koleck Theresa A. , Creber Ruth Masterson , Bakken Suzanne B.
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

Investigate sexual identity and racial/ethnic differences in awareness of heart attack and stroke symptoms.

Design:

Cross-sectional.

Setting:

2014 and 2017 National Health Interview Survey.

Sample:

54 326 participants.

Measures:

Exposure measures were sexual identity (heterosexual, gay/lesbian, bisexual, “something else”) and race/ethnicity. Awareness of heart attack and stroke symptoms was assessed.

Analysis:

Sex-stratified logistic regression analyses to examine sexual identity and racial/ethnic differences in awareness of heart attack and stroke symptoms.

Results:

Gay men were more likely than heterosexual men to identify calling 911 as the correct action if someone is having a heart attack (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.18-3.96). The majority of racial/ethnic minority heterosexuals reported lower rates of awareness of heart attack and stroke symptoms than White heterosexuals. Hispanic sexual minority women had lower awareness of heart attack symptoms than White heterosexual women (AOR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.25-0.74), whereas Asian sexual minority women reported lower awareness of stroke symptoms (AOR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.08-0.80). Hispanic (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.33-0.84) and Asian (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.14-0.84) sexual minority men reported lower awareness of stroke symptoms than White heterosexual men.

Conclusion:

Hispanic and Asian sexual minorities had lower rates of awareness of heart attack and stroke symptoms. Health information technology may be a platform for delivering health education and targeted health promotion for sexual minorities of color.
Issues in introducing collaborative learning in South East Asia: A critical discussion
Authors: Saito Eisuke , Takahashi Rie , Wintachai Jarintorn , Anunthavorasakul Athapol
Published: June 2020

In many South East Asian countries, group learning has been introduced as a method to reform classroom practices. Cooperative learning in particular, based on role division, rewards and competition, is highly popular. On the other hand, collaborative learning, the other type of group learning, based on mutual consultation and help-seeking without the structures of cooperative learning, is a challenge to introduce. The aim of this essay is to discuss the reasons why teachers in South East Asia face difficulty in adjusting to collaborative learning. Three issues are discussed, namely (1) students’ reluctance to ask what they do not know due to the lesson structure and negative psychological effects; (2) difficulty in creating sufficiently challenging tasks for students to have mutual consultation, due to the teachers’ insufficient experience in academic inquiry and expertise in their disciplines; and (3) connecting their learning from observation and reflection with their own teaching.
Estimated Prevalence of Elder Orphans Using National Health and Aging Trends Study
Authors: Roofeh Regina , Smith Dylan M. , Clouston Sean A. P.
Published: June 2020

Objectives: By 2050, individuals aged 65 years and older will comprise over 20% of the American population. A portion is at risk for becoming elder orphans: older adults living in the community who lack caregivers or surrogates. Methods: Using the first wave of the National Health and Aging Trends Survey, we estimated the prevalence of older adults who reside in the community, who are socially or physically isolated, and who lack caregivers. Individuals who are “at risk” meet all of these criteria, with the exception that they live with and receive caregiving from their spouse. Results: We estimated the elder orphan prevalence for this population to be 2.62% (2.24–3.00), with an additional 21.29% determined to be at risk. Discussion: As the population of the United States ages, an understanding of the prevalence and demographics of elder orphans will be useful to guide policies and services to assist this population.
Prayin’ for queer times: Choir Boy and enactments of transient performance
Authors: Metzger Sean , Welch Kimberly Chantal
Published: June 2020

“Prayin’ for Queer Times: Choir Boy and Enactments of Transient Performance” serves as an introduction to this special issue of Cultural Dynamics on Transient Performance. Using a young, queer black man’s coming-of-age story at an African American all–boys prep school as a point of departure, the article elaborates transient performance as a new analytic that can account for the intersections of transnational movement, performance, geography, black and refugee peoples, and fugitivity as previewed in Tarell Alvin McCraney’s play, Choir Boy. The authors weave together queer theory and black feminist theory to articulate the spatiotemporal dimensions of transient performance. This theorization is followed by a brief synopsis of each contributor’s article. “Prayin’ for Queer Times” closes with a return to Choir Boy, specifically the sonic movements of the protagonist and the ways in which his performance gestures to marginalized peoples’ everyday practices of survival. It is the editors’ and contributors’ hope that this issue will spark conversation and action that helps lead to the fruition of more inhabitable, and thus queer, geographies.
Modeling of kerf width and surface roughness in wire cut electric discharge machining of Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Rao K Venkata , Raju L Ratna , Kumar Chiluka Kiran
Published: June 2020

Surface roughness and kerf width are the two challenging quality characteristics in wire cut electric discharge machining (WEDM) of Ti-6Al-4V to improve accuracy in machining. In this study, effect of wire displacement on the kerf width and surface roughness is studied in WEDM of Ti-6Al-4V. Mechanistic models are developed for kerf width and surface roughness using amplitude and frequency of wire vibration in X and Y directions. Amplitude and frequency of wire displacement in X and Y directions are directly measured using an accelerometer at different working conditions. The estimated kerf width and surface roughness are compared with the experimental results and the average error between them is found to be 3.7 and 4.2% respectively. The results showed that the current and wire tension have significant effect on the wire displacement. The kerf width and surface roughness are effected more by the applied current and the metal removal rate is effected by current and pulse on time. A working condition with 3.3 A of current, 15 N of wire tension, 14.4 µs of pulse on time and 41.5 µs of pulse off time is found to be an optimum working condition.
Dual solutions of magnetohydrodynamic boundary layer flow and a linear temporal stability analysis
Authors: Sarkar Golam Mortuja , Sahoo Bikash
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we have considered the two-dimensional stagnation point flow and heat transfer of an electrically conducting viscous fluid over an exponentially stretching sheet. The Navier-Stokes equations are reduced into a system of highly non-linear ordinary differential equations by similarity transformations. The resulting systems are then solved numerically by shooting method. The effects of suction/injection parameters on the boundary layer are discussed in detail. Our numerical results reveal that for a particular range of the velocity ratio parameter, dual solutions exist. Interestingly these two solution branches show opposite characters in the velocity and temperature profiles. Thus, it is worthwhile to carry a stability analysis of these two solutions to determine the feasible solution. A linear temporal stability analysis has been carried out, and the stability is tested by the sign of the smallest eigenvalue. The smallest eigenvalues are found by two different numerical schemes, which agree well up to the desired accuracy. The effects of the pertinent flow parameters in the velocity and temperature profiles are discussed in detail and are shown graphically.
Effortful Control Moderates the Relation Between Electronic-Media Use and Objective Sleep Indicators in Childhood
Authors: Clifford Sierra , Doane Leah D. , Breitenstein Reagan , Grimm Kevin J. , Lemery-Chalfant Kathryn
Published: June 2020

Electronic-media use is associated with sleep disruptions in childhood and adolescence, although research relies primarily on subjective sleep. Effortful control, a dimension of self-regulation, may mitigate this association by helping children disengage from and regulate responses to media. We examined associations between media use and multiple actigraph-measured sleep parameters at mean and day levels and tested children’s effortful control as a moderator of mean-level relations. We collected actigraph data and parents’ diary reports of children’s prebedtime television, video-game, laptop, desktop, cell-phone, and tablet use in 547 twin children (7–9 years old; 51.74% female). Mean-level media use was associated with bedtime and sleep duration. For the proportion of nights on which twins used media, but not the average number of media types, effortful control attenuated associations between media use and reduced sleep duration and efficiency. Day-level media use was related only to bedtime. Findings replicate and extend existing research and highlight self-regulation as a potential protective factor.
Mitigation pathways impact of climate change and improving sustainable development: The roles of natural resources, income, and CO2 emission
Authors: Tauseef Hassan Syed , Xia Enjun , Lee Chien-Chiang
Published: June 2020

Climate change is an obstacle in the path of sustainable economic development. One of the key findings in the economics literature is that the use of natural resources contributes to real income per capita. However, its environmental consequences should not be ignored. This paper examines the nexus among CO2 emission, real income, and natural resources, by incorporating urbanization, and trade in Pakistan from 1971 to 2017. The Auto-Regressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) and Vector Error Correction (VECM) models are used for analyzing time-series data. The empirical findings infer that the use of natural resources accelerates the rate of CO2 emission in Pakistan which worsens environmental quality. In addition, the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) is confirmed in the presence of natural resource use. Besides, urbanization improves environmental quality through mitigating the level of CO2 emission. Moreover, the feedback hypothesis is found between the use of natural resources and CO2 emission. Additionally, bidirectional causality is found between urbanization and the use of natural resources. Overall, this study supports formulating new policies to overcome environmental degradation through energy-saving technologies.
Human rights education in patient care: A literature review and critical discussion
Authors: Newham Roger , Hewison Alistair , Graves Jacqueline , Boyal Amunpreet
Published: June 2020

The identification of human rights issues has become more prominent in statements from national and international nursing organisations such as the American Nurses Association and the United Kingdom’s Royal College of Nursing with the International Council of Nursing asserting that human rights are fundamental to and inherent in nursing and that nurses have an obligation to promote people’s health rights at all times in all places.

However, concern has been expressed about this development. Human rights may be seen as the imposition of legal considerations for nurses and other healthcare workers to bear in mind, as yet more responsibilities with the consequent fear of litigation. Although a more hopeful scenario is that consideration of human rights is something that is supportive of good practice.

If this more hopeful scenario is to be realised, the role of education will be crucial. As with human rights generally, human rights education is a global phenomenon, a practice-orientated expression of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the goal of human rights education is to build a culture of respect and action for human rights for all.

However, the nature of human rights has long been contested. A ‘mapping exercise’ of the academic literature on human rights identified ‘four schools’ or ‘ideal types’ that have shaped thinking about human rights. This sets out the conceptual context in which human rights problems are defined and solutions are proposed, which is particularly important for human rights education. However, it also complicates the picture. The different approaches taken by the four ‘types’ would likely lead to different outcomes in terms of human rights education.

It is timely to discuss the nature of human rights education and examine its potential for impact on patient care. This will involve identifying the challenges and potential benefits of this approach and analysing the implications for professional practice.
Branded Content: A Bridge Building Gen Z’s Consumer–Brand Relationship
Authors: Bezbaruah Subhalakshmi , Trivedi Jay
Published: June 2020

The emergence of ad blocking phenomenon is a contemporary threat of today. It has serious damaging consequences for the brands and advertisers. Advertisers are constantly looking for communication formats that are engaging to the consumers, specially to Gen Z consumers as they are a major cohort in the internet. Branded content videos are perceived an apt form of communication to reach this generation. This article observes the effect of branded content videos (BCVs) on Gen Z’s attitude towards the brand (AB), further leading to purchase intention (PI) and resilience towards the negative information (RNI) for the advertised product. The moderating role of celebrity endorsement (CE) between the BCV and brand attitude is also observed. Descriptive research design was employed to conduct the study. A structured questionnaire was created and administered on social media platform, Facebook, from where 470 responses were received. Cronbach’s alpha, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modelling and hierarchical regression analysis were executed to conduct the data analysis. The results establish that informative BCVs have a more significant effect on brand attitude which further results into purchase intensions and RNI about the marketed product among consumers. It was also observed that CEs do not moderate the relationship between BCVs and brand attitude.
Threshold Retinopathy of Prematurity with Persistent Corneal Defect
Authors: Narnaware Shilpi H. , Bawankule Prashant K.
Published: June 2020

Aim: A case which highlights the challenges faced in treating a case of type 1 early treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ETROP) with persistent corneal defect.

Case Report: We report a case of a preterm boy born at 28 weeks with birth weight of 700 g who presented with persistent corneal defect along with type 1 ETROP disease. Because of the inability to complete LASER, intravitreal ranibizumab was given as a rescue therapy to buy some time. But unfortunately, baby succumbed to disease because of associated systemic problems.

Conclusion: ROP can present with persistent corneal defect which can challenge the treatment of underlying pathology.
Can Clinical Score Be Used to Guide Investigations and Management of Infants Born Through Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid? A Prospective Observational Study*
Authors: Sanghvi Urvi , Diwakar Krishna Kumar
Published: June 2020

Objective: To evaluate if Downes– Vidyasagar score (Downes score) for assessing respiratory distress could be used to determine the duration for observation and requirement for investigations like chest X-ray and blood gases, in an infant born through meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF).

Materials and Methods: Prospective observational study was done in 2 phases—the initial phase to assess the role of the Downes score and the second phase to assess if the conclusions drawn from the initial phase could be applied in clinical practice.

Results: In the initial phase, a total of 285 of the 302 infants born through MSAF were included for assessing the role of Downes score. The score reduced with time and did not worsen beyond 6 h. A significant association was noted between Downes score 2 or more at beyond 6 h of life and umbilical cord pH 7.15, higher AaDO2, and chest X-ray suggestive of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). In the second phase, applying the criteria of clinical monitoring derived from the initial phase resulted in 75% (110/147) of infants born through MSAF being shifted to the mother’s side by 6 h of life without being subjected to any investigation,

Conclusion: Radiological evaluation and blood gas analysis could be restricted to only infants with persistently high or rising Downes score beyond 6 h of life. Infants having a score of <2 by 6 h of life can be shifted to mother’s side, without any further investigations or interventions.
Ambiguous definitions of the piezoelectric coupling factor
Authors: Lustig Sahar , Elata David
Published: June 2020

When a piezoelectric material is subjected to a quasi-static electric (or mechanical) load, part of the input energy is converted to the mechanical (or electric) domain. The piezoelectric coupling factor k2 is defined as the ratio between the converted energy and the supplied energy. This factor is often considered as a measure of the transduction efficiency of the material. Another definition of the coupling factor is a non-dimensional ratio of material coefficients. To examine the compatibility between these two different definitions, we consider several quasi-static loading cycles of a simple one-dimensional problem. We show that in some specific cases, the two definitions are equivalent, but that in other cases they are incompatible. In addition, we show that in specific quasi-static loading cycles, the converted energy may be increased by a slight modification of the unloading part of the cycle.
Motivating Students With Learning Disabilities to Read
Authors: Wei Yan , Spear-Swerling Louise , Mercurio Mia
Published: June 2020

Students may lack the motivation to read for many reasons, including inadequate access to interesting texts, limited encouragement to read for pleasure from adults, instructional practices that do not foster engagement in learning, or a history of reading failure. This article focuses on students with reading disabilities who may have a long-standing dislike of reading born of repeated negative experiences with learning to read. Motivating these students to read for pleasure may seem like an unattainable goal. However, past difficulties in reading do not necessarily mean that children will dislike reading forever. In conjunction with appropriate academic interventions, student interest in reading might be improved by motivational interventions aligned with a theoretical framework discussed in this article: (a) choosing interesting texts to read, (b) stimulating knowledge-based interest, and (c) enhancing task-based interest.
Leading to Achieve Social Change: An Interview with Ruth Hunt, Former Chief Executive Officer of Stonewall
Authors: Bolden Richard , Williams Rachel , O’Regan Nicholas
Published: June 2020

In this interview, Ruth Hunt, former CEO of the lesbian, gay, bi, and trans equality charity Stonewall and now crossbench peer at the House of Lords, discusses her approach to leadership for social change. She considers the changing context of LGBT rights, her motives for joining the organization, experiences and learning from leading change on this agenda, and the challenges of addressing power, privilege, and embedded cultural norms in order to create a truly inclusive workplace. Key themes include managing the tensions between an assimilation and liberation approach to social change, promoting intersectionality and positive action to enhance inclusion, the challenges and opportunities of sharing power and the skills of facilitation, boundary-spanning and working relationally that constitute the everyday practice of leadership in complex and contested landscapes. A commentary is provided that highlights links to and implications for leadership, management and organization scholarship, education and practice.
A structured approach to measuring and optimizing the organizational architecture in global product development projects
Authors: Kherbachi Sonia , Yang Qing , Khan Sher Zaman
Published: June 2020

In global product development projects, coordinating complex technical communication among teams across time zones in the overlapping process is a fundamental challenge. To optimize a global product development organization to reduce the negative impact of time separation on coordination, this article presents an innovative approach to solve two key problems: how to quantify the coordination among distributed teams and how to identify efficient global product development organization. We build structural models to capture the coordination dependency strength among global product development teams from the time separation and overlapping process perspectives, employing the design structure matrix method. Then, we analyze the factors that influence synchronous and asynchronous communication due to time separation. We also apply the random walk method to identify a team similarity matrix, taking into account the direct and indirect dependency relationships among teams associated with their performed activities. Finally, we use the team similarity matrix as an input to a spectral clustering algorithm to identify the clustering strategy for the global product development organizational architecture, yielding and reinforcing several managerial insights, including how to analyze the coordination among global product development teams as well as how the offshoring costs impact the clustered organization.
Anti-Factor Xa Levels in Low-weight Surgical Patients Receiving Enoxaparin for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hakeam Hakeam A. , Al Duhailib Zainab , Alsemari Muhannad , Alwaibah Reem M. , Al Shannan Madhawi F. , Shalhoub Munirah
Published: June 2020

Enoxaparin is indicated for thromboprophylaxis in non-orthopedic surgical patients at a fixed dose of 40 mg daily. According to the US Food and Drug Administration’s enoxaparin prescribing information, this dose exposes low-weight patients (males < 57 kg, females < 45 kg) to a higher risk of bleeding. This study aimed to determine the rate of achieving a prophylactic peak anti-factor Xa (AFXa) level in low-weight surgical patients using enoxaparin 30 mg daily. Low-weight patients admitted for abdominopelvic or noncardiac thoracic surgery from May 2018 to May 2019 were prospectively studied. After receiving daily enoxaparin 30 mg, peak AFXa levels were assessed for achieving a prophylactic level (0.2-0.5 IU/mL). In 121 patients, the proportion of achieving a prophylactic peak AFXa level was 66.1%. More females (84.8%) achieved a prophylactic level compared to males (54.7%, P = .001). All out-of-range peak AFXa levels (33.9%) were sub-prophylactic. The median peak AFXa level was lower in males (0.24 [0.1-0.47] IU/mL) than females (0.31 [0.1-0.5] IU/mL; P < .001). On univariate analysis, female sex and weight were associated with achieving a prophylactic peak AFXa level. On multivariate analysis, only female sex was independently associated with an adequate prophylactic AFXa level (odds ratio 3.17, 95% CI: 1.32-11.94; P = .014). Four venous thromboembolism events (3.3%) were observed in patients with sub-prophylactic peak AFXa levels (9.7%). Two-thirds of low-weight surgical patients achieved a prophylactic peak AFXa level using daily enoxaparin 30 mg. This dose is likely to provide adequate thromboprophylaxis in low-weight females.
Risk of Revocation Among Batterers: A Preliminary Analysis of Criminogenic, Intimate Partner Violence, and Mental Health Risks
Authors: Garner Alisa R. , Johansson-Love Jill , Romero Gloria , Grigorian Hannah L. , Florimbio Autumn Rae , Brem Meagan J. , Wolford-Clevenger Caitlin , Stuart Gregory L.
Published: June 2020

This study examined whether criminogenic risk, domestic violence risk, and mental health diagnoses would predict probation revocation among batterers in a felony domestic violence court (FDVC). Review of probation files included baseline assessments and probation disposition for FDVC probationers from January 2014 to March 2018 ( n = 64). Results of the binary logistic regression analysis showed that criminogenic risk was a significant predictor of FDVC probation revocation. Interventions to prevent unsuccessful completion of domestic violence courts may benefit from programming that addresses early engagement in treatment, antisocial thinking patterns, and treatment for substance use disorders.
Corporate Taxes, Patent Shifting, and Anti-avoidance Rules: Empirical Evidence
Authors: Baumann Martina , Boehm Tobias , Knoll Bodo , Riedel Nadine
Published: June 2020

We empirically assess international corporate tax avoidance by strategic location of innovative output. The analysis draws on the universe of patent applications to the European Patent Office from 1990 to 2006 linked with data on multinational entities (MNEs) in Europe. Four findings emerge: first, patent holdings are distorted toward low-tax countries. Second, patent location in low-tax countries is correlated with a geographic separation of research and development output and input. Third, MNEs systematically sort high-value (low-value) patents to low-tax (high-tax) countries. Fourth, the propensity to locate patent ownership in low-tax countries is significantly decreased if controlled foreign company rules are enacted in the MNE’s parent country. The tightening of transfer pricing legislation, in turn, exerts a weak negative effect on the location of patent ownership only.
Multimodal imaging of amelanotic choroidal melanoma
Authors: Pierro Luisa , Arrigo Alessandro , Aragona Emanuela , Bandello Francesco
Published: June 2020

Amelanotic choroidal melanoma (ACM) is an extremely rare malignant tumor affecting the uvea. Because of the complex structure characterizing this kind of lesions, its morphologic features are partially understood, especially if looking to its vascular network. In this paper, we described in details the multimodal imaging features of ACM. Moreover, we disclosed new insights about different orders of blood vessels characterizing this tumor. Despite the entire vascular network is partially detectable by conventional dye-based angiography, it was reconstructed in its entirety by means of optical coherence tomography angiography. In conclusion, multimodal imaging represents a feasible and useful set of tools, able to describe in deep ACM features and its vascular network organization, and to provide clinically relevant information for ACM management.
RSM-BBD Optimization of Fenton-Like Degradation of 4-Nitrophenol Using Magnetite Impregnated Kaolin
Authors: Belachew Neway , Fekadu Redeat , Ayalew Abebe Amare
Published: June 2020

In this work, we have reported a low-cost and environmentally friendly Fe3O4-modified activated kaolin (AK-Fe3O4) composite for efficient Fenton-like degradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and optimization of the degradation variables. The AK-Fe3O4 composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). X-ray diffraction confirms the syntheses of pure phases of Fe3O4 and AK-Fe3O4. The SEM image of the AK-Fe3O4 composite reveals the formation of a highly porous surface. The room temperature VSM analysis describes the superparamagnetic nature of AK-Fe3O4 composites with 25 emu/g magnetization values. Response surface methodology coupled with Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the 4-NP degradation (%) variables such as contact time (10-90 minutes), 4-NP concentration (10-30 mg/L), and pH (3-8). The high regression value ( R² = 0.9964 and adjusted R² = 0.9917) and analysis of variance ( P < .0001) show that the quadratic model can sufficiently explain the 4-NP degradation (%). The optimum 4-NP degradation was found to be 96.01% ± 1.89% using 1 mg/mL of AK-Fe3O4, 20 mg/L of 4-NP, 97.9 mmol/L of H2O2, and pH of 3 at the end of 75 minutes of reaction time. Moreover, the catalyst shows good recyclability and stability after 5 successive degradations of 4-NP. In general, a low-cost and magnetically separable AK-Fe3O4 composite is an effective Fenton-like catalyst for the degradation of 4-NP.
WeChat subscription accounts (WSAs) in Australia: a political economy account of Chinese-language digital/social media
Authors: Yu Haiqing , Sun Wanning
Published: June 2020

This article is a political economy account of Australia-focused subscription accounts on the social media platform WeChat, based on an analysis of 50 top-ranked WeChat subscription accounts (WSAs) in Australia over a 1-week period in July 2019 and empirical data collected from 2 large surveys conducted among Chinese Australians in 2018 and 2019. It provides a nuanced understanding of the institutional context, regulatory framework and modus operandi of these WSAs, illustrating the development of and connection between the following three components: online Chinese-language media content, WeChat as a content delivery platform and WSAs as business initiatives. The article argues that the status of Chinese-language digital/social media in Australia is confined by a pre-existing technological infrastructure and regulatory framework, rather than any direct intervention of a specific authority, media outlet or platform, and that these media outlets and platforms should best be understood as an instance of transnational entrepreneurship.
Circulating miR-106b-5p serves as a diagnostic biomarker for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis and predicts the occurrence of cerebral ischemic events
Authors: Zhang Tao , Chen Zhiming , Yang Xiaowen , Fu Rui , Wang Jing , Xu Hang
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to investigate the expression and diagnostic value of miR-106b-5p in asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (CAS) patients, and further explore its predictive value for the occurrence of cerebral ischemic events (CIE). A total of 58 asymptomatic CAS cases and 61 healthy controls were recruited. Quantitative RT-PCR was applied for the measurement of the miR-106b-5p level. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to assess the diagnostic value of miR-106b-5p for CAS. Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox regression analysis were performed to assess the predictive value of miR-106b-5p for the occurrence of CIE. In patients with asymptomatic CAS, miR-106b-5p was highly expressed. The miR-106b-5p level showed a significant association with dyslipidemia, hypertension, and the degree of carotid stenosis. miR-106b-5p had a relative accuracy in differentiating patients with asymptomatic CAS from healthy individuals, with a sensitivity of 89.7% and specificity of 83.6% at the cutoff value of 0.198. Patients with high miR-106b-5p expression experienced more CIE. miR-106b-5p was highly expressed in patients with asymptomatic CAS. Our present results provide evidence for miR-106b-5p as a promising biomarker for CAS diagnosis, and for predicting the risk of future CIE in patients with asymptomatic CAS.
Which Subject Lines and Messages Improve Response to E-mail Invitations to Web Surveys?
Authors: Brenner Philip S. , Cosenza Carol , Fowler Floyd J.
Published: June 2020

What subject lines and messages in an e-mailed invitation maximize cooperation for a web survey? Answering this question is ever more important as survey researchers increasingly turn to web surveys to reduce costs. We test respondents’ preferences for subject lines and messages in an e-mailed invitation to participate in a Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. Findings suggest that respondents prefer informative and straightforward subject lines that reference the purpose and the sponsor of the survey. Brief and uninformative subject lines should be avoided. In the body of the e-mail, respondents prefer messages that expand on the study’s purpose and usefulness and extend a guarantee of confidentiality. Messages that encourage participation for the sake of the study’s representativeness or accuracy are unpersuasive to potential respondents. Few differences emerged in preferences among demographic subgroups.
Can Statin Treatment Reduce the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chang Yue , Liu Qinyu , Zhou Zidong , Ding Yuping , Yang Mei , Xu Wei , Chen Kai , Zhang Qing , Wang Zhenguo , Li Hai
Published: June 2020

Background:

Whether statins can reduce the incidence of cancers has been an interesting topic in recent years. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the relationship between statin treatment with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods:

Studies published up to July 2019 were screened from databases. The data from approved studies were pooled. Random-effects or fixed-effects model was used to calculate the relative risk with 95% CIs in the overall group and subgroups. Sensitivity and meta-regression analyses were performed, and publication bias was evaluated.

Results:

A total of 18 studies involving 1 611 596 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The overall result showed a significantly reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (relative risk = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.42-0.66) in statin users. In comparison to the risk in nonstatin users, the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma was reduced in all subgroups. The dose of statins and their pharmacokinetics can partly explain the heterogeneity in the overall meta-analysis ( I 2 = 94.6%, P = .000). A dose-dependent effect of statin use for the reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma was found.

Conclusions:

Findings from this meta-analysis support that statin use can significantly reduce the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Impact of Diabetes Foot Care Education on Amputation Rate in the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Authors: Anumah Felicia O. , Mshelia-Reng Rifkatu , Omonua Odiase S. , Mustapha Jamda , Shuaibu Ramatu A. , Odumodu Kenechukwu C.
Published: June 2020

Ulceration of the foot is a major problem for people with diabetes. In a developing country like Nigeria, huge challenge is caused by diabetes foot problems. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of diabetic foot care education of patients and health care staff on the outcome of diabetic foot complications in our hospital. This was a pre and post design carried out from April 2013 to March 2014 on 155 diabetes patients. Patient education was carried out by diabetes nurses and doctors, at diagnosis and re-enforced at follow-up clinics. At the end of 1 year, the impact of education was assessed. Descriptive statistics were generated as appropriate. A total of 155 patients, 64 (41%) males and 91 (59%) females, were studied with mean age of 49 ± 3 years and mean duration of diabetes 6 ± 2.6 years. At the onset of the program, 70% of the patients had no knowledge of foot care education. Only 13.5% knew that diabetes mellitus foot ulcer could be related to long duration of diabetes, nerve damage, blood vessel blockage, foot deformity, and uncontrolled blood glucose. Ninety-two percent of the patients preferred home remedies, herbal treatment, or chemist in the event of an ulcer. After the program, 77% would seek hospital care as first option, and amputation rate decreased from 50% in 2009 to 10% by 2017. Our experience has shown that education is the cheaper option for the prevention of lower limb amputation in a resource-poor setting like ours.
Application and Evaluation of [99mTc]-Labeled Peptide Nucleic Acid Targeting MicroRNA-155 in Breast Cancer Imaging
Authors: Jiang Yaqun , Gai Yongkang , Long Yu , Liu Qingyao , Liu Chunbao , Zhang Yongxue , Lan Xiaoli
Published: June 2020

It has been reported that dysregulation of microRNA-155 expression and function is associated with tumorigenesis, growth, tumor subtypes, invasion, and poor survival rates. Peptide nucleic acid (PNA), an artificially synthesized nucleic acid mimic, has been applied for molecular diagnosis. In this study, a PNA sequence that undergoes complementary binding to miR-155 was labeled with 99mTc to evaluate whether the tracer could visualize the expression of miR-155 in breast cancer. Both antisense PNA (anti-PNA, fully complementary bound to human mature miR-155, referred to as “anti-PNA-155”) and mismatched PNA (referred to as “mis-PNA”) single strands containing 23-mer were synthesized. The relative expression of miR-155 in MCF-7 cells and tumors was higher than that in MDA-MB-231 cells and tumors. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan showed that radioactivity mainly accumulated in kidney. MCF-7 tumors, but not MDA-MB-231 tumors, were clearly visualized after [99mTc]anti-PNA-155 injection. MCF-7 tumors were less visible when coinjected with 100-fold excess of anti-PNA-155 or injected with [99mTc]mis-PNA, which suggested specific binding. Biodistribution study results were consistent with SPECT imaging. We successfully demonstrated that [99mTc]anti-PNA-155 could visualize miR-155 expression in vivo, suggesting it may be a promising probe applied in breast cancer.
feologit: A new command for fitting fixed-effects ordered logit models
Authors: Baetschmann Gregori , Ballantyne Alexander , Staub Kevin E. , Winkelmann Rainer
Published: June 2020

In this article, we describe how to fit panel-data ordered logit models with fixed effects using the new community-contributed command feologit. Fixed-effects models are increasingly popular for estimating causal effects in the social sciences because they flexibly control for unobserved time-invariant heterogeneity. The ordered logit model is the standard model for ordered dependent variables, and this command is the first in Stata specifically for this model with fixed effects. The command includes a choice between two estimators, the blowup and cluster (BUC) estimator introduced in Baetschmann, Staub, and Winkelmann (2015, Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, Series A 178: 685–703) and the BUC- τ estimator in Baetschmann (2012, Economics Letters 115: 416–418). Baetschmann, Staub, and Winkelmann (2015) showed that the BUC estimator has good properties and is almost as efficient as more complex estimators such as generalized method-of-moments and empirical likelihood estimators. The command and model interpretations are illustrated with an analysis of the effect of parenthood on life satisfaction using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel.