bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facing the Pandemic: The Italian Experience From Health Management Experts’ Perspective
Authors: Fanelli Simone , Lanza Gianluca , Francesconi Andrea , Zangrandi Antonello
Published: July 2020

Globalization has boosted the development of new pathogens as well as their capacity to cross national borders and threaten citizens’ health. It should therefore have been no surprise that the infection caused by COVID-19 spread so quickly from the metropolitan city of Wuhan, China, to the whole world. Today, the COVID-19 pandemic represents the biggest health crisis for many countries since the postwar period. The aggressiveness of the virus quickly led many countries to bring in strict containment measures to limit the spread of the disease and particularly to reduce pressure on hospitals. Pandemics affect the health care community in different ways, but all involve a bigger flow of patients into the system, compromising the proper functioning of hospitals. Italy was the first Western country to be heavily affected by the virus. This article describes how Italian health care organizations are facing the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey administered to health management experts highlights the main problems and possible ways for health care organizations to cope with the health crisis more effectively. Results highlight that the COVID-19 pandemic had a dramatic impact on health care organizations, forcing all hospitals to modify structures and processes to guarantee an efficacious response to new patient care needs. The lack of specialized resources, appropriate coordination tools, and clear plans for emergency management were the main problems faced by hospitals. Italy’s experience could be useful to countries facing the crisis today, or those which will face it in the near future.
Gazing Without Eyes: A “Stare-in-the-Crowd” Effect Induced by Simple Geometric Shapes
Authors: Colombatto Clara , van Buren Benjamin , Scholl Brian J.
Published: July 2020

Of the many effects that eye contact has, perhaps the most powerful is the stare-in-the-crowd effect, wherein faces are detected more readily when they look directly toward you. This is commonly attributed to others’ eyes being especially salient visual stimuli, but here we ask whether stares-in-the-crowd might arise instead from a deeper property that the eyes (but not only the eyes) signify: the direction of others’ attention and intentions. In fact, even simple geometric shapes can be seen as intentional, as when numerous randomly scattered cones are all consistently pointing at you. Accordingly, we show here that cones directed at the observer are detected faster (in fields of averted cones) than are cones averted away from the observer (in fields of directed cones). These results suggest that perceived intentionality itself captures attention—and that even in the absence of eyes, others’ directed attention stands out in a crowd.
Investigating nonlinear vibrations of multi-scale truncated conical shell segments with carbon nanotube/fiberglass reinforcement using a higher order conical shell theory
Authors: Mirjavadi Seyed Sajad , Forsat Masoud , Barati Mohammad Reza , Hamouda AMS
Published: July 2020

This research deals with the nonlinear vibration analysis of functionally graded carbon nanotubes and fiber-reinforced composite truncated conical shell segments based upon third-order shear deformation theory. A detailed procedure for obtaining material properties of the multi-scale carbon nanotube/fiber-reinforced composite based on the three-dimensional Mori–Tanaka scheme has been provided. The truncated conical shell segments have been reinforced by distributed carbon nanotubes in the thickness direction according to uniform, linear, and nonlinear functions. The nonlinear equations have been solved via both Galerkin’s technique and Jacobi elliptic function method. Based on the numerical results, the effects of diverse carbon nanotube distribution, fiber volume, fiber orientation, and semi-vertex and open angles of the segment on vibrational frequencies of the truncated conical shell have been studied.
Information-seeking behaviour of science and technology researchers in Nigeria: A survey of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi
Authors: Makinde Olayinka Babayemi , Jiyane Glenrose Velile , Mugwisi Tinashe
Published: July 2020

The science and technology sector plays an important role in the growth and diversification of the Nigerian economy. This article examines the information-seeking behaviour of science and technology researchers in Nigeria in order for the right approach to be taken with respect to information provision. A survey methodology was used for the study and 114 multidisciplinary science and technology researchers at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi served as the respondents. The findings of the study revealed that science and technology researchers frequently sourced information from journals and knowledgeable persons; the Internet was the most frequent information source. The science and technology researchers used information for carrying out research and solving personal needs, among other things. The challenges identified in using information sources included outdated books and lack of adoption of electronic services. The study recommended that efforts should be directed at improving researchers’ access to information and the establishment of an institutional electronic database should be encouraged.
Strengthening the Capacity of Emergency Medical Services in Low and Middle Income Countries using Dispatcher-Coordinated Taxis
Authors: Mishra Vipul , Ahuja Richa , Nezamuddin N. , Tiwari Geetam , Bhalla Kavi
Published: July 2020

International standards recommend provision of one ambulance for every 50,000 people to fulfill demand for transporting patients to definitive care facilities in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Governments’ consistent attempt to build capacity of emergency medical services (EMS) in LMICs has been financially demanding. This study is an attempt to assess the feasibility of capacity building of existing EMS in Delhi, India by using taxis as an alternative mode of transport for emergency transportation of road traffic crash victims to enable improvement in response time for road traffic crashes where time criticality is deemed important. Performance of the proposed system is evaluated based on response time, coverage and distance. The system models the performance and quantifies the taxi–ambulance configuration for achieving EMS performance within international standards.
Digital Adaptability: A New Measure for Digital Inequality Research
Authors: Puckett Cassidy
Published: July 2020

Past research suggests the ability to adapt to technological change by learning new technologies is a core feature of technological competence and consequential for inequality. Yet there exists no definition or measure of what people do to learn technologies that are new to them and empirically link this to inequality. To address this gap, I conducted studies involving over 2,000 adolescents to develop and validate a measure of what I call “digital adaptability,” the use of five habits that help individuals learn technologies that are new to them. The studies included observation and cognitive interviews to describe adaptability and develop an initial item pool, a pilot to narrow items using structural equation modeling, a full test with 897 eighth-grade students in Chicago with analysis of convergent and discriminant validity, and a replication study with 1,285 high school students near Boston. Finally, using Chicago and Boston area data, I find adaptability correlates with students’ educational plans and career aspirations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics —linking digital adaptability to students’ futures. Overall, the digital adaptability measure provides a critical theoretical and empirical tool for digital inequality research, practice, and policy.
Design and additive manufacturing of porous titanium scaffolds for optimum cell viability in bone tissue engineering
Authors: Li Bingbing , Hesar Bani Davod , Zhao Yiwen , Ding Li
Published: July 2020

Pore size, external shape, and internal complexity of additively manufactured porous titanium scaffolds are three primary determinants of cell viability and structural strength of scaffolds in bone tissue engineering. To obtain an optimal design with the combination of all three determinants, four scaffolds each with a unique topology (external geometry and internal structure) were designed and varied the pore sizes of each scaffold 3 times. For each topology, scaffolds with pore sizes of 300, 400, and 500 µm were designed. All designed scaffolds were additively manufactured in material Ti6Al4V by the direct metal laser melting machine. Compression test was conducted on the scaffolds to assure meeting minimum compressive strength of human bone. The effects of pore size and topology on the cell viability of the scaffolds were analyzed. The 12 scaffolds were ultrasonically cleaned and seeded with NIH3T3 cells. Each scaffold was seeded with 1 million cells. After 32 days of culturing, the cells were fixed for their three-dimensional architecture preservation and to obtain scanning electron microscope images.
Assessment Strategies for Reflective Learning in the Workplace: A Pragmatic Approach
Authors: Roessger Kevin M.
Published: July 2020

Practitioners often struggle to assess reflective learning in the workplace because of difficulties conceptualizing reflection and its effects in the workplace. This article addresses this problem by offering a pragmatic approach to assessment that asks practitioners to specify why they are using reflection, what they are hoping to gain from it, and how it manifests in practice. This article then discusses several ways that practitioners can assess the impact of reflective learning at work while accounting for the contextual nature of adult learning and practice. Methods are described that aim to help practitioners identify with whom reflection works, where reflection works, and when reflection works best. It discusses implications for adult learning practice and theory.
Exploring and Engaging in Music Innovation Through the Engineering Design Process
Authors: May Brittany Nixon
Published: July 2020

The purpose of integrating engineering into the K-12 curriculum is to engage students in using a systematic process to design solutions to real-world problems. The engineering design process is a series of steps that guide engineers to solve problems and can be integrated into the general music curriculum to provide students with opportunities to explore and engage in music innovation.
Comparison of External Torque to Axial Loading in Detecting 3-Dimensional Displacement of Syndesmotic Ankle Injuries
Authors: Burssens Arne , Krähenbühl Nicola , Weinberg Maxwell M. , Lenz Amy L. , Saltzman Charles L. , Barg Alexej
Published: July 2020

Background:

Current imaging techniques try to quantify 3-dimensional displacement of syndesmotic ankle injuries using 2-dimensional measurements, which may obscure an exact diagnosis. Therefore, our aim was to determine 3-dimensional displacement of syndesmotic ankle injuries under load and torque using a weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) and to assess the relation with previously established 2-dimensional measurements.

Methods:

Seven paired cadaver specimens were mounted into a radiolucent frame. WBCT scans were obtained to generate 3-dimensional models after different patterns of axial load (0 kg, 85 kg) combined with external torque (0, 10 Nm). Sequential imaging was repeated in ankles containing intact syndesmotic ligaments, sectioning of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL; condition 1A), deltoid ligament (DL; condition 1B), combined AITFL+DL (condition 2), and AITFl+DL+interosseous membrane (condition 3). Reference anatomical landmarks were established relative to the intact position of the fibula to quantify displacement. A subsequent correlation analysis was performed between the obtained 2- and 3-dimensional measurements.

Results:

Axial load increased lateral translation (mean = −0.9 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3, –0.1) significantly in condition 2 relative to the intact ankle ( P < .05) but did not demonstrate other significant displacements. External torque increased displacement significantly in all directions ( P < .05), except for dorsal translation of the fibula ( P > .05). The highest displacement could be detected when external torque was applied in condition 3 and consisted of posterior translation (mean = −3.1 mm; 95% CI: –4.8, –2.7) and external rotation (mean = −4.7 degrees; 95% CI: –5.6, –2.9). Pearson correlation coefficients between the 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional measurements were moderate and ranged from 0.31 to 0.56 ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

External torque demonstrated superiority over axial load in detecting syndesmotic ankle instability. Axial load increased lateral translation; however, differences were submillimeter in magnitude until torque was applied. A moderate correlation was found with previously established 2-dimensional measurements.

Clinical Relevance:

In clinical practice these findings substantiate application of external torque in current imaging modalities to improve detection of syndesmotic ankle injuries.
Stereotyping of Muslims in Germany: How the Presumed Influence of Media Stereotypes on Others Influences Attitudes and Behavioral Intentions Toward Muslims
Authors: Sommer Katharina , Kühne Rinaldo
Published: July 2020

The study investigates the influence of media stereotypes on the degree of presumed media influence on others and the resulting effects for people’s own attitudes toward a minority. We examine how the presumption of negative effects of media stereotypes on others can lead to a correction of one’s own attitude toward Muslims. In an online experiment, we test the relationship among media stereotyping, presumed media effects, and attitudinal and behavioral consequences. The results show that one’s own attitude toward Muslims is corrected when people presume a negative influence of media stereotypes about Muslims on other people.
Testing the Systemic Model of Social Disorganization Theory in South Korean Neighborhoods: A Latent Class Growth Analysis Approach to Specifying Pathways to Homicide
Authors: Cho Sujung , Lee Yung Hyeock , Harper Shannon B.
Published: July 2020

This study examines the relationship between structural characteristics and homicide trajectories in South Korean neighborhoods utilizing the systemic model of social disorganization theory as an analytical lens. Group-based trajectory modeling of Korean homicide data across 229 municipal-level sub-national regions between 2008 and 2013 yielded three groups: high-decrease, moderate, and low-stable. The odds of belonging to the high and moderate groups compared to the low-stable group were significantly increased for communities with a higher-level divorce rate and residential instability rate. Social control was significant in the high-decrease group compared to the low-stable group, but had no mediating effect on this relationship.
6 Feet Apart: Spaces and Cultures of Quarantine
Authors: Shields Rob , Schillmeier Michael , Lloyd Justine , Van Loon Joost
Published: July 2020

Introduction to Spaces and Cultures of Quarantine. This special issue assembles a set of short interventions selected by internal blind review from submissions in response to a call for papers. The contributors document the first phase of the pandemic from February to May 2020, reflect on and respond to the first few months of the global spread of COVID-19, its arrival in communities and its personal impacts and effects on the public realm, from travel to retail to work and civil society. They encompass many continents, from Latin America to Asia. Staying six feet apart provides a rubric for the spatial experience and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on urban life, our understanding of public interaction, crowd practice, and everyday life at home under self-isolation and lockdown. Time changed to a before and after of COVID-19. The temporality of pandemics is noted in its present and historical popular forms such as nursery rhymes (Ring around the Rosie). Place ballets of avoidance, passing by, long days under lockdown and hurried forays into public places and shops create a new social performativity and cultural topology of care at a distance.
Thinking with Quarantine Urbanism?
Authors: Bianchetti Crtistina , Boano Camillo , Di Campli Antonio
Published: July 2020

A short reflection on Quarantine Urbanism. Reflecting on the urban discourse which is apparently coalescing around the coronavirus and its effects on the city, are a series of arguments and hypotheses, bound by an epidemiological vision of space, in which attention is placed on the system of relationships that define our practices of dwelling and space production rather than on the inhabitant or society as a whole.
Quarantine and Informality: Reflections on the Colombian Case
Authors: Salamanca Juan David Guevara , Vargas Gonzalo
Published: July 2020

The spread of the COVID-19 has generated a global rupture of routines and everyday life. The situation for informal settlements is exceptionally delicate due to their socio-economic conditions and the restrictions imposed by the quarantine to contain the virus. In this brief piece, we present our reflections about the quarantine in relation to urban informality. Most of our discussion is centered on an informal settlement in Bogotá: El Codito sector. We reflect on the quarantine as a privilege that not everyone possesses, as well as on the materiality of the quarantine and the possible suspensions of informal powers. We suggest considering the potentialities and capacities of informal settlements to help flatten the curve and navigate the crisis.
Turning Quarantine Inside Out
Authors: Russell Kamala
Published: July 2020

In this essay, I describe two logics of space that are operative in responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Quarantine partitioning is unavoidable and widespread. As a mode of governing, it presents a logic of space understood through its divisibility, making this logic seem like a given. Using the topological concept of a sphere eversion, I describe an alternative way of understanding spaces of quarantine as surroundings that we are exposed to or in contact with. I locate this alternative logic of space within already existing practices and concerns around public spaces newly invested with the possibility of exposure to and exposing others.
No Safe Space: Zombie Film Tropes during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Reis Filho Lúcio
Published: July 2020

As COVID-19 spreads across the globe, reports on the crisis evoke many tropes of horror cinema, reinforcing the role of pandemics in apocalyptic imagination. More tied to the zombie film subgenre, horror tropes re-emerge daily in the news and mainstream culture: the unexplainable disease, the silence or denial of the authorities, the political disarticulation, the buzz of the media, the government conspiracy, the collapse of the social order, and the big cities as vast, ruined spaces. Considering the profound changes in urban landscapes, the analogy I intend to establish with a specific horror subgenre highlights the stigma of the infected, the quarantine as a social and cultural experience, and the segregation inherent in it.
How Dutch and Italian women’s networks mobilize affect to foster transformative change towards gender equality
Authors: Bleijenbergh Inge , Cacace Marina , Falcinelli Daniela , del Giorgio Elena , Declich Giovanna
Published: July 2020

This article contributes to the debate about the role of affect in transformative change towards gender equality, by comparing the building of affect in two recently founded women’s networks in Italian and Dutch universities. By conceptualizing networking as a social and cultural practice that organizes a collective body through the building of affect between specific groups of organizational stakeholders, we reveal the emotional, dynamic and context-dependent character of transformative change. We found that similar women’s networks build affect with organizational stakeholders in different ways, shaping boundaries of different collective bodies through emotions and adapting to the cultural meaning attributed to earlier actions. By bridging bottom-up and top-down approaches to gender equality and tailoring the building of affect to the local context they potentially contribute to transformational change towards gender equality.
Covid-19 and feminism in the Global South: Challenges, initiatives and dilemmas
Authors: Al-Ali Nadje
Published: July 2020

The article addresses the gendered implications of Covid-19 in the Global South by paying attention to the intersectional pre-existing inequalities that have given rise to specific risks and vulnerabilities. It explores various aspects of the pandemic-induced ‘crisis of social reproduction’ that affects women as the main caregivers as well as addressing the drastic increase of various forms of gender-based violence. Both, in addition to growing poverty and severely limited access to resources and health services, are particularly devastating in marginalized and vulnerable communities in the Global South. The article looks at specific regions and countries to illustrate wider challenges faced by LGBTQ populations, ethnic minorities, domestic workers, migrants and sex workers. Against the background of these gendered intersectional challenges, the article then moves to discuss feminist initiatives and mobilizations to deal with the crisis in specific local contexts as well as nationally, regionally and transnationally. It concludes by highlighting a number of visions, tensions and dilemmas faced by feminists in the Global South that will need to be taken into consideration in terms of transnational feminist solidarities.
Destination selection: Influence of tourists’ personality on perceived travel constraints
Authors: Tan Wee-Kheng
Published: July 2020

This study discusses how tourists’ personality traits influence their perceived travel constraints during the destination selection process. Specifically, it investigates how the personalities of tourists involved in the preliminary consideration of a tourist destination influences their perceived leisure travel constraints and the corresponding information searches under different temporal distance conditions. Partial least squares (PLS) and PLS multi-group analyses were performed on 335 completed surveys (177 and 158 for the distant- and near-future scenarios, respectively) and revealed that the constraints of safety concerns and a lack of interest, time, and money were major concerns of tourists. These constraints were experienced more strongly for a high temporal distance, than a low temporal one. The impact of personality on perceived constraints was more evident for high temporal distance. The study has practical ramifications for destination marketing organizations in that it can enhance their understanding of tourists’ behavior during the pre-trip planning stage, and help prevent the “premature” elimination of their destinations.
Continuing to look in the mirror: A review of neuroscientific evidence for the broken mirror hypothesis, EP-M model and STORM model of autism spectrum conditions
Authors: Yates Luke , Hobson Hannah
Published: July 2020

The mirror neuron system has been argued to be a key brain system responsible for action understanding and imitation. Subsequently, mirror neuron system dysfunction has therefore been proposed to explain the social deficits manifested within autism spectrum condition, an approach referred to as the broken mirror hypothesis. Despite excitement surrounding this hypothesis, extensive research has produced insufficient evidence to support the broken mirror hypothesis in its pure form, and instead two alternative models have been formulated: EP-M model and the social top-down response modulation (STORM) model. All models suggest some dysfunction regarding the mirror neuron system in autism spectrum condition, be that within the mirror neuron system itself or systems that regulate the mirror neuron system. This literature review compares these three models in regard to recent neuroscientific investigations. This review concludes that there is insufficient support for the broken mirror hypothesis, but converging evidence supports an integrated EP-M and STORM model.

Lay abstract

The mirror neuron system has been argued to be a key brain system responsible for understanding the actions of others and for imitation. It has therefore been proposed that problems within this system could explain the social difficulties experienced by people with autism spectrum condition. This idea is referred to as the broken mirror hypothesis. However, research has produced insufficient evidence to support the broken mirror hypothesis in its original form. Therefore, two other models have been suggested: EP-M model and the social top-down response modulation (STORM) model. All models suggest something is different regarding the mirror neuron system in autism spectrum condition: either within the mirror neuron system itself or within the systems that control the activity of the mirror neuron system. This literature review compares these three models in regard to recent neuroscientific investigations. This review concludes that there is insufficient support for both the broken mirror hypothesis, but converging evidence supports an integrated EP-M and STORM model.
Asymmetrical perceptions of partisan political bots
Authors: Yan Harry Yaojun , Yang Kai-Cheng , Menczer Filippo , Shanahan James
Published: July 2020

Political bots are social media algorithms that impersonate political actors and interact with other users, aiming to influence public opinion. This study investigates the ability to differentiate bots with partisan personas from humans on Twitter. Our online experiment ( N = 656) explores how various characteristics of the participants and of the stimulus profiles bias recognition accuracy. The analysis reveals asymmetrical partisan-motivated reasoning, in that conservative profiles appear to be more confusing and Republican participants perform less well in the recognition task. Moreover, Republican users are more likely to confuse conservative bots with humans, whereas Democratic users are more likely to confuse conservative human users with bots. We discuss implications for how partisan identities affect motivated reasoning and how political bots exacerbate political polarization.
Imagining and living new worlds: The dynamics of kinship in contexts of mobility and migration
Authors: Carsten Janet
Published: July 2020

This essay considers kinship in the contexts of movement and migration. Delineating two quite different models of kinship (‘doing’ and ‘being’, the performative and the ascriptive), highlights how mobility and migration are particularly congruent with models of kinship that emphasise its performative qualities. I use movement and migration as a prism to show how kinship provides a uniquely dynamic reservoir of resources to creatively imagine and put into practice ideas and visions that enable moving to and living in new worlds – both geographically distant and near at hand. Rather than being aberrant or unusual, mobility can be seen to be among the capacities that kinship generates. But kinship also provides a repertoire that may promote settlement – and in the conclusion I suggest that both performative and ascriptive models might contribute to an understanding of kinship in the context of migration.
Productive Struggle: How Community Coalitions Developed Capacity to Conduct Qualitative Research Through CBPR
Authors: Schweinhart April , Raffle Holly
Published: July 2020

There is a lack of evidence as to how the subcomponents of motivation, innovation-specific capacity, and organizational capacity affect community readiness and the implementation of evidenced-based practices. The Strategic Prevention Framework-Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS) Initiative in Ohio is guided by a collaboration between the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Ohio’s SPF-PFS Evaluation Team, Ohio’s Coaching and Mentoring Network, and community coalitions from 10 Appalachian and/or rural communities. To address the goals of the SPF-PFS, we paired an empowerment evaluation framework with a community-based participatory research approach that enabled communities to take complete ownership of local data and research processes. This approach yielded a pedagogical framework in which all 10 community coalitions were able to extend a quantitative needs assessment by examining local conditions contributing to substance use using qualitative research methods. Members of the coalitions became local leaders in conducting qualitative research, which, in turn, enhanced their organizational capacity. Our purpose is to communicate this successful strategy, along with some challenges we encountered, for developing innovation-specific capacity within the participating community coalitions to utilize qualitative research methods in order to obtain information about the local conditions affecting substance misuse. We describe how an empowerment evaluation framework, when paired with community-based participatory research, can also increase organizational capacity by supporting community coalitions as they successfully leveraged new skills related to strategic planning.
Change in Right Inferior Longitudinal Fasciculus Integrity Is Associated With Naming Recovery in Subacute Poststroke Aphasia
Authors: Blom-Smink Marieke , Verly Marjolein , Spielmann Kerstin , Smits Marion , Ribbers Gerard M. , van de Sandt-Koenderman Mieke W. M. E.
Published: July 2020

Background. Despite progress made in understanding functional reorganization patterns underlying recovery in subacute aphasia, the relation between recovery and changes in white matter structure remains unclear. Objective. To investigate changes in dorsal and ventral language white matter tract integrity in relation to naming recovery in subacute poststroke aphasia. Methods. Ten participants with aphasia after left-hemisphere stroke underwent language testing and diffusion tensor imaging twice within 3 months post onset, with a 1-month interval between sessions. Deterministic tractography was used to bilaterally reconstruct the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF), inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF), middle longitudinal fasciculus (MdLF), and uncinate fasciculus (UF). Per tract, the mean fractional anisotropy (FA) was extracted as a measure of microstructural integrity. Naming accuracy was assessed with the Boston Naming Test (BNT). Correlational analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between changes in FA values and change in BNT score. Results. A strong positive correlation was found between FA change in the right ILF within the ventral stream and change on the BNT ( r = 0.91, P < .001). An increase in FA in the right ILF was associated with considerable improvement of naming accuracy (range BNT change score: 12-14), a reduction with limited improvement or slight deterioration. No significant correlations were found between change in naming accuracy and FA change in any of the other right or left ventral and dorsal language tracts. Conclusions. Naming recovery in subacute aphasia is associated with change in the integrity of the right ILF.
Identification, Corroboration, and Charging: Examining the Use of DNA Evidence by Prosecutors in Sexual Assault Cases
Authors: Henry Tri Keah S. , Jurek Alicia L.
Published: July 2020

This study examines the influence of DNA evidence on prosecutorial decisions in sexual assault cases. Thirty-eight prosecutors experienced with prosecuting sexual violence cases were surveyed regarding the use of biological evidence in sexual assault cases, including the ways in which it is generally used, the cases in which it is most critical to have, and factors impacting case attrition. Results indicate that prosecutors perceive DNA evidence to be extremely valuable in prosecuting sexual assault cases. Several themes related to the perspective, context, process, and conditions under which DNA evidence plays a vital role in sexual assault case processing are identified.
The relationship between global positioning system variables and injury occurrences in female field hockey
Authors: Choi Hokyung , Kim Taegyu
Published: July 2020

The noncontact and soft-tissue injuries to lower extremities that occur as a result of excessive running loads are largely preventable. This study investigated the relationship between global positioning system variables and noncontact soft-tissue injuries in female field hockey players based on their position on the field. Fifty-two players enrolled in the Korea National Team were monitored using global positioning system units in game-based training and competitions. The measurements obtained were total distance covered, high-intensity running distance, work–rest ratio, meters per minute, repeated high-intensity effort bouts, maximal velocity, and acceleration and deceleration bouts. Noncontact soft-tissue injuries in lower extremities were documented throughout the same period. For measuring the absolute external workload of each global positioning system variable, players’ data were averaged for 1- and 4-week periods before they were injured (injury-related block), averaging values across 1 and 4 weeks before the injury-related block (non-injury block), as well as averaging values from the beginning of the data collection to the point of injury (total average). These blocks were compared to each other and to the corresponding total averages for the 1- and 4-week periods, depending on their position on the field. Of the 52 players, 28 players (8 forwards, 11 midfielders, and 9 defenders) injured their lower extremities for a total of 38 injuries. Of these injuries, 11 occurred in forwards, 17 occurred in midfielders, and 10 occurred in defenders with some players experiencing more than one injury. Different positions on the field have different global positioning system variables related to the occurrence of noncontact soft-tissue injuries in lower extremities, but there was a significant difference in global positioning system variable of injury-related block for only the 4-week period among their position on the field. Especially, increases in high-intensity running distance and repeated high-intensity effort bouts of defenders during the 4-week period were significantly related to the occurrence of injuries. To decrease the risk of injury in female field hockey players, different global positioning system variables should be monitored and modified in planned future training or competitions.
Bone and joint complications in patients with hereditary hemochromatosis: a cross-sectional study of 93 patients
Authors: Nguyen Chi-Duc , Morel Vincent , Pierache Adeline , Lion Georges , Cortet Bernard , Flipo René-Marc , Canva-Delcambre Valérie , Paccou Julien
Published: July 2020

Background:

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and characteristics of bone and joint complications, specifically bone fragility, joint replacement surgery, and arthropathy, in hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) and related factors.

Methods:

This study was a cross-sectional observational study of 93 patients with HH. Radiographs of the hands, wrists, knees, and ankles were scored for joint space narrowing, erosions and cysts, osteophytes, and chondrocalcinosis. Prevalent (vertebral and non-vertebral) fragility fractures were recorded and bone mineral density (BMD) was systematically evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bone fragility was defined as (i) a T-score ⩽ −2.5 at any site with or without a prevalent fragility fracture, or (ii) a T-score between −1.0 and −2.5 at any site and a prevalent fragility fracture.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 60.0 (11.2) years, and 58.0% of them were men. The frequency of radiographic MCP2–3 arthropathy was 37.6% (95% CI 0.28–0.48). Radiographic MCP2–3 arthropathy was independently associated with older age [OR 1.17 (1.09–1.26) per year, p < 0.0001], male sex [OR 3.89 (1.17–12.97), p = 0.027] and C282Y+/+ genotype [OR 4.78 (1.46–15.68), p = 0.010]. The frequency of joint replacement surgery was 12.9% (95% CI 0.07–0.21). The frequency of bone fragility was 20.4% (95% CI 0.13–0.30). Bone fragility was independently associated with hepatic cirrhosis [OR 8.20 (1.74–38.68), p = 0.008].

Discussion:

Radiographic MCP2–3 arthropathy was found to occur in 37.6% of patients with HH. The association observed between this form of arthropathy and C282Y homozygosity, male sex, and older age suggests that demographic characteristics and genetic background are likely to be major determinants of this joint disorder and play a more important role than severity of iron overload. Bone fragility was observed in a fifth of the patients with HH, independently of genetic background and severity of iron overload, and was strongly associated with hepatic cirrhosis.

Conclusion:

Future investigations should focus on pathogenesis and early identification of patients at risk of developing bone and joint complications secondary to HH.
Self-in-Field Action Research in Natural Spaces of Encounter: Inclusion, Learning, and Organizational Change
Authors: Friedman Victor J. , Simonovich Javier , Bitar Nizar , Sykes Israel , Abboud-Armali Oriana , Arieli Daniella , Tannous-Haddad Lubna , Rothman Jay , Shdema Ilan , Dar Mor , Desivilya Syna Helena
Published: July 2020

The goal of this paper is to examine the role of participatory action research (PAR) in improving relationships in “natural spaces of encounter” where members of conflicting groups meet and interact. It describes and analyzes a project, “the Academic Puzzle,” that fosters organization-wide change in relations between Jewish and Arab students at a College in Israel. The project consists of 16 programs, all initiatives by College faculty, administrators, or students. Many of these programs, though not all, use PAR methods such as cooperative inquiry, dialogue, action science, action evaluation, and photovoice. The paper focuses on four programs which were explicitly designed as PAR. Furthermore, it illustrates how the Puzzle project is guided by a “self-in-field” approach that helps link these individual initiatives into an “enclave” that offers an alternative to the dominant field in order to transform it.
Fixation of Acute Chondral Fractures in Adolescent Knees
Authors: Kjennvold Stian , Randsborg Per-Henrik , Jakobsen Rune B. , Aroen Asbjorn
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Chondral fractures are focal cartilage lesions without osseous attachment, most commonly seen in adolescent knees. They have limited capacity for intrinsic healing and traditional treatment has been removal of loose fragments. However, case reports of successful healing after fixation indicate that repair of the joint surface is possible. We wanted to evaluate the outcome in a cohort of patients who underwent fixation of acute chondral fractures in the knee.

Design

Patients treated with fixation of a chondral fracture in the knee at our institution were invited to participate in a follow-up study. The mechanism of injury, fragment properties and complications were registered. Patients completed KOOS (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) and Lysholm questionnaires and performed a validated single leg hop test. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess healing of the defect and the quality of the cartilage.

Results

Ten patients with a median age at surgery of 15 years (12-17 years) and median follow-up of 5 years (2-9 years) were assessed. The lesions were located on the patella ( n = 7), the trochlea ( n = 2), and the lateral femoral condyle ( n = 1). Median lesion size was 250 mm2 (1.9-6.0 cm2) All patients were treated within 2 months of injury (4-58 days). All patients returned to preinjury level of sports and MRI showed retained fragments that integrated well with surrounding cartilage at follow-up. Mean Lysholm score at follow-up was 90 (73-100).

Conclusion

Fixation of traumatic chondral-only fragments using bioabsorbable implants may result in successful healing in adolescent patients and should be considered a treatment option in acute injuries.
Influence of Cellular Microenvironment on Human Articular Chondrocyte Cell Signaling
Authors: Tan ShihJye , Fang William , Vangsness C. Thomas , Han Bo
Published: July 2020

Objective

Alteration of the cellular microenvironment may influence the intra- and intercellular communication and contribute to cartilage injury and repair. The purpose of this study was to investigate how matrix elasticity/stiffness affects chondrogenic activities, including cell survival, phenotypic expression, and the release of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Design

Human articular chondrocytes (HACs) cultured on traditional 2-dimensional (2D) plastic surfaces were compared with those cultured within 3D hydrogel matrices of varying stiffness. Chondrogenic proliferation, differentiation, and the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated. Both interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β) and human synovial fluid–derived cells (hSFCs) were introduced to study the effects of matrix stiffness on chondrocyte response.

Results

Cells demonstrated the most robust chondrogenic differentiation and secreted the least pro-inflammatory cytokines when the matrix stiffness was close to their native microenvironment. The IL-1β effects were attenuated when HACs were co-cultured with hSFCs.

Conclusion

Modifying the matrix stiffness to mimic the native cartilage microenvironment not only optimized chondrogenic expression but also was essential for the regulation of physiological homeostasis. This study proposed a new toolkit to study cell-molecule, cell-cell, and cell-matrix influence on cartilage physiology.
Stereotype Threat Among Black Men Following Exposure to Rap Music
Authors: Howard Simon , Hennes Erin P. , Sommers Samuel R.
Published: July 2020

Stereotype threat theory argues that reminders of negative stereotypes about one’s stigmatized identity can undermine performance, but few studies have examined this phenomenon among Black Americans. Drawing from the literature on the impact of mass media on stereotype activation, we examine whether exposure to rap music induces stereotype threat among Black men. In two studies, incidental exposure to violent/misogynistic rap, but not conscious hip-hop or pop music, impaired Black (but not White) men’s cognitive performance (Experiments 1 and 2), but only when the artist was ostensibly Black (vs. White; Experiment 2). These effects were conditionally mediated by stereotype activation, such that listening to a Black (but not White) rapper activated negative stereotypes about Black people for both Black and White participants but only impaired performance among Black participants (Experiment 2). This suggests that exposure to some forms of artistic expression may activate culturally shared stereotypes and obstruct academic success among stigmatized groups.
A novel treatment of a patient with a giant ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm by acute coiling followed by scheduled Pipeline flex placement
Authors: Liang Shikai , Yuan Ren , Lv Xianli
Published: July 2020

Objective

Flow diversion in the acute phase of aneurysm rupture or giant aneurysm is limited by the need for dual antiplatelet therapy and the risk of delayed aneurysm rupture. Here, the authors report a scheduled flow-diversion concept for the endovascular treatment of a giant intra-dural aneurysm.

Methods

A 54-year-old female patient with a ruptured giant middle cerebral artery aneurysm underwent coiling in the acute phase following 1-month scheduled Pipeline flex placement.

Results

The acutely ruptured giant middle cerebral artery aneurysm was treated by flow diversion scheduled at 1 month after conventional coiling. The patient tolerated this treatment strategy well without any neurological deficits after the procedure and during the 3-month follow-up. The aneurysm showed nearly complete obliteration on 3-month follow-up angiogram, and a 6- to 12-month follow-up was scheduled.

Conclusions

This strategy may be considered as an option in patients presenting with ruptured or unruptured giant intra-dural aneurysms.
GNS561 acts as a potent anti-fibrotic and pro-fibrolytic agent in liver fibrosis through TGF-β1 inhibition
Authors: Bestion Eloïne , Jilkova Zuzana Macek , Mège Jean-Louis , Novello Marie , Kurma Keerthi , Pour Seyedeh Tayebeh Ahmad , Lalmanach Gilles , Vanderlynden Lise , Fizanne Lionel , Bassissi Firas , Rachid Madani , Tracz Jennifer , Boursier Jérôme , Courcambeck Jérôme , Serdjebi Cindy , Ansaldi Christelle , Decaens Thomas , Halfon Philippe , Brun Sonia
Published: July 2020

Background:

Hepatic fibrosis is the result of chronic liver injury that can progress to cirrhosis and lead to liver failure. Nevertheless, there are no anti-fibrotic drugs licensed for human use. Here, we investigated the anti-fibrotic activity of GNS561, a new lysosomotropic molecule with high liver tropism.

Methods:

The anti-fibrotic effect of GNS561 was determined in vitro using LX-2 hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and primary human HSCs by studying cell viability, activity of caspases 3/7, autophagic flux, cathepsin maturation and activity, HSC activation and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) maturation and signaling. The contribution of GNS561 lysosomotropism to its anti-fibrotic activity was assessed by increasing lysosomal pH. The potency of GNS561 on fibrosis was evaluated in vivo in a rat model of diethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis.

Results:

GNS561 significantly decreased cell viability and promoted apoptosis. Disrupting the lysosomal pH gradient impaired its pharmacological effects, suggesting that GNS561 lysosomotropism mediated cell death. GNS561 impaired cathepsin activity, leading to defective TGF-β1 maturation and autophagic processes. Moreover, GNS561 decreased HSC activation and extracellular matrix deposition by downregulating TGF-β1/Smad and mitogen-activated proteine kinase signaling and inducing fibrolysis. Finally, oral administration of GNS561 (15 mg/kg per day) was well tolerated and attenuated diethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis in this rat model (decrease of collagen deposition and of pro-fibrotic markers and increase of fibrolysis).

Conclusion:

GNS561 is a new potent lysosomotropic compound that could represent a valid medicinal option for hepatic fibrosis treatment through both its anti-fibrotic and its pro-fibrolytic effects. In addition, this study provides a rationale for targeting lysosomes as a promising therapeutic strategy in liver fibrosis.
Beyond Celebrity Politics: Celebrity as Governmentality in China
Authors: Lin Zhongxuan , Zhao Yupei
Published: July 2020

This article investigates the crucial political dimension of celebrity. Specifically, it examines celebrities’ great potential for governmentality in the Chinese context by tracing the history of celebrities in Confucian, Maoist, and post-Maoist governmentalities. It concludes that this type of governmentality, namely, celebrity as governmentality, displays uniquely Chinese characteristics in that it is a set of knowledge, discourses, and techniques used primarily by those who govern. It also highlights the central role of the state as the concrete terrain for the application of this mode of governmentality throughout Chinese history. Finally, it notes the always evolving nature of governmentality, as observed in the phenomena of governing from afar and resistance from below. These findings help us rethink the contingent and diversified nature of the phenomena of celebrity and governmentality and challenge Western norms and political theories that covertly employ them.