bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The larvae of Phaenandrogomphus Lieftinck, 1964 in Thailand, including the description of P. tonkinicus (Fraser, 1926) with a larval diagnosis and new province records of P. asthenes Lieftinck, 1964 (Odonata: Gomphidae)
Authors: NOVELO-GUTIÉRREZ RODOLFO , SITES ROBERT W.
Published: November 2019

The larva of Phaenandrogomphus tonkinicus (Fraser, 1926) is described for the first time based on several F-0 larvae collected in Chiang Mai and Nan provinces of Thailand. The larva of P. tonkinicus differs from that of P. asthenes Lieftinck, 1964 by having the 3rd antennomere mesal margin strongly convex, 4th antennomere vestigial and dome-like, postclypeus thick and shelf-like, S8 lacking a posterolateral spine, and cerci usually shorter than the epiproct. New Thailand province records of P. asthenes also are provided.
Transparency of Behavior-Based Pricing
Authors: Li Xi , Li Krista J. , Wang Xin (Shane)
Published: November 2019

Behavior-based pricing (BBP) refers to the practice in which firms collect consumers’ purchase history data, recognize repeat and new consumers from the data, and offer them different prices. This is a prevalent practice for firms and a worldwide concern for consumers. Extant research has examined BBP under the assumption that consumers observe firms’ practice of BBP. However, consumers do not know that specific firms are doing this and are often unaware of how firms collect and use their data. In this article, the authors examine (1) how firms make BBP decisions when consumers do not observe whether firms perform BBP and (2) how the transparency of firms’ BBP practice affects firms and consumers. They find that when consumers do not observe firms’ practice of BBP and the cost of implementing BBP is low, a firm indeed practices BBP, even though BBP is a dominated strategy when consumers observe it. When the cost is moderate, the firm does not use BBP; however, it must distort its first-period price downward to signal and convince consumers of its choice. A high cost of implementing BBP serves as a commitment device that the firm will forfeit BBP, thereby improving firm profit. By comparing regimes in which consumers do and do not observe a firm’s practice of BBP, the authors find that transparency of BBP increases firm profit but decreases consumer surplus and social welfare. Therefore, requiring firms to disclose collection and usage of consumer data could hurt consumers and lead to unintended consequences.
The problem and the productivity of ignorance: Public health campaigns on antibiotic stewardship
Authors: Will Catherine M.
Published: November 2019

This article offers a critical account of efforts to engage people with the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It analyses how public health workers encourage what they understand as responsible antibiotic use or antibiotic stewardship, and how their efforts are shaped by different theories of ‘behaviour’ or social action. Discourse analysis of all major UK campaigns and their evaluations over the last two decades reveals how different versions of the citizen jostle for attention in a public health that draws on sociology, psychology, and increasingly behavioural economics. Rejecting an explanation which focuses solely on the appeal of emotion in new forms of governance, I deploy theories of expert and lay ignorance to show how public health is pushed towards new approaches as it struggles with an apparently recalcitrant public in the case of AMR. Here ignorance is both problematic and productive, prompting a shift to campaigns based on unreflective action, that are accompanied by decisions to work with potential misunderstandings about antibiotics and their effects. I suggest the term ‘shrug’ as a provocative counterpart to the ‘nudge’ of behavioural economics, drawing attention to the ways in which behavioural interventions may be linked to strategic retreats from engagement, when policy makers feel unable to affect or predict the understanding and views of non-experts. The article thus contributes to sociological and political critique of narrow forms of behavioural thinking and their effects on relations between governments and their citizens.
The middle classes and the subjective representation of urban space in Santiago de Chile
Authors: Fuentes Luis , Mac-Clure Oscar
Published: November 2019

This article examines how symbolic representations of social-spatial differences help to maintain social stratification within Santiago de Chile. Several focus group discussions illuminated the approaches and resources used by the middle classes to build the boundaries that define them within the city. The way in which the middle class understands and describes the city of Santiago confirms that social position is linked to symbolic elements that are associated with occupied spaces within the city. Our analysis shows those elements that confer a particular identity upon a given territory and delimit spatial frontiers between territories.
Rescuing Masculinity: Giving Gender in the Wake of China’s Marriage Squeeze
Authors: Driessen Miriam , Sier Willy
Published: November 2019

China’s marriage squeeze poses a profound challenge to the construction of masculinity in rural regions, where marriage continues to play an important role in the production of gender identities, marking manhood and its virtues. What are the consequences when men fail to marry and to assert respected male seniority? We show that in the context of China’s imbalanced sex ratio, family members attempt to rescue or restore the dignity of their sons and brothers by “giving gender,” gestures of care that are aimed to bolster gender authenticity and thereby strengthen a young man’s marriage prospects. By discussing both the intergenerational and intragenerational dynamics of gender collaboration within the family, we furthermore challenge existing studies that project gender antagonism in the wake of radical demographic change, while complicating the image of China’s rural bachelors as social outcasts.
Predicting Performance in Upper Division Psychology Classes: Are Enrollment Timing and Performance in Statistics and Research Methods Important?
Authors: Freng Scott
Published: November 2019

A transcript analysis by Freng, Webber, Blatter, Wing, and Scott found that methodology course performance and enrollment timing predicted grade point average in advanced psychology courses. The present study attempted to replicate and extend Freng et al. by using a larger sample and controlling for additional variables (methodology course anxiety, viewing psychology as a science, and conscientiousness). Although methodology grades continued to predict upper division psychology performance, enrollment timing failed to replicate as a significant predictor. However, multiple follow-up analyses indicated a more nuanced story, whereby performance in, and enrollment timing of, research methods predicted upper division psychology performance. Therefore, the present study strengthens the case that comprehension of, and earlier exposure to, research methods may benefit psychology majors.
Roman Diet and Meat Consumption: Reassessing Elite Access to Meat in 1 Corinthians 8 and 10
Authors: Tite Philip L.
Published: November 2019

A persistent exegetical tradition exists linking the Pauline controversy over the consumption of idol meat in the Corinthian correspondence to social and economic assumptions about the Roman world. Specifically, there is the assumption that access to meat was limited to the elite within the Roman world. According to this exegetical tradition, the lower classes only had access to meat through public religious festivals or as derivative through cultic sacrifice by means of the marketplace, resulting in the view that non-elites were sustained on a diet of legumes, grains and wine. Roman access to meat along such class demarcations, furthermore, is founded upon an economic dichotomy of elite and non-elite. This article challenges these social assumptions regarding meat consumption in, especially, Corinth by engaging recent scholarship that re-evaluates Roman diet in regard to access to meat and other animal products. Specifically, methods in archaeological science (especially stable isotope analysis) are used to supplement literary reassessments. What arises is a new picture of Roman diet, wherein meat consumption was not limited to the elite, but was prevalent in nearly all levels of Roman society. With this fresh perspective on Roman dietary practices, Paul’s comments in 1 Corinthians 8 and 10 must be re-evaluated.
Community knowledge of and attitudes to palliative care: A descriptive study
Authors: Collins Anna , McLachlan Sue-Anne , Philip Jennifer
Published: November 2019

Background:

Palliative care is predominantly accessed late in the course of an illness, despite evidence to suggest the benefits of early engagement. Strategies are required to reduce the barriers to the delivery of palliative care.

Aim:

To describe community understandings of and attitudes to palliative care and explore characteristics significantly associated with favourable attitudes towards palliative care.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey data were collected including several sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of palliative care and attitudes to palliative care. Correlational analyses identified factors related to positive attitudes to palliative care. Those of significance ( p ⩽ 0.01) were examined using a multiple regression model to determine their predictive value.

Setting/participants:

A community-based sample of consecutive English-speaking adults who volunteered their participation in response to a study advertisement distributed online through established community groups.

Results:

A total of 421 participants (75% female, mean age: 51 ± 15.1) reported a median of at least three misperceptions of palliative care. Older age, previously undertaking a caregiving role, knowing someone who had received palliative care and reporting more accurate knowledge of palliative care significantly predicted favourable attitudes to palliative care (adjusted R2 = 0.24, F(8, 333) = 13.2, p < 0.001). Other factors typically associated with health literacy such as tertiary education, working at a medical facility and speaking a language other than English at home were not predictive.

Conclusion:

Gaps in knowledge about palliative care exist in community, which may limit citizen’s potential access to quality care in the event of serious illness. These results point to a role for public education programmes, which may, in turn, also shift attitudes to palliative care.
MRI for prediction of hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Suh Chong Hyun , Jung Seung Chai , Cho Se Jin , Woo Dong-Cheol , Oh Woo Yong , Lee Jong Gu , Kim Kyung Won
Published: November 2019

Background

Hemorrhagic transformation increases mortality and morbidity in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for prediction of hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischemic stroke.

Material and Methods

A systematic literature search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed up to 27 July 2018, including the search terms “acute ischemic stroke,” “hemorrhagic transformation,” and “MRI.” Studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of MRI for prediction of hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischemic stroke were included. Diagnostic meta-analysis was conducted with a bivariate random-effects model to calculate the pooled sensitivity and specificity. Subgroup analysis was performed including studies using advanced MRI techniques including perfusion-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and susceptibility-weighted imaging.

Results

Nine original articles with 665 patients were included. Hemorrhagic transformation is associated with high permeability, hypoperfusion, low apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and FLAIR hyperintensity. The pooled sensitivity was 82% (95% confidence interval [CI] 61–93) and the pooled specificity was 79% (95% CI 71–85). The area under the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.85 (95% CI 0.82–0.88). Although study heterogeneity was present in both sensitivity (I2=67.96%) and specificity (I2=78.93%), a threshold effect was confirmed. Studies using advanced MRI showed sensitivity of 92% (95% CI 70–98) and specificity of 78% (95% CI 65–87) to conventional MRI.

Conclusion

MRI may show moderate diagnostic performance for predicting hemorrhage in acute ischemic stroke although the clinical significance of this hemorrhage is somewhat uncertain.
Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for monitoring the anti-angiogenesis efficacy in a C6 glioma rat model
Authors: Hou Weishu , Li Xiaohu , Pan Hongli , Xu Man , Bi Sixing , Shen Yujun , Yu Yongqiang
Published: November 2019

Background

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is useful in predicting responses to angiogenic therapy of malignant tumors.

Purpose

To observe the dynamics of DCE-MRI parameters in evaluating early effects of antiangiogenic therapy in a C6 glioma rat model.

Material and Methods

The Bevacizumab or vehicle treatment was started from the 14th day after glioma model was established. The treated and control groups (n = 13 per group) underwent DCE-MRI scans on days 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 after treatment. Tumor volume was calculated according to T2-weighted images. Hematoxylin and eosin, microvessel density (MVD), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) examination were performed on day 7. The MRI parameters between the two groups were compared and correlations with immunohistochemical scores were analyzed.

Results

The average tumor volume of treated group was significantly lower than that of control group on day 7 (81.764 ± 1.043 vs. 103.634 ± 3.868 mm3, P =  0.002). Ktrans and Kep decreased in the treated group while they increased in the control group. The differences were observed on day 5 (Ktrans: 0.045 ± 0.018 vs. 0.093 ± 0.014 min−1, P <  0.001; Kep: 0.062 ± 0.018 vs. 0.134 ± 0.047 min−1, P =  0.005) and day 7 (Ktrans: 0.032 ± 0.010 vs. 0.115 ± 0.025 min−1, P <  0.001; Kep: 0.045 ± 0.016 vs. 0.144 ± 0.042 min−1, P <  0.001). The difference of Ve was observed on day 5 (0.847 ± 0.248 vs. 0.397 ± 0.151, P =  0.009) and 7 (0.920 ± 0.154 vs. 0.364 ± 0.105, P =  0.006). Ktrans and Kep showed positive correlations with MVD and Ve showed negative correlation with PCNA.

Conclusion

DCE-MRI can assess the changes of early effects of anti-angiogenic therapy in preclinical practice.
The other side of coastal towns: Young men’s precarious lives on the margins of England
Authors: McDowell Linda , Bonner-Thompson Carl
Published: November 2019

English coastal resorts are among the most deprived towns in the country, with levels of economic and social deprivation often exceeding those of the inner areas of large cities and former industrial settlements. Their dominant image in the media and other forms of representation, however, is of places of innocent fun and leisure, often associated with their history as holiday destinations for working-class families, although the darker side of these towns is not completely ignored. The lives of white working-class, year-round residents in these towns, however, seldom feature in representations or in policy and academic research. Here, we focus on the everyday lives of one group: young white working-class men whose employment opportunities have been adversely affected by economic decline, austerity and rising inequality. In places where employment is largely restricted to customer-facing jobs in the holiday trade, the dominant construction of youthful masculinity and the associated rhetorical view of these men as troublesome not only excludes them from the labour market but exacerbates their marginality. Through interviews in four English resorts, we explore the causes and consequences of their precarity.
Comparing Outcomes of Competitive Athletes Versus Nonathletes Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy for Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome
Authors: Clapp Ian M. , Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Beck Edward C. , Jan Kyleen , Gowd Anirudh K. , Nho Shane J.
Published: November 2019

Background:

A growing number of studies have examined return to sport in competitive athletes after undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS); however, few have evaluated the rate of achieving meaningful clinical outcomes in this group.

Purpose:

To determine if competitive athletes (professional, semiprofessional, or collegiate) have better 2-year patient-reported outcomes and achieve the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit at higher rates when compared with nonathletes undergoing hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAIS.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The study was a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients who identified as either a competitive athlete or a nonathlete and had undergone hip arthroscopy for FAIS by a single fellowship-trained surgeon between January 2012 and April 2017. Patients in the 2 groups were matched 1:2 by age, sex, and body mass index. Baseline and clinical outcomes, including the Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living, Hip Outcome Score–Sports Subscale (HOS-SS), modified Harris Hip Score, and international Hip Outcome Tool-12, were collected preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively and compared between the groups. The MCID and substantial clinical benefit were calculated for each group separately and compared using chi-square analysis.

Results:

A total of 59 competitive athletes and 118 nonathletes were included in the final analysis. Most of the competitive athletes were soccer players (23.7%), followed by softball players (10.2%) and runners (10.2%). Postoperative score comparison between competitive athletes and nonathletes demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the HOS-SS (mean ± SD, 84.5 ± 19.0 vs 76.1 ± 23.8; P = .02). Meaningful outcome analysis demonstrated that competitive athletes had a higher rate of achieving the HOS-SS threshold for the MCID (97.4% vs 82.5%; P = .021). There was no other difference in frequency of achieving the threshold for any other meaningful clinical outcome between the groups.

Conclusion:

Hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAIS in competitive athletes and nonathletes produced clinically meaningful outcomes in both patient groups. However, competitive athletes achieved the MCID on the HOS-SS at higher rates than nonathletes and had significantly higher scores at 2 years postoperatively on the HOS-SS.
Preadmission Antiplatelet Use and Associated Outcomes and Costs Among ICU Patients With Intracranial Hemorrhage
Authors: Fernando Shannon M. , Mok Garrick , Rochwerg Bram , English Shane W. , Thavorn Kednapa , McCredie Victoria A. , Dowlatshahi Dar , Perry Jeffrey J. , Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Reardon Peter M. , Tanuseputro Peter , Kyeremanteng Kwadwo
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

Patients with intracranial hemorrhage (including intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and traumatic hemorrhage) are commonly admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Although indications for oral antiplatelet agents are increasing, the impact of preadmission use on outcomes in patients with intracranial hemorrhage admitted to the ICU is unknown. We sought to evaluate the association between preadmission oral antiplatelet use, in-hospital mortality, resource utilization, and costs among ICU patients with intracranial hemorrhage.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively collected registry (2011-2016) and included consecutive adult patients from 2 hospitals admitted to ICU with intracranial hemorrhage. Patients were categorized on the basis of preadmission oral antiplatelet use. We excluded patients with preadmission anticoagulant use. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality and was analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model. Contributors to total hospital cost were analyzed using a generalized linear model with log link and gamma distribution.

Results:

Of 720 included patients with intracranial hemorrhage, 107 (14.9%) had been using an oral antiplatelet agent at the time of ICU admission. Oral antiplatelet use was not associated with in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 1.31 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93-2.22]). Evaluation of total costs also revealed no association with oral antiplatelet use (adjusted ratio of means [aROM]: 0.92 [95% CI: 0.82-1.02, P = .10]). Total cost among patients with intracranial hemorrhage was driven by illness severity (aROM: 1.96 [95% CI: 1.94-1.98], P < .001), increasing ICU length of stay (aROM: 1.05 [95% CI: 1.05-1.06], P < .001), and use of invasive mechanical ventilation (aROM: 1.76 [95% CI: 1.68-1.86], P < .001).

Conclusions:

Among ICU patients admitted with intracranial hemorrhage, preadmission oral antiplatelet use was not associated with increased in-hospital mortality or hospital costs. These findings have important prognostic implications for clinicians who care for patients with intracranial hemorrhage.
National and sub-national HIV/AIDS-related mortality in Iran, 1990–2015: a population-based modeling study
Authors: Moazen Babak , Deckert Andreas , Saeedi Moghaddam Sahar , Owusu Priscilla N , Mehdipour Parinaz , Shokoohi Mostafa , Noori Atefeh , Lotfizadeh Masoud , Bosworth Rebecca , Neuhann Florian , Farzadfar Farshad , Stöver Heino , Dolan Kate
Published: November 2019

Surveillance of HIV/AIDS mortality is crucial to evaluate a country’s response to the disease. With a modified estimation approach, this study aimed to provide more accurate estimates on deaths due to HIV/AIDS in Iran from 1990 to 2015 at national and sub-national levels. Using a comprehensive data set, death registration incompleteness and misclassification were addressed by demographical and statistical methods. Trends of mortality due to HIV/AIDS at national and sub-national levels were estimated by applying a set of models. A total of 474 men (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 175–1332) and 256 women (95% UI: 36–1871) died due to HIV/AIDS in 2015 in Iran. Peaked in 1995, HIV/AIDS-related mortality has steadily declined among both genders. Mortality rates were remarkably higher among men than women during the period studied. At the sub-national level, the highest and the lowest annual percent change were found at 10.97 and −1.36% for women, and 4.04 and −3.47% for men, respectively. The findings of our study (731 deaths) were remarkably lower than the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (4000) but higher than Global Burden of Disease (339) estimates in 2015. The overall decrease in mortality due to HIV/AIDS may be attributed to the increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases; however, the role of the national and international organizations to fight HIV/AIDS should not be overlooked. To decrease HIV/AIDS mortality and to achieve international goals, evidence-based action is required. To fast-track targets, the priority must be to prevent infection, promote early diagnosis, provide access to treatment, and to ensure treatment adherence among patients.
Natural and anthropogenic controls on particulate metal(loid) deposition in Bolivian highland sediments, Lake Uru Uru (Bolivia)
Authors: Tapia Joseline , Audry Stéphane , van Beek Pieter
Published: November 2019

Mining in the Bolivian Altiplano is important and has historically provided much of the world’s Ag, Sn, and Sb. This study aims to better understand the effects of important recent increases in Bolivian mining on the deposition of metals and metalloids in sediment near Oruro, Bolivia’s fifth largest city, with special attention to natural and anthropogenic factors as well as early diagenesis, which could have broader implications in other high-elevation environments that have or will be affected by increased mining activities. To better assess the depositional trends of elements in sediments, five sedimentary cores collected in Lake Uru Uru and the Cala Cala Lagoon (nearby Oruro) were studied and analysis of the physicochemical variables coupled with radiometric dating indicate that (a) sediment deposited in Lake Uru Uru was likely sourced from local outcrops of Tertiary volcanics, Paleozoic shales, and ore and waste piles from mining activities material; (b) sedimentation rates in Lake Uru Uru were close to 3 mm·year−1, 1 mm higher than the ancient Tauca paleolake (~11,000–30,000 years ago); (c) early diagenetic effects have affected the distribution of Mn, As, and Cd in the sedimentary archive; and (d) the deposition of Ag, Sb, and Pb in the studied sediment has largely been related to historical trends in Bolivian Sn mining methods and production.
Impact of Belt and Road Initiative on Asian Economies
Authors: Iqbal Badar Alam , Rahman Mohd Nayyer , Sami Shaista
Published: November 2019

Chinese President Jinping initiated one of China’s grandiose foreign policy initiatives in 2013. He emphasized on the reconstruction of Silk Road Economic Belt and a twenty-first century Maritime Silk Road (MSR), together referred as Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI presents opportunity for trade, investment, and jobs between China and Asian economies that will support increasing consumption, infrastructure development, political associations, and sustainable development in many parts of the world. This article examines the BRI project and its growth, specifically from the Asian perspective. The study is an endeavor to identify the impact of BRI on the growth of Asian economies along the BRI route (corridors). For achieving this objective, data has been obtained from various websites and the time period considered is between 2009 and 2016. The panel data regression has been used with controllable macroeconomic variables. The results based on multiple models indicate a significant impact of BRI on the economic growth of Asian Economies. Other macroeconomic variables, such as imports, political stability, and corruption, also have a significant impact on the economic growth of the Asian economies.
Effect of Infrastructure and Foreign Direct Investment on Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Nketiah-Amponsah Edward , Sarpong Bernard
Published: November 2019

This article investigates the effect of infrastructure and foreign direct investment (FDI) on economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using panel data on 46 countries covering the period 2003–2017. The data were analyzed using fixed effects, random effects, and system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation techniques. Based on the system GMM estimates, the results indicate that a 1 percent improvement in electricity and transport infrastructure induces growth by 0.09 percent and 0.06 percent, respectively. Additionally, FDI proved to be growth enhancing only when interacted with infrastructure. The interactive effect of FDI and infrastructure improves economic growth by 0.016 percent. The results suggest that public provision of economic infrastructure reduces the cost of production for multinational enterprises, thus providing an incentive to increase investment in the domestic economy to sustain economic growth. The results also suggest that the impact of FDI on economic growth is maximized when some level of economic infrastructure is available. Our findings thus provide ample justification on the need for a significant government investment in infrastructure to provide a less costly business environment for both local and multinational enterprises to improve economic growth.
Internationalizing the Curriculum for STEAM (STEM + Arts and Humanities): From Intercultural Competence to Cultural Humility
Authors: de la Garza Armida
Published: November 2019

Internationalization of the Curriculum (IoC) has proved essential to realize the potential of internationalization as a driver of quality in Higher Education. The broadening of topics, bibliographic materials and other resources that result from it improve the breadth and depth of the content, making it more comprehensive, updated, and relevant. Moreover, the Internationalization at Home (IaH) strand that seeks to mobilize the informal and the hidden curriculum to bring stay-at-home students an international experience similar to that of those going abroad widens access. However, both IoC and its IaH subset have centered mostly around individual disciplines. This article proposes an alternative view of IoC that focuses on interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches to reviewing the curriculum, in particular STEAM, including indigenous knowledge as it does not separate the arts and humanities from science (STEM). Using case studies and quoting instances of best practice, the article demonstrates that the interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches advocated are better suited to pursue the learning outcomes sought by IoC.
Global Citizenship Education Through Collaborative Online International Learning in the Borderlands: A Case of the Arizona–Sonora Megaregion
Authors: King de Ramirez Carmen
Published: November 2019

Scholars have argued that 21st century educators have the responsibility to incorporate global citizenship activities into academic curricula to meet the demands of an increasingly diverse world. Approaches to global citizenship education that have rendered positive results include service-learning, critical thinking activities, second language acquisition, and international exchanges. The current study explores a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project carried out between university students enrolled in universities located in the Arizona-Sonora Megaregión. The study found that before students participated in COIL they demonstrated a limited understanding of their neighboring country. At the conclusion of the COIL project students demonstrated global citizenship skills such as the ability to analyze international relationships, critically consume media, and make identify points of global interconnectedness.
Strain sensitivity of steel-fiber-reinforced industrial smart concrete
Authors: Demircilioglu Erman , Teomete Egemen , Ozbulut Osman E
Published: November 2019

Self-sensing cementitious composites can enable structures that are capable of carrying the loads applied on them while monitoring their condition. Most of earlier research has focused on the incorporation of nanofillers or microfibers into cement paste or mortar composites. However, there have been very limited number of studies on the development of steel-fiber-reinforced cementitious composites with self-sensing capabilities. This study explores strain sensitivity of concrete mixtures that include coarse aggregates up to 15 mm diameter and steel fibers with a length of 13 mm and a diameter of 0.25 mm. Five different concrete mixtures with steel fibers at 0%, 0.2%, 0.35%, 0.5%, and 0.8% volume ratios were fabricated. Compression tests with simultaneous measurement of strain and electrical resistance were conducted on the cubic specimens. Gauge factor and percent linearity that is a measure of error in strain sensing were calculated. Concrete mixtures with 0.5% steel fibers possess a strong linear relationship between applied strain and electrical resistance change with a gauge factor over 20 times larger than that of traditional metal strain gauges. Phenomenological models for different resistivity and gauge factors of cement paste/mortar with respect to concrete with large aggregates and short–long fiber cement composites were presented.
Social Experiences of Adults Using Online Support Forums to Lose Weight: A Qualitative Content Analysis
Authors: Reading Jean M. , Buhr Karen J. , Stuckey Heather L.
Published: November 2019

Studies have shown social support can promote weight loss, specifically when support is received online through forums on weight loss websites. The goal of this study was to explore the experiences of individuals using support forums on weight loss websites. We conducted a content analysis on web-administered survey responses from members of two weight loss websites ( N = 340). The findings revealed three major themes: (1) receiving advice, strategies, and mantras are helpful with weight loss; (2) support forums provide a nonjudgmental environment for losing weight; and (3) receiving social support and inspiration from someone similar is helpful with weight loss. These findings suggest online support forums can benefit individuals attempting to lose weight by offering a place to receive nonjudgmental social support from other similar users.
Breast Cancer Voices on Pinterest: Raising Awareness or Just an Inspirational Image?
Authors: Miller Carrie A. , Guidry Jeanine P. D. , Fuemmeler Bernard F.
Published: November 2019

The public increasingly searches for and discusses health information online, but few studies have examined breast cancer–related posts on visual social media platforms. To shed light on cancer-focused posts on the visual social media platform Pinterest, this study analyzed a random sample of 476 breast cancer–related posts (also referred to as “pins”). Using a quantitative content analysis, pins were coded for type of visual and textual information included and user engagement with pins (i.e., frequency of repins and comments). This novel research supports the current use and potential future utility of Pinterest as a venue for health communication related to breast cancer. Study results have important implications for the development of future health promotion programs on Pinterest aimed at reducing breast cancer risk among women.
A Qualitative Exploration of Electronic Image Sharing Among Young People: Navigating the Issues of Conformity, Trust, Intention, and Reputation
Authors: Monks Helen , Barnes Amy , Cross Donna , McKee Heather
Published: November 2019

This research sought to explore the main factors affecting young people’s image-sharing behaviors, particularly in the context of peer relationships and norms. Ten focus groups were held with young people aged 13 to 14 years (Grade 9) with a total of 68 participants (39 females and 29 males) across 15 Australian schools contributing to the discussions. Focus groups were divided into either all-girls ( n = 4), all-boys ( n = 4), or mixed gender ( n = 2) participants to observe gender-specific issues. Thematic analysis of the data revealed the considerable complexities that young people encounter daily when sharing images in the online environment, including how they navigate issues of conformity, trust, intention, and reputation. Gender-specific differences in young people’s perceptions of risky image sharing were also observed. These findings have important implications for the design of school-based interventions to prevent and reduce harm from image-sharing behaviors, including the appointment and training of cyber ambassadors in schools to help positively influence peer-level norms about image sharing.
Bubble–bubble interaction effects on multiple bubbles dynamics in an ultrasonic cavitation field
Authors: Cheng Feng , Ji Weixi , Zhao Junhua
Published: November 2019

A vibratory erosion test rig is used to study the cavitation erosion of 6061 alloy. Some craters and material fracture are found on the specimen surface at the beginning of test. A cavitation model in an ultrasonic field is developed by applying the bubble–bubble interaction effect into Keller–Miksis equation to obtain the bubbles dynamic characteristics. The results reveal that the bubble cloud configuration is suitable for the explanation of cavitation erosion, and the erosion surfaces of the specimen were subjected to the effect of both massive bubbles collapsing, occurring in the thin liquid layer between the horn and the specimen. It is concluded that the optimal coupling strength of bubbles increases with the decrease of the bubble initial radius, and stable cavitation only occurs when the acoustic pressure amplitude is higher than a threshold value, which can well predict the experimental results.
Factors affecting mortality in major trauma patients in Trinidad and Tobago – A view from the developing world
Authors: Varachhia Saleem , Ramcharitar Maharaj Vidya , Paul Joanne F , Robertson Paula , Nunes Paula , Sammy Ian
Published: November 2019

Introduction

There are few data on major trauma in the developing world. This study investigated the characteristics and outcomes of seriously injured patients in Trinidad and Tobago, using Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) methodology. We also aimed to assess the predictive accuracy of the TRISS model in patients in Trinidad and Tobago.

Methods

Retrospective data from major trauma patients attending the Emergency Department of a tertiary hospital in Trinidad between 2010 and 2014 were analysed. Patients ≥18 years having an Injury Severity Score >15 were included. The impact of age, gender, comorbidities, mechanisms and patterns of injury on mortality was investigated. Using TRISS methodology, predicted mortality was calculated and compared to actual mortality.

Results

Of 323 patients analysed, 284 were male and 24 were aged ≥65 years. The commonest injury mechanisms in younger people were motor vehicle accidents (34.1%) and stabbings (30.8%) compared to falls (66.7%) and motor vehicle accidents (20.8%) in people aged ≥65 years. The commonest areas injured were the chest in younger patients (81.9%) and the head and neck in patients aged ≥65 years (58.3%). Women’s mortality rates were similar to men (RR 1.8; 95% CI 0.7–4.9). Mortality was higher with age ≥65 years (RR 7.0; 95% CI 3.1–15.9), blunt trauma (RR 7.6; 95% CI 1.8–32.4) and Charlson Comorbidity Index of 1 or more (RR 3.2; 95% CI 1.3–8.0). The TRISS model performed well at lower ISS scores and was excellent at predicting survival (discrimination statistic 0.94).

Conclusion

Multiple factors influence mortality in major trauma patients in Trinidad and Tobago, including age, co-morbidities and injury mechanism. TRISS methodology accurately predicted survival in this population but was better at predicting mortality in patients with lower Injury Severity Score.
A Benford Analysis of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Finance Data
Authors: Jones Willis A.
Published: November 2019

The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) database and the USA Today NCAA athletics department finance database are two of the most commonly used databases for scholars, policy makers, and other constituents interested in studying the economics of college athletics. Many in the higher education community, however, question the validity of these databases. This study used Benford’s Law of First Digits as a tool for spotting irregularities in EADA and USA Today college athletics financial data. After reviewing 5 years of data, the findings show that while there was some slight deviation from Benford’s Law, EADA and USA Today data largely conformed to the expectations of Benford’s Law.
Minimally Invasive Pulmonary Fibroelastoma Resection
Authors: Nellis Joseph R. , Wojnarski Charles M. , Fitch Zachary W. , Andersen Nicholas A. , Turek Joseph W.
Published: November 2019

Pulmonary fibroelastomas are a rare primary cardiac tumor with less than 50 cases reported in the literature to date. We performed a minimally invasive valve-sparing tumor resection through a left anterior mini-incision (LAMI). The procedure was performed without cardiac arrest or aortic cross clamp, expediting postoperative recovery and allowing for an uncomplicated discharge on postoperative day 5. LAMI is a safe and reliable alternative to median sternotomy for patients requiring interventions on the right ventricular outflow tract and main pulmonary artery, including pulmonary fibroelastoma resection and pulmonary valve replacement when needed.
The role of national politicians in global climate governance
Authors: Willis Rebecca
Published: November 2019

The scientific case for co-ordinated global governance of the climate system is firmly established, but how does this fit with a politician’s mandate as a democratically elected representative? What role do national politicians think they can and should play in climate governance? This paper tests these questions empirically, using data from interviews with 23 Members of the UK Parliament, and a focus group of civil society advocates, conducted between 2016 and 2018. A global goal to limit climate change has been agreed through the 2015 Paris Agreement. Yet while the Agreement sets a clear goal, the means to achieve it remain firmly at the level of the nation-state, with each country assuming responsibility for its own national plan. Thus national administrations, run by elected politicians, have a crucial role to play. This study shows that, while Members of the UK Parliament have an understanding of the challenges posed by climate change and wider changes to earth systems, few have yet been able to operationalise this understanding into meaningful responses at the national level. The study highlights two, linked, reasons for this. First, politicians’ ability to act – their agency – is limited by the practicalities and procedures of everyday politics, and by the norms and cultures of their working life. Second, UK politicians feel little pressure from their electors to act on climate change, and have to work to justify why action on climate change carries democratic legitimacy. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of this research, in the light of the recent high-profile climate protests and declarations of a ‘climate emergency’. It argues that politicians, working with other stakeholders, need support in order to articulate the scale and significance of global climate governance, and craft responses which build democratic support for further action.
Wearable technology in stroke rehabilitation: towards improved diagnosis and treatment of upper-limb motor impairment
Authors: Maceira-Elvira Pablo , Popa Traian , Schmid Anne-Christine , Hummel Friedhelm C.
Published: November 2019

Stroke is one of the main causes of long-term disability worldwide, placing a large burden on individuals and society. Rehabilitation after stroke consists of an iterative process involving assessments and specialized training, aspects often constrained by limited resources of healthcare centers. Wearable technology has the potential to objectively assess and monitor patients inside and outside clinical environments, enabling a more detailed evaluation of the impairment and allowing the individualization of rehabilitation therapies. The present review aims to provide an overview of wearable sensors used in stroke rehabilitation research, with a particular focus on the upper extremity. We summarize results obtained by current research using a variety of wearable sensors and use them to critically discuss challenges and opportunities in the ongoing effort towards reliable and accessible tools for stroke rehabilitation. Finally, suggestions concerning data acquisition and processing to guide future studies performed by clinicians and engineers alike are provided.
Histone deacetylase 1 interacts with HIV-1 Integrase and modulates viral replication
Authors: Larguet Fadila , Caté Clément , Barbeau Benoit , Rassart Eric , Edouard Elsy
Published: November 2019

Background

HIV-1 hijacks the cellular machinery for its own replication through protein-protein interactions between viral and host cell factors. One strategy against HIV-1 infection is thus to target these key protein complexes. As the integration of reverse transcribed viral cDNA into a host cell chromosome is an essential step in the HIV-1 life cycle, catalyzed by the viral integrase and other important host factors, we aimed at identifying new integrase binding partners through a novel approach.

Methods

A LTR-derived biotinylated DNA fragment complexed with the integrase on magnetic beads was incubated with extracts from integrase-expressing 293 T cells. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation/pull-down experiments were used for the identification of binding partners. Transfections of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) expression vectors and/or specific siRNA were conducted in HeLa-CD4 and 293 T cells followed by infection with fully infectious NL4–3 and luciferase-expressing pseudotyped viruses or by proviral DNA transfection. Fully infectious and pseudotyped viruses produced from HDAC1-silenced 293 T cells were tested for their infectivity toward HeLa-CD4 cells, T cell lines and primary CD4+ T cells. Late RT species and integrated viral DNA were quantified by qPCR and infectivity was measured by luciferase activity and p24 ELISA assay. Results were analyzed by the Student’s t-test.

Results

Using our integrase-LTR bait approach, we successfully identified new potential integrase-binding partners, including HDAC1. We further confirmed that HDAC1 interacted with the HIV-1 integrase in co-immunoprecipitation and pull-down experiments. HDAC1 knockdown in infected HeLa cells was shown to interfere with an early preintegration step of the HIV-1 replication cycle, which possibly involves reverse transcription. We also observed that, while HDAC1 overexpression inhibited HIV-1 expression after integration, HDAC1 knockdown had no effect on this step. In virus producer cells, HDAC1 knockdown had a limited impact on virus infectivity in either cell lines or primary CD4+ T cells.

Conclusions

Our results show that HDAC1 interacts with the HIV-1 integrase and affects virus replication before and after integration. Overall, HDAC1 appears to facilitate HIV-1 replication with a major effect on a preintegration step, which likely occurs at the reverse transcription step.
Differences in cardiac phenotype and natural history of laminopathies with and without neuromuscular onset
Authors: Ditaranto Raffaello , Boriani Giuseppe , Biffi Mauro , Lorenzini Massimiliano , Graziosi Maddalena , Ziacchi Matteo , Pasquale Ferdinando , Vitale Giovanni , Berardini Alessandra , Rinaldi Rita , Lattanzi Giovanna , Potena Luciano , Martin Suarez Sofia , Bacchi Reggiani Maria Letizia , Rapezzi Claudio , Biagini Elena
Published: November 2019

Objective

To investigate differences in cardiac manifestations of patients affected by laminopathy, according to the presence or absence of neuromuscular involvement at presentation.

Methods

We prospectively analyzed 40 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of laminopathy followed at a single centre between 1998 and 2017. Additionally, reports of clinical evaluations and tests prior to referral at our centre were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

Clinical onset was cardiac in 26 cases and neuromuscular in 14. Patients with neuromuscular presentation experienced first symptoms earlier in life (11 vs 39 years; p <  0.0001) and developed atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) and required pacemaker implantation at a younger age (28 vs 41 years [p = 0.013] and 30 vs 44 years [p = 0.086] respectively), despite a similar overall prevalence of AF (57% vs 65%; p = 0.735) and atrio-ventricular (A-V) block (50% vs 65%; p = 0.500). Those with a neuromuscular presentation developed a cardiomyopathy less frequently (43% vs 73%; p = 0.089) and had a lower rate of sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias (7% vs 23%; p = 0.387). In patients with neuromuscular onset rhythm disturbances occurred usually before evidence of cardiomyopathy. Despite these differences, the need for heart transplantation and median age at intervention were similar in the two groups (29% vs 23% [p = 0.717] and 43 vs 46 years [p = 0.593] respectively).

Conclusions

In patients with laminopathy, the type of disease onset was a marker for a different natural history. Specifically, patients with neuromuscular presentation had an earlier cardiac involvement, characterized by a linear and progressive evolution from rhythm disorders (AF and/or A-V block) to cardiomyopathy.