bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Sb2O3 Nanoparticles Addition on the Thermal, Microstructural and Creep Properties of Hypoeutectic Sn–Bi Solder Alloy
Authors: Abd El-Rehim Alaa F. , Mahmoud Ashraf S. , Abdelaziz Shereen M.
Published: March 2021

Here we investigate the effects (thermal, microstructural, and creep properties) of adding Sb2O3 nanoparticles to a hypoeutectic Sn-5 wt% Bi solder alloy. The Sb2O3-containing solder alloy was prepared by mechanically incorporating 0.5 wt%
Sb2O3 nanoparticles into the Sn-5 wt% Bi solder alloy. The addition of nano-sized Sb2O3 particles to the Sn–Bi solder alloy increases the melting temperature, but only slightly. The main phases of the investigated solder alloys include the
β-Sn and Bi-rich phases in addition to the crystalline phase of Sb2O3 nanoparticles. No other intermetallic compounds were observed in the β-Sn matrix. The tensile creep experiments have been carried out in the 303–363 K temperature interval
under constant stresses ranging from 5.1 to 7.64 MPa. The creep parameters of both solders increased gradually with increasing creep temperature up to 333 K, after which they increased rapidly with relatively higher values. The creep parameters of the Sb2O3-containing
solder alloys are smaller than that of Sb2O3-free solder alloys. The present solder alloys exhibit class-M creep behavior. The calculated stress exponent values and activation energy data for both solders could be related to dislocation climb through core diffusion as
the dominant operating mechanism.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Capture in Alkanolamines Impregnated Activated Carbon Developed from Date Stones
Authors: Muhammad Ayyaz , Rather Sami Ullah , Umar Muhammad , Bamufleh Hisham , Ali Arshid Mahmood , Youssef Tamer Ezzat
Published: March 2021

The concern to reduce global carbon emissions has significantly improved the development of efficient solid sorbents such as activated carbon (AC). In this study, AC is developed from date stones which is one of the abundantly found agricultural waste material in gulf region. The AC
was completely characterized in terms of pore volume, surface area, stability test, volatile carbon and fixed carbon contents. Impregnation of AC was performed by three different alkanolamines, namely Diethylene triamine (DETA), Pentaethylene hexamine (PEHA) and Di-ethanol amine (DEA). The
alkanolamine impregnated sorbents were utilized for CO2adsorption at temperatures of 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 100 °C and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations of 10, 30, 50, 70 and 92% in helium. The adsorption phenomenon was evaluated by Langmuir isotherms for all
the studied adsorbents. The AC developed from date stones provided high adsorption loading capacity of CO2 i.e., 89.79 mg/g of AC at 25 °C. Thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous in nature. Moreover, desorption profiles reveal that
DETA-AC samples provided most favorable characteristics with respect to the value of desorption constant.
A Bio-Barcode Electrochemical DNA Biosensor Based on Poly T30 Copper Nanoparticle Signaling
Authors: Chomba Haji , Pan Ting , Zhuo Xinyue , Zhao Lan , Wang Yulin , Huang Zhao , Martin Haikael , Chen Dongchu , Nie Libo
Published: March 2021

Simple, cost effective, high sensitive and selective detection strategies for disease related DNA sequences in clinical diagnostics and research purposes are still on demand. Detection of DNA specific sequences of particular biomedical importance, based on electrochemical signaling,
has been reported as a promising analytical approach for medical diagnostics due to its simplicity, cost effective, sensitivity, selectivity and rapidity. Herein, a simple and cost effective DNA biosensor based on poly T30 Copper Nanoparticle Signaling and biobarcode technique is presented
for the first time. In this design, complementary sequence places the poly T30 modified bio-barcode probe (P2-SiO2-T30) on the sensor interface. Upon copper reduction reaction, copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) are clustered along the poly T30 modified bio-barcode probe (P2-SiO2-T30-CuNPs).
During electrochemical measurements copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) are oxidized to give current signal. This detection strategy has a detection limit of 10 pM.
The Impact of Assimilating ZDR Observations on Storm-Scale Ensemble Forecasts of the 31 May 2013 Oklahoma Storm Event
Authors: Putnam Bryan J. , Jung Youngsun , Yussouf Nusrat , Stratman Derek , Supinie Timothy A. , Xue Ming , Kuster Charles , Labriola Jonathan
Published: March 2021

Assimilation of dual-polarization (dual-pol) observations provides more accurate storm-scale analyses to initialize forecasts of severe convective thunderstorms. This study investigates the impact assimilating experimental sector-scan dual-pol observations has on storm-scale ensemble forecasts and how this impact changes over different data assimilation (DA) windows using the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF). Ensemble forecasts are initialized after 30, 45, and 60 minutes of DA for two sets of experiments that assimilate either reflectivity and radial velocity only (EXPZ) or reflectivity and radial velocity plus differential reflectivity (EXPZZDR). This study uses the 31 May 2013 Oklahoma event which included multiple storms that produced tornadoes and severe hail, with focus placed on two storms that impacted El Reno and Stillwater during the event.

The earliest initialized forecast of EXPZZDR better predicts the evolution of the El Reno storm than EXPZ, but the two sets of experiments become similar at subsequent forecast times. However, the later EXPZZDR forecasts of the Stillwater storm, which organized towards the end of the DA window, produce improved results compared to EXPZ, in which the storm is less intense and weakens. Evaluation of forecast products for supercell mesocyclones (updraft helicity [UH]) and hail show similar results with earlier EXPZZDR forecasts better predicting the UH swaths of the El Reno storm and later forecasts producing improved UH and hail swaths for the Stillwater storm. The results indicate that the assimilation of ZDR over fewer DA cycles can produce improved forecasts when DA windows sufficiently cover storms during their initial development and organization.
Too many immigrants: How does local diversity contribute to attitudes toward immigration?
Authors: Kawalerowicz Juta
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates the link between residential context, perceptions and attitudes toward immigrants by linking data from the British Election Study with Census statistics on composition of electoral constituencies in 2001 and 2011. I consider which type of local diversity is most salient for natives’ attitudes by combining information on ethnicity, religion and skills. Second, I look at whether base levels of and changes in local diversity affect anti-immigration attitudes in the same way. I find that immigration is more salient when defined by ethnic criteria, rather than criteria that combine ethnicity and religion or skills. Anti-immigrant attitudes are more likely to be expressed by natives who live in constituencies where there has been a large change in diversity between 2001 and 2011, but these responses depend on initial diversity levels. For non-whites and skilled ethnic minorities higher residential segregation is associated with more negative attitudes toward immigrants among natives.
Development of a flexible wearable thermal textile accessory for winter sports
Authors: Yang Chenxiao , Yao Mei Yu , LI Li
Published: March 2021

In pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, people are paying more attention to sports activities, even in winter. They are thus seeking high function and maximum comfort to improve their performance. However, cold weather may result in a higher risk of injuries. It is of prime importance to perform warm-up, which can increase body temperature to relieve muscle stiffness and allow improvement of performance. Unfortunately, the traditional approach of wearing multiple thick layers of clothing to keep warm can prevent the easy movement of the body. Therefore, the integration of flexible textile and wearable thermal technology has become a major research initiative in both sports and textile fields. Current attempts by high-tech start-ups and wearable textile enterprises are not able to overcome the hurdle of transforming wearable technology into a fashionable and marketable product. Hence, this paper introduces a design-driven method to develop a flexible wearable thermal textile accessory for winter sports usage. The relationships between thermal textiles, electrical resistance, thermal performance, stretchability, energy consumption, and function stability were evaluated to optimize the thermal textile fabrication. Then, a prototype was produced and its specification was defined. These enable the realization of mass production and provide a blueprint for the future development of wearable textiles.
Advancing Pharmacy Practice in Tanzania: A Descriptive Report of Pharmacy Education and Practice Models in 3 Institutions
Authors: Mbilinyi Christian , Buma Deus , Ngasa Solobi , Maingu Rose , Maganda Betty , Kaali Wellu , Uledi Mtoke , Mkinga Bryceson , Njonjo Bruno , Amiri Jumanne , Zuckerman Autumn D.
Published: March 2021

Understanding models of pharmacy education and practice in low-to-middle income countries (LMIC) can drive best practices and resource utilization. However, there is a paucity of literature in this setting. The purpose of this report is to describe the length and breadth of pharmacy education and training in Tanzania as well as pharmacy practice models at 3 institutions. Lessons learned and implications for global pharmacy practice described herein aim to advance the profession and pharmacists’ impact in LMIC settings. The Muhimbili campus is located in Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania, a LMIC in East Africa, and is comprised of 3 institutes and a health professions school. Despite variance in patient populations, all Muhimbili institutions have developed pharmacy services in outpatient and inpatient pharmacies, central pharmacy stores, intensive care units, and operating theaters. Unique pharmacy practice areas result from a variance in patient populations serviced and include services in pharmacovigilence/drug information, compounding, oncology, nephrology, and emergency departments. Medication availability and the complexity and time commitment of patient billing are consistent challenges, and multidisciplinary collaboration a common strength across the 3 institutions. Pharmacists at Muhimbili perform innovative and critical functions to support optimal patient care tailored to specific patient populations. The detailed review of these services can serve as a model for pharmacy practice at other health systems in LMIC and beyond.
Conditional Nature of Policy as a Stabilizing Force: Erin’s Law and Teacher Child Abuse Reporting Practices
Authors: Fowler Luke , Vallett Joel
Published: March 2021

This article uses Erin’s Law, a law establishing consistent teacher reporting practices for child abuse, to test the multiple streams framework (MSF) implementation hypothesis in a policy area where inconsistent state-level policies have been the norm. Findings indicate that Erin’s Law has a conditional impact on teacher reporting that are dependent on problems and politics streams. While the conditional relationship between the streams in affecting implementer behavior is consistent with previous tests of the MSF implementation hypothesis, findings indicate that this conditional relationship manifests differently when the intended goals of new policies are to establish a consistent norm for administrative behavior.
Characteristics of Moderators in Meta-Analyses of Single-Case Experimental Design Studies
Authors: Moeyaert Mariola , Yang Panpan , Xu Xinyun , Kim Esther
Published: March 2021

Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) has been recommended as a meta-analytic technique for the quantitative synthesis of single-case experimental design (SCED) studies. The HLM approach is flexible and can model a variety of different SCED data complexities, such as intervention heterogeneity. A major advantage of using HLM is that participant and-or study characteristics can be incorporated in the model in an attempt to explain intervention heterogeneity. The inclusion of moderators in the context of meta-analysis of SCED studies did not yet receive attention and is in need of methodological research. Prior to extending methodological work validating the hierarchical linear model including moderators at the different levels, an overview of characteristics of moderators typically encountered in the field is needed. This will inform design conditions to be embedded in future methodological studies and ensure that these conditions are realistic and representative for the field of SCED meta-analyses. This study presents the results of systematic review of SCED meta-analyses, with the particular focus on moderator characteristic. The initial search yielded a total of 910 articles and book chapters. After excluding duplicate studies and non peer-reviewed studies, 658 unique peer-reviewed studies were maintained and screened by two independent researchers. Sixty articles met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for data retrieval. The results of the analysis of moderator characteristics retrieved from these 60 meta-analyses are presented. The first part of the results section contains an overview of moderator characteristics per moderator level (within-participant level, participant level, and study level), including the types of moderators, the ratio of the number of moderators relative to the number of units at that level, the measurement scale, and the degree of missing data. The second part of the results section focuses on the metric used to quantify moderator effectiveness and the analysis approach. Based on the results of the systematic review, recommendations are given for conditions to be included in future methodological work.
Individual and community
Authors: Walzer Michael
Published: March 2021

This article describes libertarian and communitarian ways of bringing individuals together in a political community, argues that social democracy successfully mediates between these and then asks how to improve upon the unimaginative and compromised versions of social democracy that exist in the world today.
Sclerotherapy for Benign Cystic Lesions of the Head and Neck: Systematic Review of 474 Cases
Authors: Talmor Guy , Nguyen Brandon , Mir Ghayoour , Badash Ido , Kaye Rachel , Caloway Christen
Published: March 2021

Objective

The role of sclerotherapy for vascular lesions of the head and neck is well established. However, the efficacy of sclerotherapy for benign cystic lesions of the head and neck is less clear. The objective of this review is to determine the efficacy and safety of sclerotherapy for benign cystic lesions of the head and neck.

Data Sources

PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase.

Review Methods

The PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Systems for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses) were followed for this systematic review. Studies of patients with benign head and neck cystic masses treated primarily with sclerotherapy were included. Thirty‐two studies met criteria for inclusion.

Results

A total of 474 cases of sclerotherapy were reviewed. Agents comprised OK‐432, ethanol, doxycycline, tetracycline, and bleomycin. Lesions in the analysis were ranula, thyroglossal duct cyst, branchial cleft cyst, benign lymphoepithelial cyst, parotid cyst, thoracic duct cyst, and unspecified lateral neck cyst. A total of 287 patients (60.5%) had a complete response; 132 (27.9%) had a partial response; and 55 (11.6%) had no response. OK‐432 was the most widely utilized agent, with a higher rate of complete response than that of ethanol (62.0% vs 39.4%, P =. 015). Fifty‐three cases (11.2%) required further surgical management. One case of laryngeal edema was reported and managed nonoperatively.

Conclusion

Sclerotherapy appears to be a safe and efficacious option for benign cystic lesions if malignancy is reliably excluded. Efficacy rates are comparable to those of sclerotherapy for vascular malformations. The rate of serious complications is low, with 1 incident of airway edema reported in the literature.
Explaining youth radicalism as a positioning of the self at opposite extremes
Authors: Uba Katrin , Bosi Lorenzo
Published: March 2021

The concept of ‘young radicals’ is gaining ground in a context of generalized discontent – often, this is due to the fact that young people engage increasingly in unconventional forms of political activism. Much less is known about young people holding radical political attitudes. This article advances our understanding of those young people who place themselves on the extremes of the ideological scale and investigates how those with radical right attitudes differ from those with radical left ones. Drawing on a survey that gathers data from nine European countries, with a sample of young people aged 18–35, we test those factors that have been used to explain why people use violent repertoires of action: social background, gender, political values, and prior experience in protest activism. The results relate ‘radicalness’ to experienced economic difficulties and the more contentious political activism. The difference between the young ‘radicals’ in right and left are, however, defined by gender and adherence to authoritarian values.
Verb bias and semantic persistence effects in L2 ambiguity resolution
Authors: Şafak Duygu Fatma , Hopp Holger
Published: March 2021

To pinpoint difficulties in the second language (L2) processing of temporarily ambiguous sentences, this study investigates first language (L1) effects and effects of verb bias, i.e. frequency information about preferential verb complements, on semantic persistence effects in L2 sentence comprehension. We tested 32 L1 German and 32 L1 Turkish intermediate-to-advanced learners of L2 English as well as 17 English natives in eye-tracking during reading and off-line comprehension. In off-line comprehension, neither natives nor L2 learners show verb bias effects, suggesting that semantic persistence of initial misinterpretations arises independently of lexical preferences. In contrast, reading times show that all groups are immediately sensitive to verb bias on-line, with L1 differences in how strongly verb bias affects garden-pathing. Unlike natives, however, L2 learners do not use verb bias to overcome semantic persistence to complete reanalysis in later segments of the sentence. We argue that, in spite of their initial sensitivity to verb bias in modulating garden paths, L2 readers suffer from processing limitations that constrain their ability to retrieve and integrate multiple sources of information for reanalysis. Our study confirms that reanalysis constitutes a key area of native versus non-native differences in L2 sentence processing.
Speech Motor Function and Auditory Perception in Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency: Toward Pre–Supplementary Motor Area (SMA) and SMA-Proper Dysfunctions
Authors: Ahmadi Zohreh Ziatabar , DiBacco Melissa L. , Pearl Phillip L.
Published: March 2021

This study reviews the fundamental roles of pre–supplementary motor area (SMA) and SMA-proper responsible for speech-motor functions and auditory perception in succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency. We comprehensively searched the databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, and the electronic journals Springer, PreQuest, and Science Direct associated with keywords SSADHD, SMA, auditory perception, speech, and motor with AND operator. Transcranial magnetic stimulation emerged for assessing excitability/inhibitory M1 functions, but its role in pre-SMA and SMA proper dysfunction remains unknown. There was a lack of data on resting-state and task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with a focus on passive and active tasks for both speech and music, in terms of analysis of SMA-related cortex and its connections. Children with SSADH deficiency likely experience a dysfunction in connectivity between SMA portions with cortical and subcortical areas contributing to disabilities in speech-motor functions and auditory perception. Early diagnosis of auditory-motor disabilities in children with SSADH deficiency by neuroimaging techniques invites opportunities for utilizing sensory-motor integration as future interventional strategies.
Understanding Stalking Among University Students in Ghana: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Zagurny Emily S.F. , Compton Sarah D. , Dzomeku Veronica , Cannon Lindsay M. , Omolo Tanya , Munro-Kramer Michelle L.
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study is to explore experiences of stalking behaviors among midwifery students at one Ghanaian university, as well as their association with mental health disorders. Specifically, this study had the following three aims: (a) to identify the frequency of stalking experiences in this population; (b) to explore mental health symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, within this population; and (c) to better understand intervention opportunities related to stalking, including bystander intervention and use of available resources. The study utilized an exploratory mixed-methods design with surveys ( n = 118) and focus group discussions ( n = 2 with 16 participants) with midwifery students recruited from a centrally located Ghanaian university campus in July of 2018 using convenience sampling. Results indicate a large percentage (80.3%) of participants have experienced stalking behavior(s) within the last six months. Multiple regression analyses demonstrate a statistically significant relationship between any stalking behaviors and depressive symptomatology as well as between unwanted monitoring/following and anxiety. This was reinforced by focus group discussions in which participants discussed the themes of: (a) types of stalking, with a heavy emphasis on using technology for unwanted following/monitoring; (b) positive versus negative perceptions of stalking intentions, where some types of monitoring and following could be seen as forms of flattery or interest; and (c) barriers to seeking help that focused on stigma, cultural barriers, systemic barriers, and personal barriers. Future research should delve more deeply into barriers to existing resources to identify ways to increase accessibility for stalking survivors in connection with mental health services. This study also highlights the need for additional research to more clearly understand stalking in Ghana so that interventions can begin to address mental health services, healthy relationships, communication, and consent.
Lurasidone for Adolescents With Complex Mental Disorders: A Case Series
Authors: Mole Tom B. , Furlong Yulia , Clarke Richard J. , Rao Pradeep , Moore Julia K. , Pace Giulia , Van Odyck Hugo , Chen Wai
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

Lurasidone is a new second generation (atypical) antipsychotic agent with unique receptor affinity and side-effect profiles, but limited literature is available on its use in adolescent populations. Contrasting with research treatment trials which typically recruit patients by stringent selection criteria, this case series examined the effects and tolerability of using lurasidone in adolescents within real-life clinical settings in treating complex cases who had not responded to other therapy options.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective case-note audit of 6 adolescents aged 14 to 17 years old attending community child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) who were prescribed lurasidone.

Results:

Lurasidone had been prescribed for a range of “hard-to-manage” conditions with complex comorbidities, in adolescents in relation to specific use of lurasidone on the basis of clinical and pharmacological indications after exhausting more conventional treatment options. Case-note review suggested response to lurasidone was clinically positive in 3 cases, equivocal/marginal in 2 cases, and ineffective in 1 case. There were no cases of poor tolerance or adverse effects. Notably, positive responses for depressive and irritable mood symptoms were specifically recorded by prescribing clinicians, indicative of benefits on symptom improvement. No lurasidone attributed weight gain, galactorrhoea, metabolic abnormalities, sexual dysfunction or intolerance were reported. Pro-cognitive effects were not detected; but our findings were constrained by the non-systematic and incomplete information ascertainment, typical in retrospective case-note review.

Conclusion:

This case series provides preliminary data supporting lurasidone’s potential use in adolescents of complex clinical needs (but without a clinical diagnosis of bipolar disorder) within real-life clinical settings. Lurasidone appears to show a weight-sparing effect, in addition to improving mood symptoms in some cases. Lurasidone deserves further study for its use in the adolescent population (outside the remit of FDA) given its potential more favorable risk-benefit profile in young people. The favorable tolerability appear to be borne out by the pharmacodynamic predictions in our complex patients who would be excluded in formal clinical trial studies.
Improving sit-to-stand transition by the saddle-assistive device in the spinal cord injury: A case study
Authors: Hojjati Najafabadi Akbar , Amini Saeid , Farahmand Farzam
Published: March 2021

Physical problems caused by fractures, aging, stroke, and accidents can reduce foot power; these, in the long term, can dwindle the muscles of the waist, thighs, and legs. These conditions provide the basis for the invalidism of the harmed people. In this study, a saddle-walker was designed and evaluated to help people suffering from spinal cord injury and patients with lower limb weakness. This S-AD works based on body weight support against the previously report designs. This saddle-walker consisted of a non-powered four-wheel walker helping to walk and a powered mechanism for the sit-to-stand (STS) transfer. A set of experiments were done on the STS in the use of the standard walker and the saddle-assistive device(S-AD). A comparison of the results showed that this device could reduce the vertical ground reaction force (GRF) of the legs up to 70%. Using this device could help a wide range of patients with lower limb weakness and SCI patients in changing from sitting to standing.
Perceived Formal and Informal Sanctions in Deterring Cybercrime in a College Sample
Authors: Bossler Adam M.
Published: March 2021

The threat of formal sanctions is the criminal justice system’s primary tool to discourage online and offline deviant behavior. Yet, scholars have expressed strong concerns about the effectiveness of formal sanctions to deter cybercrime. Even more surprising is the sparsity of deterrence research in the cybercrime literature. This study examined the effects of perceived formal and informal sanctions on digital piracy, computer hacking, and online harassment in a large American college sample. Perceived formal sanctions was negatively correlated with software piracy, media piracy, password cracking, accessing accounts, sending mean messages privately online, and posting mean messages. Higher levels of perceived formal sanctions did not significantly predict any form of cybercrime, however, when controlling for informal sanctions and deviant peer associations. The implications of the findings for our ability to deter deviant behavior in cyberspace are explored.
Group-Based Parent Education Intervention for Nonresident Fathers
Authors: Perry Armon R. , Langley Cheri
Published: March 2021

Research indicates that children with involved fathers fare better than children with disengaged fathers. In response, 4 Your Child provides fatherhood-specific parent education and solution-focused case management services aimed at helping nonresident fathers increase their capacity for taking more active roles in their children’s lives. The purpose of this study was to present the results of preliminary analyses from a sample of 508 nonresident fathers enrolled in 4 Your Child. The results reveal high levels of participant satisfaction and statistically significant increases in parenting knowledge and conflict resolution skills for program participants from pre- to postintervention. Recommendations for future research and practice are also included.
Deep learning and complex network theory based analysis on socialized manufacturing resources utilisations and an application case study
Authors: Yang Maolin , Abubakar Auwal H , Jiang Pingyu
Published: March 2021

Social manufacturing is characterized by its capability of utilizing socialized manufacturing resources to achieve value adding. Recently, a new type of social manufacturing pattern emerges and shows potential for core factories to improve their limited manufacturing capabilities by utilizing the resources from outside socialized manufacturing resource communities. However, the core factories need to analyze the resource characteristics of the socialized resource communities before making operation plans, and this is challenging due to the unaffiliated and self-driven characteristics of the resource providers in socialized resource communities. In this paper, a deep learning and complex network based approach is established to address this challenge by using socialized designer community for demonstration. Firstly, convolutional neural network models are trained to identify the design resource characteristics of each socialized designer in designer community according to the interaction texts posted by the socialized designer on internet platforms. During the process, an iterative dataset labelling method is established to reduce the time cost for training set labelling. Secondly, complex networks are used to model the design resource characteristics of the community according to the resource characteristics of all the socialized designers in the community. Two real communities from RepRap 3D printer project are used as case study.
Intravitreal dexamethasone insert in diabetic macular edema super-refractory to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy
Authors: Wilkins Carl S , Sobol Ethan K , Lema Gareth MC , Lee Jessica G , Rosen Richard B , Deobhakta Avnish
Published: March 2021

Background:

Some patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) fail to completely respond to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. These patients have a high treatment burden in the absence of significant improvement. We investigate the role of intravitreal dexamethasone insert (IDI) in eyes with super-refractory DME.

Methods:

A non-randomized interventional study was performed among eyes with super-refractory DME refractory to anti-VEGF therapy. Eyes were treated with IDI after failing clinical response to anti-VEGF, with a minimum of 15 prior. Failure to respond was defined as failure of vision to improve at least one line on Snellen Acuity chart, central subfield thickness (CST) greater than 320 μm, or failure of CST to improve by 10% or more. Eyes with glaucoma or prior uncontrolled steroid-responsive ocular hypertension were excluded. Patient outcomes were analyzed at weeks 6, 12, 24, and year 1.

Results:

Six eyes of four patients were identified. All patients had failed aflibercept. The mean number of prior anti-VEGF injections was 34.5. Eyes received an average of 2.92 dexamethasone injections per person-year (PY) and required breakthrough anti-VEGF injection at 1.95/PY. Mean pre-treatment visual acuity was 0.475 LogMAR, improving to 0.342 at week 6, and 0.375 at 1 year. Mean CST pre-injection was 386.5 mm, improving to 315 mm at 1 year. No glaucoma developed.

Conclusions:

Intravitreal dexamethasone insert appears effective in eyes with super-refractory DME. IDI resulted in excellent anatomic improvement on SD-OCT as well as modest visual improvement. Injection burden was reduced in those who may otherwise receive years of monthly treatments.
The Association between Sociocultural Factors and Substance Use among Haramaya University Students
Authors: Feyisa Zelalem Tadese
Published: March 2021

All the associated risk factors were not equally responsible for influencing individuals either in alcohol use, khat use, tobacco, or cannabis use. This study attempted to examine sociocultural factors influencing university students in substance use by comparing one with another. A cross-sectional study was carried out. The study used a quantitative approach to collect data from 384 students. Compared with their involvement in khat use, female students were positively influenced in cigarette and hashish use (Adjusted Odds Ratio, AOR = 1.102, 95% CI: 1.056, 1.149) and alcohol use (AOR = 1.066, 95% CI: 1.021, 1.113). The involvement of students in alcohol use (AOR = 0.884, 95% CI: 0.838, 0.932) and cigarettes and hashish use (AOR = 0.909, 95% CI: 0.866, 0.953) were negatively associated with stress related to their academic activities. The involvement of students in alcohol use (AOR = 0.942, 95% CI: 0.906, 0.979) was negatively associated with parental influences; involved in alcohol use (AOR = 0.445, 95% CI: 0.210, 0.941) was negatively associated with the thoughts of considering substances as an energizer. The involvement of students in alcohol use (AOR = 4.980, 95% CI: 1.614, 15.368) was positively associated with peer influences. It was, thus, suggested that the management of Haramaya University should work on creating awareness of the negative consequences of substance use. Concerned professionals, including sociologists, psychologists, and health workers, should work on raising students’ awareness as it was possible to undertake their studies without substance use. Moreover, the university management is strongly recommended to expand recreational centers within the campus. Lastly, Haramaya woreda administration should restrict the availability and accessibility of these substances around the campus.
Freedom as a trigger for musical creativity
Authors: Nazario Luciano da Costa
Published: March 2021

This article presents the results of a qualitative study that explored how freedom in music can stimulate creative development in students. A series of musical and pedagogical activities, called Creative Freedom, which involved favourable conditions for autonomy and creative agency, was developed. This study was conducted between 2013 and 2018 in two different universities and involved a total of 72 musical volunteers. The data analysis methodology chosen for this study was grounded theory, with the aim of understanding the social and individual meanings present during the empirical research. The findings showed empirical evidence that freedom can enable creative development through the minimization of dysfunctional beliefs and the promotion of a more positive self-concept, allowing students to glimpse musical abilities that they had not previously noticed.
Cognitive impairment, the central vein sign, and paramagnetic rim lesions in RIS
Authors: Oh Jiwon , Suthiphosuwan Suradech , Sati Pascal , Absinta Martina , Dewey Blake , Guenette Melanie , Selchen Daniel , Bharatha Aditya , Donaldson Emily , Reich Daniel S , Feinstein Anthony
Published: March 2021

Objective:

The central vein sign (CVS) and “paramagnetic rim lesions” (PRL) are emerging imaging biomarkers in multiple sclerosis (MS) reflecting perivenular demyelination and chronic, smoldering inflammation. The objective of this study was to assess relationships between cognitive impairment (CI) and the CVS and PRL in radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS).

Methods:

Twenty-seven adults with RIS underwent 3.0 T MRI of the brain and cervical spinal cord (SC) and cognitive assessment using the minimal assessment of cognitive function in MS battery. The CVS and PRL were assessed in white-matter lesions (WMLs) on T2*-weighted segmented echo-planar magnitude and phase images. Multivariable linear regression evaluated relationships between CI and MRI measures.

Results:

Global CI was present in 9 (33%) participants with processing speed and visual memory most frequently affected. Most participants (93%) had ⩾ 40% CVS + WML (a threshold distinguishing MS from other WM disorders); 63% demonstrated PRL. Linear regression revealed that CVS + WML predicted performance on verbal memory( β =-0.024, p = 0.03) while PRL predicted performance on verbal memory ( β = -0.040, p = 0.04) and processing speed ( β = -0.039, p = 0.03).

Conclusions:

CI is common in RIS and is associated with markers of perivenular demyelination and chronic inflammation in WML, such as CVS + WML and PRL. A prospective follow-up of this cohort will ascertain the importance of CI, CVS, and PRL as risk factors for conversion from RIS to MS.
The story of two connectives: Korean tunci ‘or’ and kena ‘or’
Authors: Kim Minju
Published: March 2021

Using 129 natural conversations and 185 episodes of television drama conversations as well as the theoretical frameworks of usage-based theory and grammaticalization, I investigate two forms of ‘or’ in Korean, tunci and kena. Generally believed to be largely interchangeable, these two forms’ actual usages have never been compared. I demonstrate that the two are selectively used in conversation, and propose that three types of factor influence the selection. The first factors are genre and setting. In formal settings and formal descriptive writing, kena is preferred. The second factor is the presence of negative markers: while 43% of kena tokens were used in negative sentences, only one token of tunci was. The third factor is the distinction between ‘propositive’ tunci and ‘descriptive’ kena. In conversation, tunci occurs mainly in making suggestions and presenting plans, and hence is oriented toward the future tense and the irrealis domain. Kena occurs mainly in describing present and past situations, facts, or premises, and hence is oriented toward the present and past tense and the realis domain. This study confirms the usage-based theory’s argument that speakers possess extensive procedural knowledge of language: Korean speakers may not be conscious of it, but they differentiate tunci and kena with high regularity. Lastly, I explain their differences based on their history. The older form, kena, dates back to the 8th century, whereas tunci became widespread only in the 19th century. Because tunci retains its original semantics of probability, tunci tends to occur in presenting suggestions and plans (irrealis) and not in factual descriptions.
Rethinking digital ethnography: A qualitative approach to understanding interfaces
Authors: Ritter Christian S
Published: March 2021

Contemporary everyday cultures are increasingly pervaded by digital platforms, making a rethinking of observational research into sociocultural phenomena necessary. Observational practices that remain confined to physical localities face various impasses in the era of digital platforms. Combining participant observation in workplaces where digital platforms are accessed with technical walkthroughs of their interfaces, I make a case for renewing interface ethnography. On one hand, technical walkthroughs reveal the sociocultural assumptions embedded in interfaces and the ways in which their affordances generate symbolic meanings. However, on the other hand, participant observation foregrounds emic perspectives on digital platforms within communities of practice. Based on an ethnographic study of a Norwegian software firm, I argue that the integration of the walkthrough method with participant observation enables researchers to trace the twofold meaning construction inherent in communities of practice whose skilled labor is orientated toward digital platforms. This fusion of methods expands the scope of ethnographic knowledge across the digital-physical continuum.
Institutionalized inequities and the cloak of equality in the South African educational context
Authors: Wiseman Alexander W. , Davidson Petrina M.
Published: March 2021

The spread of neoliberalism in the South African education system provides a template for ways that regimes co-opt the values of excellence and equality while implementing policies that contradict these values. Specifically, South Africa’s education system is “cloaked” in equality, although institutionalized inequality persists long beyond the end of the Apartheid system. Neoliberal education policies legitimize the expectation that “excellence” (i.e., quality) and “equality” are synonymous, which is what leads to the development of a “cloak of equality.” But, in practice, these equivocations become mutually contradictory, as the South African context suggests. This paper examines selected elements of neoliberalism as they are embedded within the South African education system and connects those elements to the development of a symbolic “cloak of equality” that masks institutionalized inequities within the broader system.
Endovascular Treatment of Aberrant Splenic Artery Aneurysm Presenting With Painless Progressive Jaundice: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Tiehao , Wang Jiarong , Zhao Jichun , Yuan Ding , Huang Bin
Published: March 2021

Splenic artery (SA) originating from the superior mesenteric artery is a rare condition, and aneurysms in relation to this aberrant SA are even rarer. We reported the case of a 67-year-old female who presented with painless progressive jaundice for 2 months accompanied by thrombocytopenia and liver dysfunction. The computed tomographic angiography (CTA) showed an aberrant SAA located behind the pancreatic head along with the dilation of common bile duct. Stent-graft deployment in SMA and coil embolization of the aneurysm were performed. Her liver dysfunction and thrombocytopenia improved postoperatively. CTA at 2-year follow-up showed patency of stent-graft and SMA and the shrinkage of the excluded aneurysm sac. Considering the particular location of the aneurysm, painless progressive jaundice can be the initial symptom for the aberrant SAAs. This combined endovascular technique completely excluded the aneurysm and was beneficial for treating secondary liver dysfunction and thrombocytopenia.
Sperm Parameters, ASAs and Apoptosis After Processing by the Double Tube and Swim up Methods
Authors: Shi Zhi-Da , Zhang Yan-Ping , Zhai Li-Ping , Zhang Mei-Hua , Dong Yun-Ling , Yang Hui-Jun , Qiu Yi
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to improve the quality of semen samples by using a novel double-tube (DT) method. The DT method was developed to select sperm and compared with traditional swim-up (SU) technique for 31 semen samples. Sperm DNA integrity were tested with TUNEL and SCSA. Content of antisperm antibodies (ASA) in the semen was measured by ELISA and MAR. Levels of the caspase-3 in the sperm were assessed by western blotting. After SU and DT, 15 couples and 16 couples were underwent IVF-ET. The number of RCDs, the percentage of SDF and DFI, ASA and the level of caspase-3 were significantly decreased after DT and SU ( p = .001 and p < .001). When the DT and SU compared, there were significant changes in the number of RCD, the percentage of SDF and DFI, ASA and the level of caspase-3 ( p < 0.05-0.001). There was a higher cleavage rate ( p = .017) and a lower abortion rate ( p < .05) in DT-IVF group than in SU-IVF group. DT selection yielded spermatozoa with low RCDs, DFI, ASA, and caspase-3 which would be benefit for ART.
Inverse and forward kinematics and workspace analysis of a novel 5-DOF (3T2R) parallel–serial (hybrid) manipulator
Authors: Antonov Anton , Fomin Alexey , Glazunov Victor , Kiselev Sergey , Carbone Giuseppe
Published: March 2021

The proposed study provides a solution of the inverse and forward kinematic problems and workspace analysis for a five-degree-of-freedom parallel–serial manipulator, in which the parallel kinematic chain is made in the form of a tripod and the serial kinematic chain is made in the form of two carriages displaced in perpendicular directions. The proposed manipulator allows to realize five independent movements—three translations and two rotations motion pattern (3T2R). Analytical relationships between the coordinates of the end-effector and five controlled movements provided by manipulator’s drives (generalized coordinates) were determined. The approach of reachable workspace calculation was defined with respect to available design constraints of the manipulator based on the obtained algorithms of the inverse and forward kinematics. Case studies are considered based on the obtained algorithms of inverse and forward kinematics. For the inverse kinematic problem, the solution is obtained in accordance with the given laws of position and orientation change of the end-effector, corresponding to the motion along a spiral-helical trajectory. For the forward kinematic problem, various assemblies of the manipulator are obtained at the same given values of the generalized coordinates. An example of reachable workspace designing finalizes the proposed study. Dimensions and extreme values of the end-effector orientation angles are calculated.
Ethical dilemmas among mid-level school leaders through role-play simulations: Developing a social-ecological approach
Authors: Iftach Geva , Shapira-Lishchinsky Orly
Published: March 2021

The purpose of the study is to examine the ethical dilemmas among mid-level school leaders in the social-ecological context through role-play simulations. We examined simulations involving role-played ethical scenarios and group debriefings among 30 mid-level school leaders from different Israeli high schools and districts during the MA course in the educational leadership program. A qualitative analysis generated an expanded social-ecological model for mid-level school leaders. The model consists of six main layers: individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, public policy, and technology. Each of the layers is divided into sub-categories. The study’s findings reveal the concurrent appearance of the different layers. These findings emphasize the complexity of the role of mid-level school leaders, as they cope simultaneously with a variety of ethical dilemmas characterized by multiple conflicting values. Moreover, the study findings indicated the interpersonal layer to be the most dominant layer, demonstrating mid-level leaders’ dual role as both classroom teachers and as team leaders. This study may contribute toward the development and modification of professional training programs for mid-level school leaders. It may also be helpful when designing strategies to deal with ethical challenges and to strengthen the school’s ethical leadership.
Spatial–numerical associations from a novel paradigm support the mental number line account
Authors: Aulet Lauren S , Yousif Sami R , Lourenco Stella F
Published: March 2021

Multiple tasks have been used to demonstrate the relation between numbers and space. The classic interpretation of these directional spatial–numerical associations (d-SNAs) is that they are the product of a mental number line (MNL), in which numerical magnitude is intrinsically associated with spatial position. The alternative account is that d-SNAs reflect task demands, such as explicit numerical judgements and/or categorical responses. In the novel “Where was The Number?” task, no explicit numerical judgements were made. Participants were simply required to reproduce the location of a numeral within a rectangular space. Using a between-subject design, we found that numbers, but not letters, biased participants’ responses along the horizontal dimension, such that larger numbers were placed more rightward than smaller numbers, even when participants completed a concurrent verbal working memory task. These findings are consistent with the MNL account, such that numbers specifically are inherently left-to-right oriented in Western participants.