bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Third branchial cleft cyst as a cause of hoarseness: a case report
Authors: Li Zhao , Zhang Jianhui , Yang Yijing , He Xi
Published: May 2021

Third branchial cleft cyst is a rare congenital disease of the neck. It presents as a painless mass that develops rapidly in the neck following an infection. This is the first case report of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy caused by a third branchial cleft cyst. A 30-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of hoarseness as her only symptom; she had no pain, fever, dysphagia, dyspnoea, or palpable neck mass. Laryngoscopy revealed that her right vocal cord was paralyzed. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic mass in the right tracheoesophageal groove that was closely associated with the trachea. Intraoperatively, the cyst was found not to originate from the thyroid or trachea, but it was compressing the right recurrent laryngeal nerve. The hoarseness resolved the day after the cyst was removed.
Pooled platelet concentrates provide a small benefit over single-donor platelets for patients with platelet refractoriness of any etiology
Authors: Chu Ying-Hsia , Rose William Nicholas , Nawrot William , Raife Thomas J.
Published: May 2021

Background

At our institution, patients with platelet refractoriness (of any etiology) are sometimes switched from apheresis platelets to pooled platelets before human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched units become available.

Study design and methods

Seven patients were analyzed. Platelet counts were available from 57 single-unit transfusions (26 pooled, 31 apheresis). A mixed linear effects model was used and significance was determined using a likelihood ratio test.

Results

When analyzed as the only fixed effect in the model, the use of pooled versus single-donor units and time from transfusion to post-transfusion blood sampling each showed a significant effect on platelet count increments. A mixed linear effect model including both factors showed that transfusing a pooled unit correlated with a 4500±2000/µL greater platelet count increment compared with a single-donor unit, and an increase in time from transfusion to post-transfusion blood sampling lowered the platelet count increment by 300±100/µL per hour.

Conclusion

A small but potentially clinically relevant benefit was observed in transfusing pooled random-donor platelets compared with single-donor units for patients with platelet refractoriness (of any etiology).
Are God’s ‘Good Plans’ not Good Enough? The Place and Significance of Jer 29.15 in Jeremiah’s Letter to the Exiles
Authors: Hildebrandt Samuel
Published: May 2021

My analysis of Jer 29 argues for including v. 15 in the unit describing God’s ‘good plans’, which is delimitated almost always as vv. 10-14. A review of translations and commentators reveals v. 15 to be a crux interpretum, which often is ‘solved’ through textual transposition. Discussing the omission of vv. 16-20 in Jer-LXX as well as some standard indicators of delimitation, such as speech formulas, conjunctions, and scribal paragraph markers, I argue for reading v. 15 as the exiles’ direct response to the preceding divine promises. This understanding of the structure of Jer 29 shifts the main message of the prophet’s letter from God’s ‘good plans’ to the addressee’s rejection of these plans. For a post-exilic readership, the letter explains the suspension of divine restoration and elevates the New Covenant promises of Jer 30-31.
Comparative study of four MPPT for a wind power system
Authors: Hannachi Marwa , Elbeji Omessaad , Benhamed Mouna , Sbita Lassaad
Published: May 2021

The Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) command makes it possible to find the optimal operating point of the wind generator following variations in the wind. Its principle is based on the automatic variation of the power coefficient to continuously maximize the power of the wind generator. This work is an attempt to study and discuss four most popular types of MPPT techniques such as: Perturbation and Observation (P&O), optimal torque (OT), On-Off control, and tip speed ratio (TSR). The Matlab-Simulink environment is used to analyse and then interpret the simulation results of these algorithms, and therefore show the performance and limitations of each algorithm. The comparison shows the efficiency and the superiority of the OT technique compared to the other MPPTs studied.
Performance Evaluation of Stabilized Base Course using Asphalt Emulsion and Asphaltenes Derived from Alberta Oil Sands
Authors: Kamran Farshad , Basavarajappa Manjunath , Bala Nura , Hashemian Leila
Published: May 2021

Stabilization of the pavement base course using asphalt emulsion is one of the strategies that improves the layer’s strength and, consequently, enhances the pavement performance. In this study, to improve the performance of the asphalt-emulsion-stabilized base course, asphaltenes derived from Alberta oil sands bitumen are added to the mix. Asphaltenes are a byproduct of the deasphalting process of oil sand bitumen and have no significant value in the asphalt industry. The modified mixes are prepared by adding different amounts of asphaltenes in powder form to the mix at ambient temperatures. Marshall stability and indirect tensile strength of the mixtures are evaluated using different contents of asphalt emulsion and asphaltenes. The low-temperature performance properties of the selected mixtures are investigated using an indirect tensile test and for the high-temperature properties a wheel-tracking test is conducted. The results of this study indicate that the addition of asphaltenes to the emulsion-stabilized mix significantly improves rutting resistance, with a slight increase in moisture sensitivity. However, the indirect tensile test results also reveal that modified mixes are slightly more prone to low-temperature cracking than are unmodified ones.
Association of Recurrent Tear After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair and Superoxide-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Itoigawa Yoshiaki , Yoshida Keiichi , Nojiri Hidetoshi , Morikawa Daichi , Kawasaki Takayuki , Wada Tomoki , Koga Akihisa , Maruyama Yuichiro , Ishijima Muneaki
Published: May 2021

Background:

Recurrent tears after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) remain a significant clinical problem. Oxidative stress contributes to the degeneration of the rotator cuff, and a degenerative rotator cuff can lead to recurrent tear after ARCR. However, the correlation between oxidative stress and retear after ARCR is unclear.

Purpose:

To investigate the correlation between superoxide-induced oxidative stress and recurrent tear after ARCR.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 68 patients who underwent ARCR using a suture-bridge technique participated in this study. Specimens were collected from the edge of the torn tendon during surgery. The modified Bonar score was used to evaluate degeneration of the rotator cuff on histological specimens, and fluorescence intensity on dihydroethidium (DHE) staining was used to detect oxidative stress. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity was also measured. The following were used for clinical evaluation: age, tear size on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before surgery, Goutallier classification on MRI before surgery, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association score before and 6 months after surgery. After the repaired rotator cuffs were evaluated on MRI 6 months after surgery, the patients were divided into groups: those with a healed rotator cuff (healed group; n = 46) and those with a recurrent tear (retear group; n = 22). The significant differences between the groups were determined with regard to clinical evaluation, modified Bonar score, DHE intensity, and SOD activity. In addition, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate risk factors for recurrent tear.

Results:

Age, tear size, Goutallier classification, modified Bonar score, DHE intensity, and SOD activity were significantly greater in the retear group than in the healed group, although the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was not significantly different. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age, tear size, and SOD activity were significantly correlated with recurrent tear.

Conclusion:

In addition to tear size and age, superoxide-induced oxidative stress may be an exacerbating factor for retear after ARCR.
Practical Use of Single-Case Research Designs When Testing Mathematics Interventions for Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Peltier Corey , Flores Margaret M. , Strickland Tricia K.
Published: May 2021

Single-case research design is a useful methodology for evaluating the presence of a functional relation between an intervention and the mathematical performance of students with a learning disability. However, a functional relation cannot be established with threats to internal validity of the design. External validity is impacted if researchers do not clearly describe their methods so that others may replicate them. Therefore, single-case researchers must maximize the internal and external validity of their investigations. We provide a commentary on investigations published in Learning Disability Quarterly that implemented a mathematics intervention for students with a mathematics learning disability. We will highlight specific features of single-case designs within the review and provide recommendations for the field.
Deception in weight-loss advertising: Newspaper use of press releases issued by the Federal Trade Commission
Authors: Denham Bryan E.
Published: May 2021

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates advertising associated with dietary supplements, acting for consumers in cases of deception. This study examines the extent to which regional and national newspapers responded to 177 FTC press releases about deceptive claims associated with weight-loss supplements. Of 177 FTC press releases, 77 (43.5%) received at least some coverage in 212 newspaper reports; however, a relatively small number of releases accounted for the preponderance of coverage. Marked increases in news reports at certain points reflected FTC press releases involving multiple companies, new initiatives and the “superfood” acai berry.
The Cost of Early Independence: Unmet Material Needs Among College Students With Homelessness or Foster Care Histories
Authors: Skobba Kim , Moorman Diann , Meyers David
Published: May 2021

Qualitative interview data were used to explore the experiences of college students with foster care or homelessness experiences. Participants, with an average age of 21 years, included 18 female and nine male students with a history of homelessness or foster care enrolled in several independent 4-year colleges in one Southeastern state. Participants were recruited through a flyer that was distributed via an email message to individuals and organizations who worked with prospective participants. The qualitative data were collected over the course of an academic year from several in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analyzed using a directed content analysis approach to identify key themes: getting by on their own, meeting material needs requires agency, and the Catch-22 of managing academic and material needs. Findings suggest that many of the students in the study experienced a fragile and seemingly unsustainable balance between meeting material needs and academic demands. The current financial aid model, which relies on significant contributions from parents, was insufficient for most students in the study. Results support the need for interventions that improve the ability of students with foster care and homelessness histories to manage their material and academic needs as college students.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of SGS-742, a γ-aminobutyric acid B (GABA-B) Receptor Antagonist, for Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency
Authors: Schreiber John M. , Wiggs Edythe , Cuento Rose , Norato Gina , Dustin Irene H. , Rolinski Rachel , Austermuehle Alison , Zhou Xiangping , Inati Sara K. , Gibson K. Michael , Pearl Phillip L. , Theodore William H.
Published: May 2021

We examined safety, tolerability, and efficacy of SGS-742, a γ-aminobutyric acid B (GABA-B) receptor antagonist, in patients with succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency. This was a single-center randomized, double-blind crossover phase II clinical trial of SGS-742 versus placebo in patients with succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency. Procedures included transcranial magnetic stimulation and the Adaptive Behavior Assessment Scale. Nineteen subjects were consented and enrolled; the mean age was 14.0 ± 7.5 years and 11 (58%) were female. We did not find a significant effect of SGS-742 on the Adaptive Behavior Assessment Scale score, motor threshold, and paired-pulse stimulation. The difference in recruitment curve slopes between treatment groups was 0.003 ( P = .09). There was no significant difference in incidence of adverse effects between drug and placebo arms. SGS-742 failed to produce improved cognition and normalization of cortical excitability as measured by the Adaptive Behavior Assessment Scale and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Our data do not support the current use of SGS-742 in succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency.

Trial registry number NCT02019667. Phase 2 Clinical Trial of SGS-742 Therapy in Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02019667
Lethal in vitro effects of optimized chitosan nanoparticles against protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus
Authors: Firouzeh Nima , Eslaminejad Touba , Shafiei Reza , Faridi Ashkan , Fasihi Harandi Majid
Published: May 2021

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Exploring safe and effective scolicidal agents for the surgery is an urgent need for the successful treatment of CE. This study aimed to determine scolicidal activity of the synthesized chitosan nanoparticles. Physicochemical properties of synthesized nanoparticles were determined by using DLS, FTIR, and SEM. Different concentrations of chitosan nanoparticles from 125 to 1000 μg/ml were examined at different incubation times (10, 60, 120, and 180 min). Scolicidal and cytotoxic activity of chitosan nanoparticles were confirmed by eosin exclusion and hemolysis activity tests. FTIR spectra, zeta potential (+42 ± 2.08) and PDI (0.388 ± 0.034) value revealed that the chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized. Significant differences among the scolicidal effects of chitosan nanoparticles were observed in comparison to the control treatments and highest scolicidal activity was observed at 1000 μg/ml after 180 min exposure time. Hemolytic activity was not significant at all concentrations of chitosan nanoparticles. Our findings support the hypothesis that Chitosan nanoparticles have the potential to be a safe and efficient scolicidal agent candidate at very low concentrations and in a wide range of exposure time. Further in vivo studies are recommended to evaluate chitosan nanoparticle efficacy before clinical application.
Wealth Inequality and Intimate Partner Violence: An Individual and Ecological Level Analysis Across 20 Countries
Authors: Kebede Samuel , Van Harmelen Anne-Laura , Roman-Urrestarazu Andres
Published: May 2021

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) has been linked to poor health. Economic position may be an important risk factor for IPV. We examined the association between economic position and IPV at country and individual levels. We analyzed Demographic and Health Surveys data of 187,716 ever-partnered women between ages 10 and 59 from 20 low- and middle-income countries. We calculated direct age-standardized 12-month prevalence of physical IPV and performed ecological analysis using Gini coefficients and Concentration indexes to assess correlation with 12-month prevalence of physical IPV. We conducted multivariable logistic regression for each country to assess the association between wealth status and physical IPV and a meta-analysis of the regression model to present results across countries. Compared to the Poorest quintile, odds of IPV among wealthier quintiles varied by country. In the Middle quintile, India had significantly reduced IPV (OR 0.75, 95%CI: 0.68-0.83). In the Richer and Richest quintiles, 4 and 6 countries had significant reductions in IPV, respectively. Only Mozambique was found to have significant increased IPV in the wealthiest quintile (OR 2.51, 95%CI: 1.45-4.38). Gini coefficient and physical IPV had a correlation coefficient of 0.502 ( p value 0.033), while Concentration index had –0.276 ( p value .253). Standardized prevalence for physical IPV ranged from 1.58% to 18.91%. Findings suggest that the relationship between wealth and IPV vary considerably in the included low- and middle-income countries, and that risk of IPV may not necessarily be higher among women in lower wealth brackets. Mozambique was the only country with increased odds of IPV among the Richest group as compared to the Poorest group. This study provides evidence IPV may transcend economic boundaries, and that studies looking at the link between inequality and IPV are paramount for designing adequate preventative policies.
A strain-wavelength modelling of low-frequency cantilever fibre Bragg grating accelerometer
Authors: Khalid Nor Syukriah , Hassan Mohd Firdaus , Zohari Mohd Hafizi , Rahim Muhammad Rais
Published: May 2021

The accuracy of single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) model in describing the beam motion of low-frequency cantilever fibre Bragg grating (FBG) accelerometer can be further explored, since the SDOF model is limited to fundamental vibration modes. Therefore, this paper addresses the aforementioned limitation by introducing a modal model of the cantilever Euler-Bernoulli (EB) beam into the wavelength shift equation. This modal model (FBG-MM) considered five vibration modes. The convergent series of eigenfunction for cantilevered EB beam was solved using a standard modal expansion theory. The curvature of the cantilevered beam resulted from dual differentiation of the eigenfunction (with respect to x) is then related to the strain and wavelength of the FBG. The computed wavelength shift using FBG-MM was compared with the SDOF model. The experimental results where the harmonic base excitation occurring at five different frequencies were also discussed. The simulation results showed that the wavelength shift exhibited more reasonable behaviour along the beam particularly when the excitation frequency exceeded the second bending mode (596.67 Hz). The FBG-MM and experimental wavelength shift showed convincing correlation only when the excitation frequency came close to the fundamental frequency. On the other hand, there was no agreement at low excitation frequencies due to stiffness issues of the cantilever beam and the capability of the optical spectrum analyser. In future, the improvement of this study will focus on introducing a tip mass on the cantilever beam for increasing the accelerometer sensitivity and representing the cantilever beam using Timoshenko model.
A simplified dynamic model with driver’s NMS characteristic for human-vehicle shared control of autonomous vehicle
Authors: Wu Huateng , Wei Hanbing , Liu Zheng , Xu Jin
Published: May 2021

Since the large-scale application of fully autonomous vehicles is difficult to be commercialized in the short term, human-vehicle shared control (HVSC) is a promising technique. To implement the control authority allocation and observe the driver characteristic, it is essential to develop an efficient HVSC dynamic model with the driver’s neuromuscular characteristic (NMS). To further our previous research, a simplified HVSC dynamic model is proposed in this paper. This model simplifies the non-critical NMS parameters such as muscle spindle feedback, which has no significant feedback effect while retaining essential NMS characteristics such as stretch reflection and intrinsic properties. The model consists of a model predictive controller (MPC) coupled with a driver NMS model and a 2 DOF vehicle model. The stability is proved by Lyapunov stability theory. Moreover, a field experiment was conducted for validation of the model. The V-Box is utilized to measure the vehicle’s state signals, such as steering wheel angle and pedal stroke. Subsequently, the adaptive genetic algorithm (AGA) is employed to identify the model parameters based on the experimental results. The comparison between the experiment and the model output shows that the proposed model can accurately represent the driver’s NMS characteristics and vehicle dynamic parameters. This paper will serve as a theoretical basis for the control authority allocation for L3 class autonomous vehicles.
Effect of Opuntia dejecta (Salm-Dyck) flowers in liver of fructose-fed rats: Biochemicals, enzymatic and histological studies
Authors: Zouaoui O , Adouni K , Jelled A , Thouri A , Chrifa A Ben , Mabrouk S Bel , Haouas Z , Neffeti F , Achour L
Published: May 2021

Phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of flowers decoction at post-flowering stage (F3D) of Opuntia dejecta were determined. The obtained findings demonstrate that F3D has a marked antioxidant activity in all tested assays. Furthermore, the present study was designed to test the protective activity of F3D against induced Diabetes type 2 (DT2) in male rats. Those metabolic syndromes were induced by a high-fructose diet (HFD) (10% fructose solution) for a period of 20 weeks. F3D was administered orally (100 and 300 mg/kg body weight) daily for the last 4 weeks. Metformin (150 mg/kg body weight) was used as a standard drug and administrated orally for the last 4 weeks. The results showed a significant increase in blood glucose, triglycerides and hepatic markers (ALAT, ASAT and ALK-P) in HFD group. A significant increase in hepatic TBARS and a significant decrease in SOD, CAT and GPX were observed in fructose fed rats compared to control group. Administration of F3D showed a protective effect in biochemical and oxidative stress parameters measured in this study. Also, oral administration of F3D restored the histological architecture of rat liver in comparison with rats fed HFD. In conclusion, F3D attenuated hepatic oxidative stress in fructose-fed rats.
Selecting a Cell Engineering Methodology During Cell Therapy Product Development
Authors: Timmins Lauren M. , Burr Alexandra M. , Carroll Kristina , Keefe Robert , Teryek Matthew , Cantolupo Louis J. , van der Loo Johannes C. M. , Heathman Thomas R.J. , Gormley Adam J , Smith David , Parekkadan Biju
Published: May 2021

When considering the development pathway for a genetically modified cell therapy product, it is critically important that the product is engineered consistent with its intended human use. For scientists looking to develop and commercialize a new technology, the decision to select a genetic modification method depends on several practical considerations. Whichever path is chosen, the developer must understand the key risks and potential mitigations of the cell engineering approach. The developer should also understand the clinical implications: permanent/memory establishment versus transient expression, and clinical manufacturing considerations when dealing with transplantation of genetically engineered cells. This review covers important topics for mapping out a strategy for developers of new cell-based therapeutics. Biological, technological, manufacturing, and clinical considerations are all presented to map out development lanes for the initiation and risk management of new gene-based cell therapeutic products for human use.
A qualitative examination of graduating nurses’ response to the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Lancaster Rachelle J , Schmitt Catherine , Debish Melanie
Published: May 2021

Background:

Currently, graduating nurses face pandemic-related uncertainty including gaps in risk perception, unexpected Covid-19 moral dilemmas, and distress surrounding personal health risk.

Research question/aim/objectives/Method:

The purpose of this basic qualitative descriptive study is to describe the willingness of graduating nurses to provide care during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Participants and research context:

One week prior to graduation, students were required to submit a written assignment describing willingness to practice in light of the ongoing pandemic.

Ethical considerations:

This study was approved by an Institutional Review Board.

Findings/results:

Eighty-four ( n = 84) assignments were used for analysis. Of these, 82% (n = 69) of the graduating nurses describe a willingness to voluntarily care for Covid-19 patients. After summarizing narrative responses, two themes emerged including self-assessment of personal and familial risk and conflicting obligations.

Discussion:

The assessment of risk to self and family are key in determining whether graduating nurses will care for Covid-19 patients. Conflicting obligations may contribute to stress and uncertainty potentially leading to early burnout.

Conclusion:

Findings from this study can inform academicians of the need to adequality prepare graduating nurses for Covid-19-associated risks and ethical decision making. Organizations should alter residencies and orientation to support the needs of new nurses.
A Fuzzy Decision-making Approach to Evaluate CO2 Emissions Reduction Policies
Authors: Gupta Monika
Published: May 2021

The article aims at multi-criteria decision making analysis using the fuzzy set theory to evaluate different policy options to reduce CO2 emissions from road transport in case of India. The fuzzy set theory has been applied to investigate different possible measures which the government can adopt to reduce CO2 emissions and improve air quality. Ordered weighted average operator of linguistic fuzzy set theory is used to rank different policy options. Findings show that the use of low emissions vehicles and the adoption of sustainability-oriented behaviour are considered the most preferred options, which can effectively reduce the CO2 emissions from road transport. The research shows that fuzzy set theory may be an effective tool in analyzing environmental uncertainties. Analyzing the optimal policy measure and prospects of it in different scenarios would help policymakers in designing and focusing on effective policy measures in order to reduce CO2 emissions from road transport in a country like India. The study implies ways to assess policy options for environment management and dealing with climate change. This study also fills the gap between the theoretical fuzzy model and its practical implication in policy decision-making, especially in a sustainability area that is more uncertain.
Factors Associated With Obesity and Abdominal Obesity Among Malaysian Older Adults
Authors: Apalasamy Yamunah Devi , Awang Halimah , Mansor Norma , AbRashid Nurfakhrina , Kamarulzaman Nurul Diyana , Lih Yoong Tan
Published: May 2021

Obesity is a rising concern globally. This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with obesity and abdominal obesity (AO) among 5613 Malaysians aged 40 years and older via computer-assisted personal interviewing and anthropometric measurements. Obesity and AO prevalence were 37.8% and 63.1%, respectively. Significant associations were observed between: obesity with higher risk in patients aged between 40 and 49 years, Indians, females, income ≥RM 2000, and health status, and AO with higher risk in patients aged between 50 and 59 years, Indians, females, never married, income ≥RM 2000, and vigorous physical activity. Hence, age, sex, income, and ethnicity are associated with both obesity and AO. Promoting healthy body mass index and waist circumference is essential for healthy ageing.
Maslow’s hammer: considering the perils of solutionism in mental healthcare and psychiatric practice
Authors: Looi Jeffrey C L , Bonner Daniel , Maguire Paul
Published: May 2021

Objective:

To discuss narrow pragmatism, manifest as digital and technical solutionism, in mental healthcare and psychiatric practice. Pragmatism is a view of the field of psychiatry as an instrument or tool for the purpose of providing psychiatric care for people with a mental illness. Solutionism, as proposed by Morozov, can be considered a special case of pragmatism that valorises an approach to solving real-world problems based on computation, algorithms and digital technology,1 which we extend to discuss other technical solutions such as medication, non-invasive brain stimulation and psychotherapy.

Conclusions:

Digital or technical solutionism may unnecessarily constrain approaches to mental healthcare and psychiatric practice. Psychiatrists can consider, and should advocate for, appropriate adaptation of technology and technical solutions toward collaborative and effective mental healthcare.
Entrepreneurial Orientation and Family Firm Performance: The Moderating Role of TMT Identity-Based and Knowledge-Based Faultlines
Authors: Calabrò Andrea , Santulli Rosalia , Torchia Mariateresa , Gallucci Carmen
Published: May 2021

Research has shown that entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is positively associated with performance, but several context-specific features and contingencies affect this relationship. Accordingly, this article focuses on the specific context of family firms (FFs) and introduces top management team (TMT) faultlines as moderators. The main findings, obtained on a sample of 111 medium- and large-sized FFs, suggest that strong identity-based faultlines (IBFs) negatively moderate the EO–FF performance relationship, even within TMTs that are comprised only of family members, which are often viewed as homogeneous teams. Conversely, strong knowledge-based faultlines (KBFs) amplify the positive effect of EO on FF performance.
Effects of Transmission Delay on Client Participation in Video-Mediated Group Health Counseling
Authors: Ilomäki Sakari , Ruusuvuori Johanna , Laitinen Jaana
Published: May 2021

In face-to-face group counseling, active client participation contributes to the counseling agenda by a variety of social processes, but little is known about how video mediation shapes client participation. In this article, we use conversation analysis to investigate how transmission delay affects client participation in video-mediated group counseling through shaping the resolution of overlapping talk. Data are video recordings from three video-mediated group health counseling sessions recorded simultaneously in the two participating locations. The delay changes the timing of the overlapping turns and pauses at each end of the mediated counseling, making it difficult to interpret who should take the turn after the overlap. This may pose obstacles to client participation. While mediated counseling services can increase access to services and thus improve client participation at a macro level, transmission delay can pose threats to active client participation at the micro level of interaction.
Cross-System Communication in Early Childhood Settings in the United States: An Exploratory Study Using the National Survey of Children’s Health
Authors: Roy Shreya , Lindly Olivia J. , Berardinelli Marilyn , Martin Alison J.
Published: May 2021

Communication between a child’s health care provider, child care and other community providers (cross-system communication) may facilitate access and referral to early intervention (EI). This study examined (a) factors associated with cross-system communication and (b) whether cross-system communication was associated with receiving EI among U.S. toddlers ages 1 to 2 years. This study used data from the National Survey of Children’s Health 2016 and included 1,184 children of ages 1 to 2 years, whose parents indicated a need for cross-system communication. Dependent variable was having an EI plan. Primary independent variable was cross-system communication. Children who had cross-system communication had almost three times (2.9) higher odds of receiving EI services as compared to those who did not have cross-system communication (odds ratio [OR] = 2.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2, 6.9, p = .014). This study found that cross-system communication was associated with receiving EI services for U.S. children of ages 1 to 2 years.
Local Impact of Global Crises, Institutional Trust, and Consumer Well-Being: Evidence from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Davvetas Vasileios , Ulqinaku Aulona , Abi Gülen Sarial
Published: May 2021

Global crises have become increasingly more frequent and consequential. Yet the impact of these crises is unevenly distributed across countries, leading to discrepancies in (inter)national crisis-regulating institutions’ ability to uphold public trust and safeguard their constituents’ well-being. Employing the paradigm of citizens as customers of political institutions, drawing on attribution and sociopolitical trust theories, and using the COVID-19 pandemic as an empirical context, the authors investigate how consumers’ relative perceptions of local impact following a global crisis affect the psychological processes of institutional trust formation and consumer well-being. Conducting one survey-based study in two countries affected disproportionately by the pandemic’s first wave (the United States and Greece) and one experimental study in a third country (Italy) during the pandemic’s second wave, the authors find that institutional trust declines more in countries whose citizens hold perceptions of higher relative local impact following a global crisis; institutional blame attributions explain trust erosion; institutional distrust decreases consumer well-being and adherence to institutional guidelines; consumers’ globalization attitudes immunize international institutions from blame and distrust; and political conservatives transfer blame and distrust from national to international institutions amid global crises. The findings enrich the institutional branding and trust literatures and have implications for stakeholders involved in global crisis management (e.g., policy makers, political marketers, institutional brand managers).
Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction, Autonomous Motivation, and Meaningful Work: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective
Authors: Autin Kelsey L. , Herdt Megan E. , Garcia Roberto G. , Ezema Gabriel N.
Published: May 2021

The present study investigated relations between basic psychological need satisfaction (autonomy, relatedness, and competence), autonomous motivation, and work meaning. With a sample of 462 working adults, we used structural equation modeling to test the incremental validity of including autonomous motivation in a model predicting meaningful work from basic psychological need satisfaction. The satisfaction of autonomy and relatedness needs directly predicted autonomous motivation, while competence need satisfaction directly predicted meaningful work. Mediation analyses supported the incremental contribution of autonomous motivation in the links from autonomy and relatedness to work meaning, but not from competence to work meaning. Our findings provide novel connections between the bodies of literature on Self-Determination Theory and meaningful work. We discuss practical implications for career counselors, organizational leaders, and policymakers, as well as future research directions.
Development of Measures for the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP): A Collaborative Scale Development Project
Authors: Simms Leonard J. , Wright Aidan G. C. , Cicero David , Kotov Roman , Mullins-Sweatt Stephanie N. , Sellbom Martin , Watson David , Widiger Thomas A. , Zimmermann Johannes
Published: May 2021

In this article, we describe the collaborative process that is underway to develop measures for the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP). The HiTOP model has generated much interest in the psychiatric literature in recent years, but research applications and clinical translation of the model require measures that are specifically keyed to the model. To that end, the Measures Development Workgroup of HiTOP has been engaged in a collaborative effort to develop both questionnaire and interview methods that (a) are specifically tied to the elements of the HiTOP structure, and (b) provide one means of testing that structure. The work has been divided among five subgroups that are focused on specific HiTOP spectra. Our scale development methods are rooted in the principles of construct valid scale development. This report describes Phase 1 of this project, summarizes the methods and results thus far, and discusses the interplay between measurement and HiTOP model revisions. Finally, we discuss future phases of the scale development and the steps we are taking to improve clinical utility of the final measures.
Testing Invariance of Measures of Internalizing Symptoms Before and After a Major Life Stressor: The Impact of COVID-19 in an Adolescent and Young Adult Sample
Authors: Olino Thomas M. , Case Julia A. C. , Hawes Mariah T. , Szenczy Aline , Nelson Brady , Klein Daniel N.
Published: May 2021

There are reports of increases in levels of internalizing psychopathology during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these studies presume that measurement properties of these constructs remained unchanged from before the pandemic. In this study, we examined longitudinal measurement invariance of assessments of depression, anxiety, and intolerance of uncertainty (IU) in adolescents and young adults from ongoing longitudinal studies. We found consistent support for configural and metric invariance across all constructs, but scalar invariance was unsupported for depression and IU. Thus, it is necessary to interpret pandemic-associated mean-level changes in depression and IU cautiously. In contrast, mean-level comparisons of panic, generalized, and social anxiety symptoms were not compromised. These findings are limited to the specific measures examined and the developmental period of the sample. We acknowledge that there is tremendous distress accompanying disruptions due to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, for some instruments, comparisons of symptom levels before and during the pandemic may be limited.
Observer-based robust platoon formation control of electrically driven car-like mobile robots under collision avoidance and connectivity maintenance with a prescribed performance
Authors: Elhaki Omid , Shojaei Khoshnam
Published: May 2021

This study intends to address the platoon formation control problem of a team of N electrically driven underactuated autonomous car-like mobile robots. A platoon controller is proposed by using the relative distance and angle between each two successive robots in the platoon. A high-gain observer is also used to leave out velocity sensors to reduce the cost of the implementation/maintenance and the weight of the robots. Then, the dynamic surface control method is used to prevent complexity of the controller design. Next, by utilizing the prescribed performance bound method, predetermined desired transient and steady-state behavior of the tracking formation errors, robots connectivity preservation, and their collision avoidance are guaranteed as well as singularity avoidance. Adaptive neural networks and adaptive robust controllers are used to improve the tracking performance in the presence of parametric and nonparametric uncertainties, unmodeled dynamics, actuator saturation nonlinearity, and unwanted external disturbances including exogenous forces and torques, friction, and vibration. The Lyapunov direct method proves that all signals of the closed-loop control system are uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, simulation results are demonstrated to show the superiority of the proposed convoy tracking system.
Unusual malposition of a peripherally inserted central catheter into the left pericardiophrenic vein: A case report
Authors: Piano Alfonso , Carnicelli Annamaria , Gilardi Emanuele , Bonadia Nicola , Wolde Sellasie Kidane , Pittiruti Mauro , Pennisi Mariano Alberto
Published: May 2021

We report a case of primary malposition of a PICC inserted by guidewire replacement in the emergency room. Intraprocedural tip location by intracavitary electrocardiography was not feasible because the patient had atrial fibrillation; intraprocedural tip location by ultrasound (using the so-called “bubble test”) showed that the tip was not in the superior vena cava or in the right atrium. A post-procedural chest X-ray confirmed the malposition but could not precise the location of the tip. A CT scan (scheduled for other purposes) finally visualized the tip in a very unusual location, the left pericardiophrenic vein.
The new paternalism? The workplace as a place to work—and to live
Authors: Leclercq-Vandelannoitte Aurélie
Published: May 2021

This study aims to better understand the modern evolution of the workplace not only as a place to work but also increasingly as a place to live. Current research largely excludes the instrumental aspects of this blurring of personal and professional spheres at work, as manifested in an intentional dissolution of the boundaries between work and non-work activities. To understand the meaning and implications of these new workplaces, which rely on a central tension between care and control and tend to reinterpret paternalism as an organizing principle, this study develops a conceptual framework derived from Michel Foucault’s concept of pastoral power. This framework helps make sense of a caring mode of power that marks modern organizations. The application of this framework—using a qualitative case study of a French company’s home-like working environment—suggests a processual and constructivist conceptualization of these workplaces as a manifestation of pastoral power, embedded in a broader governmentality strategy. It emphasizes the material and discursive construction of the workplace as a place to live and highlights the emergence of neo-paternalism as a new form of care and control. This critical perspective informs discussion on the implications of this caring mode of control for workers, in a hopeful call to stay alert to modern capitalist intrigues.
Social identities and mental well-being in autistic adults
Authors: Maitland Cameron A , Rhodes Sinead , O’Hare Anne , Stewart Mary E
Published: May 2021

Social identities relate to psychological perceptions of group memberships and form part of the self-concept. Socially identifying with groups has previously been found to associate with better mental well-being outcomes. This study first examined the factor structure and the reliability of measuring social identification in autistic adults. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that a factor structure was replicated in this sample for social identification with other autistic people, but not the family. Second, the study assessed the level to which autistic adults socially identified with different groups, the total number of social identities and whether these were associated with their mental well-being. Autistic adults reported feelings of social identification with many kinds of groups, some with multiple groups, whereas others did not socially identify with any group. Stronger feelings of social identification towards other autistic people and towards one’s family, and with more groups overall, were associated with less severe self-reported depression symptoms and more facets of positive mental health. These findings indicate the importance of facilitating autistic people’s engagement with social groups.

Lay abstract

Social identities are groups that we are part of and influence how we think about ourselves. However, up until now there has been little examination of the groups that autistic people may belong to, and how these groups may influence their mental health. This survey-based study investigated whether autistic adults answer questions about social groups in a similar way to non-autistic non-autistic adults, including the types and number of social groups they may belong to, and whether these are associated with depression, anxiety and positive traits of mental well-being. In total, 184 autistic adults completed an online survey with questionnaires about their demographics, social groups and mental health. The results found that autistic adults reported on their social groups similarly to non-autistic people. There was a variety in the types and numbers of groups that autistic adults identified with. Some participants reported having no groups that they identified with, whereas others reported up to four groups. These included other autistic people, their family, friends, work colleagues and activity clubs among others. Autistic adults who felt connected with more groups reported better mental well-being. Feelings of connection to other autistic people and the family were also associated with better mental well-being. These results show that it is important for autistic people to be given opportunity to be part of groups that are meaningful to them, as this may be beneficial for their mental health.
Experimental studies on bolted glubam connections
Authors: Yang R.Z. , Xiao Y.
Published: May 2021

This paper reports tensile and compressive test results of bolted glubam (glued laminated bamboo) connections. The tensile tests were carried out with two types of specimens designed for tensile loadings in the longitudinal and transverse directions in relevance to the orientations of the bidirectional bamboo strips (fibers). In each direction, the specimens were further divided into nine groups according to different combination conditions of end and edge spacings. Compressive tests were executed for three groups of bolted glubam connections, with varying thickness of the main board and bolting conditions. The tensile experiments show that the failure of the specimens is strongly influenced by the loading directions. Recommended end distance and side distance are provided, whereas the load carrying capacity is analyzed. Based on the compressive testing results, failure modes and load displacement relationships are analyzed, in which the yield bearing capacity is shown to be close to that given by the equations in existing design specifications for timber structure.
COVID-19 healthcare policies in Ireland: A rapid review of the initial pandemic response
Authors: O’leary Noreen , Kingston Liz , Griffin Anne , Morrissey Ann-marie , Noonan Maria , Kelly Dervla , Doody Owen , Niranjan Vikram , Gallagher Aoife , O’riordan Clíona , Lynch Aoife
Published: May 2021

Aims:

Healthcare systems urgently required policies to guide the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this review was to document the healthcare policies developed during the initial wave of widespread COVID-19 transmission in Ireland. We further sought to determine the key focus and impact of these policies.

Methods:

We conducted a rapid review of COVID-19 healthcare policies published from 28 January to 31 May 2020. Key information including the focus of the policy, target population and impact on service delivery was extracted from included policies. During analysis, data was grouped under descriptive categories and narrative summaries were developed for each category.

Results:

We identified 61 healthcare policies relating to COVID-19. We developed six category headings to describe the focus and impact of these policies: infection prevention and control ( n = 19), residential care settings ( n = 12), maintaining non-COVID-19 healthcare services and supports ( n = 12), testing and contact tracing ( n = 7), guidance for healthcare workers concerning COVID-19 ( n = 6), and treating COVID-19 ( n = 5).

Conclusions:

This review has identified lessons for policy development and implementation to help prepare for future healthcare emergencies. Factors to consider include support of vulnerable groups during and in the aftermath of the pandemic, providing psychological supports for healthcare workers and investment in public healthcare services such as contact tracing for future emergencies. While pandemic conditions necessitate the speedy development of policies, effective communication and adequate resourcing is required to ensure policy implementation.