bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends of Ruptured and Unruptured Aneurysms Treatment in the United States in Post‐ISAT Era: A National Inpatient Sample Analysis
Authors: Salem Mohamed M. , Maragkos Georgios A. , Gomez‐Paz Santiago , Ascanio Luis C. , Ngo Long H. , Ogilvy Christopher S. , Thomas Ajith J. , Moore Justin M.
Published: February 2021

Background

The ISAT (International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial) has generated a paradigm shift towards endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysms but remains unclear if this has led to a true reduction in the risk for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We sought to study the association between the treatment burden of unruptured and ruptured aneurysms in the post‐ISAT era.

Methods and Results

Admissions data from the National Inpatient Sample (2004–2014) were extracted, including patients with a primary diagnosis of aSAH or unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated by clipping or coiling. Within each year, this combined group was randomly matched to non‐aneurysmal control group, based on age, sex, and Elixhauser comorbidity index. Multinomial regression was performed to calculate the relative risk ratio of undergoing treatment for either ruptured or unruptured aneurysms in comparison with the reference control group, adjusted for time. After adjusting for National Inpatient Sample sampling effects, 243 754 patients with aneurysm were identified, 174 580 (71.6%) were women; mean age, 55.4±13.2 years. A total of 121 882 (50.01%) patients were treated for unruptured aneurysms, 79 627 (65.3%) endovascularly and 42 256 (34.7%) surgically. A total of 121 872 (49.99%) patients underwent procedures for aSAH, 68 921 (56.6%) endovascular, and 52 951 (43.5%) surgically. Multinomial regression revealed a significant year‐to‐year decrease in aSAH procedures compared with the control group of non‐aneurysmal hospitalizations (relative risk ratio, 0.963 per year;
P
<0.001), while there was no statistical significance for unruptured aneurysms procedures (relative risk ratio, 1.012 per year;
P
=0.35).

Conclusions

With each passing year, there is a significant decrease in relative risk ratio of undergoing treatment for aSAH, concomitant with a stable annual risk of undergoing treatment for unruptured intracranial aneurysms.
Reading Graffiti in Naples and Reading Naples in Film
Authors: Gross Jonathan
Published: February 2021

This article examines graffiti in Naples between 2016 and 2018, arguing for its political importance. My thesis is that erasing graffiti from garbage trucks does not remove the social problems that caused it. Though sometimes seen as an eye-sore by tourists, graffiti offers vital information about the struggles and passions within the city itself. Under Silvio Berlusconi, rubbish became gold, as Camorra member Nunzio Perella stated when arrested in 1992. Three films, Biùtiful cauntri (2007), Gomorrah (2008), and Napoli Jungle (Bagnoli Jungle) (2015) document how toxic waste dumping affected three generations of Italians and continues to be a pervasive problem.
Effect of Mir-1301 on the Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Hormone Osteonecrosis via Regulating SRY Related High Mobility Group Box 11 (SOX-11)
Authors: Jia Bingshen , Qu Guoxin , Yu Peng , Jiao Tuo , Wang ZiZhenbiao , Ji Zhihua , Fu Kun
Published: February 2021

The widespread application of hormones leads to steroidal osteonecrosis and BMSCs have important roles in treating steroidal osteonecrosis. Mir-1301 involves in several diseases. However, Mir-1301’s effect on BMSCs proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in hormonal osteonecrosis
has not been elucidated. Rat BMSCs were isolated and assigned into control groups; Dex group (1μM dexamethasone was added); Mir-1301 group and si-Mir-1301 group followed by analysis of miR-1301 and SOX11 level by Real time PCR, cell proliferation by MTT assay, Caspase3 activity kit,
OPN and Runx2 expression by Real time PCR, and ALP activity. Under hormone treatment, Mir-1301 expression in BMSCs cells was significantly increased, proliferation was inhibited, Caspase3 activity was increased, SOX11, OPN and Runx2 expression was decreased and ALP activity was reduced (P
<0.05). The above changes were more significant after transfection of Mir-1301 mimics (P <0.05). The addition of Mir-1301 inhibitor to Dex-treated BMSCs could down-regulate Mir-1301, significantly increase the expression of SOX11, OPN and Runx2, promote cell proliferation, decrease
Caspase3 activity and increase ALP activity (P <0.05). The target gene of Mir-1301 is SOX11. Mir-1301 expression in BMSCs cells is increased during steroid-induced osteonecrosis. Down-regulating Mir-1301 during steroid-induced osteonecrosis can inhibit BMSCs apoptosis and promote
proliferation and osteogenesis via targeting SOX11.
The Sexual Stratification Hypothesis and Prosecuting Sexual Assault: Is the Decision to File Charges Influenced by the Victim-Suspect Racial-Ethnic Dyad?
Authors: Kelley Shamika M. , Fleming Jessica C. , Acquaviva Brittany L. , Meeker Katherine A. , O’Neal Eryn Nicole
Published: February 2021

The sexual stratification hypothesis (SSH) posits that criminal-legal responses to sexual victimization differ depending on the victim-suspect racial-ethnic dyad. Existing tests of the SSH have resulted in inconsistent findings. Using data from 389 sexual assault (SA) complaints reported to Los Angeles police and referred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, this study examines whether the victim-suspect racial-ethnic dyad and extra-legal victim-related factors shape prosecutorial initial filing decisions. Notably, we build on previous SSH tests by rotating racial-ethnic dyad reference categories to catalog all possible pairwise differences within the set of dummy variables. Findings suggest that prosecutors consider the victim-suspect racial-ethnic dyad and victim-related factors during initial filing. Theoretical advancements, practical implications, and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Hospital Pharmacists Interventions to Drug-Related Problems at Tertiary Critical Care Pediatric Settings in Jazan, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Tawhari Mosa M. , Tawhari Mohammed A. , Noshily Mohammed A. , Mathkur Majed H. , Abutaleb Mohammed H.
Published: February 2021

Background: While drug-related problems (DRPs) have been recognized as a major concern in pediatric wards, the role of hospital pharmacy in improving medication safety has been rarely studied. Objectives: To investigate the frequency, nature, and severity of DRPs and associated pharmacist interventions (PIs). Methods: This is a prospective study carried out using direct observation over a year (2019-2020) in 3 pediatric wards (pediatric emergency department (PED), pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. A validated data reporting form was developed to include comprehensive clinical data about the prescribed medications, characteristics of patients, and PIs upon DRPs. Clinical significance of DRPs was evaluated by an expert panel, which comprised a clinical pharmacist, a pediatrician, and an internist. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS V26. Results: The overall incidence of DRPs was 6.6%. The highest rate of DRPs 15.2% was detected in the pediatric ICU. Of the 596 DRPs detected, 10.2% were inappropriate drug choice, 5.2% were rated major DRPs, and one-third 33.2% were related to the digestive system and metabolism. Dosing problems were the most predominant DRPs across the included wards. A higher proportion of clinically major and moderate DRPs were detected in pediatric ED. Telephone-delivered interventions [OR: 1.72: 95%CI: 0.78-2.57: P = .001], too high dose [OR: 2.64: 95%CI: 1.33-4.56: P = .01], and major DRPs [OR: 3.21: 95%CI: 2.15-6.42: P = .04] were significant predictors for acceptance of PIs. Conclusion: DRPs are common in Saudi pediatric wards and many of these incidents were clinically major and moderate. Telephone-delivered interventions, too high dose, and major DRPs were major predictors for physician acceptance of PIs.
The Challenges Faced by Young Entrepreneurs in Informal Trading in Bindura, Zimbabwe
Authors: Kabonga Itai , Zvokuomba Kwashirai , Nyagadza Brighton
Published: February 2021

The objective of the study was to capture the challenges that are faced by young informal traders in Bindura town, Zimbabwe. The study was motivated by the lack of attention to the challenges faced by young informal traders by the governing authorities at local and national level. We believe our study extends the understanding of the challenges faced by young informal traders, drawing on their everyday experiences and the navigation of the complex challenges they face. Deploying a qualitative research approach with in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and documentary analysis as data generation tools, the study found that young informal traders face several challenges that include lack of capital and harassment from municipal authorities as well as lack of mentoring and competition from established traders. Thus, the study established and concluded that within this difficult environment, young entrepreneurs employ different survival strategies such as raising capital from friends and relatives, relying on multifarious mentoring and coaching programmes from various sources. The paper recommends that government and private sector take up responsibility in nurturing these young entrepreneurs.
Generic fracturing in Okot p’Bitek’s White Teeth
Authors: Rettová Alena
Published: February 2021

Based on a stylistic analysis of selected African novels, centrally Okot p’Bitek’s Lak Tar/White Teeth (1953; English translation: 1989), this article identifies a narrative technique employed by these novels, to use heterogeneous genres inserted into the prose fiction of the novel. Typically, various genres of poetry are used in this way, creating a textuality that is richly “heteroglossic” (Bakhtin, 1981). However, the range of genres that can be used in this way is not limited and includes proverbs, sayings, songs, newspaper articles, letters, or more recently digital texts such as blogs or tweets. The article uses the term “generic fracturing” to refer to this technique. Generic fracturing is used in novels for specific purposes. The article focuses on the employment of a genre of Acoli praise poetry, mwoc, in White Teeth for characterization. It is further argued here that such heterogeneous genres do not only serve to construct the narrative, but are in fact markers of thought systems that differ from the “default” ontology, epistemology, and aesthetics of the novel. These features were inherited from the genre’s European history and imposed in Africa by colonial administration through which novelistic production was initially engineered. Generic fracturing is thus a textual strategy to effectuate disruptions and subversions of an intellectual framework that was a colonial imposition, and it points towards alternative ways of thinking. These were usually derived from local African cultural traditions in early African-language novelistic production. Generic fracturing, however, continues being used up to the present day in African novels to signal the co-existence and interaction of heterogeneous knowledges and philosophical frameworks.
Immigration and Oral Health in Older Adults: An Integrative Approach
Authors: Wu B. , Mao W. , Qi X. , Pei Y.
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to develop an integrative framework on aging, immigration, and oral health. The methodology was a critical review that used immigration as a social determinant framework through which to evaluate its impact on the oral health of older immigrants. We reviewed recent empirical evidence on factors related to oral health in older immigrants. In a systematic search across multiple databases, we identified 12 eligible studies in this review. Among the eligible studies, most were conducted among East Asian immigrants (8 articles), followed by non-Hispanic White/European origin (2 articles), Mexican origins (1 article), and Iran and other Middle East regions (1 article). The research revealed knowledge gaps in the evidence base, including the dynamic relationship between acculturation and oral health, the role of environmental factors on oral health for immigrants, psychosocial stressors and their relationship with oral health, and oral health literacy, norms, and attitude to dental care utilization and oral hygiene practices. The development of the integrative framework suggests the pathways/mechanisms through which immigration exerts influences on oral health in later life. This provides opportunities for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers to gain greater insights into the complex associations between immigration and oral health among older adults.
Corpus-Based Vocabulary Analysis of English Podcasts
Authors: Nurmukhamedov Ulugbek , Sharakhimov Shoaziz
Published: February 2021

In addition to movies, television programs, and TED Talks presentations, podcasts are an increasingly popular form of media that promotes authentic public discourse for diverse audiences, including university professors and students. However, English language teachers in the English as a second language/English as a foreign language contexts might wonder: “How do I know that my students can handle the vocabulary demands of podcasts?” To answer that question, we have analyzed a 1,137,163-word corpus comprising transcripts from 170 podcast episodes derived from the following popular podcasts: Freakonomics; Fresh Air; Invisibilia; Hidden Brain; How I Built This; Radiolab; TED Radio Hour; This American Life; and Today Explained. The results showed that knowledge about the most frequent 3000 word families plus proper nouns (PN), marginal words (MW), transparent compounds (TC), and acronyms (AC) provided 96.75% coverage, and knowledge about the most frequent 5000 word families, including PN, MW, TC, and AC provided 98.26% coverage. The analysis also showed that there is some variation in coverage among podcast types. The pedagogical implications for teaching and learning vocabulary via podcasts are discussed.
Between walls and fences: How different types of gated communities shape the streets around them
Authors: Kostenwein David
Published: February 2021

Gated communities in Latin American cities have become the new normal. The streets bordered by fences, walls and the occasional gate, formed when two or more gated communities face each other, dominate the urban landscape today. Taking Bogotá with its 3500 gated communities as my case study, I create a novel typology focusing on the gated community’s spatial dimension, not portraying it as an isolated island but as an integral part of the urban realm. Using an empirically grounded typology formation process, I present five distinctive types of gated communities in Bogotá, varying widely in how they shape the surrounding public spaces. Some types have significant expected negative effects on activity and security in the adjacent streets and others hardly any. I show how future gated community research and policymaking would benefit from disaggregation of the concept and present some policy strategies to mitigate negative external effects of gated communities.
How smart cities are made: A priori, ad hoc and post hoc drivers of smart city implementation in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Dowling Robyn , McGuirk Pauline , Maalsen Sophia , Sadowski Jathan
Published: February 2021

Recent geographical attention to smart places has underlined the key point that smart places are made: crafted incrementally over time and woven through existing sites and contexts. Work on analysing the crafting of ‘actually existing’ smart cities has turned to describing and characterising the processes through which smart cities are made and, within this, the interplay and relative significance of accidental versus purposeful smart cities has come to the fore. Drawing on the concept of dispositif to capture the simultaneity of piecemeal and opportunistic change with deliberate strategy, this paper furthers these debates using examples of two places within the Sydney Metropolitan Region, Australia: Newcastle and Parramatta. Through their analysis we identify the evolving interplay of a priori drivers, ad hoc initiatives and post hoc strategies evident in the crafting of smart cities. Understanding the emergence of actually existing smart cities, we conclude, is sharpened and strengthened by the concept of dispositif, through its attention to processes characterised by non-linear, overlapping and recursively combined drivers that are not without purposeful, strategic intent.
Little pranksters: Inhibitory control mediates the association between false belief understanding and practical joking in young children
Authors: Wang Zhenlin , Wang Lamei
Published: February 2021

To successfully pull a practical joke on someone, children need to understand that their victims do not know what they themselves know, be able to intentionally manipulate others’ beliefs, and maintain a straight face to safeguard the integrity of the joke. This study examined the relationship between children’s developing theory of mind (ToM), inhibitory control, and their ability to pull a practical joke. Ninety-five children between ages 2 and 6 participated in, among other measures, a practical joke task that required them to knowingly give one of the experimenters a gift box containing a rubber insect. Results showed that children’s ability to pull a practical joke was significantly related to their age, false belief understanding (FBU), inhibitory control, and verbal ability. Children with more siblings were more likely to successfully pull a practical joke. Most importantly, inhibitory control was shown to mediate the relation between FBU and practical joking. The findings provide evidence that practical joking as an example of ToM use is effortful.
A generic metamodel for data extraction and generic ontology population
Authors: Chasseray Yohann , Barthe-Delanoë Anne-Marie , Négny Stéphane , Le Lann Jean-Marc
Published: February 2021

As the next step in the development of intelligent computing systems is the addition of human expertise and knowledge, it is a priority to build strong computable and well-documented knowledge bases. Ontologies partially respond to this challenge by providing formalisms for knowledge representation. However, one major remaining task is the population of these ontologies with concrete application. Based on Model-Driven Engineering principles, a generic metamodel for the extraction of heterogeneous data is presented in this article. The metamodel has been designed with two objectives, namely (1) the need of genericity regarding the source of collected pieces of knowledge and (2) the intent to stick to a structure close to an ontological structure. As well, an example of instantiation of the metamodel for textual data in chemistry domain and an insight of how this metamodel could be integrated in a larger automated domain independent ontology population framework are given.
Operational and organisational stressors in community correctional work: Insights from probation and parole officers in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Norman Mark , Ricciardelli Rosemary
Published: February 2021

In the current article, we investigate the occupational stressors parole and probation officers working in provincial correctional services in Ontario, Canada experience. We examine four specific stressors that emerged thematically from participants’ open-ended survey responses, and conceptualize these as operational factors (i.e., the duties of the job) or organisational factors (i.e., structural aspects of the organisation in which parole or probation officers work). Participants identified the operational stressor of exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events and secondary trauma, as well as three predominant organisational stressors: paperwork and administrative tasks, insufficient human resources, and workplace relationships and tensions. Drawing from literatures on parole and probation, workplace stress, and organisational cultures and behaviours, we analyse how these stressors have detrimental impacts on the mental health and well-being of community correctional workers, which in turn compromises their ability to effectively supervise and support individuals on their caseload. Policy and well-being implications are discussed.
Celsior® crystalloid cardioplegia versus standard hyperkalemic normothermic blood cardioplegia: Analysis of myocardial protection in elective mitral valve repair
Authors: Pontailler Margaux , David Charles-Henri , Lacoste Philippe , Guimbretière Guillaume , Marie Basile , Perigaud Christian , Mugniot Antoine , Fellah Imen , Roussel Jean-Christian , Senage Thomas
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

With the increase and refinement of video assisted mitral valve surgery, cristalloïd cardioplegia started regaining popularity. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Celsior®, a crystalloid cardioplegic solution, on myocardial protection in elective surgical mitral valve repair in comparison to blood based hyperkalemic cardioplegia.

Methods:

In this observational retrospective study, all consecutive elective isolated surgical mitral valve repair where Celsior® or normothermic hyperkalemic blood cardioplegia were used were included. Primary endpoint was any sign of myocardial protection failure (troponin levels, need for inotropic or mechanical support, rhythm disturbances, mortality). Secondary endpoint was Celsior® safety (allergic reactions, bleeding, organ toxicities).

Results:

From January 2009 to August 2016, 382 patients underwent elective isolated mitral valve repair in whom normothermic hyperkalemic blood cardioplegia ( n = 181) or Celsior® ( n = 201) were used. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics including Euroscore 2. Peak troponin (pg/ml) release and 30-days mortality were not statistically different. Need for cardioversion was significantly more frequent in the Celsior® group (47% vs 13%, p < 0.001). There was no statistical difference in post-operative atrial fibrillation, permanent pacemaker implantation, reoperation for bleeding, transfusion, acute kidney injury, haemoglobin at discharge or length of stay. No allergic reaction to Celsior® occurred.

Conclusion:

Effective myocardial protection was achieved with the Celsior® cardioplegic solution with no unexpected toxicity. Celsior® may be an efficacious and safe cardioprotective strategy in mitral valve repair.
1,25-(OH)2D3 ameliorates renal interstitial fibrosis in UUO rats through the AMPKα/mTOR pathway
Authors: Tian Shasha , Yang Xiaopeng , Wang Jianwu , Luo Jing , Guo Hui
Published: February 2021

Objective

To investigate the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on renal fibrosis associated with the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)α/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO).

Methods

A total of 54 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operation group, UUO group, and UUO plus calcitriol (3 ng/100 g) group. Renal tissue was excised for histological examination by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, and for gene expression analysis using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

1,25(OH)2D3 enhanced AMPKα levels, inhibited mTOR levels and slowed the development of interstitial fibrosis in kidney tissue. Compared with the UUO plus calcitriol group, UUO rats demonstrated more severe renal damage characterized by marked tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis and significant induction of fibrogenic transforming growth factor-β1 and increased extra-cellular matrix proteins (α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type III), and decreased E-cadherin.

Conclusion

Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 altered the AMPKα/mTOR signalling pathway to suppress excessive fibroblast activation observed in UUO rats. This may serve as a novel mechanism to ameliorate renal dysfunction and fibrotic lesions.
A population-based study of the three major variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Xu Junming , Zhang Yingying , Liu Jun , Qiu Shenglong , Wang Min
Published: February 2021

Objective

To explore the clinicopathological features and relative prognostic risks of the three major variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological characteristics and prognoses of patients with the three major PTC variants, conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma (CPTC), follicular-variant papillary carcinoma (FVPTC), and tall-cell papillary thyroid carcinoma (TCPTC), based on data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 2005 to 2009.

Results

A total of 29,555 patients were enrolled. In terms of their demographic and clinicopathological characteristics, TCPTC had the highest prevalence of older patients, men, patients with locally advanced stage (T stage and N stage), and mortality, while FVPTC had the lowest prevalence in relation to these factors. The three variants differed significantly in terms of 5-year overall survival and 5-year disease-specific survival. Cox regression analysis identified male sex, age ≥45 years, and higher American Joint Committee on Cancer and TNM stage as independent factors predicting a poor prognosis in relation to both overall and disease-specific survival.

Conclusions

CPTC, FVPTC, and TCPTC have different clinicopathological characteristics and prognoses, indicating the need for different treatment strategies for these three variants of PTC.
Combination of antibiotics, gastric lavage and nasojejunal feeding—an effective alternative for the management of acute phlegmonous gastritis: a case report
Authors: Wang Jiwei , Zhang Tao , Zhou Xin , Huang Handong , Wang Maijian , Xie Ming
Published: February 2021

Background

Phlegmonous gastritis is a rare bacterial infection of the gastric wall, characterised by purulent inflammation of the gastric mucosa, submucosa and muscularis layers. Phlegmonous gastritis has a high mortality rate, even with correct diagnosis and antimicrobial therapy.

Case presentation

A 22-year-old man presented for acute epigastric pain associated with aqueous diarrhoea, vomiting and sustained fever. Abdominal computed tomography showed diffuse oedema and thickened gastric wall, increased number and size of abdominal lymph nodes and the absence of pneumoperitoneum. Fibregastroscopy revealed oedematous, ridged and thickened gastric mucosa with abundant purulent secretion, especially in the antrum, consistent with phlegmonous gastritis, which was confirmed by histological evaluation of gastric biopsies. Cultures of the tissue biopsies and purulent secretion were positive for Enterococcus cecorum. He was treated with sensitive antibiotics according to the antibiogram, and importantly, with continuous gastric lavage and individualised nutritional support therapy. He eventually recovered well and was discharged with no abdominal symptoms.

Conclusions

Our case indicates that early diagnosis and immediate treatment are crucial to achieve positive outcomes. The combination of sensitive antibiotics, gastric lavage and early enteral nutrition via nasojejunal feeding might be an effective alternative for the comprehensive treatment of acute phlegmonous gastritis.
Reducing medical device alarms by an order of magnitude: A human factors approach
Authors: Koomen Erik , Webster Craig S , Konrad David , van der Hoeven Johannes G , Best Thomas , Kesecioglu Jozef , Gommers Diederik AMPJ , de Vries Willem B , Kappen Teus H
Published: February 2021

The intensive care unit (ICU) is one of the most technically advanced environments in healthcare, using a multitude of medical devices for drug administration, mechanical ventilation and patient monitoring. However, these technologies currently come with disadvantages, namely noise pollution, information overload and alarm fatigue—all caused by too many alarms. Individual medical devices currently generate alarms independently, without any coordination or prioritisation with other devices, leading to a cacophony where important alarms can be lost amongst trivial ones, occasionally with serious or even fatal consequences for patients. We have called this approach to the design of medical devices the single-device paradigm, and believe it is obsolete in modern hospitals where patients are typically connected to several devices simultaneously. Alarm rates of one alarm every four minutes for only the physiological monitors (as recorded in the ICUs of two hospitals contributing to this paper) degrades the quality of the patient’s healing environment and threatens patient safety by constantly distracting healthcare professionals. We outline a new approach to medical device design involving the application of human factors principles which have been successful in eliminating alarm fatigue in commercial aviation. Our approach comprises the networked-device paradigm, comprehensive alarms and humaniform information displays. Instead of each medical device alarming separately at the patient’s bedside, our proposed approach will integrate, prioritise and optimise alarms across all devices attached to each patient, display information more intuitively and hence increase alarm quality while reducing the number of alarms by an order of magnitude below current levels.
Exploring Preferences for Transportation Modes in the City of Munich after the Recent Incorporation of Ride-Hailing Companies
Authors: Shoman Maged , Moreno Ana Tsui
Published: February 2021

The growth of ride-hailing (RH) companies over the past few years has affected urban mobility in numerous ways. Despite widespread claims about the benefits of such services, limited research has been conducted on the topic. This paper assesses the willingness of Munich transportation users to pay for RH services. Realizing the difficulty of obtaining data directly from RH companies, a stated preference survey was designed. The dataset includes responses from 500 commuters. Sociodemographic attributes, current travel behavior and transportation mode preference in an 8 km trip scenario using RH service and its similar modes (auto and transit), were collected. A multinomial logit model was used to estimate the time and cost coefficients for using RH services across income groups, which was then used to estimate the value of time (VOT) for RH. The model results indicate RH services’ popularity among those aged 18–39, larger households and households with fewer autos. Higher income groups are also willing to pay more for using RH services. To examine the impact of RH services on modal split in the city of Munich, we incorporated RH as a new mode into an existing nested logit mode choice model using an incremental logit. Travel time, travel cost and VOT were used as measures for the choice commuters make when choosing between RH and its closest mode, metro. A total of 20 scenarios were evaluated at four different congestion levels and four price levels to reflect the demand in response to acceptable costs and time tradeoffs.
Estimating the Rebound Effect of the U.S. Road Freight Transport
Authors: Patwary A. Latif , Yu T. Edward , English Burton C. , Hughes David W. , Cho Seong-Hoon
Published: February 2021

The United States (U.S.) road freight sector has continued to grow over recent decades. Growth in road freight could result in more fuel consumption and hence increased greenhouse gas emissions. Policymakers have attempted to manage the growth of energy usage through improved fuel economy based on technological advances. However, such improvements may not lead to anticipated goals because of the rebound effect, where improvements in energy efficiency trigger more travel and energy consumption that offsets energy savings. Thus, this study aims to determine the potential rebound effect from improved energy efficiency in the U.S. road freight sector. Eight fuel cost models are applied and asymmetric price response is incorporated in estimating the U.S. road freight sector’s rebound effect from 1980 to 2016. In addition, a recently developed data envelopment analysis is applied to determine the annual rebound effect in the road freight sector. The results suggest that, after accounting for the asymmetric price response, the average rebound effect of the U.S. road freight sector ranges from 6.9% to 8.8%, a level considerably less than that found for several industrialized countries and emerging economies. However, a considerable increase in the rebound effect has been seen in more recent years. The findings suggest that overlooking the rebound effect in environmental policies could impede the goal of reducing total energy consumption and accompanying emissions. Policymakers should incorporate the rebound effect from efficiency enhancement in policy development and utilize some potential programs to reduce the adverse influence of rebound effect in related policies.
Investigating the Role of Transportation Barriers in Cancer Patients’ Decision Making Regarding the Treatment Process
Authors: Etminani-Ghasrodashti Roya , Kan Chen , Mozaffarian Ladan
Published: February 2021

Transportation barriers to healthcare access may lead to rescheduled or missed appointments, thereby influencing patients’ treatment outcomes. However, the impact of transportation barriers on stopping cancer treatments remains unknown in the literature. This study aims to investigate the association between cancer patients’ travel behavior and their decisions about stopping or continuing treatments. In this study, an online survey was designed and conducted for cancer patients who received radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Comprehensive questions were asked to reveal personal- and treatment-related factors that affect participants’ decisions, including their travel behavior, travel burden, treatment characteristics, and side effects. With data collected from the survey, machine learning models were further employed to quantitatively assess the factors contributing to patients’ decision making. Results suggest that lack of access to transportation has a significant impact on cancer patients’ decisions with respect to stopping or continuing treatments. Limited access to private vehicles will likely lead to the stopping of radiotherapy. In addition, trip frequency and trip length to caregivers influence the patients’ continuing or quitting chemotherapy. Insights generated in this study have great potential to help policy makers and planners make informed decisions to enhance cancer patients’ access to treatments and improve their health outcomes.
“It’s a Black Hole . . .”: Exploring Teachers’ Narratives and Practices for Digital Literacies in the Adult EAL Context
Authors: Tour Ekaterina , Creely Edwin , Waterhouse Peter
Published: February 2021

A strength-based approach to teaching digital literacies can advance language education for adults from refugee and migrant backgrounds, preparing them for life in a new country. This article draws on a 6-month ethnographic study at an adult English language center in Australia and explores teachers’ perspectives and practices related to teaching digital literacies to understand how prepared they are to employ learners’ own resources. Using sociomaterial theory, this research found that English as an Additional Language (EAL) teachers’ narratives about learners focused on what they lacked rather than what they brought to learning. It also found that while teaching practices utilized some strength-based pedagogical principles, the teachers viewed their work as being deficient. They did not always recognize their agential power nor did they overtly understand that the technology itself afforded this power. The article concludes with implications for EAL practice and professional learning of teachers who work in the adult sector.
Comparison of Prabotulinumtoxin A to Onabotulinumtoxin A in the Treatment of Lateral Canthal Rhytids: A Side-by-Side, Randomized, Double-Blind Comparison
Authors: Brundridge Wesley L. , Czyz Craig N. , Foster Jill A. , DeBacker Christopher M. , Holck David E. E.
Published: February 2021

Botulinum toxin type A (Onabotulinumtoxin A, Incobotulinumtoxin A, Abobotulinumtoxin A) has been successfully used in the treatment of lateral canthal rhytid (crow’s feet) reduction. Prabotulinumtoxin A is a newer medication that has been shown to have efficacy for the treatment of upper limb spasticity and improvement in moderate to severe glabellar lines. This study evaluated the onset of action, maximal effect, duration of action, and side effect profile for Prabotulinumtoxin A compared with Onabotulinumtoxin A in the treatment of crow’s feet. A total of 18 subjects aged 25 to 60 without a previous history of neuromuscular disorders, eyelid surgery, or botulinum toxin type A injections were included. Patients received 3 injections of botulinum toxin in the crow’s feet area on each side. Each side received 4U/.1cc of Prabotulinumtoxin A or Onabotulinumtoxin A at each site for a total of 12U/.3cc. The surgeon was masked to the serotype injected. The subjects had their lateral canthal areas photographed in relaxed and smiling positions preoperatively, daily from postinjection days 1 to 4, and weekly thereafter for a total of 12 weeks. Two masked oculoplastic surgeons were given the preoperative photos and postinjection photos and graded them on a scale of 0 to 3 (0 = no wrinkles, 1 = minimal wrinkles, 2 = moderate wrinkles, 3 = significant wrinkles). All subjects tolerated the injections well with no significant side effects or complications. The average onset of action was 3.47 days (1-14) for Onabotulinumtoxin A and 3.81 (1-14) for Prabotulinumtoxin A. The average time to peak effect was 11.11 days (1-56) for Onabotulinumtoxin A and 9.58 days (2-42) for Prabotulinumtoxin A. The average duration of action with improvement compared with baseline crow’s feet was 11.22 weeks (7-12) for Onabotulinumtoxin A and 11.11 weeks (6-12) for Prabotulinumtoxin A. Treatment of crow’s feet lines with Prabotulinumtoxin A achieves a comparable efficacy and safety profile compared with Onabotulinumtoxin A at a 1:1 dose. Therefore, Prabotulinumtoxin A can be used as another option in the treatment of crow’s feet.
Shared Perspectives of Patients With Advanced Cancer and Their Informal Caregivers on Essential Aspects of Health Care: A Qualitative Study
Authors: van Roij Janneke , de Zeeuw Bibi , Zijlstra Myrte , Claessens Niels , Raijmakers Natasja , de Poll-Franse Lonneke van , Brom Linda
Published: February 2021

Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the essential aspects of health care according to patients with advanced cancer and their informal caregivers by using a dyadic approach. Methods: Seven focus groups and 7 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted. Patients with advanced cancer and informal caregivers were recruited between January 2017 and June 2017 in 6 Dutch hospitals. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and open coded using a thematic analysis approach. For this analysis Atlas.ti was used. Results: There was congruence between the aspects mentioned by patients and their informal caregiver. Two essential aspects of quality of care arose: “relation” and “organization of care.” Regarding relation, patients and informal caregivers found it essential that health care professionals were personally engaged and provided support and compassion. Regarding organization of care, patients and informal caregivers expressed the importance of supportive care being offered multiple times during the disease trajectory, continuity of care, and well-organized logistics tailored to their needs. Conclusion: This study generates awareness among health care professionals that patients with advanced cancer and their relatives have similar perspectives on essential aspects of care and may increase anticipation to meet health care preferences to optimize care.
Pregnancy Outcomes of Women Hospitalized for Physical Assault, Sexual Assault, and Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Auger Nathalie , Low Nancy , Lee Ga Eun , Ayoub Aimina , Luu Thuy Mai
Published: February 2021

Pregnancy outcomes of women with serious injuries due to violence receive limited attention. We examined the association of assault before and during pregnancy with maternal and infant outcomes at delivery. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 2,193,711 births in Quebec, Canada between 1989 and 2016. We identified women who were hospitalized for physical assault, sexual assault, and assault with documented intimate partner violence before and during pregnancy. We examined adverse outcomes at delivery, including preeclampsia, placental abruption, antepartum hemorrhage, stillbirth, preterm birth, low birthweight, and other disorders. In log-binomial regression models, we estimated risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between violence hospitalization and adverse birth outcomes, adjusted for potential confounders. Compared with no exposure, violence before or during pregnancy was associated with the future risk of placental abruption (RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.23–1.82), antepartum hemorrhage (RR 1.43, 95% CI 1.19–1.71), stillbirth (RR 1.83, 95% CI 1.27–2.63), preterm birth (RR 1.70, 95% CI 1.54–1.87), and low birthweight (RR 1.78, 95% CI 1.58–2.00). Physical assault, sexual assault, and assault with documented intimate partner violence were all associated with adverse outcomes. The risk of adverse outcomes was elevated regardless of timing and number of violence admissions, although associations were stronger for women hospitalized twice or more. Physical assault, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence are important risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Screening for violence in women of childbearing age and closer follow-up during pregnancy may help improve birth outcomes.
Developmental Cascades of Marital Quality, Harsh Discipline, and Child Externalizing Behavior in China
Authors: Wang Xuesi , Wang Meifang
Published: February 2021

This study investigated the developmental cascades of marital quality, harsh discipline, and child externalizing behavior in a Chinese sample of 976 father–mother dyads and their children (initial Mage = 7.63 years, 52.2% boys). Marital quality, harsh discipline, and child externalizing behavior were assessed at three annual measurement occasions. Cascade models indicated the unidirectional rather than bidirectional relations between the variables over and above within-time covariance and across-time stability. Both increased maternal and paternal marital quality in a given year predicted decreases in child externalizing behavior in the next year. Child externalizing behavior in a given year predicted increases in both maternal and paternal harsh discipline in the next year. Moreover, increased paternal but not maternal marital quality in a given year predicted decreases in psychological aggression rather than corporal punishment in the next year. Moreover, the indirect effect of marital quality on child externalizing behavior through harsh discipline was not found. In addition, the potential indirect effect of marital quality on harsh discipline through child externalizing behavior was observed. These findings highlight the importance of examining developmental cascades across family subsystems and efforts to improve marital relationship to promote child adjustment as well as parent–child interaction during middle childhood in Chinese society.
Routine Activities and Stalking Victimization in Sexual Minority College Students
Authors: Davis Gianna E. , Hines Denise A. , Reed Kathleen M. Palm
Published: February 2021

Sexual minority individuals, due to additional chronic stress they experience from living with a marginalized identity, may be perceived as vulnerable targets by motivated perpetrators of stalking. Using campus climate data collected over 11 years, researchers explore stalking victimization with a particular focus on the experiences of sexual minority college students. To get a better understanding of stalking as experienced by this population, this study investigated descriptive qualities and prevalence of stalking victimization among college students to compare experiences of sexual minority and heterosexual individuals. Additionally, using a routine activities theory framework, this study explored multiple sexual minority identities as unique predictors of stalking victimization. Results showed that bisexual and pansexual women were significantly more likely to experience stalking than heterosexual women, and gay men were significantly more likely to experience stalking than heterosexual men. In samples that included heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and pansexual students, having a sexual minority identity predicted stalking victimization for men, and having a non-monosexual (bisexual or pansexual) identity predicted stalking victimization for women. When looking across all sexual orientations, sexual minority identity significantly predicted stalking victimization for both men and women. Results are discussed in the context of routine activities theory and future directions for exploring stalking in sexual minority populations are identified.
College Students’ Reasons for Using JUULs
Authors: Newcombe Kyra V. , Dobbs Page D. , Oehlers Julia S. , Dunlap Chris M. , Cheney Marshall K.
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

To identify reasons that college students use JUUL and explore associations between reasons for using JUUL and social and behavioral (tobacco use) factors.

Design:

On-line, cross-sectional survey.

Setting:

Large southwestern university in the US.

Subjects:

Undergraduate students (n = 605) who owned JUUL and used it weekly.

Measures:

The study measured age of JUUL initiation, JUUL dependence, and use of other e-cigarettes and other tobacco products. Participants described reasons for JUUL use as brief open-ended responses.

Analysis:

Responses were categorized by 2 researchers using an inductive procedure. Logistic regressions examined associations between demographics and use frequency and categorized reasons for using JUUL.

Results:

Four reasons for using JUUL emerged: self-help (48.4%), social (30.4%), experience (42.8%), and substance use/addiction (42.3%). Daily JUUL users were 1.66 (95% CI: 1.05-2.63) times as likely to use JUUL for self-help than those who used JUUL 1-3 days/week. Those who had never tried a cigarette were twice (OR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.22-3.54) as likely as cigarette-first users to use JUUL for social reasons. Males (OR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.32-2.65) had higher odds of using JUUL for the experience than females, and JUUL and other e-cigarettes users were 4.37 (95% CI: 1.83-10.45) times as likely as JUUL-only users to use JUUL due to substance use/addiction.

Conclusion:

JUUL users report unique reasons for use (e.g., addiction) not previously reported for older models of e-cigarette devices.
Conflictual Complementarity: New Labour Actors in Corporatist Industrial Relations
Authors: Bondy Assaf S
Published: February 2021

Liberalisation of industrial relations entails the weakening of unions and a respective rise of alternative, ‘new labour actors’, altering traditional class representation by introducing new strategies. Research on this phenomenon has focused on decentralised contexts, where new actors are seen to pursue both independent strategies as well as cooperation with unions to contest rising employers’ discretion. Drawing on multiple qualitative methodologies, this article analyses the roles and contributions of new actors in the context of corporatist industrial relations, to find rising conflicts between them and unions. Combining social movement theories of strategic change with industrial relations theories of power and theories of institutional complementarity, reveals conflictual forms of complementarity between new actors and corporatist unions. Through interacting with new labour actors, corporatist union strategies are seen to change in a ‘spin-off’ form, reforming unions’ traditional power and dominance to (partially) counter previous liberalisation of industrial relations.