bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Mirabegron as Medical Expulsive Therapy for Distal Ureteral Stones: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Study
Authors: Morsy Samer , Nasser Islam , Aboulela Waseem , Abdelazim Mohamed Salah , Ali Hussein
Published: January 2022

Background: Today, medical expulsive therapy (MET) is more effective and commonly used in distal ureteral stones when compared with conservative treatments. Many treatments, namely, alpha-adrenergic blockers and calcium channel blockers, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, glyceryl trinitrate, and steroids, have been, therefore, utilized to mitigate such complications and accelerate stone expulsion. Several animal and human studies revealed the presence of β3-receptors in the ureter and bladder, where stimulating these receptors could relax the distal ureteral segment. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of use of mirabegron as MET for distal ureteral stones (intramural and extramural). Methods: This is a prospective randomized controlled study including 90 patients who had distal ureteral stones less than 10 mm and were evaluated between January and June 2020. The patients were classified into 3 groups: group (A) 30 patients: mirabegron 50 mg d−1 + diclofenac Na 100 mg tab (to be taken only during colic episodes), group (B) 30 patients: tamsulosin HCL 0.4 mg cap + diclofenac Na 100 mg tab (to be taken only during colic episodes), and group (C) 30 patients: diclofenac Na 100 mg tab only (to be taken only during colic episodes). Age, sex, stone size, laterality, and grade of ureterohydronephrosis were recorded. Patients were observed for 30 days, and ureteroscopy was completed for those with nonexpulsed stones. Follow-up parameters included number of renal colic episodes, duration of medical therapy, stone expulsion time, and stone expulsion rate (SER). Results: In the group (A), 2 (6.6%) patients were excluded due to nasal congestion, and 1 (3.3%) patient was excluded due to a 20-mm Hg systolic blood pressure increase. Four (13.3%) patients in group (B) were noncompliant on medical treatment. In addition, 2 (6.6%) patients in group (A), 1 (3.3%) patient in group (B), and 5 (16.6%) patients in group (C) who did not attend follow-up examinations were excluded from the study. The SER increased significantly in group (A) and (B) when compared with group (C). The mean time of stone expulsion was about 15, 25, and 12 days for groups A, B, and C, respectively, and there was a significant statistical difference (p value = 0.006) among the 3 groups. The mean number of renal colic episodes of group (A) of patients was 1.8 times, while that of group (B) was 2.6 times and that of group (C) was 2.16 times with no significant statistical difference after comparing the 3 groups (p value = 0.660). Conclusions: Treatment with mirabegron appears to be a safe and effective medical expulsion therapy for distal ureteric stones and is better than tamsulosin.
Frail Older Adults with Presymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Clinical Course and Prognosis
Authors: Levy Yochai , Turjeman Adi , Cooper Lisa , Kagansky Nadya , Nagulevich Tatiana , Snir Tamari , Hershkovitz Avital , Weiss Avraham , Beloosesky Yichayaou , Leibovici Weissman Yaara
Published: January 2022

Background/Aims: The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has caused a pandemic threatening millions of people worldwide. This study aimed to describe clinical characteristics, outcomes, and risk factors of SARS-CoV-2-positive, asymptomatic, frail older adults. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 6 designated COVID-19 units, in skilled nursing homes. Subjects were severely frail older adults, positive for SARS-CoV-2, and asymptomatic at the time of their admission in these units. Residents’ characteristics and symptoms were obtained via electronic medical records. The primary outcome was a composite of death or hospitalization by day 40. We looked at time to the primary outcome and used Cox regression for a multivariate analysis. Results: During March–November 2020, 849 residents met inclusion criteria. Median age was 84 years. Most were completely dependent for basic activities of daily living and showed cognitive impairment. Six hundred forty-one (75.5%) residents were discharged after considered cured from COVID-19, 125 (14.7%) were hospitalized, and 82 (9.7%) died in the facilities. In survival analysis, 35% reached the primary outcome of death or hospitalization by day 40. Age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–1.4), male gender (HR 1.41; 95% CI: 1.1–1.88), and COPD (HR 1.8; 95% CI: 1.23–2.67) were significant risk factors. Conclusions: In this large cohort, we report care and prognosis of asymptomatic older adults with major functional or cognitive impairments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most presymptomatic patients do not develop severe infection, and age stays a predominant risk factor, even in the frailest older adults.
The Novel microRNA Rno-miR-686-3p Is Associated with the Ischaemic Penumbra
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Jin-Pin , Liu Jing-Li
Published: January 2022

Introduction: We explored microRNA (miRNA) profiles correlated with the penumbra in three different phases of ischaemic stroke, using a permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (p-MCAO) rat model. Materials and Methods: A 2-mm coronal section was cut from the optic chiasma in the caudal direction, and the penumbra was located in the area between a longitudinal line approximately 2 mm from the midline and a transverse diagonal line at the “2-o’clock” position. Total RNA was extracted from tissue specimens and peripheral blood samples, followed by deep sequencing analysis. Results: We identified nine novel miRNA candidates in tissues and evaluated their expression levels using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In situ hybridization was conducted to assess miRNA localization in the brain. Of these nine candidates, we identified and characterized a novel miRNA, rno-miR-686-3p, which was localized in cell nuclei of the cortex, and associated with the penumbra. rno-miR-686-3p was downregulated at 1 (p = 0.042), 3 (p = 0.032), and 4 h (p = 0.007) post-p-MCAO in the penumbra. A total of 297 potential target genes were predicted. Moreover, functional annotation clustering and pathway enrichment analysis predicted that rno-miR-686-3p participates in transcriptional regulation and the Wnt and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signalling pathways. Conclusion: rno-miR-686-3p is a novel miRNA associated with the ischaemic penumbra that is implicated in transcriptional regulation and modulation of the Wnt and cAMP signalling pathways. Furthermore, it may serve as a possible new biomarker with potential value for detecting the existence of the penumbra.
Aquaporin-4-Positive Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Presenting with Paraneoplastic Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Carrillo Pilar , Gorría Teresa , Santana Daniel , Sepulveda Maria , Aldecoa Iban , Gonzalez-Farré Blanca , Sanfeliu Esther , Mension Eduard , Cebrecos Isaac , Martínez-Saez Olga , Alonso Imma , Saiz Albert
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an inflammatory central nervous system disorder that preferentially affects the optic nerve and the spinal cord. Although NMOSD is more commonly an idiopathic autoimmune condition associated with antibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-IgG, the disease may also occur as a paraneoplastic syndrome in rare instances. In these cases, the expression of AQP4 by the tumor is likely the trigger of the autoimmune response. Case Presentation: We describe the case of a 32-year-old woman who presented with progressive tetraparesis, cranial involvement, respiratory failure, and spinal cord MRI compatible with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, few days after being diagnosed with a T3N1M0 triple-negative right breast cancer. Due to the history of concurrent breast cancer and after ruling out metastatic spinal cord involvement, the possibility of a paraneoplastic origin was raised. AQP4-IgG were found in the serum and CSF by cell-based assay, confirming the diagnosis of NMOSD. The patient was treated with corticosteroids, plasma exchange, and rituximab. Concomitantly, breast cancer therapy was started with an adapted neoadjuvant chemotherapy scheme based on carboplatin and paclitaxel. An initial slight improvement slowed down; so, a right mastectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed. Expression of AQP4 was demonstrated in the tumor. The patient presented a significant neurological improvement after combined treatment regaining muscular balance and strength in upper and lower extremities. Conclusion: NMOSD may have a paraneoplastic origin associated with breast cancer and the importance of its early detection since the combination of tumoral and immunosuppressive therapy may improve the patient’s prognosis.
The 21-Year Trend of Stroke Incidence in a General Japanese Population: Results from the Takashima Stroke Registry, 1990–2010
Authors: Takashima Naoyuki , Arima Hisatomi , Turin Tanvir Chowdhury , Nakamura Yasuyuki , Sugihara Hideki , Morita Yutaka , Okayama Akira , Miura Katsuyuki , Ueshima Hirotsugu , Kita Yoshikuni ,   on behalf of the Takashima Study Group
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Since the 1960s, the stroke morality rate in Japan has declined significantly. Although several risk factors for stroke have become more evident due to increasingly Westernized lifestyle, there have been no population-based registry data on recent time trends in stroke incidence in Japan. The purpose of this study is to determine these trends in stroke incidence using a population-based registry. Methods: Data were obtained from the Takashima Stroke Registry, which covers approximately 50,000 residents in Takashima City, Japan. The age- and sex-standardized stroke incidence rate was estimated using the direct method. Average annual relative changes of stroke incidence were estimated using Poisson regression models. Results: We identified a total of 2,371 patients with first-ever stroke during the period 1990–2010. Crude incidence rates of total stroke (per 100,000 person-years) were 225 in the early period (1990–2001) and 187 in the late period (2002–2010), and the mean age at onset of stroke increased from 71.9 years in the early period to 74.8 years in the late period. Age- and sex-standardized incidence rates of stroke (per 100,000 person-years) decreased from 327 in the early part of this study period and 206 in the later period. During the 21-year period, age- and sex-standardized average annual relative reduction in stroke incidence was statistically significant (−3.7% per year). When stratified into early and late periods, the adjusted annual relative reduction in stroke incidence was observed during the early period (−2.1% per year), and there were no significant changes during the late period. Conclusions: In this population-based registry, there was a significant reduction in incidence of stroke from 1990 to 2010. Although the speed of reduction in stroke incidence appears to have slowed down after 2000, continuous public health measures are required to provide further protection against stroke.
Expression of T-Type Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel in the Cilia of Human Nasal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Nguyen Thi Nga , Suzuki Hideaki , Baba Ryoko , Yoshida Yasuhiro , Ohkubo Jun-ichi , Wakasugi Tetsuro , Kitamura Takuro
Published: January 2022

Introduction: The mucociliary transport function of the airway epithelium is largely dependent on ciliary beating. The control signal of ciliary beating is thought to be intracellular Ca2+. We herein investigated the expression of T-type voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC), a generator of intracellular Ca2+ oscillation, in the human nasal mucosa. Methods: The inferior turbinate was collected from patients with chronic hypertrophic rhinitis. The expression of T-type VGCC α1 subunits was examined by immunohistochemistry, transmission immunoelectron microscopy, Western blot, and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Participation of T-type VGCC in the ciliary beat regulation was examined by pharmacological inhibition tests using specific blockers of T-type VGCC in ex vivo measurements of the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and ATP release and in intracellular Ca2+ imaging of isolated ciliated cells. Results: Immunohistochemical staining showed the expressions of T-type VGCC α1 subunits, Cav3.1 and Cav3.3, on the surface of the epithelial cells. At the ultrastructural level, immunoreactivity for Cav3.1 was localized on the surface of the cilia, and that for Cav3.3 was localized in the cilia and at the base of the cilia. The existence of Cav3.1 and Cav3.3 was confirmed at the protein level by Western blot and at the transcriptional level by real-time RT-PCR. Specific blockers of T-type VGCC, mibefradil and NNC 55-0396, significantly inhibited CBF. These blockers also inhibited a CBF increase induced by 8-bromo-cAMP/8-bromo-cGMP and significantly lowered the intracellular Ca2+ level of isolated ciliated cells in a time-dependent manner. On the other hand, the ATP release from the nasal mucosa was not changed by mibefradil or NNC 55-0396. Conclusion: These results indicate that T-type VGCC α1 subunits, Cav3.1 and Cav3.3, exist at the cilia of the nasal epithelial cells and participate in the regulation of ciliary beating and that these channels act downstream of cAMP/cGMP.
The Efficacy of Biofeedback Therapy in Patients with Solitary Rectal Ulcer and Dyssynergic Defecation
Authors: Arı Derya , Öztürk Ömer , Özin Yasemin , Tenlik İlyas , Bacaksız Ferhat , Gökbulut Volkan , Kaplan Mustafa , Kalkan İsmail Hakkı , Akdoğan Meral
Published: January 2022

Background: The treatment of solitary rectal ulcer (SRU) is challenging and controversial; generally, no response to conventional treatments can be obtained, particularly in patients with dyssynergic defecation (DD). We assessed the efficiency of biofeedback therapy (BFT) in patients who did not respond to conservative treatments and had coexistence of SRU and DD. Methods: BFT responses, as well as anorectal manometry and rectoscopy results of 20 patients with the coexistence of SRU and DD, were assessed. Results: Mean age was 32.5 years. Of the patients, 12 were female, and 8 of them were male. An average of 12 sessions of BFT was performed on the patients. Ulcer disappeared in 11 patients (55%) after BFT, and the ulcer size decreased in 3 patients (15%). However, ulcers healed in 9 (90%) of 10 patients whose DD pattern disappeared following BFT, and ulcers healed in only 20% of patients whose DD pattern continued (p = 0.005). The change in anal resting pressure after BFT was significant (p = 0.016). Ulcers were healed in 87.5% (7/8) of the patients whose anal resting pressure decreased after BFT and whose DD disappeared, while ulcers remained untreated in 85.7% of the patients whose anal resting pressure decreased, but the DD pattern continued (p = 0.005). Conclusions: SRU patients with DD are typically unresponsive to medical treatments. Ameliorating anorectal dyssynergia should be the priority of treatment in these patients. BFT is an effective treatment for DD. BFT enhances the healing of ulcers in patients with SRU by restoring coordination of the pelvic floor.
Evaluation of Activated Carbon Treatment on Overcoming the Interference of Rivaroxaban on the Detection of Functional Lupus Anticoagulant
Authors: Lu Songsong , Huerman Nurzat , Li Meng , Ding Qingming , Song Ying , Xu Qinzhu , Rong Jiang , Xu Jian , Liu Chen
Published: January 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to review the role of activated carbon (AC) in eliminating the interference of rivaroxaban in the detection of lupus anticoagulants (LAs). Methods: Normal pooled plasma was obtained as group N1, group N2 took 1 mL plasma from N1 and added AC, group N3 was prepared by mixing normal plasma with rivaroxaban, and group N3 was treated with AC according to our procedure, as group N4. Plasma from 22 patients was collected before and 6–12 h after rivaroxaban therapy, described as group P1 and group P2, respectively, and 1 mL plasma was taken from group P2 and treated with AC, as group P3. Anti-Xa and diluted Russell’s viper venom time (dRVVT)/silica clotting time (SCT) index in each group were measured and compared. Results: Rivaroxaban concentrations and anti-Xa had high intercorrelations in group N3, and the levels of anti-Xa and dRVVT/SCT index had high intercorrelations. After treatment with AC, influence of rivaroxaban was removed, with LA and coagulation factor assays not influenced. Rivaroxaban administration could affect LA assay results in patients, with all LA results increased. After treatment with AC, results of anti-Xa and LA tests recovered to the level before rivaroxaban therapy. Conclusions: We proposed a reference procedure for the LA detection of patients using rivaroxaban by AC, and activated carbon was proven to be a simple product to eliminate the interference of rivaroxaban.
Uneven clustering and fuzzy logic based energy-efficient wireless sensor networks
Authors: Altaha Mohammed Adnan , Alkadhmawee Ahmed Adel , Lafta Wisam Mahmood
Published: January 2022

Clustering is the fundamental issue in terms of ensuring long-term operation of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The problem of hot spots remains the most prominent research challenge relating to the design of energy-efficient clustering algorithm. This paper proposed a protocol, namely an uneven clustering and fuzzy logic-based energy-efficient (UCFLEE), for prolonging network lifetime. Depending on the communication distance, the UCFLEE protocol divides the network into uneven clusters for suppressing the hot spot problem. The fuzzy logic selects the optimal cluster head in accordance with certain parameters. The advocated method adopts a dynamic energy threshold to chnage the cluster head. The UCFLEE protocol is dependent on the iterative deepening A (IDA) star algorithm for identifying the routing path from the cluster heads to the base station. The IDA-star method is reliant upon a cost bounded method to select the optimal solution for the base station. The UCFLEE protocol is tested and subsequently contrasted with other protocols. The results obtained from the UCFLEE protocol enable an energy consumption equilibrium, eradicates the hot spot challenge, while also attaining maximum network lifetime.
Improving the design of super-lift Luo converter using hybrid switching capacitor-inductor cell for PV system
Authors: Hussein Hussein Abdul-Khuder , Motlak Hassan Jassim
Published: January 2022

In this article, an improvement to the positive output super-lift Luo converter (POSLC) has been proposed to get high gain at a low duty cycle. Also, reduce the stress on the switch and diodes, reduce the current through the inductors to reduce loss, and increase efficiency. Using a hybrid switch unit composed of four inductors and two capacitors it is replaced by the main inductor in the elementary circuit. It’s charged in parallel with the same input voltage and discharged in series. The output voltage is increased according to the number of components. The gain equation is modeled. The boundary condition between Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM) and Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM) has been derived. Passive components are designed to get high output voltage (8 times at D=0.5) and low ripple about (0.004). The circuit is simulated and analyzed using MATLAB/Simulink. Maximum power point tracker (MPPT) controls the converter to provide the most interest from solar energy.
Comparative study of electrical test methods on detecting transformer faults
Authors: Ghani Sharin Ab , Khiar Mohd Shahril Ahmad , Chairul Imran Sutan , Rahim Nor Hidayah , Kamaruzaini Mohd Hisamuddin
Published: January 2022

Condition monitoring of distribution and power transformers is of utmost importance to utilities due to cost effectiveness concerns. The common faults that occur in transformers are short circuits and winding deformation. To date, there are many established test methods used to detect these faults. In this study, three test methods (insulation resistance (IR), transformer turn ratio (TTR), and frequency response analysis (FRA)) were compared to assess their effectiveness in detecting short circuit and winding deformation in a three-phase transformer. Based on the results, the three test methods were found to be capable of detecting short circuits. However, only TTR and FRA can detect winding deformation, and FRA can further indicate which phase is faulty. Therefore, it is concluded that FRA is more effective in detecting short circuit and winding deformation of a three-phase transformer.
Model predictive controller for a retrofitted heat exchanger temperature control laboratory experiment
Authors: Mansour Noureddine , Shams Mohamed Bin , Ismail Hussain
Published: January 2022

This paper aims to demonstrate the practical aspects of process control theory for undergraduate students at the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Bahrain. Both, the ubiquitous proportional integral derivative (PID) as well as model predictive control (MPC) and their auxiliaries were designed and implemented in a real-time framework. The latter was realized through retrofitting an existing plate-and-frame heat exchanger unit that has been operated using an analog PID temperature controller. The upgraded control system consists of a personal computer (PC), low-cost interface using X-transposed-region (XTR) converter, national instruments USB 6008 data acquisition card, and LabVIEW software. LabVIEW control design and simulation modules were used to design and implement the PID and MPC controllers. The performance of the designed controllers was evaluated while controlling the outlet temperature of the retrofitted plate-and-frame heat exchanger. The distinguished feature of the MPC controller in handling input and output constraints was perceived in real-time. From a pedagogical point of view, realizing the theory of process control through practical implementation was substantial in enhancing the student’s learning and the instructor’s teaching experience
Dynamic hand gesture recognition of Arabic sign language by using deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Ismail Mohammad H. , Dawwd Shefa A. , Ali Fakhradeen H.
Published: January 2022

In computer vision, one of the most difficult problems is human gestures in videos recognition Because of certain irrelevant environmental variables. This issue has been solved by using single deep networks to learn spatiotemporal characteristics from video data, and this approach is still insufficient to handle both problems at the same time. As a result, the researchers fused various models to allow for the effective collection of important shape information as well as precise spatiotemporal variation of gestures. In this study, we collected the dynamic dataset for twenty meaningful words of Arabic sign language (ArSL) using a Microsoft Kinect v2 camera. The recorded data included 7350 red, green, and blue (RGB) videos and 7350 depth videos. We proposed four deep neural networks models using 2D and 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) to cover all feature extraction methods and then passing these features to the recurrent neural network (RNN) for sequence classification. Long short-term memory (LSTM) and gated recurrent unit (GRU) are two types of using RNN. Also, the research included evaluation fusion techniques for several types of multiple models. The experiment results show the best multi-model for the dynamic dataset of the ArSL recognition achieved 100% accuracy.
Between-Center Variation in Outcome After Endovascular Treatment of Acute Stroke: Analysis of Two Nationwide Registries
Authors: Janssen Paula M. , van Overhagen Katrine , Vinklárek Jan , Roozenbeek Bob , van der Worp H. Bart , Majoie Charles B. , Bar Michal , Černík David , Herzig Roman , Jurák Lubomir , Ostrý Svatopluk , Mikulik Robert , Lingsma Hester F. , Dippel Diederik W.J. ,   on behalf of the MR CLEAN Registry investigators and the SITS TBY Registry investigators from the Czech Republic
Published: January 2022

Background:

Insight in differences in patient outcomes between endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) centers can help to improve stroke care. We assessed between-center variation in functional outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke who were treated with EVT. We analyzed to what extent this variation may be explained by modifiable center characteristics.

Methods:

We used nationwide registry data of patients with stroke treated with EVT in the Netherlands and in the Czech Republic. Primary outcome was modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days as an indicator of disability. We used multilevel ordinal logistic regression to quantify the between-center variation in outcomes and the impact of patient and center characteristics. Between-center variation was expressed as the relative difference in odds of a more favorable modified Rankin Scale score between a relatively better performing center (75th percentile) and a relatively worse performing center (25th percentile).

Results:

We included a total of 4518 patients treated in 33 centers. Adjusted for patient characteristics, the odds of a more favorable outcome in a center at the 75th percentile of the outcome distribution were 1.46 times higher (95% CI, 1.31–1.70) than the odds in a center at the 25th percentile. Adjustment for center characteristics, including the median time between stroke onset and reperfusion per center, decreased this relative difference in odds to 1.30 (95% CI, 1.18–1.50,
P
=0.01). This translates into an absolute difference in likelihood of good functional outcome of 8% after adjustment for patient characteristics and to 5% after further adjustment for modifiable center characteristics.

Conclusions:

The considerable between-center variation in patient outcomes after EVT for acute ischemic stroke could be largely explained by center-specific characteristics, such as time to reperfusion. Improvement of these parameters may likely result in a decrease in center-specific differences, and an overall improvement in outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Estimation of the Absolute Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Other Events: Issues With the Use of Multiple Fine-Gray Subdistribution Hazard Models
Authors: Austin Peter C. , Putter Hein , Lee Douglas S. , Steyerberg Ewout W.
Published: January 2022

Background:

The Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard model is frequently used in the cardiovascular literature to estimate subject-specific probabilities of the occurrence of an event of interest over time in the presence of competing risks. A little-known limitation of this approach is that, for some subjects and for some time points, the sum of the subject-specific probabilities for the different event types (eg, cardiovascular and noncardiovascular death) can exceed one.

Methods:

We used data on 8238 patients hospitalized with congestive heart failure in Ontario, Canada. We fit 2 Fine-Gray subdistribution hazards models, one for cardiovascular death and one for noncardiovascular death and estimated the probability of death due to each cause within 5 years of hospital admission. We also fit 2 cause-specific hazard models for the 2 event types and combined the estimated cause-specific hazard functions to obtain subject-specific estimates of the probabilities of each of the 2 event types occurring within 5 years.

Results:

When adding the probabilities of 5-year cardiovascular death and 5-year noncardiovascular death obtained from the Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard models, 8.6% of subjects had an estimated probability of 5-year all-cause mortality that exceeded 1 (100%). This problem was avoided by fitting 2 cause-specific hazard models, one for each outcome type, and combining the estimated cause-specific hazard functions to obtain subject-specific estimates of the risk of cardiovascular and noncardiovascular death.

Conclusions:

The Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard model may be problematic to use for a comprehensive assessment of absolute risks of multiple outcomes, while the combination of 2 cause-specific hazard models shows better statistical behaviour. Cause-specific modeling should not be discarded in competing risk situations.
American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7: Lifestyle Recommendations, Polygenic Risk, and Lifetime Risk of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Hasbani Natalie R. , Ligthart Symen , Brown Michael R. , Heath Adam S. , Bebo Allison , Ashley Kellan E. , Boerwinkle Eric , Morrison Alanna C. , Folsom Aaron R. , Aguilar David , de Vries Paul S.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Understanding the effect of lifestyle and genetic risk on the lifetime risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) is important to improving public health initiatives. Our objective was to quantify remaining lifetime risk and years free of CHD according to polygenic risk and the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) guidelines in a population-based cohort study.

Methods:

Our analysis included data from participants of the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study: 8372 White and 2314 Black participants; 45 years of age and older; and free of CHD at baseline examination. A polygenic risk score (PRS) comprised more than 6 million genetic variants was categorized into low (<20th percentile), intermediate, and high (>80th percentile). An overall LS7 score was calculated at baseline and categorized into “poor,” “intermediate,” and “ideal” cardiovascular health. Lifetime risk and CHD-free years were computed according to polygenic risk and LS7 categories.

Results:

The overall remaining lifetime risk was 27%, ranging from 16.6% in individuals with an ideal LS7 score to 43.1% for individuals with a poor LS7 score. The association of PRS with lifetime risk differed according to ancestry. In White participants, remaining lifetime risk ranged from 19.8% to 39.3% according to increasing PRS categories. Individuals with a high PRS and poor LS7 had a remaining lifetime risk of 67.1% and 15.9 fewer CHD-free years than did those with intermediate polygenic risk and LS7 scores. In the high-PRS group, ideal LS7 was associated with 20.2 more CHD-free years compared with poor LS7. In Black participants, remaining lifetime risk ranged from 19.1% to 28.6% according to increasing PRS category. Similar lifetime risk estimates were observed for individuals of poor LS7 regardless of PRS category. In the high-PRS group, an ideal LS7 score was associated with only 4.5 more CHD-free years compared with a poor LS7 score.

Conclusions:

Ideal adherence to LS7 recommendations was associated with lower lifetime risk of CHD for all individuals, especially in those with high genetic susceptibility. In Black participants, adherence to LS7 guidelines contributed to lifetime risk of CHD more so than current PRSs. Improved PRSs are needed to properly evaluate genetic susceptibility for CHD in diverse populations.
Do College Applicants Respond to Changes in Sticker Prices Even When They Don't Matter?
Authors: Levine Phillip B. , Ma Jennifer , Russell Lauren C.
Published: January 2022

Do students respond to sticker prices or actual prices when applying to college? These costs differ for students eligible for financial aid. Students who do not understand this may not apply to some colleges because of the perceived high cost. We test for this form of “sticker shock” using College Board data on SAT scores sent, as a proxy for applications, to leading public institutions for students entering college in 2006–13. Some of these institutions guarantee financial aid will meet full financial need. Sticker price increases at those schools would not affect the actual cost after factoring in financial aid and should not affect decisions for those eligible for aid. We exploit the large and variable increases in sticker prices during the Great Recession of 2008. We also control for local labor market conditions to abstract from the recession's impact on individual educational decisions. We find evidence of sticker shock—students unaffected by virtue of institutional aid policies still apply less often. Using data from the National Student Clearinghouse, we also find that price increases at public flagship institutions reduce enrollment of high-achieving students, regardless of financial aid status, who often choose private colleges instead.
Alternativity as freedom: Exploring tactics of emergence in alternative forms of organizing
Authors: Dahlman Sara , Mygind du Plessis Erik , Husted Emil , Just Sine N
Published: January 2022

This article proposes that being alternative is not a question of adhering to certain principles or applying certain practices, but rather a question of freedom. It does so by exploring three empirical cases of alternative organizing, namely the sustainable fin-tech start-up SusPens, teachers of mindfulness meditation, and the UK minor party Independents for Frome. The article first identifies a common trajectory, according to which alternative organizing usually begins with a rejection of the dominant socio-economic order. However, in seeking to increase their impact on the world, alternatives are often appropriated by the very order they were meant to depart from. On that basis, we explore how freedom can be articulated and enacted as emergent tactics that break free from this common trajectory and constitute alternativity as the ‘other’ within the existing order; in the cracks and crevasses that evade (discursive) regulation and where liberties can be taken. More specifically, we identify three emergent tactics of endurance, germination, and reiteration and discuss what they may teach us about organizing for freedom in the 21st century.
Liturgical Constraints and Openness in Divine Address
Authors: Brown David
Published: January 2022

While some constraints are necessary to the correct performance of liturgy, both the nature of liturgical language and its wider setting argue for openness. In the case of language, examples are drawn from scripture, formal liturgy and hymns to suggest that their power derives in part from their open, poetic character. The multivalent character of metaphor can help draw worshipers into dialogue with God. Because all metaphors are partial and inevitably fail at some point, elimination is not the best response to perceived inadequacies but the introduction of complementary images. Equally, instead of viewing the setting as a constraint, as in the Hindu concept of darshan it should be seen as an opportunity for God to speak through human artefact. While architecture is briefly addressed, the main focus is on stained glass. Pope Gregory’s “Bible for the illiterate” is quite wrong. Once the rules behind particular styles are appreciated, not only can its power to communicate divine presence be activated but also at times original reflections that go well beyond the merely “illustrative.” Examples range from medieval glass at Canterbury, Chartres and Sens to the work of modern artists such as Harry Clarke, Tom Denny, and Douglas Strachan.
Exploring the relationship between perceived susceptibility and severity of falling among older adults in Singapore
Authors: Kwek Vanessa HM , Lim Fiona YQ
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Despite extensive research about improving the effectiveness of falls prevention interventions, at-risk individuals are not always willing recipients. Reasons for rejecting treatments are still poorly understood. Applying the health belief model (HBM), if perceived severity and susceptibility can be understood in the context of falling, this might better inform intervention designs.

Method

Sixty-two participants were recruited from inpatient wards at a local acute hospital. Participants completed two self-report questionnaires, the Staying Independent Checklist (SIC) and the Falls Efficacy Scale – International (FES-I), measuring perceived susceptibility and severity respectively.

Results

One-way ANOVA analysis revealed a significant association between FES-I total scores and SIC score categories [ F (1,60) = 6.277, p = .015].Stepwise regression with backward elimination also found that falls history (β = .292, p = .033), sex (β = .269, p = .042), and FIM lower body dressing (β = − .286, p = .035) had significant associations with FES-I scores.

Conclusion

Level of perceived susceptibility and severity of falling should be considered when determining if falls prevention interventions are relevant, regardless of functional ability and physical health status. Future research to determine the underlying mechanisms which drives health behaviours related to falls prevention should be conducted.
Does bitcoin liquidity resemble the liquidity of other financial assets?
Authors: Ma Rui , Marshall Ben R , Nguyen Nhut H , Visaltanachoti Nuttawat
Published: January 2022

Bitcoin is becoming a popular financial asset and means of transacting. However, little is known about an important aspect of the bitcoin market: its liquidity. We consider whether various dimensions of liquidity evident in other asset classes are present in bitcoin spot and futures liquidity. We find variations in spot liquidity across bitcoin exchanges and a strong commonality in bitcoin spot and futures market liquidity. The pricing of spot and futures bitcoin is relatively inefficient, and liquidity plays an important role. Deterioration in liquidity also contributes to bitcoin crash risk and large return declines.

JEL Classification: G11, G23
Analyzing and Interpreting Students’ Self-regulated Learning Patterns Combining Time-series Feature Extraction, Segmentation, and Clustering
Authors: Zhang Mingyan , Du Xu , Hung Jui-Long , Li Hao , Liu Mengfan , Tang Hengtao
Published: January 2022

In online learning, students’ learning behavior might change as the course progresses. How students adjust learning behaviors aligned with course requirements reflects their self-regulated learning strategies. Analyzing students’ learning patterns can help instructors understand how the course design or activities shape students’ learning behaviors, including their learning beliefs and motivation, and facilitate teaching decision makings accordingly. This study aims to propose a scientific analytic method to understand students’ self-regulated learning (SRL) patterns. The whole process includes the following four steps: (1) encoding behavioral patterns; (2) detecting turning points and chunking behavioral patterns; (3) grouping similar patterns; and (4) interpreting results. A case study with 4604 K-12 students from 476 courses was conducted to validate the proposed method. Five successful patterns, three at-risk patterns, and three average patterns were identified. The case study indicated that successful students showed at least one of the following characteristics: (1) Balanced, (2) Proactive and Balanced, and (3) Balanced with one highly engaged behavior. The at-risk students showed the following characteristics: (1) Oscillatory and (2) Low Engaged. Patterns which led to successful or at-risk conditions are compared and connected with corresponding SRL strategies. Practical and research implications are discussed in the article as well.
Measurement Invariance of the Occupational Engagement Scale – Student and Career Adapt-Abilities Scale across Veterans and Civilians
Authors: Ghosh Arpita , Niileksela Christopher R. , Grzesik Elizabeth R.
Published: January 2022

Veterans of the U.S. military experience unique difficulties when reentering the civilian workforce, which may inform their post-military career development in different ways than civilians. The purpose of this study was to examine the measurement invariance of the Occupational Engagement Scale-Student (OES-S) and the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale-USA Form (CAAS) across adults with and without a military background. A sample of 418 U.S. military veterans and 411 civilians were recruited. Multiple group confirmatory factor analysis (MG-CFA) was used to examine factorial invariance of scores obtained from the OES-S and CAAS with veterans and civilians. Findings suggested the measures were invariant across veteran and civilian samples. These scales appear to measure the same constructs for veterans and civilians and can likely be used for veterans in both research and practice. Implications for career assessment and counseling are discussed.
The Placement of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms Within a Five-Factor Model of Maladaptive Personality
Authors: Cooper Samuel E. , Hunt Christopher , Stasik-O’Brien Sara M. , Berg Hannah , Lissek Shmuel , Watson David , Krueger Robert F.
Published: January 2022

Dimensional models of obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms, as seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), are instrumental in explaining the heterogeneity observed in this condition and for informing cutting-edge assessments. Prior structural work in this area finds that OC symptoms cross-load under both Negative Affectivity and Psychoticism traits within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) Alternative Model of Personality Disorder (AMPD). However, tests of OC symptoms in conjunction with assessments of the full AMPD structure and its 25 lower-level facets representing narrower symptom content are lacking. We applied joint exploratory factor analysis to an AMPD measure (Personality Inventory for DSM-5; PID-5) and OC symptom data from two separate samples (total N = 1,506) to locate OC symptoms within AMPD space. OC symptoms cross-loaded on Negative Affectivity, Psychoticism, and on the low end of Disinhibition. We also report exploratory analyses of OC symptom subscales with PID-5 variables. Results are discussed in the context OC symptoms’ location in PID-5 space, implications for assessment, and placement of OCD within the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology.
Trends, Correlates, and Contexts of Robbery-Homicide in South Africa
Authors: Bowman Brett , Kramer Sherianne , Salau Sulaiman , Matzopoulos Richard
Published: January 2022

South Africa has amongst the highest rates of homicide in the world, yet little is known about the contexts that shape fatal violence. One frequently feared context is robbery. We examine 68,801 robberies reported between 2003 and 2014 to predict risk factors for cases resulting in victim death. Robbery-homicide is rare in South Africa and its risk factors differ from the country’s overall homicide profile. Significant correlates include day of the week, time of the day and the victim’s race. These findings demonstrate how context-sensitive understandings of violence are crucial to advancing research on homicide in low- and middle-income countries.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Exploring the Impostor Phenomenon in Evaluation
Authors: LaVelle John M. , Jones Natalie D. , Donaldson Scott I.
Published: January 2022

The impostor phenomenon is a psychological construct referring to a range of negative emotions associated with a person's perception of their own "fraudulent competence" in a field or of their lack of skills necessary to be successful in that field. Anecdotal evidence suggests that many practicing evaluators have experienced impostor feelings, but lack a framework in which to understand their experiences and the forums in which to discuss them. This paper summarizes the literature on the impostor phenomenon, applies it to the field of evaluation, and describes the results of an empirical, quantitatively focused study which included open-ended qualitative questions exploring impostorism in 323 practicing evaluators. The results suggest that impostor phenomenon in evaluators consists of three constructs: Discount, Luck, and Fake. Qualitative data analysis suggests differential coping strategies for men and women. Thematic analysis guided the development of a set of proposed solutions to help lessen the phenomenon's detrimental effects for evaluators.
Framing Evaluation in Reality: An Introduction to Ontologically Integrative Evaluation
Authors: Billman Jennifer A.H.
Published: January 2022

For over 30 years, calls have been issued for the western evaluation field to address implicit bias in its theory and practice. Although many in the field encourage evaluators to be culturally competent, ontological competence remains unaddressed. Grounded in an institutionalized distrust of non-western perspectives of reality and knowledge frameworks, this neglect threatens the validity, reliability, and usefulness of western designed evaluations conducted in non-western settings. To address this, I introduce Ontologically Integrative Evaluation (OIE), a new framework built upon ontological competence and six foundational ontological concepts: ontological fluidity, authenticity, validity, synthesis, justice, and vocation. Grounding evaluation in three ontological considerations—what there is, what is real, and what is fundamental—OIE systematically guides evaluators through a deep exploration of their own and others’ ontological assumptions. By demonstrating the futility of evaluations grounded in a limited ontological worldview, OIE bridges the current divide between western and non-western evaluative thinking.
What’s masculinity got to do with it? The COVID-19 pandemic, men and care
Authors: Wojnicka Katarzyna
Published: January 2022

Early data from several countries regarding the gendered implications of COVID-19 suggest that men are more likely to die as an effect of infection. This has been explained by biological factors but also by behavioral and life-style issues characteristic mostly for men. What has not been widely discussed, however, is the analysis of the relationships between men’s responses to the crisis, their (lack of) care activities, and certain models of masculinity that persist in many societies. In this paper, I use a three dimensional model of care – a) self-care, b) care for others, and c) care for one’s society – in order to analyze how certain masculine behaviors, rooted in socially constructed gender performances, resonate with the COVID-19 pandemic. The data used in this paper are of secondary character and will serve to analyze the most common responses of men within the three dimensions of care mentioned above. The theoretical framework utilizes the notion of caring masculinity supported by an emerging theory of protective masculinity.
The effect of the ballot in an unranked ballot system
Authors: Cunha Silva Patrick
Published: January 2022

The design of election ballots can influence voters’ behavior. Features of the ballot are particularly important if they systematically harm the electoral chances of some groups. In Brazil, voters type the four or five-digit number of their chosen candidate into an electronic voting machine to cast a ballot. Some numbers have sequences that are easier to memorize and recall than others. I show that candidates with memorable numbers receive a boost in their vote share. Moreover, I demonstrate that women are less likely to be assigned memorable numbers. This paper highlights the importance of thinking thoroughly about the implications of seemingly innocuous characteristics of voting procedures.