bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new immune-toxicological test for polysulfone hypersensitivity in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Beige Joachim , Rüssmann Despina , Wendt Ralph , Ringel Karl-Peter
Published: May 2020

Incompatibility of dialysis procedure due to hypersensitivity against dialyzer material, currently mainly based on polysulfone and derivatives, cannot be assessed by routine laboratory tests. Although the frequency of such symptoms is suspected to be lower than 2%, it resembles an important clinical problem because dialysis procedures are frequently accompanied by symptoms of non-tolerability with reasons not being entirely clear. To enlighten the role of polysulfone hypersensitivity, we adapted known standardized material immune-toxicological tests (lymphocyte transformation test, basophil degranulation test) to the specific conditions of dialysis and polysulfone material sensitivity. We developed a method of polysulfone micronisation and measured humoral immune response of isolated patient’s lymphocytes when incubated with polysulfone dispersion. Thirty-nine samples from 103 patients with suspected polysulfone hypersensitivity within the dialysis population of a nation-wide dialysis provider (n = 15.761 patients) showed positive results for type 1 (n = 19), type 4 (n = 18) or both type (n = 2) reactions. This is the first methodological report showing plausible in-vitro results of patients’ samples concerning polysulfone intolerance. Further clinical and laboratory research is needed to define true polysulfone hypersensitivity and to enlighten the field of hypothetic subclinical material incompatibility in patients with impaired dialysis tolerability.
New York City Senior Centers: Who Participates and Why?
Authors: Pardasani Manoj , Berkman Cathy
Published: May 2020

Purpose: Senior centers are focal points of services and programs. Study aims were to describe the frequency of and benefits of attending senior centers and nonmembers’ reasons for nonattendance. Methods: A total of 597 senior center members and 298 community-residing nonmembers in New York City were interviewed. Males and age of 75+ years members were oversampled. Results: Mean days attended weekly = 3.00 days/week ( SD = 1.71). Latinx seniors attended 1 day > White non-Latinx seniors. Seniors in poor/bad health attended .67 fewer days than seniors in excellent health. Almost all members (96.3%) reported benefiting from attendance. The most common benefits were socialization/making friends, educational programs, something to do, being with people like them, meals, and improved mental and physical health. Reasons nonmembers gave for nonattendance were too busy with social/leisure activities or work, not interested or do not need programs/services, do not want/need socialization, and members were older or more disabled than them. Conclusion: Implications for recruiting underserved and isolated seniors are discussed.
Violence Against Kuwaiti Women
Authors: Alsaleh Amer
Published: May 2020

The gendered patterns of violence against women are largely precipitated by dominant male gender roles that define masculinity. The purpose of this study was to understand women’s encounter in abusive domestic relationships. Specifically, the research goal was to assess the extent, types, and severity of interpersonal violence (IPV) by intimate partners against married and divorced women in Kuwait. In addition, the research attempts to correlate the extent, types, and severity of IPV by intimate partners with characteristics of the study participants. The study was based on quantitative methodology. Results indicated that cultural, religious, and demographic factor values were among the highest causes of violence against women. The IPV against women in Kuwait City is reported by 71% for women who are physically abused, 81% for women who are sexually abused, 89% for women who are psychologically abused, 75% for women based on cultural and religious factors, and 65% for women battering. Clinical implications are provided to guide practitioners in identifying couples at risk and to formulate prevention and intervention strategies.
The Relationship Between Rape Myth Acceptance and Sexual Behaviors
Authors: Fansher Ashley K. , Zedaker Sara B.
Published: May 2020

An extensive amount of research has been devoted to understanding rape myths, especially in the context of sexual attitudes. Few studies have examined sexual actions as a correlate of rape myth acceptance (RMA). As such, this study utilizes the Updated Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale (IRMA) and its four distinct subscales to examine adherence to rape myths and an individual’s view of sex and sexuality in a sample of 1,310 college students. The IRMA was included in its entirety and separated into its four subscales: “She asked for it,” “He didn’t mean to,” “It wasn’t really rape,” and “She lied.” Results indicated that the most impactful variables for all four subscales were adversarial heterosexual beliefs, stereotypical gender beliefs, and being male. The main implications of this study pertain to implementation of programming. Intervention programming should focus on younger males due to their increased adherence to certain rape myths. Furthermore, programs that address not only rape myths but also other traditional and negative belief systems should be employed. Results of this study lend support to the supposition that it is not necessarily individual characteristics that have a large effect on RMA but is instead a strong adherence to traditional belief systems.
Mosaic or Melting Pot? Race and Juror Decision Making in Canada and the United States
Authors: Maeder Evelyn M. , McManus Laura A.
Published: May 2020

Although Canada and the United States both demonstrate significant overrepresentation of racialized groups in prisons, the overrepresented groups vary by country, potentially signifying results of the countries’ different (though similarly problematic) histories of racial inequality. The present study investigated this issue within a jury context by assessing the influence of defendant race on Canadian and American participants’ verdicts in an assault trial. We also examined mock jurors’ attributions of the defendant’s behavior and their perceptions of the cultural criminal stereotype for each racial group. Canadian and American participants ( N = 198) read a trial transcript in which the defendant’s race (i.e., Black, White, or Aboriginal Canadian/Native American) was manipulated, and then completed measures of attributions and stereotypes. Results demonstrated that although verdicts did not significantly differ as a function of defendant race or country, stability and control attributions did vary between Canadian and American participants, as did racial stereotypes. In addition, defendant race affected internal versus external attributions, regardless of country. These findings suggest that race may play a role in jurors’ perceptions of defendants, but that in some ways, this varies by country, potentially accounting for some of the differences found between existing Canadian and American jury studies.
We Are Our Sister’s Keeper: The Experience of Black Female Clergy Responding to Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Shaw Ashley R. , Enriquez Maithe , Bloom Tina , Berkley-Patton Jannette , Vidoni Eric D.
Published: May 2020

Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects all populations, regardless of race, education, or socioeconomic status, but Black women experience higher rates of IPV (43.7%) in comparison with White women (34.6%). Although evidence indicates that faith-based organizations and clergy play key roles in preventing and responding to IPV among Black women, limited research has been conducted in this area, and existing studies have focused on Black male clergy leaders’ response to IPV. Using transcendental phenomenology, we interviewed 12 Black female clergy regarding their role as responders to IPV among Black women in their congregation. Each clergy leader participated in a face-to-face interview. Data analysis followed the modified Van Kaam seven-step process. One overarching theme emerged— We Are Our Sister’s Keeper, as well as three primary themes: Support Advocate, Spiritual Advisor, and Roadblocked Leader. The themes indicated that Black female clergy respond to the emotional and spiritual needs of Black women despite barriers (e.g., few outside resources, limited support from the Black church). The themes also suggested that clergy lack knowledge and training for responding to IPV. However, Black female clergy are passionate about providing holistic, culturally centered care by bridging the gap between the church and the community to better serve Black women who have experienced IPV. Findings support the importance of incorporating spiritual and emotional healing among this population when providing care and services. Further research is needed to develop interventions, such as a faith-based toolkit that incorporates community resources and guidance to better support Black female clergy leaders’ ability to respond to IPV.
Measuring Awareness in People With Dementia: Results of a Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Alexander Catherine M. , Martyr Anthony , Savage Sharon A. , Morris Robin G. , Clare Linda
Published: May 2020

Background:

Awareness of the diagnosis or related changes in functioning varies in people with dementia (PwD), with implications for the well-being of PwD and their carers. Measuring awareness in a clinical setting could facilitate tailored support and optimize involvement in personal health and care decisions. This scoping review aimed to identify validated methods of assessing awareness in dementia and appraise their clinical utility.

Method:

A systematic search was conducted of English-language publications that measured awareness in PwD, in 6 electronic databases. Search terms included dement*, Alzheimer*, Pick disease, and awareness, unawareness, anosognosia, insight, denial, metacognit*, or discrepanc*.

Results:

We screened 30,634 articles, finding 345 articles that met our inclusion criteria. We identified 76 measures, most commonly using a discrepancy questionnaire comparing evaluations of function by PwD and an informant. There were 30 awareness measures developed and validated for use in dementia populations but few designed for general clinical use.

Conclusions:

Although we found a range of clinical indications for measuring awareness, there were few studies investigating clinical applications and few tools designed for clinical purposes. Further investigation and development of a person-centered tool could facilitate health and care choices in mild-to-moderate dementia.
A Pilot Trial of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Caregivers After Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Mosley Philip E. , Robinson Katherine , Dissanayaka Nadeeka N. , Coyne Terry , Silburn Peter , Marsh Rodney , Pye Deidre
Published: May 2020

Subthalamic deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease may not ameliorate burden among caregivers. An 8-session, manualized program of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) was delivered to a pilot sample of 10 caregivers (6 females, mean age: 60, age range: 34-79). Primary outcome measures were caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview) and caregiver quality of life (Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire–Carer). Secondary outcome measures comprised ratings of depression and anxiety in the caregiver, in addition to relationship quality. Caregiver burden ( t = 2.91 P = .017) and caregiver anxiety ( t = 2.82 P = .020) symptoms were significantly reduced at completion of the program, and these benefits were maintained 3 months later. Caregiver quality of life had significantly improved by the end of the intervention ( t = 3.02 P = .015), but this effect was not sustained after 3 months. The longitudinal influence of participation in the program on caregiver burden was confirmed in a linear, mixed-effects model, χ2 (3) = 15.1, P = .0017). The intervention was well received by participants, and qualitative feedback was obtained. These results indicate that caregiver burden is modifiable in this cohort with a short course of CBT, that benefits are maintained after termination of the program, and that psychological treatment is acceptable to participants. Larger, controlled trials are justified.
Salvage of the peritoneal dialysis catheter in Candida peritonitis using amphotericin B catheter lock
Authors: van der Sluijs Anita van Eck , Eekelschot Kamal ZAJ , Frakking Florine NJ , Haas Pieter-Jan A , Boer Walther H , Abrahams Alferso C
Published: May 2020

Candida species form biofilms, facilitating adherence to peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters and making them less susceptible to antifungal therapy. Therefore, the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis recommends immediate PD catheter removal in case of Candida peritonitis. However, in 2007, our institution showed that Candida peritonitis could be successfully treated without catheter removal with a treatment strategy including amphotericin B as catheter lock. To confirm the efficacy and safety of this lock-based protocol, we evaluated the outcome of Candida peritonitis episodes since then. A retrospective, single-centre study was conducted in which we analysed all Candida peritonitis episodes in PD patients, treated with the lock-based protocol between July 2006 and March 2018. Eleven non-relapse Candida peritonitis episodes in 10 patients were treated with the lock-based protocol. Seven of the 11 episodes (64%) were cured without PD catheter removal (5 episodes cured immediately, 1 episode cured after an early relapse and 1 episode cured after a late relapse), in 2 episodes (18%) the catheter had to be removed, and two patients died (18%). This study confirms our previous findings that an amphotericin B lock-based protocol has potential to cure Candida peritonitis without PD catheter removal. However, further research is needed given the limitations of this study. Until that time, the lock-based Candida protocol could be used in patients who are not severely ill and in whom PD catheter removal is not desirable.
Self-Perceptions of Aging and Control of Life in Late Adulthood: Between-Person and Within-Person Associations
Authors: Luo Meng Sha , Li Lydia W. , Chui Ernest Wing Tak
Published: May 2020

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the longitudinal relationship between two central concepts in aging research—self-perceptions of aging (SPA) and perceived control of life (COL). Method: The data came from three measurement points over a 9-year period in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). A random intercepts cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM) was estimated. Results: The covariations between SPA and COL across 9 years were evident at both the between-person level and the within-person within-time level. The results revealed a reciprocal relationship between SPA and COL: Higher than usual negative SPA predicted within-person decreases in COL 4 years later, and lower than usual COL predicted future within-person increases in negative SPA. Furthermore, SPA were found to have a somewhat larger effect on COL than the corresponding influence of COL on SPA. Discussion: This study enriches the stereotype embodiment theory and the practice by documenting a reciprocal interrelationship between SPA and COL.
Theoretical investigation into the measurability of rail unevenness and corrugation using the dynamic response of axle box and bogie
Authors: Wang Yurong
Published: May 2020

Monitoring track unevenness is important for noise and vibration control and track maintenance. Rail corrugation and shorter wavelength track unevenness can be measured using the corrugation analysis trolley, but it is not suitable for measurement over long distance. It is of great significance to study the dynamic behavior of the response of the axle box and bogie to the unevenness excitation for a better understanding of the measurement results. In this paper, the dynamic response of the axle box and bogie to the unevenness excitation is analyzed in the frequency domain by taking account of multiple wheel–rail interactions, which is the case in practice. The response of the axle box and bogie is found to be affected by the so-called P2 resonances at low and medium frequencies and the standing waves of rail vibration at higher frequencies due to the multiple wheel–rail interactions. Based on the analysis of the response of the axle box and bogie, the measurability of track unevenness is discussed. Results show that the measurement of rail unevenness using the axle box response is mainly limited by the P2 resonance. The frequency range of measurement for the ballasted track studied is estimated to be 1–35 Hz, corresponding to the measurable unevenness wavelength of 0.6–20 m (or longer) at a vehicle speed of 20 m/s. Above 200 Hz, the standing waves of rail vibration will cause serious uncertainty in the measurement of short wavelength rail irregularity using the axle box response for the resilient track. Short pitch rail corrugation, however, can be evaluated using the axle box response due to its strong correlation with certain modes of the wheel–track system.
A multi-century Sierra Nevada snowpack reconstruction modeled using upper-elevation coniferous tree rings (California, USA)
Authors: Lepley Kai , Touchan Ramzi , Meko David , Shamir Eylon , Graham Rochelle , Falk Donald
Published: May 2020

Snowpack in the Sierra Nevada Mountains accounts for around one-third of California’s water supply. Melting snow provides water into dry summer months characteristic of the region’s Mediterranean climate. As climate changes, understanding patterns of snowpack, snowmelt, and biological response is critical in this region of agricultural, recreational, and ecological value. Here we investigated the relationships between tree rings of montane conifer trees ( Tsuga mertensiana, Abies magnifica, Abies concolor, Calocedrus decurrens, Juniperus occidentalis, and Pinus ponderosa) and regional climate indices with the goal of reconstructing April 1 snow-water equivalent (SWE) in the North Fork American River watershed of the Sierra Nevada. Chronologies were positively correlated with April 1 SWE of the year prior to ring formation. Temporal trends in correlation between tree-ring chronologies and climate indices indicate strengthening tree growth response to climate over time. We developed a skillful, nested reconstruction for April 1 SWE, 1661–2013. Variability of the reconstruction is within the envelope of 20th and 21st-century variability; however, the 2015 record low snowpack is unprecedented in the tree-ring record, as in results from previous studies. Future research should focus on integrating modern snow sensor data into paleoclimate research and understanding mechanistic linkages between snow and tree growth response.
A multidisciplinary study of an exceptional prehistoric waste dump in the mountainous inland of Calabria (Italy): Implications for reconstructions of prehistoric land use and vegetation in Southern Italy
Authors: Sevink Jan , de Neef Wieke , Vito Mauro A Di , Arienzo Ilenia , Attema Peter AJ , van Loon Emiel E , Ullrich Burkhart , den Haan Michael , Ippolito Francesca , Noorda Nikolaas
Published: May 2020

The mountainous inland of northern Calabria (Southern Italy) is known for its sparse prehistoric human occupation. Nevertheless, a thorough multidisciplinary approach of field walking, geophysical survey and invasive research led to the discovery of a major archaeological archive. This archive concerns a rich multi-phased dump, spanning about 3000 years (Late Neolithic to Late Imperial Roman Age) and holding two Somma-Vesuvius tephra. Of these, the younger is a distinct layer of juvenile tephra from the Pompeii eruption, while the older concerns reworked tephra from the Bronze Age AP2 eruption (ca. 1700 cal. yr BP). The large dump contains abundant ceramics, faunal remains and charcoal, and most probably originated through long-continued deposition of waste in a former gully like system of depressions. This resulted in an inversed, mound-like relief, whose anthropogenic origin had not been recognized in earlier research. The tephras were found to be important markers that support the reconstruction of the occupational history of the site. The sequence of occupational phases is very similar to that observed in a recent palaeoecological study from nearby situated former lakes (Lago Forano/Fontana Manca). This suggests that this sequence reflects the more regional occupational history of Calabria, which goes back to ca. 3000 BC. Attention is paid to the potential link between this history and Holocene climatic phases, for which no indication was found. The history deviates strongly from histories deduced from the few, but major palaeorecords elsewhere in the inlands of Southern Italy (Lago Grande di Monticchio and Lago Trifoglietti). We conclude that major regional variation occurred in prehistoric land use and its impacts on the vegetation cover of Southern Italy, and studies of additional palaeoarchives are needed to unravel this complex history. Finally, shortcomings of archaeological predictive models are discussed and the advantages of truly integrated multidisciplinary research.
Late-Holocene vegetation change reveals the environment of ancient people and the origin of Huashan cliff paintings in Guangxi, southwestern China
Authors: Li Kai , Zhang Yun , Liao Mengna , Ni Jian , Chen Yunfa
Published: May 2020

Human activities in the historical period were determined by the natural environment and social characteristics. The Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape in Guangxi is the most important World Heritage for prehistorical culture in southwestern China. However, knowledge about the natural environment and associated historic human–climate interactions during the period of cliff painting creation remains scarce, which has been an obstacle to understanding the process of regional civilization. Here, we report a pollen record from the core distributing region of Huashan cliff paintings to interpret the natural environment and climate changes, and further to discuss how and why ancient people create these giant cliff paintings based on the relationships of human–climate interactions. Pollen results imply an existence of a mixed broad-leaf and conifer forest in the woodland landscape at Huashan region before 1860 cal. yr BP, after which pine forests were more prevalent. During the cliff painting period from 2370 to 2115 cal. yr BP, broad-leaf and conifer trees dominated the tree layer and provided the key source materials for painting. It can be reasonably assumed that people used stake or ladder to climb the cliffs and created the cliff paintings during a humid climate condition from 2560 to 2000 cal. yr BP. Furthermore, the humid climate during 2700 and 2400 cal. yr BP had been interrupted by short-term drought episodes. These turbulent climate episodes probably played the role of disasters and impacted on the human activities, leading to the social–political tensions and the out-break of war. During the Qin and Han Dynasties, social–political changes relieved the pressure from natural climate changes and led to a more stable society, in which the creating of cliff paintings was gradually fading. Our results manifest the necessity to analyze the natural environment and social–political background in combination in this study on ancient human activities.
Does Credit Utilization Pattern Promote Poverty Alleviation? An Evidence from India
Authors: Singh Jaskirat , Sharma Dhiraj , Batra Gurdip Singh
Published: May 2020

Government of India has introduced various schemes for the uplift of the deprived section of the urban poor. As a result, the proportion of India’s poor with respect to total population has dropped in both urban and rural areas, but then again, the absolute number of the urban poor is growing. Therefore, this article tries to analyse the utilization pattern of credit availed through various credit expansion avenues by the urban poor households, thereafter examining its impact on poverty alleviation at different levels. Snowball sampling method was used to collect data from 598 respondents living in the most populous cities of Punjab and the union territory (UT) of Chandigarh using the references of registered deprived urban poor, who are continuously being recorded and monitored by top non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and banks. Apart from descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis was used to categorize the utilization pattern and poverty alleviation dimensions into the valid factors. Finally, structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to test the proposed hypothesis. The study found that the productive utilization of credit availed by the Economic Weaker Section (EWS) of the urban poor through various government credit schemes is highly associated with poverty alleviation at individual level (β = 0.55 and p = 0.000) followed by that at regional (β = 0.29 and p = 0.009) and community levels (β = 0.18, and p = 0.001). Social structure of the families is found to be an important deciding factor in how productively a household channelizes its loan amount or grants to move out of poverty and to become self-reliant. The article is limited to only government-backed credit expansion schemes for the EWS of the urban poor residing in the most populous areas of Punjab and Chandigarh. The development of the evaluation model is expected to lead towards better implementation of government credit schemes for the EWS of the urban poor, which would be practically helpful in policymaking. Also, the development of suggestive measures is expected to complement effective, efficient and more cohesive implementation of government schemes for the urban poor, which would be socially more sustainable. With policy emphasis in recent times for the urban poor, the topic is of utmost importance for research.
A New Scale to Capture the Multidimensionality of Celebrity Image
Authors: Mann Bikram Jit Singh , Parmar Yadvinder , Ghuman Mandeep Kaur
Published: May 2020

The present study aims to develop a reliable and valid scale that measures the multidimensionality of celebrity images and is generalizable across diverse celebrity professions. A survey has been conducted using a sample of 484 respondents to gather data relating to the dimensions of celebrity images of four selected celebrities from two celebrity profession categories, namely, movie stars and sport stars. EFA, CFA and SEM have been used for developing a reliable and valid scale of celebrity images. The scale encompasses seven dimensions of celebrity image: social and ethical responsibility, life and style, professional capabilities, perspective towards celebrity’s profession, orientation towards fans, attractive physique and public image. Marketers can use the scale to identify the dimensions of celebrity images to select appropriate celebrities for their product endorsement. They can also use the identified dimensions of celebrity images to better differentiate, position and extend their brands while designing their marketing strategies related to product positioning, celebrity endorsements and celebrity brand extensions. It would enable researchers and practitioners to bring standardization to celebrity image research in the field of brand endorsements.
Efficiency of Indian Equity Futures Market—An Empirical Analysis with reference to National Stock Exchange
Authors: Roy Partha Sarathi , Chakraborty Tanupa
Published: May 2020

At National Stock Exchange (NSE), the largest by market capitalization and the most liquid stocks, which form the majority of free float market capitalization of the exchange, have traded futures contracts. The equity stock futures segment in India has recorded very high growth in trading volume and turnover for more than one decade where majority trade happens on NSE. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the dynamic linkages between equity stock futures and their underlying spot markets. The article examines market efficiency and the causal relationship between single-stock futures and underlying stocks traded at NSE, by employing Johansen cointegration test, a test for autoregressive (AR) order of basis, vector error correction model (VECM) and impulse response functions. The result shows the existence of long-run equilibrium relationship between equity stock futures and their underlying stocks. The spot market is found to play a lead role in correction of any short-run disequilibrium towards long-run equilibrium, for the majority of stocks. Both spot and future markets contribute in price discovery and neither of the markets display considerably higher information efficiency compared to the other. In contrast, the study also reveals possibilities of arbitrage opportunity between the equity stock futures market and the underlying spot market in absence of transaction costs possibly due to faster correction of short-run disequilibrium by spot prices.
Novel Prognostic Models for Patients With Penile Carcinoma
Authors: Reyes Monica E. , Borges Heloise , Adjao Muhamed Said , Vijayakumar Nisha , Spiess Philippe E. , Schabath Matthew B.
Published: May 2020

Although penile carcinoma is a rare malignancy, there is still an unmet need to identify prognostic factors associated with poor survival. In this study, we utilized demographic and clinical information to identify the most informative variables associated with overall survival in patients with penile cancer. From a full model including all covariates found to be statistically significant in univariable analyses, we identified a parsimonious reduced model containing tumor site (penis glans: hazard ratio [HR] = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.28-0.85 and penis not otherwise specified: HR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.25-0.84), undetermined tumor differentiation (HR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.27-0.86), and TNM stage III/IV (HR = 2.83; 95% CI: 1.68-4.75). When all of the covariates from the full model were subjected to classification and regression tree analysis, we identified 6 novel risk groups. Of particular interest, we found marriage was associated with substantial improvement in survival among men with the same stage and disease site. Specifically, among single/widowed/divorced men with TNM stage 0-II and prepuce/penis corpus/overlapping lesions had worse survival (5-year survival = 18.2%) versus married men (5-year survival = 62.5%). Since marital status is linked to social support, these findings warrant a deeper investigation into the relationships between disease prognosis and social support in patients with penile carcinoma.
News Flashpoints: Networked Journalism and Waves of Coverage of Social Problems
Authors: Waisbord Silvio , Russell Adrienne
Published: May 2020

In this article, we propose to study news flashpoints. Flashpoints are bursts of news attention that are unique to the networked news environment, in which various forces vie to influence public discourse, blurring traditional boundaries between journalists, publics, activists, and various other forms of strategic communication. They are sudden and brief periods when interest in specific topics rises and falls rapidly across networked journalism. After identifying characteristics and examples of flashpoints, we argue for why news flashpoints are central aspects of contemporary news and journalism, and discuss the analytical and strategic importance of flashpoints.
Acoustical unmanned aerial vehicle detection in indoor scenarios using logistic regression model
Authors: Iannace Gino , Ciaburro Giuseppe , Trematerra Amelia
Published: May 2020

In this study, the data obtained from the acoustic measurements were used to train a model based on logistic regression in order to detect a quadrotor’s vehicle in indoor environment. To simulate a real environment, we made sound recordings in a shopping center. The sounds related to two scenarios were recorded: only anthropic noise and anthropic noise with background music. Later, we reproduced these sounds in an indoor environment of the same size and characteristics as the shopping center. During the simulation test, a drone placed at different distances from the sound level meter was turned on at different speeds to identify their presence in complex acoustic scenarios. Subsequently, these measurements were used to implement a model based on logistic regression for the automatic detection of the unmanned aerial vehicle. Logistic regression is widely used in pattern recognition of the binary dependent variable. This model returns high value of accuracy (0.994), indicating a high number of correct detections. The results obtained in this study suggest the use of this tool for unmanned aerial vehicle detection applications.
Peer crowd affiliation, adherence, perceived support, and metabolic control in T1DM youth
Authors: Fleischman Katie , Hains Anthony A
Published: May 2020

Youth with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) can face many challenges when adhering to their complex regimen in the context of their peer crowd. The aim of this study was to determine if peer crowd affiliation was associated with adolescents’ adherence behaviors, perceived peer support, and metabolic control. A sample of 128 adolescents with T1DM completed the Peer Crowd Questionnaire, Diabetes Social Support Questionnaire–Friends Version, and Self-Care Inventory–Revised, and HbA1c readings were collected during their clinic visit. Results from this study suggest that adherence behaviors mediated the relationship between Jock peer crowd affiliation and metabolic control. Results also suggested that perceived peer support did not mediate the relationship between peer crowd affiliation and metabolic control through adherence behaviors. When examining the path coefficients for the purposed models, results showed a positive relationship between adherence and metabolic control, and more perceived peer support was related to worse metabolic control. Adolescents who identified mostly with the Jock peer crowd may hold lifestyle values that are consistent with the diabetes regimen which may make their diabetes management easier. In general, adolescents with T1DM may have a more multifaceted aspect of one’s identity and therefore, their peer crowd affiliation is not as salient.
Does household income mediate the association between education and health in Canada?
Authors: Veenstra Gerry , Vanzella-Yang Adam
Published: May 2020

Objectives: The study aim was to investigate whether household income mediates the association between education and health in a nationally representative sample of Canadian adults. Methods: The data came from the Longitudinal and International Study of Adults linked to income data from the Canada Revenue Agency. Odds ratios and predicted probabilities from binary logistic regression models were used to describe associations between education and (a) self-rated health, (b) longstanding illness or health problem, (c) emotional, psychological or mental health problem and (d) symptoms of psychological distress. The Karlson–Holm–Breen decomposition method was used to investigate the potentially mediating role of household income in these associations. The analyses were conducted separately for women and men. Results: Education was significantly associated with all four health indicators for both women and men. Of the four health indicators, education was most strongly associated with self-rated health for both women and men. Education was more strongly associated with self-rated health and the presence of an emotional, psychological or mental health problem for women than for men. Curiously, men with a postgraduate degree were significantly more likely than men with a bachelor degree to report symptoms of psychological distress. Only modest proportions of the associations between education and health could be attributed to differences in household income. Education and household income manifested independent associations with all four health indicators among women and with three of four health indicators among men. Conclusions: Education and household income are joint and independent predictors of health in Canada. Accordingly, both should be included in research on socioeconomic health inequalities in this context.
Role of individual and organizational variables as predictors of job satisfaction among hotel employees
Authors: Viseu João , Pinto Patrícia , Borralha Sérgio , de Jesus Saul Neves
Published: May 2020

Job satisfaction is a key concept in the organizational literature, as satisfied employees allow organizations to achieve desired work-related outcomes. Nevertheless, more research is needed to understand what organizational and individual variables shape the job satisfaction of employees from the hospitality sector. This study assesses the role of organizational variables (perceived organizational support and organizational health) and individual variables (positive psychological capital and creative personality) as possible determinants of job satisfaction. A total of 504 hotel employees from the Algarve region, the main Portuguese tourism destination, participated in this study. Structural equation modeling with latent variables was used to evaluate the proposed model. Results showed that perceived organizational support was the most important predictor of job satisfaction, followed by organizational health. Organizational health also predicted positive psychological capital, which, in turn, was significantly associated with job satisfaction. These results have important practical implications for human resources management in the hospitality industry.
Auditory Intervention in Late-Identified Children With Hearing Loss
Authors: de Diego-Lázaro Beatriz , Restrepo María Adelaida
Published: May 2020

This study examined the effects of a 9-week auditory intervention on the auditory skills of five children with hearing loss who experienced prolonged auditory deprivation before receiving hearing aids. A single-case multiple baseline design across participants was used to examine the effect of the intervention on the children’s auditory skills using a weekly probe. The analyses showed a moderate to high intervention effect for three out of five participants. Children demonstrated gains in detection, discrimination, and identification, and Participant 5 also showed gains in sentence comprehension. Findings provide preliminary support for offering auditory intervention to children with hearing loss who are late identified and aided in the presence of residual hearing.
Generalized Periodic Discharges With Triphasic Morphology in the Setting of Aztreonam Neurotoxicity
Authors: Billnitzer Andrew , Kaplan Peter W.
Published: May 2020

Generalized periodic discharges with triphasic morphology (GPDs + TWm) have been reported with multiple metabolic and drug toxicities. Beta-lactam antibiotics in some cases can cause neurotoxicity with GPDs + TWm on EEG. There are no reports in the literature of aztreonam causing neurotoxicity and GPDs + TWm. Here we describe GPDs + TWm and encephalopathy developing in a patient with underlying dementia and acute kidney injury who was started on aztreonam for cystitis. Neurotoxic effects of beta-lactam antibiotics have been well studied at this point, likely related to GABA receptor antagonism by the beta lactam ring. Risk factors for toxicity include, advanced age, prior neurological injury and decreased renal clearance. This patient carried multiple risk factors for beta-lactam neurotoxicity. Discontinuation of aztreonam led to a resolution of GPDs + TWm on EEG, and regression of encephalopathy.
Analytical evaluation of geometric dilution of precision for three-dimensional angle-of-arrival target localization in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Zhang Jiao , Lu Jianfeng
Published: May 2020

This article focuses on the evaluation of geometric dilution of precision for three-dimensional angle-of-arrival target localization in wireless sensor networks. We calculate a general analytical expression for the geometric dilution of precision for three-dimensional angle-of-arrival target localization. Unlike the existing works in the literature, in this article, no assumptions are made regarding the observation ranges, noise variances, or the number of sensors in the derivation of the geometric dilution of precision. Necessary and sufficient conditions regarding the existence of geometric dilution of precision are also derived, which can be readily used to evaluate the observability of three-dimensional angle-of-arrival target localization in wireless sensor networks. Moreover, a concise procedure is also presented to calculate the geometric dilution of precision when it exists. Finally, several examples are used to illustrate our results, and it is shown that the performance of the proposed regular deployment configurations of angle-of-arrival sensors is better than the one with random deployment patterns.
Investigation of bisphenol-substituted spirocyclic phosphazenes as cotton textile–based flame retardants
Authors: Easson Michael W , Jordan Jacobs Harris , Chang SeChin , Bland John M , Condon Brian Douglas
Published: May 2020

Bisphenol-substituted spirocyclic phosphazene derivatives were synthesized in 85%–94% yields and analyzed for flame retardant application to cotton fabric using Limiting Oxygen Index, Fourier transform infrared thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, microscale combustion calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The thermogravimetric analysis methods indicate a decomposition pathway consistent for phosphorus-nitrogen-containing compounds. Levoglucosan phosphorylation and carbonaceous char formation were observed. Limiting Oxygen Index testing of these compounds on cotton-based fabrics showed improved flame resistance compared to untreated fabrics.
A survey of image semantics-based visual simultaneous localization and mapping: Application-oriented solutions to autonomous navigation of mobile robots
Authors: Xia Linlin , Cui Jiashuo , Shen Ran , Xu Xun , Gao Yiping , Li Xinying
Published: May 2020

As one of the typical application-oriented solutions to robot autonomous navigation, visual simultaneous localization and mapping is essentially restricted to simplex environmental understanding based on geometric features of images. By contrast, the semantic simultaneous localization and mapping that is characterized by high-level environmental perception has apparently opened the door to apply image semantics to efficiently estimate poses, detect loop closures, build 3D maps, and so on. This article presents a detailed review of recent advances in semantic simultaneous localization and mapping, which mainly covers the treatments in terms of perception, robustness, and accuracy. Specifically, the concept of “semantic extractor” and the framework of “modern visual simultaneous localization and mapping” are initially presented. As the challenges associated with perception, robustness, and accuracy are being stated, we further discuss some open problems from a macroscopic view and attempt to find answers. We argue that multiscaled map representation, object simultaneous localization and mapping system, and deep neural network-based simultaneous localization and mapping pipeline design could be effective solutions to image semantics-fused visual simultaneous localization and mapping.
The functions of tail flicking in birds: A meta-analysis
Authors: Randler Christoph , Kalb Nadine
Published: May 2020

Tail flicking is a common behavior that can be observed in many bird species. Various studies have investigated this behavior in different contexts such as during foraging, social interactions, or during predator–prey interactions. Nonetheless, there has been no statistical synthesis of results concerning the most commonly hypothesized functions of tail flicking. We conducted meta-analyses of published studies reporting flicking rates of birds in different contexts to identify a general function of tail flicking across species. We found evidence that tail flicking does not serve only one function but most likely has various functions across species. We found the general trend for flicking being a reflection of vigilance and predation risk. Flicking was related to flock size as rates decreased with increasing flock size, which might be related to a decreased individual predation risk in larger flocks. Moreover, we found flicking to be related to body condition and prey flushing. However, effect sizes for these hypotheses were only available from very few studies (body condition k = 2, prey flushing k = 3). Hence, future research concerning these two functions are necessary. Finally, our results suggested that flicking is not used for social communication, as it was not related to the presence of a conspecific or social status of an individual.
Dispersion of chitosan nanoparticles stable over a wide pH range by adsorption of polyglycerol monostearate
Authors: Kim Hyo-Sun , Lee Song-Hee , Eun Chae-Jung , Yoo Jeseung , Seo Young-Soo
Published: May 2020

We have developed stable chitosan colloids over a wide pH range without cross-linkers or gelling agents. The colloid was prepared using chitosan nanoparticle obtained from pulverization of bulk chitosan powder, followed by surface treatment using small amount of ascorbic acid (AA) and polyglycerol monostearate (PGMS) in water. Chitosan nanoparticles were well dispersed in a diluted AA solution due to the protonation of the chitosan chain on the surface. And then, the addition of PGMS led them to exhibit highly stable dispersion even in alkali conditions and 50 °C. The hydrodynamic diameter of the colloid was monitored using dynamic light scattering and the real image of the colloid was obtained using cryo-electron microscope measurement. This chitosan colloid will be useful for developing food ingredients or drug carrier templates that should be stable over a wide pH range.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma relapse presenting as extensive neurolymphomatosis
Authors: Nepal Pankaj , Batchala Prem P , Rehm Patrice K , Fadul Camilo E
Published: May 2020

A 56-year-old woman with a history of diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (DLBCL-NHL) in remission for two years presented with weight loss and multifocal sensory/motor symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neuraxis and whole-body FDG PET/CT led to a diagnosis of secondary neurolymphomatosis (NL). MRI demonstrated extensive thickening and enhancement of multiple cranial nerves and peripheral nerve plexuses with corresponding elevated metabolism on FDG PET/CT. Treatment with chemotherapy resulted in complete response on FDG PET/CT and subsequently she underwent autologous stem cell transplantation. NL is a rare manifestation of lymphoma affecting the peripheral nervous system. Nonspecific neuropathic symptoms make clinical diagnosis difficult. Though nerve biopsy is considered the gold standard, MRI and FDG PET/CT are accepted alternatives for making the diagnosis. We review imaging findings in NL, describe the differential diagnosis, and discuss the limitations of the imaging modalities.