bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Punk is just a state of mind: Exploring what punk means to older punk women
Authors: Way Laura
Published: August 2020

What does punk mean to older punk women? And how are such understandings interwoven with experiences of ageing and gender? The complexity in defining punk has been noted and it has been suggested that this complexity in part results from punk’s dislike of being labelled/categorised. Drawing upon interviews with 22 self-identifying older punk women, this article considers how they conceived punk as ‘a state of mind’, exploring the four shared punk values seen to comprise this: DIY, subversion, political consciousness and community. An unpacking of these values in terms of what they might ‘look like’ and how they are put into action by the women highlights the considerable roles ageing and gender play.
Associations Between Parole Outcomes and Characteristics of People Under Supervision, Supervising Officer, and Supervising Office
Authors: Galouzis Jennifer J. , Meyer Denny , Day Andrew
Published: August 2020

Community-based supervision is a key feature of contemporary correctional practice, and while it is often assumed that the supervising officer is the agent of change, few previous studies have considered the relative importance of the characteristics of either those under supervision or the supervising office. Hence, this study employed a three-level hierarchical linear model to determine how much of the variation in parole outcomes can be explained by the supervising officer, the organizational context in which supervision takes place, and the characteristics of those being supervised. The results showed that the context of supervision and the supervising officer is only associated with differences in parole outcomes for non-Indigenous people. Further research and consultation are required to understand the reasons the officer may be less influential in supervision outcomes for Indigenous people and to identify the ways in which service delivery may be adapted to improve the outcomes for this group.
Static output feedback stabilization of discrete time linear time invariant systems based on approximate dynamic programming
Authors: Demir Okan , Özbay Hitay
Published: August 2020

This study proposes a method for the static output feedback (SOF) stabilization of discrete time linear time invariant (LTI) systems by using a low number of sensors. The problem is investigated in two parts. First, the optimal sensor placement is formulated as a quadratic mixed integer problem that minimizes the required input energy to steer the output to a desired value. Then, the SOF stabilization, which is one of the most fundamental problems in the control research, is investigated. The SOF gain is calculated as a projected solution of the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation for discrete time LTI system. The proposed method is compared with several examples from the literature.
Virtual Reality as Distraction Analgesia for Office‐Based Procedures: A Randomized Crossover‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Gray Mingyang L. , Goldrich David Y. , McKee Sean , Schaberg Madeleine , Del Signore Anthony , Govindaraj Satish , Iloreta Alfred Marc
Published: August 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the use of immersive and interactive virtual reality (VR) for analgesia, anxiety reduction, and overall satisfaction in patients undergoing outpatient postoperative debridements.

Study Design

Randomized crossover‐controlled trial.

Setting

Academic outpatient clinic.

Subjects and Methods

Adult patients who had functional endoscopic sinus surgery and skull base surgery and were undergoing office‐based postoperative nasal endoscopy and debridement were recruited and followed for 2 consecutive office visits. Participants were randomized to receive either the control or experimental analgesia for the first postoperative visit (PO1) and crossed over into the opposite treatment arm during the second postoperative visit (PO2). Outcomes included procedural pain, anxiety and satisfaction scores, procedural time, and reflexive head movements per minute (RHM).

Results

Eighty‐two participants were recruited. At PO1, 39 received standard analgesia, and 43 received an immersive VR experience. At PO1, the VR group experienced significantly less anxiety (P =. 043) and fewer RHM (P =. 00016) than the control group. At PO2, the VR group experienced significantly fewer RHM (P =. 0002). At PO2, patients who received the experimental treatment after initially receiving the control treatment had significantly decreased pain, anxiety, and RHM. This effect was not seen in the second group. Overall, 69.51% of patients felt that the VR treatment was better; 19.51% thought that it was the same; and 9.76% found it to be worse.

Conclusion

VR technology holds promise as a nonpharmacologic analgesic and anxiolytic intervention for otolaryngology office‐based procedures. Further study of VR use in other procedures is warranted.

Level of Evidence:

1, randomized controlled trial.
Patients With Voice Prosthesis Rehabilitation During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: Analyzing the Effectiveness of Remote Triage and Management
Authors: Longobardi Ylenia , Galli Jacopo , D’Alatri Lucia , Savoia Vezio , Mari Giorgia , Rigante Mario , Passali Giulio Cesare , Bussu Francesco , Parrilla Claudio
Published: August 2020

Objective

To describe a remote approach used with patients with voice prosthesis after laryngectomy during the COVID‐19 pandemic and the resulting clinical outcomes in terms of voice prosthesis complications management, oncological monitoring, and psychophysical well‐being.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Otolaryngology Clinic of the University Polyclinic A. Gemelli, IRCCS Foundation.

Subjects and Methods

All patients with voice prosthesis who underwent laryngectomy followed by our institute were offered enrollment. Patients who agreed to participate were interviewed to inquire about the nature of the need and to plan a video call with the appropriate clinician. Before and 1 week after the clinician’s call, patients were tested with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Degrees of satisfaction were investigated with a visual analog scale. A comparison between those who accepted and refused telematic support was carried out to identify factors that influence patient interest in teleservice.

Results

Video call service allowed us to reach 37 (50.68%) of 73 patients. In 23 (62.16%) of 37 cases, the video call was sufficient to manage the problem. In the remaining 14 cases (37.83%), an outpatient visit was necessary. Participants who refused telematic support had a significantly shorter time interval from the last ear, nose, and throat visit than patients who accepted (57.95 vs 96.14 days, P =. 03). Video‐called patients showed significantly decreased levels of anxiety and depression (mean Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale total score pre– vs post–video call: 13.97 vs. 10.23, P <. 0001) and reported high levels of satisfaction about the service.

Conclusion

Remote approach may be a viable support in the management of patients with voice prosthesis rehabilitation.
Effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation on the performance of the activities of daily living and attention function after stroke: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liu Yuanwen , Yin Mingyu , Luo Jing , Huang Li , Zhang Shuxian , Pan Cuihuan , Hu Xiquan
Published: August 2020

Objective:

We aimed to interrogate the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on the performance in activities of daily living (ADL) and attention function after stroke.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Inpatient rehabilitation hospital.

Subjects:

We randomized 62 stroke patients with attention dysfunction who were randomly assigned into two groups, and two dropped out from each group. The TMS group ( n = 29) and a sham group ( n = 29), whose mean (SD) was 58.12 (6.72) years. A total of 33 (56.9%) patients had right hemisphere lesion while the rest 25 (43.1%) patients had left hemisphere lesion.

Interventions:

Patients in the TMS group received 10 Hz, 700 pulses of TMS, while those in the sham group received sham TMS for four weeks. All the participants underwent comprehensive cognitive training.

Main measures:

At baseline, and end of the four-week treatment, the performance in the activities of daily living was assessed by Functional Independence Measure (FIM). On the other side, attention dysfunction was screened by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), while the attention function was assessed by the Trail Making Test-A (TMT-A), Digit Symbol Test (DST) and Digital Span Test (DS).

Results:

Our data showed a significant difference in the post-treatment gains in motor of Functional Independence Measure (13.00 SD 1.69 vs 4.21 SD 2.96), cognition of Functional Independence Measure (4.69 SD 1.56 vs 1.52 SD 1.02), total of Functional Independence Measure (17.69 SD 2.36 vs 5.72 SD 3.12), Mini-Mental State Examination (3.07 SD 1.36 vs 1.21 SD 0.62), time taken in Trail Making Test-A (96.67 SD 25.18 vs 44.28 SD 19.45), errors number in Trail Making Test-A (2.72 SD 1.03 vs 0.86 SD 1.03), Digit Symbol Test (3.76 SD 1.09 vs 0.76 SD 0.87) or Digital Span Test (1.69 SD 0.54 vs 0.90 SD 0.72) between the TMS group and the sham group ( P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Taken together, we demonstrate that TMS improves the performance in the activities of daily living and attention function in patients with stroke.
Enhancing the performance of PEG-b-PCL-based nanocarriers for curcumin through its conjugation with lipophilic biomolecules
Authors: Angarita Angie V , Umaña-Perez Adriana , Perez Leon D
Published: August 2020

Curcumin is a natural substance extracted from Curcuma longa Linn with beneficial pharmaceutical properties such as anticancer activity against several cellular lines. However, it presents poor bioavailability due to its low solubility in aqueous media and chemical instability. In this research, curcumin was encapsulated in polymer micelles obtained by the self-assembly of a biodegradable poly (ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ɛ-caprolactone) copolymer conjugated with cholesterol or oleic acid. A hydroxyl-terminated poly (ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ɛ-caprolactone) was reacted with cholesteryl chloroformate or oleyl chloride to obtain conjugated copolymers. The resulting polymeric materials were characterised through proton nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry, and their critical aggregation concentration was measured through fluorescence spectroscopy. Poly (ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ɛ-caprolactone) conjugated with cholesterol and oleic acid posed an improved capacity of encapsulating curcumin, resulting in the loading capacities of 8.8% and 15.2%, respectively. Cell viability studies confirmed that curcumin loaded in polymer micelles maintained its anticancer activity against MCF-7 human breast cancer cells but presented low cytotoxicity against mouse fibroblasts. Hence, these formulations have good potential for applications in drug delivery systems for breast cancer treatment.
Service Barriers for Gender Nonbinary Young Adults: Using Photovoice to Understand Support and Stigma
Authors: Cosgrove Darren , Bozlak Christine , Reid Parker
Published: August 2020

The social and health care needs of transgender people is a growing focus within social work literature. Attention to social and physical health disparities suggests that transgender-affirming services are an often unmet need. As ways to improve services are explored, attention must be paid to the diverse identities of transgender people. Although a large number of transgender people identify as nonbinary, the majority of research has examined the experiences of transgender men and women, thus often overlooking the unique experiences of those whose gender is outside of a dichotomous binary. A stronger understanding of the experiences of people who identify as nonbinary is essential for advancing affirming social work policies and practices. This photovoice study examined identity support and stigma faced by nonbinary young adults. Participants identified several themes related to seeking care from service providers and described the presence of assumptions contributing to their identities being pathologized. Findings show that nonbinary young people, like their binary transgender peers, experience discrimination in their interactions with providers and society more generally. However, the binaristic assumptions that are described add an important dimension to existing literature. Overall, the findings call for an increasingly queer understanding of gender among social work scholarship and practice.
Understanding the Trajectory of Japanese Capitalism
Authors: Gottfried Heidi , Fasenfest David
Published: August 2020

How can we understand the trajectory of Japanese capitalism? This Afterword situates Japan on a broad canvas stretching across both the region and the globe. East Asia’s regional dynamics figure prominently, shaping the trajectory of Japanese capitalism not only in the formative Age of Empire and postwar reconstruction, but also in the emergent Asian Century. An historical examination of geo-politics highlights imperial entanglements and both the routes and the roots of capitalist development in Japan. This discussion begins by setting the stage of post-World War II Japan, elaborating on the reproductive bargain that characterizes Japan’s political economy, investigating the importance of national identity as it informs who can participate in Japan’s economy, revealing the underbelly of contemporary Japan, discussing forces for change, and revisiting the methodological approach used to understand Japanese capitalism.
Spiritually Informed Interventions and Psychotic Disorders: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Turner Patricia R. , Hodge David R.
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

Including spirituality in the treatment of psychosis is controversial. To determine the effect of incorporating spirituality into treatment, we conducted a systematic review of spiritually informed interventions with persons with psychotic disorders (PPD).

Methods:

A search of 15 electronic databases was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials that used spiritually informed interventions with PPD.

Results:

Of 4,317 papers examined, seven studies met eligibility criteria. A narrative review revealed that the use of spiritually informed interventions was significantly associated with positive outcomes across all seven studies. Supplementary quantitative analysis indicated that the use of spiritually informed interventions was associated with significantly and clinically meaningful lower levels of psychosis symptoms (Hedges’s g = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [0.46, 1.66], p = .001).

Discussion:

The results suggest that social workers and other mental health providers should consider incorporating client spirituality into treatment protocols when working with PPD.
Subtrochanteric rotational osteotomy for young adults with hip pain due to femoral maltorsion
Authors: Rigling Dominic , Zingg Patrick O , Dora Claudio
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

Femoral rotational osteotomies can be a treatment option for symptomatic femoral maltorsion. This study investigated the clinical and radiological results of subtrochanteric rotational osteotomy and its potential adverse effects, particularly on patellofemoral stability and geometry.

Methods:

Retrospective consecutive series of patients undergoing subtrochanteric rotational osteotomy with hip arthroscopy. 25 hips, 18 with decreased (⩽4°), 7 with increased (⩾28°) femoral torsion (FT), were analysed. Mean follow-up was 37 months. Subjective Hip value (SHV), WOMAC and Harris Hip Score (HHS), hip range of motion, asymmetries in foot position during gait as well as patellofemoral instability were the outcome measures. Femoral and tibial torsion as well as morphological signs of patella maltracking (TTTG, patellar tilt and lateralisation) were measured on MRI.

Results:

SHV improved from 52% to 72% ( p = 0.002), WOMAC from 3 to 1 ( p < 0.001) and HHS from 68 to 86 ( p < 0.001). Hips treated for reduced FT showed better internal rotation and hips treated for excessive FT less internal rotation compared to the opposite side. 1 patient demonstrated asymptomatic minor in-toeing. Objective patellofemoral instability was not found except for in 1 patient with bilateral patellofemoral apprehension. FT was normalised (mean 16° ± 9°). Tibial torsion showed normal values. Compared to the opposite side TTTG ( p > 0.08), patellar tilt ( p > 0.09) and lateralisation ( p > 0.26) did not differ. No complications occurred.

Conclusions:

Subtrochanteric rotational osteotomy with hip arthroscopy improves the hip subjectively without leading to objective patellofemoral instability nor changes in the patellofemoral geometry compared to contralateral side. The technique of subtrochanteric rotational osteotomy is safe and reliable.
Are survivors of cardiac arrest provided with standard cardiac rehabilitation? – Results from a national survey of hospitals and municipalities in Denmark
Authors: Tang Lars H , Joshi Vicky , Egholm Cecilie Lindström , Zwisler Ann-Dorthe
Published: August 2020

Aim

To quantify the provision of standard cardiac rehabilitation to Danish survivors of cardiac arrest at a programme level, and to analyse whether organizational factors influenced the provision.

Method

We mapped the provision of cardiac rehabilitation core components to survivors of cardiac arrest and compared this with a reference group of patients after acute myocardial infarction using data from a cross-sectional programme-level survey among all hospitals (n = 34) and municipalities (n = 98) in Denmark. Organizational factors of potential importance to service provision were considered: health care region, size of catchment area/population, type of department/municipality and socioeconomic index.

Results

Response rates for the provision of each core component of cardiac rehabilitation ranged from 64% to 98%. All hospitals and municipalities provided some aspect of cardiac rehabilitation to survivors of cardiac arrest. Across hospitals, provision of four core components of cardiac rehabilitation to survivors of cardiac arrest was lower compared with post acute myocardial infarction patients: patient education (relative risk (RR) = 0.45 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27 to 0.75)), exercise training (RR = 0.69 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.98)), screening for anxiety and depression (RR = 0.64 (95% CI 0.46 to 0.90) and nutritional counselling RR = 0.76 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.93)). No difference was found in the provision of core components across municipalities. Overall, the provision of cardiac rehabilitation to survivors of cardiac arrest was not affected by organizational factors

Conclusion

This study indicates a need for future research to inform the development, adoption and implementation of equal access to all components of cardiac rehabilitation for survivors of cardiac arrest in Denmark
Moral distress and occupational wellbeing in audiologists: an Australian case study
Authors: Simpson Andrea , Short Alana M , Malicka Alicja N , Clarke-Errey Sandy
Published: August 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess if a relationship existed between (i) audiologists’ perceptions of moral distress, (ii) occupational wellbeing, and (iii) patient-practitioner orientation.

Design

The Moral Distress Thermometer, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Management Standards Indicator Tool and Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) was sent out to all audiologists registered with the professional body Audiology Australia. Study sample: A total of 43 audiologists completed the questionnaires.

Results

Using a multiple linear regression model there was no evidence of a relationship between patient-practitioner orientation and either moral distress or occupational wellbeing. However, an association between higher moral distress and lower occupational wellbeing was demonstrated. The occupational wellbeing subscales of ‘managerial support’, ‘peer support’, ‘relationships’, ‘role’, and ‘change’ were strongly associated with poorer scores on moral distress.

Conclusion

For our sample of audiologists, ethical conflict appeared to be linked to reduced job satisfaction. There is a need to consider ways of providing supportive organisational structures in which ethical conflicts can be openly discussed and negotiated in order to improve occupational wellbeing in the profession.
CREASE: Synchronous gait by minimizing actuation through folded geometry
Authors: Mesa Olga , Mhatre Saurabh , Aukes Dan
Published: August 2020

The Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution promises the integration and synergy of disciplines to arrive at meaningful and comprehensive solutions. As computation and fabrication methods become pervasive, they present platforms for communication. Value exists in diverse disciplines bringing their approach to a common conversation, proposing demands, and potentials in response to entrenched challenges. Robotics has expanded recently as computational analysis, and digital fabrication methods are more accurate and reliable. Advances in functional microelectromechanical components have resulted in the design of new robots presenting alternatives to traditional ambulatory robots. However, most examples are the result of intense computational analysis necessitating engineering expertise and specialized manufacturing. Accessible fabrication methods like laminate techniques propose alternatives to new robot morphologies. However, most examples remain overly actuated without harnessing the full potential of folds for locomotion. Our research explores the connection between origami structures and kinematics for the generation of an ambulatory robot presenting efficient, controlled, and graceful gait with minimal use of components. Our robot ‘Crease’ achieves complex gait by harnessing kinematic origami chains rather than relying on motors. Minimal actuation activates the folds to produce variations in walk and direction. Integrating a physical iterative process with computational analysis, several prototypes were generated at different scales, including untethered ones with sensing and steering that could map their environment. Furthering the dialogue between disciplines, this research contributes not only to the field of robotics but also architectural design, where efficiency, adjustability, and ease of fabrication are critical in designing kinetic elements.
“Trikala Quits Smoking”: A Citizen Co-Creation Program Design to Enforce the Ban on Smoking in Enclosed Public Spaces in Greece
Authors: Skerletopoulos Leonidas , Makris Angela , Khaliq Mahmooda
Published: August 2020

Background:

Tolerance and acceptance of smoking indoors by consumers is common in Greece, and for the most part, authorities turn the other cheek in enforcing long-standing legislation banning smoking in enclosed public places.

Focus of the Article:

This case study describes the “Trikala Quits Smoking” initiative, which was designed to enforce smoking legislation in Trikala, creating a new social norm to counter the national indifference to enforcing the law regarding smoking indoors. Declared a smart city three times since 2009 and considered one of the most digitally progressive cities in the country, Trikala presents a good example of how to achieve behavior change in a high-context culture. This article outlines the processes used and the lessons learned to achieve the long-term goal of protecting adults and children from the effects of indoor second-hand smoking (SHS) by changing perception and acceptance of indoor smoking by the community, business owners, and local government.

Program Design/Approach:

A citizen co-creation approach was used to design the program to attain community buy-in and change existing social norms. The Socio-Ecological Model guided this process. It engaged upstream, midstream, and downstream stakeholders, including medical professionals, commercial business owners, the municipal leadership, and citizens to initiate the change. The deCIDES framework was used to guide project implementation. Planning for the initiative started in January 2017, with implementation commencing September 2017 and the project ending June 2019.

Importance to the Social Marketing Field:

This case study is the first documentation of social marketing in Greece. Implementation of this initiative shows the value of social marketing in changing social norms for high-context cultures.

Methods:

Primary data were gathered using a citizen-orientated information gathering process consisting of open community meetings, closed group stakeholder meetings, and project member meetings. Data from the city council regarding the number of fines issued to businesses provided evidence of the intervention’s success.

Results:

Before the start of the intervention, less than five percent of businesses were compliant with the law; after implementation, 90% of the businesses were compliant. Over 1,200 inspections took place, and only 50 fines for lack of compliance were issued over 18 months. The initiative was deemed successful in banning smoking in enclosed public spaces and shifting social norms about SHS. In late 2019, a national ban on smoking in enclosed public places was enforced by the newly elected parliament.
How Hispanic Should Hispanic-Serving Institutions Be?
Authors: Doran Erin
Published: August 2020

The Board of Regents appointed President Thomas to the helm of Nuestra University, a large and urban Hispanic-Serving University. In the first years of his presidency, Nuestra achieved important milestone in its quest to better serve and graduate students from underrepresented populations. However, Thomas’s hiring and presidency has faced critical questions, especially when Thomas’s new strategic plan and plans for community involvement appeared to ignore the demographics both on and off-campus. This case study focuses on the potential implications for Minority-Serving Institutions when their administration does not match the demographics of their major stakeholders (i.e., students, faculty, and local school districts).
Health Implications of Incarceration and Reentry on Returning Citizens: A Qualitative Examination of Black Men’s Experiences in a Northeastern City
Authors: Williams Jason M. , Wilson Sean K. , Bergeson Carrie
Published: August 2020

While a great deal of research captures the lived experiences of Black men as they navigate through the criminal legal system and onto reentry, very little research is grounded in how those processes are directly connected to their health. Although some research argues that mass incarceration is a determinant of poor health, there is a lack of qualitative analyses from the perspective of Black men. Black men face distinct pathways that lead them into the criminal legal system, and these same pathways await them upon reentry. This study aims to examine the health implications associated with incarceration and reentry of Black men. While adopting a phenomenological approach alongside interviews, our findings show both race- and gender-specific outcomes for the men in our sample. For example, health and wellness appears to be a significant theme that governs their (in)ability to matriculate society. Moreover, their contact with the criminal legal system appears to exacerbate health concerns and hindrances toward reentry. Other themes include mental health and the role of masculinity. We conclude with implications on policy and future research.
Endoscopic treatment of large symptomatic colon lipomas: A systematic review of efficacy and safety
Authors: Bronswijk Michiel , Vandenbroucke Anne‐Marie , Bossuyt Peter
Published: August 2020

Background

Various techniques have been described for endoscopic resection of large symptomatic colon lipomas. Lipoma unroofing might provide a safer, more time efficient and easier technique compared to dissection‐based techniques, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or loop‐assisted resection. The aim of this systematic review was to compare efficacy and safety (endoscopic resolution rates, clinical remission rates and adverse events) of lipoma unroofing with respect to dissection‐based techniques, EMR or loop‐assisted resection.

Methods

As most outcomes were binary in nature and several outcomes did not occur in some studies, routine calculation of standard errors in outcome probability was not possible. Therefore, original patient data were extracted, after which efficacy and safety were compared.

Results

Twenty four studies met the selection criteria, which encompassed 77 lesions (46.8% female, mean age 63 years (interquartile range (IQR) 53–72 years), mean size 45.4 mm (IQR 30.0–60.0 mm). Ten patients underwent unroofing (13.0%), whereas 7 (9.1%), 31 (40.3%) and 29 patients (37.7%) underwent dissection‐based techniques, EMR and loop‐assisted‐snare resection, respectively. Endoscopic resolution rates were 60%, 100% (p  = 0.103), 93.6% (p  = 0.024) and 93.1% (p  = 0.028). Clinical remission rates were identical in all four groups (100%). Amongst patients who underwent EMR and loop‐assisted techniques, adverse events were identified in 12.9% (p  = 0.556) and 13.8% (p  = 0.556), respectively, compared to none in the unroofing and dissection‐based resection group.

Conclusions

In patients with large colon lipomas, endoscopic treatment by unroofing, dissection‐based resection, EMR and loop‐assisted resection provided similar clinical remission rates. Amongst patients undergoing EMR and loop‐assisted resection, increased endoscopic resolution rates were seen at the expense of more adverse events, although the latter did not reach statistical significance. Until more reliable comparative data are available, the most optimal resection technique should rely on local expertise and patient profile.
Excellent Mathematical Performance Despite “Negative” Affect of Students in Korea: The Values Perspective
Authors: Pang (방정숙) JeongSuk , Seah (佘伟忠) Wee Tiong
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

Given the unclear relationship between cognition and affect, this article reports on a study exploring how the conative variable of values may provide some explanation for students with excellent performance despite a negative attitude toward mathematics.

Design/Approach/Methods:

The study reported in this article represents Korea's participation in the international “What I Find Important (in my mathematics learning)” [WIFI] study, which assesses the attributes of mathematics learning and teaching that are valued by students. The participants of this study were 816 Korean students who responded to the WIFI questionnaire.

Findings:

The results of principal component analysis indicated that the following five attributes about mathematics and mathematics pedagogy were valued by Korean students: understanding, connections, fun, accuracy, and efficiency. These attributes were further analyzed with relation to student gender, school system, and student confidence.

Originality/Value:

Korean students’ valuing of understanding and connections is noteworthy. It is hoped that the findings of this study might explain Korean students’ exceptional performance despite a generally low affective mode, and extending this further, how values in mathematics education might be a useful construct to help us make sense of the observed mismatch globally between high performance and low affect.
Smart Stadium as a Laboratory of Innovation: Technology, Sport, and Datafied Normalization of the Fans
Authors: Yang Chamee , Cole C. L.
Published: August 2020

This article addresses the relationship between the contemporary development of the “smart” stadium and changing norms of innovation in sports. Given the evolving forms of smart technologies blurring the boundaries between the actual and mediated domains of sports, an approach that grapples with the broad sociotechnical dynamics within and around sport is necessary. Drawing from critical studies on big data, innovation, and smart cities, this study adopts a sociotechnical perspective to approach Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium, known as one of the first smart stadiums in the United States. This study examines how the smart stadium employs a range of techniques and technologies to engage with and influence broader sociocultural themes in society: the prevalent imperative of innovation and the hyperdigitalization of sport through which bodies in space are becoming knowable and governable in new ways. We conclude that the smart stadium, articulated both literally and figuratively as a “living laboratory of innovation,” appropriates sport as a useful motif to affect broader cultural debates around big data and spatializes new techniques of social ordering through a parametric and processual definition of normalcy.
Comparison of macroseismic-intensity scales by considering empirical observations of structural seismic damage
Authors: Li Siqi , Chen Yongsheng , Yu Tianlai
Published: August 2020

In practice, seismic intensity is evaluated in accordance with a macroseismic-intensity scale recognized in the field of seismic engineering globally. The application of different seismic-intensity scales to evaluate the seismic damage of a specific structure due to an earthquake yields diverse results. On this basis, this study compared a few extensively used macroseismic-intensity scales. The results can be used as a reference to develop an international intensity scale. According to empirical structural-damage survey data from the Wenchuan earthquake (Mw = 8.0) that occurred on 12 May 2008 in China, the European Macroseismic Scale (EMS)-98, Medvedev, Sponheuer, and Karnik (MSK)-81, and Chinese Seismic Intensity Scale (CSIS)-08 intensity scales were utilized to evaluate the resulting damage. This study carried out a vulnerability analysis of typical structures, established vulnerability seismic-damage matrices, and mapped out vulnerability curves under different intensities. Our objective is to demonstrate that the use of multiple intensity scales can lead to very different intensity levels. The differences in the damage of typical structures under different intensity levels were obtained from an evaluation using the three aforementioned intensity scales. As a result, a calculation model of the mean damage index is proposed herein. Ultimately, this article conducted an analysis on the failure characteristics of typical structures in an earthquake and provided effective measures to improve seismic performance for future reference.
A comprehensive review of COVID-19 characteristics
Authors: Esakandari Hanie , Nabi-Afjadi Mohsen , Fakkari-Afjadi Javad , Farahmandian Navid , Miresmaeili Seyed-Mohsen , Bahreini Elham
Published: August 2020

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or (2019-nCoV) with unknown origin spread in Hubei province of China. The epidemic disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 called coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). The presence of COVID-19 was manifested by several symptoms, ranging from asymptomatic/mild symptoms to severe illness and death. The viral infection expanded internationally and WHO announced a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. To quickly diagnose and control such a highly infectious disease, suspicious individuals were isolated and diagnostic/treatment procedures were developed through patients’ epidemiological and clinical data. Early in the COVID-19 outbreak, WHO invited hundreds of researchers from around the world to develop a rapid quality diagnosis, treatment and vaccines, but so far no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine has been approved by the FDA. At present, COVID-19 is managed by available antiviral drugs to improve the symptoms, and in severe cases, supportive care including oxygen and mechanical ventilation is used for infected patients. However, due to the worldwide spread of the virus, COVID-19 has become a serious concern in the medical community. According to the current data of WHO, the number of infected and dead cases has increased to 8,708,008 and 461,715, respectively (Dec 2019 –June 2020). Given the high mortality rate and economic damage to various communities to date, great efforts must be made to produce successful drugs and vaccines against 2019-nCoV infection. For this reason, first of all, the characteristics of the virus, its pathogenicity, and its infectious pathways must be well known. Thus, the main purpose of this review is to provide an overview of this epidemic disease based on the current evidence.
scTyper: a comprehensive pipeline for the cell typing analysis of single-cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Choi Ji-Hye , In Kim Hye , Woo Hyun Goo
Published: August 2020

Background

Recent advances in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology have enabled the identification of individual cell types, such as epithelial cells, immune cells, and fibroblasts, in tissue samples containing complex cell populations. Cell typing is one of the key challenges in scRNA-seq data analysis that is usually achieved by estimating the expression of cell marker genes. However, there is no standard practice for cell typing, often resulting in variable and inaccurate outcomes.

Results

We have developed a comprehensive and user-friendly R-based scRNA-seq analysis and cell typing package, scTyper. scTyper also provides a database of cell type markers, scTyper.db, which contains 213 cell marker sets collected from literature. These marker sets include but are not limited to markers for malignant cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and tumor-infiltrating T cells. Additionally, scTyper provides three customized methods for estimating cell-type marker expression, including nearest template prediction (NTP), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and average expression values. DNA copy number inference method (inferCNV) has been implemented with an improved modification that can be used for malignant cell typing. The package also supports the data preprocessing pipelines by Cell Ranger from 10X Genomics and the Seurat package. A summary reporting system is also implemented, which may facilitate users to perform reproducible analyses.

Conclusions

scTyper provides a comprehensive and user-friendly analysis pipeline for cell typing of scRNA-seq data with a curated cell marker database, scTyper.db.
Spectrum of podocytopathies in new-onset nephrotic syndrome following COVID-19 disease: a report of 2 cases
Authors: Gupta Rajib K. , Bhargava Ramya , Shaukat Al-Aman , Albert Emily , Leggat John
Published: August 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing pandemic which has affected over 12 million people across the globe. Manifestations in different organs systems are being reported regularly. Renal biopsy findings in hospitalized COVID-19 patients presenting solely with acute kidney injury (AKI) have recently been described in published literature in few case reports. The findings include diffuse acute tubular injury (ATI) along with the glomerular lesion of collapsing glomerulopathy (CG). However, nephrotic syndrome as the presenting complaint of COVID-19 has not been reported widely, neither has any other glomerular lesion other than CG.

Case presentation

We describe the kidney biopsy findings of two patients who had recent diagnoses of COVID-19 and presented with new-onset nephrotic syndrome. Renal biopsy in both patients showed ATI (as in previous reports) and distinct glomerular findings on light microscopy – that of minimal change disease (MCD) initially in one patient followed by CG in a subsequent biopsy and CG at the outset in the other patient. The electron microscopic findings in both patients were that of severe podocytopathy (diffuse and severe podocyte foot process effacement).

Conclusion

Our cases highlight a novel clinical presentation of COVID-19 renal disease, not described before, that of new-onset nephrotic syndrome. While all published case reports describe CG as the glomerular pathology, we describe a non-CG pathology (MCD) in one of our cases, thereby adding to the repertoire of renal pathology described in association with COVID-19 patients. However, the exact mechanism by which podocyte injury or podocytopathy occurs in all such cases is still unknown. Optimal treatment options for these patients also remains unknown at this time.
Association between prepregnancy body mass index and risk of congenital heart defects in offspring: an ambispective observational study in China
Authors: Yuan Xuelian , Liu Zhen , Zhu Jun , Yu Ping , Deng Ying , Chen Xinlin , Li Nana , Li Shengli , Yang Shuihua , Li Jun , Liu Hanmin , Li Xiaohong
Published: August 2020

Background

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defect around the world. Maternal prepregnancy obesity has been proposed as a risk factor of CHDs, but the relationship of CHD risk with over- and underweight is controversial, especially because body mass index (BMI) distribution differs between Asia and the West. The study aimed to examine the potential associations of maternal over- and underweight on risk of offspring CHDs.

Methods

An ambispective observational study involving 1206 fetuses with CHDs and 1112 fetuses without defects at seven hospitals in China was conducted. Standardized questionnaires were used to collect information on maternal prepregnancy weight and height, social demographic characteristics, living and occupational environments, and lifestyle behaviors. Univariate, multivariate and multilevel logistic regression as well as unrestricted cubic spline analysis were used to examine potential associations of prepregnancy BMI and offspring CHDs.

Results

Prepregnancy maternal underweight (BMI<18.5) or low average BMI (18.5 ≤ BMI<21.25) was associated with significantly higher risk of CHD in offspring than high average BMI (21.25 ≤ BMI<24.0): multilevel logistic regression indicated adjusted odds ratios of 1.53 (95%CI 1.13, 2.08) for underweight, 1.44 (95%CI 1.10, 1.89) for low average BMI and 1.29 (95%CI 0.84, 1.97) for overweight or obesity (BMI ≥ 24.0). Mothers with prepregnancy BMI < 21.25 were at greater risk of offspring with septal defects, while mothers with low average BMI were at greater risk of offspring with conotruncal defects and septal defects.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that underweight or low average BMI may be associated with higher risk of CHDs in offspring. Health professionals may wish to advise women planning to be pregnant to maintain or even gain weight to ensure adequate, balanced nutrition and thereby reduce the risk of CHDs in their offspring.
Application of multidirectional stitching technology in a laparoscopic suturing instructional program: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhao Yu , Chen Qiong , Hu Jia-Ning , Shen Qi , Xia Lu , Yan Lin-Zhi , Wang Yi , Zhu Xiu-Jie , Li Wen-Ju , Hu Yue , Zhang Qiong
Published: August 2020

Background

Surgeon suturing technology plays a pivotal role in patient recovery after laparoscopic surgery. Intracorporal suturing and knot tying in minimally invasive surgery are particularly challenging and represent a key skill for advanced procedures. In this study, we compared the application of multidirectional stitching technology with application of the traditional method in a laparoscopic suturing instructional program.

Methods

We selected forty residents within two years of graduation to assess the specialized teaching of laparoscopic suturing with laparoscopic simulators. The forty students were randomly divided into two groups, a control group and an experimental group, with twenty students in each group. The control group was scheduled to learn the traditional suture method, and the experimental group applied multidirectional stitching technology. The grades for suturing time, thread length, accuracy of needle entry, stability of the knot, tissue integrity, and tightness of the tissue before and after the training program were calculated.

Results

There was no significant difference between the two groups before the learning intervention. After the program, both groups significantly improved in each subject. There were significant differences between the control group and the experimental group in suture time (P = 0.001), accuracy of needle entry and exit (P = 0.035), and whether the suture tissue had cracks (P = 0.030). However, the two groups showed non-significant differences in thread length (P = 0.093), stablity of the knot (P = 0.241), or tightness of the tissue (P = 0.367).

Conclusions

Multidirectional stitching technology improves the efficiency and effectiveness of traditional laparoscopic suture instructional programs. It might be a practicable, novel training method for acquiring proficiency in manual laparoscopic skills in a training setting.
The complexity of diagnosing sarcoma in a timely manner: perspectives of health professionals, patients, and carers in Australia
Authors: Weaver Rhys , O’Connor Moira , Carey Smith Richard , Halkett Georgia KB
Published: August 2020

Background

Prolonged diagnosis intervals occur more often in rare cancers, such as sarcoma. Patients with a delayed diagnosis may require more radical surgery and have a reduced chance of survival. Previous research has focused on quantifying the time taken to achieve a diagnosis without exploring the reasons for potential delays. The aim of this study was to explore patients’, carers’, and health professionals’ perceived barriers to timely diagnosis and referral for treatment for sarcoma.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with: health professionals working with sarcoma (n = 21); patients who have been diagnosed with sarcoma (n = 22); and carers of patients diagnosed with sarcoma (n = 17). Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Four overarching themes were identified: patient perception of symptoms, difficulties of diagnosis, lack of experience, and availability of health services. Diagnosis was prolonged by the limited availability of health services, lack of prompt referrals to a sarcoma specialist centre, and diagnostic challenges. Intervals also occurred when patients underestimated the severity of their symptoms and did not seek prompt medical consultation.

Conclusions

Patients with a potential sarcoma need to be promptly referred to a sarcoma specialist centre and additional diagnosis pathways need to be developed to reduce the rate of patients being referred to wrong specialists. Sarcoma education must be embedded in medical courses and professional development curricula. A public health approach should be taken to improve sarcoma knowledge and health seeking behaviours in the community.