bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug offence detection during the pandemic: An ARIMA analysis of rates and regional differences in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Langfield Cameron T , Payne Jason L , Makkai Toni
Published: April 2021

Public commentary has offered mixed opinion on the likely impact of COVID-19 restrictions on drug-related offending. On the one hand, it is argued that drug users – and the drug markets in which they interact – may have become the incidental targets of law enforcement as police seek to enforce social distancing regulations by focusing their efforts on street-level pedestrian activity or open-air gatherings. On the other, interstate border closures and restrictions on person and freight traffic are thought to have interrupted illicit drug supply chains, temporarily reducing or displacing market activity at the street level and thus reducing police detections of drug users. In this study, we extend current analyses of crime during the COVID-19 pandemic to explore how the rate of police detection for drug possession and other drug-related offences has changed. Using crime data from the Australian state of Queensland, we use Auto-Regressive Integrated and Moving Average time series modelling techniques to explore historical trends and their dynamic forecasts. We then compare actual offence rates for March through June to identify any statistically significant changes. We find that reported drug offences significantly vary across time and location highlighting that the impact of COVID-19 is not universal across Queensland. Thus, the significant heterogeneity in local drug market dynamics that has elsewhere been documented remains even in a major crisis with significant changes in policing activity and resource allocation. Our analysis has significant import for criminal justice practitioners in further understanding drug market dynamics and drug-related offending during COVID-19 restrictions.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Perspectives on the CSR Construct’s Development and Future
Authors: Carroll Archie B.
Published: April 2021

This perspectives article seeks to comment and reflect on my 1999 BAS article titled “Corporate Social Responsibility: Evolution of a Definitional Construct,” and subsequent writings addressing these same topics. First, perspectives on the 1950-1999 period are offered. Second, reflections on the 2000-2020 period are presented. Finally, thoughts about the future and the new normal for CSR are set forth. Hopefully, the observations presented will stimulate further thinking on this important concept. And, it will be interesting to all of us to see where the dust settles when the pandemic ends and organizations have had a chance to re-imagine or reset their missions, goals, and processes with respect to CSR.
Does psychological empowerment condition the impact of public service motivation on perceived organizational performance? Evidence from the US federal government
Authors: Lim Jae Young , Moon Kuk-Kyoung , Christensen Robert K.
Published: April 2021

Although the relationships between public service motivation and work-related outcomes are contingent on an employee’s psychological state, little empirical evidence exists on whether psychological empowerment conditions the relationship between public service motivation and perceived organizational performance in public organizations. This study addresses this gap by examining data from the 2010 US Merit Principles Survey on psychological empowerment’s moderating role between public service motivation and the perceived achievement of organizational goals, as well as the perceived quality of work-unit products and services in the US federal government. First, the findings indicate that public service motivation and psychological empowerment improve both of these perceived organizational performance measures. Second, the findings indicate that the link between public service motivation and perceived organizational performance is slightly enhanced when public employees feel more psychologically empowered.

Points for practitioners

This article offers practical lessons for practitioners who are concerned about improving organizational performance. Emphasizing the importance of psychological empowerment in strengthening the link between public service motivation and perceived organizational performance, the article suggests a critical need to cultivate psychological empowerment in the public sector, which has been under heavy pressure to do more with less in a rapidly changing environment.
Getting the Knack for Team-Improvised Adaptation: The Role of Reflexivity and Team Mental Model Similarity
Authors: Abrantes António C. M. , Passos Ana Margarida , Cunha Miguel Pina e , Santos Catarina Marques
Published: April 2021

Organizational teams operate in increasingly volatile environments in which the speed and degree of change accelerates, demanding rapid adaptation processes namely of the improvisational type. It is therefore essential to understand how to prepare teams to operate in such contexts. This work investigates the effects of team mental model similarity, in-action reflexivity, and transitional reflexivity on team-improvised adaptation performance and on team-improvised adaptation learning. Two experiments were conducted with a total of 121 teams. We manipulated the independent variables and used an overtime design to measure team-improvised adaptation learning. Our findings suggest that teams operating in unpredictable environments that require rapid adaptation should be able to reflect collectively, both while acting and between tasks. These teams should also develop a common understanding of the main elements of the context and the task, so that they are effective in the face of unpredictability and rapid change.
Cognitive Retroactive Transfer of Language Skills From English as a Foreign Language to Hebrew as the First Language
Authors: Feder Liat , Abu-Rabia Salim
Published: April 2021

The study tested whether cognitive retroactive transfer (CRT) of language skills from English to Hebrew takes place; specifically, whether an improvement in linguistic and meta-linguistic skills in English as a foreign language (FL) would lead to an improvement in these skills in Hebrew as the first language (L1). The participants consisted of 124 students in Grade 6 who were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. Each group was further divided into readers with dyslexia, poor readers, and typical readers groups. The experimental group participated in an English intervention program designed for this study. All participants were administered a battery of pre- and post-treatment tests in linguistic and meta-linguistic skills in Hebrew and in English. The findings supported the existence of CRT from skills in English to skills in Hebrew with reference to most of the variables in the domains of reading, writing, and language skills. The improvement in most of the linguistic and meta-linguistic tasks in both English and Hebrew was significantly higher in the experimental group compared with the control group. The innovation of this study was in testing CRT of linguistic and meta-linguistic skills from English to Hebrew. Limitations and direction for future research are discussed.
Evaluating Death Anxiety and Death Depression Levels among Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Yıldırım Dilek , Kocatepe Vildan
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to assess death anxiety and death depression levels among patients with acute myocardial infarction. This was a descriptive correlational study, which was conducted on patients who were treated on an outpatient clinic or cardiology clinics a training and research hospital in Istanbul, Turkey between January and August 2020. The sample of study included 300 patients, who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study. The Sociodemographic Form, Death Anxiety Scale and Death Depression Scale served as data collection tools. The patients obtained a mean score of 12.260 ± 3.315 from Death Depression Scale and a mean score of 12.506 ± 2.915 from Death Anxiety Scale. The patients had a death-related depression mood and a severe death anxiety level. The correlation between the patients’ Death Depression Scale and Death Anxiety Scale mean scores was statistically significant and moderate positive (r = .590; p = 0.000). As patients’ death anxiety increased, their death-related depression levels also increased was determined. The death anxiety levels of the patients were mostly severe, to the point of panic. Their depression scores were also above average.
What syllabus documents can tell us about the presence and position of dance in Early Childhood Teacher Education: A Swedish perspective
Authors: Gripson Märtha Pastork , Mattsson Torun , Andersson Ninnie
Published: April 2021

This study problematizes becoming early childhood teachers’ possibilities to develop knowledge relevant to teaching dance. The aim was to analyze the presence and position of dance in Swedish early childhood teacher education syllabi. Discourse analysis was used to identify patterns, regularities, hierarchies and gaps in the steering documents. The empirical material consisted of syllabi of twelve Swedish early childhood teacher programs. The results show that according to syllabi, dance as a subject has a rather weak or non-existent position in Swedish early childhood teacher education. Instead, dance often functions as a tool for learning other subjects, e.g. language and mathematics. The concept “aesthetic” was more frequently mentioned in the syllabi, but it did not explicitly explain what dance knowledge was included in the syllabi content, learning outcomes and examination forms. The frequency of dance differed between the syllabi, which might lead to unequal early childhood teacher education. Further, the potentially weak function and position of dance in early childhood teacher education might limit children’s social democratic life, bodily knowledge and experience of mind-body connection in a holistic sense.
Quasi-Simpson paradox in estimating the expected mortality rate from the SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Shaki Yair Y
Published: April 2021

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared SARS-CoV-2 a global pandemic, based on a high infection rate and a high case fatality rate (CFR). The combination of these two points led WHO to forecast a high expected mortality rate of approximately 2% of the population. The phenomenon of Simpson’s paradox teaches us that we should be careful when we combine two variables together. Indeed, despite the high mortality rate in several places, this forecast seems to have collapsed. We believe one of the reasons for the erroneous forecasts is that combining the above points ignored a confounding variable – many of the virus carriers are asymptomatic and therefore not diagnosed.
Using Social Networks to Supplement RDD Telephone Surveys to Oversample Hard-to-Reach Populations: A New RDD+RDS Approach
Authors: Agans Robert P. , Zeng Donglin , Shook-Sa Bonnie E. , Boynton Marcella H. , Brewer Noel T. , Sutfin Erin L. , Goldstein Adam O. , Noar Seth M. , Vallejos Quirina , Queen Tara L. , Bowling J. Michael , Ribisl Kurt M.
Published: April 2021

Random digit dialing (RDD) telephone sampling, although experiencing declining response rates, remains one of the most accurate and cost-effective data collection methods for generating national population-based estimates. Such methods, however, are inefficient when sampling hard-to-reach populations because the costs of recruiting sufficient sample sizes to produce reliable estimates tend to be cost prohibitive. The authors implemented a novel respondent-driven sampling (RDS) approach to oversample cigarette smokers and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. The new methodology selects RDS referrals or seeds from a probability-based RDD sampling frame and treats the social networks as clusters in the weighting and analysis, thus eliminating the intricate assumptions of RDS. The authors refer to this approach as RDD+RDS. In 2016 and 2017, a telephone survey was conducted on tobacco-related topics with a national sample of 4,208 U.S. adults, as well as 756 referral-based respondents. The RDD+RDS estimates were comparable with stand-alone RDD estimates, suggesting that the addition of RDS responses from social networks improved the precision of the estimates without introducing significant bias. The authors also conducted an experiment to determine whether the number of recruits would vary on the basis of how the RDS recruitment question specified the recruitment population (closeness of relationship, time since last contact, and LGBT vs. tobacco user), and significant differences were found in the number of referrals provided on the basis of question wording. The RDD+RDS sampling approach, as an adaptation of standard RDD methodology, is a practical tool for survey methodologists that provides an efficient strategy for oversampling rare or elusive populations.
Alexithymia, Fear of Intimacy, and Relationship Satisfaction
Authors: Lyvers Michael , Pickett Louisa , Needham Katarina , Thorberg Fred Arne
Published: April 2021

Alexithymia, fear of intimacy, attachment security, and mood variables were examined as predictors of satisfaction in couple relationships after accounting for age, sex, relationship length, and marital status. Participants were 158 adults (52% women and 48% men) in an ongoing couple relationship for 1-19 years. They completed validated measures of the variables of interest online. Bivariate correlations were significant for all predicted associations. Multiple mediation modelling examined the hypothesis that the low relationship satisfaction reported by those with alexithymia can be explained by fear of intimacy, insecure attachment, and negative affect, after accounting for relevant covariates. Mediation was indicated for fear of intimacy and negative affect. Such factors may merit particular attention by clinicians working with alexithymic clients in couples therapy.
Successful Recruitment Strategies for Engaging Pregnant African American Women in Research
Authors: Vaughan Sarah E. , Misra Dawn P. , Wong Ana C. , Rengers Brooke , Jablonski Samantha , Price Mercedes , Giurgescu Carmen
Published: April 2021

Participation by people of color in research studies is important for generalizability and to mitigate health disparities. Barriers to recruitment are well documented, but less well known is how to succeed. This paper describes successful strategies for recruitment and retention of pregnant Black women for a multisite study of preterm birth. Recruiters provided input on strategies. Participant level strategies include: commitment to being respectful, friendly, and reliable; addressing concerns regarding confidentiality; acknowledging competing priorities; and when possible, matching recruiters by gender and race. Clinical level strategies include: the formation of a good working relationship with the clinical staff; prioritizing clinical care above research activities; and obtaining access to the electronic medical record systems. Protocol level strategies include: a wide enrollment window; coordinating biospecimen collection with the clinical laboratory tests; collecting survey data on an electronic tablet; text messaging; and providing compensation for the time needed to complete study activities.
When Fear Surrounding Childbirth Leads Women to Request a Planned Cesarean Birth
Authors: Bryanton Janet , Beck Cheryl Tatano , Morrison Stephanie
Published: April 2021

Fear surrounding childbirth requires a more in-depth understanding from women’s perspectives, especially those who request a planned cesarean due to that fear. Therefore, we explored primiparous and multiparous women’s lived experiences of fear surrounding childbirth in relation to their decision to request a planned cesarean birth. We used Colaizzi’s (1978) phenomenological method to interview 16 women from 4 provinces and to analyze the data. Women expressed numerous fears and most experienced more than one fear. Most feared their baby/babies being injured or dying during childbirth or developing complications themselves. Others feared experiencing a traumatic birth. Women described numerous emotional and physical manifestations of fear, and all believed that a planned cesarean birth would provide more control over the birth process. For some, the birth of their healthy baby/babies began a healing process, whereas others noted that their fear subsided or resolved upon confirmation that they would have a planned cesarean.
Polish Catholic Concerns regarding the Rise of National Socialism in Germany
Authors: Kostkiewicz Janina , Mazur Lucas B.
Published: April 2021

Critical discourse regarding National Socialism was well developed during the short period of the Second Polish Republic (1918–1939). These critical scholarly voices remain largely unknown. This historical discourse was in effect removed from the historical record, as these voices arose from religious, cultural, and political positions that were unacceptable to the post-war communist government – features that make these voices of such interest today. In attempting to explain the rise of Nazism, most of Western scholarship after the Second World War looks back in time through the lens of what came later, primarily the Holocaust and the wider horrors of World War II. Pre-war critical discourse in Poland developed side-by-side with the rise of Nazism itself, and can therefore provide invaluable insights into the phenomenon in real time. The current article is an attempt to raise awareness in the English-speaking world of these untranslated critical voices of the religious and ‘pseudo-religious’ aspects of the rise of National Socialism.
The Transnational Co-production of Interwar ‘Fascism’: On the Dynamics of Ideational Mobility and Localization
Authors: Kallis Aristotle
Published: April 2021

Interwar fascism achieved sensational international reach through the appeal and circulation of a set of generic ideological norms and political practices. Therefore, models of analysis must accommodate alternative local interpretations, adaptations, and a wide range of varied outcomes in the process of its diverse local translations. In this article, I propose the new trans-disciplinary mobility paradigm as a productive methodological extension of the transnational approach in fascism studies. I focus on the fluid dynamics of transnational circulation of ‘fascist’ ideas and political innovations, as well as on how these were perceived, (re-)interpreted, adopted/adapted by a wide set of local agents in interwar Europe. I employ a decentred, anti-literalist, and multi-directional mobility approach that analyses the history of interwar ‘fascism’ as the messy net force of diverse, multivalent agencies, of interactions and frictions, in the end of creative translation and trial-and-error. I argue that a focus on this mobility dynamic offers three advantages: first, it promotes the re-integration of diverse fragmented histories of interwar fascism; second, it is capable of exposing the dynamic co-production of the political history of ‘fascist’ over time and space; and third, it fosters a far better understanding of the reasons for the ideological travel and political traction of radical ideas and politics in interwar years.
Where Music Resides: Educational and Artistic Institutions, Nationalism, and Musical Debates in Nineteenth-Century Athens
Authors: Ignatidou Artemis
Published: April 2021

The article details the institutional, political and cultural conditions in nineteenth-century Athens, in relation to the reception and development of Western opera and Greek ecclesiastical music. Through the examination of important institutions such as the Theatre of Athens and the University of Athens, the article compares the popularity of Italian opera with the underdevelopment of institutions for education in church music, it analyses the impact of limited musical education in the country, and explains how the absence of musical policy –either for Western music or the Greek-Orthodox chant – resulted in music turning into a token of local cultural resistance against Western European influence.
Access to information technology of households and secondary school students in Turkey
Authors: İra Nejat , Yıldız Mehmet , Yıldız Gamze , Yalçınkaya-Önder Eylem , Aksu Ali
Published: April 2021

The aim of the study was to investigate secondary school students’ and teachers’ access to information technologies in Turkey by making interregional comparisons. Document analysis of the qualitative research methods was employed to analyze the reports issued by the Turkish Ministry of National Education, the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK), and the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The results of the research revealed the importance of access to information and communication technologies for both students and teachers: 67.9% of the participating students were found to have Internet connection and 69.1% a computer in their homes, while 80.3% of the students were observed to use a computer outside the school, but 19.7% were not. The results also showed that 64.6% of the students have Internet connection in their classrooms, but 29.2% of these students do not use the Internet in the classroom, whereas 8.9% use it in the classroom all the time. The rate of students using a digital device for reading is 38.1%, while that of those not using one is 61.9%. Some 32.1% of secondary school students were revealed not to have Internet connection at home. Additionally, 77% of teachers were not trained in online teaching prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the findings, teachers can be suggested to develop projects – i.e., of TUBITAK, E-twinning, and Erasmus – which potentially encourage students to use information and communication technologies so that both teachers and students can benefit from them. It is also suggested that the Ministry of National Education should work on improving the information communication technology competencies of teachers and students. Besides, policies should be developed to eliminate regional differences in terms of access to digital resources and technology in terms of equal opportunities and opportunities.
‘Antisemitism is just part of my day-to-day life’: Coping mechanisms adopted by Orthodox Jews in North London
Authors: Flax Maya
Published: April 2021

This paper analyses the coping mechanisms which Orthodox Jews in North London have adopted in managing antisemitism. The study, which was informed by a sociological framework, employed a qualitative approach using 28 semi-structured interviews and five focus groups. The findings reveal that despite the high frequency of the victimisation, and despite the awareness among respondents that antisemitism has seen a resurgence in recent years, Orthodox Jews have managed to accept the victimisation. The way the Orthodox Jewish community has managed their victimisation of antisemitism is argued to be profoundly different from the dominant narratives of hate crime victims, in that by and large the majority of respondents accepted their victimisation. It proposes that respondents were able to show agency and to normalise the victimisation because of their strong religious identity and close community ties.
The Sharing Economy: Social Welfare in a Technologically Networked Economy
Authors: Baranowski Mariusz
Published: April 2021

This article attempts to descriptively characterize the impact of the sharing economy, using Uber as an example, on the social welfare of those people working via the app. For this purpose, the author proposes a theoretical concept of a technologically networked economy, which is a component of a broader heuristic model of a technologically networked reality. Furthermore, a critical review of the different approaches to the sharing economy and the diverse practices within it have been carried out. The results of the theoretical exploration of this increasingly popular phenomenon revealed parallels with the problems of nondigital labor markets in the field of the workforce. The clear separation of grassroots sharing practices from those in name only like Uber suggest that the latter do not realize social welfare more broadly than ordinary capitalist enterprises.
A gastro-colic fistula secondary to high-grade B-cell gastric lymphoma in a patient with AIDS: a case report
Authors: Leong Waiian , Xu Mingfeng , Ni Li , Su Jiajun , Yang Dongye
Published: April 2021

To the best of our knowledge, there are no previous reports of a gastro-colic fistula (GCF) secondary to primary high-grade B-cell gastric lymphoma associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Here, we report a 37-year-old man who presented with paroxysmal abdominal pain for 4 months, diarrhea for 15 days and weight loss of 4 kg. He had a history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and was diagnosed with AIDS in 2013. The patient was diagnosed with a GCF secondary to primary high-grade B-cell gastric lymphoma by gastroscopy and histopathological examination. Two weeks after diagnosis, he died in another hospital. This is an uncommon case in which the GCF occurred secondary to malignant gastric lymphoma in a patient with AIDS. Supported by the literature, patients with HIV infection who complain of abdominal pain or a mass, severe diarrhea, and weight loss should be assessed for a GCF secondary to lymphoma because of its worse prognosis.
Application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to treatment of serious tracheal stenosis caused by relapsing polychondritis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Jingchen , He Xujian , Hu Jia , Li Tong
Published: April 2021

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a multisystemic rheumatic disease characterized by widespread and potentially destructive inflammatory lesions of the cartilage. The rarity of this disease and the lack of pathological diagnostic laboratory tests can occasionally lead to delayed diagnosis. We herein describe a 51-year-old woman with RP. She was sent to our hospital 4 days after the development of an upper respiratory tract infection with difficulty breathing. Her clinical condition significantly improved after the performance of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in an awake state, implantation of a tracheal stent, and administration of steroid therapy. Airway involvement of RP may be life-threatening. In this case, endotracheal intubation would have undoubtedly been very dangerous. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can be performed in an awake state to maintain oxygenation and improve the chance of survival.
Carbon ion radiotherapy for recurrent calf myxoid liposarcoma: a case report
Authors: Li Xiaojun , Zhang Yanshan , Ye Yancheng , Qi Ying , Feng Chunlan , Zhang Yihe , Hu Tingchao , Chen Weizuo , Pan Xin , Chai Hongyu
Published: April 2021

Liposarcoma (LPS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma. Myxoid LPS (MLPS) is the second most common subtype of LPS and accounts for 25% to 50% of all LPSs. Like most other soft tissue sarcomas, the mainstay of treatment for LPS is inevitably surgery. Multidisciplinary approaches, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, have been successful in the treatment of LPS during the last three decades. Even so, recurrence of LPS remains challenging. Carbon ion beams produce increased energy deposition at the end of their range to form a Bragg peak while minimizing irradiation damage to surrounding tissues, which facilitates more precise dosage and localization than that achieved with photon beams. Furthermore, carbon ion beams have high relative biologic effectiveness. We herein describe a patient who developed recurrent MLPS in the right calf after two surgeries and underwent carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT), achieving complete disappearance of the tumor. The patient developed Grade 1 radiation dermatitis 30 days after CIRT, but no other acute toxicities were observed. The tumor had completely disappeared by 120 days after CIRT, and the patient remained disease-free for 27 months after CIRT. The CARE guidelines were followed in the reporting of this case.
Clinical significance of blood platelets and mean platelet volume in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Chen Zhitao , Lu Yaqi , Wu Jie , Zhang Heng
Published: April 2021

Objectives

This retrospective study aimed to investigate and analyze the clinical significance of blood platelets (PLTs) and mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

A total of 132 patients with UC and 208 healthy subjects were enrolled. PLTs, MPV, platelet-large cell rate (P-LCR), C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen (FIB) and D-dimer were analyzed. Correlations were calculated between disease activity/extent of disease and MPV, PLT, and CRP levels in patients with UC.

Results

PLT levels were significantly higher while MPV and P-LCR were lower in patients with UC compared with controls. Disease activity was positive correlated with CRP (r = 0.564) and PLT (r = 0.307) but negatively correlated with MPV (r = −0.351). Extent of disease was positively correlated with CRP (r = 0.312) but showed no correlation with PLTs and MPV. FIB and D-dimer were higher in patients with UC, but the difference in FIB levels was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

PLTs and MPV are potential biomarkers for UC disease activity. These data may help clinicians to attain a more comprehensive judgment of the general condition of patients with UC.
Almost one year of COVID-19 pandemic: how radiotherapy centers have counteracted its impact on cancer treatment in Lombardy, Italy. CODRAL/AIRO-L study
Authors: Jereczek-Fossa Barbara Alicja , Palazzi Mauro Filippo , Tonoli Sandro , Zaffaroni Mattia , Marvaso Giulia , Ivaldi Giovanni Battista , Amadori Marcello , Antognoni Paolo , Arcangeli Stefano , Buffoli Alberto , Beltramo Giancarlo , Bignardi Mario , Bracelli Stefano , De Stefani Agostina , Castiglioni Simona , Catalano Gianpiero , Di Muzio Nadia , Cerrotta Annamaria , Fariselli Laura , Filippi Andrea Riccardo , Gramaglia Alberto , Italia Corrado , Massaro Patrizia , Magrini Stefano Maria , Nava Simonetta , Orlandi Ester , Pasinetti Nadia , Sbicego Elena Lara , Scandolaro Luciano , Scorsetti Marta , Barbonetti Claudio , Tortini Roberto , Valdagni Riccardo , Vavassori Vittorio , Pepa Matteo , Cazzaniga Luigi Franco , Soatti Carlo Pietro
Published: April 2021

Lombardy has represented the Italian and European epicenter of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Although most clinical efforts within hospitals were diverted towards the care of virally infected patients, therapies for patients with cancer, including radiotherapy (RT), have continued. During both the first and second pandemic waves, several national and regional organizations provided Italian and Lombardian RT departments with detailed guidelines aimed at ensuring safe treatments during the pandemic. The spread of infection among patients and personnel was limited by adopting strict measures, including triage procedures, interpersonal distance, and adequate implementation of personal protective equipment (PPE). Screening procedures addressed to both the healthcare workforce and patients, such as periodic nasopharyngeal swabs, have allowed the early identification of asymptomatic or pauci-symptomatic COVID-19 cases, thus reducing the spread of the infection. Prevention of infection was deemed of paramount importance to protect both patients and personnel and to ensure the availability of a minimum number of staff members to maintain clinical activity. The choice of treating COVID-19–positive patients has represented a matter of debate, and the risk of oncologic progression has been weighted against the risk of infection of personnel and other patients. Such risk was minimized by creating dedicated paths, reserving time slots, applying intensified cleaning procedures, and supplying personnel and staff with appropriate PPE. Remote working of research staff, medical physicists, and, in some cases, radiation oncologists has prevented overcrowding of shared spaces, reducing infection spread.
Psychological distress in a sample of Moroccan prisoners with drug-dependence
Authors: Sfendla Anis , Martinsson Björn , Filipovic Ylva , Senhaji Meftaha , Kerekes Nóra
Published: April 2021

Research regarding mental illness and drug addiction among inmates in Morocco requires increased knowledge; previous literature reported that prisoners suffer from severe psychological distress. The present study aimed to provide information about Moroccan prisoners’ psychological distress and define the differences in psychological distress levels among inmates with and without drug-dependence. A sample of 177 male inmates completed a set of surveys, including the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT) and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). The “Drug dependence” group scored significantly higher psychological distress levels in each of the BSI domains. The strongest differences were measured in the General Severity Index (GSI), hostility, and depression scales. Moroccan prison inmates have high psychological distress, and those with drug-dependence have even higher. There is a need of psychiatric assessment, selection, and care possibilities in prison inmate populations.
Mobilizing affect, shaping market subjects: Tracing the connections of neuroliberalism and social finance in youth homelessness projects
Authors: Wirth Manuel
Published: April 2021

In this article, I take the framework of neuroliberalism as an analytical lens to explore the functioning and implementation of a social impact bond-funded welfare service for young homeless people in the UK. After reflecting on the lines of connections and divergences between social impact bonds and neuroliberal logics, I draw attention to the limitations that exist in welfare interventions inspired by neuroliberal thought. On the one hand, the studied intervention functioned mainly through designing trustful, ideal-type relationships as a means to ‘fix’ people, thereby focusing on behavioural and biographical deficiencies and spreading good life ideals of a marketized world. On the other hand, I demonstrate how this focus on adjusting micro-contexts and tinkering with the affective, relational infrastructure fails to understand systemic constraints. Those were particularly evident with regard to the precarious labour market environment and colliding welfare agendas individuals were confronted with.
Forecasting wind speed events at a utility-scale wind farm using a WRF-ANN model
Authors: Groch Matthew , Vermeulen Hendrik J
Published: April 2021

High Wind Speed Shutdown (HWSS) events pose a significant threat to power system security for grids with a high penetration of wind energy. To date, however, the forecasting of wind speed events has received limited attention in literature. This study proposes a hybrid WRF-ANN forecasting model to address the research objective of modelling wind speed events at turbine level, using meso-scale wind speed forecasts as inputs. A multi-model WRF ensemble model is used for the short-term meso-scale wind speed forecasts, whereas the ANN model uses the forecast as the input in order to predict the wind speed events for individual turbines. The performance of the model is evaluated for wind speed events which are derived using two wind speed thresholds for a large utility-scale wind farm. All significant events are accurately predicted by the model with few false alarms.
Additional Inferior Extensor Retinaculum Augmentation After All-Inside Arthroscopic Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair for Chronic Ankle Instability Is Not Necessary
Authors: Lee Sung Hyun , Cho Hyung Gyu , Yang Je Heon
Published: April 2021

Background:

Although several arthroscopic surgical techniques for the treatment of chronic ankle instability (CAI) have been introduced recently, the effect of inferior extensor retinaculum (IER) augmentation remains unclear.

Purpose:

To compare the clinical outcomes after arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair according to whether additional IER augmentation was performed or not.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic ATFL repair surgery for CAI between 2016 and 2018. The mean age of the patients was 35.2 years (range, 19-51 years), and the mean follow-up period was 32.6 months (range, 24-48 months). Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the surgical technique used for CAI: arthroscopic ATFL repair (group A; n = 37) and arthroscopic ATFL repair with additional IER augmentation (group R; n = 45). The pain visual analog scale, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, and the Karlsson Ankle Function Score were measured as subjective outcomes, and posturographic analysis was performed using a Tetrax device as an objective outcome. Radiologic outcome evaluations were performed preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively using stress radiographs and axial view magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results:

Out of 101 patients, 19 (18.5%) were excluded per the exclusion criteria, and 82 were evaluated. We identified 6 retears (7.3%) based on postoperative MRI evaluation. All patients who had ATFL retear on MRI (8.1% [3/37] in group A and 6.7% [3/45] in group R) demonstrated recurrent CAI with functional discomfort and anterior displacement >3 mm as compared with the intact contralateral ankle. All clinical scores and posturography results were improved after surgery in both groups ( P < .001). However, there were no significant differences in the clinical results and radiologic findings between the groups.

Conclusion:

The clinical and radiologic outcomes of patients with CAI improved after all-inside arthroscopic ATFL repair. However, additional IER augmentation after arthroscopic ATFL repair did not guarantee better clinical outcomes.
Not All Survivors Are the Same: Qualitative Assessment of Prior Violence, Risks, Recovery and Perceptions of Firearms and Violence Among Victims of Firearm Injury
Authors: Hink Ashley B. , Atkins Dana L. , Rowhani-Rahbar Ali
Published: April 2021

Qualitative exploration into the risk, experiences, and outcomes of victims of firearm injury is imperative to informing not only further research, but prevention and intervention strategies. The purpose of this study was to explore prior violent exposures, risks, recovery, supportive services, outcomes, and views of firearms and violence among survivors of firearm assaults and unintentional injuries. Adults treated at a level 1 trauma center in Seattle, WA, for assault and unintentional firearm injuries were interviewed utilizing a semistructured instrument. Interview responses were coded to identify common themes and representative quotes are reported. Sixteen participants were interviewed. Notable themes included the following: (a) prior violent exposures were experienced by half of survivors, mostly through community violence; (b) risk for firearm injury was felt to be related to general societal violence, unsafe communities, and firearm practices; (c) important aspects of recovery included family/social support, mental health care and financial support services; (d) notable outcomes included psychological problems such as PTSD and anxiety, changes in relationships, and developing a new sense of purpose or mission in life; (e) generally negative views toward firearms, supporting restricted access and firearm safety practices; (f) acknowledgement of the complexity of firearm violence in society with prevention geared toward equitable education, economic opportunities and safety net programs to reduce community violence; and (g) disappointment in the criminal justice system. These findings demonstrate the varied experiences, needs, and outcomes after injury, but highlight the significance of community and societal violence, and need for improved mental health services. Integration of mental health services and victim assistance programs into trauma centers and hospital-based violence intervention programs is imperative for all survivors. Encouraging survivors to engage in new aspirations after injury can be empowering, and there is an unmet need for victim support and advocacy within the criminal justice system.
Quasi-static penetration behavior of fiber-reinforced polypropylene and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene matrix composites
Authors: Ayten Ali İmran
Published: April 2021

The quasi-static punch shear behaviors of thermoplastic composites with different polymer matrices and fiber types were investigated. This study was also focused on how much energy absorption capability can be increased by low fiber fractions. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MA-g-PP) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (MA-g-ABS) were used as the matrix material. One layer of aramid, carbon and glass fiber plain weave fabrics was used as the reinforcement material. Quasi-static punch shear test (QS-PST) was applied to the samples to understand the penetration behavior of the samples. The damaged areas were investigated and related to force-displacement curves. The results showed that the neat form of MA-g-PP exhibited 158% more energy absorption than the neat form of MA-g-ABS. In the samples containing one layer of fabric, the highest improvement was observed in the aramid fabric-reinforced MA-g-ABS matrix composites. Aramid fabric increased the energy absorption at a rate of 142.3% in comparison to the neat MA-g-ABS, while carbon fiber fabric and glass fiber fabric increased it by 40% and 63.52%, respectively. Aramid fiber fabric provided no significant improvement in the energy absorption in the MA-g-PP matrix composites, while carbon and glass fiber fabrics contributed to energy absorption at a rate of 48% and 41%, respectively.
Biobased insulating panels from mulberry stems
Authors: Guna Vijaykumar , Ilangovan Manikandan , Reddy Narendra , Radhakrishna PG , Maharaddi VH , Jambunath A , Rao A Prabhakar
Published: April 2021

In this work, Mulberry Stems (MS) obtained as a by-product of sericulture have been used as reinforcement for Polypropylene (PP) composites intended for green building, furniture and automotive applications. Mulberry stems are lignocellulosic and are renewable and sustainable sources but remain unutilized and are usually discarded as waste by burning or burying. An attempt has been made to utilize mulberry stems as substitutes for commonly used non-biodegradable composites using a simple and clean fabrication technique. The effects of reinforcement percentage (80% to 95% w/w) of MS and density (0.5 g cm−3 to 1.25 g cm−3) of composites on the properties have been studied. Results revealed that, 90/10 (MS/PP w/w %) was the optimum ratio that provides highest mechanical strength. Increasing the density enhanced the strength, thermal insulation, sound transmission loss, water stability and flame retardancy. The 1.25 g cm−3, 90/10 ratio composite had a high sound transmission loss of 46.6 dB and thermal conductivity of 0.130 W/mK which is 70% lower than neat gypsum board used in false ceiling applications. The high insulation and sound barrier properties of mulberry stem based composites are due to the unique hollow morphology of MS which aids in efficient absorbtion and dissipation of the thermal energy and sound waves. Weight loss of MS/PP composite after soil burial test for 120 days varied between 8.9% and 31.4%. MS/PP composites could be potentially used as a green replacement for ply, particleboards, false ceiling, automotive parts and other applications.
Outcome measures for technique survival reported in peritoneal dialysis: A systematic review
Authors: Elphick Emma , Holmes Matthew , Tabinor Matthew , Cho Yeoungjee , Nguyen Thu , Harris Tess , Wang Angela Yee Moon , Jain Arsh K , Ponce Daniela , Chow Josephine SF , Nadeau-Fredette Annie-Claire , Liew Adrian , Boudville Neil , Tong Allison , Johnson David W , Davies Simon J , Perl Jeffrey , Manera Karine E , Lambie Mark
Published: April 2021

Background:

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) technique survival is an important outcome for patients, caregivers and health professionals, however, the definition and measures used for technique survival vary. We aimed to assess the scope and consistency of definitions and measures used for technique survival in studies of patients receiving PD.

Method:

MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases were searched for randomised controlled studies (RCTs) conducted in patients receiving PD reporting technique survival as an outcome between database inception and December 2019. The definition and measures used were extracted and independently assessed by two reviewers.

Results:

We included 25 RCTs with a total of 3645 participants (41–371 per trial) and follow up ranging from 6 weeks to 4 years. Terminology used included ‘technique survival’ (10 studies), ‘transfer to haemodialysis (HD)’ (8 studies) and ‘technique failure’ (7 studies) with 17 different definitions. In seven studies, it was unclear whether the definition included transfer to HD, death or transplantation and eight studies reported ‘transfer to HD’ without further definition regarding duration or other events. Of those remaining, five studies included death in their definition of a technique event, whereas death was censored in the other five. The duration of HD necessary to qualify as an event was reported in only four (16%) studies. Of the 14 studies reporting causes of an event, all used a different list of causes.

Conclusion:

There is substantial heterogeneity in how PD technique survival is defined and measured, likely contributing to considerable variability in reported rates. Standardised measures for reporting technique survival in PD studies are required to improve comparability.
Brokers in straitjackets: The moral quandaries of refugee support organisations in Slovakia
Authors: Walther Eva-Maria
Published: April 2021

Due to their mediating position between two antagonistic entities, brokers are often attributed a suspicious moral ambiguity, but also autonomy and creativity. Building on ethnographic fieldwork in two Slovak refugee support organisations, I examine these assumptions in relation to ʻintegration brokers’. Actors in Slovak refugee care services struggle with accusations of being partisan either to the refugees’ or state authorities’ side. By showing how refugee supporters switch between seemingly opposing moral paradigms, I problematise a popular understanding of the broker as a potent and autonomous agent and focus instead on the process of layering constraints that characterises the in-between.
Divide and Conquer: Social Assistance Clients’ Competing Frames of Social Justice
Authors: Sebrechts Melissa , Kampen Thomas
Published: April 2021

Like many other countries, the Netherlands have witnessed increasing conditionality regarding the right to social assistance. To date, research paid little attention to how recipients themselves experience (in)justice in an increasingly conditional policy landscape. Based on 53 interviews with recipients, we distinguish three different ways of framing social assistance: as a right, a transaction, or a gift. Each frame gives way to particular ideas about social justice, legitimates different feelings and leads to othering of fellow social assistance recipients. Bringing together insights from the sociology of emotions and social justice literature, the article empirically shows the diversity of ideas and feelings regarding social justice, illuminates the role of framing and feeling rules in the process, and argues that increased conditionality produces steep divisions that undermine in-group solidarity.