bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Tactile Walking Surface Indicators on Travelers with Mobility Disabilities
Authors: Bentzen Billie Louise (Beezy) , Scott Alan C. , Wall Emerson Robert , Barlow Janet M.
Published: June 2020

Guidance tactile walking surface indicators (TWSIs), typically a surface of raised bars, are used internationally to provide location and directional information at crosswalks to pedestrians who are blind. The bars are installed across the sidewalk, with the bars perpendicular to the travel path on the sidewalk and parallel to the direction of travel on the crosswalk. In the U.S., there has been little or no use of such surfaces at crosswalks because of concerns about the effect of these bars on individuals with mobility disabilities. However, difficulties of blind pedestrians in locating crosswalks and aligning to cross have been documented, and the installation of surfaces with bars parallel to the direction of travel on the sidewalk has been shown to be a possible solution. This research investigated the effects of crossings of TWSIs installed perpendicular versus parallel to the direction of travel on the sidewalk on 38 participants with mobility disabilities who used a variety of mobility aids. Crossing either orientation of bars caused some increase in effort and instability for more than half of participants. Effort was somewhat greater on average for all participants when crossing bars perpendicular to their travel. Stability for wheelchair users was poorer, on average, when the bars were oriented perpendicular to their travel. There was low incidence of any slipping of feet or mobility aids, and low incidence of trapping of wheels or cane/crutch/walker tips. A significant majority of participants expressed their preference for crossing bars oriented parallel to their travel.
Long-Term Stability of High-Speed Railway Geosynthetic Reinforced Pile-Supported Embankment Subjected to Traffic Loading Considering Arching Effect
Authors: Bi Zongqi , Gong Quanmei , Huang Jiandan
Published: June 2020

Geosynthetic reinforced pile-supported (GRPS) embankment is widely used in the construction of high-speed railways on soft foundations. Arching effect, which is a common phenomenon in the system involving soil-structure interaction, is considered a key factor in the design of GRPS embankment. Its performance has been found inevitably to affect the post-construction settlement and bearing capacity of the embankment. However, the existing design methods are mainly based on static loading condition; soil arching effect under high-cycle loading has not been fully understood. In this study, a series of numerical simulations were conducted to study the long-term behavior of GRPS embankment under traffic loading, with the consideration of arching effect in soil. An implicit–explicit transition calculation algorithm was implemented to predict the permanent deformation under high-cycle traffic loading through the data transfer and conversion between implicit and explicit numerical stages, in which the mixed “implicit” and “explicit” calculation strategy were carried out based on the high-cycle accumulation (HCA) model. By using the proposed algorithm, a cross-section of high-speed railway GRPS embankment was selected as a case for discussion. Results indicate that the affected areas of stress concentration over piles in the embankment are reduced under traffic loading. With different levels of stability, the variation of stress concentration ratio of the arching effect can be mainly classified into three groups: stable, gradually weakened, and destroyed. Through parameter study, the effect of subsoil stiffness is discussed and a reasonable modulus ratio between pile and subsoil is suggested for the design reference.
A model to rapidly assess informal electronic waste systems
Authors: Davis John-Michael
Published: June 2020

Electronic waste (e-waste) policies have traditionally been based on extended producer responsibility (EPR) principles. In practice, EPR-based e-waste policies primarily involve the creation of regulated collection and recycling channels, with success tied to achieving high collection quotas. However, the majority of EPR programs, particularly those in the Global South, have achieved little success due to competition with the informal sector. Despite this, strikingly little is known of the scope and dynamics of informal e-waste flows and actors during the formulation of e-waste management policies. This study develops and pilots a replicable three-stage model for solid waste researchers, practitioners and policymakers to rapidly assess these informal e-waste systems. This model is demonstrated in Cuenca, Ecuador, and determined the destination of 50–80% of Cuenca’s e-waste over a period of three days. The methods used and findings that emerge from this study offer a strategy to rapidly quantify and understand the dynamics of informal e-waste systems to inform EPR-based policies in ways that place informal recyclers at the core of e-waste management. This not only provides creative opportunities for formal systems to achieve e-waste collection quotas through partnerships with the informal sector, but offers a pathway to preserve the livelihoods of marginalized populations reliant on e-waste recycling and decrease environmental harm.
The Clinical Research Landscape of Pediatric Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Authors: Kaal K. Julia , Aguiar Magda , Harrison Mark , McDonald Patrick J. , Illes Judy
Published: June 2020

Objective:

To characterize the clinical research landscape of pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) with a focus on neurotechnology.

Method:

We searched the ClinicalTrials.gov registry using the terms “epilepsy” and “drug resistant” for studies including participants age 0-17 years. Returns were grouped by intervention (eg, neurotechnological, drug). Key trial features such as age range, trial status and outcomes were compared across interventions.

Results:

We identified 101 registered trials with pediatric DRE patients. Thirty-two (32%) investigate neurotechnological interventions, devices, or diagnostic procedures; 13 (41%) are currently active. Among neurotechnology trials, 15 (46%) investigate vagus nerve stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, or deep brain stimulation; few are specific to children. Of the remaining 69 trials, 37 investigate a drug, 17 investigate a dietary therapy, and 15 investigate another intervention. Seizure frequency is the most frequent primary outcome measured in the trials identified.

Significance:

The landscape of registered trials pertaining to pediatric DRE reflects a lag between clinical research and clinical practice, and highlights the need for timely evidence before novel neurotechnological interventions are widely adopted into clinical practice.
Working With At-Risk Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Young People in Australia: Risk Factors, Programming, and Service Delivery
Authors: Shepherd Stephane M. , Masuka Godwin
Published: June 2020

Young people from particular culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are overrepresented in Australia’s criminal justice system. Many possess the typical risk profiles of justice-involved young people. However, there are unique sociocultural factors that may affect a CALD young person’s ongoing contact, and interactions with the justice system. There exists little published research on these factors, and how service providers can best address the needs of justice-involved CALD young people. This article endeavored to fill this gap in our knowledge and advance policy development in this critical space. First, a number of key environmental and pre/post migratory stressors were identified that may be implicated in pathways to offending. Second, despite regular calls for culturally responsive programming, few programs have been developed, and no evaluations of such programs were detected in the extant literature. Third, several programming recommendations were articulated based on available expertise. One approach included building the capacities of culture-based community service providers to strengthen their ability to work with justice-involved CALD youth.
The Emotional Job Demands of Special Education: A Qualitative Study of Alternatively Certified Novices’ Emotional Induction
Authors: Stark Kristabel , Koslouski Jessica
Published: June 2020

As of 2015, approximately one in five special educators received licensure through an alternative pathway. Although evidence suggests that emotional exhaustion contributes to special educator attrition, few studies examine firsthand the emotional experiences of novice, alternatively certified special educators. Guided by Tuxford and Bradley’s model of emotional job demands, we explore the ways in which eight teachers perceive and navigate their new profession. Findings indicate that novice special educators (a) experience a range of intense emotions, ranging from extreme pride to deep despair, (b) regulate emotional displays toward students and colleagues to meet professional norms, and (c) invest in the emotional well-being and development of their students. Participants report widespread barriers to this work. Results have implications for researchers, teachers, and administrators interested in retaining novice special educators, and point to several clear pathways for future research in this important and under-researched area of teacher induction.
Community Perspectives During a Lead Contaminated Drinking Water Crisis: Lessons for Lactation and Other Health Providers
Authors: Blackwell Dalvery , Morrell Erica
Published: June 2020

Background

Millions of people today live in contaminated environments. Often, these environments disproportionately affect nonwhite, racialized families who are low-income, pregnant, and/or feeding young children. Despite the overwhelming recognition among scholars and practitioners of these realities, however, few lactation or other health professionals center socially disadvantaged families’ perspectives in their work. Community expertise is therefore often absent from the credentialed lactation and associated support that tends to be advanced in contaminated environments.

Research Aims

The aims of this study were to: (1) Describe how vulnerable community members experience toxic environments, and (2) Explore the strategies vulnerable community members themselves employ and seek out from professionals to achieve resilience in these environments.

Methods

The research design for this study was prospective and cross-sectional. We surveyed 62 Milwaukeean African American women of childbearing age and their close networks of support from predominantly low-income census tracts, and we engaged 14 women in a community conversation on their experiences, strategies, and desires generated from living in Milwaukee during a lead contaminated drinking water crisis.

Results

Participants were aware and concerned about toxic poisoning in their environment, especially as it affects their children. Nonetheless, societal factors constrained their levels of preparedness and action in response, including around chestfeeding, breastfeeding, expressed milk feeding, and artificial feeding methods.

Conclusion

Lactation providers and other health professionals can better support at-risk families by integrating their perspectives into dominant frameworks for information-sharing, preventative resource distribution, and supporting community self-determination.
Altruism and the Difficult Patient
Authors: Kubsch Sylvia , Tyczkowski Brenda , Passel Cheryl
Published: June 2020

Background

For some nurses, providing altruistic care to difficult patients is a challenge, leading to the use of negative coping strategies such as anger or avoidance, leaving the nurse frustrated and patients feeling rejected. Yet other nurses can deal positively with difficult patients.

Purpose

To study how the stress of caring for difficult patients affects the level of altruism and use of negative coping strategies in their care and to find out what positive coping strategies and interventions could be used.

Design/Method

A mixed-methods design was used. A survey tested the level of altruism, the use of negative coping strategies, and several demographics. Thematic analysis examined narratives generated by participants to three questions regarding how to provide altruistic care to difficult patients.

Findings

A purposive sample of 67 registered nurses (RNs) participated. The average level of altruism used by RNs with difficult patients was 99.7/120 points. An inverse relationship was found between the level of altruism and use of negative coping strategies ( r = −0.577, p < .001). Qualitative analysis of narratives identified three themes—Developing Psychological Hardiness, Bearing Witness, and Fending for Oneself.

Conclusions

This study provides insight into the experiences of RNs caring for difficult patients and how to ensure altruistic caring.
Advances in grinding technology in China with application in steel roller manufacturing
Authors: Wang Liping , Wang Dong , Cao Yuzhong , Chen Zhanying , Zhang Pengxiang , Zhang Yun , Li Xuekun
Published: June 2020

Grinding of large or ultralarge components to achieve stringent quality is always challenging in China’s manufacturing industry, for example, roller for steel strip production. Compared with transverse cylindrical grinding, roller grinding requires high-precision multiaxis motion. In addition, with the increasing demand for process efficiency, the in-process measurement and process compensation become necessary for higher process reliability and productivity. This article presents the state-of-the-art and emerging technology in China’s roller grinding, which includes heavy-duty grinding machine optimization, high-performance tooling design, in-process geometrical accuracy compensation, in-site machine vision for gloss defect, and intelligent process parameter optimization strategy. Therefore, this article will shed light on the development trend of the enabling technology toward intelligent roller grinding with higher accuracy, dexterity, and efficiency.
Thickness analysis of complex two-step micro-groove on plate during rubber pad forming process
Authors: Teng Fei , Wang Hongyu , Sun Juncai , Kong Xiangwei , Sun Jie , Zhang Shunhu
Published: June 2020

The surface groove structure has numerous functions based on their shapes. In order to make these functions developed, both new shapes and processing forms of the surface structures are being innovated. In this paper, not only the advanced rubber pad forming process is used, but also a new kind of micro-groove with two-step structures is designed. A model based on multi-plane slab method is proposed to analyze the process. According to the stress acting condition, a half of two-step micro-groove structure is divided into seven areas in the width direction. The thickness variation of plate in each area is obtained. When the shape, depth, width, and height ratio of the first and second-step micro-groove are different, the thickness variations of the plate are analyzed. In order to verify the accuracy of the model, both finite element method and pressing experiment are done. Based on the results provided by both finite element method and experiment, the accuracy of results calculated by analytical model is verified.
The Psychological Appeal of Fake-News Attributions
Authors: Axt Jordan R. , Landau Mark J. , Kay Aaron C.
Published: June 2020

The term fake news is increasingly used to discredit information from reputable news organizations. We tested the possibility that fake-news claims are appealing because they satisfy the need to see the world as structured. Believing that news organizations are involved in an orchestrated disinformation campaign implies a more orderly world than believing that the news is prone to random errors. Across six studies ( N > 2,800), individuals with dispositionally high or situationally increased need for structure were more likely to attribute contested news stories to intentional deception than to journalistic incompetence. The effect persisted for stories that were ideologically consistent and ideologically inconsistent and after analyses controlled for strength of political identification. Political orientation showed a moderating effect; specifically, the link between need for structure and belief in intentional deception was stronger for Republican participants than for Democratic participants. This work helps to identify when, why, and for whom fake-news claims are persuasive.
Transferability of Evidence-Based Parenting Programs to Routine Implementation in Postconflict South Sudan
Authors: Janowski Roselinde K. , Wessels Inge , Bojo Samuel , Monday Felix , Maloney Kaitlyn , Achut Victoria , Oliver Daniel , Lachman Jamie M. , Cluver Lucie , Ward Catherine L.
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

This study investigated process and outcomes of the Parenting for Lifelong Health (PLH) for Young Children and for Adolescents programs implemented as part of routine service delivery in postconflict settings.

Methods:

These group-based programs were delivered by trained facilitators to 97 caregivers (PLH for Young Children) and 108 caregiver–adolescent dyads (PLH for Adolescents) over 12 or 14 (respectively) weekly sessions. Routine monitoring data were collected by the implementing partners using standardized self-report measures. Reducing harsh discipline was specified as the primary outcome, with secondary outcomes including improvements in positive parenting and reductions in poor parental supervision and parental inefficacy.

Results:

Analyses were intention to treat. Both PLH programs retained effectiveness in routine conditions in a postwar setting, with moderate to large effect sizes. The programs also had high enrollment and attendance rates, indicating high acceptability.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest promising viability for the implementation of evidence-based parenting programs in challenging postconflict contexts.
Preparing Families of Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder for Formal School Settings
Authors: Morris Pricella , Weglarz-Ward Jenna M. , Love Hailey R.
Published: June 2020

Transitioning young children with autism spectrum disorder from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) Part C to Part B 619 is a multifaceted process. This process may leave families stressed, worried, and frustrated due to the lack of awareness of expectations and their rights. Educators can better prepare parents and caregivers for the changes in service delivery and transitions to formal school settings using family-centered practices and in turn reduce the feelings of uncertainty associated with this transition while promoting family competence, confidence, and advocacy skills. Building better relationships with families and including the families in the planning, developing, and implementation processes can help prepare families for this significant transition.
James and the Megan Family: Navigating Court and Allegations of Abuse
Authors: Hendricks Bret , Ordway Ann , Bradley Loretta , Noble Nicole
Published: June 2020

Couples and family counselors daily encounter ethical dilemmas. These dilemmas are complex and multifaceted. This article is written to discuss and provide information to couples and family counselors who seek to work ethically with clients who have been accused of abuse to minors. The authors of this article consulted an expert in ethics and standards of care related to the abuse of minors to identify ethical analysis of dilemmas through a fictional case study. The respondent to the case study provides recommendations to assist couples and family counselors as they follow the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors Ethics Code as well as other professional ethics codes and standards of practice.
Managing Organizational Constraints in Innovation Teams: A Qualitative Study Across Four Health Systems
Authors: Atkinson Mariam Krikorian , Singer Sara J.
Published: June 2020

Though increasingly useful for developing complex healthcare innovations, interdisciplinary teams are prone to resistance and other organizational challenges. However, how teams are affected by and manage external constraints over the lifecycle of their innovation project is not well understood. We used a multimethod qualitative approach consisting of over 3 years of participant observation data to analyze how four interdisciplinary teams across different health systems experienced and managed constraints as they pursued process innovations. Specifically, we derived the constraint management process, which demonstrates how teams address constraints at different stages of innovation by applying various tactics. Our findings point to several practical implications concerning innovation processes in healthcare: (a) how conditions in the organizational context, or constraints, can impede team progress at different stages of innovation; and (2) the collective efforts, or tactics, teams use to manage or work around these constraints to further progress on their innovations.
“We Must Write Dangerously”
Authors: Badley Graham Francis
Published: June 2020

This article is a response to the view expressed by James Joyce that modern authors (even academics) should write dangerously. I discuss the view in terms of four main subsections: dangerous style, dangerous stance, dangerous content, and dangerous reading.
Landweber–Fridman algorithms for the Cauchy problem in steady-state anisotropic heat conduction
Authors: Marin Liviu
Published: June 2020

We investigate the numerical reconstruction of the missing thermal boundary conditions on an inaccessible part of the boundary in the case of steady-state heat conduction in anisotropic solids from the knowledge of over-prescribed noisy data on the remaining accessible boundary. This inverse problem is tackled by employing a variational formulation that transforms it into an equivalent control problem; four such approaches are discussed thoroughly. The numerical implementation is realised for the 2D case via the boundary element method for perturbed Cauchy data, whilst the numerical solution is stabilised/regularised by stopping the iterative procedure according to Morozov’s discrepancy principle (Morozov, VA. On the solution of functional equations by the method of regularization. Doklady Mathematics 1966; 7: 414–417).
Do Customer Discounts Affect Frontline Employees?
Authors: Troebs Cord-Christian , Wagner Tillmann , Herzog Walter
Published: June 2020

Customer discounts continue to be one of the most central promotional tools. While discounts effectively serve important corporate objectives, they may also exhibit additional unanticipated effects on internal stakeholders involved in the value creation process. This research examines the impact of customer discounts on frontline service employees. One experimental study and two field investigations are presented. The findings underline that customer discounts made salient by their redemption, frequency, and depth (i.e., magnitude) reduce frontline employees’ experienced task significance as well as their perceived appreciation by the firm. Discounts also exert destructive indirect effects on frontline employees’ workplace responses including their intrinsic motivation, ambivalent identification, and turnover intentions as mediated by task significance and appreciation. These indirect effects are for the most part driven by perceived appreciation, serving as a key mechanism in employees’ cognitive processing of customer discounts. The present findings provide first evidence that customer discounts can provoke undesired effects upon firms’ service workforce in tandem with fulfilling promotional objectives and stimulate the need for a better coordination between firms’ service and promotional activities.
Unilateral multiple serous retinal detachments secondary to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma responsive to systemic steroids
Authors: Vujosevic Stela , Toma Caterina , Muraca Andrea , Alkabes Micol , Villani Edoardo , Nucci Paolo , De Cilla Stefano
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

To describe a case of unilateral multiple bullous neurosensory retina detachments (NRDs) secondary to non-Hodgkin’s aggressive large B-cell lymphoma treated with chemotherapy and high doses of systemic steroids.

Methods:

A case report based on patient observation, clinical records, and retinal imaging during 2 years of follow-up.

Results:

A 26-year-old Hispanic man presented at our clinic with sudden unilateral visual loss and multiple NRDs in the left eye with increased choroidal thickness, 1 week after oral steroid treatment due to low back pain and fever. In the following days, a non-Hodgkin’s aggressive large B-cell lymphoma was diagnosed. The patient underwent three cycles of chemotherapy (CHT) with protocol R-CHOP21 (including oral prednisone) with complete resolution of NRD. During 2 years of follow-up, no recurrence of NRD occurred, despite the need to continue CHT with oral steroids for a year due to lymphoma relapse.

Conclusion:

Neurosensory retina detachments may be an initial manifestation of large B-cell lymphoma as a consequence of a pro-inflammatory state involving the chorioretinal structures, thus adding steroid treatment could be useful for its resolution.
Posterolateral or direct lateral approach for hemiarthroplasty after femoral neck fractures: a systematic review
Authors: Tol Maria C J M , van Beers Loes W A H , Willigenburg Nienke W , Gosens Taco , Heetveld Martin J , Willems Hanna C , Bhandari Mohit , Poolman Rudolf W
Published: June 2020

Background:

The posterolateral approach (PLA) and direct lateral approach (DLA) are the most commonly used approaches for inserting a hemiarthroplasty in the treatment of femoral neck fractures. A recent review concluded that the routine use of PLA should be questioned, but this conclusion itself can be questioned. The aim of this study is to provide an updated overview and critical appraisal of the available evidence, focussing on outcomes most relevant for patients.

Methods:

We conducted a comprehensive search of literature in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and Cochrane Library. Studies (till June 2018) to identify hip fracture clinical trials/comparative studies comparing alternative surgical approaches (PLA and DLA). We explored sources of heterogeneity and conducted pooled analyses when appropriate.

Results:

264 potentially eligible studies were identified of which 1 RCT, 3 prospective, 3 registry data and 5 retrospective studies were included. The RCT consisted performance and attrition bias. The mean MINORS score of the prospective/register studies was 17.3 (SD 3.5) and 13.8 (SD 1.9) of the 5 retrospective studies. The GRADE score for all the outcomes was very low. Due to the high and various types of biases across the included studies, we did not pool the data. None of studies assessed the activities of daily living functionality. 6 studies reported significantly more dislocations or reoperations due to dislocation in the PLA group, 6 other studies found no differences. DLA patients were more likely to develop abductor insufficiency leading to limping and more need for walking aids. The PLA patients tended to have better quality of life, less pain and more satisfaction compared to the DLA patients.

Conclusion:

Based on low-quality studies, PLA may be associated with more dislocations, but patients had less walking problems and a lower tendency to abductor insufficiency compared with DLA. Further clinical trials with methodology rigor are needed to determine which approach is more effective in terms of outcomes relevant to patients.
Common Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Associated Factors Among Under-5 Children in Rural Dembiya, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gizaw Zemichael , Addisu Ayenew , Guadie Destaye
Published: June 2020

Background:

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, abdominal cramp, nausea, vomiting, gas in the GI tract, changes in bowel habits (e.g. diarrhea), or heartburn are common in the community. However, these symptoms may be misinterpreted and their impact and significance misunderstood, especially in the rural communities. This study was, therefore, conducted to assess common GI symptoms among children in rural Dembiya, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2017 among 225 randomly selected under-5 children. We primarily used mothers’ report to assess GI symptoms. Health professionals also diagnosed for some symptoms. Direct stool examination technique was used to identify parasitic infections. Bacteriological analysis of drinking water was done to determine the quality of drinking water. Food safety, environmental sanitation, and hygiene condition of children were assessed using observation checklists. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with GI symptoms on the basis of adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and P < .05.

Results:

The current study depicted that 139 of 225(61.8%) of the children had GI symptoms. Abdominal discomfort (137 of 139 [98.7%]), abdominal cramp (125 of 139 [89.9%]), and diarrhea (118 of 139 [84.9%]) were the highest GI symptoms reported. GI symptoms were significantly associated with childhood intestinal parasitic infections (OR = 13.69, 95% CI = 3.31-56.59), unclipped and unclean finger nails (OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.02-5.10), inadequate living environment sanitation (OR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.08-5.18), unclean living houses (OR = 9.06, 95% CI = 2.60-31.54), and owning livestock (OR = 4.68, 95% CI = 1.82, 12.03).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of GI symptoms among under-5 children in rural Dembiya, northwest Ethiopia, was found to be high. GI symptoms were significantly associated with childhood intestinal parasitic infections, hand hygiene condition of children, and sanitation condition of the living environment. Therefore, preventing intestinal parasitic infections, improving hand hygiene condition, and promoting environmental sanitation will have overriding contributions to prevent symptoms among children in rural Dembiya.
Synaptic and complement markers in extracellular vesicles in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bhargava Pavan , Nogueras-Ortiz Carlos , Kim Sol , Delgado-Peraza Francheska , Calabresi Peter A , Kapogiannis Dimitrios
Published: June 2020

Background:

Synaptic loss is a feature of multiple sclerosis pathology that can be seen even in normal-appearing gray matter. Opsonization of synapses with complement components may underlie pathologic synapse loss.

Objective:

We sought to determine whether circulating neuronal-enriched and astrocytic-enriched extracellular vesicles (NEVs and AEVs) provide biomarkers reflecting complement-mediated synaptic loss in multiple sclerosis.

Methods:

From plasma of 61 people with multiple sclerosis (46 relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and 15 progressive MS) and 31 healthy controls, we immunocaptured L1CAM + NEVs and GLAST + AEVs. We measured pre- and post-synaptic proteins synaptopodin and synaptophysin in NEVs and complement components (C1q, C3, C3b/iC3b, C4, C5, C5a, C9, Factor B, and Factor H) in AEVs, total circulating EVs, and neat plasma.

Results:

We found lower levels of NEV synaptopodin and synaptophysin in MS compared to controls ( p < 0.0001 for both). In AEVs, we found higher levels of multiple complement cascade components in people with MS compared to controls; these differences were not noted in total EVs or neat plasma. Strikingly, there were strong inverse correlations between NEV synaptic proteins and multiple AEV complement components in MS, but not in controls.

Conclusion:

Circulating EVs could identify synaptic loss in MS and suggest a link between astrocytic complement production and synaptic loss.
The efficacy of using mobile applications in changing adolescent girls’ physical activity behaviour during weekends
Authors: Seah Ming Li Carol , Koh Koon Teck
Published: June 2020

Smartphones are omnipresent and offer real-time information on the go. Predominantly, adolescent girls have been found to be engaged in levels of physical activity (PA) below the daily recommended guideline of at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity, and especially during weekends. Lack of sufficient PA can lead to a risk of contracting non-communicable diseases. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the efficacy of using mobile applications (app) (i.e. MapMyFitness [MMF]) in changing adolescent girls’ PA behaviour during weekends. It also examined the perceived benefits, challenges and recommendations for using mobile apps. Thirty-six participants aged 15 years ( Mage = 14.9; SD = 0.30) from a convenience sample volunteered and took part in the present study, which spanned four weekends. Quantitative results showed a significant difference in the mean step count between experimental and control groups during week two, probably due to the novelty effect when the participants were introduced to the new MMF mobile app. Overall, the use of the MMF app seems to be able to attenuate the decline of adolescent girls’ PA level during weekends. Qualitative results revealed benefits of using mobile apps to promote PA, such as a sense of autonomy in selecting PA, the ability to view friends’ postings of PA and self-monitoring of PA. The study revealed specific challenges to using such PA mobile apps - in particular, factors such as the cumbersome and confusing functions in the app that discouraged users from performing PA. Recommendations included allowing users to customise their accounts, simplifying the app’s functions, and including rewards and videos as motivators to enhance users’ PA experience. Although mobile apps may have the potential to encourage participation in PA, a careful selection of mobile app functions is required to engage adolescent girls to continue to use it for PA.
Ad libidinem: Forms of female sexualisation in RoastMe humour
Authors: Poppi Fabio I.M. , Dynel Marta
Published: June 2020

This article reports the findings of a qualitative and quantitative study of seemingly aggressive but inherently benevolent humorous jibes that involve the sexualisation of women in the RoastMe practice performed by a growing social media community on Reddit. Based on a corpus of jocular insults, six forms of sexualisation comments are proposed: hyper-sexualisation, de-sexualisation and meta-sexualisation, each concerning the female body or practices. We account for the distribution of these categories, offering conclusions about humour and sexist ideologies, which RoastMe insults jocularly echo. Although the RoastMe community operates with a humour mindset, producing and recognising sexualisation jibes as a playful activity within a humorous frame, RoastMe insults speak volumes about the contemporary sexist ideologies and the salience of sexuality as a topic arbitrarily invoked in humour performance.
Comparison of Two Iliac Branch Devices and Their Midterm Performance in Maintaining Blood Flow to the Internal Iliac Artery
Authors: Mylonas Spyridon N. , Ioannides Giorgos , Ahmad Wael , Brunkwall Jan S.
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To compare and contrast the midterm outcomes of the E-liac and Zenith (ZBIS) iliac branch devices (IBDs) for the preservation of the internal iliac artery (IIA) in aneurysms involving the iliac bifurcation. Materials and Methods: Between January 2014 and December 2018, 84 consecutive patients (median age 74 years; 76 men) were electively treated with the E-liac (n=44) or ZBIS (n=40) IBDs and were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the technical success, patency, need for reintervention, and mortality associated with these devices. Results: Technical success was achieved in 95 of 99 implantations (95.9%) without any statistically significant difference between the groups (93.7% vs 98.0%, p=0.114). During the first 30 days, 3 occlusions in the ZBIS group and 1 in the E-liac group were identified. There was 1 perioperative death in the ZBIS group. The median follow-up was 37 months for the ZBIS group and 28 months for the E-liac group (p=0.657). Six patients from the ZBIS group and 7 from the E-liac group were lost to follow-up. Among the remaining, there were 2 further deaths recorded, 1 in each group. Four further reinterventions in the E-liac group and 2 in the ZBIS group were performed during follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier estimates of freedom from reintervention were 87.2% (95% CI 82.6% to 90.2%) for the ZBIS group and at 86.0% (95% CI 83.7% to 89.1%) for the E-liac group (p=0.563); the freedom from occlusion estimates were 89.7% (95% CI 85.8% to 94.5%) and 95.3% (95% CI 92% to 98.7%; p=0.317), respectively. Conclusion: The E-liac and the ZBIS IBDs showed equally high technical success, midterm patency, and low reintervention rates.
Employer-Assigned Workload and Human Capital Deterioration: Evidence From the National Football League
Authors: Salaga Steven , Mills Brian M. , Tainsky Scott
Published: June 2020

We test whether human capital deterioration is a function of employer decision making with respect to workload allocation. We examine this question in the context of National Football League running backs, where the structure of nonguaranteed employment contracts has the potential to create divergent incentives for franchises and players. We empirically test how employer-assigned workloads impact changes in player productivity and career length. We find that larger employer-assigned workloads result in larger decreases in future productivity. However, players assigned larger workloads tend to have longer careers. These results suggest deleterious physical effects from increased workloads while also implying hiring decisions are partially based on status or exposure effects.
Think Beyond Malformations: The Case for Periconceptional Folate in Women With Epilepsy
Authors: Bermeo-Ovalle Adriana
Published: June 2020

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Surgery Task Load Index in Cardiac Surgery: Measuring Cognitive Load Among Teams
Authors: Kennedy-Metz Lauren R. , Wolfe Hill L. , Dias Roger D. , Yule Steven J. , Zenati Marco A.
Published: June 2020

Background. The most commonly used subjective assessment of perceived cognitive load, the NASA Task Load Index (TLX), has proven valuable in measuring individual load among general populations. The surgery task load index (SURG-TLX) was developed and validated to measure cognitive load specifically among individuals within a surgical team. Notably, the TLX lacks temporal sensitivity in its typical retrospective administration. Objective. This study sought to expand the utility of SURG-TLX by investigating individual measures of cognitive load over time during cardiac surgery, and the relationship between individual and team measures of cognitive load and proxies for surgical complexity. Materials & Methods. SURG-TLX was administered retrospectively in the operating room immediately following each case to approximate cognitive load before, during, and after cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac surgery team members (surgeon, anesthesiologist, and perfusionist). Correlations were calculated to determine the relationship of individual and team measures of cognitive load over the entire procedure with bypass length and surgery length. Results. Results suggest that perceived cognitive load varies throughout the procedure such that cognitive load during bypass significantly differs compared to before or after bypass, across all 3 roles. While on bypass, results show that anesthesiologists experience significantly lower levels of perceived cognitive load than both surgeons and perfusionists. Correlational analyses reveal that perceived cognitive load of both the surgeon and the team had significant positive associations with bypass length and surgery length. Conclusion. Our findings support the utility of SURG-TLX in real cardiac cases as a measure of cognitive load over time, and on an individual and team-wide basis.
The Key Psychological Beliefs Underlying Student Participation in Recreational Sport
Authors: St Quinton Tom , Brunton Julie A.
Published: June 2020

The first year of university study provides an ideal opportunity to target student participation in many health behaviors such as recreational sport. The study used the theory of planned behavior to identify the key behavioral, normative, and control beliefs underlying student participation in recreational sport. A cross-sectional design was used with a 4-week follow-up. A purposive sample of 206 participants responded to a theoretically informed questionnaire measuring baseline cognitions. Follow-up behavior was measured using self-report questionnaires. All beliefs correlated with intention, and seven beliefs correlated with behavior. Four key beliefs predicted intention (“enjoyable,” “time consuming,” “friends,” and “family members”) and two key beliefs predicted behavior (“enjoyable” and “time consuming”). Interventions successfully targeting these specific beliefs may lead to a greater number of students participating in recreational sport.
Surrogate endpoints for overall survival in anti-programmed death-1 and anti-programmed death ligand 1 trials of advanced melanoma
Authors: Nie Run-Cong , Yuan Shu-Qiang , Wang Yun , Zou Xue-Bin , Chen Shi , Li Shu-Man , Duan Jin-Ling , Zhou Jie , Chen Guo-Ming , Luo Tian-Qi , Zhou Zhi-Wei , Li Yuan-Fang
Published: June 2020

Background:

We assessed the surrogacy of objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and progression-free survival (PFS) for overall survival (OS) in anti-PD-1/PD-L1 trials of metastatic melanoma through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods:

PubMed and EMBASE were searched for phase II/III RCTs till June 2019 investigating anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents. Treatment effect (hazard ratio or odds ratio) on potential surrogates (ORR/DCR/PFS) and OS were collected. At trial level, we assessed the correlation between treatment effect on potential surrogates and OS, weighted by sample size, fixed and random effect models, and calculated the surrogate threshold effect (STE). Sensitivity analyses and leave-one-out cross-validation approach were performed to evaluate the robustness of our findings.

Results:

We included 8 RCTs (4110 patients; 11 comparisons). We did not identify strong correlations between ORR [coefficient of determination ( R2): 0.09–0.25], DCR (0.41–0.57) and OS. However, we noted a strong correlation between PFS and OS, with R2 of 0.82 in sample size, 0.75 in fixed effect and 0.72 in random effect model weighting, the robustness of which was further verified by leave-one-out cross-validation approach. Sensitivity analyses with restriction to trials with less than 50% crossover, phase III trials, large trials and first-line trials strengthened the correlation (0.78–0.94). The STE for PFS was 0.78.

Conclusions:

PFS may be the appropriate surrogate for OS in anti-PD-1/PD-L1 trials of metastatic melanoma. A future anti-PD-1/PD-L1 trial would need less than 0.78 for PFS of the upper limit of confidence interval to predict an OS benefit.
Estimating the Foreclosure Discount in Financially Distressed Hotels
Authors: Singh Amrik
Published: June 2020

This study investigates the magnitude of the distress sale and foreclosure sale discount in financially distressed hotels by determining the influence of financial distress conditions on hotel transaction prices. Using a hedonic pricing model and a sample of 6,340 distressed and non-distressed transaction prices from 2008 to 2016, the study’s results show a significantly negative effect of financial distress on the pricing of distressed hotels. In particular, the estimated discount is 33% for an auction/trustee sale, 30% for a short sale, 42% for a foreclosure sale, and 44% for a real estate owned (REO) sale, all relative to non-distressed normal market sales.
Endoscopic Endonasal Approaches to the Medial Intraconal Space: Comparison of Transethmoidal and Prelacrimal Corridors
Authors: Li Lifeng , London Nyall R. , Prevedello Daniel M. , Carrau Ricardo L.
Published: June 2020

Background

Endoscopic transethmoidal and prelacrimal approaches can access the medial intraconal space (MIS).

Objective

This study aimed to compare advantages and drawbacks of these two approaches, and to explore their appropriate indications for management of lesions at various locations within the MIS.

Methods

Six injected cadaveric specimens were dissected using an endonasal approach performing a transethmoidal approach on one side and a prelacrimal approach on the contralateral side. The MIS was divided into three Zones: Zone 1 was defined as the area above the superior border of the medial rectus muscle (MRM), Zone 2 as the area between the MRM and the optic nerve, and Zone 3 as the area below the inferior border of MRM. The exposure provided by these two approaches to various Zones within the MIS was assessed and compared.

Results

The average height of Zone 1 to 3 was 10.35 ± 0.45 mm, 11.07 ± 0.59 mm, and 6.53 ± 0.59 mm, respectively. Both approaches provided adequate exposure of Zone 2 and 3; however, the prelacrimal approach provided direct exposure of the posterosuperior aspect of Zone 2 without retraction of MRM. Retraction of MRM was unavoidable using a transethmoidal approach to enhance further exposure. Access to Zone 1 was adequately achieved through the corridor between superior oblique muscle and MRM via a transethmoidal corridor.

Conclusion

Conceptualizing the MIS into the three aforementioned Zones seems beneficial to select the optimal approach for lesions restricted to each specific Zone. Both the transethmoidal and prelacrimal approaches provide adequate exposure for select lesions in the MIS.
String Teacher Preparation Programs in the United States
Authors: Chang Annalisa C. , Ammerman Angela
Published: June 2020

The rise in demand for string teachers is a sign of support for string programs across the United States. Despite an increase in string teacher positions, there is growing concern regarding the lack of qualified string music education graduates to fill the vacancies, sometimes leading administrators to close programs. This study investigated the status of string teacher education programs in the United States. Participants for this study were degree-granting institutions ( N = 636) accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The NASM directory listings and institution websites were examined to determine what type of degrees were offered, and presence of a full-time string music education faculty member. Results indicated that while most NASM-accredited institutions offer some type of undergraduate degree in music education, very few institutions (16%) were shown to have a full-time string music education specialist. Results also indicated a significant relationship between the size of school and likelihood of having a full-time string music education specialist, χ2 (7, N = 526) = 80.03, p < .001.
Ignorance, exclusion, and solidarity in human-virus co-existence during and after COVID-19
Authors: Perng Sung-Yueh
Published: June 2020

In virulent times, can we still practice solidarity and avoid exclusion and violence for collective public health? This commentary explores Taiwan’s current and previous encounters with viruses to consider how its historically, locally, and socially contingent making of health practices might inform better global human-virus co-existence for the future.
Genomic trans-biopolitics: Why more-than-human geography is critical amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Blue Gwendolyn , Rock Melanie
Published: June 2020

The rapidity of technological change underpins the centrality of genomes in framing COVID-19 problems and proposals for remedies. We counter such framings through a critical perspective that seeks to infuse more-than-human geographies into public health.