bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weightbearing Radiographs Reliably Predict Normal Ankle Congruence in Weber B/SER2 and 4a Fractures: A Prospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Gregersen Martin G. , Molund Marius
Published: July 2021

Background:

In Weber B/SER2-4 ankle fractures, assessment with weightbearing radiographs to ascertain stability of the ankle mortise has been advised. However, no previous studies report whether this method leads to preservation of normal ankle congruence. The purpose is to evaluate equivalence of ankle congruence of injured ankles after fracture union, vs the uninjured side, for stable SER2 and partially unstable SER4a fracture types.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective case-control study designed as an equivalence trial to evaluate if weightbearing radiographs predict whether stable/SER2 and partially unstable/SER4a Weber B ankle fractures reach union with preserved normal tibiotalar congruence and without a concomitant increase of treatment failure. A total of 149 patients with a Weber B fracture stable on weightbearing radiographs were recruited into the trial. All participants were treated with a functional orthosis and weightbearing allowed. Results from gravity stress radiographs classified ankles as SER2 or SER4a fracture types. We defined an equivalence margin in medial clear space difference of 1.0 mm. We also evaluated the reliability of obtaining measurements from weightbearing radiographs.

Results:

No differences in medial clear space between the injured and uninjured ankles were observed after fracture union for the SER2 group (mean difference 0.1 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.3, 0.0; P = .056), or the SER4a group (mean difference 0.0 mm (95% CI −0.1, 0.1; P = .797). No between-group differences were observed (mean difference 0.0 mm, 95% CI −0.2, 0.2; P = .842). These findings were consistent with equivalence. CIs for the intraclass correlation coefficients indicated excellent reliability.

Conclusion:

Assessment of stability of Weber B SER2/4a ankle fractures, with weightbearing radiographs, also predicts preservation of normal ankle congruence in those deemed stable, with no difference between SER2 and SER4a fracture types. Further, excellent reproducibility of the method of obtaining medial clear space measurements was demonstrated.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, case-control.
Construction and Verification of a Radiation Pneumonia Prediction Model Based on Multiple Parameters
Authors: Yafeng Liu , Jing Wu , Jiawei Zhou , Yingru Xing , Xin Zhang , Danting Li , Jun Xie , Chang Tian , Min Mu , Xuansheng Ding , Dong Hu
Published: July 2021

Objective:

Patients with lung cancer are at risk of radiation pneumonia (RP) after receiving radiotherapy. We established a prediction model according to the critical indicators extracted from radiation pneumonia patients.

Materials and Methods:

74 radiation pneumonia patients were involved in the training set. Firstly, the clinical data, hematological and radiation dose parameters of the 74 patients were screened by Logistics regression univariate analysis according to the level of radiation pneumonia. Next, Stepwise regression analysis was utilized to construct the regression model. Then, the influence of continuous variables on RP was tested by smoothing function. Finally, the model was externally verified by 30 patients in validation set and visualized by R code.

Results:

In the training set, there was 40 patients suffered≥ level 2 acute radiation pneumonia. Clinical data (diabetes), blood indexes (lymphocyte percentage, basophil percentage, platelet count) and radiation dose (V15 > 40%, V20 > 30%, V35 >18%, V40 > 15%) were related to radiation pneumonia ( P < 0.05). Particularly, stepwise regression analysis indicated that the history of diabetes, the basophils percentage, platelet count and V20 could be the best combination used for predicting radiation pneumonia. The column chart was obtained by fitting the regression model with the combined indicator. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the AUC in the development term was 0.853, the AUC was 0.656 in the validation term. And calibration curves of both groups showed the high stability in efficiently diagnostic. Furthermore, the DCA curve showed that the model had a satisfactory positive net benefit.

Conclusion:

The combination of the basophils percentage, platelet count and V20 is available to build a predictive model of radiation pneumonia for patients with advanced lung cancer.
Prominent Role of Type 2 Immunity in Skin Diseases: Beyond Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Belmesk Lina , Muntyanu Anastasiya , Cantin Emmanuelle , AlHalees Zeinah , Jack Carolyn S. , Le Michelle , Sasseville Denis , Iannattone Lisa , Ben-Shoshan Moshe , Litvinov Ivan V. , Netchiporouk Elena
Published: July 2021

Type 2 immunity, illustrated by T helper 2 lymphocytes (Th2) and downstream cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, IL-31) as well as group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2), is important in host defense and wound healing. 1 The hallmark of type 2 inflammation is eosinophilia and/or high IgE counts and is best recognized in atopic diathesis. Persistent eosinophilia, such as seen in hypereosinophilic syndromes, leads to fibrosis and hence therapeutic Type 2 inhibition in fibrotic diseases is of high interest. Furthermore, as demonstrated in cutaneous T cell lymphoma, advanced disease is characterized by Th1 to Th2 switch allowing cancer progression and immunosuppression. Development of targeted monoclonal antibodies against IL-4Rα (eg, dupilumab) led to a paradigm shift for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) and stimulated research to better understand the role of Type 2 inflammation in other skin conditions. In this review, we summarize up to date knowledge on the role of Type 2 inflammation in skin diseases other than AD and highlight whether the use of Type 2 targeted therapies has been documented or is being investigated in clinical trials. This manuscript reviews the role of Type 2 inflammation in dermatitis, neurodermatitis, IgE-mediated dermatoses (eg, bullous pemphigoid, chronic spontaneous urticaria), sclerodermoid conditions and skin neoplasms.
The first stage of Australia’s digital transition and its implications for Australian television drama
Authors: Potter Anna , Lotz Amanda D.
Published: July 2021

This article analyses how digitisation and screen policy reform altered the production of domestic drama and children’s programmes in Australia. Focusing on dynamics that developed before widespread use of streaming services, it maps the disruptions and evolution that digital ‘multi-channels’ caused and how they challenged audiovisual policy frameworks intended to safeguard local television including drama on advertiser-funded broadcasters. The article reveals how the effects of fragmentation undermined commercial television’s business model and eroded investment in scripted content. Shifting policy priorities also brought new support mechanisms for local programmes and led to adjustments to the ABC’s drama funding practices, with significant effects on the form, content, and cultural visibility of Australian drama. This initial stage of digital disruption – spanning roughly 2001–2014 – is often overlooked but is crucial for appreciating the challenges facing Australian television drama production in the 2020s.
Researching violent contexts: A call for political reflexivity
Authors: Abdelnour Samer , Abu Moghli Mai
Published: July 2021

Violent contexts are not “normal” research settings; they involve abuses, power disparities, and collective histories of violence that researchers should be alert to. Researchers unreflexive about these risk causing harm in the form of objectifying people and context, normalizing violence, or silencing voices. Political reflexivity can equip researchers to better identify, understand and mitigate these harms, and where possible, challenge structures that do the marginalizing. We articulate political reflexivity through feminist standpoint theory, which asks researchers to critically examine their positionality and privilege in relation to the geopolitics of the research setting, epistemic privilege of marginalized participants, and political implications of their work. Practicing political reflexivity can help researchers situate their work along a “decoloniality continuum,” which includes complicity with the maintenance of violence, a hybridity approach that aims to understand and challenge the (colonial) underpinnings of violence by centering marginalized knowledge, and reparation or liberation, meaning redress and radical equality for marginalized peoples, ideas and histories. We conclude with a call for researchers to identify methods and paths to strengthen our understanding of political reflexivity, and to support efforts to decolonize knowledge.
Can cross-group contact turn advantaged group members into allies? The role of inequality-delegitimizing contact and interpersonal connection
Authors: Becker Julia C. , Wright Stephen C.
Published: July 2021

Previous research shows that positive contact with members of disadvantaged groups can have positive, neutral, or negative effects on advantaged group members’ support of actions for social change towards more equality. The present work provides an experimental test of this effect and introduces two moderators which highlight the fundamental role of (a) communication about perception of the illegitimacy of intergroup inequality and (b) interpersonal connection with the contact partner. In two experiments ( N = 88 and N = 192), first-time cross-group contact was initiated between members of two universities that differ on social status. Results revealed that cross-group contact per se did not increase advantaged group members’ solidarity-based action to reduce inequality. However, cross-group contact did increase advantaged group members’ solidarity-based actions when the disadvantaged group partner engaged in inequality-delegitimizing contact by describing the intergroup inequality as illegitimate and when the advantaged group member reported a strong interpersonal connection with the disadvantaged contact partner.
Normalization of the Alt-Right: How perceived prevalence and acceptability of the Alt-Right is linked to public attitudes
Authors: Selvanathan Hema Preya , Leidner Bernhard
Published: July 2021

The rise of far-right movements calls for greater understanding of how the public responds to such movements. In the context of the United States, we examined the role of normative beliefs about the Alt-Right in shaping public reactions toward the movement (three studies, total N = 1,379). Specifically, we examined how perceived prevalence (high descriptive norms) and acceptability (high injunctive norms) of the Alt-Right are linked to public attitudes toward that movement. We found limited evidence of a threat response—that is, perceived prevalence of the Alt-Right did not consistently predict more negative reactions toward it, such as fearing its potential harm to society. There was, however, more consistent evidence of a normalization response—that is, perceived acceptability of the Alt-Right predicted more positive reactions toward it, such as showing leniency toward their activities. These findings underscore the importance of far-right movements in possibly shaping normative standards in society, and how such norms are linked to public attitudes.
Inclusive and exclusive beneficiary attributions: The role of social identity complexity in interpretations of and punishment for dissent
Authors: Roccas Sonia , Amit Adi , Oppenheim-Weller Shani , Hazan Osnat , Sagiv Lilach
Published: July 2021

We suggest that intentionality attributed to dissenting behavior in intergroup contexts (e.g., exposing one’s country’s secrets) may be conceptualized as benefitting one of four social circles. Two social circles exclude the perceiver: (a) the actor him/herself and (b) the outgroup affected by the behavior; and two circles include the perceiver: (c) the ingroup of both the perceiver and the actor and (d) humanity as the ultimate collective including both ingroup and outgroup. We further suggest that adopting different beneficiary attributions depends on the perceivers’ social identity complexity (Roccas & Brewer, 2002), which refers to an individual’s representation of their multiple social identities on a continuum from highly overlapping to highly differentiated (i.e., simple vs. complex social identity). Perceivers are more likely to attribute dissent behavior to social circles that exclude (rather than include) themselves the simpler their social identity; such exclusive attributions lead to harsher moral judgements, expressed as punitiveness.
Environmentally friendly and socially responsible investment in and by occupational pension funds in the USA and in the EU
Authors: Daniels Lauren , Stevens Yves , Pratt David
Published: July 2021

Worldwide pension funds, in their capacity as large institutional investors, are under increasing pressure to take social and environmental considerations into account in their investment decision-making process. The concepts Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) and Environmental Social Governance (ESG) are indeed ubiquitous in the current investment and pension community. This article aims to provide some insight into the conceptual relationship between SRI and ESG and its legal implications for the investment behaviour of private pension funds in the USA and the EU. Hence, the first part of the article gives some background to the distinct concepts of SRI and ESG. This leads to the finding that SRI goes one step further than ESG by prioritising moral or ethical considerations that may not be material to an investment’s financial performance, whereas ESG functions as a guideline to enhance financial performance. The second part analyses the legal possibilities and constraints for responsible investment in American occupational pensions and the third part does the same for European occupational pensions. The article concludes with a summary and comparative overview of the American and European lessons.
Can anteroposterior skeletal pattern be determined from a silhouetted profile photograph? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Schwabe Saskia Andrea , Caldwell Susi
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To determine the degree to which the anteroposterior (AP) skeletal jaw relation can accurately be determined from a silhouetted clinical profile photograph and whether the level of agreement is influenced by patient vertical proportions.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

University Dental Hospital of Manchester, United Kingdom.

Participants:

Specialist orthodontists

Method:

Eight specialist orthodontists assessed 37 silhouetted profile photographs of individuals aged 11–19 years and determined the class and severity of AP skeletal pattern. These assessments were compared to corresponding lateral cephalometric radiographs, where ANB values, supplemented by an Eastman Correction and a Wits Appraisal, where appropriate, were used for sagittal skeletal classification.

Results:

The agreement between silhouette and cephalometric AP determination yielded a weighted kappa score of 0.207 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.135–0.278), which indicates only a fair level of agreement. The silhouetted sagittal skeletal pattern classification, along with severity, agreed with the lateral cephalometric radiograph in 29% of instances. Class III individuals were identified correctly 19.2% of the time. There was a statistically significant difference in kappa scores between the high angle (K= 0.439; 95% CI 0.310–0.568) and low angle (K = 0.068; 95% CI 0.007–0.130) patients ( P < 0.001), as well as the high and average angle (K= 0.151; 95% CI 0.031–0.270) patients ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

AP skeletal pattern, as determined from a lateral cephalometric radiograph, has only a fair level of agreement to that from a silhouetted profile photograph. Vertical proportions were shown to have a significant effect on the determination of the sagittal skeletal pattern and class III skeletal patterns were shown to be the most difficult to identify from profile silhouettes.
Historiography of empathy: Contributions to social work research and practice
Authors: Watson Tracy , Hodgson David , Watts Lynelle , Waters Rebecca
Published: July 2021

Empathy has long been considered critical to good social work practice, and is supported by extensive research and literature. However, empathy is a contested concept with divergent theoretical origins that complicates its place in social work research and practice. This article provides a historical review of empathy, highlighting the evolution of the concept of empathy, its contested history, and subsequent emergence into therapeutic contexts, particularly within social work. Findings show that empathy has multiple definitions and meanings, thus, creating a challenge to research efforts and social work activities. This review lays the groundwork for further constructive debate and research into the theory and practice of empathy for social work.
Competitive Balance and the Away Goals Rule During Extra Time
Authors: Jost Peter-J.
Published: July 2021

The Union of European Football Associations is currently reviewing the away goals rule during extra time in the knockout rounds of the Champions League. We model extra time as a two-stage contest. Assuming a home-field advantage we analyze the effect of the away goals rule on the competitive balance between teams. Our analysis suggests that the away goals rule levels the competitive imbalance introduced by the home-field advantage in the quarter and semi-finals and that in the round of 16 weaker teams should play first home and then away so that they benefit from the away goals rule during extra time.
“Ain’t Got Enough Money to Pay Me Respect”: Blackfishing, Cultural Appropriation, and the Commodification of Blackness
Authors: Cherid Maha Ikram
Published: July 2021

The term blackfishing, which takes a twist on the concept of catfishing, that is, tricking people online into thinking you are someone else, refers to the practice of (mostly) White women pretending to be Black by using makeup, hairstyles, and fashion that originate in Black Culture to gain financial benefits. This article aims to contextualize the concept of blackfishing through a critical literary review that will cover the following elements: cultural appropriation, the commodification of Black culture, the representation of Black women in North America, and the operationalization of blackfishing.
Open Surgical Secondary Interventions are More Durable than Endovascular Interventions for Lower Extremity Bypass Stenosis or Occlusion
Authors: Mohapatra Abhisekh , Lowenkamp Mikayla N. , Avgerinos Efthymios D. , Hager Eric S. , Madigan Michael C.
Published: July 2021

Objectives: Lower extremity bypasses often require secondary interventions to maintain patency. Our objectives were to characterize effectiveness of secondary interventions to maintain or restore bypass graft patency, and to compare outcomes of open and endovascular interventions. Methods: We reviewed patients who underwent lower extremity bypass at our institution from 2007 to 2010. We recorded the index bypass and subsequent ipsilateral interventions performed through 2018 or until loss of secondary patency. Patient, procedure, and anatomic data were collected. Endovascular intervention was compared with open/hybrid intervention. For outcome analysis, patency measures were defined relative to the time of the secondary intervention rather than the time of the index bypass. Results: 174 secondary interventions (56 open/hybrid, 118 endovascular; 42 for graft occlusion, and 132 for stenosis) treating 228 lesions in 97 bypasses were available for study. The index bypass was most commonly performed for tissue loss (71.1%), utilized a tibial artery target (57.7%), and used single-segment great saphenous vein (59.8%) rather than alternative vein (32.0%) or prosthetic (8.2%). A higher portion of open/hybrid interventions (51.8%) were done for graft occlusion than endovascular interventions (11.0%, P < .001). Mean follow-up for secondary interventions was 3.5 years. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model identified female gender, prior MI, anticoagulation, occlusion, and endovascular intervention as predictors of loss of primary patency. Intervention for occlusion predicted poorer primary and secondary patency. Endovascular intervention was associated with poorer primary patency as compared to open intervention and a trend toward poorer secondary patency. Conclusions: Both open and endovascular secondary interventions on lower extremity bypasses are low-risk procedures that offer acceptable patency. Although more commonly performed in the setting of graft occlusion, open surgical interventions show improved durability compared to endovascular interventions. Some patients, including those with occluded grafts, may benefit from more liberal use of open surgical intervention to restore bypass patency.
Augmented Reality in Spine Surgery: A Narrative Review
Authors: Hersh Andrew , Mahapatra Smruti , Weber-Levine Carly , Awosika Tolulope , Theodore John N. , Zakaria Hesham M. , Liu Ann , Witham Timothy F. , Theodore Nicholas
Published: July 2021

Augmented reality (AR) navigation refers to novel technologies that superimpose images, such as radiographs and navigation pathways, onto a view of the operative field. The development of AR navigation has focused on improving the safety and efficacy of neurosurgical and orthopedic procedures. In this review, the authors focus on 3 types of AR technology used in spine surgery: AR surgical navigation, microscope-mediated heads-up display, and AR head-mounted displays. Microscope AR and head-mounted displays offer the advantage of reducing attention shift and line-of-sight interruptions inherent in traditional navigation systems. With the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recent clearance of the XVision AR system (Augmedics, Arlington Heights, IL), the adoption and refinement of AR technology by spine surgeons will only accelerate.
Factors Affecting Satisfaction with the Decision-Making Process and Decision Regret for Men with a New Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Skyring Timothy A , Mansfield Kylie J , Mullan Judy R
Published: July 2021

For men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer the decisions about treatment options are complex and difficult. The aim of this study was to investigate any association between the extent to which men wanted to be involved in the decision making process, their satisfaction with that process, and their levels of decision regret after treatment. The study population consisted of men diagnosed with prostate cancer at a regional center in Australia. Men ( n = 324) were invited to complete a mail out survey which included demographic questions, the treatment chosen, and three validated tools: The Control Preference Scale to measure the degree of control assumed when making decisions about medical interventions; the Treatment Decision-Making Satisfaction Scale (TDM- SAT) to assess satisfaction with the treatment decision making process; and the Decision Regret Scale to assess the level of regret after treatment. The majority of the 151 respondents (47% response rate) expressed an active decision control preference. There was no correlation between age and the treatment chosen or the degree of control men exerted over the decision-making process. Men who preferred a passive role were less satisfied with the decision-making process than were those who took an active or collaborative approach. A strong inverse correlation was demonstrated between regret experienced and satisfaction with the decision-making process. In conclusion, for men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer, taking an active role in the treatment decision making process led to greater satisfaction with that process, which in turn reduced their chances of experiencing regret following treatment.
Factors affecting the persistent use of sharp curettage for abortion in public hospitals in Mexico
Authors: Küng Stephanie Andrea , Ochoa Beatriz , Ortiz Avendano Guillermo Antonio , Martínez López Claudia , Zaragoza Mara , Padilla Zuniga Karen
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

Dilation and curettage is an outdated abortion procedure no longer recommended by the World Health Organization. However, use of dilation and curettage remains high in some countries, including Mexico. We aim to understand the factors that contribute to persistent use of dilation and curettage in Mexico.

Methods:

We conducted a mixed-methods study in two phases: (1) secondary quantitative data analysis from 40 Ipas-supported public hospitals in Mexico and (2) 28 in-depth interviews in 9 Ipas-affiliated hospitals with doctors, nurses, and hospital administrators.

Results:

Among our sample, 41% of abortions less than 13 weeks performed in 2019 were treated with dilation and curettage, while this increased to 67% of abortions at or above 13 weeks. Only 18% of induced abortions were performed with dilation and curettage compared to 44% of post-abortion care procedures. The main factor identified as determining use of dilation and curettage in in-depth interviews was availability of abortion supplies, both in terms of cleaning, storage, and maintenance of supplies and in the budgeting and procurement of supplies. Other factors included confidence in the efficacy of other methods, attitudes toward different methods, skill and training, and perceived benefits to patients.

Conclusion:

Ensuring supplies for recommended abortion methods are available is a key lever for any intervention aimed at reducing dilation and curettage use. However, as the doctor performing the abortion decides which method to use, individual factors such as lack of skill and mistrust in other procedures can become a particularly obstinate barrier to recommended method use. Localizing decision-making power in the hands of doctors is problematic in that it places the doctor’s preference above that of the person receiving the abortion. It is important to look deeply at the power structures that contribute to doctor-oriented models of abortion care.
Breaking The Stack: Understanding Videogame Animation through Tool-Assisted Speedruns
Authors: Schmalzer Madison
Published: July 2021

This article examines the ways videogames become animated by looking at gaming practices that subvert traditional notions of play: specifically tool-assisted speedruns (TAS). A TAS is a playthrough of a videogame that is preprogrammed by a human so that the inputs can be automatically played back in full without a human operator. This practice requires an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of gaming systems, often to the point of productively breaking the games through glitches and exploits. These extreme practices give a unique insight into the ways animation occurs within videogames and reveals games to be animated in a variety of ways that are often not primarily directed towards the visual nor humans. This article outlines four of these modes of animation separating them into multi-tiered ‘layers of animation’: sensory output, game states, code, material, and operator. TASs help to demonstrate these layers are actually discrete forms of animation that do not necessarily impact one another from becoming individually animated.
Quentin Tarantino’s Cartoon Violence
Authors: Barker Jason
Published: July 2021

In this article, the author returns to the study of Quentin Tarantino’s ‘cartoonism’ that appeared in animation 2(2) in 2007. The focus here, as in Chris Pallant’s original essay, is on how filmic live action in Tarantino’s work displays the diegetic conventions of the cartoon, namely, its (1) hyperbolic, (2) graphic novel and (3) comic strip violence. The article adopts Pallant’s interpretive framework in analysing Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time. . . in Hollywood (2019), only this time supplements the analysis with a consideration of the film’s dramatic content. Drawing on Aristotle’s Poetics the author explores whether cartoon violence in Tarantino’s film is inversely related to drama and, more generally, speculates as to whether the cartoon form is inherently non- or anti-dramatic through the ‘private’ and commercial manner of its consumption.
Experiments in Hybrid Documentary and Indigenous Model Animation
Authors: Miner Joshua D
Published: July 2021

Nonfiction has proved to be a long-term strategy of Native/First Nations filmmakers and, as this documentary tradition moves across contemporary mediums, one corner of its experimental aesthetics has focalized around animation. This article explores hybrid documentary approaches in Indigenous model animation across techniques and styles, namely digitally-supplemented stop-motion and game-based machinima. It begins by examining three principal characteristics of Indigenous animated documentaries: (1) they engage with the politics of documentary in the context of Indigenous and settler-colonial history; (2) they use animation to record stories and express ideas not authorized by the settler archive; and (3) they communicate via embedded Indigenous aesthetics and cultural protocols. A material analysis of Indigenous animation then accounts for how three Native artists centre re-mediation and re-embodiment in their work. These artists adapt new techniques in animation to documentary as a process of decolonization, precipitating a distinct hybrid aesthetics that travels across forms to question the veracity of settler documentary. Each reconstructs histories of settler colonialism – which has always chosen to record and authorize as ‘history’ some images and narratives and not others – with model animation practices and new media platforms. Indigenous animation expresses slippages between nonfiction and fiction by creating imagined documents, which strike at the legitimacy of settler institutions.
The Animation of Gamers and the Gamers as Animators in Sierra On-Line’s Adventure Games
Authors: Greenberg Raz
Published: July 2021

Produced throughout the 1980s using the company’s Adventure Game Interpreter engine, the digital adventure games created by American software publisher Sierra On-Line played an important and largely overlooked role in the development of animation as an integral part of the digital gaming experience. While the little historical and theoretical discussion of the company’s games of the era focuses on their genre, it ignores these games’ contribution to the relationship between the animated avatars and the gamers that control them – a relationship that, as argued in this article, in essence turns gamers into animators. If we consider Chris Pallant’s (2019) argument in ‘Video games and animation’ that animation is essential to the sense of immersion within a digital game, then the great freedom provided to the gamers in animating their avatars within Sierra On-Line’s adventure games paved the way to the same sense of immersion in digital. And, if we refer to Gonzalo Frasca’s (1999) divide of digital games to narrative-led or free-play (ludus versus paidea) in ‘Ludology meets narratology: Similitude and differences between (video) games and narrative’, then the company’s adventure games served as an important early example of balance between the two elements through the gamers’ ability to animate their avatars. Furthermore, Sierra On-Line’s adventure games have tapped into the traditional tension between the animator and the character it animated, as observed by Scott Bukatman in ‘The poetics of Slumberland: Animated spirits and the animated spirit (2012), when he challenged the traditional divide between animators, the characters they animate and the audience. All these contributions, as this articles aims to demonstrate, continue to influence the role of animation in digital games to this very day.
‘I don’t have a skull… Or bones’: Minor Characters in Disney Animation
Authors: Lönroth Linn
Published: July 2021

This article explores the place of minor characters in Disney’s animated features. More specifically, it proposes that Disney’s minor characters mark an aesthetic rupture by breaking with the mode of hyperrealism that has come to be associated with the studio’s feature-length films. Drawing on character theory within literary studies and on research into animated film performance, the article suggests that the inherent ‘flatness’ of Disney’s minor characters and the ‘figurativeness’ of their performance styles contrasts with the characterizations and aesthetic style of the leading figures. The tendency of Disney’s minor characters to stretch and squash in an exaggerated fashion is also reminiscent of the flexible, plasmatic style of the studio’s early cartoons. In addition to exploring the aesthetic peculiarity of minor characters, this article also suggests that these figures play an important role in fleshing out the depicted fictional worlds of Disney’s movies. By drawing attention to alternative viewpoints and storylines, as well as to the broader narrative universe, minor characters add detail, nuance and complexity to the animated films in which they appear. Ultimately, this article proposes that these characters make the fairy-tale-like worlds of Disney animation more expansive and believable as fictional spaces.
Regulating digital platforms as the new network industries
Authors: Montero Juan , Finger Matthias
Published: July 2021

The most solid framework to both analyze and regulate digital platforms is the one which has developed over the past century for the conceptualization and the regulation of the traditional network industries such as telecoms, transport and energy. Digital platforms in multi-sided markets can be considered the new network industries, notably due to the relevance of direct, indirect and algorithmic network effects. As a result, platforms display features which are similar to all industries where network effects are key, namely concentration, market power and subsequently political intervention. Regulatory measures that have already been tested in the traditional network industries can be exported to the new network industries, including regulation to promote competition by reducing barriers to entry, regulation to promote interoperability and structural remedies along with public service obligations imposed on platforms. Examples of this approach can be identified in different initiatives around the world, with the European Union in the lead.
Eros Navigations: Adventures in Building Love in Postnormal Times
Authors: Jordan C Scott
Published: July 2021

Love has literally been debated to death by thinkers since time immemorial. This article seeks to reframe the discourse on love to restore life and appreciation for its complex beauty and free it from the hopeless utopian project contemporary times have made it into. Likewise, the over-categorization of Western thought has doomed the concepts of sex and gender. By exploring our increasingly postnormal world, and in light of the recent pandemic, this article seeks to reopen the discussion of love, sex, and gender in our precarious times so that we can better understand our identities and pre-empt future conflicts and plot navigations for other impasses occurring beside and simultaneous to the quest for love. By analyzing the concepts of the Manufactured Normalcy Field and the postnormal tilt, we can open up new opportunities to challenge the conventional definitions and structures that hold back society from attaining more accepting, understanding, and preferred futures.
Coronary Artery Reimplantation and Berlin Heart EXCOR Rescue for Left Coronary Artery Atresia With Severe Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wilkinson Daniel , Lin Yihan , Everett Melanie , Auerbach Scott , Morgan Gareth , Mitchell Max B.
Published: July 2021

We describe a successful bridge to recovery by coronary reimplantation and Berlin Heart EXCOR left ventricular assist device in a child with left main coronary artery ostial atresia and severe ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Government for Leaving No One Behind: Social Equity in Public Administration and Trust in Government
Authors: Lee Yunsoo
Published: July 2021

A great deal of ink has been spilled over attempts to increase trust in government. Surprisingly, the impact of social equity on trust in government has received relatively little attention. Particularly, insufficient attention has been paid to empirically connect the linkage between a country-level social equity and an individual-level trust in government. The purpose of this study is to examine the impacts of social equity on citizen trust in government. This study uses a multilevel analysis to take into account macro-country level social equity. The findings from analyzing the World Values Survey and the Rule of Law Index reveal that social equity in administrative processes is positively associated with trust in the courts and the police. It is imperative to consider social equity in public administration to get a better understanding of developing citizen trust in government.
Empathy Levels in Albanian Health Professional Students: An Explorative Analysis Using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy
Authors: Petrucci Cristina , Gaxhja Elona , La Cerra Carmen , Caponnetto Valeria , Masotta Vittorio , Dante Angelo , Lancia Loreto
Published: July 2021

The study aims were to define the psychometric properties of the Albanian Jefferson Scale of Empathy–Health Professional Students’ version, compare empathy levels among Albanian Health Professional students, and explore any relationship among students’ characteristics and their empathy levels. To achieve these aims, a comparative cross-sectional study was conducted. A preliminary exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the factor structure of the scale, while group comparisons of empathy scores were examined using t-test and ANOVA F-test. A total of 1,240 students were enrolled in the study. Psychometric properties of the scale were confirmed. Midwifery, physiotherapy, and female students showed higher levels of empathy than other groups. Similarly, third-year students showed higher empathy than first- and second-year students. Monitoring empathy levels is fundamental to the adoption of useful educational strategies by faculties to improve empathy skills in Health Professional students and guarantee better care of patients, especially those in need of psychological support.
Determinants of Smart Meter on Sustainable Energy Consumption Behavior: A Developing Country Perspective
Authors: Idoko Edwin Chukwuemeka , Oraedu Chukwunonso , Ugwuanyi Christian Chidera , Ukenna Stephen Ikechukwu
Published: July 2021

Smart meter technology installation as a potent means of energy management is a nascent and evolving phenomenon in most developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The ascendency is exponentially provoking migration from hugely unmetered electricity consumers in favour of smart meter technology. For policymakers to formulate actionable and effective energy policies, a deeper understanding of factors that culture users’ interest in smart meter technology is necessary. Despite the imperativeness of consumers’ viewpoints in policy-design, little contemporary insights still exit regarding those antecedents that propel electricity consumers to switch to smart meter. Accordingly, this study examines determinants of smart meter and their potential influence on sustainable energy consumption behavior among residents in under-reported sub-urban areas in Nigeria. The drivers were employed to extend the Theory of Planned Behavior. One hundred and fifty copies of self-administered questionnaire serve as data collection instrument from participants. Structural equation modeling technique with the assistance of SmartPLS software was utilized in data analysis relating to the hypothesized paths in the research framework. Findings show that bill estimation anxiety and perceived behavioral control were the critical factors that determine smart meter purchase intentions and indirectly influence sustainable energy consumption behavior. Other lesser yet significant constructs were environmental concern, attitude, and subjective norm. Theoretical and potential energy policy/marketing implications of the findings were highlighted.
Understanding Social Security Development: Lessons From the Chinese Case
Authors: Huang Guan , Cai Zhuang
Published: July 2021

Understanding the development of social security systems constitutes the ultimate goal of social security research. This review traces and compares two schools of thought regarding social security development: the convergence and divergence schools. Using a thematic approach, this article first categorizes extant studies into one of these two schools and then identifies the broadly accepted mechanism of social security development by comparing them. After reviewing the extant research and its theoretical underpinnings, this article applies Mill’s methods of agreement and difference to show how the Chinese case contributes to and challenges our understanding of social security development. By discussing the assumptions of current research on social security development in light of the Chinese case, this article illuminates how political legitimacy serves as a common mechanism of social security development regardless of political context or structure.
U.S. Economic Uncertainty Shocks and China’s Economic Activities: A Time-Varying Perspective
Authors: Liu Lin
Published: July 2021

This paper presents new empirical evidence concerning the time-varying responses of China’s macroeconomy to U.S. economic uncertainty shocks through a novel TVP-VAR model. The results robustly reveal that a rise in U.S. economic uncertainty would exert sizable, persistent, and significant detrimental effects on China’s gross domestic product (GDP), price level, and short-term interest rate during the period when common shocks take place, such as the global financial crisis around 2008, whereas small and transient effects in the tranquil times. Therefore, China should diversify its international linkages and gradually reduce the dependence on the United States into a certain range to shield the domestic economy, as well as improve the independence of monetary policy. Furthermore, to withstand unfavorable external shocks, China should be prudent on greater opening-up and carry out more intensive intervention when common shocks hit the world economy. Finally, investors should be alert to the potential detrimental impact of U.S. economic uncertainty on Chinese assets’ fundamentals.
Television News Coverage of COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria: Missed Opportunities to Promote Health Due to Ownership and Politics
Authors: Apuke Oberiri Destiny , Omar Bahiyah
Published: July 2021

This study examined Television news coverage of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria from February 2020 to July 2020. The focus was on African Independent Television (AIT), a privately owned TV, and Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), a government-owned TV. We also interviewed ( n = 30) participants to understand their view on media coverage of the pandemic. We found that the TV stations paid adequate attention to the issues of COVID-19. However, the private media allocated more prominence to the coverage of COVID-19. By implication, the private media had more COVID-19 stories telecasted on its headline which also appeared as the first headline in many cases. Furthermore, they had more stories that were aired 61 seconds and above. The findings also showed that the government media outlet cited more of government officials while the private media dueled more on the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The private media had more negative tone stories, and most of its stories used visual and motion footages. Overall, our findings suggest that media ownership and politics play a large role in the coverage of COVID-19 in Nigeria. This has affected the attitude of the public as many of them no longer see the pandemic as something serious, but rather politically motivated virus to highlight the failings of the political party in power.
Is Complete Correction of Cervical Sagittal Malalignment Necessary During 4-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Surgery in Patients With Kyphosis?
Authors: Song Qing-Xin , Su Xin-Jin , Wang Kun , Chao-Zhu  , Zhi-Chen  , Quan-Li  , Liu Zu-De , Shen Hong-Xing
Published: July 2021

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis.

Objective:

We investigated whether complete correction of cervical sagittal malalignment is necessary during 4-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in patients with kyphosis.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 84 patients who underwent 4-level ACDF surgery at a university hospital between January 2010 and December 2015. Based on the degree of cervical lordosis correction, patients were categorized into the following groups: mild (0-10°), moderate (10-20°), and complete correction (>20°). The clinical outcomes, radiological parameters, and functional outcomes were analyzed.

Results:

We observed no significant intergroup differences in the baseline characteristics. The cervical sagittal vertical axis (CSVA) correction loss at the final follow-up was lesser in the mild- and moderate- than in the complete-correction group. The spinocranial angle (SCA) and T1 slope (T1 S) were significantly higher in the moderate- and complete-correction groups than in the mild-correction group, 3 days postoperatively. The cervical proximal junctional kyphosis (CPJK), adjacent segment degeneration (ASD), and ASD following CPJK rates were higher in the complete-correction group. We observed no significant intergroup differences in postoperative complications; however, 5 patients showed internal fixation failure in the complete-correction group; 4 of these patients required reoperation. No significant intergroup difference was observed in the Japanese Orthopedic Association and neck disability index scores at any time point.

Conclusions:

A mild-to-moderate correction of cervical lordosis is superior to complete correction in patients with kyphosis who undergo 4-level ACDF because this approach is associated with lesser axial stress and CSVA correction loss.
Alternate In-Brace and Out-of-Brace Radiographs Are Recommended to Assess Brace Fitting and Curve Progression With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Follow-Up
Authors: Kawasaki Sachiko , Cheung Prudence Wing Hang , Shigematsu Hideki , Tanaka Masato , Suga Yuma , Yamamoto Yusuke , Tanaka Yasuhito , Cheung Jason Pui Yin
Published: July 2021

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of missed curve progression in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) undergoing brace treatment with only in-brace follow-up radiographs, and to provide recommendations on when in-brace and out-of-brace should be obtained during follow-up.

Methods:

133 patients who had documented clinically significant curve progression during brace treatment or only when an out-of-brace radiograph were studied. Of these, 95 patients (71.4%) had curve progression noted on in-brace radiographs while 38 patients (28.6%) showed curve progression only after brace removal. We analyzed differences in age, sex, curve types, Risser stage, months after menarche, standing out-of-brace Cobb angle, correction rate, and flexibility rate between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine factors contributing to curve progression missed during brace treatment.

Results:

There were no differences in initial Cobb angle between out-of-brace and in-brace deterioration groups. However, the correction rate was higher (32.7% vs 25.0%; P = .004) in the in-brace deterioration group as compared to the out-of-brace deterioration group. A lower correction rate was more likely to result in out-of-brace deterioration (OR 0.970; P = .019). For thoracic curves, higher flexibility in the curves was more likely to result in out-of-brace deterioration (OR 1.055; P = .045). For double/triple curves, patients with in-brace deterioration had higher correction rate (OR 0.944; P = .034).

Conclusions:

Patients may develop curve progression despite good correction on in-brace radiographs. Those with higher flexibility and suboptimal brace fitting are at-risk. In-brace and out-of-brace radiographs should be taken alternately for brace treatment follow-up.