bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurological Manifestations in COVID-19 Population: A Short Review
Authors: Singh Kamal Pratap , Agarwal Rachna
Published: May 2021

Background:

Coronaviruses (CoVs) have a neuroinvasive potential, which has been discussed in various research papers. During the current pandemic, the novel CoV, i.e., SARS-CoV-2, is causing a considerable number of fatalities and posing a great danger of a recurrent epidemic. COVID-19 has been labeled as a public health emergency of international concern, and the epidemic curves are on the rise.

Purpose:

Some studies discuss the neurological implications of SARS-CoV-2 but in light of growing number of evidences we cannot ignore the planning of mental health care settings in COVID-19. We are discussing how this novel CoV can affect the human brain directly and indirectly, including psychiatric problems, and how neurological conditions can be explored as a diagnostic tool in COVID-19 by analyzing cohort studies and review papers that discuss the recent neurological findings in COVID-19.

Method:

Current research and review papers were searched to find out any relation between the COVID-19 disease and the altered mental health. This study attempts to find out neurological symptoms in a large population affected by COVID-19 and thus filtering out individual case reports and cohort studies which have a patient pool of less than 50.

Results:

This unique observation revealed that SARS-CoV-2 has direct neurological manifestations such as anosmia and gustatory impairment, encephalopathy, and seizures as well as an indirect effect on the psychiatric health such as anxiety, amnesia, etc. because of psychosocial stress.

Conclusion:

The most commonly reported neurological symptoms should not be ignored and must be tested for COVID-19. More neurological studies like medical imaging and neuropathology should be performed on these COVID-19 patients.
Livelihood Promotion: Can the Collectives of NRLM Really Do It?
Authors: Shylendra H. S.
Published: May 2021

As a new generation development programme, the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) has sought to promote collectives of the poor women as the corner-stone of its strategy for livelihood promotion. The livelihood enhancement is meant to be actualised through a multi-dimensional strategy of livelihood protection and promotion. The paper hypothesised that despite their avowed goal, the collectives of women are bound to face enormous challenges in the livelihood promotion in the absence of an integrated approach more so in the context of neoliberalism. The findings of the paper corroborate the hypothesis to a great extent. Contrary to the theoretical visualisation of institutionalists, collectives of poor have faced challenges in their self-reliant emergence. The intervention has emerged more as a minimalist microfinance with inherent limitations regarding poverty alleviation. The paper concludes that the collectives of NRLM have a long way to go before they can emerge as strong livelihood promoting agencies. Sustained support to build the capacities of the fledging collectives, a reversal of the top–down elements of their multi-tier structure and the strong need for greater role clarity for the collectives along with professional support are some of the policy suggestions.
Does Food Price Subsidy Affect Dietary Diversity? Evidence from South India
Authors: Malaiarasan Umanath , Paramasivam R. , Felix K. Thomas
Published: May 2021

The present study has tried to address the impact of subsidised rice distribution through the public distribution system on dietary diversity and nutrition intake in the state of Tamil Nadu in India as the state is considered a pioneer in introducing a number of food security programmes in India. We used National Sample Survey Organisation’s data for the years 2004-05 and 2011-12, and the propensity score matching technique to estimate the actual impact of the subsidy programme on food consumption patterns and nutrient intake, as the data-set used for analysis was subjected to non-randomisation and selection bias. The estimated results reveal that the subsidy on rice has significantly and positively impacted food consumption and nutritional intake across households, irrespective of income groups. The increased purchasing power of the poor due to the subsidy is limited to the staple food commodities—rice, millets, pulses and vegetables—whereas middle- and high-income households are more likely to consume high-value commodities such as fruits, processed food and livestock products, with a resultant higher gain in fat and calcium. Our study indicates that extending the price subsidy to nutritious foods, besides rice can help the poor diversify their diets towards healthy and nutrient-rich foods.

JEL Codes: C5, C54, D01, D11, D12, Q11, Q18
Interrelationship Among Competition, Diversification and Liquidity Creation: Evidence from Indian Banks
Authors: Sinha Pankaj , Grover Naina
Published: May 2021

This study analyses the impact of competition on liquidity creation by banks and investigates the dynamics between diversification, liquidity creation and competition for banks operating in India during the period from 2005 to 2018. Using the broad and narrow measures of liquidity creation, an inverse relationship is determined between liquidity creation and competition. The study also indicates a trade-off between pro-competitive policies to improve consumer welfare and the liquidity-destroying effects of competition, and it highlights how diversification affects liquidity creation. Highly diversified banks in India create less liquidity compared with less-diversified banks, both public and private. The liquidity-destroying effects of competition is intensified among highly diversified private banks, which suggest that diversification has not moderated the adverse impact of competition.

JEL Codes: G01, G18, G21, G28
Causal Nexus Between Liquidity Creation and Bank Capital Ratio: Evidence from India
Authors: Mohanty Seba , Mahakud Jitendra
Published: May 2021

This study investigates the interrelationship between bank capital and liquidity creation in the Indian banking sector. The sample considers 68 commercial banks (public, private and foreign banks) operating in India during the period from 1996–1997 to 2013–2014. We employ the generalised method of moments technique in a Granger causality framework and find a bidirectional relationship between bank capital and liquidity creation for the entire sample. Our results support the financial fragility–crowding-out hypothesis, which suggests that Indian banks follow a fragile financial structure to maximise liquidity creation and increase their capital ratio by crowding out deposits to limit liquidity creation. Our results also support the liquidity substitution hypothesis, which suggests that stable liabilities can be substituted for bank capital, while facing more risk. We find similar results with the whole sample regardless of ownership, size, capitalisation and periods. These findings have implications for bank managers and policymakers on formulating appropriate policy for capital and liquidity creation of commercial banks in India.

JEL Codes: G20, G21, G33
Translating Innovation into Performance: Understanding Role of the Board
Authors: Jhunjhunwala Shital , Sharda Shweta , Sharma J. P.
Published: May 2021

Innovation enables firms to face increasing competition in the global environment, but there is variation in innovation investments across firms due to the inherent uncertainty involved in innovative activities. The strategic role of board, therefore, becomes crucial in overseeing innovation decisions. This study, hence, examines whether the relation between R&D investment and firm’s performance would vary based on the board characteristics of the company. It empirically explores this interrelationship in publicly listed Indian companies, by assessing the moderation effect of board using fixed effect regression analysis and conditional effects on a panel data of 9,031 firm years across twelve years. Board size, board meetings, proportion of women director and board leadership are found to negatively moderate the relationship between innovation and financial performance (ROE), however none of them moderates the relation between innovation and firm value (Tobin’s Q). It signifies that though board characteristics play an important role in relationship between innovation and ROE, investors fail to recognise it. Companies should focus on creating the right kind of board, investors must appreciate board’s influence in the success of R&D investments without being driven by mere compliance. Policy makers should deliberate upon the desirability of present structure of stringent laws.
India and Vietnam in the Indo-Pacific
Authors: Pulipaka Sanjay , Garg Libni
Published: May 2021

The international order today is characterised by power shift and increasing multipolarity. Countries such as India and Vietnam are working to consolidate the evolving multipolarity in the Indo-Pacific. The article maps the convergences in the Indian and Vietnamese foreign policy strategies and in their approaches to the Indo-Pacific. Both countries confront similar security challenges, such as creeping territorial aggression. Further, India and Vietnam are collaborating with the United States and Japan to maintain a favourable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. While Delhi and Hanoi agree on the need to reform the United Nations, there is still some distance to travel to find a common position on regional economic architectures. The India–Vietnam partnership demonstrates that nation-states will seek to define the structure of the international order and in this instance by increasing the intensity of multipolarity.
Vietnam’s Responses to India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiatives and Opportunities for Vietnam–India Maritime Cooperation in the South China Sea
Authors: Loan Huynh Thanh , Tung Nguyen Dac
Published: May 2021

The geostrategic, political and military position of the Indo-Pacific region has become increasingly important to major countries, in terms of influence and opportunities for developing cooperation and strategic restraints. India is a rising power gaining more influence in the region, and the Indo-Pacific vision initiated by Prime Minister Modi is a move to assert its greater position and role in the region. In that vision, India actively raises issues related to the South China Sea (SCS) in its foreign affairs as well as conducts capacity support for littoral countries. In this context, Vietnam is putting its great attention to the policy moves and stance of India towards the region, as well as the SCS, and is taking advantage of India’s policy to strengthen cooperation between Vietnam and India, especially in the SCS. The prospects for cooperation between the two countries in the future will surely be expanded further when both countries understand each other’s policies and needs.
Vietnam in the Indo-Pacific Region: Perception, Position and Perspectives
Authors: Thuong Nguyen Le Thy , Oanh Nguyen Thi
Published: May 2021

The Indo-Pacific region is an area adjacent to some oceans and the gateway that connects the great power and small countries to the world; this region is always considered by Vietnam as a key strategic geographic area, having direct impact on national security, position and its role in this region. While big powers have different perceptions of the Indo-Pacific region, as a country occupying an important geographic position in the Pacific region, Vietnam shares a common vision of an open and rule-based area, and a common interest in maintaining peace, stability and prosperity as well as building a common space for coexistence and development with the belief that the Indo-Asian-Pacific is large enough for every nation to grow and prosper. This article finds out that recent changes in the Indo-Pacific region in geopolitics, economics, security and national defence have made many countries, including Vietnam, redefine their global and regional policies to refresh their strategic perceptions. Vietnam has its own perception, position, approach and national orientations, which is shaping its state behaviour and perspectives in this geopolitically vibrant Indo-Pacific region. Besides, this article uses the SWOT analysis model to determine the challenges, strengths and weaknesses of Vietnam in the Indo-Pacific region. Moreover, while the future of the Indo-Pacific in a post-COVID-19 pandemic world remains filled with uncertainty and economic challenges, the crisis also presents an opportunity for Vietnam to re-evaluate its position. Today, Vietnam always maintains its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralism and diversification of international relations, which attaches great importance to enhancing multi-faceted cooperation with countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Thus, with its own perception and geostrategic advantage, Vietnam—a developing country in the region and in the world with relatively stable economic growth, pursuing rules and order will be a positive factor for a stable, peaceful and prosperous development in the region.
Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy: A Vietnamese Perspective
Authors: Long Tran Hoang , Yen Tran Thi Hai
Published: May 2021

Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) is considered a US strategy to deal with China and maintain and expand its influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Though FOIP is considered an initiative of the United States, implementing it successfully requires the participation of the Quad including the United States, India, Japan and Australia. Besides the Quad, other factors coming from the developing economies of the region will be indispensable components of FOIP. The article gives an overview of the FOIP as well as analyses the stands of ASEAN and Vietnam on this strategy from the perspective of the Vietnamese scholars.
Digital markets, competition regimes and models of capitalism: A comparative institutional analysis of European and US responses to Google
Authors: Kornelakis Andreas , Hublart Pauline
Published: May 2021

The comparative capitalism literature examined how institutions vary on a national or societal level and how these differences affect multinational companies’ strategies. Yet, little attention has been devoted to cross-national or regional differences in the governance of competition, especially in the context of digitalization of markets. The article seeks to fill this gap by looking at the case of Google. It traces the process of the stark US–EU disagreement over Google’s abuse of dominant position in digital markets, which resulted in one of the largest fines in the EU history. It is argued that the variation in the response to the company’s market and nonmarket strategies are traced back to differences between Ordoliberal and Chicago School ideas, which are embedded in the ‘competition regimes’ of European and US capitalist models. The article concludes by discussing the implications of these findings for varieties of capitalism frameworks.
Economic structure, power and institutions: A conceptual framework for analysing the historical transformation of US industrial strategy
Authors: Tassinari Mattia
Published: May 2021

An industrial strategy emerges from possibilities for structural change, that depend on material constraints and opportunities afforded by economic structure, the distribution of power in society and the institutional arrangements organized at the political level. Building on a structural political economy perspective, this article develops a structure–power–institutions conceptual framework to describe how economic structure, the distribution of power, and institutions interact through a ‘circular process,’ which is useful for analysing the historical transformation of industrial strategy. In this framework, an industrial strategy refers to the institutional arrangements through which the government manages emerging conflicts or agreements between different powers and influences structural change. As an illustrative case study, the structure–power–institutions framework is applied to analyse the historical transformation of US industrial strategy from the era of Alexander Hamilton to that of Donald Trump.
Indigenous corporations: Lessons from Māori business forms
Authors: Kamalnath Akshaya
Published: May 2021

The economic and political empowerment of Indigenous people are linked although the issue of economic empowerment is often overlooked. This Brief analyses the corporate governance model and business structures used by Māori in New Zealand along with some developments in Canadian Indigenous businesses. Based on this, the Brief makes suggestions for proving the regulatory support and options available for Indigenous businesses in Australia.
Unacceptably high: an audit of Kimberley self-harm data 2014–2018
Authors: McPhee Rob , Carlin Emma , Seear Kimberley , Carrington-Jones Phoebe , Sheil Barbara , Lawrence David , Dudgeon Patricia
Published: May 2021

Objective:

To explore the rates and characteristics of self-harm across the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

Method:

Retrospective, cross-sectional audit. We obtained and descriptively analysed routinely collected self-harm data from the Kimberley District of the Western Australia Police Force (2014–2018) and the Emergency Department Data Collection (June 2017–December 2018). Variables included age, sex, Indigenous status, time of incident, and alcohol and drug use.

Results:

The rate of emergency department attendance for self-harm was three times higher in the Kimberley than the rest of Western Australia. Both emergency department and police data showed a disproportionately high percentage of incidents involving Aboriginal people, with highest rates in the 15–19 and 20–24 year age groups. Almost 80% of self-harm events recorded by police involving individuals aged 25–50 years involved alcohol. Many self-harm incidents occurred in the evening and at night.

Conclusions:

The rates of self-harm across the Kimberley region from 2014–2018 are unacceptably high. Increased funding and alignment of services to meet regional need are required as part of a holistic effort to reduce regional rates of self-harm.
LOVE in the time of Covid-19: a brief mental health intervention to overcome loneliness
Authors: Kar Ray Manaan , Chow Ka Ki , Theodoros Theo , Wyder Marianne , Steginga Anne , Sorrensen Rosemary , Hickey Paul , Lau Geoff , Kinsella Kieran , Lombardo Chiara
Published: May 2021

Objective:

The coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak and its containment through public health strategies has resulted in a parallel pandemic of psychological distress. Increased loneliness and social isolation are associated with adverse health outcomes, yet there is a gap in brief interventions that specifically target loneliness. This article introduces a brief intervention to strengthen connectedness, LOVE. In a systematic way, this solution-focused approach encourages openness and sharing of current struggles with the existing circle of support. There are four steps in LOVE: List people in one’s life, Organise them on the helpfulness–availability matrix, Verify what they know to map them onto circles of trust and Engage them through self-disclosure.

Conclusion:

The article details each concept, its importance, the pragmatics involved and top tips to guide practice. The memorable acronym provides logical sequence and structure. It is time efficient in training and delivery, with no former mental health knowledge required so there is potential for wide application. It facilitates collaboration between health professionals and people in distress and promotes empowerment and self-resilience. Adapted from the safety planning component of PROTECT, a pre-existing suicide prevention framework, LOVE has to be fine-tuned as a brief intervention in the wider context of the pandemic.
Pathology of cryptosporidiosis in raccoons: case series and retrospective analysis, 1990–2019
Authors: Gonzalez-Astudillo Viviana , Sheley Matthew F. , Uzal Francisco A. , Navarro Mauricio A.
Published: May 2021

Cryptosporidiosis is an intestinal protozoal disease of public health importance caused by Cryptosporidium spp. Despite the high synanthropism of raccoons, studies describing the pathology of Cryptosporidium spp. infections in this species are lacking. Therefore, we characterized the pathology of cryptosporidiosis in 2 juvenile raccoons. In addition, we conducted a retrospective search of the database of the California Animal Health and Food Safety laboratory for 1990–2019 and found 6 additional cases of cryptosporidiosis in raccoons. Sequencing of cryptosporidia was performed in one autopsied raccoon, and PCR on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues in archived cases. The Cryptosporidium skunk genotype (CSkG), a strain of zoonotic relevance, was detected in 6 of 8 cases (75%). Frequently, cryptosporidiosis was associated with enteritis, eosinophilic infiltrates, villus atrophy or blunting and/or fusion, and crypt abscesses or necrosis. In 7 of the 8 cases, there was confirmed concurrent coinfection with canine distemper virus; 1 case was coinfected with canine parvovirus. Although crypt necrosis is considered a classic lesion of canine parvoviral infection in mesocarnivores and not a hallmark of cryptosporidiosis, results suggest that canine distemper virus is capable of mimicking such lesions in combination with cryptosporidia and immunosuppression.
Confirmation of botulism diagnosis in Australian bird samples by ELISA and RT rtPCR
Authors: Masters Anne M. , Palmer Dieter G.
Published: May 2021

We developed a sandwich ELISA that detects Clostridium botulinum C and D toxins and reverse-transcription real-time PCRs (RT-rtPCRs) that detect botulinum C and D toxin genes, respectively, to replace the mouse bioassay. The toxin genes were closely associated with the toxin molecules and used as surrogates for the presence of toxin. Samples (638) from 103 clinical cases of birds (302) with suspected botulinum toxicity came from wild birds and poultry (9 cases). Samples tested included blood serum, other body fluids, various tissues, gut contents, maggots, water, and sediment. Botulism was diagnosed in 34 cases (all of which had positive samples in the ELISA, the C toxin gene RT-rtPCR, or both assays). Botulism was suspected in 16 cases (each of which had 1 positive sample either in the ELISA or the C toxin gene RT-rtPCR). In the remaining 53 cases, no samples were positive, but botulism could not be excluded in 32 of these cases, whereas there was no indication of botulism or another diagnosis in 21 cases. The D toxin gene was not detected in any of the clinical samples. No C or D toxin genes were detected in 71 pooled cloacal swabs from 213 healthy migratory birds. The use of an ELISA that detects botulinum C and D toxins in combination with a RT-rtPCR for the botulinum C toxin gene can help confirm the diagnosis of botulism in birds.
Poor Diet Quality in Children with Cancer During Treatment
Authors: Cohen Jennifer , Goddard Emma , Brierley Mary-Ellen , Bramley Lynsey , Beck Eleanor
Published: May 2021

Background: With improved long-term health outcomes and survivorship, the long-term nutritional management of childhood cancer survivors, from diagnosis to long-term follow-up, has become a priority. The aim of this study was to examine the diet quality of children receiving treatment for cancer. Methods: Participants were parents of children with cancer who were receiving active treatment and not receiving supplementary nutrition. A 24-h dietary recall assessed food and nutrient intake. Serves of food group intakes and classification of core and discretionary items were made according to the Australian Dietary Guidelines and compared with age and sex recommendations. Results: Sixty-four parents participated (75% female). Most children were not consuming adequate intake of vegetables (94% of patients), fruit (77%), and milk/alternatives (75%). Of the vegetables that were consumed, half were classified as discretionary foods (e.g., chips/fries). Nearly half (49%) of children exceeded recommendations for total sugar intake and 65% of patients had an excessive sodium intake. Discussion: Children receiving cancer treatment are consuming diets of reasonable quantity, but poor quality. Information provided during treatment should focus on educating parents on a healthy diet for their child, the importance of establishing healthy eating habits for life, and strategies to overcome barriers to intake during treatment.
Yoga in the Pediatric Oncology Population: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Spector Denise
Published: May 2021

Background: The purpose of this review was to evaluate the current body of literature on yoga in the pediatric oncology population. Considering the increasing number of studies on yoga indicating improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQL) among the adult oncology population, it is important to explore whether similar benefits have been found in pediatric oncology patients. Methods: CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus were searched from the years 2010 through 2020 for studies assessing the use of yoga in children and adolescents affected by cancer. Considering the benefits of yoga on HRQL in the adult oncology population, the aim of this review was to evaluate the current body of literature on yoga in the pediatric cancer population. Results: Eight studies, all nonrandomized with single-arm designs, were reviewed. Five of the studies were designed as feasibility studies and while recruitment rates ranged from 34% to 55%, retention rates were ∼70%. Qualitative feedback from participants was very positive and themes related to both physical and psychological benefits. Certain measures of HRQL (i.e., anxiety, pain, and physical functioning) were found to be significantly improved following a yoga intervention. Discussion: Although no randomized clinical trials have been conducted to date on this important topic, the studies reviewed showed that delivering yoga to this population is feasible and safe. Additionally, preliminary findings on the impact of yoga for some of the common symptoms and treatment-related side effects experienced by children and adolescents affected by cancer are promising.
Enhancing Leadership Training Through an Experiential Approach: An Online Model for the 21st Century
Authors: Samuel Anita , Durning Steven J.
Published: May 2021

Billions of dollars are spent annually on leadership training and development courses. Unfortunately, this training, both at organizational and university levels, does not appear to consistently result in significant adult learning or better organizational performance. These programs tend to focus on the theories of leadership within closed classroom environments and sometimes present case studies to encourage application of knowledge. The content is typically dissociated from both context and leadership experiences and a “one size fits all” approach is adopted. This approach does not account for the corporate culture that is unique to every organization, even every department. In this innovation in practice article, we present a leadership practicum course tailored for adult learners that provides an experiential approach to leadership training enhanced by expert coaching. Initial results indicate that health care professionals appreciate the ability to transfer theory to practice and the feedback they receive from expert coaches. We present the practicum course and provide two cases to explicate the process; we share initial findings from the course and end with our next steps.
Position and force self-sensing piezoelectric valve with hysteresis compensation
Authors: Zheng Li , Weijie Dong
Published: May 2021

This paper presents an approach for self-sensing piezoelectric valves. Both displacement and actuation force of piezoelectric valve can be simultaneously estimated from measurements of the charge and driving voltage. Only simple calibration is required before engineering application. The charge is obtained by software integration of the piezoelectric current sampled by DAQ card, which has the advantage of compensating leakage current by pre-estimating the leakage resistance. A PID controller is used to track the displacement, and a feedfoward compensation using Prandtl–Ishlinskii model is taken to compensate the piezoelectric hysteresis. The experimental results show that the controller can track target displacement within 2.03% of error, track force within 1.80% of error, and the maximum hysteresis of actuator is compensated from 27% to 3.75%.
Study on the fluctuating wind responses of constructing bridge towers with magnetorheological elastomer variable stiffness tuned mass damper
Authors: Yang Qingshan , Yang Yu , Wang Qi , Peng Liuliu
Published: May 2021

Constructing bridge towers are high-rise and flexible structures subjected to significant wind induced vibrations. Tuned Mass Dampers (TMDs) have been widely used to reduce dynamic responses of high-rise structures under fluctuating wind loadings. By resonance with main structure, TMD can effectively suppress structural vibrations. However, the natural frequencies of bridge tower usually decrease continuously during its construction progress. The frequency shift characteristic will cause the detune of TMD, leading to a great control efficiency loss. As a novel stiffness tunable device made of magnetorheological elastomer (MRE), MRE-TMD can adjust its natural frequency in real-time to track the main structure, avoid detuning and achieve better control performance. To study the wind induced vibration control performance of MRE-TMD, this paper explores the fluctuating wind responses of constructing bridge towers in along wind and cross wind directions. The fluctuating wind loads are generated by harmonic superposition method with the along wind fluctuating wind speed spectrum and the empirical power spectrum of fluctuating lift force. By comparing among the uncontrolled, TMD controlled and MRE-TMD controlled constructing bridge towers, the simulation results show that the MRE-TMD system can effectively maintain the tuning state, and significantly reduce the wind induced vibrations during whole construction process.
Union Efforts to Reduce COVID-19 Infections Among Grocery Store Workers
Authors: Crowell Nancy A. , Hanson Alan , Boudreau Louisa , Robbins Robyn , Sokas Rosemary K.
Published: May 2021

Grocery store workers are essential workers, but often have not been provided with appropriate protection during the current pandemic. This report describes efforts made by one union local to protect workers, including negotiated paid sick leave and specific safety practices. Union representatives from 319 stores completed 1612 in-store surveys to assess compliance between 23 April 2020 and 31 August 2020. Employers provided the union with lists of workers confirmed to have COVID-19 infection through 31 December 2020. Worker infection rates were calculated using store employees represented by the union as the denominator and compared to cumulative county infection rates; outcome was dichotomized as rates higher or lower than background rates. Restrictions on reusable bags and management enforcement of customer mask usage were most strongly associated with COVID-19 rates lower than rates in the surrounding county. Stores that responded positively to worker complaints also had better outcomes. The union is currently engaging to promote improved ventilation and vaccination uptake.
Doing Phenomenological Research and Writing
Authors: van Manen Michael , van Manen Max
Published: May 2021

When looking through phenomenology articles in human science and philosophy journals, we may be excused to get the impression that they offer an inconsistent array of phenomenology publications. In this article, we describe three simple but helpful distinctions for determining some order: first, the great foundational publications; second, exegetical publications in the wake of the great works; and third, phenomenological studies done directly on phenomena. Our aim in this article is not to lay claim to phenomenology as a label but rather to discuss how “doing phenomenology directly on the phenomena and the things” means taking up a certain attitude and practicing an attentive awareness to the things of the world as we live and experience them. We propose that engaging in philosophical exegesis and argumentation is not very helpful for analyzing and explicating originary meanings of experiential phenomena. And we show how doing phenomenology directly on the things can be facilitated by a phenomenologically inspired interpretive attitude as well as by a sensitive talent for employing phenomenological examples.
Physician Palliative Education Associated With High Use of Hospice Care Service
Authors: Chuang Mei-Hsing , Lee Fang-Niarn , Shiau Yih-Tsong , Shen Hsiu-Yi , Lee Chih-Ching , Chen Saint Shiou-Sheng , Huang Sheng-Jean
Published: May 2021

Background:

Taiwan’s National Health Insurance provides coverage for palliative and hospice care. The following 10 types of diseases have been added to the National Health Insurance reimbursement regulation: end-stage cancer, motor neuron disease, organic psychosis, brain degeneration, heart failure, chronic airway obstruction diseases, other lung diseases, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, acute renal failure, and chronic renal failure.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the association between physicians’ palliative education and use of hospice care in hospitalized patients at the end of life.

Design and Setting:

A cross-sectional study in a Taipei community hospital.

Participants:

Patients who died between 2014 and 2019 were identified. The deceased had at least 1 of the 10 diseases covered by health insurance were included. Hospice care services included hospice ward care and hospice shared care. This study included 2,661 individuals. In total, 972 (36.5%) patients used hospice care services.

Results:

After adjusting for age, gender, and comorbidities, physicians’ palliative education was found to significantly associated with the use of hospice care (OR: 14.38, 95% CI: 10.90-18.98).

Conclusions:

Physicians’ palliative education was found to be an independent factor associated with higher use of hospice care. The findings suggest increasing palliative and hospice education among physicians so that they can ensure that their patients have high-quality end-of-life medical care in an aging society.
Three-Dimensional Printing in Cleft Care: A Systematic Review
Authors: Virani Farrukh R. , Chua Evan C. , Timbang Mary Roz , Hsieh Tsung-yen , Senders Craig W.
Published: May 2021

Objective:

To determine the current applications of 3-dimensional (3D) printing in the care of patients with cleft lip and palate. We also reviewed 3D printing limitations, financial analysis, and future implications.

Design:

Retrospective systematic review.

Methods:

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were used by 3 independent reviewers. Articles were identified from Cochrane library, Ovid Medline, and Embase. Search terms included 3D printing, 3 dimensional printing, additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, cleft lip, and cleft palate. Exclusion criteria included articles not in English, animal studies, reviews without original data, oral presentations, abstracts, opinion pieces, and articles without relevance to 3D printing or cleft lip and palate.

Main Outcome Measures:

Primary outcome measure was the purpose of 3D printing in the care of patients with cleft lip and palate. Secondary outcome measures were cost analysis and clinical outcomes.

Results:

Eight-four articles were identified, and 39 met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Eleven studies used 3D printing models for nasoalveolar molding. Patient-specific implants were developed via 3D printing in 6 articles. Surgical planning was conducted via 3D printing in 8 studies. Eight articles utilized 3D printing for anatomic models/educational purposes. 3-Dimensional printed models were used for surgical simulation/training in 6 articles. Bioprinting was utilized in 4 studies. Secondary outcome of cost was addressed in 8 articles.

Conclusion:

3-Dimensional printing for the care of patients with cleft lip and palate has several applications. Potential advantages of utilizing this technology are demonstrated; however, literature is largely descriptive in nature with few clinical outcome measures. Future direction should be aimed at standardized reporting to include clinical outcomes, cost, material, printing method, and results.
Resignifying Corporate Responsibility in Performative Documentaries
Authors: Fougère Martin
Published: May 2021

Critical scholars of Corporate Responsibility (CR) argue that one way to make CR good for society would be to demand its full realization in subversive interventions, in line with the critical performativity objective of subversion of managerial discourses and practices. This paper studies CR-oriented performative documentary films, in which the main protagonists problematize business impacts on society through various interventions aimed to have effects on: (1) themselves; (2) the corporations they target; (3) the surrounding society; and (4) the viewers of the films. 23 documentary films that target corporate responsibilities through a range of interventions are studied, and eight different kinds of effects they have are analyzed. The documentaries are found to be enactments of critical performativity that resignify CR, through subversive interventions involving: (1) staged embodiments of subject positions; (2) the staging of felicitous conditions; (3) effective roles, genres and tropes; and (4) the use of ‘enlightened failed performatives’.
Pre-Service English-as-a-Foreign-Language Teachers’ Views on Their Experiences of Project Preparation for Young Learners: “I Felt Like a Real Teacher”
Authors: Koşar Gülten
Published: May 2021

This study targets unveiling junior pre-service English-as-a-foreign-language teachers’ ( N = 80) perceptions of the process they went through as preparing projects for young learners and their views about the effect of project-based learning on teaching English to young learners. The data gathered from a qualitative survey and semistructured interviews were analyzed using an inductive content analysis. The results indicated that while the participants encountered a number of difficulties in the preparation process, they believed the use of project-based learning could promote young learners’ English language learning, and preparing projects for young learners made them feel like a real teacher.
Stereotype Threat Theory in Organizational Research: Constructive Analysis and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Swab R. Gabrielle , Javadian Golshan , Gupta Vishal K. , Pierce Charles A.
Published: May 2021

Stereotype threat theory (STT), which seeks to understand intergroup differences in socioeconomic outcomes, has attracted considerable attention since its inception. With the goal of advancing conversation about the usefulness of STT in organizational settings, and to extend discussions on theory assessment, we evaluate STT as a “good” theory for organizational research using a three-pronged (i.e., 3E) theory assessment framework: experience, explain, and establish. Our critical analysis reveals areas where STT has made progress and where gaps remain to be addressed. The systematic approach we pursue allows for a rigorous articulation of the 3E framework for future theory assessment work as well as helps to suggest ways for improving upon and extending STT research in new directions.
Deviant Dosing: A Post hoc Analysis of Pharmacist Characteristics Related to Renal Dosing Decisions
Authors: McConachie Sean M. , Hanni Claudia M. , Wilhelm Sheila M.
Published: May 2021

Background

A recent study demonstrated that pharmacists presented with multiple estimating equations deviated from recommended dosing guidance more often than pharmacists who were presented with a single estimate on clinical vignettes.

Objectives

To identify characteristics associated with an increased tendency to deviate from approved recommendations.

Methods

Participant data were split into 2 cohorts: pharmacists who chose a dose that was inconsistent with dosing recommendations on at least 1 of the 4 vignettes and pharmacists who did not deviate on a single case. Bivariate analysis of demographic- and practice-related variables were conducted between groups using the χ2, Mann-Whitney U, or Student t-test for nominal, ordinal, and continuous variables, respectively. Statistically different covariates between groups ( P < 0.05) were assessed using multivariable linear regression.

Results

Survey data from 154 inpatient pharmacists, 71 of whom deviated on at least 1 clinical vignette, were analyzed. On univariate analysis, deviator pharmacists were more likely to have completed postgraduate residency training (68% vs 41%; P < 0.05) and board certification (39% vs 20%; P < 0.05). Deviator pharmacists were also more likely to have been presented with multiple renal estimates as opposed to a single estimate and had differing renal dosing practices at baseline ( P < 0.05). Following multivariable regression, residency training, mismatched baseline renal practices, and multiple renal estimates remained independent predictors ( P < 0.05) of dosing deviation.

Conclusion and Relevance

Higher clinical training, practice variation, and multiple renal estimates may affect renal dosing practices. Prospective, statistically powered studies are needed to verify these hypotheses.
Targeting the Cerebrovascular System: Next-Generation Biomarkers and Treatment for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Baker Tamara L. , Agoston Denes V. , Brady Rhys D. , Major Brendan , McDonald Stuart J. , Mychasiuk Richelle , Wright David K. , Yamakawa Glenn R. , Sun Mujun , Shultz Sandy R.
Published: May 2021

The diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs), such as concussions, are significant unmet medical issues. The kinetic forces that occur in mTBI adversely affect the cerebral vasculature, making cerebrovascular injury (CVI) a pathophysiological hallmark of mTBI. Given the importance of a healthy cerebrovascular system in overall brain function, CVI is likely to contribute to neurological dysfunction after mTBI. As such, CVI and related pathomechanisms may provide objective biomarkers and therapeutic targets to improve the clinical management and outcomes of mTBI. Despite this potential, until recently, few studies have focused on the cerebral vasculature in this context. This article will begin by providing a brief overview of the cerebrovascular system followed by a review of the literature regarding how mTBI can affect the integrity and function of the cerebrovascular system, and how this may ultimately contribute to neurological dysfunction and neurodegenerative conditions. We then discuss promising avenues of research related to mTBI biomarkers and interventions that target CVI, and conclude that a clinical approach that takes CVI into account could result in substantial improvements in the care and outcomes of patients with mTBI.
COVID-19 and Acute Myocardial Injury and Infarction: Related Mechanisms and Emerging Challenges
Authors: Manolis Antonis S. , Manolis Antonis A. , Manolis Theodora A. , Melita Helen
Published: May 2021

In the era of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, acute cardiac injury (ACI), as reflected by elevated cardiac troponin above the 99th percentile, has been observed in 8%-62% of patients with COVID-19 infection with highest incidence and mortality recorded in patients with severe infection. Apart from the clinically and electrocardiographically discernible causes of ACI, such as acute myocardial infarction (MI), other cardiac causes need to be considered such as myocarditis, Takotsubo syndrome, and direct injury from COVID-19, together with noncardiac conditions, such as pulmonary embolism, critical illness, and sepsis. Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) with normal or near-normal coronary arteries (ACS-NNOCA) appear to have a higher prevalence in both COVID-19 positive and negative patients in the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic era. Echocardiography, coronary angiography, chest computed tomography and/or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging may render a correct diagnosis, obviating the need for endomyocardial biopsy. Importantly, a significant delay has been recorded in patients with ACS seeking advice for their symptoms, while their routine care has been sharply disrupted with fewer urgent coronary angiographies and/or primary percutaneous coronary interventions performed in the case of ST-elevation MI (STEMI) with an inappropriate shift toward thrombolysis, all contributing to a higher complication rate in these patients. Thus, new challenges have emerged in rendering a diagnosis and delivering treatment in patients with ACI/ACS in the pandemic era. These issues, the various mechanisms involved in the development of ACI/ACS, and relevant current guidelines are herein reviewed.
Patient Decision Aid Selection for Shared Decision Making: A Multicase Qualitative Study
Authors: LeRouge Cynthia , Nguyen Ann M. , Bowen Deborah J.
Published: May 2021

The patient decision aid (PDA) is a promising patient engagement tool for use in shared decision making (SDM). Selecting a PDA is an essential precursor to successful SDM implementation. Little is known regarding the organizational stakeholder process for assessing and selecting a PDA. We conducted a qualitative, multicase study within the context of a maternal health decision to identify the criteria used by stakeholders to select a PDA. We further explored the perceived value of PDA certification on PDA selection. We reported the PDA selection criteria within the domains of (1) Design and Functionality, (2) User Fit, (3) Context and Climate, (4) Support, and (5) Strategic Vision and found that certification was perceived to be a valuable screening mechanism for smaller health organizations. Health organizations and researchers may use our PDA selection criteria and conceptual model to plan future deployments of PDAs and patient engagement tools.
“Upskirting,” Homosociality, and Craftmanship: A Thematic Analysis of Perpetrator and Viewer Interactions
Authors: Hall Matthew , Hearn Jeff , Lewis Ruth
Published: May 2021

“Upskirting” is the action or practice of surreptitiously taking photographs or videos up a female’s skirt or dress. In the United Kingdom, it is an offense. However, internationally, laws are uneven. Understanding how perpetrators account for their actions becomes an important question. Here, we present the findings of our thematic analysis of posts on the “upskirting” website, The Candid Zone. Our analysis shows that posters and respondents frame this activity as artistic and technical, providing each other with advice and guidance on where and how to get the “best” shots. We conceptualize this form of abuse as homosociality and crafts manship.