bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic Assessment of Students’ Engineering Design Performance Using a Bayesian Network Model
Authors: Xing Wanli , Li Chenglu , Chen Guanhua , Huang Xudong , Chao Jie , Massicotte Joyce , Xie Charles
Published: September 2020

Integrating engineering design into K-12 curricula is increasingly important as engineering has been incorporated into many STEM education standards. However, the ill-structured and open-ended nature of engineering design makes it difficult for an instructor to keep track of the design processes of all students simultaneously and provide personalized feedback on a timely basis. This study proposes a Bayesian network model to dynamically and automatically assess students’ engagement with engineering design tasks and to support formative feedback. Specifically, we applied a Bayesian network to 111 ninth-grade students’ process data logged by a computer-aided design software program that students used to solve an engineering design challenge. Evidence was extracted from the log files and fed into the Bayesian network to perform inferential reasoning and provide a barometer of their performance in the form of posterior probabilities. Results showed that the Bayesian network model was competent at predicting a student’s task performance. It performed well in both identifying students of a particular group (recall) and ensuring identified students were correctly labeled (precision). This study also suggests that Bayesian networks can be used to pinpoint a student’s strengths and weaknesses for applying relevant science knowledge to engineering design tasks. Future work of implementing this tool within the computer-aided design software will provide instructors a powerful tool to facilitate engineering design through automatically generating personalized feedback to students in real time.
The Making and Breaking of RNAs: Dynamics of Rhythmic RNA Expression in Mammals
Authors: Unruh Benjamin A. , Kojima Shihoko
Published: September 2020

The identification and characterization of rhythmically expressed mRNAs have been an active area of research over the past 20 years, as these mRNAs are believed to produce the daily rhythms in a wide range of biological processes. Circadian transcriptome studies have used mature mRNA as a primary readout and focused largely on rhythmic RNA synthesis as a regulatory mechanism underlying rhythmic mRNA expression. However, RNA synthesis, RNA degradation, or a combination of both must be rhythmic to drive rhythmic RNA profiles, and it is still unclear to what extent rhythmic synthesis leads to rhythmic RNA profiles. In addition, circadian RNA expression is also often tissue specific. Although a handful of genes cycle in all or most tissues, others are rhythmic only in certain tissues, even though the same core clock mechanism is believed to control the rhythmic RNA profiles in all tissues. This review focuses on the dynamics of rhythmic RNA synthesis and degradation and discusses how these steps collectively determine the rhythmicity, phase, and amplitude of RNA accumulation. In particular, we highlight a possible role of RNA degradation in driving tissue-specific RNA rhythms. By unifying findings from experimental and theoretical studies, we will provide a comprehensive overview of how rhythmic gene expression can be achieved and how each regulatory step contributes to tissue-specific circadian transcriptome output in mammals.
Is Extreme in the Eye of the Beholder? An Experimental Assessment of Extremist Cognitions
Authors: Shortland Neil , Nader Elias , Thompson Lisa , Palasinski Marek
Published: September 2020

Scholars have extensively discussed the topic of “online radicalization,” often seeking to understand the form and function of online extremist material. However, this work has neglected to examine the role that the Internet plays alongside individual personality factors in the process through which someone develops violent extremist cognitions. This article aims to extend the understanding of the role of personality differences in the effect of exposure to extremist material online. In this study, we experimentally measure the short-term psychological consequences of exposure to extremist material on extremist cognitions. We use a between-group experimental design in which participants are shown extremist propaganda with either pre- or post-counter messages. Our results indicate that trait personality, and specifically aggression, may be more influential than exposure to extremist propaganda in influencing extremist cognitions. We discuss the implications of these results in the context of future research directions.
The (Im)possibility of Class Identity: Reflections on a Case of Failed Right-Wing Hegemony
Authors: Bithymitris Giorgos
Published: September 2020

This article discusses the dialectics of class identifications in the case of a shipbuilding community of workers in Greece. Unlike other working-class segments that went through the traumas of the recent economic crisis silently, the workers of Perama Zone attracted the attention of the public discourse on more than one occasion. The violent far-right activism that encroached on the formerly thriving industrial communities of the wider area have reopened an old discussion about the relationship of the working class with fascism. Analysing interview and ethnographic material, the article focuses on the discursive processes of class identity formation. Class as an (im)possible identity is examined through the lenses of sociological and psychodynamic distinctions between identity and identification drawing on the broader literature of cultural class analysis. The overarching aim of the study is to explore the opportunities and limitations of the far-right appeal when class is at work through affirmation and/or negation.
DSMC simulation of rarefied gas flow over a 2D backward-facing step in the transitional flow regime: Effect of Mach number and wall temperature
Authors: Nabapure Deepak , K Ram Chandra Murthy
Published: September 2020

Rarefied gas flow over a backward-facing step (BFS) is often encountered in separating flows prevalent in aerodynamic flows, engine flows, condensers, space vehicles, heat transfer systems, and microflows. Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) is a powerful tool to investigate such flows. The purpose of this research is to assess the impact of Mach number and wall temperature on the flow and surface properties in the transitional flow regime. The Mach numbers considered are 5, 10, 25, 30, and the ratio of the temperature of the wall to that of freestream considered are 1, 2, 4, 8. The Reynolds number for the cases studied is 8.6, 17.2, 43, and 51.7, respectively. Typically the flow properties near the wall are found to increase with both Mach number and wall temperature owing to compressibility and viscous dissipation effects. The variation in flow properties is more sensitive to Mach number than the wall temperature. The surface properties are found to decrease with Mach number and increase with wall temperature. Moreover, in the wake of the step, the vortex’s recirculation length is reasonably independent of both free stream Mach number and wall temperature, whereas it decreases with Knudsen number.
A continuous responder algorithm to optimize clinical management of small-cell lung cancer with progastrin-releasing peptide as a simple blood test
Authors: Muley Thomas , Zhang Xiaotong , Holdenrieder Stefan , Korse Catharina M , Zhi Xiu-yi , Molina Rafael , Liu Zhongjuan , Hartmann Gunther , van den Heuvel Michel M , Qian Kun , Marrades Ramon , Engel Christine , He Ying , Wehnl Birgit , Dayyani Farshid , Herth Felix
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to investigate whether changes in progastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP) levels correlate with treatment response and can be used to optimize clinical management of patients with small-cell lung cancer. Patients with small-cell lung cancer (any stage) receiving chemotherapy were eligible. ProGRP was measured in serum/plasma at baseline and after each chemotherapy cycle using the Elecsys® ProGRP assay (Roche Diagnostics). Treatment response was assessed by computed tomography scan. The primary objective was to examine whether changes in ProGRP levels correlated with computed tomography scan results after two cycles of chemotherapy. The prognostic value of ProGRP among patients receiving first-line chemotherapy was also assessed. Overall, 261 patients from six centers were eligible. Among patients with elevated baseline ProGRP (>100 pg/mL), a ProGRP decline after Cycle 2 was associated with nonprogression (area under the curve: 84%; 95% confidence interval: 72.8–95.1; n = 141). ProGRP changes from baseline to end of Cycle 1 were predictive of response, as determined by computed tomography scan 3 weeks later (area under the curve: 87%; 95% confidence interval: 74.1−99.2; n = 137). This was enhanced by repeat measurements, with a 92% area under the curve (95% confidence interval: 85.3−97.8) among patients with ProGRP data after both Cycles 1 and 2 (n = 123); if a patient experienced a ≥25% decline in ProGRP after Cycle 1, and ProGRP remained stable or decreased after Cycle 2, the probability of finding progression on the interim computed tomography scan at the end of Cycle 2 was almost zero (sensitivity: 100%, specificity: 71%). Both ProGRP levels at baseline and at the end of first-line chemotherapy were prognostic; the latter provided a moderately improved hazard ratio of 2.43 (95% confidence interval: 1.33–4.46; n = 110) versus 1.87 (95% confidence interval: 1.04–3.37; n = 216). In summary, for patients with small-cell lung cancer and elevated baseline ProGRP levels, ProGRP may be a simple, reliable, and repeatable tool for monitoring response to chemotherapy and provide valuable prognostic information.
Identification of novel testing matrices for African swine fever surveillance
Authors: Flannery John , Ashby Martin , Moore Rebecca , Wells Sian , Rajko-Nenow Paulina , Netherton Christopher L. , Batten Carrie
Published: September 2020

African swine fever (ASF) is a devastating viral disease of pigs and wild boar, and it threatens global food security. We aimed to identify suitable sample matrices for use in ASF surveillance programs. Six pigs inoculated with ASFV were sampled at postmortem. Blood, bone marrow, ear biopsies, and oral, nasal, and rectal swabs were taken from all pigs. All samples were analyzed using 3 real-time PCR (rtPCR) assays and a LAMP assay. ASFV was detected at > 107 genome copies/mL in blood; bone marrow was found to provide the highest viral load. Ct values provided by the rtPCR assays were correlated, and ASFV was detected in all oral, nasal, and rectal swabs and in all ear biopsy samples irrespective of the location from which they were taken. The LAMP assay had lower sensitivity, and detected ASFV in 54 of 66 positive samples, but delivered positive results within 17 min. We identified additional sample matrices that can be considered depending on the sampling situation: bone marrow had a high probability of detection, which could be useful for decomposed carcasses. However, ear biopsies provide an appropriate, high-throughput sample matrix to detect ASFV and may be useful during surveillance programs.
Evaluation of an automated immunoturbidimetric assay for detecting canine C-reactive protein
Authors: Berlanda Michele , Valente Carlotta , Bonsembiante Federico , Badon Tamara , Bedin Silvia , Contiero Barbara , Guglielmini Carlo , Poser Helen
Published: September 2020

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a major acute-phase protein, and it is produced by the liver in response to a pro-inflammatory stimulus. Given that human and canine CRP have a similar molecular structure, the assays used for human CRP detection have been used to measure CRP concentrations in dogs. We evaluated the use of a human CRP assay (Biotecnica CRP assay) and validated its application in dogs. We analyzed 91 canine serum samples with a fully automated analyzer. Our validation was based on the evaluation of imprecision, limits of linearity, limits of quantification, and an evaluation of interferences. The new assay was also compared with the Randox CRP assay, a validated assay for the measurement of CRP. Intra- and inter-assay repeatability were <8% and <11%, respectively. The tested assay proportionally measured canine CRP in an analytical range up to 60 mg/L; however, hemoglobin, triglycerides, and bilirubin interfered with the determination. Good agreement, with the presence of proportional systematic bias, was observed between Biotecnica and Randox assays. The Biotecnica CRP assay provides reliable measurement of CRP in canine serum, provided that samples are free of interferents.
The Rocks and Stones Themselves . . .
Authors: Gelobter Michel
Published: September 2020

A short reflection on the emergence of the environmental justice movement from the Toxic Wastes and Race report and Michigan’s Conference on Race and the Incidence of Environmental Hazards. These events and the movement are framed in the context of the long struggle for racial justice in the United States.
Dynamics of Overt and Covert Conflict in Organizations: The Power of Organizational Identity
Authors: Mikkelsen Elisabeth Naima , Humle Didde Maria
Published: September 2020

Conflict in organizations takes many forms. However, most existing literature on organizational conflict focuses on overt forms of conflict expression and handling. While covert conflict exists and shapes the collective organizing of conflict in organizations, the relationship between overt and covert forms of conflict has not yet been well explicated. This article offers a novel perspective on the dynamics of overt and covert conflict in organizations by examining why some forms of conflict gain legitimacy over others. We present an ethnographic study of how the staff and management experienced everyday conflict at a Nordic aid agency that highly prized harmony and collaboration in the workplace and had therefore adopted a deliberate and logical approach to conflict. An affective underside of the organization, marked by subtle and suppressed conflict expression, however, alluded to an acknowledged organizational order that guided conflict interaction among members and kept the production together. To explain these organizational dynamics, we use narrative theory as an original and fertile perspective for studying both overt and covert forms of conflict and their interaction. This reveals an important feature of their relationship: they are intertextually linked through their relationship to the dominant organizational identity, which hegemonizes what is and what is not allowed to get into conflict over. From these findings, we develop a model of the structuring of overt and covert conflict through organizational identity, thus contributing to the organizational conflict literature.
Measuring Implementation Strategy Fidelity in HealthyHearts NYC
Authors: Berry Carolyn A. , Nguyen Ann M. , Cuthel Allison M. , Cleland Charles M. , Siman Nina , Pham-Singer Hang , Shelley Donna R.
Published: September 2020

Few studies have assessed the fidelity of practice facilitation (PF) as an implementation strategy, and none have used an a priori definition or conceptual framework of fidelity to guide fidelity assessment. The authors adapted the Conceptual Framework for Implementation Fidelity to guide fidelity assessment in HealthyHearts NYC, an intervention that used PF to improve adoption of cardiovascular disease evidence-based guidelines in primary care practices. Data from a web-based tracking system of 257 practices measured fidelity using 4 categories: frequency, duration, content, and coverage. Almost all (94.2%) practices received at least the required 13 PF visits. Facilitators spent on average 26.3 hours at each site. Most practices (95.7%) completed all Task List items, and 71.2% were educated on all Chronic Care Model strategies. The majority (65.8%) received full coverage. This study provides a model that practice managers and implementers can use to evaluate fidelity of PF, and potentially other implementation strategies.
Toward a More Valid Assessment of Behavioral Aggression: An Open Source Platform and an Empirically Derived Scoring Method for Using the Competitive Reaction Time Task (CRTT)
Authors: Lobbestael Jill , Emmerling Franziska , Brugman Suzanne , Broers Nick , Sack Alexander T. , Schuhmann Teresa , Bonnemayer Charlie , Benning Richard , Arntz Arnoud
Published: September 2020

While the Competitive Reaction Time Task (CRTT) is the most used behavioral aggression paradigm, it is characterized by methodological heterogeneity and quantification strategies for its’ outcome are unstandardized. Therefore, the standards of measuring aggression should be improved. This article contributes on such an improvement by providing: (a) a freely available CRTT online administration program, and (b) a factor-analytically derived scoring method. Based on a combined sample ( n = 423), a two-factor model was fit to the 30-trial CRTT version. The first factor included all trial scores subsequent to the first time the participant received aversive feedback (i.e., provoked factor) and the second factor included all trial scores prior to this first aversive feedback (i.e., unprovoked factor). Construct validity was evidenced based on the factors` differential relationship with self-reported aggression and narcissism. Our factor analytic findings empirically support the superiority of one of the existing CRTT scoring methods, that is, separately averaging all preprovocation versus all postprovocation trials. We discuss practical recommendations for CRTT users and outline future empirical avenues. This article aims at stimulating joint efforts to move toward standardization of CRTT implementation and outcome measure analysis.
A National Survey Assessing SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Intentions: Implications for Future Public Health Communication Efforts
Authors: Head Katharine J. , Kasting Monica L. , Sturm Lynne A. , Hartsock Jane A. , Zimet Gregory D.
Published: September 2020

With SARS-CoV-2 vaccines under development, research is needed to assess intention to vaccinate. We conducted a survey ( N = 3,159) with U.S. adults in May 2020 assessing SARS-CoV-2 vaccine intentions, intentions with a provider recommendation, and sociodemographic and psychosocial variables. Participants had high SARS-CoV-2 vaccine intentions ( M = 5.23/7-point scale), which increased significantly with a provider recommendation ( M = 5.47). Hierarchical linear regression showed that less education and working in health care were associated with lower intent, and liberal political views, altruism, and COVID-19-related health beliefs were associated with higher intent. This work can inform interventions to increase vaccine uptake, ultimately reducing COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality.
Investigation of dynamic characteristics of rolling particle dampers
Authors: Kuriyama Takuya , Saeki Masato
Published: September 2020

In this article, the investigation of the use of a rolling particle damper under sinusoidal excitation is described. A rolling particle damper is a type of ball vibration absorber and consists of a rotating cylinder placed on a curved track mounted on a primary system. The rotating cylinder is partially filled with granular materials. When the rotating cylinder rolls inside the curved track, the granular materials also move. The friction between the granular materials and the inside wall of the rotating cylinder results in some energy dissipation. A rolling particle damper can be adopted in a harsh environment because it can be operated in a wide temperature range. The effects of the mass ratio, the particle material, and the particle diameter on the damping performance were examined experimentally. To elucidate the behavior of the entire system in detail, a numerical solution using the discrete element method was established. The predicted damping results were compared with experimental results for various mass ratios. In addition, the effect of the frequency ratio on the highest displacement amplitude of the primary system was examined referring to the numerical results.
Dual attention dense convolutional network for intelligent fault diagnosis of spindle-rolling bearings
Authors: Jiang Su , Xuan Jianping , Duan Jian , Lin Jianbin , Tao Hongfei , Xia Qi , Jing Ruizhen , Xiong Shoucong , Shi Tielin
Published: September 2020

Over the past few years, deep learning–based techniques have been extensively and successfully adopted in the field of fault diagnosis. As the diagnosis tasks become more complicated, the structure of the traditional convolutional neural network (CNN) has to become deeper to deal with them, while the gradient of fault features may vanish within the deep network. In addition, all the features are treated equally in the traditional CNN, which cannot make the most of the representation power of CNN. Here, we proposed a method named dual attention dense convolutional network to handle these issues, which is constructed by the dense network and the dual attention block. On one hand, the dense connections and concatenation layers can reinforce the propagation of fault features among layers and mitigate the vanishing gradient phenomenon in the deep network. On the other hand, as the features flow through the channel attention and spatial attention within the dual attention block, this attention mechanism can learn which feature to emphasize or suppress and then obtain the cross-channel and cross-spatial weights of the features. These weights can make the most of the abundant information, elevating the expressive power of network. After passing through these dense and attention blocks, the generated high-level features are then fed into the final classification layer to obtain diagnosis results. The effectiveness of the dual attention dense convolutional network is validated by eight datasets of spindle bearings under various machinery conditions. Compared with eight other approaches including support vector machines, random forest, and six existing deep learning models, the results indicate that the proposed dual attention dense convolutional network possesses higher accuracy, fewer parameters and computations, and faster convergence under complex operational conditions.
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Service Providers’ Perspectives on Nigerian Immigrants’ Domestic Violence Experiences
Authors: Ogbonnaya Ijeoma Nwabuzor , Fawole Olufunmilayo Ibitola , Rizo Cynthia Fraga
Published: September 2020

We investigated 13 domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault agency directors’ perspectives regarding Nigerian immigrants’ experiences of violence, DV-related service needs, and best strategies for providing those needs. Directors across five U.S. states were surveyed. Descriptive analyses showed the most common DV types were controlling behavior and cultural/traditional. The most important DV support needs were informational, informal, and legal. Formal support from DV agencies, support groups, and law enforcement was rated the most helpful strategies. Participants wanted to learn more about Nigerian immigrants’ DV experiences. Findings highlight implications for the development of Nigerian-specific DV services.
Assessment of chemical composition and antioxidant properties of defatted flours obtained from several edible insects
Authors: Botella-Martínez Carmen , Lucas-González Raquel , Pérez-Álvarez José A , Fernández-López Juana , Viuda-Martos Manuel
Published: September 2020

The aims of this study were determined the chemical composition and the antioxidant properties of defatted flours obtained from several commercially available edible insects such as Acheta dosmesticus, Tenebrio molitor, Zophobas morio, and Rhynchophorus ferrugineus to establish their utilization as ingredient in the development of new food products. The proximate composition of flour was determined using AOAC methods while for antioxidant capacity, four different methodologies were employed (DPPH, ABTS, FIC, and FRAP). The total phenolic content and the tannin content were also determined. All flours analyzed had a high protein content with values ranging between 64.17 and 72.55 g/100 g flour. With regard to the antioxidant activity, R. ferrugineus showed the highest values for DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays with values of 2.03, 4.93, and 8.46 mg Trolox equivalent/g flour, respectively. For FIC assay, A. dosmesticus and T. molitor had the highest values 0.47 and 0.48 mg EDTA equivalent/g flour. Defatted flours obtained from edible insects analyzed could have several applications as ingredients to the development new foods due to its good nutrient content and as a functional food for the prevention of oxidation.
Glomus tumour of the iris: A case report
Authors: Jing Huang , Weiwen Chen , Meihong Cui , Xiaohong Guo
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

Glomus tumours are rare benign tumours formed by modified smooth muscle cells arising from the glomus body. Glomus tumours occurring in the iris have not been previously reported.

Case description:

A 32-year-old woman presented with a 9-day history of blurred vision in her right eye. Ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of a mass lesion within the iris. Surgery of the iris was performed and the tumour was removed. Histopathological analysis confirmed a glomus tumour. The patient remains clinically stable 5 months following surgery and has experienced no tumour recurrence.

Conclusion:

The findings from this case suggest that the typical symptoms of a glomus tumour may be absent in some cases, and that imaging examinations can help in understanding the extent of the lesion and the involvement of adjacent structures. Moreover, pathology and immunohistochemistry are crucial to confirm the diagnosis.
Use of the color Doppler twinkle artifact for teaching ultrasound guided peripheral vascular access
Authors: Gardecki Jeffrey , Hughes Liam P , Zakaria Saami , Lewiss Resa E , Goodsell Kelly , Risler Zachary , Chang Anna Marie , Shughart Hailey , Norton Kyle , Au Arthur
Published: September 2020

Background:

The optimal method for teaching ultrasound guided peripheral IV (USGPIV) insertion is unknown. Poor needle tip visualization has been cited for USGPIV failure. Twinkle artifact (TA), visualized with color Doppler, is used in other clinical settings. Our objective was to investigate whether teaching students USGPIV placement utilizing TA would enhance needle tip visualization and improve first pass success.

Methods:

This was a prospective, randomized study of premedical and preclinical medical students without prior USGPIV experience. Students were given a standardized didactic session on USGPIV placement before being randomized and separated to learn and practice USGPIV with or without TA (control). The students were given 5 min to perform USGPIV on phantom models. The primary outcome was the rate of first pass success. Secondary outcomes included total time to cannulation, rate of posterior venous wall puncture, and total number of attempts.

Results:

Rates of first pass success were similar in both the TA (82%) and control groups (57%), p = 0.095. There was a difference in the mean time to cannulation. The TA group achieved success at 50.76 s (SD 26.93) while the control group achieved success at 85.30 s (SD 65.47), p = 0.048.

Conclusion:

In this study of utilizing TA to aid in USGPIV placement, students were able to achieve successful cannulation in a shorter amount of time. There was no significant difference in first pass success. Future studies should utilize a larger sample size and evaluate the utility of TA when placing USGPIV on patients.
Extending the interval of flushing procedures of totally implantable vascular access devices in cancer patients: It is time for a change
Authors: Bertoglio Sergio
Published: September 2020

Several recent literature reports regarding the flushing technique of TIVADs highlight how the definition of the optimal flushing interval is still a source of controversy. Several recent studies indicate more and more frequently how 4 weeks can be considered a too short interval for the flushing of a totally implantable access device (TIVAD); on the other hand most of the main guidelines and instructions for use provided by the device’s manufacturers still suggest an interval between 4 weeks and 1 month as the ideal one. The recent meta-analysis by Wu et al. on this topic, promotes an important strategy change, indicating the possibility of extending the flushing intervals at least up to 8 weeks. This editorial extensively discusses the flushing methods of TIVADs highlighting the need for important and substantial changes, both in extending the range of flushes and in the solutions and methods to be used. It represents an invitation to the scientific community and device manufacturers for a complete revision of the indications on flushing techniques.
Activating gender: How identity affects students’ perceptions of music activities
Authors: Kelley Jamey
Published: September 2020

In adolescence, many students align their music participation choices with the expectations for their gender group. While cultural norms may explain gender disparities in music activities, there is no empirical evidence of how gender salience may influence students’ perceptions of music activities. The purpose of this study was to experimentally test the influence of gender salience on adolescents’ perceptions of music activities. Using a quasi-experimental design, middle school participants ( N = 246) were assigned to either a primed condition where students were asked to consider their gender identity or a control condition; all participants took a survey on interest in music activities. Participants in the experimental condition rated music activities, including stereotypical masculine and feminine activities, significantly more positively than the control group. Music students rated music activities significantly higher than their non-music peers. Gender was only identified as having a significant relationship with feminine music activities, as ratings of stereotypical masculine activities were statistically similar between boys and girls. This experiment provides evidence that gender salience can impact students’ perceptions of music activities. With a more complete understanding of how gender operates within the environment, music educators can understand how gendered messages within the environment may impact perceptions of music activities.
Spanish teachers’ beliefs on the usefulness of pronunciation knowledge, skills, and activities and their confidence in implementing them
Authors: Nagle Charles , Sachs Rebecca , Zárate-Sández Germán
Published: September 2020

Despite substantial advances in the field of instructed second language acquisition (SLA) with regard to our understanding of second language (L2) pronunciation development and pedagogy, many language instructors continue to report a lack of confidence in incorporating pronunciation instruction (PI) into their classes. This survey study examined 100 Spanish instructors’ perceptions of the usefulness of various types of knowledge, skills, and approaches to PI, as well as their confidence in those domains, and the extent to which their previous training in teaching methods was related to their ratings of usefulness and confidence. After running principal components analyses to identify factors in the survey data, we fit mixed-effects models to each factor, then delved more deeply into some descriptive trends to offer recommendations for professional development opportunities. The latter results suggested that Spanish teachers might have greater appreciation for, as well as confidence in, focusing on segmentals over suprasegmentals, practice activities over assessment, perception assessment over production assessment, and implicit over explicit feedback. Consistent with previous research, some of the highest confidence levels were expressed regarding controlled techniques, alongside relatively low confidence in familiarity with research. Concerning metalinguistic tools, respondents seemed to value diagrams and descriptions over terminology and transcription, but they viewed these tools as less useful than perception, production, and communication practice. While greater training was often associated with higher perceptions of usefulness and confidence, there were cases where respondents with the least training showed the highest confidence. These results suggest some key priorities for teacher training.
Approaches to the initiation of life-sustaining technology in children: A scoping review of changes over time
Authors: Alexander Denise , Eustace-Cook Jessica , Brenner Maria
Published: September 2020

Little is understood about the dynamic circumstances within which the initiation of technology dependence takes place in children. The aim of this scoping review was to identify the influences on the initiation of technology dependence and the issues that require further exploration and consideration. Scientific literature that directly or indirectly discussed the initiation of technology dependence in children was identified. A three-stage screening process of title and abstract scrutiny, full-text scanning and in-depth full-text reading resulted in 63 relevant articles from 1133 initially reviewed. These were then subjected to descriptive and thematic analysis. Articles ranged from the 1970s to the present, reflecting the evolution of ethical debates around the approaches to clinical practice and changes in cultural and societal attitudes. Three themes emerged: how technology alters the meaning of futile care, dissonance in the perspectives of decision makers and increasing support for joint decision-making. Only articles in English and predominantly from the clinician’s rather than the patient’s perspective were included. Societal and cultural factors as well as the structural, financial and cultural environment influence the initiation of technology dependence in children. However, to what extent these overt and implicit influences guide decision-makers in this field remains largely unknown.
Immigration and climate change might just matter more than getting that next grant
Authors: Miller Toby
Published: September 2020

Why has cultural studies had little impact on right-wing populism’s assault on immigration and climate science? I suggest that this failure lies in three tendencies: first, a continued if increasingly cliché sunny optimism about the popular; second, the priority accorded to getting grants, which depoliticizes so much work; and third, an embrace of creative-industries discourse. The first tendency supposedly gives a link to our origins; the second, to legitimacy; and the third, to relevance. All render us ill-equipped to deal with contemporary and future crises.
An iterative method for leakage zone identification in water distribution networks based on machine learning
Authors: Chen Jingyu , Feng Xin , Xiao Shiyun
Published: September 2020

For leakage identification in water distribution networks, if each node is used as a category label of the classifier model, the accuracy of the classifier model will be low because of similar leakage characteristics. By clustering the nodes with similar leakage characteristics and using all the possible combinations of leakages as the category labels of the classifier model, the accuracy of the classifier model for leakage location can be improved. An iterative method combining k-means clustering with the random forest classifier is proposed to identify the leakage zones. In each iteration, k-means clustering is used to divide the leakage zone identified in the previous iterations into two zones, and then, the random forest classifier is used to identify the leakage zones and the number of leakages in each leakage zone. As the number of iterations increases, the number of candidate leakage zones and sensors that conduct leakage zone identification decreases. Thus, feature selection can be used in each iteration to select the minimum number of sensors for model training without affecting identification accuracy. Three leakage scenarios are considered: a single leakage, two simultaneous leakages, and four simultaneous leakages. A benchmark case is presented in this study to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The influences of the number of pressure sensors and Gaussian noise level on the identification results are also discussed. Results indicate that the proposed method is effective for identifying simultaneous leakages.
High cardiovascular risk of patients with type 2 diabetes is only partially attributed to angiographic burden of atherosclerosis
Authors: Battermann Simone , Milzi Andrea , Dettori Rosalia , Burgmaier Kathrin , Marx Nikolaus , Burgmaier Mathias , Reith Sebastian
Published: September 2020

Background:

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are at high risk for cardiovascular events and present more severe coronary artery disease (CAD). The Gensini and COURAGE scores are established angiographic instruments to assess CAD severity, which may also predict future cardiovascular risk. However, it is unclear if these scores are able to depict the increased risk of patients with T2DM and stable CAD (T2DM-SAP).

Methods:

We performed quantitative coronary angiography and assessed the Gensini and COURAGE scores in 124 patients with T2DM-SAP. Angiographic data were compared to patients with stable angina without T2DM (Non-DM-SAP, n = 74), and to patients with acute coronary syndrome and T2DM (T2DM-ACS, n = 53).

Results:

T2DM-SAP patients had similar Gensini and COURAGE-scores compared to Non-DM-SAP-patients (Gensini: 14.44 ± 27.34 vs 11.49 ± 26.99, p = 0.465; COURAGE: 3.48 ± 4.49 vs 3.60 ± 4.72, p = 0.854). In contrast, T2DM-SAP patients had significantly lower Gensini (14.44 ± 27.34 vs 30.94 ± 48.74, p = 0.003) and lower COURAGE (3.48 ± 4.49 vs 5.30 ± 4.63, p = 0.016) scores compared to T2DM-ACS-patients.

Conclusion:

Both the Gensini and the COURAGE score fail to predict the high cardiovascular risk of patients with T2DM-SAP. Therefore, these scores should be used with caution in the assessment of future risk of patients with T2DM. However, among T2DM-ACS patients, both scores are increased, reflecting the high cardiovascular risk in this patient population.
An Empirical Evaluation of a Summer Bridge Program on College Graduation at a Small Liberal Arts College
Authors: Greer Christiaan , Chi Cheng , Hylton-Patterson Nicole
Published: September 2020

This longitudinal study evaluated the efficacy of a summer bridge program (SBP) and other support services on college graduation rates at a small liberal arts school in Purchase, NY. Financially disadvantaged students (n = 136) receiving a scholarship and a summer bridge curriculum within the Manhattanville Achievement Program were compared to students who received Pell Grants but did not receive the summer bridge program (n = 1,293) from 2008–2014. Outcomes assessed included graduation at 4 years and 6 years post-enrollment, GPA, and demographic characteristics of those who were more likely to graduate. Results indicated that enrollment in the SBP predicted a greater likelihood to graduate at 4 and 6 years while enrollment in the SBP did not predict higher GPA at either 4 or 6 years post-enrollment. Consistent with national trends, men were less likely to graduate than women. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Cognitive Function in Liver Transplant Recipients Who Survived More Than 6 Months
Authors: Ko Dami , Bratzke Lisa C.
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

Current research in the areas of liver transplant and cognitive function has primarily examined cognitive changes from pre- to 1-year posttransplant, resulting in an insufficient understanding of cognitive trajectory beyond early periods of transplant and its impact on self-management. This study aimed (1) to describe global and domain-specific cognitive function in liver transplant recipients who survived more than 6 months after transplant and (2) to describe patient and clinical characteristics of recipients with impaired global and/or domain-specific cognitive function. Further, this study explored the potential relationships between cognitive function and self-management by examining differences in cognitive function by levels of self-management.

Design:

This secondary data analysis included 107 adult liver transplant recipients, who had a functioning transplant for at least 6 months. Data of cognitive function, demographic and clinical characteristics, and self-management were extracted for this study. T tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to examine differences in cognitive function by variables.

Results:

More than half of the recipients had global cognitive impairment. Significant differences were found in global and domain-specific cognitive function. Older, male, married, or deceased donor recipients had lower cognitive test scores than younger, female, single, or living donor recipients. There were no significant differences in global and domain-specific cognitive function by time since transplant and levels of self-management.

Discussion:

Future longitudinal studies should examine the long-term trajectory of cognitive function posttransplant. Other factors such as caregivers’ participation in self-management should be accounted for in future studies when examining the relationship between cognitive function and self-management.
A Wound Treatment Strategy for “Super Long-Term Difficult-to-Heal Wounds”: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Ye Chunjiang , Zhang Yuanhai , Han Chunmao , Mao Shulei , Ni Liangfang , Liu Jia , Wu Junmei , Zhang Jianfen
Published: September 2020

Chronic wounds are a challenge for clinicians. Treating chronic wounds in elderly patients is difficult due to comorbidities and poor immunity, tissue renewal, and regeneration. This study shared the therapeutic experiences of 40 patients with super long-term difficult-to-heal wounds and to describe the effects of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT)-assisted debridement and autologous scalp grafting. Elderly patients with chronic wounds for more than 60 years who underwent NPWT-assisted debridement and autologous scalp grafting between 2015 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Forty patients were identified and analyzed. Among all patients, the average wound area was 56 (interquartile range 30-90) cm2. The wound infection rate was 82.1%, and that before the first autologous scalp grafting was 51.3%. The average total number of surgeries was 3, and the number of times the NPWT device was replaced was once. A total of 97.4% of patients had one autologous scalp grafting performed. The transplanted scalp survived completely in 97.4% of patients. One hundred percent of patients had no postoperative complications and healed. The average wound healing time was 34.5 ± 10.1 days. This study showed that NPWT-assisted debridement and autologous scalp grafting have the advantages of high survival rate of the skin and decreased wound recurrence and may be a suitable treatment for super long-term difficult-to-heal wounds in elderly patients.
Politics of Production: Videogames 10 years after Games of Empire
Authors: Hammar Emil L. , de Wildt Lars , Mukherjee Souvik , Pelletier Caroline
Published: September 2020

2019 marked ten years since the publication of Nick Dyer-Witheford and Greig de Peuter’s Games of Empire, which has become a seminal book in videogame cultural criticism. Ten years later, there is still a pressing need for cultural and materialist criticism of the politics of production within game studies. In putting together this special issue, our hope is to identify new developments in the game industry and academia that are emblematic of 21st-century capitalism. Just as Games of Empire popularised critical political-economic perspectives ten years ago, we encourage others, as the authors in this issue did, to continue and maintain investigations into questions of ownership, privatized property, coercive class relations, military operations and radical struggle. Such analyses are necessary not only to trace but also to open up new directions in game culture and academia for decades to come.
Direct kidney injury or lower extremity ischemia induced indirect kidney injury: Which one is more harmful for kidneys?
Authors: Eygi Bortecin , Gokalp Orhan , Kiray Muge , Iscan Sahin , Gokalp Gamze , Demirbas Bahar , Yesilkaya Nihan , Iner Hasan , Gür Mehmet S , Besir Yuksel , Yilik Levent , Gurbuz Ali
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the severity of kidney damage following lower limb ischemia–reperfusion and direct kidney ischemia–reperfusion.

Methods

Thirty Sprague Dawley male rats were randomly divided into three groups; lower extremity ischemia–reperfusion group (Group 2), renal ischemia–reperfusion group (Group 3) and control (anesthesia and median laparotomy only) (Group 1). In group 3, 1-h ischemia was performed on the kidney and in group 2, 1-h ischemia was performed on the left lower extremity. This procedure was followed by reperfusion for 24 h. Renal tissues were removed after the reperfusion period and the groups were evaluated for glutathioneperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde and GSH levels, and furthermore, their histolopathological scores were calculated.

Results

Renal malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in Group 2 and Group 3 than they were in the Control group. There was no significant difference in renal malondialdehyde levels between Group 2 and Group 3. Kidney glutathione (GSH) levels were statistically lower in Group 2 and Group 3 than in the Control group. No statistically significant difference was found between Group 2 and Group 3 regarding their GSH levels. In histological evaluation, there was no statistically significant difference between Group 2 and Group 3 in terms of kidney damage score.

Conclusions

This study has identified that lower extremity ischemia induces remote kidney damage with similar features to kidney injury, occurring after direct kidney ischemia–reperfusion.