bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying a Home-Based Approach to the Understanding Distribution of Economic Impacts of Traffic Crashes
Authors: Mohamadi Hezaveh Amin , Cherry Christopher R.
Published: October 2020

The current practice of road safety attributes traffic crash costs to the location of traffic crashes. Therefore it is challenging to estimate the economic cost of traffic crashes and individuals who are more prone to the burden of traffic crashes. To address this limitation, this study used the home address of individuals who were involved in traffic crashes in the Knoxville Regional Travel Model (KRTM) region between 2015 and 2016. After geocoding the home addresses, 110,312 individuals were assigned to the Traffic Analysis Zone (TAZ) corresponding to their home address and the economic cost of traffic crashes per capita (ECCPC) was calculated for each TAZ. The average ECCPC in the study area was $1,250. The KRTM output was used for extracting travel behavior data elements for modeling ECCPC at the zonal level. This study also established an index to measure average zonal activity in the transportation system for each TAZ. Analysis indicates that the burden of traffic crashes was more tangible in the TAZs with lower-income households and higher average zonal activities. To account for spatial autocorrelation, a Spatial Autoregressive model (SAR) and a spatial error model (SEM) were used. The SAR model was more suitable compared with SEM and ordinary least squares regression. Findings indicate that average zonal activity and traffic exposure have a significant positive association with ECCPC. The ECCPC could be used as an index for allocating proper countermeasures and interventions to groups and areas where the burden of traffic crashes is more tangible.
Measuring the Length of a Two-Lane Curbside Based on Traffic Features
Authors: Liu Siyang , Zhou Chenjing , Rong Jian , Ma Jianming , Wang Yi
Published: October 2020

The geometric design of airport curbsides is critical for both airport planners and passengers as it affects airport ground traffic capacity and creates airline delays. Rational design of curbsides can yield increased efficiency in the use of road space and time resources. Yet a limited number of studies have reported the impact of traffic features on curbside’s geometric design. This paper provides a two-lane curbside measurement with a simulation model to calculate the length of curbsides, which solves the curbside berth supply and curbside length calculation problems using a refined curbside parking model (RCPM) with constraints of a car-following (CF) model, as well as uniformly distributed speed, dwell time, and parking demand; it thereby unveils the detailed microscopic mechanisms of interaction of traffic features and curbsides’ length. The required lengths of curbsides under various parking demands are obtained after a set of numerical simulations. The result further reveals the significant impacts of car-following and braking behaviors, particularly under the huge parking demands on curbside traffic flow. It also demonstrates that a certain delay is created and a suboptimum level of service (LOS) occurs even though satisfying all parking demands, which indicates that lengthening the curbside and increasing parking supply do not necessarily improve the LOS.
Empirical Bayes Before-After Study to Develop Crash Modification Factors and Functions for High Friction Surface Treatments on Curves and Ramps
Authors: Lyon Craig , Persaud Bhagwant , Merritt David , Cheung Joseph
Published: October 2020

The intent of the study was to fill a knowledge void by developing high quality crash modification factors (CMFs) and benefit/cost (B/C) ratios for high friction surface treatment (HFST). The state-of-the-art empirical Bayes (EB) before-after methodology was applied to evaluate the effects of this treatment on crashes of various types using data from West Virginia (curve sites), Pennsylvania (curve sites), Kentucky (curve and ramp sites), and Arkansas (ramp sites). The results for curve sites generally indicate substantial and highly significant safety benefits. This is especially so for the primary crash types targeted by HFST programs: run-off-road, wet road, and head-on side-swipe opposite direction crashes (HOSSOD). The results for ramp sites were inconsistent, with substantial benefits for all crashes and injury crashes for Kentucky, negligible effects for these crashes in Arkansas, and substantial and highly significant reductions in wet weather crashes in both states. A disaggregate analysis of the CMF results for curve sites indicated a logical and consistent relationship between CMFs and three variables: friction improvement, traffic volume, and expected crash frequency before treatment. These variables, and an innovative methodology, were used in developing crash modification functions (CMFunctions) that can be applied to determine where, and under what conditions, the treatment can be used most effectively. Such functions are typically not provided for the vast majority of treatments for which CMFs are available, so, in itself, developing them is a significant contribution of this research.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Incidence in Adolescent Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Bram Joshua T. , Magee Lacey C. , Mehta Nishank N. , Patel Neeraj M. , Ganley Theodore J.
Published: October 2020

Background:

The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among adolescent athletes is steadily increasing. Identification of the highest risk sports for ACL injuries by sex and competitive setting (ie, practice vs match) is important for targeting injury prevention programs.

Purpose:

To identify the risk of ACL injuries in adolescent athletes by sport, sex, and setting across a variety of common US and international sports.

Study Design:

Meta-analysis.

Methods:

Essentially, 3 online databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were searched for all studies of ACL injuries per athlete-exposure (AE) or hours of exposure in adolescent athletes. Injuries were then pooled and incidence rates (IRs) reported per 1000 AEs or hours of exposure, with the relative risk (RR) of injuries calculated for sex-comparable sports. IRs per competitive setting (match vs practice) were also calculated.

Results:

A total of 1235 ACL injuries over 17,824,251 AEs were identified (IR, 0.069 [95% CI, 0.065-0.074]), with 586 of these injuries in girls across 6,986,683 AEs (IR, 0.084 [95% CI, 0.077-0.091]) versus 649 injuries in boys over 10,837,568 AEs (IR, 0.060 [95% CI, 0.055-0.065]). Girls had a higher overall rate of ACL injuries (RR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.25-1.57]), with the most disproportionate risk observed in basketball (RR, 4.14 [95% CI, 2.98-5.76]). The risk of ACL injuries by sex was highest in girls’ soccer (IR, 0.166 [95% CI, 0.146-0.189]) and boys’ football (IR, 0.101 [95% CI, 0.092-0.111]). ACL injuries were over 8 (RR, 8.54 [95% CI, 6.46-11.30]) and 6 (RR, 6.85 [95% CI, 5.52-8.49]) times more likely to occur in a match versus a practice setting for female and male athletes, respectively.

Conclusion:

The risk of ACL injuries overall approached nearly 1 per 10,000 AEs for female athletes, who were almost 1.5 times as likely as male athletes to suffer an ACL injury across all adolescent sports. A multisport female athlete was estimated to have a nearly 10% risk of ACL injuries over her entire high school or secondary school career. Specifically, male and female adolescents playing soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and football appeared at particular risk of injuries, a finding that can be used to target an injury intervention.
Rotational Changes in the Tibia After High Tibial Valgus Osteotomy: A Comparative Study of Lateral Closing Versus Medial Opening Wedge Osteotomy
Authors: Kim Joong Il , Kim Bo Hyun , Han Hyuk Soo , Lee Myung Chul
Published: October 2020

Background:

After high tibial valgus osteotomy (HTO), rotational changes in the tibia may occur, which can affect the biomechanics of the patellofemoral joint and may lead to anterior knee pain.

Purpose:

To compare the rotational changes in the tibia between closing wedge HTO (CWHTO) and opening wedge HTO (OWHTO).

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Among the patients who underwent HTO between May 2012 and August 2015, 53 (28 CWHTO and 25 OWHTO) who had computed tomography scans before and at 1 year after the HTO were included. The following parameters were compared between CWHTO and OWHTO: (1) tibial torsion angle, (2) knee rotation angle, and (3) tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance. During the last follow-up, patients were asked to rate their anterior knee pain when climbing the stairs, using the visual analog scale.

Results:

The tibial torsion angle significantly decreased (internal rotation of the distal fragment) after CWHTO (mean ± SD, –2.1°± 4.1°; P = .019) and OWHTO (–1.8°± 3.3°; P = .029). The knee rotation angle significantly decreased (external rotation of the proximal fragment) after OWHTO (–1.8°± 3.4°; P = .039) but was not changed after CWHTO (0.1°± 3.1°; P = .859). The mean TT-TG distance significantly decreased after CWHTO (–3.1 ± 3.0 mm; P < .001) but increased after OWHTO (2.0 ± 4.3 mm; P = .012). At the final follow-up (minimum, 4 years), the visual analog scale pain score during stair climbing was significantly higher after OWHTO than after CWHTO (3.1 ± 1.4 vs 2.2 ± 1.3, P = .024).

Conclusion:

Internal rotation of the distal fragment occurred after both CWHTO and OWHTO. However, external rotation of the proximal fragment and increased TT-TG distance occurred after OWHTO. Because such rotational changes could affect anterior knee pain, further studies are warranted to investigate the definite relationship between tibial rotational changes and anterior knee pain after HTO.
Metropolitan Networks: A Socio-spatial Analysis of Social Ties in Tehran
Authors: Jalili Jaleh
Published: October 2020

Previous research shows that residents of metropolitan areas tend to have social ties outside their neighborhoods, but ties’ locations and what they indicate in terms of social relations and urban structure are not sufficiently studied. Using survey data and interviews collected in Tehran, Iran, I examine the level of propinquity of strong social ties. Measuring the geographical distance and relative orientation between participants and their ties, I discuss the implications of having ties outside residential neighborhoods. I examine how these relations are formed and sustained and analyze how they impact class relations and perceptions of social structure. Results indicate that ties who reside in other neighborhoods offer points of reference for situating oneself in relation to others, both in socioeconomic and cultural sense. Participants’ narratives suggest that ties’ locations, together with ties’ origins and types, impact interpretations of group relations and social hierarchies associated with location in the metropolitan area.
The Value of Home-Based Primary Care: Qualitative Exploration of Homebound Participant Perspectives
Authors: LaFave Sarah , Drazich Brittany , Sheehan Orla C. , Leff Bruce , Szanton Sarah L. , Schuchman Mattan
Published: October 2020

Older adults’ preference to age in place and health systems’ commitment to cost-effective quality care has set the stage for a growing interest in home-based primary care (HBPC). The objective of this study was to explore what patients and caregivers value about HBPC and what modifications could improve its value. Semi-structured individual interviews ( n = 20) were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded for themes. Four themes emerged: (a) HBPC offers peace of mind because patients can access care without leaving the home and can reach the primary care team at all hours, (b) HBPC supports aging in place by providing in-home care, (c) HBPC supports provider rapport building because of the intimate setting and continuity of care, (d) HBPC patients and caregivers have significant nonmedical needs. Findings suggest that teams developing or expanding on HBPC programs should prioritize access to providers, rapport building with patients and families, and supporting patients’ and caregivers’ nonmedical needs.
From Gaming to Computational Thinking: An Adaptive Educational Computer Game-Based Learning Approach
Authors: Hooshyar Danial , Pedaste Margus , Yang Yeongwook , Malva Liina , Hwang Gwo-Jen , Wang Minhong , Lim Heuiseok , Delev Dejan
Published: October 2020

Educational games have been increasingly used to improve students’ computational thinking. However, most existing games have focused on the theoretical knowledge of computational thinking, ignoring the development of computational thinking skills. Moreover, there is a lack of integration of adaptivity into educational computer games for computational thinking, which is crucial to addressing individual needs in developing computational thinking skills. In this study, we present an adaptive educational computer game, called AutoThinking, for developing students’ computational thinking skills in addition to their conceptual knowledge. To evaluate the effects of the game, we conducted an experimental study with 79 elementary school students in Estonia, where the experimental group learned with AutoThinking, while the control group used a traditional technology-enhanced learning approach. Our findings show that learning with the adaptive educational computer game significantly improved students’ computational thinking related to both conceptual knowledge and skills. Moreover, students using the adaptive educational computer game showed a significantly higher level of interest, satisfaction, flow state, and technology acceptance in learning computational thinking. Implications of the findings are also discussed.
Rare cases of severe life-threatening lead poisoning due to accident or chronic occupational exposure to lead and manganese: Diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis
Authors: Du Xuqin , Zheng Wei , Ye Qiao
Published: October 2020

Background:

Chronic long-term, low-dose environmental and occupational exposure to lead (Pb) has been extensively studied in large cohorts worldwide among general populations, miners, smelters, or battery workers. However, studies on severe life-threatening Pb poisoning due to accidental or chronic occupational exposure to Pb and manganese (Mn) were rarely reported.

Methods:

We present one case of acute severe Pb poisoning and compare it with another severe chronic occupational exposure case involving Pb and Mn. A 27-year-old woman mistakenly took a large quantity of pure Pb powder as an herbal remedy; she developed abdominal colic, severe nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and cutaneous and sclera icterus. Laboratory tests showed her blood lead level (BLL) of 173.5 µg dL−1 and urinary lead level (ULL) of 1240 µg dL−1. The patient was diagnosed with acute Pb poisoning and acute liver failure. In another chronic exposure case, a 56-year-old man worked in a Pb and Mn smelting factory for 15 years. He was brought to the emergency room with severe nausea, vomiting, and paroxysmal abdominal colic, which was intolerable during the onset of pain. His BLL was 64.8 µg dL−1 and ULL was 38 µg dL−1, but his blood and urinary Mn levels were normal. The patient was diagnosed with chronic Pb poisoning. Both patients received chelation therapy with calcium disodium ethylene-diamine-tetraacetate (CaNa2EDTA). The woman with acute severe Pb intoxication recovered well and was discharged from the hospital after treatment, and the man who survived severe Pb poisoning was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Conclusion:

Clinical manifestations of acute and chronic severe Pb poisoning are different. Chelation therapy with CaNa2EDTA is proven to be an effective life-saving therapy in both cases by reducing BLL. Occupational exposure to both Pb and Mn does not appear to increase Mn neurotoxicity; however, the probability that co-exposure to Mn may increase Pb toxicity in the same patient cannot be excluded.
Come Out, Get Out: Relations Among Sexual Minority Identification, Microaggressions, and Retention in Higher Education**Other manuscripts, which utilize the full dataset and propose distinct research questions pertaining to a separate set of measures, have been submitted for publication elsewhere. All relevant federal and institutional research ethical standards have been met regarding the treatment of participants.
Authors: Crane Phoenix R. , Swaringen Katarina S. , Rivas-Koehl Matthew M. , Foster Anthony M. , Le Tran H. , Weiser Dana A. , Talley Amelia E.
Published: October 2020

Heterosexism, in the form of microaggressions, contributes to hostile, anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) college campus climates, thereby limiting sexual and gender minority students’ social engagement and academic persistence. Using Tinto’s model of institutional departure, we examined the degree to which experiencing microaggressions affects sexual minority college students’ retention as a function of their feelings of discomfort in the classroom. Mediation analyses were performed on a subsample of data from 152 self-identified LGBTQ college students at a southern university in the United States to examine relations among experiences of self-reported microaggressions, self-rated classroom discomfort, and expressed intentions to transfer from the university. Self-reported discomfort in the classroom accounts for the relation between experiences of microaggressions and LGBTQ students’ intentions to transfer from the university. Specifically, LGBTQ students who experienced microaggressions more often reported greater discomfort in their classrooms and reported fewer intentions to continue studying at their university. Universities should strive to implement campus-wide programs that help minimize microaggressions, encourage cultural competency and comfort in the classroom, and combat anti-LGBTQ prejudice to better support students in their day-to-day academic endeavors. LGBTQ students who feel safe and supported in the classroom may be protected from heterosexism and social isolation and, thereby, may be more likely to persevere in their academic pursuits.
Dual-system Involvement: Exploring the Overlap Between Domestic and Family Violence and Child Maltreatment Perpetration
Authors: Gilbert Brigitte , Stewart Anna , Hurren Emily , Little Simon , Allard Troy
Published: October 2020

This longitudinal population-based study aimed to understand the dual-system involvement of males who engage in domestic and family violence (DFV) and child maltreatment perpetration. Specifically, this study investigates the prevalence of male perpetration of DFV, child maltreatment, and dual-system involvement, and compares the frequency and nature of perpetration by males with single-system contact and males with dual-system contact. The effect of race (Indigenous Australian/non-Indigenous Australian) and parental status on dual-system involvement is also examined. This study utilizes data from the Queensland Cross-sector Research Collaboration repository. These data contain each contact an individual male born in 1983 or 1984 had with the Queensland civil court system as a respondent to a domestic violence order (DVO) and the Queensland statutory child protection system, where, after an investigation, they were identified as the person responsible for substantiated harm to a child. The results from the study show a high level of overlap between males who perpetrate DFV and child maltreatment. Of males identified as being responsible for substantiated harm to a child, 58% have also been a respondent of a DVO, and approximately 16% of male DVO respondents were identified as being responsible for substantiated harm to a child. Differences were found in the frequency and nature of perpetration by males with dual-system involvement compared to those with single-system contact for either DFV or child maltreatment. Our results also show differences for Indigenous status, parental status, number of maltreatment events, harm type, number of DVOs, and number of breaches of a DVO. The implications of this study for both policy and practice are discussed.
Intimate Partner Violence, Clinical Indications, and Other Family Risk Factors Associated With Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma
Authors: Sayrs Lois W. , Ortiz J. Bryce , Notrica David M. , Kirsch Lisa , Kelly Cara , Stottlemyre Rachael , Cohen Aaron , Misra Shivani , Green Tabitha R. , Adelson P. David , Lifshitz Jonathan , Rowe Rachel K.
Published: October 2020

Over half of fatal pediatric traumatic brain injuries are estimated to be the result of physical abuse, i.e., abusive head trauma (AHT). Although intimate partner violence (IPV) is a well-established risk for child maltreatment, little is known about IPV as an associated risk factor specifically for AHT. We performed a single-institution, retrospective review of all patients (0–17 years) diagnosed at a Level 1 pediatric trauma center with head trauma who had been referred to an in-hospital child protection team for suspicion of AHT between 2010 and 2016. Data on patient demographics, hospitalization, injury, family characteristics, sociobehavioral characteristics, physical examination, laboratory findings, imaging, discharge, and forensic determination of AHT were extracted from the institution’s forensic registry. Descriptive statistics (mean, median), chi-square and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare patients with fatal head injuries to patients with nonfatal head injuries by clinical characteristics, family characteristics, and forensic determination. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios for the presence of IPV as an associated risk of AHT while controlling for other clinical and family factors. Of 804 patients with suspicion for AHT in the forensic registry, there were 240 patients with a forensic determination of AHT; 42 injuries were fatal. There were 101 families with a reported history of IPV; 64.4% of patients in families with reported IPV were <12 months of age. IPV was associated with a twofold increase in the risk of AHT (Exp( β) = 2.3 [ p = .02]). This study confirmed IPV was an associated risk factor for AHT in a single institution cohort of pediatric patients with both fatal and nonfatal injuries. Identifying IPV along with other family factors may improve detection and surveillance of AHT in medical settings and help reduce injury, disability, and death.
The Effect of Individual Characteristics and Supervision Experiences on the Perceived Quality of the Supervision Relationship
Authors: Wodahl Eric J. , Mowen Thomas J. , Garland Brett E.
Published: October 2020

Research has shown that high-quality relationships between individuals on probation/parole and their supervising officers can reduce recidivism and increase compliance. Although this relationship clearly matters, little attention has been given to understanding the factors that influence this relationship. Drawing on research in psychology and counseling, this study explores how both individual characteristics and supervision experiences affect the perceived quality of the supervision relationship. Results from the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI) reveal that both individual characteristics—such as mental health and family support—and supervision experiences—such as the use of sanctions and incentives—exert significant effects on the supervision relationship. Yet, the effects of supervision experiences were substantially more robust than the individual characteristics. Findings suggest community supervision agencies should prioritize positive supervision experiences to build positive relationships between the returning person and supervising officer.
Ethno-Nationality of Caste in Pakistan: Privileged Caste Morality in Sindhi Progressive Literature and Politics
Authors: Hussain Ghulam
Published: October 2020

This paper attempts the historiographical analysis of the caste as it reflects in Sindhi progressive literature and rural politics. In an attempt to reframe the harmonious image of Sindhi society, the Progressives popularised certain slogans, phrases and historical events as the metaphors of the nationalist and class struggle. Tracing from the early Partition phase (the 1940s), this paper interrogates the progressive’s orientalist literary trajectory that reframes caste metaphors and constructs the Sindhi nationalist narrative. It is contended that the reframing of some key historical events of Dalits and peasants seem uncritical and apologetic of caste friction, create an illusion of neutrality and at times even sanction casteism as a functional aspect of Sindhi society. The ‘progressive’ literature condones caste hierarchies and flattens the question of caste adding to the pre-existing hegemonic relations between the historically dominant and the subordinated caste groups. This diminishes the possibility of deploying the framework of caste-as-class for understanding caste, organising Dalits reckoning their agency as it may shape their immanent narratives and subverting caste hierarchies.
Hospitalized Patients’ Perspectives on Spiritual Assessment: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Cone Pamela H. , Giske Tove
Published: October 2020

Background:

Research shows that spirituality is important, but patients report that nurses rarely address spiritual issues, and research from the patient viewpoint is limited.

Aim:

The research objective was to gain knowledge about hospitalized patients’ perspectives on spiritual assessment by nurses.

Method:

This is a mixed methods exploratory study reporting on quantitative/qualitative aspects of the patient perspective. Norwegian nurses in an acute care hospital distributed a 21-item spiritual assessment survey to patients they felt would not be burdened by completing it. Patients’ demographic data were not identifiable, survey packets were returned anonymously via hospital mail by 157 hospitalized patients. Each survey item and several variables on the demographic sheet had space for comments. Quantitative analysis used SPSS 21, qualitative data were thematically analyzed.

Findings:

Statistically significant correlations were found with all survey items. Hospitalized people reported high comfort with spiritual assessment by nurses. Qualitative findings revealed that patients had differing views on if, when, and how nurses should ask spiritual questions of them.

Conclusions:

It is important to identify patients’ perspectives in order to provide patient-centered holistic care. Understanding patient views will enlighten nurses and may promote spiritual care and improve patient health outcomes.
Satisfaction With Informal Volunteering During the COVID-19 Crisis: An Empirical Study Considering a Swiss Online Volunteering Platform
Authors: Trautwein Stefan , Liberatore Florian , Lindenmeier Jörg , von Schnurbein Georg
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a huge wave of compassion. In particular, online volunteering platforms established channeling help for high-risk groups. It is unclear under which conditions volunteers were satisfied with their COVID-19 volunteering mediated by these platforms and whether they will continue their engagement after the crisis. Therefore, and considering personal susceptibility to COVID-19 infection, this study analyzes the effects of different platform support for volunteers and the fulfillment of volunteers’ motives. The study is based on an online survey of a sample of 565 volunteers who registered at and were placed by a Swiss online platform. Fulfillment of distinct volunteer motives and platform support drive COVID-19 volunteering satisfaction. Moreover, motive fulfillment and platform-related support indirectly impact willingness to volunteer long-term via volunteering satisfaction. Finally, the empirical results show that motive fulfillment and the effect of platform support are contingent on perceived susceptibility to infection.
Businesses Venturing Into the Social Domain During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Motivation and Ability Perspective
Authors: Bao Yongjian , Shen Zhe , Yuan Wenlong
Published: October 2020

Many businesses have joined governments and nonprofit organizations to serve the social needs under the tremendous pressure of Covid-19. We propose that businesses that expanded into the social domain during the Covid-19 crisis differ significantly from each other and vary extensively in value creation. We extend the motivation and ability framework to derive a typology of businesses under this situation and conceptualize value creation behaviors in both a free market and a monopolistic market with the governments as the buyer.
Continuity through change: State social research and sociology in Portugal
Authors: Ágoas Frederico
Published: October 2020

This article examines the development of empirical social research in Portugal over about a century and its relation to the early institutionalization of sociology at the tail end of that period. Relying on new empirical data, coupled with a critical reading of the main sources on the topic, it brings to light some epistemic invariants in a disparate body of research, acknowledging the initial persistence of Le Play-inspired as well as properly Le Playsian research methods. Furthermore, it identifies the general continuation of a substantial concern with the (physical and then moral) condition of rural and industrial workers, leading to a disclosure of the political-economic and governmental roots of the social research in question. From a historical sociology perspective, the article explores the relation between state governmentalization and authoritarian rule, on the one hand, and the development of the social sciences, on the other. From a history of science perspective, it acknowledges the continuous use of the same research methods to carry out seemingly incommensurable social research programmes and the later pursuit of a properly sociological research programme that fell back on conflicting methodological and theoretical approaches. In broader terms, the article aims to put forward a historical sociology of theoretical approaches, research methods, and scientific concepts that will hopefully contribute to a clearer understanding of their respective fields of application.
Highly conducting polymer electrolyte-ionic liquid and porous carbon material for sandwich electric double layer capacitor
Authors: Singh Abhimanyu , Dhapola Pawan S , Singh Shruti , Singh Pramod K , Samsudin AS , Sahoo Nanda G , Rhee Hee-Woo
Published: October 2020

Due to various useful properties of polyethers, the prime objective of present paper is to develop an efficient supercapacitor based on high conducting polymer electrolyte and carbon based materials. To develop such films Polyvinylidene fluoride co-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) polymer doped with ionic liquid (IL) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate has been prepared using solution cast technique. The detail studies of polymer electrolyte with optimized value of IL: PVDF-HFP i.e. (80:20) we have reported elsewhere. For electrodes, cobalt enriched porous carbon material has been synthesized and characterized in detail. A sandwiched type electric double layer supercapacitor (EDLC) has been fabricated using maximum conducting polymer-IL film which shows ultra-high capacitance of 294 F/g at room environmental condition. This work successfully demonstrates the suitability of polymer electrolyte in developing highly efficient energy devices.
Experimental appraisal of hydrodynamic performance and motion of a single-stepped high-speed vessel in calm water and regular waves
Authors: Sajedi Sayyed Mahdi , Ghadimi Parviz , Ghadimi Aliakbar , Sheikholeslami Mohammad
Published: October 2020

High-speed vessels exhibit various motions and accelerations in calm water and sea waves. For examining the behavior of high-speed vessels, it is possible to examine these movements in laboratory models. In this paper, a single-step model in calm water is experimentally tested and compared with a model of no step. The speed range of these vessels is 1 m/s to 9 m/s equivalent to Beam Froude numbers of 0.43 to 3.87. During these experiments, the resistance parameters, trim, bow, and stern rise-up as well as the center of the gravity are measured. The non-step model has longitudinal instability at a speed of 8 m/s. This instability is avoided when the vessel is equipped by a transversal step. The vessel's trim and resistance are also reduced in the planing mode in calm water. Subsequently, hydrodynamic performance and its seakeeping condition in the planing regime are investigated for both vessels in regular waves. The single-step and non-step vessels are tested in the wavelength range of [Formula: see text], and the wave height range of 6 to 18 centimeters. It is observed that stepped vessel experiences lower motions and bow accelerations and less added resistance in comparison to the non-stepped vessel.
Characteristics of helicopter engine exhaust through scaled experiments using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry
Authors: Wei Teo Zhen , Hou Wong Wai , Wen Lee Zhi , How New Tze , Feng Ng Bing
Published: October 2020

Helicopter engines are often mounted atop the fuselage to keep the aircraft footprint small and optimal for operations. As a result, hot gases produced by the engines may inadvertently impinge upon the tail boom or dissipate inefficiently that compromises on operation safety. In this study, a scaled fuselage model with a hot air blower was used to simulate hot exhaust gases. The velocity field immediately outside the exhaust port was measured through stereoscopic particle image velocimetry to capture the trajectory and flow behaviour of the gases. Two cases were considered: freestream to exhaust velocity ratios of 0 (no freestream velocity) and 0.46 (co-flowing free stream), respectively. The formation of a counter-rotating vortex pair was detected for both cases but were opposite in the rotational sense. For the case without freestream, the plume formed into a small “kidney” shape, before expanding and dissipating downstream. For the case with freestream, the plume formed into a slenderer and more elongated “reversed-C” shape as compared to the case without freestream. It also retained its shape further downstream and maintained its relative position. These observations on the trajectory and shape of plume provide basis to understanding the nature and interaction of the plume with its surroundings.
Elevated serum creatinine in the context of HIV – who is the culprit? Over-the-counter supplements vs. antiretrovirals
Authors: Gill A , Fernando KA
Published: October 2020

We present a case of a 53-year-old male living with well-controlled HIV who, as part of routine monitoring, was noted to have an unexpected decline in renal function. His antiretrovirals were switched accordingly. It subsequently transpired that he had recently started taking creatine supplements in order to build muscle mass. He underwent specialist renal review and further investigation with a chromium-labelled scan which revealed his renal function was, in fact, stable. He continues under renal and HIV follow-up. It is now more widely recognised that creatine can affect renal function, and result in difficulty in interpretation of traditional renal blood tests. However, the further investigations that may be undertaken in such settings and HIV treatment considerations are not as widely reported. This case serves as a reminder to ensure over-the-counter and herbal supplements are part of routine questioning in HIV clinics, and outlines the specialist investigations that may be undertaken in cases of apparent renal decline.
The Reflection Effect in Memory-Based Decisions
Authors: Weilbächer Regina A. , Kraemer Peter M. , Gluth Sebastian
Published: October 2020

Previous research has indicated a bias in memory-based decision-making, with people preferring options that they remember better. However, the cognitive mechanisms underlying this memory bias remain elusive. Here, we propose that choosing poorly remembered options is conceptually similar to choosing options with uncertain outcomes. We predicted that the memory bias would be reduced when options had negative subjective value, analogous to the reflection effect, according to which uncertainty aversion is stronger in gains than in losses. In two preregistered experiments ( N = 36 each), participants made memory-based decisions between appetitive and aversive stimuli. People preferred better-remembered options in the gain domain, but this behavioral pattern reversed in the loss domain. This effect was not related to participants’ ambiguity or risk attitudes, as measured in a separate task. Our results increase the understanding of memory-based decision-making and connect this emerging field to well-established research on decisions under uncertainty.
From actions to words: FEMEN’s fourth-wave manifestos
Authors: Schaal Michèle
Published: October 2020

Since its creation in 2008 in Ukraine, FEMEN has fascinated mainstream audiences and scholars alike. Yet few studies have dealt with FEMEN’s writings in French. While the lack of translations may partially explain this critical gap, the overall dismissal of FEMEN and its impact on contemporary feminisms participates in the historic marginalisation of women’s contributions to the arts, the sciences, or society at large. Recognising the organisation’s problematic standpoints, this article demonstrates how, going from action to words, FEMEN’s collective book publications, Manifeste FEMEN and Rébellion, contribute to, and complicate, contemporary feminist thought and debates. Inscribing themselves in the feminist manifesto tradition, both books articulate a fourth-wave feminist standpoint, and through FEMEN’s assessment of their actions, the organisation unveils Western democracies’ tartufferies regarding secularism and equal rights. FEMEN’s manifestos also generate a reflection on the (im)possibility of a universal, global approach to feminism, namely, due to their Islamophobic stances.
Suppression of bromodomain-containing protein 4 protects trophoblast cells from oxidative stress injury by enhancing Nrf2 activation
Authors: Wu Yiqing , Mi Yang , Zhang Fan , Cheng Yimin , Wu Xiaoling
Published: October 2020

Oxidative stress is considered a key hallmark of preeclampsia, which causes the dysregulation of trophoblast cells, and it contributes to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Emerging evidence has suggested bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) as a key regulator of oxidative stress in multiple cell types. However, whether BRD4 participates in regulating oxidative stress in trophoblast cells remains undetermined. The current study was designed to explore the potential function of BRD4 in the regulation of oxidative stress in trophoblast cells. Our data revealed that BRD4 expression was elevated in trophoblast cells stimulated with hydrogen peroxide. Exposure to hydrogen peroxide caused marked decreases in the levels of proliferation and invasion but promoted apoptosis and the production of ROS in trophoblast cells. Knockdown of BRD4, or treatment with a BRD4 inhibitor, markedly increased the levels of cell proliferation and invasion and decreased apoptosis and ROS production following the hydrogen peroxide challenge. Further data indicated that suppression of BRD4 markedly decreased the expression levels of Keap1, but increased the nuclear expression of Nrf2 and enhanced Nrf2-mediated transcriptional activity. BRD4 inhibition-mediated protective effects were markedly reversed by Keap1 overexpression or Nrf2 inhibition. Overall, these results demonstrated that BRD4 inhibition attenuated hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress injury in trophoblast cells by enhancing Nrf2 activation via the downregulation of Keap1. Our study highlights the potential importance of the BRD4/Keap1/Nrf2 axis in the modulation of the oxidative stress response in trophoblast cells. Targeted inhibition of BRD4 may offer new opportunities for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches to treat preeclampsia.
Professional networking with emailing groups: A case of Pakistan Library Automation Group
Authors: Siddique Nadeem , Shafi Ullah Farasat , Mahmood Khalid , Ajmal Khan Muhammad
Published: October 2020

Library and Information Science professionals in Pakistan are taking the benefit of emailing groups to seek help from other professionals, share information, and enhance their services. This study aims to present an analysis of all messages posted to plagpk, a pioneer Library and Information Science emailing group in Pakistan. In this study, content analysis of messages posted to the Yahoo mailing group “plagpk” was made from the launching of the group till 14 December 2019. The findings ranked the category of resource sharing at the top position. The study also found that only a small number of group members posted emails to the group, and male group members dominated the female members in terms of sending emails. Library and Information Science professionals in Pakistan are widely using emailing groups to discuss and share professional issues. There is a scarcity of studies related to the use of mailing groups in Pakistan. This study will be helpful for professionals planning to use emailing groups for professional networking.
Mean platelet volume in children with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: A Talat Mohamed , AN Allah Mayy , Khalifa Naglaa Ali , Sakr Maha Mahmoud Hamed , Mohammed Eman Morsy , K. Amin Ezzat
Published: October 2020

Background

Platelets are heterogeneous in size, density, metabolic, functional, and biochemical properties. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a measure of the average size of platelet in a blood sample.

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the mean platelet volume as a marker for disease activity in children with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective case-control study, which included 50 patients with SLE and 50 age and sex, matched healthy controls. All subjects were subjected to history taking, physical examination and laboratory parameters in active and remission phases of the diseases.

Results

The MPV value in the SLE group was significantly higher than control group (9.6 ± 1.3 fL, 9.1 ± 0.57 fL, respectively, p = 0.04). There was a significant increase of weight, blood pressure, urea, creatinine, proteinuria, CRP, ESR, cholestrol, MPV values, SLEDAI-2K scores and significant decrease of HB, albumin, C3, mean platelet volume (MPC) in the active stage than in the remission stage. There was a significant negative correlation between MPV and MPC in active stage of the disease but the correlation was insignificant in remission stage.

Conclusion

MPV increased in active phase of patients with SLE and can be an easy, rapid, inexpensive and simple method to assess disease activity in children with SLE.
Pax4 Gene Delivery Improves Islet Transplantation Efficacy by Promoting β Cell Survival and α-to-β Cell Transdifferentiation
Authors: Parajuli Keshab R. , Zhang Yanqing , Cao Alexander M. , Wang Hongjun , Fonseca Vivian A. , Wu Hongju
Published: October 2020

The transcription factor Pax4 plays an essential role in the development of insulin-producing β cells in pancreatic islets. Ectopic Pax4 expression not only promotes β cell survival but also induces α-to-β cell transdifferentiation. This dual functionality of Pax4 makes it an appealing therapeutic target for the treatment of insulin-deficient type 1 diabetes (T1D). In this study, we demonstrated that Pax4 gene delivery by an adenoviral vector, Ad5.Pax4, improved β cell function of mouse and human islets by promoting islet cell survival and α-to-β cell transdifferentiation, as assessed by multiple viability assays and lineage-tracing analysis. We then explored the therapeutic benefits of Pax4 gene delivery in the context of islet transplantation using T1D mouse models. Both mouse-to-mouse and human-to-mouse islet transplantation, via either kidney capsule or portal vein, were examined. In all settings, Ad5.Pax4-treated donor islets (mouse or human) showed substantially better therapeutic outcomes. These results suggest that Pax4 gene delivery into donor islets may be considered as an adjunct therapy for islet transplantation, which can either improve the therapeutic outcome of islet transplantation using the same amount of donor islets or allow the use of fewer donor islets to achieve normoglycemia.
Compositional Variation and Functional Mechanism of Exosomes in the Articular Microenvironment in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Zheng , Li Manling , Xu Peng , Ma Jie , Zhang Rui
Published: October 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of disability worldwide with increasing age. Knee OA (KOA) is the most prevalent type of OA. Recently, it is considered that KOA is a whole joint disease, including articular cartilage, subchondral bone, synovium, ligaments, joint capsules, and muscles around the joint. Exosomes in knee joint are mainly secreted by articular chondrocytes and synoviocytes. They participate in cell and tissue cross-talk by carrying a complex cargo of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, etc. Under normal conditions, exosomes maintain the microenvironmental homeostasis of the joint cavity. Under pathological conditions, the composition and function of exosomes changes, which in turn, disrupts the balance of anabolism and catabolism of articular chondrocyte and facilitates inflammatory responses, thus accelerating KOA progression. As a regenerative medicine, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promised to facilitate repair of degenerated cartilage and decelerate OA process. The therapeutic function of MSC mainly depends on MSC-derived exosomes, which can restore the homeostasis of the articular microenvironment. In the future, the specific mechanism of exosomes for OA treatment needs further elucidation, and the treatment effect of exosomes for long-term and/or severe OA needs further exploration.
European Nursing Council Code for European nursing and the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Kearns Alan J , Kearns Thomas
Published: October 2020

A code of ethics for the practice of nursing seeks to capture, in a written document, the normative values, ethical principles and standards of good care to guide nurses – qua moral agents. A codification of the accepted collective values of nursing can play a constitutional and directional role for the profession. It can further stimulate discussions about nursing that reflect the dynamic essence of the profession. Consequently, there is merit to continually reflecting on a code’s function and role especially when a new or revised code is introduced to the nursing profession and the wider public such as the European Nursing Council’s Code of Ethics and Conduct for European Nursing. This paper examines codes of ethics in general and the European Nursing Council Code in particular using the framework of Gaumnitz and Lere. Although the European Nursing Council Code has all the ingredients of a contemporary professional ethics code, our position is that future iterations or addenda to this Code should be aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and take a more radical step in becoming an exemplar of a nursing code that can be a catalyst for the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Financial Behaviour in a Mandatory Conversion Process: Empirical Evidence from Colombia
Authors: González-Ruiz Juan David , Acosta-García Maria Isabel , Villa-García Ramón
Published: October 2020

Convertible bonds are attractive because they offer alternatives for both issuers and investors. Therefore, several companies have used this financial mechanism to raise capital. Although several studies have been published on this topic, mandatory convertible bonds (MCBs), which are subsets of convertible bonds, and their effect on economic value added (EVA) have not been explored deeply. This study analyses what happens to the EVA before, during and after the issuance when investors are involved as shareholders of a company issuing MCBs. A Colombian company is used as a case study. The results reveal that one of the main reasons behind the change in the EVA is not only the weighted average cost of capital or the invested capital but also the operating profit. The net operating profit after tax (NOPAT) depends on operating profit. Therefore, to generate a positive EVA, the NOPAT margin needs to be higher than the margin of financing costs.