bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Impacts of Great Lakes Temperature Perturbations on Simulated Precipitation in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Hanrahan Janel , Langlois Jessica , Cornell Lauren , Huang Huanping , Winter Jonathan M. , Clemins Patrick J. , Beckage Brian , Bruyère Cindy
Published: June 2021

Most inland water bodies are not resolved by general circulation models, requiring that lake surface temperatures be estimated. Given the large spatial and temporal variability of the surface temperatures of the North American Great Lakes, such estimations can introduce errors when used as lower boundary conditions for dynamical downscaling. Lake surface temperatures (LSTs) influence moisture and heat fluxes, thus impacting precipitation within the immediate region and potentially in regions downwind of the lakes. For this study, the Advanced Research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF-ARW) was used to simulate precipitation over the six New England states during a 5-yr historical period. The model simulation was repeated with perturbed LSTs, ranging from 10°C below to 10°C above baseline values obtained from reanalysis data, to determine whether the inclusion of erroneous LST values has an impact on simulated precipitation and synoptic-scale features. Results show that simulated precipitation in New England is statistically correlated with LST perturbations, but this region falls on a wet–dry line of a larger bimodal distribution. Wetter conditions occur to the north and drier conditions occur to the south with increasing LSTs, particularly during the warm season. The precipitation differences coincide with large-scale anomalous temperature, pressure, and moisture patterns. Care must therefore be taken to ensure reasonably accurate Great Lakes surface temperatures when simulating precipitation, especially in southeastern Canada, Maine, and the mid-Atlantic region.
Rainfall spatio-temporal correlation and intermittency structure from micro-γ to meso-β scale in the Netherlands
Authors: van Leth Thomas C. , Leijnse Hidde , Overeem Aart , Uijlenhoet Remko
Published: June 2021

We investigate the spatio-temporal structure of rainfall at spatial scales from 7m to over 200 km in the Netherlands. We used data from two networks of laser disdrometers with complementary interstation distances in two Dutch cities (comprising five and six disdrometers, respectively) and a Dutch nationwide network of 31 automatic rain gauges. The smallest aggregation interval for which raindrop size distributions were collected by the disdrometers was 30 s, while the automatic rain gauges provided 10-min rainfall sums. This study aims to supplement other micro-γ investigations (usually performed in the context of spatial rainfall variability within a weather radar pixel) with new data, while characterizing the correlation structure across an extended range of scales. To quantify the spatio-temporal variability, we employ a two-parameter exponential model fitted to the spatial correlograms and characterize the parameters of the model as a function of the temporal aggregation interval. This widely used method allows for a meaningful comparison with seven other studies across contrasting climatic settings all around the world. We also separately analyzed the intermittency of the rainfall observations. We show that a single parameterization, consisting of a two-parameter exponential spatial model as a function of interstation distance combined with a power-law model for decorrelation distance as a function of aggregation interval, can coherently describe rainfall variability (both spatial correlation and intermittency) across a wide range of scales. Limiting the range of scales to those typically found in micro-γ variability studies (including four of the seven studies to which we compare our results) skews the parameterization and reduces its applicability to larger scales.
Association Between White Blood Cell Counts and Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity in Chinese Hypertensive Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jia Buyun , Jiang Chongfei , Song Yun , Duan Chenfangyuan , Liu Lishun , Liu Chengzhang , Xu Xiping , Qin Xianhui , Chen Guangliang
Published: June 2021

Increased arterial stiffness is highly prevalent in patients with hypertension and is associated with cardiovascular (CV) risk. Increased white blood cell (WBC) counts may also be an independent risk factor for arterial stiffness and CV events. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between differential WBC counts and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in hypertensive adults. A total of 14 390 participants were included in the final analysis. A multivariate linear regression model was applied for the correlation analysis of WBC count and baPWV. Higher WBC counts were associated with a greater baPWV: adjusted β = 10 (95% CI, 8-13, P < .001). The same significant association was also found when WBC count was assessed as categories or quartiles. In addition, the effect of differential WBC subtypes, including neutrophil count and lymphocyte count on baPWV, showed the similar results. These findings showed that baPWV has positive associations with differential WBC counts in hypertensive adults.
Perspective and Suitable Research Area in Public Research—Patent Analysis of the Czech Public Universities
Authors: Marešová Petra , Soukal Ivan , Stemberkova Ruzena , Selamat Ali
Published: June 2021

In the current day and age, innovation is the fodder that keeps companies and institutions running, and universities play an important role. During the crisis and in the post-crisis period, financial support for research and development have undergone significant changes especially at universities. The aim of this research is to conduct a patent focus analysis of the public and state universities in the Czech Republic and to analyze the development in patenting focus structure and to identify perspective and suitable research area. Hierarchical clustering was chosen for its clustering overview clarity and due to the relatively small sample size. Ward’s method was chosen as the clustering algorithm with squared Euclidean distance as the system of measurement. Each cluster was characterized by five dominant IPC subsections to describe the patent focus. The patent focus segmentation of 115 public and state universities identified five main groups: medical/pharmacological, material, organic, construction and mixed measuring and material processing. Universities today are centers of knowledge. In addition, they support the innovation that spurs economic activity in a society. Universities have the potential to spur industrial activity with innovation and then pass information on to private firms.
Attitudes about paid parental leave: Cross-national comparisons and the significance of gendered expectations, family strains, and extant leave offerings
Authors: Knoester Chris , Li Qi , Petts Richard J
Published: June 2021

Using data on paid parental leave preferences from 35,488 adults situated within 26 different OECD countries, and multilevel modeling, this study examines public opinions about the provision of paid parental leave, some government funding of leave offerings, and preferred lengths of leave offerings. We consider how attitudes may be similar or different across social contexts and then focus upon the extent to which gender, gendered parenting role attitudes, family strains, and country-level institutionalized leave offerings are associated with leave preferences. The findings indicate that the vast majority of respondents are in favor of rather widespread and generous paid parental leave offerings; indeed, there are generally high levels of support for paid leave availability, relatively long paid leave offerings, and government funding of leaves. Gendered expectations and family strains are consistently associated with individuals’ leave preferences—even after accounting for country-level social contexts. Country-level offerings are also associated with leave preferences—yet, we find that the overwhelming majority of respondents express a desire for paid parental leave length offerings that are substantially different than the extant leave offerings in their country. Overall, this research complements previous work by newly documenting widespread public support for the provision of paid leave and some government funding of it. Also, it establishes that gendered expectations, family strains, and country-level practices are consistently associated with paid parental leave preferences in wealthy countries. Yet, substantial dissatisfaction with extant paid leave policies within countries seems to be commonplace.
Toward a Utopian Society: From Disconnection and Disorder to Empathy and Harmony
Authors: Taylor Steve
Published: June 2021

The essence of any psychologically healthy society—and the basis of the utopian or eupsychian society envisaged by Abraham Maslow—is an individual state of empathic connection that gives rise to qualities such as compassion, responsibility, justice, fairness, and equality. Opposed to this, is a psychological state of hyperindividuation and psychological disconnection, that generates traits of selfishness and a lack of empathy, compassion, and conscience. In turn, such traits give rise to social injustice, inequality, brutality, and oppression. In its most extreme form, hyperindividuation is associated with “disorders of disconnection” such as psychopathy and narcissistic personality disorder. I discuss the concept of “pathocracy,” which explains why individuals with personality disorders are likely to rise into positions of power, both in politics and in business. Any attempt to develop a eupsychian society has to deal with the issue of pathocracy, including possible measures to prevent individuals with personality disorders from attaining power, and other measures to encourage empathic and conscientious individuals to take up leadership roles. This would help realize Maslow’s concept of enlightened management. At the same time, as Maslow emphasized, we need to take account of the social and institutional structures and circumstances that encourage authoritarianism and pathocracy.
Histotopography of haemorrhagic infiltration in the hanging cutaneous furrow: Where to look for haemorrhagic infiltration in hanging
Authors: Gentile Guendalina , Tambuzzi Stefano , Andreola Salvatore , Zoja Riccardo
Published: June 2021

The forensic evidence of hanging is based on the autopsy demonstration of the traces left by the noose or the ligature on the neck, as well as on the histological assessment of the hanging mark vitality. However, the specific topography of haemorrhagic infiltration in the context of the cervical damaged tissues involved in hanging is not known. We carried out an extensive microscopic examination to identify if haemorrhagic infiltration in hanging appeared in specific topographic locations that could have been considered as elective. From 102 victims of suicidal hanging, a skin fragment was sampled from the maximum compression area of the sulcus, including the skin portions immediately above and below it. The sampling was also extended to collect the subcutaneous adipose tissue and part of the striated muscle. A standard histological examination was performed on all the samples, and hematoxylin and Eosin, Weigert’s resorcin-fuchsin and Goldner’s Masson trichrome staining were performed. In all the cases assessed, the microscopic examination allowed the detection of haemorrhagic infiltration mainly in the deepest areas under the sulcus and especially in the deep dermis and at the transition point between the dermis and the subcutaneous adipose tissue, as well as in the context of its supporting connective tissue. Such areas could therefore be considered as regions in which the presence of haemorrhagic infiltration is more likely to be demonstrated. Accordingly, we recommend performing sampling similar to ours and focusing the search for haemorrhagic infiltration as suggested.
When and How Job Design Influences Work Motivation: A Self-Determination Theory Approach
Authors: Liu YuXin , Wang Shuai , Zhang Jianwei , Li ShuJie
Published: June 2021

Based on self-determination theory and job characteristics theory, this study aims to provide a systematic and comprehensive model simultaneously investigating the relationship between job characteristics and two forms of work motivation (i.e., controlled motivation and autonomous motivation). To examine the proposed model, we recruited employees working in multiple Chinese industries and collected 435 valid questionnaires. The results indicate that job characteristics have a significantly positive effect on basic psychological needs satisfaction, which, in turn, positively affects autonomous motivation and negatively influences controlled motivation. In addition, basic psychological needs satisfaction mediates the linkage between job characteristics and positive or negative work motivation. Moreover, when an employee had high positive affectivity, job characteristics were more likely to fuel their basic psychological needs satisfaction. In contrast, job characteristics were more likely to be the depressor of these needs satisfaction when an employee possesses high negative affectivity. Our findings revealed that the degree of three needs satisfaction at work is a convincing and identifiable psychological mechanism between job characteristics and two types of work motivation. Also, work affectivity may influence the different perceptions of job characteristics, reminding managers that personality traits are a non-negligible factor in job design. Overall, this paper extends the application of the job characteristics model by revealing when and how job characteristics influence two types of work motivation and further puts forward managerial implications.
Improving operational efficiency of iron ore logistics by rail using simulation
Authors: Mehranfar Hamed , Bagheri Morteza , Seyedvakili S. Alireza , Khadem Sameni Melody
Published: June 2021

This paper aims to identify and evaluate the bottlenecks and wastes in the loading, unloading, and in-transit processes of iron ore railcars using simulation. A field survey was conducted in one of the largest steel factories and a mine, and each process time was extracted using the work-study and time-study methods. The data for more than 34 thousand railcars were collected from the database of the steel company, Iran Rail Transport company, and a private rail transport company. Seven scenarios have been developed according to (a) operations management, (b) equipment procurement, and (c) infrastructure development. It was found that utilization of the automated loading system would improve performance by 20%. This causes a 24% increase in railcars’ turnover, which means obtaining US$10,000 additional income per railcar. It was expected, it would improve performance. Conversely, adding a railcar tippler and developing the tracks reduces performance.
Time to abandon the old dictum of delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy after acute cholecystitis has settled in Caribbean practice
Authors: Cawich Shamir O , Mahabir Avidesh H , Griffith Sahle , FaSiOen Patrick , Naraynsingh Vijay
Published: June 2021

Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment for acute cholecystitis, many Caribbean surgeons are reluctant to operate during the acute attack. We collected data for all consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis from January 1 to 31 December 2018. Delayed cholecystectomy was done >6 weeks after acute cholecystitis settled. We compared data between early and delayed groups. Delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 54 patients, and 42 had early laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Delayed surgery resulted in significantly more complications requiring readmission (39% vs 0), longer operations (2.27 vs 0.94 h) and lengthier post-operative hospitalisation (1.84 vs 1.1 days). Caribbean hospitals should abandon the practice of delayed surgery after cholecystitis has settled. Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy would be financially advantageous for our institutions, and it would save patients recurrent attacks of gallstone disease.
The Landscape of Perception: Racial Differences in How Disability Is Viewed Among Older-Adult Cancer Survivors
Authors: Ciaralli Spencier , Deimling Gary T. , Burnham Dyanna L.
Published: June 2021

This paper compares disability perceptions of Black with white older cancer survivors’ to document racial disparities in these perceptions and the factors that contribute to them. The data are from a randomly selected tumor registry sample of 321 older adult cancer survivors from an NCI funded study. OLS regression models of disability perceptions, nested by race, examined the effects cancer and non-cancer health factors along with important covariates. Black older adult cancer survivors perceived themselves to be more disabled than did white survivors. Multivariate analyses showed a strong relationship between functional difficulties and disability perceptions for both Black and white survivors. However cancer-related factors such as continuing symptoms of the illness or treatment were relatively more important for Blacks. The findings suggest that race and cancer are both important factors in our understanding of disability in later life. These findings can then inform clinical best practices among minority older adults.
In/visible faces: Dramatherapy as a tool for creating a space of possibilities with refugees
Authors: Andonov Lidija , Wolfe Shira
Published: June 2021

Between June and October 2017, Serbian NGO Talas Creative Therapies conducted dramatherapy workshops with eight male refugees between the ages of 14 and 30 in Belgrade, Serbia. They came from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran, and were attempting to reach Western Europe by crossing through the Balkan Route. Through the use of fictional characters, dramatic enactment, poetry, art and music, we focused on the healthy components of people’s personalities and helped them to cope with life struggles. The dramatherapy method helped to facilitate the processes of healing, integration, and growth, and to restore communication through creative and often non-verbal means. This article will examine the potential of the dramatherapy method when working with refugees, while exploring three key aspects of our process: the development of a model of dramatherapy with refugees in Serbia; lessons learned; and the outcomes of the work seen through the development of the participants.
Relational maintenance, collectivism, and coping strategies among Black populations during COVID-19
Authors: Stamps David L. , Mandell Lyric , Lucas Renee
Published: June 2021

The current study, adopting community resilience and social creativity, explores Black individuals’ relational maintenance and collectivist strategies employed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 410 Black adults across the United States answered open-ended web-based survey questions about identifiable shifts in relational dynamics and examples of mutual support exhibited among community members amid COVID-19. Findings include individuals implementation of media technologies to maintain communication and social support, the groups’ concentrated efforts toward providing health and wellness-based information, increased communal interaction, and the redistribution of monetary donations and volunteerism to support organizations promoting gender and racial equity. Outcomes demonstrate that Black populations embrace collectivist-orientated tendencies as a means of community resilience, extending the community resilience framework amid the ongoing crisis and absent of specific geographic location.
Learning how to learn and then doing it all over again: The evolving learning modes of migrant entrepreneurs
Authors: Stoyanov Stoyan , Stoyanova Veselina
Published: June 2021

Building on an in-depth study of 12 Bulgarian migrant entrepreneurial company cases in London, we illustrate how migrant entrepreneurs (MEs) interact with, and learn from, their exposure to a diaspora network. We demonstrate that learning processes need to be studied within the context where they occur as MEs adapt their modes of learning to contextual changes. We use social learning theory to offer a situated process model of learning, which shows why and how learning evolves over time, the learning modes MEs undergo (i.e. observational, participative, and exploratory learning), as well as the process configuration within which these learning modes are rooted. This article adds to the growing body of work showing the boundary conditions and the mechanisms through which MEs learn from networks when operating in a foreign market.
A prospective, observational study of fidaxomicin use for Clostridioides difficile infection in France
Authors: Guery Benoit , Berger Pierre , Gauzit Remy , Gourdon Magali , Barbut Frédéric ,   for the DAFNE study group, DAFNE study group:  , Bémer Pascale , Bessède Emilie , Camou Fabrice , Cattoir Vincent , Couzigou Carine , Descamps Dominique , Dinh Aurélien , Laurans Caroline , Lavigne Jean-Philippe , Lechiche Catherine , Leflon-Guibout Véronique , Le Monnier Alban , Levast Marion , Mootien Joy Yoganaden , N’Guyen Yohan , Piroth Lionel , Prazuck Thierry , Rogeaux Olivier , Roux Anne-Laure , Vachée Anne , Vernet Garnier Véronique , Wallet Frédéric
Published: June 2021

Objective

To describe the characteristics, management and outcomes of hospitalised patients with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) treated with and without fidaxomicin.

Methods

This prospective, multicentre, observational study (DAFNE) enrolled hospitalised patients with CDI, including 294 patients treated with fidaxomicin (outcomes recorded over a 3-month period) and 150 patients treated with other CDI therapies during three 1-month periods. The primary endpoint was baseline and CDI characteristics of fidaxomicin-treated patients.

Results

At baseline, the fidaxomicin-treated population included immunocompromised patients (39.1%) and patients with severe (59.2%) and recurrent (36.4%) CDI. Fidaxomicin was associated with a high rate of clinical cure (92.2%) and low CDI recurrence (16.3% within 3 months). Clinical cure rates were ≥90% in patients aged ≥65 years, those receiving concomitant antibiotics and those with prior or severe CDI. There were 121/296 (40.9%) patients with adverse events (AEs), 5.4% with fidaxomicin-related AEs and 1.0% with serious fidaxomicin-related AEs. No fidaxomicin-related deaths were reported.

Conclusions

Fidaxomicin is an effective and well-tolerated CDI treatment in a real-world setting in France, which included patients at high risk of adverse outcomes. Trial registration: Description of the use of fidaxomicin in hospitalised patients with documented Clostridium difficile infection and the management of these patients (DAFNE), NCT02214771, www.ClinicalTrials.gov.
Application of a second opinion ultrasound in Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System 4A cases: can immediate biopsy be avoided?
Authors: Cai Yantao , Zhu Chenfang , Chen Qianqian , Zhao Feng , Guo Shanyu
Published: June 2021

Objective

The probability of malignancy in women who are diagnosed with a Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 4A score is low. Application of a second opinion ultrasound (SOUS), which is low in cost and minimally invasive, may lower the biopsy rate for patients who fall into this category. This study aimed to apply SOUS to patients with a BI-RADS score of 4A and predict the pathological results of a biopsy.

Methods

One hundred seventy-eight patients were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to screen for predictive factors that are associated with malignancy. Categorical alteration of downgraded, unchanged, or upgraded was made after SOUS results. Changes in category were compared with biopsies to determine their predictive value of benignancy or malignancy.

Results

Independent factors associated with malignancy were age (>50 years), tumor size (≥20 mm), margin (not circumscribed), orientation (not parallel), and peripheral location, and an upgraded categorical alteration from SOUS. Downgraded categorical alterations were associated with benignancy.

Conclusions

In BI-RADS 4A cases, a biopsy is recommended when independent factors are associated with malignancy. A downgraded result from an SOUS examination is a protective factor, supporting the likelihood of benignancy in these patients.
Colorism and the Afro-Latinx Experience: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Charles Jenneil
Published: June 2021

Using Bronfenbrenner’s Social Ecological Model, this systematic critical literature review investigated factors that contributed to the development of colorism, as well as the effects of colorism on Afro-Latinx persons, in Brazil, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, and the wider Latin American region. Agencies within the macrosystem and chronosystem were used to investigate factors involved in instituting colorism in Latin America. Constituents of the microsystem and mesosystem were used to research the effects of colorism on Afro-Latinx persons. The development of colorism ideologies and practices in Latin America was largely due to the endorsement of laws, cultural values, and cultural beliefs that arose from the perceptions and interactions between the region’s main ethnic groups and the biases that emerged from these interactions during key eras throughout their history. It was found that several studies documented the de facto impact of colorism on the family, school, community, and professional lives of Afro-Latinx persons.
Local administration with tauroursodeoxycholic acid could improve osseointegration of hydroxyapatite-coated titanium implants in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Tao Zhou-Shan , Li Tian-Lin , Wu Xing-Jing , Yang Min
Published: June 2021

Despite advances in the pathogenesis of Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) on bone, the understanding of the effects and mechanisms of bone osseointegration in TUDCA-associated Hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated titanium implants remains poor. Therefore, the present work was aimed to evaluate the effect of local administration with TUDCA on HA-coated titanium implants osseointegration in ovariectomized(OVX) rats and further investigation of the possible mechanism. Twelve weeks after bilateral ovariectomy, all animals were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation(Sham) group, OVX group and TUDCA group, and all the rats from Sham group and OVX group received HA implants and animals belonging to group TUDCA received TUDCA-HA implants until death at 12 weeks. The bilateral femurs of rats were harvested for evaluation. TUDCA increased new bone formation around the surface of titanium rods and push-out force other than group OVX. Histology, Micro-CT and biochemical analysis results showed systemic TUDCA showed positive effects than OVX group on bone formation in osteopenic rats, with beneficial effect on via activation OPG/RANKL pathway and BMP-2/Smad1 pathway and microarchitecture as well as by reducing protein expression of TNF-α and IFN-γ. The present study suggests that local use of TUDCA may bring benefits to the osseointegration of HA-coated titanium implants in patients with osteoporosis, and this effect may be related to the inhibition of inflammatory reaction and promotion of osteogenesis.
Lovastatin attenuates glyoxal-induced toxicity on rat liver mitochondria
Authors: Hosseinzadeh A , Mehrzadi S , Rezaei M , Badavi M , Nesari A , Goudarzi M
Published: June 2021

Alpha-dicarbonyls such as glyoxal (GO) trigger mitochondrial dysfunction resulting in the development of different diabetic complications. The present study investigated the effects of lovastatin against GO-induced toxicity on rat liver mitochondria. The rat liver mitochondria (0.5 mg protein/mL) were treated with various concentrations of lovastatin (1, 5, 10 µM) at 37°C for 30 min and then exposed to GO (3 mM) at 37°C for 30 min. Oxidative stress markers including MDA, reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH) and protein carbonylation (PC) level were measured. Mitochondrial complex II activity and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were assessed for evaluating mitochondrial function. Glyoxal significantly increased the level of ROS, PC and MDA. This effect was associated with the reduction of MMP, complex II activity and GSH content. Pre-treatment with lovastatin potentially reversed GO-induced mitochondrial toxicity. These results suggest that lovastatin have a protective effect against GO-induced toxicity in isolated rat liver mitochondria.
Synthesis of poly (n-butyl acrylate) with tempo by nitroxide mediated polymerization method
Authors: Sharma Amrita , Pande PP
Published: June 2021

It has been observed that acrylate monomers are very difficult to polymerize with the low cost nitroxide catalyst 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxyl (TEMPO). Therefore, costly acyclic nitroxides such as N-tert-butyl-N-(1-diethylphosphono-2,2-dimethyl)-N-oxyl, (SG1), 2,2,5-Trimethyl-4-phenyl-3-azahexane-3-nitroxide (TIPNO) and TIPNO derivatives have to be used for the polymerization of the acrylic acid derivatives. There are very few reports on the use of TEMPO-derivatives toward the polymerization of n-butyl acrylate. Generally different reducing agents viz. glucose, ascorbic acid, hydroxyacetone etc. have been used to destroy excess TEMPO during the polymerization reaction. The acrylate polymerizations fail in the presence of TEMPO due to the strong C–O bond formed between the acrylate chain end and nitroxide. To the best of our knowledge, no literature report is available on the use of TEMPO without reducing agent or high temperature initiators, toward the polymerization of n-butyl acrylate. The present study has been carried out with a view to re-examine the application of low cost nitroxide TEMPO, so that it can be utilized towards the polymerization of acrylate monomers (e.g. n-butyl acrylate). We have been able to polymerize n-butyl acrylate using the nitroxide TEMPO as initiator (via a macroinitiator). In this synthesis, a polystyrene macroinitiator was synthesized in the first step from TEMPO, after this TEMPO end-capped styrene macroinitiator (PSt-TEMPO) is used to polymerize n-butyl acrylate monomer. The amount of macroinitiator taken was varied from 0.05% to 50% by weight of n-butyl acrylate monomer. The polymerization was carried out at 120°C by bulk polymerization method. The experimental findings showed a gradual increase in molecular weight of the polymer formed and decrease in the polydispersity index (PDI) with increase in amount of PSt-TEMPO macroinitiator taken. In all experiments conversion was more than 80%. These results indicate that the polymerization takes place through controlled polymerization process. Effect of different solvents on polymerization has also been investigated. In the following experiments TEMPO capped styrene has been used as macroinitiator leading to the successful synthesis of poly n-Butyl acrylate. It has been found that styrene macroinitiator is highly efficient for the nitroxide mediated polymerization, even in very small concentration for the synthesis of poly n-butyl acrylate. High concentration of macroinitiator results in the formation of block copolymers of polystyrene and poly ( n-butyl acrylate) viz. polystyrene-block-poly-( n-butyl acrylate). The use of TEMPO toward controlled polymerization is of much importance, because it is the nitroxide commercially available at the lowest cost.
The Role of Entrepreneurial Finance in Corporate Social Responsibility and New Venture Performance in an Emerging Market
Authors: Khattak Muhammad Sualeh , Anwar Muhammad , Clauß Thomas
Published: June 2021

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has over the past decades transformed from a philanthropic attribute to something compulsory. It has become the imperative duty of organisations, irrespective of their size, nature of business and age. However, because of poor financial capabilities and lack of support, newly established ventures too often fail to voluntarily participate in social and environmental activities. This is one reason why national governments have initiated various programs and policies to encourage CSR and environmental activities in new ventures. However, previous studies have yet to fully reveal the effects of entrepreneurial finance on CSR and the environmental, financial and innovative performance of newly established ventures. To fill this gap, we used a survey to gather empirical evidence from 255 newly established ventures. The results indicate that entrepreneurial finance directly contributes to financial performance, while indirectly contributing to environmental and innovative performance through CSR. Our research recommends that new ventures efficiently utilise entrepreneurial finance to configure CSR activities that achieve high profitability, and environmental and innovative performance. Moreover, our research encourages governments to make financial loans to ventures engaged in social and environmental activities to help them reach their sustainable development goals.
Engaging Nonresident Fathers: Exploring Collaborative Competencies in Support of Family-Centered Practice
Authors: Cryer-Coupet Qiana R. , Stokes McKenzie N. , Lemmons Brianna P. , Dorsey Marquitta
Published: June 2021

Social service providers in a variety of sectors have struggled to consistently engage nonresident fathers in service provision. A growing body of research indicates that practitioner characteristics and attitudes may help increase retention and engagement among this group of men. These findings coincide with recent mandates from federal policy makers to increase engagement of nonresident fathers in family-centered practice approaches. A central tenet of interest within this framework is the family–professional relationship. Using a collaborative competencies model, the current study seeks to advance this line of research by investigating practitioners’ perceptions of their preparedness to engage nonresident fathers. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were completed with 20 social service practitioners who have experience working with nonresident fathers. A directed content analysis revealed key aspects of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and professional collaborative competencies that practitioners believe are important to facilitate meaningful father engagement. Implications for practice and future research regarding effective social work practice with nonresident fathers are discussed.
Additional Value of Peer Informants in Psychological Autopsy Studies of Youth Suicides
Authors: Looijmans Milou , van Bergen Diana , Gilissen Renske , Popma Arne , Balt Elias , Creemers Daan , van Domburgh Lieke , Mulder Wico , Rasing Sanne , Mérelle Saskia
Published: June 2021

In this study, we examined the feasibility and added value of including peer informants in a psychological autopsy study of youth suicides. Peer semi-structured interview data from 16 cases were analyzed qualitatively and compared to parent data. Results show that peers added information to parents’ narratives in general and particularly on social relationships, bullying, school experiences, social media, and family relations. Peers also provided additional information on the presence of certain issues (such as social media contagion) as well as on the emotional impact from certain adverse events that seemed to have functioned as precipitating factors. We conclude that including peers in psychological autopsy studies of youth suicides is feasible and of added value but that more research is desirable. The results initially can be used in the design of psychological autopsies so that the maximum amount of information about each suicide will be learned.
What Surrogates Understand (and Don’t Understand) About Patients’ Wishes After Engaging Advance Care Planning: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Simmons David B. , Levi Benjamin H. , Green Michael J. , La In Seo , Lipnick Daniella , Smith Theresa J. , Thiede Elizabeth R. , Wiegand Debra L. , Van Scoy Lauren
Published: June 2021

Background:

The goal of advance care planning (ACP) is to improve end-of-life decision-making for patients and their spokespersons, but multiple studies have failed to show substantial or consistent benefit from ACP. Understanding how and why ACP under-performs in the setting of complex medical decision-making is key to optimizing current, or designing new, ACP interventions.

Aim:

To explore how ACP did or did not contribute to a spokespersons’ understanding of patient wishes after engaging in ACP.

Design:

Thematic analysis of 200 purposively sampled interviews from a randomized control trial of an ACP decision aid.

Setting/Participants:

200 dyads consisting of patients 18 years or older with advanced serious illness and their spokesperson at 2 tertiary care centers in Hershey, PA and Boston, MA. Participants were interviewed 1 month after completing ACP.

Results:

ACP helped participants: 1) express clear end-of-life wishes, 2) clarify values, and 3) recognize challenges associated with applying those wishes in complex situations. Shortcomings of ACP included 1) unknown prognostic information or quality-of-life outcomes to inform decision-making, 2) skepticism about patients’ wishes, and 3) complicated emotions impacting end-of-life discussions.

Conclusions:

Helping patients and their spokespersons better anticipate decision-making in the face of prognostic and informational uncertainty as well as the emotional complexities of making medical decisions may improve the efficacy of ACP interventions.
The Problem May Not Be as Complex as You Think: A Conversation With Joe Wehby
Authors: Zabel Robert , Teagarden Jim , Kaff Marilyn
Published: June 2021

Dr. Joseph (Joe) Wehby currently is the chair of the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development. In addition, he is a researcher at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and the director of the National Center for Leadership in Intensive Intervention. He has received more than U.S.$30 million in federal grants for research and training. Much of his research efforts have focused on evaluating the effectiveness of multicomponent mental health and academic tutoring interventions for students with significant behavior difficulties. He shares his reflections on his career in providing training and support to those students who require intensive interventions. He also discusses what he sees as the future of the field and offers suggestions for those entering the field.
Embodied Loss and the Psychophysiological Effects of Pain Examined With Traditional and New Behavioral Measures
Authors: Long Preston A. , Wang X. T.
Published: June 2021

Based on a robust decision phenomenon of loss aversion, people are distinctly more sensitive to losses than to gains. The psychological pain experienced due to a loss is greater than the pleasure experienced due to a gain of the same amount. We argue that physical pain can be viewed as a psychological loss with diminishing sensitivity. Pain thus would be preferred summed rather than distributed. The results from 89 student-participants recruited from a public university in the Midwest US revealed that chronic pain is correlated with reduced subjective life expectancy and increased impulsivity. We found a significant propensity to prefer sharp-and-shorter pain to milder-and-longer pain. The loss-aversion score predicted this propensity in pain management. We developed a new behavioral measure of Band-Aid removal as a predictor for pain duration-intensity tradeoff. The higher the Band-Aid removal time, the higher the preference for higher-duration and lower intensity, and the lower willingness to seek medical attention for pain. The participants also revealed a higher willingness to seek medical help for generalized pain than localized pain to reduce information ambiguity.
Reduced emergency room visits and improved medication adherence of an integrated oncology pharmaceutical care practice in China
Authors: Qi Huijie , Zhu Lili , Chen Lu , Zhang Wenxin , Wang Tianxiao , Chen Haifei , Wu Qian , Zhan Qiong , Le Tianji , Zhang Liudi , Zhong Mingkang , Shi Xiaojin , Li Qunyi
Published: June 2021

Objective

We described our initial experience of a new integrated oncology phamaceutical care practice to enhance the quality of pharmacy service and patient care in Huashan hospital. Data sources: A retrospective study was performed from August 2019 to September 2020. Patients were described as integrated pharmacy service group and routine care group. Medication adherence of patients in integrated pharmacy service group was recorded by the online management system. Patient satisfaction and the cumulative incidence of emergency room (ER) and outpatient visit were evaluated between two groups. Data summary: In total, 323 patients received the integrating oncology pharmacy service. The percentage of the patients missing administration every day was reduced from 29.7% to 0.3% within a 40-day monitoring and intervention period. There was a significant difference on patient satisfaction with pharmacy service in two groups ( P < 0.05). Fewer patients in the integrated pharmacy service group visited clinic and ER compared with routine care group (33.1% vs. 59.2%; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

As a new practice model, the integrated program is adopted to provide patient care and ongoing monitoring for cancer patients. The practice model delivers high continuity of care for cancer patients and improves communication and collaboration between healthcare professionals and oncology patients. The practice also provides the potential of developing hospital pharmaceutical service and optimizing disease prevention and treatment strategies.
The Evidence Base for Interventions for Individuals With ASD: A Call to Improve Practice Conceptualization and Synthesis
Authors: Ledford Jennifer R. , Lambert Joseph M. , Barton Erin E. , Ayres Kevin M.
Published: June 2021

Identifying potentially effective practices for improving outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex process. In this article, we respond to recent reviews of evidence-based practices for individuals with ASD. We identify possible problems and make suggestions in relation to identifying well-specified practices, inclusion of gray literature, and considering use of studies with noneffects in systematic reviews.
Regional Analgesia for Cardiac Surgery Part 1. Current status of neuraxial and paravertebral blocks for adult cardiac surgery
Authors: Devarajan Jagan , Balasubramanian Sennaraj , Nazarnia Soheyla , Lin Charles , Subramaniam Kathirvel
Published: June 2021

Cardiac surgeries are known to produce moderate to severe pain. Pain management has traditionally been based on intravenous opioids. Poorly controlled pain can result in increased incidence of respiratory complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia leading to prolonged intubation and intensive care unit length of stay and subsequent prolonged hospital stay. Adequate perioperative analgesia improves hemodynamics and immunologic responses, which would result in better outcomes after cardiac surgery. Opioid sparing “Enhanced Recovery After Surgery” protocols are increasingly being incorporated into cardiac surgeries. This will reduce opioid requirements and opioid-related side effects and facilitate fast-tracking of patients. Regional analgesia can be provided by neuraxial blocks, fascial plane blocks, peripheral nerve blocks, or simply by the infiltration of the wound with local anesthetics for cardiac surgery. Neuraxial analgesia is provided through epidural, spinal, and paravertebral routes. Though they are being replaced by peripheral fascial plane blocks, epidural and spinal analgesia are still being used in some centers. In this article, neuraxial forms of analgesia are focused. We sought to review epidural analgesia and its impact in suppressing hemodynamic stress response, reducing pulmonary complications, and development of chronic pain. The relationship between intraoperative heparinization and potential neuraxial hematoma is discussed. Other neuraxial options such as spinal and paravertebral analgesia and their usefulness, benefits, and limitations are also reviewed.
Tourist Inspiration: How the Wellness Tourism Experience Inspires Tourist Engagement
Authors: He Mang , Liu Biqiang , Li Yaoqi
Published: June 2021

Wellness tourism has undergone rapid development in recent decades. Based on the transmission model of inspiration, this article aims to explore the antecedents and consequences of tourist inspiration in the context of wellness tourism. Survey data (N = 494) from Shizhu county, a well-known China local tourism destination renowned for its health-and-wellness tourism, showed that tourist inspiration can be elicited by a wellness tourism experience, which in turn has a positive influence on tourist engagement. By using openness to experience as a moderating factor, we uncovered significant and positive relationships between experience and inspiration when tourists have high levels of openness to experience. Through this original study focusing on relationship management in wellness tourism, we demonstrated the cruciality of inspiration and its underlying role in creating tourist engagement. Our research results have yielded theoretical and practical findings and outcomes that will benefit both academia and industry practitioners alike.
In Silico Exploration of Phytoconstituents From Phyllanthus emblica and Aegle marmelos as Potential Therapeutics Against SARS-CoV-2 RdRp
Authors: Pandey Khushboo , Lokhande Kiran Bharat , Swamy K Venkateswara , Nagar Shuchi , Dake Manjusha
Published: June 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) worldwide has increased the importance of computational tools to design a drug or vaccine in reduced time with minimum risk. Earlier studies have emphasized the important role of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) in SARS-CoV-2 replication as a potential drug target. In our study, comprehensive computational approaches were applied to identify potential compounds targeting RdRp of SARS-CoV-2. To study the binding affinity and stability of the phytocompounds from Phyllanthus emblica and Aegel marmelos within the defined binding site of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp, they were subjected to molecular docking, 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation followed by post-simulation analysis. Furthermore, to assess the importance of features involved in the strong binding affinity, molecular field-based similarity analysis was performed. Based on comparative molecular docking and simulation studies of the selected phytocompounds with SARS-CoV-2 RdRp revealed that EBDGp possesses a stronger binding affinity (−23.32 kcal/mol) and stability than other phytocompounds and reference compound, Remdesivir (−19.36 kcal/mol). Molecular field-based similarity profiling has supported our study in the validation of the importance of the presence of hydroxyl groups in EBDGp, involved in increasing its binding affinity toward SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. Molecular docking and dynamic simulation results confirmed that EBDGp has better inhibitory potential than Remdesivir and can be an effective novel drug for SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. Furthermore, binding free energy calculations confirmed the higher stability of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp-EBDGp complex. These results suggest that the EBDGp compound may emerge as a promising drug against SARS-CoV-2 and hence requires further experimental validation.