bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Herping: Natural Exploration as Bioeducation of Herpetofauna Animal Diversity
Authors: Meylani Vita , Hernawati Diana
Published: March 2022

Learning biology is about theory and practice while in the laboratory or environment. Animalia is one of the focuses of Biology and one of the topics that could not practice in the laboratory but should practice in the environment. Learning in an environment would give students any experiences. This study aims to report a case study that explores the experiences of prospective teacher students about learning outdoors through a herping activity. This research was taken from a university in Indonesia from June until December 2019. Data retrieval is taken through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis used the phenomenological design of 22 participants to be interviewed. The findings reveal that the challenges found in the field include field mastery, unpredictable weather, and finding the correct object. However, natural phenomena that are open in the wild become an attraction as bio-education develops for prospective teacher students. Understanding science material and science epistemological abilities is likened to a combination of hands-on activities students become complete with minds-on practices. For this reason, it is crucial when the learning process is packaged in frames that can stimulate prospective teacher students to be more active. The findings are how to combine formal learning in the classroom with wild herping activities to develop student bio-education.
How are Media’s Reports on China’s Products? A Content Analysis on Indonesian Online Media concerning Sinovac Vaccine
Authors: Ali Rokhman
Published: March 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic currently hits the world, and no country is not affected by the pandemic, included Indonesia. Every country issued policies to stop the pandemic and mitigate its impacts. Besides economy-related policies, the governments in many countries also issued policies in the health sector, including vaccination policy. The Republic of Indonesia Government also issued a policy in public health that is the National Vaccination Policy. The vaccine mainly used was Sinovac, made in China. This research attempted to analyze how the Indonesian online media reported Sinovac. The most representative online media had been chosen as the primary target. The method used was content analysis on the news published in the target media within seven months from January to July 2021. This research concluded two propositions. First, the more sensitive a product will receive, the more public responses from various interest groups. Second, if a product is ineffective and has weaknesses, the media will investigate and report more frequently.
Predicting Revalidation Examination Performance of Radiologic Technology Students: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach
Authors: Ampaso Abdul , Abedin Sittiehaya , Batalo Jahara , Ampaso Rowena , Abdullah Habab , Amer Nadhra
Published: March 2022

One of today’s major problems in higher education system is the academic failure of medical science students with apparent yearly reports of experiencing probation, insufficient medical knowledge, increase educational semester, and drop out incidences. This study aims to predict the revalidation examination score of the Radiologic Technology interns of a higher education institution in Iligan City. An exploratory research with descriptive correlation design was used to investigate the interrelationship between the predicting variables in this study. The researchers adopted the Grit-S Scale structured questionnaire that was developed by Duckworth and Quinn (2009), which was designed to measure the grit level of respondents. This tool was used to elicit the needed primary data on the currently enrolled 26 radiologic technology interns at a higher institution in Iligan City. The survey was administered online via Google form. The secondary data, which constitutes of monthly examination score, case study scores, and revalidation examination was solicited in the CRT Program Head. Census sampling was employed in this research to obtain a more satisfactory response. The study showed that the indicators in monthly examination obtained a total mean of 31.64 with an SD of 14.35. These low scores were manifested in their performance in revalidation examination, which revealed a total mean score of 52.73 with a ± 16.02 SD. On the contrary, the respondents obtained high scores in case study with overall mean score of 95.42 and an SD of ± 2.83. The overall grit level of the respondents demonstrated a moderate description. Furthermore, the findings of this study also revealed that there is a significant relationship between monthly examination and revalidation examination. The strength of correlation is direct and strong as revealed by the coefficient of 0.904. Meanwhile, there is no significant relationship between revalidation examination score and case study score (p=0.537); between revalidation examination score and grit level (p=0.833); between grit level and monthly examination score (p=0.831) and between grit level and case study score (p=0.071). The positive influence of monthly examination implies that respondents who scored high in the monthly examination would be predicted to score high also in the revalidation examination. These findings can help the faculty and program head in drafting policies and the improvement of academic and clinical performance of students in revalidation exam.
Classification of Cloud Particle Imagery from Aircraft Platforms Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Przybylo Vanessa M. , Sulia Kara J. , Schmitt Carl G. , Lebo Zachary J.
Published: March 2022

A vast amount of ice crystal imagery exists from a variety of field campaign initiatives that can be utilized for cloud microphysical research. Here, nine convolutional neural networks are used to classify particles into nine regimes on over 10 million images from the Cloud Particle Imager probe, including liquid and frozen states and particles with evidence of riming. A transfer learning approach proves that the Visual Geometry Group (VGG-16) network best classifies imagery with respect to multiple performance metrics. Classification accuracies on a validation dataset reach 97% and surpass traditional automated classification. Furthermore, after initial model training and preprocessing, 10 000 images can be classified in approximately 35 s using 20 central processing unit cores and two graphics processing units, which reaches real-time classification capabilities. Statistical analysis of the classified images indicates that a large portion (57%) of the dataset is unusable, meaning the images are too blurry or represent indistinguishable small fragments. In addition, 19% of the dataset is classified as liquid drops. After removal of fragments, blurry images, and cloud drops, 38% of the remaining ice particles are largely intersecting the image border (≥10% cutoff) and therefore are considered unusable because of the inability to properly classify and dimensionalize. After this filtering, an unprecedented database of 1 560 364 images across all campaigns is available for parameter extraction and bulk statistics on specific particle types in a wide variety of storm systems, which can act to improve the current state of microphysical parameterizations.
Tornado Heading and Speed Changes Associated with Large and Intense Internal Rear-Flank Surges in Three Supercells
Authors: Lee Bruce D. , Finley Catherine A.
Published: March 2022

Tornado motion changes occurring with major internal rear-flank momentum surges are examined in three significant tornado-producing supercells. The analysis primarily uses fixed-site Doppler radar data, but also utilizes in situ and videographic observations when available. In the cases examined, the peak lowest-level remotely sensed or in situ rear-flank surge wind speeds ranged from 48 to at least 63 m s−1. Contemporaneous with major surges impacting the tornadoes and their parent low-level mesocyclones, longer-duration tornado heading changes were leftward and ranged from 30° to 55°. In all cases, the tornado speed increased substantially upon surge impact, with tornado speeds approximately doubling in two of the events. A storm-relative change in the hook echo orientation accompanied the major surges and provided a signal that a marked leftward heading change for an ongoing tornado was under way. Concurrent with the surge interaction, the hook echo tip and associated low-level mesocyclone turned leftward while also moving in a storm-relative downshear direction. The major rear-flank internal surges influenced tornado motion such that a generally favorable storm updraft-relative position was maintained. In all cases, the tornado lasted well beyond (≥21 min) the time of the surge-associated left turn with no evident marked loss of intensity until well down-track of the turn. The local momentum balance between outflow and inflow that bounds the tornado or its parent circulation, especially the directionality evolution of the bounding momentum, is the most apparent explanation for tornado down-track or off-track accelerations in the featured events.
“Macro transcobalamin causing raised vitamin B12: Case-based laboratory investigation"
Authors: Duim Sjoerd N. , Vlasveld L. Tom , Mezger Stephanie T.P. , Mingels Alma M.A. , Ramakers Christian R.B. , de Boer Douwe , Heil Sandra G. , Nexo Ebba , van Rossum André P.
Published: March 2022

Determination of plasma vitamin B12 (B12) is a frequently requested laboratory analysis, mainly employed to establish B12 deficiency. However, an increased level of B12 is a common unexpected finding that may be related to an increased concentration of one of the B12 binding proteins, haptocorrin or transcobalamin. This paper describes the extensive laboratory evaluation of a patient with an elevated level of plasma B12 with various well-established assays. Initial studies suggested the presence of a macromolecule consisting of haptocorrin bound B12. Specific determinations of the B12-binding proteins revealed normal amounts of haptocorrin but a markedly increase in both total and B12 saturated transcobalamin (holo-TC). The results are in accord with the presence of macro-transcobalamin. These experiments reveal that determination of the nature of the B12-macromolecules is troublesome due to differences in assays applied to measure these proteins. In addition, this publication creates awareness of macro-holo-TC as a cause of an unexplained increased B12 level.
Post-Conviction Review on Trial: When do Appellate Courts Correct for Prosecutorial Misconduct?
Authors: Scheuerman Heather L. , Griffiths Elizabeth , Medwed Daniel S.
Published: March 2022

Appellate courts sometimes provide relief in cases where prosecutors engage in certain actions, either free from scrutiny during investigation (backstage) or under judicial oversight during litigation (front-stage), that go beyond their authority and the law. Yet little is known about how the nature and types of prosecutorial misconduct recognized by appellate courts systematically affect their decisions to provide relief. Using data from the Center for Prosecutor Integrity, we analyze 150 appellate court cases between 2010 and 2015 in which prosecutorial misconduct is substantiated by the courts. We find that higher courts are more likely to correct for cases involving multiple types of misconduct and for cases in which the misconduct occurs “backstage,” outside of judicial oversight, rather than during litigation.
Co-Sleeping with Partners and Pets as a Family Practice of Intimacy: Israeli Couples’ Narratives of Creating Kinship
Authors: Zarhin Dana , Karanevsky-Samnidze Alexandra , Aharon Moriah
Published: March 2022

Despite advances in the sociology of sleep, we know relatively little about the experience of co-sleeping in general and about co-sleeping with pets in particular. This study draws on semi-structured interviews with Israeli couples who raise either a dog or a cat to show that co-sleeping with partners and pets is a family practice of intimacy, which both implicates and constitutes time and space, emotions, as well as the body and embodiment of the interacting parties. Co-sleeping allows couples to constitute their pets as ‘kin’ and to blur the boundaries between humans and animals in two distinct ways: (1) by emphasising the personhood of pets and treating them as children or substitute-partners, and (2) by highlighting the animality of humans. This study enhances sociological understanding of the associations between family practices and time and space and sheds light on how family practices create post-human sensory worlds of kinship.
Das „Zweite Programm“ Zwischen Gemeinsamer Praxis und Reflektiertem Glauben
Authors: Abel Dominik
Published: March 2022

Celebrations of blessing for newborns are examples of a group of services that have a high sensitivity toward a certain milieu, social context, or occasion. These services are described as “second program” or alternative services. But are they actually “liturgy” at all? In order to approach this question, this article first analyzes various excerpts from an interview. As a next step, a historical discourse is outlined that was dedicated to a similar question. Already in 1933, the theologian Josef Andreas Jungmann raised this question in his article “What is Liturgy?”. A conclusion connects both approaches: The close connection between liturgy and church classifies these celebrations as liturgy. In a reverse direction these liturgies also raise the question of an image of church that emerges from these celebrations.

Die Segensfeiern für Neugeborene sind ein Beispiel für eine Gruppe von Feiern, die eine hohe Sensibilität für eine bestimmte Zielgruppe oder einen bestimmten Anlass besitzen. Diese Gottesdienste werden als „Zweites Programm“ bezeichnet. Aber handelt es sich bei diesen Feiern um Liturgie? Um sich dieser Frage zu nähern, analysiert der Beitrag zunächst verschiedene Auszüge aus einem Interview. In einem nächsten Schritt wird ein historischer Diskurs skizziert, der sich einer ähnlichen Fragestellung widmete. Bereits 1933 stellte der Theologe Josef Andreas Jungmann in seinem Artikel “Was ist Liturgie?” die Frage nach dem Rang der Andachten. Ein Fazit verbindet beide Ansätze: Die enge Verbindung von Liturgie und Kirche ordnet diese Feiern der Liturgie zu. Umgekehrt stellt sich bei diesen Liturgien auch die Frage nach einem Bild von Kirche, das aus diesen Feiern erwächst.
Religiosity and Social Support Predict Resilience in Older Adults After a Flood
Authors: Cherry Katie E. , Calamia Matthew R. , Elliott Emily M. , McKneely Katelyn J. , Nguyen Quyen P. , Loader Cayman A. , Miller Luke R. , Sampson Laura , Galea Sandro
Published: March 2022

In this study, we examined religiosity and social support as predictors of resilience after a devastating flood. Three flood exposure groups of primarily middle-aged and older adults were compared: (1) non-flooded adults as controls, (2) once-flooded adults with structural damage to homes and property in the 2016 flood, and (3) twice-flooded adults who had relocated inland because of prior catastrophic losses in the 2005 Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and then flooded again in 2016. Resilience was assessed using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Correlation analyses confirmed that older age was correlated with higher religiosity, charitable work done for others, and resilience. Regression analyses indicated that religious beliefs and coping, social support, and charitable work done for others were associated with higher levels of resilience, whereas flood damage was unrelated to resilience. Implications for current views on post-disaster adversity and resilience in later life are discussed.
State Interventions and Interlocal Collaborations Across the Three Pillars of Sustainability
Authors: Farmer Jayce L.
Published: March 2022

The literature on interlocal sustainability has acknowledged that the resources and authority of state governments influence the collaborative sustainability policy actions of local governments. However, there is an absence of empirical evidence that shows how this influence varies across the environmental protection, economic development, and social equity pillars of sustainability. This study uses data from a 2015 national survey of U.S. cities to shed light on the connection between state-level interventions and regional partnerships across the three primary sustainability policy dimensions. With an understanding gleaned from the concept of contested federalism, this analysis employed Bayesian techniques to examine how state fiscal support for sustainability, along with fiscal and functional decentralization in state systems, affect municipal collaborative policy efforts. The findings suggest a positive link between supportive state-level endeavors and local-level collaborations. However, state influences can have different implications across the three pillars of sustainability.
What Helps Me Cope With Work–Family Conflict at My High-Performance Work System in India: A Thematic Analysis of Sociocultural Factors
Authors: Anand Anjni , Vohra Veena
Published: March 2022

Executive Summary

This study is located in the context of high-performance work systems (HPWS) in India. Extant literature indicates that the darker side of HPWS and work intensification impact employee lives and trigger work–family conflict (WFC) experiences. With the shift in organizational focus on employee well-being, it has become imperative to understand and unpack WFC experiences of employees in the Indian sociocultural context to design effective and contextual remedial mechanisms. Responding to this need, WFC experiences of employees in Indian HPWS contexts were closely examined in this study to unpack the role of prevalent sociocultural factors. Additionally, the study explored how employees coped with these life situations. Since organizations are now beginning to work towards enhancing the well-being of employees, this study offers insights into what coping mechanisms are deliberately or inadvertently in use to evaluate their effectiveness. Studying the nature of WFCs and coping mechanisms from a sociocultural lens, this study identifies and develops four major themes. Passive acceptance of WFC, unambiguous communication, emotional and instrumental support from family, informational support at work emerged as the four significant themes discussed at length in this article. Insights generated from the discussion of these themes point overarchingly towards the highly personalized and localized, individual-level approach prevalent amongst employees of HPWS in response to WFC episodes. The discussion and conclusion sections highlight the need for well-designed and mindful organizational interventions built upon an understanding of the sociocultural factors at work to effectively mitigate the employee stress generated by the HPWS environments. This work is especially relevant in an era of pandemic-related work models, millennial workers and work intensification due to the increased digitalization of workplace practices.
Everyday Spaces: Bars, Alcohol and the Spatial Framing of Everyday Political Practice and Interaction in Fascist Italy
Authors: Ferris Kate
Published: March 2022

Whilst the ‘everyday’ is, of course, a temporal designator, connected to the chronology of human experience, in reality, ‘everyday life’ historians have often used a spatial frame to seek to understand past historical actors’ everyday lives, experiences and practices. Focusing on Fascist Italy and using the example of ‘bars’ and the practices of consumption, political (and other) sociability, transaction and exchanges enacted within these spaces, this article explores some of the possibilities opened up by using a spatial frame to examine everyday practices and lived experiences in a dictatorial context. Thinking about ‘everyday life’ and the lived experience of dictatorship through a spatial lens not only requires a shift in terms of the venues that we investigate, away from classic seats and sites of formal projections of power and towards those spaces – like bars – in which the ‘unofficial relations of power’ were articulated and negotiated. It also prompts us to ‘play with scales’, as Jacques Revel put it, to examine the unit of the individual body, the street, or the city not just to identify microscopic historical practices, but to understand how macroscopic structures, processes and power relations operated at the level of the everyday and vice versa, highlighting dynamic, reciprocal relationships – between institutions and individuals, state and society, centre and periphery, and among historical actors themselves – and to examine the processes of movement between these scales of experience. In this way, through the examination of interactions and practices enacted in Italian bars, the article will explore a novel facet of the ‘lived experience’ of these dictatorships and demonstrate the value in understanding dictatorships as being constructed neither exclusively ‘from above’ or ‘from below’ but both between and across these units of analysis.
“It Gives You a Feeling of Pride when You Touch Her”: The Role of Masculinity in Sexual Harassment of Adolescent Schoolgirls in Tanzania
Authors: Wamoyi Joyce , Ranganathan Meghna , Mugunga Samuel , Stöckl Heidi
Published: March 2022

Sexual harassment or the unwanted offensive behaviours that women and girls experience is a pervasive global challenge. Yet, there is limited evidence on the lived experiences of sexual harassment from school-based settings in sub-Saharan Africa. We explore students’ perceived experiences, perpetration, and drivers of sexual harassment in schools in Mwanza, Tanzania. This study employed a qualitative research design involving 30 in-depth interviews and seven focus group discussions with 30 male and 40 female secondary school pupils aged 13–19 years. Data was analysed using a thematic approach. The findings show that experiences of sexual harassment among schoolgirls were widespread. Common forms of harassment were verbal and non-verbal gestures of a sexual nature. The desire to prove one’s masculinity and peer pressure were key drivers of perpetration among schoolboys. Teachers took advantage of their positions of authority to sexually harass female pupils and employed corporal punishment to those who resisted their advances. Sexual harassment had multiple negative outcomes, including schoolgirls dropping out of school and mental health issues, such as anxiety, stress and poor academic performance. Girls rarely reported sexual harassment for fear of further victimisation and stigma from others. Sexual harassment of girls is common in secondary schools in Mwanza and is mainly driven by peer pressure and the desire to prove one’s masculinity. Given its harmful effects, there is a need to implement clear policies to protect girls, support confidential disclosure and reporting and to address toxic masculinity norms among young men.
The concert of personality: Explaining personality functioning and coherence by personality systems interactions
Authors: Quirin Markus , Kuhl Julius
Published: March 2022

Several psychological approaches concern explaining the dynamic psychological processes and mechanisms that render personality a coherent whole, a “well-sounding concert.” Building upon personality systems interactions (PSI) theory, which explains personality functioning on the basis of interactions among cognitive and affective-motivational personality systems, we demonstrate how diverse perspectives on personality coherence may functionally be integrated. To do so, we describe interactions among four cognitive personality systems considered to underlie and optimize two meta principles of personality functioning—self-growth (in terms of the integration of adverse experiences) and action control (in terms of goal pursuit). These meta principles establish different subtypes of personality coherence differentially focused by psychological perspectives. We highlight the interdisciplinary relevance and practical application of the present approach and conclude with implications for future research.
Palliative Care Consultation and Cost of Stay in out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Goertz Aaron , Dejoy Robert , Torres Ricardo , Lo Kevin , Azmaiparashvili Zurab , Patarroyo-Aponte Gabriel
Published: March 2022

Background: Cardiac arrest is a critical condition with high clinical, economic, and emotional burden. The role of palliative medicine in the management of critical patients has grown and, in some areas, has shown reduced cost of stay. This study set out to examine the association of palliative care involvement in out of hospital post cardiac arrest patients and cost of stay. Methods: This is a single center retrospective analysis of all patients ≥18 years of age who were admitted at our institution from March 2018 to June 2019 with out of hospital cardiac arrest. Patients who immediately died in the emergency department were excluded. Patients were then classified according to whether palliative care was consulted. Total charges were obtained from the billing records and compared between those with palliative care compared to those without using Mann–Whitney U test. Results: A final sample of 98 patients that were included in the analysis. The mean age was 61.2 ± 17.3, 46% were female, and 61% were African American. Palliative care consultation was present in 27 (28%) of patients. There were no significant differences among age, gender, ethnicity, BMI, SOFA scores, and common comorbidities among those who did and did not have palliative care consultation. While there was a significantly longer ICU length of stay and mechanical ventilation days among patients with palliative care involvement P < .0001, the charges among patients with palliative care involvement were not statistically significantly different $59,245 ($3744-148,492) (median IQR) compared to those without palliative care $79,521 ($6540-157,952) P = .762. Conclusion: Length of stay increased with palliative care consultation which may relate more to the inherent clinical scenario. Cost of stay was not statistically significantly different.
Prostate Cancer Screening, Diagnostic, Treatment Procedures and Costs in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Situational Analysis
Authors: Makau-Barasa Louise K. , Manirakiza Achille , Carvalho Andre L. , Rebbeck Timothy R.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Prostate cancer mortality is predicted to nearly double by 2040 in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The lack of prostate cancer screening in SSA contributes to late-stage diagnosis, treatment delays, and poor survival among patients. We analyzed the availability and use of prostate cancer screening, diagnostic and treatment guidelines, procedures, and costs in few SSA countries to determine factors for consideration in the development of prostate cancer screening guidelines for SSA.

Methods

We applied mixed methods approaches to collect data through an electronic survey administered to clinicians (oncologists, urologists, pathologists, nurses, and radiation oncologists) providing prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment services in multiple sub-Saharan countries.

Results

Inconsistencies in respondents’ understanding of the availability and use of prostate cancer screening guidelines in their countries were noted. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) were the most commonly available screening modalities. Available diagnostic procedures included a combination of prostate biopsies, transrectal ultrasonography, and DRE. Our study’s data suggest that PSA and DRE exams are available for early diagnosis and screening procedures. Availability of treatment modalities with curative intent and costs for prostate cancer related procedures varied between and within countries.

Conclusions

PSA and DRE are available for detecting prostate cancer and may detect aggressive cancers early, leading to improved outcomes. However, PSA screening is also associated with overdiagnosis and over-treatment. National prostate cancer policies should consider health systems, evidence-based guidelines, population characteristics and healthcare financing to ensure access to clinically relevant and safe prostate cancer related care.
Topics in the routine assessment of newborn kitten vitality: Apgar score, reflexes and complementary assessments
Authors: Hibaru Viviane Yukari , Pereira Keylla Helena Nobre Pacífico , Fuchs Kárita da Mata , Lopes Maria Denise , Alfonso Angélica , de Souza Fabiana Ferreira , Chiacchio Simone Biagio , Tsunemi Miriam Harumi , Machado Luiz Henrique de Araújo , Lourenço Maria Lucia Gomes
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to perform neonatal clinical assessments at birth to identify newborn kittens at risk according to type of delivery, thus allowing immediate intervention and increasing their chances of survival.

Methods

This study compared Apgar scores, reflexes and clinical parameters (temperature, weight, blood glucose and peripheral oxygen saturation [SpO2]) between eutocic neonates and those delivered by emergency cesarean section. The animals were evaluated at birth and after 10 and 60 mins.

Results

Thirty-two neonates were evaluated, with 19 animals in the eutocic group (EG) and 13 animals in the cesarean group (CG). When comparing groups, CG neonates had significantly lower Apgar scores ( P <0.0001), lower SpO2 ( P = 0.0535), higher blood glucose ( P = 0.0009), reduced reflexes ( P <0.0001) and lower respiratory rates ( P <0.0001) at birth and after 10 and 60 mins than EG neonates. Apgar scores positively correlated with parameters such as heart rate, reflex score, SpO2 and weight. The mortality rate in evaluated newborns was 15.6% (5/32). The early mortality rate (0–2 days old) was 80% (4/5) and the late mortality rate (3–30 days old) was 20% (1/5).

Conclusions and relevance

This study showed lower vitality in cats delivered by emergency cesarean section than in those delivered through eutocic birth. In general, neonates delivered by cesarean section have greater depression and low vitality at birth and may require advanced resuscitation procedures. The evaluations carried out in this study identified newborns with low vitality and those requiring advanced resuscitation, thus allowing immediate intervention. Apgar and reflex scores for feline neonates were suggested. Newborn-specific clinical assessment with these feline vitality scores allows the identification of at-risk neonates. Care immediately after birth increases the chance of survival among these patients.
Stronger Microstructural Damage Revealed in Multiple Sclerosis Lesions With Central Vein Sign by Quantitative Gradient Echo MRI
Authors: Levasseur Victoria A. , Xiang Biao , Salter Amber , Yablonskiy Dmitriy A. , Cross Anne H.
Published: March 2022

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions typically form around a central vein that can be visualized with FLAIR* MRI, creating the central vein sign (CVS) which may reflect lesion pathophysiology. Herein we used gradient echo plural contrast imaging (GEPCI) MRI to simultaneously visualize CVS and measure tissue damage in MS lesions. We examined CVS in relation to tissue integrity in white matter (WM) lesions and among MS subtypes.

Objective

We aimed to determine if CVS positive lesions were specific to MS subtype, if CVS can be detected consistently among readers using the GEPCI method, and if there were differences in tissue damage in lesions with vs without CVS.

Subjects and Methods

Thirty relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) subjects and 38 primary and secondary progressive MS (PMS) subjects were scanned with GEPCI protocol at 3T. GEPCI T2*-SWI images were generated to visualize CVS. Two investigators independently evaluated WM lesions for CVS and measured lesion volumes. To estimate tissue damage severity, total lesion volume, and mean lesion volume, R2t*-based tissue damage score (TDS) of individual lesions and tissue damage load (TDL) were measured for CVS+, CVS-, and confluent lesions. Spearman correlations were made between MRI and clinical data. One-way ANCOVA with age and sex as covariates was used to compare measurements of CVS+ vs CVS- lesions in each individual.

Results

398 of 548 lesions meeting inclusion criteria showed CVS. Most patients had ≥40% CVS+ lesions. CVS+ lesions were present in similar proportion among MS subtypes. Interobserver agreement was high for CVS detection. CVS+ and confluent lesions had higher average and total volumes vs CVS- lesions. CVS+ and confluent lesions had more tissue damage than CVS- lesions based on TDL and mean TDS.

Conclusion

CVS occurred in RRMS and PMS in similar proportions. CVS+ lesions had greater tissue damage and larger size than CVS- lesions.
Democracies’ support for illiberal regimes through sovereignty-protective regional institutions: the case of UNASUR’s electoral accompaniment missions
Authors: Agostinis Giovanni , Closa Carlos
Published: March 2022

Why do democracies agree with contested illiberal regimes on the creation of regional institutions for election monitoring? This article tackles this puzzle by analyzing the creation of the Union of South American Nations’ (UNASUR) Electoral Council (ECU) and its electoral “accompaniment” missions. The case of the ECU is particularly relevant, since its missions allowed for the legitimization of illiberal electoral practices in a region predominantly populated by democratic states that have pursued democracy consolidation through regional cooperation. We show that the emergence of the ECU resulted from the interaction of the following conditions: Venezuela’s leadership; the mobilization of the transgovernmental network of South American electoral authorities; and the interaction between different sets of state preferences regarding election observation, which reached an equilibrium around an institutional design that did not impose a diminution of sovereignty on the contracting states. The article sheds light on the genesis of sovereignty-protective institutional designs, showing how they allow for the reconciliation of non-coincident preferences even in a sensitive field like election observation. The article also contributes to the literature on international election observation by explaining why democratic states may favor the emergence of monitoring mechanisms that contribute to the erosion of democracy in a region. In so doing, the article adds to the literature on regime-boosting regionalism, illuminating the conditions under which democratic regional organizations (ROs) create institutions that can boost illiberal regimes’ legitimacy. In particular, our findings show that secondary powers, like Venezuela, can strategically exploit transgovernmental networks’ mobilization to pursue their domestic and geopolitical interests (including illiberal ones) within ROs.
Younger generations’ expectations regarding artificial intelligence in the job market: Mapping accounts about the future relationship of automation and work
Authors: Vicsek Lilla , Bokor Tamás , Pataki Gyöngyvér
Published: March 2022

There is a deficiency of in-depth explorations of young people’s visions of automation and work, and how these relate to popular projections found in the future-of-work debate. This article investigates such expectations, drawing on 62 interviews with Hungarian university students undertaking non-technical majors. Key characteristics of the interviewees’ accounts included their malleable and changing nature. Although respondents were aware of the widespread messages of experts about the revolutionary nature of likely changes, they expressed scepticism about the extent of change both regarding the macro level and in relation to their own lives. Interestingly, developments in artificial intelligence were not a factor in these young adults’ visions of their careers. The mechanisms and lines of reasoning underlying their expectations – such as a version of optimism bias – are discussed. The study highlights the importance of doing qualitative research on a topic which is dominated by quantitative research.
Elevated body mass index is associated with tibial plateau fracture complexity and post-operative complications
Authors: McGurk Kathy M , Traven Sophia A , McCadden Austin , LeBrun Christopher T , Reid Kristoff R , Hartsock Langdon A , Slone Harris S
Published: March 2022

Introduction

As the average body mass index (BMI) is increasing at an alarming rate, dichotomous literature exists regarding whether BMI is protective or disadvantageous for fracture risk. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between BMI, fracture complexity, and post-operative complications for tibial plateau fractures.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program’s database for the years 2005–2018 was completed. Only patients undergoing primary surgical fixation of an isolated tibial plateau fracture were included. Patients were then stratified into unicondylar and bicondylar fracture patterns by CPT code. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess risk factors for fracture severity, post-operative complications, and staged fixation.

Results

Of the 3454 patients identified for inclusion, we found that patients with higher BMIs were more likely to sustain a bicondylar fracture compared with patients with lower BMIs. For each additional BMI point, the risk of sustaining a bicondylar fracture increased by 1.0%. Additionally, there was a 3.8% increased risk of surgical complications for every increased BMI point. Specifically, the risk of a deep infection increased by 6.1%, wound dehiscence by 8.5%, and venous thromboembolism by 4.2%.

Conclusion

This data demonstrates that an elevated BMI is associated with increased tibial plateau fracture complexity and post-operative complications. These results may be used to help surgeons and hospitals identify at-risk patients to help guide perioperative management in an effort to help mitigate such complications as much as possible.
In Vivo Quantification of Cardiac-Pulsatility-Induced Motion Before and After Double-Branched Endovascular Aortic Arch Repair
Authors: Simmering Jaimy A. , Leeuwerke Steven J. G. , Meerwaldt Robbert , Zeebregts Clark J. , Slump Cornelis H. , Geelkerken Robert H.
Published: March 2022

The Relay®Branch stent-graft (Terumo Aortic, Sunrise, FL, USA) offers a custom-made endovascular solution for complex aortic arch pathologies. In this technical note, a modified electrocardiography (ECG)-gated computed tomography (CT)-based algorithm was applied to quantify cardiac-pulsatility-induced changes of the aortic arch geometry and motion before and after double-branched endovascular repair (bTEVAR) of an aortic arch aneurysm. This software algorithm has the potential to provide novel and clinically relevant insights in the influence of bTEVAR on aortic anatomy, arterial compliance, and stent-graft dynamics.
Televisual Drag: Reimagining South Asian Film and Media Studies
Authors: Punathambekar Aswin , Chirumamilla Padma
Published: March 2022

This article engages with the history of television and television studies in South Asia to reflect on how “media” can be re-imagined as an object of analysis and critique. Questioning the analytic primacy accorded to film, we develop the concept of televisual drag and argue that bringing television to the fore can reveal different temporalities, modalities, and logics for the evolution of South Asian screen media, both in their past forms and current constitution. We critically engage with recent studies—of Indian women filmmakers, Pakistani comic shows and YouTube videos, and small-town video circulation in India—to illuminate the currents of televisual drag at work in contemporary media scholarship. We conclude by reflecting how how televisual drag might be a critical method for drawing insights from media histories, practices, and environments that do not or will not follow an easily comprehensible path toward a seemingly inevitable digital horizon.
Extraction of cellulose nanofibrils from Ficus natalensis barkcloth and utilization in preparation of antimicrobial bio-nanocomposite films for possible food packaging applications
Authors: Farooq Amjad , Patoary Mohammed K , Hussain Azmat , Islam Syed Rashedul , Liu Lifang
Published: March 2022

Recently, nanosized cellulose materials preparation has been extensively increased from the sources of sustainable materials and utilization in various functional applications as nanofillers. Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) extraction through green bio-based materials featured as promising interest in the field of science. In this research, cellulose nanofibrils were extracted from a cellulose rich biomass Ficus natalensis barkcloth. Furthermore, extracted cellulose nanofibrils and Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were mixed and casted to posterior analysis of formed sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) film at various concentrations of CNF (1 wt%, 5 wt%, 8 wt%, and 12 wt%) and fixed amount of ZnONPs (0.5wt%) based on CMC weight. Results revealed that CNF was smoothly distributed in the polymer matrix to form even and flexible films indicating the cellulose nanofibrils and zinc oxide are highly compatible with the CMC. Similarly, the water solubility percentage (WVP) of CMC film was low at lower content of CNF, and increased with the increase of CNF percentage. Addition of CNF and ZnONPs in nanocomposite films improved the thermal stability values and antibacterial activities of CMC films. Thus on the basis of various tremendous performance, this study showed that F.natalensis barkcloth could be considered as an alternative source of cellulose nanofibrils. Similarly, the prepared nanocomposite films can have potential application in packaging films for the extension of shelf life of fresh and minimally processed fruits and vegetables.
Enhancing Public Participation in Governance for Sustainable Development: Evidence From Bungoma County, Kenya
Authors: Hao Chen , Nyaranga Maurice Simiyu , Hongo Duncan O.
Published: March 2022

The use of PP in government policy formulation, decision making as well as the implementation of government programs has been embraced by many countries in the world. Kenya is among the recent developing economies that legally adopted PP through the promulgation of the new constitution a decade ago that ushered in PP. Despite this, its efficiency has staggered as information regarding public involvement in governance is still limited. We present the analysis of challenges facing the integration of public participation in governance and their impact on sustainable development. We use primary data from Bungoma County in Kenya, and SEM techniques that encompassed the CFA test to validate variables, path analysis to model perceived underlying direction of causality amid the constructs, and impact estimation using the coefficient estimator of SEM regression. The study finds PP significantly impacting on governance for H1, public participation meaningfully influences sustainable development (SD) for H2, governance considerably moderates the PP-SD relationship for H3, and the PP-Governance interaction process substantially supports SD. The study recommends consolidation of public awareness through civic education to strengthen understanding of their civil role in governance, timely notice as well as equitable facilitation in attending government development forums. Further, in enhancing PP functionality, the study suggests institutionalization by establishing the Office of Public Participation Rapporteur (OPP) responsible for collecting citizen and leaders’ views, and implementation of associated policies and regulations.
Predicting Mechanical Failure Following Cervical Deformity Surgery: A Composite Score Integrating Age-Adjusted Cervical Alignment Targets
Authors: Lafage Renaud , Smith Justin S , Soroceanu Alexandra , Ames Christopher , Passias Peter , Shaffrey Christopher , Mundis Gregory , Alshabab Basel Sheikh , Protopsaltis Themistocles , Klineberg Eric , Elysee Jonathan , Kim Han Jo , Bess Shay , Schwab Frank , Lafage Virginie ,   On behalf of the International Spine Study Group (ISSG)
Published: March 2022

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives

Investigate a composite score to evaluate the relationship between alignment proportionality and risk of distal junctional kyphosis (DJK).

Methods

84 patients with minimum 1 year follow-up were included (age = 61.1 ± 10.3 years, 64.3% women). The Cervical Score was constructed using offsets from age-adjusted normative values for sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T1 Slope (TS), and TS minus cervical lordosis (CL). Individual points were assigned based on offset with age-adjusted alignment targets and summed to generate the Cervical Score. Rates of mechanical failure (DJK revision or severe DJK [DJK> 20° and ΔDJK> 10°]) were assessed overall and based on Cervical Score. Logistical regressions assessed associations between early radiographic alignment and 1-year failure rate.

Results

Mechanical failure rate was 21.4% (N = 18), 10.7% requiring revision. By multivariate logistical regression: 3-month T1S (OR: .935), TS-CL (OR:0.882), and SVA (OR:1.015) were independent predictors of 1-year failure (all P < .05). Cervical Score ranged (−6 to 6), 37.8% of patients between −1 and 1, and 50.0% with 2 or higher. DJK patients had significantly higher Cervical Score (4.1 ± 1.3 vs .6 ± 2.2, P < .001). Patients with a score ≥3 were significantly more likely to develop a failure (71.4%) with OR of 38.55 (95%CI [7.73; 192.26]) and Nagelkerke r2 .524 (P < .001)

Conclusion

This study developed a composite alignment score predictive of mechanical failures in CD surgery. A score ≥3 at 3 months following surgery was associated with a marked increase in failure rate. The Cervical Score can be used to analyze sagittal alignment and help define realignment objectives to reduce mechanical failure.
Reinforcing Exclusions: Caste, Patriarchy and Land Reforms in India
Authors: Trivedi Prashant K.
Published: March 2022

Land reform studies have often found wanting for not paying adequate attention to the close correspondence between land relations, gender and caste; all of them reinforcing each other and State polices extending legitimacy to this complex web of relationships. These complexities betray theorisation on State intervention in property relations that consider land only as an economic asset, overlooking its sociopolitical significance. The article argues that land reforms in India have been designed to protect landed property. The article further argues that the impact on the bottom rungs could be the crucial criteria for the assessment of any land reforms programme in a third-world country. In Indian conditions, Dalits and women constitute these segments.