bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: Psychometric Properties and Normative Data for Spanish 5- to 17-Year-Olds
Authors: Español-Martín Gemma , Pagerols Mireia , Prat Raquel , Rivas Cristina , Sixto Laura , Valero Sergi , Artigas María Soler , Ribasés Marta , Ramos-Quiroga Josep A. , Casas Miquel , Bosch Rosa
Published: May 2020

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) has been extensively used to measure common forms of psychopathology among children and adolescents. However, its psychometric properties vary across countries and several controversial issues warrant further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate whether the Spanish version of the SDQ is a reliable and valid tool for assessing emotional and behavioral problems in a sample of 6,775 students aged 5 to 17 years, as rated by parents, teachers, and youth. We examined the internal consistency of the questionnaire, its factor structure, and measurement invariance across child’s gender and age. Criterion validity was tested against the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Teacher’s Report Form (TRF), and Youth Self-Report (YSR), and we measured the ability of the SDQ to identify children with specific psychiatric disorders. Finally, we provide, for the first time, Spanish normative data for children aged 5 to 10 and 11 to 17 years, according to gender and each informant. Our results revealed acceptable reliability estimates for all SDQ subscales. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the original five-factor model and full measurement invariance was found. Furthermore, SDQ scores showed a moderate to strong correlation with those on the equivalent CBCL/TRF/YSR scales, and were effective in discriminating individuals with and without clinical diagnoses.
Effect of different levels of esterification and blockiness of pectin on the functional behaviour of pea protein isolate–pectin complexes
Authors: Pillai Prasanth KS , Ouyang Yulinglong , Stone Andrea K , Nickerson Michael T
Published: May 2020

This research examines changes to the functional (solubility, emulsifying and foaming) properties of pea protein isolate when complexed with commercial citrus pectin of different structural attributes. Specifically, a high methoxy (P90; degree of esterification: 90.0%; degree of blockiness: 64.5%; galacturonic acid content 11.4%) and low methoxy (P29; degree of esterification: 28.6%; degree of blockiness: 31.1%; galacturonic acid: 70%) pectin at their optimum mixing ratios with pea protein isolate (4:1 pea protein isolate to P90; 10:1 pea protein isolate to P29) were assessed at the pHs associated with critical structure forming events during the complexation process (soluble complexation (pHc), pH 6.7 and 6.1; insoluble complex formation (pHϕ1), pH 4.0 and 5.0; maximum complexation (pHopt), pH 3.5 and 3.8; dissolution of complexes, pH 2.4 and 2.1; for admixtures of pea protein isolate–P90 and pea protein isolate–P29, respectively). Pea protein isolate solubility was improved from 41 to 73% by the presence of P90 at pH 6.0 and was also moderately increased at pH 4.0 and pH 5.0 by P90 and P29, respectively. The emulsion stability of both pea protein isolate–pectin complexes was higher than the homogeneous pea protein isolate at all critical pHs except pHopt as well as pHc for pea protein isolate–P29 only. P90, with the higher level blockiness and esterification, displayed better foaming properties at the maximal complexation pH when complexed with pea protein isolate than pea protein isolate–P29 or pea protein isolate alone. However at pHϕ2, pea protein isolate–P29 admixtures produced foams with 100% stability, increasing pea protein isolate foam stability by 85%. The enhanced functionality of pea protein isolate–pectin complexes based on the type of pectin used at critical pHs indicates they may be useful biopolymer ingredients in plant protein applications.
Acerola fruit as a natural antioxidant ingredient for gluten-free bread: An approach to improve bread quality
Authors: Bourekoua Hayat , Gawlik-Dziki Urszula , Różyło Renata , Zidoune Mohammed N , Dziki Dariusz
Published: May 2020

In this study, we evaluated the effect of enrichment of bread using acerola fruit powder on the physical, sensorial and antioxidant properties of gluten-free breads. We tested different proportions of acerola fruit powder (0–5% w/w) in rice flour. According to the results, loaf volume increased from 423.33 cm3 to 571.67 cm with increasing amount of acerola fruit powder cm3 with increasing amount of acerola fruit powder (from 0 to 5% w/w). Acerola fruit powder improved the structural parameters of the crumb by increasing the size and area fraction of cells. All tested quantities of acerola fruit powder improved textural parameters by decreasing firmness and chewiness and by increasing springiness. In addition, acerola fruit powder positively affected the antioxidant properties of enriched breads. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of extracts was found to be increased with the addition of acerola fruit powder. All antioxidant activities were found to be increased with increasing quantities of acerola fruit powder. The sensory attributes of the bread showed that a partial replacement of the rice flour with up to 3% of acerola fruit powder provided satisfactory results. The optimum level of acerola fruit powder for all parameters tested was found to be 3% w/w.
Introducing the Sociopolitical Motive × Intergroup Threat Model to Understand How Monoracial Perceivers’ Sociopolitical Motives Influence Their Categorization of Multiracial People
Authors: Ho Arnold K. , Kteily Nour S. , Chen Jacqueline M.
Published: May 2020

Researchers have used social dominance, system justification, authoritarianism, and social identity theories to understand how monoracial perceivers’ sociopolitical motives influence their categorization of multiracial people. The result has been a growing understanding of how particular sociopolitical motives and contexts affect categorization, without a unifying perspective to integrate these insights. We review evidence supporting each theory’s predictions concerning how monoracial perceivers categorize multiracial people who combine their ingroup with an outgroup, with attention to the moderating role of perceiver group status. We find most studies cannot arbitrate between theories of categorization and reveal additional gaps in the literature. To advance this research area, we introduce the sociopolitical motive × intergroup threat model of racial categorization that (a) clarifies which sociopolitical motives interact with which intergroup threats to predict categorization and (b) highlights the role of perceiver group status. Furthermore, we consider how our model can help understand phenomena beyond multiracial categorization.
Associations Between Health Literacy and Underweight and Overweight Among Japanese Adults Aged 20 to 39 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Enomoto Ayaka , Saito Aki , Takahashi Osamu , Kimura Takeshi , Tajima Ryoko , Rahman Mahbubur , Iida Kaoruko
Published: May 2020

Background. Both underweight and overweight are public health concerns in Japan. Several studies examined the association between health literacy (HL) and obesity status in the general population; however, there is limited information on young adults. In addition, the association between HL and underweight status has not been extensively investigated. Aim. To examine the association between HL and underweight/overweight status among young Japanese adults aged 20 to 39 years. Method. This study was based on a cross-sectional survey of population-representative adults. HL was assessed using a questionnaire validated in Japanese adults. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using self-reported weight and height. Participants were divided into two groups by HL score using the median score (lower vs. higher HL). The association between HL and underweight (BMI <18.5) or overweight (BMI ≥25.0) was examined using multinomial logistic regression analyses after adjusting for potential confounders. Results. In total, 476 women and 454 men were included in the analyses. Prevalence of underweight and overweight was 20.8% and 10.3% in women and 8.8% and 20.3% in men, respectively. In women, 45.1% of normal weight, 47.5% of underweight, and 30.6% of overweight had higher HL. Among men, 50.3% of normal weight, 35.0% of underweight, and 44.6% of overweight had higher HL. Bivariate analyses showed no statistically significant association between HL level and underweight/overweight status. Even after adjusting for potential confounders, these associations did not change. Discussion and Conclusion. This study suggests that HL scores may not be associated with underweight or overweight status in Japanese adults.
Genomic Survey of Tyrosine Kinases Repertoire in Electrophorus electricus With an Emphasis on Evolutionary Conservation and Diversification
Authors: Li Ling , Liu Dangyun , Liu Ake , Li Jingquan , Wang Hui , Zhou Jingqi
Published: May 2020

Tyrosine kinases (TKs) play key roles in the regulation of multicellularity in organisms and involved primarily in cell growth, differentiation, and cell-to-cell communication. Genome-wide characterization of TKs has been conducted in many metazoans; however, systematic information regarding this superfamily in Electrophorus electricus (electric eel) is still lacking. In this study, we identified 114 TK genes in the E electricus genome and investigated their evolution, molecular features, and domain architecture using phylogenetic profiling to gain a better understanding of their similarities and specificity. Our results suggested that the electric eel TK (EeTK) repertoire was shaped by whole-genome duplications (WGDs) and tandem duplication events. Compared with other vertebrate TKs, gene members in Jak, Src, and EGFR subfamily duplicated specifically, but with members lost in Eph, Axl, and Ack subfamily in electric eel. We also conducted an exhaustive survey of TK genes in genomic databases, identifying 1674 TK proteins in 31 representative species covering all the main metazoan lineages. Extensive evolutionary analysis indicated that TK repertoire in vertebrates tended to be remarkably conserved, but the gene members in each subfamily were very variable. Comparative expression profile analysis showed that electric organ tissues and muscle shared a similar pattern with specific highly expressed TKs (ie, epha7, musk, jak1, and pdgfra), suggesting that regulation of TKs might play an important role in specifying an electric organ identity from its muscle precursor. We further identified TK genes exhibiting tissue-specific expression patterns, indicating that members in TKs participated in subfunctionalization representing an evolutionary divergence required for the performance of different tissues. This work generates valuable information for further gene function analysis and identifying candidate TK genes reflecting their unique tissue-function specializations in electric eel.
Identification of Altered Genes in Gallbladder Cancer as Potential Driver Mutations for Diagnostic and Prognostic Purposes: A Computational Approach
Authors: D’Afonseca Vívian , Arencibia Ariel D , Echeverría-Vega Alex , Cerpa Leslie , Cayún Juan P , Varela Nelson M , Salazar Marcela , Quiñones Luis A
Published: May 2020

Prognostic markers for cancer can assist in the evaluation of survival probability of patients and help clinicians to assess the available treatment modalities. Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a rare tumor that causes 165 087 deaths in the world annually. It is the most common cancer of the biliary tract and has a particularly high incidence in Chile, Japan, and northern India. Currently, there is no accurate diagnosis test or effective molecular markers for GBC identification. Several studies have focused on the discovery of genetic alterations in important genes associated with GBC to propose novel diagnosis pathways and to create prognostic profiles. To achieve this, we performed data-mining of GBC in public repositories, harboring 133 samples of GBC, allowing us to describe relevant somatic mutations in important genes and to propose a genetic alteration atlas for GBC. In our results, we reported the 14 most altered genes in GBC: arid1a, arid2, atm, ctnnb1, erbb2, erbb3, kmt2c, kmt2d, kras, pik3ca, smad4, tert, tp53, and znf521 in samples from Japan, the United States, Chile, and China. Missense mutations are common among these genes. The annotations of many mutations revealed their importance in cancer development. The observed annotations mentioned that several mutations found in this repository are probably oncogenic, with a putative loss-of-function. In addition, they are hotspot mutations and are probably linked to poor prognosis in other cancers. We identified another 11 genes, which presented a copy number alteration in gallbladder database samples, which are ccnd1, ccnd3, ccne1, cdk12, cdkn2a, cdkn2b, erbb2, erbb3, kras, mdm2, and myc. The findings reported here can help to detect GBC cancer through the development of systems based on genetic alterations, for example, the development of a mutation panel specifically for GBC diagnosis, as well as the creation of prognostic profiles to accomplish the development of GBC and its prevalence.
On lap splice length of lap-spliced crossties for reinforced concrete columns under cyclic loading
Authors: Lee Tai-Kuang , Chen Cheng-Cheng
Published: May 2020

A lap-spliced crosstie comprises two J-shaped rebars, each with a 180° hook at one end and straight at the other end. Six large reinforced concrete columns subjected to lateral cyclic loading were tested. The results indicated the following: (1) the confining effect of horizontally lap-spliced crossties is similar to that of vertically lap-spliced crossties. (2) Splice length of the lap-spliced crossties that is smaller than the code requirement can also provide sufficient concrete confinement. (3) A method for determining required lap splice length for lap-spliced crossties is proposed. (4) The lap-spliced crosstie can considerably improve the constructability of the crossties. Furthermore, the construction quality of reinforced concrete column reinforcement and the seismic resistance capability of reinforced concrete structures can be significantly upgraded.
Application of strain-life fatigue-corrosion model for fillet-welded connections of sign support structures
Authors: Choi Hyungjoo , Najm Husam
Published: May 2020

Fatigue-related corrosion is a complex phenomenon that induces damage accumulation and electrochemical deterioration throughout the service life of the structure. This article presents a previously proposed and modified strain-life Smith–Watson–Topper corrosion model for details on fillet-welded connection of highway sign support structures. To evaluate the degree of corrosion activity, hot-dip galvanized, weathering, and low-carbon steel are investigated with respect to chemical compositions, material properties, and the corresponding corrosion resistance indices. The existing fatigue testing data were analyzed and used to evaluate fatigue resistance under various corrosion environments. A modified Smith–Watson–Topper corrosion model is further utilized to determine acceptable constant amplitude fatigue thresholds for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials fatigue limits under each corrosion category. It was found that low constant amplitude fatigue threshold values were observed for ASTM A588, A595, and A572 steels in locations with corrosion categories exposed to severe corrosive environments. Under these conditions, hot-dip galvanization or other surface treatments of the steel components of the sign supports are recommended to achieve higher constant amplitude fatigue threshold values.
Nonlinear vibration response analysis of a double-row self-aligning ball bearing due to surface imperfections
Authors: Parmar Vivek , Saran VH , Harsha SP
Published: May 2020

This work attempts to study the vibration response of a double-row self-aligning ball bearing due to surface and localized imperfections. For the contact deformation at the ball–race interactions, the Hertzian load–deflection relation is used for the evaluation of time-varying contact stiffness. The elastohydrodynamic theory is applied to find out the central film thickness. For both the inner and outer race waviness cases, the system response is observed as periodic (with vibrations of high amplitude) at [Formula: see text], i.e. multiples of Nb and its vicinity, but gradually turns to quasi-periodic as the value of waviness order reach some intermediate value. In the case of a localized defect, the double impulse phenomenon marks the entry and exit events of the rolling element in and out of the rectangular spall. Hence, this analysis can be used as a diagnostic tool with system dynamic characteristics for distributed and localized defect identification.
A first-person promise? A content-analysis of immersive journalistic productions
Authors: de Bruin Kiki , de Haan Yael , Kruikemeier Sanne , Lecheler Sophie , Goutier Nele
Published: May 2020

Major news outlets increasingly use immersive techniques in their journalistic productions. The idea is that, through the application of immersive technologies, the news consumer can engage with and be part of the story. However, we do not know, to what extent this promise is actually fulfilled in productions currently accessible to news audiences. This study uses a multi-step approach to fill this knowledge gap. First, based on an interdisciplinary literature review, we propose a conceptual model of immersive journalism. We then use the elements of this model to content analyze 189 journalistic productions that are labeled as immersive by the producers, including 360 degree videos, computer-generated VR, and interactive, 360 web productions, stemming from a variety of outlets and countries. Results show that the level of user immersion in these productions is actually limited, with little interaction and technical inclusion possibilities. Our results contribute to an emerging field of journalism studies, in which the user plays a new role when interacting with advancing technologies.
Reactive computational fluid dynamics modelling of methane–hydrogen admixtures in internal combustion engines: Part I – RANS
Authors: Koch Jann , Schürch Christian , Wright Yuri M , Boulouchos Konstantinos
Published: May 2020

The effects of hydrogen addition to internal combustion engines operated by natural gas/methane has been widely demonstrated experimentally in the literature. Already small hydrogen contents in the fuel show promising benefits with respect to increased engine efficiency, lower CO2 emissions, extended lean operating limits and a higher exhaust gas recirculation tolerance while maintaining the knock resistance of methane. In this article, the influence of hydrogen addition to methane on a spark ignited single cylinder engine is investigated. This article proposes a modelling approach to consider hydrogen addition within three-dimensional reactive computational fluid dynamics in order to establish a framework to gain further insights into the involved processes. Experiments have been performed on a single-cylinder spark-ignition engine situated at a test bed and cater as reference data for validating the proposed reactive computational fluid dynamics modelling approach based around the G-Equation combustion model. Within the course of the first part, crucial aspects relevant to the modelling of the mean engine cycle are highlighted. In this article, a simplified early combustion phase model which considers the transition towards a fully developed turbulent flame following ignition is introduced, along with a second submodel considering combined effects of the walls. The sensitivity of the combustion process towards the modelling approach is presented. The submodels were calibrated for a reference operating point, and a sweep in hydrogen content in the fuel as well as stoichiometric and lean operation has been considered. It is shown that the flame speed coefficient A appearing in the used turbulent flame speed closure, weighting the influence of the turbulent fluctuating speed [Formula: see text], has to be adjusted for different hydrogen contents. The introduced submodels allowed for significant improvement of the in-cylinder pressure and heat release rate evolution throughout all considered operating conditions.
Theorizing voice: toward working otherwise with voices
Authors: Chadwick Rachelle
Published: May 2020

This article provides an overview of the ways in which ‘voice’ has been engaged, defined and valorized in qualitative research and argues that alternative imaginings and conceptualizations of ‘voice’ are needed if we are to engage seriously with the material, embodied and contradictory dynamics of qualitative research encounters. In the paper, I argue that new materialist reconfigurings enable a productive reconceptualization of voice as a transindividual process that is not located in individual bodies but is fundamentally relational. A key focus is on how such a reconceptualization of voice can be translated into modes of qualitative praxis which allow the sociomaterial, embodied and ideological overdetermination of voices, stories and accounts to be foregrounded. I argue that analytic and representational strategies that preserve contradiction, heterogeneity, performativity, dialogicality and fleshy embodiment are central to efforts to engage and work otherwise with voices. To this end, three strategies are outlined, namely: (1) embodied listening, (2) multivocality tools and (3) tracing viscous voices. These strategies are shown, via worked examples, to be productive analytic strategies that can be utilized when trying to work otherwise with voices in qualitative research.
Tour guides and the transnational promotion of human rights: Agency, structure and norm translators in responsible travel
Authors: Liljeblad Jonathan
Published: May 2020

Within tourism studies, the movement for ‘responsible tourism’ seeks to direct tourism in support of ideals such as sustainability and human rights. Central to the promotion of such ideals, however, is the tour guide who holds a critical position influencing the orientation of a tourism encounter. This article explores the capacities of tour guides to direct tourism encounters in support of human rights. The analysis draws upon tourism and human rights literature to frame tour guides within the theoretical concept of norm translators. The analysis applies a case study approach to a case of an individual tour guide leading a Vietnam tour package under the employ of a responsible travel company supportive of human rights, with the purpose of clarifying the role of tour guides in promoting human rights and elaborating the theory of norm translators.
Ibis and the city: bogan kitsch and the avian revisualization of Sydney
Authors: Allatson Paul , Connor Andrea
Published: May 2020

The Australian White Ibis (Ibis) ( Threskiornis molucca) is one of three endemic Ibis species in Australia. In a short time frame beginning in the 1970s, this species has moved from inland waterways to urban centres along the eastern and southeastern seaboards, Darwin and the Western Australian southwest. Today Ibis are at home in cities across the country, where they thrive on the food waste, water resources and nesting sites supplied by humans. In this article, the authors focus on Sydney to argue that the physical and cultural inroads of Ibis, and the birds’ urban homeliness, are resignifying urban surfaces and the multispecies ecologies in which contemporary Australians operate. They explore how the very physical and sensory presence of Ibis disrupts the assumptions of many urban Australians, and visitors from overseas, that cities are human-centric or human-dominant, non-hybrid assemblages. They also introduce to this discussion of disrupted human expectations a cultural parallel, namely, the recent rise of Ibis in popular culture as an icon-in-the-making of the nation and as a totem of the modern Australian city itself. This trend exemplifies an avian-led revisualization of urban spaces, and is notable for its visual appeals to Ibis kitsch, and to working class or ‘bogan’ sensibilities that assert their place alongside cosmopolitan visions of being Australian. Sometimes kitsch Ibis imagery erupts across the urban landscape, as occurs with many Ibis murals. At other times it infiltrates daily life on clothing, on football club, university and business logos, as tattoos on people’s skin, and as words in daily idiom, confirmed by terms such as ‘picnic pirates’, ‘tip turkeys’ and ‘bin chickens’. The article uses a visual vignette methodology to chart Ibis moves into Sydney and the realms of representation alike, and thus to reveal how new zoöpolitical entanglements are being made in the 21st century.
Competing risks joint models using R-INLA
Authors: Niekerk Janet van , Bakka Haakon , Rue Håvard
Published: May 2020

The methodological advancements made in the field of joint models are numerous. None the less, the case of competing risks joint models has largely been neglected, especially from a practitioner's point of view. In the relevant works on competing risks joint models, the assumptions of a Gaussian linear longitudinal series and proportional cause-specific hazard functions, amongst others, have remained unchallenged. In this article, we provide a framework based on R-INLA to apply competing risks joint models in a unifying way such that non-Gaussian longitudinal data, spatial structures, times-dependent splines and various latent association structures, to mention a few, are all embraced in our approach. Our motivation stems from the SANAD trial which exhibits non-linear longitudinal trajectories and competing risks for failure of treatment. We also present a discrete competing risks joint model for longitudinal count data as well as a spatial competing risks joint model as specific examples.
Study on the cage slip of rolling bearing using a non-contact method
Authors: Zhan Liwei , Ma Fang , Li ZhengHui , Li HaiTao , Li Chengwei
Published: May 2020

In this article, a novel, non-contact method is proposed to detect cage slip of rolling bearing. The proposed method can obtain the speed signal of cage and inner raceway by the introduction of weak magnetic field detection technology simultaneously. Meanwhile, to enhance the identified accuracy of cage slip, an adaptive filtering method is developed to suppress noise in weak magnetic field sensor output signal. The method adopts complementary complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) to decompose the weak magnetic field sensor output signal into a set of intrinsic mode functions adaptively. The intrinsic mode functions contain noisy component of detection signal (noisy intrinsic mode functions) as well as corresponding signal component of the roller and inner raceway (signal intrinsic mode functions). The noisy- and signal intrinsic mode functions are identified by the development of reconstruction criterion. The criterion is determined based on upper boundary of rotational frequency of roller under pure rolling conditions. Then, the noisy intrinsic mode functions are forced to zero, and signal intrinsic mode functions are reconstructed to extract the speed information of roller and inner raceway. An experiment system is developed to verify the effectiveness of proposed method. The experiment result shows that the cage slip decreases with the increment in load under the given speed conditions and increases with the increment in speed under the given load conditions, as well as the cage slip is more serious under given no-load conditions. It shows that the weak magnetic field detection technology can be used to detect the cage slip of rolling bearing.
Dynamic response reconstruction for structural health monitoring using densely connected convolutional networks
Authors: Fan Gao , Li Jun , Hao Hong
Published: May 2020

This article proposes a novel dynamic response reconstruction approach for structural health monitoring using densely connected convolutional networks. Skip connection and dense block techniques are carefully applied in the designed network architecture, which greatly facilitates the information flow, and increases the training efficiency and accuracy of feature extraction and propagation with fewer parameters in the network. Sub-pixel shuffling and dropout techniques are used in the designed network and applied to reduce the computational demand and improve training efficiency. The network is trained in a supervised manner, where the input and output are the measurements of the available channels at response available locations and desired channels at response unavailable locations. The proposed densely connected convolutional networks automatically extract the high-level features of the input data and construct the complicated nonlinear relationship between the responses of available and desired locations. Experimental studies are conducted using the measured acceleration responses from Guangzhou New Television Tower to investigate the effects of the locations of available responses, the numbers of available and unavailable channels, and measurement noise. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach can accurately reconstruct the responses in both time and frequency domains with strong noise immunity. The reconstructed response is further used for modal identification to demonstrate the usability and accuracy of the reconstructed responses. The applicability of the proposed approach for structural health monitoring is further proved by the highly consistent modal parameters identified from the reconstructed and true responses.
The Quality of Political Information
Authors: Vössing Konstantin
Published: May 2020

The article conceptualizes the quality of political information and shows how the concept can be used for empirical research. I distinguish three aspects of quality ( intelligibility, relevance, and validity) and use them to judge the constituent foundations of political information, that is, component claims (statements of alleged facts) and connection claims (argumentative statements created by causally linking two component claims). The resulting conceptual map thus entails six manifestations of information quality ( component claim intelligibility, connection claim intelligibility, component claim relevance, connection claim relevance, component claim validity, and connection claim validity). I explain how the conceptual map can be used to make sense of the eclectic variety of existing research, and how it can advance new empirical research, as a guide for determining variation in information quality, as a conceptual template for the analysis of different types of political messages and their common quality deficiencies, and as a generator of new research questions and theoretical expectations.
The Survival Benefit of Combination Therapy With Mild Temperature Hyperthermia and an Herbal Prescription of Gun-Chil-Jung in 54 Cancer Patients Treated With Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Jun Hyeong Joon , Park So-Jung , Kang Hwi-Joong , Lee Ga-Young , Lee Namhun , Park Ji Hye , Yoo Hwa-Seung
Published: May 2020

Background: The combination of herbal medicine with conventional treatment increases the survival rate of cancer patients, but the effect is not great. Hyperthermia may have a synergistic effect with herbal medicine alongside conventional medicine. Objective: To monitor the efficacy of hyperthermia together with Gun-Chil-Jung (GCJ) capsule for event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) for the treatment of various cancers. Methods: We collected data retrospectively on 54 cancer patients of all stages. They were divided into 4 groups according to each hyperthermia or GCJ treatment period. Hyperthermia with 0.46 MHz radiofrequency wave was applied a power of 50 to 100 W for 70 minutes. GCJ capsules were administered orally 3 times a day. Results: The median follow-up was 13.4 months, and 25 (55.6%) patients showed disease-related events. Hyperthermia with GCJ treatment was administered in combination group (n = 36, 66.7%) and traditional Korean medicine–only group (n = 17, 31.5%). The median EFS was 190 days, and the median OS was 390 days. The group of hyperthermia 7 times or fewer and GCJ more than 28 days showed longer EFS and OS. The analysis of superiority between hyperthermia and GCJ showed no significant difference (EFS, P = .55; OS, P = .364). Conclusions: The combination of hyperthermia 1 to 2 times a week with GCJ treatment may improve survival of cancer patients treated or being treated with conventional cancer therapies.
State of health prediction of medical lithium batteries based on multi-scale decomposition and deep learning
Authors: Liu Chang Chun , Wu Tao , He Cheng
Published: May 2020

To guarantee rescue time and reduce medical accidents, a health degradation prediction model of medical lithium-ion batteries based on multi-scale deep neural network was proposed aiming at the problems of poor model adaptability and inaccurate prediction in current state of health prediction methods. The collected energy data of medical lithium-ion batteries were decomposed into main trend data and fluctuation data by ensemble empirical mode decomposition and correlation analysis. Then, deep Boltzmann machines and long short-term memory were used to model the main trend and fluctuation data, respectively. The predicting outcomes of deep Boltzmann machines and long short-term memory were effectively integrated to obtain the health predicted results of medical lithium-ion battery. The experimental results show that the method can effectively fit the health trend of medical lithium-ion batteries and obtain accurate state of health prediction results. The performance of the method is better than other typical prediction methods.
Comparative study on destructive performance and energy absorption of aluminum tube by simulation and experiment
Authors: Hu Lai , Zha Jun , Chen Yaolong
Published: May 2020

This study conducted an investigation on transverse quasi-static three-point loading on a circular aluminum tube and its characteristic plastic failure and energy-absorption behaviors. The thin wall thickness of the aluminum tube, the various diameter and thickness ratios ( D/ t) of the tube, and the tube length are important control parameters. Experimental data for different span length and thickness ratios of the tube were characterized and correlated to its plastic collapse behavior. A simulation model by computational analysis using ANSYS was also conducted as a comparative study. The results of the study found that transverse three-point bend loading (ASTM F290) of a circular aluminum tube underwent different stages of deformation, from initial pure crumpling to crumpling and bending, and finally, structural rupture. The results of master curve analysis found that regions of high energy absorption and low energy absorption can be classified with respect to the characteristic tubular deformation. High energy absorption deformation is correlated with a short span length and higher D/ t ratio, and vice versa for low energy absorption deformation of the circular aluminum tube. Simulation analysis also predicted similar characteristic trends of deformation behavior in the experiment, with a less than 3% average coefficient of variation.
To CAG or not to CAG? Difficulties in determining submission to the Confidentiality Advisory Group: a commentary
Authors: Ranieri V , Stynes H , Kennedy E
Published: May 2020

The Confidentiality Advisory Group (CAG) is a specialised body that advises the Health Research Authority (HRA) and the Secretary of State for Health on requests for access to confidential information, in the absence of informed consent from its owners. Its primary role is to oversee the safe use of such information and to counsel the governing bodies mentioned above as to whether such use is appropriate or inappropriate. Researchers who seek access to England or Wales-based confidential data, for medical purposes that are in the interest of the public, are typically required to submit an application to this body. However, it is not always clear to researchers whether requests for access to patient data fit within the remit of the CAG or a Trust’s local information governance team. This commentary will, therefore, explore the role of the CAG and reflect on how best to support researchers with this question.
Contemporary practices of high-performance swimming coaches on pacing skill development and competition preparation
Authors: McGibbon KE , Pyne DB , Shephard ME , Osborne MA , Thompson KG
Published: May 2020

Pacing is arguably more crucial for optimal performance in swimming than in land-based sports, however little is known about the process of developing pacing skills in swimmers. The aim of this study was to examine the current practices of high-performance swimming coaches in relation to pacing entrainment and competition preparation. Twenty-one swimming coaches who were currently coaching or had coached swimmers at national open, international age or international open level, participated in a semi-structured interview. Interview transcripts were examined using hierarchical content (qualitative) analysis to identify general dimensions, higher-order themes and sub-themes. Data were categorised into two main areas: training and competition. The general dimensions of monitoring, pacing aids, periodisation and training for multiple events emerged within training; whereas optimal strategy, racing, warm up swims and multiple main events emerged within competition. Coaches identified the importance of a highly individualised approach based on swimmer needs and characteristics. However, the difficulty in achieving this goal when working with large groups of swimmers was identified as a challenge. Although swimming is a time-based sport, efficient technique and pacing were considered vital to success. Despite this, it appears that key variables including stroke rate, stroke count, split times and rating of perceived exertion were not monitored by a number of coaches. These parameters are likely important tools to maximise pacing skill development, especially in young swimmers. However, given the current lack of information on how athletes learn and develop pacing skills, coaches would benefit from evidence-based guidelines in this area.
Does the longitudinal development of physical and anthropometric characteristics associate with professional career attainment in adolescent Australian footballers?
Authors: Cripps Ashley J , Banyard Harry G , Woods Carl T , Joyce Christopher , Hopper Luke S
Published: May 2020

This study sought to longitudinally and retrospectively determine the relationship between professional career attainment and the development of anthropometric and physical qualities in junior Australian footballers. Eighty adolescent male Australian footballers from a single state academy previously selected onto an under 16 s talent development squad were classified by career attainment (professional team selection; n = 17 and non-selected; n = 63). Physical and anthropometric tests were conducted at the end of preseason during participation in under 16 and under 18 competitions. Tests included standing height, mass, stationary countermovement jumps, dynamic vertical jumps, 20-m sprints, agility and 20 m multistage fitness test. Both groups significantly improved all performance measures between the under 16 and under 18 levels. Athletes selected onto a professional team possessed significantly quicker 20-m sprint outcomes than non-selected athletes at both under 16 and under 18 levels, highlighting the importance of this physical capacity within talent development programmes. Binary logistic regression was unable to predict an effect of any measures on career attainment. An inability of the binary logistic regression to identify qualities predictive of long-term career success likely highlights limitations associated with utilising unidimensional models of assessment in talent identification practices. As such, development coaches and sport scientists should be aware that while physical capacities play a role in career attainment outcomes, other factors, such as tactical understanding and technical skill are also likely to be impactful.
Antithrombotic and hemostatic stewardship: evaluation of clinical outcomes and adverse events of recombinant factor VIIa (Novoseven®) utilization at a large academic medical center
Authors: Marsh Kassandra , Green David , Raco Veronica , Papadopoulos John , Ahuja Tania
Published: May 2020

Background:

Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) (Novoseven®) is utilized for the reversal of anticoagulation-associated bleeding and refractory bleeding in cardiac surgery. In August 2015, rFVIIa was transferred from the blood bank to the pharmacy at New York University (NYU) Langone Health. Concordantly, an off-label dosing guideline was developed. The objective of this study was to describe utilization and cost of rFVIIa and assess compliance to our dosing guideline.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective, observational review of rFVIIa administrations post-implementation of an off-label dosing guideline. All patients who received rFVIIa between September 2015 and June 2017 were evaluated. For each rFVIIa administration, anticoagulation and laboratory values, indications for use, dosing, ordering and administration times, concomitant blood products, and adverse events were collected. Adverse events included venous thromboembolism, stroke, myocardial infarction, and death due to systemic embolism and mortality. The primary endpoint was the utilization of rFVIIa in accordance with the off-label dosing guideline. Secondary endpoints included hemostatic efficacy of rFVIIa, adverse events, blood products administered, and cost-effectiveness of rFVIIa transition to pharmacy.

Results:

A total of 63 patients [pediatric ( n = 6), adult ( n = 57)] received rFVIIa, with the majority of use for refractory bleeding after cardiac surgery. The utilization of rVIIa decreased after development of the off-label dosing guideline and transition from blood bank to pharmacy. The total incidence of thromboembolic events within 30 days was 19.6%; 17.6% arterial and 2% venous; 70% of patients with an adverse event were over 70 years of age. Use of rFVIIa reduced the median number of units of blood products administered.

Conclusion:

Administration of rFVIIa for cardiac surgery appears to be effective for hemostasis. Transitioning rFVIIa from the blood bank to pharmacy and implementation of a dosing guideline appears to have reduced utilization. Patients receiving rFVIIa should be monitored for thromboembolic events. Elderly patients may be at higher risk for thromboembolic events.
Art, nature and mental health: assessing the biopsychosocial effects of a ‘creative green prescription’ museum programme involving horticulture, artmaking and collections
Authors: Thomson LJ , Morse N , Elsden E , Chatterjee HJ
Published: May 2020

Aims:

To assess the biopsychosocial effects of participation in a unique, combined arts- and nature-based museum intervention, involving engagement with horticulture, artmaking and museum collections, on adult mental health service users.

Methods:

Adult mental health service users (total n = 46 across two phases) with an average age of 53 were referred through social prescribing by community partners (mental health nurse and via a day centre for disadvantaged and vulnerable adults) to a 10-week ‘creative green prescription’ programme held in Whitworth Park and the Whitworth Art Gallery. The study used an exploratory sequential mixed methods design comprising two phases – Phase 1 (September to December 2016): qualitative research investigating the views of participants ( n = 26) through semi-structured interviews and diaries and Phase 2 (February to April 2018): quantitative research informed by Phase 1 analysing psychological wellbeing data from participants ( n = 20) who completed the UCL Museum Wellbeing Measure pre–post programme.

Results:

Inductive thematic analysis of Phase 1 interview data revealed increased feelings of wellbeing brought about by improved self-esteem, decreased social isolation and the formation of communities of practice. Statistical analysis of pre–post quantitative measures in Phase 2 found a highly significant increase in psychological wellbeing.

Conclusion:

Creative green prescription programmes, using a combination of arts- and nature-based activities, present distinct synergistic benefits that have the potential to make a significant impact on the psychosocial wellbeing of adult mental health service users. Museums with parks and gardens should consider integrating programmes of outdoor and indoor collections-inspired creative activities permitting combined engagement with nature, art and wellbeing.
The impact of socioeconomic position on non-communicable diseases: what do we know about it?
Authors: Lago - Peñas S , Rivera B , Cantarero D , Casal B , Pascual M , Blázquez-Fernández C , Reyes F
Published: May 2020

Aims:

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a primary health concern for most countries around the world. The aim of this research is to analyze the relevant evidence that determines the effect of socioeconomic position (SEP) on the incidence and prevalence of NCDs.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify evidence regarding the relationship between income inequalities and NCDs, between 2005 and 2015. The final selection of papers was based on applied studies focusing on Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and articles referring to three main groups of chronic diseases: cardiovascular and heart diseases, cancer, and diabetes.

Results:

A final set of 47 selected studies were fully taken into account in this review. Despite significant heterogeneity in exposure and outcomes measures, overall the evidence suggests that having low SEP increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), lung and breast cancer, and type 2 diabetes. SEP is also associated with multiple NCD risk factors such as smoking and physical inactivity.

Conclusion:

Low socioeconomic status appears to have a significant consistent impact on mortality and morbidity caused by NCDs in OECD countries. Social and economic disadvantages are associated with health inequalities in terms of access to care, increased incident risk of NCDs, and early death. These findings point to the need for public health strategies and research to address socioeconomic status disparity among individuals.
A ‘whole systems’ approach to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage consumption: issues for global health promotion through a small island lens
Authors: Jackson-Morris Angela M.
Published: May 2020

Reducing sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is a prominent strategy to reduce sugar intake and non-communicable disease (NCD) risk worldwide. Recommended measures encompass policy, environmental modification, health literacy, reformulation and taxation. This commentary draws from an intervention to reduce SSB consumption in a remote, rural context with high intake and under-developed alternatives and health literacy. The island of St Helena introduced SSB taxation from 2014, yet impact appeared limited. In 2018, supply and demand measures for substitute products were developed, alongside a taxation increase. Preliminary data indicate a shift away from SSB towards non-sugar beverages (artificially sweetened beverages (ASB) and tap water). Issues for global health promotion include the specific manifestation of social and commercial determinants of health in remote and rural contexts, integrated multifaceted strategies to provide supporting conditions for policies such as SSB taxation to deliver impact, and the role of ASB to reduce SSB in high consumption contexts.