bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Algorithmic logics and the construction of cultural taste of the Netflix Recommender System
Authors: Gaw Fatima
Published: October 2021

This article investigates algorithms and their construction of cultural taste through a socio-technical analysis of the Netflix Recommender System. I examined the key algorithmic processes in the intersection of its technological infrastructure, cultural processes, and social relations by employing Taina Bucher’s three methodological tactics for ‘unknowing’ algorithms. Drawing from media logic and computational logic, I propose the concept of ‘algorithmic logics’ to define the assumptions, processes, and mechanisms that govern the construction of taste within the Netflix platform. I identified these four logics of taste – datafication, reconfiguration, interpellation, and reproduction – and argue that they reappropriate old apparatuses of social control and generate new capacities in engineering cultural processes. Together, these logics transform algorithms from procedural to self-generative machines in the guise of algorithmic objectivity, user agency, and post-demographic experiences. Algorithmic logics function as an ‘interpretative schema’ in making sense algorithms in their entanglement with social actors, institutions, and infrastructures.
Funding demands and gender in political recruitment: What parties do in Cabo Verde and Ghana
Authors: Wang Vibeke , Muriaas Ragnhild L , Bauer Gretchen
Published: October 2021

How do political parties in low- and high-cost institutional contexts respond to funding inequalities as a source of gender imbalance for those seeking elected office? We rely on a ‘most similar’ logic to answer this question and develop two categories of cost intensity comprised of three institutions – electoral system, candidate selection model and public funding. Our findings show that parties in both contexts see funding as a source of inequality, but that the obstacles women face are more salient to parties in a high-cost (Ghana) than a low-cost (Cabo Verde) context. Only in Ghana have parties adopted funding measures that directly target women.
Are California’s Local Flavored Tobacco Sales Restrictions Effective in Reducing the Retail Availability of Flavored Tobacco Products? A Multicomponent Evaluation
Authors: Andersen-Rodgers Elizabeth , Zhang Xueying , Vuong Tam D. , Hendrix Liz , Edora Cheryl , Williams Rebecca J. , Groves Lauren , Roeseler April , Rogers Todd , Voelker David H. , Schleicher Nina C. , Johnson Trent O. , Henriksen Lisa
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Flavored tobacco appeals to new users. This paper describes evaluation results of California’s early ordinances restricting flavored tobacco sales.

Methods

A multicomponent evaluation of proximal policy outcomes involved the following: (a) tracking the reach of local ordinances; (b) a retail observation survey; and (c) a statewide opinion poll of tobacco retailers. Change in the population covered by local ordinances was computed. Retail observations compared availability of flavored tobacco at retailers in jurisdictions with and without an ordinance. Mixed models compared ordinance and matched no-ordinance jurisdictions and adjusted for store type. An opinion poll assessed retailers’ awareness and ease of compliance with local ordinances, comparing respondents in ordinance jurisdictions with the rest of California.

Results

The proportion of Californians living in a jurisdiction with an ordinance increased from 0.6% in April 2015 to 5.82% by January 1, 2019. Flavored tobacco availability was significantly lower in ordinance jurisdictions than in matched jurisdictions: menthol cigarettes (40.6% vs. 95.0%), cigarillos/cigar wraps with explicit flavor descriptors (56.4% vs. 85.0%), and vaping products with explicit flavor descriptors (6.1% vs. 56.9%). Over half of retailers felt compliance was easy; however, retailers in ordinance jurisdictions expressed lower support for flavor sales restrictions.

Conclusions

The proportion of California’s population covered by a flavor ordinance increased nine-fold between April 2015 and January 2019. Fewer retailers in ordinance jurisdictions had flavored tobacco products available compared to matched jurisdictions without an ordinance, but many still advertised flavored products they could not sell. Comprehensive ordinances and retailer outreach may facilitate sales-restriction support and compliance.
Stakeholder Involvement in Evaluation: Does it Affect Observers’ Perceptions of an Evaluation? And Which Stakeholder Group(s) Do People Think Should to Participate?
Authors: Mark Melvin M. , Allen Julian B. , Goodwin Joshuah L.
Published: October 2021

Background

Stakeholders are often involved in evaluation, such as in the selection of specific research questions and the interpretation of results. Except for the topic of whether stakeholder involvement increases use, a paucity of research exists to guide practice regarding stakeholders.

Objectives

We address two questions: (1) If a third-party observer knows stakeholders were involved in an evaluation, does that affect the perceived credibility, fairness, and relevance of the evaluation? (2) Among individuals with a possible stake in an evaluation, which stakeholder group(s) do they want to see participate; in particular, do they prefer that multiple stakeholder groups, rather than a single group, participate?

Research Design

Six studies are reported. All studies address the former question, while Studies 3 to 5 also focus on the latter question. To study effects of stakeholder involvement on third-party views, participants read summaries of ostensible evaluations, with stakeholder involvement noted or not. To examine a priori preferences among potential stakeholders, participants completed a survey about alternative stakeholder group involvement in an evaluation in which they would likely have an interest.

Results and Conclusions

Across studies, effects of reported stakeholder participation on third-parties’ views were not robust; however, small effects on perceived fairness sometimes, but not always, occurred after stakeholder involvement and its rationales had been made salient. All surveys showed a large preference for the involvement of multiple, rather than single stakeholder groups. We discuss implications for research and practice regarding stakeholder involvement, and for research on evaluation more generally.
Facing the challenges of the inclusion of visually impaired students: Music teacher’s perceptions
Authors: Pino Angela
Published: October 2021

The basic training of music teachers does not usually contemplate inclusive resources intended to assist visually impaired students. Given the need for specific training, the purpose of this study was to collect together the perceptions of a group of 13 pre-primary, primary, and high school in-service music teachers, as regards a professional development course that addresses the inclusion of pupils with visual impairments. The teachers’ perceptions about the resources provided, the procedures used and the impact of what was learned during the course were obtained by means of open questionnaires and a semi-structured interview. The findings highlight the acquisition of inclusive resources as a starting point for the teachers’ sense of preparedness in the classroom and show the impact of active learning and direct contact with visually impaired students on the development of a positive attitude toward inclusion. Factors and lessons contributing to guiding the design of future professional development programs in the field of inclusive music education for visually impaired students were identified.
Neuropsychological performance in young adults with cannabis use disorder
Authors: Selamoglu Ayla , Langley Christelle , Crean Rebecca , Savulich George , Cormack Francesca , Sahakian Barbara J , Mason Barbara
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims:

Cannabis is a commonly used recreational drug in young adults. The worldwide prevalence in 18- to 25-year-olds is approximately 35%. Significant differences in cognitive performance have been reported previously for groups of cannabis users. However, the groups are often heterogeneous in terms of cannabis use. Here, we study daily cannabis users with a confirmed diagnosis of cannabis use disorder (CUD) to examine cognitive performance on measures of memory, executive function and risky decision-making.

Methods:

Forty young adult daily cannabis users with diagnosed CUD and 20 healthy controls matched for sex and premorbid intelligence quotient (IQ) were included. The neuropsychological battery implemented was designed to measure multiple modes of memory (visual, episodic and working memory), risky decision-making and other domains of executive function using subtests from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB).

Results:

Our results showed that young adult daily cannabis users with CUD perform significantly poorer on tasks of visual and episodic memory compared with healthy controls. In addition, executive functioning was associated with the age of onset.

Conclusions:

Further research is required to determine whether worse performance in cognition results in cannabis use or is a consequence of cannabis use. Chronic heavy cannabis use during a critical period of brain development may have a particularly negative impact on cognition. Research into the persistence of cognitive differences and how they relate to functional outcomes such as academic/career performance is required.
Regulating sadness: Response-independent and response-dependent benefits of listening to music
Authors: Kahn Jeffrey H. , Ladd Kendall , Feltner-Williams Destiny A. , Martin Amanda M. , White Brooke L.
Published: October 2021

Listening to music is a common method of regulating unpleasant emotions such as sadness, but music listening has not been compared to prototypical interpersonal emotion-regulation strategies. We examined music’s response-independent benefits (i.e., benefits that do not require a response from another person) and response-dependent benefits (i.e., benefits that do require a response from another person) and compared those to other regulation strategies such as talking to a friend and asking someone for advice. College students ( N = 353) completed an online survey in which they rated their likelihood of using eight different strategies to regulate sadness and the benefits of using each strategy. Repeated-measures ANOVAs revealed listening to music was the most likely strategy used when sad. Moreover, listening to music provided the most response-independent benefits of any strategy we examined, including talking to a friend and asking someone for advice. Talking to a friend provided more interpersonal support than listening to music did, but listening to music did not provide any less of a shared experience than talking to a friend or asking someone for advice. These findings suggest that listening to music shares much in common with interpersonal emotion-regulation strategies such as talking with other people when sad.
Audit of Looked After Children (LAC) in residential care and BMI increase in one UK local authority
Authors: Bailey Ella , Teh Corina , Peet Heather
Published: October 2021

The rise of obesity among the UK’s child population has become a serious public health issue. Looked after children (LAC) have been highlighted as a vulnerable group, with increased health needs compared to other children and young people from comparable socio-economic backgrounds. Among the risks of serious complications related to obesity in children and young adults are cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, lipid abnormalities, sleep apnoea and musculoskeletal disorders. This health note summarises findings from a recent cross-sectional study of 14 children in five residential care homes in one UK local authority.
‘Look after me too’: A qualitative exploration of the transition into adoptive motherhood
Authors: Kohn-Willbridge Charmaine , Pike Alison , de Visser Richard O
Published: October 2021

This qualitative retrospective recall study utilised nine in-depth, semi-structured interviews with adoptive mothers involved with an online support group often used by adoptive parents facing difficulties. The aim was to explore their transition to adoptive motherhood. The study was unusual because it covered a lengthy period, from pre-adoption and the motivation to adopt to 12 months post child placement and used Reflexive Thematic Analysis to analyse the data. Findings include the mothers’ sense of misaligned expectation, uncertainty, powerlessness, isolation, and emotional and physical fatigue. The most prominent findings centred on the high level of mental health issues reported by the mothers which included post-adoption depression, anxiety and trauma. New insights are discussed along with implications for future research and practice, along with the limitations of the study.
Framework for the provision of information to the visually impaired in academic libraries in compliance with the Marrakesh Treaty
Authors: Were Samuel Macharia , Otike Japhet N , Bosire Emily K
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to propose a framework for the provision of information to the visually impaired in compliance with the Marrakesh Treaty. Its objectives were to examine copyright-related challenges in accessing copyrighted information; identify strategies to improve access to copyrighted information in compliance with the Marrakesh Treaty; and propose a framework for the provision of information to the visually impaired in in compliance with the Marrakesh Treaty. The study targeted university librarians and library users with visual impairments. Interviews were used to collect data and were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that the challenges include the unavailability of appropriate policies and the high costs and problems involved in accessing copyright consent. Among the strategies to improve access to copyrighted information include role reallocation in libraries, training and creating awareness of the Marrakesh Treaty among all stakeholders. The study concluded with a proposed framework for implementing the Marrakesh Treaty.
How does China’s industrial structure change affect freight demand?
Authors: Xiao Guosheng , Zuo Dajie , Hailemariam Tesfaye
Published: October 2021

Freight demand (FD) is closely related to industrial structure (IS), and the determination of this relationship is conducive to the development of the transport industry. This research proposed an input–output structural decomposition analysis (IO-SDA) model to explain the growth of FD with the changes in economic aggregate, structural factor, transport demand intensity, and industry connection. This method enables us to quantify and compare the contribution of industrial development to FD growth of five freight modes and determine the role of the structural factor in the growth of FD. An empirical study was conducted based on China’s 2002 to 2017 input–output tables. The results showed that the construction industry was the most important sector leading to the growth of FD, and the role of the service industry in promoting the growth of FD became more evident. There was a clear trend of concentration to the road freight industry, which may undermine the coordination of the transport industry. The structural factor became an important factor in reducing FD in 2007 to 2017. Based on the findings, it is suggested that China should promote the upgrading of IS and emphasize the importance of green road transport and multimodal transport.
Risk Analysis Application to Hazardous Material Transportation Modes
Authors: Derse Onur , Oturakci Murat , Dagsuyu Cansu
Published: October 2021

Hazardous material transportation is a significant issue in relation to both environment and humanity. In recent years, studies and attempts to minimize the risks of hazardous material transportation or selection of transportation mode to reduce potential hazards have increased. This study aims to evaluate the hazards arising from each stage of hazardous material transport modes and the risks arising from these hazards with an integrated approach simultaneously. Fault tree analysis (FTA) is used to evaluate hazardous material transportation modes with their stage components; probabilities of potential hazards are calculated for the risks arising from those hazards and evaluated with The Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) approach. Last, to determine the critical levels of transportation modes, calculated risk scores and parameters that affect those transportation modes, such as speed, cost, and capacity, are assessed with Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and DEMATEL approach. Ultimately, critical levels of transportation modes are ranked as highway, marine and inland, airway, and railway.
Clinical leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic: Reflections and lessons learned
Authors: Sanders Jonathan , Balcom Carl
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 has, and continues to, wreak havoc worldwide, and the healthcare system has been particularly challenged with personnel shortages, resource insecurity, mixed messages, and fear to name a few. At the outset, it was thought the pandemic would be short-lived, resulting in the enactment of disaster plans in hospitals. Such autocratic approaches are not always effective in the long-term; a servant leadership approach is more conducive to engaging teams, and this dyad structure supports effective leadership during challenging times. While there is not one right approach to leading through a pandemic, lessons learned from this pandemic are applicable when, not if, the next pandemic occurs.
The Effect of the Coronavirus-2019 Pandemic on Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship Training
Authors: Silver Layne J. , Kessel Aaron , Taurassi Cheryl , Taylor Matthew
Published: October 2021

Objective: To assess the impact of the coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on pediatric critical care medicine (PCCM) fellowship training through a cross-sectional survey of both program directors (PDs) and fellows. Design: Cross-sectional internet-based survey. Setting: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited PCCM fellowship programs in the United States. Subjects: PCCM PDs and fellows. Results: A total of 34 PDs and 92 fellows responded to the national survey (rate of 47% and 17%, respectively). The majority (69%) of respondents agreed that medical education has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. When PDs were surveyed, 91% noted a significant decrease in the patient census since March 2020, with 59% citing a >15% decrease. Further, 65% reported trainees had less procedural experience. All respondents reported that education was at least in part provided through virtual learning platforms, with nearly half having exclusive remote learning without in-person sessions. Fifty percent of PDs and 62% of fellows reported decreased learner engagement during virtual didactics when compared to in-person education. The majority of PDs reported specific decreases in simulation, procedural skills training, and ultrasound training. Few PDs (15%) and fellows (13-16%) reported redeployment to adult patient care, with northeastern programs having the highest rates. In univariate analyses, decreased PDs confidence in trainee procedural skills was associated with reported decreases in number of procedures performed ( P = .0006) and number of procedural skills didactic sessions ( P = .0245). Change in the unit census was associated with less PDs confidence in fellows’ medical knowledge ( P = .0004), fellows’ management skills ( P = .0232), and fellows’ procedural skills ( P = .0003), with larger decreases in patient census correlating with larger decreases in confidence. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the education and clinical training of PCCM fellows. More knowledge on this topic can assist PDs in curriculum changes for the future to address any gaps in learning that have occurred.
The Nature and Extent of Special Education Law in Teacher Preparation
Authors: Markelz Andrew M. , Nagro Sarah A. , Szocik Katherine , Monnin Kevin , Gerry Margot , Macedonia Anna , Mason Allison
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the nature and extent that undergraduate special education programs teach special education law. Extant data from the state department of education websites and a sample of university department webpages ( n = 67) were analyzed to identify educational requirements. In addition, a sample of faculty representatives ( n = 26) were surveyed to triangulate extant data and provide their perceptions on special education law topics in their undergraduate programs. Results suggest universities are superseding legislative requirements, yet there is substantial variability in the decision-making that universities take to teach special education law. Faculty reported high priority for special education law topics but noted a moderate ability for preservice teachers to connect the importance of special education law to their success as educators. The authors discuss their findings and present implications for the field regarding special education law and the preparation of teachers.
Electric vehicles body frame structure design method: An approach to design electric vehicle body structure based on battery arrangement
Authors: Chen Xin , Wang Jianing , Zhao Kangming , Yang Lifei
Published: October 2021

Although the electric vehicles (EVs) have become the main development of the automotive industry, there is still very limited knowledge about the design method of EVs’ body structure. This paper substantially increases this limited knowledge by developing an EV’s aluminum alloy body frame structure design (EVFD) method based on battery arrangements. The main concept of the EVFD approach is the development of the parametric knowledge base to facilitate performance driven design of body structure in concept design stage, including the battery sub-libraries designed by vehicle power performances and the modular body frame structure sub-libraries and cross section of profile sub-libraries designed by structure performances. The layout of vehicle is firstly determined based on battery volume which calculated on the basis of power performance of EVs. And then, the body frame structures are designed by multi-load topology optimization and multi-objective parametric optimization based on the body structure performance, considering the battery layout and its mass distribution. The developed body structure knowledge base is screened through comparing their structural mechanical properties. The feasibility and accuracy of selected EV’s aluminum alloy body frame structure is verified by experiment. In this paper, the case study demonstrates that the proposed EVFD method based on battery arrangement can be effectively used to design aluminum alloy body frame structure of EVs, which provides a reference to other EV’s body structure design. Due to the performance driven design concept employed, the designed body structure for EV meets the requirements of lightweight, dynamic performance, and structural mechanical properties.
What’s in a Name? The Hidden Historical Ideologies Embedded in the Black and African American Racial Labels
Authors: Hall Erika V. , Townsend Sarah S. M. , Carter James T.
Published: October 2021

History can inconspicuously repeat itself through words and language. We explored the association between the “Black” and “African American” racial labels and the ideologies of the historical movements within which they gained prominence (Civil Rights and Black Power, respectively). Two content analyses and two preregistered experimental studies ( N = 1,204 White American adults) show that the associations between “Black” and “bias and discrimination” and between “African American” and “civil rights and equality” are evident in images, op-eds, and perceptions of organizations. Google Images search results for “Black people” evoke more racially victimized imagery than search results for “African American people” (Study 1), and op-eds that use the Black label contain more bias and discrimination content than those that use the African American label (Study 2). Finally, White Americans infer the ideologies of organizations by the racial label within the organization’s name (Studies 3 and 4). Consequently, these inferences guide the degree to which Whites support the organization financially.
Copyright administration in academic libraries in Ghana
Authors: Adu Theresa L. , van der Walt Thomas B.
Published: October 2021

The adverse outcomes of copyright violations to most businesses and Higher Education Institutions which depend on copyright in their operations have led these businesses and institutions to put in place stiffer measures with the view to avoiding lawsuits. Data collected from 38 library staff and head librarians from two public and two private universities using questionnaires and one-on-one interviews were used in a sequential mixed methods approach to investigate the mechanisms for copyright administration that ensure a balance of stakeholder rights in academic libraries in Ghana. Although participants had knowledge of the permitted use clauses in the copyright laws of Ghana they did not know of their right, and the right of library users to permitted use for: “Private copying,” “Illustrations for instructions,” and “For the benefit of libraries and archives.” Copyright was thus being administered to the disadvantage of library users. Library staff also lacked confidence, and rather shifted responsibility to other departments in the interpretation of the copyright laws. Thus, awareness of the law per se is only one part of the equation, the other part being its proper interpretation and administration.
Exosomal miR-1275 Secreted by Prostate Cancer Cells Modulates Osteoblast Proliferation and Activity by Targeting the SIRT2/RUNX2 Cascade
Authors: Zou Zihao , Dai Ranran , Deng Nan , Su Wei , Liu Ping
Published: October 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies and the second leading cause of cancer mortality among men worldwide. Modulation of osteoblast activity is involved in PCa metastasis, and miR-1275 is also reported to regulate PCa metastasis; however, the association between cancer-derived exosomal miR-1275 and osteoblast activity is unclear. Here, we isolated exosomes from PC3-derived conditioned medium by ultracentrifugation. We found that miR-1275 could be transferred from PCa cells to osteoblasts via exosomes. Exosomal miR-1275 significantly accelerated the proliferation of osteoblasts and the expression levels of osteoblast-specific genes, such as osteocalcin (OCN), type I collagen (COL-1), and osteopontin (OPN). Moreover, exosomal miR-1275 increased the expression of RUNX2, a master modulator of osteoblast activity, by down-regulation of SIRT2, which in turn influenced the growth and activity of osteoblasts. Our findings indicate that PCa-derived exosomal miR-1275 promotes the proliferation and activity of osteoblasts via modulation of SIRT2/Runx2 signaling.
Development and performance analysis of wear resistant polypropylene composites filled with micro sized Linz–Donawitz sludge particulates
Authors: Purohit Abhilash , Satapathy Alok
Published: October 2021

Integrated steel plants, in general, produce large amounts of solid wastes during the production of iron and steel. Linz–Donawitz sludge (LDS) is an industrial solid waste generated in huge quantities during steelmaking. These fine solid particles were recovered after wet cleaning of the gas emerging from LD converters. This work aims at processing, characterization, and wear response of a class of polypropylene composites utilizing LDS as a filler material. Mechanical properties of these thermoplastic composites were evaluated under standard test conditions. The actual and the theoretical density values of the polypropylene-LDS composites were measured using Archimedes’ principle and rule of mixture respectively. The micro-structural features of the worn surfaces of various particulate filled composite specimens were examined using scanning electron microscopy in order to ascertain the wear mechanisms. X-Ray Diffraction analysis was carried out to determine the phases and planes of the components present within a material. Sliding wear tests were conducted using Taguchi’s L25 orthogonal arrays over a range of sliding velocities (0.63–3.15 m/s), normal loads (5–25  N), sliding distances (500–2500 m), and LDS contents (0–20 wt.%). The sliding wear tests were performed on the prepared polypropylene-LDS composite specimens as per ASTM G99 using Taguchi’s Orthogonal Arrays followed by the parametric appraisal of the wear process by response surface methodology (RSM). Both Taguchi analysis and RSM suggest that the filler content and the sliding velocity are the most significant factors affecting the specific wear rate of the composite specimens. This work opens up a new avenue for the utilization of LD sludge as a potential filler material.
Populations at high risk of cervical cancer in Guangxi Province: Findings from two screening projects in a minority area of South China
Authors: Lu Huaxiang , He Haoyu , Qin Jian , Chen Mingjian , Liu Qiumei , Li Min , Huang Yongsheng , Wei Anxiang , Liu Shuzhen , Xu Min , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: October 2021

Objective

To analyse the positive rates of low-grade (LSIL) and high-grade (HSIL) squamous intraepithelial lesions, and cervical cancer (CC), and identify groups at high risk for CC in Guangxi.

Setting

CC screening options in Guangxi, which is the only minority autonomous area in South China, include the National Cervical Cancer Screening Project (NCCSP) and physical examination (PE).

Methods

This study was based on PE and NCCSP sample data obtained from 2012 to 2019. We calculated the positive rates of LSIL, HSIL, and CC; analysed the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the variables in multivariate logistic regression; and subsequently identified groups at high risk for CC.

Results

The positive rates of LSIL, HSIL, and CC for the total of 873,880 samples were 1.89%, 0.60%, and 0.03%, respectively. Females over 64 years of age (vs. 50–64; aOR = 2.05; 95% CI, 1.71–2.46; P < 0.001) and those from urban (vs. rural; aOR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.57–1.76; P < 0.001), minority (vs. non-minority; aOR = 1.24; 95% CI, 1.13–1.35; P < 0.001), and coastal (vs. inland; aOR = 1.15; 95% CI, 1.06–1.25; P = 0.001) areas were associated with a high risk of HSIL. Females over 64 (vs. 50–64; aOR = 4.37; 95% CI, 2.88–6.63; P < 0.001) and those from urban (vs. rural; aOR = 3.05; 95% CI, 2.36–3.95; P < 0.001) areas were significantly associated with a high risk of CC.

Conclusion

Females from urban areas in Guangxi are at high risk for CC. Public health strategies should focus on high-risk populations.
Human papillomavirus self-sampling for long-term non-attenders in cervical cancer screening: A randomised feasibility study in Estonia
Authors: Veerus Piret , Hallik Reeli , Jänes Jaak , Jõers Kai , Paapsi Keiu , Laidra Kaia , Innos Kaire
Published: October 2021

Objective

Organised cervical cancer screening was started in Estonia in 2006, but participation is still low. Human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling has proved to increase screening uptake. This study addressed the feasibility of HPV self-sampling and the acceptance of this method among long-term screening non-attenders.

Methods

A randomised intervention study was conducted in Estonia in 2020. Women born in 1958–1983 without a Pap smear in 2013–2019 were identified in the Estonian Health Insurance Fund database. From them, 12,000 women were randomly allocated to three equal-sized study groups. The opt-out group received a questionnaire and a Qvintip® sampling device by regular mail. Two opt-in groups received a questionnaire and an e-mail invitation to order a self-sampler online; one received Qvintip and the other Evalyn® Brush. Participantś background characteristics were obtained from the Population Register. The effect of covariates on participation rate was estimated with multivariate Poisson regression. Acceptance of self-sampling was analysed according to agreement with statements in the questionnaire.

Results

The overall participation rate was 16% with significant differences between opt-out (26%) and opt-in (11%) groups. Compared to the opt-out Qvintip group, adjusted relative risks for the Qvintip and Evalyn Brush opt-in groups were 0.41 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37–0.45) and 0.44 (95% CI 0.40–0.49), respectively. Participation was associated with living place, citizenship, and education. Self-sampling was well accepted: 98% agreed that it was easy to use, 88% preferred it as a screening method in future.

Conclusions

The results show the feasibility and good acceptance of HPV self-sampling among long-term screening non-attenders in Estonia.
Interaction Between Self-rated Health and Labour Force Participation: A Panel Data Probit Model with Survival Estimates
Authors: Cinaroglu Songul
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to reveal the relationship between health and labour in Turkey under the intervention of demographic variables. Four waves of the TurkStat Income and Living Conditions Panel Survey (2008–2011) were used. Demographic, education, self-rated health and labour force participation indicators were used to examine different generalised linear model (GLM)-like panel binomial probit model specifications using self-assessed health (SAH) status and self-reported working status (SRWS) as dependent variables. Kaplan–Meier (KM) estimates for the probability of survival in SAH and SRWS were examined using the X2 values of the log-rank and Peto–Peto–Prentice tests for equality of survivor functions by study variables. Study results reveal that the hazard of assessing good health and currently working increases for individuals who are married ( p < 0.001), highly educated ( p < 0.001), do not have any chronic disease ( p < 0.001), do not have any health restrictions ( p < 0.001) and occupy high-qualification jobs ( p < 0.001). KM estimates support the panel model results. The present study reveals that demographic, education, self-rated health and labour force participation are the driving forces in the interaction of health and labour dynamics. Reducing income inequality, increasing the minimum wage and improving working conditions, while promoting gender equality, are essentials of better management of health and labour markets.
Feature Selection is Critical for 2-Year Prognosis in Advanced Stage High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer by Using Machine Learning
Authors: Laios Alexandros , Katsenou Angeliki , Tan Yong Sheng , Johnson Racheal , Otify Mohamed , Kaufmann Angelika , Munot Sarika , Thangavelu Amudha , Hutson Richard , Broadhead Tim , Theophilou Georgios , Nugent David , De Jong Diederick
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Accurate prediction of patient prognosis can be especially useful for the selection of best treatment protocols. Machine Learning can serve this purpose by making predictions based upon generalizable clinical patterns embedded within learning datasets. We designed a study to support the feature selection for the 2-year prognostic period and compared the performance of several Machine Learning prediction algorithms for accurate 2-year prognosis estimation in advanced-stage high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients.

Methods

The prognosis estimation was formulated as a binary classification problem. Dataset was split into training and test cohorts with repeated random sampling until there was no significant difference (p = 0.20) between the two cohorts. A ten-fold cross-validation was applied. Various state-of-the-art supervised classifiers were used. For feature selection, in addition to the exhaustive search for the best combination of features, we used the-chi square test of independence and the MRMR method.

Results

Two hundred nine patients were identified. The model's mean prediction accuracy reached 73%. We demonstrated that Support-Vector-Machine and Ensemble Subspace Discriminant algorithms outperformed Logistic Regression in accuracy indices. The probability of achieving a cancer-free state was maximised with a combination of primary cytoreduction, good performance status and maximal surgical effort (AUC 0.63). Standard chemotherapy, performance status, tumour load and residual disease were consistently predictive of the mid-term overall survival (AUC 0.63–0.66). The model recall and precision were greater than 80%.

Conclusion

Machine Learning appears to be promising for accurate prognosis estimation. Appropriate feature selection is required when building an HGSOC model for 2-year prognosis prediction. We provide evidence as to what combination of prognosticators leads to the largest impact on the HGSOC 2-year prognosis.
Family Sex Communication Among Arab American Young Adults: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Abboud Sarah , Flores Dalmacio D. , Bond Keosha , Chebli Perla , Brawner Bridgette M. , Sommers Marilyn S.
Published: October 2021

There is a significant gap in understanding the sexual health of Arab Americans. The purpose of this study is to explore family sex communication among Arab American young adults and its association with gender and sexual attitudes. We used a parallel mixed methods design and administered an electronic survey ( N = 100); a subsample of 24 participants participated in five focus groups. We observed convergence in the findings. Participants reported rare occurrences of family sex communication, with women reporting less comfort than men. Family sex communication was often “unspoken,” and reinforced prevailing social norms. Gender differences were reported based on sex communication topics. The most common source of sex information was peers/friends. Focus group participants perceived their parents to be more conservative and less knowledgeable about sex than they were. Future research on strategies to bridge generational differences is needed to promote family-based sex communication, given the multiple teachable moments at home.
Undermining Sanctuary? When Local and National Partisan Cues Diverge
Authors: Collingwood Loren , Martinez Gabriel , Oskooii Kassra A. R.
Published: October 2021

To what extent do national partisan cues exert influence over local voting behavior? Despite being an “immigrant welcoming city,” in November, 2019, Tucson, Arizona, voters rejected Prop. 205—the Tucson Families Free and Together Initiative. We leverage theories of elite partisan cues to explain why voters in a progressive city voted against such an initiative. In contrast to Democratic support for sanctuary cities at the national level, we argue that mixed cues from local Democratic elites contributed significantly to a surprising rejection of the initiative. Using aggregate-level data and a framing experiment, we find that the local political environment split Democratic votes (50% favored, 50% opposed) while keeping Republican voters—who received consistent elite cues of opposition—uniformly against the proposition. This study illustrates how local partisan elite cues can shape ballot initiative voting outcomes, even to the point of overriding negative partisanship and national co-partisan consensus on the same issue.
The Feline Cardiomyopathies: 3. Cardiomyopathies other than HCM
Authors: Kittleson Mark D , Côté Etienne
Published: October 2021

Practical relevance:

Although feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) occurs more commonly, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM), arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) and cardiomyopathy – nonspecific phenotype (NCM; formerly unclassified cardiomyopathy) are all recognized in domestic cats.

Patient group:

Any adult domestic cat, of either sex and of any breed, can be affected.

Diagnostics:

The non-HCM cardiomyopathies are rarely suspected in subclinically affected cats, so most are first identified when a cat presents with signs of heart failure or systemic thromboembolic disease. The definitive clinical confirmatory test for these other feline cardiomyopathies is echocardiography.

Key findings:

‘Cardiomyopathy – nonspecific phenotype’ is a catch-all term that groups hearts with myocardial changes that either do not meet the criteria for any one type of cardiomyopathy (HCM, RCM, DCM, ARVC, LVNC) or meet the echocardiography criteria for more than one type. RCM is characterized by diastolic dysfunction due to fibrosis that results in a restrictive transmitral flow pattern on Doppler echocardiography and usually marked left or biatrial enlargement. DCM is characterized by decreased myocardial contractility and is rare in cats. When it occurs, it is seldom due to taurine deficiency. However, since taurine-deficient DCM is usually reversible, a diet history should be obtained, whole blood and plasma taurine levels should be measured and taurine should be supplemented in the diet if the diet is not commercially manufactured. ARVC should be suspected in adult cats with severe right heart enlargement and right heart failure (ascites and/or pleural effusion), especially if arrhythmia is present. Feline LVNC is rare; its significance continues to be explored. Treatment of the consequences of these cardiomyopathies (management of heart failure, thromboprophylaxis, treatment of systemic arterial thromboembolism) is the same as for HCM.

Conclusions:

While these other cardiomyopathies are less prevalent than HCM in cats, their clinical and radiographic presentation is often indistinguishable from HCM. Echocardiography is usually the only ante-mortem method to determine which type of cardiomyopathy is present. However, since treatment and prognosis are often similar for the feline cardiomyopathies, distinguishing among the cardiomyopathies is often not essential for determining appropriate therapy.

Areas of uncertainty:

The feline cardiomyopathies do not always fit into one distinct category. Interrelationships among cardiomyopathies in cats may exist and understanding these relationships in the future might provide critical insights regarding treatment and prognosis.
A conjunctival papilloma in Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino (1483–1520)?
Authors: de Campos Deivis , Coutinho Rodrigues Danielle , Buso Luciano
Published: October 2021

The specialized literature has described that Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino (1483–1520), universally known as Raphael, is among the greatest artists of the Renaissance. Additionally, it is also described that there are still many controversies regarding Raphael’s health when he died in 1520. In this context, due to the 500th anniversary of his death, it would be timely to bring up some pieces of information that haven't been presented in the literature so far, regarding the health of this famous artist Therefore, we have decided to present in this description a self-portrait of Raphael from 1519, which, associated with previous descriptions concerning the artist's lifestyle, can provide some indication that Raphael had a clinical condition known as conjunctival papilloma.
Impact of sickle cell disease on postoperative outcomes following total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Gu Alex , Agarwal Amil R , Fassihi Safa C , Pollard Tom G , Stoll William T , Campbell Joshua C , Golladay Gregory J , Thakkar Savyasachi C
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

Osteonecrosis (ON) of the femoral head is a common complication of sickle cell disease (SCD), frequently necessitating total hip arthroplasty (THA). Although THA is a common procedure with few complications when indicated for osteoarthritis (OA), patients with SCD have increased rates of complications. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of SCD on outcomes and complications following THA.

Methods:

Subjects were retrospectively identified using a national insurance claims database (PearlDiver Technologies) using CPT and ICD-9/10. Patients were included if they underwent THA with at least 2-year follow-up and were diagnosed with SCD and ON, ON without SCD, or OA without SCD. The SCD cohort was matched based on age, gender, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and obesity to the other 2 cohorts. 2-year revision rate and 90-day complication rates were analyzed using chi-square tests.

Results:

Each cohort had 881 patients. The SCD cohort had significantly higher 90-day medical complications when compared to the ON without SCD and OA cohorts ( p < 0.001). The SCD cohort had a higher rate of 2-year revision for PJI (5.0%) compared to the ON without SCD (2.8%) and OA (2.5%) groups ( p = 0.019 and 0.005 respectively) and a higher rate of aseptic loosening (1.94%) compared to the ON without SCD cohort (0.68%; p = 0.021).

Conclusions:

Patients with SCD who undergo THA have an increased risk for short-term postoperative medical complications and 2-year aseptic loosening and PJI compared to ON patients without SCD and patients with OA. Given the magnitude of these risks, patient counseling and optimised perioperative care are essential.
War as disease: biomedical metaphors in prevention discourse
Authors: Rodehau-Noack Johanna
Published: October 2021

Previous research has examined biomedical metaphors in discourses on military intervention, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism. Starting from the observation that such metaphors also occur in the contemporary conflict prevention discourse, this article inquires into their intellectual origins and implications for the understanding of war and prevention. Drawing on archival analysis, it finds that they manifest in two ways in prevention discourse. In the cataclysmic notion, war is likened to an epidemic or plague. This metaphor was popularised by Christian pacifists in the 19th century and carried forth into 20th-century prevention documents. The more recent risk factor notion is couched in terms of enabling conditions for threats to the body politic. By engaging imagery on immunity and public health, it draws parallels between social and political organisation and functions of the body. The article argues that while both notions of biomedical metaphors of war in conflict prevention discourse are firmly rooted in modernist thinking, this intellectual legacy manifests differently. The cataclysmic notion associates war and disease with barbarism and thus paints prevention as a civilisational objective. The risk factor notion, on the contrary, represents war as a technico-scientific problem and thus shifts the focus towards governing and controlling war through knowledge and technology. Furthermore, both notions converge in the idea of a body politic that is to be protected and in the implicit assumption of world order in which war-as-disease is a temporary deviation from the ‘healthy norm’, while peace-as-health is the desired and default state of affairs.