bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Recycling Agent and Extender Dosage Selection Procedures to Restore the High-Temperature Climatic Performance Grade
Authors: Fried Andrew , Xue Lei Gabriel , Gulzar Saqib , Preciado Jaime , Underwood B. Shane , Castorena Cassie
Published: February 2022

Dosage selection is important for effective use of recycling agents and extenders in asphalt pavements. A standardized protocol for extender and recycling agent dosage selection does not presently exist. NCHRP Project 09-58 established a recycling agent dosage selection procedure that aims to restore the desired high-temperature grade of a blend of recycled binder, virgin binder, and additive. Their simplified procedure relies on the existence of class-specific relationships between the blended system high-temperature grade and additive content. Further, the dosage selection procedure assumes complete recycled binder availability. There is general consensus that complete recycled binder availability is not achieved in practice, which may yield asphalt mixtures with poor rutting performance. This study seeks to evaluate the universality of the slopes proposed in NCHRP Project 09-58 to both extenders and recycling agents and evaluate the rutting resistance of asphalt mixtures prepared using additive dosages selected to restore the high-temperature grade of the blended binder system. This study encompasses one reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and one recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) mixture. Two extender and two recycling agent products were evaluated. The results indicate that different additive types yield different slopes of the blended system high-temperature grade versus additive content. The results also show that uncertainty should be accounted for when establishing a dosage selection procedure to ensure that the blended binder grade does not fall below the desired value. The rutting resistance of mixtures prepared using additive dosages intended to restore the high-temperature grade all passed recommended Hamburg wheel-track criteria.
Impact of COVID-19 Stay-At-Home Restrictions on Falls in One Community of High-Risk Older Adults
Authors: McIntyre Cecily C. , Prichett Laura , McNabney Matthew K.
Published: February 2022

Aim: To examine the relationship between falls among high-risk older adults at one Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and the COVID-19 closure of its Day Health Center (DHC), which provides participants with social and rehabilitative services and contributes to their weekly physical activity. Methods: Self-reported falls during the 3 months before the DHC’s closure (“pre–COVID-19”) were compared in number and in character to falls during its closure (“COVID-19”). Results: One thirty five participants were enrolled during the entire 6-month period; 37% ( n = 50) fell during this time. These participants experienced fewer falls during COVID-19 (mean = 0.64) than they did pre–COVID-19 (mean=1.24, p = .0003). Conclusions: In this population of high-risk, community-dwelling older adults, an abrupt reduction in activity levels may have reduced falls. Physical activity has been shown to both increase and protect against falls in older adults. The long-term consequences of a comparably prolonged period of inactivity merit further study.
Supply chain integration as a strategy to strengthen pandemic responsiveness in Nova Scotia
Authors: Snowdon Anne W. , Saunders Michael J.
Published: February 2022

This provincial case study, one of seven conducted as part of a national research program on healthcare supply chain management during COVID-19, focuses on Nova Scotia. During the first wave of the pandemic, Nova Scotia faced the massive destabilization of its traditional supply channels and had to grapple with role clarity and communication in its emergency response structure. Nova Scotia was able to centralize its pandemic sourcing, procurement, and management efforts to its provincial health authority. Healthcare supply chain teams were able to rapidly modify their sourcing and procurement processes in order to compensate for the destabilization of their standard supply channels and assume responsibility for the province-wide management and distribution of pandemic supplies. The Nova Scotia case findings make clear both the value of a centralized and dedicated healthcare supply chain response—that integrates all provincial care delivery organizations—and the diversification of the healthcare supply chain.
Walk a Mile in My Shoes! An Autoethnographical Perspective of Urban Walkability in Galway
Authors: Hynes Mike
Published: February 2022

The need to reverse the harmful economic, social and environmental effects of car-dependent cities has intensified as evidence of its costs on health, communities, local economies, and climate change goals becomes more apparent. Part solution must be a focus on reducing the need for private car use and increasing instances of active and sustainable transportation such as walking. Walkability is the measure of how walking-friendly an area is for individuals and includes concerns such as the built environment and connectivity to key amenities and additional transport options. This study presents an autoethnography of walking in Galway. By “experiencing” the author’s walk to work, it points to the lack of concern for the crucial features of walkability that would make this an attractive option for many in the city. The aim is to better inform community actors and policymakers on how to enhance urban design and planning with respect to walkability.
Society of Trauma as a Third Modality of Development (Debatable Problems of Russia’s Present and Future From the Standpoint of Critical Marxism)
Authors: Toshchenko Zhan
Published: February 2022

The article makes an attempt to prove that along with the recognized concepts of the development of civilization—evolution and revolution—at the present time, it is necessary to talk about such a modality as a society of trauma. At present, 53 countries out of 192 members of the United Nations have been stagnating and recessing for many years, which manifested itself in the disorganization of the national economy, in political instability, in the growth of poverty, and social tension. Particular attention is paid to Russia, which can be attributed as traumatized society. The reasons for the formation of a society of trauma in Russia, its main features are analyzed: disproportions of the national economy, growth of social inequality, and attempts to implement new forms of class struggle. In conclusion, proposals are formulated for getting out of the traumatized state of society.
Investigation of mechanical properties and free vibration behavior of graphene/basalt nano filler banana/sisal hybrid composite
Authors: Kuppuraj Arunkumar , Angamuthu Murugarajan
Published: February 2022

This research work addresses the influence of graphene and basalt filler on mechanical properties and free vibration behavior of banana/sisal hybrid composite. Banana/sisal hybrid composites were prepared with three weight percentage (wt.%), 6 wt.% of graphene, and basalt filler by a compression molding process. The improvement in tensile strength of 24.8% and 30% was noticed for the basalt (6 wt.%) and graphene (6 wt.%) filler addition, respectively. Comparing with basalt addition, graphene addition provides an 1.5 times improvement in flexural strength. The tensile fractography was also carried out and studied the interfacial bonding of the composite. From the morphology, it was observed that there was a good interfacial adhesion between the fiber and the matrix which enhance the mechanical property of the hybrid composite. The free vibrational behavior of the hybrid composite has also been analyzed. The modal analysis shows the enhanced natural frequencies and modal damping for the addition of 6 wt.% of graphene filler in the hybrid composite.
An Economic Analysis of Agro Based Industries: A Case Study of Tiny, Small and Medium Scale Rice Mills in Koppal District, Karnataka
Authors: Edupuganti Madhu , Kumuda D.
Published: February 2022

The increasing population’s food needs and nurturing entrepreneurship skills in underdeveloped countries is possible with efficient agro based industry development. The agro based industries are less capital intensive and more employment creative. So agro based industries are source of food security, employment creation, income generation, entrepreneurship skills nurturer. So it is necessary to know the importance of the agro based industries worldwide and especially rice mills in Koppal district. This study has analysed 2009 to 2018 data. The study found that worldwide agro based industries provided stable employment and income generation which shows they are inelastic to economic fluctuations. The rice mills in Koppal district nurture industrial development and entrepreneurial skills with employment creation in the district. However, rice mills in the Koppal district are suffering from decreased paddy production in the district due to lack of Tungabhadra reservoir water to the area which constitutes 1 million hectares for two crops. Less participation of women, capital problems, infrastructure problems and quality of raw material, and so on, are other problems that are faced by rice mills in the Koppal district. So, suggestion is that government must arrange seasonal markets at farms in a village and encourage combined or group infrastructure facilities creation by rice mills in the district.
Returns and Volatility Spillover Between BSE SENSEX and BSE SME Stock Exchange of India
Authors: Singh Amit Kumar , Agarwal Rajat , Shrivastav Rohit Kumar
Published: February 2022

Investigating the impact of volatility spillover among various markets has been the subject matter of numerous research. This study investigates the dynamic relationship between the Bombay Stock Exchange index (SENSEX) and the small and medium enterprises (SME) stock index (BSE SME) in India. The study uses univariate autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (ARCH)/generalised autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) models to model the time-varying volatility of the BSE SME market and multivariate BEKK-GARCH analysis to model the volatility of the SENSEX and BSE SME Index considering the existence of some linkages between them. The study is based on the daily stock indices data ranging from 16 August 2012 to 31 March 2021. Furthermore, the study reveals statistically significant internal volatility spillovers in the SME stock market and the cross-volatility transmission between the two indices. It affirms statistically significant volatility and return spillover between the main market index, SENSEX and SME index, BSE SME. The findings of this research have important implications for the diversification process. It provides crucial signals to investors, portfolio managers and policymakers, especially when there has been much impetus and promotion from the Indian government and emerging foreign investments in India’s SMEs in recent years.
Public Libraries: Your Partner in Increasing College Literacy Among Nontraditional Prospective Students
Authors: Hands Africa S.
Published: February 2022

The Netflix docudrama, Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal, illustrates how college admissions, particularly at elite colleges, favors the privileged. Higher educational attainment overall favors the informed. Prospective students have many options when it comes to earning a college degree, with some of the more visible options (e.g. for-profit institutions) to degree attainment resulting in time and money wasted for nontraditional students. Thus, higher education professionals must educate prospective students on their options—sometimes at nontraditional locations. The local public library is one such uncommon, yet ideal location for reaching adult prospective students. Written from the perspective of a former higher education admission and advising professional now library science faculty, this article proposes that the reopening of public libraries post-quarantine is an opportune moment for colleges and universities to create partnerships to recruit adult students. Following a discussion of degree attainment among nontraditional students, barriers experienced, and public library services for adults, I offer four practical suggestions for higher education practitioners to collaborate with public libraries to broaden nontraditional, adult prospective students’ awareness of postsecondary opportunities.
Development and Initial Validation of the Neglectful Experiences and Deprivation Scale
Authors: Bounoua Nadia , Church Leah , Sadeh Naomi
Published: February 2022

Socioemotional deprivation, or the absence of developmentally expected social experiences, has been linked to long-lasting health and psychological outcomes. To date, current measures of socioemotional deprivation fail to capture the cumulative impact of neglectful experiences across multiple social relationships and developmental periods. The current study developed and validated the Neglectful Experiences and Deprivation Scale (NEADS) on a sample of 547 stress-exposed adults (M/SDage=27.77/6.54 years old; 56.5% male). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses in independent samples revealed a three-factor solution as the best fitting model: Caregiver Deprivation (four items; e.g., abandonment), Peer Deprivation (four items; e.g., physical isolation), Romantic Partner Deprivation (four items; e.g., emotionally unavailable). Indicators of construct validity and internal consistency support the selected three-factor model. Results provide strong preliminary evidence of the validity of the NEADS for assaying the severity, developmental timing, and psychological impact of socioemotional deprivation across the lifespan.
Psychometric Evaluation of a New Digitally Animated Child Self-Report Assessment Instrument: The Interactive Child Distress Screener
Authors: Zieschank Kirsty , Ireland Michael J. , Day Jamin , March Sonja
Published: February 2022

The present study aimed to provide the first psychometric evaluation of the newly developed, digitally animated assessment instrument: the Interactive Child Distress Screener ( ICDS). The latent factor structure of the novel ICDS was first established using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on 15 pairs of animated items using a community sample ( N = 266) of child–parent dyads. EFA results support a two-factor structure representing two broad domains of internalizing and externalizing difficulties ( r = .52) and comprised 12 items. The reliability of the factors was strong with ordinal alpha and omega coefficients above .84 and .87, respectively, for each of the subscales. Convergent validity for the overall sample was supported with established child and parent-reported measures of internalizing and externalizing problems; however, the ICDS factors demonstrated convergence greater in magnitude with other child-reported measures such as the Me and My School Survey. Satisfaction and utility ratings by children indicated that the digital format was highly acceptable.
Workplace Health Promotion Among Ethnically Diverse Women in Midlife With a Low Socioeconomic Position
Authors: Verburgh Marjolein , Verdonk Petra , Appelman Yolande , Brood-van Zanten Monique , Hulshof Carel , Nieuwenhuijsen Karen
Published: February 2022

Workplace health promotion (WHP) may be an appropriate way to support women with a low socioeconomic position (SEP) during midlife. Little is known about reaching and engaging women in WHP, particularly not at the intersection of midlife, low SEP, and ethnicity. We initiated the ProudWoman project, in which we implemented a WHP intervention aimed at supporting midlife women as a pilot in an academic hospital. We qualitatively evaluated the implementation using the RE-AIM framework. The pilot comprised multiple steps: tailoring the intervention to the needs of ethnically diverse group of midlife women with a low SEP, developing an implementation protocol, implementing the tailored intervention, and evaluating the implementation process. The main findings of our study are: (1) due to a wide range of recruitment activities that were actively deployed, we were able to reach an ethnically diverse group of midlife women with a low SEP; (2) regarding adoption, awareness of the relevance of this topic as an occupational health challenge was not self-evident at the organizational level; (3) according to our participants, various facilitators and barriers should be taken into account in the implementation of the work–life program; and (4) our focus group discussion revealed as maintenance is relevant to these levels in different ways, awareness of midlife and menopause as an occupational health challenge should be raised at four professional levels. We conclude that elements, such as an active and personal recruitment approach, are important in the implementation of WHP for ethnically diverse midlife women with an SEP.
Why tightness alone is not enough: The varying anti-pathogenic effects of rational values and cultural tightness at different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Schopf James Christopher
Published: February 2022

Gelfand et al. demonstrated that tight cultural norms lowered COVID-19 transmissions and deaths, but can’t account for the lag between the beginning of the pandemic and the significance of tightness. Rational values help citizens adopt novel behavioral norms necessary to inhibit viral transmission. Multiple regression analysis on COVID-19 cases and deaths within twelve 25-day stages of the pandemic revealed that rational values were particularly significant in subduing COVID-19 cases and deaths by facilitating citizen adoption of novel behavioral norms during the acceleration phase of two pandemic waves. Rationality’s significance was highly correlated with the period to period increase in cases r(7) = −0.9, p < 0.001 and deaths, r(7) = −0.72, p < 0.05. Tightness became significant several months into the pandemic only after novel norms had become widely accepted. While rational values facilitate speedy adoption of effective anti-viral behavioral norms, tightness exerts pressure on citizens to comply with the new norms.
Increases in drug overdose deaths in Norway and the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Friedman Joseph , Gjersing Linn
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

Little international comparative work exists describing pandemic-related spikes in overdose and related implications for drug and public health policy. We compared increases in overdose deaths during the pandemic in Norway and the United States, two countries in the top 10 for per-capita overdose mortality, yet with very different approaches to the pandemic, healthcare and drug policy.

Methods:

We examined monthly overdoses in 2020 versus baseline rates (the monthly average across 2017–2019). We compared excess overdose mortality to shifts in human mobility and social interaction, measured using cellphone-based mobility data, an indicator of the societal response to the pandemic.

Results:

Both the US and Norway saw large magnitude exacerbations in overdose mortality during the pandemic-related lockdowns, reaching 46.8% and 57.0% above baseline, respectively. Maximum increases occurred 2–3 months after peak reductions in mobility, suggesting lagged mechanisms. While overdose mortality returned to baseline relatively quickly in Norway, rates remained elevated in the US to the end of 2020.

Conclusions:

Spikes in overdose mortality in both contexts may relate to disruptions in healthcare access and the drug supply becoming more potent. Norway’s quicker return to baseline may reflect more robust access to harm reduction and addiction-related healthcare services. Nevertheless, it is notable that even in Norway – with universal access to high-quality services, low COVID-19 rates, and a highly effective public health infrastructure – a greater than 50% spike in overdose deaths was still seen at the onset of lockdown measures. This may have important implications for future pandemic and disaster planning.
Mapping sociodemographic and geographical differences in human papillomavirus non-vaccination among young girls in Sweden
Authors: Wemrell Maria , Vicente Raquel Perez , Merlo Juan
Published: February 2022

Aims:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination plays a key role in the prevention of cervical cancer. Yet, disparities in HPV vaccination in Sweden have persisted. Previous research on such disparities has typically focused on singular sociodemographic variables and measures of average risk. Using a multi-categorical approach and drawing on intersectionality theory, this study aimed to provide a more precise mapping of HPV non-vaccination among girls in different sociodemographic groups and geographical areas in Sweden during 2013–2020.

Methods:

Using nationwide register data, we conducted a multi-categorical analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy complemented by a multilevel geographical analysis. We mapped HPV non-vaccination prevalence across 54 strata defined by parental income, education and country of birth, and urban versus rural place of residence. We also disentangled municipal and regional influences on HPV non-vaccination.

Results:

HPV non-vaccination was more common in groups with a low income, a low education and an immigration background, whereas among those with an immigration background, the association between income, education and HPV non-vaccination was more complex. Geographical differences were found between municipalities. However, the discriminatory accuracy of the sociodemographic and geographical groups was weak, and 50% of the non-vaccination cases were observed in eight strata, of which some are among those with low risk.

Conclusions:

Our findings underscore the importance of universal yet tailored approaches, including providing adequate information about HPV vaccination in Swedish and other languages, and of health-care professionals displaying sensitivity to patients’ and parents’ questions or needs.
Far-reaching or closely knit, innovative or complementary? Network configurations and firm-level innovation in the German energy sector
Authors: Reck Fabian , Fliaster Alexander
Published: February 2022

In this article, we advocate a theoretical perspective that views the firm’s ego-network as a configuration of multiple interdependent attributes, each granting resource advantages that may complement or substitute one another. Collecting empirical data from the German energy industry and using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), we explore how five major network attributes (size, diversity, strength, innovativeness, and complementarity) combine to impact firm-level innovation. Based on the empirical results, we specify the orchestrating themes that constitute the “internal” and “external” fit of network configurations. Concerning internal fit, we identify a distinct pattern of complementing and substituting relations between network attributes. Specifically, we find that innovation performance results from the firm’s network combining network size or partner diversity or tie strength, and partner innovativeness or partner complementarity. Concerning external fit, we demonstrate that depending on firm size and internal intellectual capital, there are different “optimal” network configurations for different types of firms.
Study on characterization of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) novel natural fiber as reinforcement with epoxy polymer matrix material for lightweight applications
Authors: Arivendan Ajithram , Jebas Thangiah Winowlin Jappes , Irulappasamy Siva , N Chrish Brintha
Published: February 2022

In this study, the primary goal is to utilize the biological waste of water hyacinth (Eihhornia crassipes) plant fiber–reinforced polymer composite materials for commercial applications, especially for lightweight materials aspects. In this work, the physical, mechanical (tensile, flexural, and impact), thermal, and morphological properties of water hyacinth natural fiber composite samples are investigated. We strongly believe that only a minimum amount of work has to be done to this water hyacinth fiber composite oriented. Especially all the previous literature reported the hyacinth fibers are extracted from the retting process and manual method. But, in this work, hyacinth fibers are extracted from the new novel mechanical way of the extraction process. From the results of chemical analysis, water hyacinth fiber contains a very high 62.15% cellulose content and a minimum amount (14.82%) of hemicellulose content. The crystallinity index of water hyacinth fiber composite is 54.82%. The surface of the hyacinth composite is examined with the help of a scanning electron microscope. The thermal degradation of hyacinth fiber composite is measured with the help of the thermogravimetric analysis method. Based on the final experimental results, the water hyacinth natural fiber composite is the better alternative for other traditional fiber composites and it is strongly recommended for lightweight material applications.
Arctic Terns: Writing and Art-Making Our Way Through the Pandemic
Authors: Speedy Jane , Davies Bronwyn , Gannon Susanne , Kirkpatrick Davina , Laidler Carol , Linnell Sheridan
Published: February 2022

We call ourselves the Arctic terns after the birds that migrate between the northern and southern hemispheres. Three of us live in south-west Britain and three in south-east Australia. We tried to make sense of our lockdown lives and the ways we were imbricated in world events. We wrote and made art in response. We read our work to each other and showed each other our artworks. The material practices we developed helped make the pandemic endurable, and at times hilarious. Here we share some of our work and some of our thinking about why it matters.
Lenticulostriate artery length and middle cerebral artery plaque as predictors of early neurological deterioration in single subcortical infarction
Authors: Yan Yuying , Jiang Shuai , Yang Tang , Yuan Ye , Wang Changyi , Deng Qiao , Wu Tao , Tang Lu , Wu Simiao , Sun Jiayu , Wu Bo
Published: February 2022

Background:

Early neurological deterioration (END) is not a rare phenomenon in single subcortical infarction (SSI; traditionally known as lacunar infarction) patients. Predictors of END in SSI patients are uncertain.

Aims:

We aimed to investigate the association between infarct lesion characteristics, penetrating artery morphology, carrier artery plaque features and END using whole-brain vessel-wall imaging.

Methods:

We prospectively collected data from SSI patients without stenosis of the corresponding carrier artery. The infarct lesion size and location, lenticulostriate artery (LSA) morphological characteristics, and features of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) plaques involving M1 segment adjacent to LSA origin on the symptomatic side were compared between patients with or without END.

Results:

A total of 74 participants were enrolled, of whom 23 cases (31.1%) showed END. Multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and axial maximal diameter of infarct lesion revealed that the patients with MCA plaques adjacent to the LSA origin were more likely to develop END (odds ratio (OR) = 3.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.21–12.33), while with longer average length of LSAs were less likely to occur END (OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.05–0.92).

Conclusion:

MCA plaques located adjacent to the LSA origin and average length of LSAs on the symptomatic side were independent predictors of END in SSI patients. This finding might provide new insights into the mechanisms of the neurological progression in SSI and facilitate therapeutic interventions.
May the Symptomatic Subtalar Joint Be Conservatively Treated With Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid Injections After a Calcaneus Fracture?
Authors: Mansur Henrique , Maranho Daniel Augusto , de Castro Junior Isnar Moreira , Gomes Fernanda Ferreira
Published: February 2022

Background

Subtalar pain following intra-articular calcaneus fractures may be associated with disability, pain, and a negative impact on the quality of life. Salvage procedures as subtalar fusion are associated with further consequences as stiffness, altered ankle biomechanics, and adjacent articular overloading with degenerative changes. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the short-term effects of viscosupplementation with intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) on function and pain, in patients with painful subtalar joint after calcaneus fracture.

Methods

We searched for patients who underwent osteosynthesis of intra-articular calcaneus fracture between January 2011 and July 2015 and were diagnosed during the follow-up with pain and subtalar osteoarthritis. Between January and December of 2018, 13 patients (50 ± 10 years) accepted to participate in this study and received intra-articular HA injections. Three consecutive doses of 20 mg of HA were administered within a week interval, through anterolateral injections into the subtalar joint. We prospectively evaluated the function using the ankle/hindfoot American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score (AOFAS) and level of pain using the visual analog scale (VAS) before the intervention and 4, 12, and 24 weeks after the first injection.

Results

Hindfoot function improved with an increase of AOFAS from 55 ± 19 before the intervention to 88 ± 20 at the 24th week ( P = .001). Similarly, we observed relief of pain during the 24 weeks following intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection, with a decrease in VAS from 8.3 ± 1.3 before treatment to 2.2 ± 3.0 at the 24th week ( P = .001).

Conclusion

For patients experiencing pain and dysfunction with subtalar osteoarthritis after intra-articular calcaneus fracture, viscosupplementation with intra-articular HA may be associated with improvement in function and pain in the short term. Furthermore, patients with higher grades of osteoarthritis may have limited benefit in pain relief and function improvement.

Level of evidence:

IV, Case series
Making neo-nationalist subject in Japan: The intersection of nationalism, jingoism, and populism in the digital age
Authors: Kawamura Satofumi , Iwabuchi Koichi
Published: February 2022

This article considers how digital media communication reconfigures a “neo-nationalist subject” in the Japanese context. A neo-nationalist subject is not the so-called modern national subject that maintains a shared, collective identity as the rationale regulating his or her decisions and behavior, but rather is a fragmented subject that, in view of “the decline of symbolic efficiency,” is open to discourses that others are in effect stealing his or her “enjoyment” ( jouissance). Starting from an overview of the rise of cyber-nationalism and the popularity of neoliberal authoritarian governance in Japan since the 1990s, we explore how affect-driven digital media environments promoted by a neoliberal economy produce neo-nationalist subjects who attribute responsibility for their dissatisfaction with life to others, and whose self-defensive “drive” functions as the primary support of the culture of hate and modern racism. In this way, we offer an account for the intersection of nationalism, jingoism, and populism in the digital age.
The effect of valproic acid on SLC5A8 expression in gonad-intact and gonadectomized rat thymocytes
Authors: Juknevičienė Milda , Balnytė Ingrida , Valančiūtė Angelija , Stanevičiūtė Jūratė , Sužiedėlis Kęstutis , Stakišaitis Donatas
Published: February 2022

Background

Valproic acid (VPA) pharmacological mechanisms are related to the anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects. VPA is a histone deacetylases inhibitor and serves a role in its immunomodulatory impacts. VPA has complex effects on immune cell’s mitochondrial metabolism. The SLC5A8 transporter of short fatty acids has an active role in regulating mitochondrial metabolism. The study aimed to investigate whether SLC5A8 expresses the sex-related difference and how SLC5A8 expression depends on gonadal hormones, VPA treatment, and NKCC1 expression in rat thymocytes.

Methods

Control groups and VPA-treated gonad-intact and gonadectomized Wistar male and female rats were investigated ( n = 6 in a group). The VPA 300 mg/kg/day in drinking water was given for 4 weeks. The SLC5A8 ( Slc5a8 gene) and NKCC1 ( Slc12a2 gene) RNA expressions were determined by the RT-PCR method.

Results

The higher Slc5a8 expression was found in the gonad-intact males than respective females ( p = 0.004). VPA treatment decreased the Slc5a8 expression in gonad-intact and castrated males ( p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively), and increased in gonad-intact female rats compared to their control ( p = 0.03). No significant difference in the Slc5a8 expression between the ovariectomized female control and VPA-treated females was determined ( p > 0.05). VPA treatment alters the correlation between Slc 5a8 and Slc12a2 gene expression in thymocytes of gonad-intact rats.

Conclusion

VPA effect on the Slc5a8 expression in rat thymocytes is gender- and gonadal hormone-dependent.
Primary Care Patient Social Networks and Tobacco Use: An Observational Study
Authors: Aysola Jaya , Rewley Jeffrey , Xu Chang , Schapira Marilyn , Hubbard Rebecca A.
Published: February 2022

Importance:

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable deaths and is susceptible to social influence. Yet, we know little about the characteristics of primary care social networks and how they influence tobacco use.

Objective:

To determine what primary care patient social network characteristics are associated with individual smoking behavior.

Design:

Cross-sectional.

Setting:

Two primary care practices in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA), USA.

Participants:

A random sample of 53 primary care patients and 155 of their nominated social ties.

Main Outcome and Measures:

We examined the association between social network characteristics (degree, communicated weighted social ties, and presence of social reinforcement) and tobacco use history (never smoker, successful quitter, or current smoker). Other covariates included age, race/ethnicity, sex, education, income, and employment status, self-efficacy, depression status, provider-patient relationship.

Results:

Of those enrolled in our study (n = 208), 101 identified as never smokers, 59 as successfully quitters, and 48 as current smokers. Social reinforcements from connected alter pairs that never-smoked (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.34) was significantly associated with a participant being a never smoker. Participants with stronger ties with successful quitters were significantly more likely to identify as successfully quitting (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.69) and conversely had a negative association with stronger ties to unsuccessful quitters (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.80) or current smokers who had not tried to quit in the last year (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.98). Social reinforcement from connected pairs of alters that were unsuccessful quitters was significantly associated with the participant being a current smoker (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.45).

Conclusions:

Our study suggests that smoking behaviors do not occur in isolation, nor because of 1 or 2 prominent social network members. Rather, our findings suggest that both strong ties and social reinforcement from clusters of similarly-behaving persons influence smoking behavior. Primary care practices have an opportunity to leverage these insights on patient networks to improve cancer prevention.
A 12-Month Randomized Clinical Trial of 38% SDF vs. Restorative Treatment
Authors: Cleary J. , Al-Hadidi R. , Scully A. , Yahn W. , Zaid Z. , Boynton J.R. , Eckert G.J. , Yanca E. , Fontana M.
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

The aim of this 2-arm, parallel-group, 12-mo randomized clinical trial was to compare the effectiveness of semiannual application of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) versus restorative treatment (RT) to manage cavitated caries lesions in primary teeth in a diverse population of children in Michigan.

Methods:

Children aged 2 to 10 y with at least 1 soft cavitated lesion (International Caries Detection and Assessment System 5 or 6) with no pain or signs/symptoms of irreversible pulpitis were recruited and randomly assigned to 2 intervention groups. One random lesion per child received 38% SDF (twice, at a 6-mo interval) or RT. All interventions and assessments were done by calibrated dentists. Primary outcome measures were clinical failure rates: minor (e.g., reversible pulpitis, active/soft lesion or progression, restoration loss or need for replacement/repair, secondary caries) and major (e.g., irreversible pulpitis, abscess, extraction). Parent, child, and provider acceptability was also assessed.

Results:

Ninety-eight children were enrolled and randomized, with a mean (SD) age of 4.8 y (1.8); 46% were female and their mean dmft + DMFT was 6.3 (3.9). Sixty-nine children were assessed at 12 mo (sample was within the planned 30% attrition rate). There were significantly more teeth with minor failures (SDF = 65%, RT = 23%, P ≤ 0.001) and major failures (SDF = 13%, RT = 3%, P ≤ 0.001) in the SDF group than the RT group; 74% of SDF-treated lesions were hard at 12 mo vs. 57% at 6 mo. Providers stated that SDF was easier, faster, and more preferable than RT ( P ≤ 0.001). No significant differences were found in parental satisfaction and acceptability. At 12 mo, children in the RT arm felt significantly ( P < 0.05) happier with their tooth appearance and stated that their visit to the dentist hurt less.

Conclusion:

At 12 mo, SDF-treated lesions had significantly more minor and major failures than RT, suggesting that SDF-treated teeth need to be closely monitored in a population at high caries risk (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02601833).

Knowledge of Transfer Statement:

The results of this study can be used by clinicians when deciding whether to restore or apply silver diamine fluoride to cavitated lesions in primary teeth. Information on treatment outcomes and parent, child, and provider acceptability can help guide appropriate treatment decisions and need for monitoring.
Urban sustainability assessment in Geneva: Relevance of the local neighbourhood unit
Authors: Pang Melissa , Binder Claudia R. , Golay François
Published: February 2022

The physical characteristics of an urban system are typically heterogeneously expressed, creating distinct neighbourhoods shaped by specific local features. Hence, spatially explicit expression of sustainability across the urban system is expected and should not be ignored. In this paper, we present an empirical study that explicitly accounts for the spatial heterogeneity of local-scale urban form features and the significance of a neighbourhood in the canton of Geneva, Switzerland. Our work first established a typology of urban form features, followed by the definition of local-scale functional neighbourhood boundaries using well-established criteria across the study area. An assessment of the sustainability of the resulting neighbourhoods revealed that significant differences can be observed between the different neighbourhood types across various components of urban sustainability. These results highlight the relevance, and argue for the importance, of incorporating local-scale approaches for more effective urban sustainability assessment to support urban planning and policymaking in the transition towards sustainability.
Urban commons in the techno-economic paradigm shift: An information and communication technology-enabled climate-resilient solutions review
Authors: Chien Herlin , Hori Keiko , Saito Osamu
Published: February 2022

The commons concept has evolved in multiple ways after the publication of Ostrom’s seminal work in 1990, which emphasized the evolution of resource management institutions and the usefulness of self-governance. As we move into the 21st century, one of the institutional transformations is catalyzed by the emergence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a techno-economic paradigm shift and the epochal creation of a new online social structure. However, there is a lack of understanding about the impact of ICT on common resource management, particularly in urban settings, that is urban commons. This study presents a systematic literature review of ICT-enabled urban commons with particular attention to its application to climate-related issues such as climate mitigation/adaptation in order to improve our collective ability to leverage ICT for building a more sustainable and resilient city. A total of 66 pieces of literature were included in our qualitative synthesis. We analyzed the geographical, categorical, and climate relevance. Subsequently, we used the coupled infrastructure system framework as a system thinking approach to dissect distinct usefulness of ICT-enabled commons in the building of relationships between resource system, resource user, infrastructure, and infrastructure provider to tackle climate-related issues. Our findings identified three key contributions of ICT to innovate climate-resilient solutions: 1) to redefine role of resource user as co-producer, co-designer, and co-monitor; 2) to enable real-time data-driven urban planning; 3) to improve resource efficiency and effectiveness. In other words, in a time of insufficient and limited public resources, the public sector can leverage the power of technology to harness public support and engage non-traditional stakeholders to make cities more sustainable and resilient while allowing policy-making to be big data-driven to tackle new urban problems that cannot be otherwise uncovered without the aid of ICT. The results provide directions to rethink the city based on collective action to diversity modes to govern common resources.
Enabling Entrepreneurial Empowerment Through a Three-Day Entrepreneurship Camp
Authors: Neergård Gunn-Berit , Aaboen Lise , Politis Diamanto
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of a 3-day entrepreneurship camp on nursing students’ empowerment to act entrepreneurially. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews with 17 nursing students conducted both before and after the camp. The data also included student drawings, as well as documents and interviews with 10 stakeholder representatives. Our findings show that students had very limited knowledge of entrepreneurship and had disregarded any valuable or natural link between nursing and entrepreneurship before entering the camp. The four changes in the empowerment process are as follows: (a) From ‘Entrepreneurship is not something nurses are supposed to do’ to ‘Nurses are potential actors in entrepreneurial processes’. (b) From ‘Observing problems in practice’ to ‘Nurses can shape healthcare’. (c) From ‘Not knowing how to define problems sufficiently small to act upon’ to ‘Knowing how to approach problem definition’. (d) From ‘Knowing little about the potential steps of realising a solution’ to ‘Knowing the first steps to testing a solution’s feasibility’. Our study provides insights into the meaning of empowerment to act entrepreneurially in the context of an entrepreneurship education for nursing students and has implications for the entrepreneurship education literature for non-business students.
Resilience-Promoting Programs in Families of Children With Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Park Mina , Choi Eun Kyoung , Lee Hyun Jie , Park Hyeon Eun , Chinbayar Altantuya
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Pediatric cancer is a difficult experience for children and their families. It is thus necessary to promote family resilience for the effective treatment and quality of life improvement among children with cancer. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the components of a resilience-promoting program for children with cancer and their families and to synthesize the literature findings on the outcomes of the resilience-promoting program. Method: A systematic search of the literature was conducted using five databases (PubMed, CHIAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Research Information Sharing Service) up to July 22, 2020. The search was limited to studies published in English and Korean, and to grey literature published in Korea. Studies were critically appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Extracted data were summarized as tables. Results: Eight studies were selected. The main components of the resilience-promoting program were providing information (on strategies, medical and psychoeducation, and community resources) and emotional coping (expressing feeling, reappraising cognition about adversity, and stress management). The main outcomes of these programs were reinforced outcomes (resilience, benefit finding, coping, positive affect, problem-solving skills, family adaptation, and self-concept) and improved outcomes (in depression, posttraumatic stress, anxiety, impact of illness of the family, and mood). Conclusion: As the components and outcomes of family resilience-promoting programs vary, it is necessary to consistently use valid tools to effectively identify interventions. Additionally, various methodological studies are required to further analyze the effect of these programs.
Increased plasmablasts enhance T cell-mediated beta cell destruction and promote the development of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ling Qing , Shen Lei , Zhang Wei , Qu DuoDuo , Wang Hongdong , Wang Bin , Liu Yong , Lu Jing , Zhu Dalong , Bi Yan
Published: February 2022

Background

Although type 1 diabetes (T1D) is typically described as a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease, increasing evidence for a role of B cells has emerged. However, the pivotal disease-relevant B cell subset and its contribution to islet autoimmunity remain elusive.

Methods

The frequencies and phenotypic characteristics of circulating B cell subsets were analyzed using flow cytometry in individuals with new-onset T1D, long-term T1D, type 2 diabetes, and nondiabetic controls, and also in a prospective cohort of patients receiving mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) transplantation. NOD mice and adoptive transfer assay were used to dissect the role of the certain B cell subset in disease progression. An in-vitro coculture system of islets with immune cells was established to examine the response against islets and the underlying mechanisms.

Results

We identified that plasmablasts, a B cell subset at the antibody-secreting stage, were significantly increased and correlated with the deterioration of beta cell function in patients with new-onset T1D. Further, a fall of plasmablast number was associated with the preservation of beta cell function in patients who received MSC transplantation after 3 months of follow-up. Meanwhile, a gradual increase of plasmablasts in pancreatic lymph nodes during the natural progression of insulitis was observed in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice; adoptive transfer of plasmablasts together with T cells from NOD mice accelerated diabetes onset in NOD/SCID recipients.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that plasmablasts may function as antigen-presenting cells and promote the activation and proinflammatory response of CD4+T cells, further contributing to the T cell-mediated beta cell destruction. Our results provide insights into the pathogenic role of plasmablasts in islet autoimmunity and may offer new translational strategies for inhibiting T1D development.