bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Estaba bien chiquito” (I Was Very Young): The Transition to Adulthood and “Illegality” of the Mexican and Central American 1.25 Generation
Authors: Diaz-Strong Daysi Ximena
Published: July 2020

Knowledge on the transition to adulthood of undocumented immigrants arriving in childhood primarily derives from the experiences of minors arriving below the age of 13 years—or the 1.5 generation. The transition to adulthood of the 1.25 generation—those who immigrate between the ages of 13 and 17 years—has been largely missed. This article examines the salient challenges legal exclusion, or “illegality,” created as the Mexican and Central American 1.25 generation launches into adulthood and the extent that “illegality” disrupts their envisioned futures. Drawing on interviews with 40 undocumented 1.25 generation young adults in Illinois, three distinct patterns were identified: (a) 1.25 generation participants who enrolled in U.S. K–12 schooling, (b) 1.25 generation men who never-enrolled in U.S. K–12 schooling, and (c) 1.25 generation women who never-enrolled. These patterns were shaped by the reasons for their migration, whether the migration process was gendered, and their expectations for adulthood. This article contributes to a more complete picture of the challenges childhood arrivals experience at a critical point of transition in the life course and the sources of variation. Moreover, attention is brought to the timing of immigration—the life-stage when a minor immigrates—as a source of differentiation warranting further consideration.
Electrospinning of bioactive polycaprolactone-gelatin nanofibres with increased pore size for cartilage tissue engineering applications
Authors: Semitela Ângela , Girão André F , Fernandes Carla , Ramalho Gonçalo , Bdikin Igor , Completo António , Marques Paula AAP
Published: July 2020

Polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun scaffolds have been widely investigated for cartilage repair application. However, their hydrophobicity and small pore size has been known to prevent cell attachment, proliferation and migration. Here, PCL was blended with gelatin (GEL) combining the favorable biological properties of GEL with the good mechanical performance of the former. Also, polyethylene glycol (PEG) particles were introduced during the electrospinning of the polymers blend by simultaneous electrospraying. These particles were subsequently removed resulting in fibrous scaffolds with enlarged pore size. PCL, GEL and PEG scaffolds formulations were developed and extensively structural and biologically characterized. GEL incorporation on the PCL scaffolds led to a considerably improved cell attachment and proliferation. A substantial pore size and interconnectivity increase was obtained, allowing cell infiltration through the porogenic scaffolds. All together these results suggest that this combined approach may provide a potentially clinically viable strategy for cartilage regeneration.
Context, Types, and Consequences of Violence Across the Life Course: A Qualitative Study of the Lived Experiences of Transgender Women Living With HIV
Authors: Lacombe-Duncan Ashley , Olawale Ronke
Published: July 2020

Violence is a known driver of HIV vulnerability among transgender (trans) women, who are disproportionately impacted by HIV globally. Violence is also a barrier to accessing HIV prevention, treatment, and support. Yet, little is known about the everyday experiences of violence faced by trans women living with HIV, who live at the intersection of a marginalized gender identity and physical health condition. To address this gap, this study draws on semi-structured, individual interviews conducted 2017–2018 with a purposive sample (selected based on diverse identities) of trans women living with HIV ( n = 11) participating in a large, community-based cohort study in three Canadian provinces. Framework analysis was used to identify key themes, patterns within themes between participants, and patterns across themes among participants. Findings showed that trans women living with HIV experience specific contexts of violence shaped at the intersection of stigma based on gender identity, gender expression, and HIV status, among other identities/experiences. Violence experienced in childhood (e.g., familial rejection, bullying) increased trans women’s likelihood of being exposed to a violent social context in young adulthood (e.g., state violence perpetuated by the police, interpersonal violence perpetuated by sexual partners, and community violence perpetuated by society-at-large/the general public), which increased trans women’s HIV vulnerability; once living with HIV trans women were subjected to discursive violence from healthcare providers. These multiple forms of violence have serious consequences for trans women living with HIV’s ongoing social, mental, and physical well-being. The findings suggest that interventions are urgently needed to reduce violence against trans women in childhood and young adulthood, in addition to reducing violence against trans women living with HIV perpetuated by healthcare providers in adulthood, to both proactively and responsively promote their safety, health, and well-being.
Beyond the Role of Interpersonal Violence in Predicting Negative Affective Conditions in Adults: An Examination of Hope Components in Chinese College Students
Authors: Li Mingqi , Chang Edward C. , Chang Olivia D.
Published: July 2020

With the growth of positive psychology during the past two decades, increased research has been focused on identifying human virtues that not only foster well-being but also act as positive processes that mitigate the impact of life adversities. Thus, it is useful to examine how positive processes, such as hope, may impact individuals’ psychological adjustment following adversities. This study investigated the relationships among interpersonal violence, hope, as a key human strength, and negative affect conditions in a large sample ( N = 737) of Chinese male and female ( Nfemale = 409) college students. Participants completed measures assessing prior exposure to interpersonal violence, levels of both hope components (i.e., agency and pathways), negative affect, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation. Results from correlational analyses showed that exposure to interpersonal violence was positively and hope was negatively correlated with negative affective conditions. However, hope agency was more strongly correlated with those outcomes than hope pathways. In addition, three separate hierarchical regression analyses indicated that after accounting for demographics (i.e., age and sex) and interpersonal violence, within hope components, only hope agency remained as strong concurrent predictors of negative affective conditions. The present findings in this Chinese sample are consistent with those obtained from Turkey and the United States samples, adding evidence to the more robust role of hope, and hope agency in particular, in predicting negative psychological adjustment associated with interpersonal violence. Efforts made to address the absence of hope agency may be particularly important in future attempts to mitigate negative affective conditions linked to interpersonal violence among Chinese college students.
Consuming Worker Exploitation? Accounts and Justifications for Consumer (In)action to Modern Slavery
Authors: Carrington Michal , Chatzidakis Andreas , Shaw Deirdre
Published: July 2020

While research has examined the plight of vulnerable workers, the role of consumers who drive demand for slave-based services and products has been largely neglected. This is an important gap given both historical evidence of the effectiveness of 18th and 19th century anti-slavery consumer activism and recent attempts to regulate slavery through harnessing consumer power, such as the UK’s Modern Slavery Act 2015. This article draws on data from in-depth interviews with 40 consumers, to identify their understanding of modern slavery, before revealing the neutralising and legitimising techniques they use to justify their (in)action. Our findings contribute to, and extend, neutralisation theory by exploring its applicability in this unique context. We also position techniques of legitimisation as central to understanding how modern slavery is tolerated through a variety of discursive and institutional factors.
Workers’ Power in Resisting Precarity: Comparing Transport Workers in Buenos Aires and Dar es Salaam
Authors: Rizzo Matteo , Atzeni Maurizio
Published: July 2020

The growing precariousness of employment across the world has radically altered the conditions upon which the representation of workers’ interests has traditionally been built, as it has posed challenges for established trade unions: individualized employment and fragmented identities have displaced the centrality of the workplace and the employee–employer relationship in framing collective issues of representation. In this article, we compare the processes of collective organization of two groups of precarious workers in the transport and delivery sector of Buenos Aires and Dar es Salaam. Through this comparison we investigate how existing trade union structures, industrial relations frameworks, socio-political contexts and labour processes interact with the processes of workers’ organization that take place even in the harsher conditions of informal work, critically engaging with the argument that the growing precariousness of work represents the end of trade unionism as we know it.
A mixed solvent approach to make poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanofibers with high β-phase using solution blow spinning
Authors: Su Qing , Jiang Zhenggen , Li Bo
Published: July 2020

The excellent mechanical and piezoelectric properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) are its most valuable characteristics, and improving the piezoelectric performance of PVDF is an important subject of the study. However, several existing methodological studies have been regarded as complex and ineffective. The most efficient method to produce PVDF nanofibers with high β-phase contents is still electrospinning; however, this process does not facilitate the mass production of PVDF nanofibers and produces PVDF with a relatively low fraction of β-phase. Both these issues can be solved by solution blow spinning (SBS). This work focused on the optimum ratio of solvents to produce beadless PVDF nanofibers and highlighted the relationship between the spinning solution viscosity and the average diameter of the SBS nanofibers obtained. Using Fourier transform infrared reflection, it was evaluated that the fraction of the β-phase increased after the SBS process, which was calculated to be 85%; this value was considered as a relatively high fraction of β-phase, which was similar to that obtained by electrospinning. Consequently, a simple and convenient alternative to produce PVDF nanofibers with high β-phase contents was achieved.
Probabilistic approach in modelling dynamic fracture problems
Authors: Pashkov Sergey V , Zelepugin Sergey A
Published: July 2020

The paper represents a probabilistic approach to the finite element modelling of dynamic fracture problems. It is proposed to model internal structural defects and inhomogeneities using the spatial distribution of strength characteristics according to the normal distribution law. The probabilistic approach to modelling dynamic fracture is provided by the introduction of one additional parameter – the dispersion in the distribution of strength material properties. This approach provides the probabilistic nature to the initiation and development of cracks in the material at any scale level: macro, meso and micro level. There are no restrictions on the size of computational mesh and elements, the fracture criterion and the material models to apply this approach. The probabilistic approach is also applicable to multilevel modelling using the appropriate distribution of inhomogeneities. This approach does not require a detailed study of the material structure, which enhances the predictive nature of computations. The numerical results of exploding cylinder tests and the penetration of thin targets by a projectile are presented. Numerical results are in good qualitative and quantitative agreement with experimental data.
The effect of isolation in controlling the variability of point connected structures with uncertain structural attachments
Authors: Souza Marcos R , Ferguson Neil S
Published: July 2020

As the demand for the transmission of electric power and communication signals in automotive and aerospace vehicles increases, so does the number of structures comprising simplified one-dimensional attachments, such as electrical cabling, affixed to a host plate like primary structure. These attachments are typically uncertain in their geometric or material properties, potentially affecting the response of the built-up structure. Difficulties then arise in the prediction of the response of the assembly. This study shows how the variability, due to the uncertain attachments, might be reduced by considering flexible connections. A mobility analysis compares systems connected with either rigid links or elastic springs. A frequency is identified at which the assembly dynamically uncouples; the effect on the host response variability due to the uncertain attachment decreases above this frequency with a reduction of the order of 60 dB in the coefficient of variation. This uncoupling or effective isolation frequency can be simply estimated from the mobility of the elastic connection and the properties of the nominal structural attachment. For design purposes, this frequency can be adjusted to achieve a more predictable response above a given frequency.
Housing policies and the roles of local governments in Latin America: recent experiences
Authors: Sette Whitaker Ferreira João , Rojas Eduardo , De Souza Carvalho Higor Rafael , Rago Frignani Carolina , Santi Lupo Ligia
Published: July 2020

In the last few decades, most Latin American countries have made good progress in improving the living conditions of urban populations, but still face enormous challenges. This paper describes the roles of city and other local governments in designing housing policies and integrating them into governance, planning and finance. This includes many innovations in local governments’ housing policies, especially those implemented in the first decade of this century by progressive city governments. It also includes decentralization that supported municipal governments to develop their housing and urban development plans. Relevant as well are policies to address the quantitative deficit (insufficient supply of housing) and the qualitative deficit (inadequate quality of housing), such as informal settlement upgrading. The paper includes examples of where housing policy decentralization created spaces for democratic, participatory and inclusive city governance. It also highlights the importance for social housing of finance and the measures that may be taken to address this, including land management instruments and capture of real estate surplus value. But much of this innovation has been lost over the last decade, after the economic crisis and the rise of a new wave of conservative regimes in the region.
Children’s Language Skills Can Be Improved: Lessons From Psychological Science for Educational Policy
Authors: Hulme Charles , Snowling Margaret J. , West Gillian , Lervåg Arne , Melby-Lervåg Monica
Published: July 2020

Oral language is crucial for social interaction and for learning in the classroom; it also provides the foundation for reading comprehension. It follows that children with language difficulties are at high risk of educational failure. Recently, a number of studies have demonstrated that it is possible to produce small but significant improvements in children’s oral language through targeted language interventions ( d = 0.16) and, furthermore, that studies with high-quality implementation show larger effects ( d = 0.24). There is also evidence that effects of language intervention can generalize to produce improvements in reading comprehension. Although further research examining the long-term effects of language interventions are needed, current findings have important implications for educational policy and practice.
Feel Good or Do Good? A Valence–Function Framework for Understanding Emotions
Authors: Cohen-Chen Smadar , Pliskin Ruthie , Goldenberg Amit
Published: July 2020

Previous thinking has often categorized emotions as either pleasant or unpleasant or examined to what extent they are functional or dysfunctional. We suggest that researchers should consider the positivity or negativity of discrete emotions on both dimensions: subjective feelings and constructiveness of outcomes. We discuss how, across contexts, a specific emotion can potentially be categorized differently within the framework. We further suggest that this approach is particularly useful in unique, complex contexts that involve clashes among goals, interests, or values, such as violent intergroup conflicts. Using this context, we demonstrate how emotions that feel good to people can lead to behaviors and attitudes that sustain violence and thwart conflict resolution, whereas emotions that promote conflict resolution are often unpleasant. Such clashes may depend on the presence of embedded contextual factors, such as group membership and relative power. Thus, this framework will be useful for examining specific emotions while taking contextual factors into consideration. Finally, we examine several important questions stemming from our framework and suggest directions for future research.
Left lower extremity swelling with a normal Doppler study
Authors: Cheung Jonathan Chun-Hei , Koo Chi Hung , Lam Koon Ngai
Published: July 2020

A 65-year-old paraplegic patient just discharged from the medical ward 2 days ago with a negative left lower extremity Doppler study for deep vein thrombosis. He presented to the emergency department for deteriorating lower extremity swelling. Point-of-care ultrasound helped to swiftly arrive at the diagnosis and facilitate prompt management.
Finding common ground: Centralizing responsiveness within a multisite initiative
Authors: Thomas Pitts Robyn
Published: July 2020

In this reflective analysis, I describe the conditions that led the leaders of a multisite initiative to adapt their program model towards a framing that centralized responsiveness as an organizing value. After reflecting on how this shift affected the initial evaluation plan, I provide a synopsis of how we went about revising our evaluation strategy. The reimagined approach centred on eliciting and characterizing various site-specific aspects of culture and context that may influence outcomes attainment across the multisite initiative. This approach enabled comparative analysis of the various innovative, place-based expressions of the initiative across its sites. Reframing the evaluation strategy also enabled future comparative mixed methods study of maximal variation cases and qualitative comparative analysis of specific conditions related to outcomes attainment. Findings suggest that evaluators would benefit from embracing adaptive change in programs and expecting heterogeneity in multisite initiatives.
Introduction to values in evaluation praxis section
Authors: Boyce Ayesha S
Published: July 2020

The Evaluation Journal of Australasia special issue on Values in Evaluation published in December 2019 gave an overview of current discourses associated with valuing in evaluation with the debut of ‘Praxis’ papers. This introduction summarizes the three praxis papers in this second Values in Evaluation special issue. The praxis papers contribute to knowledge about the ways in which we can and should engage with values across a variety of evaluation contexts with varying stakeholders.
Illness Narratives Through the Eyes of Parents of Children With End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Benveniste Shay , Goldzweig Gil , Jacoby Rebecca
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the present study was to learn about the experiences of parents of children diagnosed with renal failure at different stages of the disease in order to get closer to the process they carry out as caregivers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 parents and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis method. Data analysis revealed two axes: spatial and temporal. The present article focuses on the temporal axis comprised of diagnosis, coping, and remission. These phases are discussed according to Frank’s illness narratives of chaos, quest, and restitution, representing stages in the sequence people undergo while coping with a disease. However, in the case of incurable diseases, such as end-stage renal disease, when there is no restitution and regression in the medical condition is followed by chaos, we suggest a new narrative structure, the Sisyphean Narrative, to symbolize the recurring nature of struggling with the disease.
Reflections of Hospice Staff Members About Educating Hospice Family Caregivers Through Telenovela
Authors: Cruz-Oliver Dulce M. , Abshire Martha , Budhathoki Chakra , Oliver Debra Parker , Volandes Angelo , Smith Thomas J.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

Hospice family caregivers are seeking additional information related to patient care, pain and symptom management, and self-care. This study interviewed hospice staff about the potential dissemination of bilingual telenovelas to address these caregiver needs.

Methods:

Qualitative structured phone interviews were conducted with 22 hospice professionals from 17 different hospice organizations in 3 different Midwest states. The interviews were conducted from October to December 2019. Hospice staff volunteers were recruited from conferences, then individual interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematic analysis was conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of how to best implement telenovela video education into hospice care.

Results:

Most participants were hospice nurses (36%) located primarily in Missouri (91%), with a mean of 9 years of experience. Three discrete themes emerged, the educational resources currently provided to patient/families, perceptions of the usefulness of telenovelas for education, and practical suggestions regarding the dissemination of telenovelas. The development of 4 telenovela videos covering different topics is described.

Conclusion:

Hospice staff responded favorably to the concept of telenovelas and identified important keys for dissemination.
Palliative Care Team Involvement in Patients With COVID-19 in New York City
Authors: Obata Reiichiro , Maeda Tetsuro , Rizk Dahlia , Kuno Toshiki
Published: July 2020

Background:

With the highest number of cases in the world as of April 13, 2020, New York City (NYC) became the epicenter of the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The data regarding palliative team involvement in patients with COVID-19, however, remains scarce. We aimed to investigate outcomes of palliative team involvement for the patients with COVID-19 in NYC.

Methods:

Consecutive 225 patients with confirmed COVID-19 requiring hospitalization in our urban academic medical center in NYC were analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups, those with a palliative care consult (palliative group: 14.2% [n = 32]) versus those with no palliative care consult (no palliative group: 85.8% [n = 193]).

Results:

The palliative group was older and had more comorbidities. During the hospital course, the palliative group had more intensive care unit stays, rapid response team activations, and more use of vasopressors ( P < .05). Patients with palliative care had higher rates of invasive mechanical ventilation than those without (46.9% vs 10.4%, P < .001). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed in 12 patients (6.5% vs 5.2%, P = .77) and death rate was 100% in both subsets. Notably, initial code status was not different between the 2 groups, however, code status at discharge was significantly different between them ( P < .001). The rate of full code decreased by 70% in the palliative group and by 47.5% in the no palliative care group from admission to the time of death.

Conclusions:

Critically ill patients hospitalized for COVID-19 benefit from palliative team consults by helping to clarify advanced directives and minimize futile resuscitative efforts.
Evaluation of the Determinant Factors and Clinical Implications of Self-Care Agency Among Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Maruta Megumi , Moriyama Shiho , Mizuguchi Yukio , Hashimoto Sho , Yamada Takeshi , Taniguchi Norimasa , Nakajima Shunsuke , Hata Tetsuya , Takahashi Akihiko
Published: July 2020

In patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), effective post-hospital care, partially determined by self-care agency, is critical for long-term prognosis. However, the relationship between agency and sociodemographic characteristics requires elucidation. One hundred and six outpatients participated in our study. Self-care agency was assessed with the Self-care Agency Questionnaire (SCAQ). We evaluated its correlation with patients’ sociodemographic characteristics and morale on the Ikigai-9 Questionnaire. Mean SCAQ scores were higher in those who were younger, male, living with someone, and more educated compared to their counterparts. Furthermore, SCAQ scores were correlated with Ikigai-9 scores. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that social participation, employment status, and morale were independent predictors of high SCAQ scores. A comprehensive approach utilizing medical professionals, families, and the local community is needed to promote self-care agency in patients receiving primary PCI.
USP6-Associated Neoplasms: A Rapidly Expanding Family of Lesions
Authors: Hiemcke-Jiwa Laura S. , van Gorp Joost M. , Fisher Cyril , Creytens David , van Diest Paul J. , Flucke Uta
Published: July 2020

Nearly 20 years ago, the first description of a translocation involving chromosome 17 on which USP6 resides was described. Since then, not only the culprit gene but also many fusion partners, leading to transcriptional activation of USP6, have been detected. The first neoplasm known to harbor USP6 rearrangements was aneurysmal bone cyst. Since then, other entities like nodular fasciitis, myositis ossificans, fibro-osseous pseudotumor of digits, and a subgroup of fibromas of tendon sheath, probably representing tenosynovial nodular fasciitis, have been added to the list of USP6-rearranged lesions. Remarkably, all of them share clinical as well as morphological characteristics, and authors have suggested that these entities actually belong to the same spectrum. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding USP6-rearranged lesions and further elaborates on how these neoplasms relate to one another. We propose to call these lesions UAN ( Usp6-associated neoplasm).
Disentangling Environmental and Development Discourses in a Peripheral Spatial Context: The Case of the Aysén Region, Patagonia, Chile
Authors: Bachmann-Vargas Pamela , van Koppen C.S.A. (Kris)
Published: July 2020

In places with a predominantly natural heritage, environmental and development discourses are intertwined and often competing. A key dimension is the social construction of socio-spatial relationships, and particularly, the attribution of core and periphery features. In this article, we investigate environmental and development discourses in the peripheral spatial context of the Aysén region of Chile. Three research questions guide the investigation: (a) What are the dominant environmental and development discourses? (b) what are the main synergies and tensions among discourses? and (c) what are the (discursive) implications for (de-)peripheralization? Based on semistructured interviews and secondary sources, we identify six regional discourses on environment and development. Imaginaries of nature, regional development, and economic growth are the common denominators that create synergies and tensions. We conclude that environmental and development discourses play a key role in the transformation of geographic peripheral areas. Discursive synergies can not only reinforce but also counteract tendencies of peripheralization.
Plantar Medial Avulsion Fracture of the Calcaneus With Acute Tarsal Tunnel: Case Report and Technique Tip
Authors: Walley Kempland C. , Johns William L. , Jackson J. Benjamin , Gonzalez Tyler A.
Published: July 2020

Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.
Religious Coping and Quality of Life Among Black and White Men With Prostate Cancer
Authors: Bruce Marino A. , Bowie Janice V. , Barge Haley , Beech Bettina M. , LaVeist Thomas A. , Howard Daniel L. , Thorpe Roland J.
Published: July 2020

Prostate cancer is a significant impediment in men’s lives as this condition often exacerbates stress and reduces quality of life. Faith can be a resource through which men cope with health crises; however, few studies examine how religion or spirituality can have implications for racial disparities in health outcomes among men. The purpose of this study is to assess the associations between religious coping and quality of life among black and white men with prostate cancer. Data for this investigation were drawn from the Diagnosis and Decisions in Prostate Cancer Treatment Outcomes Study that consisted of 624 black and white men with complete information on the primary outcome and predictor variables. The primary outcome for this study was overall quality of life as measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate questionnaire. The main independent variable was religious coping measured by 2 subscales capturing positive and negative forms of coping. Black men in the study had lower overall quality of life scores (134.6 ± 19.6) than their white peers (139.8 ± 14.1). Black men in the sample also had higher average positive religious coping scores (12.9 ± 3.3) than white men (10.3 ± 4.5). Fully adjusted linear regression models of the total sample produced results indicating that positive religious coping was correlated with an increase in quality of life (β = .38, standard error [SE] = 0.18, P < .05). Negative religious coping was associated with a reduction in quality of life (β = −1.48, SE = 0.40, P < .001). Faith-oriented beliefs or perceptions can have implications for quality of life among men with prostate cancer. Sensitivity to the role of religion, spirituality, and faith should be seen by providers of health care as potential opportunities for improved outcomes in patients with prostate cancer and survivors.
Evaluation of USVreact: A Staff Training Program to Prevent Sexual Violence at Universities
Authors: Martini Mara , De Piccoli Norma
Published: July 2020

Interventions addressing the endemic of sexual violence at European universities are scarce, particularly those that take a bystander focus to sexual violence prevention and involve university staff. Evidence-based data on their effectiveness are also lacking. This article reports the description of a pilot evaluation study of the USVreact Italian training program addressed to university staff for counteracting sexual violence. We assessed initial (T1) representations of gender-based violence, rape myth acceptance, and attitudes to bystander intervention (172 participants), and evaluated the effectiveness of the course by comparing, via paired-sample t tests, the responses before and after (T2) training (66 participants). Comparison between pre- (T1) and posttraining (T2) responses indicated that the participants’ ability to recognize subtle forms of violence and reduce rape myth acceptance was increased after training. Relatively few training programs based on the bystander approach to prevent gender-based violence at university have been performed to date in Europe and data on their effectiveness are scarce. Several limitations notwithstanding, the present pilot evaluation study provides suggestions for a more systematic evaluation of training interventions that address cultural legitimation of gender-based violence and that sustain bystander interventions in sexual assault prevention.
Dexamethasone implants in patients with diabetic macular edema undergoing cataract surgery: Italian expert panel consensus statements
Authors: Alessio Giovanni , Boscia Francesco , Caporossi Aldo , Panozzo Giacomo , Reibaldi Michele , Staurenghi Giovanni , Varano Monica , Bandello Francesco
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

Intravitreal corticosteroid implants based on sustained-release dexamethasone provide effective retinal delivery of drug for around 6 months for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). As current recommendations on the management of patients with DME undergoing cataract surgery are limited, this article aims to highlight issues and provide guidance on the use of dexamethasone intravitreal implants (DEX-DDS) in patients with DME undergoing cataract surgery, based on the consensus findings of a panel of Italian experts.

Methods:

The panel developed a survey regarding the use of DEX-DDS in patients with DME undergoing cataract surgery, following a comprehensive literature search. The results of the survey were discussed at an experts’ meeting in September 2018, with a structured approach to determining consensus. The routine management of patients with DME undergoing cataract surgery was also developed for use as a basis of discussion to highlight current issues.

Results:

Eight consensus statements are presented, along with key issues that highlight controversial/outstanding issues in the use of DEX-DDS in DME patients with cataracts.

Conclusion:

The consensus statements can help provide practical guidance for clinicians in daily practice on the rationale, patient diagnosis and selection, and optimal management of patients with DME undergoing cataract surgery.
Interleukin-31 and Chronic Pruritus of Unknown Origin
Authors: Salao Kanin , Sawanyawisuth Kittisak , Winaikosol Kengkart , Choonhakarn Charoen , Chaowattanapanit Suteeraporn
Published: July 2020

Chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO) is a refractory condition. The expression of Interleukin-31 (IL-31), a major pruritogenic cytokine, in CPUO patients has not been investigated. This study aimed to investigate the potential association of IL-31 with CPUO. This was a cross-sectional, analytical study. Patients diagnosed with CPUO and healthy subjects were included at a ratio of 1:2. Serum IL-31 levels were measured in both groups and compared. There were 10 CPUO and 20 healthy subjects who participated in this study. The median IL-31 level in the CPUO group was significantly higher than in the healthy group (127.3 vs 34.4 pg/mL; P < .001). The presence of CPUO was independently associated with IL-31 levels with a coefficient of 89.678 ( P < .001). The serum IL-31 cutoff point for CPUO was 56.8 pg/mL, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) of 100%. Chronic pruritus of unknown origin was significantly and independently associated with higher IL-31 levels. Further clinical trials of IL-31-related treatment may be justified in CPUO patients.
Sustainable tourism development: A dynamic model incorporating resident spillovers
Authors: Schubert Stefan F , Schamel Günter
Published: July 2020

The ongoing debate on over-tourism shows that developing more sustainable forms of tourism is not only relevant for environmental reasons but it would also create important spillovers benefitting residents within the economic and social domain of sustainability. Based on this broad idea, we develop a theoretical model of sustainable tourism considering the well-being of locals incorporating external effects and trade-offs with less sustainable forms of tourism. We employ a dynamic model of resident well-being, where utility is derived from consumption, tourism quality (e.g. better restaurants, hiking trails), and the number of tourists visiting. A benevolent regional government maximizes the representative resident’s well-being by choosing the rate of consumption, the number of tourists visiting (e.g. number of beds), and the rate of investment in tourism quality. Our results depend crucially on the initial number of tourists and state of tourism quality. Suppose the initial state of tourism quality is below its long-run optimum. If initial visitor numbers are small so that increasing them raises residents’ well-being directly through consumption (i.e. more tourism supply and cultural exchange raises resident’s marginal utility of consumption), the optimal strategy is to invest in tourism quality and to increase the number of tourists over time, as quality changes. If initial visitor numbers are large, increasing them further reduces the resident’s marginal utility from consumption (e.g. booked-out restaurants, crowed hiking trails, etc.) and the optimal strategy is to increase tourism quality over time but to reduce the quantity of visitors. Our general finding is that quantity and quality may move in tandem or in opposite direction, depending on current state and residents’ preferences. If over-tourism means that residents’ well-being is negatively affected by an increasing number of visitors, the model suggests that ongoing investment in tourism quality while reducing numbers will maximize residents’ well-being. We show that the first-best optimum, achieved in a centrally planned economy, can be replicated in a decentralized economy by using time-varying tax rates. This ensures that (i) the steady state of the first-best optimum is reached and that (ii) the speed of convergence to steady state is socially optimal.
Masculine ideology and Black men who have sex with men’s interest in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
Authors: Driver Redd , Allen Aerielle M , Finneran Stephanie , Maksut Jessica L , Eaton Lisa A , Kalichman Seth C
Published: July 2020

We examined how traditional masculinity and stigma surrounding HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) affect PrEP interest among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM). One hundred twenty-three men attending a Black Gay Pride event completed measures assessing traditional masculinity, PrEP stigma, and PrEP interest along with two behavioral measures of interest in PrEP. Results demonstrated that avoidance of femininity directly related to interest in PrEP and indirectly through conformity to heterosexual self-presentation. Further, PrEP stigma differentially moderated both of these relationships. Interventions designed to improve engagement of PrEP for BMSM should be attentive to traditional masculinity as a barrier.
Home-grown fiction programmes in the late-Franco period and the first transition: Shaping a democratic culture (1970–1976)
Authors: Chicharro-Merayo Mar , Gil-Gascón Fátima
Published: July 2020

This work reviews the role of Spanish-produced fiction in the shaping of a democratic culture in Spain. To this end, it studies in-depth a selection of domestic fiction programmes aired in the years leading up to the death of the dictator General Franco and the outset of the transition to democracy (1970–1976). Spanish television professionals during this period used fictional accounts to initiate themselves in a type of production that had scarcely had a presence in its rudimentary audio-visual market. But they also used fiction to bypass censorship and broadcast messages aimed at promoting a democratic culture. This research analyses the content and formal characteristics of 11 fiction series produced by Televisión Española that, besides being hugely popular, stood out for the ideological richness of their messages. These programmes proved to be important cultural pieces in laying the groundwork for the transition to democracy by acting as channels to instil values of freedom, consumption or gender equality and criticism of the Franco regime. This analysis concludes by showing how in 1976, the fledgling stages of the transition saw the advent of formally democratic programming that, however, had been fuelled, among others, by contents aired in previous years.
Getting students to ‘do’ introductory sociology: Analysis of a blended and flipped interactive workshop model
Authors: Baker Sarah , Buttigieg Bob , Cantillon Zelmarie , Pavlidis Adele , Rodriguez Castro Laura , Watson Ash
Published: July 2020

Blended learning and flipped classroom models are increasingly encouraged in higher education, where notions of flexibility and technological development inform institutional systems and strategies. This article presents results from an Australian study on redesigning and delivering an introductory sociology course using a combination of such models. Four central elements of the redesign are highlighted: overall course format; use of mini-lectures; face-to-face activities; and our assessment model. We present analysis of students’ and instructors’ understandings and experiences of the redesign over three course iterations to offer insight into the unfolding and responsive dynamics involved in implementing blended and flipped models. We aim to contribute to the ongoing implementation of similar models in the context of changing institutional environments and expectations, as well as to broader projects for pedagogical enrichment in sociology.
Treatment options for unstable ankle fractures in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Grazette Andrew , Wigley Catrin , Metcalfe Andrew
Published: July 2020

Background

Ankle fractures are the third most common fracture in the elderly. Patients over 60 years are more severely affected by these injuries than their younger counterparts and have a higher rate of complications regardless of the management strategy. Traditional management strategies for unstable ankle fractures include plaster immobilisation and open reduction and internal fixation, with newer modalities such as intramedullary fixation becoming increasingly popular. The aim of this review is to establish the best current evidence for or against different treatment strategies.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials comparing treatment options for unstable ankle fractures in adults over 55 was conducted, with the primary outcome being functional assessment score at 6–12 months (Olerud and Molander Ankle Score). Secondary outcomes were adverse events including infection and re-operation.

Results

The search strategies identified 426 articles. After screening and full text review, four papers met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, providing data on 754 ankle fractures. Alternative treatment groups were tibio-talo-calcaneal nail, fibular nail and casting and were compared to open reduction and internal fixation. Meta-analysis of the data showed no difference in Olerud and Molander Ankle Score between treatment modalities at 6–12 months. There was, however, a significant reduction in the incidence of adverse events (OR 0.59 (0.44, 0.81)) and wound infection (0.13 (0.05, 0.31)) in the alternative treatment groups compared to open reduction and internal fixation.

Conclusion

The current evidence shows no significant difference between treatment modalities for ankle fractures in older adults in terms of functional outcome. Open reduction and internal fixation has a higher rate of adverse events and wound infection when compared to alternative treatments. Therefore, surgery should be carefully considered and if undertaken, in a select patient cohort other treatment modalities, such as intramedullary fixation should be considered.
The Feasibility and Acceptability of the Developing Real Incentives and Volition for Exercise (DRIVE) Program: A Pilot Study for Promoting Physical Activity in African American Women
Authors: Sweeney Allison M. , Wilson Dawn K. , Zarrett Nicole , Van Horn M. Lee , Resnicow Kenneth
Published: July 2020

Background. The purpose of the current article is to demonstrate how formative process evaluation was used in a pilot study to optimize the design and implementation of two motivationally targeted community-based physical activity (PA) interventions for inactive African American women. Method. Fifteen African American women (M age: 41.6 years) were randomized to a challenge-focused program targeted toward high autonomous motivation or a rewards-focused program targeted toward low autonomous motivation. The challenge-focused program targeted enjoyment and valuation of PA and a team-based positive social climate through competitive intergroup activities and team-based goals, whereas the rewards-focused program targeted PA interest, competency, and partner-based social support through a walking program, individual-based goals with financial incentives, and partner-based action-plans. Results. Feedback from participants revealed high levels of acceptability of essential elements. Average weekly attendance exceeded the a priori goal of ≥75% of members in attendance each week. External systematic observation demonstrated that session content dose was ≥93% in both programs. Facilitator-level fidelity exceeded the a priori goal of averaging ≥3 on a 4-point scale for behavioral skills, communication, autonomy support, and session content. The process evaluation also revealed areas for improvement, including facilitator-level social support and behavioral skills at the group-level. Process data collected through FitBits revealed that participants were engaged in self-monitoring PA during the 6-week programs. Conclusions. The formative process evaluation demonstrated adequate levels of feasibility and acceptability and also provided key insights into adjustments needed before proceeding with implementing the motivationally targeted group-based programs in a larger randomized study.
Emulsification and application of a thymol loaded antibacterial fatliquor for leather industry
Authors: Yorgancioglu Ali
Published: July 2020

In this study, the antibacterial fatliquor emulsion was prepared from castor oil bearing thymol (1, 2, 4 and 8% w/w) to be used in the leather production. The average particle size and zeta potential of the fatliquors were determined by zeta sizer. The thermogravimetric behaviors of fatliquor emulsions under dry air were analyzed in order to determine the weight losses when they are exposed to constant heating rate. After the emulsification process, fatliquor emulsions were applied into chrome tanned cattle leathers. Antibacterial activities of the fatliquored leather were tested according to standard test method for determining the antimicrobial activity under dynamic contact conditions against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) analysis of emulsion was also determined. The bacterial reduction was measured as 99.9% against S. aureus and 98.6% against E. coli bacteria. MIC values obtained from emulsions against bacteria were determined as 6.25 μL/mL and 12.5 μL/mL respectively. The results of antibacterial tests showed that thymol was very efficient in the fatliquor emulsion against both Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria. Physical characterization of leather was also carried out with optimum fatliquor emulsion (4% thymol w/w) and the results showed satisfactory physical properties on the fatliquored leathers compared to similar leather made with commercially available fatliquors. The results of the study indicated that thymol loaded fatliquor emulsions with small particle size could be a promising solo fatliquor to provide functional properties such as physical, strength, morphological and antibacterial properties to leather as an efficient fatliquor compared to conventional fatliquors.