bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and thermal characterization of polypropylene-reinforced nanocrystalline cellulose nanocomposites
Authors: Al-Haik Mohammad Y , Aldajah Saud , Siddique Waseem , Kabir Mohammad M , Haik Yousef
Published: May 2020

This article addresses the effect of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) on the mechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene (PP). A new approach was adopted to produce mechanically improved and thermally stable PP-NCC nanocomposite. This approach involved producing optimized PP-NCC nanocomposite by adding NCC nanoparticles to PP matrix at different concentrations by means of injection molding process. The aim of this work was to find the optimum NCC concentration to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of the PP matrix. The mechanical and thermal behavior of PP-NCC nanocomposite was studied by performing three-point bend, nanoindentation, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy tests. The results showed that the mechanical properties of strength, modulus, and hardness of the nanocomposites increased with the addition of NCC by 6.5%, 19%, and 150%, respectively. DSC results showed that the addition of NCC to PP does not affect the thermal stability (melting temperature). However, TGA showed that upon inclusion of NCC nanoparticles, the thermal stability of the samples improved compared to pure PP except for the 5% added NCC. This is attributed to the presence of NCC rod-like particles that dissipated heat by generating tortuous paths, as depicted in the SEM results and verified by FTIR results.
The political theology of entropy: A Katechon for the cybernetic age
Authors: Bates David
Published: May 2020

The digital revolution invites a reconsideration of the very essence of politics. How can we think about decision, control, and will at a time when technologies of automation are transforming every dimension of human life, from military combat to mental attention, from financial systems to the intimate lives of individuals? This article looks back to a moment in the 20th century when the concept of the political as an independent logic was developed, in a time when the boundaries and operations of the classic state were in question. At the same moment, a whole new technological era was opened up with the emergence of intelligent machines and computers in the postwar cybernetic age. Technology, and cybernetics in particular, loomed large in Carl Schmitt’s articulation of the concept of the political, while the problem of radical open decision was at the heart of influential cybernetic approaches to politics. Linking these was the idea of entropic decay. Schmitt’s invocation of the theological concept of the Katechon, who restrains chaos in the time before Christ’s return, in fact exemplifies the new understandings of order in a cybernetic age facing new challenges of technology in a globalized condition.
Automatic Leviathan: Cybernetics and politics in Carl Schmitt’s postwar writings
Authors: Guilhot Nicolas
Published: May 2020

This article questions the current vogue of Carl Schmitt among political theorists who read him as an antidote to the depoliticizing force of economics and technology in the age of neoliberalism and its algorithmic rationalities. It takes Schmitt’s sparse reflections about cybernetics and game theory as paradigmatic of the theoretical and political problems raised by any theory positing the autonomy of the political. It suggests that this ultimately misunderstands the role of cybernetic representations of political decision-making in shoring up in the 1960s and 1970s the autonomy of the political that Schmitt so vehemently defended.
Design as aesthetic education: On the politics and aesthetics of learning environments
Authors: Vagt Christina
Published: May 2020

The article, speaking from the double perspective of media history and political aesthetics, discusses the impact of behaviourism and early computer technology on the design of learning environments in the United States after the Second World War. By revisiting B. F. Skinner’s approaches to behavioural techniques and cultural engineering, and by showing how these principles were applied first at US design departments, and later to prison education, it argues that cybernetic and behavioural techniques merged in the common field of design and education. Behavioural design of the 1960s and 1970s furthered the cybernetic dream of total control over the world by addressing the learning environment rather than the individual, and operated within a space of possibility that was governed equally by technology and aesthetics. Behavioural design can therefore be understood as a political technology.
Investigation on the modeling and dynamic characteristics of a fast-response and large-flow water hydraulic proportional cartridge valve
Authors: Han Mingxing , Liu Yinshui , Zheng Kan , Ding Youchun , Wu Defa
Published: May 2020

In large-power and high-pressure hydraulic systems, the maximum instantaneous flow rate is often several thousand liters per minute. Normal proportional valves are often difficult to meet their requirements for large flow rate and fast response at the same time. And the leakage of hydraulic oil will seriously pollute the environment. Therefore, a novel water hydraulic proportional valve with fast response and high flow capacity is presented for the large transient power hydraulic system in this paper. The valve utilizes a two-stage structure with two 2/2-way water hydraulic proportional valves as the pilot stage and a cartridge poppet valve as the main stage to achieve fast-response and large-flow capacity simultaneously. A detailed and precise nonlinear mathematical model of the valve considering both structural parameters and flow force is developed. A comprehensive performance optimization has been carried out, which can be mainly divided into computational fluid dynamics simulation optimization based on reducing flow force and multi-objective optimization based on genetic algorithm. The effects of double U-grooves' parameters on the flow force (flow-induced loads) have been studied in detail by numerical simulation. Through the grooves geometry optimization, the maximum flow force can be reduced by 10%. Then, the influences of structure parameters on the performance of step response have been studied, and the optimal parameters of the valve have been obtained by multi-objective optimization based on genetic algorithm. The maximum overshoot has been reduced from 15% to 6% (about 60%) and the adjusting time has been reduced from 58 ms to 48 ms. The dynamic characteristics of the valve have been improved effectively. Finally, a test apparatus which has the ability to provide transient large flow is built. The accuracy of simulation model and optimization design method is verified by test results.
Impact of heavy urban rail vehicles running over light rail turnouts
Authors: Zakeri JA , Hassan Esmaeili M , Mazraeh A , Shadfar M
Published: May 2020

One of the major concerns in the development of railway systems is to choose an optimized wheel and rail profile from a wide range of material and geometries. Although various investigations are conducted to improve the vehicle and rail behavior, there is less research on the wheel–rail interaction when a heavy vehicle passes through a light rail track. A numerical model of the train, track, and turnout is developed. The model is validated using the data obtained from field measurements conducted in the Iranian Metro network. The wheel–rail interaction is investigated by sensitivity analyses of the heavy vehicle and light track parameters including train speed, wheel profile, axle load, track gage, and curve radius. Results indicated that the derailment risk, wear rate, and wheel–rail stresses increased by up to 35%, 600%, and 120%, respectively, when a heavy vehicle passes through a light track. It was shown that consideration of specific arrangements allow better interaction between wheel and rail.
Pornography and sexual relationships: Discursive challenges for young women
Authors: Ashton Sarah , McDonald Karalyn , Kirkman Maggie
Published: May 2020

In Australia and many countries, pornography offers omnipresent, stimulating, easily accessible sexual content; it is an increasing contributor to social meaning-making in women’s sexual lives, including their relationships. Previous research tended to focus on adverse outcomes without considering how women might experience pornography’s interaction with intimacy and relationships. We therefore sought women’s perspectives through in-depth interviews about pornography conducted with 27 young self-identified women, who have or intended to have sex with men, living in Australia. Analysis of their accounts revealed that young women are perplexed by the interaction of pornography with relationships and attempt to make sense of what it means through discourses of intimacy, fidelity, and sexual freedom. Seven associated (often contradictory) systems of statements contributing to these discourses were identified: Pornography mediates intimacy; Men are the gatekeepers of intimacy; For intimacy, women need to objectify themselves to compete with pornography; Religions equate pornography with infidelity; Using pornography is relaxation and therefore not infidelity; Men have an inherent right to sexual fulfilment; and Sexual freedom is paramount. Women’s accounts prioritised the needs of men, relationships, and the ideal of sexual freedom; no discourse prioritised women’s needs. These insights can be used to understand the complex association between women’s sexual relationships and pornography and as a contribution to appropriate clinical support when it is requested.
Subchronic toxicity of bisphenol A on the architecture of spleen and hepatic trace metals and protein profile of adult male Wistar rats
Authors: Basit F , Akhtar T , Hameed N , Abbasi MH , Sheikh N
Published: May 2020

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the widely used chemical as a plasticizer and regarded as endocrine disruptor because of its ability to derail body metabolic functions and adverse effect on the vital organs. The present work outlined the subchronic effect of low-dose BPA (10 mg/kg) on histology of spleen, level of hepatic trace metals, and hepatic protein profile of Wistar rats. To conduct the research work, animals were grouped into two categories ( n = 5). Group 1 was labelled as the control group and group 2 was taken as an experimental group. Experimental group was exposed to low-dose BPA for 12 weeks. Histopathology of spleen highlighted dilation in splenic sinuses, follicle activation, followed by depopulation in the area of white pulp and red pulp in the experimental group. Iron staining revealed significant hemosiderosis in the experimental group when compared with the control group. Statistically significant decrease was noted in zinc and copper concentrations, while nonsignificant change was observed for magnesium concentration through atomic absorption spectroscopy. Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was run for hepatic protein profiling, and as compared to control, elevated levels of different proteins were observed in the experimental group. It can be concluded from the above results that even low dose of BPA causes changes in the major organs of the body. Hence, it is suggested that BPA alternative should be used, so that public health status can be secured.
Survival analysis with change-points in covariate effects
Authors: Lee Chun Yin , Lam KF
Published: May 2020

We apply a maximal likelihood ratio test for the presence of multiple change-points in the covariate effects based on the Cox regression model. The covariate effect is assumed to change smoothly at one or more unknown change-points. The number of change-points is inferred by a sequential approach. Confidence intervals for the regression and change-point parameters are constructed by a bootstrap method based on Bernstein polynomials conditionally on the number of change-points. The methods are assessed by simulations and are applied to two datasets.
“We’re Talking About You, Not to You”: Methodological Reflections on Public Health Research With Families With Young Children
Authors: Eastham Rachael , Kaley Alexandra
Published: May 2020

In this article, we critically reflect upon the experience of public health research involving children and contribute to existing conversations about the methodological and ethical facets of research in this field. Drawing on two phases of a study that sought to explore the lived experiences of families with young children who have had a recent common childhood illness (gastrointestinal infection), we address the research process, from inception of the studies, to fieldwork and the resultant material obtained. We argue that when researching with families about a child-centered experience, it is important to look beyond the individual adult as “participant” and to conceptualize dependents either as, or “like” participants—what we suggest as a “family-centered approach.” Theoretically, this strategy best addresses the lived reality of relationality and responsibility of parent/carers for dependent children; while improving the ease and safety of data collection for the researcher and participants alike.
Challenges Experienced by Family Caregivers of the Adult Intensive Care Unit Patients in Korea: An Integrative Review
Authors: Choi JiYeon , Tate Judith A. , Son Youn-Jung
Published: May 2020

Consistent with global trends, population aging in South Korea is necessitating increasing admissions to intensive care units (ICU). This integrative review describes the challenges experienced by family caregivers of ICU patients in South Korea and evaluates relevant intervention studies. Using Whittemore and Knafl’s methods, we identify and synthesize findings from 20 (14 descriptive and 6 experimental design) articles and evaluate study quality. South Korean ICU family caregivers reported challenges such as feelings of powerlessness and vulnerability, difficulty in maintaining their own health and well-being, and mixed feelings regarding patients’ transition to the general ward. Intervention studies, which were based on quasi-experimental design, examined modified visiting hours, information provision strategies, nurse-led transitional care programs, and educational support. Findings highlight the current state of the science in this topic area in South Korea. Future studies should use more robust methods, such as longitudinal cohort studies and randomized controlled trials.
Myth Busters: Dietary Supplements and COVID-19
Authors: Adams Kathleen K. , Baker William L. , Sobieraj Diana M.
Published: May 2020

News and social media platforms have implicated dietary supplements in the treatment and prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). During this pandemic when information quickly evolves in the presence of contradicting messages and misinformation, the role of the pharmacist is essential. Here, we review theoretical mechanisms and evidence related to efficacy and safety of select supplements in the setting of COVID-19, including vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, elderberry, and silver. Evidence evaluating these supplements in COVID-19 patients is lacking, and providers and patients should not rely on dietary supplements to prevent or treat COVID-19. Rather, reference to evidence-based guidelines should guide treatment decisions.
When is it acceptable to allow a terminal patient to die? Pharmacy students’ views from a London University
Authors: Clayton Beth V , Nabhani-Gebara Shereen
Published: May 2020

Accompanied suicide is a controversial topic with varying practice across Europe; therefore, there is very little guidance on how healthcare professionals should be educated on accompanied suicide. This study implemented an anonymous, cross-sectional online survey to discover the perceptions of final-year MPharm students on accompanied suicide and the factors affecting one’s views, with the aim of investigating the knowledge, awareness and opinions of pharmacy students regarding accompanied suicide, as well as education to pharmacy students. Surveys were disseminated to final-year pharmacy students at Kingston University between January and March 2019. The survey comprised of three sections: Section A consisting of definitions – to determine knowledge of pharmacy students. Section B including case studies – to understand the opinions of pharmacy students and identify influential patient factors. Section C involving demographics – to discover the influential participant factors. An ethics application was submitted and approved prior to conducting this study. The data yielded a total of 111 responses out of a possible 139 (80% response rate); 77.5% participants were unable to correctly define each term given, with many also agreeing their lack of knowledge affected their views. Overall, most pharmacy students disagreed with accompanied suicide, regardless of the patient factors. Additionally, religious participants were more likely to disagree with the patient request ( p < 0.03). Three recommendations were concluded to improve the education of pharmacy students: (1) an approved medical organisation to specifically define terminology, (2) include accompanied suicide in the pharmacy syllabus and (3) include lesser known terminal illnesses on the pharmacy syllabus.
Viability of sous vide, microwave and high pressure processing techniques on quality changes during shelf life of fresh cowpea puree
Authors: Venzke Klug Tâmmila , Collado Elena , Martínez-Sánchez Ascensión , Gómez Perla A , Aguayo Encarna , Artés Francisco , Artés-Hernández Francisco
Published: May 2020

An innovative cowpea puree containing 78.8% of fresh cowpea seeds was developed. Microwave treatment (8 kW/35 s), high hydrostatic pressure (550 MPa/10 min/23 ℃) or sous vide treatment (80 ℃, 3 min) were assayed as processing techniques. Blended fresh cowpea samples were used as control. Quality changes during 21 days at 5 ℃ were studied. Sous vide samples showed a relevant loss during storage of viscoelastic parameters, like elastic modulus (G′) and viscous modulus (G″), which was also perceived in the sensory evaluation. On the contrary, high hydrostatic pressure and microwave treatments were able to preserve consistency, texture and taste. However, physicochemical properties, mainly colour, were greatly influenced by thermal treatments, although high hydrostatic pressure treatment preserved greenness. Total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity were more affected by high hydrostatic pressure than by microwave treatments. In conclusion, microwave and high hydrostatic pressure processing treatments seem to be quite interesting techniques to develop legume-based products.
“I Don’t Owe You, But I Am Committed”: Does Felt Obligation Matter on the Effect of Green Training on Employee Environmental Commitment?
Authors: Paillé Pascal , Valéau Patrick
Published: May 2020

This study investigates the contingent effect of felt obligation to care about and aid the organization on the indirect effect of green training on employee environmental commitment through perceived organizational support for the environment. As hypothesized, based on data from 384 employees, our study found that the positive mediating effect is strengthened when felt obligation is low. The implications of these findings are twofold: They indicate that the development of employee environmental commitment is based on employees’ perception that their employer supports their environmental initiatives by improving environmental skills. They also suggest that this process has little additional effect of employees already feeling obliged to do whatever they can to help their organization reach its goals, whatever they may but is crucial for employees with low-felt obligation. The article ends with a discussion of the findings in the light of the relevant environmental literature. Limitations and future research are also discussed.
Common Atopic Dermatitis Rating Scales: A Practical Approach and Brief Review
Authors: Yang Yue Bo , Lynde Charles W. , Fleming Patrick
Published: May 2020

Atopic dermatitis (AD) severity measurement scales are important in clinical trials as objective outcome measures and are often required for government and private insurance plans. These scales are sometimes underused by clinicians due to a variety of factors including time constraints and lack familiarity. We conducted a literature review on the most commonly used AD measurement scales and provide succinct user guides and scoring explanations, advantages and disadvantages, and interscale comparisons.
Political parties, diminished subtypes, and democracy
Authors: Luna Juan Pablo , Rodríguez Rafael Piñeiro , Rosenblatt Fernando , Vommaro Gabriel
Published: May 2020

There is a resurgence of interest in political parties. This resurgent interest embraces a minimalist definition of political parties, according to which any group that competes in elections and receives a handful of votes qualifies as a party. Parties, however, are expected to contribute to democratic representation, and the party politics literature has extensively shown that many “parties” do not fulfill this expectation. These entities that possess some but not all defining features of political parties can be considered diminished subtypes of the category. A thorough conceptualization of diminished subtypes could improve the analytical value of the study of political parties and of other forms of electoral political organizations. In this article, therefore, we put forth a new typology of diminished subtypes of political parties based on the presence or absence of two primary attributes: horizontal coordination of ambitious politicians during electoral campaigns and while in office and vertical aggregation to electorally mobilize collective interests and to intermediate and channel collective demands.
Tele-orthopaedics: A systematic mapping study
Authors: Behmanesh Ali , Sadoughi Farahnaz , Mazhar Farid Najd , Joghataei Mohammad Taghi , Yazdani Shahram
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The use of telemedicine in orthopaedics can provide high-quality orthopaedic services to patients in remote areas. Tele-orthopaedics is widely acknowledged for decreasing travel, time and cost, increasing accessibility and quality of care. In the absence of a comprehensive review on tele-orthopaedics applications and services, here, we systematically identify and classify the tele-orthopaedic applications and services, and provide an overview of the trends in the field.

Methods

In this study, a systematic mapping was conducted to answer six research questions, we searched the databases Scopus, PubMed, IEEE Digital Library and Web of Science up to 2019. Consequently, 77 papers were screened and selected on the basis of specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

We found that mobile-based teleconsultation was mostly asynchronous, while non-mobile teleconsultation was synchronous. The results showed that the physician–patient relationship was more common than other interactions, such as physician–physician and physician–robot interactions. In addition, more than half of the services provided by tele-orthopaedics have been used for orthopaedic diseases/traumas in which joint replacement and fracture reduction have been the most important orthopaedic procedures. It has been noted that more attention has been paid to tele-orthopaedics in developed countries such as the USA, Australia, Canada and Finland.

Discussion

Telemonitoring (teleconsultation and telemetry) and telesurgery (telerobotics and telementoring) were found to be the two major forms of tele-orthopaedics. Mobile phones were used asynchronously in most of the teleconsultations. The development of different applications may result in the use of multiple smartphones applications in real-time teleconsultation. The use of smartphones is expected to increase in the near future.
The emotional and psychiatric problems of adolescents on parole whose parents are substance users: A Brazilian cross-sectional study
Authors: Perruci Ludmila Gonçalves , Diehl Alessandra , da Silveira Belisa Vieira , Teixeira Jessica Adrielle , Souza Jacqueline , Miasso Adriana Inocenti , dos Santos Patricia Leila , dos Santos Manoel Antônio , de Souza Roberto Molina , Pillon Sandra Cristina , Wagstaff Christopher
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study is to evaluate the associations between having parents with substance use problems, and having suffered neglect within the family, and behavioral problems (psychological and drug use) among adolescents. All the participants were enrolled on the socio-educational parole scheme, ‘Assisted Freedom’. In this cross-sectional study, 150 adolescents were interviewed using the Drug Abuse Screening Test, Teen Addiction Severity Index, and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Ninety-five percent of the participants were male ( n = 143), aged 13–17. Thirty percent of adolescents had a parent who used substances and had experienced neglect from their families. Those adolescents who were living with both parents (odds ratio adjusted (ORA) = 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.13–6.37), from a low-income family (ORA = 6.7, 95% CI = 1.85–24.22), experienced hallucinations (ORA = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.25–6.14), had problems controlling violent behavior (ORA = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.12–5.87), and were physically neglected (ORA = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.24–7.49) were more likely to have parents who used substances and to have experienced parental neglect. This article concludes that adolescents, who are on parole, come from families with high level of psychosocial vulnerabilities, including substance use, experience neglect by their families leading to adverse emotional and psychological states.
Complicity and hypocrisy
Authors: Cornell Nicolas , Sepinwall Amy
Published: May 2020

This article offers a justification for accommodating claims of conscience. The standard justification points to the pain that acting against one’s conscience entails. But that defense cannot make sense of the state’s refusal to accommodate individuals where the law interferes with their deeply meaningful but nonmoral projects. An alternative justification, we argue, arises once one recognizes the connection between conscience and moral address: One’s lived moral convictions determine when and with what force one can hold others to account. Acting against one’s convictions can undermine one’s standing to blame others who act in similar ways. When the state compels someone to act against conscience, it renders her complicit in conduct she takes to be wrong and thereby impairs her ability to condemn similar conduct in the future, in a manner akin to the hypocrite. The reason the state should not compel people to act against conscience, then, is that doing so would undercut their moral standing.
Willingness of family caregivers of people with dementia to undertake Advance Care Planning: Examining an extended model of the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Kermel Schiffman Ile , Werner Perla
Published: May 2020

Background and objectives

Family caregivers of people with dementia experience high burden making medical decisions for their loved ones. Undertaking Advance Care Planning (ACP) can help reduce burden and stress. Having experiences making medical decisions for someone else may influence the way people make decisions for themselves. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess the willingness of family caregivers of people with dementia to undertake ACP for themselves, using the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Research design and methods

Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 195 family caregivers of people with dementia. A structured questionnaire was used to assessed participants’ attitudes, subjective norms, perceived control, anticipated regret, the wish to prolong life and caregiver burden. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to test the contribution of the variables to the willingness to undertake ACP.

Results

Overall, participants expressed moderate willingness to undertake ACP. Among the various options for undertaking ACP, the highest willingness expressed was to appoint a durable power of attorney and the lowest willingness was to have informal conversations with their doctor. The hierarchical regression revealed that attitudes, subjective norms and anticipated regrets were main determinants of the willingness to undertake ACP.

Discussion and implications

Interventions should be developed to encourage family members to undertake ACP for themselves, which emphasize the advantages of the process and involve significant others in the formal and informal aspects of ACP.
A place for therapy: Clients reflect on their experiences in psychotherapists’ offices
Authors: Jones Jamie Keaton
Published: May 2020

Previous research suggests that the physical environment of the psychotherapy office is important for treatment engagement, client feelings and behavior, and clinician support. However, there is limited research that includes the voices of psychotherapy clients. The purpose of this study was to explore the meanings clients ascribe to the offices in which they seek treatment in order to develop a fuller picture of the importance of the place of treatment. Eight psychotherapy clients in a large urban city were interviewed about their experiences of their psychotherapy offices using semi-structured protocols. Analysis of interviews identified three main themes in regard to client perception of the offices’ uses: (a) comfort, (b) connection, and (c) insight into the therapist. Results highlight the potential importance of the physical environment in psychotherapy treatment and implications for practice are provided.
Affective spaces, humour and power in 24-hour care institutions for young people in vulnerable positions
Authors: Christensen Michael
Published: May 2020

This article examines humour and its connectedness to spatiality in social work by drawing on examples from fieldwork involving vulnerable young people. The article argues that the relationship between a spatial perspective and humour as a phenomenon in social work is an underdeveloped area of social work research. The article draws on De Certeau’s concepts of tactical behaviour and strategically defined spaces, both of which involve a dynamic spatial approach. Connecting these concepts to humour, the article concludes that applying a humour-affective spatial theoretical approach to social work research greatly aids the identification of power dynamics and the tensions that can arise in social situations. In short, the article offers another way of conceptualising the production of the spatial dynamics of power, inclusion and exclusion. The empirical basis for the article is a comprehensive field study carried out at a 24-hour residential institution for children and youth in vulnerable positions.
A space between: Social work through the lens of a mobile tiny house encounter space
Authors: Hanser Christian H
Published: May 2020

This paper reflects on a cross-sector social intervention that uses roadworthy ‘tiny house’ shepherd’s huts in public spaces as informal locations for connectivity. Working at the intersections between street-level outreach, outdoor education and community arts, the Welcome Hut project can be conceptualised as a hospitality hub. Participants engage in public daydreaming and storytelling that emerges from a welcoming gesture of recognition and reciprocity. The autoethnographic narrative by the project’s initiator traces back how this concrete utopia had initially been created outside of social work networks and gradually gained legitimacy in the field. The paper shares methodological insights from operating a deliberately unlocated mobile practice. It is argued that a ‘vagabond’ intervention opens novel in-between spaces for dialogue through relational disruption. By nurturing spaces for otherness inside social work, the emerging interstices enable practitioners to be inspired by unusual perspectives on professionalism and reimagine their own conditions. This paper is therefore written at the unclassified in-betweens to transcend rigid belongings and disciplinary protocol within contemporary beyond-binary social complexities. The researcher angle that investigates social workers’ everyday realities is voluntarily displaced towards migratory arts venues. Unusual narratives can encourage breathing spaces in fragile and fertile liminalities between life worlds and institutional agendas.
School Nutrition Policies and Practices on an American Indian Reservation: Research and Policy Considerations
Authors: Eddie Regina S. , Montoya Carolyn , Averill Jennifer
Published: May 2020

Navajo (Diné) and other American Indian children are more affected by overweight and obesity than their U.S. counterparts. In this descriptive study, the authors combined a socioecological and Navajo cultural framework to analyze the various factors that influence food choices available to children in schools. The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 updated nutrition standards for school meals and all other foods and beverages sold in schools. Some studies have shown that improved nutrition standards were not favorably received by students and school food programs. To better understand these broader trends in a Navajo context, the researcher administered in-person surveys to 6 principals and 14 food service workers from a sample of 6 schools and performed on-site observations of two schools. Data were analyzed using a combination of descriptive statistics, matrix analysis, and thematic analysis techniques. Results showed that schools were offering more healthy food options in school lunches and that some schools were still serving unhealthy foods, such as pizza, tater tots, and French fries. Classroom and fundraising events provided other sources for low-nutrient foods and beverages. Participants had mixed responses about the updated nutrition standards, and food waste of healthy foods was a major concern. This study proposes opportunities for nurses to engage in research and advance stronger policies that increase healthy food options and limit access to less healthy foods.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Santos Cristiana Maria dos , Rocha Rebeca Barbosa da , Hazime Fuad Ahmad , Cardoso Vinicius Saura
Published: May 2020

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are considered one of the most aggressive and expensive complications of diabetes. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been highlighted as a potential modality of treatment to accelerate the healing of ulcers. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy of LLLT in the treatment of DFU and identify the LLLT application parameters recommended for the treatment of DFU over the past 10 years. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, BVS, PEDro, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL up to March 31, 2019. Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effect of LLLT on the treatment of DFU were included. Thirteen RCTs with a total of 361 participants were included in this review. Three RCTs reported a reduction in the percentage size of the ulcers and were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis of the percentage size difference demonstrated a significant reduction in ulcer size in the LLLT group compared with controls (22.96 [95% confidence interval = 18.22-27.69; z = 9.51, P < .0001]). Treatment with 632.8 to 685 nm, 50 mW/cm2, 3 to 6 J/cm2, and irradiation for 30 to 80 seconds, 3 times weekly for a month is of benefit to patients with DFU. LLLT is effective and safe for the treatment of DFU. Additionally, well-designed, high-quality studies are needed to allow its ideal parameterization for clinical practice.
You Can Teach an Old Drug New Tricks
Authors: Perry M. Scott
Published: May 2020

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Pharmacists’ perceptions of their working conditions and the factors influencing this: Results from 5 Canadian provinces
Authors: Tsao Nicole W. , Salmasi Shahrzad , Li Kathy , Nakagawa Bob , Lynd Larry D. , Marra Carlo A.
Published: May 2020

Introduction:

Our previous study in British Columbia (BC) indicated that pharmacists have a poor perception of their working conditions. The objective of this study is to assess pharmacists’ perceptions of their working conditions in 4 other Canadian provinces.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study across Alberta, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, using a survey adapted from the Oregon Board of Pharmacy. Data collected previously from BC were also included in the analyses. The survey was emailed to all pharmacist registrants. Respondents were provided with 6 statements and asked to rate their agreement with them, using a 5-point Likert scale. Statements were framed such that agreement with them indicated good perception of working conditions. Logistic regression analyses were used to study the relationship between workplace factors on perception of working conditions.

Results:

Pharmacists perceived their working conditions to be poor. Pharmacists indicated that they do not have time for break/lunch (48.3% of respondents), work in environments that are not conducive to safe and effective primary care (26.5%), are not satisfied with the amount of time they have to do their job (44.0%) and face shortage of staff (shortage of pharmacists: 33.7%, technicians: 36.4%, clerk staff: 30.3%). Significant factors associated with poor perception were workplace-imposed quotas, high prescription volume, working in chain pharmacies and long prescription wait times.

Conclusion:

A high percentage of Canadian pharmacists perceived their working conditions to be poor. Considering the patient-related consequences of pharmacists’ poor working conditions and the system-related reasons identified behind it, we call for collaborative efforts to tackle this issue.
Maximising engagement and participation of intellectual disability staff in research: Insights from conducting a UK-wide survey
Authors: Lam Claire Kar Kei , Bernal Jane , Finlayson Janet , Todd Stuart , Taggart Laurence , Boaz Annette , Tuffrey-Wijne Irene
Published: May 2020

Aim:

This article explores ways of maximising engagement of intellectual disability staff as research participants, research advisers and research implementers.

Method:

The authors describe and reflect on a three-phased strategy in recruiting front-line staff ( n = 690) working for intellectual disability service providers ( n = 25) to participate in a UK-wide anonymous online survey about death, dying and bereavement.

Results:

Important elements in engaging participants were: involving stakeholders at all stages of the research process, which includes: building relationships with participating organisations; enlisting organisational management support at all levels; an attractive and well laid-out collection tool; a well-structured recruitment strategy; time and flexibility; and a varied and targeted dissemination strategy. However, the recruitment method had limitations, in particular around representativeness, bias and generalisability.

Conclusions:

Staff in intellectual disability services can be enthusiastic and invaluable research participants. Active engagement between researchers, participating organisations and stakeholder groups is key to ensuring involvement of intellectual disability staff with research.
A novel health indicator developed using filter-based feature selection algorithm for the identification of rotor defects
Authors: Kumar Anil , Gandhi CP , Liu Xiaoyang , Liu Yi , Zhou Yuqing , Kumar Rajesh , Xiang Jiawei
Published: May 2020

In this work, a novel health indicator is developed for the identification of rotor defects. The indicator is developed by extracting features from vibration data acquired from horizontal and vertical directions of rotors. A total of 38 features were initially extracted from time-domain signal, frequency-domain signal, and time–frequency representation. Out of many features, six most important features were selected using filter-based feature selection process. Thereafter, important features were fused together using manifold learning to develop health indicator. The developed indicator is used to identify misalignments (angular misalignment and parallel misalignment), rub, and unbalance. The major benefit of the proposed method is that it not only indicates the presence of defect in the rotor but also indicates the severity of defect. The experimental study presented in this article justifies that the proposed method is sensitive to the increasing levels of horizontal and angular misalignment and unbalance. The developed indicator is sensitive enough to indicate the presence of rub.
Targeting RON receptor tyrosine kinase for treatment of advanced solid cancers: antibody–drug conjugates as lead drug candidates for clinical trials
Authors: Yao Hang-Ping , Suthe Sreedhar Reddy , Tong Xiang-Min , Wang Ming-Hai
Published: May 2020

The recepteur d’origine nantais (RON) receptor tyrosine kinase, belonging to the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition proto-oncogene family, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancers derived from the colon, lung, breast, and pancreas. These findings lay the foundation for targeting RON for cancer treatment. However, development of RON-targeted therapeutics has not gained sufficient attention for the last decade. Although therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (TMABs) targeting RON have been validated in preclinical studies, results from clinical trials have met with limited success. This outcome diminishes pharmaceutical enthusiasm for further development of RON-targeted therapeutics. Recently, antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting RON have drawn special attention owing to their increased therapeutic activity. The rationale for developing anti-RON ADCs is based on the observation that cancer cells are not sufficiently addicted to RON signaling for survival. Thus, TMAB-mediated inhibition of RON signaling is ineffective for clinical application. In contrast, anti-RON ADCs combine a target-specific antibody with potent cytotoxins for cancer cell killing. This approach not only overcomes the shortcomings in TMAB-targeted therapies but also holds the promise for advancing anti-RON ADCs into clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the latest advancements in the development of anti-RON ADCs for targeted cancer therapy including drug conjugation profile, pharmacokinetic properties, cytotoxic effect in vitro, efficacy in tumor models, and toxicological activities in primates.
Synthesis of 3,15-Disuccinate-12-Coumarin Substituted Andrographolide Derivatives and Their Antiplatelet Aggregation Activities In Vitro
Authors: Li Xue , Wang Jiang-Wei , Huang Bin , Peng Zhi-Xiang , Zhang Yuan-Yuan , Zhao Shi-Yun
Published: May 2020

In order to develop a series of novel compounds with antiplatelet aggregation activities, 3,15-disuccinate-12-coumarin substituted derivatives were designed and synthesized based on the natural product andrographolide. In vitro antiplatelet aggregation activities were evaluated by the turbidimetric method with thrombin, adenosine diphosphate (ADP), arachidonic acid (AA), and collagen as inducers. The biological evaluation revealed that compound 11k showed significant inhibition activity for thrombin, AA, and collagen-induced platelet aggregation at the same time and exhibited a dose-dependent behavior. Compound 11c showed the highest antiplatelet aggregation activity induced by ADP. Most of the derivatives had no significant cytotoxicity. Therefore, our work proved that 3,15-disuccinate-12-coumarin substituted andrographolide derivatives had the potential to become a novel candidate structure for antiplatelet aggregation and deserved further study.
Chemical Profiling of Astragalus membranaceus Roots (Fish.) Bunge Herbal Preparation and Evaluation of Its Bioactivity
Authors: Santoro Valentina , Parisi Valentina , D’Ambola Massimiliano , Sinisgalli Chiara , Monné Magnus , Milella Luigi , Russo Rosario , Severino Lorella , Braca Alessandra , Tommasi Nunziatina De
Published: May 2020

Astragalus membranaceus (Fish.) Bunge is a perennial herb distributed in the northern part of China, and its roots, namely, Hang qi, are included as a natural ingredient in dietary supplement formulations commonly used to treat different disorders such as respiratory infections, diabetes, and heart failure. The availability of a simple method for the determination of the quality of Astragalus herbal preparations could be a challenging issue for commercial purposes. In this study, a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS)/MS based approach was used to characterize specialized metabolite recovery of 3 commercial hydroalcoholic extracts of A. membranaceus (AMG1, AMG2, AMG3) in addition to a hydroalcoholic extract of A. membranaceus root (AST). The hypoglycemic effect, cholinesterase inhibition, and antioxidant activities were also evaluated. Thirty-one compounds, of which 19 polyphenols and 12 saponins, were identified. The extracts were also quantified by using a sensitive and selective Q-Trap system for their content in flavonoids and astragalosides, selecting astragaloside I and IV as chemical markers. From our results, AMG3 preparation (Axtragyl) was the most abundant in terms of both specialized classes of metabolites, showing a fingerprint similar to that of AST. Interestingly, tested enzyme inhibition ability of flavonoids, daidzein (11) and formononetin (19), reported a higher α-glucosidase inhibition in comparison with that of acarbose used as positive control. The in silico study clarified the interactions among the molecules and the importance of having a free hydroxy group. Moreover, Axtragyl was able to exert protective effects in Caco-2 cells treated with hydrogen peroxide, confirming its ability as a potential protective agent in intestinal injury.
Assessment of the Degree of Osteoarthritis in Aging Male and Female Femoral Condyles: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Immonen Jessica , Stevens Kelsey , Albin Alexa , Chaus David , Gilmer Lesley , Zdilla Matthew
Published: May 2020

Objective

Determine if femoral chondral cartilage degeneration on cadaveric knee joints exacerbate differently with aging between the sexes.

Methods

A total of 85 cadaveric femurs were assessed for macroscopic femoral condyle pathology using a scale for gross signs of osteoarthritis. Raters scored specimens and raters’ scores were averaged to provide each specimen a Disease Severity Score (DSS).

Results

The DSS for the 80+-year-old population was greater than the DSS of the 70- to 79-year-old population (* P < 0.05) and the <70-year-old population (** P < 0.01). Specimens that scored a DSS of 2 and higher were assessed for their specific site of most severe degeneration. The most severe degeneration on the articular cartilage was most regularly on the patellar fossa. The second most degenerated region varied by age and biomechanical alterations. There were no significant changes in DSS between the sexes within the age groups.

Conclusions

No difference was shown between the sexes in the severity or location of degeneration indicating that men and women are likely affected by the same biomechanical changes that spur on osteoarthritis in their eighth decade of life (70s) and later. Lateral femoral degeneration predominates in younger populations. When patients approach their 70s, medial degeneration begins to predominate likely based on an increase in shearing at the knee joint.