bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Relationship between Disease Awareness and Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Baiardini Ilaria , Contoli Marco , Corsico Angelo Guido , Scognamillo Carla , Ferri Fabio , Scichilone Nicola , Rogliani Paola , Di Marco Fabiano , Santus Pierachille , Braido Fulvio
Published: March 2021

Background: Disease awareness is a challenge in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objectives: The aim of this analysis was to explore the association between COPD optimal and suboptimal awareness, clinical parameters, and the following patient-reported outcomes: modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQM-9), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), Morisky Medication-Taking Adherence Scale (MMAS-4), and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ). Methods: This post hoc analysis of the SAT study included all enrolled patients for whom awareness (Disease Awareness in COPD Questionnaire – DACQ) was assessed at baseline and 12 months. DACQ scores ≥80 were considered an indicator of an optimal awareness. Results: 367 patients (25.8% women, median age 72 years) were included in the analysis. At enrollment, 74 patients (20.2%) had a DACQ score ≥80. Patients with suboptimal awareness, compared to those in which awareness was optimal, had higher median scores for CAT (p = 0.0001) and mMRC (p = 0.0031), a lower median TSQM-9 global score (p < 0.0001), and higher median B-IPQ score (p < 0.0001). The proportion of patients who had exacerbations during the previous year was higher in patients with suboptimal COPD awareness than in those with DACQ score ≥80 (42.8 vs. 21.4%, p = 0.0009). During the 12-month observation period, illness perception, adherence, and treatment satisfaction were found to be independent factors significantly associated with level of disease awareness. Conclusion: The results of our post hoc analysis suggest that patients’ awareness of their COPD disease is related to both clinical outcomes and how they perceive and manage their condition.
Long-Lasting Complete Remission of Small-Cell Carcinoma of the Pancreas with Carboplatin and Etoposide Complicated by Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma Diagnosed during Follow-Up
Authors: Tyriakidis Konstantinos , Stadlmann Sylvia , Pederiva Stefanie
Published: March 2021

Small-cell carcinoma of the pancreas (PSCC) is a highly aggressive neoplasia with a dismal prognosis. It is extremely rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature. There is a paucity of clinical data to guide management and since the disease is mainly diagnosed at an advanced stage standard treatment consists of chemotherapy based upon treatment protocols used for small-cell lung cancer. We report the case of a female diagnosed with PSCC who achieved complete clinical remission after treatment with carboplatin and etoposide. During a 3-year follow-up the patient developed a gallbladder adenocarcinoma that was treated by surgical resection but relapsed within 20 months with widespread hematogenous metastasis.
Detecting Mild Cognitive Impairment via Digital Biomarkers of Cognitive Performance Found in Klondike Solitaire: A Machine-Learning Study
Authors: Gielis Karsten , Vanden Abeele Marie-Elena , Verbert Katrien , Tournoy Jos , De Vos Maarten , Vanden Abeele Vero
Published: March 2021

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition that entails a slight yet noticeable decline in cognition that exceeds normal age-related changes. Older adults living with MCI have a higher chance of progressing to dementia, which warrants regular cognitive follow-up at memory clinics. However, due to time and resource constraints, this follow-up is conducted at separate moments in time with large intervals in between. Casual games, embedded into the daily life of older adults, may prove to be a less resource-intensive medium that yields continuous and rich data on a patient’s cognition. Objective: To explore whether digital biomarkers of cognitive performance, found in the casual card game Klondike Solitaire, can be used to train machine-learning models to discern games played by older adults living with MCI from their healthy counterparts. Methods: Digital biomarkers of cognitive performance were captured from 23 healthy older adults and 23 older adults living with MCI, each playing 3 games of Solitaire with 3 different deck shuffles. These 3 deck shuffles were identical for each participant. Using a supervised stratified, 5-fold, cross-validated, machine-learning procedure, 19 different models were trained and optimized for F1 score. Results: The 3 best performing models, an Extra Trees model, a Gradient Boosting model, and a Nu-Support Vector Model, had a cross-validated F1 training score on the validation set of ≥0.792. The F1 score and AUC of the test set were, respectively, >0.811 and >0.877 for each of these models. These results indicate psychometric properties comparative to common cognitive screening tests. Conclusion: The results suggest that commercial card games, not developed to address specific mental processes, may be used for measuring cognition. The digital biomarkers derived from Klondike Solitaire show promise and may prove useful to fill the current blind spot between consultations.
Accurate Monitoring of the Response of Bone Metastases to Treatment in Patients with Prostate Cancer Using Choline PET/CT
Authors: Kitajima Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Shingo , Fujiwara Masayuki , Kawanaka Yusuke , Yamada Yusuke , Nagasawa Seiji , Shimatani Kimihiro , Hanasaki Takeshi , Taguchi Motohiro , Kanematsu Akihiro , Yamakado Koichiro
Published: March 2021

We here report 2 cases of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) observed two times on 11C-choline positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET/CT), which was useful to discriminate viable progressive osteoblastic bone metastasis from benign osteoblastic change induced by the treatment effect and to determine the viability of bone metastases, regardless of whether sclerosis was present or not. Because one case demonstrated disappearance of abnormal 11C-choline uptake of osteoblastic metastatic lesions after abiraterone therapy and no new lesions at other sites, suggesting nonviable bone metastases, we can assume a complete metabolic response. Because the other case demonstrated a decrease in the existing, abnormal 11C-choline uptake of osteoblastic metastatic lesions, but multiple new appearances of osteoblastic and nonosteoblastic lesions with abnormal 11C-choline uptake after radium-223 therapy suggesting multiple viable bone metastases, we can assume progressive metabolic disease. 11C-choline PET/CT could help in assessing the treatment response of bone metastases in patients with metastatic CRPC.
A Rare Case of Severe Lactic Acidosis from 5-Fluorouracil after mFOLFOX6 Treatment in a Patient with Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lee Tae Hoon , Le Dan
Published: March 2021

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and is one of the deadliest types of neoplasm. Many patients present with an advanced stage where palliative chemotherapy is the standard of care. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) remains the backbone of systemic therapy treatment in advanced gastric cancer, although is associated with many side effects. While cases of encephalopathy caused by hyperammonemia have been reported, lactic acidosis after systemic 5-FU exposure is exceedingly rare. We present here for the first time a case of type B lactic acidosis secondary to mFOLFOX6 therapy in advanced gastric cancer. This patient presented with acute delirium, dystonia, and a lactate of 11.7 mmol/L, which peaked to 18.7 mmol/L, within 48 h of chemotherapy treatment. Routine clinical monitoring of lactate may be beneficial to avoid this potentially life-threatening adverse event.
Rapidly Progressive Periorbital Oedema: A Case of Cutaneous Angiosarcoma
Authors: Chow Kuan Yee , Ko Soe , Ang Qiao Wei Melissa
Published: March 2021

Angiosarcoma is a rare form of malignant endothelial cell tumour characterised by rapidly infiltrating anaplastic cells of vascular or lymphatic origin. We report an uncommon case of cutaneous angiosarcoma (cAS) manifesting as rapidly progressive unilateral periorbital oedema. Due to the acute onset of disease, the patient was initially treated with antibiotics for presumed periorbital cellulitis. The lack of response to conservative management raised the suspicion of a more serious condition, which eventually revealed the diagnosis of angiosarcoma through skin biopsy. As suggested by several previous case reports, the subtle manifestation of cAS made it a great mimicker of benign skin conditions. This case report serves as a reminder to the aggressive nature of angiosarcoma which can lead to marked facial swelling within several weeks. As the tumour was not resectable by the time of diagnosis, the patient was offered palliative radiotherapy.
Vasculitis and Breast Cancer: Mind the Hint
Authors: Esperança-Martins Miguel , Evangelista Vasco , Fernandes Salomão , Almeida Raquel
Published: March 2021

Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage related to an anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated small vessel vasculitis is an extremely rare form of presentation of breast cancer. Here we report the case of a 77-year-old woman with a histological diagnosis of a papillary ductal carcinoma of the breast presenting with a diffuse alveolar haemorrhage secondary to a perinuclear ANCA-associated vasculitis. To our knowledge, this is the first case ever reported of a diffuse alveolar haemorrhage related to an ANCA-associated small vessel vasculitis as a form of presentation of breast cancer. The therapeutic approach of this paraneoplastic vasculitis included the use of corticosteroids and plasmapheresis, a very useful technique to remove endothelial aggressors (circulating antibodies) as a strategy to earn time for a proper therapeutic decision specifically directed for disease modification, but that can also be associated with several severe adverse effects, which are illustrated in our case.
Asian Americans, Affirmative Action & the Rise in Anti-Asian Hate
Authors: Lee Jennifer
Published: March 2021

No court case in recent history has propelled Asian Americans into the political sphere like Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, and no issue has galvanized them like affirmative action. Asian Americans have taken center stage in the latest battle over affirmative action, yet their voices have been muted in favor of narratives that paint them as victims of affirmative action who ardently oppose the policy. Bridging theory and research on immigration, stereotypes, and boundaries, I provide a holistic portrait of SFFA v. Harvard and focus on Asian Americans' role in it. Immigration has remade Asian Americans from “unassimilable to exceptional,” and wedged them between underrepresented minorities who stand to gain most from the policy and the advantaged majority who stands to lose most because of it. Presumed competent and morally deserving, Asian Americans subscribe to the stereotype, and wield it to their advantage. Competence, moral worth, and respectability politics, however, are no safeguards against racism and xenophobia. As fears of the coronavirus arrested the United States, so too has the rise in anti-Asian hate.
Teaching Scriptures and Ecology
Authors: Person Raymond F.
Published: March 2021

Any course in religion and ecology can include some discussion of foundational texts, including a critical reading of the literary portrayal of other-than-humans. This article will focus on teaching scriptures and ecology as illustrated in a course entitled “The Bible and the Environment,” which introduces students to an ecojustice reading of the Christian Bible and secondary sources. The article also concerns my adaptation of Felder and Brent’s recommendations for encouraging students to actively engage in class discussion. Since I wanted to introduce more written reflection, I adapted their methods to giving pop quizzes at the beginning, middle, and end of some class sessions. This proved successful in that students were better prepared for class, were more attentive participants in class discussion, and had better comprehension of content, including the ability to apply the concepts of anthropocentrism and ecocentrism to primary and secondary sources.
Theodotion Zechariah in the Fourth Gospel
Authors: Moore Colton
Published: March 2021

This article attempts demonstrate that the only two citations of Zechariah in the Fourth Gospel likely derive from “proto-Theodotion” Zechariah (Zech-θ). We first see that the Greek revision Theodotion was extant and available to the authors of the New Testament. Next, we see that the Fourth Gospel’s citation of Zech 9:9 in John 12:15 derives from Zech-θ and does not necessarily rely on Matthew’s Gospel, which itself uses Zech-θ. The most critical piece of evidence for this conclusion is found in the genitive ὄνου, which neither the Old Greek (OG) nor Matthew’s Gospel preserves, but is found explicitly in Zech-θ. We then examine Zech 12:10 in John 19:37 and conclude that it, too, ultimately derives from Zech-θ. This conclusion is plausible because (1) the Fourth Gospel typically uses the Greek versions when citing the OT, (2) Zech-θ was likely at the author’s disposal when writing the Gospel, and (3) the prepositional phrase εἰς ὃν ἐξεκέντησαν reads verbatim with Zech-θ.
Factors Affecting the Participation of Children in Traditional Games in Tanzania
Authors: Sanga Daines Nicodem
Published: March 2021

Children’s participation in traditional games is crucial for their social and intellectual development. In this light, one of the puzzling issues of our time is the drastic decrease in children’s outdoor play. This study sets out to investigate the reasons why, by identifying the factors that prevent children from participating in traditional games in urban Tanzania. The hypothesis driving this inquiry initially proposed that access to televisions, digital video technology, computers and mobile phone games decreases the degree of children’s active participation in traditional games. Based on data collected through interviews and focus group discussions with parents and children, the study revealed that this is not the case; instead, the findings identify seven other factors, including parents’ fear of child abduction and sexual abuse, parental emphasis on academic achievement, the pressure of family chores, and children’s destructive behaviour outdoors as responsible for the prohibitions that defeat children’s traditional play. The data includes children’s own self-reflections about why they do not play outside. These results indicate the advisability of educating parents about the benefits of traditional games in children’s lives. The study also recommends that parents and the wider community take steps together to create safer outdoor play environments for children.
The Journey Motif and The Re-Reading of Ngugi Wa Thiong’o: Devil on the Cross, Matigari and Wizard of the Crow, a Gikuyu Trilogy
Authors: Lema Emmanuel P.
Published: March 2021

This essay employs the journey motif to re-read three novels by Ngugi wa Thiong’o: Devil on the Cross, Matigari and Wizard of the Crow. It is argued here that these three novels form Ngugi’s era of Gikuyu fiction; they are chosen to represent his celebrated decision to freely tap from Gikuyu orature. Ngugi’s use of indigenous language in these novels bridges the historical and chronological gaps separating the three narratives; they constitute a trilogy that retells Ngugi’s parable about postcolonial Kenya and Independent Africa more generally. By exploring the different physical, metaphorical and psychological journeys that permeate the atmosphere of all three novels, this interpretation enhances their value in light of Ngugi’s broader political and social agenda.
Russelia tehuana (Plantaginaceae), a new species from the tropical dry deciduous forest in Oaxaca, Mexico

Authors: GUZMÁN-DÍAZ SALVADOR , PÉREZ-CALIX EMMANUEL , SAMAIN MARIE-STÉPHANIE
Published: March 2021

A new species, Russelia tehuana (Plantaginaceae), is described from the Sierra Madre del Sur in the southern part of Oaxaca, Mexico. This taxon is distinguished from all other Russelia species by the hirsute pubescence, the resinous lepidotes present on both leaf surfaces, the small flowers and the centrally narrow corolla tube. Here we describe and illustrate this species, discuss its known distribution, and compare it with other Russelia species that grow in the state of Oaxaca.
A new genus of ambrosia beetle from Melanesia (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini)
Authors: BEAVER R. A. , PETROV A. V. , SITTICHAYA W.
Published: March 2021

A new genus of xyleborine ambrosia beetle, Melanesicus Beaver & Petrov gen. n., with type species Xyleborus partitus Browne (1974) is described from the Melanesian region. The following new combinations are proposed: M. caledoniae (Beaver & Liu, 2016) comb. n., M. deformatus (Browne, 1974) comb. n., M. granulosus (Schedl, 1975) comb. n., all from Xyleborus Eichhoff, 1864. Melanesicus tishechkini Petrov sp. n. is described from Vanuatu, and Melanesicus nukuruanus sp. n. Beaver from Fiji. The taxonomy, distribution and biology of the species included are briefly reviewed.
The Evolving Weather Service: Forecasters’ Perceptions of Their Relationships with Core Partners
Authors: Liu Brooke Fisher , Seate Anita Atwell
Published: March 2021

Since the tragic tornado outbreaks in central Alabama and Joplin, Missouri, in 2011, the National Weather Service (NWS) has increasingly emphasized the importance of supporting community partners who help to protect public safety. Through impact-based decision support services (IDSS), NWS forecasters develop relationships with their core partners to meet their partners’ decision-making needs. IDSS presents a fundamental shift in NWS forecasting through highlighting the importance of connecting with partners instead of simply providing partners with forecasts. A critical challenge to the effective implementation of IDSS is a lack of social science research evaluating the success of IDSS. This paper addresses this gap through a cross-sectional survey with 119 NWS forecasters and managers in the central and southern regions of the United States. Findings uncover how NWS forecasters and management team members evaluate the importance of IDSS. Findings also provide a new instrument for NWS field offices to assess and improve their relationships with core partners.
ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTERS IN NORTHEAST BRAZIL: HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL, SOCIAL AND SANITARY FACTORS
Authors: Ribeiro Marcos Samuel Matias , Andrade Lara de Melo Barbosa , Constantino Spyrides Maria Helena , Lima Kellen Carla , Evangelista da Silva Pollyane , Batista Douglas Toledo , de Lara Idemauro Antônio Rodrigues
Published: March 2021

The occurrence of environmental disasters affects different social segments, impacting health, education, housing, economy and the provision of basic services. Thus, the objective of this study was to estimate the relationship between the occurrence of disasters and extreme climate, sociosanitary and demographic conditions in the Northeast region of Brazil during the period from 1993 to 2013. Initially, we analyzed the spatial pattern of the incidence of events and, subsequently, generalized additive models for location, scale and shape were used in order to identify and estimate the magnitude of associations between factors. Results showed that droughts are the predominant disasters in the NEB representing 81.1% of the cases, followed by events triggered by excessive rainfall such as flash floods (11.1%) and floods (7.8%). Climate conditions presented statistically significant associations with the analyzed disasters, in which indicators of excess rainfall positively contributed to the occurrence of flash floods and floods, but negatively contributed to the occurrence of drought. Sociosanitary factors, such as percentage of households with inadequate sewage, waste collection and water supply, were also positively associated with the model’s estimations, i.e., contributing to an increase in the occurrence of events, with the exception of floods, which were not significantly influenced by sociosanitary parameters. A decrease of 19% in the risk of drought occurrence was estimated, on average. On the other hand, events caused by excessive rainfall increased by 40% and 57%, in the cases of flash floods and floods, respectively.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Marginal Migrant Populations in Italy
Authors: Sanfelici Mara
Published: March 2021

This article analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on marginal migrant populations, and the Italian response to cope with the crisis. The first section uses different sources of data to highlight social, political, and economic processes, already present in the pre-emergency stage, that contributed to the exposure of migrants to higher levels of vulnerability. The second part analyzes the impact of the crisis and its management in the response stage, focusing in particular on the perspective of front line professionals and migrants advocates. The discussion shows how some attempts have been made to unveil processes that preserve mainstream ideologies, benefiting those who are interested in the maintenance of migratory inflows of migrants with no rights, and some improvements have been achieved. Nevertheless, even if the COVID-19 crisis has created the possibility to make structural problems more visible, and indicated the direction to “build back better,” the cultural and structural variables that create a condition of hyperprecarity for more marginalized migrants seem to be unchanged.
Five Maxims for Practicing OD Consulting in China
Authors: Feng Jane
Published: March 2021

The author, a native Chinese practitioner, presents the Five Maxims for OD consulting in China grounded in Taoist and Confucian wisdom based on her experiences working with multinational corporations.
Mechanical degradation of carbon fiber/vinyl ester samples subject to marine environments
Authors: Papa Ilaria , Formisano Antonio , Lopresto Valentina , Russo Pietro
Published: March 2021

The paper deals with the mechanical degradation of composite material components in seawater at room temperature. In particular, this study compares quasi-static and dynamic behaviour of carbon fiber/vinyl ester components, dry and water saturated in a saline environment at 3% to simulate the seawater exposition. At this regard, short-beam shear, flexural and low-velocity impact tests were systematically performed before and after the conditioning of the material under examination. Finally, the damage of the impacted specimens was carefully analyzed by visual inspections and ultrasound investigations. Despite a very low water absorption, the analyses allow to highlight different phenomena, reflecting on variations in the mechanical properties and in the extent of the damage of the investigated samples.
Validation of a Four Factor Measure: Scale of Perceived Instructor Support
Authors: Young-Jones Adena , Hart Bailey , Yadon Carly A. , Buchanan Erin M.
Published: March 2021

Academic-related stressors are common for college students, such as future career decisions or pressures to succeed academically. Furthermore, the impact of health and finance issues may add to the burden. Perceived support from an academic community, peers, or family can provide a buffer to mitigate the effects of these stressors. Several studies have emphasized the importance of support by instructors in particular and found that students’ perceptions of instructor support can counteract academic stress and promote retention. The purpose of the present study was to validate a scale for instructor support, which consisted of four factors: autonomy, expectation, interpersonal relationships, and engagement. A confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated good fit for the items within each factor. Results also indicated that students who planned to return to the university next semester were more likely to report higher levels of autonomy and expectation. The Scale of Perceived Instructor Support (SPIS) is a short, 24 item-inventory that can be used by faculty advisors as part of a formal advising practice or informally by class instructors.
Identification of hub ubiquitin ligase genes affecting Alzheimer’s disease by analyzing transcriptome data from multiple brain regions
Authors: Liu Dahai , Dai Shao-Xing , He Kan , Li Gong-Hua , Liu Justin , Liu Leyna G , Huang Jing-Fei , Xu Lin , Li Wen-Xing
Published: March 2021

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays crucial roles in numerous cellular functions. Dysfunction of the UPS shows certain correlations with the pathological changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aimed to explore the different impairments of the UPS in multiple brain regions and identify hub ubiquitin ligase (E3) genes in AD. The brain transcriptome, blood transcriptome and proteome data of AD were downloaded from a public database. The UPS genes were collected from the Ubiquitin and Ubiquitin-like Conjugation Database. The hub E3 genes were defined as the differentially expressed E3 genes shared by more than three brain regions. E3Miner and UbiBrowser were used to predict the substrate of hub E3. This study shows varied impairment of the UPS in different brain regions in AD. Furthermore, we identify seven hub E3 genes (CUL1, CUL3, EIF3I, NSMCE1, PAFAH1B1, RNF175, and UCHL1) that are downregulated in more than three brain regions. Three of these genes (CUL1, EIF3I, and NSMCE1) showed consistent low expression in blood. Most of these genes have been reported to promote AD, whereas the impact of RNF175 on AD is not yet reported. Further analysis revealed a potential regulatory mechanism by which hub E3 and its substrate genes may affect transcription functions and then exacerbate AD. This study identified seven hub E3 genes and their substrate genes affect transcription functions and then exacerbate AD. These findings may be helpful for the development of diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AD.
Steps for Success: Making Instructional Decisions for Students’ Essay Writing
Authors: Regan Kelley , Evmenova Anya S. , Hutchison Amy , Day Jamie , Stephens Madelyn , Verbiest Courtney , Gafurov Boris
Published: March 2021

The process of analyzing student data to determine an appropriate instructional decision is crucial for student academic growth. This article details how teachers can make data-driven decisions to carefully design writing instruction. Steps are presented for teachers to follow throughout the data driven decision-making process in order to meet students’ specific needs when they are writing an essay. A case study is provided throughout the article to illustrate how students and teachers may navigate through this process while using a technology-based graphic organizer.
Investigation of friction stir spot welding of high density polyethylene and polypropylene sheets
Authors: Bilici Mustafa Kemal
Published: March 2021

In this study, two different polymer materials were used. In the joints made with friction stir spot welding, firstly (PP/PP and HDPE/HDPE) and then different materials (PP/HDPE, HDPE/PP) joining processes were carried. The influence of the tool rotational speed and the stirring time on joint formation and weld strength were determined. The temperature of the liquid welding materials varies according to the materials to be combined. High weld strengths were obtained at the friction stir spot welding of similar plastic sheets. The highest weld strengths were obtained in PP-PP welds. Low weld strengths were obtained at the friction stir spot welding of dissimilar plastic sheets because of immiscible and incompatible blends formed during the welding operation. The lowest weld strengths were obtained in PP-HDPE welds. The chemical composition and the phase morphology of the blends, the mechanical scission occurrence and the welding residual stresses determine the strength of the welds.
Online optimum velocity calculation under V2X for smart new energy vehicles
Authors: Huang Chuan , Hu Ping , Lian Jing
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a vector data net solver is proposed, which can reduce bivariate discrete-time dynamic programming (DP) computation time by 98.0% without losing accuracy. Therefore, for the first time, bivariate discrete-time DP can operate under model predictive control rolling optimization to calculate future optimum vehicle velocity in real time considering future road altitude and instant traffic information. Simulation results indicate that with the solution presented in this paper, front vehicles and the proper windows to pass through front intersections can be constantly considered. Meanwhile, the calculated optimum vehicle velocity almost remains the same as the global optimum solutions. Simulation results are validated by real-car tests, and the test new energy vehicle (NEV) electricity consumption is reduced by up to 48.6%. A comparison experiment is performed between the solution presented in this paper and commonly used adaptive dynamic programming (ADP), and the results indicate that the former has better performance and stability. This paper describes a novel solution for online optimum velocity calculation under vehicle to everything (V2X) environment and can be used by all smart NEVs with autonomous driving or active cruise control functions for lower electricity consumption and better riding comfort.
Diffuse-Type Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor Arising in the Temporomandibular Joint Extending to the External Auditory Canal: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Suzuki Shiori , Tsuda Hiroshige , Bandoh Nobuyuki , Goto Takashi , Uemura Akihiro , Aoyama Takako , Nishio Akimasa , Makino Shujiroh , Yamaguchi Tomomi , Aimono Eriko , Nishihara Hiroshi , Harabuchi Yasuaki
Published: March 2021

A 74-year-old Japanese woman with a 1-year history of right preauricular pain and a 2-month history of bleeding from the right ear was admitted to our department. Tumor was observed in the anterior wall in the right external auditory canal. Bony swelling of the right preauricular area was palpated. Computed tomography revealed an ill-defined, osteogenic tumor around the mandibular condyle with a destructive bony lesion involving the temporal bone. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 2.0 × 1.5 × 1.3-cm solid tumor around the mandibular condyle, exhibiting a low-intensity signal on T1-weighted imaging and an isointense central area surrounded by low-signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging. Histological examination of biopsy specimens revealed diffuse-type tenosynovial giant cell tumor (D-TGCT). After the feeding arteries for the tumor were embolized, the patient underwent surgery with combined temporal craniotomy and mandibular condylectomy. The soft and cystic tumor with calcification located in the extradural space was totally resected along with the mandibular condyle. No facial paralysis or recurrence was evident as of 6 months postoperatively. To date, only 23 cases of D-TGCT arising in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with ear involvement have been reported since 2011. We report successful resection of a rare case of D-TGCT arising in the TMJ.
A Case of Cochlear Implant Replacement Requiring Full-Thickness Skin Grafting
Authors: Hanada Yukiko , Tsuda Takeshi , Wada Kento , Ogawa Kazuya , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Yoshitatsu Sumiko , Nishimura Hiroshi
Published: March 2021

Cochlear implants improve the quality of life of patients with bilateral severe sensorineural hearing loss. Normally, patients with cochlear implants can continue to use the devices for years without any complications. However, equipment failure or infection at the implant site could develop in some patients, and this might often necessitate implant replacement. Although cochlear implant replacement surgery itself is not a major risk in most cases, extensive tissue resection will be required in cases involving infection, and the insertion site of the temporal bone implant will need to be changed. We encountered a case of skin necrosis at the temporal bone implant site caused by constant external irritation from the temple of an eyeglass frame. The patient underwent cochlear implant replacement surgery involving full-thickness skin grafting from the abdomen. Thereafter, the patient’s condition improved. Full-thickness skin grafting can be useful in cases of extensive skin defects encountered during cochlear implant replacement.
Equal Performance, Different Grade: Women’s Performance in Discussion Perceived Worse Than Men’s
Authors: Dorrough Angela R. , Leszczyńska Monika , Werner Sandra , Schaeffer Lovis , Galley Anna-Sophie , Akin Enis , Bachmann Jacqueline , Bruske Marius , Burghardt Ulla , Simandi Franziska
Published: March 2021

We investigate how men and women are evaluated in group discussions. In five studies ( N = 761) using a variant of a Hidden Profile Task, we find that, when experimentally and/or statistically controlling for actual gender differences in behavior, the female performance in a group discussion is devalued in comparison to male performance. This was observed for fellow group members (Study 1) and outside observers (Studies 2–5), in both primarily student (Studies 1, 4, and 5) and mixed samples (Studies 2 and 3), for different measures of performance (perceived helpfulness of the contribution, for work-related competence), across different discussion formats (preformulated chat messages, open chat), and when controlling for the number of female group members (Study 5). In contrast to our hypothesis, we did not find a moderating effect of selection procedure in that women were devalued to a similar degree in both situations with a women’s quota and without.
Transformation through Teen Camp: Marginalized Girls in India Recasting Themselves as Agents of Change
Authors: Zare Bonnie
Published: March 2021

Programs in the global south with international backing that help economically marginalized girls gain a sense of agency have been rightly criticized for ignoring structural barriers to girls’ progress. Nevertheless, connecting adolescent girls with knowledge about rights and assertiveness training increases their belief they can and should stand up for themselves. A pilot qualitative study of an empowerment camp begun by a local group in Telangana India, which has reached 65,000+ girls across seven states, was conducted to clarify what information campers thought they gained and what actions they had taken. Interview results show campers believed camp was effective and helped them argue to oppose child marriage, stay in school, and question dowry. Campers reported they thought the scope of change might be limited until elders validated the camp’s messages. Unexpectedly camp also transformed the attitudes and beliefs of the highly educated counselors. I conclude by suggesting attitudinal change is worthy of pursuing for its own sake.
At the bar of conscience: A Kantian argument for slavery reparations
Authors: Fisette Jason R
Published: March 2021

Arguments for slavery reparations have fallen out of favour even as reparations for other forms of racial injustice are taken more seriously. This retreat is unsurprising, as arguments for slavery reparations often rely on two normatively irregular claims: that reparations are owed to the dead (as opposed to, say, their living heirs) and that the present generation inherits an as yet unrequited guilt from past generations. Outside of some strands of Black thought and activism on slavery reparations, these claims are widely rejected. I develop an argument for slavery reparations around those foundational claims by adopting the normative framework of Immanuel Kant. On what I call the Basic Argument for slavery reparations, the application of Kant’s retributivist theory of punishment to slavery justifies reparations as a kind of proportional punishment for slavery. I also show that Kant’s philosophy offers reparations theorists resources to overcome several contemporary objections to slavery reparations.
Factors Associated With Unilateral Hearing Loss and Impact on Communication in US Adults
Authors: Choi Janet S. , Wu Franklin , Park Soyun , Friedman Rick A. , Kari Elina , Volker Courtney C. J.
Published: March 2021

Objective

To investigate the factors associated with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) and its impact on communication in US adults.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Nationally representative sample of US adults.

Methods

We analyzed data from the 2011‐2012 and 2015‐2016 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, in which participants aged 20 to 69 years completed an audiometric evaluation (n = 8138). UHL was defined as a speech frequency pure‐tone average ≥25 dB in the worse hearing ear and <25 dB in the better hearing ear. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between UHL and relevant factors.

Results

The prevalence of UHL was 8.1% (95% CI, 7.3%‐9.0%) in US adults. Factors associated with UHL included older age, male sex, white race, lower level of education, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and off‐work noise exposure. Among adults with UHL, 40% (95% CI, 32%‐48%) reported subjective trouble with hearing, a rate higher than the 12% (95% CI, 11%‐14%) among normal‐hearing adults. After adjusting for relevant factors, adults with UHL were more likely to report difficulties with following conversations with noise (odds ratio [OR], 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2‐2.5) and frustration when talking to family and friends (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.9‐4.6). Higher levels of communication difficulties were observed with worsening level of UHL.

Conclusions

Adults with UHL report significant communication difficulties in comparison to normal‐hearing adults. Further research is needed to understand the psychosocial impact of UHL on adults and ways to improve communication support for adults with UHL.
Bonding Social Capital, Afghan Refugees, and Early Access to Employment
Authors: Vergani Matteo , Yilmaz Ihsan , Barton Greg , Barry James , Bashirov Galib , Barton Siew Mee
Published: March 2021

This IMR Research Note examines the impact of the level of bonding social capital on access to employment among newly arrived Afghan refugees in Victoria (Australia). Based on a mixed-methods analysis of biographical interviews with 80 Afghan refugees, it examines their use of social capital, year by year, during the first three years after their arrival. Our analysis shows that higher levels of bonding social capital are associated with greater success in finding employment during the first and second year of settlement. In the third year, however, bonding social capital for Afghan refugees in Victoria is no longer a significant predictor of employment. This Research Note helps clarify inconsistent findings in the literature on the effects of social capital on obtaining employment by suggesting that bonding social capital’s impact on refugee employment success changes significantly across the first three years after arrival. This finding has important implications for migration policy and the prioritization of resources toward services for newly arrived refugees.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: A Case Study
Authors: Philip Joel , Cherian Vinu
Published: March 2021

Recent years have witnessed an increased interest in the use of “third-wave” psychotherapies in treating psychiatric disorders. These newer therapies are fundamentally different from the existing techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy in terms of their guiding principles and processes of change. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is the most prominent among these “third wave” psychotherapies. However, there have not been any reports from India, thus far, that have studied the use of ACT in treating obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). We describe a case of OCD that was successfully treated with eight sessions of ACT, with the results being maintained over a one-month follow-up period. Postintervention tests revealed a significant decrease in obsessive–compulsive symptoms and an associated increase in psychological flexibility. This case study highlights the possible utility of ACT as a therapeutic intervention in OCD, especially when combined with pharmacotherapy.
State tactics of welfare benefit minimisation: The power of governing documents
Authors: Cook Kay
Published: March 2021

This article draws on interviews with 41 Australian separated mothers, and the government forms, information and instructions used to administer their child support and benefit entitlements, to reveal four tactics through which women’s decision-making was coordinated to produce financial benefits to the state. The state pursued its preferred outcome by foregrounding women’s obligation to seek and collect child support, while at the same time, information on alternative choices was made deliberately opaque – making the state’s foregrounded option more likely. If women were entitled to, or sought, options that lay outside the default choice, the onus was on them to investigate, instigate and persevere with what was made to be a deliberately onerous and opaque process. As a result, the administration of Australian child support policy perpetuated low-income women’s experiences of economic and social inequity, entrenching the feminisation of poverty in single parent families.
Towards a desistance-focused approach to probation supervision for people who have committed Intimate Partner Violence: A digital toolkit pilot study
Authors: Morris Jason , Raducu Andreea Antonia , Fuller Melissa , Wylie Sarah , Watson Steven James
Published: March 2021

We analyse practitioner and service user reflections on a digitally enabled toolkit designed to enable desistance-focused conversations within routine probation supervision of men with convictions for Intimate Partner Violence in England and Wales. We explore how to embed inclusive therapeutic service provision within the role of public sector National Probation Service practitioners through the testimony of case managers (N = 9) and people on probation (N = 7). We discuss the strengths and challenges of the approach and its implementation. The findings are discussed in the context of: the forthcoming Domestic Abuse Bill; the renationalisation of probation; the recovery of probation services following the COVID-19 pandemic; and the emergence of technology that supports desistance.
Segmentally impaired left ventricular longitudinal strain: a new predictive diagnostic parameter for asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis and preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Kostakou Peggy M , Tryfou Elsie S , Kostopoulos Vassilios S , Markos Lambros I , Damaskos Dimitrios S , Olympios Christoforos D , Kouris Nikos T
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

This study aims to investigate the correlation between severe aortic stenosis (sAS) and impairment of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) in particular segments, using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with sAS and normal ejection fraction of left ventricle (LVEF).

Methods:

The study included 53 consecutive patients with asymptomatic sAS and preserved LVEF. The regional longitudinal systolic LV wall strain was evaluated at the area opposite of the aorta as the median strain value of the basal, middle, and apical segments of the lateral and posterior walls and was compared to the average strain value of the interventricular septum (IVS) at the same views.

Results:

LVGLS was decreased and was not statistically different between three- and four-chamber views (−12.5 ± 3.6 vs −11.4 ± 5.5%, p = 0.2). The average strain values of the lateral and posterior walls were statistically reduced compared to the average value of the IVS (lateral vs IVS: −7.8 ± 3.7 vs −10 ± 5.3%, p = 0.005, posterior vs IVS: −7.7 ± 4.2 vs −10.3 ± 3.8%, p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference between lateral and posterior walls (−7.8 ± 3.7 vs −7.7 ± 4.2%, p = 0.9).

Conclusions:

The strain of lateral and posterior walls of left ventricle, which lay just opposite to the aortic valve seem to be more reduced compared to other walls in patients with sAS and preserved LVEF possibly due to their anatomical position. This impairment seems to be the reason of the overall LVGLS reduction. Regional strain could be used as an extra tool for the estimation of the severity of AS as well as for prognostic information in asymptomatic patients.
‘Necessity is the mother of invention’: Specialist palliative care service innovation and practice change in response to COVID-19. Results from a multinational survey (CovPall)
Authors: Dunleavy Lesley , Preston Nancy , Bajwah Sabrina , Bradshaw Andy , Cripps Rachel , Fraser Lorna K , Maddocks Matthew , Hocaoglu Mevhibe , Murtagh Fliss EM , Oluyase Adejoke O , Sleeman Katherine E , Higginson Irene J , Walshe Catherine
Published: March 2021

Background:

Specialist palliative care services have a key role in a whole system response to COVID-19, a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. There is a need to understand service response to share good practice and prepare for future care.

Aim:

To map and understand specialist palliative care services innovations and practice changes in response to COVID-19.

Design:

Online survey of specialist palliative care providers (CovPall), disseminated via key stakeholders. Data collected on service characteristics, innovations and changes in response to COVID-19. Statistical analysis included frequencies, proportions and means, and free-text comments were analysed using a qualitative framework approach.

Setting/participants:

Inpatient palliative care units, home nursing services, hospital and home palliative care teams from any country.

Results:

Four hundred and fifty-eight respondents: 277 UK, 85 Europe (except UK), 95 World (except UK and Europe), 1 missing country. 54.8% provided care across 2+ settings; 47.4% hospital palliative care teams, 57% in-patient palliative care units and 57% home palliative care teams. The crisis context meant services implemented rapid changes. Changes involved streamlining, extending and increasing outreach of services, using technology to facilitate communication, and implementing staff wellbeing innovations. Barriers included; fear and anxiety, duplication of effort, information overload and funding. Enablers included; collaborative teamwork, staff flexibility, a pre-existing IT infrastructure and strong leadership.

Conclusions:

Specialist palliative care services have been flexible, highly adaptive and have adopted low-cost solutions, also called ‘frugal innovations’, in response to COVID-19. In addition to financial support, greater collaboration is essential to minimise duplication of effort and optimise resource use. ISRCTN16561225 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN16561225