bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Gender Politics of Plough: Asymmetrical Taboos and Santal Women
Authors: Kumari Amita
Published: December 2020

The article seeks to make a gendered study of the plough taboo, a prohibition confined only to women, in Santal society. In the light of a discussion on women-specific taboos and restrictions, their diverse interpretations, customary laws and Santal folktales, the article endeavours to explicate the deeply embedded nature of the taboo within Santal society and unravels the gender politics behind the ‘forbidden’ plough. It argues that such asymmetrical, female-only taboos are not mere symbolic expressions of a community’s belief system. They are veritable patriarchal controls meant to ensure the complete dependence of women over men. The article explores similar asymmetrical taboos in other societies to emphasize the point that such female-only taboos are associated with the crucial elements of one’s survival and hence are grave handicaps for women, in particular the single women. The taboos serve as effective tools to control and manipulate single women and their resources, which may, sometimes, be conveniently used to evict them from their property.
The Secret Menu in Health Care: A Cash Market for Imaging in California
Authors: Epstein Jordan , Nicholson Sean , Wang Lucy Xiaolu , Hempstead Katherine , Asin Sam
Published: December 2020

In addition to the prices they negotiate with private health insurers, most providers also have a cash price schedule for patients who have the wherewithal to ask and are willing to pay in full when they receive a service. This is the first study that estimates the potential cost saving of allowing privately-insured consumers to observe both in-network negotiated prices and cash prices, which is of particular interest given the growing importance of high-deductible health plans and a recent executive order mandating greater price transparency. Using data from five private health insurers and 142 imaging facilities in the San Francisco Bay Area, we estimate that patients could save between 10% and 22% of their insurer’s in-network price by paying cash. Potential savings are much larger (between 45% and 64% of their insurer’s in-network price) if consumers observe both cash and in-network prices and select the facility in the region offering the lowest price for a particular service.
Application of pelvic-style docking in robotic surgery for lower-middle mediastinal tumors
Authors: Mitsuboshi Shota , Maeda Hideyuki , Kanzaki Masato
Published: December 2020

For robotic surgery, in a field of view looking upwards, the target lesion to be operated on should lie between the camera port and the robot. The ports are placed at the bottom of the chest wall. If the tumor is located below the inferior pulmonary vein, it is necessary to devise alternative port placement and robot docking methods. In 4 patients who had lower middle mediastinal tumors, the “Pelvic” setting on the visual pad of the patient cart was used, which allows easy access for lower middle mediastinal manipulation and results in minimal issues with robotic arm collisions.
Full core technology versus notch sampling technology: evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy and the risk of a pneumothorax after transthoracic needle biopsy of suspicious lung lesions
Authors: Schroeder Christophe , Loebelenz Laura I , Heverhagen Johannes T , Noeldge Gerd , Brönnimann Michael P , Kim Soung Yung
Published: December 2020

Background

Percutaneous needle biopsy of the lung (PCBL) under image guidance has become a safe and effective minimal invasive method to obtain a specimen related histological diagnosis of pulmonary lesions.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic yield and safety of two different coaxial biopsy technologies: full core and notch sampling technology. The former allowing the removal of full punch cylinders and the latter using a cutting-edge mechanism.

Material and Methods

A retrospective analysis of 48 consecutive PCBL procedures has been carried out for this prognostic study, involving patients with a documented pulmonary nodule or mass lesion on previous computed tomography (CT) scans. The study population included 38 men and 10 women (mean age = 67 years). Of these 48 patients who underwent a procedure with a co-axial cutting system, 24 have been performed with notch sampling technology and 24 with full core technology.

Results

Out of the 48 biopsy procedures, 46 yielded specimens were adequate for histopathological evaluation, consistent with a technical success rate of 96%. The most common induced image-guided biopsy complication was a pneumothorax, occurring in 14 patients (35%). Seven patients with a pneumothorax were attributed to the full core technology and seven to the notch sampling technology (odds ratio = 1, 95% confidence interval = 0.28–3.51, P = 1).

Conclusion

In the setting of full core versus notch sampling percutaneous CT-guided coaxial needle biopsy of the lung, no significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy and the incidence of pneumothoraces could be shown, while both technologies have an excellent diagnostic performance.
Staff dose evaluation by application of radiation protection during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures performed with a mobile C-arm
Authors: Österlund Andreas , Drohn Wilfried , Hoedlmoser Herbert , Greiter Matthias , Schmid Martin , Källman Hans-Erik
Published: December 2020

Background

The radiation dose to staff performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is not negligible.

Purpose

To evaluate the shielding effect of a table-suspended lower-body radiation shield for the positions in the room occupied by the operator, assisting nurse, and anesthesiologist, used during ERCP procedures with a mobile C-arm.

Material and Methods

Eye lens dose, whole body dose, and extremity dose were measured with and without a table-suspended lower-body radiation shield in a phantom model and in clinical routine work. The effect of the shield was evaluated for each scenario and compared, and a projection was made for when shielding should be required from a regulatory point of view.

Results

In the phantom measurements, the shield provided significant shielding effects on the body and lower extremities for the operator but no significant shielding of the eye lens. The shielding effect for the assisting nurse was limited to the lower extremity. The clinical measurements yielded the same general result as the phantom measurements, with the major difference that the shield provided no significant reduction in the whole-body dose to the operator.

Conclusion

The table-suspended shield has a significant shielding effect for the lower extremities of the operator and assisting nurse. For annual dose–area product values >300,000 cGycm2, the protection of the operator should be reinforced with a ceiling-suspended shield to avoid doses to the eye lens and body in excess of regulatory dose restrictions.
Assessment and potential-site determination of a wheat straw power plant by Aspen Plus and multi-criteria GIS model
Authors: Coronado Marcos A , García Conrado , Montero Gisela , Ayala José R , Cervantes Laura K , Montes Daniela G , León José Á , Torres Ricardo , Sagaste Carlos A
Published: December 2020

Wheat is one of the most important crops worldwide. Mexicali, Baja California, is an important wheat producer in Mexico with an average production of 507,543 t. Wheat straw is generated as a residue which could be used for different purposes such as bioenergy, heat and power generation. In this work, an assessment and potential site determination of a biomass power plant operating with wheat straw as fuel was performed. Aspen Plus was used to evaluate a plant capacity of at least 10 MW considering the physicochemical properties and an higher heating value of 14.86 MJ kg−1 of the wheat straw from the region. The combustion produced 39.76 MW, and the overall plant efficiency was 25.52%. The development of the multi-criteria geographic information system model allowed us to assess and analyse four factors and three restrictions to determine the potential site for the biomass power plant. The factors were raw material, wheat crops, electric transmission lines, paths and roads, water canals and aqueducts, while the restrictions were localities, Ramsar sites and faults. The biomass power plant is technically and geographically feasible. The geographical coordinates of the potential site of the biomass power plant that fulfils all the criteria are 32°29′29.72″N and 115°15′39.45″W.
Study on site selection of municipal solid waste incineration plant based on swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Jiang Shan , Li Zhigang , Gao Chuang
Published: December 2020

In this paper, based on an improved swarm optimization algorithm, a new site selection model of a municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration plant is proposed. First, the whale optimization algorithm and particle swarm optimization algorithm are combined according to certain rules to improve the performance of the hybrid algorithm. Through a verification of the single and multi-peak functions, the results show that the algorithm achieves a good performance. The location model of the MSW incineration plant is based on many factors, including the economy, environmental protection, population scale, and operation cost. Finally, based on a sample analysis, a new location model of an MSW incineration plant is used to select the location of an Anshan MSW incineration plant, and a reasonable location is obtained.
Lake and inland dunes as interconnected Systems: The story of Lake Tresssee and an adjacent dune field (Schleswig-Holstein, North Germany)
Authors: Stolz Christian , Suchora Magdalena , Pidek Irena A , Fülling Alexander
Published: December 2020

The specific aim of the study was to investigate how four adjacent geomorphological systems – a lake, a dune field, a small alluvial fan and a slope system – responded to the same impacts. Lake Tresssee is a shallow lake in the North of Germany (Schleswig-Holstein). During the Holocene, the lake’s water surface declined drastically, predominately as a consequence of human impact. The adjacent inland dune field shows several traces of former sand drift events. Using 30 new radiocarbon ages and the results of 16 OSL samples, this study aims to create a new timeline tracing the interaction between lake and dunes, as well, as how both the lake and the dunes reacted to environmental changes. The water level of the lake is presumed to have peaked during the period before the Younger Dryas (YD; start at 10.73 ka BC). After the Boreal period (OSL age 8050 ± 690 BC) the level must have undergone fluctuations triggered by climatic events and the first human influences. The last demonstrable high water level was during the Late Bronze Age (1003–844 cal. BC). The first to the 9th century AD saw slightly shrinking water levels, and more significant ones thereafter. In the 19th century, the lake area was artificially reduced to a minimum by the human population. In the dunes, a total of seven different phases of sand drift were demonstrated for the last 13,000 years. It is one of the most precisely dated inland-dune chronologies of Central Europe. The small alluvial fan took shape mainly between the 13th and 17th centuries AD. After 1700 cal. BC (Middle Bronze Age), and again during the sixth and seventh centuries AD, we find enhanced slope activity with the formation of Holocene colluvia.
How psychedelic researchers’ self-admitted substance use and their association with psychedelic culture affect people’s perceptions of their scientific integrity and the quality of their research
Authors: Forstmann Matthias , Sagioglou Christina
Published: December 2020

Across three studies (total N = 952), we tested how self-admitted use of psychedelics and association with psychedelic culture affects the public’s evaluation of researchers’ scientific integrity and of the quality of their research. In Studies 1 and 2, we found that self-admitted substance use negatively affected people’s assessment of a fictitious researcher’s integrity (i.e. being unbiased, professional, and honest), but not of the quality of his research, or how much value and significance they ascribed to the findings. Study 3, however, found that an association with psychedelic culture (i.e. presenting work at a scientific conference that includes social activities stereotypically associated with psychedelic culture) negatively affected perceived research quality (e.g. less valid, true, unbiased). We further found that the latter effect was moderated by participants’ personal experience with psychedelic substances: only participants without such experience evaluated research quality more negatively when it was presented in a stereotyped context.
Personality Traits and Social Entrepreneurial Intention: The Mediating Effect of Perceived Desirability and Perceived Feasibility
Authors: Tan Luc Phan , Pham Lan Xuan , Bui Trang Thanh
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to investigate the effect of personality traits on social entrepreneurial intention by extending Mair and Noboa’s (2006) model. Data were collected from a sample survey of 503 individuals. The four-step method suggested by Baron and Kenny (1986) was followed to test the mediational roles of perceived desirability and perceived feasibility in the relationship between six personality traits (need for achievement, risk-taking propensity, innovativeness, proactiveness, empathy and moral obligations) and social entrepreneurial intention. The results showed that the two mediators fully mediated the effects of proactiveness on social entrepreneurial intention, whereas both the mediators were found partially mediating the impact of moral obligation on social entrepreneurial intention. In addition, only perceived feasibility fully mediated the effects of innovativeness on social entrepreneurial intention and partially mediated the effects of empathy. These research results are expected to trigger a change in social entrepreneurship education by cultivating personality traits towards sustainable development. This study’s originality lies in its exploration of potential social entrepreneurs’ personality traits as a combination of general entrepreneurial and social entrepreneurial traits.
Prostate Cancer: People Transforming A Diagnosis, A Diagnosis Transforming People
Authors: Aronowitz Robert
Published: December 2020

Prostatic specific antigen (PSA) screening has been controversial since its inception. Controversy has persisted despite more and higher quality clinical evidence. Attention to lead and length time biases, overdiagnosis, overtreatment, medicalisation, iatrogenesis and financial conflict of interest has had limited impact. I undertook a social history of the prostate cancer diagnosis to reassess the causes of controversy and suggest different clinical and policy responses.

For much of the twentieth century, clinicians were uninterested in early detection and radical treatment, believing that cancers revealed after obstruction-relieving surgery or autopsy could be ignored. In 1985, the FDA approved PSA diagnostic tests, which rapidly catalysed two self-reinforcing cycles of action and perception. One occurred when the increased diagnoses made the disease more prevalent and feared, and efforts at prevention and treatment seem more efficacious, leading to more screening, and so on. The other cycle occurred among men with screening detected cancer who initially eschewed radical treatments or imagined doing so, whose lives were often consumed with fear and surveillance, increasing demand for radical cures.

This history underscores the need for novel clinical and policy responses to the looping effects—self-reinforcing cycles of action and perception—which can radically transform so much of what we believe and do about disease.
NLPEI: A Novel Self-Interacting Protein Prediction Model Based on Natural Language Processing and Evolutionary Information
Authors: Jia Li-Na , Yan Xin , You Zhu-Hong , Zhou Xi , Li Li-Ping , Wang Lei , Song Ke-Jian
Published: December 2020

The study of protein self-interactions (SIPs) can not only reveal the function of proteins at the molecular level, but is also crucial to understand activities such as growth, development, differentiation, and apoptosis, providing an important theoretical basis for exploring the mechanism of major diseases. With the rapid advances in biotechnology, a large number of SIPs have been discovered. However, due to the long period and high cost inherent to biological experiments, the gap between the identification of SIPs and the accumulation of data is growing. Therefore, fast and accurate computational methods are needed to effectively predict SIPs. In this study, we designed a new method, NLPEI, for predicting SIPs based on natural language understanding theory and evolutionary information. Specifically, we first understand the protein sequence as natural language and use natural language processing algorithms to extract its features. Then, we use the Position-Specific Scoring Matrix (PSSM) to represent the evolutionary information of the protein and extract its features through the Stacked Auto-Encoder (SAE) algorithm of deep learning. Finally, we fuse the natural language features of proteins with evolutionary features and make accurate predictions by Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) classifier. In the SIPs gold standard data sets of human and yeast, NLPEI achieved 94.19% and 91.29% prediction accuracy. Compared with different classifier models, different feature models, and other existing methods, NLPEI obtained the best results. These experimental results indicated that NLPEI is an effective tool for predicting SIPs and can provide reliable candidates for biological experiments.
The impact of fleeting exposure to female exemplars of success in STEM
Authors: McCarty Megan , Kelly Janice , Williams Kipling
Published: December 2020

Two studies tested the impact of subtle cues that associate masculinity with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) success on women’s STEM experiences. Study 1 was a field study conducted in a university campus engineering building where photos of graduating classes were displayed. In Study 2, STEM majors viewed a mock website that depicted either exclusively male or mixed-gender STEM students. Across both studies, women reported greater fundamental need threat—a composite of threats to belonging, self-esteem, control, and meaningful existence—after viewing photos of exclusively male STEM students than did men. This gender effect disappeared when photos included female STEM students. Direct effects of gender and photo condition on career intentions were not observed, but indirect effects were obtained through need threat. Thus, because fleeting exposure to subtle background images associating STEM success with masculinity can negatively impact women’s fundamental needs, cues in academic environments should be carefully considered.
The “ironic” fair process effect: A perceived fair naturalization procedure spurs anti-immigration attitudes through increased host national identification among naturalized citizens
Authors: Dierckx Kim , Politi Emanuele , Valcke Barbara , van Assche Jasper , Van Hiel Alain
Published: December 2020

A growing body of research has shown that naturalized citizens’ attitudes towards immigration worsen following citizenship acquisition. Accordingly, these socially mobile individuals tend to distance themselves from their former immigrant ingroup. The present contribution explains such self–group distancing coping strategy in terms of an “ironic” procedural fairness effect. Study 1 ( N = 566), a survey conducted among naturalized Swiss citizens, showed that fairness perceptions with respect to the naturalization process were indeed associated with stronger anti-immigration attitudes, and that this relationship was mediated by identification with the host nation. Next, two experiments were conducted to demonstrate the causality of the hypothesized mediation model. In Study 2 (Experiment 1; N = 248), fairness of the admission procedure (accurate vs. inaccurate) increased identification with a desirable group. In Study 3 (Experiment 2; N = 141), administration of a national identity prime evoked stronger anti-immigration attitudes. Taken together, our findings highlight a somewhat “dark side” of procedural fairness.
How family and child cash transfers can empower women: Comparative lessons from Brazil and South Africa
Authors: Hunter Wendy , Patel Leila , Sugiyama Natasha Borges
Published: December 2020

By leveraging a comparison of Brazil’s Bolsa Família and South Africa’s Child Support Grant, this article probes whether and how income transfer programs enhance the standing of women recipients. Empowerment is assessed according to economic decision making, bodily protection and integrity, and psycho-social wellbeing and growth. The comparative analysis determines that regular income assistance boosts the self-esteem and agency of women recipients in both countries. At the same time, it underscores the heightened benefits obtained in Brazil as a result of the cash transfer program being embedded in a stronger public health and social service network. That Bolsa recipients interact with these associated institutions generates multiple downstream benefits. The broader lesson is that income transfer programs need to operate in deliberate coordination with an array of ancillary social service institutions to deliver the maximum benefits for women’s empowerment.
Exposing futility by searching beneath the concept
Authors: Richards Stephen
Published: December 2020

The concept of futility in medicine refers to the incapability of an intervention to achieve its goal. Futility determinations form the basis for withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining interventions. Criticisms of attempted futility definitions relate to inconstant probability and value judgements concerning the goal pursued. This variability frustrates efforts to define futility. Language modifications and procedural approaches, both important ancillary measures, inherently lack the ability to resolve this difficulty. Beneath the notion of futility lie foundational factors whose revised understanding is required to advance a definition. These factors include autonomy, death and the goals of medicine. Reconsidering the essence and influence of foundational factors is necessary to move beyond a seemingly irresolvable problem. In this essay, I assert that defining futility is not pointless but rather possible, necessary and unavoidable. With this assertion, I respond to the criticisms of futility. These responses together with a corrective understanding of foundational factors lead to a definition of futility. This definition balances respect for patients’ autonomy whilst allowing for interventions that do not undermine the essence of medicine and integrity of those practising it. Defining futility is an exercise in necessity requiring renewed perceptual foundations.
The financial aspects of human trafficking: A financial assessment framework
Authors: Broad Rose , Lord Nicholas , Duncan Charlotte
Published: December 2020

This article presents a framework for analysing, assessing and systematising the varying financial aspects of human trafficking. We analysed 378 human trafficking cases, scrutinising police case file data to determine patterns and scenarios of associated financial aspects and transactions and corroborating these with police analysts. Our contributions are threefold: (1) to demonstrate the feasibility of analysing the before, during and after financial components of human trafficking while recognising obstacles to uncovering their entirety; (2) to reaffirm that while most known trafficking cases are not substantially profitable in financial terms, they involve varied operational and infrastructural financial costs; and (3) to argue that although financial institutions, such as banks, can be central to the dialogue with enforcement, the ability of many trafficking enterprises to operate outside formal financial institutions calls for a consideration of the interfaces and overlaps of the finances of trafficking within and outside the banking system.
Circulating microRNAs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Chen Tai-Heng
Published: December 2020

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic cause of infant death, is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective loss of particular groups of motor neurons (MNs) in the anterior horn of the spinal cord with progressive muscle wasting. SMA is caused by a deficiency of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein due to a homozygous deletion or mutation of the SMN1 gene. However, the molecular mechanisms whereby the SMN complex regulates MN functions are not fully elucidated. Emerging studies on SMA pathogenesis have turned the attention of researchers to RNA metabolism, given that increasingly identified SMN-associated modifiers are involved in both coding and non-coding RNA (ncRNA) processing. Among various ncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) are the most studied in terms of regulation of posttranscriptional gene expression. Recently, the discovery that miRNAs are critical to MN function and survival led to the study of dysregulated miRNAs in SMA pathogenesis. Circulating miRNAs have drawn attention as a readily available biomarker due to their property of being clinically detectable in numerous human biofluids through non-invasive approaches. As there are recent promising findings from novel miRNA-based medicines, this article presents an extensive review of the most up-to-date studies connecting specific miRNAs to SMA pathogenesis and the potential applications of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for SMA.
Comparison of oncologic outcomes between partial nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy in patients who were upstaged from cT1 renal tumor to pT3a renal cell carcinoma: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chung Doo Yong , Kang Dong Hyuk , Kim Jong Won , Kim Do Kyung , Lee Joo Yong , Cho Kang Su
Published: December 2020

Aim:

Owing to the limited ability of current imaging modalities, several clinical T1 renal cell carcinomas (cT1 RCCa) can be pathologically upstaged to T3a (pT3a) after surgery. There have been some controversies regarding the oncological safety of partial nephrectomy (PNx) compared with radical nephrectomy (RNx) in these patients. We compared oncological outcomes of PNx and RNx in patients with upstaged pT3a RCCa.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guideline. PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase were searched. Oncological outcomes [recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS)] between PNx and RNx were compared. The GRADE approach was used to rate the certainty of evidence.

Results:

A total of 7406 patients in 12 articles related to upstaged pT3a RCCa were included. In adjusted analysis, no difference was observed in RFS [hazard ratios (HR) 0.87; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.57–0.95; p = 0.88] and CSS (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.59–1.04; p = 0.09) for PNx and RNx. Meanwhile, PNx was significantly associated with favorable OS compared with RNx (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57–0.95; p = 0.02).

Conclusions:

Our meta-analysis shows that patients treated with PNx have better or at least similar oncological outcomes compared with RNx in patients with upstaged pT3a RCCa from cT1. In particular, patients who had undergone PNx show a significantly improved OS. If PNx is available, we recommend performing PNx for all cT1 RCCa, even in patients with upstaging potential. However, due to the low level of evidence, large-scale randomized trials are required.
Numerical simulation of flapping airfoil with alula
Authors: Bao Han , Yang Wenqing , Ma Dongfu , Song Wenping , Song Bifeng
Published: December 2020

Bionic micro aerial vehicles have become popular because of their high thrust efficiency and deceptive appearances. Leading edge or trailing edge devices (such as slots or flaps) are often used to improve the flight performance. Birds in nature also have leading-edge devices, known as the alula that can improve their flight performance at large angles of attack. In the present study, the aerodynamic performance of a flapping airfoil with alula is numerically simulated to illustrate the effects of different alula geometric parameters. Different alula relative angles of attack β (the angle between the chord line of the alula and that of the main airfoil) and vertical distances h between the alula and the main airfoil are simulated at pre-stall and post-stall conditions. Results show that at pre-stall condition, the lift increases with the relative angle of attack and the vertical distance, but the aerodynamic performance is degraded in the presence of alula compared with no alula, whereas at post-stall condition, the alula greatly enhances the lift. However, there seems to be an optimal relative angle of attack for the maximum lift enhancement at a fixed vertical distance considering the unsteady effect, which may indicate birds can adjust the alula twisting at different spanwise positions to achieve the best flight performance. Different alula geometric parameters may affect the aerodynamic force by modifying the pressure distribution along the airfoil. The results are instructive for design of flapping-wing bionic unmanned air vehicles.
Modification of systemic anti-cancer therapies and weight loss, a population-level real-world evidence study
Authors: Shaw Clare , Starling Naureen , Reich Adam , Wilkes Emily , White Rebecca , Shepelev Julian , Narduzzi Silvia
Published: December 2020

Background:

Involuntary weight loss may occur during systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT), causing treatment disruption and poorer prognoses. There remain gaps in clinical awareness as to which patients may benefit from nutritional interventions that aim to prevent unintended weight loss during SACT. We utilised England’s population-level cancer registry data, conducting a pan-cancer assessment of patient weight loss during SACT. We aimed to identify cancers with weight loss-associated treatment modifications, potential beneficiaries of nutritional intervention.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study used England’s Cancer Analysis System database, including SACT-treated adults with one tumour and ⩾2 weight recordings between 2014 and 2018. Binary weight loss (threshold: 2.5%) was derived from patients’ most negative weight change from first SACT weight recording. The Martin et al. body mass index-adjusted weight loss grading system (BMI-WLG) was assigned. We describe binary weight loss, BMI-WLG and treatment modification status by cancer. Multivariate logistic regression models of weight loss (binary and BMI-WLG) and a composite outcome of patient treatment-modification status by cancer were produced.

Results:

Our study population contained 200,536 patients across 18 cancers; 28% experienced binary weight loss during SACT. Weight loss patients were more likely to have multiple types of treatment modifications recorded across all cancers. Regression analyses included 86,991 patients. Binary weight loss was associated ( p < 0.05) with higher likelihood of treatment modification in; colon [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.42, 2.07]; gynaecologic (excl. ovarian) (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.01); stomach (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.06); lung (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.58); leukaemia (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.55); head and neck (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.65) and oesophageal (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.64) cancers. In lung, colon, and grouped gastro-intestinal cancers, association between BMI-WLG and treatment modification increased by WLG.

Discussion:

Our study is a wide assessment of weight loss during SACT using England’s cancer registry data. Across different cancers we found patients have weight loss-associated treatment modifications during SACT, a precursor to poorer prognoses. Our findings highlight cancers that may benefit from improved nutritional intervention during SACT.
Immune-checkpoint inhibitor plus chemotherapy versus conventional chemotherapy for treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Jin Zhe , Zhang Bin , Zhang Lu , Huang Wenhui , Mo Xiaokai , Chen Qiuyin , Wang Fei , Chen Zhuozhi , Li Minmin , Zhang Shuixing
Published: December 2020

Background:

Multiple therapies including immune-checkpoint inhibitors are emerging as effective treatment for patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSSC). However, the optimal first-line and second-line treatments remains controversial.

Methods:

We systematically searched databases and conducted a systematic review of phase II/III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared two or more treatments for R/M HNSSC. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and adverse events (AEs) ⩾3 with hazard ratios (HRs) were extracted and synthesized based on a frequentist network meta-analysis.

Results:

Twenty-six trials involving 8908 patients were included. Of first-line treatments, pembrolizumab plus cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil is associated with significantly improved OS (P-score = 0.91) and TPEx ranked first for prolonging PFS (0.91). EXTREME plus docetaxel (0.18) ranked lowest for AEs ⩾3. Of second-line treatments, nivolumab was the highest-ranked treatment for prolonging OS (0.95), while buparlisib plus paclitaxel was the highest-ranked treatment for PFS (0.94). Subgroup analyses suggested that nivolumab was significantly associated with improvement of OS in patients with high PD-L1 expression (HR 0.55, 0.43–0.70), whereas its OS benefit is similar with conventional chemotherapy for those with low PD-L1 expression. Buparlisib plus paclitaxel showed the best OS benefit in subgroups of patients with HPV-negative status, and with oral cavity or larynx as primary tumor sites.

Conclusions:

Pembrolizumab plus cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil is likely to be the best first-line treatment when OS is a priority. Otherwise, TPEx should be the optimal first-line option due to its superior PFS prolongation efficacy, best safety profile, and similar OS benefit with pembrolizumab plus cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil. Nivolumab appears to be the best second-line option with best OS prolongation efficacy and outstanding safety profile in the overall population. Future RCTs with meticulous grouping of patients and detailed reporting are urgently needed for individualized treatment.
Glucosamine sulphate: an umbrella review of health outcomes
Authors: Veronese Nicola , Demurtas Jacopo , Smith Lee , Reginster Jean-Yves , Bruyère Olivier , Beaudart Charlotte , Honvo Germain , Maggi Stefania ,   on behalf on the European Geriatric Medicine Society Special Interest Groups in Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Arthritis
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims:

Glucosamine sulphate (GS) can be used as background therapy in people affected by knee osteoarthritis (OA). Knowledge regarding the efficacy and safety of GS is of importance since its use worldwide is increasing. Therefore, the present study aimed to map and grade the diverse health outcomes associated with GS using an umbrella review approach.

Methods:

Medline, Cinahl and Embase databases were searched until 1 April 2020. An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was carried out. The evidence from the RCTs was graded using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool.

Results:

From 140 articles returned, 11 systematic reviews, for a total of 21 outcomes (37 RCTs; 3949 participants; almost all using 1500 mg/day), were included. No systematic reviews/meta-analyses of observational studies were included. Regarding the findings of the meta-analyses, 9/17 outcomes were statistically significant, indicating that GS is more effective than placebo. A high certainty of evidence, as assessed by GRADE, supported the use of GS ( versus placebo) in improving the Lequesne Index, joint space width change, joint space width change after 3 years of follow up, joint space narrowing and OA progression. No difference in terms of adverse effects was found between GS and placebo. In systematic reviews, GS was associated with a better glucose profile and a better physical function performance than placebo.

Conclusion:

GS, when used as a prescription drug (i.e. crystalline glucosamine sulphate) at 1500 mg daily dosage, can positively affect the cartilage structure, reduce pain, improve function and glucose metabolism in people with knee OA, without having a greater incidence of adverse effects than placebo.
Speed Overestimation of the Moving Away Object in the Intentional Reaction Causal Effect
Authors: Parovel Giulia , Guidi Stefano
Published: December 2020

We describe a new illusory speed effect arising in visual events developed by Michotte (1946/1963 ) in studies of causal perception and, more specifically, within the so-called intentional reaction effect: When an Object B is seen intentionally escaping from another Object A, its perceived speed is overestimated. In Experiment 1, we used two-alternative forced choice comparisons to estimate perceived speed scale values for a small square moving either alone or in different contexts known to elicit different impressions of animacy ( Parovel et al., 2018 ). The results showed that B’s speed was overestimated only in the condition in which it moved away from another approaching square moving in a nonrigid way, like a caterpillar. In Experiment 2, we psychophysically measured the magnitude of speed overestimation in that condition and tested whether it could be affected by further animacy cues related to the escaping object (the actual velocity of the square) and to the approaching square (its type of motion: caterpillar or linear). Results confirmed that B’s speed was overestimated up to 10% and that the degree of overestimation was affected by both experimental factors, being greater at higher speeds and when the chasing object moved in an animate fashion. This speed bias might be related to a higher sensitivity of the visual processes to threat-related events such as fighting and chasing, leading to evolutionary adaptive behaviours such as speedy flight from predators, but also empathy and emotion understanding.
The Effect of Material Properties on the Perceived Shape of Three-Dimensional Objects
Authors: Ohara Masakazu , Kim Juno , Koida Kowa
Published: December 2020

Perceiving the shape of three-dimensional objects is essential for interacting with them in daily life. If objects are constructed from different materials, can the human visual system accurately estimate their three-dimensional shape? We varied the thickness, motion, opacity, and specularity of globally convex objects rendered in a photorealistic environment. These objects were presented under either dynamic or static viewing condition. Observers rated the overall convexity of these objects along the depth axis. Our results show that observers perceived solid transparent objects as flatter than the same objects rendered with opaque reflectance properties. Regional variation in local root-mean-square image contrast was shown to provide information that is predictive of perceived surface convexity.
Catch 22: The Paradox of Social Media Affordances and Stigmatized Online Support Groups
Authors: Yeshua-Katz Daphna , Hård af Segerstad Ylva
Published: December 2020

This study highlights the challenges of computer-mediated communication for vulnerable individuals and groups, by studying boundary work in stigmatized communities online. Five stigmatized online communities with different affordances were studied: (1) “pro-ana” blogs; (2) an infertility discussion board; (3) a Facebook group for bereaved parents; and (4) two WhatsApp groups for Israeli veterans of war with post-traumatic stress disorder. In-depth interviews with members and administrators ( n = 66) revealed that social media affordances such as low anonymity and high visibility may marginalize those living with stigma. While research literature applauds social media for allowing the formation and maintenance of social capital, our study highlights the paradox caused by these very same affordances. To offer safe and functioning environments of support, the communities must guard against impostors whose presence threatens their safe havens. Simultaneously, this may make these groups inaccessible to those who truly need support and remove such groups from the public eye.
International Entrepreneurial Orientation and Performance of SMEs: The Mediating Role of Informal Institutional Framework
Authors: Kurtulmuş Bekir Emre , Katrinli Alev , Warner Bernadette
Published: December 2020

This article identifies the mediating role of informal institutional frameworks upon the relationship between the international entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) behavior of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and their perceived financial performance, while operating within a volatile business environment. To reach the study’s aim, we conducted a regression analysis upon SMEs operating in Turkey and implemented structural equation modeling on the construct to specify the validity of the model. The findings are that the indicated relationship is indeed mediated by informal institutional frameworks. However, IEO and financial performance relationship is negative. The practical implementation of IEO activities is risky when target market financial conditions are difficult, and the nature of relevant informal institutional frameworks should be considered before full commitment to IEO activities.
Toward Reducing Adolescents’ Bottled Water Purchasing: From Policy Awareness to Policy-Congruent Behavior
Authors: Jovarauskaitė Lina , Balundė Audra , Truskauskaitė-Kunevičienė Inga , Kaniušonytė Goda , Žukauskienė Rita , Poškus Mykolas Simas
Published: December 2020

Policy awareness increases the likelihood of policy-congruent behavior. Yet individuals may differ in the extent to which they notice certain policies; thus, psychological factors that explain behavior can have a differing effect on policy-congruent behavior of individuals. We investigated to what extent the relationship between normative, habitual, intentional, and situational factors that explain bottled water purchasing behavior vary regarding individuals’ awareness of policy targeted at reducing bottled water purchasing. We investigated this question in a representative sample of Lithuanian adolescents. Our study indicated that awareness of policy targeted at bottled water purchasing acts as a moderator for adolescents’ normative, habitual, intentional, and situational factors related to their bottled water purchasing. In low, moderate, and high policy awareness groups, habit was the strongest direct predictor of behavior. Normative factors had a strong effect in explaining intentions; in addition, awareness of consequences was directly related with behavior in the high policy awareness group. However, situational factors were insignificant predictors of self-reported behavior. Based on the results of the current study, we suggest that to achieve policy-congruent behavior, policy makers should consider both policy-reinforcing incentives and the level of policy awareness of the targeted group.
Do Bubble Behaviors Exist in Chinese Film Stocks?
Authors: Su Chi-Wei , Liu Lu , Wang Kai-Hua
Published: December 2020

This article investigates bubbles in the Chinese film industry to reveal the industry’s boom and bust process that influences employment, citizen’s livelihoods, and even economic growth. We adopt the film stock index to reflect the industry’s trajectory and employ the generalized and backward sup augmented Dickey–Fuller tests to detect bubble periods. Empirical results indicate that there are three positive bubbles in 2007, 2013, and 2015, indicating that the film market continues to expand after temporary frustrations. Meanwhile, one negative bubble is found in 2019, which demonstrates that the bubble’s negative impacts persist and the film industry is still having problems such as declining industrial output. Economic growth, film quality, and industrial policies are common factors for all bubbles. The global financial crisis, capital in- and outflows, internet giants’ entry and sky-high remuneration are reasons for certain bubble behaviors. Hence, market practitioners should actively recognize bubbles and observe their evolution, which will favor industrial stabilization. A perfect legal system, moderate industrial policies, a competitive market environment, and other measures are needed to confront the opportunities and challenges.
A Theoretical Framework to Explain the Impact of Destination Personality, Self-Congruity, and Tourists’ Emotional Experience on Behavioral Intention
Authors: Yang Shaohua , Mohd Isa Salmi , Ramayah T.
Published: December 2020

The aim of this conceptual article is to propose a comprehensive model that explains the impact of different relational variables on tourists’ behavioral intention (i.e., revisit intention and recommendation intention) and the relationship between those relational variables. Based on the existing studies and findings, the proposed model is strongly related with destination personality, self-congruity as well as tourists’ emotional experience and behavioral intention. Particularly, self-congruity performed as a potential mediator between destination personality and behavioral intention; meanwhile, the model incorporated tourists’ emotional experience as a potential moderator between self-congruity and behavioral intention. This conceptual article makes significant contributions to tourism literature by proposing an integrated model. It serves as a reference for tourism marketing practitioners who can derive insights into the potential economic advantages such as tourists’ loyalty and tourists’ behavioral benefits in the form of revisit intention and recommendation intention which can result from the effective implementation of marketing strategies.
Mobility control in ungovernable spaces: Cultivating the Mediterranean’s fatal materiality
Authors: Dickson Andonea Jon
Published: December 2020

Programmes of migration regulation in the Mediterranean Sea constantly evolve and adapt, changing in accordance to shifting migration patterns and EU policies. Despite the commitment to governing mobility in this sea, migrant death continues to be a significant and indeed growing problem in the Mediterranean. While scholars have examined how the geography of the US-Mexico border is incorporated into an architecture of exclusion ( Doty, 2011 ), this article considers how the sea conceals the violent political workings of a maritime geography that grows increasingly risky for migrants. By bringing the sea to the fore, the article interrogates how the space of the maritime has come to be understood as ungovernable and perilous and what the implications of such framings are in contemporary migration management. The article specifically examines how the maritime geography was framed in early maritime law as unruly and untameable, as well as the way the sea was used to justify the deaths of African captives in insurance law during the Middle Passage. These contexts demonstrate the longer standing logics in contemporary maritime migration management, whereby the assumed fatal materiality of the maritime is used to obscure political violence.