bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relative to Whom? Comment on “Relative Education and the Advantage of a College Degree”
Authors: Furey Jane
Published: October 2021

To understand the relative advantage of a bachelor’s degree, we must consider the question: relative to whom? Using the Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement, Horowitz (2018) argues that educational expansion between 1971 and 2010 decreased college graduates’ skill usage and eroded their advantages relative to individuals without a postsecondary degree. However, the comparison group—individuals without a postsecondary degree—is inconsistently defined over time due to a change to the CPS in 1992; this group also includes individuals without a high school degree, high school graduates, and people with some college but no degree—three groups that have heterogeneous labor market experiences. I replicate Horowitz’s analysis and repeat it using two alternative education categorization schemes that address these limitations. I show that college graduates’ absolute and relative advantages in skill usage depend substantially on how we measure education. Notably, I find that college graduates maintain persistent relative advantages in skill usage when compared to high school graduates and individuals with some college, even as education expands. Although no classification system perfectly accounts for the full variation of the population, my findings demonstrate that researchers must carefully define key variables and comparison groups, especially when considering relative effects.
CTS: Theology in Canada: The state of the discipline
Authors: Sweet William
Published: October 2021

This article provides a survey of the state of the field of theology in Canada today, taking into account the work being done by members of the Canadian Theological Society. It opens with some historical background on the beginnings of theology as an academic discipline reflecting a distinctive Canadian perspective, then provides a brief survey of how things stand today, and concludes with some suggestions about where Canadian scholarship in theology is or may be tending.
The sovereignty of revelation: On Paul Ricœur’s hermeneutics of revelation
Authors: Mezei Balázs M
Published: October 2021

In this article I overview Paul Ricœur’s understanding of divine revelation on the basis of some of his relevant writings. I argue that Ricœur’s hermeneutics of revelation has two aspects: on the one hand Ricœur’s explains the complex ways of acquiring and interpreting divine revelation especially with respect to the Bible; on the other hand, he acknowledges that revelation, originating in God’s freedom, is immediately given. In Ricœur’s view, the understanding of this immediacy is tainted by the presence of evil in human understanding which hinders the realization of revelation itself. As a critique of this standpoint I argue that the immediate givenness of revelation is logically and phenomenologically presupposed in our interpretations. Any hermeneutics of revelation entails a phenomenology of revelation. This phenomenology contains both the self-founding of human beings and, at the same time, the recognition of the absoluteness of the divine. Husserl’s phenomenology offers a way to the understanding of the immediacy of revelation through his central term of Eigenheitlichkeit. Ricœur understands this term not as genuine reality but rather as appartenance, ‘belonging to’, and reshapes its meaning in line with a hermeneutical naturalism. This explains his difficulty to conceive properly the sovereignty of revelation and the importance of phenomenology in the understanding of its immediate character.
Opportunities to promote human rights and democratic values abroad: The case of Canadian foreign policy toward Venezuela
Authors: Grenier Yvon
Published: October 2021

This article examines Canadian foreign policy toward Venezuela, as a litmus test of Ottawa’s promise to project a consistently strong voice for the protection of human rights and the advancement of democratic values in the world. The case is made that Canada is more likely to gear up to an assertive approach if there is a perception that there is an opportunity for democratization in the country, and for policymakers in Ottawa, if there is an opportunity to prioritize human rights and democracy, as opposed to more traditional national interest objectives. The article offers an explanation about when and how Canada typically promotes its liberal values abroad.
How emerging trends in historiography expose the Canadian Army’s past discriminatory practices and provide hope for future change
Authors: Campbell Isabel
Published: October 2021

This “lessons learned” article examines how emerging trends over time in the historiography of the Canadian Army have challenged and continue to challenge the white Anglophone masculine heterosexual culture which is especially associated with its combat units. This study began as an examination of the intersection between the historiography and the current priorities for sufficient female participation in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) which are intended to improve past abusive patriarchal practices and create effective and safe international interventions. Gender and sexual abuses were the initial foci, but the historiography revealed the interconnectedness of widespread discriminations against all “others”—defined here as anyone with a different gender, sexuality, race, language, religion, or culture. The article opens with a brief summary of evolving feminist ideas about security forces in general. It then delves into the historiographical trends which have demonstrated how systemic discriminations have privileged white Anglo men in combat roles while underplaying their contributions and the contributions of “others” in support roles in the Canadian Army over time. The key lesson learned from this work is that gender balance alone is not enough to address the profound cultural issues which plague the Canadian Army.
A Study of Political Discourses in Egypt Post-Mubarak Era
Authors: Keshavarz Shokri Abbas , Shojaei Jabbar
Published: October 2021

The collapse of the Mubarak regime on 25 January 2011 marked the beginning of profound discursive challenges in Egypt. Following the January Revolution, the political forces and discourses long suppressed by Mubarak finally felt free to participate in the political struggles of the time, and attempted to lead the charge in the rebuilding and reorganizing process of Egyptian society. To shed light on the origin and characteristics of these discourses, attempts have been made in this paper to explain through discourse analysis the four major political discourses in today’s Egypt: democratic Islamism, authoritarian Islamism, secular democracy, and secular authoritarianism, and also to identify the political groups representing each discourse, their target groups, the method of their argumentation, and finally their proposed political agenda. To explain these discourses, the a posteriori discourse method is used, i.e. identifying the history of the formation of components and features of discourses. To this end, the discourse analysis of theorists such as Foucault and Van Dyke has been used to examine political discourses in Egypt. The factors used to examine the discourses are: discourse producers, discourse audiences, discourse content, and discourse actions.
Dietary Patterns and Risk of a New Carious Lesion Postpartum: A Cohort Study
Authors: Davis E. , Martinez G. , Blostein F. , Marshall T. , Jones A.D. , Jansen E. , McNeil D.W. , Neiswanger K. , Marazita M.L. , Foxman B.
Published: October 2021

Dental caries (cavities), one of the most common infectious diseases, is caused by a number of factors. Oral microbes, dietary practices, sociodemographic factors, and dental hygiene all inform caries risk. Assessing the impact of diet is complicated as individuals eat foods in combinations, and the interactions among the foods may alter caries risk. Our study aimed to prospectively assess the association between dietary patterns and caries risk in the postpartum period, a potentially sensitive period for caries development. We analyzed in-person dental assessments and telephone food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) from 879 Caucasian women participating in the Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia Cohort 2 (COHRA2) that were collected biannually for up to 6 y. One-week recall of food intake frequency was assessed using a Likert scale. We used principal component analysis to summarize the FFQ data; the top 2 components described 15% and 12% of the variance in FFQ data. The first component was characterized by high consumption of fruits and vegetables, while the second component was heavily influenced by desserts and crackers. We used a modified Poisson model to predict the risk of an increase in the number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth in the postpartum period by 1) dietary patterns and 2) individual foods and beverages at the previous study visit, after controlling for other known risk factors, including history of carious lesions. Eating a dietary pattern high in desserts and crackers was associated with a 20% increase in the number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth in the postpartum period (95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.39). However, this effect was attenuated among those who also consumed a dietary pattern high in fruits and vegetables. Dietary patterns should be considered when devising interventions aimed at preventing dental caries.
Music Education for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Full-Inclusion Context
Authors: Draper Amanda R.
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this multiple-case study was to explore the experiences of two students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a full-inclusion music education context and how those experiences aligned with stakeholder perspectives regarding the role of music education for this population. Three themes emerged from the data: The Not-So-Atypical Benefits, A Focus on Strengths, and A Culture of Inclusivity. Factors related to the educators and school community had impact on these students’ experiences and are further explored through the lens of an ethic of hospitality. Documenting educational practices and elucidating the beliefs of stakeholders (including music educators, the special education team, administration, and parents) regarding music education for students with ASD in an inclusion setting may offer insights into best practices while interrogating perceptions regarding unique benefits for this population.
Sharing genetic resources fairly between nations
Authors: Kharb Deepa
Published: October 2021

The global governance of natural resources was established initially by Convention on Biodiversity(CBD) in 1992 followed by Nagoya Protocol(NP) in 2010 with an objective of ensuring fairness and equitable benefit sharing arising from the exploitation of genetic resources creating incentive at the same time for the conservation and sustainable use of such resources. The framework has been criticized for its inefficiency in achieving its objectives. Recently it has been the subject of debate on whether digital sequence information is covered by the term ‘genetic resources’. There are divergent views in different countries on how digital sequencing information (DSI) should be defined and whether the information derived or non-tangible aspect of genetic resources should also fall under the ABS regime. The present paper analyses the Indian position on these points.
Perceptions of Work Value and Ethical Practices Amongst Primary School Teachers, Demographics, Intervention, and Impact
Authors: Ede Moses Onyemaechi , Okeke Chinedu Ifedi , Adene Friday , Areji Anthony C.
Published: October 2021

The rate of value decadence and degeneration of moral value as it applies to work ethic amongst teachers is worrisome, especially in Nigeria. This value decadence amongst Nigerian teachers could have been triggered off as a result of their false perceptions in placing demands. This study therefore investigated the effect of rational emotive occupational intervention on the perceptions of work value and ethical practices amongst teachers in primary schools in Nigeria. Randomized group control intervention was adopted with 168 primary school teachers selected as participants for this study. The participants were allocated to (treatment group: n = 84) and (waitlisted control group: n = 84). The participants in the treatment group received a 12-week program of activities (REBOI) whereas the waitlisted group received the conventional means of counseling. The results showed that rational emotive behavioural occupational intervention was significant in the work values of primary school teachers in Nigeria as measured by the Organizational Values Scale . Rational emotive occupational intervention was significant in the ethical sensitivity of primary school teachers in Nigeria as measured by the Ethical Sensitivity Scale. It was also found that rational emotive behavioral occupational intervention has significant long-term effects on work value and ethical practices among primary school teachers in Nigeria as measured by the Organizational Values Scale, Ethical Sensitivity Scale. Therefore, we conclude that rational emotive behavioral occupational intervention is effective in changing the false perceptions of work value and ethical practices among primary school teachers in Nigeria.
A novel dynamic integral sliding mode control for power electronic converters
Authors: Riaz Mudassar , Yasin Abdul Rehman , Arshad Uppal Ali , Yasin Amina
Published: October 2021

The key characteristics of the sliding mode control (SMC) are the ability to manage unmodeled dynamics with rapid response and the inherent robustness of parametric differences, making it an appropriate choice for the control of power electronic converters. However, its drawback of changing switching frequency causes critical electro-magnetic compatibility and switching power loss issues. This paper addresses the problem by proposing a dynamic integral sliding mode control for power converters having fixed switching frequency. A special hardware test rig is developed and tested under unregulated 12.5-22.5 V input and 30 V output. The experimental findings indicate excellent controller efficiency under wide range of loads and uncertain input voltage conditions. In addition, the findings indicate that the closed-loop system is robust to sudden differences in load conditions. This technique provides an improvement of [Formula: see text]% in the rise time, [Formula: see text]% in the settling time and [Formula: see text]% in robustness of the controller as compared to conventional controllers. Furthermore, the comparison with the existing fixed-frequency sliding mode control techniques is presented in a tabular form.
Design, preparation, and characterization of auxetic weft backed weave fabrics based on Miura origami structure
Authors: Xu Qiaoli , Gu Longxin , Liu Gui , Liu Zhuoran , Lu Dongdong , Du Zhaoqun
Published: October 2021

The metamaterials with negative Poisson’s ratio are called auxetic materials, which as a branch of metamaterials has drawn a lot of attention in many areas. Existing auxetic knitting textiles combine flexibility and auxeticity, however the loose structure has been a main disadvantage for its application. In this study, we fabricated Miura origami structure fabrics by weaving technology in order to acquire more stable auxetic textiles. The results show that using the combination of fabric structure type and elastic yarns, an origami structure can be realized in a jacquard loom. In the Miura origami structure, the crease pattern can be separated into three parts, unfolding areas, convex areas, and concave areas. One warp system and two weft systems are compounded together, in which a weft backed weave is used to get elastic floats in the convex and concave areas, and to make the fabrics bend to the concave side. The physical map showed that the fabrics had a clear Miura origami structure and the unfolding areas were flat and even. On the basis of the designed geometric pattern, weft backed weaves can be used to construct different folded areas, spandex wrapped PET (Polyester) and inelastic PET are selected as two weft systems for weaving. Meanwhile, the Miura origami fabrics exhibit distinct in-plane negative Poisson’s ratio and out-of-plane positive Poisson’s ratio. Apart from the Miura origami structure, other origami and paper-cut structures can be realized using this method, and these special auxetic textiles have potential in protective cloths, ornamented textiles, wearable devices, and flexible sensors.
God is Doing a New Thing in the ELCA: Trends from the FACT Data
Authors: Coe Deborah L. , Petersen Brad
Published: October 2021

For decades, mainline Protestant denominations in the United States have experienced steady membership declines. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is no different, and our research team has been exploring this topic for years. Faith Communities Today (FACT) is an interfaith project consisting of a series of surveys conducted by the Cooperative Congregational Studies Partnership, of which the ELCA is a long-standing member. In this article, we examine data collected from the three decennial FACT surveys to discern where, despite declining membership, God is, to quote the prophet Isaiah, “doing a new thing.” We find that over the past twenty years, the typical ELCA congregation has had a gradually increasing: sense of vitality, belief that it is financially healthy, desire to become more diverse, willingness to call women to serve as pastors, openness to change, and clarity of mission and purpose. Because there are multiple possible explanations for these positive trends, we recommend approaching such trend lines cautiously, viewing them through a critical-thinking lens. Even though there is an increased perception of congregational well-being, overall finances and the number of people involved in the church continue to decline. There is still much work to be done.
The Episcopal Church
Authors: James Molly F.
Published: October 2021

Recent data provide cause for concern in areas of decline for mainline denominations generally, and the Episcopal Church in particular. There are also significant opportunities evident from trends in the data. Information gleaned from the 2020 FACT survey, particularly the qualitative data that focus on sources of concern and pride, can help to illuminate the complexity of the adaptive challenges we face as a church. This analysis of the data highlights the complexity of the challenges, while also pointing to hope and possibility for the future.
A Look at the Seventh-day Adventist Church:
Authors: Činčala Petr , Drumm René D. , Sahlin Monte , Sauceda Allison
Published: October 2021

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a worldwide Christian denomination with a rich heritage. Thus, the Adventist Church considers itself to be set apart from the world with a unique mission; members also follow distinctive lifestyle practices. But are Seventh-day Adventists really a unique denomination or are they just a different flavor of mainstream Protestantism? Using data from the FACT 2020 survey and comparing the Adventist sample (N = 313) with the entire interfaith sample (N = 15,278), researchers compared different aspects of church life, including vitality and church growth, local church leadership, engagement in spiritual practices, and engagement in relational spiritual activities. While the data from the FACT 2020 survey present unique strengths of Adventist congregations, weaknesses were also revealed, as compared with the interfaith sample.
A Realignment of the Catholic Church in the United States
Authors: Wiggins Jonathon L. , Gautier Mary L. , Gaunt Thomas P.
Published: October 2021

The official, parish-identified, Catholic population in the United States over the past forty years (1980 to 2019) has grown 40 percent, from about 48 million to over 67 million. Such a hearty rate of growth might lead one to assume that the Catholic population is increasing across all parts of the country. This growth, however, has been anything but uniform. From 1980 to the present, the Catholic population in some US Census regions—mostly in the South and in the West of the country—has experienced a boom, while in others—mostly in the Northeast and Midwest—it has experienced a bust. In this article, the growth or decline in the number of Catholics in each of the four US Census regions is explored, using data from the 2020 Faith Communities Today survey as well as data submitted by Catholic dioceses. These analyses give a more nuanced portrait of the Catholic Church in the United States, shedding light on both the challenges and opportunities the US Catholic Church is experiencing in 2021.
Exploring the Dynamics and Challenges of Congregational Size
Authors: Thumma Scott L.
Published: October 2021

This article explores several dimensions of the current realities of size in US congregations. Drawing on the Faith Communities Today 2020 national research effort, the differences between various size groupings of congregations are explored. For each of the five size groupings, from under 50 attendees to over 1,500 worshippers, the article highlights survey results showing the benefits and challenges associated with each size cluster and implications for congregational flourishing. The article further examines the twofold dynamic of the rapid decline in smaller congregations and the increased consolidation of a majority of attendees in larger congregations. Using survey data, the article argues that this trend has resulted in considerable growth of the larger communities and rapid decline of the smaller ones.
Overall Congregational Vitality in the United Church of Christ: Predictors and Implications
Authors: Dollhopf Erica J.
Published: October 2021

This article examines the predictors of overall congregational vitality in the United Church of Christ (UCC), a US mainline Protestant denomination of approximately 5,000 churches and 800,000 members. This analysis is based on data from the UCC version of the Faith Communities Today survey, which surveyed all UCC congregations in early 2020. An overall congregational vitality scale was created from survey questions; factors associated with congregational vitality were tested to see which ones had a statistically significant relationship with a congregation's level of overall vitality. Aspects of congregations that were significantly associated with overall congregational vitality included the fit between the pastor and congregation, innovative worship, racial diversity, and total number of participants, while the percentage of young adults, contemporary worship, founding year of congregation, percentage change in worship attendance over the past five years, current financial health of congregation, and percentage of female participants did not influence overall congregational vitality. This research may be useful for congregations seeking to maintain or increase their vitality and for researchers interested in identifying the components and predictors of congregational vitality.
Social Distancing vs Social Interaction for Older Adults at Long-Term Care Facilities in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Review and Synthesis of Action Plans
Authors: Ferdous Farhana
Published: October 2021

The present study aimed to systematically analyze the impact of COVID-19-related social distancing requirements on older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and to synthesize the literature into thematic action plans to minimize the adverse effects of social isolation. The search included articles published between December 2019 and August 2020 across four databases. The inclusion criteria were used to screen for studies that reported on social isolation and loneliness due to the COVID-19 pandemic in older adults living in LTCFs. This rapid review identified 29 relevant studies and synthesized them into four thematic action plans: technological advancement, remote communication, therapeutic care/stress management, and preventive measures. These thematic action plans and cost-effective strategies can be immediately adopted and used as a resource for all LTCF administrators, healthcare design professionals, and researchers in battling current COVID-19-related issues, and improving social interaction in older adults living in care facilities.
Depressive symptoms and socio-demographic correlates among adolescents in Kampala: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nsereko James Roger , Garman Emily Claire , Roomaney Rizwana
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in secondary school students in Kampala, Uganda, and assess associations with demographic characteristics and living arrangements. In this cross-sectional study, 14- to 17-year-olds were recruited from six randomly selected schools in Kampala. Participants completed a questionnaire, covering demographic questions and the affective problems subscale of the Youth Self-Report (YSR) – a depression screening tool for minors. Scores range from 0 to 26; a minimum score of 9 and 8 for female and male participants, respectively, suggests depressive symptoms in the clinical range, according to standard (non-local) norms. Unadjusted logistic regressions were used to assess demographic (e.g., age, gender, religion, parental education) and family-related characteristics (e.g., living arrangements, household size) associated with symptoms of depression in the clinical range. In total, 503 participants were recruited, of which 26.6% had depressive symptoms in the clinical range (female: 32.5%, male: 18.1%; risk ratio [RR] = 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.28, 2.51]). Those who reported living with only one parent (RR = 1.62, 95% CI [1.14, 2.30]) or another family member/friend (RR = 1.98, 95% CI [1.14, 2.30]) were at increased risk of depressive symptoms above clinical threshold compared with participants living with both parents. A quarter of urban low-risk school-going adolescents had depressive symptoms in the clinical range in Kampala; girls and adolescents not living with their parents were particularly vulnerable. It recommended that school staff be equipped with skills to identify students who may be at risk for depression and make appropriate referrals.
“Secrecy or Silence with Her Finger on Her Mouth”: Jeremy Bentham’s Other Model of Visibility and Power
Authors: Collins Kristen R.
Published: October 2021

To challenge the Foucauldian legacy of Jeremy Bentham’s panopticon prison, scholars often highlight Bentham’s later writings on the democratic power of public opinion. In doing so, they reaffirm Bentham’s reputation as a unreserved proponent of transparency. To recover the limits of Bentham’s embrace of publicity, I examine the model of visibility exemplified by his designs for the Sotimion, a residence for unmarried, pregnant women. The Sotimion draws our attention to Bentham’s appreciation for concealment as a method of preventing individual and social harms caused by publicity and his criticisms of ascetic sexual norms. By being able to see visitors without being seen by them, the residents of the Sotimion would have avoided social censure while continuing to meet with friends, family, and even lovers. The Sotimion designs eschewed the panoptic principle, the use of asymmetric surveillance to reform moral behavior, and offered what I call the “soteric principle,” the use of asymmetric surveillance to protect the observer from punishment. By comparing the Sotimion to the Magdalen Hospital for Penitent Prostitutes and Bentham’s discussions of panoptic institutions for women, I examine the Sotimion’s distinctiveness while acknowledging its normalizing effects for residents from lower socioeconomic classes. Just as the panopticon captured Bentham’s commitment to publicity, applying the soteric model to Bentham’s theory of public opinion highlights his commitment to secrecy for protecting critics of government abuses from retribution.
‘If they Will Enter my Rest’: The Impact of the Greek Translation Technique of Psalm 95 for the Argument of Hebrews 3 and 4
Authors: McKay J. Michael
Published: October 2021

Hebrews 4.3-5 introduces tension where the author cites Ps. 95.11b, ‘they will never enter into my rest’, then describes the available rest, and then quotes Ps. 95.11b again. The author appears to undercut the promise of rest by citing the prohibitive oath. This article argues that the tension in Heb. 4.3-5 can be dissolved by translating Ps. 95.11b not as an emphatic negative oath (‘they will never enter into my rest’) but as an open-ended conditional statement (‘if they will enter into my rest’). This is argued in the following way: first, the issue of an assumed Hebraism is explained. Second, three problems with the Hebraism solution are presented. Third, the Interlinear Paradigm of the New English Translation of the Septuagint (NETS) is introduced resulting in two further criticisms of the Hebraism translation. Last, the author’s argument in Heb. 4.3-5 is read with the meaning of the open-ended conditional.
Development and Characterization of an Electrocochleography‐Guided Robotics‐Assisted Cochlear Implant Array Insertion System
Authors: Henslee Allan M. , Kaufmann Christopher R. , Andrick Matt D. , Reineke Parker T. , Tejani Viral D. , Hansen Marlan R.
Published: October 2021

Objective

Electrocochleography (ECochG) is increasingly being used during cochlear implant (CI) surgery to detect and mitigate insertion‐related intracochlear trauma, where a drop in ECochG signal has been shown to correlate with a decline in hearing outcomes. In this study, an ECochG‐guided robotics‐assisted CI insertion system was developed and characterized that provides controlled and consistent electrode array insertions while monitoring and adapting to real‐time ECochG signals.

Study Design

Experimental research.

Setting

A research laboratory and animal testing facility.

Methods

A proof‐of‐concept benchtop study evaluated the ability of the system to detect simulated ECochG signal changes and robotically adapt the insertion. Additionally, the ECochG‐guided insertion system was evaluated in a pilot in vivo sheep study to characterize the signal‐to‐noise ratio and amplitude of ECochG recordings during robotics‐assisted insertions. The system comprises an electrode array insertion drive unit, an extracochlear recording electrode module, and a control console that interfaces with both components and the surgeon.

Results

The system exhibited a microvolt signal resolution and a response time <100 milliseconds after signal change detection, indicating that the system can detect changes and respond faster than a human. Additionally, animal results demonstrated that the system was capable of recording ECochG signals with a high signal‐to‐noise ratio and sufficient amplitude.

Conclusion

An ECochG‐guided robotics‐assisted CI insertion system can detect real‐time drops in ECochG signals during electrode array insertions and immediately alter the insertion motion. The system may provide a surgeon the means to monitor and reduce CI insertion–related trauma beyond manual insertion techniques for improved CI hearing outcomes.
Patterns of Failure After Definitive Treatment of T4a Larynx Cancer
Authors: Voora Rohith S. , Panuganti Bharat A. , Flagg Mitchell , Nelson Tyler , Kotha Nikhil V. , Qiao Edmund M. , Qian Alexander S. , Kumar Abhishek , Stewart Tyler F. , Rose Brent , Califano Joseph , Weissbrod Philip A. , Mell Loren K. , Orosco Ryan K.
Published: October 2021

Objective

Recurrence is known to predict laryngeal squamous cell cancer (LSCC) survival. Recurrence patterns in T4a LSCC are poorly characterized and represent a possible explanation for observed survival discrepancies by treatment rendered.

Study Design

Retrospective database review.

Setting

Veterans Affairs national database.

Methods

Patients with T4a LSCC between 2000 and 2017 were identified and stratified by treatment (chemoradiotherapy [CRT] vs total laryngectomy + neck dissection + adjuvant therapy [surgical]). Primary outcomes were locoregional and distant recurrence. Secondary outcomes of overall mortality, larynx cancer mortality, and noncancer mortality were evaluated in Cox and Fine‐Gray models.

Results

A total of 1043 patients had comparable baseline demographics: 438 in the CRT group and 605 in the surgical group. Patients undergoing CRT had higher proportions of node positivity (64.6% vs 53.1%, P <. 001). Locoregional and distant recurrence were less common in the surgical group (23.0% vs 37.2%, P <. 001; 6.8% vs 13.3%, P <. 001, respectively); however, distant metastatic rates did not differ within the N0 subgroup (P =. 722). On multivariable regression, surgery demonstrated favorable locoregional recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 0.49; 95% CI, 0.39‐0.62; P <. 001), distant recurrence (HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.31‐0.71; P <. 001), overall mortality (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.64‐0.87; P <. 001), and larynx cancer mortality (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.56‐0.85; P <. 001).

Conclusion

T4a LSCC survival discrepancies between surgical and nonsurgical treatment are influenced by varying recurrence behaviors. Surgery was associated with superior disease control and improved survival. Beyond the known benefit in locoregional control with surgery, there may be a protective effect on distant recurrence that depends on regional disease burden.
Public Health Perspectives of Geriatric Mental Health Care
Authors: Rangarajan Subhashini K. , Sivakumar Palanimuthu Thangaraju , Manjunatha Narayana , Kumar Channaveerachari Naveen , Math Suresh Bada
Published: October 2021

Background:

In older adults (aged 60 years and above), mental health problems are gaining public health importance because of the increasing prevalence, disease burden, disability, morbidity, and mortality. Epidemiological studies on major mental health disorders such as depression and dementia in older adults have contributed to a better understanding of the distribution and determinants of these conditions. Identifying potential risk factors has stimulated interventional research on preventing these conditions under the public health framework towards their management. The increasing burden of geriatric mental health conditions like dementia in developing countries like India can contribute to significant challenges if there is no adequate strengthening of the public health response. This includes scaling up the measures of prevention, public awareness, early diagnosis, and quality health and social care equitably available to all sections of the population. The Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) provides the opportunity for concerted and coordinated initiatives to improve intrinsic capacity (physical and mental) and offer an age-friendly environment to enhance the functional ability of all older adults.

Methods:

This article reviews the critical public health issues related to geriatric mental health in India.
Formulation and application of a multi-variable location quotient index in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Authors: Meyer Daniel F , Niyimbanira Ferdinand
Published: October 2021

Leading regions drive economic growth and development, and it is important to determine which sectors are driving growth. Leading sectors need to be supported while lagging sectors need to be guided towards growth. The location quotient method has been used as a regional economic development measurement tool using a single variable, mostly employment data. This paper aims to formulate and apply a multi-variable location quotient index (MVLQI), which includes four variables, allowing for a more comprehensive and consistent model. A new formula was developed as part of the methodology, and a classification matrix and index coefficient values were categorised. The new model was tested and applied in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, between 2012 and 2017. A normal index was calculated for both years and a dynamic index based on the four variables included in the model. The study’s contribution is that the outcomes from the MVLQI provide analysts with more comprehensive and consistent results for economic strategy development. The new MVLQI could be used with success in regional economic analysis in identifying sectors with high levels of concentration, comparative advantage and calculation of multipliers.
Association of cerebral small vessel disease burden with brain structure and cognitive and vascular risk trajectories in mid-to-late life
Authors: Jansen Michelle G , Griffanti Ludovica , Mackay Clare E , Anatürk Melis , Melazzini Luca , Lange Ann-Marie G de , Filippini Nicola , Zsoldos Enikő , Wiegertjes Kim , Leeuw Frank-Erik de , Singh-Manoux Archana , Kivimäki Mika , Ebmeier Klaus P , Suri Sana
Published: October 2021

We characterize the associations of total cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) burden with brain structure, trajectories of vascular risk factors, and cognitive functions in mid-to-late life. Participants were 623 community-dwelling adults from the Whitehall II Imaging Sub-study with multi-modal MRI (mean age 69.96, SD = 5.18, 79% men). We used linear mixed-effects models to investigate associations of SVD burden with up to 25-year retrospective trajectories of vascular risk and cognitive performance. General linear modelling was used to investigate concurrent associations with grey matter (GM) density and white matter (WM) microstructure, and whether these associations were modified by cognitive status (Montreal Cognitive Asessment [MoCA] scores of < 26 vs. ≥ 26). Severe SVD burden in older age was associated with higher mean arterial pressure throughout midlife (β = 3.36, 95% CI [0.42-6.30]), and faster cognitive decline in letter fluency (β = −0.07, 95% CI [−0.13–−0.01]), and verbal reasoning (β = −0.05, 95% CI [−0.11–−0.001]). Moreover, SVD burden was related to lower GM volumes in 9.7% of total GM, and widespread WM microstructural decline (FWE-corrected p < 0.05). The latter association was most pronounced in individuals who demonstrated cognitive impairments on MoCA (MoCA < 26; F3,608 = 2.14, p = 0.007). These findings highlight the importance of managing midlife vascular health to preserve brain structure and cognitive function in old age.
Toxic Relationships: The Experiences and Effects of Psychopathy in Romantic Relationships
Authors: Forth Adelle , Sezlik Sage , Lee Seung , Ritchie Mary , Logan John , Ellingwood Holly
Published: October 2021

Limited research exists on the impact of psychopathy within romantic relationships. We examined mental and physical health consequences reported by intimate partners of individuals with psychopathic traits. Additionally, we explored whether psychopathy severity and coping impacted the severity of posttraumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms. Four hundred fifty-seven former and current intimate partners of individuals with psychopathic traits were recruited from online support groups. Victims reported a variety of abusive experiences and various negative symptomatology involving emotional, biological, behavioral, cognitive, and interpersonal consequences. Psychopathy severity and maladaptive coping were significantly related to increased PTSD and depression, while adaptive coping was only related to decreased depression. Regression analyses revealed that experiencing many forms of victimization predicted increased PTSD and depression symptoms. Examining the specific consequences experienced by intimate partners of individuals with psychopathic traits can aid the development of individualized treatment interventions aimed at symptom mitigation, recovery, and prevention of future victimization.
Involvement in Crime and Delinquency and the Development of Technological and Computer Skills: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Rima Dzhansarayeva , Atakhanova Saltanat , Mukhamadieva Gulzhan , Adlet Yergali , Beaver Kevin M.
Published: October 2021

A body of research has revealed that involvement in crime and delinquency is associated with a wide number of social, economic, and health consequences. The current study built off this knowledge base and examined whether measures of adolescent violent delinquency and contact with the criminal justice system were related to the access of basic, and experience with, technology, and computers. To do so, longitudinal data drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) were analyzed. The results revealed that self-reported violent delinquency in adolescence was associated with a decreased probability of owning a computer and having an email account 10 to 12 years into the future. Additionally, measures of contact with the criminal justice system, low self-control, delinquent peers, and governmental public assistance were also associated with the probability of owning a computer and having an email account.
Aircraft Sequencing and Scheduling in Parallel-Point Merge Systems for Multiple Parallel Runways
Authors: Dönmez Kadir , Çetek Cem , Kaya Onur
Published: October 2021

The Point Merge System (PMS) is one of the approaches that offer systematic sequencing in terminal maneuver area (TMA) which was developed at the EUROCONTROL Experimental Centre in 2006. The Parallel-Point Merge System (P-PMS) is used in TMAs with high air traffic density as a combination of two PMSs with opposite directions. However, it is difficult to optimize arrival sequences in such a system because of the additional separation requirements at common points as well as at merge points. Additionally, it is important to operate at maximum efficiency with parallel runway systems when using the runway reassignment process. Reassigning arriving/departing aircraft to a different runway, however, can significantly affect delays and fuel consumption depending on the difference in taxi-in/out times. This effect is overlooked in most aircraft sequencing and scheduling optimization studies with PMS. This study proposes single and multi-objective programming models for a TMA with P-PMS to minimize total fuel consumption, total flight time, and total delay including taxi-in/out times. The models were implemented on the current layout of Istanbul Airport having two PMS with two merge points, three common points, and five parallel runways. The considered traffic scenarios included both dependent and independent runway operations for mixed arrival–departure sequences. The results revealed that arrival–departure sequencing considering taxi-in/out times resulted in shorter delays up to 77.5% and low level of fuel consumption up to 8.7%.
Bringing Rurality Back to Planning Culture
Authors: Hibbard Michael , Frank Kathryn I.
Published: October 2021

The vast majority of the world’s land area is rural, yet rurality is routinely marginalized in planning. Urban bias is tacit and under-problematized, so the challenges facing rural areas and the importance of those challenges for society as a whole are not much reflected in planning scholarship or practice. We interrogate the urban bias and its implications for rural planning through the lens of planning cultures, using a content analysis of prominent and recent texts to shed light on the nature and implications of urban bias. Finally, we suggest ways to “bring the rural back” into twenty-first-century planning.
A qualitative contextual analysis of U.S. immigration coverage by media during the Obama and Trump presidencies
Authors: Sadler Jennifer
Published: October 2021

This qualitative analysis examines the frequency and sentiment of immigration-related posts by media organizations and audience reactions on Facebook from the last term of Barack Obama’s presidency and the first term of Donald Trump’s presidency, January 2013–December 2020, under the lens of critical race and agenda building theories. Results indicate that news media have increased posting about this topic since 2013, the sentiment is statistically negative and audiences have elevated their participation over time.
Political Will and Media Law: A Poland Case Analysis
Authors: Guzek Damian , Grzesiok-Horosz Agnieszka
Published: October 2021

A significant element of Central and Eastern Europe’s democracies backsliding process turns out to be changes in the media law. These changes are now leading to a decline in media freedom. The article attempts to understand this phenomenon by analyzing the process of legal and policy changes in Poland. In the course of the analysis, the reader’s attention is drawn to three elements that form the mainline of events related to the weakening of media freedom. These are, in turn, (a) the takeover of public media by influencing the staffing of media companies, (b) introducing a new, completely politicized body into the legal order, which duplicates the already existing and partially politicized media authority, and (c) exerting economic and legal pressure on the media independent of the authorities, so that they can be taken over by state-owned companies or businessmen favoring the authorities. As a whole, this decline in media freedom can be viewed as a strategy that antagonizes society.
Carboxyl graphene reinforced melamine-based polyamide nanocomposites
Authors: Madhad Himanshu V , Vasava Dilip V
Published: October 2021

Over the years, various types of techniques have been used for the synthesis of nanocomposites. In this work, melamine-based polyamide (PA) was synthesized using a one-pot polycondensation method under mild conditions. carboxyl graphene (CG)/PA nanocomposites (CGMPA) were prepared by CG nanofiller loadings of 1, 3, and 5 wt.% via delamination/adsorption approach. The prepared CGMPA nanocomposites were characterized using different analyses, such as Fourier transform infrared techniques (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effects of the CG on the thermal properties of the CGMPA nanocomposites were significant. The results showed that the melting temperature (Tm) of neat PA and CGMPA were increased from 378°C to 393°C suggested better dispersion of CG in PA matrix. The decomposition temperature of PA was increased from 451°C to 463°C in CGMPA nanocomposites indicates the better thermal stability of PA matrix by addition of CG.
Multi-parameter predictive shift schedule of automatic mechanical transmission for electric bus
Authors: Peng Jiankun , Zhang Hailong , Li Haonan , Jiang Yuanguang , Li Zhanjiang
Published: October 2021

Shift schedule is crucial in improving the dynamic and economic performance of electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with automatic mechanical transmission (AMT). As the driver, vehicle, and road constitute a closed-loop inseparable system, identifying the states of both vehicle and road is fundamental to realizing optimal shift schedule. However, the existing shift strategies neglect the coupling relationship of multiple parameters to the shift strategy. To minimize this gap, this paper presents a novel multi-parameter shift schedule based on model predictive control. Firstly, cubature Kalman filters (CKF) algorithm is employed to accurately estimate vehicle quality and road slope, which could improve the energy economy of EVs. Secondly, an artificial neural network (ANN) is adopted to forecast the compound future short horizon driving conditions, which contains the perdition information of vehicle velocity and road slope. Meanwhile, the AMT predictive shift schedule based on the above estimated and forecast information is constructed, which used dynamic programming to optimize in the rolling horizon. Simulation study results indicate that the ANN-based predictive approach shows better performance on accuracy and robustness than that of Markov chain, and the electricity consumption over China typical urban driving cycle (CTUDC) is further reduced by 6.79% than that of multi-parameter rule-based shift schedule.