bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topical Refrigerant Spray for IVs: Patient/Provider Responses - Prospective, Double-blind, Randomized Study
Authors: Barbour Tracy , O’Keefe Sharon , Mace Sharon E.
Published: December 2020

Painful procedures are common. Patients prefer analgesia for painful procedures. Studies indicate that use of a topical refrigerant spray (TRS) prior to needlestick procedures decreases needlestick pain. TRS is easy to apply, inexpensive, has fast onset, and avoids needlestick pain and anxiety, and needlestick injury risk. Patient and health care provider (HCP) acceptance of any technique is essential before it is adopted. This study evaluated the decrease in pain with TRS and the patient and HCP satisfaction and acceptance of TRS for peripheral intravenous (PIV) placement. Adults (N = 300) randomized to placebo or TRS and HCPs (N = 300) placing PIVs answered questionnaires. Patients had significantly less pain than with prior PIVs, and were satisfied with and would use TRS in the future (P < 0.001). HCP felt that patients had significantly (P < 0.001) less pain with TRS than the placebo, and were satisfied with the TRS, and would use TRS in the future.

Registered at Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01670487
Predictors of Tracheostomy Decannulation in Adult Laryngotracheal Stenosis
Authors: Snow Grace E. , Shaver Timothy Brandon , Teplitzky Taylor B. , Guardiani Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

Objective

Predictors of tracheostomy decannulation in patients with laryngotracheal stenosis are not fully known, making prognosis difficult. The aim was to identify predictors of tracheostomy decannulation in adult patients with acquired stenosis of the larynx and/or trachea who were tracheostomy dependent.

Study Design

Case series.

Setting

Academic teaching hospital.

Methods

A total of 103 consecutive adult patients with laryngotracheal stenosis who were tracheostomy dependent and seen by the otolaryngology clinic from January 1, 2013, to August 2, 2018, were included. Exclusion criteria included age <18 years, history of laryngeal cancer or head and neck radiation, or history of laryngeal fracture. The primary outcome was the presence of tracheostomy at last follow‐up. The patients’ etiology of stenosis, comorbid conditions, and characteristics of the stenosis were analyzed to determine if there was a statistically significant relationship with decannulation.

Results

A total of 103 patients were included: 67% of patients were women and the average age was 53.5 years. Sixty‐four patients (62%) were successfully decannulated. In multivariate analysis, patients who were successfully decannulated presented to the otolaryngology clinic earlier after tracheostomy was performed, were more likely to have been intubated due to trauma, and were less likely to have gastroesophageal reflux disease. In patients with subglottic or tracheal stenosis, those with granulation tissue without firm scar were more likely to be decannulated, and those who underwent rigid dilation were less likely to be decannulated.

Conclusion

Early evaluation by an otolaryngologist may increase the likelihood of tracheostomy decannulation in patients with laryngotracheal stenosis. Patient comorbidities may assist in predicting which patients will be successfully decannulated.
From F-Bombs to Kissing Students: Media Framing of Male and Female Professors Accused of Sexual Harassment
Authors: Pitchford Bethany , Sternadori Miglena , Starkey Jesse , Koerber Amy
Published: December 2020

This constructionist framing analysis identified media frames in news coverage of four tenured professors, two men and two women, accused of sexual harassment at research-intensive universities: Jorge Dominguez (Harvard), Coleman Hutchison (University of Texas), Avital Ronell (New York University), and Teresa Buchanan (Louisiana State University). The following four frames, some of which were distinctly gendered, were identified in the news coverage of the professors: Little Boys Being Bad; Academic Power Players; Treacherous Stay-Away-Froms; and Eccentric Freethinkers. The findings are discussed through a feminist lens, which prioritizes gendered power dynamics and social norms. The analysis indicates that news coverage of sexual harassment still limits recognition of the problem’s systemic nature and the institutional responsibility to prevent it. The article further contributes to the feminist literature on sexual harassment by demonstrating that the term “sexual harassment” is often misused to avoid including details about what has happened to victims.
Perioperative breathing training to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Qin Pei-pei , Jin Ju-ying , Wang Wen-jian , Min Su
Published: December 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine whether perioperative breathing training reduces the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Design:

A randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

University hospital.

Subjects:

A total of 240 patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery participated in this study.

Intervention:

The enrolled patients were randomized into an intervention or control group. Patients in the intervention group received perioperative breathing training, including deep breathing and coughing exercise, balloon-blowing exercise, and pursed lip breathing exercise. The control group received standard perioperative care without any breathing training.

Main measures:

The primary endpoint was the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the effect of perioperative breathing training on arterial oxygenation, incidence of other postoperative complications, patient satisfaction, length of stay, and hospital charges.

Results:

The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in the breathing training group was lower than that in the control group (5/120 [4%] vs 14/120 [12%]; RR 0.357, 95%CI 0.133–0.960; P = 0.031). In addition, PaO2 and arterial oxygenation index on the first and fourth days after surgery were significantly higher in the breathing training group than in the control group ( P < 0.001). In addition, patients with breathing training had shorter length of stay (6d [IQR 5–7] vs 8d [IQR 7–9]), lower hospital charges (7761 ± 1679 vs 8212 ± 1326), and higher patient satisfaction (9.46 ± 0.65 vs 9.21 ± 0.47) than those without.

Conclusion:

Perioperative breathing training may reduce the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications and preserve of arterial oxygenation after laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
An investigation into whether cardiac risk stratification protocols actually predict complications in cardiac rehabilitation programs?
Authors: Ribeiro Felipe , Takahashi Carolina , Vanzella Lais Manata , Laurino Maria Julia Lopez , Lima Isabelle Maina , Silva Vitor Eduardo dos Santos , Silva João Pedro Lucas Neves , Valente Heloisa Balotari , da Silva Anne Kastelianne França , Christofaro Diego Giulliano Destro , Vanderlei Luiz Carlos Marques
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

This study evaluated the capacity of cardiac risk stratification protocols on simple complications that occur during activities of a cardiovascular rehabilitation program.

Design:

Observational longitudinal cohort study.

Setting:

Outpatient clinic of cardiovascular rehabilitation.

Subject:

Patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and/or risk factors.

Interventions:

Not applicable.

Main measures:

The relationship between the cardiac risk classes of seven risk stratification protocols and the occurrence of simple complications (such angina, abnormal changes in blood pressure, arrhythmias, fatigue, muscle pain, pallor) was assessed using the chi-square test, and when statistical significance was observed, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were determined.

Results:

About 76 patients were analyzed. The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) protocol showed a statistically significant relationship between simple complications and cardiac risk classes ( P-value = 0.046), however the results of sensitivity (0.53), specificity (0.52), and accuracy (0.53) were not significant. The other protocols analyzed were not significant: American College of Sports Medicine ( P-value = 0.801), Brazilian Society of Cardiology ( P-value = 0.734), American Heart Association ( P-value = 0.957), Pashkow ( P-value = 0.790), Society French Cardiology ( P-value = 0.314), and Spanish Society of Cardiology ( P-value = 0.078).

Conclusion:

The AACVPR protocol showed a significant relationship between the risk classes and the occurrence of simple complications, however, the low values obtained for sensitivity, specificity and accuracy show that it is not useful for this purpose.

Clinical trials registration:

NCT03446742.
Reverse Zoonosis of COVID-19: Lessons From the 2009 Influenza Pandemic
Authors: Sooksawasdi Na Ayudhya Syriam , Kuiken Thijs
Published: December 2020

Over the past decade, pandemics caused by pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza virus in 2009 and severe acute respiratory syndrome virus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 2019 have emerged. Both are high-impact respiratory pathogens originating from animals. Their wide distribution in the human population subsequently results in an increased risk of human-to-animal transmission: reverse zoonosis. Although there have only been rare reports of reverse zoonosis events associated with the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic from SARS-CoV-2 so far, comparison with the pH1N1 influenza pandemic can provide a better understanding of the possible consequences of such events for public and animal health. The results of our review suggest that similar factors contribute to successful crossing of the host species barriers in both pandemics. Specific risk factors include sufficient interaction between infected humans and recipient animals, suitability of the animal host factors for productive virus infection, and suitability of the animal host population for viral persistence. Of particular concern is virus spread to susceptible animal species, in which group housing and contact network structure could potentially result in an alternative virus reservoir, from which reintroduction into humans can take place. Virus exposure in high-density populations could allow sustained transmission in susceptible animal species. Identification of the risk factors and serological surveillance in SARS-CoV-2-susceptible animal species that are group-housed should help reduce the threat from reverse zoonosis of COVID-19.
Stress Pattern and Deformation in Mid-palatal Suture and Posterior Dentoalveolar Area With Two Different Types of Rapid Maxillary Expansion Appliances: A Finite Element Method Study
Authors: Shrivastava Nitya , Thukral Rakesh , Garg Ashish , Tripathi Amit , Marothiya Sunita
Published: December 2020

Objective:

The study was conducted to evaluate stress pattern and deformation in mid-palatal suture and posterior dentoalveolar area during maxillary expansion therapy with two different types of rapid maxillary expansion by finite element method study.

Methods and Methodology:

The finite element analysis was performed on a model of maxilla, with narrow maxillary base and teeth digitally reconstructed, based on CBCT images, acquired by child (age 12.5 years) but not in permanent dentition stage from available pool data.

Result:

More amount of stress was observed in mid-palatal suture and posterior dental alveolar area by using the Hyrax appliance as compared to the Haas appliance. Stress pattern evaluated in mid-palatal suture depicts maximum stress concentration on the anterior region of mid-palatal suture at the position of incisive papilla. Deformation in maximum quantity is observed in central incisors. Maximum stress generation and deformation are observed in lingual region of premolar and molar areas. Minimum stress generation and deformation are observed in the posterior part of last molars.

Conclusion:

Hyrax produces more stress and deformation in mid-palatal suture as well as in the posterior alveolar segment in comparison to Haas appliance. Better results in the immediate skeletal response were obtained by the Hyrax-type expander as compared to the Haas type.
Effects of Nanosilica as Suspensions on the Hydration and the Microstructure of Hardened Cement Paste
Authors: Kodippili Dulani P. A. , Drew Robin A. L. , Nokken Michelle R.
Published: December 2020

Nanosilica (NS) has shown significant beneficial effects on concrete. However, the utilization of NS to achieve its maximum benefits is limited by the agglomeration of nanoparticles, which is associated with production methods and the method of NS dispersion in concrete. In this study, the effects of the utilization of NS as a suspension in calcium hydroxide (CH) on the hydration characteristics and the microstructure of the cement pastes were investigated with different levels of cement replacements (1%, 2%, 4%, and 6% NS) at 2, 7, and 28 days. The hydration of the cement pastes was investigated by isothermal calorimetry, and the measurement of CH content by thermogravimetry. The microstructures were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic mapping. The microstructure of the pastes was characterized by analyzing the pore size and the pore size distribution using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). The calorimetric studies indicated that the replacing cement by NS derived by this method leads to faster hydration up to 4% replacement. The CH contents could be reduced by the incorporation of NS. The pore structures revealed that the pastes with NS had become comparably denser than the pastes without NS. A positive insight into the durability characteristics was shown by the results of the MIP when using NS as suspensions.
Analyzing Road Transport (Passenger and Freight) Demand in Pakistan with Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag Co-Integration Approach
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zamir
Published: December 2020

Understanding the determinants of transport demand is crucial in making effective transport and environmental policies. In that context, the present study provides an empirical analysis of both road passenger and freight transport demand in Pakistan, using annual time series data from 1980 to 2016. The auto-regressive distributed lag bounds testing approach of co-integration is employed to estimate the short- and long-run elasticities. The empirical results show that fuel price, per-capita income, urbanization and road density are important determinants of road passenger transport demand in Pakistan. Similarly, fuel price, industrial production and international trade are the main drivers of road freight transport demand. In general, long-run elasticities are greater than short-run elasticities. Moreover, the long-run fuel price elasticities of passenger and freight transport demand are –0.044 and –0.784, respectively, implying that policy instruments (raising fuel taxes) are relatively less effective in controlling the future road transport demand and associated environment problems. The results based on short-run error correction models indicate that passenger transport demand adjusts about 75% in the first year to achieve its long-run equilibrium, while that of freight demand adjusts toward long-run equilibrium at a relatively slower rate, with about 16% of error correction taking place in the following year to reach long-run equilibrium.
Association of beta-catenin and CD44 in the development of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Agrawal Akash , Datta Chhanda , Panda Chinmay Kumar , Pal Dilip Kumar
Published: December 2020

Introduction and objective:

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for approximately 3% of all cancers. Approximately 25%–30% of patients present with metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis, and metastatic RCC is a treatment-resistant malignancy. Altered expression of cell adhesion molecules such as CD44 on tumor cells suggests a pathogenetic mechanism for tumor metastasis and may provide prognostic information for particular tumors. These cell matrix interactions of CD44 play a role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis. The Wnt/beta-catenin pathway turned out to be a promising target as it is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis induction.

Method:

In this study, the expression of beta-catenin and CD44 was analyzed in primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) samples to understand their association with development of the disease. For this purpose, immunohistochemical expression analysis of beta-catenin and CD44 was performed in 30 primary RCC histological samples and normal kidney tissues in different subtypes at different clinical stages of Indian patients (year: 2017–2019).

Result:

Most of the patients who presented were diagnosed as clear cell carcinoma and it was observed that expression of CD44 was high in patients with high stage tumors. Also beta-catenin was increased in advanced grade tumors, but there was insignificant correlation between high expression of molecules and survival or recurrence of disease.

Conclusion:

Both cd44 and beta-catenin activation was noted in patients with clear cell carcinoma, more in advanced tumors. Both can be promising targets for treatment in clear cell RCCs.
Uncertainty and the prospect of major social transformations
Authors: Jaclin David , Wagner Peter
Published: December 2020

This editorial addresses the current public-health emergency and assesses its potential to become an event in the sense of a structure-transforming occurrence. This emergency is briefly compared with climate change and the current challenges to democracy, arguing that all these phenomena point to similar deficiencies in societal self-understanding and socio-political organization.
Artificial intelligence-based imaging analytics and lung cancer diagnostics: Considerations for health system leaders
Authors: Zarzeczny Amy , Babyn Paul , Adams Scott J. , Longo Justin
Published: December 2020

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in Canada, and accurate, early diagnosis are critical to improving clinical outcomes. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based imaging analytics are a promising healthcare innovation that aim to improve the accuracy and efficiency of lung cancer diagnosis. Maximizing their clinical potential while mitigating their risks and limitations will require focused leadership informed by interdisciplinary expertise and system-wide insight. We convened a knowledge exchange workshop with diverse Saskatchewan health system leaders and stakeholders to explore issues surrounding the use of AI in diagnostic imaging for lung cancer, including implementation opportunities, challenges, and priorities. This technology is anticipated to improve patient outcomes, reduce unnecessary healthcare spending, and increase knowledge. However, health system leaders must also address the needs for robust data, financial investment, effective communication and collaboration between healthcare sectors, privacy and data protections, and continued interdisciplinary research to achieve this technology’s potential benefits.
‘My Life Is More Valuable Than This’: Understanding Risk among On-Demand Food Couriers in Edinburgh
Authors: Gregory Karen
Published: December 2020

Drawing from the social study of the gig economy and platform labour and from the sociology of risk, this article explores how on-demand food couriers in Edinburgh, Scotland, construct and represent work-related risks. By taking the gig economy’s contested and contentious status of ‘self-employment’ as a starting point, this article positions couriers as experts of their own work process and draws on in-depth interviews with 25 couriers to illustrate how platformed labour creates a range of risks, including physical risk and bodily harm, financial risks and epistemic risks. To negotiate these risks, couriers use a range of strategies, including privatising, normalising and minimising risks and by forging new communities of support. While some risks can be negotiated by recourse to the private, entrepreneurial, or ‘choosing’ self, interview data illustrate how algorithmically managed work creates uncertainty and confounds the issue of choice by obscuring the work process and associated risk probabilities.
SiBCN ceramic precursor modified phthalonitrile resin with high thermal resistance
Authors: Wang Zi-long , Han Yue , Liu Xian-yuan , Guo Ying , Zhou Heng , Wang Jun , Liu Wen-bin , Li Ye , Weijian Han , Zhao Tong
Published: December 2020

In order to expand the application of phenolic-type phthalonitrile resin in high-temperature fields, a series of organic–inorganic hybrid materials have been prepared via conventional blending and doping method. The chemical transformations were monitored by various measurements, while the curing behavior was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and these new blends could be also cured under auto-catalytic process. The onset polymerization exothermic temperature shifted to lower temperatures (195.3°C). Later, the compatibility within the cured products was analyzed by using energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), where no phase separation occurred between the ceramic domain and the phthalonitrile polymer. Upon curing, the thermal properties of the polymers were characterized by dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), where enhanced heat resistance and thermal stability were discovered, The blends residual weight (Cy) value was 57.6% with 15 wt.% SiBCN at 1000°C. And when blended with SiBCN precursor, no peak or onset point could be observed in the temperature range (50 to 500°C), which indicated the glass transition temperature greater than 500°C. Additionally, the dielectric properties were evaluated. And when the content was 5 wt.%, the blends dielectric loss was 0.0043 and the permittivity was 4.31. The above results indicated that the introduction of ceramic precursors could enhance the thermal performance of phthalonitrile polymers, consequently the hybrid materials shown great potential in the application of higher temperature fields.
Operational modal analysis of a nonlinear oscillation system under a harmonic excitation
Authors: Jiang Xuchu , Jiang Feng , Zhang Biao
Published: December 2020

Operational modal analysis (OMA) is a procedure that allows the modal parameters of a structure to be extracted from the measured response to an unknown excitation generated during operation. Nonlinearity is inevitably and frequently encountered in OMA. The problem: The traditional OMA method based on linear modal theory cannot be applied to a nonlinear oscillation system. The solution: This paper aims to propose a nonlinear OMA method for nonlinear oscillation systems. The new OMA method is based on the following: (1) a self-excitation phenomenon is caused by nonlinear components; (2) the nonlinear normal modes (NNMs) of the system appear under a single-frequency harmonic excitation; and (3) using forced response data, the symbolic regression method (SR) can be used to automatically search for the NNMs of the system, whose modal parameters are implicit in the expression structure expressing each NNM. The simulation result of a three-degree-of-freedom (3-DOF) nonlinear system verifies the correctness of the proposed OMA method. Then, a disc-rod rotor model is considered, and the proposed OMA method’s capability is further evaluated.
Shameless normalisation of impoliteness: Berlusconi’s and Trump’s press conferences
Authors: Wodak Ruth , Culpeper Jonathan , Semino Elena
Published: December 2020

This paper applies the notions of impoliteness and shameless normalisation to potentially impolite behaviours produced by Donald Trump and Silvio Berlusconi in official press conferences. Press conferences, as an activity type, involve relatively clear expectations and norms, so that impolite behaviours theoretically constitute particularly salient violations. We present two case studies involving racist and misogynist insults on the part of Berlusconi and Trump, respectively, analysed in their co-textual, interactional, socio-political as well as historical contexts. We describe the kinds of impoliteness that each politician employs, without any apology, and argue that they involve violations of the traditional moral order that are part of a far-right populist agenda of shameless normalisation. In each case, we examine comments posted in response to YouTube videos of each incident and provide evidence of polarised responses, but with substantial proportions expressing positive evaluations. We observe that impoliteness affords the possibility of presenting authentic and hyper-masculine identities and finish by reflecting on the implications of our findings for the local and global political and cultural landscape.
Fit to conceive? Representations of preconception health in the UK press
Authors: Budds Kirsty
Published: December 2020

The period before conception is increasingly claimed to be of critical importance for pregnancy and birth outcomes, prompting calls for public health advice and interventions to be targeted at women before rather than during pregnancy. Drawing on Foucault’s concepts of governmentality and technologies of the self, this article explores the implications of preconception health messages for women of reproductive age. Following a critical discursive analysis of 57 UK newspaper articles, three dominant representations of preconception health were identified: preconception health as optimizing fertility, as determining infant health, and as point of intervention. I suggest that these representations reflect neoliberal health agendas, positioning women as in control of and responsible for their fertility, the health of their future children, future generations, and of the wider population, all through careful self-policing of their lifestyles. In this way, “good” preconception health is emphasized as an increasingly important form of health citizenship. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the gendered nature of these expectations, with a disproportionate focus on the potential impact of women’s preconception health. Few challenges to these dominant messages were identified, and concerns are raised about the potential impacts on the autonomy and subjectivities of women of reproductive age, regardless of pregnancy intentions.
A diffusive representation approach toward H∞ sliding mode control design for fractional-order Markovian jump systems
Authors: Parvizian Majid , Khandani Khosro
Published: December 2020

This article proposes a new [Formula: see text] sliding mode control strategy for stabilizing controller design for fractional-order Markovian jump systems. The suggested approach is based on the diffusive representation of fractional-order Markovian jump systems which transforms the fractional-order system into an integer-order one. Using a new Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, the problem of [Formula: see text] sliding mode control of uncertain fractional-order Markovian jump systems with exogenous noise is investigated. We propose a sliding surface and prove its reachability. Moreover, the linear matrix inequality conditions for stochastic stability of the resultant sliding motion with a given [Formula: see text] disturbance attenuation level are derived. Eventually, the theoretical results are verified through a simulation example.
Strachan on Clausewitz: Setting Standards for Research and Study
Authors: Scheipers Sibylle
Published: December 2020

This article provides an appraisal of Hew Strachan’s impact on Clausewitz research since the early 2000s. It highlights that owing to the complexity of Clausewitz’s oeuvre and its publication history, scholarship on Clausewitz has to live up to demanding standards in order to be compelling. Strachan’s research on Clausewitz provides not only a revisionist reinterpretation that usher our understanding of the Prussian general into the post-Cold War era. It also sets out the relevant standards and exemplifies how particular challenges can be overcome. Conversely, Strachan has also used his understanding of Clausewitz as a framework to sketch an understanding of strategic studies as an interdisciplinary field that is founded in history and that takes Clausewitz’s trinity as a starting point for a more meaningful debate on civil-military relations.
The regulation of midwives in England, c.1500–1902
Authors: Fox Sarah , Brazier Margaret
Published: December 2020

Throughout the 19th century, midwives were depicted as incompetent slatterns in both popular imagery and medical literature. We examine how, between 1500 and 1800, midwifery was regulated by a combination of formal licensing by the Church and informal oversight within the community. We argue that episcopal licensing demanded that midwives demonstrate knowledge and competence in midwifery, not only that they were spiritually fit to baptise dying infants. Although episcopal licensing lacked statutory authority, the symbiosis of formal and informal systems of regulation ensured good midwifery practice and midwives were regarded as experts in all matters relating to childbirth. The Midwives Act 1902 introduced statutory regulation of midwives, restoring their ‘professional status’ if in a subordinate role. We show that the history of the regulation of midwives across four centuries casts light on the interplay between formal and informal regulation and matters of gender and professional status.
Book review: Brene Brown, Dare to Lead
Authors: Kundra Shradha
Published: December 2020

Brene Brown, Dare to Lead, 2018, London: Vermilion, Ebury Publishing, 320 pp., $28 (Hardcover). ISBN 9781785042140 (Epub).
Structural Transformation, Service Sector Growth and Poverty Alleviation: The Role of Formal–Informal Interaction and Rising Informal Wage
Authors: Marjit Sugata , Sasmal Ritwik , Sasmal Joydeb
Published: December 2020

The motivation of this article is to develop a theoretical mechanism on the interaction between formal and informal sectors and rising informal wage, in the process of service sector growth. Based on empirical support for service sector growth, structural change, higher employment of labour in unorganised sector and rising informal wage in the Indian context, this article develops a theoretical model on the formal–informal interaction in labour employment using a trade-theoretic general equilibrium framework. The results show that with the expansion of capital-intensive, organised service sector, following capital investment in the country, the informal, non-traded intermediate sector, which supplies inputs to the formal service sector, expands with greater employment. The labour-intensive domestic sector of consumer services declines, with the result that the price of consumer services rises, leading to rise in informal wage rate.
Determinants of Ethiopian Agricultural Exports: A Dynamic Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Eshetu Fassil , Mehare Abule
Published: December 2020

Although the share of developing countries in international trade has been growing over the last two decades, the share of Africa and Ethiopia in international trade has remained below 3 and 0.3 per cent, respectively. More importantly, despite the colossal effort that has been made by the Ethiopian government to remedy the problem of the export sector over the last two decades, the country has faced a twin deficit: trade deficit and fiscal deficit. As a result, the trade balance of Ethiopia has been worsening through time due to the widening gap between export and import values. Therefore, this study examined the determinants of Ethiopian agricultural exports using the imperfect substitutes’ model as a theoretical framework and system generalised moment method as an analytical model for the period 1998–2018. The regression result of the two-step system generalised moment method showed that gross domestic product, exchange rate, road network, corruption index of Ethiopia, lagged export value, indirect tax revenue and domestic saving are the major determinants of agricultural exports in Ethiopia. However, foreign direct investment and labour force are negatively and significantly related to Ethiopian agricultural exports. Hence, rapid economic growth, currency devaluation, encouraging domestic saving, reducing the tariff on export and better control of corruption would boost Ethiopian agricultural exports. Besides, controlling rapid population growth and directing foreign direct investment to the agricultural sector will also surge Ethiopian agricultural exports.
Analysis of Human Capital Development and Output Growth Nexus in Africa’s Most Populous Country: A New Evidence from ARDL Approach
Authors: Orji Anthony , Ogbuabor Jonathan E. , Iwuagwu Chikaodinaka , Anthony-Orji Onyinye I.
Published: December 2020

This article empirically analysed the impact of human capital development on output growth in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country. The study employed time series data from 1985 to 2018 and adopted the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model bounds test to ascertain the existence of a long-run relationship between human capital development and output growth. The findings of this study revealed that there exists a long-run relationship between human capital development and output growth in Nigeria. Human capital development components such as public expenditure on health and labour force showed significant positive contribution to output growth in Nigeria, while public expenditure on education showed a reverse relationship. Gross capital formation (proxy for stock of physical capital) also showed positive contribution to growth. The study therefore recommended that there is need to re-evaluate the expenditure made on public education to ensure that it is well utilised to fund critical infrastructure that will enhance learning, capacity building and human development, which will ultimately contribute to output growth. Policies should also be enacted to support improvements in the other components of human developments’ proxies in order to contribute optimally to output growth continuously.
Regional Integration and Infrastructure Development: Challenges and Opportunities for Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Daniel D. A. , Sama M. C.
Published: December 2020

This study used both purposive and stratified sampling techniques, the contribution of regional integration on financing infrastructural project, and regional policy on infrastructural management and technical skills in Côte d’Ivoire was assessed. The study found that over 80 per cent of respondents agreed that regional integration would increase infrastructural project financing evidenced by the country-specific plan for 2020–2022 under the African Development Bank. Moreover, 69 per cent of respondents agreed that the impacts of regional policy on infrastructural management and technical skill have positive effect on the economic development in Côte d’Ivoire. However, there was a significant difference (chi-square value = 0.042, p < 0.05) between the level of education and perception on policy, while the relationship between infrastructure financing and education level was insignificant. Despite the number of challenges limiting regional integration, there are more opportunities through continental and regional programmes and political willpower of Côte d’Ivoire for a successful integration. The study recommends that awareness of regional integration be increased to enhance the knowledge of citizens for easy adoption of regional policy into national activities for infrastructural development.
Effectiveness of a Singaporean Community-Based Physical Activity and Nutrition Intervention: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wong Elaine Yee-Sing , James Anthony P. , Lee Andy H. , Jancey Jonine
Published: December 2020

This study examined the effectiveness of a 6-month intervention to improve the health behaviors and outcomes among women aged 50 years and older. A sample of 580 (intervention n = 295; control n = 285) women was recruited from 26 recreational centers. Only the intervention group participated in the Singapore Physical Activity (PA) and Nutrition Study (SPANS), received health resources (calendar, recipe, and booklets) and motivational support from program ambassadors. The intervention group showed significant improvements in moderate-intensity PA, vigorous-intensity PA, and total PA ( P < .001), increased intake frequency of fruit and vegetables ( P = .049), a reduction in salt and sugary beverage intake ( P ≤ .042), and reductions in systolic blood pressure (BP; −3.68 mm Hg), diastolic BP (−3.54 mm Hg), and percentage body fat (−2.13%; P ≤ .020) when compared with the control group. The SPANS appeared to be efficacious in improving PA and dietary behaviors, reducing BP and percentage body fat among Singaporean women.
Advance Care Planning and End of Life Care Literacy Initiatives in African American Faith Communities: A Systematic Integrative Review
Authors: Catlett Lauren , Campbell Cathy
Published: December 2020

African Americans (AA) experience health inequalities that affect their utilization of advance care planning (ACP) and hospice and palliative care at end of life (EOL). Faith-based health promotion models may be applicable to ACP and EOL care literacy for this population. The purpose of this integrative review was to examine the literature highlighting participant responses to ACP and EOL care literacy initiatives in AA faith communities. An integrative literature review was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsychINFO. Eight primary sources met inclusion criteria. Findings from these studies indicate that integration of AA religious beliefs and practices into ACP and EOL care educational programs may enhance the efficacy of these efforts in promoting ACP, advance directive completion, and hospice use. Building trust, creating community partnerships, and involving church leadership in ACP and EOL care literacy promotion efforts serve as important elements to inform future initiatives.
Nursing Process Addressing the Focus “Anxiety”: A Scoping Review
Authors: Sampaio Francisco , Gonçalves Patrícia , Parola Vítor , Sequeira Carlos , Lluch Canut Teresa
Published: December 2020

The aim of this review was to map the body of literature on data, diagnoses and interventions addressing the nursing focus “anxiety.” A scoping review methodology was employed. The Joanna Briggs guidelines for scoping reviews and PRISMA checklist for scoping reviews were followed. Electronic database searches (MEDLINE, CINAHL and Web of Science) located 829 articles. From the total of articles located, 165 were included. The nursing diagnosis “anxiety” can be considered a parent diagnosis, from which other children diagnoses are derived. Data that lead to nursing diagnoses in the anxiety domain can be divided into cognitive and somatic data. Some interventions, such as educational and music-based interventions, seem to be useful to address nursing diagnoses in the anxiety domain. The findings of this review can add substantial value for systematising the nursing process related to the focus “anxiety.” Therefore, reaching consensus regarding this nursing process seems highly relevant.
The Geopolitics of Major Power Interventions in Civil Wars
Authors: Clare Joe , Danilovic Vesna
Published: December 2020

What factors influence third parties to intervene in civil wars? Our focus on major powers, which are disproportionately more likely than other states to intervene in civil conflicts, directs us to the factors that uniquely shape their interests. While our study does not rule out humanitarian interventions by collective security international institutions and individual states, we do not find that humanitarian concerns motivate major powers. We argue and demonstrate that their decisions to intervene are principally motivated by their drive to establish, consolidate, or expand influence in different geopolitical regions. Past research with the strategic approach stressed the importance of an intervener’s prior ties with a civil war state for this decision. Though important, we show the effect of these ties is subordinate to other factors. In our argument, their role is primarily relevant for determining whether an intervener will be on the side of the government or opposition. The key issue of whether major powers are likely to intervene in the first place, however, is contingent on how much the entire region is strategically relevant to warrant intervention. The empirical analysis of civil war interventions over nearly fifty years lends strong support to our theoretical expectations.
Efficacy of Cryotherapy as a Primary Endoscopic Ablation Modality for Dysplastic Barrett’s Esophagus and Early Esophageal Neoplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tariq Raseen , Enslin Sarah , Hayat Maham , Kaul Vivek
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Cryotherapy is a cold-based ablative therapy used primarily as second line therapy in patients with Barrett’s esophagus (BE) who have persistent dysplasia after undergoing endoscopic treatment with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Few studies have described the use of cryotherapy as a primary treatment modality for dysplastic or neoplastic BE.

Aim:

To evaluate the efficacy of cryotherapy as primary treatment of dysplastic and/or neoplastic BE by conducting a systemic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

A systematic search of Medline, Embase, and Web of Science was performed from January 2000 through March 2020. Articles included were observational studies and clinical trials which included patients who had biopsy confirmed dysplastic or neoplastic BE (i.e., high grade dysplasia (HGD), low grade dysplasia (LGD) or intramucosal adenocarcinoma (ImCA)), underwent ≥1 session of cryotherapy, and had a follow-up endoscopy. Primary outcomes were pooled proportions of patients achieving complete eradication of dysplasia (CE-D) and/or intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM) by using a random effects model.

Results:

Fourteen studies making up 405 patients with follow-up ranging from 3-54 months were included. In 13 studies, a total of 321/405 patients achieved CE-D with a pooled proportion of 84.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 72.2-94.4), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 88.3%). In 13 studies, a total of 321/405 patients achieved CE-D with a pooled proportion of 84.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 72.2-94.4), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 88.3%). Subgroup analysis of only high-quality studies revealed a pooled proportion of CE-D 91.3% (95% CI, 83.0-97.4, I2 = 69.5%) and pooled proportion of CE-IM of 71.6% (95% CI, 59.0-82.9, I2 = 80.9%). Adverse events were reported in 12.2% patients.

Conclusion:

Cryotherapy is a safe and effective primary therapy for dysplastic/early neoplastic BE. CE-D and CE-IM rates are comparable to those for other ablation modalities, including RFA. Cryotherapy should be considered for primary therapy of dysplastic BE and early esophageal neoplasia.
Factors Associated With Efficacy and Nivolumab-Related Interstitial Pneumonia in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Survey
Authors: Hata Hiroki , Mio Tadashi , Yamashita Daisuke , Matsumura Chikako , Chisaki Yugo , Motohashi Hideyuki , Yano Yoshitaka
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives:

Immune-checitors have been established as a novel standard treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with efficacy and nivolumab-related interstitial pneumonia in NSCLC by evaluating clinical data at the initiation of and during treatment.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent treatment with nivolumab between October 2015 and December 2017. Using pretreatment patient data, we investigated factors associated with overall survival (OS) and the onset of nivolumab-related pneumonitis. We investigated serum biochemistry during treatment to identify the determinants associated with progressive disease (PD) and the onset of nivolumab-related pneumonitis.

Results:

A total of 94 patients were included. Eleven patients continued treatment, and 54 patients were diagnosed with progressive disease. Nivolumab-related pneumonitis occurred in 15 patients. A pretreatment Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) = 0 was linked to significantly longer OS than ECOG PS = 1 (median: 20.1 vs. 6.5 months, respectively; p < 0.001). There was a higher incidence of nivolumab-related pneumonitis in patients with a history of interstitial pneumonia than in those without it ( p = 0.008). During treatment, the level of albumin gradually decreased prior to PD and onset of nivolumab-related pneumonitis.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that the pretreatment ECOG PS is the determining factor that is associated with OS, whereas history of interstitial pneumonia is the factor associated with nivolumab-related pneumonitis. A decrease in albumin during treatment may be associated with both PD and nivolumab-related pneumonitis.
Does the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Val66Met Polymorphism Modulate the Effects of Physical Activity and Exercise on Cognition?
Authors: de las Heras Bernat , Rodrigues Lynden , Cristini Jacopo , Weiss Maxana , Prats-Puig Anna , Roig Marc
Published: December 2020

The Val66Met is a polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene that encodes a substitution of a valine (Val) to methionine (Met) amino acid. Carrying this polymorphism reduces the activity-dependent secretion of the BDNF protein, which can potentially affect brain plasticity and cognition. We reviewed the biology of Val66Met and surveyed 26 studies (11,417 participants) that examined the role of this polymorphism in moderating the cognitive response to physical activity (PA) and exercise. Nine observational studies confirmed a moderating effect of Val66Met on the cognitive response to PA but differences between Val and Met carriers were inconsistent and only significant in some cognitive domains. Only five interventional studies found a moderating effect of Val66Met on the cognitive response to exercise, which was also inconsistent in its direction. Two studies showed a superior cognitive response in Val carriers and three studies showed a better response in Met carriers. These results do not support a general and consistent effect of Val66Met in moderating the cognitive response to PA or exercise. Both Val and Met carriers can improve specific aspects of cognition by increasing PA and engaging in exercise. Causes for discrepancies among studies, effect moderators, and future directions are discussed.