bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Acoustic Biomarker of Quality of Life in Left Ventricular Assist Device Recipients
Authors: Mainsah Boyla O. , Patel Priyesh A. , Chen Xinlin J. , Olsen Cameron , Collins Leslie M. , Karra Ravi
Published: March 2021

Background

Although technological advances to pump design have improved survival, left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients experience variable improvements in quality of life. Methods for optimizing LVAD support to improve quality of life are needed. We investigated whether acoustic signatures obtained from digital stethoscopes can predict patient‐centered outcomes in LVAD recipients.

Methods and Results

We followed precordial sounds over 6 months in 24 LVAD recipients (8 HeartWare HVAD™, 16 HeartMate 3 [HM3]). Subjects recorded their precordial sounds with a digital stethoscope and completed a Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire weekly. We developed a novel algorithm to filter LVAD sounds from recordings. Unsupervised clustering of LVAD‐mitigated sounds revealed distinct groups of acoustic features. Of 16 HM3 recipients, 6 (38%) had a unique acoustic feature that we have termed the pulse synchronized sound based on its temporal association with the artificial pulse of the HM3. HM3 recipients with the pulse synchronized sound had significantly better Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire scores at baseline (median, 89.1 [interquartile range, 86.2–90.4] versus 66.1 [interquartile range, 31.1–73.7];
P
=0.03) and over the 6‐month study period (marginal mean, 77.6 [95% CI, 66.3–88.9] versus 59.9 [95% CI, 47.9–70.0];
P
<0.001). Mechanistically, the pulse synchronized sound shares acoustic features with patient‐derived intrinsic sounds. Finally, we developed a machine learning algorithm to automatically detect the pulse synchronized sound within precordial sounds (area under the curve, 0.95, leave‐one‐subject‐out cross‐validation).

Conclusions

We have identified a novel acoustic biomarker associated with better quality of life in HM3 LVAD recipients, which may provide a method for assaying optimized LVAD support.
Cardiotoxic Effect of Modern Anthracycline Dosing on Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Placebo Arms From Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Jeyaprakash Prajith , Sangha Sukhmandeep , Ellenberger Katherine , Sivapathan Shanthosh , Pathan Faraz , Negishi Kazuaki
Published: March 2021

Background

Anthracyclines are a key chemotherapeutic agent used against hematological and solid organ malignancies. However, their benefits in cancer survival are limited by cumulative, dose‐related cardiotoxicity. The impact of anthracyclines on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), in the era of modern chemotherapy regimens, remains unclear.

Methods and Results

Three databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS) were systematically searched for randomized trials evaluating cardioprotective agents against placebo, in preventing cardiotoxicity. Echocardiography or magnetic resonance measured LVEF pre‐ and post‐anthracycline‐based chemotherapy was abstracted from placebo trial arms. The key terms included “anthracycline,” “cardiotoxicity” and “randomized.” A doxorubicin equivalent anthracycline dose metric was calculated to compare different anthracyclines. A random‐effects model was used to pool mean difference in LVEF after anthracycline. Meta‐regressions were calculated to identify variation sources. We included 660 patients from 19 trials. The weighted mean baseline LVEF across studies was 62.6%, and follow‐up LVEF assessment was performed at 6 months. The pooled mean decline in LVEF among placebo arms was 5.4% (95% CI, 3.5%–7.3%) with a doxorubicin equivalent anthracycline dose of 385 mg/m
2
. Meta‐regression analysis showed no significant difference in LVEF against doxorubicin equivalent anthracycline dose as continuous (
P
=0.29) or against published cut‐offs for cardiotoxicity (250 mg/m
2
,
P
=0.21; 360 mg/m
2
,
P
=0.40; and 400 mg/m
2
,
P
=0.66). The differences in mean LVEF were not associated with sex, adjunct chemotherapy, or cancer type.

Conclusions

The magnitude of LVEF impairment post‐anthracycline therapy appears less than previously described with modern dosing regimens. This may improve the accuracy of power calculation for future clinical trials assessing the role of cardioprotective therapy.
Distinct Hippocampal Subfields Atrophy in Older People With Vascular Brain Injuries
Authors: Pin Grégoire , Coupé Pierrick , Nadal Louis , Manjon Jose V. , Helmer Catherine , Amieva Hélène , Mazoyer Bernard , Dartigues Jean-François , Catheline Gwénaëlle , Planche Vincent
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose:

Many neurological or psychiatric diseases affect the hippocampus during aging. The study of hippocampal regional vulnerability may provide important insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these processes; however, little is known about the specific impact of vascular brain damage on hippocampal subfields atrophy.

Methods:

To analyze the effect of vascular injuries independently of other pathological conditions, we studied a population-based cohort of nondemented older adults, after the exclusion of people who were diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases during the 14-year clinical follow-up period. Using an automated segmentation pipeline, 1.5T-magnetic resonance imaging at inclusion and 4 years later were assessed to measure both white matter hyperintensities and hippocampal subfields volume. Annualized rates of white matter hyperintensity progression and annualized rates of hippocampal subfields atrophy were then estimated in each participant.

Results:

We included 249 participants in our analyses (58% women, mean age 71.8, median Mini-Mental State Evaluation 29). The volume of the subiculum at baseline was the only hippocampal subfield volume associated with total, deep/subcortical, and periventricular white matter hyperintensity volumes, independently of demographic variables and vascular risk factors (β=−0.17,
P
=0.011; β=−0.25,
P
=0.020 and β=−0.14,
P
=0.029, respectively). In longitudinal measures, the annualized rate of subiculum atrophy was significantly higher in people with the highest rate of deep/subcortical white matter hyperintensity progression, independently of confounding factors (β=−0.32,
P
=0.014).

Conclusions:

These cross-sectional and longitudinal findings highlight the links between vascular brain injuries and a differential vulnerability of the subiculum within the hippocampal loop, unbiased of the effect of neurodegenerative diseases, and particularly when vascular injuries affect deep/subcortical structures.
Jassa (Crustacea: Amphipoda): a new morphological and molecular assessment of the genus
Authors: CONLAN KATHLEEN E. , DESIDERATO ANDREA , BEERMANN JAN
Published: March 2021

The amphipod genus Jassa Leach, 1814 now comprises 24 species that occur in temperate regions of both hemispheres on solid substrates from the lower intertidal zone to 500 m depth. The propensity for some species to form dense colonies in water intake structures and offshore platforms has brought them to attention as an unwanted pest. Based on the examination of ~25,000 specimens from ~1,100 museum and private collections, it is evident that some species of Jassa have been transported by human vectors since at least the 19th century and now occur widely. Their colonial, tube-living habit enables such transport, and collection records document them on ships, buoys and portable water systems as well as on natural movable substrates such as logs, drift algae and larger crustaceans. Because Jassa can be so readily found, but species discrimination has had a problematic history, the purpose of this monograph is to assist researchers to identify species through illustrations, descriptions, keys and habitat summaries. Seven species which were named in the 19th century but whose names have lapsed are placed in the context of currently known species. Two new species, J. laurieae n. sp. and J. kimi n. sp. are described, and J. monodon (Heller, 1866) and J. valida (Dana, 1853) are resurrected. Jassa mendozai Winfield et al., 2021 is submerged under J. valida, and J. cadetta Krapp et al., 2008 and J. trinacriae Krapp et al., 2010 are submerged under J. slatteryi Conlan, 1990. Morphological differences are related to current understanding of growth, behaviour and ecology. CO1 analysis suggests a Southern Hemisphere origin with diversification northward and an evolutionary direction toward greater physiological plasticity, leading to success in long distance transport and establishment in exotic locations. Correct identification of Jassa world-wide will facilitate further research on this ecologically important genus and will allow for differentiation of indigenous from exotic introductions.
Laryngeal Manifestations of Crohn’s Disease in a Toddler with Very Early Onset-IBD
Authors: Schonman Ian A. , Sehgal Sona , Javia Luv R. , Bauman Nancy M.
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

We report obstructing laryngeal manifestations of Crohn’s disease in a toddler with very early onset-IBD (VEO-IBD) who required tracheotomy tube placement at 27 months of age for relief of recalcitrant airway obstruction unresponsive to maximal medical therapy. We review the literature for the frequency of extra-intestinal laryngeal manifestations of Crohn’s disease in adults and children.

Methods:

Case report and literature review of laryngeal manifestations of Crohn’s disease.

Results:

Laryngeal involvement of Crohn’s disease is very rare with only 14 other cases reported. Most cases appear in adults, with the supraglottis most commonly affected. This case marks the youngest report and only the second report of a patient requiring a tracheotomy for supraglottic obstruction when intensive medical management, including use of steroids and biologics, failed to relieve obstructing laryngeal inflammation. Despite ongoing Crohn’s disease, laryngeal manifestations improved permitting decannulation the following year.

Conclusions:

Laryngeal manifestations of Crohn’s disease are rare and usually affect adults. Most cases are managed with medical therapy, however surgical excision of obstructing lesions or tracheotomy placement is sometimes required for temporary relief of airway obstruction.
Evaluating Effective Connectivity of Trust in Human–Automation Interaction: A Dynamic Causal Modeling (DCM) Study
Authors: Huang Jiali , Choo Sanghyun , Pugh Zachary H. , Nam Chang S.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Using dynamic causal modeling (DCM), we examined how credibility and reliability affected the way brain regions exert causal influence over each other—effective connectivity (EC)—in the context of trust in automation.

Background

Multiple brain regions of the central executive network (CEN) and default mode network (DMN) have been implicated in trust judgment. However, the neural correlates of trust judgment are still relatively unexplored in terms of the directed information flow between brain regions.

Method

Sixteen participants observed the performance of four computer algorithms, which differed in credibility and reliability, of the system monitoring subtask of the Air Force Multi-Attribute Task Battery (AF-MATB). Using six brain regions of the CEN and DMN commonly identified to be activated in human trust, a total of 30 (forward, backward, and lateral) connection models were developed. Bayesian model averaging (BMA) was used to quantify the connectivity strength among the brain regions.

Results

Relative to the high trust condition, low trust showed unique presence of specific connections, greater connectivity strengths from the prefrontal cortex, and greater network complexity. High trust condition showed no backward connections.

Conclusion

Results indicated that trust and distrust can be two distinctive neural processes in human–automation interaction—distrust being a more complex network than trust, possibly due to the increased cognitive load.

Application

The causal architecture of distributed brain regions inferred using DCM can help not only in the design of a balanced human–automation interface design but also in the proper use of automation in real-life situations.
Atmospheric PM2.5 concentration prediction and noise estimation based on adaptive unscented Kalman filtering
Authors: Li Jihan , Li Xiaoli , Wang Kang , Cui Guimei
Published: March 2021

Due to the randomness and uncertainty in the atmospheric environment, and accompanied by a variety of unknown noise. Accurate prediction of PM2.5 concentration is very important for people to prevent injury effectively. In order to predict PM2.5 concentration more accurately in this environment, a hybrid modelling method of support vector regression and adaptive unscented Kalman filter (SVR-AUKF) is proposed to predict atmospheric PM2.5 concentration in the case of incorrect or unknown noise. Firstly, the PM2.5 concentration prediction model was established by support vector regression. Secondly, the state space framework of the model is combined with the adaptive unscented Kalman filter method to estimate the uncertain PM2.5 concentration state and noise through continuous updating when the model noise is incorrect or unknown. Finally, the proposed method is compared with SVR-UKF method, the simulation results show that the proposed method is more accurate and robust. The proposed method is compared with SVR-UKF, AR-Kalman, AR and BP methods. The simulation results show that the proposed method has higher prediction accuracy of PM2.5 concentration.
Exploration of the technocratic mentality among European civil servants
Authors: Raudla Ringa , Douglas James W. , Mohr Zachary
Published: March 2021

Civil servants vary in the degree to which they hold technocratic attitudes. We explore whether bureaucrats’ exposure to politics and politicians is associated with the depoliticization dimension of the technocratic mentality. We use survey data of high-level executives in 19 European countries to explore factors that are associated with executives’ perceptions that removing issues and activities from the realms of politics leads to more farsighted policies. We find that respondents’ level of exposure to politics and politicians is indeed negatively associated with technocratic mentality. Bureaucrats have studied political science or public administration, work closer to politicians (in terms of type of organization), interact with them more frequently, and have more positive perceptions of these interactions tend to have lower levels of technocratic attitudes.

Points for practitioners

Beliefs affect behaviors and behaviors affect outcomes. Technocratic attitudes may limit the ability of civil servants to work effectively with politicians. We show that educational degrees that promote democratic values and exposure to politicians (particularly positive interactions) are associated with lower levels of technocratic attitudes. Given that a proper balance between political and technical knowledge can enhance organizational performance (Krause et al., 2006), these findings should be taken into account when staffing and structuring public organizations.
Strategic Mentoring: A Culturally Responsive Approach for Supporting Black Males
Authors: Robinson Quintin Leon
Published: March 2021

Young Black males living in single-parent homes, in spite of never having a mentor, understand the value of a responsible same-sex mentor. Thirteen Black males between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five offered well-expressed thoughts on mentoring and why they believe mentoring adds value to their lives. They characterized unstructured mentoring as a process without a specific agenda. The consideration of Black males struggling without a father in the home requires the serious consideration of strategic mentoring as a solution for change. Strategic mentoring has a clear purpose, is communication-centric, is designed to develop during the course of a long-term mutual commitment between mentor and mentee, and incorporates the child’s mother into the mentoring experience.
Job Resources and Strengths Use in Relation to Employee Performance: A Contextualized View
Authors: Tisu Luca , Rusu Andrei , Sulea Coralia , Vîrgă Delia
Published: March 2021

Job resources play a prominent role in employee performance literature, yet a fine-grained understanding of how resources are relevant for several performance types is still needed. Relying on the Job Demands-Resources and Conservation of Resources theories, the present study addresses this call in two ways. First, it examines the predictive effect of four job resources (i.e., role clarity, feedback, autonomy, and opportunities for development) on nine types of performance (i.e., proficiency, adaptivity, and proactivity as an individual, team, and organization member). Second, it tests the moderator role of strengths use in these relationships. Data was gathered from a sample of Romanian employees (N = 332) and analyzed via hierarchical multiple linear regression. The results indicate that the selected job resources are, indeed, predictors of different types of employee performance and not in a unitary manner. Role clarity and feedback appear to be the most relevant predictors for various performance types, while autonomy seems to be the least important. Also, strengths use moderates these relationships, but in a reinforcing manner only regarding opportunities for development. The interaction of strengths use with role clarity and feedback renders the latter two obsolete, indicating that individual strategies may act as substitutes for job resources. These findings add to the Job Demands-Resources theory's versatile nature and provide more clarity to practitioners who plan interventions to enhance specific performance types, taking individual strategies into account.
Are You Happy for Me? How Sharing Positive Tourism Experiences through Social Media Affects Posttrip Evaluations
Authors: Li Hengyun , Meng Fang , Zhang Xiaonan
Published: March 2021

Social media has changed travelers’ behavior in many aspects, including tourism experience sharing. This study examines the influence of tourism experience sharing on travelers’ posttrip evaluations, by considering three facets of experience sharing on social media: expressive writing, sharing on social media, and audience response on social media. Through an experimental design, this study reveals that (1) travelers’ posttrip evaluations increase when they write expressively about their positive travel experiences in a private setting; (2) travelers’ posttrip evaluations also increase when they share their positive travel experiences on social media, although the increase shows no significant difference between sharing and expressively writing about their experiences; and (3) constructive responses from online viewers increase travelers’ positive moods when they share positive travel experiences, thereby enhancing their posttrip evaluations.
Uncovering Sociological Effect Heterogeneity Using Tree-Based Machine Learning
Authors: Brand Jennie E. , Xu Jiahui , Koch Bernard , Geraldo Pablo
Published: March 2021

Individuals do not respond uniformly to treatments, such as events or interventions. Sociologists routinely partition samples into subgroups to explore how the effects of treatments vary by selected covariates, such as race and gender, on the basis of theoretical priors. Data-driven discoveries are also routine, yet the analyses by which sociologists typically go about them are often problematic and seldom move us beyond our biases to explore new meaningful subgroups. Emerging machine learning methods based on decision trees allow researchers to explore sources of variation that they may not have previously considered or envisaged. In this article, the authors use tree-based machine learning, that is, causal trees, to recursively partition the sample to uncover sources of effect heterogeneity. Assessing a central topic in social inequality, college effects on wages, the authors compare what is learned from covariate and propensity score–based partitioning approaches with recursive partitioning based on causal trees. Decision trees, although superseded by forests for estimation, can be used to uncover subpopulations responsive to treatments. Using observational data, the authors expand on the existing causal tree literature by applying leaf-specific effect estimation strategies to adjust for observed confounding, including inverse propensity weighting, nearest neighbor matching, and doubly robust causal forests. We also assess localized balance metrics and sensitivity analyses to address the possibility of differential imbalance and unobserved confounding. The authors encourage researchers to follow similar data exploration practices in their work on variation in sociological effects and offer a straightforward framework by which to do so.
Social Services in Ethnically Mixed Cities: Street-Level Bureaucracy at the Crossroads of Ethno-National Conflict
Authors: Strier Roni , Abu-Rayya Hisham M. , Shwartz-Ziv Tamar
Published: March 2021

There is a paucity of research examining street-level bureaucracy in cities affected by ongoing ethnopolitical conflict. This study addresses this limitation by exploring the work of social workers in the public services of mixed cities in Israel. It shows the interconnection between ambiguous institutional policies, varying workers’ views of the role of social services, and changing discretion patterns. Findings also suggest that episodes of conflict escalation intensify staff ethnic sectarianism, as well as increase workers’ own ethnic biases, which affect the ways in which they act as a liaison between the welfare system and citizens through their use of discretion.
Barriers and Facilitators to the Collection and Aggregation of Electronic Health Record HIV Data: An Analysis of Study Recruitment Venues Within the Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions (ATN)
Authors: Butame Seyram A. , De Leon Jessica M. , Lee Sung-Jae , Naar Sylvie , Genn Leah , Dark Tyra , Kapogiannis Bill G.
Published: March 2021

Electronic health record (EHR) data can be leveraged for prospective cohort studies and pragmatic clinical trials, targeting youth living with HIV (YLH). Using EHRs in this manner may minimize the need for costly research infrastructure in service to lowering disease burden. This study characterizes HIV prevention and care continua variables and identifies factors likely to impede or facilitate EHR use for research and interventions. We conducted telephone-based qualitative interviews with National Experts (n = 10) and Key Stakeholders (n = 19) from subject recruitment venues (SRVs), providing care services to YLH and youth at risk for HIV. We found 17 different EHR systems being used for various purposes (e.g., workflow management and billing). Thematic content analysis of interviews highlighted six broad categories of perspectives on barriers to and facilitators of EHR use: specific variable collection, general use barriers, and facilitators, general data collection barriers and facilitators, EHRs for surveillance and research, EHRs for personnel and resource management and capture of HIV specific variables. These findings may inform implementation strategies of future studies, in which we conduct routine monitoring of the youth HIV prevention and care continua using EHRs and test an eHealth intervention.
What Is Natural Is Best: A Qualitative Exploration of Women’s Engagement in Attachment Parenting
Authors: Hulen Elizabeth
Published: March 2021

Attachment Parenting is a form of “intensive parenting” and involves a set of caretaking practices that are perceived by proponents of Attachment Parenting to nurture a strong maternal–child bond. Based on semi-structured interviews with 15 women who self-identified as Attachment Parents and observations of La Leche League meetings, this study investigates the ways in which parenting behaviors are understood and rationalized in relation to the philosophies of Attachment Parenting and the wider parenting culture. Study findings illustrate how the women in this study account for their parenting practices through both an appropriation and rejection of Attachment Parenting expertise and engagement in a discursive appeal to “what is natural is best.” Given a wider sociocultural environment characterized by multiple forms of expertise and risk, the ways in which Attachment Parenting serves as an interpretive frame and moral road map for the women in this study are discussed.
The Role of Gender in the Perception of Different Forms of Psychological Violence in Young Couples
Authors: Perles Fabiola , San Martín Jesús , Canto Jesús M. , Vallejo Macarena
Published: March 2021

The objective of the present study has been to assess the influence that the sex of the aggressor and the sex of participant have on the perception of three types of psychological violence in young couples. A total of 693 young people, ranging from 17 years to 25 years, were randomly assigned six different scenarios in which situations of psychological violence between young heterosexual couples were described and where the sex of the aggressor and the types of psychological violence varied. The results of our research revealed that differences in the perception of violence are observed based on the sex of the aggressor, the sex of the participant, and the type of psychological violence, independently, as well as in the interaction of the three variables. This result is relevant as it points to the need for further in-depth study into situations that could contribute to justifying violence.
Congenital absence of the left circumflex artery: Case series and review
Authors: Jariwala Pankaj , Jadhav Kartik , Kale Satya Sridhar
Published: March 2021

Congenital absence of the left circumflex artery (CALCx) or an anomalous origin of the left circumflex artery from the right coronary artery is a unique anomaly in the literature that has been incidentally diagnosed with coronary angiography. CALCx is characterized by an angiographical absence of the left circumflex artery, with a super-dominant right coronary artery that provides the postero-lateral wall of the left ventricle. We present a review of the literature of a total of 52 CALCx cases reported so far including our case. In our study, the average age of patients was 52.83 years (median – 55 years; standard deviation – 13.05 years; range 12–76 years) with a male to female ratio of 1.93:1. The chronic coronary syndrome was the most common clinical presentation followed by the acute coronary syndrome. In 45.5% of cases, the associated coronary artery disease was documented. A comprehensive anatomical and functional assessment is required for the appropriate management strategy.
Influence of anisotropy on creep in functionally graded variable thickness rotating disc
Authors: Khanna Kishore , Gupta Vinay Kumar , Grover Neeraj
Published: March 2021

The study is carried out to develop a mathematical model to analyze creep response of a varying thickness rotating disc made of anisotropic functionally graded 6061Al-SiCw.composite. The thickness and content of reinforcement (SiCw) in the disc are assumed to decrease radially according to power law. The yielding of disc material is according to Hill’s criterion and creeping as per threshold stress based law. The developed model is used to obtain the creep stresses and strain rates in the disc for various types of materials’ anisotropy. The stresses and strain rates are noticed to depend on the materials’ anisotropy. The study reveals that the presence of kind of anisotropy wherein the disc material exhibits lower yield strength toward the radial and tangential directions than the axial direction is beneficial in reducing the creep stresses and creep rates in the disc, in comparison to isotropic FGM disc. An anisotropic FG disc, which has highest and the lowest yield strengths, respectively, along the axial and radial directions shows superior creep response.
Modifiable Risk Factors and Change in Cognition of Māori and Non-Māori in Advanced Age: LiLACS NZ
Authors: Zawaly Kristina , Moyes Simon A. , Buetow Stephen , Tippett Lynette , Kerse Ngaire
Published: March 2021

Objective:

This study investigated whether previously identified modifiable risk factors for dementia were associated with cognitive change in Māori (indigenous people of New Zealand) and non-Māori octogenarians of LiLACS NZ (Life and Living in Advanced Age; a Cohort Study in New Zealand), a longitudinal study.

Method:

Multivariable repeated-measure mixed effect regression models were used to assess the association between modifiable risk factors and sociodemographic variables at baseline, and cognitive change over 6 years, with p values of <.05 regarded as statistically significant.

Results:

Modifiable factors associated with cognitive change differed between ethnic groups. Depression was a negative factor in Māori only, secondary education in non-Māori was protective, and obesity predicted better cognition over time for Māori. Diabetes was associated with decreased cognition for both Māori and non-Māori.

Conclusion:

Our results begin to address gaps in the literature and increase understanding of disparities in dementia risk by ethnicity. These findings have implications for evaluating the type and application of culturally appropriate methods to improve cognition.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 medical solid waste treatment: A need for efficient and effective strategies in low-resourced settings
Authors: Bellizzi Saverio , Murgia Paola , Angioi Antonella , Canu Gualtiero , Panu Napodano Catello M , Manca Antonio
Published: March 2021

Understanding infections related to handling healthcare waste products is of critical importance and the application of simple and low-cost strategies remain a priority in low-income and middle-income countries to protect healthcare workers. We examined the potential effect of relative humidity (RH), air temperature and ultraviolet irradiation (UI) to establish an efficient and effective way to facilitate disposal of medical waste. Literature is emerging on the effect of high RH and high temperature, which would increase airborne mass deposition and decrease the viability of viruses in both airborne particles and on surfaces. On the other hand, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 has been proven to be susceptible to UI when suspended in air like other coronaviruses. An innovative approach utilizing environmental conditions might represent an effective and efficient way to ensure better and sustainable protection of the healthcare workers in low-resourced settings.
Using Content Acquisition Podcasts to Improve Preservice Teacher Use of Behavior-Specific Praise
Authors: Miller Rhonda D. , Uphold Nicole
Published: March 2021

With increasing demands for teacher accountability, today’s teachers are tasked with meeting both the academic and behavioral needs of their students. Being able to efficiently manage classroom behavior can maximize classroom time for instruction. In a multiple-probe across participants design study, we investigated the effects of content acquisition podcasts (CAPs) plus video along with coaching feedback on preservice teachers’ use of behavior-specific praise statements. Preservice teachers in elementary, intermediate, middle, and high school settings participated during their final internship in a special education preparation program. Direct observations over a 9-week period showed an increase in the use of behavior-specific praise statements across participants. Implications for research and teacher education are discussed.
Effectiveness of Lifestyle Interventions in an Active Duty Air Force Population
Authors: Armitage Nicole H. , Kramer M. Kaye , Nelson Mary S. , Hopkins DawnKimberly , Langeslay Ruby , Thornton Jennifer A.
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

To examine the effectiveness of 3 lifestyle intervention programs in an active duty military population.

Design:

Experimental design with stratified random assignment to 1 of 3 intervention groups. Measures were taken at baseline, 3 months and 6 months.

Setting:

A Military Treatment Facility in the western U.S.

Subjects/Intervention:

122 active duty service members were enrolled and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 lifestyle intervention programs: the Diabetes Prevention Program-Group Lifestyle Balance (DPP-GLB), the Better Body Better Life (BBBL) program or the Fitness Improvement Program (FIP).

Measures:

weight, abdominal circumference, lipid and HbA1c levels, physical activity, and well-being as measured by the RAND SF-36 questionnaire.

Analysis:

Statistical analyses were performed to assess changes over time.

Results:

83 participants completed the study (BBBL N = 23, FIP N = 30, DPP-GLB N = 30). The DPP-GLB participants had statistically significant decreases in weight (-3.1 pounds, p = .01) and abdominal circumference (-0.9 inches; p = .01) over time. HbA1c was also significantly lower in this group at 6 months compared to baseline ( p = .036). There were no statistically significant changes in weight, abdominal circumference, or HbA1c in the FIP or BBBL groups. No significant changes were observed in lipids in any of the groups.

Conclusion:

Results from this study indicate that the DPP-GLB program may be effective in reducing weight, abdominal circumference, and HbA1c in an active duty U.S. military population.
Homage to Dr med. Božidar Kostić
Authors: Pocevski Božidar , Pocevski Predrag , Horvat Lidija
Published: March 2021

Dr Božidar Kostić (1892–1960) – physician of noble heart – was born in Niš (Kingdom of Serbia) in a distinguished family of academically educated parents. As there were no medical faculties in Kingdom of Serbia, after high school, which he had finished with great success, in 1911 he enrolled at the Graz University of Medicine, a prestigious medical university. Soon he transferred to the Faculty of Medicine at Charles University in Prague, where he continued his studying for another ten semesters. In Prague, The Golden City, after the First World War, he finished his studies with an average grade of 10. After the Second World War, he worked as a doctor with a private medical practice in Belgrade, but soon he moved to Vranje, where he established the Town Polyclinic and contributed to the final flourishing of the most important forms of health care activities in liberated Vranje, donating his rich knowledge and skills, which led the health service to move to forms of independent work and development of new activities. For his contribution to the community, by decree of His Majesty King of Yugoslavia Alexander I Karađorđević, he received the Order of Saint Sava. Dr Božidar Kostić and his wife Pravda devoted their lives to the health and educational upbringing of the people in the south parts of Serbia (then Social Federative Republic of Yugoslavia). Until his last days he lived and worked as a true folk doctor.
Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Cannabis Use in Cancer Patients
Authors: Donovan Kristine A. , Portman Diane G.
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Medical and other cannabis use by cancer patients continues to increase. Reasons for use include management of psychosocial stressors, physical and psychological symptoms. We explored the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on on patients’ cannabis use, hypothesizing that users would be increasing their use due to heightened stress and increased uncertainty.

Methods:

Participants were part of an anonymous online survey of cannabis use in cancer. Items specific to COVID-19 were administered between April and June 2020.

Results:

Thirty-one percent of respondents (n = 26) confirmed they used cannabis during COVID-19. The top 5 reasons for use were sleep, anxiety, nausea, pain, and appetite. Ninety-two percent denied they were using cannabis for new or different symptoms. Eighty-one percent were using about the same amount as before, 11.5% were using less, and 8% more. Only 12% reported that product cost affected their use and that they had changed the way in which they used cannabis. Eight percent were stockpiling product so that they did not run out during the pandemic.

Conclusions:

The percentages of those reporting a change in cannabis use were modest. Increased use may reflect efforts to relieve stress. Decreased use may reflect barriers to securing unregulated products and perceived vulnerability to the effects of infection on the respiratory system. As the pandemic continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor its effects on cancer patients as it relates to psychosocial stressors, psychological symptoms, and cannabis use.
Mechanisms and Potential Roles of Glucose-Lowering Agents in COVID-19: A Review
Authors: Berlie Helen D. , Kale-Pradhan Pramodini B. , Orzechowski Tara , Jaber Linda A.
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To explore mechanistic benefits of glucose-lowering agents that extend beyond glycemic control with the potential to mitigate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) complications.

Data Sources:

The following PubMed literature search terms were used from July 2020 to January 2, 2021: diabetes, COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), glucose-lowering agents, and pharmacology.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

English-language studies reporting on the association between diabetes, COVID-19 adverse outcomes, and the potential roles of glucose-lowering agents were reviewed.

Data Synthesis:

Selected glucose-lowering agents have benefits beyond glycemic control, with the potential to reduce the risks of severe complications during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Key benefits include anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, immune modulating, and enzyme/receptor effects.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

This review summarizes the current knowledge of glucose-lowering agents and their potential roles in COVID-19 outcomes. Considering beneficial mechanisms on COVID-19 outcomes that extend beyond glycemic control as well as safety profiles, current data suggest that dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors and metformin may have the most promise and warrant further investigation.

Conclusions:

Certain glucose-lowering agents may offer additional benefits beyond glucose control—namely, by modulating the mechanisms contributing to adverse outcomes related to COVID-19 in patients with diabetes. DPP-IV inhibitors and metformin appear to have the most promise. However, current published literature on diabetes medications and COVID-19 should be interpreted with caution. Most published studies are retrospective and consist of convenience samples, and some lack adequate analytical approaches with confounding biases. Ongoing trials aim to evaluate the effects of glucose-lowering agents in reducing the severity of COVID-19 outcomes.
COVID-19: Counseling With Bereaved Parents
Authors: Bradley Loretta , Hendricks Bret , Noble Nicole , Fox Tara
Published: March 2021

In an era with death from COVID-19 increasing daily, this article emphasizes grief and loss issues of which the family counselor should be aware. Specifically, this article focuses on the needs for family counselors to be aware of grief and loss issues experienced by a parent whose child died from COVID-19. Within this article, grief literature is reviewed. Counseling techniques are highlighted and resources for bereaved parents are provided.
Research Constituents, Intellectual Structure, and Collaboration Patterns in Journal of International Marketing: An Analytical Retrospective
Authors: Donthu Naveen , Kumar Satish , Pandey Nitesh , Lim Weng Marc
Published: March 2021

This study presents a retrospective on Journal of International Marketing using bibliometrics. The study finds that the journal’s run has been characterized by continuous growth in publications and citations, with a dominant contribution base of authors from the United States. Authors have consistently shown a strong preference for quantitative research, with a decline in preference for qualitative research and a negligible increase in preference for mixed-methods research in recent years. The major themes in the journal include global branding, internationalization, cross-cultural marketing, and international relationship marketing. An exploration of the factors affecting article citations reveals that article attributes such as the conceptual method, empirical method, article length, title length, article age, and number of keywords play significant roles in increasing the number of citations. Authors affiliated with nonacademic institutions also have a significant and positive influence on total citations. The article concludes with directions for further research.
The Developmental Course of Teacher-Rated ADHD Symptom Levels in an Early Childhood Community Sample
Authors: Martin Caroline P. , Shoulberg Erin K. , Hoza Betsy
Published: March 2021

Objective:

This study examined trajectories of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptom levels across one preschool year and explored variation in trajectories by age, sex, and end-of-year impairment.

Method:

Participants were 261 preschoolers (87% Head Start; 59% Caucasian; 53% boys; Mage = 3.97 years). Teachers rated ADHD symptom levels four times throughout one academic year.

Results:

Results showed a course of increasing inattention that decelerated over time and steadily increasing hyperactivity/impulsivity. Group-based finite mixture modeling revealed three trajectories of inattention: stable low (57%), change (32%), and stable high (11%), as well as three trajectories of hyperactivity/impulsivity: stable low (63%), increasing (26%), and stable high (11%). Compared to children with increasing or changing symptoms levels, children with stable high levels were more impaired and children with stable low symptom levels were less impaired.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest a “wait and see” approach to treatment may miss an important opportunity for early intervention.
A new type of bionic grid plate—The compressive deformation and mechanical properties of the grid beetle elytron plate
Authors: Hao Ning , Chen Jinxiang , Song Yiheng , Zhang Xiaoming , Zhao Tidong , Fu Yaqin
Published: March 2021

To develop lightweight and biomimetic structural materials, in this paper, the compressive deformation and mechanical properties of the grid beetle elytron plate (GBEP) with the same core volume as the end-trabecular beetle elytron plate (EBEP) under compression were investigated for the first time. (1) The B-type deformation mode of trabeculae is clarified, which is a higher stage of independent deformation than the Φ-type deformation mode in the beetle elytron plate (BEP). Additionally, the four deformation modes of the BEP are divided into three stages in succession from easy to difficult: C-type, Φ-type and S (B)-type deformation. This paper verifies that the compressive strength and energy absorption capacity of the GBEP increase by 35% and 87%, respectively, relative to those of the grid plate (GP) with the same volume. (2) Although the number of trabeculae of the GBEP is significantly less than that of the EBEP, each trabecula in the GBEP has one more honeycomb wall constraint than each trabecula in the EBEP. The increase range of the compressive properties of the GBEP relative to the GP is greater than that of the EBEP relative to the honeycomb plate (HP). This confirms the prediction that the compressive properties can be effectively improved by appropriately increasing the constraints on the trabeculae. This paper deepens and enriches the knowledge regarding the biomimetic application system of BEPs, lays the foundation for GBEPs, whose preparation is convenient, and accelerates the applications of GBEPs.
The impact of international tourism on hotel sales performance: New proposals and evidence
Authors: Lin Yu-Xia , Chen Ming-Hsiang , Lu Lu
Published: March 2021

Using data from 31 provinces/municipalities in China from 2003 to 2018, this article examines the impact of international tourism on hotel sales revenue (HSR). Specifically, this study lays a theoretical foundation for investigations of the nonlinear and state-dependent effects of international tourist arrivals (ITAs) on HSR. Results of both traditional and dynamic panel regression test models reveal the following interesting results. First, the positive relationship between ITA and hotel performance is not unique to Taiwan but is also found in Mainland China. Second, based on the theory of economies of agglomeration, the impact of ITA on HSR is found to be inverse U-shaped. Third, the effects of ITA on HSR are economic state-dependent, relying to a great extent on economic conditions. Furthermore, ITA has a stronger impact on HSR during periods of economic expansion. Important policy implications are provided based on the empirical results.
A cross-sectional study of physical activity behaviour and associations with wellbeing during the UK coronavirus lockdown
Authors: Wood Carly J , Barton Jo , Smyth Nina
Published: March 2021

This study assessed physical activity (PA) and wellbeing during lockdown. UK adults reported their PA in the previous week, perception of PA importance (more, less, same) and wellbeing, depression, anxiety and stress. One-way ANOVA compared PA and wellbeing by PA importance. The ‘less’ importance group did less PA than the ‘more’ and ‘same’ ( p < 0.05) importance group; and scored worse on all wellbeing measures than the ‘same’ importance group ( p < 0.01). They also had worse wellbeing, depression and anxiety than the ‘more’ importance group ( p < 0.05). Strategies to overcome the impact of the pandemic should aim to increase PA.
Effect of physician prescribed information on hospital readmission and death after discharge among patients with health failure: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kazemi Majd Faranak , Gavgani Vahideh Zarea , Golmohammadi Ali , Jafari-Khounigh Ali
Published: March 2021

In order to understand if a physician prescribed medical information changes, the number of hospital readmission, and death among the heart failure patients. A 12-month randomized controlled trial was conducted (December 2013–2014). Totally, 120 patients were randomly allocated into two groups of intervention ( n = 60) and control ( n = 60). Accordingly, the control group was given the routine oral information by the nurse or physician, and the intervention group received the Information Prescription (IP) prescribed by the physician as well as the routine oral information. The data was collected via telephone interviews with the follow-up intervals of 6 and 12 months, and also for 1 year after the discharge. The patients with the median age of (IQR) 69.5 years old (19.8) death upon adjusting a Cox survival model, [RR = 0.67, 95%CI: 0.46–0.97]. Few patients died during 1 year in the intervention group compared to the controls (7 vs 15) [RR = 0.47, 95%CI: 0.20–1.06]. During a period of 6-month follow-up there was not statistically significant on death and readmission between two groups. Physician prescribed information was clinically and statistically effective on the reduction of death and hospital readmission rates among the HF patients in long term follow-up.
Assessing the relative merits of news literacy and corrections in responding to misinformation on Twitter
Authors: Vraga Emily , Tully Melissa , Bode Leticia
Published: March 2021

Extending previous research, we test two solutions for addressing misinformation by pairing news literacy (NL) messages with corrective responses to health misinformation shared on Twitter. Importantly, we consider a range of outcomes, including not just credibility or misperceptions, but also feelings of news literacy and support for its value. Using an experiment, we find that user corrections of a meme containing false information reduced credibility assessments of the misinformation post and misperceptions but seeing misinformation also produced lower perceptions of personal news literacy and its value for society, regardless of whether it is corrected or not. Exposure to an NL message did not enhance the effectiveness of these corrective responses nor boost NL attitudes and may have generated cynicism. We discuss the challenges of designing NL messages for social media that achieve the wide range of goals news literacy interventions aspire to address.