bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dopamine, Cognitive Flexibility, and IQ: Epistatic Catechol-O-MethylTransferase:DRD2 Gene–Gene Interactions Modulate Mental Rigidity
Authors: Zmigrod Leor , Robbins Trevor W.
Published: November 2021

Cognitive flexibility has been hypothesized to be neurochemically rooted in dopamine neurotransmission. Nonetheless, underpowered sample sizes and contradictory meta-analytic findings have obscured the role of dopamine genes in cognitive flexibility and neglected potential gene–gene interactions. In this largest neurocognitive-genetic study to date (n = 1400), single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with elevated prefrontal dopamine levels (catechol-O-methyltransferase; rs4680) and diminished striatal dopamine (C957T; rs6277) were both implicated in Wisconsin Card Sorting Test performance. Crucially, however, these genetic effects were only evident in low-IQ participants, suggesting high intelligence compensates for, and eliminates, the effect of dispositional dopamine functioning on flexibility. This interaction between cognitive systems may explain and resolve previous empirical inconsistencies in highly educated participant samples. Moreover, compensatory gene–gene interactions were discovered between catechol-O-methyltransferase and DRD2, such that genotypes conferring either elevated prefrontal dopamine or diminished striatal dopamine—via heightened striatally concentrated D2 dopamine receptor availability—are sufficient for cognitive flexibility, but neither is necessary. The study has therefore revealed a form of epistatic redundancy or substitutability among dopamine systems in shaping adaptable thought and action, thus defining boundary conditions for dopaminergic effects on flexible behavior. These results inform theories of clinical disorders and psychopharmacological interventions and uncover complex fronto-striatal synergies in human flexible cognition.
PSYCHOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS OF SUCCESSFUL ADAPTATION OF MIGRANT STUDENTS
Authors: Sultanova Akalima N. , Tagiltseva Elena V. , Stankevich Anna S.
Published: November 2021

Relevance. Studies of the psychological characteristics of migrant students in varying degrees of adaptation to the culture of a Russian university make it possible to establish factors affecting the level of adaptation to develop strategies that reduce the level of cumulative stress and, as a result, increase the level of students’ knowledge assimilation and preserve the physical and psychological health of the student. Goal. To study the level of stress and the factors that form it, among migrant students in varying degrees of adaptation to the culture of a Russian university. Techniques and samples. The study included a group of 109 migrant students of 1–3 courses of study in adolescence from 17 to 20 years old (17.45±0.84), of which 76 (69.72%) men, 33 (30.28%) women; ethnic composition: 45 (41.28%) — Tajiks, 38 (34.86%) — Kyrgyz and 26 (23.86%) representatives of the Kazakh ethnic group. At the research stage, a questionnaire was applied to determine the level of acceptance of Russian culture and the following methods were used: a scale of perceived stress-10, a questionnaire of everyday stressors, a methodology “Life style index” and a questionnaire “Coping strategies” by Lazarus. Results. The level of stress in migrant students is higher than the norm, and in the process of adaptation it increases, forming accumulative stress. The hierarchization of migrant students according to the criterion of awareness of Russian culture entails a different level of application of coping strategies adapted to the Russian society. Empirically, the dominance of such coping strategies as “planning a solution to the problem”, “taking responsibility” and “positive reappraisal” was revealed in the sample of more adapted migrant students. Findings. The data obtained indicate that adaptation by the type of integration leads to the implementation of additional resources and an increase in the level of perceived stress.
http://www.smj.org.sg/article/institutional-ethnography-primer
Authors: Foo YY , Tan K , Xin X , Lim WS , Cheng Q , Rao J , Tan NCK
Published: November 2021

This review introduces a qualitative methodology called institutional ethnography (IE) to healthcare professionals interested in studying complex social healthcare systems. We provide the historical context in which IE was developed, and explain the principles and terminology in IE for the novice researcher. Through the use of worked examples, the reader will be able to appreciate how IE can be used to approach research questions in the healthcare system that other methods would be unable to answer. We show how IE and qualitative research methods maintain quality and rigour in research findings. We hope to demonstrate to healthcare professionals and researchers that healthcare systems can be analysed as social organisations, and IE may be used to identify and understand how higher-level processes and policies affect day-to-day clinical work. This understanding may allow the formulation and implementation of actionable improvements to solve problems on the ground.
Slithering Stories We Live By: Animal Educators’ Construction and Enactment of Positive Snake Narratives
Authors: Rosenfeld Cynthia
Published: November 2021

Representations of snakes abound in literature, oral traditions, and visual arts. Often constructed as sneaky or sinister, the cultural evaluation of snakes can perhaps best be stated by the adage, “The only good snake is a dead snake.” Such messages become the “stories we live by.” This evaluation is widespread but not universal. Educators are agents of alternative stories that exist in struggle with dominant ones. This study used ethnographic methods to explore how the setting, audience, storytelling educators, and story told all shape the conceptualization of “snake.” The setting may resist or perpetuate a negative cultural evaluation of snakes. Presuppositions, convictions, and available examples of modeling influence whether audience members choose to adopt a new story or retain the old one. Through their discourse, enactments, and material displays, educators offer an embodied, sensorial story with the central message, “The only good snake is a live snake.”
The Mediation Model: How Non-Moderate Nonhuman Animal Advocacy Organizations Get the Media Coverage They Want
Authors: Evans Erin M. , Amenta Edwin , Elliott Thomas Alan
Published: November 2021

In the 1970s and 1980s, there was a marked increase in non-moderate, or “radical,” non-human animal advocacy organizations. Social movement scholars argued that these organizations have greater difficulty than “moderate” ones in receiving substantial news coverage. But forms of substantive news coverage have increased for both moderate and non-moderate animal advocacy organizations. To address this, media analyses were conducted using content coding of The New York Times articles from 1946–2011. Logistic regression and qualitative, comparative analyses examined the conditions under which both moderate and non-moderate organizations had their demands in news coverage. Aligned with an augmented political mediation model, the findings indicated that non-moderate organizations are more likely to get substantive coverage when they target non-governmental entities on a local level through “assertive collective action.” The conclusion was that non-human animal advocacy organizations that have radical goals or tactics do not compromise the quality of media coverage in the long-term.
Afrasia at War
Authors: Schulze-Engler Frank
Published: November 2021

Memories of global wars are often anything but global: counterfactual notions of a “white man’s war” continue to present a one-sided account of World War II centred on Europe and North America that sidelines the contributions and sacrifices of millions of soldiers from all over the world and negates their manifold agendas and forms of agency. This is particularly true of the “Afrasian” war experiences of tens of thousands of African soldiers who fought in Asia which are the subject of Biyi Bandele’s novel Burma Boy. The following essay highlights how Bandele’s text counteracts Eurocentric accounts of World War II, explores the complex motivations of African soldiers and their equally complex encounters with Asians in Burma, and draws on transregional imaginaries to produce a challenging non-heroic account of “Afrasia at war.”
Civil Liability for Sex Abuse by Muslim Clergy in Spain
Authors: Zambrana-Tévar Nicolás
Published: November 2021

State courts of civil law and common law jurisdictions alike are used to applying the rules of direct and indirect tort liability to Christian churches in different ways and with different results. But recent court decisions have put the issue of the civil liability of religious groups for acts of sex abuse by clergy in a different context, that of Islam. A common denominator in the reasoning of courts worldwide is the relevance of religious authority – authority to appoint and supervise clergy or authority vested in clergy – as an important factor in the attribution of civil liability. But Islam is a religion whose organizational structure and ministers are simply too different from those of the various Christian churches, so that state courts run the risk of wrongly applying to Islamic communities and Muslim entities the same categories and legal principles they usually apply in other, more common, cases of sex abuse.
Toward Theoretical Liberation: Challenging the Intellectual Imperialism of the Western Race Paradigm
Authors: Clelland Donald A. , Dunaway Wilma A.
Published: November 2021

We hope to encourage the development of decentered, decolonized, ground-breaking theory about ethnic and racial exploitation in the 21st century world-system. To accomplish that, we contend that academics and activists need to liberate themselves from the historical and ideological confines of the western race paradigm. Consequently, we have shaped this essay around that goal. In Section 2, we explore the dangers of universalizing the western race paradigm to the entire world. Section 3 investigates 21st century trends that challenge the western race paradigm, with particular focus on the significance of semiperipheries, transnational capitalist classes and nonwestern states. In Section 4, we argue that western race theory dominates scholarship globally through strategies of intellectual imperialism that need to be acknowledged, dismantled and overcome. In the Conclusion, we offer strategies for decentering and decolonizing knowledge production.
Sensitivity of Surface Currents to Bathymetry in a Partially Mixed Estuary with Applications to Inverse Modeling
Authors: Ardağ Dorukhan , Wilson Gregory
Published: November 2021

An inversion technique was tested for estimating bathymetry from observations of surface currents in a partially mixed estuary, the mouth of the Columbia River (MCR). The methodology uses an iterative ensemble-based assimilation scheme, which is found to have good skill for recovering bathymetry from observations distributed in space and time. However, the inversion skill is highly dependent on the tidal phase, location of the observations, and flow-dependent estuary dynamics. Inversion skill was found to degrade during periods of higher river discharge (up to ∼12 000 m3), or low tidal amplitude, while inversion of depth-averaged velocities instead of surface velocities caused increased skill throughout the domain. These results point to dynamical limits on inversion skill, caused by changes in estuary dynamics that affect the sensitivity of surface velocities to bathymetry. An adjoint sensitivity analysis is used to visualize these effects and is combined with data-denial experiments to explore the flow-dependent inversion skill.
The Relation Between Precarious Employment Arrangements and Social Precarity: Findings from the PREMIS Study in Stockholm, Sweden
Authors: Matilla-Santander Nuria , Jonsson Johanna , Kreshpaj Bertina , Orellana Cecilia , Benach Joan , Badarin Kathryn , Burström Bo , Vives Alejandra , Kjellberg Katarina , Strömdahl Susanne , Johansson Gun , Östergren Per-Olof , Bodin Theo
Published: November 2021

Precarious employment (PE) is a well-known social determinant of health and health inequalities. However, as most previous studies have focused on physical and mental well-being, less is known about the social-related outcomes (ie, social precarity) associated with precarious arrangements. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate whether PE is associated with social precarity in a working population of 401 nonstandard employed workers in Stockholm, Sweden (2016-2017). PE was assessed with the Swedish version of the Employment Precarious Scale (EPRES-Se) and analyzed in relation to social precarity related to working life (eg, task quality and job security) and living conditions (eg, restraint in social activities and financial constraints). We found positive adjusted associations between quartiles of EPRES-Se and social precarity related to working life (eg, being locked in an occupation [aPRq4:1.33 [1.10-1.61]]) and living conditions (eg, inability to participate in social activities because of work [aPRq4:1.27 [1.10-1.46]]). Our findings suggest that individuals in PE experience social precarity, stressing that PE may have negative effects on well-being. Further studies using multidimensional constructs of PE and larger samples should analyze these findings according to social and policy contexts in order to be able to inform policymakers.
Barriers to UN–Civil Society Collaborations: An Exploratory Study of CSOs Within the UN–ECOSOC Consultative Status Programme
Authors: Mowell B. D.
Published: November 2021

In recent decades, civil society organizations (CSOs) have ostensibly attained increased access to the United Nations (UN) and other intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and, in turn, increased opportunities for collaboration with IGOs. However, in most cases, CSO access to IGOs remains limited and highly regimented. Little scholarship has been undertaken to examine barriers to effective CSO–IGO collaborations. Virtually, no empirical research has examined the degree or nature of the interaction between the UN and international civil society via the dynamic of the flagship programme designed to facilitate such collaborations—the consultative status framework. This exploratory study partially addresses the latter gap in the scholarship by undertaking a qualitative macro-scale examination of CSOs within the UN Economic and Social Council’s (ECOSOC) consultative status programme, the primary vehicle in the UN–civil society dynamic. Specifically, the study sought to identify barriers to UN–civil society collaboration within the consultative status programme as perceived by participating CSOs. Findings of a survey sent to a random sample of 10% of CSOs holding UN–ECOSOC consultative status revealed that barriers to participation in the programme varied with some obstacles far more common than others. The degree of barriers reported by CSOs also strongly reflected the level of accreditation they held within the programme. Additionally, survey respondents offered insight as to how impediments in the collaboration could potentially be addressed.
Serum folate levels in children on long-term anti-seizure medication in a Nigerian tertiary center—Implications for practice and public health
Authors: Bisi-Onyemaechi Adaobi I , Chikani Ugo N , Uwaezuoke Ndubuisi A , Aronu Ann E , Ojinnaka Ngozi C
Published: November 2021

Background:

Epilepsy is the most common childhood neurological disorder in Nigeria. Treatment of epilepsy is long-term and sometimes lifelong with anti-seizure medications. There are conflicting reports on the effect of anti-seizure medications on serum folate. There is therefore a need to determine the effect of a commonly used anti-seizure medication's on serum folate levels of children. This would provide an evidence-based consideration for folic acid supplementation in children on anti-seizure medication as has been suggested by some studies.

Study objectives:

To determine whether serum folate levels were lower in children taking long-term carbamazepine or sodium valproate, compared to a control group.

Methods:

Serum folic acid levels were measured from well-nourished children between the ages of 1–17 years on carbamazepine and sodium valproate monotherapy and their age/sex-matched controls, using spectrophotometry.

Results:

The mean serum folate levels of patients on carbamazepine (43) and sodium valproate (22) were 0.032 mg/l ± 0.009 and 0.028 mg/l  ±  0.008, respectively. The mean folate levels of the controls were 0.046 mg/l  ±  0.03 ( p = 0 001). No statistically significant difference was observed between the serum folate levels of children on the two anti-seizure medications, that is, carbamazepine and valproate.

Conclusion:

The children on treatment with carbamazepine and sodium valproate for more than 6 months had statistically significantly lower serum levels of folic acid compared to the standard reference range and controls. The serum folate levels of children on carbamazepine were not statistically different from those on sodium valproate.
Surgical Intervention to Treat Pharyngolaryngeal Stenosis Caused by Behcet’s Disease
Authors: Huang Junwei , Li Zufei , Duan Hanyuan , Huang Zhigang , Chen Xiaohong
Published: November 2021

We aimed to summarize the surgical treatment for pharyngolaryngeal stenosis and discuss prognosis in patients with Behcet’s disease. Six cases of pharyngolaryngeal stenosis caused by Behcet’s disease were analyzed retrospectively. All underwent surgical treatment for pharyngolaryngeal stenosis after systematic medical treatment. The follow-up time for the 6 patients was between 1 and 12 years. Four of the 6 patients underwent adhesiolysis as their first procedure. Two of these 4 experienced recurrence of stenosis within 6 months and underwent flap repair as their second procedure. The remaining two patients underwent flap reconstruction as their first procedure and maintained good swallowing function. Three of the 6 patients underwent preoperative tracheotomy because of dyspnea. Tracheal decannulation was successful in all patients. None of the patients experienced recurrence after their final surgical procedure and all recovered to a near-normal condition. Pharyngolaryngeal stenosis caused by Behcet’s disease is a rare but severe complication; surgical intervention should be considered in patients with dysphagia after systematic medical treatment.
Effects of acellular dermal matrix on the prevention of complications and esthetic outcome after parotidectomy: A propensity score matched analysis
Authors: Wu Jian-Hui , Zeng Wei , Fu Min-Yi , Ye Fei
Published: November 2021

Objective

The present study was designed to investigate whether acellular dermal matrix (ADM) grafts could prevent Frey’s syndrome (FS) and improve esthetic scores following parotidectomy.

Methods

From January 2015 to December 2019, 175 patients underwent parotidectomy. We divided the patients into two groups: the ADM group and the control group. We included in each group 30 patients according to a propensity score matched analysis.

Results

FS was subjective in 1 patient (3%) from the ADM group and 9 patients (30%) from the control group ( P=0.015). Patients in the ADM group had a subjective esthetic score of 6.1 + 1.7 compared with 5.2 + 1.7 in the control group. The subjective esthetic score for patients in the ADM group was higher than that for patients in the control group ( P =0.040).

Conclusion

The present clinical study suggests that ADM grafts are effective in preventing FS and improving esthetic scores after parotidectomy.
The Effect of “Federal -Aid Swap” Programs and Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wages on Highway Construction Costs and Contractor Composition: Evidence From Iowa
Authors: Manzo Frank P.
Published: November 2021

“Federal-aid swap” programs allow states and local governments to bypass federal Davis-Bacon prevailing wages and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals by exchanging federal funds that have been allocated to highway projects with state funds. The Iowa Department of Transportation approved a federal-aid swap program in February 2018. Using data on more than 1,200 highway construction projects in Iowa from 2016 to 2020, I find that the cost of projects in the federal-aid swap program are not statistically different from those that were not swapped, after accounting for project size and complexity, project type, and project location. Regression results indicate that Davis-Bacon prevailing wages and DBE goals have no effect on total construction costs. However, the federal-aid swap program is statistically associated with a decrease in the likelihoods that a project is covered by the Davis-Bacon Act by 10 percentage points and DBE goals by 4 percentage points. Because the payment of Davis-Bacon prevailing wages is statistically associated with an 8 percentage-point decrease in the chances that a highway project is awarded to an out-of-state contractor, the federal-aid swap program may have increased the market share of out-of-state contractors at the expense of Iowa-based contractors.
Reliability and validity of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) in individuals with a recently acquired spinal cord injury
Authors: Kuiper Heleen , van Leeuwen Christel M.C. , Stolwijk-Swüste Janneke M. , Post Marcel W.M.
Published: November 2021

Objective

To assess the reliability and validity of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) and possible subscales, and to interpret Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) total scores, in individuals with a spinal cord injury.

Design

Cross-sectional

Setting

Seven Dutch rehabilitation centres

Subjects

Individuals with a recently acquired traumatic or non-traumatic spinal cord injury at the start of inpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation (N = 270).

Main measure

The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) consists of eight items on an individual's cognitive and emotional representation of one's health conditions. Principal component analysis was performed to identify possible Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) subscales. Validity was assessed by testing hypotheses on correlations between the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) and other measures. Cut-off points of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) total score were determined.

Results

Mean (SD) age of participants was 60.1 (16.5) years, 188 (71%) were male, and 119 (44%) had tetraplegia. Three potential subscales were revealed. Cronbach's alpha was acceptable for only one subscale. This subscale was named ‘consequences’ and included the items ‘consequences’, ‘symptom burden’, ‘concern’, and ‘emotions’. The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) total and the consequence subscale showed the expected strong correlations (>.50) with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Mean (SD) scores were 40.9 (12.3) on the 8-item Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) (range 0–80) and 25.1 (8.1) on the consequences subscale (range 0–40). Cut-off points for the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) total score were determined as follows: <42 indicating low experienced threat, 42–49 indicating moderate experienced threat, and ≥50 indicating high experienced threat.

Conclusion

The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) total and consequences subscale seem applicable in individuals with a spinal cord injury in the rehabilitation practice and research.
Smooth muscle ATP-sensitive potassium channels mediate migraine-relevant hypersensitivity in mouse models
Authors: Christensen Sarah L , Rasmussen Rikke H , Cour Sanne La , Ernstsen Charlotte , Hansen Thomas F , Kogelman Lisette JA , Lauritzen Sabrina P , Guzaite Gintare , Styrishave Bjarne , Janfelt Christian , Christensen Søren T , Aziz Qadeer , Tinker Andrew , Jansen-Olesen Inger , Olesen Jes , Kristensen David M
Published: November 2021

Background

Opening of KATP channels by systemic levcromakalim treatment triggers attacks in migraine patients and hypersensitivity to von Frey stimulation in a mouse model. Blocking of these channels is effective in several preclinical migraine models. It is unknown in what tissue and cell type KATP-induced migraine attacks are initiated and which KATP channel subtype is targeted.

Methods

In mouse models, we administered levcromakalim intracerebroventricularly, intraperitoneally and intraplantarily and compared the nociceptive responses by von Frey and hotplate tests. Mice with a conditional loss-of-function mutation in the smooth muscle KATP channel subunit Kir6.1 were given levcromakalim and GTN and examined with von Frey filaments. Arteries were tested for their ability to dilate ex vivo. mRNA expression, western blotting and immunohistochemical stainings were made to identify relevant target tissue for migraine induced by KATP channel opening.

Results

Systemic administration of levcromakalim induced hypersensitivity but central and local administration provided antinociception respectively no effect. The Kir6.1 smooth muscle knockout mouse was protected from both GTN and levcromakalim induced hypersensitivity, and their arteries had impaired dilatory response to the latter. mRNA and protein expression studies showed that trigeminal ganglia did not have significant KATP channel expression of any subtype, whereas brain arteries and dura mater primarily expressed the Kir6.1 + SUR2B subtype.

Conclusion

Hypersensitivity provoked by GTN and levcromakalim in mice is dependent on functional smooth muscle KATP channels of extracerebral origin. These results suggest a vascular contribution to hypersensitivity induced by migraine triggers.
Box-Behnken design for the optimization of bioethanol production from rice straw and sugarcane bagasse by newly isolatedPichia occidentalisstrain AS.2
Authors: Saleh Ahmed K. , Abdel-Fattah Yasser R. , Soliman Nadia A. , Ibrahim Maha M. , El-Sayed Mohamed H. , Abd El-Aziz Zeinab K. , El-Zawawy Waleed K.
Published: November 2021

This study investigated bioethanol production from rice straw (RS) and sugarcane bagasse (SCB) which containing 72.8 and 73.2% holocellulose, 56.8 and 58.6% α-cellulose, and 14.9 and 25.1% lignin for RS and SCB, respectively. To eliminate the lignin content, different pretreatment conditions, such as hot water, dilute acid, and acid-alkali, were designed. Acid-alkali was characterized as the best pretreatment for removing ∼79 and 70% of lignin, α-cellulose increased 91.4 and 91%, and holocellulose reached 90.8 and 90% for RS and SCB, respectively. The results revealed that acid-alkali was highly efficient than other pretreatment used for both RS and SCB. After enzymatic hydrolysis of acid-alkali-treated RS and SCB with cellulase, glucose concentrations reached 45 and 42 g/l, respectively. Pichia occidentalis AS.2 was isolated and identified based on 18S rRNA sequencing as a bioethanol producer. Maximization of bioethanol production by P. occidentalis AS.2 using the resulting glucose as a carbon source from RS and SCB was studied using an experimental design. The pH, incubation period, and inoculum size were optimized using Box-Behnken designs (BBD), the final conditions for bioethanol production used 100 g/l acid-alkali-treated fibers, 10 ml cellulase enzyme at 50°C for 5 days at 75 rpm for enzymatic hydrolysis. After time consumed and adjusting the pH to 6, the mixture was inoculated with 2.5% P. occidentalis AS.2 and incubated at 35°C for 24 h at 200 rpm to increase the bioethanol yield by 1.39-fold to 23.7 and 21.4 g/l compared to initial production (17 and 15.3 g/l) between RS and SCB, respectively.
Feasting Ritually: An Ethnography on the Implications of Feasts in Religious Rituals
Authors: Gopi Anil
Published: November 2021

Food and feast are integral and key components of human cultures across the world. Feasts associated with religious rituals have special social and cultural significance when compared to those in any other festivities or celebrations in people’s life. In this study, an approach is made to comparatively analyze the feasts at religious festivals of two distinctive groups of people, one with a characteristic of simple society and the other of a complex society. The annual feast happening at the hamlets of the Anchunadu Vellalar community in the last days of the calendar year is an occasion that portrays the egalitarian nature of the people. While this feast is restricted within a single community of particular caste affiliation and geographical limitations, the feast associated with the kaliyattam ritual of village goddess in North Malabar is much wider in scope and participation. The enormous feast brings the people in a larger area and exhibits a solidarity that cuts across boundaries of religion, caste and community. Beyond the factors of social solidarity and togetherness, these events also illustrate its divisive characters mainly in terms of social hierarchy and gender. A comparative study of both the two feasts of two different contexts reveals the characteristic features of religious feasts and the value of food and feast in social life and solidarity and also how it acts as a survival of their past and as a tradition.
The Transforming City: Exploring the Potential for Smart Cities and Urban Agriculture in Africa
Authors: Jagganath Gerelene
Published: November 2021

As the world becomes more urbanized and poverty and food insecurity rise, it is inevitable that varied forms of urban agriculture (UA) will play an important role in the future of the global food system. Food security presents a global challenge particularly among vulnerable groups and the poor and the great cities of Africa are no exception. This study presents an overview of two African cities and the evolving presence of UA in these cityscapes. It is an attempt to examine and explore the potential of smart cities toward supporting urban agricultural practices in Africa. The 1st part of the study provides a brief conceptual background on smart cities and UA in the African context, while the 2nd part provides an overview of the development of two smart cities, namely, Cape Town (South Africa) and Arusha (Tanzania) specifically.
Foreign-Born Student Affairs Professionals’ Impacts and Experiences: The Missing Piece of Internationalization
Authors: Miao Sanfeng , Yang Haishan (Sam)
Published: November 2021

This study examined lived experiences of foreign-born student affairs professionals (SAPs) in the United States and Canadian higher education. We sought to understand foreign-born SAPs’ impacts on higher education internationalization and what their professional experiences inferred about the level of international engagement in the field of student affairs. The findings from 35 completed interviews unveiled foreign-born SAPs’ enthusiasm and capacities in contributing to internationalization work, particularly in international student services and international and intercultural education for domestic students and peers. However, their rocky journeys to attain visas to enter and stay in the field of student affairs indicated their misplaced functionalities and signaled a missed opportunity for higher education institutions. It is recommended that higher education institutions recognize the importance of internationalizing the SAP and creating a welcoming and supportive environment to further their internationalization efforts.
Implementation of Return to Learn Protocols for Student Athletes with Sport and Recreation Related Concussion: An Integrative Review of Perceptions, Challenges and Successes
Authors: Fetta Joseph , Starkweather Angela , Huggins Robert , Van Hoof Thomas , Casa Douglas , Gill Jessica
Published: November 2021

Concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a common phenomenon in the United States, with up to 3.6 million sport-related mTBIs diagnosed annually. Return to learn protocols have been developed to facilitate the reintegration of students into school after mTBI, however, the implementation of return to learn protocols varies significantly across geographic regions and school districts. An integrative review of the literature was performed using Whittemore and Knalf's methodology. A search of published literature was conducted using the PRISMA checklist. Database searches were conducted from March 2,019 to October 2,021 using the terms “mild traumatic brain injury” and “return to learn.” Twenty-eight publications were included. Three themes were derived from this review: lack of policy, poor staff education on concussion symptoms and stakeholder communication breakdown. The development of communication patterns and use of a return to learn protocol could facilitate a gradual return to full academic workload after concussion.
Theoretical modeling on the combination resonance of size-dependent microbeams
Authors: Li Zhenkun , Cheng Qiyou , Feng Zhizhuang , Xing Longtao , He Yuming
Published: November 2021

The combination resonance of size-dependent microbeams is investigated. Two harmonic forces act on the microbeam, and combination resonance is observed while the excitation frequencies differ from the resonant frequency. Microbeams with two different sources of nonlinearities including three kinds of boundary conditions, clamped-free (nonlinearity comes from large curvature and nonlinear inertial), clamped-clamped, and hinged-hinged (nonlinearity originates from mid-plane stretching-bending coupling), are taken into consideration to have a deep understanding of this phenomenon. A traveling load acting on the microbeam is presented as a special case of combination resonance. The modal discretization technique is applied to discretize the equations of motion, and then the Lindstedt–Poincare method, a perturbation approach, is employed to solve the resultant equations. The conditions for combination resonance are presented, and frequency-response curves and time histories at the resonance point are obtained for microbeams of each boundary condition. Results reveal that different sources of nonlinearities result in different performances of combination resonance. The free vibration part constitutes a large percentage of the final response. Furthermore, the situation of coexistence of combination resonance and superharmonic (or subharmonic) resonance is determined. The special case demonstrates a higher amplitude than the common combination resonance for all the boundary conditions. Parametric studies are then carried out to discuss the effects of the length scale parameter, excitation force as well as its position, and damping on the performance of the microbeam.
We Are Mathematical Beings
Authors: Tillett Wade
Published: November 2021

In this mathematical-poetical text, the author posits mathematical thought as fundamental to concepts of self and world. Mathematics is not something exterior to be learned, but basic to daily life. For example, object permanence is an abstract concept of multiple perspectives compiled in to the idea of one stable object. Such abstraction is mathematics. These concepts exist both socially and materially. A wooden cube is both a social concept and a material object. We exist in a mathematically determined world. We use mathematics to enact new reals. This is so common that often we are unaware of it.
Single, Repeat, and Poly Intimate Partner Violence Victimization among Women at a College Campus: Extending Research Through the Inclusion of Technology-Facilitated Violence and Examining Key Social Determinants for Intimate Partner Violence Prevention
Authors: Marganski Alison J. , Melander Lisa A. , DeKeseredy Walter S.
Published: November 2021

This study examines intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization (i.e., technology-facilitated and in-person psychological, physical, and sexual) and polyvictimization, along with the role of social support and other factors in influencing these experiences. Using a sample of college women in intimate relationships in the past year ( n  = 265), findings revealed that social support was important in predicting IPV victimizations, with less prosocial support contributing to more frequent victimization for specific IPV forms and polyvictimization. The same support features emerged as significant for repeat technology-facilitated and repeat psychological IPV (i.e., social network relationship support), and for repeat physical and repeat sexual IPV (i.e., family connectedness), suggesting certain forms share commonalities. In the polyvictimization model, both social support measures were significant. The implications for IPV research and violence prevention are discussed.
Refining Sexual Assault Treatment: Recovered Survivors and Expert Therapists Concur on Effective Therapy Components
Authors: Moor Avigail , Otmazgin Michal , Tsiddon Hagar , Mahazri Avivit
Published: November 2021

The goal of the present study was to refine sexual assault therapy through the examination of the level of agreement between survivor and therapist assessments of key recovery-promoting therapeutic interventions. This is the first study to explore the level of agreement between those who partake in the treatment process from either position. Semistructured interviews were conducted in this qualitative study with 10 survivors and 10 experienced therapists. The results document considerable concurrence between them regarding relational and trauma processing treatment components alike. Together, these reports outline key effective interventions, both common and specific in nature, concomitantly supported by both groups.
Understanding the Determinants of Gambling-Related Intimate Partner Violence: Perspectives From Women Who Gamble
Authors: O’Mullan Cathy , Hing Nerilee , Mainey Lydia , Nuske Elaine , Breen Helen
Published: November 2021

Rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization are higher among women with a gambling problem. However, women's experiences of this violence, from a gendered perspective, have not been examined. Based on interviews with 24 women, this study explored how problem gambling contributes to IPV against women across three levels of influence. Findings reveal that problem gambling did not directly cause IPV, but interacts where gendered drivers and reinforcers are present to exacerbate this violence. Reducing violence against women with a gambling problem requires a coordinated, integrated multidisciplinary approach targeting different levels of influence.
Functional metagenomic profile of the lacrimal sac microbial communities in primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction: The Lacriome paper 2
Authors: Ali Mohammad Javed
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To study the functional metagenomic profile of the microbes isolated from the lacrimal sac of patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Methods

A prospective study was performed on 10 consecutive lacrimal sac samples obtained for the metagenomic analysis from patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction ( who underwent endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy at a tertiary care Dacryology service. The samples were collected intraoperatively soon after a full-length lacrimal sac marsupialization and immediately transported on ice to the laboratory. Following DNA extraction and library preparation, a whole shotgun metagenome sequencing was performed on the Illumina NOVASEQ 6000TM platform. The downstream processing and bioinformatics of the samples were performed using multiple software packaged in SqueezeMetaTM pipeline and functional analysis using the MG-RASTTM pipeline.

Results

The microbial gene mapping and protein prediction demonstrated proteins with known functions to range from 66.41% to 84.03% across the samples. The functional category distribution of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes ortholog (level 1 data) showed metabolism to be the most commonly involved function followed by environmental information processes, genetic information processes and cellular processes. The functional subsystem profiling demonstrated genes associated with carbohydrate, protein and RNA metabolism, Amino acids and their derivatives, cofactors and prosthetic groups and factors involved in cell structure regulation and cell cycle control.

Conclusion

This is the first functional metagenomic profile of the lacrimal sac microbiota from patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Functional analysis has provided newer insights into the ecosystem dynamics and strategies of microbial communities inhabiting the lacrimal sac. Further Lacriome studies may provide clues for better understanding of the disease etiopathogenesis.
Bacillary layer detachment on optical coherence tomography in exudative age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Venkatesh Ramesh , Reddy Nikitha G , Agrawal Sameeksha , Pereira Arpitha , Yadav Naresh Kumar , Chhablani Jay
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To report the bacillary layer detachment on optical coherence tomography in exudative age-related macular degeneration.

Methods

Retrospective, observational cases

Case descriptions

Two cases of exudative age-related macular degeneration, one diagnosed as polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy following exudative age-related macular degeneration and other as wet age-related macular degeneration with choroidal neovascular membrane showed separation of myoid and ellipsoid zones of photoreceptor layer on optical coherence tomography. This is termed as BALAD. Other associated features noted were the presence of subretinal hyperreflective material, submacular hemorrhage and subretinal fluid. Both cases were treated with monthly intravitreal injections of Inj. Ranibizumab (0.5 mg/0.05 ml). Following 3 intravitreal injections at monthly intervals, reattachment of the bacillary layer detachment were noted in case 1 while the bacillary layer detachment persisted in case 2.

Conclusion

Multimodal imaging using optical coherence tomography in these cases revealed the separation of the bacillary layer following exudative age-related macular degeneration; a finding which is not routinely described in literature.
The Prognostic Value of Circulating Tumor DNA in Ovarian Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lu Yuanyuan , Li Li
Published: November 2021

Background: Studies have shown that circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) indicates a poor prognosis in ovarian cancer. In this study, meta-analysis was used to assess the relationship between ctDNA and the prognosis of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods: The clinical trials included in this study were obtained via a search of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science and Embase between the period of establishment and March 2020. We selected clinical studies using qualitative or quantitative ctDNA methods to analyse the prognosis of ovarian epithelial cancer, screened the studies according to the determined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and used the modified JADAD score scale and NOS scale for evaluation, with OS (overall survival) and PFS (progression-free survival) as end events. The Cochrane Evaluation Tool was used to evaluate the quality of the randomized controlled trials. Stata 15.0 software was used to combine the effect ratio (hazard ratio, HR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). In addition, a source analysis of ctDNA specimens, an analysis of ctDNA detection methods and a subgroup and sensitivity analysis of FIGO staging were performed. Results: A total of 8 studies were included in this meta-analysis, and ctDNA was found to be an independent risk factor for patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (OS: HR = 2.36, 95% CI [1.76,3.17], P < .001; PFS: HR = 2.51, 95% CI [1.83,3.45]). Conclusions: The results of our analysis suggested that ctDNA is a potential biomarker that can be used to evaluate the prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer.
From the Criminal Justice System to Entrepreneurship
Authors: Fuentes Genesis
Published: November 2021

An interview with Marcus Bullock, CEO of the Flikshop app, TED speaker, and Techstars alumni on transitioning from the criminal justice system to entrepreneurship.
Classifying Far-Right Groups as Gangs
Authors: Valasik Matthew , Reid Shannon E.
Published: November 2021

The uneven response by law enforcement has resulted in the overall under-policing of far-right groups. Policy makers and the broader criminal justice system need consider proactive approaches if the goal is to prevent violence from far-right groups. A straightforward and appropriate approach is to treat far-right groups as street gangs. Existing gang statutes are a proven tool is aggressively used on BIPOC gangs and should be equally applied to far-right groups. Law enforcement’s continued dismissiveness of far-right groups only increases them as being the most "persistent and lethal threat" in the United States for the foreseeable future.
The Psychological Construction of Emotion – A Non-Essentialist Philosophy of Science
Authors: Zachar Peter
Published: November 2021

Advocates for the psychological construction of emotion view themselves as articulating a non-essentialist alternative to basic emotion theory's essentialist notion of affect programs. Psychological constructionists have also argued that holding essentialist assumptions about emotions engenders misconceptions about the psychological constructionist viewpoint. If so, it is important to understand what psychological constructionists mean by “essentialism” and “non-essentialism.” To advance the debate, I take a deeper dive into non-essentialism, comparing the non-essentialist views of the early empiricists with those of the psychological constructionists, focusing on the theories of James Russell and Lisa Barrett. Using Lakatos’ notion of scientific research programs, I also describe how Russell's and Barrett's views have evolved into different and potentially competing research programs under the psychological constructionist banner.
Mapping the movement for climate change and health in England: a descriptive review and theory of change analysis
Authors: Issa R , Baker C , Spooner R , Abrams R , Gopfert A , Evans M , Aitchison G
Published: November 2021

Aims:

There are a growing number of organisations working to address the connections between climate change and health. This article introduces the concept of ‘theories of change’ – the methodology by which organisations or movements hope to bring about social change – and applies it to the current climate change and health movement in England. Through movement mapping, the article describes and offers reflections on the climate change and health ecosystems in England.

Methods:

Organisations working on climate change and health in England were identified and publicly available information was collated to map movement characteristics, target stakeholders and methodologies deployed, using an inductive, iterative approach.

Results:

A total of 98 organisations working on health and climate change (and/or sustainability) were initially identified, of which 70 met the inclusion criteria. Most organisations target two or more stakeholders, with healthcare workers, management structures, and government being most commonly cited. Methodological approaches identified include Formal education programmes; Awareness-raising; Purchasing-procurement power; Advocacy; Financial; Media-messaging; Networking; Knowledge generation; and Policy making, of which education, awareness-raising, and advocacy are most commonly used.

Conclusion:

There is a tendency for climate change and health organisations in England to focus on individual level and sectoral change over system change. More could be made of the potential for the healthcare professions’ voice and messaging for the wider climate movement. Given the rapid boom of climate change and health organisations in recent years, a mind-set shift that recognises different players as part of a cohesive ecosystem with better coordination and collaboration may reduce unnecessary work, and facilitate more cohesive outcomes.