bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multireligious Cooperation and the Integration of Muslim Migrants in Sweden
Authors: Lyck-Bowen Majbritt
Published: August 2020

In recent years, as the number of migrants arriving in Europe has grown, faith-based organizations have become intimately involved in assisting migrants’ short- and long-term integration. This article describes an innovative cooperative project between minority (mosque) and majority (church) religious institutions designed to enhance integration between Muslim migrants and their predominantly Christian host community. Using survey and interview data, this study finds that participants reported enhanced feelings of welcoming, larger networks of friends and acquaintances, and more engagement in activities after participating in the project.
Getting Eyes in the Home: Child Protective Services Investigations and State Surveillance of Family Life
Authors: Fong Kelley
Published: August 2020

Each year, U.S. child protection authorities investigate millions of families, disproportionately poor families and families of color. These investigations involve multiple home visits to collect information across numerous personal domains. How does the state gain such widespread entrée into the intimate, domestic lives of marginalized families? Predominant theories of surveillance offer little insight into this process and its implications. Analyzing observations of child maltreatment investigations in Connecticut and interviews with professionals reporting maltreatment, state investigators, and investigated mothers, this article argues that coupling assistance with coercive authority—a hallmark of contemporary poverty governance—generates an expansive surveillance of U.S. families by attracting referrals from adjacent systems. Educational, medical, and other professionals invite investigations of families far beyond those ultimately deemed maltreating, with the hope that child protection authorities’ dual therapeutic and coercive capacities can rehabilitate families, especially marginalized families. Yet even when investigations close, this arrangement, in which service systems channel families to an entity with coercive power, fosters apprehension among families and thwarts their institutional engagement. These findings demonstrate how, in an era of welfare retrenchment, rehabilitative poverty governance renders marginalized populations hyper-visible to the state in ways that may reinforce inequality and marginality.
Integration of a 31-Gene Expression Profile Into Clinical Decision-Making in the Treatment of Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Scott Anthony M. , Dale Paul S. , Conforti Arnold , Gibbs Jennifer N.
Published: August 2020

Background

The practice of utilizing gene expression profile (GEP) for the evaluation and treatment of cutaneous melanomas has been found to predict the risk of sentinel-node metastasis and recurrence. Information obtained from this assay has been used to determine clinical decision-making, including serving as an indication for sentinel lymph node biopsy and also for the intensity of screening measures.

Methods

Herein we present our early experience in utilizing 31-GEP in intermediate melanomas and its effect on clinical management. A retrospective review was conducted of patients who had undergone treatment for melanoma whose tumors had been subjected to 31-GEP. Additionally, patient characteristics, attributes of the original tumor biopsied, findings on final pathology, and procedures performed were evaluated.

Results

31-GEP stratified patients into 4 groups; groups 1A and 1B are considered low risk of metastasis or recurrence, while 2A and 2B are considered high risk. Over the study period, 31-GEP was conducted on 26 cutaneous melanoma patients. Testing and treatment data are available for 23 of these patients. Eleven patients were found to be low risk (9 as 1A, 2 as 1B), 12 were found to be high risk (4 as 2A, 8 as 2B). Decision-making was altered such that sentinel lymph node biopsy was omitted in 2 cases in which the patients were found to be low risk with age >65 years.

Discussion

In 8 cases of node-negative disease in genetically high-risk patients, surveillance measures were augmented with positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Utilization of 31-GEP is ongoing at our institution.
BMI and VTE Risk in Emergency General Surgery, Does Size Matter?
Authors: Pahlkotter Maranda K. , Mohidul Shalwa , Moen Micaela R. , Digney Bradley W. , Holmes Sharon , Muertos Keely , Sciarretta Jason D. , Davis John M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. Emergency general surgery (EGS) patients comprise 7% of hospital admissions in America with a reported rate of VTE of 2.5%. Of these, >69% required hospital readmission, making VTE the second most common cause for readmission after infection in EGS patients. We hypothesize a correlation between body mass index (BMI) and VTE in EGS patients.

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Database (NSQIP) was queried from January 2015 to December 2016. 83 272 patients met inclusion criteria: age ≥18 and underwent an EGS procedure. Patients were stratified by BMI. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic and numerical data. Categorical comparisons between covariates were completed using the chi-square test. Continuous variables were compared using Student’s t-test, Mann Whitney U-test, or Kruskal-Wallis H test.

Results

83 272 patients met the inclusion criteria. 1358 patients developed VTE (903 deep vein thrombosis (DVT) only, 335 pulmonary embolism (PE) only, and 120 with DVT and PE). Morbidly obese patients were 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with a PE compared with normal BMI ( P = .004). Increased BMI was associated with the co-diagnosis of PE and DVT ( P = .027). Patients with BMI <18.5 were 1.4 times more likely to experience a VTE compared with normal BMI ( P = .018). Patients with a VTE were 3.2 times more likely to die ( P < .001) and less likely to be discharged home ( P < .001).

Discussion

Our study found that obese and underweight EGS patients had an increased incidence of VTE. Risk recognition and chemoprophylaxis may improve outcomes in this population.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Dexamethasone as a Prophylactic Treatment for Subglottic Stenosis in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Wistermayer Paul , Escalante Derek , McIlwain Wesley , Rogers Derek J.
Published: August 2020

Objective:

Iatrogenic injury is a common cause of subglottic stenosis (SGS). We investigated the role of pre-injury dexamethasone as a preventive treatment for iatrogenic subglottic stenosis.

Methods:

16 New Zealand White rabbits were used in an IACUC approved study. Subjects were divided into two groups: intramuscular dexamethasone (DEX) at a dose of 2 mg/kg 15 minutes prior to an endoscopic injury to create SGS, and the same injury creation with a preoperative intramuscular saline (SAL) injection. Three independent, blinded raters evaluated endoscopic images to obtain cross sectional area (CSA) airway measurements. Rabbit airways were measured just prior to injury and at one week post-injury. All subjects were provided as-needed postoperative steroids and buprenorphine for symptoms of respiratory distress. Data analysis was performed using Student t-test. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to assess inter-rater agreement.

Results:

All subjects survived to the one-week post-injury airway evaluation. There was no difference in airway size between groups prior to injury ( P = .28). Subjects in the DEX group demonstrated an average stenosis of 20.3% (95% CI 10.2-30.5) at one week compared to 60.6% (95% CI 40.3-80.9) in the SAL group ( P = .01). Subjects in the control group required significantly more doses of postoperative dexamethasone ( P = .02). Inter-rater agreement for between raters was excellent (ICC = .88).

Conclusion:

This is the first study to examine the role of pre-injury glucocorticoids in preventing iatrogenic subglottic stenosis. In our model, a single dose of intramuscular dexamethasone given prior to a subglottic injury resulted in a statistically significant reduction in airway stenosis. This research suggests that administering systemic dexamethasone should be considered prior to any procedure that may injure the subglottis, including traumatic intubation, to prevent iatrogenic subglottic stenosis.
Considerations for assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in Australia
Authors: Tan Eric J , Meyer Denny , Neill Erica , Phillipou Andrea , Toh Wei Lin , Van Rheenen Tamsyn E , Rossell Susan L
Published: August 2020

During this unprecedented novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there is an urgent need for empirical data to characterise its impact on the mental health and well-being of Australians. In this viewpoint, we outline a number of considerations for research on this topic, highlighting areas necessitating special attention, consideration of particular vulnerable groups and the need for longitudinal studies to track mental health fluctuations in the general population. We conclude by introducing the COLLATE (COvid-19 and you: mentaL heaLth in AusTralia now survEy) project, outlining its aims, addressing some considerations raised herein and detailing avenues for future research. Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 30 January 2020 (WHO, 2020), the COVID-19 pandemic has caused major upheaval both in Australia and globally. While the search for a vaccine continues, current efforts towards tackling the virus and limiting contagion in several nations have focused on social distancing and the shutdown of non-essential services. In Australia, the first case was reported on 13 January 2020 (COVID-19 National Incident Room Surveillance Team, 2020), the first death occurred on 24 February and a spate of progressive restrictions were enforced throughout the 2 weeks leading up to 31 March 2020 (COVID-19 National Incident Room Surveillance Team, 2020a).
Enhanced Q-learning for real-time hybrid electric vehicle energy management with deterministic rule
Authors: Li Yang , Tao Jili , Xie Liang , Zhang Ridong , Ma Longhua , Qiao Zhijun
Published: August 2020

Power allocation plays an important and challenging role in fuel cell and supercapacitor hybrid electric vehicle because it influences the fuel economy significantly. We present a novel Q-learning strategy with deterministic rule for real-time hybrid electric vehicle energy management between the fuel cell and the supercapacitor. The Q-learning controller (agent) observes the state of charge of the supercapacitor, provides the energy split coefficient satisfying the power demand, and obtains the corresponding rewards of these actions. By processing the accumulated experience, the agent learns an optimal energy control policy by iterative learning and maintains the best Q-table with minimal fuel consumption. To enhance the adaptability to different driving cycles, the deterministic rule is utilized as a complement to the control policy so that the hybrid electric vehicle can achieve better real-time power allocation. Simulation experiments have been carried out using MATLAB and Advanced Vehicle Simulator, and the results prove that the proposed method minimizes the fuel consumption while ensuring less and current fluctuations of the fuel cell.
Designing of a double-cylinder viscometer for high-pressure liquids
Authors: Liu Shuo , Xu Chenguang , Liu Tongqi , Cai Yong
Published: August 2020

In this work, a double-cylinder viscometer is designed to measure dynamic viscosity over a pressure range from atmospheric pressure up to 150 MPa and a temperature range of 278.15–333.15 K. A high-pressure closed cavity is designed innovatively and the magnetic coupling is adopted to transfer the torque to reduce the friction; the inner cylinder with ruby bearing is designed to reduce the friction torque, thus the accuracy of the viscosity measurement is improved. The experiment of measuring the standard viscosity liquid (N10 and N35) under normal pressure and measuring the viscosity of methylbenzene under the pressure of 0.1–150 MPa were carried out, and considering all the experimental data, the uncertainty of the viscosity measurements is approximately ±3%.
A fully coupled local and global optical-thermal model for continuous adjacent laser-assisted tape winding process of type-IV pressure vessels
Authors: Zaami Amin , Schäkel Martin , Baran Ismet , Bor Ton C , Janssen Henning , Akkerman Remko
Published: August 2020

A numerical process simulation framework is introduced in this paper to describe and predict the process temperature evolution during the laser-assisted tape winding (LATW) process of a type-IV pressure vessel made of glass-reinforced high-density polyethylene (G/HDPE). A local optical-thermal model is fully coupled with a global thermal model for the simulation of continuous adjacent hoop winding cases. The predicted tape and substrate temperatures are compared with the experimental data to validate the process model’s effectiveness. The inline temperature was measured by an infrared thermographic camera during the continuous winding. The continuous process temperature of the substrate is affected significantly due to the previously wound layers including the pressure vessel, and a gradual increase of the temperature of the roller and the air inside the liner. A considerable temperature increase calculated as 80-120°C takes place for the substrate during winding of two consecutive layers of (G/HDPE) prepreg tape at the liner ends. The influence of pressure vessel size on the tape and substrate temperatures is investigated for different liner radii using the validated process model. The peak substrate temperature is found to increase approximately 45°C by reducing the radius of the pressure vessel from 272 mm to 68 mm while maintaining all other process conditions constant.
Master’s-Level Education in the Governmental Public Health Workforce
Authors: Leider Jonathon P. , Sellers Katie , Bogaert Kyle , Castrucci Brian C. , Erwin Paul C.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

More than 16 000 graduate degrees in public health are awarded annually. Yet only 14% of the governmental public health workforce has formal public health training of any kind, and 8% has a master of public health (MPH) degree. We characterized the differences among governmental staff members with master’s degrees across US health departments.

Methods

We used data from the 2017 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey, a national survey of state and local public health departments (43 669 responses; response rate, 48%). We examined the characteristics of the workforce by educational attainment and compared respondents who had obtained a “terminal” (ie, highest degree obtained) MPH degree with respondents who had obtained a terminal non–public health (non-PH) master’s degree.

Results

Respondents who had a non-PH master’s degree were as likely as respondents who had an MPH degree to hold a supervisory role (43% vs 41%; P = .67). We found only 1 significant difference between the 2 groups: respondents aged ≤40 with a terminal MPH degree were significantly less likely than respondents aged ≤40 with a non-PH master’s degree to earn more than the national average salary (adjusted odds ratio = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.47-0.97; P = .03).

Conclusions

We found only marginal differences in career outcomes for people working in governmental public health who had a terminal MPH degree vs a terminal non-PH master’s degree. This finding does not necessitate a full reconsideration of the MPH as it relates to governmental public health practice but a greater recognition that there are multiple paths into practice.
NIPAM polymer/polyurethane resin films and the moisture transport characteristics of film-treated fabrics
Authors: Enomoto Masao , Omote Yuichiro , Miyajima Mitsuo , Yun Che Kyung
Published: August 2020

Numerous studies have addressed the use of poly( N-isopropylacrylamide) or (poly-NIPAM) homopolymers in drug delivery systems. However, their application has not been extended to textiles owing to their high solubility in water. In this study, we investigated thermo-responsive, hydrophilic, breathable, waterproof films as well as fabrics treated with these films. To impart temperature-sensitivity, a poly-NIPAM polymer was used, with water solubility at or below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The poly-NIPAM used in this study had to be insoluble in water, even at the LCST or below it. Consequently, this study was performed using films wherein poly-NIPAM was copolymerized with hydrophilic polyurethane (PU). The change in water solubility of the homopolymer at temperatures greater than or less than the LCST could be verified from the water absorption coefficient of the films observed at various temperatures. Subsequently, we ascertained the functionality of the temperature-sensitive water absorption feature. In addition, we validated the functionality of the breathable, waterproof films and the condensation-inhibition capacity of film-treated fabrics. As a result, we postulated that the fabrics coated with poly-NIPAM/PU copolymer films could serve as functional materials for apparel with novel and improved moisture transport characteristics.
Change Appeals: How Referencing Change Boosts Curiosity and Promotes Persuasion
Authors: Kupor Daniella , Jia Jayson , Tormala Zakary
Published: August 2020

Does merely referencing that an object or entity has changed affect people’s attitudes and intentions toward it? This research investigates the possibility that change references spark curiosity and information seeking, which can have a positive or negative effect on people’s evaluations of a target stimulus, depending on the information environment. Seven experiments reveal that referencing that an object or entity has changed decreases perceptions of its longevity, but also sparks curiosity about it—a desire to learn more. This curiosity motivates people to seek information about the object or entity, which can enhance or depress their evaluations depending on whether that information search leads to favorable or unfavorable information. When further information is unavailable, change references appear to have a negative impact on people’s evaluations, consistent with well-established longevity biases. This research suggests that change references have an important and generalizable impact on persuasive outcomes and pinpoints the conditions surrounding and processes driving this effect.
Secrets, Psychological Health, and the Fear of Discovery
Authors: Davis Christopher G. , Brazeau Hannah , Xie Elisabeth Bailin , McKee Kathleen
Published: August 2020

Keeping secrets from one’s partner has been associated with lower well-being and relationship satisfaction. Previous research has suggested that individual differences in self-concealment account for these effects. However, we propose that the fear of discovery (FoD)—defined as the fear that one’s secret may be revealed by means other than deliberate disclosure—predicts the extent to which secrets affect well-being beyond the effects attributable to individual differences. Both a cross-sectional and a longitudinal survey (combined N = 471; 54.4% female; Mage = 39.5) of adults in romantic relationships confirmed that FoD predicted greater preoccupation with the secret, more negative affect, and less relationship satisfaction and commitment beyond that of self-concealment. Multilevel modeling in Study 2 indicated that changes in FoD predicted changes in preoccupation over time. The data are consistent with the notion that FoD promotes greater preoccupation, greater negative affect, and lower levels of relationship well-being.
Sinclair broadcasting as mini-media empire: media regulation, disinfomercials, and the rise of Trumpism
Authors: Tryon Chuck
Published: August 2020

This article argues that Sinclair Broadcast Group (SBG) should be read as a mini-network, one that has used lenient regulations to build a vast empire of affiliate stations, which allows them to maintain substantial control over local news in markets across the United States. In turn, drawing from close readings of SBG news segments, this essay argues that SBG has used this platform to promote a conservative political stance, one that deploys the discourses of mediated populism. Finally, although research on political media has tended to focus on cable news, it is important to analyze the ways in which SBG and other affiliate owners can exert significant control over local news, one of the most trusted sources of news for many people in the United States.
Social Frailty and Depression Among Older Adults in Ghana: Insights from the WHO SAGE Surveys
Authors: Amegbor Prince M. , Kuuire Vincent Z. , Yawson Alfred E. , Rosenberg Mark W. , Sabel Clive E.
Published: August 2020

In this study, we examine the association between social frailty and depression among older adults in Ghana over time. We employed longitudinal data analysis to examine the association between social frailty, socioeconomic status and depression using data from the WHO-SAGE survey. Our descriptive and cross-tabulation analyses show that the prevalence of depression and social frailty among older adults decreased considerably in 2014/2015 compared to 2007/2008. The finding also reveals a huge reduction in social frailty among older adults in northern Ghana–the most deprived regions in Ghana–compared to those in southern Ghana. The multivariate panel data analysis reveals that depression was significantly associated with social isolation, financial needs, and physical needs. The findings suggest an over time decline in social frailty and depression among older adults, as well as, reduction in regional differences in social frailty and depression among older adults in Ghana.
Evaluating the quality of linked open data in digital libraries
Authors: Candela Gustavo , Escobar Pilar , Carrasco Rafael C , Marco-Such Manuel
Published: August 2020

Cultural heritage institutions have recently started to share their metadata as Linked Open Data (LOD) in order to disseminate and enrich them. The publication of large bibliographic data sets as LOD is a challenge that requires the design and implementation of custom methods for the transformation, management, querying and enrichment of the data. In this report, the methodology defined by previous research for the evaluation of the quality of LOD is analysed and adapted to the specific case of Resource Description Framework (RDF) triples containing standard bibliographic information. The specified quality measures are reported in the case of four highly relevant libraries.
Crowd Sourcing: Do Peer Crowd Prototypes Match Reality?
Authors: Pivnick Lilla K. , Gordon Rachel A. , Crosnoe Robert
Published: August 2020

During the transition into high school, adolescents sort large sets of unfamiliar peers into prototypical peer crowds thought to share similar values, behaviors, and interests (e.g., Jocks). Often, such sorting is based solely on appearance. This study investigates the accuracy of this sorting process in relation to actual characteristics using video and survey data from a longitudinal sample of U.S. youths who attended high school in the mid- to late-2000s. To simulate this sorting process, we asked same-birth-cohort strangers to view short videos of youths at age 15 and to classify those strangers into likely crowd membership. We then compared the classifications they made to how adolescents characterized themselves at that same time point. Results show that peer crowd classification predicts aspects of unknown peers’ mental health, academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, social status, and risk-taking behaviors.
Perspectives of primary school staff who work with children with additional needs: Insights that may help to improve support for visually impaired children
Authors: Pease Anna , Goodenough Trudy , Roe Joao , Rogers Sue , Williams Cathy
Published: August 2020

Educational support for children with visual impairments (VIs) at school relies on effective information-sharing between hospital eye services and schools. There may be delays in this process which impede school staff’s efforts to help affected children. As part of a programme of work aiming to improve outcomes for children with cerebral visual impairments (CVIs), this study carried out qualitative interviews to understand the views of primary school staff about receiving and using external specialist advice in general. These data can be used to inform and improve information-sharing aimed at supporting children in primary school who have VI.

Views of primary school teachers and staff with responsibility for supporting children with additional needs were elicited in nine interviews, across three mainstream primary school settings in Gloucestershire, UK. Interviews were carried out in October 2017. Participants were asked about their experiences of working with children with additional needs and engaging with outside specialist providers. Thematic analysis was used to look for patterns in the data.

Interviews revealed four major themes: understanding the condition (including training, individual differences, and understanding the aim of the strategy); translating reports into action (including adaptations to recommendations, team working, and communication formats); follow-up (including feedback and measuring progress); and barriers and opportunities for accessing support (including systematic barriers, going private, and ideal scenarios).

This small study provides insights into how teachers and school staff perceive the relationship with external specialists. Services for children with VI in primary schools may be enhanced if they provide information about the impact of VI; about the underlying conditions if known, training and awareness activities for staff and offer a route for follow-up or enquiries. These insights can be used to inform service design and policy.
Who Practises Practice Theory (and How)? (Meta-)theorists, Scholar-practitioners, (Bourdieusian) Researchers, and Social Prestige in Academia
Authors: Holthaus Leonie
Published: August 2020

Practice theory has become a popular and avowedly pluralistic research programme in European and Canadian international relations (IR). It promises the end of monolithic grand theorising and armchair analysis. Yet, taken together, practice theory’s pluralist character and methodological promises raise the question: who practises practice theory (and how)? I deal with this question through a discussion of three different, representative, and sociologically important books. On this basis, I depict three (ideal-)types of authorship. They include the (meta-)theorist, the scholar-practitioner, and the Bourdieusian researcher. I show that authors remake practice theory’s theoretical claims by relating practice to theory in different manners, such as deep theorising, reworking of experience in inductive theorising, and reflexive conceptualisation. I focus less on the enduring position of (meta-)theorists. I rather argue that the different academic practices indicate that the authors seek prestige within practice theory and neighboring scientific communities. For this purpose, I approach prestige as durable esteem due to occupational achievements. Finally, I ask how the new scientific demands of practice theory might impact young, less established academics.

Type de manuscrit : Recension d’ouvrage

Qui pratique la théorie de la pratique (et comment)? (Méta-)théoriciens, praticiens-chercheurs, chercheurs (bourdieusiens) et prestige social à l’Universit
Incorporating Equity into Pedestrian Master Plans
Authors: Berg Amber , Newmark Gregory L.
Published: August 2020

This research provides a framework for addressing inequities through municipalities’ transportation plans, which have no federal equity requirements and have been given little guidance for incorporating equity. Fifteen pedestrian master plans are reviewed for their equity considerations to derive a tripartite framework for systematically incorporating equity into transportation plans, known as The Three A’s of Equity. Acknowledgment recognizes equity as a value of the plan and that there are transportation inequities to be eliminated; Accountability establishes equity measures to be achieved by the transportation plan; and Application identifies the interventions that will be implemented to help achieve equity. Using the proposed framework, the 15 plans are evaluated for their equity considerations. The analysis finds that cities are increasingly including equity into their pedestrian master plans, but do so inconsistently, seldom include the Accountability element, and rarely include race in their equity considerations. The proposed framework, the Three A’s of Equity, can guide cities in systematically incorporating equity into their transportation plans to ideally advance more equitable outcomes.
Can We Eliminate Opioid Medications for Postoperative Pain Control? A Prospective, Surgeon-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial in Knee Arthroscopic Surgery
Authors: Hartwell Matthew J. , Selley Ryan S. , Terry Michael A. , Tjong Vehniah K.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Orthopaedic surgeons have a responsibility to develop responsible opioid practices. Growing evidence has helped define an optimal number of opioids to prescribe after surgical procedures, but little evidence-based guidance exists to support specific practice patterns to decrease opioid utilization.

Hypothesis:

After knee arthroscopic surgery with partial meniscectomy, patients who were provided a prescription for opioids and instructed to only fill the prescription if absolutely necessary for pain control would take fewer opioids than patients with opioids automatically included as part of a multimodal approach to pain control prescribed at discharge.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Patients undergoing arthroscopic partial meniscectomy were provided multimodal pain control with aspirin, acetaminophen, and naproxen and randomized to receive oxycodone as either included with their multimodal pain medications (group 1) or given an optional prescription to fill (group 2). Patients were contacted at time points up to 1 month after surgery to assess opioid utilization and medication side effects. The mean number of tablets utilized was the primary outcome measure, with a 50% reduction defined as a successful outcome.

Results:

A total of 105 patients were initially enrolled, and 95 (91%; 48 in group 1 and 47 in group 2) successfully completed the study. There was no significant reduction in the number of tablets utilized between groups 1 and 2 (3.5 vs 4.5, respectively; P = .45), days that opioids were required (2.2 vs 3.2, respectively; P = .20), or postoperative pain at any time point. The group with the option to fill their prescription had significantly fewer unused tablets remaining than the group with opioids included as part of the multimodal pain control regimen (75% of potentially prescribed tablets vs 82% of prescribed tablets; P < .001). Overall, 37% of patients did not require any opioids after surgery, and 86% used ≤8 tablets.

Conclusion:

Patients required a minimal number of opioids after knee arthroscopic surgery with partial meniscectomy. There was no difference in the number of tablets utilized whether the opioid prescription was included in a multimodal pain control regimen or patients were given an option to fill the prescription. Offering optional opioid prescriptions in the setting of a multimodal approach to pain control can significantly reduce the number of unused opioids circulating in the community.

Registration:

NCT03876743 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier)
The Empirical and Institutional Limits of Modern Money Theory
Authors: Epstein Gerald
Published: August 2020

Modern Money Theory (MMT) economists acknowledge a number of empirical and institutional limitations on the applicability of MMT to macroeconomic policy, but they have not attempted to explore these empirically nor have they adequately addressed their implications for MMT’s main macroeconomic policy proposals. This paper identifies some of these important limitations, including those stemming from modern international financial markets, and argues that they are much more binding on the policy applicability of MMT than many of MMT’s advocates appear to recognize.
Approaching the mountain: A journey into the wilderness of large group thinking
Authors: Reicher Emma
Published: August 2020

Although the large group is a mandatory part of the Institute of Group Analysis London Qualifying Course, its history and theory have been absent from the curriculum. This fringe status can be seen as a reflection of the challenge the large group offers the analyst—trainee and practitioner alike. It exposes structures of power, reveals issues around race and gender, and brings historical trauma to light. The question is, are we willing to look within?

My ‘journey into the wilderness’ is a step towards an answer. As such, this article is framed as field research, focusing on the lived experience of the large group, as well as revisiting its past. It moves between two paradigms of practice—developmental large groups in training institutes and discrete large groups at conferences—and seeks to define the purpose of this ritual, as well as set new ground lines for ethical practice.

Through the use of large group material, I trace the theoretical language of koinonia, fellowship, dialogue, outsight and equivalence, and exemplify learnings around the mechanisms of projective processes. I suggest that a projection must be felt before it can be returned, but in such a multi-person setting, ‘countertransference’ does not do this work of integration justice. Finally, I address containment and introduce the concept of reverie/participation. Through this model the large group grants us an experience of embeddedness, and awakens our responsibility for the challenges of history making, and social change.
An Introduction to Catholic Economics: General Welfare, Competing Perspectives, and Human Nature
Authors: Binder Alexander D.
Published: August 2020

Catholic economics is the interdisciplinary pursuit of joining Church teaching with economic science. The Church and its leaders, the Pope and Bishops, are primarily concerned with the salvation of souls and their general welfare, or the common good, and as such govern and guide the faithful to that end. Catholic scholars seeking to apply those teachings are free to and do debate the merits of particular policies or institutions. Catholic economists also question particular economic theories that contrast with Church teaching, especially with regard to human nature. This article examines these core elements of the Catholic Economics school of thought.

JEL Classifications: A12, I31, Z12
Hearing Impairment and Loneliness in Older Adults in the United States
Authors: Huang Alison R. , Deal Jennifer A. , Rebok George W. , Pinto Jayant M. , Waite Linda , Lin Frank R.
Published: August 2020

Hearing impairment impacts fluidity of communication and social interactions and thus may contribute to loneliness. We investigated the cross-sectional association between hearing impairment and loneliness in community-dwelling older U.S. adults using data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project ( N = 3,196). Individuals reporting fair/poor hearing had 50% (95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.09–2.05]) higher odds of any loneliness compared with those reporting excellent hearing after adjusting for comorbidity index, functional and cognitive ability, self-reported health, and demographic characteristics. Test for trend suggests a dose–response relationship over levels of hearing impairment. Hearing impairment is highly prevalent and may be an important target for consideration in interventions to reduce loneliness. Further investigation of whether treatment of hearing impairment alleviates loneliness and its disabling effects is also needed.
Restructuring municipal solid waste management and governance in Hong Kong: Options and prospects
Authors: Lee Dao Sun
Published: August 2020

From the chronological analytical review regarding municipal solid waste management (MSWM) and governance optimisation progress in Hong Kong since 2002, it is noted that the policy outcomes have seriously deviated from the original policy goals under the hitherto lack of effective development in bureaucratic and economic policy cultures in municipal solid waste (MSW) strategies formulation and related programmes implementation. The policy analysis specially stated that although the MSW recycling ratio (30%) is not particularly poor, the recovered percentage of plastics, glass and food waste in Hong Kong are extremely low. Based on the unfavourable outcomes and consequences for MSWM and governance in Hong Kong, a conclusion of negative correlation between the per capita MSW disposal rate and bureaucratic policy culture development, as well as positive correlation between recycling rate of low value items and economic policy culture development, can be made. With considering the key factors of benchmark indicators, socio-economic factors, driving force, and communication of MSW policy, conducive options and prospects are also developed for the attempt to provide insights to restructure MSWM and governance in Hong Kong in the next decade. First, the government can build up strategic innovation from a global benchmark case – MSWM and governance improvement from the South Korea case. Second, to create opportunities and conditions to develop high value biofuel from waste through flexible local environmental policies formulation and implementation. Third, shifting a front-line MSWM for governance structure reform.
Understanding Quality in Planning Consultancy: A Review and Synthesis of the Literature
Authors: McLeod Sam , Schapper Jake H. M.
Published: August 2020

Delivering quality is a central goal of planning. A substantial share of planning work involves private practitioners working in consulting firms. Accordingly, there is a need to contemplate the achievement of quality through complex modes of practice, such as work performed by temporary project teams drawn across client, consultant, and stakeholder organizations. Through a review of management and planning literature, and drawing on practice, we synthesize core concepts of quality in planning consultancy. We distill guidance for achieving many forms of quality through meeting diverse publics’ interests, and through the continual improvement of the standards and standing of our profession.
Climate Planning and Implementation in Metropolitan Transportation Governance
Authors: Mullin Megan , Feiock Richard C. , Niemeier Deb
Published: August 2020

Even with expected changes in fuel, transportation will produce significant greenhouse gas emissions long into the future. We conduct the first evaluation of the performance of metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) in planning and implementing strategies for emission reduction. By coding regional transportation plans in three U.S. states, we find a reasonably high level of plan conformance: MPOs that express commitment to climate change mitigation channel more funding toward projects that reduce emissions. However, most MPOs have not started planning to address climate change, leading us to conclude that current practice has not redirected MPOs’ traditional emphasis on automobile-based transportation.
The Clock-Controlled lncRNA-AK028245 Participates in the Immune Response via Immune Response Factors OTUD7B and A20
Authors: Qi Fang , Jiang Zhou , Hou Wang , Peng Bo , Cheng Shuting , Zhang Xiaolong , Luo Zhihan , Dai Zeyong , Wang Yumeng , Liu Yanyou , Wang Yuhui , Wang Zhengrong
Published: August 2020

Emerging evidence has demonstrated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in the epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of mammalian circadian systems. Circadian rhythmicity regulates many aspects of our immune system, and perturbation of the circadian clock can augment the inflammatory response. However, knowledge of the precise functions of lncRNAs in the regulation of immune functions within the circadian system is relatively limited. In this study, differentially expressed lncRNAs induced by Clock knockdown were screened via mRNA/lncRNA microarray and bioinformatic prediction analysis. We identified a Clock-regulated lncRNA, AK028245, which was correlated with the activation of the immune response. The expression levels of AK028245 were decreased in the spleen of immunosuppressed mice and elevated in immune-activated mice treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Further, Clock knockdown decreased the expression of OTUD7B and A20, 2 early immune response factors acting on the NF-κB signaling pathway. Interestingly, inhibition of AK028245 increased their expression, mitigating the effects of Clock knockdown. In addition, inhibition of AK028245 downregulated the expression of tumor necrosis factor–α and interleukin-6 in the late stages of LPS stimulation and the expression of interferon-γ and Cxcl12 in the peak stages. We conclude that this newly identified lncRNA plays a role in the crosstalk between Clock and immune response regulators, likely resulting in a proinflammatory response targeting OTUD7B and A20. The lncRNA AK028245 has revealed a new mechanism of the immune response and provided new targets for the treatment of immune disorders.
Un nouveau modèle spatial de prix fondé sur le principe du géomarketing-mix
Authors: Baray Jerome , Pelé Martine
Published: August 2020

Cet article présente un nouveau modèle qui vise à optimiser spatialement le prix d’un produit ou service en prenant en compte les caractéristiques de l’offre et la demande, y compris leur localisation géographique. L’introduction du concept du géomarketing-mix, de l’analyse factorielle et d’une segmentation par algorithme flou peut servir à détecter automatiquement des opportunités commerciales et stratégiques. Cette méthode est appliquée au marché français des véhicules d’occasion. Ce faisant, il est possible, premièrement, d’identifier les zones géographiques qui sont représentatives d’une certaine offre et, deuxièmement, de préciser les prix optimaux et les types de véhicules à vendre dans ces zones afin d’établir une stratégie marketing donnée.
Examining Why Age-Disparate Relationships Influence Unsafe Sex Postpartum Among South African Women: Relationship Control and Physical Partner Violence as Explanatory Mechanisms
Authors: Groves Allison K. , Reyes H. Luz McNaughton , Gebrekristos Luwam T. , Moodley Dhayendre , Maman Suzanne
Published: August 2020

HIV incidence rates in South Africa are extremely high, particularly postpartum. However, there is limited knowledge of women’s HIV risk behavior postpartum. Women in age-disparate relationships may be less able to negotiate safe sex postpartum than women whose partners are similar ages because they have less relationship power. The study’s purpose is to test whether being in an age-disparate relationship predicts postpartum unsafe sex and to explore relationship control and intimate partner violence (IPV) as explanatory mechanisms. Data are obtained from 516 HIV-negative participants who completed a survey during pregnancy and at 14 weeks postpartum as part of a longitudinal study in Durban. Age variables, relationship control, and IPV during pregnancy were included in a multivariate model predicting unsafe sex postpartum. We also assessed whether the hypothesized mediators explained the association between being in an age-disparate relationship and unsafe sex postpartum by using indirect effect analysis with bootstrapping. Women’s mean age was 24.34 years (range = 18.03–45.36); the mean difference in ages in relationships was 3.19 years (range = −6.1 to 30.1). More than a quarter reported unsafe sex postpartum (27%). Age-disparate relationship, lower relationship control, and higher IPV were each longitudinally associated with unsafe sex. Relationship control, but not IPV, mediated the association between age-disparate relationship and unsafe sex (indirect effect [ B] = 0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.0002, 0.0283]). Age disparity, relationship control, and IPV all contributed to unsafe sex postpartum. Interventions that reduce the formation of age-disparate relationships and increase women’s relationship power in pregnancy are needed to reduce women’s HIV risk in the postpartum period.
Thermal behavior and kinetic analysis of co-combustion of wheat straw and polyvinyl chloride under different oxygen concentrations through thermogravimetry
Authors: Zhao Jun , Wang Shuzhong , Zhang Rui , Wu Zhiqiang , Meng Haiyu , Chen Lin
Published: August 2020

Co-combustion characteristics of wheat straw with polyvinyl chloride under different oxygen concentration atmospheres were investigated using a thermogravimetric analyzer. Experimental samples included wheat straw, polyvinyl chloride, and their blends. The results showed that when the wheat straw was blended with polyvinyl chloride, there was an inhibition for devolatilization in the volatile combustion stage. However, during the char combustion stage, a promotion was observed. As the oxygen concentration increased from 10% to 40%, the ignition temperatures, burnout temperatures, and maximum reaction rate temperatures of all samples decreased, and the combustion characteristic factors ( SN) increased. The combustion of wheat straw was significantly affected by oxygen concentration, whereas the polyvinyl chloride and blends were affected relatively slightly. Especially, as the oxygen concentration increased from 30% to 40%, the combustion of polyvinyl chloride and blends improve slightly. The reason for this behavior is attributed to the diffusion effects of the oxygen and the microstructure changes of the samples. In addition, the activation energies of the co-combustion process under the four atmospheres, for all samples, were calculated by Flynn–Wall–Ozawa method. The kinetic results show that the diffusion effect of the oxygen influenced the apparent activation energies of combustion reaction and the compensation effect of activation energies exists.
Prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with overt myocardial dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus. A case-control study
Authors: Gawalkar Atit A , Bahl Ajay , Ahluwalia Jasmina , Sood Ashwani , Sharma Aman , Sharma Shefali , Dhir Varun
Published: August 2020

Background

Small case-series have reported overt myocardial dysfunction to be associated with positive antiphospholipid antibodies in patients of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, there is no case-control study that has examined this association.

Methods

This case-control study recruited patients of SLE (fulfilling SLICC criteria) with overt myocardial dysfunction as cases and those without this as controls. Overt myocardial dysfunction was defined by echocardiography as global left ventricular dysfunction and reduced ejection fraction (<50%). Those patients with a prior diagnosis of anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome, coronary artery disease, rheumatic heart disease or severe pulmonary artery hypertension were excluded. Antibodies tested included lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies (IgM and IgG) and anti-beta 2 glycoprotein 1 antibodies (IgM and IgG). Patients with positive tests underwent repeat testing for persistent positivity after 12 weeks.

Results

This study included 51 patients (21 cases and 30 controls) having a mean (SD) age of 33 (13.3) years, and disease duration (median, IQR) of 28 months (12−38 months). The mean ejection fraction of cases was 31.7 (9.3)% while that of controls was 55.7 (1.7)% (p = 0.03). The frequency (percentage) of positive antiphospholipid antibodies was not significantly different between cases and controls (43%, 40%, p = 0.8). The frequency (percentage) of anti-cardiolipin antibody was also not significant between the groups (38%, 37%, p = 0.57). Serositis and leucopenia were more prevalent in SLE patients with myocardial dysfunction (p = 0.005).

Conclusion

This study did not find any significant association of anti-phospholipid antibodies with overt myocardial dysfunction in patients of SLE.