bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finding the heart of a Research-Practice Partnership: Politicized trust, mutualism, and use of research
Authors: Lezotte Stephanie , Krishnamurthy Sharada , Tulino Daniel , Zion Shelley
Published: May 2021

The assumption that research is out-of-reach, irrelevant, or unusable for practitioners has been a theme echoed throughout academia. Research alliances such as Research-Practice Partnerships (RPP) attempt to alleviate this problem by having researchers, practitioners, and/or community-based organizations form a collaborative partnership that uses research to solve tangible problems of practice. Previous works have highlighted the complexities inherent with forming and maintaining these long-term partnerships including politics, trust building, time, and available resources. In this paper, we engage in reflective analysis of our own RPP around three key elements we believe are at the heart of RPPs: politicized trust, mutualism, and use of research. This paper illustrates successes and points of failure in each of these areas, which have been previously unconnected in RPP literature. We conclude with recommendations for school and university partners and future research on RPPs.
Affective politics and online culture: Reserved’s digital marketing campaign in post-hegemonic perspective
Authors: Szarecki Artur
Published: May 2021

The article employs post-hegemonic theory to reframe how power operates within online cultures. To that end, it investigates a digital marketing campaign for a Polish clothing brand, Reserved, and its reception in social media. Examining over one thousand comments on Facebook, it argues that while the initial viral success abruptly turned into public outcry, the actual response was much more varied, encompassing a multiplicity of different feelings and immediate orientations, not necessarily congruent with the backlash. In this sense, the shifting balance of power was not contingent on the emergence of a public consensus that challenged corporate hegemony, but pertained to the arrangement of affective intensities to habituate the multitude to the networked media environment. Consequently, the article approaches Reserved’s campaign and its online reception as involving a series of corporeal attunements that re-territorialized multiple and incongruent affective flows into established networked structures and corresponding relations of power.
Gossip about Coronavirus: Infection status and norm adherence shape social responses
Authors: Dores Cruz Terence D. , van der Lee Romy , Beersma Bianca
Published: May 2021

To stop the spread of the Coronavirus, people must avoid infection risk. Given widespread skepticism regarding information concerning the Coronavirus received from authorities, one potentially important pathway to estimate the infectiousness of one’s group members could be through gossip (i.e., information about an absent target). Infection risk is reflected by both infection status and adherence to social distancing norms. In hypothetical scenarios ( N = 837), participants received gossip that we manipulated to describe a group member’s infection status and/or norm adherence. Results showed people tended to believe gossip and that gossip influenced behavioral intentions to avoid and punish targets of gossip as well as the perception of targets. We conclude that gossip, while potentially unreliable, could affect how people treat group members. We discuss how gossip could alleviate the Coronavirus crisis by contributing to slowing the Coronavirus’s spread, as well as exacerbate it through increased social exclusion based on unverified information.
Damage evaluation of a PCCP joint with a localized soil void and broken wires
Authors: Li Haizhen , Feng Xin , Chen Bozhi , Zhao Lin
Published: May 2021

During the service life of a pipeline, the surrounding soil may erode locally around the pipe due to seepage and leakage, making the pipe partially unsupported and weakening the pipe–soil interaction. The presence of soil voids provides the possibility for broken wires and further accelerates damage. In this paper, the stress and strain of PCCP joint in service under a localized soil void and with broken wires were investigated using the general finite element software ABAQUS, and the structural damage of the pipe joint under superimposed defects was evaluated. The numerical model contained two PCCP segments, a flexible joint and the surrounding soil. The preliminary study suggests that the superimposed defects of a soil void and broken wires can cause increased damage to the PCCP joint. With the addition of the soil void, the micro cracks of both the concrete core and mortar coating transform into visible cracks, and the relative wire breakage rate with coupling defects is reduced by approximately 36% to reach the elastic limit state of the pipe. The findings of this research highlight the importance of good pipe–soil interactions and could provide a theoretical reference for damage assessment and further repair strategies.
Behaviour of concrete composite slabs with truss type shear connectors of different orientation angle
Authors: Kanchanadevi Askok Kumar , Ramanjaneyulu Karusala , Srinivas Voggu
Published: May 2021

Concrete composite slab system with pre-cast bottom segment and cast-in-situ top segment is gaining importance due to wide-ranging applications in buildings, bridges and industrial flooring, etc. These slabs may also be subjected to repeated loading during its service life and hence, it is essential to evaluate their static and fatigue behaviour under flexural loading. In present study, at first, experimental investigations are conducted to evaluate the performance of composite slabs with truss type shear connectors with two orientation angles, namely, 45° and 60°. The composite slab specimens are subjected to four-point bending. The load-versus-displacement responses obtained for the composite slabs are compared with that of control full slab. It is observed that the composite slab with 45° shear connector showed better performance when compared to composite slab with 60° shear connector in terms of load-displacement response, rotation, ductility and energy absorption and also found to be efficient in terms of area of steel crossing the interface. Further, numerical investigations are also carried out to assess load transfer mechanism of truss type shear connectors at different significant events. The force flow mechanism of truss type shear connectors is brought out clearly. From the numerical investigations on composite slabs with different orientation angles, it is observed that composite slab with 45° shear connector exhibited superior performance over other orientation angles in terms of better force flow mechanism and lesser area of steel crossing the interface. Further, fatigue performance of composite slab with 45° shear connector is evaluated and compared with the fatigue performance of control slab. It could be observed that the composite slab with 45° truss type shear connector showed better fatigue performance when compared to the control slab.
Computed tomography assessment of maxillary bone density for orthodontic mini-implant placement with respect to vertical growth patterns
Authors: Arvind TR Prasanna , Jain Ravindra Kumar
Published: May 2021

Objective:

To quantitatively measure and report bone density of maxilla in the interradicular (alveolar and basal bone) and infrazygomatic crest (IZC) region in various growth patterns among Dravidian individuals.

Design:

This was a retrospective spiral computed tomography (CT) study.

Setting:

The study was conducted at the Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India.

Methods:

Sixty CT scans (24 men, 36 women; mean age = 25.3 years and 23.8 years, respectively) divided equally into three groups based on vertical facial proportions were included. Bone density measurements in Hounsfield units (HU) were performed using Philips and RadiAnt DICOM viewers. Buccal cortical, palatal cortical and cancellous bone regions were analysed in a Philips DICOM viewer and IZC region was analysed in a RadiAnt DICOM viewer. Statistical analysis with one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey HSD test was done.

Results:

The hypodivergent group had a significantly higher bone density at the buccal cortex in posterior region ( P < 0.05) when compared to the normodivergent and hyperdivergent groups. Buccal basal bone was denser than buccal alveolar bone ( P < 0.05) in all three groups. In the IZC region, hypodivergent groups had significantly higher density values when compared to the normodivergent and hyperdivergent groups ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The present study concluded that cancellous bone density in the interradicular regions was greatest in the anterior sites and was not influenced by growth pattern. Hypodivergent groups tend to have higher density in the posterior regions (buccal and palatal cortical bone) and at the IZC region compared to normodivergent and hyperdivergent groups.
Religion in times of crisis: Innovative lay responses and temporal-spatial reconfigurations of temple rituals in COVID-19 China
Authors: Chen Ningning , Chen Jinwen , Dean Kenneth
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about massive changes in religious landscapes across the world. Recent research has focused on whether religions create problems or are sources of solution or support in these extraordinary times. Although some studies document religious leaders’ and institutions’ innovative responses to preserve ritual practices and foster members’ sense of belonging, they fail to highlight lay practitioners’ bottom-up religious transformations. Noting this, this article draws on the case of Lufeng city in south China to examine how local residents inventively reconfigured the temporal-spatiality of their ritual practices during temple lock-downs. Through an ethnographic-style exploration, we reveal multi-faceted spatial changes in the ritual performance, including the reconfiguration of home spaces, the performance of worship practices outside temple doors and the mobilization of digital spaces of communication to accumulate good fortune. Apart from these spatial strategies, local ritual transformation also produces temporal adaptations. Through these temporal-spatial reconfigurations, local residents innovatively cope with new social circumstances and articulate religion’s continual significance. This study foregrounds an agentive and flexible understanding of religion in times of crisis.
Pushing the Integration Envelope: A Network Analysis of Study Abroad Website Content
Authors: Whatley Melissa , Stich Amy E.
Published: May 2021

This article demonstrates how network analysis of qualitative content can be used to build on traditional research approaches to confirm and expand prior findings and to point to fruitful directions for future research. Drawing on mixed methods research on policies and practices that improve access to study abroad at U.S. higher education institutions, we demonstrate how network analysis, namely, quadratic assignment procedure and community detection, of qualitative content codes can enhance the explanatory power and generalizability of previous research. Our use of network analysis contributes an empirical example that validates, challenges, and deepens conversations surrounding network analysis in mixed methods research, all while pushing the envelope on how and when qualitative and quantitative data can and should be integrated.
The interplay of Clostridioides difficile infection and inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Sehgal Kanika , Yadav Devvrat , Khanna Sahil
Published: May 2021

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease of the intestinal tract that commonly presents with diarrhea. Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common complications associated with IBD that lead to flare-ups of underlying IBD. The pathophysiology of CDI includes perturbations of the gut microbiota, which makes IBD a risk factor due to the gut microbial alterations that occur in IBD, predisposing patients CDI even in the absence of antibiotics. Superimposed CDI not only worsens IBD symptoms but also leads to adverse outcomes, including treatment failure and an increased risk of hospitalization, surgery, and mortality. Due to the overlapping symptoms and concerns with false-positive molecular tests for CDI, diagnosing CDI in patients with IBD remains a clinical challenge. It is crucial to have a high index of suspicion for CDI in patients who seem to be experiencing an exacerbation of IBD symptoms. Vancomycin and fidaxomicin are the first-line treatments for the management of CDI in IBD. Microbiota restoration therapies effectively prevent recurrent CDI in IBD patients. Immunosuppression for IBD in IBD patients with CDI should be managed individually, based on a thorough clinical assessment and after weighing the pros and cons of escalation of therapy. This review summarizes the epidemiology, pathophysiology, the diagnosis of CDI in IBD, and outlines the principles of management of both CDI and IBD in IBD patients with CDI.
Brazil’s Next Deforestation Frontiers
Authors: Schneider Maurício , Biedzicki de Marques Ana Alice , Peres Carlos A.
Published: May 2021

Public land grabbing, concomitant with hinterland colonization and agrarian reform programs, translocated millions of rural migrants into remote regions of Brazil, most recently to the Amazonian forest domain. Despite state-of-the-art command-and-control and remote sensing monitoring systems in Brazil, effective law enforcement in a country of ∼8.5 million km2 remains a huge challenge, and particularly difficult in times of lenient central-government environmental policies. Cropland and pasture expansion is the most important factor in land use change in Brazil, and the leading driver of primary habitat conversion worldwide. This essay discusses the most likely business-as-usual agricultural frontiers in Northern and Central Brazil to make room for new farmland: the MaToPiBa region in the transitional Cerrado-Caatinga biogeographic zone; the northernmost Cerrado areas of Amapá; and the opening-up of Indigenous Lands to industrial scale agriculture. We discuss the origins, recent developments and implications to conservation of these new agricultural frontiers.
Spectroscopic profiling variations in extracellular vesicle biochemistry in a model of myogenesis
Authors: Davies Owen G. , Powell Stephen , Rickard Jonathan JS , Clancy Michael , Goldberg Oppenheimer Pola
Published: May 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) hold value as accessible biomarkers for understanding cellular differentiation and related pathologies. Herein, EV biomarkers in models of skeletal muscle dormancy and differentiation have been comparatively profiled using Raman spectroscopy (RS). Significant variations in the biochemical fingerprint of EVs were detected, with an elevation in peaks associated with lipid and protein signatures during early myogenic differentiation (day 2). Principal component analysis revealed a clear separation between the spectra of EVs derived from myogenic and senescent cell types, with non-overlapping interquartile ranges and population median. Observations aligned with nanoparticle tracking data, highlighting a significant early reduction in EV concentration in senescent myoblast cultures as well as notable variations in EV morphology and diameter. As differentiation progressed physical and biochemical differences in the properties of EVs became less pronounced. This study demonstrates the applicability of RS as a high-resolution analytical method for profiling biochemical changes in EVs during early myogenesis.
Risk of chronic kidney disease in patients with retained ureteral stents
Authors: Yamashiro Justine R , Cole Travis J , de Riese Cornelia S , Shaw Chip , de Riese Werner T
Published: May 2021

Objective:

Numerous publications describe the management of stent encrustations, but few address long-term risks. The purpose of this study is to analyze the incidence of new chronic kidney disease attributed to retained ureteral stents in a large multi-institutional patient population.

Materials and methods:

A retrospective chart review of stone disease patients with ureteral stent placement was done in the nation-wide Cerner Health Facts database between 10 July 2009 and 7 June 2018. The estimated glomerular filtration rate was calculated using serum creatinine and the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation. The study focused on patients with stent duration longer than 6 months and an estimated glomerular filtration rate above 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 before stent placement.

Results:

A total of 1234 stent placements were documented in the Cerner database, 108 patients had a normal estimated glomerular filtration rate prior to the retained stent. The median duration of retained stents was 12.1 months (range 6.1 to 77.7 months), and 33 (30.6%) patients developed new onset chronic kidney disease compared to 8.3% in patients with non-retained stents.

Conclusion:

A new onset of chronic kidney disease was observed in 30.6% of patients with retained ureteral stent, emphasizing the importance of patient counseling and preventive measures to ensure patient compliance and follow-up.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable in this multi-institutional cohort study.
Diabetes mellitus remission in three cats with hypersomatotropism after cabergoline treatment
Authors: Miceli Diego D , Vidal Patricia N , Pompili Gustavo A , Castillo Víctor A , Soler Arias Elber A , Niessen Stijn JM
Published: May 2021

Case summary

Three diabetic cats presented with polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia and poor glycemic control. Cat 1 displayed prognathia inferior and had a body condition score (BCS) of 4/5; cat 2 had a BCS of 5/5; and cat 3 had broad facial features. Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 concentrations were compatible with hypersomatotropism in cat 1 and cat 2 (>1500 ng/ml and 1200 ng/ml, respectively) and just below the cut-off of 1000 ng/ml (947 ng/ml) in cat 3; in this last cat diagnosis was further supported by the presence of pituitary enlargement on MRI. Oral cabergoline (10 μg/kg q48h) was initiated. Insulin requirements progressively reduced, as evidenced by daily blood glucose monitoring and weekly blood glucose curves. Diabetic remission occurred in all three cats between the second and third months of cabergoline treatment. At the time of writing, remission has persisted thus far (cat 1: 23 months; cat 2: 14 months; cat 3: 38 months).

Relevance and novel information

To our knowledge, these are the first reported cases of diabetic remission in cats with hypersomatotropism after cabergoline treatment, despite previous reports of this being an ineffective treatment. Further work is indicated to determine why some cats do, and others do not, respond to this treatment.
A case of nontuberculous mycobacteria-associated thyroiditis mimicking subacute thyroiditis
Authors: Lim Hee Joong , Nam Sang Yu , Seok Jae Yeon , An Jung Suk , Kim Dong Young
Published: May 2021

We describe a case of nontuberculous mycobacteria infection in the thyroid gland in a 54-year-old woman who had painful thyroid enlargement. Ultrasonography showed ill-defined hypoechoic lesions without increased vascularity in both upper lobes of the thyroid gland. Fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed, and pathology showed granulomatous inflammation with necrotic debris that the pathologist suspected was subacute granulomatous thyroiditis or tuberculosis of the thyroid gland. Nontuberculous mycobacteria infection was confirmed after right hemithyroidectomy. Antimycobacterial therapy was initiated as the treatment of choice. Nontuberculous mycobacteria in the thyroid gland appear to be rare. In clinical practice, however, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis of a painful thyroid mass. For accurate diagnosis, clinical and radiological features plus histological examination are required.
225Actinium-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen targeting peptide induces complete response in a metastatic prostate cancer patient
Authors: Aras Omer , Harmsen Stefan , Ting Richard , Sayman Haluk B
Published: May 2021

Targeted radionuclide therapy has emerged as a promising and potentially curative strategy for high-grade prostate cancer. However, limited data are available on efficacy, quality of life, and pretherapeutic biomarkers. Here, we highlight the case of a patient with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer who displayed complete response to 225Ac-PSMA-617 after having been resistant to standard-of-care therapy, then initially partially responsive but later resistant to subsequent immunotherapy, and resistant to successive 177Lu-PSMA-617. In addition, the patient’s baseline germline mutation likely predisposed him to more aggressive disease.
Herpes zoster recurrence within 1 month: A case report
Authors: Zhao Nan , Geng Yulan , Li Yexian , Liu Lijuan , Li Yanjia , Zhang Jinfang , Zhang Guoqiang
Published: May 2021

Herpes zoster (HZ), caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is an infectious skin disease that rarely recurs after initial presentation. The mechanism underlying HZ recurrence is currently under investigation. In this article, we report a case of HZ relapse within 1 month. Analysis of patient’s clinical manifestations, histopathological features, and flow cytometry results indicated that the absolute and percentage values of B cells were below the lower limit. We hypothesized that the patient had abnormal humoral immune function, which may be one reason leading to the HZ relapse within 1 month. The findings of this case will serve as useful reference for HZ recurrence for clinicians. This case was impactful and added to the literature on HZ recurrence.
A Classification of Factors Affecting Adults’ Skills Distribution
Authors: Scandurra Rosario , Alberio Marco
Published: May 2021

This article explores cross-country patterns in how conditions relating to family background, education, and the labor market are related to literacy and numeracy skills. It seeks to assess whether these patterns are in agreement with models of skills formation as identified in the political economy literature. The novelty of this article resides in a reexamination of the findings in the literature of skills formation and education and training system with new data on adults’ skills. This research uses a two-step approach: first it applies Shapley decomposition variance on adult skills and then each country scores are clustered to search for common pattern and regularities in skills formation. This leads us to single out common regularities among groups of countries in the way skills are structured and distributed. We find three main typologies and different subgroups within them that are compatible with the literature on skills formation models.
Effects of a Video Featuring Connected Speech Instruction on EFL Undergraduates in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Ying Yu , Chang Yu-Sheng , Lee Jia-Ying , Lin Ming Huei
Published: May 2021

This study has the aim of improving the English speaking ability of Taiwanese college freshmen by a video featuring connected speech instruction. Forty-eight students from a private university in northern Taiwan participated in the study, which lasted for 7 weeks. Pre- and post-tests were used to assess their speaking performance in terms of connected speech before and after the experimental treatment. Entry and exit questionnaires were also used to investigate students’ learning attitudes. The results show that such instruction was significantly effective for improving the English language learners’ connected speech skills. Positive results were also observed in the outcomes of the questionnaires, showing significantly enhanced learning attitudes to English speaking. It is hoped that the study results may offer language teachers some insights into the practice of video-aided learning in English speech classes, particularly its efficacy for connected speech.
Acute Resistance Training May Have Lasting Benefit to Middle-Aged Adults
Authors: Baker Breanne S. , Syed-Abdul Majid Mufaqam , Weitzel Kelsey J. , Ball Stephen D.
Published: May 2021

Age-related declines in physical function can be mitigated with resistance training (RT), but most adults do not regularly exercise. We aimed to identify the magnitude and duration of benefits after RT in the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy (SSSH) program. A total of 27 adults (Repeaters n = 15; Summer Only n = 12), aged 60.7 ± 4.8 years, completed the same 8 weeks of SSSH in the summer and Repeaters continued in fall and spring months. Independent and paired t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVAs were used to test changes in survey responses and physical performance over 10 months. Both groups were similar at baseline ( p > .07) and improved from pre- to post-summer for health surveys scores, 30 second-sit-to-stand, timed-up-and-go, and sit-n-reach ( p ≤ .02). Additionally, Repeaters (measured data) and Summer Only (2.3% modeled decline) maintained those improvements 10 months later. Participation in 8 weeks of SSSH significantly improved physical strength and function and these improvements may last up to a year.
Salmonella Renal Abscess in an Immunocompetent Child: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Poh Cedric Wei Ming , Seah Xue Fen Valerie , Chong Chia Yin , Ganesan Indra , Maiwald Matthias , Nadua Karen , Kam Kai-Qian , Tan Natalie Woon Hui
Published: May 2021

We describe a case of a 10-year-old immunocompetent girl with a left renal abscess due to Group C Salmonella ( Salmonella serovar Oranienburg). Percutaneous drainage of the abscess was done. She also received 2 weeks of intravenous ceftriaxone, followed by 4 weeks of oral co-trimoxazole with resolution seen on ultrasound. A review of pediatric Salmonella renal abscesses is also presented.
The Effect of Using Rome IV Criteria on the Prevalence of Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders and Functional Constipation among Children of the Western Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khayat Ammar , Algethami Ghady , Baik Sama , Alhajori Mai , Banjar Dhayy
Published: May 2021

Functional gastrointestinal disorders are characterized by absence of anatomical and biochemical alterations, and are diagnosed and classified based on symptomatology. We aim to explore the prevalence of functional abdominal pain disorders and Functional constipation using Rome IV criteria. An online questionnaire was distributed randomly via social media targeting the general population of the western region of Saudi Arabia. Parents who have at least 1 child in the age group 3 to 18 years were included. Children with mental disabilities, or any organic gastrointestinal disorder were excluded. Five hundred thirty-two responded and 215 were excluded. The overall prevalence of functional abdominal pain disorders was 3.1%. The prevalence of functional constipation was 4.7%. Conclusions: Rome IV criteria seems to give a lower functional abdominal pain prevalence than Rome III, online learning did not seem to affect the prevalence of both disorders, but a family stressor seems to increase functional constipation prevalence.
The road to more sustainable firms in the face of a pandemic: Changes needed in employment relationships
Authors: Lopez-Cabrales Alvaro , DeNisi Angelo
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we operate at work. Dealing with these changes may require new ways of thinking about our models of employment relationships, to create more sustainable organizations during troubled times. Sustainability can be understood as an attempt to strike a balance between the economic, social and environmental goals of companies—a balance that could drive a global recovery from the pandemic crisis. This essay focuses on the employer’s perspective and considers how firms can use different employment models to improve sustainability during the crisis. We propose two alternative employment models which we label “Oversustainability” and “Mutual Sustainability” that depend on the choice of the firm’s competitive strategy (proactive/innovative vs analyzer/following). We considered the contributions expected from employees and the inducements they were offered under each model. We believe these employment models can be advantageous for companies seeking to adopt proactive and analyzer-type sustainability strategies.

JEL CLASSIFICATION M1
Teaching Professionalism: Comparing Written and Video Case-Studies
Authors: Wong Christina , Purdy Lisa
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

Professionalism is a difficult concept to teach to healthcare professionals. Case-studies in written and video format have demonstrated to be effective teaching tools to improve a student’s knowledge, but little is known about their impact on student behaviour. The purpose of this research study was to investigate and compare the impact of the 2 teaching tools on a student’s behaviour during a simulation.

Method:

A 3-stage mixed method study was conducted with senior Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) undergraduate students. All students were randomly divided into a Written Group or Video Group to attend a mandatory professionalism workshop focused on bullying and gossip. Twenty-six students completed the voluntary assignment and 21 students participated in the voluntary group simulations. Thematic analysis was performed on the assignments and simulation. Frequencies of themes were calculated. A Group Simulation Assessment Rubric was used to score simulations and calculate an adjusted group performance average (AGPA).

Results:

The assignment demonstrates that students from both groups obtained a theoretical understanding of how to resolve gossip and bullying. From the Written Group and Video Group, 70%/18% of students discouraged/resolved gossiping and 80%/63% prevented bullying. The mean AGPA for the Written Group and Video Group was 5.4 and 4.9 respectively ( t(5) = 1.5, P = .2).

Discussion:

Students can successfully apply knowledge they have gained in written and video case-studies focused on the professionalism topics of bullying and gossip to a hypothetical situation. However, a discrepancy in their actions was found during the simulations. The data from the study suggests that written and video case-studies do not have different impacts on a student’s behaviour.
Dairy Fears: Moral Panic around Food Contamination Scandals in Contemporary Sri Lanka
Authors: Stewart James
Published: May 2021

A major food contamination scandal occurred in Sri Lanka in 2013 after it was alleged that Fonterra dairy products contained chemicals known to have a negative effect on human health. This crisis was influenced by unique factors that, I argue, are particular to the social and cultural context of Sri Lanka. In this article, I will be focusing on several such factors: (a) specific considerations about the Sri Lankan dairy industry; (b) the growing influence of the worship of the deity Kiri Amma, a god that is associated uniquely with dairy and dairy production; (c) the common belief that milk possesses a unique transformative and curative property; and (d) prevailing food conspiracies that maintain that external groups are seeking to harm the Sinhalese people by purposefully poisoning confectionary and dairy products. By considering these factors, we can better understand how inter-ethnic and inter-religious tensions can precipitate in Sri Lanka.
The O-Bento Principle for Successful Multi-sector Collaboration: A Case Study of DMO Roppongi
Authors: Shimbo Aki , Javed Amna , Kohda Youji
Published: May 2021

This article presents empirical research that seeks to investigate the principles of management that lead towards successful multi-sector collaboration through the analysis lens of effectuation theory. The target of this empirical research is a destination marketing organization (DMO) considered to be a classic example of multi-sector collaboration focusing on the destination management performed by DMO as a case study.

DMO Roppongi in Tokyo has been selected as the sample for this empirical research, and in particular, Nogi Shrine (Nogi-Jinja) has been selected as a venue for inbound meetings and a successful case of destination management. In Japan, shrines are considered as sacred sites; hence, the research began with the question: ‘Why was Nogi Shrine provided as a venue?’. We interviewed both the executive director of DMO Roppongi and the contact person at Nogi Shrine and conducted a qualitative analysis by focusing on the management features emerged during the process of venue selection.

In the world of start-ups, entrepreneurs are required to search for business opportunities proactively, but this research has investigated that in the multi-sector collaboration, the abundant resources are mainly possessed by the participating stakeholders that can be associated with the business opportunities. Hence, the key management point in this case is the impartial use of the resources ‘that are already there’ and available for use. This research has formulated this discovery, as ‘the O-Bento principle’ in line with the effectuation theory.
Social Capital and the Church: Engaging Virtually for the Sake of the World
Authors: Twibell Simone Mulieri
Published: May 2021

Today’s dramatically reconfigured world has created opportunities for unprecedented types of social interaction and engagement in missions. Amid economic, environmental, and pandemic crises, it is incumbent to critically assess the various alternatives available to further God’s mission on earth. This article explores the concept of social capital, seeking to offer a framework by which to understand and embrace the opportunities hidden behind virtual platforms of social engagement. This article also considers trends in the approaches of religious social capital, seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics involved and of the implications for contemporary missions.
Imaging of nonatheromatous carotid artery disease
Authors: Montes Daniel , Romero Javier M
Published: May 2021

Imaging diagnosis of nonatheromatous carotid artery disease is challenging due to its low prevalence in contrast to that of atheromatous disease. Congenital anomalies are frequently discovered incidentally, as the chronicity of these conditions allows for compensatory flow development. The inflammatory conditions typically present with nonspecific courses, and a high clinical suspicion along with timely imaging evaluation can guide the diagnosis. Carotid dissection is the result of a partial disruption of the arterial wall and can be seen in previously healthy patients, in patients with underlying noninflammatory arteriopathies or trauma. Traumatic injuries to the carotid artery may occur under many different conditions and mechanisms and timely recognition of high-risk patients improves patient outcomes. Although free-floating thrombi (FFT) formation is typically seen with atherosclerotic plaque rupture, different conditions may also predispose to FFT. In this review article, we study the different imaging features of nonatheromatous carotid artery disease using ultrasonography, computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and digital subtraction angiogram.
Systematic Literature Review on Burden of Clostridioides difficile Infection in India
Authors: Ghia Canna J , Waghela Shaumil , Rambhad Gautam S
Published: May 2021

Background:

Owing to limited diagnostic facilities and surveillance protocols, there is a paucity on the prevalence data of Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs) in developing countries such as India.

Objective:

The aims of these studies are (1) to determine the prevalence of CDI in India, (2) to understand the risk factors of CDI, and (3) to determine the impact of different diagnostic methods on reported CDI rates.

Method:

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar database to identify Indian studies reporting the prevalence of CDI. A total of 31 studies, published between 1990 and 2020 were included in the final analysis. A chi-square test was used to determine statistically significant association between prevalence rates, accuracy of different diagnosis methods, and antibiotic usage rates of CDI.

Results:

The prevalence of CDI was in the range of 3.4% to 18%, and the difference between regional prevalence of CDI was statistically significant ( P < .001). The use of antibiotics, hospital stay, comorbidities, recent surgery, and the use of proton-pump inhibitors was considered as risk factors for the development of CDI. Compared to other regions, the rate of antibiotic usage was significantly higher in North India ( P < .001). Among different diagnostic methods, C. difficile detection was significantly higher with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (18.02%) versus other multiple testing methods used ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

There is a significant burden of CDI across the country. Further surveillance studies are required to monitor changes in prevalence of CDI, risk factors, and accuracy of diagnosis methods for a better understanding of the disease burden in India.
The Value of Reflux Monitoring: The Old and the New for the Diagnosis and Assessment of GERD
Authors: Gyawali C. Prakash
Published: May 2021

Reflux monitoring has advanced from inpatient continuous pH recordings on scrolling graph paper introduced 50 years ago to modern catheter-based 24-hour and wireless multiple-day ambulatory recordings, and the capability of detecting reflux episodes irrespective of pH using impedance technology. Testing is performed off antisecretory therapy when there is no prior documentation of reflux disease, and pH-impedance monitoring can be performed on therapy in symptomatic patients with proven reflux. Prolonged wireless pH monitoring evaluates day-to-day variation in reflux exposure. New impedance-based metrics evaluating baseline impedance and post-reflux swallow induced peristaltic wave have potential to augment the diagnostic value of reflux monitoring.
Heterologous vaccine interventions: boosting immunity against future pandemics
Authors: Marín-Hernández Daniela , Nixon Douglas F. , Hupert Nathaniel
Published: May 2021

While vaccines traditionally have been designed and used for protection against infection or disease caused by one specific pathogen, there are known off-target effects from vaccines that can impact infection from unrelated pathogens. The best-known non-specific effects from an unrelated or heterologous vaccine are from the use of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, mediated partly through trained immunity. Other vaccines have similar heterologous effects. This review covers molecular mechanisms behind the heterologous effects, and the potential use of heterologous vaccination in the current COVID-19 pandemic. We then discuss novel pandemic response strategies based on rapidly deployed, widespread heterologous vaccination to boost population-level immunity for initial, partial protection against infection and/or clinical disease, while specific vaccines are developed.
Conformational epitope matching and prediction based on protein surface spiral features
Authors: Lo Ying-Tsang , Shih Tao-Chuan , Pai Tun-Wen , Ho Li-Ping , Wu Jen-Leih , Chou Hsin-Yiu
Published: May 2021

Background

A conformational epitope (CE) is composed of neighboring amino acid residues located on an antigenic protein surface structure. CEs bind their complementary paratopes in B-cell receptors and/or antibodies. An effective and efficient prediction tool for CE analysis is critical for the development of immunology-related applications, such as vaccine design and disease diagnosis.

Results

We propose a novel method consisting of two sequential modules: matching and prediction. The matching module includes two main approaches. The first approach is a complete sequence search (CSS) that applies BLAST to align the sequence with all known antigen sequences. Fragments with high epitope sequence identities are identified and the predicted residues are annotated on the query structure. The second approach is a spiral vector search (SVS) that adopts a novel surface spiral feature vector for large-scale surface patch detection when queried against a comprehensive epitope database. The prediction module also contains two proposed subsystems. The first system is based on knowledge-based energy and geometrical neighboring residue contents, and the second system adopts combinatorial features, including amino acid contents and physicochemical characteristics, to formulate corresponding geometric spiral vectors and compare them with all spiral vectors from known CEs. An integrated testing dataset was generated for method evaluation, and our two searching methods effectively identified all epitope regions. The prediction results show that our proposed method outperforms previously published systems in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy.

Conclusions

The proposed method significantly improves the performance of traditional epitope prediction. Matching followed by prediction is an efficient and effective approach compared to predicting directly on specific surfaces containing antigenic characteristics.
Genome-wide association analysis reveals quantitative trait loci and candidate genes involved in yield components under multiple field environments in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Authors: Zhu Guozhong , Hou Sen , Song Xiaohui , Wang Xing , Wang Wei , Chen Quanjia , Guo Wangzhen
Published: May 2021

Background

Numerous quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and candidate genes associated with yield-related traits have been identified in cotton by genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis. However, most of the phenotypic data were from a single or few environments, and the stable loci remained to be validated under multiple field environments.

Results

Here, 242 upland cotton accessions collected from different origins were continuously investigated for phenotypic data of four main yield components, including boll weight (BW) and lint percentage (LP) under 13 field environments, and boll number per plant (BN) and seed index (SI) under 11 environments. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between BN and LP, BW and SI, while SI had a negative correlation with LP and BN. Genetic analysis indicated that LP had the highest heritability estimates of 94.97%, followed by 92.08% for SI, 86.09% for BW, and 72.92% for BN, indicating LP and SI were more suitable traits for genetic improvement. Based on 56,010 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and GWAS analysis, a total of 95 non-redundant QTLs were identified, including 12 of BN, 23 of BW, 45 of LP, and 33 of SI, respectively. Of them, 10 pairs of homologous QTLs were detected between A and D sub-genomes. We also found that 15 co-located QTLs with more than two traits and 12 high-confidence QTLs were detected under more than six environments, respectively. Further, two NET genes (GH_A08G0716 and GH_A08G0783), located in a novel QTL hotspot (qtl24, qtl25 and qlt26) were predominately expressed in early fiber development stages, exhibited significant correlation with LP and SI. The GH_A07G1389 in the stable qtl19 region encoded a tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR)-like superfamily protein and was a homologous gene involved in short fiber mutant ligon lintless-y (Liy), implying important roles in cotton yield.

Conclusions

The present study provides a foundation for understanding the regulatory mechanisms of yield components and may enhance yield improvement through molecular breeding in cotton.
Cycle length of nonsustanied ventricular tachycardias among ICD patients: implications on subsequent appropriate therapies
Authors: Jiménez-Candil Javier , Duran Olga , Oterino Armando , Pérez Jendri , Castro Juan Carlos , Hernández Jesús , Moríñigo José , García Manuel Sánchez , Sánchez Pedro L.
Published: May 2021

Background

ICD patients with episodes of nonsustained ventricular tachycardias (NSVT) are at risk of appropriate therapies. However, the relationship between the cycle length (CL) of such NSVTs and the subsequent incidence of appropriate interventions is unknown.

Methods

416 ICD patients with LVEF < 45% were studied. ICD programming was standardized. NSVT was defined as any VT of 5 or more beats at ≥ 150 bpm occurred in the first 6 months after implantation that terminated spontaneously and was not preceded by any appropriate therapy. The mean follow-up was 41 ± 27 months.

Results

We analyzed 2201 NSVTs (mean CL = 323 ms) that occurred in 250 patients; 111 of such episodes were fast (CL ≤ 300 ms). Secondary prevention (HR = 1.7; p < 0.001), number of NSVT episodes (HR = 1.05; 95% CI 1.04–1.07; p < 0.001) and beta-blocker treatment (HR = 0.7; p = 0.04) were independent predictors of appropriate interventions; however, the mean CL of NSVTs was not (p = 0.6). There was a correlation between the mean CL of NSVTs and the CL of the first monomorphic VT: r = 0.88; p < 0.001. This correlation was especially robust in individuals with > 5 NSVTs (r = 0.97; p < 0.001), with an agreement between both values greater than 95%. Patients with any fast NSVT experienced a higher incidence of VF episodes (26%) compared to those without NVSTs (3%) or with only slow NSVTs (7%); p < 0.001.

Conclusions

Unlike the burden, the CL of NSVTs is not a predictor of subsequent appropriate interventions. However, there is a close relationship between the CL of NSVTs and that of arrhythmias that will later lead to appropriate therapies.
Clinical characteristics and neuroimaging findings of seven patients with Dyke Davidoff Masson syndrome
Authors: Wang Bing , Jiang Wentao , Yan Weiqiang , Tian Jianhong , Xu Jianxing , Li Yulin , Zhao Yanzhen , Dai Yi , Cheng Guanxun , Hou Gangqiang
Published: May 2021

Background

DDMS is a rare disease diagnosed by clinical and radiological characteristics. But the complexity of radiological and clinical manifestations of DDMS has become a challenge diagnostically. To date, the reported cases with DDMS had highly varied clinical manifestations including seizures, contralateral hemiplegia/hemiparesis, facial asymmetry, mental retardation, etc. In addition to typical clinical findings, some new characteristics have been recently added to the spectrum of DDMS. However, few cases have been reported to be associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms according to the literature. This study aimed to investigate the neuropsychiatric manifestations associated with Dyke-Davidoff-Masson syndrome (DDMS) and related imaging findings.

Methods

This study included 7 patients diagnosed with DDMS between 2014 and 2020. The clinical characteristics, neuropsychiatric manifestations, and radiological results were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

Seven patients (five males and two females) with a mean age of 28.0 ± 9.73 (range 15.0–41.0) years were included. Five patients were admitted to the psychiatric unit due to psychological and behavioral disorders. Two patients were referred to the neurology unit mainly due to epilepsy. Six patients had epileptic seizures, 4 had hemiplegia, 3 had mental retardation, 2 patients had external ear deformities, and 2 had facial asymmetry. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were presented in 6 (85.7 %) cases. Cases 2–6 developed affective disorders. Deficits in verbal communication, impairment of social interaction, lack of insight, adulia and hypobulia appeared in cases 1–4. Schizophrenia with apathy, and epileptic schizoid psychosis were observed in cases 4 and 5 respectively. Case 6 had behavioral disorders, hyperactivity, tic disorder, mental retardation, anxiety, catatonic symptoms and suicidal tendency. Case 7 had seizures and mental retardation, and no psychiatric symptoms were presented. Radiological examinations showed unilateral cerebral atrophy, enlarged lateral ventricles, and various compensatory hypertrophy of the skull in all cases. The midline structure has shifted to the affected side in 5(71.4 %) cases. Atrophy of the basal ganglia or brain stem was observed in 4(57.1 %) cases.

Conclusions

The hallmark imaging manifestations of DDMS facilitated the diagnosis in most cases. This study illustrated that a variety of psychoneurotic disorders and ear abnormalities were correlated with DDMS.