bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The arrival of wagons to the Andes: Construction of the Cambao Wagon Road in 1880s Colombia
Authors: Duran Xavier , Páez Holmes , Torres Camilo
Published: February 2020

The slow adoption of wagon roads on the Andes is an event widely noted. In this article we document the arrival of the first wagon road to the Andes: the Cambao wagon road connecting Bogotá to the Magdalena river valley in 1885. The road projects, its construction and traffic once it opened are presented and discussed using a variety of newly identified archival sources. It is argued that the historic and economic significance of this technological milestone was probably obscured by the all too soon expected arrival of railways.
Educational Status Hierarchies, After-School Activities, and Parenting Logics: Lessons from Canada
Authors: Aurini Janice , Missaghian Rod , Milian Roger Pizarro
Published: February 2020

This article draws from American research on ‘‘concerted cultivation’’ to compare the parenting logics of 41 upper-middle-class parents in Toronto, Canada. We consider not only how parents structure their children’s after-school time (what parents do) but also how the broader ecology of schooling informs their parenting logics (how they rationalize their actions). We find that parenting practices mirror American research. Upper-middle-class families enroll their children in multiple lessons and cultivate their children’s skills. However, unlike their American counterparts, Canadian parenting logics are not explicitly stratification oriented, guided by a desire to access elite universities. Canada’s relatively flat stratification system of higher education, where prestige differences between universities are minimal, prompts the emergence of a more expressive parenting ethos. Our findings draw attention to the macrofoundations of social behavior by articulating the connection between parenting logics and educational status hierarchies. We conclude by considering the implications of cross-national differences to theories of parenting and social stratification.
Study of the effect of thermal conductivity on the anti-icing performance of coated fabrics
Authors: Han Lun , Zhao Xiaoming , Shen Yuhong
Published: February 2020

The anti-icing property of materials can be influenced by many factors, such as mechanical forces, electrostatic forces, van der Waals interaction and so on. In this research, the effect of thermal conductivity on the anti-icing performance of coated fabrics was studied. An instrument to observe the melting process of the ice on various materials was designed, by which the melting rate of the ice on the samples could be tested. A formula for the variation of the melting rate of the ice on the samples against the thermal conductivity of the samples was deduced using a mathematical method. It was proved that the formula can be used to study the effect of thermal conductivity on the anti-icing performance of coated fabrics. A coated fabric with anti-icing performance was prepared with Nomex IIIA fabrics, PU-2540 (Polyurethane-2540), Teflon emulsion, graphite powder, SiC powder and TG-581 (fluorine-containing water and oil repellent-581) using a knife coating method. The properties of the samples were investigated by using a video optical contact angle measuring instrument (OCA15 Pro), a thermal constants analyzer (TPS2500S, Hot Disk, Sweden), an anti-icing property tester, and other devices. Results show that the coated fabrics prepared in this manner have good performance in ease of ice removal and a low interaction with water and ice, resulting in good anti-icing properties.
Confirming Bias Without Knowing? Automatic Pathways Between Media Exposure and Selectivity
Authors: Kroon Anne C. , van der Meer Toni G. L. A. , Mastro Dana
Published: February 2020

This study moves beyond previous research by demonstrating how prior exposure to stereotypical content can reinforce the selection of comparable biased news content and by clarifying its intergroup and interpersonal consequences. With two experiments ( N = 236, N = 270), we show that media effects and selectivity of biased media content about Arabic migrant workers are connected by automatic (i.e., implicit) stereotypes. The findings reveal that exposure to moderate doses of stereotypic news primes affects the selection of biased news via implicit stereotypes and subsequently shifts intergroup and interpersonal outcomes in the direction of the activated biased beliefs. These effects did not surface for high doses of stereotypic news primes, suggesting that individuals resist and inhibit activation processes when exposure is perceived to be too extreme. As subtle forms of bias are omnipresent in news environments and implicit stereotypes operate partly under the radar of conscious awareness, they may affect selection without individuals being aware of it. The findings imply that audiences’ biased selectivity should not be seen in isolation from prior media exposure.
An economic analysis on Taiwanese wind power and regional development
Authors: Chen Li-Jiun , Zhang Liguo , Kung Chih-Chun
Published: February 2020

Due to environmental concern, Taiwan aims to remove nuclear power from its energy structure. Since an increase in fossil fuel-based generation is foreboded by law, the lost nuclear power can only be replaced by renewable energy sources. The maritime climate and constant monsoons make wind power a feasible alternative energy source to Taiwan. With more than 300 potential wind farm sites under consideration, the government does not have enough information to determine the best sites in terms of power generation and capital investments. To explore such information, this study employs a lifecycle analysis to identify the economic components of these sites under the estimates of wind speed data and potential wind power generation obtained in our previous study. We also use a sensitivity analysis to examine the impact of construction cost, maintenance cost, energy sale, and emission trade on the site selection decision. We show that variations in construction costs and energy prices have larger impacts than greenhouse gases prices. In addition, the results point out that most sites pass the cost-benefit examination, but site rankings may alter in the face of capital rationing and climate change. Some policy implications derived from the results are discussed in detail.
Laryngeal Candidiasis Mimicking Supraglottic Carcinoma by Prolonged Inhaled Steroid Therapy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mesolella Massimo , Maione Nunzia , Salerno Grazia , Motta Gaetano
Published: February 2020

Candidiasis is a rare entity reported as an isolated and primary laryngeal disease. In this condition, inhaled steroids were the single most common predisposing factor. Also mycotic infections of larynx are frequently seen in patients with immune insufficiency, although they have also been reported in individual with normal immune status. We report a case of isolated laryngeal Candidiasis in an immunocompetent individual, with an unusual presentation with exophytic lesion, edema, ulceration, white plaque, and pseudomembranous formation mimicking supraglottic carcinoma, to highlight the clinical of this condition and provide a review of the literature.
Screening for Erdoğanism: Television, post-truth and political fear
Authors: Çelik Burçe
Published: February 2020

The majority of current political communication studies focuses on digital and social media, and overlooks the centrality of television for the production and endurance of strongman politics in the Global South. By focusing on the journalistic television productions aired during the June 2018 election period in Turkey, this article unpacks the televisual logic that is incarnated in different modalities of telling and narrating of televisual genres. I propose two main themes: the ‘political fear’ of physical and social security threats, and ‘post-truth communications’ as the main televisual idioms for a vision of the future that is either secure or chaotic, that is, with or without Erdoğan. By combining political economy, content and textual analysis, I scrutinise the production dynamics of the televisual economy and the control and content of factual segments.
Crowding out: Is there evidence that public service media harm markets? A cross-national comparative analysis of commercial television and online news providers
Authors: Sehl Annika , Fletcher Richard , Picard Robert G
Published: February 2020

The impact of public service media (PSM) on media competition has become a topic of debate in many European countries. Some argue that PSM could starve commercial media, or discourage them from entering markets in the first place because they shrink commercial audiences, lowering both advertising income for free commercial television and willingness to pay for commercial products. Despite its prevalence as a policy argument, there has been limited research about the crowding out concept – and almost no research that is independent, comparative, and considers broadcasting as well as online markets. This article addresses these shortcomings by examining whether there is any evidence to support the crowding out argument by analysing national broadcast and online markets in all 28 European Union countries. More specifically, we focus on data on market resources, audience performance and payment for digital news. The analysis reveals little to no support for the crowding out argument for broadcasting and related online markets.
Synthetic cannabinoid use in psychiatric patients and relationship to hospitalisation: A retrospective electronic case register study
Authors: Hobbs Melissa , Patel Rashmi , Morrison Paul D , Kalk Nicola , Stone James M
Published: February 2020

Introduction and objectives:

Cannabis use has been associated with psychosis and with poor outcome in patients with mental illness. Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have been suggested to pose an even greater risk to mental health, but the effect on clinical outcome has not been directly measured. In this study, we aimed to investigate the demographics and hospitalisation of psychiatric patients who were SC users.

Methods:

We searched the Biomedical Research Centre Clinical Record Interactive Search register for SC users and age- and sex-matched SC non-users who had been psychiatric patients under the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. We recorded diagnosis, homelessness, cannabis use and the total number of days admitted as an inpatient to secondary and tertiary mental-health services.

Results:

We identified 635 SC users and 635 age- and sex-matched SC non-users. SC users were significantly more likely to be homeless (χ2=138.0; p<0.0001) and to use cannabis (χ2=257.3; p<0.0001) than SC non-users. SC users had significantly more inpatient days after their first recorded use of SCs than controls ( M ( SD)=85.5 (199.7) vs. 25.4 (92.32); p<0.0001). Post hoc tests revealed that SC non-users who used cannabis had fewer inpatient days than SC users ( p<0.0001), and that non-users of both SC and cannabis had fewer inpatient days than SC non-using cannabis users ( p=0.02).

Conclusions:

SC use may lead to an increase in the number of days spent in hospital in patients with psychiatric illness. This highlights the need for clinicians to ask specifically about SC use.
Microdosing psychedelics: Demographics, practices, and psychiatric comorbidities
Authors: Rosenbaum Daniel , Weissman Cory , Anderson Thomas , Petranker Rotem , Dinh-Williams Le-Anh , Hui Katrina , Hapke Emma
Published: February 2020

Rationale:

Microdosing psychedelics – the practice of consuming small, sub-hallucinogenic doses of substances such as LSD or psilocybin – is gaining attention in popular media but remains poorly characterized. Contemporary studies of psychedelic microdosing have yet to report the basic psychiatric descriptors of psychedelic microdosers.

Objectives:

To examine the practices and demographics of a population of psychedelic microdosers – including their psychiatric diagnoses, prescription medications, and recreational substance use patterns – to develop a foundation on which to conduct future clinical research.

Methods:

Participants ( n = 909; Mage = 26.9, SD = 8.6; male = 83.2%; White/European = 79.1%) recruited primarily from the online forum Reddit completed an anonymous online survey. Respondents who reported using LSD, psilocybin, or both for microdosing were grouped and compared with non-microdosing respondents using exploratory odds ratio testing on demographic variables, rates of psychiatric diagnoses, and past-year recreational substance use.

Results:

Of microdosers, most reported using LSD (59.3%; Mdose = 13 mcg, or 11.3% of one tab) or psilocybin (25.9%; Mdose = 0.3 g of dried psilocybin mushrooms) on a one-day-on, two-days-off schedule. Compared with non-microdosers, microdosers were significantly less likely to report a history of substance use disorders (SUDs; OR = 0.17 (95% CI: 0.05–0.56)) or anxiety disorders (OR = 0.61 (95% CI: 0.41–0.91)). Microdosers were also more likely to report recent recreational substance use compared with non-microdosers (OR = 5.2 (95% CI: 2.7–10.8)).

Conclusions:

Well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of this practice in clinical populations and to test claims about potential benefits.
Rectal cancer staging using MRI: adherence in reporting to evidence-based practice
Authors: Alvfeldt Gustav , Aspelin Peter , Blomqvist Lennart , Sellberg Nina
Published: February 2020

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the first-line imaging modality for local staging of rectal cancer. The radiology report should deliver all relevant available imaging information to guide treatment.

Purpose

To explore and describe if there was a gap between the contents in MRI reports for primary staging of rectal cancer in Sweden in 2010 compared to evidence-based practice.

Material and Methods

A total of 243 primary MRI staging reports from 2010, collected from 10 hospitals in four healthcare regions in Sweden, were analyzed using content analysis with a deductive thematic coding scheme based on evidence-based practice. Focus was on: (i) most frequently reported findings; (ii) correlation to key prognostic findings; and (iii) identifying if any findings being reported were beyond the information defined in evidence-based practice.

Results

Most frequently reported findings were spread through the bowel wall or not, local lymph node description, tumor length, and distance of tumor from anal verge. These items accounted for 35% of the reporting content. Of all reported content, 86% correlated with the evidence-based practice. However, these included more information than was generally found in the reports. When adjusting for omitted information, 48% of the reported content were accounted for. Of the reported content, 20% correlated to key pathological prognostic findings. Six types of findings were reported beyond the evidence-based practice, representing 14% of the total reporting content.

Conclusion

There was a gap between everyday practice and evidence-based practice in 2010. This indicates a need for national harmonization and implementation of standardized structured reporting templates.
Transthoracic echocardiographic assessment of the right ventricle before and after caesarean delivery: A preliminary investigation
Authors: Kumaresan Abirami , Shapeton Alexander D , Yuan Hong-mei , Hess Philip E
Published: February 2020

Transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation of the right ventricle is more difficult than the left ventricle and has not been well characterised in the parturient during delivery. As a preliminary investigation, our goal was to use bedside transthoracic echocardiography to evaluate right ventricular myocardial function before and after caesarean delivery. Term parturients undergoing caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia were enrolled. Echocardiography was performed pre- and postoperatively. Assessment of myocardial function included longitudinal myocardial strain using 2D-speckle tracking for both ventricles, and fractional area change for the right ventricle. Troponin-T, creatine kinase-muscle/brain and brain natriuretic peptide were measured pre- and postoperatively. One hundred patients were enrolled; 98 completed the study. Adequate images from both timepoints (pre- and postoperatively) were obtained in 85 patients for left ventricle assessment, and 66 for the right ventricle. Right ventricular fractional area change (mean (standard deviation)) (24.9% (8.9%) to 24.9% (9.2%); P = 0.99) and strain (−19.7% (6.8%) to −18.1% (6.5%); P = 0.08) measurements suggested mild baseline dysfunction and did not change after delivery. Left ventricular strain values were normal and unchanged after delivery (−23.8% (7.4%) to −24.3% (6.7%); P = 0.51). One patient had elevated troponin-T and demonstrated worse biventricular function. Elevation of brain natriuretic peptide ( n=7) was associated with mildly decreased left ventricular strain, but creatine kinase-muscle/brain ( n=4) was not associated with consistent changes in cardiac function. Further investigations into peripartum right ventricular function are required to validate the findings in this preliminary study. Findings of baseline mild right ventricular dysfunction and functional changes associated with troponin-T and brain natriuretic peptide warrant rigorous investigation.
Optimizing In-Place Density Through Improved Density Specifications
Authors: Aschenbrener Tim , Tran Nam
Published: February 2020

The objective of this research was to (1) determine critical requirement(s) for in-place density based on a review of the literature; (2) analyze density test results shared by state highway agencies (SHAs) across the country to identify state specifications that minimize density results failing the identified critical requirement; and (3) document specification parameters that are important to achieve the critical requirement to share with SHAs that are interested in improving their density specifications. Based on prior research, the minimum density of an asphalt mixture should be 92.0% of the theoretical maximum specific gravity, as density below this critical level would have a detrimental effect on the long-term performance of the mix. Twelve SHAs identified thus far in this research have successfully adopted density specifications that minimize the number of test results below the 92.0% threshold. The statewide density results below the threshold in these states ranged from 3.1 to 11.0%. The density specifications in the 12 states play an important role in achieving these results as discussed in the paper. The case study presented in this paper showed that the density results below the identified threshold for a state in the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Demonstration Project decreased from 20.0% to only 5.7% with an improved density specification. There are likely more states with test results like those identified, and they will be added as they are identified in the future. In addition, more states will be added as they make improvements to their density specifications through this effort.
What Is the Predictive Ability and Academic Impact of the Altmetrics Score and Social Media Attention?
Authors: Kunze Kyle N. , Polce Evan M. , Vadhera Amar , Williams Brady T. , Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Nho Shane J. , Chahla Jorge
Published: February 2020

Background:

Citation rate and journal impact factor have traditionally been used to assess research impact; however, these may fail to represent impact beyond the sphere of academics. Given that social media is now used to disseminate research, alternative web-based metrics (altmetrics) were recently developed to better understand research impact on social media. However, the relationship between altmetrics and traditional bibliometrics in orthopaedic literature is poorly understood.

Purpose:

To (1) assess the extent that altmetrics correlate with traditional bibliometrics and (2) identify publication characteristics that predict greater altmetrics scores.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

Articles published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine ( AJSM), The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, Acta Orthopaedica, and Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy between January 2016 and December 2016 were analyzed. Among the extracted publication characteristics were journal, number of authors, geographic region of origin, highest degree of first author, study subject and design, sample size, conflicts of interest, and level of evidence; number of references, institutions, citations, tweets, Facebook mentions, and news mentions; and Altmetric Attention Score (AAS). Multivariate regressions were used to determine (1) publication characteristics predictive of AAS and social media attention (mentions on Twitter, Facebook, and the news) and (2) the relationship between AAS and citation rate.

Results:

A total of 496 published articles were included, with a mean AAS of 8.6 (SD, 31.7; range, 0-501) and a mean citation rate of 15.0 (SD, 16.1; range, 0-178). Articles in AJSM (β = 19.9; P < .001), publications from North America (β = 8.5; P = .033), and studies concerning measure validation/reliability (β = 25.5; P = .004) were independently associated with higher AAS. Greater AAS score significantly predicted a greater citation rate (β = 0.16; P < .0001). The citation rate was an independent predictor of greater social media attention on Twitter, Facebook, and the news (odds ratio range, 1.02-1.03; P < .05 all).

Conclusion:

AAS had a significant positive association with citation rates of articles in 5 high-impact orthopaedic journals. Articles in AJSM, studies concerning measure validation and reliability, and publications from North America were positively associated with greater AAS. A greater number of citations was consistently associated with publication attention received on social media platforms.
Treatment of Pectoralis Major Tendon Tears: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Repair Timing and Fixation Methods
Authors: Bodendorfer Blake M. , Wang David X. , McCormick Brian P. , Looney Austin M. , Conroy Christine M. , Fryar Caroline M. , Kotler Joshua A. , Ferris William J. , Postma William F. , Chang Edward S.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Repair of torn pectoralis major tendons is generally considered superior to nonoperative management, but there is a paucity of comparative data to demonstrate ideal repair timing and fixation methods.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to compare the outcomes between acute and chronic repair and among the various methods of fixation (transosseous tunnels, cortical buttons, suture anchors, screws with washers, and direct repair). It was hypothesized that acute repair would have superior outcomes and there would be similar outcomes among the various methods of fixation.

Study Design:

Meta-analysis.

Methods:

In accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a systematic review of the literature was completed through MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science databases. English-language studies were included with a minimum of 6 months’ mean follow-up and 5 cases per study. MINORS (Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies) was utilized to assess the quality of the existing literature. Analysis of mechanisms of injury and meta-analysis of pooled outcomes were completed. Pooled effect sizes were calculated from random effects models. Continuous variables were assessed via mixed model analysis, with the individual study designated as a random effect and the desired treatment for comparison as a fixed effect. Bivariate frequency data were transformed through Freeman-Tukey log-linear transformation for variance stabilization and then assessed through a mixed model with a study-level random effect and subsequently back-transformed. Significance was set at P < .05.

Results:

Twenty articles with 384 injuries met the inclusion criteria for comparison. All patients were male, with 61.9% of injuries occurring during weight training, at a mean age of 31.53 years, and with a mean follow-up of 30.12 months. Included studies scored a mean (SD) 15.53 ± 4.26 (range, 7.0-23.3) by MINORS criteria. Acute repair was significantly superior to chronic repair, with a relative improvement of functional outcome by 0.85 ( P = .004) and satisfaction with cosmesis by 20.50% ( P = .003). There was a trend toward acute repair having a higher proportion of patients who were pain-free (34.47%, P = .064). There were no significant differences among the methods of fixation for repair.

Conclusion:

Acute repair of pectoralis major tendon tears resulted in significantly superior functional outcomes and cosmesis satisfaction with a trend toward a higher proportion of patients who were pain-free. There were no significant differences among the methods of fixation for repair.
How Well Are Radiology Residents Prepared for Practice After Training? A Survey of French-Speaking Quebec Recent Graduates and Department Chiefs
Authors: Labranche Roxanne , Lapierre Chantale , Trop Isabelle
Published: February 2020

Objective:

Radiology residents must fulfill a standardized curriculum to complete residency and pass a certification exam before they are granted a licence to practice. We sought to evaluate how well residency prepares trainees for practice as perceived by recent graduates and their department chiefs. Subjects and Methods: Radiologists who graduated from the 4 Quebec radiology residency programs between 2005 and 2016 (n = 237) and Quebec radiology department chiefs (n = 98) were anonymously surveyed. Two electronic surveys were created, for recent graduates (74 questions) and for department chiefs (11 questions), with multiple-choice questions and open questions covering all fields of radiology. Surveys were administered between April and June 2016 using the Association des radiologistes du Québec database.

Results:

Response rate was 75 (31.6%) of 237 from recent graduates and 96% rated their training as excellent or good. Satisfaction with training in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging was high, with musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging, particularly MSK ultrasound (US), as well as pediatric, cardiac, and vascular imaging needing more training. Thirty-nine (39.8%) of 98 department chiefs answered the survey and highlighted weaknesses in the interpretation of conventional radiography, obstetrical US, and invasive procedures, as well as limited leadership and administrative skills. Recent graduates and department chiefs both reported difficulties in the ability to interpret daily volume of examinations as scheduled and invasive procedure competency.

Conclusion:

This survey highlights areas of the radiology curriculum which may benefit from more emphasis during training. Adjustments in the residency program would ensure graduates are successful both in their certification exams and clinical practice.
Multidetector Computed Tomography in Traumatic and Nontraumatic Aortic Emergencies: Emphasis on Acute Aortic Syndromes
Authors: Sathiadoss Paul , Haroon Mohammad , Wongwaisayawan Sirote , Krishna Satheesh , Sheikh Adnan M.
Published: February 2020

Aortic emergencies comprise of a list of conditions which are uncommon but are potentially fatal. Prognosis is usually determined by emergent diagnosis and treatment and hence radiology plays a key role in patient management. In this article, we aim to review the various causes of aortic emergencies and the relevant imaging findings placing special emphasis on acute aortic syndromes.
Driving Factors and Actions Taken by Women to Confront Violence: Qualitative Research Based on Art
Authors: Arboit Jaqueline , de Mello Padoin Stela Maris
Published: February 2020

This qualitative study based on art aimed to analyze the critical path of women in coping with situations of violence in the city of Santa Maria/Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in these women’s perspective. It has as settings the Women’s Police Station (DEAM) and the institutional care service for women in situations of violence, named Casa Abrigo (Shelter House). The “talking map” creativity and sensitivity technique was used in conjunction with the in-depth interview to analyze the critical path of 12 women in situations of violence. The driving factors of the critical path of women in coping with situations of violence were related to their knowledge about the DEAM’s assistance, their perceptions about the experience of different types of violence, the fact that they can no longer stand the violence and that they worry about their children, as well as the support of their family, of the ex-husband’s or ex-partner’s relatives, and of their female friends. The decisions executed and actions taken by the women included reporting the aggressor, requesting a restraining order, seeking help from the guardianship council and family members, getting back together with the aggressor, and leaving home. There is a need to strengthen the decision-making process of women in situations of violence to break the silence and the situation of violence. For this purpose, it is urgent to broaden the information for and knowledge of women about where and how to seek help, through access to clear and precise information in all places that compose the assistance network for these women.
“He Who Spareth the Rod Hateth His Son”: Perceptions Regarding Corporal Punishment Among Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Fathers in Israel
Authors: Gemara Netanel , Nadan Yochay
Published: February 2020

Based on the findings of substantial research, Western professionals today perceive corporal punishment as a threat to child well-being. They also view it as a violation of children’s rights. Nonetheless, many minority groups in Western societies still consider it to be a legitimate child-rearing practice. In response to this gap, this article presents qualitative findings from an exploratory context-informed study of Ultra-Orthodox Jewish fathers in Israel, regarding their perceptions and ascribed meanings of corporal punishment. Our exploration was guided by the following research question: What are the constructions, perceptions, beliefs, and meanings associated with corporal punishment among Ultra-Orthodox Litvak fathers in Israel? The thematic analysis of 15 in-depth semi-structured interviews yielded two central themes. The first is the view of corporal punishment as an educational tool with legitimacy based on religious sources and emotion-focused rationales. The second theme deals with different limitations on and guidelines regarding this legitimacy. Children were struck as a result of behavior that parents experienced as extreme, and striking the child in response to religious wrongdoing was viewed as problematic. The fathers interviewed stressed the need to suit the punishment to the child, in terms of the intensity of the blow, frequency, and the age of the child. The fathers also emphasized the importance of the child’s subjective experience being one of education as opposed to humiliation. Implications from these findings illustrate the gaps between the Ultra-Orthodox community and professionals who espouse the Western view that prohibits corporal punishment; at the same time, they portray the fathers as expressing an intricate approach toward corporal punishment, with conditions and limitations, as opposed to absolute approval. This article advocates a context-informed approach toward dealing with corporal punishment in minority groups that legitimize the practice. Adopting such an approach may contribute to better cooperation between professionals and their clients from minority groups, and advance child well-being.
Incentivizing the Missing Middle: The Role of Economic Development Policy
Authors: Patrick Carlianne , Stephens Heather M.
Published: February 2020

The shrinking middle class and increasing income polarization in the United States are issues of concern to policy makers and others. Economic development incentives are a key policy tool used at the state and local levels to promote local economic growth, and, presumably, provide employment opportunities. However, these incentives may have unintended consequences that may be contributing to the decline of the middle class. The authors combine detailed industry-level detail on incentives with proprietary county-level industry employment data and two methods for defining middle-class industries. Using an instrumental variable approach, the authors estimate how differential economic development policies affect middle-class jobs. The authors find evidence that incentivizing creative-class and high-wage industries may be contributing to the hollowing out of the middle class. Without hurting employment in other industries, targeting working-class and middle-wage industries alleviates this trend, while reducing incentives on creative-class and high-wage industries could help increase working and middle-class employment.
Effects of construction industry support for PhD projects: The case of a Swedish scheme
Authors: Bröchner Jan , Sezer Ahmet Anıl
Published: February 2020

One of the many varieties of university–industry collaboration is industry engagement in doctoral programmes. A scheme operated by the Development Fund of the Swedish Construction Industry since the early 1990s has supported thesis projects for about 150 PhD candidates. While they were doctoral students they were employed by contractors as industrial doctoral candidates or by universities. The purpose of this investigation was to analyse how, as PhD graduates, they perceived the benefits of doctoral studies for themselves as individuals and also how they have contributed to the organization that employs them. Results from a survey with 125 respondents show that the greatest individual benefit is that of being able to access relevant information more rapidly, and that the greatest perceived organizational benefit arises from their ability to cooperate with knowledgeable clients.
Weakness of Will and Practical Identity
Authors: Jung Kevin
Published: February 2020

In this article, I develop an Augustinian response to some contemporary philosophical proposals concerning the problem of weakness of will. I argue that many philosophers tend to cast the problem in terms of irrationality, focusing on psychological components such as judgment, desire, and resolution. In contrast, I contend that weakness of will has more to do with the absence of a coherent conception of practical identity and with a misleading conception of practical identity that overestimates the agent’s normative and motivational capacities. I claim that the irrationality of the weak-willed agent is at best a symptom, rather than the ultimate source, of weakness of will which cannot be properly understood without first addressing the deficiency of our internal resources relative to our willing and doing.
Elevated IgA antiphospholipid antibodies in healthy pregnant women in Sudan but not Sweden, without corresponding increase in IgA anti-β2 glycoprotein I domain 1 antibodies
Authors: Elbagir S , Mohammed N A , Kaihola H , Svenungsson E , Gunnarsson I , Manivel V A , Pertsinidou E , Elagib EM , Nur M A M , Elussein E A , Elshafie A , Åkerud H , Rönnelid J
Published: February 2020

Objective

The role of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) during apparently normal pregnancy is still unclear. IgA aPL are prevalent in populations of African origin. Our aim was to measure all isotypes of anticardiolipin (anti-CL) and anti–β2 glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI) in healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women of different ethnicities.

Methods

Healthy Sudanese pregnant women ( n = 165; 53 sampled shortly after delivery), 96 age-matched Sudanese female controls and 42 healthy pregnant and 249 non-pregnant Swedish women were included. IgA/G/M anti-CL and anti-β2GPI were tested at one time point only with two independent assays in Sudanese and serially in pregnant Swedes. IgA anti-β2GPI domain 1 and as controls IgA/G/M rheumatoid factor (RF), IgG anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide 2 (anti-CCP2) and anti–thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) were investigated in Sudanese females.

Results

Pregnant Sudanese women had significantly higher median levels of IgA anti-CL, IgA anti-β2GPI ( p < 0.0001 for both antibodies using two assays) and IgM anti-β2GPI (both assays; p < 0.0001 and 0.008) compared with non-pregnant Sudanese. IgA anti-CL and anti-β2GPI occurrence was increased among Sudanese pregnant women compared with national controls. No corresponding increase during pregnancy was found for IgA anti-β2GPI domain 1 antibodies. Both IgG anti-CL and IgG control autoantibodies decreased during and directly after pregnancy among Sudanese. Serially followed Swedish women showed no changes in IgA aPL, whereas IgG/M anti-CL decreased.

Conclusions

IgA aPL are increased in Sudanese but not in Swedish women, without corresponding increase in IgA domain 1. Whether due to ethnicity and/or environmental influences the occurrence of IgA aPL during Sudanese pregnancies, and its clinical significance, is yet to be determined.
Spatial mapping of Brix and moisture content in sugarcane stalk using hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Maraphum Kanvisit , Saengprachatanarug Khwantri , Aparatana Kittipon , Izumikawa Yoshinari , Taira Eizo
Published: February 2020

Hyperspectral imaging is a powerful technique that can rapidly, accurately, and non-destructively determine the quality of agricultural products. In this study, a hyperspectral imaging system has been developed to evaluate and visualize the Brix values and moisture contents in sugarcane stalks to be used as a tool for breeding programmes. After extracting the spectral data via ENVI coding, data in the wavelength range of 450–950 nm were used to generate prediction models for Brix and moisture content via partial least squares regression. The coefficients of determination of the predictive models for Brix and moisture content were found to be 0.70 and 0.68, respectively. The root mean square errors of cross-validation were 1.28° for Brix and 1.49% for moisture content, and the performance to deviation ratios were 1.71 and 1.61, respectively. The models were applied to each pixel of the hypercube data in order to determine the distributions of Brix and moisture content within the sugarcane stalks. Both distribution mappings indicated that the Brix and the moisture content level were lower in the internode regions. The results demonstrated the feasibility of using hyperspectral imaging to visualize Brix and moisture content in sugarcane stalks. The developed method has potential applications in farming management and also in breeding programs.
Book review: Sayani Mitra, Silke Schicktanz, and Tulsi Patel (Eds.), Cross–Cultural Comparisons on Surrogacy and Egg Donation: Inter-disciplinary Perspectives from India, Germany and Israel
Authors: Rao Mohan
Published: February 2020

Sayani Mitra, Silke Schicktanz, and Tulsi Patel (Eds.), Cross–Cultural Comparisons on Surrogacy and Egg Donation: Inter-disciplinary Perspectives from India, Germany and Israel. Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan, Hardcover, 399 pages, 129,99 €, ISBN: 978-3-319-78670-4.
Book review: M. S. Sreerekha. State without Honour: Women Workers in India’s Anganwadis
Authors: Ray Panchali
Published: February 2020

M. S. Sreerekha. State without Honour: Women Workers in India’s Anganwadis. New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2017, 348 pages, ₹950. ISBN: 9780199468164.
Book review: Mohammad A. Quayum and Md. Mahmudul Hasan (Eds.), A Feminist Foremother: Critical Essays on Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain
Authors: Sonkar Madhulika
Published: February 2020

Mohammad A. Quayum and Md. Mahmudul Hasan (Eds.), A Feminist Foremother: Critical Essays on Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain. Hyderabad: Orient BlackSwan, 2017, 285 pages, ₹875. ISBN 978-93-86296-00-9.
Sustainable Green Policy by Managing Flare Gas Recovery: A Case with Middle East Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Sinha Bhaskar , Roy Supriyo , Bhagat Manju
Published: February 2020

Push for sustainability is evident in areas such as energy generation where the focus has been on finding new deposits to outpace drawdown on existing reserves. Gas flaring is employed by oil and gas industries to burn-off associated gasses from refineries, hydrocarbon processing plants or oil and gas reserve wells. It is one of the most taxing energies and environmental problems challenging the world today. Generally, safety flaring was dubbed as the saviour of process plants and mostly covers for sudden or unplanned plant trips. It is an opportunity to cut greenhouse gases (GHGs) from oil and gas processing plants through flare gas recovery (FGR) process. Oil and gas plants can employ diverse FGR procedures to offset key concerns about the environmental bearing of GHGs emanation most of which necessitating novel apparatus and extraordinary outlay of design and construction. In this study, apart from economic aspects, a real-life case study is extensively analysed to highlight exploration and adoption of optimizing FGR that may be beneficial if flare gas can be recovered, instead of burning. The output of the study may have a significant impact for refineries towards both economic and sustainability towards greening. In a nutshell, this study highlights the efficacy of reducing ‘flare gas system’ towards environment-friendly ‘greening’ aspect as the core of designing.
Book review: Radha R. Sharma (Ed.), Human Resource Management for Organizational Sustainability
Authors: Sharma Subhash
Published: February 2020

Radha R. Sharma (Ed.), Human Resource Management for Organizational Sustainability, New York: Business Expert Press, 2019, 211 pp., $36.95 (Print), $19.95 (Ebook). ISBN: 9781947098022.
Understanding the tests that we order: screening for anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in first episode psychosis
Authors: Singer Joel , Sachdev Perminder , Mohan Adith
Published: February 2020

Objective:

The current guidelines recommend screening all patients with first episode psychosis (FEP) for anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. This paper explores the pitfalls of this strategy.

Conclusion:

Screening for anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in patients with FEP when the pre-test probability based on the clinical presentation is low creates a risk of false positive results. Testing based on clinical suspicion would be preferable.
Chronic copper toxicosis in a crossbred heifer calf
Authors: Wong Agnes , Wilson-Frank Christina R. , Hooser Stephen B. , Burcham Grant N.
Published: February 2020

An 8-mo-old, crossbred, heifer calf was presented to the Heeke Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory with a history of ataxia and altered mentation. Grossly, the liver was diffusely yellow-orange, turgid, and exuded watery, thin blood on cut section. The cortex and medulla in both kidneys were diffusely and markedly dark brown to black. The urinary bladder was filled with dark red urine. Histologically, centrilobular hepatocellular degeneration was observed, but these sections lacked necrosis. In the kidney, numerous cortical tubules contained intraluminal bright eosinophilic fluid and red-orange granular casts that stained positive for hemoglobin with the Dunn–Thompson method. The gross and histologic lesions supported a high level of suspicion for copper toxicosis. Feed and water samples from the farm were submitted for mineral analysis. The copper concentration in the feed was 118 mg/kg, and the molybdenum concentration was 0.9 mg/kg. Chronic copper toxicosis is rarely reported in cattle. The gross lesions in our case are a departure from, although similar to, previously reported cases, including lack of histologic hepatocellular necrosis. Collectively, gross and histologic lesions were compatible with copper toxicosis in this calf, and copper concentrations in the feed samples suggest a feed-mixing error.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of First-Line FOLFIRI Combined With Cetuximab or Bevacizumab in Patients With RAS Wild-Type Left-Sided Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Han Jiaqi , Xiao Desheng , Tan Chongqing , Zeng Xiaohui , Hu Huabin , Zeng Shan , Jiang Qin , She Longjiang , Yao Linli , Li Li , Tang Lanhua , Ma Jian , Huang Jin , Shen Liangfang
Published: February 2020

Background:

The FIRE-3 phase III clinical trial demonstrated the marked advantage of prolonging the median overall survival of patients with final RAS wild-type (WT) left-sided metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) by 38.3 months after treatment with irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin (FOLFIRI) plus cetuximab and by 28.0 months after treatment with FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab. However, the substantial cost increase and economic impact of using cetuximab imposes a considerable burden on patients and society.

Methods:

A Markov model based on the data collected in the FIRE-3 trial was developed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of treating patients with FOLFIRI plus either cetuximab or bevacizumab from the perspective of the Chinese health-care system. Costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated over a lifetime horizon. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed by varying potentially modifiable parameters.

Results:

In our analysis, the total treatment costs in the bevacizumab and cetuximab groups were $92 549.31 and $94 987.31, respectively, and the QALYs gained were 1.58 and 2.05. In the base-case analysis, compared with bevacizumab, left-sided RAS WT patients receiving cetuximab gained 0.47 more QALYs at an ICER of $5187.23/QALY ($3166.23/LY). The 1-way sensitivity analysis showed that the most influential parameter was the cost of cetuximab. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that the cost-effective probability of cetuximab group was 92.8% under the willingness-to-pay threshold of $24 081.

Conclusions:

Treatment with FOLFIRI plus cetuximab in Chinese patients with left-sided RAS WT mCRC may improve health outcomes and use financial resources more efficiently than FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab.
Tumor Infiltration by OX40+ Cells Enhances the Prognostic Significance of CD16+ Cell Infiltration in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Haak Fabian , Obrecht Isabelle , Tosti Nadia , Weixler Benjamin , Mechera Robert , Däster Silvio , von Strauss Marco , Delko Tarik , Spagnoli Giulio C. , Terracciano Luigi , Sconocchia Giuseppe , von Flüe Markus , Kraljević Marko , Droeser Raoul A.
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

Analysis of tumor immune infiltration has been suggested to outperform tumor, node, metastasis staging in predicting clinical course of colorectal cancer (CRC). Infiltration by cells expressing OX40, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family, or CD16, expressed by natural killer cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells, has been associated with favorable prognosis in patients with CRC. We hypothesized that assessment of CRC infiltration by both OX40+ and CD16+ cells might result in enhanced prognostic significance.

Methods:

Colorectal cancer infiltration by OX40 and CD16 expressing cells was investigated in 441 primary CRCs using tissue microarrays and specific antibodies, by immunohistochemistry. Patients’ survival was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. Multivariate Cox regression analysis, hazard ratios, and 95% confidence intervals were also used to evaluate prognostic significance of OX40+ and CD16+ cell infiltration.

Results:

Colorectal cancer infiltration by OX40+ and CD16+ cells was subclassified into 4 groups with high or low infiltration levels in all possible combinations. High levels of infiltration by both OX40+ and CD16+ cells were associated with lower pT stage, absence of peritumoral lymphocytic (PTL) inflammation, and a positive prognostic impact. Patients bearing tumors with high infiltration by CD16+ and OX40+ cells were also characterized by significantly longer overall survival, as compared with the other groups. These results were confirmed by analyzing an independent validation cohort.

Conclusions:

Combined infiltration by OX40+ and CD16+ immune cells is an independent favorable prognostic marker in CRC. The prognostic value of CD16+ immune cell infiltration is significantly improved by the combined analysis with OX40+ cell infiltration.