bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflections of (Dis)location: What is “Intercultural Communication” in Transnational Higher Education English-Medium Instruction?
Authors: Reynolds Dudley
Published: June 2021

Debates around the impact of English-medium instruction (EMI) as part of transnational higher education (TNHE) typically focus on macro-level impacts on host country languages, cultures, and economies. Adopting the methodology of institutional ethnographies, this reflective study narrates how I came to find problematic such totalizing narratives of TNHE. The object of my reflections is an undergraduate English elective course, Communicating in the Global Marketplace, first taught on the main campus in Pittsburgh, USA, of a TNHE institution, which I then participated in “(dis)locating” (Edwards and Usher, 1997) to a branch campus in Qatar. The study illustrates how emic perspectives on course design and delivery open up TNHE as a process of meaning-making. Analysis of course artefacts (course descriptions, reading lists, and assignments) from offerings on both campuses point to opportunities educators in the process of TNHE have to question language ideologies in EMI, consider “imagined communities” (Norton and Pavlenko, 2019) when marketing courses for prospective students, and frame both transnational “encounters” (Vora, 2014) and our understanding of what is “intercultural” in transnational EMI.
Challenges in providing surgical procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic: Qualitative study among Operating Department Practitioners in Pakistan
Authors: Jafree Sara Rizvi , Momina Ain ul , Malik Nudra , Naqi Syed Asghar , Fischer Florian
Published: June 2021

The surgical theatre is associated with the highest mortality rates since the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) are neglected human resources for health in regards to both professional development and research for patient safety; even though they are key practitioners with respect to infection control during surgeries. Therefore, this study aims to describe challenges faced by ODPs during the pandemic. The secondary aim is to use empirical evidence to inform the public health sector management about both ODP professional development and improvement in surgical procedures, with a specific focus on pandemics. A qualitative study has been conducted. Data collection was based on an interview guide with open-ended questions. Interviews with 39 ODPs in public sector teaching hospitals of Pakistan who have been working during the COVID-19 pandemic were part of the analysis. Content analysis was used to generate themes. Ten themes related to challenges faced by ODPs in delivering services during the pandemic for securing patient safety were identified: (i) Disparity in training for prevention of COVID-19; (ii) Shortcomings in COVID-19 testing; (iii) Supply shortages of personal protective equipment; (iv) Challenges in maintaining physical distance and prevention protocols; (v) Human resource shortages and role burden; (vi) Problems with hospital administration; (vii) Exclusion and hierarchy; (viii) Teamwork limitations and other communication issues; (ix) Error Management; and (x) Anxiety and fear. The public health sector, in Pakistan and other developing regions, needs to invest in the professional development of ODPs and improve resources and structures for surgical procedures, during pandemics and otherwise.
Multi-element determination of essential and toxic metals in green and roasted coffee beans: A comparative study among different origins using ICP-MS
Authors: Albals Dima , Al-Momani Idrees F , Issa Reem , Yehya Alaa
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study is to compare the elemental composition among different coffee varieties consumed in Jordan. Levels of different metallic elements in coffee samples; green and roasted coffee beans from five origins; Brazil, Ethiopia, Kenya, Columbia, and India, collected from the Jordanian market were investigated. Twenty-two elements, including essential and toxic elements such as potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), gallium (Ga), uranium (U), cadmium (Cd), silver (Ag), lithium (Li), indium (In), bismuth (Bi), thorium (Th), and thallium (Ti), were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The detected heavy metals and their intake per 1 cup of coffee did not largely contribute to the recommended daily intake (RDI) and tolerable upper limit of daily intake (TULD) in an adult with an average body weight of 80 kg. The ICP-MS versus flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) results were linearly fitted, and the correlation coefficients ( R2 > 0.95) were better than 0.95 for the three checked elements. No significant difference between the results of the two techniques was observed ( p > 0.05). The ANOVA results indicated the presence of a significant difference between the levels of Cr, Co, and Zn in green and roasted coffee beans. The results of this study indicated that the coffee consumed in Jordan did not contain toxic levels of heavy elements and is safe for consumption according to health organizations.
Sportswear retailing forecast model based on the combination of multi-layer perceptron and convolutional neural network
Authors: Xu Jun , Zhou Yun , Zhang Liang , Wang Jianming , Lefloch Damien
Published: June 2021

Apparel sales forecasting plays an important role in production planning, distribution decision, and inventory management of enterprises. Especially, the sportswear market has been shown rapid growth characterized by long-term sales. This paper proposes a sales forecasting model for sportswear sales based on the multi-layer perceptron (MLP) and the convolutional neural network (CNN). A novel loss function is also proposed to improve the prediction accuracy. The proposed model is trained and validated on the time-series retailing data collected from three offline local sports stores in China. The influencing factors of retailing forecasting, such as time-series sales data, product features, distribution strategy, shop size, and other parameters, were also defined. Experimental results show that the proposed forecasting model outperforms the compared statistical methods by a large margin. Specifically, the proposed model provided 65% prediction accuracy, while the compared methods provided 16% prediction accuracy. The results show that the proposed model could be potentially used in sportswear sales forecasting, especially offline clothing and other long lifecycle clothing fields.
Serialized gradient chromatography for the digital blending of colored fibers and spinning of gradient colored yarn
Authors: Sun Xianqiang , Xue Yuan , Cui Peng , Xu Zhiwu , Zeng Dejun
Published: June 2021

Gradient colored yarns are manufactured by controlling the blending ratios of three-primary-colored fibers in a slight distribution of gradients along the yarn length, thereby resulting in a continuous natural variation in mixed colors of the fibers throughout the whole yarn. The spinning of gradient colored yarns still remains a challenge, which requires the reliance on digital blending theory of colored fibers and the supporting of multi-channel computer numerical control (CNC) spinning technique. This paper constructed a three-primary-colored fiber gridded color mixing model and its mass mixing matrix and color mixing chromatography matrix by mass discretization and coupling pairing with a 10% gradient for the three-primary-colored fibers. With the aim of continuous natural gradient of mixed colors, the blending ratio gradient path of three-primary-colored fibers was planned based on the mass mixing matrix, and a method of regulating the gradient of color difference between adjacent color segments was proposed. In order to realize the natural gradient of color of the forming yarn, the spinning mechanism of gradient colored yarn was established based on three-channel CNC spinning mechanism and the time-series yarn simulation model, and the time-series spinning processing parameters of three-channel CNC spinning machine were devised. Four gradient colored yarns with different gradient paths were designed and prepared, the linear density, twist, unevenness, surface hairiness, and tensile strength of the spun yarns were measured, compared, and analyzed, and knitted fabrics with color gradient effect were fabricated by small circular knitting machine to obtain continuous and natural color transition with a dreamy and mysterious color effect.
A resilient control strategy for networked multi-agent systems subject to covert attacks
Authors: Tedesco Francesco , Famularo Domenico , Franzè Giuseppe
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a resilient distributed control scheme against covert attacks for multi-agent networked systems subject to input and state constraints is developed. The idea consists in a clever deployment of predictive arguments with a twofold aim: detection of malicious agent behaviors affecting the normal system operations and consequent specific control actions implementation to mitigate as much as possible undesirable knock-on effects resulting from adversary actions. Specifically, the multi-agent system is organized in terms of a grid topology and set-theoretic receding horizon control ideas are exploited to develop a distributed algorithm capable to recognize the attacked agent. In essence, the resulting solution relies on the combined use of predictive control and set-invariance ideas that are exploited to generate redundant control sequences randomly selected on the actuator side such that the malicious agent is never aware about the effective control action indeed exploited. As a consequence, countermeasures on the sensor-to-controller channel could lead to significantly erroneous data not complying with the expected evolution of the system modeling. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to show benefits and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Americans Misperceive Racial Disparities in Economic Mobility
Authors: Davidai Shai , Walker Jesse
Published: June 2021

What do people know about racial disparities in “The American Dream”? Across six studies ( N = 1,761), we find that American participants consistently underestimate the Black–White disparity in economic mobility, believing that poor Black Americans are significantly more likely to move up the economic ladder than they actually are. We find that misperceptions about economic mobility are common among both White and Black respondents, and that this undue optimism about the prospect of mobility for Black Americans results from a narrow focus on the progress toward equality that has already been made. Consequently, making economic racial disparities salient, or merely reflecting on the unique hardships that Black Americans face in the United States, calibrates beliefs about economic mobility. We discuss the importance of these findings for understanding lay beliefs about the socioeconomic system, the denial of systemic racism in society, and support for policies aimed at reducing racial economic disparities.
The racial environmental state and abolition geography in California’s Central Valley
Authors: Miyake Keith
Published: June 2021

This article introduces the “racial environmental state” as an analytical framework for examining race and environment as mutually constituting modes of state power. Under racial capitalism, the state relies on the constant articulation of racial and environmental difference and domination to sustain the uneven geographies necessary for capitalism. The racial environmental state offers a way to examine hegemonic state power operating through the convergences of race and environment, as a site for resistance, and the proliferation of abolition geographies. Using this framework, the author analyzes the abolitionist struggle to transform the carceral geographies of California’s Central Valley through a campaign to stop the construction of a prison in Delano, California. This case study shows the importance of recognizing race and environment as interconnected systems of domination and resistance. It also highlights the possibilities and limitations of engaging the state in the abolitionist fight for freedom.
Information needs and behaviour of Egyptian doormen/women: An exploratory study
Authors: Mansour Essam
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study is to examine the information needs of Egyptian doormen/women, including their behaviour. An adapted form of snowball sampling of a heterogeneous demographic group of participants in the doormanship in Egypt was conducted. This sampling was used to select focus groups (n = 6) to explore a range of relevant issues. Demographically, Egyptian doormen/women appeared to be mostly males, with average formal education, with an average age of around 30s and 40s, characterized as low-income people and mostly married. A large number of Egyptian doormen/women suggested that they have not been fully aware of their information rights and a majority of them have not been able to address their information needs in an appropriate way. The study also showed a remarkable diversity in the information needs of doormen/women, particularly concerning the individual and family need, the needs of work-related activities, and the need to find a better place to work in. Regarding their information behavior profile, a large number of doormen/women preferred undocumented oral sources, as well as the frequent informal sources between them and their relatives, peers, and employers, whether through direct interaction, face-to-face meetings, or through mobile and social media. The reasons why doormen/women are searching for information were mostly intended to help in the performance of tasks that are closely associated with their jobs. A large number of doormen/women preferred oral or informal sources over written ones, such as communication with their peers, family, and friends. The experience gained was also one of the most important sources on which doormen/women relied. Time, illiteracy, psychological pressure, bad social image, the lack of awareness of basic and fundamental rights, especially information rights, lack of financial resources, lack of skills and training, and financial burdens were the most important challenges.
Justice Professionals’ Lens on Familial Trafficking Cases
Authors: Allert Jeanne L.
Published: June 2021

Of the 30+ forms of human trafficking that exist worldwide, family-facilitated trafficking of minors receives little attention in the United States. This original research study sought to identify the prevalence, characteristics, and challenges associated with familial trafficking cases as experienced by justice professionals in the areas of case identification, investigation, prosecution, and victim services. The study included a survey and in-depth interviews leading to recommendations for increased training, improved data collection and reporting, heeding minors’ testimony, and expanding our victim service options.
Alteration of intrapancreatic serotonin, homocysteine, TNF-α, and NGF levels as predisposing factors for diabetes following exposure to 900-MHz waves
Authors: Jelodar Gholamali , Azimzadeh Mansour , Radmard Fatemeh , Darvishhoo Narges
Published: June 2021

Exposure to mobile phone radiation causes deleterious health effects on biological systems. The objects of this study were to investigate the effect of 900-MHz radiofrequency waves (RFW) emitted from base transceiver station antenna on intrapancreatic homocysteine (Hcy), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and nerve growth factor (NGF) as predisposing factors involved in pancreatic beta cell damage. Thirty male rats (Sprague-Dawley, 200 ± 10 g) were randomly divided into the control (without any exposure) and exposed groups: short time (2 h/day), long time (4 h/day), and exposed to 900-MHz RFW for 30 consecutive days. On the last days of the experiment, animals were killed and pancreas tissue was dissected out for evaluation of serotonin, Hcy, TNF-α, and NGF. There was a significant decrease in the serotonin and NGF levels in the pancreatic tissue of exposed groups compared to the control group ( p < 0.05). Also, the levels of serotonin and NGF in the long-time exposure were significantly lower than the short-time exposure ( p < 0.05). However, levels of Hcy and TNF-α were significantly increased in the pancreas of exposed groups compared to the control groups ( p < 0.05). Exposure to 900-MHz RFW decreased pancreatic NGF and serotonin levels and increased the proinflammatory markers (Hcy and TNF-α), which can be a predisposing factor for type 2 diabetes.
History of domestic cats on Pitcairn Island
Authors: Belton Frederick A. , Schmieder Robert W.
Published: June 2021

This paper presents the first comprehensive history of Felis catus, the domestic cat, on Pitcairn Island. It includes detailed documentation of the cats and their status on the island, from settlement by H.M.A.V. Bounty mutineers in 1790 through the present time. The domestic cats of Pitcairn Island are worthy of study because they are inextricably linked to the island’s natural, cultural and maritime history. We present evidence that indicates domestic cats were introduced to Pitcairn Island by the Bounty mutineers in 1790. The cats have experienced cyclic periods of alternately being protected and culled due to variations in prey availability. There were at least two instances (c.1820 and in 1997) of nearly complete cat eradication. Some Pitcairn Islanders believe that ‘Bounty Cats’, which were descended from the cats that arrived with the Bounty mutineers, were poisoned or sterilized in 1997.
No dockers, no empire. The labour question at Dakar during World War I
Authors: Castillo Hidalgo Daniel
Published: June 2021

The Great War had a major impact on port activity at Dakar in Senegal. It increased bunkering and pushed up demand for daily labourers to provide an adequate service to the allied navies. This article analyses the changes in labour organization in the port during World War I. Based on archival sources held in the National Archives of Senegal, this study explores the ways in which the colonial administration tried to manage labour shortages on the docks. This research provides evidence of the institutional shifts in the colonial regime, where coercion strategies evolved into compensatory incentives to attract African workers. The vital military and economic roles played by Dakar as the gateway to French West Africa also explains the importance of institutional shift during the construction of colonial economic and political hegemony.
The Role of Cognitive Self-Report Measure Type in Predicting Cognitive Decline Among Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wion Rachel K. , Hill Nikki L. , Reed Bell Tyler , Mogle Jacqueline , Yates Jennifer , Bhang Iris
Published: June 2021

Many types of items are used to measure self-reported cognition, resulting in heterogeneity across studies. Certain cognitive self-report measure types may be more predictive of future decline. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to compare whether specific types of cognitive self-report measures better predict risk for cognitive decline over time when measures are directly compared within the same study. The PRISMA criteria guided the review. Eligibility criteria included: longitudinal studies, outcome of cognitive decline, at least 2 different cognitive self-report measures, and no cognitive impairment at baseline. Nineteen studies were included in the final review. A narrative synthesis of results was completed, resulting in 3 thematic groups of comparisons across self-reported measure types. Self-reported memory decline with worry and peer perceptions of memory were associated with the highest risk for cognitive decline. Future longitudinal investigations of self-reported cognitive problems should focus on using measures that may be most sensitive to predicting cognitive decline risk.
Contemporary Management and Prevention of Vaso-Occlusive Crises (VOCs) in Adults With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Weaver Salome Bwayo , Rungkitwattanakul Dhakrit , Singh Divita
Published: June 2021

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hematological disorder that primarily affects individuals of African descent from sub-Saharan Africa and along the mediterranean. The main complications leading to hospitalizations include vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) and acute chest syndrome (ACS). Therefore, the main objective of this paper was to identify and evaluate evidence-based management and prevention of VOCs in patients with SCD. A literature search of PubMed, Medline Cochrane and Google Scholar database (January 1985 to April 2020) was performed using the following search terms “vaso-occlusive crises”, “sickle cell disease”, “hydroxyurea”, “L-glutamine”, “voxelotor”, “crizanlizumab”, “treatment” and “prevention” as well as a combination of these terms. All English-language interventional studies assessing the efficacy and safety of VOC outcomes were evaluated. Literature was excluded if published in a language other than English or if it was a review article. A total of 69 articles were identified and there were 7 articles that met the search criteria. Majority of the studies focused on mean and median annual rates of VOCs as primary outcomes while median time to first sickle cell crises, median rates of hospitalizations etc were evaluated as secondary outcomes. After reviewing the literature, many patients with VOCs will still benefit from hydroxyurea therapy since long term efficacy data and cost is still a concern for the newer agents including L-glutamine, voxelotor and crizanlizumab. Other factors such as cost or compliance may also be taken into consideration when making recommendations for therapy.
Numerical investigation of unsteady cavitating turbulent flows around a three-dimensional hydrofoil using stress-blended eddy simulation
Authors: Li Jing , Liu Chunbao , Ran Zilin , Chai Bosen
Published: June 2021

The mechanism of flow instability, which involves complex gas–liquid interactions and multiscale vortical structures, is one of the hot research areas in cavitating flow. The role of turbulence modeling is crucial in the numerical investigation of unsteady flow characteristics. Although large-eddy simulation (LES) has been used as a reliable numerical method, it is computationally costly. In this work, we used a hybrid Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and LES model, that is, stress-blended eddy simulation (SBES), to improve the prediction capability for the cloud cavitating flow. Our hybrid approach introduces a shielding function to integrate the RANS model with the LES applied only regionally, such as to large-scale separated flow regions. The results showed that the periodic shedding of cavity growth, break off, and collapse around a three-dimensional Clark-Y hydrofoil was reproduced in accordance with experimental observations. The lift/drag coefficients, streamwise velocity profiles, and cavity patterns obtained by the SBES model were in better agreement with the experimental data than those obtained by the modified RANS model. The re-entrant jet dynamics responsible for the break off of the attached cavity were discussed. Further analysis of vorticity transportation indicated that the stretching and dilatation terms dominated the development of vorticity around the hydrofoil. In conclusion, the SBES model can be used to predict cavitating turbulent flows in practical engineering applications.
Investigation of pulp flow helicity in rotating and non-rotating grooves
Authors: Jouybari Nima F , Engberg Birgitta , Persson Johan , Berg Jan-Erik
Published: June 2021

Numerical simulation of pulp flow in rotating and non-rotating grooves is carried out to investigate the effect of pulp rheological properties and groove geometry on the rotational motion of the pulp flow. The eucalyptus pulp suspension is considered as a working fluid in the present study whose apparent viscosity correlation is available from the experimental measurements reported in the literature. The simulations are carried out with OpenFoam for different values of pulp material, fiber concentrations, and groove cross-section. Helicity is introduced to measure the turnover rate of pulp flow in the groove due to the importance of such motion on the final properties of the pulp flow. A measurement of helicity magnitude and its distribution along the groove revealed that a change in the pulp material would significantly affect the flow structures within the groove. Further investigation on the effects of fiber concentration, c, showed that this parameter does not have a significant effect on the averaged helicity magnitude for c = 2.0 and 2.5, whereas the helicity distribution over the groove cross-section changes clearly for c = 1.5. The results showed that the helicity level is negligible for almost half of the cavity cross-section in the non-rotating groove simulations, which can be considered as a shortcoming of the original geometry of the groove. Therefore, a smaller cross-section for the groove is considered through which an enhancement in the helicity magnitude is observed.
Development of fiber-reinforced transparent composites
Authors: Meinders Robert , Murphy David , Taylor Gregory , Chandrashekhara K , Schuman Thomas
Published: June 2021

In this study, a continuous glass fiber-reinforced composite is manufactured using the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. The composite is manufactured from an S-glass fiber acting as reinforcement and an epoxy resin as matrix. Unlike a traditional E-glass fiber reinforcement, S-glass fibers give higher stiffness and provide easier manufacturability due to the value of the refractive index of S-glass lying within the range of refractive indices of the epoxy resin. The epoxy resin is synthesized Epon 826, Epalloy 5200, and hexahydropthalic anhydride and tailored to match refractive indices of the S-glass fibers. After synthesis of the resin, composite panels are manufactured from the synthesized epoxy resin and S-glass fibers with a bi-directional [0°/90°] 8-harness satin weave. VARTM process was utilized to manufacture the composite panels. Composite panels are visually inspected for transparency, and tensile, flexural, and impact testing is performed. Mechanical tests showed consistent results for tensile modulus, tensile strength, flexural modulus, flexural strength, and impact damage resistance.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(butylene terephthalate) copolyesters derived from threitol
Authors: Ittobane N , de Ilarduya A Martínez , Alla A , Muñoz-Guerra S
Published: June 2021

The synthesis, characterization, and thermal properties of partially renewable poly(butylene terephthalate) copolyesters containing alditol units are described. These copolyesters were obtained by polycondensation in solution from mixtures of 1,4-butanediol and 2,3-di- O-benzyl-L-threitol with terephthaloyl chloride. Copolyesters with weight-average molecular weights oscillating between 4 000 and 12 000 g·mol−1 and dispersities around 1.5 were obtained. All them had a random microstructure and were thermally stable well above 300°C. Copolyesters containing up to 30% of dibenzyl threitol units were found to be crystalline and to adopt the same crystal structure as the parent homopolyester poly(butylene terephthalate). The melting temperature and crystallinity were observed to decrease, and the glass transition temperature to increase, with increasing amounts of alditol units incorporated in the copolyester. Furthermore, the crystallizability was depressed by copolymerization.
The Determinants of Fertility and Economic Uncertainty: An Application of the NARDL Model for Hong Kong and South Korea
Authors: Ghosh Sudeshna
Published: June 2021

This article examines the determinants of fertility, using annual data sets from 1980 to 2017 for two major developed economies of the Asian region, namely Hong Kong (China) and South Korea. The article applies the non-linear autoregressive distributed lag model to study the impact of economic uncertainty on fertility decisions in these two countries. Using output volatility measure of economic uncertainty, the study shows that there is an asymmetric impact of economic uncertainty upon fertility decisions. Such an exploration demonstrates the extent of the impact of insecurity in the economy on fertility decisions. Furthermore, the study also explores the impact of infant mortality rate, old-age population, urbanization, income per capita, female employment levels, percentage of women in marriage or union, contraceptive prevalence and human capital formation on fertility decisions in these two advanced economies. The results confirm the asymmetry because the impact of the positive change of uncertainty and the impact of the negative change are not identical. The study concludes that for these major industrialized economies of Asia, economic uncertainty apart from the traditional demographic and economic factors appears to be a crucial factor in impacting fertility decisions.
Fear of judgement and women's physical (in)activity experiences
Authors: Seal Emma , Nicholson Matthew , McNeil Nicola , Stukas Arthur , O’Halloran Paul , Randle Erica
Published: June 2021

There is a significant body of research that examines the antecedents and consequences of population-level disparities in physical activity engagement. However, there are still vast gendered inequalities with women missing out on the associated health benefits of physical activity compared to men. The purpose of this study is to foster a deep understanding of the ‘fear of judgement’ experienced by physically inactive women to develop policy and practice that can attend to this issue. The theory of reflexive embodiment, rooted in the interactionist tradition, provides the theoretical underpinning for the work as it highlights how women's bodies are influenced by the gaze of others. Results demonstrate that women feel judged for the way their bodies look and move during exercise, for prioritising physical activity over family duties, and that these sensations are influenced by the networks of people in activity spaces. The impact of judgement affects women's mental and physical wellbeing. It leads to the cessation of physical activity, creates worries about restarting various forms of activity and shapes how and where women undertake exercise.
Auditory and visual sensory modalities in the velodrome and the practice of becoming a track cyclist
Authors: Themen Kate , Popan Cosmin
Published: June 2021

The aim of this paper is to explore track cycling through visual and aural sensory modalities. We draw on Pink’s work on emplacement and of the researcher serving an apprenticeship by engaging through first-hand experience and learning track practices and routines in which we reflected on our visual and aural senses to account for understanding the body and the transformations it undergoes when riding track. This speaks to Hockey and Allen-Collinson’s call for a ‘fleshy perspective’ by reintroducing the body into sporting practice. Undertaking an auto-ethnographic method, we use diarised notes drawn from six track cycling sessions to account for sensory experiences by reflecting on aural and visual senses in the context of the skills we acquired during track sessions. In this, the emergent narrative situates the body as a place of contestation and transition, whereby our visual and aural modalities are the senses by which we narrate our improving aptitude, and attained physical capital, on the track.
Earth(l)y pleasures and air-borne bodies: Elemental haptics in women's cross-country running
Authors: Allen-Collinson Jacquelyn , Jackman Patricia C
Published: June 2021

A rich and multi-stranded sociology of sporting embodiment has begun to emerge in recent years. Calls have been made to analyze more deeply not only the sensory dimensions of lived sporting bodies but also the values prevailing within particular physical–cultural worlds. This article contributes to a small, developing research corpus by employing theoretical perspectives drawn from phenomenological sociology to explore cross-country runners' sensory encounters with the elemental, contoured by the values of the running lifeworlds they inhabit. Autoethnographic and autophenomenographic data were collected via three research projects. Senses of touch still remain under-researched within the sporting sensorium, and here we focus on the “elemental haptics” of earth and air on our cross-country training runs. We also explore the rich, complex somatic experiences afforded by various of these elemental combinations. For runners, as for many sports participants, the haptic emerges as a key aspect of our sensuous running lifeworld.
National Trends for Peripheral Artery Disease and End Stage Renal Disease From the National Inpatient Sample Database
Authors: De Stefano Frank , Rios Luis H. Paz , Fiani Brian , Fareed Jawed , Tafur Alfonso
Published: June 2021

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), and subsequent chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), are frequently encountered among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Their coexistence is less favorable in comparison to patients with ESRD alone. We sought to investigate trends, comorbidities, determinants for cost, and prognostic outcomes in patients with concomitant ESRD and PAD. A retrospective analysis was performed using data from the National Inpatient Sample database from the years 2005-2014. ICD-9 codes were used to identify patients with diagnoses of PAD, CLTI, and ESRD. Pearson’s Chi-square, T-test, ANOVA, and multivariate binary logistic regression were used in this analysis. 7,214,843 patients with ESRD were identified. Of these, 123,499 patients were diagnosed with PAD and 102,447 with CLTI. Compared to ESRD alone, mortality rates increased with PAD and CLTI (5.7% vs. 13.9% vs. 15.9%, P < 0.001). Length of stay in days (7.3 vs. 10.2 vs. 11.1, P < 0.001) and in-hospital costs (59,872 vs. 85,866 vs. 89,016, P < 0.001) were higher with PAD and CLTI, respectively. CLTI demonstrated the highest independent predictor of mortality [OR = 6.93 (6.43-7.46), P < 0.001]. A decreasing trend in the rate of PAD (2005: 1.9% vs. 2014: 1.4%, P < 0.001) and CLTI (2005: 1.6% vs. 2014: 1.1%, P < 0.001) was noted. The presence of coexisting PAD, and furthermore CLTI, in patients with ESRD significantly raised in-hospital mortality, cost, and length of stay. A negative trend in rates of PAD and CLTI were observed. Proactive identification of this high-risk population may lead to accurate diagnosis and tailored therapeutic strategies.
Neuromuscular blockade effects of cisatracurium in 11 cats undergoing ophthalmological surgery anaesthetised with isoflurane
Authors: Van Wijnsberghe Anne-Sophie , Ida Keila K , Dmitrovic Petra , Tutunaru Alexandru , Sandersen Charlotte
Published: June 2021

Case series summary

This case series describes the neuromuscular blockade (NMB) following 0.15 mg/kg intravenous (IV) cisatracurium administration in 11 cats undergoing ophthalmological surgery and anaesthetised with isoflurane. Anaesthetic records were analysed retrospectively. Neuromuscular function was assessed by a calibrated train-of-four (TOF) monitor. Cats were 73 ± 53 months old, weighed 4 ± 1 kg and were of American Society of Anesthesiologists’ physical classification 2. Duration of anaesthesia and surgery were 144 ± 27 and 94 ± 24 mins, respectively. The lowest TOF count was zero in four cats, four in six cats and for one cat the TOF ratio never decreased below 31%. The time of onset was between 1 and 6 mins after the administration of cisatracurium and the mean duration of action was 20.4 ± 10.1 mins.

Relevance and novel information

Cisatracurium at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg IV did not consistently induce a TOF count of zero in all cats. The dose used in these cats did not produce any remarkable cardiovascular side effects. Although the NMB was not complete, the dose given was sufficient to produce central eyeball position, which was the goal of the ophthalmic surgeries.
A novel variant in the TSPAN12 gene-presenting as unilateral myopia, pediatric cataract, and heterochromia in a patient with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Elhusseiny Abdelrahman M , Jabroun Mireille , Rajabi Farrah , Gonzalez Efren , Alkharashi Maan
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

To report a case of 16-month-old boy with a novel variant TSPAN12 gene-presenting as unilateral myopia, pediatric cataract, and heterochromia in a patient with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy.

Observation:

A 16-month-old otherwise healthy boy was referred to Boston Children’s Hospital for evaluation of strabismus. Ocular examination revealed intermittent esotropia, left hypotropia, and limited left eye elevation in both adduction and abduction. Full cycloplegic hyperopic correction of +3.50 diopters (D) over both eyes was given to the patient. Over several months, refraction of the right eye showed progressive myopia (−6.00 D) with new onset iris heterochromia. Fundus examination showed there was a large area of chorioretinal atrophy with abrupt ending of the blood vessels; anterior to the ora serrata there were diffuse vitreous bands and veils that reached the lens anteriorly in direct contact with the lenticular opacity. A novel heterozygous nonsense likely pathogenic variant was identified in the TSPAN12 gene (NM_012338.3) c.315T>A (p.Cys105Ter) confirming the diagnosis of FEVR.

Conclusion and importance:

Asymmetric FEVR rarely present with unilateral axial myopia however association with acquired heterochromia and cataract has never been reported. We report a case of FEVR caused by a novel TSPAN12 likely pathogenic nonsense variant presenting as unilateral progressive myopia, acquired heterochromia, and pediatric cataract.
Comparison of Hyaluronic Acid Biosynthetic Genes From Different Strains of Pasteurella multocida
Authors: Pasomboon Pailin , Chumnanpuen Pramote , E-kobon Teerasak
Published: June 2021

Pasteurella multocida produces a capsule composed of different polysaccharides according to the capsular serotype (A, B, D, E, and F). Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a component of certain capsular types of this bacterium, especially capsular type A. Previously, 2 HA biosynthetic genes from a capsular type A strain were studied for the industrial-scale improvement of HA production. Molecular comparison of these genes across different capsular serotypes of P multocida has not been reported. This study aimed to compare 8 HA biosynthetic genes ( pgi, pgm, galU, hyaC, glmS, glmM, glmU, and hyaD) of 22 P multocida strains (A:B:D:F = 6:6:6:4) with those of other organisms using sequence and structural bioinformatics analyses. These 8 genes showed a high level of within-species similarity (98%-99%) compared with other organisms. Only the last gene of 4 strains with capsular type F (HN07, PM70, HNF01, and HNF02) significantly differed from those of other strains (82%). Analysis of amino acid patterns together with phylogenetic results showed that the HA biosynthetic genes of the type A were closely related within the group. The genes in the capsular type F strain were notably similar to those of the capsular type A strain. Protein structural analysis supported structural similarities of the encoded enzymes between the strains of capsular types A, B, D, and F, except for the Pgm, GlmS, GlmU, and HyaD proteins. Our bioinformatics analytic workflow proposed that variations observed within these genes could be useful for genetic engineering–based improvement of hyaluronic acid–producing enzymes.
Determinants of Childhood Diarrhea in Households with Improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Ethiopia: Evidence from a Repeated Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sahiledengle Biniyam , Agho Kingsley
Published: June 2021

Background:

Determinants of childhood diarrhea in households with improved WASH (ie, households with improved drinking water sources, improved sanitation facilities, and those who practiced safe child stool disposal) are limited. This study aimed to identify the determinants of diarrhea among under-five children exclusively in households with improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).

Methods:

A repeated cross-sectional study design was followed, and data from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) conducted between 2005 and 2016 in Ethiopia was used. A total of 1,975 child-mother pairs (257 children with diarrhea and 1718 children without diarrhea) in households with improved WASH were included in this study. Hierarchical conditional logistic regression models were used. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated to determine the strength of association.

Results:

Children aged 13 to 24 months (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 2.70, 95%CI: 1.69-4.32), children who did not receive the measles vaccine (AOR = 2.33, 95%CI: 1.60-3.39), and those residing in the agrarian region (AOR = 1.66, 95%CI: 1.10-2.49) were significantly more likely to develop diarrheal morbidity. The size of the child at birth was also found to be significantly associated with diarrheal morbidity.

Conclusion:

In this study, child factors (age of the child, vaccinated for measles, and the size of a child at birth), and household-related factors (contextual region) had a significant effect on the risk of childhood diarrheal morbidity in households with improved WASH in Ethiopia.
COVID-19 and female immigrant caregivers in Spain: Cohabiting during lockdown
Authors: de Diego-Cordero Rocío , Tarriño-Concejero Lorena , Lato-Molina María Ángeles , García-Carpintero Muñoz Mª Ángeles
Published: June 2021

From a gender perspective, female immigrant domestic caregivers have been particularly impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic: first, as female immigrants, and second, due to their work within the domestic care sector, which has been so badly affected in this pandemic. This study investigates the emotions and experiences of 15 female Latin American immigrant domestic workers, caregivers in five Andalusian cities (Seville, Cádiz, Málaga, Huelva and Córdoba) (Spain) who were cohabiting with their employees/patients during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, using qualitative research through in-depth interviews and life stories. The results show the moral debt accrued by the caregivers with the family who employ them, while worsening the physical and psychological health of many of the caregivers, due to both work overload and fear of the global pandemic.
Assessment of a multi-center tele-urgent care program to decrease emergency department referral rates in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Wray Charlie M , Junge Myla , Keyhani Salomeh , Smith Janeen E
Published: June 2021

The use of emergency departments for non-emergent issues has led to overcrowding and decreased the quality of care. Telemedicine may be a mechanism to decrease overutilization of this expensive resource. From April to September 2020, we assessed (a) the impact of a multi-center tele-urgent care program on emergency department referral rates and (b) the proportion of individuals who had a subsequent emergency department visit within 72 h of tele-urgent care evaluation when they were not referred to the emergency department. We then performed a chart review to assess whether patients presented to the emergency department for the same reason as was stated for their tele-urgent care evaluation, whether subsequent hospitalization was needed during that emergency department visit, and whether death occurred. Among the 2510 patients who would have been referred to in-person emergency department care, but instead received tele-urgent care assessment, one in five (21%; n = 533) were subsequently referred to the emergency department. Among those not referred following tele-urgent care, 1 in 10 (11%; n = 162) visited the emergency department within 72 h. Among these 162 individuals, most (91%) returned with the same or similar complaint as what was assessed during their tele-urgent care visit, with one in five requiring hospitalization (19%, n = 31) with one individual (0.01%) dying. In conclusion, tele-urgent care may safely decrease emergency department utilization.
Echopoetics and unbelonging: Making sense of reconciliation in academia
Authors: Zafran Hiba
Published: June 2021

This article is a narrative and conceptual exploration of the journey towards practicing Indigenous allyship in an academic context. I begin by tracing a trajectory of coming to work with Indigenous peoples as a non-Indigenous, multiple migrant, and queer person of color situated as a therapist and educator in a Canadian academic institution’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Anti-racist and de/postcolonial theories and concepts abound to label my experiences of tokenization, yet they invariably fall short of the nuanced and complex ways that both reconciliation and oppression unfold in the everyday. Beyond critical theories that speak with certainty of structural violence, I trace my trajectory of coming to understand my work with Indigenous peoples within and for healthcare curricula and community development. I describe an intertextual practice of echopoetics that is trying to make sense of a world where both historical trauma and daily aggressions continually reproduce inequities, in order to reveal spaces of possible hope and healing. Yet, what seems to be happening in this echopoetics is a process of unbelonging from the multiple cultural and institutional narratives in my surround—at times including those that intend to liberate. Focusing on the negation—“ non”—as a non-Indigenous/non-White person, I provide a reflection on how this practice cultivates an unbelonging that becomes both a political stance at the point of invisibility, as well as a lonely yet definite healing.
HIV/AIDS and its monsters. Negotiating criminalisation along the monster–human continuum
Authors: Dziuban Agata , Faust Friederike , Sekuler Todd , Struzik Justyna , Bonde Lina , Nicholls Emily Jay
Published: June 2021

We use the concept of the ‘monster’ in this article as an analytical tool to grasp a variety of persons who – understood to be criminals in their countries of residence, and living with or thought to be particularly vulnerable to HIV – are perceived as threats from across the European region. Building on the field of monster studies, we focus here on strategies undertaken to shift the ‘monstrous’ towards the ‘human’ along what we describe as monster–human continuums. Relying on ethnographic fieldwork from Germany, Poland and Greece, four case studies examine processes of (re-)humanisation in the fields of migration, prisons, drug use and sex work that emerge at the intersections of humanitarianism, public health, human rights and citizenship. In particular, we propose that these strategies can entail the production of dissimilar forms of political subjectivity, the redistribution of responsibility or vulnerability and a reshuffling of blame within the moral economy of innocence and guilt – strategies that produce particular norms and forms of the human. These strategies, moreover, involve the normalisation or suppression of ‘abnormal’, ‘irrational’ or ‘guilty’ dimensions of criminalised subjects, thereby taming their capacity to confuse or confront societies’ worldviews, and ultimately foreclosing the possibility to imagine a being-in-the-world otherwise. We thus conclude by asking how embracing the monstrous might facilitate the navigation of cultural, social and moral anxieties that leave room for complex and conflicting practices and subjectivities.