bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prudential Use of the Morally Controversial COVID-19 Vaccines
Authors: Austriaco Nicanor Pier Giorgio
Published: May 2021

In recent months, there has been a lot of debate surrounding the use of those COVID-19 vaccines that have been either tested or manufactured with cell lines that were isolated from the remains of an aborted fetal child. Most faithful and orthodox Catholic moral theologians, among whom I count myself, have concluded that their use is not intrinsically evil. Therefore, like every other decision that falls into the category of actions that are not intrinsically evil, the decision to be vaccinated with these morally controversial vaccines has to be governed by the virtue of prudence. It is a decision that calls for a wisdom that properly sees this action within the constellation of actions that propels the human agent to the heights of holiness. This is why prayer is so essential for authentic moral judgment. With prayer, we ask the Holy Spirit who is the all-prudent one to guide our actions so that we can choose and act well not only for our only well-being but for the well-being of all. Acts that are not themselves intrinsically evil are deemed virtuous or not within the narrative of the individual person’s life.
Correction and laboratory investigation for energy loss coefficient of square-edged orifice plate
Authors: Wanzheng Ai , Pengfei Zhu
Published: May 2021

A lot of studies have shown that the hydraulic characteristics of orifice plate are mainly controlled by its contraction ratio, but the thickness of square-edged orifice plate also has many impacts on energy loss characteristics. The primary objective of this study was to investigated the effects of square-edged orifice plate thickness on energy loss characteristics. In this paper, the effects of square-edged orifice plate thickness on energy loss characteristics are investigated by numerical simulation using CFD. Orifice plate discharge tunnel is axial symmetric, two dimensional numerical simulations of orifice plate discharge tunnel flow was used. The equation (9) for calculating energy loss coefficient of square-edged orifice plate energy dissipater considering the influence of thickness is proposed. The results of the present research demonstrate that energy loss coefficient decreases with increase of the orifice plate thickness. The results of model experiment are consistence with the results calculated by using rectified equation in present paper. The CFD simulations and Model experiment for the flow through an orifice plate are carried out. For square-edged orifice plate energy dissipater, the relative orifice plate thickness T/D has remarkable impacts on its energy loss coefficient ξ. The Traditional equation (8) is corrected by numerical results. The equation (9) for calculating energy loss coefficient of square-edged orifice plate energy dissipater considering the influence of thickness is proposed and this equation is available in the condition of d/D = 0.4–0.8, T/D = 0.05–0.25, and Re > 105(Re is Reynolds number). Comparing with the physical model experimental data, the relative errors of equation (9) is smaller than 15%.
Can I Leave the House? A Coded Analysis of the Interpretation of the Reasonable Excuse Provision by NSW Police During the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Mostyn Ben , Kinchin Niamh
Published: May 2021

This article looks at the recent Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020, which was in force in New South Wales from 31 March 2020 to 14 May 2020. The order allowed police to fine people who left their houses without a ‘reasonable excuse’. This article considers the confusion around the order in the community and upper levels of the government. Publicly available information about the fines issued by the police is analysed and it is argued that an overly narrow application of the order by police meant that its application was not reasonably proportionate to the authorising legislation, the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW). It is concluded that if future lockdowns are required, care will need to be taken to ensure that Ministerial orders are crafted in line with the legislation and that police officers clearly understand their operation.
Tracking Home Language Production and Environment in Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Authors: Sola Ana Marija , Brodie Kara D. , Stephans Jihyun , Scarpelli Chiara , Chan Dylan K.
Published: May 2021

Objective

To use an automated speech‐processing technology to identify patterns in sound environments and language output for deaf or hard‐of‐hearing infants and toddlers.

Study Design

Observational study based on a convenience sample.

Setting

Home observation conducted by tertiary children’s hospital.

Methods

The system analyzed 115 naturalistic recordings of 28 children <3.5 years old. Hearing ability was stratified into groups by access to sound. Outcomes were compared across hearing groups, and multivariable linear regression was used to test associations.

Results

There was a significant difference in age‐adjusted child vocalizations (P =. 042), conversational turns (P =. 022), and language development scores (P =. 05) between hearing groups but no significant difference in adult words (P =. 11). Conversational turns were positively associated with each language development measure, while adult words were not. For each hour of electronic media, there were significant reductions in child vocalizations (β = −0.47; 95% CI, −0.71 to −0.19), conversational turns (β = −0.45; 95% CI, −0.65 to −0.22), and language development (β = −0.37; 95% CI, −0.61 to −0.15).

Conclusions

Conversational turn scores differ among hearing groups and are positively associated with language development outcomes. Electronic media is associated with reduced discernible adult speech, child vocalizations, conversational turns, and language development scores. This effect was larger in children who are deaf or hard of hearing as compared with other reports in typically hearing populations. These findings underscore the need to optimize early language environments and limit electronic noise exposure in children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Variation in end-of-life care and hospital palliative care among hospitals and local authorities: A preliminary contribution of big data
Authors: Gusmano Michael K. , Rodwin Victor G. , Weisz Daniel , Cottenet Jonathan , Quantin Catherine
Published: May 2021

Background:

Many studies explore the clinical and ethical dimensions of care at the end-of-life, but fewer use administrative data to examine individual and geographic differences, including the use of palliative care.

Aim:

Provide a population-based perspective on end-of-life and hospital palliative care among local authorities and hospitals in France.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study of care received by 17,928 decedents 65 and over (last 6 months of life), using the French national health insurance database

Results:

55.7% of decedents died in acute-care hospitals; 79% were hospitalized in them at least once; 11.7% were admitted at least once for hospital palliative care. Among 31 academic medical centers, intensive care unit admissions ranged from 12% to 67.4%; hospital palliative care admissions, from 2% to 30.6%. Across local authorities, for intensive care unit days and hospital palliative care admissions, the ratios between the values at the third and the first quartile were 2.4 and 1.5. The odds of admission for hospital palliative care or to an intensive care unit for more than 7 days were more than twice as high among people ⩽85 years (aOR = 2.11 (1.84–2.43) and aOR = 2.59 (2.12–3.17), respectively). The odds of admission for hospital palliative care were about 25% lower ( p = 0.04) among decedents living in local authorities with the lowest levels of education than those with the highest levels.

Conclusion:

The variation we document in end-of-life and hospital palliative care across different categories of hospitals and 95 local authorities raises important questions as to what constitutes appropriate hospital use and intensity at the end-of-life.
Land Revenue Settlements: The Magnitudes of Economic Development in the State of Bahawalpur (1866–1947)
Authors: Hashmi Zahra Akram
Published: May 2021

With the advent of the British in India, the colonial institutions were introduced throughout the country. In the Bahawalpur State, the Agency government stimulated the fiscal patterns of British India particularly its settlement policy, which brought amelioration in the native revenue system. This paper traces the historical process of land settlement for revenue generation and their impact over the agrarian economy of the State. These settlements became the major contributing factor towards the economic advancement. The different phases of settlement of land, along with the extent of government demand are established in this research. The third phase of land settlement resulted by the beginning of weir control water system, brought some revolutionary changes in the land pattern and revenue structure therefore, it has been particularly focused in this paper. The data for this study is mainly based on unpublished archival documents and unpublished assessment reports.
Heterotopic Polyodontia: Diagnosis and Surgical Removal of a Dentigerous Cyst Comprising 2 Dental Structures in a 14-Year-Old Horse
Authors: Platt Joshua P. , MacDonald David G. , Selberg Kurt , Jackman Bradley R.
Published: May 2021

A 14-year-old American Paint Horse mare was referred for further evaluation of a firm mass with an associated draining tract at the base of the left ear suspected to be a dentigerous cyst. Approximately three months prior, the draining tract had been excised under the presumed diagnosis of an abscess with no improvement. Physical examination revealed a firm mass palpable at the base of the left ear with a draining tract that did not elicit any pain response on palpation. Digital radiographs revealed a 6x11cm mineral mass in the left temporal region. Medially, there were two projections that extended into the left temporal bone. Cone beam computed tomography (CT) showed mild thinning of the temporal bone separating the mass and the brain at the conical extension of the caudal aspect of the mass. Both structures were isolated and elevated using a combination of osteotomes, mallet, and bone rongeurs under general inhalant anesthesia with radiographs to determine complete removal. Although histopathology was declined, gross examination of both structures resembled adult molar teeth. At eight months postoperative, the owners reported that the surgical site was healed and no discharge was present. Dentigerous cysts should remain a differential for a mass with an associated draining tract at the base of the ear in horses. Practitioners should strongly consider CT when feasible for additional diagnostics in similar cases. Although benign and removal poses risk, dentigerous cysts can be surgically excised with a positive outcome.
Innovation Processes in Public Research Institutes: AIST, Fraunhofer and ITRI Case Studies
Authors: Kang Byeongwoo
Published: May 2021

The design of national innovation systems has attracted attention from scholars and policymakers. Firms, universities and government organisations (including public research institutes) are defined as the three major players of the national innovation system and interactions between the players are considered the key of the national innovation system. However, public research institutes are relatively understudied compared to firms and universities even though their contribution in the national innovation system is not trivial. Aiming at understanding detailed process rather than testing hypotheses, the findings of this article shed practical information regarding innovation process in public research institutes. Focusing on the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (Fraunhofer) and the Industrial Technology Research Institute of Taiwan (ITRI), this article analyses and compares innovation processes of public research institutes with their patent data. Based on findings, this study further discusses issues for better management of public research institutes.
Crowdsourcing in Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience
Authors: Johnson Brian P. , Dayan Eran , Censor Nitzan , Cohen Leonardo G.
Published: May 2021

Behavioral research in cognitive and human systems neuroscience has been largely carried out in-person in laboratory settings. Underpowering and lack of reproducibility due to small sample sizes have weakened conclusions of these investigations. In other disciplines, such as neuroeconomics and social sciences, crowdsourcing has been extensively utilized as a data collection tool, and a means to increase sample sizes. Recent methodological advances allow scientists, for the first time, to test online more complex cognitive, perceptual, and motor tasks. Here we review the nascent literature on the use of online crowdsourcing in cognitive and human systems neuroscience. These investigations take advantage of the ability to reliably track the activity of a participant’s computer keyboard, mouse, and eye gaze in the context of large-scale studies online that involve diverse research participant pools. Crowdsourcing allows for testing the generalizability of behavioral hypotheses in real-life environments that are less accessible to lab-designed investigations. Crowdsourcing is further useful when in-laboratory studies are limited, for example during the current COVID-19 pandemic. We also discuss current limitations of crowdsourcing research, and suggest pathways to address them. We conclude that online crowdsourcing is likely to widen the scope and strengthen conclusions of cognitive and human systems neuroscience investigations.
Inverse centripetal dissection: A rescue technique for mis-dissected lenticule during SMILE
Authors: Agarwal Rinky , Puri Prabhav , Bafna Rahul Kumar , Chetan Chetan , Sharma Namrata
Published: May 2021

Management of mis-dissected lenticule during Small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) is technically challenging and might be experienced more by novice surgeons especially in eyes with low refractive errors and thin lenticules. Presently, we describe a rescue method of inverse centripetal dissection (ICD) to manage mis-dissected lenticules. In this technique, after inadvertent dissection of posterior plane prior to anterior plane, the double-ended SMILE dissector is rotated along its shaft axis clockwise from the left upper margin of the mis-dissected lenticule to form an inversely folded lenticule which is then subsequently dissected centripetally till midline. This is then extracted by performing lenticulorrhexis with a pair of microforceps. We performed this technique in 10 eyes of 10 patients and the lenticule extraction was accomplished successfully in all eyes. At six months follow-up, the uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20 with a clear interface in all eyes. The ICD approach might serve as a useful rescue technique for managing mis-dissected lenticules.
Efficacy and safety of intravitreal Fluocinolone Acetonide microimplant (ILUVIEN®) in patients with chronic diabetic macular edema: 1 year follow-up
Authors: Pacella Fernanda , Pacella Elena , Trovato Battagliola Edoardo , Malvasi Mariaelena , Scalinci Sergio Zaccaria , Turchetti Paolo , Salducci Mauro , Lucchino Luca , Arrico Loredana
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

Evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal 0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) micro implant in patients with chronic diabetic macular edema (cDME).

Methods:

Prospective study recruiting subjects with cDME. Inclusion criteria: cDME for at least 2 years documented with OCT imaging; pseudophakia; previous treatments with laser photocoagulation and intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF and/or dexamethasone. Exclusion criteria: phakia; ocular hypertension; tractional component visible on OCT; glaucoma; previous vitrectomy. Outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity (BVCA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and central macular thickness (CMT), measured 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-injection. Data were compared with the Friedman test and significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results:

A total of 18 eyes with a median duration of cDME of 45 months (25–118 months). The 77% of subjects either maintained or improved their BVCA. About 17% and 33% of subjects showed an improvement of 15 ETDRS letters or more at 3 and 12 months respectively. The 17% and 28% of subjects showed a CMT <250 microns at 3 and 12 months, respectively. The median change in CMT thickness was of −370 and −373.5 microns at 3 and 12 months post-injection respectively ( p-value is 0.025). Changes in median IOP at 3 and 12 months post-injection were not statistically significant ( p-value is 0.210). Ocular hypertension (OHT) was detected in two eyes (11%).

Conclusion:

The FAc micro implant has proved efficacy in improving and/or maintaining BVCA in 77% of patients with cDME up to 12 months post-injection. Ocular hypertension is the most common side effect but responds well to topical therapy.
A prospective randomised comparison of earlier function after total hip arthroplasty with a mini posterior approach or supercapsular percutaneously-assisted total hip approach: a gait analysis study
Authors: Korytkin Andrey A , El Moudni Younes M , Novikova Yana S , Kovaldov Kirill A , Morozova Ekaterina A
Published: May 2021

Background:

The supercapsular percutaneously-assisted total hip (SuperPATH) approach is a muscle sparing surgical technique for total hip arthroplasty (THA). The literature reports good clinical and functional results of the SuperPATH technique in the short term. We aimed to compare early outcomes and gait analysis of THA using the mini posterior approach (MPA) and supercapsular percutaneously-assisted total hip (SuperPATH) approach.

Methods:

44 patients who underwent THA, were randomly allocated to either MPA or SuperPATH. The data were then collected prospectively (preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 weeks). Plain anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis and instrumental gait analysis were obtained. The visual analogue scale (VAS), Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (HOOS) were used to assess functional and clinical outcomes.

Results:

No significant difference was found in patients’ surgical outcomes. Patients in the SuperPATH group had less pain according to the VAS score at follow-up than the MPA group ( p < 0.01). There was also a significant improvement in HHS and HOOS scores for all patients ( p < 0.001) with the SuperPATH group showing superior changes. The comparison of mean differences in gait velocity between preoperative and 6 weeks postoperative result, revealed improvement in the SuperPATH group over the MPA group ( p = 0.06). Limping was more persistent in the MPA group. Kinematic parameters demonstrated improved hip joint excursion slightly higher in the MPA group. There was no significant improvement in kinetic and kinematic parameters at different walking moments for all patients at 6 weeks compared to preoperative gait patterns.

Conclusions:

SuperPATH and MPA both show excellent results. This study reveals that the SuperPATH technique was associated with lower postoperative pain levels, and higher physical function and quality of life. Improved functional outcomes allowed earlier postoperative rehabilitation and faster recovery. Specific improvement in gait patterns were identified with nonsignificant differences between the 2 approaches at 6 weeks follow-up.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding COVID-19 prevention among Vietnamese Healthcare Workers in 2020
Authors: Tien Truong Quang , Tuyet-Hanh Tran Thi , Linh Tran Nu Quy , Hai Phuc Hoang , Van Nhu Ha
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the frontline of COVID-19 control and prevention but also are high-risk groups for COVID-19 infection. The low level of knowledge and negative attitudes toward COVID-19 among HCWs can lead to inappropriate responding, wrong diagnoses, and poor practices for prevention. This research aims to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19 prevention and factors influencing the practices among HCWs in Daklak province, Vietnam.

Method:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 963 HCWs working at district health centers and commune health stations through an online survey.

Results:

Overall, HCWs have good knowledge (91.3%), a positive attitude (71.5%), and appropriate practice (83.1%) regarding COVID-19 prevention. There was 89.6% of HCWs facing difficulties in practicing preventive measures such as felt difficult to change their habits (56.4%), insufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) (40.0%), and inconvenience to practice preventive measures (14.4%). The factors associated with implementing good practices are age group, residence, and knowledge about COVID-19.

Recommendation:

The Daklak Department of Health should provide additional training programs and guidelines about COVID-19 prevention and PPE for HCWs. More studies on risk and protective factors, and assessment about KAP regarding COVID-19 prevention at the post of the pandemic are needed.
Bond performance between SFCBs and grouted sleeves for precast concrete structures
Authors: Sun Yunlou , Sun Zeyang , Yao Liuzhen , Wei Yang , Wu Gang
Published: May 2021

A precast concrete structure reinforced by steel-fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite bars (SFCBs) shows good durability and controllable post-yield stiffness, which makes this kind of structure suitable for marine infrastructure. The connection technology is one of the critical issues of a precast concrete structure with hybrid reinforcement. This paper presents an experimental study on the bond-slip testing (27 pullout specimens) of composite bars connected by a grouted deformed pipe splice (GDPS) connector with different bond lengths. The reinforcement included SFCBs and pure FRP bars. The test results showed that the failure modes could be classified into three categories: rebar pullout before or after the inner steel bar yielded, rupture of the FRP wrapped on the SFCB, and mixed failure of bar pullout with a partial fiber fracture. The average bond strength of the ordinary steel bar was approximately 146.8% that of the SFCB connector with the same anchored length. When the anchored length of the SFCB specimen was 15 d ( d: bar diameter), the specimen could be fully anchored to fracture. An explicit hardening bond-slip model considering the post-yield stiffness of the SFCB was used to predict the bond-slip behavior of the GDPS connector, and the experimental and analytical results agreed well with each other, which demonstrates that the proposed model could provided a reference for the analysis and design of connectors for SFCB-reinforced precast concrete structures.
The visual politics of public police Instagram use in Canada
Authors: Walby Kevin , Wilkinson Blair
Published: May 2021

Public police now use online and social media spaces as forums for communication. Drawing from discourse and semiotic analysis, and contributing to literature on police image management, we analyze police Instagram communications from five Canadian cities. Focusing on public police services’ Instagram posts, which are more indebted to visual communication than Twitter and Facebook, we examine the ways police communications frame community and diversity. Arguing that these communications resemble the fantastical authenticity found in other Instagram communications, we show how police mobilize images of community and diversity on Instagram to create positive affective relations with community. We argue that these communications amplify policing myths and operate to enhance police legitimacy. In the discussion, we assess what our findings mean for literatures on public police social media communications and policing myths.
Conceptualising Subjectivities and Rationalities in Understanding Gendered Violence: Processes of Social and Cultural Change
Authors: Bradley Tamsin , Martin Zara , Palriwala Rajni
Published: May 2021

International development policy and programming that is geared towards women’s empowerment through reversing normalization around gendered violence tends to focus either on social norm change (in line with much social science research) or, more commonly, on increasing women’s paid work. In this article, we argue that neither exclusive focus on social norm/mindset change nor on women’s economic engagement can come to grips with what sustains or may end violence. This is because such approaches cannot unpack the intersectional and dynamic interaction of social relationships, power, institutions and environmental dimensions that shape perceptions, attitudes and behaviours. We suggest that Bourdieu’s concept of habitus, combined with a concept of collective agency, pushes us to focus on the dynamics of the different spheres and types of relationships that sustain violence and can help us to untangle them. Drawing on data from Myanmar and Nepal, we argue that understanding the complexity of how different forms of violence feed from each other and link to symbolic, structural and behavioural dimensions is critical alongside a clearer idea of how collective agency can facilitate change.
Mesioangulation of mandibular second molars: A case report
Authors: Bellini-Pereira Silvio Augusto , Seminario Maria Pia , Naveda Rodrigo , Henriques José Fernando Castanha , Garib Daniela , Janson Guilherme
Published: May 2021

This case report describes a simple alternative for treatment of mesioangulation of mandibular second molars. An 11-year-old girl was diagnosed with unilateral posterior crossbite, moderate incisor crowding and mesioangulation of the right mandibular second molar. The ectopic second molar was uprighted using a modified lingual arch with a distal hook and elastic chains. Orthodontic traction began after appliance installation and was activated once per month using 120 g of force. After six months, the right mandibular second molar was in an upright position. Orthodontic treatment continued with teeth levelling and alignment until acceptable occlusal and aesthetic results were achieved. Adequate stability was observed one year after debonding. The modified mandibular lingual arch with a distal hook is a simple and effective alternative to manage mesioangulation of mandibular second molars with minimum adverse effects and stable outcomes.
Notes from a field: a qualitative exploration of human–animal relations in a volunteer shepherding project
Authors: Adams Matthew , Ormrod James , Smith Sarah
Published: May 2021

There is a burgeoning interest in human–animal relations across the social sciences and humanities, accompanied by an acceptance that nonhuman animals are active participants in countless social relations, worthy of serious and considered empirical exploration. This article, the first of its kind as far as the authors are aware, reports on an ongoing qualitative exploration of an example of contemporary human–animal interaction on the fringes of a British city: volunteer shepherding (‘lookering’). Participants are part of a conservation grazing scheme, a growing phenomenon in recent years that relies on increasingly popular volunteer programmes. The primary volunteer role in such schemes is to spend time outdoors checking the welfare of livestock. The first section of the article summarises developments in more-than-human and multispecies research methodologies, and how the challenges of exploring the non- and more-than-human in particular are being addressed. In the second section, we frame our own approach to a human–animal relation against this emerging literature and detail the practicalities of the methods we used. The third section details some of our findings specifically in terms of what was derived from the peculiarities of our method. A final discussion offers a reflection on some of the methodological and ethical implications of our research, in terms of the question of who benefits and how from this specific instance of human–animal relations, and for the development of methods attuned to human–animal and multispecies relations more generally.
“Powered Cheese Wire Technique” for Septal Fenestration in Complex Endovascular Repair for Chronic Thoracoabdominal Aortic Dissection
Authors: Gandet Thomas , Alushi Kastriot , Westermann Dirk , Schirmer Johannes , Rohlffs Fiona , Panuccio Giuseppe , Kölbel Tilo
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Endovascular repair of chronic thoracoabdominal aortic dissection with aneurysmal degeneration presents a therapeutic challenge when one or more visceral branches arise from the false lumen without an adjacent reentry. The chronic dissection flap can be thick and resistant to flap fenestration with standard techniques.

Technique

The powered cheese wire technique facilitates cutting of a dissection flap using electrical current on a noninsulated through-and-through wire segment. The mid-shaft of the guidewire is denuded and kinked to form the “flying V” configuration. This solution is based on the BASILICA procedure, which uses electrosurgery to split aortic valve tissue lengthwise prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement to prevent coronary artery obstruction. We demonstrate the technique in a case of branched endovascular aortic repair of a complex thoracoabdominal dissecting aneurysm in which a renal artery from the false lumen was catheterized by creating a powered cheese wire fenestration.

Conclusion

The powered cheese wire technique is an effective approach to access false lumen originating branches during endovascular aortic repair of chronic aortic dissections.
Development and Validation of the Secondary Transition Fidelity Assessment
Authors: Lombardi Allison R. , Rifenbark Graham G. , Poppen Marcus , Reardon Kyle , Mazzotti Valerie L. , Morningstar Mary E. , Rowe Dawn , Raley Sheida K.
Published: May 2021

In this study, we examined the structural validity of the Secondary Transition Fidelity Assessment (STFA), a measure of secondary schools’ use of programs and practices demonstrated by research to lead to meaningful college and career outcomes for all students, including students atrisk for or with disabilities, and students from diverse backgrounds. Drawing from evidence-based practices endorsed by the National Technical Assistance Center for Transition and the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division on Career Development and Transition, the instrument development and refinement process was iterative and involved collecting stakeholder feedback and pilot testing. Responses from a national sample of educators ( N = 1,515) were subject to an exploratory factor analysis resulting in five measurable factors: (a) Adolescent Engagement, (b) Inclusive and Tiered Instruction, (c) School-Family Collaboration, (d) District-Community Collaboration, and (e) Professional Capacity. The 5-factor model was subject to a confirmatory factor analysis that resulted in good model fit. Invariance testing on the basis of geographical region strengthened validity evidence and showed a high level of variability with regard to implementing evidence-based transition services. Findings highlight the need for consistent and regular use of a robust, self-assessment fidelity measure of transition service implementation to support all students’ transition to college and career.
Efficacy and Safety of Yukgunja-Tang for Patients with Cancer-related Anorexia: A Randomized, Controlled Trial, Pilot Study
Authors: Ko Myung-Hyun , Song Si-Yeon , Ha Su-Jeong , Lee Jee Young , Yoon Seong Woo , Park Ji-Hye , Park So-Jung , Yoo Hwa-Seung
Published: May 2021

Objective:

The purpose of this study is both to estimate the efficacy and the safety of Yukgunja-tang (YGJT) and to establish evidence for the use of herbal medicines in the management of patients with cancer-related anorexia.

Methods:

We enrolled 40 patients with cancer-related anorexia. The enrolled participants were randomly allocated to 2 groups: the control group (n = 20), which received nutrition counseling, and the treatment group (n = 20), which received nutrition counseling and was administered YGJT at twice a day for 4 weeks (a total of 56 times @ 3.0 g each time). The primary outcome of this study was the score on the anorexia/cachexia subscale (ACS) of the Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy (FAACT). The secondary outcomes were the FAACT score with the ACS score excluded, the score on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for appetite, and the results on laboratory tests regarding appetite, such as leptin, tumor necrosis factors (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and ghrelin. All variables related to the safety assessment, such as vital signs, electrocardiography results, laboratory test results (complete blood cell count, chemistry, urine test), and adverse events, were documented on the case report form (CRF) at every visit.

Result:

The difference in the primary outcome, that is, the score on the anorexia/cachexia subscale (ACS) of the Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy (FAACT), between the control and the treatment groups was statistically significant ( P = .023) as was the difference in the FAACT scores with the ACS score excluded, a secondary outcome, between the 2 groups; however, no statistically significant differences were noted in the scores on the VAS or the levels of leptin, TNF-α, IL-6, and ghrelin. In addition, no significant differences in the numbers and the types of adverse events or in the results on the laboratory tests between the control and the treatment groups were recorded.

Conclusion:

These results obtained in this research confirmed the efficacy and the safety of using YGJT as a herb-medicine treatment option for patients with cancer-related anorexia.
Efficacy and Safety of Rivaroxaban Therapy for Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hao Yujun , Han Weitao , Mou Detang , Wang Jintao
Published: May 2021

Objective:

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban in patients with PAD for the first time.

Methods:

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library database for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted for PAD.

Results:

Three trials which contained 14873 patients were included for final meta-analysis. The results showed patients with rivaroxaban was associated with reduction in primary efficacy outcome (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.76 to 0.90; p < 0.001). The RR was 0.85 (0.71 to 1.01) for patients with rivaroxaban alone and 0.81 (0.74 to 0.89) for those with rivaroxaban plus aspirin (p for heterogeneity between groups = 0.65). Patients with rivaroxaban showed a lower rate of acute limb ischemia (0.56; 0.47 to 0.66; p < 0.001). There was a trend toward a reduction in the rate of major amputation for vascular causes in the rivaroxaban arm (0.81; 0.63 to 1.03; p = 0.08). Compared with control, rivaroxaban therapy did not reduce the risks of myocardial infarction (0.87, 0.73 to 1.04, p = 0.12), ischemic stroke (0.85, CI 0.68 to 1.06, p = 0.15), death from cardiovascular causes (0.99, 0.85 to 1.15, p = 0.91) or death from any cause (1.00, 0.90 to 1.12, p = 0.98). Rivaroxaban therapy was associated with a 1.57-fold higher major bleeding rate as compared with those with aspirin or warfarin alone.

Conclusions:

Overall, the risks of the primary efficacy outcomes or adverse limb events were significantly lower with rivaroxaban than with aspirin or warfarin alone in patients with PAD. It also points out the significant major bleeding that occur because of such therapies.
Effects of Low-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Language Recovery in Poststroke Survivors With Aphasia: An Updated Meta-analysis
Authors: Hong Zhongqiu , Zheng Haiqing , Luo Jing , Yin Mingyu , Ai Yinan , Deng Baomei , Feng Wuwei , Hu Xiquan
Published: May 2021

The effects of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LF-rTMS) on treating poststroke aphasia (PSA) remain inconclusive. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LF-rTMS on language function poststroke and determine potential factors that may affect treatment effects. Electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning the effects of LF-rTMS on language performance poststroke. We adopted fixed- and random-effects models to estimate intervention effects, which were represented by the Hedges’ g and 95% CIs. Subgroup analyses regarding several factors potentially influencing the effects of LF-rTMS on language recovery were also conducted. A total of 14 RCTs involving 374 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis showed the positive and significant effects of LF-rTMS on language function, both short-term (Hedges’ g = 0.65; P < .05) and long-term (Hedges’ g = 0.46; P < .05). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that LF-rTMS for 20 minutes per day over 10 days yielded the largest effect size (Hedges’ g = 1.02; P < .05) and that LF-rTMS significantly improved language performance in the chronic stage after stroke (Hedges’ g = 0.55; P < .05). Patients with different native languages might have diverse responses to LF-rTMS treatment efficacy. Additionally, there were significant improvements in language subtests, including naming, repetition, comprehension, and writing. Overall, this updated meta-analysis demonstrated that LF-rTMS has significant positive effects on PSA, with moderate treatment effects. It provides additional evidence to support LF-rTMS as a promising complementary therapy to promote language recovery in PSA.
Woven fabric defect control methods in shuttle loom
Authors: Amanuel Lami
Published: May 2021

The productivity and product quality of a shuttle loom are comparatively less than that of a shuttleless loom because of its high power consumption, more losses of energy, and fault susceptible picking mechanism. The economical commercialization of shuttle loom weaving requires systematic aspects of quality control which enable the mill to adhere to the methods of defect control methods. The current study focuses on the effectiveness of loom patrolling in minimizing fabric defects in the quality inspection department. The t-critical Value distribution of the recorded loom patrol defects and defects recorded in the quality inspection section were calculated to get the rejection region. The study demonstrated how much loom patrol minimizes the number of defects in the inspection department and emphasized loom patrolling as a decisive defect control method for shuttle looms. The t-critical value was calculated from the recorded data of the snap study done through direct observation, interview, and check sheet and these data were also analyzed using the Pareto technique, and focus group discussion. It was found that reed mark, temple mark, over pick and double pick were frequent in the shuttle looms. The causes of the defects were material, process, and human-related problems ranging from spinning section up to finishing section. Scientific Remedies were applied to avoid the successive coming of the faults and minimized the frequency of the defects significantly.
General Considerations for Conducting Online Qualitative Research and Practice Implications for Interviewing People with Acquired Brain Injury
Authors: Topping Megan , Douglas Jacinta , Winkler Dianne
Published: May 2021

Qualitative methodology is key to understanding the lived experience of people with acquired brain injury (ABI). However, as demonstrated during the global pandemic (COVID-19), face-to-face interviewing is not always viable. This lack of availability has been particularly relevant for people with disability who are at increased risk of contracting the virus and experiencing poorer outcomes. Fortunately, advancing technologies provide increasing opportunities for communicating online, thus it is plausible for qualitative disability researchers to adapt to remote interviewing. People with ABI often experience varying degrees of cognitive and communication impairments and therefore require specific considerations in the planning of research projects. In this paper, we examine learnings from existing literature around online qualitative research, specifically for videoconference, focus groups and email-interviewing methods. The key aim is to map out the practical, ethical and methodological considerations when adapting research to an online environment. As interviewing people with ABI online has received little attention in the literature, learnings from broader disability populations and the general population inform much of the considerations. Thus, the suggestions for practice are likely to be relevant to a broader population, but specific implications for people with ABI are discussed. Overall, we propose that it is viable, and sometimes preferable, to utilize online interview techniques but researchers must take care to consider the practical, ethical and methodological implications of doing so.
Reviewing the strategic influence of governance professionals in UK colleges: Acting as the translator of the conduct of conduct
Authors: Hill Ron , Garner Steve , Ireland Aileen
Published: May 2021

This article considers the contribution of the governance professional to the governing of further education colleges in the United Kingdom and arises from a wider study of the ways in which college boards develop and implement college strategy. This is the first observational study to focus on what the governance professional does within the college governance space. From observation and other forms of evidence, the governance professional performs a significant, challenging and expert role in the processes and practices of governing colleges. The governance professional is instrumental as a governance sense-maker and, at a higher level, as translator of governing deliberations and decision making. The governance professional role in practice can vary depending upon a range of personal, local institutional and national factors. However, in essence the governance professional exists to legitimise college governance through the structures, processes and reporting of governing interactions. The article considers the extent to which the governance professional is pivotal to the governing of colleges and analyses the implications for college governing. Our research identifies some barriers to gaining greater impact from the college governance professional.
Serum endocan and endothelial dysfunction in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors: a tertiary center experience
Authors: Sherief Laila M. , Abd El-khalek Elhamy R. , Libda Ibrahim A. , Gaber Osama A. , Kamal Naglaa M. , Soliman Basma K. , Mokhtar Wesam A. , Mokhtar Ghada A. , Salah Hosam E. , Kamar Gehad M. , Zakaria Marwa
Published: May 2021

Background:

An increased risk of cardiovascular complications is reported in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Early identification of impaired vascular health may allow for early interventions to improve outcomes.

Aim:

The study was conducted to assess the endothelial dysfunction in ALL survivors using a new marker, serum endocan, and measurement of the mean common carotid arteries intima media thickness (cIMT).

Methods:

A case-control study was conducted on 100 childhood ALL survivors (aged 6–18 years), with 80 healthy age and sex-matched children as a control group. Lipid profile, hepatitis markers, and serum ferritin where measured, in addition to the measurement of serum endocan. and cIMT by B-mode high-resolution ultrasonography for all study participants.

Results:

Triglycerides, total cholesterol, post prandial glucose, and serum ferritin were significantly higher in ALL survivors than controls ( p < 0.05). Dyslipidemia was detected in 6% of ALL survivors. ALL survivors showed statistically higher serum endocan levels (470.41 ± 556.1 ng/l, versus, 225.94 ± 185.2 ng/l, respectively) and increased cIMT levels compared with the control group (0.650 ± 0.129 mm versus 0.320 ± 0.095 mm, respectively) p < 0.05. Serum endocan was positively correlated with cIMT and blood cholesterol.

Conclusions:

The survivors of childhood ALL demonstrated an elevated level of serum endocan and increased cIMT. These can be used as predictors of endothelial dysfunction, and, as a consequence, the risk of developing premature atherosclerosis.
Emerging biogenesis technologies of extracellular vesicles for tissue regenerative therapeutics
Authors: Lee Jung-Hwan , Yoon Ji-Young , Lee Jun Hee , Lee Hae-Hyoung , Knowles Jonathan C , Kim Hae-Won
Published: May 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, carry the genetic packages of RNA, DNA, and proteins and are heavily involved in cell-cell communications and intracellular signalings. Therefore, EVs are spotlighted as therapeutic mediators for the treatment of injured and dysfunctional tissues as well as biomarkers for the detection of disease status and progress. Several key issues in EVs, including payload content and bioactivity, targeting and bio-imaging ability, and mass-production, need to be improved to enable effective therapeutics and clinical translation. For this, significant efforts have been made recently, including genetic modification, biomolecular and chemical treatment, application of physical/mechanical cues, and 3D cultures. Here we communicate those recent technological advances made mainly in the biogenesis process of EVs or at post-collection stages, which ultimately aimed to improve the therapeutic efficacy in tissue healing and disease curing and the possibility of clinical translation. This communication will help tissue engineers and biomaterial scientists design and produce EVs optimally for tissue regenerative therapeutics.
The efficacy of botulinum toxin type-A for intractable chronic migraine patients with no pain-free time
Authors: Atraszkiewicz Dominic , Ito Rieko , Bahra Anish
Published: May 2021

Aim:

This is a retrospective report of the efficacy of botulinum toxin-A, Botox® (Allergan), in intractable chronic migraine patients non-responsive to previous pharmacological management and with largely no pain-free time, including those with new onset daily persistent headache.

Methods:

Thirty-three patients, all with severe Headache Impact Test (HIT)-6 scores at baseline, received 3-monthly injections of Botox® as per Phase III REsearch Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy (PRE-EMPT) protocol over a maximum 33-month period. Response criteria were a sustained reduction of HIT-6 scores below 60.

Results:

Four patients had headache on at least 20 days a month; the remaining patients had daily headache with no pain-free time, including nine patients with new onset persistent migraine. There was a significant reduction in HIT-6 scores following Botox® therapy ( x̅ = −5.45, p = 0.000920). Twenty-one percent of the cohort exhibited a sustained reduction in HIT-6 scores below 60. The number of headache days and pain-free time did not change in five of the six responders, but disability improved. There was no difference between patients with episodic migraine evolving to chronic as opposed to those with chronic migraine from onset.

Conclusion:

This report suggests that Botox® treatment is efficacious in intractable chronic migraine without pain-free time. The HIT-6 is a reliable and practical parameter to assess disability in this patient group. Use of such validated parameters should be considered with greater weight in future International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) guidelines for controlled clinical trials.